Spot the Differential

In-form Dunk offers clean sheets, goal threat and appealing fixtures

Double Gameweek 25 is almost upon us which gives us an opportunity to have a look at some more differential options.

This time, we’ve selected low-owned picks at Southampton, Brighton and Hove Albion and Fulham, who we think have the potential to make an impact.

As always, to qualify, the player must have an ownership of 5% or less at the time of writing.

Lewis Dunk

  • FPL ownership: 5.0%
  • Price: £4.9m
  • GW25-29 fixtures: CRY | wba | LEI | sou | NEW

Lewis Dunk (£4.9m) has played an integral role in helping Brighton and Hove Albion keep five clean sheets in their last six league outings.

And that defensive solidity, combined with the 29-year-olds aerial threat from set-pieces, could make him a shrewd differential pick for FPL managers on the lookout for a new defender.

In recent matches Brighton have been defending much better, which is reflected in the numbers. Over the last six Gameweeks, only Manchester City and Chelsea have conceded fewer shots in the box, with the Seagulls giving up just four big chances during that run.

However, Dunk’s appeal is further boosted by his goal threat. Since the beginning of the season, the Albion captain ranks second amongst all defenders for attempts in the box and fifth for expected goals (xG). For context, his 18 shots in the box is only three behind team-mate Leandro Trossard (£5.7m).

Brighton continued their run of impressive performances against Aston Villa last time out, when they were unlucky not to win, and now face a Crystal Palace side who have failed to score in their last two matches and will again be without the influential Wilfried Zaha (£7.1m). It’s also worth noting that they have given up more headed attempts than any other side over the last four Gameweeks, which Burnley were able to capitalise on last weekend.

Importantly, Dunk has been ever-present for Graham Potter’s side this season when available, and with his ability to contribute points at both ends of the pitch, is a tempting investment given Albion’s schedule.

Takumi Minamino

  • FPL ownership: 0.5%
  • Price: £6.0m
  • GW25-29 fixtures: CHE + lee | eve | shu | BHA | —

Attacking midfielder Takumi Minamino (£6.0m) moved to Southampton on deadline day in search of more first-team opportunities.

The 26-year-old has since started back-to-back Premier League matches, operating as a wide midfielder who drifts infield in Ralph Hasenhüttl’s 4-4-2 / 4-2-2-2 setup. Equally comfortable playing both centrally and out wide, it’s a role he looks an ideal fit for, in a system he may be better suited to than Jürgen Klopp’s 4-3-3. 

The fact that he has played under Marco Rose and Jesse Marsch in Austria, and of course Klopp, is also positive, given that they all share a similar playing philosophy to Hasenhüttl.

Despite being short of match fitness, Minamino made an instant impact on his debut at Newcastle United, scoring in the first half, and though he failed to build on that performance last time out, you’d now expect him to get a run of starts as Southampton aim to get their season back on track following six successive league defeats.

Up next is a tricky home tie against Chelsea, whose defensive numbers have been superb under Thomas Tuchel so far. However, it’s worth pointing out that the schedule has been particularly kind, and that there could be gaps for Minamino to exploit with César Azpilicueta (£5.7m) sometimes joining the midfield line. The second part of the Double Gameweek sees them take on a Leeds United side who can be pressed into making mistakes, and do tend to give up chances from the zone the Japanese international primarily operates in, so there is potential to do well despite some testing matchups.

Minamino is an exciting footballer, who will be a genuine threat for Southampton once up to speed, and could be a nice pickup for those on the lookout for a real midfield differential.

Josh Maja

  • FPL ownership: 0.7%
  • Price: £5.5m
  • GW25-29 fixtures: SHU | cry | liv | MCI | LEE

Fulham’s Josh Maja (£5.5m) has impressed since making his first start last weekend, and quickly established himself as a key part of Scott Parker’s young team.

The 22-year-old is the exact type of player the Cottagers have been missing this season, with Fulham’s other main forward options Aleksandar Mitrović (£5.5m) and Ivan Cavaleiro (£5.3) contributing a meagre five league goals between them.

