The Promoted

Who are the best FPL players in Watford’s mean defence?

Our series on the newly-promoted Premier League sides continues with this look at Watford’s goalkeepers and defenders.

We have already assessed Norwich City’s defence and their options further forward, with focus now switching to the Hornets. 

In this article, we will assess their overall clean sheet potential and then have a look at some of the key Fantasy Premier League (FPL) players in their backline.

WHAT IS WATFORD’S CLEAN SHEET POTENTIAL?    

Watford return to the Premier League as the Championship runners-up thanks largely to a strong defence that formed the foundation of their success.

Their totals of 23 clean sheets and 30 goals conceded were both league-leading and show how good the Hornets were at the back.

In fact, their goals conceded total equalled a Championship record set by Preston North End back in the 2005/06 season.

Watford’s home record especially stood out in 2020/21:

PWDLFAGDPTSCS
Total46271096330+339123
Home2319224412+325914
Away238871918+1329

The appointment of Xisco Muñoz as head coach in December was the turning point, as the Hornets went on to concede only three goals in 13 home matches under the Spaniard, claiming 11 clean sheets.

Having started in a 4-4-2 formation, from February onwards they settled on a 4-3-3 which relied on the full-backs overlapping and getting the wingers on the ball as much as possible.

“Sometimes you need to change because of different situations, like injuries. We started in 4-4-2 because we were improving our physical condition and this is a formation where you have more normal situations on the pitch. After this we changed to 4-3-3 and this is a formation the team feels more comfortable in. We had better condition, better power, better speed and higher intensity, and it was a big success – Xisco Muñoz

Watford start 2021/22 with an appealing run and sit top of our Season Ticker for ease of fixture in Gameweeks 1-7:

To get back into the Premier League at the first attempt following relegation in 2019/20 was no mean feat. 

And while the Championship and Premier League has a huge gulf in quality, the numbers above do suggest that there could be value in Watford’s backline next season.

GOALKEEPERS

In goal, Daniel Bachmann (£4.5m) appears to have moved ahead of Ben Foster (£4.0m) as Watford’s no. 1.

The Austrian international, who featured at EURO 2020, started the season as backup to Foster but was awarded a first league start in January and went on to keep the jersey thanks to some impressive showings. 

He made 23 starts and kept 13 clean sheets under Muñoz, which does suggest Foster will have to bide his time and wait for opportunities.

It’s also worth noting that Bachmann saved three penalties in a man-of-the-match Carabao Cup performance against Oxford United back in September, and kept out another against Rotherham earlier this year.

Third-choice will be former Newcastle United custodian Rob Elliot, who has earned himself a new contract but is yet to be added to the game.

DEFNDERS: CENTRE-BACKS

Francisco Sierralta (£4.5m) and William Troost-Ekong (£4.5m) played the majority of matches under Muñoz, and will presumably start the new campaign as first choices.

The duo largely performed well in 2020/21, keeping 12 clean sheets in the 19 games that they were paired together. 

Troost-Ekong is a regular in the Nigeria squad, but Sierralta, who is 6ft 4in, perhaps looks like the stronger option in FPL.

Like Bachmann, he’s had to be patient, but made his debut on Boxing Day and hasn’t looked back since. He finished third in Watford’s Player of the Season vote, which is especially impressive considering he only featured in half of the promotion-winning campaign, and ranked top amongst the Hornets’ backline for goal attempts (18). 

However, nine yellow cards in 26 appearances suggests he might need to reign it in a little in the top-flight.

Christian Kabasele (£4.5m) and Craig Cathcart (£4.5m) will aim to push them for starting places, while new signing Matthew Pollock (£4.0m) will also offer cover having signed from Grimsby Town on a five-year deal in May.

DEFENDERS: FULL-BACKS

Right-back Kiko Femenía (£4.5m) was his club’s standout defender in terms of attacking returns in 2020/21, with four assists in 37 outings. He also supplied 30 key passes, more than the rest of the Watford full-backs combined.

One of the Hornets’ strongest areas is their right wing, with Femenía and Ismaila Sarr (£6.0m) striking up a real understanding together. 

On the other flank, it’s hard to envisage Adam Masina (£4.5m) being dropped after his excellent performances last term. The Morocco-born left-back made 26 appearances and scored two goals, and was also named in the EFL Championship Team of the Season.

