Pro Pundits

The best Antonio replacements ahead of West Ham’s fixture swing

Despite Michail Antonio’s (£6.6m) recent form, West Ham’s fixture swing means I am considering who to replace him with for Double Gameweek 25.

In Double Gameweek 19 he delivered 18 points for managers who decided to gamble on his fitness but there are alternatives with better fixtures now and I think this is the correct timing to part ways with Antonio.

So, in this article, I will take a deep look at the pros and cons of the players I identified as the best Antonio replacements and the two possible strategies I am considering. But first, a quick recap of how Gameweek 24 affected my team and my overall ranking…

DOUBLE GAMEWEEK 24 REVIEW

Can Jesse Lingard follow up on his West Ham debut FPL haul 10

As an alternative, I considered getting Danny Ings (£8.4m) for Antonio, who was recovering from injury and was considered a doubt for his home match against Sheffield United. I decided against this option because it was too risky to sell Antonio ahead of such an easy fixture and I wanted one more week to assess several forwards before deciding who would be the best option to replace the West Ham striker. 

Regardless of how impressive Antonio has been lately, a lack of Double Gameweeks coupled with tough fixtures and recurrent injuries, means he is one of the weakest links in my team at the moment. Considering that his ownership in the top 10k was roughly 60% in Double Gameweek 24, I assume many other Fantasy managers are in the same boat, so let’s take a closer look at some of the best forwards available right now.

harry kane fpl injury return spurs west brom gameweek 23

HARRY KANE (£11.0m) – The main appeal of Kane is the strong possibility of an excellent Double Gameweek 26, when Tottenham Hotspur will face Burnley (home) and probably either Fulham (away) or Southampton (home). Many managers are already planning on using their triple captain chip on the Spurs striker and it will be a scary proposition to go without such an explosive asset when his ownership will be so big.


However, in my case, going for Kane is only possible if I decide to downgrade one of Mohamed Salah (£12.6m), Bruno Fernandes (£11.5m) or Son Heung-min (£9.5m), which is something I am reluctant to do. After all, these three players will also probably play twice in Gameweek 26 and every single one of them can easily outscore Kane. All in all, I do not think I am willing to perform major surgery in my squad just to fit Kane in unless, of course, some of my players get injured between now and the Gameweek 26 deadline.

JAMIE VARDY (£10.1m) – Just like Kane, Vardy might be a bit too expensive to fit into my plans without compromising the rest of my squad too much but after watching another stellar performance from the Leicester City legend at the King Power Stadium against Liverpool, in which he accumulated an impressive total of 1.27 expected goals (xG) from five shots, he deserves at least to be considered for the third spot in my forward line.

However, with two away matches against Aston Villa and Brighton in either side of a potential Double Gameweek 26, there is not much else in favour of Vardy other than his impressive display against the defending champions. Will he and the Foxes be able to carry their form going forward? It is impossible to know and I think I am not willing to pay Vardy’s hefty price to find out when there are several other cheaper options with better short-term fixtures.

 1

DANNY INGS – There is a decent chance that Southampton will have two Double Gameweeks in the near future and possibly even three. As usual, whenever the Saints’ schedule looks appealing, Ings is the player to target considering how miles ahead he is in terms of attacking threat when compared to any of his teammates. Che Adams (£5.8m) was a notable exception in the first half of this season but he does not seem to be nailed anymore so everyone’s attention is back on Ings.

Looking at his schedule and the possibility of several Double Gameweeks, it is hard to argue against Ings as an option but in 2020/21, he hasn’t quite reached his levels of last season, both in underlying statistics and actual output. However, his form seems to be improving after three good performances in the last few weeks (including a goal in the FA Cup at the Molineux Stadium) and he is someone I am strongly considering as my Antonio replacement.

DOMINIC CALVERT-LEWIN (£7.7m) – After missing the last two matches due to injury and with the Merseyside derby scheduled for Saturday, Calvert-Lewin is not on my plans for Gameweek 25. Although, there is the option of benching Antonio this Gameweek and then getting the Toffees’ striker for his possibly amazing Double Gameweek 26, in which he will have two great opportunities to add more goals to his already impressive tally of 13 for the season.

There is also the chance he will get another Double Gameweek before Gameweek 29 and if it is confirmed, it will be hard to ignore the young Everton star.

PATRICK BAMFORD (£6.9m) AND OLLIE WATKINS (£6.5m) – They would be my top priorities to replace Antonio if they were not in my team already. Bamford will be my captain this week and I am happy to hold Watkins given his kind pricing and the fact that he always plays 90 minutes for an exciting Aston Villa team.

