The Promoted

What can FPL managers expect from Brentford’s defence in 2021/22?

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

In this article, we will assess the Bees’ overall clean sheet chances and then present a player-by-player rundown of their backline ahead of their Fantasy Premier League (FPL) debuts.

FPL price reveal and launch reaction from three-time top 200 finisher Lateriser 1

WHAT IS BRENTFORD’S CLEAN SHEET POTENTIAL?    

Brentford were the highest-scoring team in the Championship last season, with much of the focus from an FPL perspective consequently focusing on Ivan Toney (£6.5m).

There has been less attention on the Bees’ backline, with all of their goalkeepers and defenders owned by fewer than 3% of Fantasy managers at present.

Perhaps there’s some justification for that: Thomas Frank’s side had the worst defensive record out of the three promoted clubs (42 goals conceded in 46 matches) and kept fewer clean sheets (17) than Norwich City (18) and Watford (23).

The Bees were remarkably consistent whether at home or on the road, conceding just two more goals on their travels than they did in west London:

PWDLFAGDPTSCS
Total46241577942+378717
Home2312923920+194510
Away2312654022+18427

That was also a trait of Brentford’s previous full season under Frank in 2019/20 (18 goals conceded at home, 20 away).

2020/21 total (rank v other Championship clubs)
Goals conceded42 (4th)
Clean sheets17 (=5th)
Shots conceded396 (2nd)
Shots on target conceded141 (=5th)
Saves made from shots in the box67 (=10th)
Expected goals against (xGA)42.26 (1st)

Above stats taken from Fbref and WhoScored

Only Barnsley conceded fewer goal attempts than Frank’s troops last season, although the Bees were only ranked joint-fifth for fewest shots on target allowed.

Indeed, Brentford’s goalkeepers had to make 67 saves from shots taken inside their own area in 2020/21; nine Championship teams allowed fewer than that.

In mitigation, the Bees had some injuries to contend with and had little strength in depth: first-choice centre-half Pontus Jansson (£4.5m) sat out half the season with fitness issues, midfielder anchor-cum-stopper Christian Norgaard (£5.0m) was absent for much of the campaign with an ankle problem and left-back Rico Henry (£4.5m) was unavailable for the final 15 games of the regular season.

And the west Londoners had been widely praised for their defensive efforts in 2019/20, with not even promoted Leeds United, Fulham or West Bromwich Albion conceding fewer attempts on goal.

The fact that they could boast a lower expected goals against (xGA) tally than the more heralded Watford backline in 2020/21 is also worth bearing in mind.

THE PLAYERS

APPS, GOALS AND ASSISTS

PlayerPositionAppsStartsGoalsAssists2021/22 FPL Position2021/22 FPL Price
Luke DanielsGK4400
David RayaGK424200GK£4.5m
Finley StevensRB2000
Dominic ThompsonLB4100
Charlie GoodeCB8400DEF£4.0m
Winston ReidCB10700
Pontus JanssonCB242300DEF£4.5m
Mads Bech SørensenLB/CB322920DEF£4.5m
Rico HenryLB303012DEF£4.5m
Henrik DalsgaardRB353421
Ethan PinnockCB393911DEF£4.5m
Mads RoerslevRB171002DEF£4.5m

GOALKEEPERS

David Raya (£4.5m) is Brentford’s number one goalkeeper, having started 42 of the Bees’ 46 Championship matches last season and having been an ever-present in the campaign before that.

Comfortable with the ball at his feet, the Spaniard has long been linked with a move to Arsenal.

Raya attempted almost 300 more passes than any other Championship goalkeeper last season, with Frank’s fondness for playing out from the back something that could benefit him on the Bonus Points System (BPS).

With added responsibility for distribution comes the increased chance of mistakes, however, and only one Championship player made more errors than Raya last season. A howler against Huddersfield particularly stood out.

His save percentage of 74.2% was also lower than fellow promoted £4.5m goalkeepers Daniel Bachmann (76.1%) and Tim Krul (80%).

Barring further recruitment, rookie Patrik Gunnarsson (£4.0m) – who has made just one league appearance for Brentford and spent last season on loan in Denmark – is set to play understudy.

DEFENDERS: THE FULL-BACKS

Following the departure of Henrik Dalsgaard, Brentford are even shorter in the full-back department and will surely strengthen between now and Gameweek 1.