Above: Kiko Femenía (top) and Adam Masina’s (bottom) 2020/21 touch heatmaps, via Sofa Score

That suggests new signing Danny Rose (£4.5m) will have a tough time displacing him in the starting XI, and given that his last Premier League game was for Newcastle United in 2019/20, you suspect plenty of work needs to be done to get him first-team ready.

Jeremy Ngakia (£4.5m) made 26 appearances last season and provides an alternative to Femenía, while Spanish defender Marc Navarro (£4.0m), who can also play at centre-back, offers further depth.

385 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Pukki Blinders
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Where would you pump the extra 1.5m?

    Sanchez Forster
    TAA Shaw Lamptey AitNouri Ayling
    Salah Bruno Buendia Trossard Allan
    Toney Watkins Antonio

    1. WVA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Into that midfield.

      1. Pukki Blinders
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        No good 7.5/8.0 mids though

        1. ENZO SZN™
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          jota?

        2. H.E. Pennypacker
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          Foden

        3. Nomar
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          This.

          Better off getting a £5.5 defender.

          Until budget mids emerge the mid price point looks horrible for midfielders right now.

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

      Trossard upgrade.

    3. ENZO SZN™
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      3rd/4th MID

      or

      FWDs

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

      I know where you can stick that extra 1.5m

      1. Pukki Blinders
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Up yours mate

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

      Trossard > Grealish (if he stays at Villa) + Buendia > Raphina
      Trossard > Foden (if he looks set to start)
      Ait Nouri > Dias
      Forster > Bachmann + Trossard > Jota

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

    Still trying to accommodate Kane, how does this Kane draft look

    Sanchez
    TAA Digne Shaw Lamptey
    Salah Bruno Rhapinha
    Joao-Pedro Toney Kane

    4.0 4.5 4.5 4.0

    I think the only punt here is Joao-Pedro, who is Watford's main striker and is on pens I believe.

    1. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Think youve mixed up Joao with Sarr

      1. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        That makes more sense. Watford a squad of 35!!!!

    2. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Is King not moving up the pecking order?

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

      Interesting, I didn’t notice King was there, so they’ll probably rotate, well that messes up my team.

    4. WVA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      I think we will need to accommodate Kane if he goes to City,

      I'm planning for the worst with the below.

      Bachmann
      TAA White/Dier/Fofana/Lamptey/Coady
      Salah Bruno Raphina
      Kane Watkins Toney
      Foster 4.5 4.5 4.0

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

        I really like that team, might do something similar

        1. WVA
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          The only issue is the bench with COVID + injuries but that front six backed up by nailed Liverpool Leicester Arsenal Spurs Brighton defenders etc looks solid.
          If Dier looks nailed I'll drop Lamptey and go Sanchez in goal with TAA White Dier Fofana.

    5. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Watford might have a 5.5 starter forward, problem is we don't know who that is.

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

        Neither do Watford at the moment, I suspect.

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

    https://twitter.com/SkySportsPL/status/1416129258481537024

    Woah woah woah Maddison can hit them for sure. Just look at that, worldie after worldie! 😮

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

      Not worth the 60m+ in my opinion

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

        Inflated prices are nothing new, particularly when it comes to English lads and deals between Premier League clubs. I reckon Leicester could demand even more but if Arsenal really want the player with 3 year contract (like in White's case), they'll have to pay whatever it takes. Of course there are cheaper options available but James ticks all the boxes and suits our style. I'm all for it!

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

    Keeping an eye on Liverpools pre season. Firmino only expected back to training 8 August. If he is going to miss the first few games it feels like a no brainer to start with Jota.

    1. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Wouldnt call it a no brainer. Transfers are precious, if he doesn’t start the season well then he’ll be dropped very quickly

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

        Well that could be said for any player. Liverpool have great fixtures and if you can get one of their starting attackers for 7.5m, feels like a bargain.

    2. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Good spot. Jota it is then.

  5. LangerznMash
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    My initial squad has some 'alternative' selections to say the least.

    Ryan (Foster)
    Robertson, Digne, Tierney (Doherty, Reguilon)
    Salah(C), Pepe, Jota, Raphinha (Poveda)
    Aubameyang, DCL, Watkins

    Tried to squeeze as many players that I deem under-valued plus a couple of trusty big hitters.