However, Fulham are creating chances regularly. This season, they rank 13th for expected goals (xG), eighth for chances created and 11th for shots in the box. The issue has been their conversation rate, with their front line regularly failing to take their chances. 

The hope is now that Maja can build on his brace against Everton, offer a focal point for his team-mates and grab the goals to keep them up.

The gap between Fulham and Premier League safety is now six points ahead of a massive match against Sheffield United on Saturday evening. An away trip to Crystal Palace follows, so there is potential to do well and pile the pressure on 17th placed Newcastle United. It’s also worth noting that their home game against Tottenham Hotspur still needs to be rescheduled, which should form part of a Double Gameweek in the coming weeks.

Maja is an exciting prospect, and if his performances so far are anything to go by, he can offer FPL managers real value at just £5.5m. 

1,339 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Eleven Hag
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Repost

    Would you make any changes here for this week?

    Martinez
    Cancelo Mee Dallas
    Salah Bruno Grealish Gundagon Rafhinha (c)
    Bamford Watkins
    - Dias DCL Digne

    1. Nay08
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      it's okay. just make DCL first sub and you good

  2. DV8R
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Play DCL or Watkins?

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Shitkins

      1. Jafooli
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        😆

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

      Watkins

  3. Trippier Hazard
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Hello mods, it may be obvious to some, but when you mention player names in bold, with their price in brackets, could you also add a single letter to indicate their position (G, D, M, F)? This would be quite useful and easy to do I'd imagine? So it would look like Joe Bloggs (X, 0.0m) or similar perhaps?

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      What’s the X for?

      1. The Knights Template
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Adults only I'm afraid. Nothing for horses to see here.

        1. Rupert The Horse
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Argh it’s always the same thing. So unfair.

    2. Geoff
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Easy to do for sure.

      I'll bring this up with David and Neale

  4. Is WC 25 in order to BB 26 a bad plan?
    IRBOX ⚽
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    I see a lot of people wasting their wildcard just to BB in 26. More than likely you already own 7-10 of the players you are wildcarding into. Hard to justify deploying the most important chip in the game just to use the least important chip in the game. The psychology of this one needs to be rectified imo

    1. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      would mean 9 new players for me
      thanks anyway.

      1. IRBOX ⚽
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Seems a waste. I own all of the players you are using to get on WC. Zero upside

        1. No Professionals
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          but if someone else doesn't own them, and they are the right players, then it is a good use.

          1. IRBOX ⚽
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            So they are wildcarding to the template? Bizarre

          2. Geoff
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Exactly this

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

        I think it's 10 for me, just Martinez and the midfield which stayed pretty intact

        1. Pegboy
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Can I ask what your WC draft is?

          1. Gomolon
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Recounted and it's 8 lol

    2. Hana
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I agree. I looked at my team and thought there isn’t much upside in WC.

    3. KDB United
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Good point, it’s just the idea of it coming off right seems to sway me. But I suppose I would still want Leeds players who don’t double in my squad anyway because of gw 25 and 29

    4. DAZZ
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      But there isn’t a right and wrong time to play any chip. Why is playing the WC now a waste?

      1. IRBOX ⚽
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Very low upside

        1. DAZZ
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Fair. 11 new players in my WC. Bruno, Grealish, Watkins and Dias stay.

    5. Pegboy
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Always team dependent, but I agree.

      1. Geoff
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        This, very important right now to remember how many different scenarios there are in terms of chips but also team structure

      2. Nay08
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        yep, I agree with this. depends on the team.
        when I use WC I always think of the longer term, not just BB for next week for example. usually also planning to get who/which team to target for the next 5 weeks or so.

        1. alfoir
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Team dependent and thinking of the longer term are definitely two considerations for hitting that WC button. I'm likely to WC this week, awaiting fixture rearrangements.

