Pro Pundits

Two or three premium players – and time to sell Ings? The burning FPL Gameweek 4 questions

With the international break in play, it is the perfect time to do ‘The Burning Questions’ series where I answer a select few questions from the community.


Q: Two or three premiums will be the big question as Wildcard season begins. Does the old FPL adage still apply: if you’re not capping them, are they worth owning? (from @FPLCanuck)

This is something that is playing on everyone’s mind at the moment. The on-the-fence answer to this question is, ‘there is no right or wrong way to play Fantasy Premier League (FPL)’. But I’ll tell you what I honestly think.

My initial instinct is that two premiums is the way to go for a more balanced team, at the moment. This is because there are enough assets, especially in the £7.5m to £8.0m forward bracket, that are performing very well right now, and I wouldn’t want to compromise on Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.5m) either. His fixtures are really good in the mid-term and he is already the highest big chance and chance creator in the league, not to mention looking very good on the eye test, as well. When fully fit, we all know that he is capable of a 200-point season and I wouldn’t want to make do with a cheaper alternative.

It is very much possible to have an all-round strong team without too many sacrifices if you go ahead with two premium players, ideally one in midfield and one in the forward line. I do agree with the old FPL adage that if you are not captaining them, they might not be worth owning – but I think this applies more in the first half of the season when we are still building team value, and affording three in the second half of the campaign may become easier.

If you are to fill your team up with three premium players, it requires a fair few compromises and you are very reliant on making sure you hit the target with all your value picks. The probability of this is not very high. So while FPL can be played in many ways, I didn’t want to sit on the fence with this question and have given my opinion. But the landscape can change very quickly in FPL and the more data we get, the surer we are. I recently did a very relevant thread on Twitter called ‘Reading the Room’, assessing the FPL ecosystem as things stand. I highly recommend reading it.


Q: It’s been a very bad start for Arsenal, but their fixtures are way better after the international break. Bukayo Saka (£6.3m), Emile Smith-Rowe (£5.4m), Kieran Tierney (£4.9m) all have had price drops; is it too much of a gamble to take a punt on one of them? (From @Karthik_Gooner)

pro-pundits-the-burning-question

As we can see, the Gunners have really good fixtures right until Gameweek 11. FPL is not about what has happened but rather anticipating what will happen in the future. To add context to the situation at Arsenal, at least half of their first team was missing in the first three Gameweeks, which has definitely impacted their season. They have already played a behind-closed-doors friendly where the main talking point for me was that their first-choice defenders clocked minutes. All the three names that you have mentioned have validity to them as picks and I don’t think it is a bad idea to punt on one of them.

Smith-Rowe has looked really good on the eye to me and, at just £5.4m, I don’t think going there is a bad idea. We saw in the first game against Brentford how far forward Tierney can get and despite the fixtures, he is still amongst the top four chance creators in the league amongst all defenders. The only problem with the left-back is his injury record. That said, not having midweek European football might help his case. All things considered, I wouldn’t have more than one Arsenal player in my team but I do think going with one punt is fine.


Q: With the fixture swing for Aston Villa, should we transfer out Danny Ings (£5.4m), who keeps on delivering points in a poor Villa attack, or is it now the time to move on for sure? (From @FPL_SavatDodo)

I think us Ings owners have been incredibly fortunate in the first three Gameweeks getting the points we have. I did factor in his outstanding conversion rate when transferring him in and to be fair to Aston Villa, two of their first-choice attackers have been missing in the first three Gameweeks.

That said, at his price, there are a lot of options with better fixtures and I think you make the switch to one of them. Ings is not even amongst the top 10 strikers in the league for goal attempts or shots in the box so the underlying numbers don’t support his case, either. I just think you take the points and run given that they face Chelsea, Everton, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur in the next four games.

The likes of Dominic Calvert Lewin (£8.2m), Michail Antonio (£7.9m), Patrick Bamford (£7.9m) and Raul Jimenez (£7.4m) are better options in that price bracket and all four of the above players also have good fixtures in the mid-term.


