Scout Reports

Is new Leeds defender Junior Firpo worth the extra money over Luke Ayling in FPL?

Following the departute of Gjanni Alioski, Leeds moved quickly to announce the signing of left-back Junior Firpo on July 6.

The defender was soon priced up at £5.0m in Fantasy Premier League (FPL), half a million more expensive than any other defender on the Whites’ roster.

Firpo has signed a four-year contract at Elland Road and will wear the number three shirt, having moved from Barcelona in a reported £12.8m deal.

We assess the defender’s history, qualities and FPL potential below.

The History

Born in the Dominican Republic, Firpo moved to Spain at the age of six and got his first chance in football with Real Betis.

The left-back made his first-team debut for the Spanish club in February 2018, before going on to become a regular in the side for the 2018/19 season.

Part of the European Championship-winning Spain under-21 squad at the end of that campaign, Firpo was then acquired by Barcelona in August 2019.

He made just 41 appearances for the Nou Camp outfit in all competitions over two seasons, beginning only three league matches during the previous campaign.

Playing style

Firpo regards himself as a good fit for Marcelo Bielsa’s full-throttle style of play.

“I saw him [Marcelo Bielsa] in Spain when he trained there. I know the coach that he is and for me he is a really good coach. He wants to press all the time, play one against one many times and for me that’s my football.

“Physical football, running, having the ball, for me it’s not a problem and I think he will help me go to another level. I think in this team I can show the player that I am, for me I hope I can show the people what I want to show.” – Junior Firpo

The defender, thought of as an attack-minded player, could offer Leeds another goal threat from their left-hand side.

Spanish football expert Guillem Balague told the Yorkshire Evening Post of Firpo:

When he was at Betis he looked like a very happy, brave full-back who went forward very often, in a team who were playing three at the back. It really suited him. He defended decently but attacked much better.

What he has is a free spirit, in a way. He is better offensively than defensively. He has to develop more discipline. When he defends he makes mistakes which are basic, body positioning at times, how he reacts to losing the ball, which can be corrected.

He drives with the ball very well, he’s better at driving with the ball than trying to attack teams who are defending compact. He does it all the time, he insists and insists, so he’s got a good mentality.

ESPN UK editor David Cartlidge told the newspaper:

From a system point of view he works, because of how Leeds play with their full-backs. Junior has the speed and fitness levels to cover the entire flank, press high, combine with attackers. He’s going to be especially influential on the break.

If he recaptures the spirit with which he played at Betis with then he’ll be a huge success. That’s the first task, getting him in that mood again.

The Statistics

In his breakout 2018/19 season at Betis, Firpo scored three times and registered five assists in 29 appearances.

Across that campaign, Firpo averaged 0.88 shots per 90 minutes. That’s not quite Marco Alonso (£5.5m) levels – the Chelsea man averaged 1.97 shots per 90 minutes in 2020/21 – but it wasn’t bettered by any Leeds defender bar the ‘out of position’ Stuart Dallas (£5.5m) in the season just gone.

Firpo also created 0.88 chances per 90 minutes in 2018/19.

His limited playing time for Barcelona in La Liga saw him return two goals and two assists across two seasons.

Smarterscout’s Dan Altman said of the defender:

As a left-back at Barcelona in 2019/20, Junior Firpo was prolific in trying to disrupt moves by the opposition but his lack of skill as a tackler made him somewhat ineffective in doing so. He also didn’t recover many balls, so his overall defending stats were middling at a Premier League standard. While his skill in aerial duels in open play was pretty good for La Liga, he might find the aerial game more challenging in England – especially on dead balls, where he was much less effective.

The Prospects

With Alioski now gone from Elland Road, the left-back spot appears to be Firpo’s for the taking so game time shouldn’t be an issue, though a wait-and-see approach is the safer route in that regard.

The big question is whether or not the ex-Betis man is worth the extra £0.5m over his colleagues, in particular Luke Ayling (£4.5m).

The right-back was the league’s most underperforming defender in terms of ‘expected goal involvement’ (xGI) last season. Ayling was expected to be involved in 4.90 goals and assists, though came out of the campaign with no attacking returns.

Ayling carded 0.61 shots and 0.68 key passes per 90 minutes in 2020/21, averages inferior to Firpo, with the summer signing’s stats actually very similar to those of Alioski (0.88 shots and 0.98 key passes per 90).