          Whilst there are 5-6 'core' players that I'm not shifting, the new draft allows BB DGW26, having 8-10 players for BGW29, and targeting some decent fixtures in between and in GW30/31,

          For example I have Martinez and no Spurs, I'm now looking at a WC draft of 2-3 Villa and 2 Spurs for DGW26, another DGW for Villa 27/28, and potentially TOTvAVL in BGW29; both teams have some decent fixtures over that run too and in GW30.

          This seems like a good time for my team to prepare for the next 6 GWs at least.

    6. Brimble82
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      My thoughts exactly.
      When I doubled checked myself and put together a WC draft that I could BB in 26, I realised I already had 6/8 I'd want. So essentially I was using WC to get in 2/3 defenders and a second GK. Defo not worth it in my situation.
      I think the danger of following the comments on here is that you follow the herd. But not every sheep in the herd has the same chips/players.

      I don't know when I'm going to WC/BB yet, but I'm going to be cautiously keeping it for later in the season!

      1. IRBOX ⚽
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Good lad.. you will prosper handsomely using this logical rationale

        1. Brimble82
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          My logical rationale is somewhat undermined by the fact I am already on a -4 and considering upgrading to a -8 for DGW25!
          But, thanks!

          1. DeadStarComing
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Still time to WC and save those hits 😉

            1. Brimble82
              • 6 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              Haha! That's exactly why I was running the rule over the WC!

      2. toerag
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        yes. this.

    7. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      it's entirely dependent on the team

    8. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I just felt like doing it.

    9. Qaiss
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Yeah, I still have Free Hit left and I’m wildcarding in 30/31. There are big fixture swings to come and I simply don’t want money on my bench for the rest of the season, or don’t want to take hits to remove it.

      1. Pegboy
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Money on the bench was a big factor in delaying my WC, as I have a pretty low team value.

        1. Qaiss
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          I’ve hated in recent weeks having Bamford (15 pts), DCL (12 pts) just sitting on my bench. So I thought to myself there’s no point wildcarding just to bench boost.

          I hope it pays off in the long term though as last week, if I had been wildcarding, I would have brought in Barnes and Aubameyang (C) for a one week punt.

    10. No Professionals
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      it's a difficult one. There is no right time to play a WC, some people will be targeting a week in the future, and the fact is that the template for that week will change many times.

      there is a risk that people hold on to wildcards and shed points in the meantime.

    11. The Tinkerman
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I don’t think I’ve wildcarded in second half of any season without keeping at least 5-6 players the same. Unless you are doing terribly you likely own a number of season keepers and have value tied up in them.

      1. The Tinkerman
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        For me this late wildcard is usually about improving the squad, and for this season (I’m without FH) it means I can setup now to get the best out of a number of consecutive double game weeks whilst also being able to field 8+ players in GW29.

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

        Great point this. A WC doesn't have to be about changing 10-15 players. You should always have 5-7 players you're happy with long term.

    12. The Train Driver
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Don't even argue with this guy, he just states his opinions and basically just calls you stupid if you disagree. It's the same on every post. Also seems to have severe anger issues and seems to think that one has accomplished something in life being a self proclaimed FPL "pro".

      1. No Professionals
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        good point

      2. IRBOX ⚽
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        I’m open for discussion and debate. Just because I have a strong point of view doesn’t make me a bad person or incorrect in my conviction. Too many snowflakes these days. Provide a valid counter argument and I’m all ears my boy

      3. noquarternt
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        100% this, been going on for years

      4. Sanchit
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        This

    13. Theo Walcat
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I've kept 5/15, managed to totally reorganise defence/GK for doubles and better fixtures going forward, restructured team to get kane, and get good coverage for this weeks Double. seems worth it

    14. Make Arrows Green Again
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      "Successful wildcard to bench boost?"
      *takes a long drag on a cheroot, looks into the middle distance* "Haven't heard that name in years"

    15. DeadStarComing
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I don't agree with the wording here. I don't think people are necessarily wasting their WC, just using it attack the upcoming game weeks. It's also more than GW26. They appear to be attacking DGW25/26, the potential DGW27/28, and set up partly for Blank 29.

