Pro Pundits

What are the best premium player ownership strategies in FPL?

Ex-FPL winner Simon March: How to avoid getting carried away with your GW1 picks

This season is starting to feel like a throwback to the good ol’ days of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) where there was a practical overabundance of viable premium options and every one felt like they were essential. Those were the days where titans such as Ronaldo, Henry, Rooney, Lampard, Gerrard and Drogba all walked the same patch of earth, each vying for a place in our team on their way to achieving FPL immortality.

Whether we’ll see the likes of those again time will tell but, with Spurs’ Harry Kane (£12.3m) and Son Heung-min (£10.1m), Man City’s Kevin De Bruyne (£11.9m), Chelsea’s Romelu Lukaku (£11.5m), Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah (£12.5m) and Sadio Mane (£11.9m) and Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes (£12.1m) and, soon, Cristiano Ronaldo all being options and all priced in double-figures, FPL managers will, once again, have some big decisions to make.

Premium-priced players, which for the purposes of this article will refer to players listed at £10.0m and above, are premium for a reason and, while they don’t necessarily guarantee the highest points or, in fact, points at all (I’m looking at you Bruno), they do tend to be the players who net big hauls with the greatest regularity, hence their popularity when it comes to captaincy.

Given that how we manage our premium player choices looks likely to be key to how our teams perform this season, this article will look at a few strategies FPL managers can consider when it comes to selecting the heavy-hitters.

How Many Premiums?

Who is the best FPL captain for Gameweek 31?

Probably the most common tactic when it comes to premium players in FPL is to begin the season with two heavy-hitters and then, maybe, try and fit a third in there when your team value has increased or viable budget options emerge.

This strategy helps to avoid a potential overreliance on your heavy-hitters to perform week-in/week-out as the budget can still be spread throughout the squad. Typically, when we get into the realms of three or more premiums, the sacrifices in the squad become more evident and the importance of those heavy-hitters delivering increases.

That is not to say that the presence of premium players automatically weakens the rest of the squad. Every season is different and where you have an abundance of high-quality enabling players at relatively low cost, the inclusion of multiple heavy-hitters might not be too much of a negative at all. That is an assessment each of us will have to make, but rarely will a strategy involving heavy investment in the big-money assets avoid the need to make trade-offs entirely.

For me, given that you can only captain one player each week, more than two premiums (assuming they rotate reasonably well) feels somewhat inefficient and I tend to lean towards spreading the money throughout the squad in the hope that I can generate points from multiple sources. I’m a bit like Pep Guardiola is with midfielders when it comes to mid-priced FPL players; I’d fill my squad with them entirely if I could. I definitely don’t like being too dependent on a handful of premium assets to perform. However, this perspective is easier to say than to do, particularly when there are multiple heavy-hitters who you do not own, punishing you with huge scores each Gameweek.

All-In on Premiums

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW FROM GAMEWEEK 3

741 Comments Post a Comment
  1. ClassiX
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    I don't seem to properly recall from previous seasons, but I think FPL towers will do all the player updates tonight after the Transfer window closes - I can't recall them drip-feeding players into the mix during the day...?

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

      They will, more likes for them

  2. liiusions
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Sanchez Gunn
    TAA Shaw Tsimi White Livramento
    Salah Bruno Benrahma Raphina Gilmour
    DCL Ings Antonio
    1FT 0.9ITB

    Would a WC be a complete waste? Firmino injury makes Jota a lot more appealing and Tsimi is blocking that. Ings, White, Tsimi, Benny only 4 who would definitely go on a WC

    1. King Drogba11
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I’m considering a WC as well, teams are similar with mine in a slightly worse state.

      Getting on Ron, Lukaku (for villa) and jota is very attractive.

    2. Dr. Rog
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      What exactly is wrong with that team?

      Tsim needs replacing, and Ings wouldnt be a bad idea either, but other than that it looks fine.
      White is a fine option for his price with the fixtures coming up.

      Your options are most likely
      A) Tsim --> someone, Ings --> Bam/Jim for a -4
      B) Tsim --> someone, Ings --> Ron/Rom, Bruno --> Jota/Greenwood/Torres for a -8, either straight up or worked in over 2 weeks for a -4.

      A -8 isnt wildcard territory, and you can probably tinker for a -4 and be totally fine.

  3. RamboRN
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Maxwell cornett position for Burnley? Could be nice if he is classed as defender but plays as fwd.

    1. OverTinker
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Shssssh

  4. Silecro
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Is Raphinha best replacement for Barnes up to 7.0?

    Already have Benrahma

    1. House Frey Wedding Planner
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Yeah I think so

    2. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Yup

      Closely followed by Sarr

      Think big Ismaila is looking at a lot of action over the next 5

      1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Agree. Thinking of a Salah Raph Sarr Traore midfield.