The right flank looks particularly weak, with Mads Roerslev (£4.5m) and the unpriced rookie Finley Stevens the only recognised defenders down that side.

After a stop-start campaign littered by injuries and benchings, Roerslev started the last nine regulation Championship matches and the three play-off games.

Operating initially at right-back in Frank’s 4-3-3, he enjoyed a stint further forward at wing-back upon the late-season switch to a 3-4-1-2 and set up a brace of goals in the 5-0 win over Preston in April.

For all Roerslev’s raw potential, it’s perhaps Rico Henry (£4.5m) on the opposite wing who is the pick of Brentford’s backline from an FPL point of view.

The pacy left-back created a respectable 25 chances in 30 appearances, which was more than any of the Bees’ defenders managed in 2020/21.

But even then, two assists across the whole of the campaign – exactly what he managed in an ever-present 2019/20 – and two goals in 110 Championship appearances doesn’t scream ‘the next Stuart Dallas’.

DEFENDERS: THE CENTRE-HALVES

Ethan Pinnock (£4.5m) and Pontus Jansson (£4.5m) were Frank’s go-to pairing at centre-half last season when fit, although where the injury-prone Jansson is concerned, that wasn’t all that often.

Pinnock, a threat at set plays, registered more goal attempts (30) than any other Brentford defender in 2020/21, with a minutes-per-chance average of 114.5 fairly decent without being overly eye-catching.

Harry Maguire’s (£5.5m) mean, for instance, was 84.7 in a superior division.

No Brentford defender could beat Pinnock for clearances, blocks and interceptions (CBI), either.

The centre-half have averaged a CBI every 13 minutes in 2020/21, a competitive tally when compared to the leading FPL defenders and again noteworthy when it comes to BPS.

Jansson was fond of goal or two at Leeds but has yet to open his Brentford account despite making 58 league appearances across two seasons.

Pinnock and Jansson both featured in the top 10 of Championship regulars for the BPS-boosting passes per game, meanwhile – although we’re perhaps clutching at straws and with the likes of Tariq Lamptey and Luke Ayling available at this price point, few managers will be taking the plunge on a Brentford centre-half.

Elsewhere, Charlie Goode (£4.0m) will play back-up unless a serious injury crisis hits.

Utility man Mads Sorensen (£4.5m) covered at both left-back and centre-half when unavailabilty struck last season but the arrival of a new face from Celtic seemingly pushes him further down the pecking order in the latter position.

NEW SIGNING – DIFFERENT FORMATION?

Brentford have now confirmed the signing of Kris Ajer from Celtic, a towering centre-half who has filled in at right-back on occasion at Parkhead and who has experience of playing in central midfield in his native Norway.

The move begs the question over whether Frank is to stick with his trusty 4-3-3 and replace one of Pinnock or Jansson with the newcomer or whether we are set to see more of the wing-back system that he turned to in late-2020/21.

The move to a 3-4-1-2 saw Brentford keep four clean sheets in their final six regulation-season Championship matches of the campaign and could also be significant regarding the appeal of Bryan Mbeumo (£5.5m), who flitted between impact substitute and ‘out of position’ striker when the formation was last used.

Frank said of Ajer:

We wanted to get another central defender in, and Kris was our first choice. We think he fits the position specific profile perfectly, especially on the ball.

Kris is very composed and can find the right passes between the lines. His level when bringing the ball forward is very high. As a defender he has the physicality that you need, and he won his duels when he played in the Scottish league. He can help us in both boxes, with his strength in the air.

He is a player at a good age, and we think he come straight in and be ready to perform in the Premier League. But he also fits the way we want to recruit players and work with them. He can develop as a player and both Brentford FC and Kris can move to a higher level in the coming years.

574 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Botman and Robben
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    This team got me 71 points last GW1. (GW Rank 773592)

    I should be able to top that this season looking at this team.

    McCarthy
    TAA Justin Mitchell
    Salah Saint-Maximin Aubameyang(c) Son
    Mitrović Werner Wilson

    Nyland Bissouma Vinagre Walker-Peters

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

      I like that team ha

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

      It's not that bad of a team. Only ASM and Mitro were glaring mistakes. Oh and Vinagre.