      In previous seasons using the WC + BB combination has been a huge favourite and has been very successful. I'm not too sure what's changed this season? Is it simply because the fixtures aren't 100% locked in?

      1. Gomolon
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah, fixtures aren't officially confirmed so people are losing their minds, just trust the spreadsheet lol

        1. DeadStarComing
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          I can't help but think if all of the predicted fixtures were locked in as confirmed the WC (with a BB 26) would be a lot more popular this week.

      2. diesel001
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Has it been hugely successful to WC + BB? Yes, there have been occasions where it has worked, but that is also true of TC (Sanchez, Salah, Ageuro come to mind). I don't think a WC + BB is a guaranteed win like it is made out to be.

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

          Nothing is a guaranteed win in fpl.
          You just increase your chances to score more points.

    16. My Name Is Prince
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      When would you use it then?

    17. Trippier Hazard
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I've tried to build team value in 1st half of season (disastrously, but on 107 now) - so the WC BB combo doesn't have as disastrous an effect on the rest of the team. This season for me is showing form over fixtures is prevalent, so I'm less of a believer in fixture swings being the prompt for WC - plus keeping good form assets moving into difficult fixtures whilst others move the template turns those assets into differentials.

    18. Rover
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      It also depends on how you use the wildcard for the BB. I am using it to remove triple Burnley defence in Pope/Tark/Mee, and bench fodder like Forster/Douglas/Bissouma, as well as recent fixture gambles like Digne/King/Werner/Sterling.

      Then the question is whether you go to the template to consolidate or deviate to rise up. Personally I am looking at going against the template so it's a good time to WC when there are many other DGW options that are being ignored by the template.

    19. diesel001
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      The best time to WC, IMO, is when the form and fixtures is high for lots of players you don't have. If that falls into a period when you can BB then great. But no point using it just to BB.

    20. Sterling Archer
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Totally depends on the situation your teams in, i dont care a less about OR as it means absolutely nothing, i just want to win mini leagues!

    21. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Most teams look very similar and not really being used to pick up any differentials (e.g. KDB)
      Value of WC is being able to react to fixture swings, hence why WC31 is probably the best strategy

      1. IRBOX ⚽
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        My thoughts exactly mate

    22. Sharkytect
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      For me it's extra gw25 dgw players AS WELL as prepping the bench for dgw26

    23. ashluker1211
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Where can I find the expected DGW 26 teams? Cheers

    24. El Lobito 10
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      The arrogance of this post is astounding

  5. KDB United
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Was planning on WC 25 to BB 26 but hesitant without fixtures being announced.

    Current team

    Pope Martinez
    Cancelo Stones Mee Coufal Holding*
    Salah Bruno Son* Grealish Gundo
    Bamford Richarlson* Brewster*

    A. Wildcard (as I don’t think I would be able to use my BB without it)
    B. Holding + Rich > Dallas + Ings (-4)
    C. Son > Raphinha (allows rich to Kane 26)
    D. Any other ideas?

  6. TeddiPonza
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Which option is better this week?

    A. Grealish and Ayling
    B. Raphinha and DCL/Antonio (Digne if neither plays)

    Thanks.

    1. ElliotJHP
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      B & DCL

    2. KDB United
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      If you’ve no money tied up in grealish id get Raphinha in

  7. Bambi
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    How does my transfer plan sound?

    This gameweek: Antonio and DCL --> Kane and 4.3 for 2FT
    next gameweek: Soucek --> 6.8 mid (Barnes/Mount - which ever has dgwk)

    1. ElliotJHP
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Like it

    2. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Are you sure Kane is fit?

      1. Bambi
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        I think so

        1. Rupert The Horse
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Ok. The idea of a 4.3 just doesn’t sit well with me, but if you’re happy with that then go for it.

