Pro Pundits - Zophar

Cristiano Ronaldo and the best time to play the first Wildcard in FPL

It’s been a whirlwind start to the new Fantasy Premier League (FPL) season, with the transfer window mirroring the frenzy that we have seen on the pitch.

So, with that in mind, in this article, I will be sharing my thoughts on what we have seen so far and what lies ahead.

THE RONALDO QUESTION

I can’t start this article without addressing the arrival of one of the greatest players to have ever graced the football pitch – Cristiano Ronaldo (£12.5m).

There have been some concerns that the Portuguese powers might be waning but as the table below shows, he has maintained his consistency despite the fact that he turns 37 in February 2022.

AgeAppearancesGoalsAssists
30515519
31454112
3248428
33474312
3440314
3542377
3622141

Portugal play three games over the international break of which two are World Cup qualifiers.

The first of those happened last night – a 2-1 win over Republic of Ireland which saw Ronaldo bag a brace of goals and become the all-time international record goalscorer.

However, he also picked up a late booking, which means that he is suspended and does not need to travel to Azerbaijan for Portugal’s second World Cup qualifier, which is due to take place on Tuesday. As a consequence, he has been released early from international duty.

So, I have full confidence that Ole Gunnar Solsjkaer will start Ronaldo in front of a packed Old Trafford in Gameweek 4.

Some have pointed out how Lionel Messi was eased off the bench in his first game at Paris Saint-Germain but Ronaldo’s case is very different. For Messi, it was the first transfer of his career, while Ronaldo is ‘returning home’ and Solsjkaer, in my opinion, is not a manager who is too stringent about players ‘adapting’ to his system. So, who makes way to accommodate Ronaldo in our FPL sides?

So, good luck and enjoy the international break.

We will be discussing Wildcard picks for those of you who have already pushed the button on the Gameweek 4 pod of The FPL Wire. 

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW FROM GAMEWEEK 3

1,094 Comments Post a Comment
  1. DIMITRIS
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    How do you like my WC draft:
    Meslier (Steele)
    Rudiger - Semedo - Tierney (Duffy, Livra)
    Salah - Greenwood - Benrahma - Traore (Sissoko)
    Antonio - Lukaku - Ronaldo

    Alternative draft: Lukaku, Traore and Rudiger OUT for DCL, Gray and TAA IN.

    1. BrockLanders
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Defence is brutal

      1. DIMITRIS
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Yeah I know. It's either this waxky defence in first draft, or a boring but reliable combination of alternative draft. In any case, there will be a Chelsea defender in my team come GW7. Cheers.

        1. DIMITRIS
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 7 months ago

          Wacky*

    2. Gilbert Prilasnig
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      I like the alternative draft, maybe with Raphinha instead of Gray (should be possible if my math doesn't let me down)

      1. DIMITRIS
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        It's not possible sadly. It would be a no brainer if I had the funds for that. Plus if I opt for DCL+TAA I'll need AT LEAST 0.3 ITB to jump on Lukaku train in GW7.

      2. DIMITRIS
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        I'm sorry, it is possible BUT then I can't do DCL +TAA + Tiermey out for Lukaku, Rudiger and 4.5 defener IN in GW7. My mistake. Cheers!

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

      I wouldn't say your defence is bad. Arsenal and Wolves have a fixture swing and Arsenal will improve. Yes your defenders are cheap, but there is also potential there.

      1. DIMITRIS
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        I actually made I little mistake in my draft. If it's Meslier on goal than it is Christensen instead of Rüdiger, and if there is Rüdiger in defence then there is Raya/Sanchez is on goal.
        Oddly enough, I do like my defence with Wolwes, Arsenal and Chelsea. Yeah, there's no TAA but I have Lukaku, who we all think it's fixtureproof and I'll hope on Lukaku train 3 GW's earlier than everyone, thus eliminating the possibility of being priced out of that move. Cheers!

  2. FPL Brains
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Lovely article. I'm in two minds if activating my WC was a good move but I've have needed to shift funds around regardless. That's at least what I'm telling myself.

