Pro Pundits

My best replacements for injured De Bruyne ahead of FPL Gameweek 20

Fantasy Premier League managers are now frantically searching for a viable replacement for Kevin De Bruyne (£11.9m) ahead of Gameweek 20.

I recently signed the Manchester City midfielder for Double Gameweek 19 and, considering he is our for four to six weeks according to Pep Guardiola’s last estimate, he is going straight back out again.

But who to replace him with? That is the key question, which I will look to answer in my latest article about how my team is faring in 2020/21.

BEST DE BRUYNE REPLACEMENTS

I excluded Bruno Fernandes (£11.3m) and Mohamed Salah (£12.5m) from my shortlist of five possible candidates since I already have them in my team but I think both of them are clearly the best choices if you are a non-owner. Despite modest performances in the Double Gameweek, we all know what they are capable of and both of them are set-and-forget picks for me right now.

RAHEEM STERLING (£11.4m): Manchester City plays against West Brom and Sheffield United in the next two Gameweeks so it is tempting to make a direct switch from De Bruyne to one of his teammates. Having started seven of the last eight Premier League matches, Sterling is probably the most nailed and explosive option among City’s midfielders, in my opinion. Looking at his numbers, if we split his season in half, it becomes clear his expected goals and assists per 90 minutes increased a lot in the past few months.

Sterling’s expected Goal Involvement xGI) per 90 minutes (Gameweeks 1 to 9 on the left and Gameweeks 10 to 19 on the right)

Regardless of this improvement, I think he is clearly overpriced this season, especially if we compare him with the likes of Fernandes, Son or even Grealish. Coupled with the ever-present possibility of a random benching in an easy fixture, I doubt Sterling is the best available option to replace De Bruyne.

SON HEUNG-MIN (£9.7m): After selling Son last week, I was fairly settled on Salah, De Bruyne and Fernandes as my heavy-hitters of choice going forward. But unfortunately, injuries cannot be predicted and so, Son is back on my plans once again.

At first glance Spurs’ fixtures seem really tough which may scare potential investors in the South Korean superstar. They do play against Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City in three of the next five Gameweeks, which is far from ideal. On the bright side, however, three of the next four matches are at home and it seems to be the perfect moment to play against Liverpool and Chelsea, given their recent poor form.

All in all, I think Son is definitely one of the best (if not the absolute best) options to replace De Bruyne. His attacking numbers are great, his finishing is second to none in the Premier League and his pricing seems fair considering what he offers.

JACK GREALISH (£7.7m): With just one attacking return in the last four Gameweeks, Grealish has been underwhelming as an FPL asset lately, which will possibly deter further investment from non-owners like me. It’s important to note, however, that he played against Chelsea, United and City and yet, he still managed to create the second most chances among all midfielders, only behind Mason Mount (£6.8m).

I think Grealish is still a great option going forward. He is at the heart of an impressive Aston Villa team and he is nailed to play 90 minutes in every single match, which is a very important factor these days. Even without spot-kick duties, I think he offers an impressive mixture of safety, attacking threat and price.

PHIL FODEN (£6.3m): With five shots inside the box and six chances created against Aston Villa, Foden immediately positioned himself as an appealing option for those on the market for a midfielder.

However, even after De Bruyne’s injury, Guardiola has a lot of attacking options at his disposal and I think it’s highly unlikely Foden will suddenly become a nailed starter, regardless of how many goals he scores or how many chances he creates.

I’m sure he will be worth £6.3m, even with the odd benching but, with so much money available right now, I don’t feel like sweating City’s lineup every Gameweek when there are several more reliable and safe options to pick from.

ILKAY GUNDOGAN (£5.5m):Having scored five goals in the last seven matches while playing at least 70 minutes in every single one of them, Gundogan looks like an absolute bargain, especially now that there is an extra-spot available in City’s midfield.

If we add spot-kick duties and two amazing fixtures to the equation, Gundogan becomes really hard to ignore. The only downside I can think of is the possibility of a rest very soon, given how much he has been playing lately and his history of long-term injuries.

CONCLUSION

At the moment, I managed to discard Sterling and Foden and it seems like my decision will most likely be between Son and Gundogan (although Grealish is still in the mix).

If you are looking to upgrade someone for a hit or even for free next week, I think the decision is fairly easy. Gundogan offers insane value right now with great attacking numbers, decent expected minutes and penalty-duties for just £5.5m.

