Pro Pundits - Lateriser

Which FPL forward should we choose to replace Harry Kane?

It’s been a while since I did the Burning Question format so I thought it would be a good time to revisit it. I asked the community to send me some questions and I’ll be answering a few here. Let’s get stuck right in.

Q1) What is the ideal front three if no budget constraints? @pras_fpl

Hi Pras, thank you so much for the question. Hope you are doing well. The injury to Harry Kane (£11.3m) and the lack of form of Patrick Bamford (£6.7m) has opened up the striker positions. Just a small note on Patrick Bamford, in the last four matches, he sits outside the top 30 players in the league for expected goals (xG). It’s easy to forget that he is still fairly cheap and offers value but he has a mixed bag of fixtures in the next five Gameweeks and doesn’t make my list for the ideal front three. So who does make my list?

Calvert-Lewin and Bamford the Fantasy focus as Everton host Leeds

First up, it’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£7.6m). Yes he has had four blanks in a row but it is worth mentioning that his merry men are back and as noted by Tom Freeman in his excellent article, Everton are a different beast when all their main players are playing together. Here is what Tom cited:

“Everton are a different proposition when they can get Lucas Digne (£6.0m), James Rodríguez (£7.7m), Richarlison (£7.8m) and Dominic Calvert-Lewin all on the pitch at the same time. In fact, in the six league games they’ve started together this season, the Toffees have scored a massive 17 goals.”

Tom Freeman

That is an average of 2.83 goals per game. In the next four Gameweeks, Everton face Newcastle (home), Leeds (away), Manchester United (away) and Fulham (home). Three of those teams are in the bottom six of the league for expected goals conceded (xGC) in the last six matches. Fixtures and the calibre of opposition when they have all their main attackers fit are the reasons why DCL is top of my list of strikers at the moment.

The next two forwards who make up the ideal strikeforce for me are Michail Antonio (£6.4m) and Ollie Watkins (£6.2m). Antonio just makes West Ham better as an attacking outfit and owners were extremely unlucky to come away with just an assist against Crystal Palace.

He should have had a lot more from the game but he looks very sharp on the eye-test, has good underlying numbers, and has a fairly decent fixture run as well. Also worth noting that in the last four matches, West Ham are in the top five in the league for Big Chance Threat (BCT) and for attempts in the box which further justifies the presence of Antonio making the Hammers a much better attacking unit.

The same can be said about Aston Villa who also find themselves in the top five in the league for big chances and shots in the box in the last four matches. They also look like an excellent outfit in attack and are capable of scoring goals against any opposition. Watkins has great underlying numbers as well. He is second among all strikers for BCT in the last four matches and sits third in the league for shots in the box in the same period.

Q2) If someone wanted to take a punt on Chelsea now, with good fixtures and a possible manager bounce, which two or three Chelsea assets would you suggest? (@PierreM80702057)

Hi Pierre. My fellow Pro-Pundit and co-host Zophar always says it is better to be late to the party rather than arriving early and realising it is a dud. As you already know, I’ve been guilty of this crime quite a few times this season and it’s one of the big reasons I’m having a poor campaign.

When it comes to Tuchel’s Chelsea, simply put we just don’t know anything about them right now. I would suggest keenly monitoring them for the next two-to-three games before jumping in because the manager is just getting to know his players right now. Let me quote from this excellent piece on Tuchel on FFScout:

“Whatever system and style Tuchel chooses to deploy at Chelsea, he always tailors it to the players he has at his disposal.”

“My role is that of a service provider, I’m here to help and support the players.”

Thomas Tuchel

It’s very early to tell who is going to benefit from having Tuchel as a manager but I’ll just say that the first game against Wolves looked really encouraging for Kai Havertz (£8.2m) who played a lot closer to goal than under Frank Lampard. That said it is very early to draw any conclusions and I’d urge FPL managers to keenly observe for some time before jumping in.

Q3) Is Man City double defence a risk now with Laporte back and raring to go? (@fpl_saffer)

Hi Kevin, thank you so much for the question and first up huge congratulations for the season you’re having. I know you’re currently in the top 50 Overall Ranking at the moment so you definitely don’t need to be taking any advice from me.

