Fixtures

When is the best time to use my first Wildcard?

When to play the first Wildcard in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) is a question that frequently gets asked in the early weeks of a new season, on this site and beyond.

Fantasy managers have different approaches to this chip, be it deploying it from a position of strength or saving it for a rainy day when wholesale changes may be needed.

Targeting fixture swings is another (not mutually exclusive) approach and that will be the focus of this article here.

Using our own Season Ticker and moderator Legomané‘s excellent ‘hop on, hop off’ matrix variant and season calendar, we’ll take a look at some of the key fixture swings in the first half of the 2021/22 campaign – whether managers use it for Wildcard deployment, free transfer usage or otherwise.

The usual caveats about not knowing for sure which fixtures represent ‘good’ or ‘bad’ ones apply at this early stage of the season, of course, as there will invariably be a surprise package or two and just as many well-fancied teams flopping.

And not all positive/negative fixture runs will be universally excellent/awful: Arsenal, for example, take on Newcastle and Southampton at home in Gameweeks 13 and 16 in the middle of some less favourable matches.

Above: Legomane’s ‘hop on, hop off’ matrix (click to expand)

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186 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Milk, 1 Šuker
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Thanks for the article Neal. Interesting insight. I'm personally planning for GW7/8 for when Chelsea, Spurs, Man City, Man U and Arsenal should have full squads following the Euros. That said, have to be wary of European competition starting soon after too.

    1. Skonto Rigga
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      My pleasure! Yeah, I could see a spate of early-ish Wildcards as we could be starting the season without a clutch of regulars who have been in Euros/Copa America action.

  2. Earn your Spurs
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    a> Harrison

    1. St Pauli Walnuts
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Tight, but I’ll go A

  3. Earn your Spurs
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    a> Harrison
    b> Soucek

    thanks 🙂

    1. I Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      A

  4. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Is anyone looking to start the season with cavani?

    Bruno Shaw cavani triple up

    Cavani should be nailed till champs league starts right? Thanks

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

      Should be. Want to see pre season friendlies first to see setup.

    2. Another Hoops
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      He's definitely under consideration but that's if I don't start with Bruno. The glaring issue is his minutes, given United's amount of attacking options. But given the fixtures he could be a shrewd pick.

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

      I think it's a game of roulette with him, and - like with City - I don't play games that will make my head hurt.

    4. One Man
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      No Cavani will be competing with other younger players for minutes. He will prob average 45 mins most games this season.

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

    Who will be on penalties for Watford?

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

      In absence of Deeney Pedro- suppose King may come into equation if starts now

  6. Zimo
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    What's a respectable score in RMT?

    1. Another Hoops
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Isn't the fun of RMT to try and get the most points from a team. Personally I'd be looking for an average of around 60/ game week.

  7. jay01
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    “I see Tammy Abraham leaving Chelsea this summer”

    - @FabrizioRomano

    With Giroud gone, this leaves Chelsea short of a striker.. Haaland incoming imo

    1. R.C
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Yep 100% they're getting a striker. Most likely will be Haaland cause Dortmund will sell

      1. jay01
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        As a CFC fan he definitely is essential to me. Exciting times ahead

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

      hopefully Tammy to WHU. would love him there.

      1. jay01
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        I think he will do well but looks like shared minutes with antonio

        1. jay01
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          But with europa, WHU need that depth

      2. I Member
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Would he even be nailed with Antonio around?

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

          I thinks o due to the money he'd cost, the gametime he'd request on agreeing to the deal and the fact Antonio is fairly prone to knocks.

    3. Zimo
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Unlikely

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

      ...and it was in the 21/22 season that The Premier League lost it's competitive reputation and became a three horse league like La Liga due to arrival of Kane, Haaland and Sancho at the 'Moneyed Three' with the other clubs not able to keep up.