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

      Arsenal have City and Chelsea in gw 2 & 3 . That 17.5m could feel very heavy

    2. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Looks like a thought experiment

    3. notlob legin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Not sure on 3 x Arsenal with their fixtures weeks 2 & 3

      1. LangerznMash
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Auba is capable of scoring against anyone.
        GW3 I'd bench Tierney + Pepe for Doherty + Reguilon (Spurs at home v Watford).

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

          Did he just not feel like it last season then?

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

      Ryan's already left for foreign climes

      1. LangerznMash
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Ooops I meant Sanchez the Brighton #1

    5. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Done that many times. No way will you risk:
      Ryan, Foster,Tierney Doherty Reguilon Pepe Jota Poveda Auba all in one go

    6. jia you
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Damn triple Arsenal...seems a bit silly to me but it's different at least 😉

  6. HollywoodXI
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    I haven’t touched this team for a number of days. RMT tool rates it very well. Assumes England players are available for GW1 obvs. 433 formation. Thoughts?

    Sanchez
    Trent Shaw Stones Digne
    Salah Bruno Raphina
    DCL Watkins Antonio

    Foster White Gilmour Bissouma

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

      Sure - as solid and templatey as they come.

    2. ENZO SZN™
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      pretty templaty. love that defense tho.

    3. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Stones sticks out as a punt.
      Everton always disappoint.

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

        Yeah I’m not sure with Everton tbh.

        1. Fulchester's New Centr…
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          Either DCL or Digne could get 30+ points in August, but not impossible they get single figures either.
          Think you are not taking advantage of the large number of decent 4.5 def rotation options.

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

            Yep I had another 343 draft with Sarr as the fourth mid and two 4.5s rotating in the third def spot.

      2. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        This^

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

          Everton fan - tell me they’ll be great! Lol

          1. Eze Really?
            • 9 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            I wish I could (smile)

  7. jia you
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Hello all, been a while!
    First draft of my BB team, thoughts?

    Sanchez Bachmann
    Trent Robbo Chilwell Digne Lamptey
    Havertz(C) Son Maddison Buendia Sarr
    Cavani Wilson Toney

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

      Welcome back.
      Sanchez and Bach don't rotate very well.
      TAA and Robbo is a risk if VVD doesn't start the campaign in GW1.
      Havertz and Maddison are not necessarily nailed-on starters.
      Front row is fine.

      1. jia you
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Cheers mate, I would have thought that Havertz and Maddison are both nailed to start but probably shows how little I know

    2. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      No Mo?

    3. ENZO SZN™
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      going without Salah is brave. Surely GW1 last season showed us that.

      go for it!

      1. jia you
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        aye but if punting on BB might be worth the risk...high risk alright especially if I get a couple of no runners I guess

        1. Fulchester's New Centr…
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          More a question of how you would get him in after BB

          1. jia you
            • 7 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            Early WC would be the plan if GW1 BB

    4. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Welcome back. Various risks with collective far too much.

    5. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Thou shall not have a non-template squad

      1. jia you
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        haha was bound to be still a thing on here mate

    6. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      0 premium attackers is madness

      1. jia you
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        It's a 38 week game though and I wouldn't have no premiums for much of it...just a GW1 BB punt

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

        why?

    7. H.E. Pennypacker
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      I like the fact that you are having a go and not going full template. Good luck, sir!

      1. jia you
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Cheers

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

      It's definitely interesting squad with many differentials which could work well in your favour. I honestly like seeing non-template drafts and this is a proper one.

      1. jia you
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        cheers

  8. jia you
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Are many (any) people on here bench boosting in GW1 out of curiosity?

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

      I pondered it but on balance decided no as there are so many variables at play (players may miss GW1, COVID variant etc).

      1. jia you
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        yeah, guess it's a little riskier than in previous seasons, cheers

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

      A few have mentioned it, but it's a bit daft to me - in GW1 there are issues over England players starting or not (tbf you only have 1), new signings to start or not and general imponderables.

      1. jia you
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        yeah I tried to get a solid BB team together with a plan to WC out of it afterwards...but perhaps that's a bit risky for most to comprehend on here and probably rightly so lol

    3. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      I prefer to chase and save chips for the run-in in general anyway, but with Covid and post-summer tournaments particularly, wouldn't do this year.

    4. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      A plus and minus.
      Got rid of the brain trauma of when to use it.
      Players on the bench next GW.

