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. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Better option?

    A. Play zouma
    B. Play Dallas
    C. Zouma > digne -4 and Dallas first sub

    1. sozopol
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      B

  2. Thomas Shelby from Birmingh…
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Bench order ?
    1) Coufal
    2) Dallas
    3)Anguissa

    1. Philosopher's Stones
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      231

  3. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    A) Play with this defense: Stones James Mitchell (Holding Coufal)
    B) Or get Digne in for -4

    1. sozopol
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A

    2. Dthinger
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A

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

      Who would Digne replace in team?

      1. Dthinger
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        good question

      2. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Holding.

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

          In your starting team?

          1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Will replace Mitchell. Stones James Digne with Mitchell first sub in that case.

  4. PL Ball
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Watkins or Antonio?

    1. sozopol
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Antonio

    2. Dthinger
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Antonio

    3. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Antonio overall, Watkins this GW.

  5. b91jh
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Bench

    A) Bamford
    B) Soucek

    And bench order?

    1) Any of A/B
    2) Dallas
    3) Cresswell

    1. Dthinger
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I feel like its playing with fire to bench Soucek, so I'd bench Bamford. Is there no other option?

      1. b91jh
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Front 8 of
        Salah Bruno Gundo Grealish Soucek
        Bamford DCL Antonio

    2. sozopol
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      B

      1,2,3

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

    I hate having money in the bank--3.6M burning a hole in my pocket, but to spend it would require a hit. Anything worth it?

    Leno

    Zouma Robertson Stones
    Salah Bruno Son Soucek Gundogan
    DCL Bamford

    Button Targett Brewster Neco

    1. Tambling5
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Think Zouma unlikely to start, but not worth a hit with Targett in reserve. Upgrade defence next week, as Stones might get rotated with Laporte returning, and then you'd be struggling.

      1. Dthinger
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Zouma out was supposed to be my transfer this week, bat alas...Kane...so next week He'll likely head out

  7. SHOWSTOPPERRR
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Guys team in better shape compared to last week..Took hits 12 and 8 for gw 19 and 20 paid off luckily...Now my team:

    Martinez
    Cancelo dias Dallas kwp* bal*
    Salah bruno gundo grealish bissou
    Kane* bam Antonio

    1ft plenty in the bank

    A) Kane to dcl
    B) bissou to Barnes
    C) kane and kwp to dcl and digne -4?
    D) bissou and kwp to digne and barnes -4

    Suggestions will be helpful guys. TIA.

    1. Philosopher's Stones
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A

  8. The Red Devil
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Kane/Bamford to Antonio/Watkins for a hit?

    1. Dthinger
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      no

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

      Watkins this week for Kane, Antonio next.

      1. The Red Devil
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        This would mean benching Bamford or soucek

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

          I sold Bamford. Sick of him

  9. sozopol
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Help me decide! Focus mostly on tomorrow, rather than longer term, would you rather have DCL(NEW) or Ollie Watkins (sou)? I'mleaning towards DCL but it's so close.

    1. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Dcl not even close

    2. Dthinger
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Its not close for me. DCL

    3. sozopol
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Thank you!

    4. Silent Hunter
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      DCL

  10. Weeb Kakashi
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Chilwell or Digne??

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

      Digne

    2. Dthinger
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Digne. There's just no predicting how Chelsea will line up next.

      1. Weeb Kakashi
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        There isnt any Left back or left wing back better than Chilwell. So i think he has to start?

        1. Pukki Blinders
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Tuchel will start Alonso this week whether anyone likes it or not

          1. Weeb Kakashi
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Alonso is no longer Good enough.

            1. Pukki Blinders
              • 4 Years
              3 years, 1 month ago

              He is a better suited to the wingback system

              1. Weeb Kakashi
                • 8 Years
                3 years, 1 month ago

                2-3 years back you could say that.
                Chilwell is better than Alonso in every aspect tbh except at scoring goals. Just my opinion.
                Cheers.