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

        Vinagre was just this season's Manquillo, fodder.

        1. No Professionals
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          People went with Vinagre because of jonny’s injury and being massively talked up by Nuno. Saliba was the other disaster.

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

            Ah, I remember Saliba. You had him?

      2. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        And Auba

        1. Wılly
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          Auba was a short term pick because of no Manchester teams, he actually did quite well in the first two weeks when we needed him

          1. Big boy Bowen
            • 7 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            Yeah not bad, goal and an assist in first 2 weeks plus a BAP or two maybe.

            I was just annoyed I capped him in GW2 over Kane and Son!

  2. Drip Doctor
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    You know when FPL went downhill? It was when twitter took off. Now there are hundreds of FPL accounts spoonfeeding their thousands of followers information. People don't even need to try.

    1. Walter White (WW)
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Yeah. Noobs don’t even need the eye test/ stats anymore. Just copy & paste from these accounts. People with no idea about football absolutely battering my rank like it’s nothing

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

      This is the natural progression of many massively multiplayer online games, any Warcraft players here (nerds) will relate

      In the end they cater more to the casual because it makes up more of the player base, hence they added a fixture ticker etc to the app, no need to do any research and then you get thousands of contact creators a long with that well intentioned as they are

      1. Drip Doctor
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Yes, this is the case with Fifa aswell

      2. Emiliano Sala
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        DotA player here B-)

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

      I wouldn't say that FPL has gone downhill because of that, but my rank has lol

      I don't mind the game gaining in popularity, as long as FPL doesn't turn into a circus with 10+ chips and tries to keep adding bells and whistles to attract new followers

      1. Drip Doctor
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Its become a little dull for me. Differentials last maybe a week. Just seems like templates throughout the season.

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

          Have you tried any of the alternatives like the Telegraph, Sun, Sky etc?

          1. Drip Doctor
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            I've not, unfortunately im an FPL addict.

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

              Give them a go! In the Sun, all comps count including domestic cups. My first year playing but I reckon it’ll be decent.

              Tried the Telegraph last year it was OK.

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

      The cottage industry that’s sprung up alongside the game is ultimately harmless, but I do find it a touch desperate the way these wannabe experts try to attract followers.

      There was an account on Twitter earlier stating that they felt Klopp would ask his fullbacks to attack against poor opposition. Talk about insight!

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

      You still need to be wise enough to sieve through all the info your getting and apply it with benefit to your team.

      Lots of info doesn't necessarily mean advantage, I still value opinions of users on this site.

    6. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      It's all about the money....

      Or in this case, the advertising that FPL brings to the PL, that in turn brings more interest to the PL, that in turn means more money to the PL.

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

      I think what amazes me is the fpl format is so limited in terms of points achievable. I've been playing FPL since Yahoo FPL dissolved in 2014-15.

      FPL would be a lot more enjoyable and I also think it would reduce the tendency for people to have the exact same team sheets....if they would just expand on the points system.

      They only reward points to attacking players and defenders....basically leaves a whole group of mids not desirable.

      Yahoo FPL was by far the best fantasy format as they provided points for things like passes intercepted, pass complete, shots on target, corners won, etc.

      Why doesn't FPL take their stupid BPS system and actually use those as the points? They already have all the categories there in BPS...they just need to roll this out as main scoring system in addition to goals, assists, and clean sheets.

      This would by and large prevent everyone from having the same exact team sheets. So easy to fix....Sometimes I feel like this world is full of dummies.

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

        +1

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

      Lol stop crying and get good. Everyone here who’s complaining about people getting info on Twitter have been getting that level of info from this site for years. Half the popular Twitter accounts are people who used to post here. Now the playing field is more level, 10k isn’t easy anymore and everyone cries. If anything it makes the game more fun for me, MLs with friends and colleagues are way more competitive.

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

    Watkins 2 goals and Buendia 2 assys, 2nil Villa at HT

    1. Drip Doctor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      We know. Its all over twitter.

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

        Maybe you should delete Twitter, I’ve never had it and it looks like a load of s***

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

        Yeah, had them both in my drafts since the start. Boom goes those differentials

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

          Watkins is already 33% owned - hardly differential.

          Buendia sits at 10% so clearly player noticed before tonight's friendly.

