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. disarrays11
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Chillwel & Antonio ==>

    A) Ayling & Ings (DWG25, plays in GW29, already have Dallas)
    B) Taylor & Ings (DGW26?)
    C) other max 4.4m(?) & Ings

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

    Current WC set up
    Sanchez
    Dunk - Dallas - Shaw
    Raphinha - Barnes - Fernandes - Ward - Prowse
    Kane - Ings - Bamford
    SUBS
    Martinez - Targett - Smith Rowe - Cancelo
    6.2 ITB
    Plan to do JWP to KDB next week
    Anything you would change?

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

      You're missing Maupay 😉

      Neat enough. KdB could be a great call.

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

      Am I missing something with the Brighton players? I know theyve been tight but no double fixtures right?

      Team looks good tho mate.

      1. No Professionals
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        they play in blank 29, so a bit of future proofing.

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

          Got ya ... I have kind of written that week off!

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

      Not BB next week I presume?

    4. Mcgugan
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Depends if you are Free Hit in 29 or bench boost in 26, but you have 2 keepers playing in 29 - likely not needed. If Bench boost in 26 i'd swap Sanchez.

      Dias > Cancelo in my opinion since you'll get more double starts in the doubles, but that's opinion obviously.

      I also wouldn't book a transfer since that will almost certainly cost you 4 points later in preping for 29.

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

    Which one?

    1. Tarko Robo to Dallas Shaw -4, next week Stephens Antonio to Barnes Kane -4

    2. Robo Stephens to Dallas/Shaw Raph -4, next week Raph Antonio to Barnes Kane -4

    1. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      2

  4. Bury94
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    53 minutes

    1. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      until what?

      1. Pulp Minion
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        16:00 - and possible announcement of GW 26 fixtures

        1. Scholes Out For Summer
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Oh I see

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

    Worth it remove Bruno F and put in Raphina?

    I already have Bamford.

    1. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      what. Sell Bruno for Raph????

    2. The Ejiptian King
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      No.

    3. Torres76
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Crazy move

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

      That's silly Jimmy.

    5. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      step away from the glue

    6. GoonerSteve
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Removing Bruno F??

      Are you mad?

  6. Viper
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    A. Keep DCL. Save FT

    B. DCL - > Ings. No hit.

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

      I did Rich->Ings for free
      yes from me

    2. School of Poch
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Considering same, currently on A cos I'm not WC between now and 26BB and DCL double could be better

  7. Torres76
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Bottomed

    According to Ben Crellin on Twitter, following teams will be having a DGW in 26. Wondering already who to pick from each team..

    MCI
    AVL
    TOT
    EVE
    BUR
    MUN
    CRY
    LEI
    LIV
    CHE
    WOL

    Choices, choices

    1. jbenny1107
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      3 MCI
      3 AVL
      2 TOT
      2 MUN
      2 LEI
      1 LIV
      2 LEE

    2. Hybrid.power
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Free hit for me.

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

      :O

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

    Anyone else with WC FH and BB going to abandon the WC this week to set up for the BB in gw 26?

    A Abandon
    B use WC to set up for BB with predicted fixtures

    1. Saka Punch
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      B

    2. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A

    3. zdrojo187
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      B

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

    Play Gundo og Watkins?

    1. tbos83
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I'm going gundo

  10. Milk, 1 Šuker
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Sterling starts v Arsenal?

    1. Dion D's Solo Shower
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      He should, yeah.

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        He won't imo. I am an owner

    2. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      tricky, you could argue that Foden, Bilva and Mahrez all look like they are in better form (eye test).

    3. Arlo2103
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Highly unlikely and I’m an owner

  11. jdp219
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Bench?
    1) DCL
    2) Grealish
    3) Gundo

  12. Ronnies
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Gundogan >> Raphinha

    Free transfer and reverse the transfer in GW26 ?

    Cheers.

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

      for free? yeah probably--if you don't have Soucek to sell.

    2. Torres76
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Selling Gundo for Raphinha for -4 and 0.1m loss. Reasons as follows

      -Only trained one day this week
      -KDB back and needs minutes
      -CL next week

      Fingers crossed it works out..

    3. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yeah for me

  13. Weilong7
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    which one to play?
    1) DCL
    2) Antonio
    3) go 4-5-1 (bamford)

    which one to bench?
    A) Targett
    B) Coufal

    thanks!

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

    Antonio >> Ings?

    McCarthy
    Dallas, Cancelo, Tarko
    Son, Bruno, Gündo*, Raphina
    Bamford(C), Antonio*, DCL
    (Pope, Dias, Coufal, Soucek)

    1. hustler7
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yes

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

      Or Kane?

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

      This is likely to be one of my transfers. So yes.

    4. estheblessed
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Thats what i did 😉

  15. hustler7
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Who would you bench out of Cancelo & Gundo?

    Pope
    Dallas Rudiger Dias
    Gundo Salah Bruno Son
    Ings Cavani Bamford

    McCarthy Cancelo Soucek Mitchell

    Or someone else?

  16. Dion D's Solo Shower
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Captain:

    A) Bamford

    B) Bruno

    Can see the appeal with Bammy's double fixture, but surely Bruno against NEW will result in points?

    1. Jimbo-Jones
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Same dilemma. I might go Bamford just because so many others will. Could be a rank-killer if he hauls - made the mistake last week by captaining Sterling over Gundo.