Q: Pep had plenty to say about Ferran Torres (£7.1m) playing as a striker towards the end of last season, and he’s started there and looked very promising again. Is he now a serious ‘out of position’ prospect? (From @gavinmoger)

Torres is definitely a very serious ‘out of position’ prospect now that Manchester City have not signed a striker. His upside given his price is very, very high and with a team like City, the fixtures don’t matter too much either. That said, what does matter is the fixture congestion and the threat of rotation, especially with Kevin De Bruyne (£11.9m) and Phil Foden (£7.9m) entering the equation very soon. As long as you are aware of the risks of owning a Manchester City attacker, I think going for a pick like Torres is fully valid because this time around we are getting a very cheap entry into that attack.

If it doesn’t work out, it isn’t like you can’t sell him. And if you do go for him, you just need to assess the risk balance of your FPL team. If you are going for a pick like Torres, you just make sure that you are not taking a lot of gambles in the other positions in your FPL team.

READ MORE:


Q: Is Aymeric Laporte (£5.5m) first choice again? At £5.5m and top for shots in the box for all City players, is he worth investing? (@FplRedbulls)

First of all, thank you for that stat – I was not aware of it and definitely find it amusing! The short answer for me, at this stage, is no. I don’t think he is nailed with John Stones (£5.3m), who had an outstanding 2020/21, sitting on the bench in that squad. If you want to go for a Manchester City option at the back, you spend the extra and go for Ruben Dias (£6.0m), in my opinion, because defence is not where you want to spend future transfers.


There have been a lot of questions with regards to Wildcarding as well. I pre-empted this before Gameweek 3 and have written about it in detail below:

Also, before I finish up, Fantasy Football Scout has been nominated along with our podcast ‘The FPL Wire’ for the Football Content Awards (Best Podcast – Fantasy Football).

If you have liked our work, please vote below – and thank you!

754 Comments Post a Comment
  1. AleksaMaster
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Can Son keep up with Salah this season?

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

      I think it's unlikely

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

      If he gets a few more jammmmmy goal then he can

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

      Nah

    4. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      doubt it

      Salah is a 250+ point player, Son a 175 ish point player … Salah may have a bad season and Son a good one where they both get 225 points but unlikely

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

        Like last season - only 3 points between them.

        1. Hotdogs for Tea
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          and the other seasons ?

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

        I think Son is a 200 point player honestly. He's on set pieces, very clinical in front of goal. Son has always had the PPG to hit 200. For him, it's game time. Last season was the first time he played more than 2500 minutes.

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

          this

        2. Hotdogs for Tea
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          only broke 200 points last season for the first time ever … probably over performed

          His problem is that he doesn’t really take free kicks and doesn’t have penalties.

          I own him and Salah so am hopeful but I can’t see him getting within 50 points of Salah

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

            It doesn't matter how many points he scores in total ultimately.

            What matters is his PPG and to bring him in for streaks. His PPG is very high typically so he's a great asset to own and over a stretch of good fixtures can match or even surpass Salah imo.

            1. Hotdogs for Tea
              • 8 Years
              2 years, 6 months ago

              the question was can he match Salah this season, for me the answer is no.

              If you can hold him for his purple patches then he is FPL gold, but that is a tough thing to nail

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

      I think so also, but I think I will take a risk anyway because I am going to perma captain ronaldo, which means salah loses value in my team.

    6. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I thought so but his xG after 3 games is terrible, and Nuno could easily be the reason for that (however much I like him)

      1. SADIO SANÉ
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        he is lethal though, and probably VERY underrated - if he had played for Barca/Real in the last 5 years he would be considered one of the best imo

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

        But they had city, wolves away and watford which is easy fixture but watford parked the bus, and he still scored 23 points.

        1. SADIO SANÉ
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          yeah, I had him for those 23 points - the 10 he got last week was incredibly lucky, but he is quality don't get me wrong

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

        I think Kane's return is inhibiting him at bit. Once Kane is up to speed, we should see last season's partnership back. I don't think Nuno wrecks such a successful formula.

  2. RED HOT CHILLI
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    To concur with Mark on Blackbox, the Times raise issues 🙂 But will that stop us?

    https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/can-ole-gunnar-solskjaer-really-build-a-team-around-cristiano-ronaldo-fc-zxzc3h5gf

    1. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I’ve just sold him after reading this, meant a -12 to get back to ings but oh well

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

        Ha ha ha - this

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

        Are you saying that you bought and sold Ronaldo before he has even played?

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

      No, because it's far more likely he'll do what he has done every single season of his already long career and score lots of goals

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

      Lukaku is clearly the better player and the better pick.
      But something nags at me that Newcastle are just going to rollover at OT.