For the rest of us, who are looking to buy the best possible option regardless of price , I think it’s really close between Son and Gundogan. It’s actually quite possible I get Son for De Bruyne this week and Gundogan for Soucek next week but, with three days still to go until the deadline, I am waiting a bit more before making my final decision. 

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1,673 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Party time
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Gregor Lmaooooo... Gregor is finished hhahahahahahahah.... I always knew the Irish fella was a noob

    • sunzip14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Which one looks like a better option to you?

      A) KDB>Sterling for a punt
      B) KDB+Holding> Gundo+Cancelo (-4), Also have Stones
      C) KDB>Gundo this week, Wilson>Kane next week
      D) KDB+Wilson> Gundo+Kane (-4)

      1. Holmes
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        C

        1. sunzip14
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Thank you Holmes. Can do B and still have enough money to do Wilson>Kane, next week. Cancelo not worth a -4 this gw?

          1. FantasyHero
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            I would say B is worth it then. Who would you play in Defense if not cancelo? If its holding then I would do it.

            1. sunzip14
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              It will be one of Justin, Holding and Mitchell

      2. BERGKOP
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        C

      3. Stockport Hatter
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I’m doing c

      4. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        D

    • Erez Avni
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      play one:

      A. soucek
      B. Adams

      1. Holmes
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Souce

      2. BERGKOP
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        A

      3. sunzip14
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        A

      4. Stockport Hatter
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        A

    • 007 [RoboKlopp]
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      For this gw, who is better options, A or B?
      A. Wilson vs LEE
      B. Antonio vs cry
      Ta.

      1. BERGKOP
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        B

      2. sunzip14
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        B

      3. $hahriyar
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        B all day long

      4. Party time
          3 years, 2 months ago

          B

        • Stockport Hatter
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          B

        • 3 A
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          B by 25 miles

          1. AC/DC AFC
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            And 5 days!!

            Actually 5 game weeks

      5. Party time
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Jake Paul is having a Party

          1. noquarternt
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Who?

            1. Party time
                3 years, 2 months ago

                A fella making fun outta McGregor.

                Dustin Poirier KO’ed the Irish fella today

          2. sunzip14
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Play 1 from these 3, please:

            A) Justin (Eve, A)
            B) Holding (Sou, A)
            C) Mitchell (WHU, H)

            1. $hahriyar
              • 14 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              Pretty close but I will go with holding

            2. Party time
                3 years, 2 months ago

                B

              • Stockport Hatter
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 2 months ago

                A because he’s in the best form of those.

              • FantasyHero
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 2 months ago

                A

            3. Erez Avni
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              I feel like I don’t have all the hot players... should I WC or can I fix it with a couple of transfers?

              martinez
              chilwel robo coufal justin (lowton) son salah bruno (soucek)
              adams vardy bamford

              cheers!

              1. Party time
                  3 years, 2 months ago

                  No just Adams & Vardy to Kane & Antonio

              2. Party time
                  3 years, 2 months ago

                  Start two out of these options:
                  1) Lookman
                  2) Cresswell
                  3) Coufal
                  4) Targett
                  5) Dallas

                  Thanks

                  1. sunzip14
                    • 7 Years
                    3 years, 2 months ago

                    2, 4

                    1. Party time
                        3 years, 2 months ago

                        Thanks

                      • Party time
                          3 years, 2 months ago

                          Start 3 rather*

                          Lookman, Cresswell & Targett, good?

                          1. Stockport Hatter
                            • 7 Years
                            3 years, 2 months ago

                            Yes

                            1. Party time
                                3 years, 2 months ago

                                Thanks buddy

                        • 3 A
                          • 8 Years
                          3 years, 2 months ago

                          2, 5

                      • Stockport Hatter
                        • 7 Years
                        3 years, 2 months ago

                        Moved up 811k with a very successful bench boost - 38 - finished with 160 (-12) for the week. Hopefully I can have some success from here on in!

                        1. $hahriyar
                          • 14 Years
                          3 years, 2 months ago

                          You definitely had an interesting gw! Well done!

                          1. Stockport Hatter
                            • 7 Years
                            3 years, 2 months ago

                            Cheers mate. Like many I’ve been having a shocker but it was decent even with a captain fail. I had the armband on Salah.

                      • pavlev
                        • 13 Years
                        3 years, 2 months ago

                        Morning all

                        That screenshot in this article showing the next 5 games on the teamsheet looks super useful. Does anyone know if it is an app or plugin? Or has the writer just done a bespoke graphic?

                        Thanks!

                        1. $hahriyar
                          • 14 Years
                          3 years, 2 months ago

                          I was wondering the same thing! Please if anyone.