The departing North Macedonia international carded two goals and three assists for the Whites in 2020/21, which is perhaps a good gauge for what we can expect of the new signing.

While Firpo can be expected to nail down the somewhat vacant left-back spot, the ever-present Ayling is also a guaranteed starter under Marcelo Bielsa.

Leeds’ opening fixture list puts them at the bottom of the FFS Season Ticker when sorted by defence. That includes clashes with Manchester United (a), Liverpool (H) and West Ham (H), interspersed with a home fixture against Everton and trips to both Burnley and Newcastle.

While Ayling is a viable rotation option in defence, Firpo would likely need to be in your first XI at £5.0m. The Whites’ fixture list clears up hugely in Gameweek 7, which could be a good time to revisit the Spanish left-back.

LEARN MORE: Luke Ayling’s Player Profile
LEARN MORE: Leeds United’s Team Profile

323 Comments Post a Comment
  1. FPL Joker
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Why hasn’t Sancho been added when the lad in the article has?

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

      Because he hasn't signed yet

      1. FPL Joker
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Fair enough. Thought it was done.

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

          Sancho still playing in Euros, so hasn't had medical etc

    2. Jarnathan
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Has he even had a medical? Is the transfer official?

    3. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Agent has agreed a deal in principal but Sancho is not engaging in the formalities currently

  2. Dynamic Duos
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    It's coming home

    1. OverTinker
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      It's coming H̶o̶m̶e̶ to Rome

    2. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      It's diving home,
      unless going to Rome.

      1. Arn De Gothia
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah, Italians don’t dive

    3. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      I didn't know you are Italian.

  3. Moxon
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Sanchez (Foster)
    TAA Shaw Lamptey (Ayling, Manquillo)
    Salah Bruno Mahrez Raphinha Buendia
    DCL Toney (Davis)

    Any changes?

    1. Carlton P
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      I just can’t justify having Mahrez for 9 mill when Robertson is 7.
      I think if going 3-5-2 then I would have 2 x 4.5 defenders on the bench (especially if you have Mahrez or any city mid

      1. Baps hunter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Is Mahrez even better pick compared to Gundogan. I have no clue about Pep roulette and how it is going to be this autumn. Didn't Mahrez get regular starts in PL only after they had won it?

        1. Moxon
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          Not only did get consistent starts (or as consistent as you can with Pep) but he also achieved penalty duties.

      2. Moxon
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        The lack of bench is a big one for me. Does feel a bit bare at the moment.

    2. Thinkering like a Boss
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Wow never thought can afford this team....great team indeed!

  4. Dynamic Duos
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    How is this ?

    Sanchez Steele
    TAA Robbo Shaw Fofana Williams
    Salah Bruno Raph Sarr Bissouma
    Watkins Wilson Toney

    1. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Sorry, reply fail, my team is below. Not much between them. You have Robbo over AWB. I am bit uncertain if that 1.5 is justified. Everyone has Toney, but I don't trust him yet with those fixtures.

      1. Dynamic Duos
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Toney is locked in for sure and yeah lfc fan so going Robbo

    2. Winston.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Looks good… couple of open questions; Toney+Robertson or DCL+Coufal? Wilson or Antonio?

      1. Dynamic Duos
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        The 2nd one is more

      2. Dynamic Duos
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Wilson

      3. Baps hunter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        I'd prefer DCL + Coufal tbh

      4. Ron_Swanson
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        They’re not open questions

  5. Dogs Of War
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Anyone considering Emmanuel Dennis from Watford for £5.5m? Fairly high profile signing.

    1. Hangman Page
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Never heard of him! Give us the lowdown

      1. Dogs Of War
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Signed from Club Brugge (no fee confirmed). Played in Champions League and Europa League. 23 years old and roughly a goal every 4 games for them.

        1. Hangman Page
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          Centre forward?

          1. Dogs Of War
            • 2 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            Front 3 for sure. Him, Sarr and Joao Pedro could be quite a handful.

            1. Hangman Page
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 5 Years
              2 years, 8 months ago

              One to watch then. Thanks for the info.

              I plan to start with Sarr as it stands.

    2. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      The next Wesley? He came from there too no? Not sure that European experience means anything

      1. Dogs Of War
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Agreed, but keep an eye on pre season. Could be a bargain.