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

        Lukaku is clearly fitter and faster but he is not clearly better. Ronaldo outscored him last season too in the same league playing less games, so I wouldn't be so sure he is a better pick either

        1. OLEgend
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Faster may be fitter no way,Ronaldo is a machine

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

        Whether he's the better pick in a given FPL GW is a debate worth having...but did you just say Lukaku is a better PLAYER than Cristiano Ronaldo?

        Are you being serious?

        1. Alexis Nonsense
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Depends on the premise

          Ronaldo clearly the better player when history taken into account

          But right now, this season, we still don't know.
          Lukaku might score more goals, and has a higher assist potential

          1. Alexis Nonsense
            • 8 Years
            2 years, 6 months ago

            And they were pretty similar in serie A last season 😉

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

            With that context then sure you have an argument at least. I would submit that Ronaldo's upside is still higher than Romelu's in terms of just goal potential.

    4. RED HOT CHILLI
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I suppose the most frightening take from the article is how selfish Ronaldo has become: look at the huge drop in assists 🙂

      1. Alexis Nonsense
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        So he needs 30 goals to be a good asset for 12.5 then? ;P

        1. RED HOT CHILLI
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          I've wildcarded to bring him in and make other necessary changes. Selfish is good 🙂

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

        I don't think you can conclude he is selfish just from that stat and if he scores almost every game he is a far better pick that Lukaku IMO. Having said that, I didn't watch him play that much last season s maybe I'm wrong. I haven't seen much mentioned about Lukaku in the Liverpool game but I didn't think he was very involved even before the sending off. Ronaldo seems more fixcture proof in terms of returns as well

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

        I don't know if that's necessarily true. If he has Ramsey, Mckennie type players around him, he's not going to be making many goals. Now if he's feeding Bruno and Greenwood maybe it'll be different.

    5. Alexis Nonsense
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      On the episode they talked about approx 20 goals in this season for Ronaldo to be a success

      But in FPL a striker with 20 goals for 12.5m is not very good, just decent imo unless there is 10+ assists in the mix

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

        yes, that's what they talked about. Let's see how many he actually scores

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

      Damn I hate the English media...such a rubbish article imo...selfish lol lazy journalism more like

  3. tissae
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Which one?

    A) Bruno + Ings + Barnes -> Ronaldo + Torres + Benrahma for -4
    B) Bruno + Ings -> Ronaldo + 8.2m. Mid (Benrahma/Mount) for free.

    1. Podge
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Second one with Torres

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

      A

  4. shanebuckz
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Would appreciate people feedback on my team
    Sanchez Steele
    TAA James regi semedo Williams
    Salah sarr benrahma greenwood sissoko
    Lukaku Antonio DCL

    After this game week have enough funds to transfer raphina in for benrahma after Liverpool fixture and also swap greenwood out for mount after game week 7
    Opinions welcomed!!

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

      Good plan. I would do it too in ur position. Team is looking good also. Nice balance

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

    Which option looks best, very hard to pick which route to go. A 50/50 decision that can make or break. Its bruno and toney leaving the team

    A. Lukaku and Greenwood
    B. Ronaldo and Sarr/Traore

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

      A

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      A with Greenwood/Jota/Mount/Torres all great options at 7.5ish

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

        like jota aswell but then a -4 is requested to remove tsimikas plus I want a united attacker for the next 3 weeks

        1. Miguel Sanchez
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          The go Lukaku and Greenwood - still think Mason G has a few GWs left in him

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

            Yeah thinking he gets atleast 2-3 more games from start, plan is to WC gw 7

    3. Sam Robinson
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Ronaldo at the moment because of fixtures. Greenwood also at risk of losing his place.

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

        Greenwood looks strong atm though, could ole really bench him ?

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

      Greenwood is nailed guys, mark my words. As a die hard united fan who watches every game I know how good he is and how much ole rates him. He is 2nd best attacker in that team after ronaldo.

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

        so who gets benched of sancho and rashford when all fit and firing ?

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

        I really want to believe you....i really do lol.

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

        If he dips in form of course there will be rotation, but I am saying I believe he will keep his form because he is really good player which means he will keep his spot. So its worth keeping him in team, especially if u got him for 7.5 from beginning.

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

        Bessie mates with Ole are we!??

