Scout Squad

The Scout Squad’s best FPL players for Gameweek 31

The Scout Squad panel are back to champion the stand-out picks for Gameweek 31.

For those new to this feature, Fantasy Football Scout editor David, deputy editor Neale, video content manager Andy and Pro Pundit Tom each put forward an 18-man long-list of players and explain their notable inclusions and omissions below.

The assets listed will then be narrowed down to a squad of 15 (with the starting XI not exceeding a total cost of £83.0m) for the weekly Scout Picks selection ahead of the FPL deadline at 18:30 GMT on Friday.

In each writer’s squad, there are requirements for at least:

  • One goalkeeper costing £5.0m or less
  • One sub-£5.0m defender
  • One midfielder listed at £6.5m or below
  • One forward priced at £7.5m or lower

Each panelist is also restricted to no more than three players from the same team, as is the case in FPL.

We will again be adding a captaincy to the Scout Picks, with details of that revealed on Friday.

DavidNealeTomAndy
GKEdouard MendyNick PopeEdersonNick Pope
Bernd LenoBerno LenoEdouard MendyEdouard Mendy
Robert SánchezAlphonse AreolaBernd LenoBernd Leno
DFTrent Alexander-ArnoldTrent Alexander-ArnoldTrent Alexander-ArnoldTrent Alexander-Arnold
César AzpilicuetaMarcos AlonsoCésar AzpilicuetaMarcos Alonso
Luke ShawAymeric LaporteJoão CanceloCesar Azpilicueta
Matthew LowtonKurt ZoumaRob HoldingJoão Cancelo
Lucas DigneCedric SoaresMatthew LowtonRob Holding
MFMohamed SalahRaheem SterlingMohamed SalahMohamed Salah
Raheem SterlingDiogo JotaRaheem SterlingRaheem Sterling
Bruno FernandesBukayo SakaBruno FernandesPierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Diogo JotaLeandro TrossardDiogo JotaDiogo Jota
Mason MountRaphinhaBukayo SakaPedro Neto
FWChris WoodHarry KaneHarry KaneGabriel Jesus
Harry KaneKelechi IheanachoDanny IngsChris Wood
Matej VydraChris WoodJamie VardyDanny Ings
Danny WelbeckRicharlisonChris WoodHarry Kane
Kelechi IheanachoMbaye DiagneDanny WelbeckJamie Vardy

Most popular picks: Bernd Leno, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Raheem Sterling, Diogo Jota, Chris Wood, Harry Kane (four), Edouard Mendy, Cesar Azpilicueta, Mohamed Salah (three)

DAVID SAID

I personally think Chelsea’s 5-2 defeat to West Bromwich Albion was a blot on an otherwise impressive defensive copybook under Thomas Tuchel, so I have no qualms in selecting three of their players this week, including Edouard Mendy and César Azpilicueta. Over the last six matches, the Blues remain the Premier League’s best team for expected goals conceded (xGC) and, on Saturday, they face a Crystal Palace side who have registered the second-fewest shots on target during the same period.

Meanwhile, Trent Alexander-Arnold appears to be on the way back into fashion based on his recent performances. Over the last six matches, no FPL defender has played more key passes, created more big chances or recorded a higher score for expected goal involvement (xGI).

Luke Shaw is a close second on the key pass metric over the same period, while Lucas Digne ranks third. Ahead of facing a porous Newcastle outfit, Burnley right-back Matthew Lowton is joint-top with Alexander-Arnold for most big chances among defenders over the last six.

During that same period, Mohamed Salah is best among all midfielders for expected goals non-penalty (xG non-pen), which is particularly ominous considering he also takes Liverpool’s spot-kicks. I have doubled up with his colleague Diogo Jota, who always appears dangerous whether or not he starts matches for the Reds.

Selecting a Manchester City asset for Gameweek 31 was made harder by Pep Guardiola’s most recent Champions League line-up. I would love to have included Kevin De Bruyne considering his potential to expose Leeds from set pieces but I am concerned about his game-time now.

Raheem Sterling was an unused substitute against Borussia Dortmund and has started none of the last three Premier League matches. In any other team, that would be seen as cause to overlook such an expensive player, but it does suggest the England international starts against Leeds, probably on the left-hand side of a front three. Over their last six, Marcelo Bielsa’s men have conceded 20 chances down their right flank, which is more than they have allowed from the left and middle zones.

Chris Wood and Matej Vydra are two of my favourite forwards for Gameweek 31. The former has netted in each of his last three matches, while Vydra has two goals and one assist in his last four. This week, they face a Newcastle defence that has conceded at least two goals in nine of their last 13 Premier League matches.

Danny Welbeck has returned in each of his last three appearances and over the last six matches, is fourth-best in the entire Premier League for minutes per xGI.

