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. Eleven Hag
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Bench 1

    A- Mitchell
    B- Coufal
    C- Soucek
    D- Wood

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

      A

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A

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

    1. Sterling
    2. Salah
    3. Maddison

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      2

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

      2

  3. Pukki Blinders
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Barnes is a superior pick to Maddison.

    Thank me later

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Agree, John Barnes a great pick.

    2. FC Belter
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      No way man.

  4. FantasyClub
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Who replaces Vardy?
    Pérez or Iheanacho...
    Peréz always looks dangerous, tempted to get him in...

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Perez

  5. The Knights Template
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    1980s FFS squad of the decade?

    1. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      11 John Barnes’

  6. Sterling Malory
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    How's this WC looking?

    Martinez
    Stones Cancelo Shaw
    Bruno Son Grealish Gundo Maddison
    Kane Antonio

    Johnstone Bamford Dallas Mitchell

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

      Looks good

    2. FantasyClub
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I want Grealish but worried about 4YC

    3. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Like it.

    4. luk46
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      good team, just not sure about benching Bamford

    5. ilikewud
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I prefer Barnes to Mads and not the biggest fan of Gundo (even though that may seem controversial on here)

    6. Gross Blank Point
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Barnes for Madds and that's my starting 11 so will say its good. AVB and coufal instead of Dallas and Mitchell though

    7. Tambling5
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Lots of similar wildcards on here yesterday, so we are all going in same direction.
      One variant involves Ings, others Sterling. Sterling enables a ready route to get Salah/Mane/KDB back in more easily if wanted. Toying with this team
      Martinez 4.0;
      Stones Digne Justin Coufal Mitchell
      Bruno Sterling Son Gundogan Smith Rowe
      Kane Ings Antonio

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

    Leno
    Robertson Cancelo Coufal Taylor Strujic
    Salah Son Soucek Fernandes Raphinha
    Vardy Bamford Antonio

    1 FT 0.9 ITB.
    What will you do here?

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Vardy out.

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

        For? Missing Kane by 0.2 :/

        1. luk46
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          downgrade Robbo or a mid, could just play 352 and save tho

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

    @mods restricted content available to non members as well.

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      It wasn't as exciting as this post led me to believe.

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

        This

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

      It wasn’t. Trust me

    3. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Snitch

    4. ilikewud
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      WOW

    5. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Cheers, passed it on.

  9. EmreCan Hustle
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Good morning DZ.

    Bench seem ok? Worried about benching Dallas tbh.

    Martinez
    Cancelo Stones AWB
    Salah Maddison Bruno Soucek
    Kane Bamford Watkins
    ----------------------------------------------------
    Button ESR Dallas Dier

    No FT. 3.5M itb.

    Did KDB to Maddison.

    Thanks.

    1. luk46
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      could play Dallas over Soucek then

      1. EmreCan Hustle
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers.
        Initial plan was to do Soucek to Son for a hit. But keeping him because Palace are weak in defending set pieces, or so I'm told.
        Also have ESR first sub. Well rested too.

  10. FPL Doctor
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    What to do? 1 FT 2.3 ITB

    Martinez
    Dias Dallas Coufal R James
    Salah KDB* Bruno Foden
    Antonio Bamford

    Mendy Soucek Justin Wood

    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Kdb to Son? Rest looks good.

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

    Would you do Robertson to Stones for a hit? Will help generate cash for Kane in next week.

    1. luk46
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      not for a hit, Robbo is one of the best Liverpool players this season and could get something vs Spurs

  12. Starvaiger
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    rank rest of season:
    Fernandes
    Salah
    Kane
    Son

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

      You have 19 FT's and probably some chips. There will be plenty of DGW/BGW drama.
      Doesn't make sense to me to decide on a player for the next 19 gameweeks.

      But my personal opinion is :
      Kane
      Fernandes
      Salah
      Son

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

        Second that

    2. The Mighty One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Salah
      Bruno
      Kane
      Son

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

    Anybody with an ounce of brain can come to the same conclusions. Waste of time

  14. Jinswick
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Think I’m going Grealish as my KDB replacement. Nailed, on pens (with no El Ghazi), good stats, good fixtures and possibly a DGW23.

    Gundogan does look a bargain, but think I’d rather Grealish

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

      Personally I think I’m going with gundo short term(wildcarding soon) also have the option of bringing grealish in if I need to.

      1. EmreCan Hustle
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        What if there's a DGW before you plan to WC?

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

          By soon I meant 3-5 weeks lol. Hopefully by then we’ll know about the dgw

          1. EmreCan Hustle
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Is Everton lose in the cup there could be a DGW 23 for Villa.

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

              I’m waiting for the bigger dgw which if I’m right should be around gw25-28? So planning to wildcard before that.

    2. luk46
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      agree, safe option for quite consistent points imo

    3. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Would you have him over Son?

      I don't have either midfielder. But have Kane.

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

        I would

        1. EmreCan Hustle
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Interesting. Grealish is tempting.

    4. Rasping Drive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I am not sure who to go for (already have Grealish); I may wait a week. I would like to see how both Leicester and City line up without KDB and Vardy respectively. Maddison, Barnes, Gündoğan all in the mix. That said, I’ll probably end up going Son.

      1. EmreCan Hustle
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        This.

        If Son didn't have Liverpool this week everyone would be jumping on the Son wagon. Next GW he will become the obvious pick IMO.

        1. The Mighty One
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          I’m keeping the 6.2 cash from selling Kev to Gundo in the bank for next week. I’m going to reduce my -4’s as my bench depth is strong now (Wilson, Targett, Soucek). Pondering using it for Son or Grealish or Kane.

    5. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      4 yellows ?