→ How many FPL points did Aymeric Laporte register across Manchester City's three Double Gameweeks?

With regards to the Manchester City centre-backs, I see no reason for Pep to change the partnership he has at his disposal right now which is why both remain good picks. I think he’ll persist with the same two in defence and you’ll probably only see a little bit of rotation due to fixture congestion and that’s about it. I wouldn’t worry about them until Pep actually makes some changes.

Q4) Who are the second best premium defensive assets (with some attacking output) behind the City boys? Liverpool, Leicester, United, Chelsea, Spurs? Or just go budget? (@FPLAlternative)

If you’re looking for a defender to pick outside of the Manchester City names, the one I’d like to recommend is Lucas Digne.

Returning Digne can help Everton's attacking assets return to form in Gameweek 20

Like I mentioned earlier in the article, Everton have a great bunch of fixtures coming up. It is worth noting he was played as a left-winger in the previous game which makes him a very enticing option and even if he isn’t out-of-position (OOP), his numbers this season have been really good.

He’s top of the league for assists per 90 (0.49 assists per 90mins) and especially with James Rodriguez back in the team and in form, I think it increases his points potential a lot. Ben Godfrey’s (£5.0m) form also means that he could potentially still be OOP for a while. Only two teams have conceded fewer goals and big chances than Everton in the last six matches so that is very promising as well.

That’s it from me for this week and I hope you enjoyed this article. Our latest episode of The FPL Wire has some more detailed information as well which you can view below in case you fancy it.

3,541 Comments Post a Comment
  1. royals forever
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    In your opinion who is the best James replacement for the next few GWs out of

    TAA
    Digne
    Cancelo

    for this back seven

    Martinez Johnstone

    Stones Coufal Dias Dallas xxxxxxx

    Any ideas would be welcomed

    1. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Digne, if DCL & Richy do well he will be supplying the crosses

    2. Tinmen
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Chilwell?

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

      It's got to be Cancelo for game involvement and position on the pitch?

      Last match wasn't an aberration... it's been on the cards for a while now.

  2. Tonyawesome69
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    A. Coufal to Digne (-4) - bench Bamford this GW and opens the 3rd WHU spot for Antonio
    B. No hit and play Bamford

    0FT 8.9itb
    Martinez
    Stones Cancelo Cresswell
    Bruno Gundo Salah Raphinha Soucek
    DCL Bamford
    (Johnstone Coufal Holding Rodrigo)

    1. aleksaa2
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A looks better to me

  3. HD7
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Right order of starters and bench?
    Captain?

    Mccarthy
    Cancelo Stones Mitchell
    Salah Bruno Sterling Maddy
    Antonio Bamford Kane

    Fraser Coufal Taylor Bissouma

  4. Kudo Warrior
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    I've been searching all over the place for any scrap of Kane news we don't know.

    Does anyone have anything further to what Jose said in the Scout tweets?

    1. Black Knights
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Nope.

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

      This may be pessimistic after the event and if Mourinho was being candid or spinning a yarn...

      But he was in the dressing room subbing his talisman then it seems reliable.

      https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/tottenham-hotspur-news/tottenham-hotspur-jose-mourinho-harry-kane-injury-news-thfc-spurs-rumours-analysis/

      1. Kudo Warrior
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers mate. Still gotta wait for more ballpark period then.

  5. chaser123
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Wood to DCL for a -4?

    1. Henryyy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yay

    2. aleksaa2
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yes

    3. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      yes

  6. Henryyy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    If Gundo was 9m we all would have capped him

    1. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Probably true
      Form and fixture

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

      * If Bruno had been injured

  7. HuttonDressedasLahm
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Bench one
    A. Watkins
    B. Bamford
    C. Soucek

    1. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Easy C

    2. Henryyy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      B

    3. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Fixture says A/C
      Form says B

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

      B

  8. DAZZ
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Is Cancelo (c) silly with triple man city defence?

    1. Tsparkes10
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I think Walker plays tbh

      1. DAZZ
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Damn. Not good, may stay away, any alternatives? bruno/salah/grealish/antonio?

    2. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      That’s a lot of eggs in one basket

      1. mezza
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Best defense against worst attack is not the worst basket to be in though.