NEALE SAID

As one of the few Manchester City players who hasn’t started a competitive match since the international break, Raheem Sterling looks well positioned for a run-out against Leeds this weekend. That’s half the battle with Pep Guardiola’s side: we know there’ll probably be a haul or two in the offing in any given Gameweek, it’s just attempting to second-guess who will be taking to the field on a week-to-week basis.

It’s not just the likelihood of starts that’s in Sterling’s favour, however, as he racked up an impressive 17 penalty box touches, five goal attempts and five key passes when these two sides met in the very open reverse fixture.

Raphinha is also included for Saturday’s game, as the City back four (or five) may well be disrupted again with one eye on next Wednesday’s return match against Borussia Dortmund. Ruben Dias never looks as settled when he’s alongside Aymeric Laporte as when he’s paired with John Stones, while I relish the prospect of Leeds’ chance-creating, trigger-happy Brazilian coming up against Benjamin Mendy (who was admittedly pretty good at Leicester) down the City left.

Just to cover all bases, I’ve actually plumped for Laporte as one of my defensive selections – although this is as much to do with his dormant goal threat and Leeds’ chronic inability to defend set plays as it is faith in City’s backline, who have conceded in each of their last four home league games.

Newcastle are another side who have a weakness in the air, which should be music to the ears of Chris Wood. I think the Magpies’ clash with Burnley will be more open than many are expecting, as Steve Bruce looks to be throwing caution to the wind (note their impressive expected goals tally of 4.03 against Spurs). With the typically profligate Joelinton up top and Callum Wilson still a doubt, the chances may not be converted into goals – and so Nick Pope could turn in one of his multi-save specials that have been in short supply of late.

I also think there could be goals at Brighton, with Everton potentially vulnerable through their injury-hit core.

Albion have been impressive from a defensive perspective of late but the Toffees’ away record is equally positive, with six wins arriving in their last eight on the road. Only an inspired Vicente Guaita stood between Richarlison and FPL attacking returns on Monday night, while no FPL asset has had more shots in the box than the Brazilian in their last six matches.

Mikel Arteta’s team selection on Thursday will likely dictate which Arsenal players make their way into the Scout Picks on the following day but after an injury-enforced three-week breather, Bukayo Saka will be champing at the bit for game-time. No Arsenal player has had more shots than the young winger in their last six appearances, while Sheffield United have the second-worst record for conceding chances from their left flank when filtered by the same criteria – let’s just hope that the versatile Saka isn’t covering for the injured Kieran Tierney at full-back.

TOM SAID…

Ederson and João Cancelo are my picks from the Manchester City defence in Gameweek 31. Predicting Pep Guardiola’s line-up is never usually a good idea but the goalkeeper should be nailed-on to start, while Cancelo’s rest last weekend means he could feature at right-back. Further forward, I’m not convinced anyone from Tuesday’s starting XI is safe, which leads me to Raheem Sterling, who makes the cut based on his recent breathers.

We could see a bit of rotation at Liverpool, too, but I’m not convinced there will be wholesale changes. Jürgen Klopp’s side are still in the hunt to qualify for the Champions League and a win against Aston Villa could see them move into fourth position before the sides around them play. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah are my top picks in their respective categories, while budget option Diogo Jota is getting hard to ignore. 

Meanwhile, Arsenal look a good team for bargain hunting this week. Despite a poor showing against Liverpool last time out, their form since Boxing Day has generally been good, with the Gunners winning eight and drawing four of their last 16 Premier League games, I’ve selected Bernd Leno, Rob Holding and Bukayo Saka, but their inclusion may well hinge on how many minutes they are afforded in the Europa League on Thursday. Calum Chambers and Martin Ødegaard are equally good alternatives if rotation does become a concern, though.

Elsewhere, Chelsea duo Edouard Mendy and César Azpilicueta, plus heavy-hitters Bruno Fernandes and Harry Kane, are obviously decent options this week, so I’ll dedicate a bit more time to some of my other picks.

Burnley have been very un-Burnley like in recent matches. They have been much more creative and attacking, and take on a poor Newcastle United side on Sunday. Chris Wood has three goals in as many run-outs, while Matthew Lowton ranks joint-fifth amongst all defenders for chances created over the last six Gameweeks.

I’m also backing Danny Ings, who gets another call-up following his inclusion in Gameweek 30. Just by having him and Theo Walcott back in the starting XI last weekend, Southampton looked like a different team. It’s hard to imagine West Bromwich Albion keeping him quiet, especially as they will have to commit bodies forward in an attempt to avoid relegation.

The squad is completed by forwards Jamie Vardy and Danny Welbeck.

ANDY SAID

I did consider putting Leandro Trossard ahead of Pedro Neto in this squad but looking at recent matches, Neto is ahead across the board with six shots in the box (versus two) and eight chances created (versus three). I’m still not sure how Trossard managed two double-digit hauls recently. Fulham have conceded 5.82 expected goals (xG) in that same time period, and I don’t think they’re as watertight as many others do. 

