Moving Target

Zouma’s West Ham move could boost Cresswell’s FPL appeal

Kurt Zouma‘s (£5.4m) move to West Ham United could prove fruitful for both attacking and defensive returns in Fantasy Premier League (FPL).

The France international has swapped west London for east in a transfer thought to be worth not far off £30m and may be in line for his debut against Southampton in Gameweek 4.

ZOUMA’S POSSIBLE IMPACT ON WEST HAM’S DEFENCE

Zouma's West Ham move could boost Cresswell and Coufal's FPL appeal 2

Despite their qualification for European competition at the back-end of 2020/21 and a very positive start to the current campaign, West Ham have struggled defensively for a while.

From Gameweek 28 of last season onwards, they have kept just one clean sheet:

Played14
Goals conceded21
Clean sheets1

The loss of Declan Rice (£5.0m) to injury, and the lack of a like-for-like back-up, was certainly one mitigating factor in the 2020/21 run-in. The Hammers have sought to address that with the capture of Czech defensive midfielder Alex Kral (£4.5m) on deadline day.

But West Ham’s defensive struggles both preceded and succeeded Rice’s absence.

Zouma is expected to take the place of Craig Dawson (£5.0m) in the West Ham starting XI.

The former West Bromwich Albion stopper has very much exceeded expectations in his time in east London, having originally arrived at the club as fourth-choice centre-half.

But after an initial bright start to life under David Moyes, Dawson – fairly or not – has come under fire of late. A piece of slack marking in the Gameweek 1 win over Newcastle allowed Callum Wilson (£7.5m) to score, while the West Ham centre-half was leaden-footed for Conor Gallagher’s (£5.5m) leveler last weekend.

There were two own-goals and a red card towards the back-end of 2020/21, too.

While it’s grossly unjust to pin West Ham’s defensive woes solely on Dawson’s shoulders, Zouma does represent an upgrade. The former predictably registered more clearances, blocks and interceptions last season, playing for a side that saw less possession and had more to do defensively, but some key percentages tell a different tale:

ZoumaDawson
Tackle success rate80%61.1%
Aerial duels won68.9%69.1%
Pass completion rate91%80%
Errors that led to chances02

The table above neatly sums up the pair: both good in the air (their aerial duel success rates were near-identical) but Zouma the better on the deck, both with and without the ball.

While we can’t expect the second coming of Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea, Zouma’s arrival raises the hopes for more clean sheets for Aaron Cresswell (£5.5m) and Vladimir Coufal (£5.0m), who have recently had to rely on their attacking exploits to compensate for the loss of shut-outs.

CRESSWELL/ZOUMA: SET-PIECE THREATS

Zouma's West Ham move could boost Cresswell and Coufal's FPL appeal 1

Two of Cresswell’s 11 assists last season were converted by Dawson and the latter’s possible demotion to the bench would seemingly represent a small blow to the left-back’s FPL appeal, such was his presence at corners and free-kicks.

Luckily, Zouma carries his own significant attacking aerial threat.

No centre-half bettered the French stopper for Premier League goals (five) in 2020/21 and he trumped Dawson for some key underlying attacking numbers:

In a very similar amount of game-time (Dawson 1,926 minutes, Zouma 2,024 minutes), the France international registered 22 set-piece attempts to Dawson’s 16 – although West Ham did only take around 74% of the corners that Chelsea did, so their relative involvement at dead-ball situations was somewhere near equal.



So, then, the hope is that Zouma can replicate Dawson’s attacking threat and act as a magnet for Cresswell’s set-piece deliveries while boosting the rest of the West Ham defence’s clean sheet count.

The schedule up until the end of October isn’t too bad for existing owners but it’s fair to say a Hammers defender isn’t a priority right now for those without Cresswell or Coufal (or Zouma), especially as the impact of involvement in the UEFA Europa League – which starts after Gameweek 4 – is yet to be felt.

The next big fixture swing in the Irons’ favour isn’t until Gameweeks 16-27, so that gives the rest of us ample time to assess Zouma’s influence on those around him, good or bad.

661 Comments Post a Comment
  1. dshv
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Ings bruno to Ronaldo Xxx(-4)

    Tell me the mid that is a hit for next three games before wc

    (I have salah grennwood raphinha benrahma)

    1. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Torres or Jota

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

      Diogo

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

      Jota if Firm is definitely out.

  2. g40steve
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    A or B?