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

        Get rid of twitter mate. Nonsense website, absolute garbage, i deleted it about 3 year ago never looked back. Reddit 10x better

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

      Both in my draft. Hope they get the points in the 1st 3 gameweeks.

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

      I wish I could get two assys in 45 mins.

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

      Against?

      1. Whiskerz
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Walsall

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

          Hard to get excited

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

            Arsenal in GW 9.

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

            Palace only managed 1 against us, even though they fielded a decent team.

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

              I know you think that strengthens the argument, but it doesnt

    5. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Buendia over Grealish?

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

    Hi....please can I ask what option people prefer here?

    Some of the 4.5ms will likely change

    Sanchez steele
    Taa shaw xxx xxx ayling
    Salah bruno raph sarr brownhill
    Xxx watkins antonio

    A.....coufal fofana dcl

    B.....robbo 4m toney (double lpool defence)

    Thanks

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

      Your 4,5 mil choice defender wont be that important , in the majority of cases you will WC early, so your time is better spent on knowing your planned WC / team structure / captains etc

      I dont like either of those choice to be honest

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

        Cheers.....I'm happy with the structure and many of those players...

        I think either option is solid

        The lpool defence double up is v v tempting

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

      I have the defense double up - but went VVD and another 4.5, otherwise same as yours. VVD scores same as Robbo historically.

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

    Still playing around with multiple drafts, this isnt the worst for a short term and early WC week 6

    Sanchez
    Lamptey Robbo TAA
    Salah Bruno Rap Buendia
    Watkins Antonio Nacho
    4m Gilmor 4m 4m

    Nacho could be a nice week 3 captain

    1. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      2 x 4.0m defenders a bit risky

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

        Not for 6 weeks if Lamptey is starting.

        Remember its a team until our first WC, not the season

        1. Big boy Bowen
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          I know, just think say Antonio to Wood wouldn’t be bad and gives you the 0.5 to have one 4.5 def

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

            Antonio is in a different league to Wood in all underlying stats

            If he stays fit for any number of games he is a huge bargain

            So for 7,5mil is a decent under-valuation. Fpl basically under priced him due to injury risk / West ham

            1. Big boy Bowen
              • 7 Years
              2 years, 8 months ago

              Wish he had penalties though

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

      Why build a team just to WC ? Never understood this, WC is the best chip why waste it early, build for the journey

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

        Planning WC seems weird - agreed.
        Playing one early - not so.
        We all going into new season blindfolded, last years form means nothing, new teams, new players.
        If you lucky enough to pick right 15 before gw1 then you're laughing but in any other case 3 or 4 weeks of data combined with early wildcard can be very powerful.

        1. Big boy Bowen
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          Yes and there’s ALWAYS surprises

          1. Big boy Bowen
            • 7 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            I.e early bandwagons with form to jump on and enjoy points/price increases

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

    Anyone interested in Castagne? im currently on Castagne + Barnes. Theres a good hot topic on Leicester and how they start well, well they’ve got a great start of the season, a good run of fixtures. It’s easy to say ‘i’ll wait and see’ or ‘i’ll give it 2/3 gameweeks’ but reckon they could be a good shot in GW1 and 2. Especially if Barnes and Castagne look like starting

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

      Not really hot on Leicester, with army of kindly priced defenders my picks sit elsewhere so far.

      Looking at Ikenacho, if he can carry on with his end of season form... (smack lips).

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

      Very interested in Castagne and Barnes with these fixtures if look good preseason. But let’s keep this to ourselves……

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

        Quick post it on Twitter.

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

        There’s an article right on the official site about him
        https://www.premierleague.com/news/2193374

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

      Castagne and Barnes are the two I'm most closely monitoring of the off template picks on here.

  7. Il Papera
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Junior Firpo, LEE 5.0, seems to be a highly offensive left back. Given that a) Leeds tightened up and b) Ayling had a season of flattering to deceive, the extra 0.5 might make him worthwhile. I trust Bielsa very highly.

    Any thoughts?

    1. The Mighty Hippo
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      He could be really good, or he could be a Semedo.

      Given that he'll be playing for Leeds I think he's likely to be a more trustworthy option......it's an extra 0.5M though, so he possibly needs to be a wait and see.

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

        Ah yes, Semedo!! Very good point!