  5. R.C
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Looks like Cavani could be off to Barcelona

    1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Aguero gone from Barca then?

      What is it with his window, bonkers stuff

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

        Nevermind lol Romano says hes staying

        Other sources saying he's leaving so I guess 50/50

      2. Nate(U)dog(ie)
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        He's out for another 2 months still I think, got injured probably before he even started training

  6. King Drogba11
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Thoughts on this possible WC

    Sanchez
    TAA Rudiger Marcal
    Jota Torres Greenwood Raph
    Lukaku Ronaldo

    White Livramento Sissoko

    1.1 in the bank for Lukaku to Salah next week.

    1. Joey Tribbiani
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Looks great, but DCL and Antonio in great form

    2. King Drogba11
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Yep. Antonio is in, missed his name.

    3. King Drogba11
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Antonio is third striker.

    4. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      But Salah have to go in for a hit?? Strange..

      1. King Drogba11
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        For Lukaku (C) at Villa I think it’s worth it. Could be huge.

    5. AC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Jota torres and greenwood will end in tears with rotation

      1. King Drogba11
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Jota only in if Firmino is out for a bit. Would be nailed in that case.

        Greenwood is short term and surely first choice for a few more weeks the way he’s playing.

        Torres is risky but a city striker at 7.1 is insane value.

      2. artvandelay316
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Can't get this way of thinking. Jota has started two matches and came on as a sub (which he often scores as) in GW3. He will start against weaker opposition anyway. Greenwood has been Man U's best player and I don't believe for a second that he will be sidelined, in particular because he isn't in Ronaldo's position.

    6. Sanchit
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I would have just one of Ronaldo or Lukaku, the one which you want to cap in GW4.
      Next 3 fixtures for Salah are absolutely amazing

  7. drughi
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    2 FT and 1 mil itb so alot of options and thoughts floating around. What would you focus on with this team ?

    Sanchez
    TAA Shaw Regulion Ayling
    Bruno Salah Raphinha Son
    Antonio Toney

    steele Tsimikas Gilmour Obafemi

    A. Tsimikas >Semedo and roll a ft
    B. Bruno and Toney > Greenwood and Lukaku
    C. Son and Toney > Traore and Lukaku

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

    West Ham looking at a loan deal for Spartak Moscow midfielder Alex Kral. Deal for Czech Republic international could include option to buy or an obligation. Might not be the only player who joins #whufc

    https://twitter.com/JacobSteinberg/status/1432649667779641344

  9. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Yet just another day when I cant decide between Torres, Gray, Sarr, Traore 😀

    1. @persecuted_by_mods
        2 years, 6 months ago

        I'm sure you know this but Torres is a cut or three above the others and minutes are his only issue, if you've got a good enough bench go for him

        1. Atimis
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          His G/A record in PL in 2021 ain't supporting that statement imho.

          1. Atimis
            • 7 Years
            2 years, 6 months ago

            Not like the others are better in these terms...

      • DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        I am going with Sarr and Traore. Looking at the underlying stats, Gray will regress and Torres will get rotated.

        1. PatrickDawson1976
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Why and how do you determine that D.Gray will 'regress' ?

      • Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        I’d back Sarr all the way there

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

      Saido Berahino on the verge of a return to English football with an unnamed club before transfer deadline.

      1. @persecuted_by_mods
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Case in point of a player who between his own behaviour and a dodgy agent can ruin any talent

          He looked more than decent when he first came onto the scene

      2. @persecuted_by_mods
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Rumours say Firmino out for 2-3 months, Diogo time

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

            "Roberto Firmino to have further assessment on hamstring injury but initial diagnosis is that it is not serious."

            https://twitter.com/_pauljoyce/status/1432621501518331904?s=19

            1. @persecuted_by_mods
                2 years, 6 months ago

                I don't mean this, I mean the rumours are saying Liverpool are holding off from unveiling the true length he'll be out because they aren't signing anyone

                1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
                  • 3 Years
                  2 years, 6 months ago

                  Yeah I've read a lot of Liverpool fans saying this

                  1. Wild Rover
                    • 13 Years
                    2 years, 6 months ago

                    Twitter is more contagious than Covid. Just because a lot of people are saying it, doesn't mean it's true. They all get it from the same source. Last week a Man City 'itk' with 50K followers said Ronaldo to City was a done deal.

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

                      Its just Liverpool fans fearing the worst, especially with us not signing anyone. Nothing substantial to base the rumours on

                2. It’s A Joke
                  • 13 Years
                  2 years, 6 months ago

                  I can’t see how Klopp would accept this though. if he knows Firmino is injured for 3 months and that it’s being held back due to a backlash for not signing a replacement, I can not believe he’d accept that.

              • Dr. Rog
                • 14 Years
                2 years, 6 months ago

                I wouldnt believe any press stories put out today.
                It severely impacts transfer negotiations, should there be any.