    A do nothing (will be priced out if I choose this option)
    B Bruno & Ings > Ronaldo & Jota/Torres -8. Have exact cash if going Jota!

    Sanchez
    Trent, Shaw, Dier
    Bruno, Salah, Benny, Greenwood
    Ings, Antonio, Bamford

    Steele, Gilmour, Amartey, Williams.

    .1

    1. The Wanton Trader
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Looking at the start you’ve had, I think you can afford 8pts at this early stage.

      1. g40steve
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers 🙂

    2. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Jota or Torres?

      Have pool cover but no city.

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

        Cover is a myth.

        Jota if Firm is out for a while.

        1. g40steve
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Cover as in Salah & Trent but no City players?

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

            Just generally.

            Take City and saying you had Torres v Norwich as a "city cover." 2 points from a 5-0 win. From then I'm sure plenty moved him out.

            Just pick the players you think will score best as individuals.

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

      Ronaldo Jota I think pays back the -8

      1. g40steve
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers

  3. Make United Great Again
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Fournals over Benrahama doesn’t seem too bad you know…thoughts?

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

      If picking one now. Agree with you.

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

      On the watch list, yeah.

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

    Who seems to be the most assured of starting in the Chelsea defense? Is Christensen safe given a healthy compliment?

    1. The Wanton Trader
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Christensen is playing well, but Rudiger is the most nailed on.

      He looks like a completely different player under Tuchel.

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

      Only time will tell but he and Rudiger are the seemingly the preferred options. Looks like T.Silva is definitely back up and now that Zouma is gone you would imagine Chalabah would be 4th choice.

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

        Thanks gents

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

      Azpi for me, club captain after all

    4. JohnnyRev7
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Plus Rüdiger had a bench rest v. Liechtenstein whilst Christensen played a full 90 against Ireland.

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

    How can I actually be spending so much time tweaking such a template team?!

    Am I done?

    Sanchez
    TAA - Shaw - Tierney
    Salah - Raphinha - Jota - Traore
    Ronaldo - DCL - Antonio

    These guys have been jumping in and out of my team for days now! Torres, Benraham, Semedo, Gray, Sarr.

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

      I'd tweak that.

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

      no you are not done ;D
      you will be rotating upto the deadline.
      Ive been rotating Torres Semedo Gray Sarr Greenwood myself. Not touching Benrahmi since Europa league is about to start plus there is now competition in midfield and having Antonio

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

        Hold Benrhama for Southampton and then switch to Raph?

        Let's throw another option in there.

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

          That's what I'm thinking...but booking in a transfer for the week straight after a WC doesn't feel optimal.

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

    Is this madness?

    Tsimikas, Mane, Ings > TAA, Jota, DCL -8

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

      Madness is not having TAA from the off 😀

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

        This.

        (Hate -8s though.)

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

        Nope. Worked well for me so far.

        Of course, answer how you want to my post above but I would appreciate an answer 🙂

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

          The moves you've suggested are far from madness. Could argue they're all upgrades.

          But I still hate -8s

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

            Thank you. As do I, but if I think I’ll be better off I don’t mind them. I only do -8’s looking at the next 3/4. If Firmino is back sooner than believed I won’t do it.

            1. Harry the Hack
              • 14 Years
              2 years, 6 months ago

              -8s are fine at this time of the season if you intend keeping your trade ins for a while. They are pointless with 1 or 2 gameweeks to go

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

          Just a heads up that your team link appears out of date.

          Agree with the assessment from D Dog.

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

            Cheers.

      3. bench boost for every gamew…
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        I think there is more than one way to skin a cat. But i am buying him from gw4 i have to admit.

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

      No I would get it done if DCL fit otherwise keep Ings and make other 2 moves.

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

        Yeah will monitor DCL fitness. No Ronaldo or Lukaku means relying on Salah/Son for the next 3/4. Fingers crossed it pays off.

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

      If you can field another defender this week I’d not do the Tsimi > TAA part of this.

      If not I’d leave the forwards and just do the Liverpool shuffle. Assuming that Mane/Jota is equal the. You’re taking a -4 to get TAA in for a blank which makes sense to me.

      Ings > DCL for a -4 seems unnecessary in that case.