      1. Rasping Drive
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        He was very lucky not to get his fifth last night. Clipped Shelvey deliberately with an elbow; not sure why VAR didn’t take a closer look.

        1. Hotdogs for Tea
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          he is like a petulant child and I just know if I get him he will be banned the next week

  15. luk46
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Martinez / Steer
    Robbo Cancelo Stones Coufal KWP
    Salah Son Fernandes Grealish / Bissouma
    Bamford / Vardy* Brewster

    with Vardy out, would you save the ft? (0.5 itb)

    A - Vardy > Antonio; Robbo + Brewster > fodder + Kane next week
    B - save ft
    C - another option

    1. patricio33
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A. Get Antonio.

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

    liv, TOT, ars, MUN

    Wonder how many CSs Man City will keep during that period...

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

      3 great fixtures and a good price to sell! I'm going to keep 1 of the 3 I'll have for this run.

    2. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      The way they are playing at the back, I wouldn't be surprised to have couple of cs's from those games

  17. French Gooner
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Crazy to think that a great manager like Fabio didn’t mention Maddison as a KDB replacement?

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

      Probably because he is not really a good option

  18. fish&chips
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone looking at chelsea defenders and everton attackers? Upcoming fixtures for both look great but concerns about form (for chelsea particularly).

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

      Yep, Dominic and Richarlison on shortlist.

      Don't need a defender as of now...

    2. Sheffield Wednesday
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I've gone off Chelsea as I can't trust Frank's selection process.

  19. EmreCan Hustle
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Option 1: Keep Soucek and ESR and start one of them.

    Option 2:
    A) Sell Soucek for Grealish or Son for a hit.
    B) Sell ESR for Grealish for a hit.

    If Option 1, then which player do I start?

    Thanks.

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

      Play Soucek

      1. EmreCan Hustle
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers.

  20. Rik Waller
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    KDB/Soucek/Vardy > Foden/Son/Kane (have Gundo already)

    May hold off one spurs transfer till next week

    Thoughts?

    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Would rather have double City defense than double City attack tbh. But the transfers look good.

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

      Even with kdb injury, foden’s still not nailed on. Double up on city defence instead

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

    KdB + Lacazette to Maddison + Kane (-4)?

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

      Do it!

    2. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Of course.

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

      Try Lookman? 😉

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

        For me Lookman is still 5th choice

        1. Party time
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Lookman is 4th choice for me

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

              You’re a braver man than I am

      2. patricio33
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Yes.

    4. Rik Waller
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Do you think Foden will start against WBA?

      1. KEN YA DIG IT
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        No

      2. Rasping Drive
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I think he will. He was brilliant for much of the Villa game and v unlucky not to come out of it with a haul. But who knows what Pep will do.

    5. KEN YA DIG IT
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Morning ladies and gents
      Who to start ? A] Meslier B] Mccarthy
      First sub ? 1] Soucek 2] Dallas

      1. patricio33
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Tough call. I'd go B1 purely on a hunch.

      2. Hotdogs for Tea
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        B1

        Is Meslier passed fit to play ?

    6. patricio33
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Bench two for GW20:

      A. Justin
      B. Coufal
      C. Dias
      D. Dallas
      E. Mitchell

      1. KEN YA DIG IT
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        D E

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

      KDB + Soucek - - > Barnes + Pogba

      Yes or no?

      1. KEN YA DIG IT
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        N

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

        Yep

      3. patricio33
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Nah, I'd go Grealish over Pogba.

    8. FPL_Crisis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Understand differing opinions based on needs but would you prefer:

      Kdb Rodrigo to Kane Gundogan (could do this over 2 weeks)
      Kdb Soucek to Son Gundogan (Ings instead of Kane)

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

        First one looks better to me. Was thinking of doing similar KDB+Wilson>Gundo+Kane, probably over two weeks but itching to do KDB>Sterling for a punt now. Not sure what to do myself.

        1. FPL_Crisis
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Yeh I know what you mean
          Unfortunately price has a psychological impact

          If sterling was around 9m you’d do it but over 11m he doesn’t seem worth it based on output

    9. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Looks like but of a scramble is going on to get Kane and/or Son back, sensible moves imho

      1. FPL_Crisis
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Haha yep
        Not sure I want both just yet

        1. Hotdogs for Tea
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          i think I have had about 50 points combined out of them in the last 3 game weeks since I brought Kane in ... when you own both and captain one and he hauls it’s like a turbo boost up the ranks 🙂

          1. FPL_Crisis
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            The Kdb injury is good for FPL and changes the template (at least for now)
            I haven’t owned both since gw9/10 when I was 225k OR and have now just cracked 20k so these transfers could be huge in the lead up to next wildcard

            Feel I trust Kane more especially captain choice

            1. Hotdogs for Tea
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              Kane is a bit more reliable & steady, whereas Son blows a bit hot and cold but has been very unlucky the last few games to smash it

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

      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. FPL_Crisis
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I did D for the dgw but no way can I recommend benching Robbo
        Fixture wise (and form) I don’t mind Soucek to Gund

    11. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Conor KO'ed.

      1. Party time
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Lmaaaoooo... Poirier feasted on him like a Lion on a Gazelle 😆

      2. Crashjct
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Hello all. How does my team look?

        Martinez
        Dias Coufal Dallas
        Bruno Sterling Son Rash Gundo
        Kane Antonio

        Mendy Bamford Holding Mitchell

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

          Benching Bamford against Newcastle doesn't look right.

          1. Crashjct
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            I’ve been struggling with who to Bench. Gundogan?

        2. FPL_Crisis
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Tough one but gotta be Bamford
          Agree doesn’t look right but if I only owned one city defender, sterling gund double could be gold

          1. Crashjct
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            It’s a tough one, but that as my line of thinking too. Thank you.