            2. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
              • 14 Years
              2 years, 6 months ago

              Absolute no brainer

              7.6 for a Liverpool forward is a gift horse not to be looked in the mouth

              1. Andy_Social
                • 11 Years
                2 years, 6 months ago

                Fortunate that we have a lot of breathing-space to learn the actual situation. IF Bobby is out long-term then of course Jota is a must.

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

                ... if the rumours are even true

            3. AC
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              2 years, 6 months ago

              Sorry can you please source the rumours for us please?

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

            Crikey, only just seen that Son goal from this weekend. Lucky owner & cappers! 😆

            1. Cok3y5murf
              • 7 Years
              2 years, 6 months ago

              True. The professionals who captained Antonio punished

            2. Arteta
              • 8 Years
              2 years, 6 months ago

              So close to first Bachmann haul if it wasn't for this blunder.

              1. Luke Chadwicks Left Peg
                • 11 Years
                2 years, 6 months ago

                I can't figure out if Bachmann is actually any good or not. I've watched Watford a couple of times and thought they were unlucky not to come away with the clean sheet but I'm starting to wonder if they're going to be the type of team who is always "unlucky" not to keep a CS.

                Still, won't be selling him till WC.

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

              owners* (I am not one myself)

          3. Arteta
            • 8 Years
            2 years, 6 months ago

            Takehiro Tomiyasu to Arsenal according to Ornstein, Romano and co.

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

              RIGHT BACK YEEEEEEAAAAAAAAH

            2. Qaiss
              • 8 Years
              2 years, 6 months ago

              Phew.. Thought we would have to watch Cedric and Chambers play there until January..

          4. thegaffer82
            • 12 Years
            2 years, 6 months ago

            The 4.4mil White bandwagon starts next week guys 😉

            1. @persecuted_by_mods
                2 years, 6 months ago

                Or the 4.3 one starts the week after 😛

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

                Arsenal 1 - 2 Norwich

              • Dr. Rog
                • 14 Years
                2 years, 6 months ago

                hopefully Arteta gets fired and the Saliba wagon can start some time next season

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

                  Isn't he loaned already?

                  1. Dr. Rog
                    • 14 Years
                    2 years, 6 months ago

                    Indeed, because Arteta is an arse.

              • Gunneryank
                • 2 Years
                2 years, 6 months ago

                I already have enough defenders at 4.5 or under that concede every week, but thank you!

            2. BobB
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 14 Years
              2 years, 6 months ago

              Who is this Tiramasu that Arsenal are thinking of buying?

              1. FPL Brains
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 12 Years
                2 years, 6 months ago

                Hahahaaa

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

                  Actually OP comment is racist, isn't it?

                  1. riot
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 13 Years
                    2 years, 6 months ago

                    Not really, it's not mocking and player puns are a staple of FPL. Tiramisu is Italian anyway

                  2. jason_ni
                    • 8 Years
                    2 years, 6 months ago

                    In what way is it racist? Worlds gone mad!

                  3. Sanchit
                    • 8 Years
                    2 years, 6 months ago

                    Sorry sir, but seems like you don't understand what racism is

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

                    Lol what?

                  5. FPL Brains
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • Has Moderation Rights
                    • 12 Years
                    2 years, 6 months ago

                    No chance.

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

                A defender to replace White

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

                  Bellerin, Cedric, Chambers, Maitland Niles*

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

                    Bahahaha

                    1. KDB4PREZ
                      • 4 Years
                      2 years, 6 months ago

                      And then he laughs it off like it’s nothing, you’re an ejit

            3. R.C
              • 6 Years
              2 years, 6 months ago

              Cucurella to Brighton is done

              1. Thanos
                • 2 Years
                2 years, 6 months ago

                Don't know who he is. More of a starter from the get-go or a bench warmer? Also, which position does he play?

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

                  plays in March's spot. Quality player so not a bench warmer

                  1. Thanos
                    • 2 Years
                    2 years, 6 months ago

                    Good to know, thanks!

              2. Nate(U)dog(ie)
                • 3 Years
                2 years, 6 months ago

                Will be very curious to see his price, imagine he'll minimum be 5.0 burnt could see him being a good option, had a lot of goal involvements last season with a team that had a really low goal count

            4. Werner Bremen
              • 5 Years
              2 years, 6 months ago

              Best 4.1, 4.0 defenders for the near future?

            5. R.C
              • 6 Years
              2 years, 6 months ago

              Takehiro Tomiyasu to Arsenal - here we go

              new RB

              1. Dr. Rog
                • 14 Years
                2 years, 6 months ago

                I stand by team name.

                Bellerin than out.