                        2. ritzyd
                          • 6 Years
                          3 years, 2 months ago

                          Fpltools

                          1. $hahriyar
                            • 14 Years
                            3 years, 2 months ago

                            Cheers

                      • gellinmagellan
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 6 Years
                        3 years, 2 months ago

                        Reposting

                        Leno
                        Robertson Cancelo Coufal
                        Salah Son Soucek Fernandes Raphinha
                        Bamford Antonio

                        Foster Taylor Strujic Vardy

                        1 FT 0.9 ITB.

                        A - Raphinha > Gundo
                        B - Soucek > Gundo
                        C - Robertson > Stones
                        D - Taylor > Stones (bench Robbo)
                        E - Roll the FT

                        1. $hahriyar
                          • 14 Years
                          3 years, 2 months ago

                          I’m all in for gundo

                        2. R.C
                          • 6 Years
                          3 years, 2 months ago

                          A

                        3. Von Lipwig
                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                          • 5 Years
                          3 years, 2 months ago

                          B (rather play Raph against NEW than Soucek)

                      • Von Lipwig
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 5 Years
                        3 years, 2 months ago

                        With both Son and Salah playing each other, would you bench either for Dallas (NEW a)? No right?

                        1. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
                          • 7 Years
                          3 years, 2 months ago

                          Even if Dallas had a triple GW, I'd never bench those 2 for him

                          Probably exaggerating but you get my point

                          1. Von Lipwig
                            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                            • 5 Years
                            3 years, 2 months ago

                            haha, well put

                        2. WE GO FOR IT
                          • 8 Years
                          3 years, 2 months ago

                          No way! I'd suspect those 2 would be the 2 favourites to score in that game.

                        3. 3 A
                          • 8 Years
                          3 years, 2 months ago

                          I'll bench Salah but yeah it feels weird haha

                      • ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
                        • 7 Years
                        3 years, 2 months ago

                        Is Robbo still a priority sell if I don't need the money? I have double City defence anyway so think I'll just keep for now, or is he just a terrible defensive asset atm regardless of his price?

                        1. Von Lipwig
                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                          • 5 Years
                          3 years, 2 months ago

                          Liverpool need to turn a corner, but I think all 6 of their next fixtures are tricky... that said, Robbo can always chip in with some points so it's only a priority if you're happy enough with the rest of your starting 11.

                        2. WE GO FOR IT
                          • 8 Years
                          3 years, 2 months ago

                          I don't see many other good options apart from City right now.
                          West Ham defense has improved but their defense is a mixed bag.
                          Leicester look good as well and have good fixtures but with Ricardo back, there might be rotation/change of formation.
                          Chelsea's fixtures are great but their form is bad.

                          I'd hold for now.

                      • jia you
                        • 7 Years
                        3 years, 2 months ago

                        Start Neto over Coufal the correct play?

                        Martinez
                        Cancelo Dias Maguire
                        Bruno Son Rashford Maddison Neto
                        Kane Antonio
                        (Forster Coufal Holding Brewster)
                        2.5itb

                        1. Party time
                            3 years, 2 months ago

                            I would rather start Coufal

                            1. jia you
                              • 7 Years
                              3 years, 2 months ago

                              cheers mate, feels a close one

                              1. Party time
                                  3 years, 2 months ago

                                  Yes it is & I could be wrong with that pick

                            2. WE GO FOR IT
                              • 8 Years
                              3 years, 2 months ago

                              If Zaha is out, Coufal CS becomes more likely.
                              But betting against Neto doesn't seem right. I'd still play the attacker.

                              1. jia you
                                • 7 Years
                                3 years, 2 months ago

                                cheers, yeah I almost always lean towards the attacker over defender

                          • Plagued by indecision
                            • 13 Years
                            3 years, 2 months ago

                            123(-4) and up into top 800k for first time this season!

                            KDB > Gundogan, Son or Maddison? If Gundogan, spare cash would fund Brewster > Kane next week.

                            Martinez / Button
                            Cancelo / Stones / Justin / Bednarek / Taylor*
                            Salah / Fernandes / KDB* / Grealish / Saka
                            Bamford / Antonio / Brewster

                            1. R.C
                              • 6 Years
                              3 years, 2 months ago

                              KDB to Gundogan

                          • Botman and Robben
                            • 7 Years
                            3 years, 2 months ago

                            Play 1:
                            A. Bednarek
                            B. Dallas
                            C. Coufal

                            1. jia you
                              • 7 Years
                              3 years, 2 months ago

                              C

                            2. Party time
                                3 years, 2 months ago

                                C

                              • WE GO FOR IT
                                • 8 Years
                                3 years, 2 months ago

                                Dallas

                              • ChelseaGuy
                                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                                • 7 Years
                                3 years, 2 months ago

                                Dallas

                              • Ha.
                                • 8 Years
                                3 years, 2 months ago

                                C

                              • 3 A
                                • 8 Years
                                3 years, 2 months ago

                                B or C . Not A

                            3. dshv
                              • 6 Years
                              3 years, 2 months ago

                              Play.