    1. zøphar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Thank you, glad you enjoyed it

  3. corderz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    A) Ings + Barnes > DCL + Traore

    B) Ings + Bruno + Barnes > Ronaldo + Jota + Traore (-4)

    1. Boom XhakaLacaSaka
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      B

    2. BrockLanders
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      B

  4. Athletic Nasherbo
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    (Repost)

    What to do with Ronaldo?

    This question is highly important, and one that feels pivotal in rank for the next 4/5 weeks l, and certainly a defining moment for the overall narrative of our individual seasons.

    Guided by nostalgia, fully-functioning eyes, or both, many are using their free transfers, even the precious Wildcard chip, to accommodate the sensational Portuguese goal-machine. Deciding your own stance is essential, one that requires a quick, snappy answer, considering that plum Newcastle (H) fixture.

    Ownership statistics are currently above 10% already, for the player with a hefty 12.5m price tag. This tag alone can help determine the stance; if you don’t plan to captain Ronaldo in atleast 3 of the next 4, the answer is clear: do not get Ronaldo.

    For others, if you plan to transfer him in, then, considering United’s form is key. In my opinion (I am not driven by stats, mainly the eye test) United have looked distinctly average against two average teams. Will United show their gameweek one form in the next few weeks? Nobody knows. The Mctominay injury, certainly has that feeling of ‘importance’ - Fred is in poor form. Assessing your stance on United’s future form, particularly when many will be taking a hit, is essential, yet tricky.

    Getting Ronaldo or not isn’t a clear-cut answer, but it could certainly feel
    like it was come Saturday afternoon, as captain hindsight caps are swiftly and en masse placed on heads as he scores big this gameweek, and felt more acutely when effective ownership comes into play.

    I’m leaning towards Ronaldo. For those fpl managers who fervently argue that they pick players based on who they think scores the most points, Ronaldo will demonstrate how the crowd can (and more importantly does) influence them. Fear is pervasive. Certainly excitement isn’t the only driving factor behind this incredibly ownership rise.

    I’d planned a gamweek 7/8 Wildcard, with the team structure radically altering as I acquired Lukaku (Kane if he went to City). Ronaldo brings this restricting forward, and gives me that option to get Lukaku as his replacement when United’s fixtures turn after the Everton (H) game. This could be very handy.

    Do I take a -4 or lose my mind behind the sofa for the weekend? That -4 suddenly seems less painful.

    Adios. Good luck all. P.S. if I had Lukaku I’d (C)

    1. FPL Brains
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      You getting Lukaku and Ronaldo?

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

        Although contexts can change, Ronaldo’s fixtures gameweek 8-13 are poor. 12.5m for a player I won’t captain in any of those weeks isn’t worth it. Gameweek 8: Ronaldo > Lukaku

    2. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      This post is long but you're not actually saying much here.

      All this talk about effective ownership and fear. It doesn't matter. What matters is points. Will bringing him in score me more points than leaving him out?

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

        But it isn’t just about that, and it’s so tiring when I see people constantly dismiss it. I don’t think Ronaldo scores the most points, however if I’m wrong I’ll get punished big time. I was a BruNO, and although the first week was tough I stood by my decision and it’s worked out. I have no clue with Ronaldo; the fear is guiding me here.

        1. One More Hit
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 7 months ago

          We're only three gameweeks in, which is why I feel it's too early to play a wildcard. I'm ditching Fernandes for Ronaldo because it's the logical thing to do.

          When I do it, is up for debate, I'll have to do a -8 to facilitate it this week, and I doubt he'll outscore Fernandes (C) by enough to recoup it.

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

            Personally a -8 isn’t worth it I don’t think, even with the (C).

        2. Camzy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          2 years, 7 months ago

          If you don't think Ronaldo is going to score more points than don't go for him. It's really that simple. You were right to go without Bruno after 3 games. If you went for Son + Greenwood instead for instance, you'd be ahead as long as the budget alternative wasn't Benrahma.

          Fear should not guide your decisions. If you really don't think he's gonna do well, don't get him and go for Lukaku instead.

          I think logically though, Ronaldo vs NEW whu AVL is a buy. It also gives you an opportunity to restructure to enable Lukaku for GW7 who I think is borderline essential considering Chelsea's fixtures in 7. It makes sense to get him for most teams imo. The only teams who I'd recommend holding off are those that have Lukaku already.

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

            Whilst true, you’re missing out on the psychological element of the game.