        1. Dogs Of War
          • 2 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          Dennis is actually only £5.0

          1. pingissimus
            • 5 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            Oh if he's 5.0 I might have a close look preseason - I'd certainly be interested in a nailed 5.0 forward.

    3. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      He is 5.0 fwd, had he been mid, it would have helped more.

    4. kevchenko
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      I did have a look at him...but 0 goals in 18 appearances last season doesn't scream like he's a player who will burst into the PL scene and set it alight.

  6. Baps hunter
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Compare to current mine:

    Sanchez / 4.0
    TAA, Digne, Shaw, AWB / Lamptey
    Salah, Bruno, Buendia / Bissouma Romeo
    DCL, Watkins, Wilson

    1. Arn De Gothia
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      A lot like mine. With two manu defs I’m playing with the idea of Bruno -> Kane if he moves

      1. Baps hunter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        That is my plan also. Easy switch. On the other hand Kane playing gw1 isn't certain. So if we consider Shaw as a risk, then Kane is perhaps too much. One possibility is -4 before gw2 or using ft:s week later.

        1. Arn De Gothia
          • 13 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          Yes, need to monitor

    2. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Like this team, screen shotted

      1. Baps hunter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        You can remind me one day how much this draft team would have done better than the one I end up having 😉

  7. Stamford B
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Is new Leeds defender Junior Firpo worth the extra money over Luke Ayling?

    1. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Did you read the article?

      1. Stamford B
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        I’m not a member

        1. Gross Blank Point
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          Neither am I but the article seems available on my browser

  8. Rigid Digit
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Kane - in a pressing Nuno team. Might be worth a punt, but at 12.5m? If he ends up at City, I think 12.5 could be justified.
    Doherty may become an option though. And Dele Alli is one for the Watchlist ...

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

      Will he get penalities at City ?

      1. Moxon
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        You'd have to think so.

      2. Baps hunter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        He should. I don't think he will go there if he doesn't get them.

    2. Kristobal
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Think Doherty will be a starter? I read the other day that Spurs is looking for a RB and a CB.

      1. Baps hunter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Doubt it. Nuno has sold him once.

    3. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Odds for him stay or to go to MCI are 50/50.

  9. Kristobal
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    A) KdB

    B) Foden + £4m to spend elsewhere?

    1. Arn De Gothia
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      No

      1. Kristobal
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Can you explain more?

        1. Arn De Gothia
          • 13 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          Wouldn’t pick any of them yet

          1. Kristobal
            • 12 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            Ok.

    2. Hangman Page
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      I like both of them. The eternal issue is you don’t know whether they’ll start. I would love a City attacker for the Norwich match but I will probably end up without one.

      1. Kristobal
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Me too. But I think KdB is the most nailed on midfielder in City. Just thinking this might be Fodens breakout season.

        1. Hangman Page
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          Yeah I feel the spine of Ederson, Días and KDB are always the safest bets FPL wise. KDB had a good period in early autumn where I got a fair few captain points from him, I can see me going there again once I’m satisfied he’s 100% fit.

    3. Thinkering like a Boss
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      No to both as of now

    4. kevchenko
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Probably A) - KDB

      I love Foden too, both great fun to watch as FPL assets but I think City are also incredibly frustrating when they can win and leave both your assets on the bench

  10. Gross Blank Point
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    First draft

    Steele Sánchez

    Lowton TAA Ayling Thomas/Fofana Coufal

    Willock Saka Mané Salah Harrison

    Vydra Calvert-Lewin Iheanacho

    Willock is only there if he goes back to Newcastle, leaves £1.5 million, will be plenty of tinkering before the final team lol

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

      Very much like the 'punt' on Mane - not seen many teams with him in. Could be a really good pick.

      1. Gross Blank Point
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Just looking for low ownership versions of the template who might score similar

  11. Thinkering like a Boss
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    How my team looks?

    Banchman • Foster
    Robertson • Shaw • Lamptey • Reguilion • 4.0
    Salah • Fernandes • Raphinha • Grealish • 4.5
    Toney • DCL • Antonio

    Would you downgrade Grealish > Buendia and upgrade anywhere else?

    1. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      I would. My current draft is on this page.

      1. Thinkering like a Boss
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        tbf, Grealish is the best aston villa player. Would reconsider Buendia if he good in pre season.