  8. ElliotJHP
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Will remain torn on Gundo and DCL. G2G?

    Areola
    Mee Cancelo Dallas
    Raph Gundo Salah Bruno Son
    Ings Bamford (c)

    Martinez DCL Stones Coufal

  9. The Reptile
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    McCarthy

    Stones – TAA – McGuire

    Son – Salah – Raphina – Bruno – Gundo

    Bamford Ings

    Steer - Lowton – Douglas - Brewster

    -4 taken 5.1 ITB

    Advice appreciated please, who do I bench? I want Lowton in v WBH so looking at Stones ATM – If Gundo is out that solves my headache

    Was going to WC but changed my mind

    1. ElliotJHP
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Think it is good as it stands

  10. ZAMUNDA
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Bench two:
    Dallas, Vestergaard, Cancelo, Mee, Coufal

    1. ElliotJHP
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Coufal and Mee

      1. ZAMUNDA
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        My current bench, but seeing Mee with WBA and Cancelo with ars makes me think twice

    2. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Berate hard and Coufal.

      1. ZAMUNDA
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Haha exactly

  11. DGW BBing: best strategy or problematic?
    Camzy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    All this WC talk is making me think that BB'ing GW1 is the best way to do it. You get a free wildcard to construct your team to just explode out the gates. Then you can do an early WC and setup your team for the rest of the season ditching 2nd GK and not having to worry about bench points.

    1. George Agdgdgwngo
      • 15 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      absouletly. So glad i used my BB in GW19.

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Prefer dgw

      1. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah but you're looking at all these DGW BBs that only have 1 DGW goalkeeper and that's it. And this is the abnormal season with extra doubles.

        In a normal-ish season we get only a few doubles so you rarely have doubling players anyway. Who even BBs with 15 doubles?

        1. Geoff
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Yeah, mine was no DGWers.

          Martinez, Coufal, TAA, Watkins.

          I love the idea of being able to do it in a DGW when I get 4 extra fixtures, but having 4 DGWers on the bench is impractical much of the time. Not only does it mean spreading the funds, it also means (often) not being prepared for future BGWs.

          GW26 and GW29 is the perfect example.

          Now I did have DGWers in my starting XI, and my bench was strong because some marginal players had DGWs. But I'll definitely consider mixing it up next season and playing it in a SGW if the opportunity comes up

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

          Many would have if it wasn't for the double this week ...

        3. Maine Man
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          I've had full squad (all 15) on double GW's in past season and used a bench boost. Worst points was in the 80's (s**t happens). Best was in the 140's though, so it can pay off

    3. The Tinkerman
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I tried that before due to the same logic, 2 seasons ago I think, worked out terribly. But hey, you might get luckier than me.

    4. thischarmingman
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Yes. This was my thinking before this season as well, but then I didn't follow through

    5. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Nah.

    6. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      No

    7. Silecro
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      GW1 BB and early WC is sooo asking for trouble...risk much higher than reward in my opinion

      1. Geoff
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        The thing is I usually WC GW3 anyway, so I'm not sure how bad a play it is.

        The bigger risk for me is not knowing how teams will lineup

    8. 7rjngs lollygagger
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Agreed

      Might have gone there this season bar the blanks in week 1- got distracted by all the talk of benching United 🙂

    9. Qaiss
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      But that bench boost could get you only 8/10 points possibly, which is a poor score.

      A wildcard is season defining.

    10. FPL Daniel
      • 15 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      but your budget is super low in gw 1

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 15 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        and you might not guess the starters

        1. Geoff
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Yeah, this is the bigger issue I think. Harder to know which budget options are playing. It does, of course, ultimately come down to fixtures as well

    11. Pukki Party
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Cons are that you only have 100m budget, and if you have more expensive bench players gw1 you are stuck with them for at least a few weeks as at the beginning of the season you want to use transfers on your starting 11. Can work if you commit to a say gw3 WC. Also i'd say BB26 would have been pretty good if there would have been fixture releases earlier.

      1. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        I'm gonna BB in 26. But I find myself compromising all over the place.

        1. Andy_Social
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          GW1 tends to be a bit too haphazard to commit a chip. No form, unexpected lineups etc.

          1. Kitman
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            This, looking back at my GW1 lineup i had;

            Alli
            Doherty
            Saliba
            Martial
            Ward-Prowse
            Aubameyang

            At the time all solid picks but looking back on it, horrendous!