        2. Dthinger
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Hudson Odoi played wing-back last game. Could see Pulisic in that spot for all we know.

    3. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Digne

    4. Silent Hunter
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Digne

  11. Lucky Z
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Captain:

    A. Gundogan
    B. Sterling
    C. Son

    1. Weeb Kakashi
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      On B. Dont have A. Think A is the best out if the lot.

    2. Silent Hunter
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Gundogan

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

      I have A and C and my C is on DCL

      1. Lucky Z
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Don't trust DCL as a captain material

    4. SHOWSTOPPERRR
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Sterling if I had him..but gng for gundo..

    5. Lucky Z
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Also in A currently just don't want my captain to be hooked off early

    6. sozopol
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I have A captain and C vice. Don't have B.

  12. Sebbo29
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Hi there everyone!

    Already did Kane to DCL. Question is:
    Take a hit to get a LEI MID (or Son/Grealish) iso El Ghazi or save and play Soucek? Don't like Wilson or Bamford either but El Ghazi out has priority.

    4.3 ITB

    Martinez (Leno)
    Stones/Dias/Robbo (Coufal/Holding)
    Soucek/Sterling(C)/Bruno/Saka (El Ghazi)
    Wilson/DCL(VC)/Bamford

    Thanks chaps!

    1. sozopol
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Play Soucek.

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

      Who would your new mid take the place of in your starting 11? That’s what you are comparing to (not El Ghazi)

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

        I’m considering similar. Not having Grealish worries me a bit, but I have more urgent probs I think

        1. Sebbo29
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          I am also thinking long-term and would want Son for GW 23 anyway so might as well get him now even if it's for a hit

      2. Sebbo29
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        iso Soucek

  13. Pukki Blinders
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Bottomed... who to give the armband to? First to 3 wins

    A. DCL
    B. Salah

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

      A

    2. Dthinger
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      B

    3. AppleDunk
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A

    4. Weeb Kakashi
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      B

    5. sozopol
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      um... um... nah too much pressure.Sorry

    6. BIG TONES
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A

    7. Steiger
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      B

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

    For Cup Opponent has Martinez and Targett. I have Martinez and Areola and was going to play Areola but should I play Martinez to cover if Villa CS?

    1. BIG TONES
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Play whoever you think will score most. It's too early to be blocking players like that

  15. BurnMyBread
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Start Lookman or Bamford?

    1. sozopol
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I'm starting Bamford and don't have Lookman, for what it's worth

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

      Look man

  16. FPL ElasticO
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Is it worth taking -4 for this transfer, already made my 2 FTs?

    A. Alioski >> Digne & bench Dallas
    B. Alioski >> Stones / Dias (also got Cancelo)

    Team:

    Johnstone
    Robbo / Cancelo / Dallas
    Gundo(c) / Salah / Bruno / Barnes / Soucek
    DCL / Antonio

    Bench:: McCarthy / Bamford / Alioski / Coufal

    1. sozopol
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      No

  17. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    G2G? Took a hit

    Mendy(Johnstone)
    Robbo Cancelo Stones (Holding)(Coufal)
    Salah Fernandes Son Grealish Gundogan
    DCL Antonio (Rodrigo)

    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      G2G

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

      Nice

  18. Eleven Hag
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Would you do Soucek ➡ Harvey Barnes for a hit and captain? I see Leics scoring 2 or 3 in the last 30 mins of this game.

    Not really confident on giving the armband to Gundagon (mins), Salah (fixture) or DCL (form).

    1. AppleDunk
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Not for hit.

    2. Weeb Kakashi
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      If capping then do it. Although i still think Gundo is a better Captain.

  19. AppleDunk
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    (B)amford and (J)ustin playing each other.
    Who will u start?

    1. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Justin for attacking returns

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

        Lol!

    2. sozopol
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      B

      Justin has 1 attacking return in the last 18 matches.