        1. Baps hunter
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          Well, we don't even know whether Grealish is Avl player when season starts. Buendia is good and I (we?) know it. But as you said, if he has bad pre season, then it's time to reconsider. Having Watkins to score Grealish's assists should cover his pts pretty well. And I personally need that 1.5 million.

          1. Thinkering like a Boss
            • 7 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            Yeah and Buendia likely tend to shot too. Maybe Buendia is the way to go for now.

    2. kevchenko
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Like it.

      I'd perhaps wait and see on Spurs before committing to Reguillon at 5.0, when we have such good 4.5 options - but nice looking side.

      1. Thinkering like a Boss
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        I am too not sure about Reguilion, could be

        Reguilion > Ayling
        Robertson > TAA

  12. MagicMessi
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Hope you all doing well .. anyone knows how Spurs will field defense/wingbacks?
    Any names ? Davies -Sanchez -Dier at 4.5 looks tasty

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

      I think if Nuno does opt for the same 3-4-3 as at Wolves, then the extra 0.5m will be worth ir for the wing backs... Reguillion/Doherty

      Pre-season will hopefully tell us who the main 4.5m CB will be.

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

        Yes thx

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

      Also is Holgate expected to start for everton?

  13. Baps hunter
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Anyone else having trouble to find value in budget midfield options? I don't have Robbo in my team, but finding trustworthy better mids is causing issues for me. Whilst tinkering I have even ended up with a 5-2-3 draft, but it has serious flexibility issues.

    1. Alisson WondHaaland
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Im pretty happy with Bruno, Salah, Mahrez, Raph/Harrison + 4.5 fodder

    2. Paqueta Rice
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      I think there are a lot of mid price mid options that could do well. I have had a heavy defence minded team for awhile and changed it to bring in Bruno purely because it would be way too hard to hop on to a premium if they start firing. Very early days mind!

      1. Baps hunter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        There are some decent options, but I personally believe that similarly priced strikers will outscore them. Moving money from heavy defense (like this) to midfield and being certain to improve the team is the problem. Who do I downgrade? Is for example Robbo to Dunk and 4.5 mid to 6.5 mid good idea in isolation?

        TAA, Robbo, Digne, Shaw, AWB
        Salah, Bruno /3x 4.5 fodder
        DCL, Watkins, Wilson

        1. Paqueta Rice
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          Yeah, not gone on the fodder 4.5 options. Some very decent 4.5 defenders that can get you clean sheets. Those 4.5 mids are going to get you a max of 3 points.

    3. Moxon
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Raph, Buendia and Sarr all look very appealing to me.

      1. Baps hunter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Yes, they are three best options imho also. But that is not very big pool of players if something doesn't click. Leeds has quite sour fixtures to start with though and I have Buendia in my current draft. Sarr is the best option at 6.0 but I am not absolutely certain about him or current Watford.

    4. Carlton P
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Raph, Harrison, beundia, sarr, Barnes, Maddison are good value
      Could easily have a midfield of
      Salah l Bruno l Harrison l Raphinha l Barnes, it’s budget friendly and could get you big points. Also means you could have TAA l Robbo and Shaw

    5. Hangman Page
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      The ones I am eyeing up atm are Jota, assuming Firmino isn’t ready for GW1, Raphinha and Harrison, Sarr and if fit, Harvey Barnes. There’s plenty of other options though.

      None of them are as reliable as Robertson naturally.

    6. Gross Blank Point
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      If Willock goes back to Newcastle he's a no brainer for me. Picked up a handy points tally of him in the last 6 or 7 games at the end of last season, great value for the price if he can continue

  14. Alisson WondHaaland
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    A) TAA Toney 4.0
    B) Shaw Iheanacho Dunk

    1. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      This simply can't be answered in isolation. Answer may depend on your squad depth and rotation.

    2. Moxon
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      A.

    3. Soto Ayam
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      B

  15. DAZZ
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Who to captain if your 6 points behind someone who will 99% likely captain Kane? insigne? immobile?

    I’m sure he’ll load up on England. I’ll bring in Jorginho as a differential due to penalties. Think i’ll go 7 Italy with Kane Sterling Mount Shaw.