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

        I don't see Sancho having quite the same impact. Pep and Tuch are tactical geniuses - that sets their sides apart. Ole is not. Having said that, if Kane goes to United rather than City, it will make things more interesting!

        1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          Not sure id say Tuchel is a tactical genius

          In 19 games in the league he dropped points to Wolves, Southampton, Brighton, Leeds, non - tactical genius Ole, and lost to West Brom, Villa & Arsenal

          He lost the FA Cup to Leicester, and was gifted the champions league final by tactical genius Pep benching his two defensive midfielders

          Ole gets slated, but he actually conceded 1 goal in 6 games vs tactical geniuses Pep, Tuchel & Klopp

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

            Wolves was the first game when the squad were strangers to him. You could follow his evolution as he tried formations, tactics, players in a trial-and-error manner, but to me I saw clear progress. I expect him to start the season knowing what he wants. I don't see him throwing many points away this season. I think they'll finish clear of United and Liverpool.

          2. Dr Van Nostrand
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            Gifted the CL final by Pep? As if Pep is some numpty and not the most successful manager of the past 15 years. They have a mutual respect for each other as brilliant tacticians where they surely slate Ole's ineptness in the five languages they've both mastered.

            But Leicester wasn't gifted the FA Cup with that BS VAR call at the death? Consistency much.

            Ole and Tuchel are not comparable. Tuchel is miles above him. He completely turned around Fat Frank's 10th place gong show into the best team in the league the 2nd half of the season. Ole only knows how to counter he's poor at breaking down teams, which is why ManU will never win the league with him behind the wheel even if they keep flashing the cash.

          3. Uncle Baby Billy
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 3 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            "Ole gets slated, but he actually conceded 1 goal in 6 games vs tactical geniuses Pep, Tuchel & Klopp"

            The three tactical geniuses you've just mentioned in derisory tones have all won the CL in the past ten years. Read that bit again... ALL WON THE CL IN THE PAST TEN YEARS. Yer mate Ole got Cardiff relegated then won something in Norway

            Do you ever post anything that makes sense? The volume of your output alone suggests that every once in a while the gods must smile on you, but I haven't been lucky enough to be around at the time.

  8. I Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Here's the template draft I came up with when the game launched:

    Sanchez (4.0)
    TAA, Digne, Shaw (Fofana, 4.0)
    Salah, Fernandes, Buendia, Harrison (4.5)
    DCL, Antonio, Watkins

    Here's what I'm tempted by now after going off DCL somewhat and wanting Mahrez:

    Sanchez (4.0)
    TAA, Shaw, Fofana (White, 4.0)
    Salah, Fernandes, Mahrez, Buendia (4.5)
    Antonio, Watkins, Welbeck

    Overthinking or what?

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

      Why have you 'gone off' DCL?

      As for Mahrez, I just don't see the point of any of their players unless one is always guaranteed to start. Only Ederson offers that and he's way too expensive, whilst KDB and Dias are the next best bets but are always akin to the odd benching. But the others are a total game of roulette and absolutely not worth the headache.

      1. I Member
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Uncertainty with a new manager coming in, Richarlison going to the Olympics, James possibly leaving. Maybe something, maybe nothing.

        In general I agree with you I just think Mahrez could be a super pick at the start of this season. Foden and Sterling went to the Euro final. Ferran Torres to the semis. Mahrez has had the whole summer off. Surely that bodes well for him at the beginning of the season. He wouldn't be a long term selection.

  9. Lebowski85
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Do we like? Yey or Ney

    Sanchez 4.0
    TAA Robbo Dias Wan-B Digne
    Salah Mahrez Barnes Harrison Soucek
    Wilson Watkins 4.5

    1. I Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Ney. I like most of the players, it's just way too much money on your bench.

    2. One Man
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      I like it. Barnes could be great value. And going with Robbo, TAA and Salah is sensible this season. Also like Jota from Pool tho.