            I also went without Trent GW 1 so I definitely understand when I think plays won’t score points, which goes against the grain.

            1. Camzy
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              2 years, 7 months ago

              I don't think I'm missing out on the psychological element of the game. I think I've learned to overcome it. I spend a lot of time planning and analyzing my moves in FPL but once the deadline passes now, I can enjoy the football no matter the outcome. I think it's a really big strength tbh.

              Taking a 3 year hiatus from the game and changing my career IRL has done a lot to improve my approach to the game from a mental standpoint. Definitely recommend the hiatus especially if FPL stops becoming fun for you which is what happened to me.

        3. Team Bobcat
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 7 months ago

          If Ronaldo does go on to score heavily and ends up with the most points at the end of the season that does not mean you should have got him unless of course he outscores his 12.5m competition and that is salah only.

          Example only : If son has a great season and limits his losses to a total of twenty points or less then that 2.5m saving if invested correctly will have made up the gap.

          Guess what i am trying to say is the making of your season will not depend on whether you own Ronaldo or not as there are templaye teams with and without capable of hauling.

          It is a gamble either way and so long as you are comfortably with your team then that is all that matters. Chopping and changing week in week out negatively impacts your overall points come then end of the season regardless of ownership or next best things.

    3. HashAttack
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      United's form is something to ponder - Do we read much into away matches to stubborn Southampton and Wolves or think Newcastle at home is going to be like a Leeds at home, but possibly even more generous

      I need to know what's happening to players returning from, or refusing to go, red listed countries before I can determine what to do for gw4 as Ronaldo would need me to make two transfers, Lukaku only 1 ... unless I just swap Kane for Ronaldo

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

        I’m not sure I’d call Southampton stubborn. But yes, Newcastle has Leeds vibes. Looking further forward, whu, AVL, EVE looks nice.

        1. HashAttack
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 7 months ago

          I know it sounds like an oxymoron - "stubborn Southampton", but they can be on their day - vs Liverpool last season

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

            Perhaps. I’d argue those days exist, but are a rarity.

      2. FPL Brains
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        United have struggled away to Southampton and worse so at Wolves in recent seasons.

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

          True.

    4. Dr. Rog
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      You arent going to solve this question on a forum, and if you have a couple of hours or so to spare i would highly AZ & Mark's discussion on Blackbox, particularly Mark's analysis. The crux of the argument against comes down to integration with the players around him.

      The most likely outcome, is something similar to Ronaldo & Jota we see with Portugal. The latter shoots and the former screams at him for not passing him the ball. It will take time for the team to pivot around him which is unlikely to happen overnight given the personnel who he is playing with.

      He'll probably still score a pen and a tap-in though because its Newcastle.

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

        Cheers. Will have a watch. Nice one. Yes, the Newcastle fixture has that vibe.

      2. FPL Theorist
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        As Dr. Rog says, Mark provided a well-researched argument with lots of data combined with an astute tactical analysis of how Juve operated and how United operate.

        The other side is mostly just saying things like:
        1. IT'S RONALDO, THE GOAT!!! Do you need any other reason?
        2. But the ownership! And the price rises, if you don't get him in now you won't be able to afford!
        3. This game is designed to be fun. How is not owning Ronaldo fun?

        That's not to say I've absolutely made up my mind. But I need to see some better pro-Ronaldo arguments to think it's the right move.

    5. Sharkytect
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      I'm not sure whether or not I will captain Ronaldo for 3 out of the next 4; the transfer is all too new so I want to make my decision based on the week before. I just want the option to be able to captain him initially, and I can bring him in hit-free, so all good here

    6. Studs Up
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      For me its not Ron in isolation unless u compare him to Kane - same value.
      I see it as a combo - who will get more points as eg Ron + whoever u downgraded/sold vs eg Kaku + 1m...and that 1m could be VVD vs TAA.
      Just my 2cents.

    7. WHUFCSmith23
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      I enjoyed this musing. Nice Post dude

  5. Gilbert Prilasnig
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    A) Son + Ings -> Torres + Ronaldo (1.1 ITB)
    B) Son + Ings + Perica -> DCL + Ronaldo + Gilmour (-4, 0.0 ITB)

    Already have Greenwood, no Bruno

    1. Boom XhakaLacaSaka
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      A

  6. Rupert The Horse
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Ings to Ronaldo with FT?
    Who scores more over the next 6?