CONCLUSION

If I decide to sell Antonio this week, Ings seems to be the obvious choice. Kane and Vardy would require a downgrade elsewhere and Calvert-Lewin has a tough fixture at Anfield Road while Ings plays twice and the match against Leeds United on Tuesday seems destined for goals.

However, I am not sure Ings is the best option to hold after Gameweek 25, so there is still the possibility that I decide to keep (and probably bench) Antonio one more week and then switch him to Calvert-Lewin, Kane or Vardy ahead of Double Gameweek 26.

This will be a late decision for me, since there is still the chance that future Double Gameweeks are officially announced before Friday’s deadline. At the same time, press conferences can always throw some curveballs at us, so it is hard to know what the best course of action is at the moment I am writing this article.

If I would have to guess, I would say it is likely I will gamble with Ings this week and then try to switch him next week to Calvert-Lewin but, as we know, planning transfers beyond the current Gameweek rarely works so I will have to give this option a bit more thought.

1,460 Comments Post a Comment
  1. BHA_Seagull
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Would you take a -4 in order to do
    Kane Antonio OUT
    Ings Bamford IN
    ?

    1. Prison Mike
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Why would you take Kane out?

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

      Never kane out

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

      No. Antonio to Bam?

    4. thegaffer82
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I'm bringing Kane in for the DGW's that he is owed

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

      Twice as many bites for 2 players.
      I've pulled the trigger as I have Son for cover and will try and get Kane back in 2 wks

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

      yes

  2. Prison Mike
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Stones still nailed? Or too risky now with Laporte back?

    1. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Not nailed no, will rotate with Laporte

    2. thegaffer82
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I'm considering leaving him out on WC -

      Though the general consensus on here seems to be to keep him.

      I think he's still 1st choice (just behind Dias), but with Laporte there, I can see him missing around 1 in every 3 games or thereabouts

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

    Would you use BB with this bench?

    McCarthy (CHE, lee)
    Adams (CHE, lee) or Watkins (LEI)
    Stones (ars)
    Rudiger (sou)

    1. mrpink32
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yes

  4. Bubz
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    I am set for the GW I think. Quick quality check from the FFS faithful please?

    Pope
    Cancelo, Robertson, Dallas
    Sterling, Bruno, Rashford, Grealish, Raphinha
    Bamford(C), Ings(vc)

    4.0, Lowton, Cresswell, Brewster (1.5itb, 0ft, no hit)

    Only decision really is whether I play Lowton/Cressy over either one of Robbo/Cancelo. Opting not to right now as Robbo/Cancelo have higher ceilings I think.

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

      All good Bubz

    2. Big Ronnie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yeah I'd say you have the right set up

    3. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Looks good.. Don't know why i prefer ings/raph over bamford for captaincy

  5. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    As a Leeds fan I love the attention the Leeds players are getting and people talking about captaining and triple captaining them . Note of caution. Wolves will be a tough nut to crack at home. Don't see many goals. Leeds at home to Southampton could be a bit better but again we're very hit and miss at the minute so don't be too disappointed if the whole thing goes tits up. Hopefully it won't but don't say you haven't been warned.Have a great game week.

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

      Cheers Minnion and enjoy the ride 😀

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

      Maybe Ings C is the way to go, as they play against Leeds?

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

      I would go Ings captain if not for his injury record.

  6. Weak Become Heros
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Antonio pictured in training on WH latest insta post FYI.

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Nice

    2. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Hmm is spurs a good game for him?

      1. Weak Become Heros
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        He loves to play Spurs. Very fond memories of him scoring against them.

        I also recall Dier saying Antonio is the toughest opponent he has ever played against in the prem given his workrate and strength.

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

          Nice info....thanks!

  7. Jet5605
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Start 3 from these

    A - Stones
    B - Robbo
    C - Gundo
    D - DCL
    E - Antonio

  8. cylus11 ( Manager) - Russia…
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Which is the correct bench
    1. Sterling, Watkins, Soucek
    2. Watkins, Sterling, Soucek

    Thoughts pls

    1. Prison Mike
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I wouldn’t be benching sterling but A

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

      Don't bench sterling

  9. Prison Mike
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Question:

    If we don’t get confirmation of the DGW 26 fixtures, are you still going to activate the wildcard?

