Interview

What should FPL managers do with Leeds, Arsenal and Man City assets in GW31?

Pro Pundit Seb Wassell took your questions in this week’s Question and Answer session with the Gameweek 31 deadline looming large.

As a large number of Fantasy Premier League managers scramble to prepare their Wildcards in time for Friday’s deadline, Leeds, Arsenal and budget forwards were all up for discussion.

We have collated Seb’s answers below…

Naturally, this is going to depend on the rest of your team. If you cannot afford to hold him on the bench, losing him until the fixture swing in Gameweek 34 is acceptable. I would want him back for the final three at the very least, when Leeds face Burnley (away), Southampton (away), West Brom (home). He is Bielsa’s main man (12 attacking returns from 11.2 xGI over the season) and with Bamford’s gentle decline (from third for xGI for the whole season to 17th in the last six) he is the one for exposure to attacking returns. However, if you can afford to keep him on the bench I think he provides a great sub and saves you a transfer for when you want him back for those aforementioned fixtures.

Auto Draft 7

At the time of writing, Arsenal are lining up for their Thursday night fixture in the Europa League. Aubameyang is on the bench. Given the opposition and the rest of the line-up, I think it is fair to say this gives him a good chance of starting against Sheffield United. The Blades have the worst defence in the last six; 12 goals conceded from a massive 14.5 xGC and Aubameyang himself boasts the second best mins/xGI amongst midfielders over the same period with 136.9 (this is an improvement on his whole season total of 188.4 mins/xGI).

Sheffield United concede chances from everywhere, but recently league high numbers from the left and centre, notably the positions we would expect Aubameyang to occupy. Salah is of course a tempting pick, and may well be worth it next week, but if you’re desperate for Liverpool involvement against Aston Vila, consider Jota or a defender: Trent Alexander-Arnold or, on a budget, Nathaniel Phillips (if Grealish does not return, Villa’s attack is likely to continue being unremarkable at best).

Dunstan Bonnici – Wildcard team in place , do you see any major improvements that can be made?

Strong team.l I like the planning that has clearly gone into the bench (avoiding unnecessary future transfers I presume?). I would want to know what I was doing with Son beyond the Double Gameweek, be that a replacement or otherwise, and then I would ensure I am covered for both the fixture swing in Gameweeks 34 and 35 (Leeds, West Ham, Leicester, Chelsea) and the possible Double/Blank in Gameweeks 35/36. The big miss is a Liverpool defender (perhaps for one of the Chelsea defenders?) but you can’t have it all.

Will Capstick: Thoughts on Aguero or Jesus?

Aguero, De Bruyne start for Man City as Sterling, Cancelo on bench for Double Gameweek 26 opener

Honestly, I’m not sure you can rely on either. Aguero’s minutes are clearly being heavily managed, and even when playing his numbers are not those of the Kun we know and love (185 mins/xGI, compared to Kane on 124 and even Werner at 177). Jesus is similar, perhaps more likely to see minutes but possibly off the left (he has a mins/xGI of 182). A City midfielder is the play if you want attacking exposure in the medium term for me.

Michael Lynch: Thinking of Aubameyang and Watkins/Bamford to Jota and Vardy/Iheanacho for a four-point hit. Is it worth it to do both or do I keep Aubameyang for Sheffield United?

All eyes on the Europa League ahead of BGW29 games for Arsenal and Spurs 6

Personally, I think you save the minus-four and retain Aubameyang for this week at least. Leicester attack could perhaps wait until next week (West Ham is hard to call, two well-matched sides), you would also get more information on how Maddison is going to affect the two strikers. Have you considered Alexander-Arnold or Phillips, especially given the uncertainty over City starts?

Everythin EPL&FPL: Watkins to Iheanacho or Gundogan/Raphinha to Jota? For a hit. Already set on Antonio to Vydra

Both are attractive. I would want to keep Gundogan for this week if I could. I think he can hurt Leeds if he starts. This will depend on the rest of your team and chip situation, but if you need to start them this week, it’s Jota for me.

Declan: Should I wildcard this week do you think or save it ? If so save for which Gameweek?

So, no Liverpool is the big omission. But you could solve that with a transfer. I think the team is strong for this week. How about holding off on the Wildcard for one more week or even until after Spurs’ Double Gameweek 32? You may miss out on a few points, but if the team is strong enough, until then, you’ll have the advantage of more information. Perhaps Raphinha to Jota, Dallas to Phillips/TAA or even KDB (it breaks my heart) > Salah for now?

Alex: What would you do here?