    3. Bielsa Murderball
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Forget about all these "eggs in one basket comments". I did the same thing against West Brom and got a score of 70. And I am sticking to it this week also. I don't look at my players around my captain, I look at it individually 🙂

  9. Tsparkes10
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Thoughts on Vardy, Bamford to Watkins, Rich?

    1. Henryyy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Why Rich?

      1. Tsparkes10
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Why not? On pens probably and very dangerous

        1. Pukki Party
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Siggy on pens

      2. Sid07
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Vardy to dcl

  10. Sid07
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    1) Bamford to dcl
    2) soucek to gundo

    1. RedAlpha10
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Just 1

  11. DAZZ
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Stupidly took a -4 to get Kane in. Question is, is -8 for DCL a good idea?

    1. RedAlpha10
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yes

    2. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Ouch. Never make early trannies if not required

      1. DAZZ
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Tell me about it mate, embarrassing rookie error that i hold my hands up too. Never mind, trying to stay positive, would you play Mitchell or bite the bullet and take a -8 for Kane > DCL?

    3. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I did, and ended up on -12.. Not overly fussed by it..

      Power 4 defense hopefully clean up next 2 and probably a 0-0 between them..

      Cancelo Dias Robertson Trent

      1. Botman and Robben
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Nice D

  12. IRBOX ⚽
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    GTG? Saving a tranny 0.2 ITB

    Martinez
    TAA Cancelo Stones
    Salah Bruno Sterling Grealish
    DCL (c) Watkins Bamford

    Forster Kilman Coufal Bissouma

    1. Tsparkes10
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Looks great.

    2. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Good use of funds available

    3. DAZZ
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Good to go.

  13. g40steve
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Phil Foden, hold or swap for Gundo?

    Coufal to Digne for the run of fixtures?

    1. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I'd hold. Digne could be good but are we even 100% sure he will start? Godfrey has played well.

    2. Captain Haddock
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yes, if for free.

      Yes.

    3. Black Knights
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I was considering foden to gundo for free but I wouldn’t do it for a hit if you’re including digne or DCL.

    4. RedAlpha10
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Hold

    5. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Cheers both would be for a hit, playing catch-up from last weeks horrendous show.
      Looking for differentials like Digne, or even Soucek to Barnes?

      1. Black Knights
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Keep foden, get digne, good luck. Think I’m doing ayling and Kane to Digne and DCL -4, therefore keeping foden.

  14. Pukki Party
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Repost new article. 1ft 2.6itb. Prefer C myself as it makes the squad better.

    Martinez
    Cancelo Robbo Holding
    Salah Son Bruno Coufal
    DCL Bamford Adams

    Ramsdale Taylor Ayling Anguissa

    A) Anguissa to Gundogan (means keeping Holding with bad fixtures and playing Adams)

    B) Anguissa, Adams to Gundogan,
    Antonio -4

    C) Ayling, Adams to Stones, Richarlison -4 (play Soucek, Rich to Antonio in 23.)

    1. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yep C. If Antonio tears it up against Liverpool I would look to get him in next GW

      1. Pukki Party
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks.

    2. aleksaa2
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      C

    3. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      You'd put down 6 defenders, who is the 4th midfielder?

  15. Bishopool
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Which pair?

    a) TAA and Lookman
    b) Justin and 7.5 mid (Zaha/Leicester mid)

    1. Captain Haddock
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      B

    2. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      B

    3. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      B

  16. Captain Haddock
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Would you rather have this week only:

    A) Son
    B) Cancelo?

    1. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      B

    2. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      B

  17. Tsparkes10
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    What to do? 2FT 0.5itb

    Johnstone
    Justin Dias Stones
    Son Bruno Salah Raph
    Bamford Vardy Antonio
    (Martinez, Soucek, Dallas, Coufal)

    A) Vardy, Bamford to DCL/Rich, Watkins
    B) Soucek, Vardy to Gundo, Rich/DCL

    1. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Raphina > Gundo, Vardy > DCL

      1. Tsparkes10
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Think I prefer Raphinia to soucek

        1. IRBOX ⚽
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Prefer Bamford over Raphina though and don’t like the Leeds double up

      2. RedAlpha10
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        +1

      3. The Count of Monte Cristo
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        I like this too. Double Leeds atm not quite right IMO

    2. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I'd just do Vardy to DCL and save one.