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

    Ings + Barnes out

    A jiminez +Torres

    B dcl + Sarr

  7. The Frenchie
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    A) Son / Bamford
    B) Raphinha / Lukaku

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

      A

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

      B

    3. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      B because you will captain Lukaku

  8. Letsgo!
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Bruno ings townsend to traore gray ronaldo for -4?

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I did that in 2013-14. Coming 2,300th odd in gw31, forgot to hit WC and took a 32pt hit. Ended up at 59,000th!why not

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

        Ouch re the hit! That would be mega ballache

  9. Athletic Nasherbo
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Tsimikas, Mane, Ings > TAA, Jota, DCL -8 is very very tempting.

  10. WHUFCSmith23
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Is the concensus that there will be a lot of players taking hits this week?

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Lots of wildcards and a few hits for those keen to get Ronaldo

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

      Yeh I think so. I feel the price ticker is going to go into overdrive post Wednesday

  11. Miguel Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Captain from:

    A) Lukaku (AVL)
    B) Salah (lee)
    C) Ronaldo (NEW)

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

      Lukaku for me. Been disappointed by Villa and they have no Martinez either.

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

        Yeah they came out of the gate with so much expectation. Have they regressed slightly? Or just need a bit to sort themselves out?

        Oh yeah and Grealish. There's that.

        1. Miguel Sanchez
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Villa stopped keeping nearly as many Clean Sheets last season when Grealish was out last season too

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

      undecided between B and C

    3. Athletic Nasherbo
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Lukaku all day.

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

      Ronaldo

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

      Ronaldo

  12. Leew35
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Current WC draft, what do we think?

    GK - Sa
    DEF - TAA Shaw James (after suspension)
    MID - Salah Torres Raphina Traore
    ATT - CR7 Antonio DCL
    Bench - Foster Livra Duffy Sissoko

    advice welcomed!

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

      Very nice

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

      I like it. I’ve gone for Sa too.

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

    I’m stuck on:

    A) Torres | Jesus | Sissoko
    B) Gray | DCL | Raphina

    1. Athletic Nasherbo
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      If you’re playing all 3 then B.

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

        No, Sissoko would be benched, as would Gray.

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

      B all day every day. Pep Roulette is real don't be fooled by the last few games since KdB and Foden are out.

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

        Good advice and what was nagging me in my subconscious.

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

        This.

        Once KDB & Foden are back I suspect Torres’s minutes will suffer & he will not look as appetising.

    3. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      B - Pep

    4. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      do you have a C option ? 😉

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

      A

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

        I mean B dang it....smh

    6. AIRMILES
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I have Torres, and for me it's a bit of a no brainer having a 7.0m midfielder who is going to be playing most matches as a false 9 for City. I did strongly consider Jesus to supplement my Antonio and Ronaldo strikeforce, but whilst he's looked very good on the right I think he's overpriced, and I don't want two City players potentially being rested in the same week. And having Jesus would have meant not having Son, and I defo want Son for now.

      So I'd say go with Torres and DCL. And given you're planning on benching the other midfielder, I'd say go for the cheaper option of Sisoko. No point having a spare 1.0m on the bench that could be in the bank or in your starting 11.

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

        Thanks for the detailed advice.

        1. AIRMILES
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Pleasure

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

      B

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

    A. Pickford

    B. Sa

    C. Meslier

    D. Schmeichael

    E. Sanchez

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      B

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

      B - great fixtures till December; by then situation will be clearer & potentially we might have a 4.5m who is a clear choice.

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

    If Arsenal are going down this young player route then they will need to accept they will lose a lot of games while those players improve their technique, physicality and gain experience. They could put out a team that are all under 25 today and see if they grow into the PL:

    Ramsdale
    Tomiyasu White Gabriel Tierney
    Lokonga Maitland-Niles
    ESR Odegaard Saka
    Martinelli

    I think they would be better off having 3 or 4 over 25s and looking to move some of those on over the next two transfer windows (e.g. Leno, Auba, Laca out, Ramsdale, Pepe and a new striker in) :

    Leno*
    White Holding* Gabriel
    Tomiyasu Partey* Odegaard Saka Tierney
    Lacazette* Aubameyang*

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

      https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/58447006

      Edu: Arsenal technical director defends club's transfer policy

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

      ----------------GK
      ------White Saliba Gabriel
      --Saka Sambi Partey Tierney
      ------------ ESR/OG -------------
      --------Laca -------Auba ---------

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

        3 at the back looks prime for Arsenal. I prefer Holding because I think he gives Arsenal a more physical presence and that frees up White and Gabriel to pass it out from the back, but those two are also much better one-on-one defenders than positional / aerial defenders. Bit like how Dunk would help White at Brighton.