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

      Angling under performed his xGI, I’d still back ayling and save the 0.5

      Also, are we 100% sure Dallas might be left back again?

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

        *ayling

      2. Il Papera
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Cheers. Ayling or maybe even Coufal probably the sensible picks

    3. Wılly
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      The issue with highly offensive full backs from Barcelona are that they don't convert to highly offensive full backs in the premier league for mid-table clubs 🙂 Just speaking from experience.
      It might take him a while to bed in and doesn't Bielsa usually wait a while to introduce new players into the team?

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

        Yeah that’s true 🙂 got a decent idea of my team and that price point gives a bit of freedom - can go Coufal maybe and watch him! Thanks

  8. Big boy Bowen
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Talk to me lads, is the code cracked?

    4.5
    Robbo | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5
    Salah | Bruno | Son | Dallas
    Kane | King

    4.0 | 4.5 mid | 4.0 def | 4.5 str

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

      That makes my eyes bleed.

      1. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Avatar looks like an eye bleeding lol

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

      Burn it and never speak of it again, horrible draft

      1. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        I dunno what’s so horrible about it lol

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

          Just downgrade Son or Kane and upgrade Dallas and King and its fine

          1. Big boy Bowen
            • 7 Years
            2 years, 8 months ago

            Kane and Son could be great differentials and with this I don’t lose out on not owning pool defense or Bruno/Salah

    3. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Downgrade Robbo and upgrade Dallas and King and it could work.

      There are a lot of good £4.5m DF options (White, Ayling, Lamptey, Dier, Fofana, Lowton).

      1. Luggy10
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Diesel, at least he thinks for himself and puts in players that might give him an advantage in the early weeks. Unlike you, who wants him to join your flock of sheep who all have much the same squad.

    4. Meechoo115
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Awful

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

      It's not awful. This team will score well. There's a couple of picks I really don't like and it's an injury away from going tits up, but it's not as bad as they are making out

    6. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Somethings cracked. I don’t think it’s the code though.

    7. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Half the team is good and the rest is gash.
      You don't need that many big hitter mate! It's just a waste of money.

    8. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      I think you can make a reasonable salah, Bruno and Kane team, a good salah, Bruno and son team.

      But all 4 just breaks it.

    9. Calculated Risks
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      I like it. Whilst many players will be sitting thinking their rank is safe owning Bruno, Salah, Trent and a range of 7.5 strikers and Raph, if Spurs hit 4 in one match with Son and Kane going bonkers, the amount of wildcarders will be immense whilst you laugh looking down from your high rank whilst owning them all. I've been tinkering owning Son, Bruno, Salah, Vardy with a plan to get Kane but I think I like yours better

  9. RCT46
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Based on fixtures and flexibility
    Sanchez Steele
    Robbo AWB Digne | Lamps Ayling
    Salah Beundia Harrison Bruno Sarr
    Watto DCL | Joao Pedro
    .5 ITB

    1. Meechoo115
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Surely you would sacrifice a 4.5 defender to get Trent over Robbo

      1. RCT46
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Nope I'm waiting to see Trent plan this season., considering his lay off. Then upgrade

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

      Talk to me about joao Pedro, starting guy for Watford?

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

      Don't see the point in 2x 4.5m when you won't play them. Ayling is more reliable so just downgrade Lamptey.

      1. Marmalade Forest
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Because players can get rotated, rested or injured?

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

          1 is enough

  10. nolard
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Any good tips for a 4.5 and a 4.0 defender?

    1. Meechoo115
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      4.5 there are lots of options such as white lamp ayling. A starting 4.0 will be golden

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

        Looking for a 4.0 i have that Ode lad at Norwich now, or Manquillo from Newcastle.

        4.5 I would like a decent one, as he would play in place of Dunk sometimes, Brighton is maxed out now.
        Coady?

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

      Williams (4m) of man utd if he gets a loan to sotton or any other epl team can be good

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

        That is a decent shout. Thanks.

      2. Marmalade Forest
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Williams isn’t going to Southampton to be first choice

  11. Camzy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Any interest in mids from promoted teams? They seem very overlooked.

    Rashica, Mbeumo, Cantwell, Sarr

    We usually get at least one that surprises. Cantwell was great two years ago, Rashica is their new attacking signing with a pretty good record in the Bundesliga. Sarr obviously is probably the best player of the lot.