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

        I have Livramento + C.Taylor. If I get DCL I also have Gray against Taylor and Antonio and Benrahma against Livramento. The week after these two have relatively poor fixtures too. (yea Taylor has Arsenal but they’ll start firing considering most of their players are coming back)

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

      Yes, this would be madness

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

    Schmeichel
    Trent Shaw lowton
    Bruno greenwood benrahma Salah Torres
    Antonio Ings

    Ward, Tsim, livramento, obafemi

    1FT, 0.4 ITB

    Any changes, or roll?

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

      Ings > DCL
      Tsimikas > White

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

      Woukd do Ings to DCL if he's passed fit

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

      I'm inclined rolling 1FT, without Ronaldo and having Ings. Would like to make moves when IB dust settles down. So Roll!

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

    With Leno leaving on a free, is Ramsdale in on WC a good shout?

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

      A league one keeper for a leaky prem team?

      It's a pass from me.

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

        Also Leno leaving at the end of the season.

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

      Leno is leaving?

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

      Bit early to be on the absinthe?

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

      "on a free transfer next summer"

    5. RogDog_jimmy
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Not a good move at all!
      Maybe once (if) Ramsdale takes over the number 1 spot think about it again. But not before then. No real upside on that risk.

  9. JUNITED
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    I always rate Cresswell and got him in my first 3 GWs and now I'm on my WC, the EL distraction is telling me not to get Cresswell or Zouma now but I have a feeling Zouma will score his first goal in his debut from Cresswell assist.

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

      Cresswell will be nailed for prem and EL. Probably the same for Zouma.

      The forward players will chop and change more. If you want a hammers defender, go for it.

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

        I wasn't talking about rotation. I am more concerned that they might underperforming due to EL.

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

          I was shocked to read in the article just now that the Hammers have kept one clean sheet in the last 14 games. Not what I want from a defender, no matter how many assists they have in their locker.

  10. Fish up a tree
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Chaps

    Ings replacement, DCL is the one that the stats tell me I should have but I just don’t rate Everton at all, am I alone here?

    A Bamford
    B Jimenez
    C DCL

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

      Get Bam if you don’t rate DCL. (Maybe even if you do.)

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

      I like all options mate!!! I’m on WC and really like DCL, but with my team I think Jimmy might be the one I go for at 7.4 just enables me to have the exact team I’d like!!

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

      To be absolutely zero help. Could be any of those 3.

      All have fixtures.

    4. Dogs Of War
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Has to be DCL. What is it you don’t like about Everton this season?

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

      I don't rate Everton def at all, as yet, but it should improve under Benitez.

      I do rate DCL. Most of the attack is going through him. That would seem to be the strategy and he can finish.

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

    Gary Neville's comments a few days ago: "I'm not sure what Arsenal's transfer strategy is. It seems a bit over the place. Maybe there is one, but it's not clear. Sometimes you can see a left-field signing and think you can see where it comes from, but there's quite a few of them at Arsenal."

    Edu (kind of) replied in recent interview and here's TLDR:
    - Arsenal signed six players this summer, all under 23
    - renewed Saka Martinelli not long ago
    - they're working on more balanced squad while trying to recruit players of right profile for the present and the future
    - people should try to understand the big picture and be patient
    - they want to create a good foundation
    - 21 outgoings and 10 signings in a year
    - clear out is slowly continuing
    - from last summer to this summer Arsenal signed 10 players and seven out of them are under 23
    - more transfer windows and changes are of couse still needed
    - it is about the long-term project, let's go step by step

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

      The plan is crystal clear and not really a rocket science.

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

      someone once said you win nothing with kids. Theres no spine, no leaders. The experienced players dont seem to care anymore (auba, laca)

      1. Fish up a tree
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Bit harsh, they basically have nit had any decent service!

        Not exactly kids, these guys are 21-23 with good experience already. Add in Auba, Partey, Leno, Laca & you have a good mix.

        Proof is in the pudding but I think Arsenal will turn it around with their full team available again. No Europe either so will keep fresh for the league.

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

        Literally this. Signing and promoting youth is all well and good if you have the right leadership and experience to bring them along and put them on the right path, but there is none of that at Arsenal. Just signing loads of youngsters won't get you anywhere.

        You look at the ManUtd 95 team, they had a bunch of younger players but they also had the likes of Steve Bruce, Dennis Irwin, Gary Pallister, Roy Keane and Eric Cantona. Who do Arsenal have that will lead those youngsters and provide the spine of that team, Xhaka? Aubameyang? Cedric? Mari?