    12. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Nabs Kebabs second account spotted

    13. Rover
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      It also depends on when you would normally play your 1st wildcard. If you're someone who plays it early around GW 2/3/4 then there is a big upside to BB in GW1.

      But I really don't like the early first wildcard and I've never played it before the 2nd international break, so it ends up being more around GW 10/11/12 in which case this strategy doesn't appeal as much.

    14. diesel001
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Personal view: Your WC should be used to set your team up for a number of GWs (medium term). It is not a one or two GW Free Hit. If, when you WC, the fixtures fall in your favour to BB at a future GW then great. But don't worry about using your WC just to BB.

      Can BB be a valuable chip? Absolutely. But it is not the be all and end all for a DGW.

    15. Ian J
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      If you can predict GW1 teams/players then could pay off, but preseason form is generally not a good indicator of form & this season we had a reduced preseason.
      DGW would in theory give more games, but we see players get injured in first or rotated, so you never get as many as you hope for.
      With planning it would be best to build for DGW BB then WC out to get your best 11.
      Advanced planning is tough this season.
      I’m glad I’ve played mine & can concentrate on best 11, though I got only 7 pts from BB - hope everyone has better luck

    16. 3 A
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Gw1?

    17. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Good idea but problem is team value and lacking knowledge about which of the cheap 4.0m etc. options will play
      This season was kind of exceptional due to the lack of several big teams in GW1 like Man City meaning you could have a full 15 squad with the budget

    18. Alberto Tomba
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Beautiful idea to remove WCstress, but - Uncertainty of starters

      Guessing benched 4.5m players (inc a Striker) who will start is high risk, It's hard enough getting 11 to start in GW1

    19. Sharkytect
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I normally start the season with at least 2 players benched who I didn't expect

    20. umerlfc
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      It's a sacrifice here and there with BB26
      But in GW19, had the Leeds/Soton fixture not get postponed, those who built for BB19 (including me) had a great squad to BB, and we'd not be having this conversation
      So it can be worked out if not all the high value performing players have a double (Like Kane and Son didn't in GW19) and many low value attractive picks have a double (Like Leeds/Soton originally did in GW19)
      In GW26, the issue is that we have everyone (Kane, Son, Salah, Bruno, Vardy, Sterling, KDB, etc) with doubles which makes it super difficult to role out a strong BB squad, and with Leeds/Soton having double in GW25, you'd probably have to use them in your BB and they don't double in that week so it is tough this season

    21. Jafalad
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      "Explode out of the gates" ???

      Gwk 1 is such a hazardous affair that I can not think of a worse time to play BB. Most are using their WC just to fix their teams at that point.

    22. MMN
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      The reason BB26 is not working out for all of us who saved FH and BB is because of this double in GW25. Otherwise, it could have been a monster bench for 26 if it wasn't for Leeds players playing twice this week.

  12. AC Yew
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    1- If you cant stretch to Ings worth bringing in Adams instead? I would be losing either DCL or Antonio?

    2- Dunk worth a -4?? would be replacement for Coufal.

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      No and no

  13. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Areola
    Cancelo Shaw Dallas
    Salah Fernandes Gundogan Raphinha Barnes
    Kane Bamford

    Martinez Watkins Dias Konsa

    Is this starting lineup right?

  14. Plagued by indecision
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Fairly set on Saka > Raphinha now I think. Leaves me with this:

    Pope
    Cancelo / Shaw / TAA
    Raphinha / Grealish / Salah / Gundo / Bruno (vc)
    Bamford (c) / DCL

    Subs: Martinez / Antonio / Stones / Bednarek

    Thoughts on bench, and bench order, and captaincy? I realise Bednarek has a double but defensively Southampton look like a liability.