Even with Matej Vydra starting the last six matches, I can’t put him in as my budget option ahead of Chris Wood given that the latter is absolutely nailed and on penalties. He’s also had 13 shots in his last half-dozen appearances, compared to 10 for Vydra. The Czech international is a great Wildcard enabler, but not someone I’d choose over the tried-and-tested Wood.

You could probably make a very good case to include Kelechi Iheanacho over Jamie Vardy. Over the last six matches, there isn’t much that the latter wins out on. Iheanacho has had six more shots and three more efforts in the box, he’s created four more opportunities and he’s had four more big chances – all of that in 71 fewer minutes. Vardy, however, comes with guaranteed starts and penalties, so I can’t overlook him in this case.

Only an idiot would continue to try and second-guess Pep Guardiola, and that’s exactly what I keep on doing. With another important Champions League tie to come next week, there’s going to be more rotation against Leeds, which feels like a fixture we can’t ignore. With João Cancelo missing the Leicester game, and both Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling sitting out the first leg against Borussia Dortmund, they are surely near the top of the list when it comes to a start against the Whites. I can’t believe the reverse fixture ended 1-1 and feel this will be one of the highest-scoring games of the week, with whoever features in with a shout of a big FPL points total.

612 Comments Post a Comment
  1. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Hi all!!! Would you WC this team? Possible WC team below... still got BB for possibly 32.

    Martinez
    Dias. Alonso. Digne. Coufal
    Bruno. Son. Lingard. Jota
    Kane. DCL
    (McCarthy. Raph. Bamford. Dallas)

    WC team;
    Mendy. Forster
    Rudiger. Shaw. Coady. Fofana. Phillips
    Bruno. Son. Lingard. Jota. Salah
    Kane. Iheanacho. Bamford

    1. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Is there enough upside? Close call but perhaps it can wait one week.

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Would help with BB next week and give me Salah Captain this week. And a slightly better keeper and defence. Close though

        1. Neevesy
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Id do it.

  2. GW30 Review
    BigManBakar
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    The Review: GW 30

    Greetings everyone, welcome to my latest piece where I discuss the happenings in the FPL stratosphere with particular focus on wildcards:

    (Data taken from FFScout with consent)

    Q: In this section, I analyze Liverpool’s attack.

    No team accumulated more big chances than Liverpool this GW so I think it is only fair if I start by rolling the scanner over some of their assets:

    Salah v Mané v Jota (Over the season)

    Mins per shot in the box: 36.32 v 34.76 v 38.42
    Mins per big chance: 101.1 v 113 v 104.2
    Mins per chance: 26.5 v 29.7 v 29.2

    As seen in the numbers, Salah is the best option of the three but Jota runs him close. I would feel more comfortable captaining someone like a Salah, but I believe Jota is an elite option for his price – no one has a higher goal involvement % for Liverpool (50%) in the league than Jota this season. If I was wildcarding right now, I would pick both instead of one or the other. Six of Liverpool’s remaining fixtures are against teams who are in the bottom seven in terms of xG conceded this season, so there is serious potential to be taken advantage of by picking both.

    Jota and Mané have been at different ends of the spectrum this season. To sum up their finishing, Jota has scored eight goals despite just seven big chances while Mané has scored just seven times despite accumulating 20 big chances this season! Mané is a differential, but I believe he is a differential for a reason – simply because Salah is the more explosive option and Jota offers far superior value.

    Losing to Madrid this GW was good news for managers with Liverpool assets at their disposal. That significantly lessens the risk of rotation for the run-in. While there is a certain amount of risk of rotation for Liverpool’s fixture v Villa, it was reassuring to see Klopp mention this regarding the Premier League: “My team will fight till the end and we will.”

    Salah is top for xG among midfielders over the past six matches and has the Golden Boot to play for, so he is a very strong choice for captaincy this week. Over the last six home matches, only Palace have created fewer big chances than Liverpool so their numbers at Anfield have been woeful – but I believe that Liverpool turned a corner against Arsenal which is why I’d overlook the historical home data at my disposal. That’s just my opinion though!

    Q: In this section, I discuss Liverpool’s defence.

    Liverpool since GW26 are in the top three defences for xG conceded, xG non-penalty conceded and big chances conceded. The return of Fabinho in midfield has helped massively, which is why I think it is time to seriously re-consider Liverpool’s defensive assets again. It’s been a while since we’ve done so!

    Trent v Robertson (GW26-30)

    Mins per touch inside final third: 2.51 v 3.23
    Mins per chance created: 26.71 v 84.2
    Mins per big chance created: 93.5 v 421
    Mins per xGi: 217.4 v 478.4

    In the first half of the season, Robertson was beating Trent stats wise but over the recent weeks, Robertson has been no match for Trent in terms of numbers. It is no surprise to see Liverpool create almost double the number of chances down their right flank (21) as compared to the chances they have created on their left flank (11) since GW26.