                              Coufal or raphinha

                              1. WE GO FOR IT
                                • 8 Years
                                3 years, 2 months ago

                                Raph. Newcaslte look bad. Leeds could put 5 past them again.

                            4. WE GO FOR IT
                              • 8 Years
                              3 years, 2 months ago

                              Nail-biting finish in my cup tie today!
                              I was out on goals scored in injury time as Watkins was on 2 bonus. But he dropped of to 1 at FT and then completely out after the match, which meant I won the tie 92-90. On to the next round! I guess this is the furthest I've come in the cup in the last 3-4 seasons.

                              1. ChelseaGuy
                                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                                • 7 Years
                                3 years, 2 months ago

                                Haha, good stuff there

                                1. WE GO FOR IT
                                  • 8 Years
                                  3 years, 2 months ago

                                  I had a 14 point lead going in the game with no players. He had Grealish and Watkins. When Watkins scored and Grealish assisted in the first half, I lost hope. Hadn't checked BAPs at all. In the second half, with 10 minutes to go, I opened LiveFPL to check my rank. I just clicked on the Live Cup tie and I happened to be leading. Was refereshing https://www.anewpla.net/fpl/live/99/ for the last 10 minutes of the game! Was pretty fun. I had no players in the game but enjoyed it. Feel bad for him though. He has 2 players. Both players returned but he missed out because of BAPs.

                                  1. Indpush
                                    • 6 Years
                                    3 years, 2 months ago

                                    You'll get over it

                            5. Chandler Bing
                              • 7 Years
                              3 years, 2 months ago

                              Rashford (c) anyone?

                              1. Flair
                                • 3 Years
                                3 years, 2 months ago

                                Wrong United forward for me

                              2. WE GO FOR IT
                                • 8 Years
                                3 years, 2 months ago

                                Good differential. 3 goals and 3 assists in 3 games vs Sheffield. He's been involved in 2 goals every time he's faced them so far in the PL. If United try the same approact they did at Bramall Lane, he could do well.

                              3. 3 A
                                • 8 Years
                                3 years, 2 months ago

                                Bamford or Gundo for me. Or maybe Stones.

                                1. Indpush
                                  • 6 Years
                                  3 years, 2 months ago

                                  Gundogan

                            6. -GK22-
                              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                              • 11 Years
                              3 years, 2 months ago

                              Vardy to who? (10.2m)

                              a) Jesus
                              B) Tony M
                              C) Ings
                              D) Cavani
                              C) lacazette
                              E) other

                              1. Chandler Bing
                                • 7 Years
                                3 years, 2 months ago

                                Ings

                              2. WE GO FOR IT
                                • 8 Years
                                3 years, 2 months ago

                                Ings

                                Cavani if you want to take a risk

                              3. R.C
                                • 6 Years
                                3 years, 2 months ago

                                Cavani

                              4. 3 A
                                • 8 Years
                                3 years, 2 months ago

                                Antonio

                            7. HollywoodXI
                              • 9 Years
                              3 years, 2 months ago

                              After a strong couple of GWs I’ve decided to attack my position rather than consolidate this week and take an 8 point hit:

                              KDB Soucek and Rodrigo > Grealish Gundogan and Antonio

                              Leaves me 3.6m ITB to get Salah in next week leaving me with the following front 8:

                              Salah Bruno Son Grealish Gundogan
                              Kane Antonio Bamford

                              GTG?

                              1. R.C
                                • 6 Years
                                3 years, 2 months ago

                                GTG

                              2. WE GO FOR IT
                                • 8 Years
                                3 years, 2 months ago

                                Way too strong a front 8. Benching headaches every week. I wouldn't want to be in that position. But hey, if you are fine making the decision, it looks good. Bench would come handy in case there are postponements or if players miss out because of Covid

                            8. UnitednationsXI
                              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                              • 12 Years
                              3 years, 2 months ago

                              Morning dzzz, need to figure out what to do with Kdb, Wilson, Rashford

                              A:
                              gw20: KDB >> Sterling
                              gw21: Wilson >> Watkins
                              gw23: Rashford >> Son

                              B:
                              gw20: KDB >> Grealish
                              gw21: Taylor + Wilson >> Mitchell + Kane (-4)
                              gw23: Rashford >> Son

                              C: Something else

                              1. WE GO FOR IT
                                • 8 Years
                                3 years, 2 months ago

                                I like the double up in B. Taylor to Mitchell is a decent move as well, if he's your 5th defender. Also, I prefer Grealish over Watkins. So, that looks good.