  10. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Brighton only conceded 22 goals at home (Man City let in 17 at home, Chelsea 18 for context) but are a green fixture for Everton away GW3

    Leeds conceded 21 goals at home but are an orange fixture for Everton GW2…

    1. I Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Fixture difficulty surely takes scoring goals into account as well.

      Leeds are better than Brighton or at least they were last season.

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        I think as long as that’s in the back of one’s head as they look at the colours…

        When you see Everton coming up against a defence that is nearly as stingy as Man City/Chelsea… and the fixture is green…

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

      🙂

      I'm guessing results come into it. Wasn't there that thing about Brighton having a calendar year between successive home wins or something.

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Brighton actually only lost 6 games at home last season

        The only teams to lose less were Man City (4) Chelsea (4) and West Ham (5)

        They’re a funny little team

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

      I dont understand the ticker these days. We know somich more now than when it was first introduced and it still makes little sense

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        I think we need to be open to the fact that there just mightn’t be that many “green” fixtures anymore

        Setting fixture difficulty based on simple league position for example (imo) would be at great risk of misleading people

        The tighter the league, the less real difference you’re going to get between teams

        To me green should mean “easy” and not “easiest”

        “Easy” is useful for FPL and something we want to target

        “Easiest” is not (necessarily) easy, and therefore not (necessarily) something we want to target etc

        1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          As in - when I look up at the ticker in the article, there just seems to be way too much green in it overall

          So I think it’s more highlighting the “easiest” games for teams rather than the “easy” etc

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

      What's with the Brighton defence love?

      They will be bottom half of the table again. Doesn't it make sense to go for City, Liverpool, Chelsea etc defence and spend a bit less up front with the likes of Raphina, Watkins, Tony etc?

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

        Agreed but Lamptey might bring some attacking returns.

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

          Tidy little fifth defender. He'll mostly be sat on my bench, but on the rare occasion he's called upon, I'll be happy to have him.

  11. R.C
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Grealish back on pens for Villa XD

    https://twitter.com/JackGrealish/status/1414522271859888132?s=19

    1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      That doesn’t seem to be Grealish back on pens for Villa though unless I’m missing something?

      Is it not more like Grealish blaming Southgate for England’s exit?

      1. R.C
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        It is. My comment was slightly sarcastic. But never know he could start taking them for Villa again to prove he's not a coward

        1. R.C
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          It is lowkey blaming him*

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

        Most England fans are worried about Southgate's inept tactics and penalty selections...some FFS members are more concerned about the difficulty assigned to Premiership matches.

        1. Yes Ndidi
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          I can't believe anyone's worried about how the England manager does his job, given that he's just taken the national team to a major tournament final, and that it doesn't actually affect anyone anyway.

          1. kobewan
            • 4 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            Because pundits are says he is playing negative football too defensive, wasting all that attacking talent that England have.

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

            Are you a real football fan who feels huge disappointment when your team loses...or do you just play the FF game. I can understand the comment if the latter.

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

              I believe its coming home in 495 days. I believe that Southgates the one.

              No reason to be negative about the young squad frowing in leaps and bounds with a manager who is getting stronger and stronger

              1. Riverside Red
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 4 Years
                2 years, 8 months ago

                The comments relate to the manager. The England squad is one of the best in the world. With Southgate at the helm I fear he will sabotage any chance of winning the World Cup. It was Southgate's decision making that lost us the final ...it was England's exceptional team that got us there.

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

          Inept enough to go unbeaten in the tournament...

          1. Riverside Red
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 4 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            Inept enough to standby and let a 1-0 lead slip, whist the opposing manager changed his team's formation and personnel to win the game.

  12. R.C
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Why is Jota not training with the Pool squad?

    1. Kun Tozser
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Surely all euro players are going to be on holiday for a bit yet?

    2. One Man
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Because of his involvement with Portugal at the Euro’s. I fancy him to do well. He played a lot towards the end of last season. What are your thoughts ?