    Trent GW 26-30 v Trent GW 1-25

    Mins per chance created: 26.71 v 52.4
    Mins per big chance created: 93.5 v 323
    Mins per xGi: 217.4 v 357.7

    Trent’s numbers even when compared to his earlier season averages have gotten far better. Perhaps it’s the Euros to play for which has led to extra motivation in recent times. Nat Phillips at £4.0 million looks to have secured a regular berth in the team and is another great enabler to own, but since slots per team are limited, I would prioritize Trent, Salah and Jota for the upside over him.

    Q: In this section, I cover West Ham.

    Declan Rice’s injury is a huge blow for West Ham, particularly defensively. Only Spurs conceded more shots in the box than West Ham this GW, which was surprising to see because Wolves are usually very shot shy. Mark Noble has now started five times this season, and over his spell of starts West Ham are averaging two goals conceded per game. This spells trouble for Cresswell owners, who will also be further worried by the change in West Ham’s formation – Masuaku’s involvement as a wing-back means that Cresswell plays more time playing closer to his own goal rather than bombing up the left flank.

    Lingard continues to defy stats. He has the most goal involvements in the league since he has started playing for West Ham and is in the form of his life. I still don’t think it is a priority transfer bringing him in this GW given the fitness doubts over Antonio. West Ham missed Antonio’s presence to hold the ball up front – his run made Lingard’s goal vs Wolves and it was worth noting that Lingard had no shots ever since Antonio went off. Leicester away from home are among the top three teams for xG conceded, so they will make it tough.

    Q: In this section, I cover Leicester.

    I look at Vardy and Iheanacho’s numbers since the latter started playing regularly in GW26:

    Vardy vs Iheanacho (GW26-30)

    Mins per shots inside the box: 90 v 40.8
    Mins per big chance: 150 v 58.28
    Mins per xGi: 197.4 v 104.1

    Only Kane has accumulated more big chances than Iheanacho since GW26. Iheanacho is at the peak of his game right now in terms of his confidence hence it is no surprise to see him score nine goals in his previous ten matches. I was scouring through the Leicester forums and most fans believe that Ayoze Pérez is most at threat from Maddison’s return so Iheanacho should be safe for now. Vardy has just the one goal this calendar year, but the double up on Iheanacho and Vardy is an explosive option for wildcarders as Leicester head into a brilliant run of fixtures from GW32. (WBA CRY sou NEW)

    What’s interesting to note is that Vardy has taken over more of a creative role since Iheanacho’s integration to the side. Vardy has accumulated four big chances created over this run which is why his Nigerian team-mate has double the number of big chances than him. 19 other forwards have had more shots inside the box than Vardy since GW26 – these numbers have been alien territory for Vardy given that over the rest of the season, he has been among the top three forwards for shots inside the box.

    I would wait and see before investing in Maddison – what I have noticed with Leicester is that the bulk of their chances fall to their forwards, particularly whenever they play two up front. I’m aware that Maddison has a Euros birth to play for, but eight goals from an xG of just +3 this season is showing unsustainable levels, even for someone of Maddison’s quality.

    Q: In this section, I discuss all things Chelsea related.

    I look at Chelsea’s performance against West Brom as more of an aberration than a trend-setter. It was heartening to see Rüdiger restored to the starting lineup in the Champions League despite the training ground bust-up. Chelsea’s clean sheet against Porto and Zouma’s performance against West Brom means that Rüdiger is likely to be Tuchel’s first choice for the foreseeable future.

    Alonso was top among all players for penalty area touches and top among all Chelsea players for xGi in Chelsea’s game against West Brom. I expect him to start v Palace and then against Brighton again given that Chilwell played against Porto so he’s a top option to own for the next two GWs. Palace in particular is a good fixture – no team has fewer chances created, big chances, shots in the box or a worse xG than Palace over the past six matches. For wildcarders, I would suggest picking Mendy over Martínez despite the Aston Villa double – Villa’s numbers have fallen off defensively and the fixture swing presents wildcarders with an opportunity to gain ground on the significant majority of FPL managers who own Martínez.

    Q: Who are the cheap enablers to pick on a wildcard?

    Given that the likes of Salah, Kane and Trent would be automatic picks for me on wildcard, some shrewd bargains would also have to be made. With the plethora of midfield options at our disposal, going 3-5-2 or 4-4-2 would require a cheap striker. Burnley’s Matěj Vydra at £4.8m fits the bill perfectly – he has started the last six fixtures and has returned in three of his previous four starts. While I don’t rate both defences too highly these days, the likes of Holding and Masuaku are good fillers as bench options for those on wildcard. David Luiz’s injury and West Ham’s change in formation means that both are likely to see game time going forward. Fraser Forster would be my goalkeeper as he is the cheapest goalkeeper with a realistic chance of featuring.

    Q: In this section, I speak about Manchester City.