      1. jia you
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        true but would probably WC in GW2 or 3

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

      I'm tempted, as someone said in the community it's the only time you can use a wildcard and a chip in the same week. I regularly tend to WC gw 3/4/5 anyway

      1. jia you
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        yup my thoughts exactly

  9. CONNERS
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Morning

    Thoughts on this draft? Harrison and Smith Rowe cover each other perfectly for the first four games.

    Sanchez
    Dias - TAA - Shaw - Coufal
    Salah - Bruno - Smith.Rowe
    DCL - Watkins - Iheanacho

    Foster / Harrison - Gilmour - 4.0

  10. OLA
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Here is my initial draft. My first season to play EPL fantasy, so any comments are welcome

    Sanchez
    Coufal - Maguire - Trent - Fofana

    Salah - Smith Rowe - Fernandes - Havertz

    Watkins - Antonio

    Subs: 4.0 GK, Lamptey, Bissouma, Toney

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

      Switch Toney and Fofana then you're looking good.

      Very nice team.

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

        Thanks!

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

    A) Shaw & Iheanacho

    B) Coufal/Tierney & DCL

    1. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Week 1 neither IMO

  12. Drexl Spivey
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Is a good start vital in finishing in the Top 1k, or have any of you managed to claw your way there after a string of mishaps?

    I don't think I've ever reached inside 200k in the first few gameweeks.

    1. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Not so much ranking after week 1 but points gap.
      I have finished top 1k being 2 mil week1.
      Finished 100k + plat year being 200k week 1

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

      It helps, but it's hardly vital so long as you keep a cool head.

    3. King Kohli
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Good start certainly helps but it is definitely possible to claw your way back.

      Last season after gw1, I was ranked 260k. Ended up over 3m by gw 7 and managed to finish the season around 120k.

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

      You have the first couple of months where you can affect your rank significantly so a bad start isn’t the end of the world if you recover. After Christmas it becomes a lot harder as the template is more or less settled and you have to find the differentials to make ground.

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

    Which do you prefer

    A) Chilwell, Wilson 3,4,3

    Or

    B) Taa, Harrison 3,5,2

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

      B

    2. marcos11
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      B

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

      Cheers

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

    Will white get game time at Arsenal? At £50m you’d hope so but…

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

      He will start every game

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

        Good news thanks

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

      38/38

  15. Professional Fowl
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    RMT please people

    Sanchez (4.0)

    TAA - Robbo - Shaw - (Fofana) - (White)

    Salah - Mahrez - Greenwood - Sarr - (Bissouma)

    Iheanacho - Watkins - Calvert-Lewin

    Thanks

    1. Athletic Nasherbo
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Yeah I like this. Subtly differently for example double pool at the back. Greenwood should start. Monitor Shaw, that’s all.

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

      I like it. Greenwood could be a great pick to start the season with Rashford out.

  16. anish10
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    How’s this looking

    Pickford - Foster
    White - TAA - AWB - Firpo - Bardsley
    Salah - Saka - Barnes - Greenwood - Harrison
    Watkins - Kane - Davis

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

      Different!

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

      Interesting looking draft.

      I think I'd be tempted to downgrade Saka to Smith-Rowe and use the 1m to get a couple of 4.5m defenders for your bench.

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

        +1. Agree
        Pickford a doubt with last season then Euros rest so maybe another keeper for week 1.

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

    What do you think of my draft? I’m stuck on the third Liverpool slot. Will have to wait for fitness updates.

    Sanchez
    Trent, Vvd, Lamptey
    Salah, Bruno, Barnes, Buendia, Saka
    Watkins, Antonio

    Steele, Fofana, Ayling, Davis

    Not sure on:

    A) Barnes &Vvd
    B) Raphina & Robertson
    C) Jota & White

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

      It looks quite good. I just prefer a 3rd forward personally, especially with the amount of choice in the mid-price bracket.

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

        Thanks Conners. I suppose same argument could be made for the mid price mids. There will be a lot of gems this year.

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

    Do you think shaw will start the season? Apparently he’s back to training at the start of august and I think that’s cutting it pretty fine to be ready for gw1

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

      Easy switch to AWB depending on what we hear nearer the deadline.

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

      People are way too hot on Shaw currently.

      His history of fpl points is no where near the current hype.

      I get that you feel with everyone having him here you have to have him. It similar Digne being a must have year after year despite never becoming it .