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

          yes it would be Holding because unbelievably Saliba is on loan in France for the 3rd season running (aparently he refused to give Arteta his weekly handjob)

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

      That first squad you listed would be lucky not to go down, tbh.

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

      I’m just looking forward to seeing how the team plays with White, Gabriel, Partey all back and hopefully Tomiyasu can actually defend. Think we might be better playing with a back 3.

      Of course all of these absentees are irrelevant though and Arteta should be sacked because he had no striker for the first game and had all these players missing against the European and English champions.......

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

        I have said on here before, that both Norwich and Arsenal's seasons begin from GW3. But Arteta needs to deliver 18-20 points in the next 10 games otherwise he is doing something wrong.

    5. ‘Tis the Season
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Lost me at Arsenal. Terrible manager who doesn’t have a clue. Worthless tactics which don’t favor FPL. stop wasting your time and drop ALL F$&@en gunners players. FFS:!:

  16. Drexl Spivey
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Why are so many FPL managers put off by Adama Traoré this window? He arguably outshines all these other players people are replacing Bruno with.

    Is it the lack of concrete results so far, that they distrust Jimi up front or just a Wolves thing in general?

    You seldom find players flying under the radar like this who nail the eye test, with their stats and fixtures aligning so well.

    1. AIRMILES
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Do you think he's a better option that the likes of Harrison, Benrahma and Gray?

      1. Drexl Spivey
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        I do. Not sold on Jimi yet, but I think Traoré's been abnormally unlucky not to put something together yet. It begs belief, tbh.

    2. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      he couldn’t hit a cow’s arse with a banjo 😉

    3. Get up ya bum
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Because he hasn't got the points yet. Players only get popular on FFS when they have recently scored

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

      His end product is tire

      1. Miguel Sanchez
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        *dire

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

      Traore is a case where stats don't really tell the whole story. The man had 2 goals and 4 assists last season. I'm debating between him and Sarr for my 6M slot, and I'm pretty sure I'll be going with Sarr - much better player.

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

        XGi (and delta)

        This season: 2.12 (-2.12)
        2020/21: 5.87 (-1.87)
        2019/20: 10.31 (+2.69)

        Change of position is the big unknown here

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

      He can't finish. He always shoots at the GK with power or wide or over. He can score the odd banger from distance, but you put in him in with a good chance and he inevitably fluffs it.

      Him and Jimenez have a good partnership, but I still think Jimenez is not the player he was (not just the head injury, but also he is over 30 now) and so those Traore A, Jimenez G combos that were successful won't be as common this season.

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

      I haven't watched them enough so this is interesting to me. I watched most of the Spurs match and couldn't believe they didn't score.

    8. Pinturicchio10
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Adama Traore = uht milk

        https://youtu.be/pBwwcU2c3u4

        1. Miguel Sanchez
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          So glad this was linked to what I thought when I read UHT

      • Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Simple Tarore is. not a very good footballer he can't pass, lacks a football brain has no composure. If Traore was listed as a defender I would only consider him then. Nail the eye test ? Have you watched his full games? He is a very athletic blind man with a machine gun.

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

        I think he has a history of disappointment. Same reason everyone balks when you say to bring in Pepe or Jesus. I genuinely think there's promise after those first 3 games and the new more attacking role he's had under Lage.

        1. Drexl Spivey
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Yup, this is what's swinging me, Camzy. I am actually drawn to Pepe too. They're not hard players to move on if all goes south.

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

        It comes down to end product. He doesn’t have any. He huffs and puffs but cannot blow the house down.

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

        He just looks like he’s in the wrong sport

        He’s like what you’d imagine you’d get if you transplanted a PED-riddled NFL wide receiver, Rugby wing, or even a middleweight boxer into their first football match & told them “just see how you get on”

        So much potential, so little end product

    9. Captain Vantastic™
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      This guy FPL Salah is total fraud on twitter. Copies Fabio Borges team and transfers whole season god knows how and has now made his way to the FPL show 😆 Has the same team again this season as Fabio

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

        I think he posts his team up early because he writes articles for another FPL website where he does team reveals. So not sure how he can copy him exactly?