            6. The Mandalorian
              • 11 Years
              2 years, 6 months ago

              Key player ownership of Top 10 teams in the world

              Salah 2
              Bruno 6
              Son 9
              Antonio 9
              DCL 4
              Vardy 5
              TAA 4
              Spurs defender 8
              Shaw 5
              City defender 3

              Interestingly Salah/TAA are 91% owned by top 10k so these managers found a way to beat the template. How long they can beat the template for remains to be seen.

              1. Dr. Rog
                • 14 Years
                2 years, 6 months ago

                I suspect a large number of them beat the template by playing their chips and striking gold.

                The #1 player for example has already used triple captian (antonio's 11pts) and bench boost (for 9pts), for a 20pts uplift - he has TAA/Salah btw.

              2. riot
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 13 Years
                2 years, 6 months ago

                Chips mean more spread team value = more likely to have midprice defenders (Spurs/City) over TAA and Son over Salah

                1. Dr. Rog
                  • 14 Years
                  2 years, 6 months ago

                  yep just checked a number of them are bench boost GW1 teams, followed by triple captain and free hits.
                  then some of them are triple captain wk1 teams, followed by a wildcard or free hit.

              3. RedLightning
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 13 Years
                2 years, 6 months ago

                This is their ownership after GW3. Some of their points may have conme from other players in GW1 and 2. Also a number of the current top ten probably owe their position partly to early chips such as Bench Boost and Triple Captain.

                Ownership of these same players by the top 50 is:
                Antonio 48, Salah 37, Shaw 33, TAA 30, Bruno 27, Son 25, DCL 16, Vardy 9, Spurs defender 38 and City defender 18.

                Other players with higher ownership than DCL by the top 50 are:
                Benrahma 46, Ings 37, Greenwood 36, Sanchez (BHA) 35, Tsimikas 25 and Amartey 17.

                1. The Mandalorian
                  • 11 Years
                  2 years, 6 months ago

                  Thanks Redlightning. Which site did you get this info? Thanks

                  1. RedLightning
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • Has Moderation Rights
                    • 13 Years
                    2 years, 6 months ago

                    fplstatistics.

              4. jackruet
                • 2 Years
                2 years, 6 months ago

                Its too early to judge top 1000

            7. R.C
              • 6 Years
              2 years, 6 months ago

              Arsenal spending big so they can cement their position at the bottom of the league!

            8. Dr Van Nostrand
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 8 Years
              2 years, 6 months ago

              2 year CRon deal means ManU out of Haaland sweepstakes next year. Chelsea out too with Lukaku. He'll surely go to PSG or City

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

                Haaland wont go to City when Pep is leaving in 2023

                1. Dr Van Nostrand
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 8 Years
                  2 years, 6 months ago

                  Doubt Pep would be a deciding factor

              2. Thanos
                • 2 Years
                2 years, 6 months ago

                Don't think it works that ways. Most likely, Cavani, Martial and even Pogba will be out/sold so there would definitely be space for Haaland.

                1. Dr Van Nostrand
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 8 Years
                  2 years, 6 months ago

                  How so CRon will be the main striker he wouldn't allow it any other way. Haaland is a CF he wants and deserves to the the main man

                  1. Thanos
                    • 2 Years
                    2 years, 6 months ago

                    A simple switch of formation can have both playing up top.

                    1. Dr Van Nostrand
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 8 Years
                      2 years, 6 months ago

                      Impossible CRon is a statue now incapable of any tracking back you can't put another CF next to him. And he's a glory hog he must be numero uno couldn't handle second fiddle to the superior Haaland

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

                        What? When was the last time you saw CR7 play? He may easily be the most fit guy in United squad

                        1. Dr Van Nostrand
                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                          • 8 Years
                          2 years, 6 months ago

                          He's got for a 36 year old but is slow and incapable of any tracking back. Great goal scorer but detrimental tactically hence Juve's recent decline

                          1. Dr Van Nostrand
                            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                            • 8 Years
                            2 years, 6 months ago

                            Got=Fit

                          2. Sanchit
                            • 8 Years
                            2 years, 6 months ago

                            He almost scored a goal per game. If you require your main striker to track back and not happy with those returns, I think it's a tactical issue.

                2. Qaiss
                  • 8 Years
                  2 years, 6 months ago

                  The entitlement of Man Utd fans, uffff. Another 140m splashed this summer. Haaland next summer. Glazers still must leave though eh?

                  1. Dr Van Nostrand
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 8 Years
                    2 years, 6 months ago

                    Yep clueless. Have spent £500m net the past 5 years and it's never enough. Glazers out.

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

                      How much is spent doesn't necessarily mean they are good owners. They are in charge of who the money is spent on, how the club is run, who the ceo is. It all comes down to them, and no one can say utd are a well run club, so much money wasted, no clear transfer strategy, swapping between managers who have completely different philosophy, hence needing compete rework of the squad. Utd survive purely based on how much of a cash cow it is, and that will come to an end at some point if they continue to fail to actually challenge for a decent competition.