  13. R.C
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Steele owners rejoice. Matt Ryan to Sociedad.

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

      Steele Panther

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

      Are Brighton not signing goalie from Ajax- Scherpen? Not sure whether he would be ahead or behind Steele in pecking order

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

        Yup. I don't see Steele seeing any pitch time.

    3. St Pauli Walnuts
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Blue Steele

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

    Nice read. Hadn’t realised about the AFCON!

    Even more important to know about in games with no wildcard like the Sun Dreamteam.

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

      During AFCON Jota's ownership will rise to around 92%!

    2. Valar(Keith)
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Afcon has barely been discussed on here and it's one of the primary reasons I am very bullish on Mahrez and Iheanacho. Everyone is worried about rotation with those two but the way things look currently I'd bet mahrez will play more often than not upto December due to not playing in the euros and his absence for the second half of the season leading pepe to use him more often than not until he leaves. Same with Iheanacho.. Daka will be groomed for that spot for when he leaves with a few starts and subs . Until then can see Iheanacho starting more often than not.

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

        Fair point about AFCON, but it's too far away - people will have wildcarded their GW1 squads by then.
        Managers just don't treat their players like Duracell Bunnies; I've got Mahrez in as I'm confident he'll start the first 2 or 3 games, but beyond that he will probably be as much a victim of Peptation as anyone. I've also got Nacho as I also see Daka being eased in.

  15. Cheeto__Bandito
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Buendia or Toney for 6.5 slot?

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

      Wait and let pre season help to inform your decision.

    2. One Man
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Toney for me right now. 31 goals in the championship is phenomenal.

    3. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Buendia because of his PL experience. Depends a lot in how they do in preseason.

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

        I have both - they seem good value and I can easily use them to fill the 3rd striker and 4th midfielder spots.

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

      I agree. I think both are great value and allows money to be spent elsewhere. There has to be goals and assists from them.

    5. Cak Juris
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Both

  16. Lovren an elevator
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Is Rodrigo likely to play a bigger part for Leeds next season? He finished strong...

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

      Probably, but up top in place of Bamford or in midfield behind him remains to be seen. Will monitor in pre-season.

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

    Greetings fellow travelers,

    Given that KDB reported himself that he played the Euro QF on torn ankle ligaments, I'm wondering what you might think of Gundogan as an early-season option. Seemed to me that last year when KDB was on the shelf, Gundy had a bit more license to jump in to the attack and if memory serves this was a contributing factor to his purple patch mid season.

    Of course we will all want to keep up with any updates on KDB's condition, but if it turns out that he's on the shelf for the first couple games plus the international break, is it Gundogan's time to be a relevant part of City's attack?

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

      Could well be right, but trying to second-guess Pep is a fool's game.

  18. Azathoth
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    When Lei,WH & Spurs start their european obligations?

  19. Philosopher's Stones
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    King at 5.5 has been grabbing my attention a lot. If he starts on the left of the front three, where he's most effective, and can get onto the pens, could be a great bargain. Waiting for Watford's preseason games to make up my mind.

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

      Didn’t he have his best returns at Bournemouth as a central striker when Wilson was out? Before that he played as a 10

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

      It's been years since he regularly started games though. Impact sub who makes little impact is how I see him.

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

      Watford will be an interesting one to watch in pre-season. A lot of attacking options with limited places in the team. Joao Pedro and Dennis could be bargains.

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

        https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.goal.com/en-ng/amp/news/emmanuel-dennis-why-have-watford-signed-controversial/1r3lqab5atkrd1lsgv1cakcawn

        "Dennis two goals in 23 appearance. "

        "Not en easy guy"

        Looks like not bargain ?

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

          The manager will likely be sacked after 6 games, then the newcomer will look at the 80 players in the squad and decide he needs 10 new ones.

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

          Definitely a wait and see for him. That doesn’t make good reading for him, but you never know.