A.Gundo-> Jota
B. Auba-> Salah
C. Both of them for a -4 hit

For me, keep Gundogan. We cannot guarantee his start, but he was rested in the last Premier League match and so is more likely to start this one than some others. If he does play, I think he can hurt Leeds. We’ve seen runners from deep (McTominay, Son, etc.) do well against Leeds’ man-marking system so far this season and we know Gundogan loves a late arrival into the box for a tap-in. If he doesn’t start, he likely stays on the bench. Aubameyang is also an attractive option (and captain) this week. I would be tempted by Fernandes to Salah personally, or Raphinha to Jota if that suits your available funds better.

Abbad99:

1- Does Saka score four plus points more than Coufal?
2- Do you start Raph and Bamford and hope for the best or do you start double Spurs defence and hope for a Jose masterclass?

1 – Arsenal are sixth for xG in the last six (8.48) and while Saka’s numbers have dropped off recently his threat is still present against the poorest defence in the league (14.5 xGC in last 6). I think this trumps Coufal in a match involving two well-matched, and thus harder to predict, sides in Leicester and West Ham.
2 – I think the lesser evil is Raphinha and a Spurs defender. Man City’s defence is excellent and Bamford’s numbers have dropped off recently. If Leeds score, Raphinha is likely to be involved. Manchester United are third for xG over the season but have dropped to mid-table in the last six. Spurs’ defence is middling over both time periods.

Jordan: Any thoughts on this Wildcard? I am 3.5k overall.. Sterling one week punt then to Son for Double Gameweek?

Firstly, awesome rank and solid team. I do think you will get more point out of a Liverpool defender (Alexander-Arnold if you can afford him, Phillips otherwise) and a goalkeeper such as Leno than Alisson plus one.

I see the attraction of Sterling, but booking in a transfer is always a risky move on the Wildcard. I would be tempted to hold Son (funds for Alexander-Arnold) and perhaps upgrade Davis for some more reliable cover.

Deane Lawson: Do you think Bruno is an essential? I’m thinking of transferring him out and going with Salah until the end of the season.

 1

I do not. Joe made some strong arguments for him this week on the Scoutcast. He is highly owned and a steady returner of points but fundamentally I think he you need to captain him to take full advantage, something I might only do in Gameweek 37 against Fulham. I think right now, Salah has the greater prospects of the two.

John Chappell: Have you ever been in the position to win FPL overall? Any advise to give people that are doing quite well.

I finished 389th last season. I was around 800th going into the final Gameweek and used my Free Hit pretty aggressively (and with the advantage of team news). I was probably a little too far back to actually win it but my strategy has always been ignore ownership until the last few weeks, simply picking the players I think have the best chance of points, and then move decisively once I know if I need to defend a mini-league position or attack the leader.  That time is probably now, especially with a Wildcard.

Aashay Mehta: Still have my Wildcard, not sure if I should do it this week. Salah and Iheanacho only notable absentees at the moment. Would need three moves to get them both (while keeping Bruno and Son).

أي فريق لديه أفضل وأسوأ جدول متبقي في الفانتسي؟ 1

Your team looks strong enough for this week, the real question is how will it look in a few weeks? If you can put out a strong team with transfers only until Gameweek 34/35, it may be worth saving. If not, use it to take advantage of the fixture swings and potential double to come. Try the transfer planner tool here to help work it all out.

FPL Mourinho: I’m thinking of changing Lingard (because no Antonio) and Dias (rotation risk) to Maddison and Castagne on my Wildcard. Thoughts?

I think keep Lingard for now. The potential loss of Antonio hurts West Ham, but they’ve been successful without him before (see Soucek) and Jesse has that combination of fixtures and form. Dias could be the one City defender to not be rotated, so that may depend on if your bench can handle a rest. You’ve identified Leicester, their fixtures get even better in a few weeks. If Lingard/Dias don’t work out, you’ve still got that option.

Joe Gifford: Best £7.0m midfielder to go for?

Of course, this will depend on the rest of your team, but all else being equal it’s got to be Lingard hasn’t it? Despite my reservations over his recent ‘overperformances’, he still has an xGI of 3.14 in the last six (that’s almost identical to Bruno Fernandes). Even with some regression he’s a strong pick for West Ham’s good end of season fixtures.

Marcus Chia:

Moves I will be looking to do in the next few GWs are:

Martinez to Mendy
McCarthy to Forster
Dallas to Saiss
Raphinha to Jota
Watkins to Iheanaco

Which moves should I make first for Gameweek 31? I have one free transfer.

I actually think this non-Wildcard team looks better than most this week. I would want to be careful about planning too many transfers, as we know how things can change! With those points in mind, you probably only need one change for a strong XI. I would prioritise players that you’re less likely to want back, so Watkins to Iheanacho or the goalkeeper change.

Thank you to Seb for answering the questions in this week’s Twitter Q&A.

Sam FPLFamily <p>Fantasy Football Scout's General Manager. Half of the FPLFamily. Pundit on the FPL Pod, Fantasy Show and Sky Sports News&nbsp;</p> Follow them on Twitter

329 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Hazz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Hope everyone's day is going well.