    1. BrockLanders
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Definitely Ronaldo I'd assume

    2. DIMITRIS
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      If you are serious than it is a fairly simple answer - CR7.
      If you're not, then I just eaisted 30 seconds of my life.

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        You just waisted 30 seconds of your life.

    3. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      😀

      Ronaldo. Bamford might score more than him though for 4.5 less

  7. FPL Brains
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Best 4.5 keeper as set and forget? Or find the 0.5 more for a wider selection?

    1. DIMITRIS
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Find 0.5 and get Meslier. Great for save points and will get you an odd CS. When he gets a CS he'll probably have a couple of saves and a bonus point or two. That's enough for me.

    2. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Find .5 imo

      Sa looks great, after which a switch to Utd’s no 1 between 14-27

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

      I think I’m going with Pickford

    4. Pompel
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Find the 0.5 for Sa, Meslier or Schmeichel imho

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

    How's she looking?

    Sa
    Trent - Rudiger - Semedo
    Salah - Raph - Torres - Gray
    Antonio - Ronaldo - DCL

    Bench: Steele - Sissoko - Livramento - Dier

    0.2m in the bank.

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Well hung.

    2. DIMITRIS
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      No Jota/Greenwood will hurt you. You should pick one of them if not go for tho both of them.

      1. Carlton P
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        I doubt not owning them two players will ‘hurt’ him! The team is class

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

      I like it. Good balanced squad. Look out for news on Firminos injury.

    4. Johnny too hotty
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      can anyone improve this WC team... im struggling.
      This has been awarded to best WC team by me

      1. Dr. Rog
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Sa, Semedo, Rudiger & Gray can all be improved imo.

        1. Johnny too hotty
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 7 months ago

          if you the game gave you another 10 M?

          1. Dr. Rog
            • 14 Years
            2 years, 7 months ago

            - prefer Tierney over Semedo
            - for 5.5 i'd want attacking output from Rudiger (Christensen seems just as nailed), especially when James/Chilwell are just a smidge more
            - not sure what Sa offers over Sanchez/Guaita for the price
            - Gray is a trap pick (think Podence last year but without any stats to back it up), prefer ESR now or Gallagher when his fixtures turn

    5. Kodap
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Cracking replies, thanks so much guys! Obviously Jota/Greenwood was a consideration, but I feel like Salah is more than enough cover for pool along with Ronaldo in the mix, Greenwoods appeal does for me anyway slightly decrease.

  9. OverTinker
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Imagine if people of China, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh were hardcore football fans the rank swings in the FPL would have been crazy - you gain one point and you are 10 million up in the ranks 😀
    Same goes for price changes.

    1. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      The total numbers playing FPL is actually kinda low if you think about it

      1. OverTinker
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Yes because these highly populated countries don't have much love for football.

        1. OverTinker
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 7 months ago

          Combined population of Europe + Africa + South America + North America = 3 Billion

          Population of these four countries = 3.1 Billion

    2. Boberella
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Fantasy Cricket League would have 100m players.

  10. Joker91
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Sanchez
    TAA Shaw Semedo
    Greenwood Salah Bruno Benrahma
    Toney DCL Antonio

    Steele Ayling Brownhill Amartey

    I shifted my 4.0 to Semedo (hence no FTs and have 0.4 in the bank). Now, I know this is almost identical to most other posts of this nature - but taking a -8 for Bruno + Toney to 6.3 plus Ronaldo is stupid. It is, isn't it, stupid?

  11. JUNITED
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Who is the penalty taker at City. KDB and ??

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Don’t think you want one, they always miss.

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

      Mahrez if he plays is a possibility..

  12. Boom XhakaLacaSaka
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    A) Ings/Bruno > CR7/Havertz
    B) Ings/Bruno/Brownhill > Lukaku/Greenwood/Trincao (-4)

    1. Joker91
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      I like the -4, but not so sure Trincao would be my choice at that price range, I'd prefer Sarr or Traore

      1. Boom XhakaLacaSaka
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        will have 6.1

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

      Trincao could be under threat from Podence? I'd go A but unsure on Havertz. High upside though.