  17. Tabasco
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Fixtures not out yet I know but looking at two different options:

    Martinez / Forster
    Mee / Dallas / Stones / Cancelo / Coufal
    Saka / Salah / Sterling / Fernandes / Son
    Bamford / Antonio / Watkins

    2 FT, all chips

    A) Sterling & Antonio to Gundogan & Kane and TC Kane GW26
    B) WC to get in KDB, Kane, Raphina, Barnes, Dias, Sanchez etc. and BB GW26

    Not sure if it's worth doing Stones to Shaw/Dunk as well as Laporte and Aké are coming back for City

  18. mr messi
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Antonio or Taylor first sub if I play 2 City defenders?

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

      Antonio - higher ceiling

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

    Ings or Kane?

    A. Antonio to Ings in 25 and Ings to Kane in 26 (can't afford Barnes in 26 without - 4 hit)
    B. Antonio to Kane
    C. Other suggestion

    Plan to TC26, WC30/31, FH33

    2FT 5.7itb
    Pope
    Cancelo Stones Cresswell
    Salah Bruno Gundo Raphinha
    Bamford Antonio DCL
    (Martinez Soucek Digne Holding)

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

      Same dilemma with only 1FT so will watch with interest the replies

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

        haha I hope I get some replies!

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

        What are your thoughts on Ings Vs Kane for this GW? Will Ings get an attacking return against Chelsea? Chelsea defence hasn't been tested by a decent team yet. How many goals will he get against Leeds? Will Ings vs Leeds outscore Kane vs WHU?

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

          That’s the whole discussion and I just do not know. Doubles always get me more excited haha

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

            I know and I hate making a late call with transfers. I think for you, you can easily roll the FT whereas I have 2 and need to use one of them

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

              Surely Ings and Kane both outscore Antonio though? So I’m also tempted to make one of the moves

    2. jonnybhoy
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A

  20. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Pick 3 to bench :

    Stones Tarkowski Soucek Antonio Sterling

    Or BB?

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Currently Antonio and Sterling are starting but I am not confident

      1. Scholes Out For Summer
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Antonio will start imo

    2. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Soucek to someone for a hit and BB

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

      Potentially BB to get it out the way. Soucek,Tark and Stones

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        I am scared of City players not starting and Antonio not starting. I might get JWP for a hit and BB

        1. FPL Daniel
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          But the rotation scares me

          1. Scholes Out For Summer
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            think about it this way - if cancelo and gundo both dont start, it doesnt affect your benched players, unless you want to bench them from your team

        2. FPL Daniel
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          I can't afford Soucek to JWP

  21. Pulp Minion
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Keeper for this GW

    1) McCarthy
    2) Pope

    2 games vs Popes normal 8 pointer (DGW fever)

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

      1

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

      Chelsea will probably score.
      I assume you have Leeds arrests that you hope score.
      I'd play Pope.

  22. UpTheCherries
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    WC/BB team GTG fellas?

    McCarthy/Areola Martinez
    Robbo Cancelo Stones ElMo Struijk
    Salah Bruno Barnes Gundo Raphinha
    Kane Ings Watkins

    0.1ITB Thoughts greatly appreciated 🙂

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

    I was planning Antonio to Kane next week, but considering doing it now and benching Gundo or DCL.
    What do we think?

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

      I’m doing either Antonio to Ings or Kane. Just can’t decide

  24. Sean
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Put these 3 in order for this GW

    1) DCL
    2) Antonio
    3) Gundo

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

      1, 3, 2

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

        Cheers

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

      Order for what? To bench? To start? Most predcited points?

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

        1 will be starting other 2 is bench order

  25. zotter
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Just wildcarded to this...

    A. All good?
    B. Bench right?

    Thanks

    Martinez
    Cancelo. Dallas. White
    Gundo. Salah. Bruno. Raphinha
    Bamford. Werner. Kane

    Fabri. Grealish. Rudi. Targett

    1. jbenny1107
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Werner has a horrible DGW. Get Watkins or DCL. If Watkins, Grealish to Barnes.

  26. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Will Aston Villa have a double GW in 26 ?

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

      Should do

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

      95-99% chance

  27. WVA
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Any news on Gundogan and Antonio?

    1. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      gundo joined in part or training, doesn't sound that promising IMO.

    2. Hooky
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yes. Both touch and go

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

      Both been training, Gundogan not a full session.

  28. shirtless
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    My bench of Pope Romeu Coufal Konsa worries me. Smells of a wasted bench boost opportunity but I can’t trust Sterling, Jesus, Antonio or McCarthy to start!

    1. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Romeu is a guranteed 1 pointer

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

      There is no keeper in the world I would play over Pope home v West Brom

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

        I fancy Sam’s mob to score after last weeks result

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

          I'm guessing your other keeper is Martinez? Leicester are far far better than West Brom

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

            McCarthy

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

      I think you're safe to assume that you'll get a better BB opportunity than that shower of sheet

    4. shirtless
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Three home defenders though. Could be 18 there.

  29. King Kohli
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Who would you have 1st sub if Gundo doesn't play?

    A. Mee
    B. Che Adams

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

      A

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

      A

  30. Kane Train
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Best cheap 5th mid for DGW

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

      raf

    2. Dion D's Solo Shower
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Romeu

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

      Jorginho unfortunately

    4. Easy Cheesy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Reed if ful double. Or jorghino

    5. Jimbo-Jones
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Raph, Soucek, Saka