    Sanchez
    Stones / Shaw / Digne
    Fernandes / Son / Lingard / Jota / Gundogan
    Kane / Ihenacho

    Martinez // Bamford / Dunk / Dallas

    1) Start Sanchez (EVE) or Martinez (LIV)?
    2) Start Digne (BHA) or Dunk (EVE)?
    3) Digne > TAA (-4)?

    Weirdly Digne in FPL's team picks this week. Already on a - 4, but not winning anything at this stage anyway 😀

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

      Sanchez, Digne

    2. linkafu
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      1 Martinez
      2 Digne
      Not for -4

  2. Muscout
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Who would you rather take out of your team
    A) Gundo (Pep Roulette)
    B) Raph (Dodgy Fixtures)

    1. Chandler Bing
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Gundo for me

      1. Fit_to_drop
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Agree, Gundog.

    2. Reece’s Pieces
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Ideally play GunDog this weekend and then swap him out

    3. linkafu
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      B

  3. Chandler Bing
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Any Antonio news?

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

      Around 2hrs left for update

  4. linkafu
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Saka or Gundo for the run?

    1. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Saka.

      M Pereira?

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

    Feel like Digne Cancelo and Raph > Fofana James and Jota... good moves for a -4?

    Martinez
    Cancelo Digne Rudiger
    Bruno KDB Gundogan Son
    Kane DCl Bamford

    Fabri Raph Coufal Holding

    1. Reece’s Pieces
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Give Digne one last chance this weekend then get rid

  6. Tronity
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Boiling down to a) TAA/Neto or b) Dias/Jota

    Which do you reckon scores more?

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

      B

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

    A - Coady
    B - Semedo

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

      A

    2. Fit_to_drop
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Think Wolves fixtures are a bit of a trap. They wont stop conceding until Boly is back on the pitch.

  8. boroie
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    A - James
    B - Fofana

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

      b

  9. Mr. O'Connell
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    WC. Rip it apart please. BB will be played in 32.

    Johnstone
    Azpi, Rudiger, Phillips
    Sterling (c), Bruno, Mount, Jota, Lingard
    Kane, Vardy

    Forster, Ihenacho, Holding, Dawson

    1. Hulk Smash
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      It's a bit different, I like it.

      Only thing is Mount will probably have his minutes severely managed IMO. Chelsea play Porto and the FA Cup semi 3 days either side of the easier Palace game and he is arguably their most important attacker now. Could you afford Maddison?

      1. Mr. O'Connell
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Yeah, but triple Leicester attack may be overkill despite fixtures. I feel like Mount may get minutes in each of the next 4. If I was going to do anything, I may downgrade and shift the defence around a bit (get Trent).

        1. Hulk Smash
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Yeah that's a good idea since you don't have Salah. Good luck. What do you think of this draft (no other chips left)?

          Martinez Button
          TAA Shaw Rudiger Dallas Veltman
          Bruno Salah Jota Lingard Maddison*
          Kane Iheanacho Davis

          *Maddison to Son for the DGW probably maybe...

          1. Mr. O'Connell
            • 11 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            Looks good. I wish I had no chip left. BB feels like a burden.

            Holding Dallas through this run is something I have also considered.

  10. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Start 2 (not my team) Thanks.

    Cresswell
    Stones
    Cancelo
    M.Keane

    1. Mr. O'Connell
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Stones, Cancelo.

  11. jakethebeast
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Haven't been able to find any information on Ødegaard since he was left out of the Slavia Prague squad due to an injury. Any Arsenal fans who is in the know??

      1. jakethebeast
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Cheers Hazz!

  12. JollyGoodYellows
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Worth going Gundo over Son on WC just for this week? Then do Gundo to Son next week?

    1. ManUtdFan977
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      i was thinking the same mate

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

        It makes perfect sense to me. Gundo rarely misses 2 PL games in a row so I'm sure he starts.

    2. Hulk Smash
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I think it's worth a punt. First sub?

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

        Holding or Masuaku

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

      If you are confident in your team for next two weeks, otherwise its a hit for any emergencies with pre-planned transfers

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

        WC team atm is:

        Mendy Forster
        Dias TAA Shaw Holding Masuaku
        Salah Bruno Gundo Lingard Jota
        Kane Nacho Davis

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

          So you are coming into 33 with Son, Dias and Kane blanking and 1FT to avoid playing Davis. Bit of a risk, but could pay off.

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

            Good point. I just need to decide if it's a risk worth taking.

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

    Will Fofana start if Leicester switch to a back 4?

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

      Fofana is class. He starts.

  14. Blens
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Antonio to Wood guys?
    My other forwards are Bamford and DCL...not WC'ing until 34 and conscious I don't have Kane.
    Suggestions welcome.