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

        Yeah he's such a fraud. He has... 4 top 1K finishes?!

        He's actually one of the ones that knows his stuff.

    10. You've got red on you.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Would you rather have Jota and Torres in your team or just one of them plus Raphinha?

      a) Jota + Torres

      b) Raphinha + Jota/Torres (which one?)

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

        Raph most nailed, but the other two have higher ceilings.

        Depends on your squad and the kind of manager you are.

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

        b,torres

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

        Raph & Jota

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

      Looking at how to get Ron/Rom, but happy with my team this week....

      A) Mane & 4.5 ----> Smith-Rowe & Lukaku (-4)
      B) WC to get Ron/Torres etc in
      C) play Mane (lee) and save transfer
      D) Barnes ---> Torres

    12. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      On the article above I find this logic 'if you are not captaining an expensive player they are not worth getting' really baffling.
      Yet on the other hand lateriser will not go without the most expensive defender in the game. How often would he captain him???

      Some of the fantasy football statements in the community taken as gospel are beyond silly. Such as never captain a defender. Or no point in getting an expensive player unless you captain him etc

      1. SADIO SANÉ
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        if you conclude that 4.5 defenders are terrible, which they are - then TAA is only 2.5 over replacement - which is the equivalent of an 8.0/8.5 mid/fwd - comparing TAA to the likes of Ronaldo isn't fair imo

        1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          2.5m / 3m is cash that be used elsewhere in squad though.So it is not as simple as points per million because FPL is a fluid game. On WC I have gone Matip instead of TAA covers pool clean and allows me to get Jota plus Salah. While still getting Lukaku and Ronaldo.

          1. SADIO SANÉ
            • 8 Years
            2 years, 6 months ago

            many ways to skin it for sure - just saying that Trent doesn't qualify to be in the 'too expensive to have but not captain' statement either way, because he's relatively not 'expensive' imo

      2. Drexl Spivey
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        I'd never captain TAA for a fixture for which I already owned Salah, but then I'd more likely hokey-cokey Salah in and out for an absolute stinker. With Trent you can never predict the gold dust, but you're frightened to miss out on it when he rockets.

        1. Eze Really?
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Yeah. I think TAA you have to look at as a 7.5 mil player who scores high most years. I never captain TAA, but then again, I don't usually with any 7.5. Would I want TAA over Greenwood, Torres, Jota, Jimi, Antonio etc. I probably would in most cases

      3. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        There is no right or wrong way of playing the game provided a level of common sense is applied. Lateriser is no idiot, proven by track record. Mark dropped a bit of a clanger recently too.
        The general feel is premiums don't reap points per mil as others do. I tend to think 3 premiums is OTT. Getting 2 for rotation there is logic in. No saying it won't work to get 3.
        Ronaldo, a class player as he is, still carries doubt in terms of playing time (35 games only last year) Another year old, how will the United squad accommodate him. etc etc.
        That is why the game is as popular as it is.
        Cheers WCC

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

        The logic of not owning an expensive player if you won't captain them makes sense to me. But it partly depends on what you consider expensive. I generally consider it to be more than £9.0m (so £9.5m+ at the beginning of the season before any price changes).

        The reason for this is that if I (c) a player who is over £9.0m their actual cost is halved (because (c) points double). So they need to produce points equivalent to a cheaper player. If I don't (c) them then their price is 100% and they need to significantly outperform players who are like £7.5m / £8.0m to be worth it.

        A one GW view with a premium makes less sense though. You need to look at their value over the period you would (c) and not (c) them.

        1. Eze Really?
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          If i have 2 premiums and there is good rotation, I look at the captain points having half the value if you know what I mean.
          Salah 10x2 (20pts) Ronaldo 6 points. Cost me 25 mil almost 2/3 of total budget to get 26 points. (is that ok?)

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

            I do it similar.

            I (c) Salah GW1 and GW2 and Bruno GW3.

            So Salah:
            Average cost = (12.5m + 6.25m + 6.25m)/3 = £8.33m
            Average pts = (34 + 6 + 10)/3 = 16.7 pts

            I then compare him to similar players and he has done well when you look at points earned by players like Torres, Jota, Greenwood, Antonio, Bamford.