    Mbeumo meanwhile could be the creative force behind Toney.

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

      Alongside Toney, some claims that he might end up being OOP forward.

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

      Mbuemo interests me, does anyone know if he has any set pieces?

      1. No Professionals
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Fpl scout says he shares them

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

      All look ok just prefer the alternives

      Sarr I’m looking to get on for buendia around gw4 ideally

    4. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Yes Sarr for me, might even be on penalties

  12. Meechoo115
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    How’s this??

    Sanchez
    Trent. Castagne. Digne. Shaw
    Havertz. Jota. Salah. Barnes
    Dcl. Jesus

    4.0. Toney. Ayling. Gilmour

    Sacrificing Bruno for Jesus and a big defence

    1. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      I really like it

      1. Meechoo115
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks. Havertz Jesus Jota could all explode into premiums but underpriced …

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

      Not a fan of your forwards. Think there is better value out there. Watkins for one.

      Barnes I would give some games to see if he is back from that serious injury.

      Jota is not nailed.

      Also not sure about Castagne and Leicester, but he would be my pick out of their lot at the back, for his attacking potential.

    3. Wılly
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Sacrificing Bruno for the defence mainly so it's spreading your funds across a lot of options instead of one.
      That might make it more difficult to move players in & out and might mean more hits.
      Also not a fan of benching the attacker. Play Toney.

      1. Meechoo115
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Could downgrade Toney to Pedro and have funds ready to bail out quick too?

      2. Meechoo115
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Basically it’s gambling that Jesus plays regular. If he does he can cover most of Bruno

    4. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Sacrificing Bruno for Jesus isn’t something you’ll hear often

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

      Jesus is quite far down the pecking order now is he not. They will sign someone and then I think Torres as a false 9 is ahead of him too

      1. Meechoo115
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        This is a fair and key point. If Jesus isn’t regular I would rip it up

        1. Meechoo115
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 2 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          But if they don’t sign anyone I would explore either Torres or Jesus and sacrifice Bruno.

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

            I'm keen on Torres.

            1. Meechoo115
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 2 Years
              2 years, 8 months ago

              Fair

  13. Wılly
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Sanchez
    TAA Robertson Lamptey
    Salah Bruno Raphinha Sarr
    Jimenez Watkins Toney

    4.0 - Ait Nouri - Ayling - Brownhill

    0.5 ITB to spend or save

    1. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      I can see why you’d want jimenez as a wolves fan. As a Blackburn fan, we had a superb Matt jansen in the early 90s, he as never the same after a serious head injury. So it’s a wait and see for me.

      1. Wılly
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah I'm very eager to see how he does over pre-season. Only 30 minutes played so far but he looked his usual self and was not afraid of heading the ball.
        I'm more interested in having Neto if I'm honest!

    2. Marmalade Forest
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Jimenez could be one of the most underpriced players in this game.

      We will learn a lot in the next four weeks.

      Should have delayed the launch.

  14. The 12th Man
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    What about Trent,Salah,Mane triple up for the first few?

    1. Wılly
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Better saving some coin and having Jota as one of the attackers

      1. The 12th Man
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Why though?
        If Mane ( who is lowly owned)bangs along side Salah in the first 2 against Norwich and Burnley.

        Can always downgrade to Son or anyone else in week 3 if need be.
        Jota is a risk. I’d rather have a nailed Robertson if I was going for another 7-7.5 Liverpool option.

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

      Take a brave man but could pay off

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

      Could work. I have Salah and Trent like many others.

    4. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Could work. Just can't believe Mane is priced 12.0.

      1. Meechoo115
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        This. He should be 10.5 and you could see many salah less teams

      2. The 12th Man
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        No I can’t either. He should be 11.
        Forget the value though which ain’t great. For a few games against easy teams he could bang.

    5. Drip Doctor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Great option for GW1 before switching Mane to KDB

      1. The 12th Man
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Exactly.

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

      That could be golden indeed.

  15. El Presidente
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Why is it taking so long to confirm Kane's transfer to City?

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

      He’s 100% staying, apparently spurs might be singing de Bruyne

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

        Hahahaha what

      2. El Presidente
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        You mean after Henderson?

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

      Week to assess each ankle.