    1. ManUtdFan977
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      yes wood or iheancho are your best options

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

        Thanks - yes I was also thinking about Iheanacho but thought Wood had a better fixture. Will have a think

    2. Hulk Smash
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I like Wood but you absolutely need Kane by next week.

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

        Yep - may need to bring my WC earlier so he's in there. Thanks

  15. Fit_to_drop
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    What happened to Shaw last night?

    1. ManUtdFan977
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      got a slight knock but still think that he'll play cause he's such a key player

      1. Fit_to_drop
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        OK Cheers

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

      He should be grand. Suspended for second leg in Europa so will also be nicely rested for GW32.

      https://www.101greatgoals.com/news/luke-shaw-update-ahead-of-tottenham-vs-man-united/

  16. linkafu
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Alonso or Castagne?

    1. Hulk Smash
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Alonso if you have a decent sub.

    2. ManUtdFan977
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      alonso

  17. Eh, just one more thing ...
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Fear the KDB .... Pep to start him and have millions in dread and fury as he threatens to unleash a season defining single game week point scoring master class against Leeds?

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

      Or just watch from the stands. I think that is most likely.

      1. Eh, just one more thing ...
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Agreed .... I’ve brought Salah in for him for the long haul ..... but that Pep .....

  18. Aster
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Trossard to Saka?

    1. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      No

  19. Hulk Smash
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    What determines whether Masuaku plays or not? Can he be trusted to keep his place for a bit?

    1. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I think it is whether Cresswell is moved into the back three ... if he is, then Masuaka most likely to fill the left wingback role ... it’s a bit of a gamble but as a fifth DEF he would be a pretty decent shout who could end up edging his way into your first 11

  20. WrightnBright
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Which looks better?

    A) Rudiger, Coady & Coufal
    B) Alonso, Holding, Dawson/Masuaku

    Mendy in goal

    Cheers

    1. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      A. Alonso not nailed on enough.

    2. linkafu
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      A

      1. WrightnBright
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Yes I’m currently with A. Thanks

  21. linkafu
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Alonso or Rudiger with Mendy

    1. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Rudiger. Boring pick but neither Alonso or Chilwell look nailed on under Tom.

    2. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Rudiger for more likely number of starts ... cash cash savings

  22. linkafu
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Fofana or Castagne

  23. ‘Tis the Season
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    I see Christina had her weetbix this morning. Verbal diarrhea today 😀

  24. linkafu
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    On WC:

    A Bellerin Castagne
    B Alonso Fofana (already have Rudiger)

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

      B. I'm just not a fan of Ars defence... Holding at 4.2 if you must

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

      B if you fancy alonso rotation

  25. HD7
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Good plan, mates? Anything to change here?

    Mendy,
    TAA, Rudiger, Holding
    Salah(C), Bruno, *Gundo, Jota, Neto
    Kane, Iheanacho

    Foster, Shaw, Coady, Davis

    GW 32: Gundo to Son

  26. Fit_to_drop
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    On a WC, would you go for Lloris ahead of Mendy if you have a FH kept to cover GW33? Have Azpi, Kane & Son also.

    1. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      It’s a fair shout. I think Mendy has more likelihood of clean sheets and I’ve ultimately plumped for him over Lloris and his double.

    2. The VAR Team
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Exactly my thoughts, Spurs' fixtures are nice. See my team further down. Only drawback is I don't know whether I should save FH for the likely DGW35

  27. HD7
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    What do yo think about this WC draft, mates?

    Mendy,
    TAA, Rudiger, Holding
    Salah, Son, Jota, Lingard, Neto
    Kane, Vardy

    Foster, Shaw, Coady, Davis

    1. The VAR Team
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Not sold on Vardy, but if he hits form he's a good differential

    2. linkafu
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      No Bruno?

  28. Bobby_Baggio
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Morning all. Which from the below please? 1.7m ITB.

    McCarthy
    Dias - Coufal - Azpi
    Lingard - Bruno - Salah - Raphinha - Gundo
    Bamford - Kane

    (Martinez) - Antonio - Dunk - Alioski

    A) Save
    B) Raphinha > Jota
    C) Antonio > Iheanacho
    D) Dunk or Alioski > 6.7m def
    E) Raphinha + Antonio > Jota + Iheanacho (-4)
    F) Dunk + Antonio > TAA + Iheanacho (-4)

    1. The VAR Team
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Team looks strong so C for me!

    2. linkafu
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      C

  29. linkafu
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    A Saka
    B Gundo

    1. linkafu
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      C Soucek

  30. The VAR Team
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Hi all 🙂 I lack 0.1 on this WC team (got a FH for 33)

    Any suggestions on who you'd downgrade to who?

    Lloris Forster
    Trent James Rudiger Coady Holding
    Salah Bruno Son Jota Lingard
    Kane Nacho Vydra