            So Bruno:
            Average cost = (12.0m + 12.0m + 6.0m)/3 = £10.0m
            Average pts = (20 + 1 + 4) /3 = 8.33 pts

            Bruno hasn't done so well and has probably underperformed. I plan to (c) him against Newcastle though so will reassess after that to see if the four week stint of Salah/Fernandes has worked or not.

            1. Eze Really?
              • 9 Years
              2 years, 6 months ago

              Yep we can use arithmetic logic. My issue is "do what I say, don't do what I do" I end up throwing my logic out of the window when it comes to the crunch.

      5. AIRMILES
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        I find Lateriser's analysis and opinions the most interesting of all the Scouts, personally.

    13. notlob legin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Is going without a Man Utd midfielder / forward too risky?

      I have put this provisional wildcard Team together, but because I want Torres, who is obviously a rotation risk, I want a stronger front 8 - any thoughts appreciated:

      Sanchez, Steele
      TAA, Shaw, White, Semedo, Livramento
      Salah, Torres, Raphinha, Trincao, Sarr
      DCL, Lukaku, Antonio

      1. WHUFCSmith23
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        As is always said, you can't own everyone. You just have to pick the players you think will score the most. Forget about anything else, EO, which team blah blah blah.

        If you have decided that these players will score more than United players then go with it.

        1. notlob legin
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Thank you so much for your reply - really appreciate it

    14. Salah(c)
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      A)lukaku son and dier
      B)cr7 dcl 5.5(maybe shaw?)

      1. All For One
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        tough choice B.

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

        B

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

      Now way I'm transferring out Danny Ings at 5.4m - best value player in the game.

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

        That was the question, yes 😉 I'd keep him also if he was that cheap.

      2. Ser Davos
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Reminder of Ings at 6.0 200 point season 19-20, Jiminez at 7.5 (Jota was a 6.5 WOL FWD) with another 200

        19-20 Restart: picked DCL whilst Ings smashed it

        20-21: Picked Ings whilst 7.0 DCL smashed it

        21-22: Picked Ings whilst DCL smashed it

      3. Now I'm Panicking
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        David Munday would be proud

    16. All For One
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Jota or Benrahma?

      I already have Salah and Antonio.

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

        Jota

        1. All For One
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Thanks time to transfer out Ings and Bruno > CR7 and Jota!

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

        Jota

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

      There’s a 100.0 RonKakuLah team that keeps TAA for wildcarders if they want it:

      Bachmann
      TAA, Shaw, White
      Salah, Raph, Sarr, Traore
      Ronaldo, Kaku, Armstrong
      (Foster, Ayling, Livra, McArthur)

      You do have to lean on 3x 6.0-ish attackers though… of which there are actually a few tbf (Sarr, Traore, Trincao, ESR, Harrison, A.Armstrong, Dennis, Welbz etc)

      Disadvantage is obvs you’re effectively locked out of the big pool of 7.5-8.0 strikers (Antonio, DCL, Ings, Bamford, Jimmy, Wilson etc etc)

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

        WC this week without 3 big hitters looks like a waste to me if we consider WC7 opportunity. And although your draft looks ok, I definitely prefer getting Ronaldo for a hit or just keeping Bruno until GW7.

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

          This is the best 3 big hitters WC draft I came up with:

          Sanchez Steele
          TAA Ayling White (Livramento Williams)
          Salah Sarr Traore Harrison (Sissoko)
          Ronaldo Lukaku DCL

      2. SADIO SANÉ
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        yeah, atm the 7.5ish bracket in midfield/forward could be the best it's ever been, seems a bit mad to forgo ALL of them

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

        DCL and fit Antonio for example are getting points like premiums, so having three premiums is a doomed bet imo.

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

          Now that DCL & Antonio have pens it makes them very hard to swerve for sure - big big plus points for them

          Bamford & Wilson have pens as well, and you would think Jimmy does too, as does Ings when El Ghazi isn’t playing (which should be most of the time once Watkins, Buendia, Bailey are all fit)

          So the 7.5-8.5 strikers are definitely the risk

          Armstrong might suprise people too though, but he likely won’t ever get pens with JWP around

          1. SADIO SANÉ
            • 8 Years
            2 years, 6 months ago

            yeah agree - I'm leaving DCL for now just because I'm worried about the toe situation, but I think it's fair to say that DCL, Antonio & Bamford are extremely good picks - then Jimenez & Ings have the potential to be too - atm the 7.5 mids are nice (I have them) but I don't think that will be the case in a few weeks, at which point I'll WC

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

            Switching between CR7 and Kaku is doable. Having only one premium is probably better idea than having three of them.