                      1. Dr Van Nostrand
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 8 Years
                        2 years, 6 months ago

                        True they are terribly run and the Glazers take alot of cash out but ManU fans can't plead any pauperism. Despite poor mgtm they've spent the most net on transfers the past 5 years. They've just spent terribly and hired morons as managers

                  2. jason_ni
                    • 8 Years
                    2 years, 6 months ago

                    Yes, the glazers must leave.

                    The deals for sancho and varane are structured so the payments are over 4 years. They haven't spent 100mill this window, and utd budget will be impacted forthcoming seasons.

                    They splurged abit this summer to settle the glazer out campaign, and hope it subsides. They are parasites, end of.

                  3. FPL Brains
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • Has Moderation Rights
                    • 12 Years
                    2 years, 6 months ago

                    You realise the Glazers have taken 2Bil out of the club yeah?

                    1. Dr Van Nostrand
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 8 Years
                      2 years, 6 months ago

                      Yes as I said above they have taken alot out and are pants owners but the club has still spent more than anyone else net recently in the PL so its not like ManU fans can plead poverty whatsoever

              3. Dr. Rog
                • 14 Years
                2 years, 6 months ago

                Rice, Haaland & Rodgers and they will win the title again.

              4. It’s A Joke
                • 13 Years
                2 years, 6 months ago

                He already has an agreement with real. Unofficial, like Mbappe.

                1. Dr Van Nostrand
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 8 Years
                  2 years, 6 months ago

                  Ya right Madrid sold half their team just to fund Mbappe. Their not splurgin on another crazy expensive striker. They just extended Benzema too

                  1. It’s A Joke
                    • 13 Years
                    2 years, 6 months ago

                    But they haven’t bought Mbappe. they’ll get him on a free next summer and then bid the Haaland release clause. It’s why Chelsea pulled out. Riaola has already had his palms greased by Perez.

                    1. Dr Van Nostrand
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 8 Years
                      2 years, 6 months ago

                      BS then why are the bidding 200m euros now. They'll get Mpabbe next summer but won't be 'free' given the insane salary signing and agent fees. Haaland's are even higher and they don't need 3 top strikers

                      1. It’s A Joke
                        • 13 Years
                        2 years, 6 months ago

                        It’s a power play. Perez was adamant for the initiation of The Super League. By bidding for Mbappe this late in the window, it does two things:

                        1) It shows Mbappe their intent;
                        2) It gives the non-oil owned clubs all the evidence they need to put a case for the SL. If a club can turn down 200million euros for a player who will be able to sign a free-agent contract in 6 months, what does that tell you about these clubs?

                        Many think this has been Perez’s plan all along.

                        1. Dr Van Nostrand
                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                          • 8 Years
                          2 years, 6 months ago

                          Gotta link?

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

              Fpl taking the proverbial announcing normann for Norwich.

              They're gonna drag cr7 price out all day aren't they!

              1. Dr. Rog
                • 14 Years
                2 years, 6 months ago

                its probably the subject of quite a heated debate.

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

                  Id be really surprised if they hadn't talked about this since the deal was confirmed in principal on Friday.

                  They know what it is, just dragging it out to drum up tweets.

              2. Sanchit
                • 8 Years
                2 years, 6 months ago

                They have to get it right.
                13.5 and he might be out of people's plan.
                11.5 and he might be in everyone's team.

                1. Pasqualinho
                  • 14 Years
                  2 years, 6 months ago

                  Looks to me like you've decided that 12.5 is fair.

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

                    12-12.5-13 all three are possible options according to me.
                    What do you think?

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

                      I reckon 12.5, can't seem them going to 13, but could be wrong.

                    2. Pasqualinho
                      • 14 Years
                      2 years, 6 months ago

                      I agree with you - and your previous comment, to be fair.

            10. Gandalf
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              2 years, 6 months ago

              Is Vlašić more likely to impact Benrahma or Fornals?

              1. Lord Bendtner
                • 6 Years
                2 years, 6 months ago

                Most likely Bennie. But I expect him to start cup and Europa games first and transitioned in later into the season.

              2. jackruet
                • 2 Years
                2 years, 6 months ago

                Fornals

              3. Brehmeren
                • 13 Years
                2 years, 6 months ago

                Fornals

            11. jackruet
              • 2 Years
              2 years, 6 months ago

              People gone crazy after 1 wk torres haul. He will be heavily rotated.

              1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 6 Years
                2 years, 6 months ago

                Leicester, Pool and Chelsea away in 3 of the next 4 fixtures too!!

              2. Luke Chadwicks Left Peg
                • 11 Years
                2 years, 6 months ago

                It's great until he's benched for the 4th prem league game in a row and you realise Pep has decided Steffen is now the centre forward.