      1. Boom XhakaLacaSaka
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Would be either him or mount tbh

    3. Salarrivederci
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Why not Ings/Bruno/Brownhill -> CR7/Traoré/Sarr ?

      1. Salarrivederci
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        1 of Traoré and Sarr will score Points next GW 😉 !

        1. Boom XhakaLacaSaka
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 7 months ago

          Can get either one of them for Benrahma the week after

    4. Patty
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Prefer Grealish or Jota to Havertz

  13. Arctic_Orangutans
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    I know about the pep roulette but is Laporte essentially nailed for the foreseeable unless a drop in form?

    1. Carlton P
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      He will be rotated. Spend .5 more and get Dias

    2. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      No

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

      Think Stones have had some injury issues so when fit they will share minutes.

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

    Sanchez. Steele
    TAA. Shaw. Veltman (Tsimi, Livramento)
    Salah, Bruno, Raphinha, Benrahma, Barnes
    DCL, Antonio (Perica)

    1FT, 1.9 ITB

    A) Barnes -> Torres
    B) Bruno, Barnes, Perica -> Sissoko, Torres, Ronaldo (-8)
    C) Wildcard

    B would enable a upgrade in defense next week, but could also get Gray instead of Sissoko in case of random benchings and avoid Raph vs Liverpool.

    What would you do?

  15. Carlton P
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    I genuinely think DCL out scores Ronaldo over the next 3. Am I alone on this though?

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

      not unthinkable given DCL is fit. I'd like to have both...

  16. LILIOMFI
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Small correction, Portugal plays at Hungary against Qatar

  17. DavvaMC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Everton have the better fixtures.

  18. Tambling5
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Saul well priced at 5.5 if Kante's recurrent injury turns out to be prolonged. Worth thinking about as a second or third Chelsea choice when they get easy run from GW8 onwards?

  19. Ayzay112728
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Which combination for GW4+

    A) Raphina/Allan
    B) Demarai grey/ Sergi Canos
    C) Fornals/Murphy

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      A

    2. Cojones of Destiny
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      A

  20. Camzy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    6m mid watchlist

    Traore - The stats are amazing and vs lei TOT MUN. If you used just stats and even eye test, Traore is the pick of the bunch. He's taking more shots, creating more chances, more penalty area touches. Fixtures are really good from here on out as well. If you think his finishing can get even slightly better, he'll be worth it. Wolves are 3rd behind only Liverpool and City for goal attempts...

    Gallagher - Really good first two games by him. He's taking corners, box to box, getting shots. Fixtures are poor but solidly watchlist and at his price on set pieces + nailed, he can be a really decent enabler for the big hitters.

    Gray - I'm not super keen on him because he's only had 4 shots in 3 games and put up 0.2xG from the first 3 games, but the fixtures are good and his average position is very advanced. If he can get more shot volume, he could become a really important glue pick.

    ESR - 3x 90 minutes as the Arsenal #10 should draw interest, but the fact they've been so bad has overshadowed everything. I think he could be the most undervalued player if Arsenal can turn things around and he keeps his place. The poor performances and Odegaard cast his position in a bit of doubt though and I think that's enough for me to stay away. He could come onto the radar very quickly though. 5.4m is an insane price if he's a regular starter and Arsenal turn things around.

    Harrison - Raphinha is the pick for 6.5m but if you can't spare it, Harrison could be great. Hasn't delivered much yet but fixtures turn really nice after this week vs Liverpool and if Leeds can bring it all together, maybe even a double up with Raphinha isn't out of the question.

    1. OverTinker
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      +1

    2. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      I guess they are all in "don't buy, don't sell" category. I for example started with Harrison over Raphinha, since I really needed that 0.5 and even his underlying stats last season were good enough when that price difference was calculated. After having swallowed one price drop from him, I just can't sell him now since his price rising only once would increase my sv with that 0.1.

      1. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        They are on my 'watchlist' 🙂

        For me, those are players that are not in my active transfer plans but have the potential to force their way in.

    3. Nanoelektronicar
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Was Sarr to obvious and thus not making into this list? 😀

      1. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        I just don't think I'm gonna go Sarr when these other options are showing more potential and most are cheaper too.