    1. Sarri-ball
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Similar postion im on insigne at the moment

    2. Paqueta Rice
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Chiesa

    3. Paqueta Rice
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Or Saka

  16. unholysmoke
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Happy new season everyone. If you're looking for a team name for this season, these are all free to a good home and 100% original.
    https://www.twitter.com/FplNames

  17. Carlton P
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    How is she looking? Not changed anything for a few days
    Sanchez l 4.0
    TAA l Robbo l Shaw l Lamptey l Ayling
    Salah l Bruno l Raphinha l Barnes l Harrison
    Antonio l Abraham/Toney l 4.5

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

      Not bad

      1. Carlton P
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Alternatively I could have lamptey/ayling rotating in a 442, Harrison > Bissouma and Toney > 8.0
        Would rather play Harrison + 6.5 striker though over 4.5 defender and 8.0 striker…if that makes sense

    2. Jarnathan
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Similar to mine so must be great.

  18. kevchenko
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Best midfield combo for 16.5m

    A) KDB and Gilmour
    B) Son and Raphinha
    C) Mahrez and Mount
    D) Other 🙂

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

      E) Havertz and Grealish

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

      B>C>A

  19. rozzo
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Does anybody take into account PPM (points per match) when picking their teams?

    Last season Stones and Chilwell had the best PPM among defenders. Rudiger was also high up.

    Why are they not in any initial drafts? Rotation fears? You have a bench. Chilwell and Stones with Forfana and whoever subbing in every now and again will score you more points than the likes of Lamptey or even Coufal ever will.

    Likewise Salah and Son had the same PPM. That's why I would rather have Son for 2.5 less.

    Sanchez had a poor PPM last season. Why is he in every team? Martinez scored 1.2 points more per week, I think that's worth an extra million.

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

      Martinez was 4.5 last year though, so we're always looking for the next one... that's why Sanchez is so popular.

      There has to be balance though between always looking for players who are 'good value' and the ones we put in where you get what you pay for...

      Salah, you know you're getting a Captain option most weeks, that you 'know' will be in the top few scorers in the league....whereas Son has a season that we aren't as convinced he can repeat? That's why he's cheaper...he's less reliable.

    2. Hangman Page
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      I think Sanchez is popular because there’s a perception Brighton are going to keep more clean sheets coupled with them having a decent run to begin the season.

      The issue is they don’t concede many shots of course. Still think he’s an OK keeper to start with while you try to figure out who the 4.5 keeper is who’ll be this season’s Pope or whatever.

      I always think keeper is the first place I’ll go if I need funds so getting a 5.5 feels pointless.

    3. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      I check always both, total pts and ppm. The issue is that all years aren't alike. Brighton was somehow able to concede always during the first half of the season, even though they had decent underlying stats. Avl started to concede more towards the end of the season and Martinez wasn't essential in the last quarter. These trends may or may not continue. Since I expect that the gap with these two gk:s will be much smaller than last year, I am not going to start with Martinez.

    4. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Stones is a good pick though and he was great last season. I think he made only one extremely annoying 1 min cameo. Yet he plays for national team, so there could be issue with gw 1. Having both him and Shaw for example may be too risky?

    5. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      You have to check fixtures also. No-one is absolutely fixture proof. We aren't planning a dead team for the hole season, so fixtures do matter. Therefore Chelsea assets aren't as popular this season as they were year before. So I won't start with Chilwell. Money is also tight early in the season, so people are perhaps having too many fodders and are forced to avoid rotation risks.

  20. DIMITRIS
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    I know it's early, but how do I look with these bunch for the first draft:
    Sanchez ( Runarsson )
    TAA - Creswell - Digne - Rudiger (Manquillo)
    Bruno - Salah - Grealish - Raphihna (Bissouma)
    Watkins - DCL ( Obafemi )

    1. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Check Chelsea's fixtures before you want Rudiger.

      1. DIMITRIS
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        I fancy them getting at least 3 CS from their first 6 games.

  21. Joyce1998
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    hows this looking?

    Sanchez
    Taa, Wan-Bissaka, Fofana
    Salah, Grealish, Havertz, Foden
    Bamford, Watkins, Calvert-Lewin

    Foster, Coufal, Gilmour, Williams

    1. DIMITRIS
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      It looks nice. Have you tho considered someone from United ? Bruno/Rash/Sancho ?

      1. Joyce1998
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        will probably consider havertz to mount then foden to sancho if he is hopefully 9.0

    2. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      No good reason to have AWB over Shaw imo. Having both is another story though.

  22. Boxwoods
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Zero love for Son on here?
    Price barely moved from start of last year when he was widely tapped to have breakout season. Even after he did precisely that, bettering previous (also respectable) best points tally by 50. No other really attractive options in lower end of premium mids. Spared Olympic service.