                                No City would be a worry. But hey, with KdB out, their attack isn't getting stronger (on paper at least) for sure!

                                1. UnitednationsXI
                                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                                  • 12 Years
                                  3 years, 2 months ago

                                  yeah taylor/mitchell would be 5th def.

                                  yeah comes down to sterling/watkins vs. grealish/kane (-4)

                              2. R.C
                                • 6 Years
                                3 years, 2 months ago

                                B

                              3. Ha.
                                • 8 Years
                                3 years, 2 months ago

                                B

                              4. 3 A
                                • 8 Years
                                3 years, 2 months ago

                                B

                              5. UnitednationsXI
                                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                                • 12 Years
                                3 years, 2 months ago

                                wow didnt realise it was that unanimous

                              6. UnitednationsXI
                                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                                • 12 Years
                                3 years, 2 months ago

                                Thanks all.

                            9. spursthecircus
                              • 3 Years
                              3 years, 2 months ago

                              Hi guys, am thinking of compiling a list of FPL tools that we love. What tools/resources do you guys use week-in, week-out to make your FPL decisions? I'm using pen and paper right now to do my FPL planning, together with a heavy dosage of FFS articles on a daily basis. I refer to The Scout (official FPL) regularly as well. Keen to hear from everyone!

                              1. 3 A
                                • 8 Years
                                3 years, 2 months ago

                                Ffs scout members data

                            10. fpork
                              • 8 Years
                              3 years, 2 months ago

                              Play Soucek/Lookman or do Kane->Vardy for free?

                              1. 3 A
                                • 8 Years
                                3 years, 2 months ago

                                Soucek doesnt have any shot in two last match

                              2. andres
                                • 12 Years
                                3 years, 2 months ago

                                Get Kane

                            11. Ha.
                              • 8 Years
                              3 years, 2 months ago

                              KDB >

                              A. Salah
                              B. Sterling
                              C. Maddison

                              1. 3 A
                                • 8 Years
                                3 years, 2 months ago

                                Barnes better than Maddy. Maddy over performing.

                              2. R.C
                                • 6 Years
                                3 years, 2 months ago

                                Gundogan

                            12. 3 A
                              • 8 Years
                              3 years, 2 months ago

                              No Harvey Barnes in discussion above?

                              Barnes have some form more than Grealish, support by stat too. I already have Son and Gundo.

                            13. andres
                              • 12 Years
                              3 years, 2 months ago

                              Looking to get Kane in, which one would you sell:

                              A Watkins
                              B Bamford

                              Thx

                              1. 3 A
                                • 8 Years
                                3 years, 2 months ago

                                A

                              2. Indpush
                                • 6 Years
                                3 years, 2 months ago

                                Bamford

                              3. Botman and Robben
                                • 7 Years
                                3 years, 2 months ago

                                B

                              4. Ha.
                                • 8 Years
                                3 years, 2 months ago

                                B

                            14. Nightcrawler
                              • 4 Years
                              3 years, 2 months ago

                              GW from HELL BURNED me

                              Each day brought more PAIN

                              18K to 20k to 26k to 30k to 35k to 37k to 48k

                              ONLY saving grace is all Chips still intact

                              1. Fudgy
                                • 4 Years
                                3 years, 2 months ago

                                I had Chris wood so imagine how I felt

                                1. Nightcrawler
                                  • 4 Years
                                  3 years, 2 months ago

                                  I had vardy so thats worse

                            15. vincentwsho
                              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                              • 5 Years
                              3 years, 2 months ago

                              Which to buy this week with 1 FT, Son or Barnes?

                              Planning to buy both in the coming 2 weeks, but just thinking of which one to buy first. Son seems safer with higher ownership, but he is facing Liverpool and Barnes is facing Everton

                            16. R.C
                              • 6 Years
                              3 years, 2 months ago

                              When will we know who our next FPL cup opponent is?

                              1. Nightcrawler
                                • 4 Years
                                3 years, 2 months ago

                                Tomorrow