        1. Nanoelektronicar
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 7 months ago

          Fair enough.

    4. dbeck
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Thoughts on Sarr? watford fixtures look great

      Also, Dan James at Leeds, are we thinking impact sub or will he start and how does this impact Harrison minutes?

    5. You've got red on you.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Very tempted by Traore! Would be taking Benrahmas spot though.

    6. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Good summary

      .5 goes a long way for me so I’m punting on gray and may switch to Gallagher if it doesn’t pan out when his fixtures get better. By then we’ll no if ERs is also an option

    7. Team Bobcat
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Welcome to fpl

      Think, could, possibly, if...

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

      I've had Sarr and ESR from GW1, and will most likely keep and play this GW. Brought in Traoré instead of Barnes for this GW and those to come.

      Traoré has looked good. My worry is, that his best attributes comes to show when facing harder opposition, while he could be looking like a tiger trapped in a cat cage when facing opposition happy to go 0-0 against Wolves.
      Decided to go for him and hoping for the best. Could return anything between 6 and 40 points in the next 4 GWs

      Happy to keep Sarr. On penalties, not subbed off early and looking pretty decent tbh. Now he somewhat got the fixtures to get a few goals. Feels a bit 'safer' than Traoré, but not the same high upside due to Watford not creating as many chances as Wolves. Expecting somewhere between 20 and 30 points in the next 4 GWs

      Will most likely field ESR this GW, but I worry he could be benched, and Arsenal could field Auba, Saka, Ødegaard & Pepe. Would most certainly not be buying him at this point. Will probably also bench him after Norwich. Somewhere between 10 and 20 points in the next 4 with most being against Norwich if being in the high end of my expectations.

      Gray is a good pick with his returns so far, but to me feels like chasing last GW. Don't think those Everton fixtures are very juicy. Burnley and Villa will defend properly. Then Norwich is obviously the one to target, and then Man U.
      Expect him to return 15-20 points over those 4 GW's. A better and safer options than ESR, but I would be looking at playing them against Norwich and benched in most of the others tbf. ESR got Norwich now and Gray does not.

      Who is Gallagher? One of those players returning huge points 1/20 GW's?
      I expect him to return between 6 and 10 points over the next 4 GWs.

      1. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        The fact Gallagher scored twice in a game is good. He's a Chelsea loanee. I've watchlisted him because he's also on corners. He's not a random DM that got lucky. He looks like Lampard-lite (very light at this stage).

        I think getting 20-30 points from Sarr in the next 4 weeks is way too optimistic. I think 10-20 is much more likely.

        Traore highest ceiling for sure. ESR also has a high ceiling if Arsenal click but there are too many uncertainties.

        1. Salarrivederci
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 7 months ago

          10-20 is a bit low with those fixtures.
          Norwich, NEWCASTLE & Leeds bodes well for attacking returns, and WOLVES need 3points and might 'attack' the game and open a bit more behind as a result.

          10 is practically just playing which I think is what you can expect from Gallagher with SPURS, Liverpool, BRIGHTON, Leicester. I can see Sarr getting at least 2 attacking returns in those 4 and somewhere in bonus too, but I guess we will see 😉

    9. Rudi Van Disarzio
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Nice summary another two 6.0 's to throw into the mix are Daniel James and Nikola Vlasic

  21. Baps hunter
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    How are other Pogba owners planning to handle this situation? Choosing him over Greenwood was a bet that has failed. Selling Bruno to get CR7/Lukaku costs 4 pts. Even if Firmino is out longer, getting both Greenwood and Jota in may cause serious transfer cost issues if it means -8 now.

    1. Team Bobcat
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      I dont own him but Haverts would not be a bad punt

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

    Anyone else considering DDG?

    1. Jordan.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      i did, but schmeichel/sanchez is an amazing combo for a long time if you want to spend another 0.5 coins

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

        Too much money

        1. Jordan.
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 7 months ago

          fair enough

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

        Schmeichel is same price as DDG

  23. Arctic_Orangutans
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    When is Alonso going to get dropped do we think ?

    1. Patty
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Every chance to be dropped next game

    2. Dr. Rog
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      next game

    3. hustler7
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Hard to tell with Chelsea's tough fixtures, once Tuchel see's him fully fit he should start most weeks. He might even start against villa next week if not he should get at least 30 mins. Doubt he would be shoved in at the deep end starting against Spurs or City without considerable mins.