    What am I missing?

    1. Blues for Salah
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Maybe people are feeling shy about Son while Kane's status is still up in the air. I like him a lot, but I'm avoiding Spurs assets until I see what's happening with Kane and to see how Nuno sets them up.

      1. Baps hunter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Yes. Every man and his dog has Bruno and Salah atm. Many want to have Kane also. It's very difficult to fit him in and there are these huge risk factors in the air.

    2. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      He also had one monster score (once in a lifetime) and we don't know if Kane is going to be Spurs player next season and give him service.

    3. mixology
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      New manager and Kane potentially leaving puts me off him. Too much uncertainty for me for 10 million

    4. FPL Theorist
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      I've got him. Hoping he stays low owned.

      1. Boxwoods
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        😉

    5. cravencottage
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      I think he is an excellent pick, regardless of manager. Without Kane, he may not be as good

  23. Stranger Mings
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    All will player prices go up again between now and the final ? I have exact money to get barella, Walker , bonucci, chiesa & Emerson so not sure whether to go early?

  24. Stranger Mings
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Which to pick a) grealish b) barella c) Saka d) mount ?

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

      Barella

      1. Stranger Mings
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Cheers yeh that’s who I am thinking but mean only have 1 English midfielder in sterling

  25. Blues for Salah
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Anybody have any thoughts on whether there is any kind of real difference between an FPL Ben White at Brighton vs an FPL Ben White at Arsenal?

    God help me for spending time thinking about stuff like this . . .

  26. RogDog_jimmy
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Here's a thought-exercise team - max big-hitters

    Sanchez, 4.0
    Lamptey, Ayling, Fofana, Manquillo, Williams
    Salah, Fernandes, Son, Raphinha, Gilmour
    Kane, Watkins, Ndulu

    Got to try and crib together 3x playing defenders out of 3x4.5 and 2x4.0
    Could downgrade Raphinha to upgrade the defense a bit.

    I almost really like this.

    1. KnightSlayer
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      I only see 10 players , which do you gilmour , ndulu , manually or Williams will get many minutes ?

      1. KnightSlayer
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Manquillo

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

        I assume Gilmour is close to 90. But you’re right - there are concerns about minutes. Ideally would want only 1 throw away attacker and 1 defender too.

        Could go Raph > Dallas and upgrade to 5x 4.5 defenders

    2. KnightSlayer
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Raphinha to Harrison and get a 4.5 defender

      1. RogDog_jimmy
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        That could be a thing yeah.
        Better balance.

    3. Dr. Rog
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      points per million is terrible across the whole team (15-20, rather than 20-25), with the exception of the one premium you get to captain each week (35-40, but that will be matched by your rivals). when you crunch the numbers you'll realise it looks pretty but its a fundamentally flawed strategy.

  27. Stranger Mings
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    If beradi is only a sub in the final should I still keep him in my team in the hope of coming on over bonucci & Walker 2 subs)? Or is that mad snd play bonucci or Walker and sun berradi ?

    1. RogDog_jimmy
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      think i'm trying to get all starters on the pitch - but i can totally see someone coming off the bench and making a difference.

      think that grealish & berardi might be the 2 subs to aim for...but it sure is risky.
      i guess if they don't come on at all you'd get an auto sub yeah? i'm not sure how that works though to be honest.

      1. Stranger Mings
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks very tricky as I think beradi could get an attacking return even if comes on second half and not sure if either bonucci or Walker will get a cleansheet - I am hoping 2-1 England

        1. RogDog_jimmy
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          i think the decision to go either 5 at the back or 5 in the middle is an interesting one.

          i'm expecting 2-1 proabbyl too so i'm leaning 3 at the back only - and hoping to get the 3 goal scorers from the 7 attackers.

  28. Thinkering like a Boss
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Just try something here. How its looks?

    Sanchez
    VVD Shaw Cash
    Salah Fernandes Son Buendia Raphinha
    Toney Antonio

    Foster | Ayling 4.5fwd 4.0def

  29. Paqueta Rice
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    I need to bring in an English mid and I already have Sterling. Who to go for?

    A) Saka
    B) Grealish
    C) Mount
    D) Other

    1. Thinkering like a Boss
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Whoever start as a wing

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

    Surely the laser guided Schmeichel to save the penalty?