    I think the only person who can write this section with any kind of certainty and accuracy is Pep Guardiola himself. On paper, this is an ideal fixture for captaincy. Leeds are bottom for xG conceded and big chances conceded away while Man City at home are best for xG and big chances this season. Leeds in their other five away fixtures against the traditional "big six" have conceded 20 goals. It’s just a shame that Pep’s roulette is going to take the decision out of our hands! “Against Leeds, we need fresh legs – more than ever” has set the alarm bells ringing.

    I would still keep my City assets though, as I believe that they possess high upside if they start. One thing I have noticed with Pep this season though has been that he hasn’t often been making use of his three substitutes in the league games – which is something that could be to the benefit of FPL managers who choose to flirt with the roulette. Laporte I believe is an out of the box option to pick for those on wildcard – given City’s schedule, I believe he is likely to start most league games particularly if they progress in the Champions League.

    Q: What to do with Bamford, Raphinha and Dallas?

    Bamford (GW1-23 v GW24-30)

    Mins per shots inside the box: 27.23 v 48.23
    Mins per big chance: 89.47 v 156.75
    Mins per xGi: 136.3 v 244.9

    It is fair to say that Bamford’s numbers over the past few GWs haven’t been at the same levels as they were earlier in the season. The exact opposite is true of Raphinha – who has had nine big chance involvements over the previous 11 matches. The problem for Leeds assets is the tough fixtures they have coming up (mci LIV MUN bha TOT) which makes a Leeds attacking double up hard to justify. Raphinha has the better numbers but who to sell of the two depends on team structure – there are more appealing midfielders than forwards so that might influence one’s decision to sell Raphinha instead.

    Dallas has been a great servant to those who have owned him for the previous weeks but in my opinion, his FPL potential from now on remains limited until perhaps the last match of the season when Leeds play West Brom. Ideally, I’d be looking to sell.

    Q: In this section, I cover Wolves.

    Willy Boly’s positive COVID test and another long-term injury for Jonny means that I look at the Wolves defence with far more skepticism now than I did at this point last week. Boly’s absence means that Wolves are more likely to play with four at the back – a formation where they have been very leaky with. On average, they have conceded two big chances per game whenever they have played with four at the back this season. Since GW20, Wolves have been playing with three at the back where they had conceded just ten times in ten games. Jonny’s injury is also likely to have a detrimental impact on their defence – Wolves have conceded 2.5 chances per game on the left flank with Jonny in the side but in his absence, that number rises to 3.7 chances conceded per game on the left flank.

    Pedro Neto was impressive against West Ham – accumulating the highest number of chances created and shots in the box of all players in the game. I find his numbers to often be wildly inconsistent over longer sample sizes though so maintaining that consistency will be the key. Whenever Wolves are to score, I think he is the most likely of their assets to be involved but the problem is that Wolves don’t score that many, which is why I believe that Neto is an asset with limited upside but is someone who will continue to tick over. He has the fixtures to be a good differential for those willing to punt (ful SHU BUR wba BHA).

    Q: When is the best time to Bench Boost for those who have the chips?

    When to bench boost depends primarily on your team. I’d suggest you target a week where your cheap assets have good fixtures and bench boost then. Be wary of bench boosting in weeks which are likely to be hit heavily by rotation though, with Champions League and Europa League around. Then again this is entirely team dependent and depends on how many Man City, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal players you own.

    If you liked the article, kindly retweet it on my Twitter and give it a like!

    https://twitter.com/BigManBakar/status/1379928277322756098

    Do share your feedback as always, and follow me on my Instagram if you don’t already as I post there about FPL too through the link down below:

    http://instagram.com/bigmanbakar

    1. Sharkytect
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      You wrote this incredibly quickly to have it the second comment on the page.

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        It was in my twitter feed hours ago.

    2. FCSB
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Lovely

    3. Studs Up
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Nice!!

    4. Sharkytect
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Great piece. (I've read it now). Really informative and useful for swaying some of my 50/50 calls this week!

    5. A-L
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Thanks for this Bakar - hope this didn't keep you up all night again!

  3. sirmorbach
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Any change(s) needed in this WC team?

    Mendy / Forster
    TAA / Dias / Cresswell / Rüdiger /  Philips
    Salah / Bruno / Son / Gündogan / Lingard
    Kane / Iheanacho / Vydra

    1. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Not a fan of the Cresswell pick myself, but otherwise looks good.

      I think Phillips and TAA mean you're causing a bit of a headache if you want to bring in another 'pool mid as you don't really want to spend your last few transfers losing a 4m defender - but if you're happy with it I think the double up is a good shout.

      1. sirmorbach
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Thank you very much indeed, sir. I'll very much consider ditching Cresswell and changing Philips so I can bring in Jota if needed.

  4. Biggsy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Posted on last artcile - Is there any love for Lucas Moura as an option instead of Son for the double in 32?