              3. FPL Brains
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 12 Years
                2 years, 6 months ago

                I think the thing is, for a 7.1 midfielder, that's a risk people are willing to take.

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

                  Why were they not keen on him before last week's haul?
                  He was still playing as a forward and was 7.0 right?

                  1. FPL Brains
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • Has Moderation Rights
                    • 12 Years
                    2 years, 6 months ago

                    I think it was more;

                    GW1) People have selected what they wanted
                    GW2) People are holding a transfer
                    GW3) People would have moved on Antonio and Benny as priority more than anything else

                2. Pasqualinho
                  • 14 Years
                  2 years, 6 months ago

                  if he's a mostly 90 minute or 0 minute player then he'd be worth it. Don't know what percentage of cameos he had last season but he did receive ten matches where he scored 1 point, and if that's repeated it's too many times for me.

                  1. Dr. Rog
                    • 14 Years
                    2 years, 6 months ago

                    Squad: 37, Starting eleven: 15, Substituted in: 9, On the bench: 13, Suspended: 0, Injured: 1

                    https://www.transfermarkt.com/ferran-torres/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/398184/plus/0/saison/2020/wettbewerb/GB1/verein/281

                    1. Pasqualinho
                      • 14 Years
                      2 years, 6 months ago

                      Nice stats. Subbed off 9 times in his 15 starts (but all after 60) too - and also once at 15 minutes which I assume was the injury.

                      1. Dr. Rog
                        • 14 Years
                        2 years, 6 months ago

                        it doesnt read that well does it. although when you look at the back end of the season he was clearly becoming a more prominent player in peps thinking (how much of that was due to CL is another question). not to mention ours when he played for Spain in the Euros. he is also 21 years old remember.

                        this season he has started and finished 3 matches. Jesus isnt a CF anymore and Aguero has left. at the moment its his place to lose, with KdB and Sterling likely his main threats to the false #9. fwiw I thought he was brilliant against Sp*rs with the amount of runs he made in behind (problem was Grealish decided that game was all about him), against Norwich he scored an excellent disallowed goal. against Arsenal he poached and got his returns.

                        i will continue to hold him, and if he starts to go out of favour its an easy to shift to Mount at some point, with a little profit along the way.

                  2. jackruet
                    • 2 Years
                    2 years, 6 months ago

                    Ok. He will score whenever he is on the pitch. But he wont be on the pitch every single match. I think this is anti fpl

                    1. Pasqualinho
                      • 14 Years
                      2 years, 6 months ago

                      Seems like the ideal player to cherry-pick when he has a decent fixture and hope you get the good fortune to do it when he hauls. But not a long-term pick.

            12. Ron_Swanson
              • 13 Years
              2 years, 6 months ago

              They just announced Mathias Normann of Norwich price (£4.5m)

              Surely CR7 won't be far away now...

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

                Such trolls 😆

              2. Wild Rover
                • 13 Years
                2 years, 6 months ago

                Yeah, they are getting the important ones out first.

              3. Bragazeti
                • 6 Years
                2 years, 6 months ago

                We want it now!

            13. SamShi
              • 10 Years
              2 years, 6 months ago

              Any thoughts on this WC team?

              Sanchez - Steele
              Matip - Dias - Alonso (to become James) - White - Livramento
              Salah - Raphinha - Grealish - Benrahma (can become Gray if needed) - Allan
              DCL - Kane (to become Ronaldo) - Antonio

              1. Dr. Rog
                • 14 Years
                2 years, 6 months ago

                Chilwell says hi regarding the Alonso pick.

              2. Karan14
                • 7 Years
                2 years, 6 months ago

                Needs TAA

              3. Luke Chadwicks Left Peg
                • 11 Years
                2 years, 6 months ago

                I'd consider a Chelsea double up in defence, perhaps even Christenesen if they don't land Kounde.

              4. Rankbajin
                • 2 Years
                2 years, 6 months ago

                Not sure about Matip, white or livramento (but what do I know)
                Tempting to ditch TAA as his points per million isnt great even after a double digit week.
                There don't seem to be many shutouts yet so hard to pin down defensive standouts.

                I could be wrong but wonder if it is too early to jump on to Ronaldo and/or Lukaku.
                Likely to take a while to settle and teams adjust around them.
                Might also find that they pair up with a cheaper 'feeder' .

            14. R.C
              • 6 Years
              2 years, 6 months ago

              No agreement for Kounde and Saul

              #Chelsea

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

                Why do you barely ever link the tweets you're copying this from.

                1. FPL Brains
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • Has Moderation Rights
                  • 12 Years
                  2 years, 6 months ago

                  They are mainly from Fabrizio Romano in fairness. Not seen too many far off the mark.