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

        There is more than just Shaws history to take into consideration though. It’s the recent history you need to look at. Clearly on an upward trajectory. Was one of United’s best players last season and his stats are twice as good as AWB. In the Euros he just had 1 goal and 3 assists in 6 games. Seems to be fitter than ever and shaken off all of the nightly injuries. I don’t have him but it’s clear as to why many have.

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

        It's because he's turned into one of the world's best left back over the year and is sharing setpieces with Bruno. His history is like that because he has never played regularly before due to injuries. Sometimes u need to look past that stuff.

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

          Im not saying he is a good player , he is.

          Whether he is a good asset in fpl he has never shown for much time yet.

          I had AWB last year from January who comfortably outscored him despite everyone raving about Shaw, ditto Coufal

          There is alot of noise in fpl, especially here.

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

        Well said

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

      United will have much the same starting XI aside from Sancho, so there's not much learnin' for him to do.

    4. CONNERS
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Fair point, although I think he's a good pick for several reasons.

      United have decent fixtures to start the season.
      He's only 5.5 and easy to switch to another player in that bracket if he doesn't perform.
      If Varane signs there'll be more clean sheets this season.
      He's looked excellent in the Euros.

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

        Yeah, i'm agreeing with you. I'm saying there's a good chance he'll start GW1 anyway. I've got Lamptey to step in just in case he doesn't.

  19. Superflymonk
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Anybody with any unique leagues and wants players to join? Got a few slots left

  20. Athletic Nasherbo
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Thoughts?

    Sanchez
    Chilwell Castagne Lamptey
    Salah Sterling Mahrez Buendia
    Iheanacho Wilson Toney

    Bachmann Fofana Doherty Gilmour

    1. Athletic Nasherbo
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Yeah amazing team congrats pal.

      (May aswell)

  21. FPL_trail_runner
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    With all the potential cheap defenders around 4.5mil it does lend itself to play with a rotation defence

    Bachman
    White / Ayling / Lamptey/ Fofana/4 mil
    Bruno / Salah / Havertz / Mbeumo
    Kane / Wilson / Toney
    4m 4.5

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

      not keen on uber cheap defence personally. Could hurt you long term

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

        I dont have this draft its just to have at least some counter template thinking

        Everyone on here as the same team.

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

      I looked at this and you can do so much further forward but I would be bricking it without Trent

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

      Rotation always ends in tears imo.

  22. marcos11
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Any suggestions for this with 1.0m itb? Considering a Liverpool defender.

    Sanchez 4.0
    Shaw Digne Targett Fofana Manquillo
    Salah Bruno Mount Raph Sarr
    Watkins Antonio Toney

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

      8 attackers spreads the wealth around a little too much for me

      1. marcos11
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah maybe Sarr > 4.5 is the play?

    2. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Downgrade to a 4.5 mid and upgrade Manquillo to a 4.5 defender. Gives you 2.0 itb. Thank me later

    3. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Yeah downgrade a mid to a 4.5. I had 8 attackers at one point last season with Soucek as my '5th mid' and it was a battle and headache every week. Never again.

  23. Bambi
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    I think i am settled, at least for the time being.
    I see most value in midifielders between 6 - 7. So many options at each price point so trying to structure my team to maximise that.

    Sanchez - 4.0
    TAA - Shaw - Digne - (White - 4.0)
    Salah - Fernandes - Barnes - Raph - Sarr
    Cavani - Antonio - (4.5)

    what do you think?

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

      Looks good!

    2. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Dangerous if Cavani and Barnes are rotated and you only have 1 playing bench player

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

        Yeah i am trying to see if I can squeeze 0.5 any where to get fofana but don't want to lose any of the mids

        1. Pukki Blinders
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          Sarr to ESR could do

  24. Lucky Z
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Sanchez
    Dias | Shaw | Coufal
    Salah | Bruno | Son | Olise
    Watkins | Antonio | Toney

    Foster | Bissouma | Fofana | White

    Thoughts?

    1. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Doubt Olise is a consistent starter, get ESR instead

      1. Lucky Z
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Even with Eze out?

        1. Pukki Blinders
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          He’s only 19 so who knows, may be settled in

          1. Pukki Blinders
            • 4 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            Eased in I should say

            1. Lucky Z
              • 6 Years
              2 years, 8 months ago

              ezed in 🙂

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

        Vierra got him for a reason.

        I’m considering him. May end up getting way more minutes than ESR.