  20. BIG TONES
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    DCL cappo anyone?

  21. akashan99
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Considering a -4 hit for this gameweek
    Kane to
    1) DCL
    2) Watkins

    El ghazi to
    A) Barnes
    B) Zaha
    C) Mane/salah
    D) Jrod
    E) grealish/ btraore/barkley

    Would give me a team of
    Martinez
    Dias, Cancelo, Maguire
    Son, bruno, gundogan, soucek, *
    Antonio, *
    Forster, bamford, coufal, dallas

    Help out a fella guys!

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

      1A

  22. FantasyClub
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Son or Digne for captain?

    1. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      You can choose a lucky bag of skips this week.

    2. Drop Dead Tsimikas
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I went with Digne. Am almost certain I’ll wake up to regret it but hey.

      1. FantasyClub
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Hahah I just wanna have some fun, don’t wanna do what everyone else is doing

  23. Eze Really?
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    I have less optimism than the writer about Everton. With James DCL Richa and Digne it is mentioned their attacking success. However, how many of those six games did Alan and Dacoure play? That ir where our problem lies.

    1. FER FUSCH AKE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      So what's your point. Is captaining DCL according to you a good option or not?

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

      What have they got to do with the attack though, they are defensive mids

      1. FantasyClub
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Doucouré and Allan definitely make a difference but can still do well without them

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

        Because football

    3. FantasyClub
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Doucouré is back and Allan about a game away

  24. Lingard’s Shin Guards
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Which one?

    A) Barnes, Stones (have cancelo), Coufal
    B) Gundo, Cresswell, 4.8 def

    1. akashan99
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      For this week A, i think sheffield united would not be as open as west brom and leicester are going to rip leeds

  25. Over Midwicket
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Thoughts on Dias + Anguissa + Kane* -> DCL + Gundo(C) + Robbo for (-8)?

    Have triple City d so need to lose one to get Gundo(C).

    1. sozopol
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I think -8 is almost never a good idea.

      1. Over Midwicket
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Many pro pundits are taking them this week to sort their team out.

    2. Somnus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Signed/Chilwell better than Robbo, no?

  26. cruzex
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    all the people say digne.

    why not castagne?

    1. Over Midwicket
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Has gone off the boil.

      1. cruzex
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        why

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

      Considering Castagne over Chilwell on WC

  27. Franfe98
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Hi guys!

    How long Kane out? Do I need to sell him?

    Thanks!

    1. Over Midwicket
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Initially it was weeks/months but we have no idea. Sun reporting 6weeks, Mirror reporting 2 months. All we know is he's having a scan on Wed so will certainly miss two GWs.

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

      Unclear. Could be a few weeks. But no concrete information yet. I think he sits out in the midweek game as well and plays from GW 23.

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

      Whatever it is 4 or 6 or even 2 weeks, I don't think it has ground to keep Kane still.

  28. NATSTER
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Anything worth -4 points hit?
    A: Kane -> DCL
    B. Saka -> Son
    C. Soucek -> Son
    D. AWB -> Digne

    This is team now
    Martinez
    AWB - Dias - Stones
    Salah - Bruno - Soucek - Saka - Gündo
    Antonio - Kane
    Bench : Bamford, Coufal, Mitchell

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

      A

  29. Somnus
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    A) Kane to Watkins
    B) Kane to DCL

    1) play Mitchell
    2) Bissouma to Grealish (-4)
    3) Bissouma to JRod (-4)
    4) Bissouma to Barnes (-4)
    5) Bissouma to Zaha (-4)

    1. NATSTER
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I like B. Not sure about hits but 2 or 4 are standouts.

  30. Buck The Trent
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Pick one?

    A Dallas (lei)
    B Holding (mun)
    C Coufal (liv)
    D Digne (NEW) for -4

    Currently thinking D, on set pieces, potential OOP, also has leeds next