    Tending to find I can't fit Son and Salah in without compromise, not a fan of yo-yoing them as it wastes transfers (on a WC now)

    1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I'm definitely considering it, need to see if he keeps getting starts and what his EL minutes are like though

      1. Biggsy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Probably zero given Spurs went out last round...

        1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Oops, sorry did a Joe Hart there

      2. SHOWSTOPPERRR
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        El??? They are already knocked out bro

  5. tbos83
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Mendy
    Stones Digne Targett
    Mount Bruno Salah(c) Son Gundo
    Watkins DCL

    Areola Bamford Maguire Amartey

    1. tbos83
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Meant to add: does this look OK? Ideally want to roll ft to bring in Kane next week

      1. Biggsy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Rolling to bring in Kane is probably sensible. Question is how it leaves you when he, Gundo, Son and Stones all blank in 33 and you only have 1FT. Unless your moves to bring in Kane involve losing Gundo or Stones?

        1. tbos83
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          It's a good q - I need to save some significant funds to afford Kane so thinking was to do Salah > Jota. But this leaves me with the same issue in gw33. I may just have to take a hit that week.

          1. Biggsy
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            I wouldn't do Salah to Jota. I am not 100% on bringing him in yet on my WC, but I wouldn't lose him in your position. I think Digne -> Rudiger would be a nice way to free up funds if the maths works and you're ok on the hit. Then maybe lose Son, bench Kane, Gundo and Stones in 33 and pray the other 11 show up.

            1. tbos83
              • 3 Years
              2 years, 11 months ago

              Thanks mate. Alas don't have enough to make the Digne move work, but will see if there's another way

  6. Malkmus
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    A'noon all. On WC, have 0.8 ITB, how to spend it?

    Mendy (4.0)
    Shaw - Rudiger - Stones - Targett - Phillips
    Son - Salah - Bruno - Jesse - Jota
    Kane - DCL - Nacho

    A - Mendy to ederson, Targett to 4.8m def
    B - Nacho to Watkins, Targett to 4.8m def
    C - other

    I'm thinking A

    Ta

  7. TheDragon
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Is Lingard no longer an appealing option now Antonio is out?

    For the next few weeks who do you prefer for the 5th midfielder slot? Gundogan, Lingard or Neto?

    1. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      How long is Antonio out for ?

      1. TheDragon
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Some reports he could be out for most of the season

        1. Christina.
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Lingz prob now on penos with Rice out.

    2. Malkmus
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Jesse FTW

    3. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Jesse will play striker role + pens 🙂

    4. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Definitely still appealing but less so I'd imagine, he'll play as a striker now but he didn't have a shot on target once Antonio left the field against Wolves and Antonio makes a lot of space for him so it's a hard call. I'm a little unsure of what to do with Cresswell now with Rice out too

  8. Christina.
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Got to love these WC's with no City at all with Leeds and Villa up next.
    😆

    1. TheDragon
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I’ve got Dias and Gundo

      They are the only viable options unless a 1 week punt is on the cards?

      1. Christina.
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        I would still gamble with a Raz/Jesus for 1 wk when on WC.

        1. Christina.
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          They are the best team by far in the league. Could go very big in next 2 as they home in on title.

        2. TheDragon
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Ye Sterling 1 week punt then switch to Son is very tempting

          1. Christina.
            • 14 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            Raz(LEE)->Son(eve/SOU)->Bruno(LEE)

            1. dbeck
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 6 Years
              2 years, 11 months ago

              I plan to do exactly this

        3. Biggsy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          The gamble makes sense. For me, its about using a transfer to remove them. Personally thinking to shift out Son in 33 so preferring to roll the FT in 32 to be able to make a better upgrade (for example, maybe bring in Salah if I don't have him)

        4. Pompel
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          But for us without WC, it makes sense to ship two out of three City players, as they will be 50:50 to start for rest of season. Not never ever going down Raz lane again (famous last words...), but could be fun to have Agüero up top for the run-in

    2. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I've punted on KDB this week. If it goes wrong then it goes wrong but with the form he's in and the fact that he's only been rested once in the league since he returned from injury I'm hopeful he plays. If he and Gundo both don't then I'm screwed though!

  9. RamaJama
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Play

    A) Martinez A LIV
    B) DDG A TOT

    1. FCSB
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      B

  10. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Mendy Forster
    Shaw TAA Rudiger Holding Lascelles
    Salah Fernandes Son Jota Lingard
    Kane Iheanacho Vydra

    0.0 itb

    Hows this WC draft please - feedback appreciated.

    Thanks

    1. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Nice

  11. Ohh1454
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Is white and bamford to Trent and iheancheo good moves ?