      4. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Different - Traore though ? Better options in wolves team for cheaper like Trincao for a start.
        If you got Robertson instead of TAA what could you do with .5?
        Robertson seems the forgetten man of FPL!

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

        No Antonio is madness imo.

        But it's doable if you lower on Shaw and Sarr to fund it.

      6. Hotdogs for Tea
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        I don’t like the random dodgy third forward … that spot has to be Toney as a minimum but probably Antonio, Bamford, DCL etc so 6.4 to 8 mill

        Sarr and Traore as 3rd and 4th mids is poor, especially with Raphinha as the second mid.

        It really doesn’t work for me

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

          Yup the cloth is cut very thinly on the supporting attackers

          And Traore is generally utterly hopeless at the most important part of the game (i.e. making contact with the ball with his actual feet)

          But in fairness they do have a little run of potentially profitable fixtures coming both

          Traore - wat, BRE, sou, NEW, avl, lee, EVE, cpl, WHM, nor, BUR
          Sarr - WOL, nor, NEW, lee, LIV, Eve, SOU, ars

          Sarr should also have pens now with Deeney gone & tbh is probably good enough for a move up from Watford now - he has very big scores in him

          It’s just resorting to using fixtures to try to squeeze returns out of cheap players

          1. Hotdogs for Tea
            • 8 Years
            2 years, 6 months ago

            I find that playing the fixtures is best done with the premiums

            I am coming around to the view that Gilmore, Sissoko and Allan are the best fillers rotated with defenders

            3 premiums but it just doesn’t work for me

            TAA, 5, 4.5, 4.5, 4.1
            Salah, Jota etc., 4.5, 4.5, 4.5
            Ron, Luk, Antonio

    18. dshv
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Ings and bruno (-4)
      Ronaldo is sure, now the mid

      1. Traore
      2. Torres/ grralish
      3. Gray
      4. Other

      Playing 3-5-2
      ( salah greenwood raphinha benrahma)

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

        Can you do Jota? If not, I'd pick Grealish.

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

          No tsimi still in my squad

          Also a option just ings to dcl hah

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

            What would help is decide if you're WCing GW7 or not. Then you can look at the Ronaldo hit vs Ings > DCL only for next 3. I chose to take the hit because I will captain Ronaldo in 2 of the next 3.

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

              Maybe will do this yes

              But for which mid grealish is nailed for at least 80 minutes ..

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

                I'd definitely do Grealish over Torres and keep him until WC if you can afford.

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

                  I can do this .. you think he will do something against leicester and southampton ?

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

                    Southampton at home is one of the best possible fixtures for attacking points, and I would definitely want Grealish over Torres for that as he's more assured to start. Leicester away, not so sure, but it's City though - Grealish can haul every game.

    19. Ser Davos
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I'm keen on Rudiger and/or Christensen, but is anyone WCing with Reece James and benching for one game?

      -35% atm FPL PC

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

        Honestly, might as well wait until 7 to buy...

        1. Ser Davos
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Indeed, important point

      2. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        I plan going Double Chelsea defence gw7. Alternative option is getting Rudiger Christiansen now and Benching later for a leeds attacker.

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

        Plan is to move Shaw to James. Seems silly to bring him in to bench vs Villa & then play in their 2 difficult fixtures. Shaw has 2/3 very good fixtures.

    20. frenchfries
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Digne or Shaw if you had to choose?

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

        Shaw

      2. Now I'm Panicking
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Srsly?

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

          Digne is great, so yes. And better fixtures.
          I think its close, but you dont have to agree. But thanks for your opinion.

    21. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      you really can’t have 3 premiums out of Lukakau, Bruno, Ron, Kane & Salah and expect to hold TAA - the rest of the team is just gash 😉

    22. dshv
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I will fully believe you guys now choose for me the mid that worth a hit

      Ings and bruno to Ronaldo and X (-4)

      Listen to you..

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

        Greenwood Jota Grealish Torres Sarr in that order depending on what you can afford