  20. lilmessipran
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    I was looking at Watford's player stats etc and wanted to check prices.. could not find Joao Pedro listed in the official fpl game? Has he not been added yet?

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

      He's there at 5.5 They've got such a bloated squad, especially with strikers, you need to click to the second page.

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

        Ah found him, thanks! Dam that is a really big squad for Watford.. probably a lot of it is dead weight that will be offloaded though.

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

      5.5m

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

    What are people’s thoughts on Soucek this season? 6.0m for someone that scored 10 goals last season.

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

      I would have him in a set and forget team for the season with no transfers..his returns are kinda hard to predict making you unsure when to play/bench/transfer him out.

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

      He's one of those annoying FPL assets who goes long stretches without doing anything, then scores when you don't expect it. At 5m you were happy to have him as first sub, but at 6m you have to play him through those barren spells. I'd rather find an extra 0.5 and have the likes of Raphinha or Buendia who will bag more regularly.

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

    Probably best to play it safe at the start.
    Emi, TAA, WanB or Dinge, Mo, Bruno, Gundog, Nacho and Wilson.
    😎

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

      Think there will be better valuer keepers than Emi this season, not sure Gundogan can be categorised as "safe" either

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

        Agree. Emi is "safe", though. Unlike the Gundog. I should probably take a closer interest in Wilson - I just find it difficult to take Toon seriously.

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

        week 1-3 they should all be ok. Tried and tested in fpl.

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

        I wont know who is nailed at Manu @ 5m and wont know which of the 4.5m keepers will be gold. For all we know it could be Bachmann or Krul.

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

          I'll be bringing in Meslier after a short time, but I'd be happy to start with Pickford with those fixtures.

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

            Yeah I also have a sneaky feeling Meslier could be good.

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

              If the season starts tomorrow I will gladly play my current team.

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

              I've actually got Meslier and Sanchez - they dovetail beautifully with Sanchez having easy fixtures when Leeds don't. Lot of talk about rotating Ayling and Lamptey - same logic.

  23. Steve The Spud
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Who do you prefer out of Antonio and Wilson ?

    Both pretty similar stats, both explosive on their day, both fixtures OK

    would argue Wilson is more of a talisman for Newcastle but West Ham are the better team, both very likely to be injured before to long

    1. el polako
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Waiting for Tammy Abraham to join Hammers personally.

      From 2 you've mentioned I would go Antonio as he is playing for far better team.

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

      Wilson.

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

        If Hammers don't bring in another striker, I'd take Tony. Wilson has no rivals at Toon, so he'd be a safer option for security of starts otherwise.

    3. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Wilson has pens, but Antonio has better service

      Both injury prone but both great FPL players when fit

  24. el polako
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Probably been already mentioned but with Chelsea's depth of squad and Tuchels love for rotation\tactical tweaks we will have 2 big teams(Chsea & City) with great assests coming with risks of constant rotation.

    Think 1 mid priced player of each is what I'll start with.

    1. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      I’m thinking to start with taa/shaw/cancelo and then have the lamptey ayling rotation as first. Cancelo has really great points when he starts and if he can convert a couple more chances could have a good season I think

    2. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      I'm actively avoiding both unless an injury bottleneck clearly signposts who is starting for an extended period of time

      Not interested in trying to guess who will start for a game or two

      (Kane / Haaland signings excepted obvs)

    3. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Largely true - you'd definitely want strong bench backup. However, I don't see much serious rivalry for Chilwell and Dias.

      1. el polako
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Alonso played under Tuchel in games against weaker opposition.