    1. PompeyUpNorth!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I’d say so yes

  12. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Is triple Chelsea defence plus triple Liverpool too risky on WC or good differential ? Alonso could be Azpilicueta but more upside with Alonso

    Mendy Forster
    TAA Rüdiger Holding Alonso Shaw
    Salah Bruno Son Jota Lingard
    Kane Iheanacho Davis

    1. PompeyUpNorth!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I’d say triple Chelsea defence is way too risky yes, defo. Didn’t the recent 2.5 loss sway you at all?

      1. dunas_dog
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Fair point but I do feel that was a bit of a freak result

        1. PompeyUpNorth!
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          I agree plus they had a man sent off but it would defo put me off a triple up though.. good luck

  13. Super John McGinn-
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    FanTeam wildcard, ranked 200th

    —-/——
    TAA, Dias, Rudiger, —/ —
    Salah, Bruno, Lingard — / —
    Kane, Jota, Iheanacho

    A) Mendy, Forster, Shaw, RPerriera, Son, Neto
    B) Lloris, Ramsdale, Azpi, Fofana, Sterling, Raphinia
    (Sterling becomes Son next GW)

    1. aleksios
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      A.

  14. PompeyUpNorth!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    So, do I stick n roll a transfer pending the Spurs double or can I improve this weeks team? Bamford to DCL/Ieanacho perhaps?
    1.5 ITB no chips left 1 FT

    Areola (Martinez)

    Veltman Shaw Digne Cancelo (Dallas)

    Salah Jota C Lingard Raphina Bruno

    Kane (Watkins Bamford)

    1. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I think it’s fine to roll. I don’t think Cancelo will start so wold be tempted to switch to Azpi or Rudiger

      1. PompeyUpNorth!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Thank you

  15. Letsgo!
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Kdb to sterling or mount for -4? Will captain either one if i go ahead with whoever

    1. PompeyUpNorth!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      No, just Captain KDB I’d say

      1. Letsgo!
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Lol but he is nt starting? What if he come in for a cameo?

        1. Letsgo!
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Or shld i capt jota?

          1. PompeyUpNorth!
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            I have Jota and want to captain him. Am very concerned about minutes tho with Madrid next.. Salah may be safer if you gave him? But if you’re willing to gamble on Sterling then Jota is a similar type of punt that could pay off I guess.

        2. PompeyUpNorth!
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Isn’t he ? Oh.. apologies as I’ve missed any recent news working long shifts.. if he’s not starting then KDB to Sterling n Captain sounds exciting with a potential big upside depending where you are in ML’s

          1. Biggsy
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            I think the assumption is that KDB will be rested against Leeds ahead of the return leg vs Dortmund. It is a sensible guess, but then its Pep Roulette so who knows?

    2. The Hunt
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I have a feeling in my water that Raheem Sterling will finally justify his fantasy existence and walk off with the match ball on Saturday so that hit might turn out to be four points well spent.

  16. Vovhund
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    A) Jota+Vardy
    B) Salah+Ihenacho

    ??

    1. Ohh1454
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      B

  17. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    What are people’s thoughts on the cheap enables of Masuaku and Holding?

    1. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Ha, similar question below. I'm not too sure, especially adding ESR and vydra in there as well!

  18. Ohh1454
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    For people who don’t own Liverpool or city attackers, who are you captaining ? Thinking of going Bruno or Kane

    1. PompeyUpNorth!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I’d go Kane if I didn’t have any

    2. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Spurs have been decent at home of late and Kane is on fire so definitely him. I'd only be a little hesitant as they haven't been great in games against the "big six" this season but he's still worth putting it on

  19. waltzingmatildas
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Is a bench of holding, masuaku, esr, vydra too weak?

    Looking at this team. Money to go gundo to son next week

    Mendy forster
    TAA alonso shaw holding masuaku
    Salah Bruno gundo jota ESR
    Kane iheanacho vydra

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      No son?

      1. waltzingmatildas
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Gundo to son next week

    2. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      It will be weak, its a bench for a reason. What you really want is a guaranteed 2 pointer.

      Holding sounds like he should be whilst Luiz is out. Not sure about ESR though with Arsenal still in the Europa. Vydra seems to have got a starting place but risky.

      If it gives you the 11 you want then its the price you pay. Of course, you bench three each weak and you are suggesting you have four "weak" players. Perhaps Alonso to Rudiger and then upgrade ESR?

      1. waltzingmatildas
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Alonso is my one real gut feeling! You speak sense though, thank you

    3. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I would prefer to have Son in now rather than booking a transfer. Holding only nailed for a few weeks. Vydra could be dropped after one poor performance and ESR potential still an injury doubt

    4. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Hmm cheers guys. That's what I was worried about.
      Perhaps vydra to davis means I can upgrade defence

  20. Call Me Old Fashioned
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Would you WC this team as it stands?

    Martinez, McCarthy
    Azpi, Dias, Stones, Coufal, Aina
    Raphinha, Bruno, Bale, Son, Lookman
    Bamford, Kane, DCL

    1FT, 1.9 in bank

    1. nolard
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      No. I'd move Bale first.