    3. The Mighty Hippo
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      They are waiting till the gw1 City vs.Spurs match is out of the way. Spurs don't want to have Harry hammer them on his Ethiad debut.

      1. El Presidente
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Makes sense

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

    Is there any 4.0 defender who can possibly be the new AWB ?

    1. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Yes but no one will know who yet

  17. nolard
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Any ideas how Everton's defense will line up?

    Coleman Godfrey Keane Digne?

    1. Meechoo115
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      I would say Keane Digne nailed. Could sign a new RB and CB. Dumfries linked

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

        A bit of a waiting game here then.
        Thanks!

    2. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      It’s a wait to see what Benitez prefers.
      That looks good though.

  18. Meechoo115
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    If Henderson isn’t fit for start of season could Firmino play AM with Jota in front three ?

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

      Nah, it will be one of the actual attacking mids.
      Ox, Keita or Jones.

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

    Do not see alot of Tierney in drafts? think he can kick on this year if Arsenal boulster defence at CB, so he can play left back the whole season instead of CB sometimes.

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

      Problem is that he occasionally plays CB and 5.0m is awkward. Better to go up to the premiums or else avoid.

  20. N00B
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Robertson in 4-4-2 or Antonio in 3-4-3?

    Meslier
    __ TAA Shaw Lamptey
    Salah Bruno Buendia Raphinha
    Iheanacho Watkins __

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

      Damn that is a clean way of asking a question. Love the team and would probably go Antonio although I did slander him earlier, there's just a lot more hop-off players at that price point.

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

        How is your bench looking may I ask?

        1. N00B
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          With Robertson: Foster, White, Brownhill, 4.5 fwd

          With Antonio: Foster, White, Brownhill, 4.0 deff

          0.5 left itb in both cases. I dont know right now how to spend them.

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

      I reckon Antonio, as I wouldn't double up on the two expensive LFC defenders.
      But I would worry about the injuries to Antonio.

      Any alternatives to him up front?

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

        Toney perhaps? Or even Wilson.

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

      Robbo. More or less a pick fornthe season and Antonio is streaky. He usually gets about 120 a season, which tells its own story. Timing is important with him

  21. The 12th Man
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Trent,Salah,Mane team.

    Bachmann
    TAA,AWB,Stones,Coufal
    Salah,Mane,Son,Buendia
    Watkins,Toney

    Foster,Brownhill,4.0,4.5

    Stones could be Digne.
    Coufal and 4.0 could be Ayling,Lamptey for added bench depth.

    Mane moved on after Norwich > KDB v Norwich in wk 2.

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

      Stons should be Digne. With Benitez Everton will play much more defensive.
      And i must say aomething that you know alrdy- no Bruno, and he TAA and Salah are crucial this year (imo)

      1. The 12th Man
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Yep. No Bruno no captain in the first 10.

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

      first time i've seen a planned transfer (Mane>KDB) that i think makes some sense.

      the no-Bruno teams always seem more exciting to me.

      also really like Stones, but if I do him i'll be doing 2x 4.5s and not Coufal.

      like this team!

  22. Z
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Lads, is Buendia + Watkis too much?

    Villa has great first fixtures, i ll rrplace Watkins in GW4

    1. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Good for first 3 then change to Raphinia.

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

        Nah...i am planing to keep him, think that he will be great this season. Watkins will leave

        But i have Martinez too, so triple Villa is a little too much

        1. Rupert The Horse
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 8 months ago

          I don’t think it is.

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

            Didnt cahange my team from start, so we will see

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

      I'm starting with the two of them. Lots of good replacements to swap to.

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

      Not in the slightest. If you think Villa are going to do well early doors, then you have to back both of them to be involved. I'm going both at present.

  23. FPL Pillars
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    4.5
    Trent Shaw Digne
    Salah Bruno Ralph Buendia Harrison
    Watkins Bamford

    4.5 / 4.5 4.5 4.5

    How goes there

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

      Think that BamBam is too much with Raphina at start....mby try Antonio and get 0.5 extra to use

      1. FPL Pillars
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah triple is probably a bit overkill as their fixtures early doors as mixed, defo will take two in tho

    2. FPL Pillars
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Harrison can be Sarr if triple Leeds a bit much.. but is it? 😉

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

        To be honest i havent even seen Harrison....i think that double Leeds is too muc. 3x is 100% overkill

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

        There is a time for triple Leeds, but it's probably not from day 1. Between them they were involved in 62 goals & assists last season, for what, £20m. Got to be worth a go.