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

      I'd wait until GW3 until putting Son in my team due to fixtures and not knowing his role under Nuno.

      1. Thomas Magnum
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        I'm the opposite, I am trying to fit in Son now because I'm worried he'll start this season like last on fire and I'll be forced into a WC earlier than I planned. Great GW3 fixture as well.
        But I can also understand the hesitancy with Kane rumors and his role 🙂

  25. Baines on Toast...
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Currently on the following - if Lamptey looks like he's fit to start the season I'd play him every week with Ayling as backup; Shaw can switch as well if there's any fitness doubts, but he's as important as Bruno now so I think nailed on to start.

    Sanchez/4.0
    Trent - Shaw - Lamptey (Ayling, 4.0)
    Bruno - Salah - Greenwood - Jota (4.5)
    Iheanacho - Toney - Wilson

    1. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Wouldn’t be too confident on Greenwood’s minutes…

      No Villa is also interesting

      1. Baines on Toast...
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        I really don't buy the Villa hype, Grealish is going to leave and they ended the season terribly.

        Greenwood a risk but I'm willing to take a couple early on, with Rashford out and Sancho new I think he's probably going to start the first game, and if he maintains his form from last year...

  26. Nomar
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Anyone think Jacob Murphy at Newcastle might push on as a decent budget midfielder?

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

      If he was 4.5 I might give him a little thought, but at 5.0 nah.

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

        But prices dont matter much at all as of now .

        This is typical pre season thinking

        People thought last year in preseason Grealish was over priced and if he was 0.5mil cheaper we could consider him.

        None of this matter when a players get points. If (and i doubt) J Murphy gets a few goals in the first games people would buy him if he is double the current price.

        You either think a player can do well or not and especially you are looking for those players Fpl has massively under-estimated.

        J Murphy being 4.5 or 5.0 makes no difference in any of these cases.

        Im not looking to pick a fight but why would this matter to you? Even if he was say 4.5mil would you still even consider putting him in your 11 really? At best he is still a sub so i dont see how this matters.

    2. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Isn’t he playing POO

    3. Athletic Nasherbo
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Way better budget midfielders: Gilmour, Bissouma, Brownhill.

  27. FPL_trail_runner
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Hello to people who have a template team (The AKA pre season Perez is a must team of 2019)
    e.g this one or similar :
    Sanchez
    Lamptey Shaw TAA Digne White
    Bruno Salah Raphina Buendia
    DCL Watkins Toney

    This team will not do well as you think , and you will be forced to wildcard as early as someone taking random punts which are dismissed here ( e.g Werner / Maupay / Pukki / Auba / Jesus / Sterling / Mane all have as good and some cases better chance of doing well), and some taking these random punts will get the excellent start as of last years Kane/Son/ Dcl which was also mocked last year

    A risky team will either
    1. Give you a great start
    2. Make you WC early ( which almost everyone will anyway)
    3 Not be much different in points output anyway to the template and lead to point 2. ( you can still cover bases with Bruno / Salah and take some risks)

    Its as if people forgot the lessons of each year in an instant.

    1. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Or you can fall behind and never recover like lateriser did

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

        He didnt captain or own Salah in week 1. This was just being anti template.

        Not what im saying ( Get Bruno and Salah, TAA)

        Im saying Shaw Digne White Watkins Buendia Raphina DCL in the filler positions become 'essentials' after X number of posts here.

        They arent and can be easily any of the names i listed above.

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

          And why can't they be selected? No one is essential. People pick who they want. It kinda seems like u just have a weird aversion to highly owned players for some reason. Just because a lot of people have them doesn't make them bad picks u know.

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

            Zimo, you are agreeing with me here btw

            Im saying nobody is essential and everyone is free to pick and any player is currently viable

            If however every post here is the same, and any odd pick is 'risky' then by nature not every player is viable

            Literally everyone on here has the same players. By definition people are not freely picking.

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

              I mean that's their choice though. Let them be. They don't wanna take huge risks at the beginning of the year. I myself have only a few differential picks in Bachmann, Wilson, Son, Buendia. And Rudiger but just for GW1 when I plan to switch to Shaw then. The rest of my team is highly owned players.

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

          Digne can’t be any of them because you never listed an alternative defender.

    2. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      GW1 some parts are usually a lottery and making transfers based on GW1 results could backfire badly (as I experienced). Targeting 3-5 GWs and stick with the plan seems to work better than very reactive in the first 2-3 GWs (read: not enough data). Or otherwise WC early.