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

      I really want Havertz, but rotation is a thing as you say

      1. Dr Van Nostrand
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        He's in my team until/if they buy a quality striker

  25. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Thoughts? Feel a strong bench will be required with Covid still about:

    Bachmann
    TAA Shaw Digne Coufal
    Salah Mahrez Jota
    Cavani Watkins Toney

    (Foster, Raphinha, Lamptey, Gilmour)

    1. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      *1m ITB too

    2. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      To much inconsistency of starts for me even with a strong bench

      Could easily see a week with jota, mahrez and cavani all seeing limited minutes or making cameos

      1. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah I suppose some of these players are short-term punts, would like to think with players coming back late from Euros, they’ll at least be starters for a few GW’s

    3. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      That's a stronger 1st sub rather than strong bench for me. You still have a none playing keeper, 4.5m def and mid 4.5 like the template.

      Too many rotation risks for me. I'd downgrade one of Mahrez, Jota, Cavani to upgrade one of the other two leaving just one rotation risk which is covered by your first sub.

      1. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Cheers for the advice, I can do Bachmann, Shaw & Jota to Henderson, Robertson & 6.5m MF

  26. Arteta
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Unseen power 5 - Mané Son Mahrez Havertz Pépé

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

      Pepe is intriguing.

      He's sneaking onto my watchlist. Look beyond instant fixtures and Arsenal have a really tidy start to the season. Actually have Son in place anyway and that's partly because it leaves an easy switch to Mahrez and Havertz and Sancho for that matter.

      Currently have Tierney as my potential Arsenal bolter. Great price. 100% nailed if stays fit and great upside - hoping he could be the asset everyone else is thinking Shaw will be.

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

    Pretty settled on this with for now what ya think?
    Henderson(Meslier) not settled /foster
    Taa lamptey fofana (target / 4.0)
    Salah Bowen Sar Grealesh Raph
    Vardy watkins calvert
    0.0

  28. Game of Throw_ins
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    How does this Draft looks fellas? Bruno to Rashford enables so much better overall team.

    || Sanchez ||
    || Digne - Shaw - Targett ||
    || Salah - Sterling - Rashford - Harrison ||
    || DCW - Antonio - Watkins ||

    Bench: Steele, Fofana, Manquillo, Douglas Luiz

    Bank: £ 0.5

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

    What's people's take on the potential for Liverpool defence as long term value?

    It's been an age since they were a clean sheet machine - since well before the VVD injury - as you need to go back to around 2/3rds of the season before last. The PL landscape is very different now with Chelsea and United real candidates to break up the duopoly and the supporting cast deeper perhaps too with Leicester possibly being joined by Leeds and even Villa.

  30. Zimo
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Welbeck as an option? Thoughts?

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

      Think it's a question of monitoring Brighton transfer situation.

      I understand they're likely in for a new forward. But on the evidence of the last 10 matches or so of last season then Welbeck at 6.0 looks a really tidy option. Brighton do create chances and there will be goals and if you take that slot as a makeweight position where you're happy to see occasional returns think he matches most 6.0 mids.

      Buendia, Sarr and Harrison are the mids that look potentially better value and then it comes down to how you rate all those 7.5 types. Personally getting just two of them max right now.

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

        I've been looking at Brightons expected goals and they've massively underperformed there as well not just in defence. I was initially thinking Welbecks not that great an option but he started doing well at the end there last season. Maybe he'll convert those chances Brighton assets miss more often than not. If he doesn't I'll switch to Digne or Cresswell or someone else.

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

          Or if Abraham goes to West Ham then that's made my day easier. I'll just get him 😆 don't have anymore space in midfield so need a defender or striker 😛

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

            Abraham to WH is going to be tricky for me. How would he dovetail with Antonio? I'd need to see that one in action before getting either.

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

              Abraham moving rules out either Antonio or Watkins for me - as well as Abraham. I need a striker who has no competition. Could end up with Wilson in that case (alongside Toney and Nacho for the early part of the season).

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

          Yep

          Brighton to my mind have almost as much potential going forward as in defence. To fulfil that potential they probably need a category 1 striker but Welbeck is pretty decent. Remember recommending him to someone on here last season around week 26 or so. Proved a good investment and I was a little jealous.

          Welbeck matched Bambam for instance from that point in - just one assist off.