  15. Silecro
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Worth doing this for free?

    Grealish, Antonio > Raphinha, Watkins

    I know Grealish> Raphinha is a bit sideways but it frees me a lot of funds to do something like Lowton>Digne next week.
    I'll play with 10 DGWers for GW26 (no bench boost)

  16. RamaJama
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Bench 2:

    A) Digne
    B) Coufal
    C) Dias
    D) Stones

    1. ElliotJHP
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      First two

    2. Stormbringer22
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      A + B

    3. CABAYE4
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      A and B

    4. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Cheers!

  17. neonmoth
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Hey guys,
    Team is:

    Pope

    Dias - Shaw - Dunk

    Son - Grealish - Salah - Bruno - Gundo

    DCL - Bamford (c)

    Bench:

    McCarthy - Rudiger - Stones - Brewster (lol, he'll be gone soon)

    I brought Shaw in this week, like his form and have decent bench options should Gundo or DCL not play.
    Appreciate the advice on this. Good to go?

  18. The Train Driver
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Egan out now as well, Fulham might score a few...

    1. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      see the new boy Maja involved alot as well.

  19. Stormbringer22
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Martínez
    Cancelo • Shaw • Dallas
    Salah • Sterling* • Bruno • Gundo
    DCL • Bamford(C) • Antonio*
    ---------------------------------
    Grealish - Coufal - Ferguson

    2FTs, £1.3itb

    A. Sterling > Raphina and save second FT
    B. Sterling + Antonio > Raphina + Kane for free

    Thanks chaps!

    1. CABAYE4
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      B for me

    2. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Like B also.

  20. CABAYE4
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Selling a DGWer seems wrong but I’ve been ready to get rid of Adams for weeks.

    A. Play Adams
    B. Get Ings (-4)
    C. Get Kane (-4)

    Thoughts?

    1. In a Rush
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      B for me

    2. Rbyrne95
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Same thoughts here tbh. Seems to not be starting now. Was planning taking him out next week for Kane but will have to wait and see.

      I'd say long term Kane.

  21. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Thinking of getting son and kane but the only way really is to remove salah. Worth it? Just seems crazy to remove salah who also has a dgw

    1. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Very silly

    2. CRO KLOPP
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I wouldnt,you can only captain one out of Son/Kane

    3. AC Yew
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      My dilemma not sure what to. Already got Son though.
      If you dont have Son i would probably just get Kane for now

    4. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Worth it. Did it.

    5. Brimble82
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I held Son/Kane through the rough patch whilst Kane was out.
      My rank took a hit, and I lost momentum.
      Really hoping 26 is a kickstart.

      If we go off BC's most likely games, Spurs are the only team that have a 'decent' double (admittedly double, double home games for City is obvs great) and such a high %age of Spurs goals involves K/S, or often both, that the reward is high.

      That said... Liverpool against SHU without Salah is pretty scary!

  22. CRO KLOPP
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    If they are all fit,I am thinking of going only Cancelo or Ederson on my WC from City. I know it sounds crazy with all dgw for them but here are my thoughts:
    - rotation nigtmare, with all players fit, Pep has cover on all positions
    - points spread, from Mahrez on 85 to Gundo on 123 there are 9 players
    - Champions league,I think with nice lead in PL and the fact that Pep never won CL with City,there are better chances that he plays his best 11 there
    - picking captain option from City will also be tough,with Kane and Bruno or Salah atleast you know they are nailed
    Maybe I will keep Gundo beacuse of value,but not going for 3rd City player defo

    1. JJO
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Gundo + Stones
      Cheap enough,just have some bench that will play

      1. CRO KLOPP
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        I agree mate

    2. FFSbet.com
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Yeah,if you go for their mid/attack its Gundo.

      Never owned him and did a lot of damage,even if rested no big problem with that price.

      Agree about captaincy,just sold Sterling and used TC on him last GW because i was pretty sure he will start both.

      Didnt pay off but cant see them as (C) material anymore,think even nailed KDB wont get full DGWs and will be managed imo.