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

      Which one of those players listed has a better chance of doing well? They’re punts for a reason.

      Yes the top team of GW1 will be some random team that’s stacked for GW1 fixtures but that isn’t how you play FPL. You need to find a team that allows transfers in one move to cover as many emerging options as possible.

      No one is forced to wildcard early but plenty will knee jerk. That’s the biggest lesson from previous seasons, trust your decision making will pay off instead of chasing last week’s points.

      Eg. Last season GW1 Willian scores big. Some people will have punted on him and it paid off. I imagine he became essential in some people’s eyes then quickly became anonymous for the majority of the season.

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

        Werner / Wilson / Auba / and random players nobody is talking about will all easily outscore the template, its not that im advocating not picking them, im saying im pro picking any player X

        X is as valid as any template player currently within reason (i.e starter for a team with a fpl prominent role), there are at least 60 of such players currently. Not the 11 only picked here.

        This place would be much more useful for debate and insight if we had 7 different types of team templates not 1

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

          Because Auba did so well last year 😆 Werner is still a rotation risk since we don't know if Tuchel plans on continuing rotation this year and Chelsea have horrible fixtures after GW1 anyways. Wilson is the only name out of those 3 who could outscore another similarly priced fwd in first 6-7 fixtures

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

            Zimo

            Every year you have to leave you assumptions at the gate.

            Auba could still (unlikely i admit) return to some form.

            Every year is a clean slate. Again this is exactly what people were saying about Bamford and DCL pre season last year

            Honestly im amazed people never learn.

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

              U have convinced me. Yes I will risk getting a premium player from a poorly performing Arsenal team that needs a huge overhaul instead of the surety of players like Salah and Bruno. Ohno wait I forgot I can just use a transfer to get him if he does well.

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

                I know what you're saying but Auba is a poor example 😛 I'm sorry if i sound rude

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

                Please for the fear of having to repeat myself check the other 4 posts where im saying

                'Picking Bruno /Salah /TAA is obvious and good picks - which i have, im discussing the other filler positions which have now also become template essentials of 7-10 names'

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

                  I know what u said but Auba is a premium player isn't he. I can't compare him to someone like Watkins can I?

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

          Wilson isn’t a random pick imo. He’s a very good pick given his form and he fits in price wise to allow you to get the big hitters like Salah and Bruno. I’m actually on Wilson right now myself.

          To get Werner/Auba you have to rip up your team and go with a different formation altogether and the upside is not worth it in my opinion. If they slotted in like Wilson does they’d be easier to justify but they don’t and there’s nothing to justify building a team around them.

          Werner will share points with Mount, Kai and Pulisic. Even Giroud!

          Auba needs to show a return to some level of form before he can be considered.

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

      I think people tend to look at the consistent FPL performers and the guys who finished well and take it from there.

      There are going to be some bargain players emerge but at this stage it’s hard to tell who they will be.

      I genuinely think Watford will be the team to give us our budget keeper and defenders. They were solid defensively in the Championship last season (QPR fan here so I follow the Championship a lot) and I think that will be their DNA in the prem.

      They’ll try and keep it as tight as possible and sneak a 1-0 win, a bit like Sheffield United two seasons ago, who showed that you can be a good defence in the Championship and carry that on to the Premier League.

      The price points this season have kind of narrowed the template, though.

      If you want a £4.5m defender who can get you attacking returns then there are only a few potential candidates that stand out right now, so you end up picking the same players as everyone else.

      The staple 3 premiums right now seem to be Salah, TAA and Fernandes and, really, I can’t see how you can risk going without those 3, but that kind of dictates what you have to go for to fill out the rest of your team with what’s left.

      I gambled on Werner at the start of last season, as well as ASM and Ramsdale and those three absolutely destroyed my campaign, right from the off, so taking risks at the start doesn’t always work out well.

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

        Nomar, we are here and i am agreeing with most of what you say.

        Again i am all hugely for TAA Bruno and Salah and see the obvious benefit .

        Im questioning this:
        Digne Shaw Lamptey Sanchez White Raphinha (excellent player not yet worth the fpl hype here) are not must haves.
        Any team with Bruno / TAA / Salah + any others who are fpl prominent in their teams is a viable

        To be fair, once again ASM / Armstrong were never Fpl worthy picks, i said as much on here last season and never had them week 1.