    3. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Do you see Johnstone having a better week than Martinez?

      1. Tsparkes10
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Prefer his fixture

  18. IRBOX ⚽
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Who’s doing Bamford > Antonio this week? I think I can save it for next week.

    1. n-doggg
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Definitely save this week, not worth a -4 with his fixture

      1. IRBOX ⚽
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Would be for free

    2. L S P
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      i'm tempted but might just roll the FT.

      Other option is to take a hit so I can do Bamford->DCL (would mean downgrading DDG to Areola/Johnstone - which doesn't seem great)

  19. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Martinez
    Robertson Stones Cancelo Coufal
    Salah Fernandes Gundogan Soucek Raphinha
    Bamford

    Forster Vardy Brewster Ferguson

    1 FT, 6.5 itb

    1. Raphinha / Soucek >> Son
    2. Vardy >> DCL
    3. Other ?

    Thanks all

    1. Tsparkes10
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Vardy, Soucek to DCL, Son and bench Bamford?

      1. FCSB
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Tempting but not sure I should take a hit...

  20. n-doggg
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Is either of these worth a -4

    A. Kwp to digne
    B. Taylor to digne

  21. Tsparkes10
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Rich or DCL and why

    1. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Dcl, more consistant goal scorer and not as injury prone as Rich

  22. Feanor
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Play one of these 3

    B)amford
    H)olding
    M)itchell

    1. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Bam

    2. aleksaa2
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Bamford

  23. chrispaterson1
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Any chance Bamford gets dropped this weekend, Leeds fans?

    1. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I doubt it personally.

  24. The Count of Monte Cristo
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    What would you recommend here, guys? Currently just thinking A.

    A) Adams --> Antonio
    B) Adams + Bamford --> Antonio + DCL (-4)
    C) Adams + Holding --> Antonio + Digne (-4)
    D) Other?

    McCarthy
    Stones -- R. Dias -- Justin
    Salah -- Fernandes -- Son -- Gundogan (c) -- Soucek
    Bamford -- Adams

    Meslier -- Coufal -- Holding -- Brewster [1FT + 6.8m ITB]

    1. aleksaa2
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I wouldn't bring Antonio in when he is playing against Lpool, maybe Adams to DCL because he is playing against Newcastle and in the next game week Bamford to Antonio?

      1. The Count of Monte Cristo
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        This makes a lot more sense , thanks. Not sure why I didn't see this.

    2. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Just do Adams > DCL and Antonio next week. He’s not going to feast against Liverpool

      1. The Count of Monte Cristo
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Yep, much more logical - thank you.

      2. Pedersen
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Agree to this move

  25. DAZZ
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Grealish being overlooked for (C) massively. He was brilliant against Burnley. He’s due a massive haul

  26. AnfieldLad
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Johnstone
    TAA Cancelo Stones Justin
    Salah Mane Bruno Lookman
    Antonio Bamford
    (Pope Soucek Rodrigo Coufal)
    0ITB

    A) Hold, captain Cancelo?
    B) Mane -> Sterling (c)
    C) Mane Rodrigo -> Gundo (c) DCL (-4)
    D) Lookman Rodrigo -> Gundo (c) Brewster (-4)

  27. Shark Team
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Most pts for gws 21-24?
    A) TAA
    B) Digne
    C) Antonio
    D) Watkins
    And which one is the best for this gw?

  28. MarcoHammy111
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    I need help . I have brought in Jesus . It is either him or sterling as captain ?

    If he starts could he be a good captain choice ?

    1. n-doggg
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Sterling more likely to start, c on him

  29. MarcoHammy111
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    I need help . I have brought in Jesus . It is either him or sterling as captain ?

    If he starts could he be a good captain choice ??

    1. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Sterling easily.

  30. HD7
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Right order of starters and bench?
    Captain?

    Mccarthy
    Cancelo Stones Mitchell
    Salah Bruno Sterling Maddy
    Antonio DCL Bamford

    Fraser Coufal Taylor Bissouma

    1. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I'd probably go with Sterling if I owned him.

      Bench order is fine

      1. HD7
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks, mate