  21. Nate(U)dog(ie)
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Are people with Dias or Stones playing them this week? I think they'll concede but Leeds are so poor at defending setpieces so I'm definitely considering playing Dias

    1. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      on a WC so losing Dias one of my headaches right now. If I keep him would 100% play him

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I don't think any of them will start. Maybe Stones since he had a rest in 30 and Dias played all 3 intentionals plus 30

  22. aleksios
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Wc team.Any ideas?
    2.5itb to do Son to Bruno in gwk33.

    --Leno--Martinez
    --TAA--Alonso--Rudiger--Shaw--Coady
    --Salah--Son--Jota--Lingard--Gundo
    --Kane--Nacho--Wood.

    Thanks all.

  23. Super John McGinn-
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Thoughts on wildcard draft?

    Mendy, Forster
    TAA, Dias, Shaw, Rudiger, Coady
    Salah, Bruno, Son, Jota, Lingard
    Kane, Inheancho, Vydra

    Went with Vydra over Davis due to having 3 players blanking in 33, any other changes Leicester defender etc?
    Currently 0.1 off so hoping for a rise or fall tonight or Shaw will have to become Foana or Forster becomes Fabri

    1. nolard
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Solid team.
      No real concerns, many similar to mine.

      1. Super John McGinn-
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Cheers mate

    2. Oh Mane Mane
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Looks very good, what is your team value?

  24. trinzoo
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Would you do Martinez > Mendy for a hit? (no other chelsea players)

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      No

    2. nolard
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      No

    3. Kloppcorn
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I think I would Aston Villa have very poor fixtures till the end of the season should pay off In the end of season run in

  25. fplking14
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Leicester fans, is Fofana nailed?
    Between him and Soy

    1. Kloppcorn
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Not a Leicester fan but fofana has been great this season and started whenever fit

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Fofana is nailed. Back 3 is normally Evans, Fofana and Soy. Amartey in the team due to Soy out with COVID/quarantine

    3. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Don’t need to be a fan to know that he’s nailed

    4. nolard
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Yes

  26. Kloppcorn
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    What are peoples thought on aguero/Jesus, big games in the champo league and fa cup could see their usual starters dropped for prem games with the league all but wrapped up, giving them a chance to shine in the league

    1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I'm tempted by Aguero. I've been thinking of going for KDB this week despite the risk of rotation as I think there's still a good chance he plays, but Aguero didn't play in CL and started the last 2 in PL so I'm considering taking a chance on him (especially with needing to sort out an injured Antonio and DCL in poor form). But naturally he's looked quite rusty and still might only get 60 mins so it's a tough one

    2. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Risky, but could pay off. Main concern would be that, assuming you have another City asset and Kane/Son you end up going into 33 with a lot of players blanking. Not insurmountable.

      Given the lack of alternatives up top, its also potentially 2 transfers as you'll probably want to shift the value into midfield

      1. Kloppcorn
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        I’ve stuck aguero in on wildcard with only Kane from spurs and dias as my other city player, I want a differential captain for this gw and can’t get out of my head when I Stuck TC on aguero vs Newcastle, his form isn’t good but everyone knows if he gets a chance he knows where the back of the net is

    3. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Not playing Pep roulette. Don’t need that sort of stress in my life

  27. nolard
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Hi all!

    Help me pick my two last defenders, please.

    Trent, Dias, Phillips,?, ?

    Azpi or Rudi for one slot.

    The other one open...

    Thanks!

    1. Kloppcorn
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I’d probably go with a cheap one holding looks good at 4.2 for a starting bench player, and either or for the Chelsea defender

    2. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I like Lascelles at the moment. Has some reasonable fixtures, but is nailed which (with the rotation risks for CHE and MCI) is a real positive.

    3. nolard
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Thanks!
      I can afford Shaw too, easily, if I get Rudi.

  28. Bonus magnet
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    JustTC left

    please save the team from imminent collapse (max 3 transfers)

    areola
    rudiger veltman digne
    bruno bale trossard jwp
    dcl watkins lacazette

    martinez raphina aina dallas

    1. Super John McGinn-
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Bale out and need to get Kane in

  29. SharkyT
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Wildcard active: £7.1m to play with

    A) Gundo
    B) Mount
    C) Maddison
    D) Other?

    1. Kloppcorn
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I’d go b or c could see gundo rested in the league quite frequently

    2. Super John McGinn-
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      C or Lingard

      1. Super John McGinn-
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Or Jota

        1. SharkyT
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          I have both. Think Gundo may start but it’s planning a future transfer that puts me off keeping him. Leaning towards Mount

    3. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I can't look past Mount right now, although tough with Jota, Lingard plus the others you mention in the same bracket.

      1. SharkyT
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        I’m thinking the same. Mount looks essential for Chelsea atm

  30. dbeck
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    I only have 4.5m for a gk ( Forster the other), who is my best option for the run in?