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

      No

    2. Sid1891
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      depends on your team
      I haven't got WC but I would knowing fixtures

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

      Nah too risky I think

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

    Thoughts on this WC please

    Martinez, (3.9)
    Dias, Dallas, Konsa, Taylor, White
    Salah, KDB, Fernandes, Gundogan, Raphinha
    Kane, Bamford, Watkins

    No BB, GW 26 - 10 DGWs + White vs WBA, TC Kane maybe

    Bit top heavy/injury punty but don't think rivals will have this combo of players
    80 points behind in mini league, need to do something to make up the ground

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

      Looks good

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

    Get rid of Dier for a hit?

    Will be for either Dunk or Vestegaard(if multiple DGWs confirmed).

    Have Dallas.

    Thanks.

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

      Do you have a bench? Probably not for a hit

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

        I will bench Digne, Dier and Watkins this GW. But I am not to certain that both my City defenders will start. So might start Dunk or Vestegaard and bench Stones.

    2. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yay

  12. waltzingmatildas
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Who scores more this gw?
    A) ings (-4)
    B) dcl
    C) antonio
    D) stones

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

      B

    2. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A or D

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

      A

  13. wulfrunian
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    *bottomed
    If Lei and ManUtd have a dgw26 would you prefer to have Castagne or Shaw?

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

      Shaw

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

      Shaw

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

      Cheers

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

    Is Dallas a really bad captain choice if I also own Bamford and Raphinha.
    He's only been playing as out and out midfielder for few weeks so stats might not tell full story. Also while Leeds don't keep many clean sheets they have still kept 7.

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

      I wouldn't go Dallas captain.

      1. Ginkapo FPL
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        You have mastered the art of conversation there

    2. Jet5605
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      He's behind Bam and Raph in the pecking order primarily because of slim cleanie hopes

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

      Phillips out (i think?) is bad news for CS potential, so it's a no from me.

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

        Thanks, yeah Philips out is what's holding me back.

  15. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Mourinho says he doesn’t know when the villa game will be played

    Dgw fail

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

      Dial Up?

    2. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      14 minutes to go

    3. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      That's more BGW29 fail, not DGW fail

  16. KAALI_DAAL
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Sterling to Raph for free?

    Will have to upgrade to Son if DGW is announced next GW.

    Already have Gundo

  17. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Best combo?

    A. Kane+Gundo
    B. Antonio+Salah
    C. Antonio+Gundo (saving an FT)

  18. BHA_Seagull
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Start 2 of 3
    Foden
    Maddison
    Grealish
    ?

    1. Jet5605
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Mad & Grealish

  19. Jet5605
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Start 3 from these: Already starting Cancelo

    A - Stones
    B - Robbo
    C - Gundo
    D - DCL
    E - Antonio

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

      BCD

  20. BenMoran25
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Having some doubts over which move to make ahead of the DGW and would appreciate some opinions. Current squad is:

    Martinez - Pope
    Cancelo - Digne - Wan-Bissaka - Justin - Coufal
    Fernandes - Sterling - Gundo - Barnes - Grealish
    DCL - Bamford - Watkins

    I'd like to get another Leeds player in today, but unsure where to put him. I think the defence has too much money in it, especially with Justin injured, but I don't have faith in the Leeds defence. Raphinha is my preferred choice, but stuck between getting rid of Barnes or Grealish.

    Any insight would be much appreciated!

  21. mark_3013
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Start Martinez or McCarthy?

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

      McCarthy

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

        this is a great username, big respect.

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

          how are you posting in jail?

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

          Cheers 🙂

  22. abaalan
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    On WC, BB26, baring in mind my bench will be strong for BB:
    Ayling (4.4) or Struijk (3.9)?
    White (4.4) or Burn (4.2)?

  23. Heisenberg W. W.
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Quick picks

    A. Goalkeeper
    1. Pope (WBA)
    2. McCarthy (CHE+LEE)

    B. Defender
    1. Konsa (LEI)
    2. Coufal (TOT)

    (C)APTAIN
    1. Bruno
    2. Bamford
    3. Ings

  24. Corona is not good 4 U
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    What does it depend on whether Soupthamton has two games in week 26?

  25. THEKID_88
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    On a WC & i'm stuck whether to get Kane now or get Ings and transfer him out next week for Harry. What are people's opinion on this?

  26. Ginkapo FPL
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    "Fixture swing", what a tease

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

    Having Bamford + Dallas + Struijk makes me to abandon idea of taking in Raphinha with 1FT?

    Alternatives:

    A. Brewster => Kane FT
    B. Brewster => Ings FT
    C. Save

  28. The Mighty Whites
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Dias or Antonio 1st on bench??

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

      ant

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

    PLAY ONE

    GRELISH
    TAA

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

      grealish

  30. ChickenTikkaMoSalah
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    A) Antonio to Ings, bench DCL
    B) Start DCL