                  1. Luke Chadwicks Left Peg
                    • 11 Years
                    2 years, 6 months ago

                    Any idea if Fabrizo plays fantasy?

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

                    I know they are

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

                  Because these are from Romano's twitch stream lol how do I get links from there???

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

                    He tweets it too. Also could source the Twitch stream?

            15. Sanchit
              • 8 Years
              2 years, 6 months ago

              From
              ' Torres is shite, he got no returns as the main striker when his team scored 5. Has started 3 games and not returned( including community shield)'

              To
              ' A 7.0 striker playing for man City is a no brainer. 1 return per gameweek on average'.

              If this is not Kneejerking and chasing last week's points, I don't know what is.

              1. Dr. Rog
                • 14 Years
                2 years, 6 months ago

                its the product of mass FPL groupthink.

                my opinion was always the latter which is why I've had him from the beginning. amazing only 2% of managers agreed

                White is a similar case in point with Arsenals fixtures looking pretty amazing going forward.
                You can also point to the mass abstaining of Chelsea despite them being the best team in the league.

                1. Luke Chadwicks Left Peg
                  • 11 Years
                  2 years, 6 months ago

                  The mass abstaining of Chelsea assets is because two of their first three fixtures looked tricky prior to GW1. Difficult to predict Arsenal (who did have the 3rd best defence last year) would be a push over.

                2. Sanchit
                  • 8 Years
                  2 years, 6 months ago

                  I agree!
                  If you believed in him from the start, it's a different story. Most just seem to consider him now after 19 points.

                  1. Luke Chadwicks Left Peg
                    • 11 Years
                    2 years, 6 months ago

                    For me it's a worse decision to bring him in now with KDB and Foden set to return after the international break.

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

                The answer is City has signed no striker. not kneejerking

                1. It’s A Joke
                  • 13 Years
                  2 years, 6 months ago

                  The answer is City = Pep = Roulette = Stuff it I’ll go elsewhere where I know my player will actually start.

                  1. Mr. O'Connell
                    • 11 Years
                    2 years, 6 months ago

                    This. Upgraded Mahrez to Allan already with one of my FT.

                2. Sanchit
                  • 8 Years
                  2 years, 6 months ago

                  Does that mean Torress is nailed on?
                  Is that the only option they have to play upfront? If you answer yes, you are just kidding yourself.

                3. Cok3y5murf
                  • 7 Years
                  2 years, 6 months ago

                  And City had one last season? FYI, Aguero started like 6 games...

              3. Atimis
                • 7 Years
                2 years, 6 months ago

                I can also agree as he really had no special numbers in PL in the whole 2021.

              4. Cok3y5murf
                • 7 Years
                2 years, 6 months ago

                That's all this forum does, no surprise

              5. FPL Brains
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 12 Years
                2 years, 6 months ago

                What City coverage would you go for? If any?

                1. Andy_Social
                  • 11 Years
                  2 years, 6 months ago

                  Any City player is fine to own so long as you have nailed-on starters around them and a strong bench. I'm seeing too many WC RMTs where most of the midfield is subject to rotation and benches are weak - all to cram in the new toys.

                2. Atimis
                  • 7 Years
                  2 years, 6 months ago

                  I would just skip for now.

                3. It’s A Joke
                  • 13 Years
                  2 years, 6 months ago

                  None. Once burnt, twice shy. I boy, Pep has burnt me loads.

                4. Holmes
                  • 10 Years
                  2 years, 6 months ago

                  Dias and Cancelo, thats about it

                  1. Stranger Mings
                    • 3 Years
                    2 years, 6 months ago

                    Doesn’t Torres starting / playing last few suggest he is up next for being rested ?

                    1. Dr. Rog
                      • 14 Years
                      2 years, 6 months ago

                      Champions League is about to start. So thats when the rotation will hit.
                      It could seriously work out in his favour of course depending on which patterns Pep reads in his tea leaves.

                5. FPL Brains
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • Has Moderation Rights
                  • 12 Years
                  2 years, 6 months ago

                  I think what Andy and Holmes says is bang on.

                  Torres probably looks attractive as he's the cheapest, however a decent bench is key. For me it's a defender/keeper. I'm considering Ederson in fairness.

                6. Dr. Rog
                  • 14 Years
                  2 years, 6 months ago

                  the key is to the time them for their mini-runs whilst in favour.

                  At the moment that is Grealish & Torres, and Laporte.

                  That can change on a dime of course, but I certainly recall having some amazing green arrow runs timing the likes of Sane, Aguero, Stones, Cancelo, Mendy, Gundo, Mahrez over the past few years.

                  If you want a mainstay go with Ederson, even Dias isnt immune.