      1. CRO KLOPP
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Yes,last couple of years,you could captain Aguero/Sterling,explosive options

  23. In a Rush
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Dias/Dallas/xxxx
    Play
    A. Stones
    B. Coufal
    C. Rudiger

    1. ElliotJHP
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      C

      1. In a Rush
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Cheers that’s who I’m on at the moment

    2. FFSbet.com
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      C

  24. Bambi
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    McCarthy or Ederson this gw?
    Surely has to be Ederson on form? McCarthy and saints look shaky at the back

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 15 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I would not be surprised McCarthy to be dropped soon

    2. Alonso The Great Midfielder
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      ederson
      dont trust southampton defender

  25. wonkeydonkey
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Still have WC, BB, TC. Should I roll a FT and line up like this...

    Pope (Martinez)
    Cancelo, Stones, Mee, (Cresswell, Targett)
    Salah, Bruno, Gundo, Raphinia (Soucek)
    Bamford, DCL, Watkins

    Planned moves:
    GW25: Burke -> Raph, could do Cresswell -> Dallas
    GW26: Bamford -> Kane

  26. FPL Daniel
    • 15 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Thank you for voting!
    Bamford
    56.91% (2,290 votes)

    Raphinha
    13.44% (541 votes)

    Fernandes
    8.57% (345 votes)

    Ings
    7.41% (298 votes)

    Dallas
    2.11% (85 votes)

    Who is your captain?

    1. ElliotJHP
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Paddy B

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

      You already ask me that and thanked me for that

  27. Alonso The Great Midfielder
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Pick one to not transfer in from
    a)Bamford
    b)Werner
    c)Kane

    1. DV8R
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      B

  28. EWH2020
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    A) Ederson and Targett
    B) Martinez and Dias

    I'm leaning towards (A) just think not having the rotation headache. Targett is quite attacking and could make up the difference

    1. 7rjngs lollygagger
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Ederson and Martinez to catch all the doubles and have great cover in 29, 30 and 33 when Ederson blanks or has Leicester away!

  29. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Pope
    Cancelo Stones Robertson
    Salah Fernandes Gundogan Raphinha
    Bamford DCL Ings

    Martinez Soucek Coufal Ferguson

    1 FT, 3.5 itb

    1. Use FT ??
    2. Save FT for DGW26

    Thanks.

  30. IRBOX ⚽
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Imagine buying Pope last GW, only to have Martinez outscore him last GW. What do you do? Play Pope (WBA) over Martinez (LEI) this GW? Martinez is due for a pen save off a sketchy Vardy from 12 yards. Going to end in tears again

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      hindsight is a wonderful thing

      1. IRBOX ⚽
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        I predicted it though...

        1. el polako
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Throw enough mud and some will stick...

        2. CRO KLOPP
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          What's your prediction rate?

          1. IRBOX ⚽
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            50% of the time I get it right 100% of the time

            1. Utopsis
              • 4 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              I like lamp

            2. toerag
              • 14 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              nice 😆

    2. thischarmingman
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I hate having two playing GK for this reason, that BB chip has given me so many benching headaches since I used it.

    3. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Here he is the top manager in the game with.....errr….is that one top 10k finish. Awkward

      1. IRBOX ⚽
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        We don’t count your early 2010’s as top 10k’s.. they are more like top 100k now. You were pretty terrible last season bloke so don’t throw too much shade

        1. Pat Bonner
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Lol come back when you've had a top 1k and I'll take you seriously. Think I'll be waiting a while though

          1. IRBOX ⚽
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            What? Another 12 GW’s... ok boomer

            1. internal error
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              He finished inside the top 1k when you had your best finish. You are in no position to discredit his history

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

          I thought last season didn't count? Or is it just your bad season that doesn't count

      2. ElChapo
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        oof, rest in peace.

    4. JonSnow
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      This was my GW haha

    5. battlecat
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I’m sticking with Martinez and benching Pope. Was a good shout at the time but didn’t work.

    6. The Train Driver
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I repeat:

      Don't even argue with this guy, he just states his opinions and basically just calls you stupid if you disagree. It's the same on every post. Also seems to have severe anger issues and seems to think that one has accomplished something in life being a self proclaimed FPL "pro".

      1. Number14
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        ah, all makes sense now