        Werner was a decent pick before the season started and still is a potential viable option in Fpl if he comes back again (which fpl has shown over the years happens in many cases e.g Lukaku / Berba / Suarez) despite being dismissed.

        This pre-season like everyone im reminded of similar debates years ago on here when a few of us went Suarez (in his second season) in pre-season and everyone on here was saying Carrol (who cost more) was the better pick since he finished the previous season better and Suarez was missing a lot of chances.

        Sounds familar I have to say.

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

          U just contradicted yourself. In a previous post u said Shaw hasn't done anything to show he's worth of picking for FPL and is overhyped and now you're saying Suarez was a good pick even though he hadn't shown anything before either. The only difference is that Shaw is highly owned and Suarez wasn't. That just tells me again that you have some weird prejudice against highly owned players.

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

            Tbh i think there will be 4-5 potential great players to pick from United this year.

            Again, im not against Shaw, he hasnt done anything to justify been in every draft however. Different points arent they.

            Im saying currently as we sit here today AWB who nobody has (and is a BP magnet) is as viable, yet nobody even discusses this

            Its just a continous stream of 'How is my template? ' Excellent' posts.

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

              Yes people shouldn't get players because everyone else has them true. But quite a few people still have him cuz he's improved vastly last year.

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

              I know what u means, but your example is not so good.

              You choose Auba as example when he clearly out of form and then have rotation . Meanwhile, Salah and Bruno consistently gives many points (Salah esp as Bruno quite new) .

              Of couse people choose Salah and Brunomor even Kane because its all about possibility. We predict the future but cant overhype some ..

              Shaw is one of the most defenders that can give good points. Why?

              1. Very attacking
              2. M.U quite good at keep CS even not so outstanding
              3. Fixtures is good

              Thats why he is there and I choose him too.

              But for White, Toney, DCL yes I agree, quite overhype by some. I didnt have them either.

              I know every players can have excellwnt season but most people choose what they think the best. They have reason. Counter that reason if u want.

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

                Sorry ., Typing error..

                * Of course people choose Salah and Bruno over Auba.. thats the right name

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

              I’m seeing quite a few different teams to the template you’re talking about. People trying for Kane, people going double Pool defence, people going cheap at the back just today.

              You have to remember FFS is a minuscule portion of the player base. That’s why you still see players like Buendia on low ownership even though they’re being talked up here.

              They might seem to be bigged up here but some of the picks people go on about here actually are punts.

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

        Well said

  28. Magic Zico
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Still have 2.0M in the bank with this team:

    Bachmann (Foster)
    Digne VVD Dunk Fofana (Coufal)
    Salah Bruno Traore (Harrison Gilmour)
    Cavani Watkins Welbeck

    Which upgrade to prioritise?
    A. VVD > TAA
    B. Traore/Harrison > Buendia/Raphinha or Greenwood/Foden/Gundo
    C. Welbeck > DCL/Antonio

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

      Whichever Traore that is, I wouldn't. VVD to TAA and Traore to someone 0.5 more and keep the change.

      1. Magic Zico
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        AVL's Traore that is. Raph is the only one I want for 6.5M, ta!

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

          That would be far better. That does leave you doubling on Leeds midfielders, mind.

          1. Magic Zico
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            Yep don't mind doubling up LEE from GW5 I think.

    2. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Traore needs to go

      1. Magic Zico
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        My punt for 3 AVL good fixtures but yeah probably as step too far

  29. Pukki Blinders
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Can’t understand why people are going with Cavani. Was reported that United only plan to start him for around 60% of games. Wouldn’t be paying 8.5m for that

    1. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Let's see ... when he's playing he scores. Not bad for GW1 punt. Can be downgraded easily: Bamford, DCL, all 7.5 options. Long term may not be sustainable but for the first GWs think it's fine.

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

      I'm speculating that percentage kicks in when the CL matches start, and when Rashford's fit.

      1. Magic Zico
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        This

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

      There is nobody bar the United coaching team who will know how much he will play

      Reports of any % are just speculation to help bring in clicks / ads from any source.

  30. Gunners in Haaland
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Hi lads,
    Thoughts on this draft?

    Sánchez
    TAA Fofana Shaw Digne
    Salah Greenwood Mount Mahrez
    Toney Kane

    Foster Bissouma Manquillo Davis

    Cheers