  24. Rupert The Horse
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    He comes Kohli.

    1. Dr. Rog
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      good start by England

  25. fronczu
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Hi, any advices to increase my team? Im using WC now, so I can make changes.

    Sanchez

    TAA Duffy Amartey

    Salah Gray Benhrama Torres

    CR7 Lukaku Antonio

    Sub: Steer, Williams, Moder, Livramento
    0,3 mln left

    Cheers!

    1. theswallow1965
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      4 x 4.0 defenders is going to hurt you eventually and are transfers waiting to happen.
      3 x 11.0 Premiums is killing your balance.
      CR7 or Lukaku down to say DCL and strengthen that defence I would say or if you are really set on 3 premiums, Antonio down to say Dennis and use the cash to bolster the defence.

      1. fronczu
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Thank you! I made some changes:

        Raya

        TAA Varane Laporte

        Salah Gray Benhrama Torres

        Calvert-Lewin CR7 Antonio

        Subs: Sanchez, Duffy, Moder, Livramento

        It looks better now 😀

  26. Irish Villan 1985
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Lads, thoughts on potential WC team?

    Sanchez

    Trent, White, Rudiger, Semedo

    Salah, Benhrama, Gray

    Lukaku, Antonio, Ronaldo

    Subs: Brownhill, Romeu, Williams

    1. Dr. Rog
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      you dont need 3 premiums

    2. Cojones of Destiny
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      think it's obviouse to stick with only two big guns, you WCing for games to come

  27. The Mandalorian
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    One reason to play the WC is most top teams will be taking -4/8 hits to swap Bruno to Ronaldo. Add those hits to points increases of your new WC team could give you a 20 point increase in GW4.

    Now set up place holders for Chelsea players in GW7 and you can keep up with these wildcarders whilst enjoying early price changes.

    Shaw/Jota/Ronaldo are perfect placeholders for James/Mount/Lukaku.

    Thoughts

    1. Pompel
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      It's just what I'm sitting on the fence weighing up. Meanwhile, price of target players go up , and my players drop in price.

    2. Nanoelektronicar
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      I get the idea, but for me:

      Have Greenwood, I don't want to sell now, probably would have to in two weeks time. Similar thing with Benrahma.

      Goalkeeper situation is not clear enough for me. Sanchez is meh, Raya impressed but fixtures are tough, Leeds have been woeful at the back and Bachman had a howler vs Son.

      Double Chelsea defense potentially means it's not hard to sell TAA, and it's too early for me to do it with Liverpool's fixtures.

      Firmino's injury supposedly is not that serious, so Jota might not be that great of an option mid to long term. Means I don't have to do -8.

  28. Cojones of Destiny
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    if you could get only one and play till gw 7:
    a. Shaw
    b. Raph

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      B

  29. Patty
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Whats the best combo here?
    A. Lukaku + Jota (Torres if Firmino fit)
    B. Ronaldo + Raphinha (Traore or Sarr if I'm feeling punty)
    C. Ronaldo + Toney

    1. Salarrivederci
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Probably Lukaku & Jota this GW.
      Ronaldo and 1 of Raphinha/Sarr/Traoré will most likely outscore A over the next 3 GWs, but hard to know which 1.
      Is it on WC or?

      1. Patty
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Nah just 2 FTs

  30. Salarrivederci
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    With 0 FTs and 1.0 ITB I'm debating different transfers for this GW and the next one.

    A: Don't take a -4, field the team below & most likely do Bruno, Toney -> Raphinha, CR7 (-4) next GW.
    B: Do Ings, ESR -> Jota, Pukki (-8) this GW if Firmino is out. And do Bruno, Toney -> CR7, Raphinha (-4) next GW.

    I'll probably react to Ings, Toney or ESR looks like dropping another 0.1 this GW.

    Raya
    TAA - Shaw - Reguilón
    Salah - Bruno - Traoré - Sarr - ESR
    Antonio - Toney

    (Sanchez, Ings, Williams, Amartey)

    1. Patty
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      B is an awful transfer IMO. A from the options.
      I'd also recommend contemplating Ings > DCL