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

      Only your front line different to mine, defence and mids exactly same.

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

    Expecting to see Son in a lot more drafts after his goal and two assists.

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

      He was in my team last 3 years, but for 10m i ll pass him

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

      I've got him, I'm going without Bruno

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

        Just tried a draft without Bruno and I like it. Son, Mahrez and Cavani should offer enough firepower to cover Bruno. Doubt I'll have the balls to do it though tbh.

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

          Yeah I have Son and Mahrez in my team atm, no Cavani

  25. Peaky Blinders
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Hi What do you think of my team?

    Pickford Sanchez
    Shaw Digne Dias Fofona White/Lampty
    Raphinha Salah Bruno Buendia Gilmour
    Iheanacho Watkins Antonio

    Thanks for looking.

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

      All great...only thing is Iheanaco, i have a bad feeling

    2. Meechoo115
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      You are missing Trent which will be huge.

    3. Peaky Blinders
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Could change Iheanacho to Toney and Dias to Robertson.

  26. Meechoo115
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    Son over Bruno is a nice question ….

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

      Made the decision days ago.

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

      Plus the number of potatoes with saved money is amazing

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

      I think it is relatively easy. Bruno tailed off badly and didnt look great at the Euros

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

      Bruno has better fixtures(not that much mind) and is on pens
      Son and Spurs will start with a tonking by City to start the season, and he might not even have Kane with him.

      Bruno by a country mile.

      Not that I might not/wont, have both at some point.

      1. SH1M1
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        The same City who have lost in all 3 visits to the new WHL, with Son scoring in all 3

    5. SH1M1
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      Son because he doesn’t rely on penalties

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

    Interesting seeing Bruno-less teams starting to emerge. Son has done me no harm over the last few seasons as virtually a season keeper, broken arms and red cards notwithstanding, but trying to get Mahrez in as well boils down to a choice between
    A/ Mahrez + 4.5 def (looking for more nailed than Lamptey really)
    or
    B/ Robbo + Buendia

    currently on
    Bachman Foster
    TAA Robbo Digne (White Williams)
    Mo Son Raph Harrison Buendia
    DCL Watkins (Pedro)
    Not convinced by DCL yet, but easy price point to play with. Aiming for Bamford in due course.

    Any thoughts please?

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

      Downgrade Pedro to Davis and get Mahrez and Shaw

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

        That would work, thanks. Does leave a one man bench though....

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

          Also Digne to Dunk or Coufal and upgrade Williams

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

    Hi....thoughts on starting buendia for the first 3 excellent villa fixtures - and then swapping to raphinha gw4?

    Thanks

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

      Yes

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

    Not sure I can remember such a long page as this one

    1. Sheffield Wednesday
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      My post #30 will be bottomed almost immediately

  30. Sheffield Wednesday
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 8 months ago

    RMT? - built to accommodate rotation of ManC/Chelsea defenders in 442 / 352 so if one doesn't play then [Dallas/Coufal] first sub available plus reliable 4.5M defender if 2nd sub needed.

    Sanchez
    Stones vanDyke Chilwell Coufal
    Salah Grealish B.Fernandes Harrison
    Wilson Bamford
    Forster Dallas White Obafemi

    1. SH1M1
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      I would change the front two to Watkins & DCL & then switch when their fixtures get tough but overall good team & bench options.

      1. Sheffield Wednesday
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Yes the 8.0 and 7.5 forwards are interchangeable - though I may have to shave 0.5M to allow for transfers/price changes for the two forwards

    2. Sheffield Wednesday
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 8 months ago

      bottomed - see next page

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

      Defenders bit too risky for rotation and VVD may be eased back in. Think VVD to TAA and Chilwell to 5 m defender might be better.

      1. Sheffield Wednesday
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Stones and Chilwell had very high ppm last season - figure it may be worth the risk as long as first sub is a good option.

      2. Sheffield Wednesday
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Keeping an eye on VVD pre-season too thanks