                  1. Rankbajin
                    • 2 Years
                    2 years, 6 months ago

                    Yeh. I had a great run with Gundo last season.
                    I think he's a fantastic player.
                    Mahrez was in my team this season and tbf got better points than Bruno two weeks running even when benched.
                    Have switched to Torres but will swap him for someone nailed on.
                    If KDB comes back and is on form in PL there are few rivals who I'd pick over him.

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

                  Coverage is a myth.
                  Torres scored 3 points in a 5-0 win in GW2.
                  People are just scared that City could score 5 and we need some 'coverage' from that attack..I don't think it's necessary as more often than not it'll be spread across the team with most players getting a single return without bonus.

                  I personally won't go for anyone apart from KdB.

              6. jackruet
                • 2 Years
                2 years, 6 months ago

                Only ederson is 100 percent nailed

            16. Stranger Mings
              • 3 Years
              2 years, 6 months ago

              A) Jump on ronaldo straight away ? Or b) hold fire and get in GW5 as Risk be on bench for Newcastle ?

              1. Luke Chadwicks Left Peg
                • 11 Years
                2 years, 6 months ago

                I'd wait to see how many international games he plays. With Cavani & Greenwood sitting in Manchester and Ronaldo potentially playing 3 games during intl break, I could see him getting 20 minutes.

                1. Stranger Mings
                  • 3 Years
                  2 years, 6 months ago

                  Yeh cheers think that could happen so may try to wait til GW5

              2. Rankbajin
                • 2 Years
                2 years, 6 months ago

                B.

              3. Gunners in Haaland
                • 4 Years
                2 years, 6 months ago

                A

                1. Stranger Mings
                  • 3 Years
                  2 years, 6 months ago

                  Thanks rank & rep!

              4. Dr. Rog
                • 14 Years
                2 years, 6 months ago

                C) Abstain, and pick Lukaku who has much stronger bank of medium term fixtures.

                1. Stranger Mings
                  • 3 Years
                  2 years, 6 months ago

                  I was thinking if going c) it would be ings to DCL

              5. AleksaMaster
                • 6 Years
                2 years, 6 months ago

                Everyone will have him for newcastle, just watch 🙂

                1. Stranger Mings
                  • 3 Years
                  2 years, 6 months ago

                  Yeh lots will do but if your forwards already playing well (ings, Toney & Antonio)
                  Difficult to ditch one

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

                    Difficult to ditch Ings?
                    He's been lucky to get the points he has got. and fixtures don't look good at all

                    1. Stranger Mings
                      • 3 Years
                      2 years, 6 months ago

                      Errr ok fair point so it’s either ings to DCL or ronaldo but hsve to downgrade someone else to fund either

            17. KnightSlayer
              • 12 Years
              2 years, 6 months ago

              £12.85m + possible £6.85m cheap for Ronaldo

              1. FPL Brains
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 12 Years
                2 years, 6 months ago

                Fantastic piece of business.

                Shirt sales will cover his transfer fees, easily.

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

                  Shirt sales never really cover any transfer fee. Profit is just 20-30% of the revenue, and United get a very small part of that profit

                  https://youtu.be/n3QwQQwRq9c

              2. Dr. Rog
                • 14 Years
                2 years, 6 months ago

                its not the fee - its the wages. total cost of the transfer will be £20m + £25m/year = £70m for 2 years. im sure an agent will earn £5m along the way to make it £75m total.

                1. Luke Chadwicks Left Peg
                  • 11 Years
                  2 years, 6 months ago

                  Having Ronaldo allows you to negotiate better commerical deals. While deals with Teamviewer and Adidas are locked in, United's next noodle partner will no doubt be keen to have Ronaldo as the face of their campaign.

                  1. Dr. Rog
                    • 14 Years
                    2 years, 6 months ago

                    I also agree its good business, but looking solely at the fee isnt the correct way to look at it.

                    Most clubs actually need to slash wage bills (just look at Arsenal, Barca etc) which is the bigger constraint as it drains cash flow, and Fin Fair play of course.

                2. FPL Brains
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • Has Moderation Rights
                  • 12 Years
                  2 years, 6 months ago

                  Yeah, that'll easily be made back in shirt sales.

                  1. Dr. Rog
                    • 14 Years
                    2 years, 6 months ago

                    surely the old one is still good if he keeps CR7 🙂

                    1. FPL Brains
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • Has Moderation Rights
                      • 12 Years
                      2 years, 6 months ago

                      Haha.

                      To be honest, I found an old one, when we won the Champions League on eBay for £150. Snapped that up ASAP.

                    2. Pep bites Kun
                      • 7 Years
                      2 years, 6 months ago

                      Absolutely! Retro is hip 🙂

                3. teddypicker
                  • 14 Years
                  2 years, 6 months ago

                  You can add on wages to any transfer and it will seem out of proportion. Like Grealish £100m + £100m over 6 years

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

                    And that is the real amount they are spending to have the player, no?