        1. Hairy Potter
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Man Utd had to go through a period of building and some journeymen before they had Ferguson's initial title challenging team. It was when he later came to rebuild that winning team he was able to blend the experienced winners with the talented youngsters.

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

          I'd say this is bang on the mark. On paper you might assume it just takes a couple of years patience, then it all comes good. But how are the supporters going to stomach that, and how are the kids going to stay motivated and loyal to the club if they're being humiliated at the wrong end of the table month in month out? Any team needs balance and that is lacking.

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

            * reply to Natedog

    3. Hairy Potter
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      The top four are on a different level at the minute. Arsenal could have spent another £100 million this summer and still not be a credible challenger for the Champions League. Clubs naturally rise and fall depending on funds and whether managers can rebuild teams quickly.

      Arsenal's best bet might be to try and build a team that may be able to challenge in the league in 4-5 years and try and progress as far as possible in the cups.

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

        They could have used this thinking in 2016.

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

        Worst thing they could do now is sack Arteta

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

          What? Would love to hear your justification for keeping Arteta.

          Clearly out of his depth and incompetent as a manager.

    4. RogDog_jimmy
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Thanks Mikel!

      Buying young players in and of itself isn’t a strategy, though certainly it seems part of what they’re trying to do.

      As a non-Arsenal fan I’m most confused by what they’re trying to achieve on the pitch than off it. Players seem to not have the skills to play where they are positioned on the pitch. Seems they lack any on-field leadership too - which is a hard thing to quantify. They also don’t play fun football to watch which is a shame.

      I can see the outlines of a decent team but I’m not convinced Arteta has the ability to figure it out. But maybe he needs time while the rebuild is happening.

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

      Since Edu started in July’19, on transfer fees Arsenal have Spent 370m & Recouped 93m (Martinez & Willock were 41m of that)

      I know they’ve had to do a clear out on the likes of Ozil, Mkhi, etc…

      But I’m not sure I look at the Arsenal team and say it looks like it’s had nearly 300m ploughed into it in just over 2 years (on top of the 100m for Auba & Laca)

      That’s an awful lot of bananas for finishing 7th & 8th

      Notable Ins:
      19/20: Martinelli, Luiz, Tierney, Salina, Pepe
      20/21: Cedric, Willian, Mari, Gabriel, Partey
      21/20: White, Odegaard, Ramsdale, Lokonga, Tomiyasu, Tavares

      Notable Outs:
      19/20: Iwobi, Koscielny, Ospina, Jenkinson, Monreal
      20/21: Martinez, Mkhi, Ozil, Mustafi
      21/20: Willock, Willian, Luiz

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

        Just for comparison’s sake, Villa have assembled the full XI below for a net cost of just over 100m for example

        Martinez (15m)
        Cash(15m), Mings (20m), Konsa (12m), Targett (14m)
        Luiz (15m), McGinn (3m)
        Bailey (30m), Buendia (30m) Watkins (30m)
        Ings (25m)

        Total = 210m
        Grealish = (105m)
        Net Cost = 105m

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

      Neville is clueless. A puppet of Sky who lacks depth.

    7. Kun Tozser
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Was the point around whether those transfers would be for the current manager or the next given their age, level and if they turn out to be decent can Arsenal keep hold of them

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

    Bruno is nailed. Right?
    So many people thinking -8 hit for Bruno > Rolando. Am I missing something?

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

      Because with Ronaldo, Bruno is no longer worth 12 for his price. No penalty will reduce his goals by 50%. Salah is on 12.5 because he is Liverpool goalscorer but also takes the penalty which makes him worth 12-12.5 price.

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

        Thank you.
        Ronaldo over Bruno makes sense definitely.
        -8 does not though, unless Bruno is not nailed.
        Agreed with price point: Bruno looks overpriced now, Mane could be a good analogy.

  13. JUNITED
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    1) Digne Ralph DCL
    2) Tierney Pogba/Greenwood Bamford

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

    Anyone think Saka might become a viable fantasy option during this Arsenal run of fixtures?

    Where is he even playing on the pitch, will he be back to a 90 minute player post-international break!

    1. Hairy Potter
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Lots of "coulds" with Arsenal at the minute and their upcoming run of fixtures. I like Saka as a player, but not sure he is an option at the minute at his FPL price and other options in that range.

      1. RogDog_jimmy
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Yeah true. Also thinking of him in draft league. Similar fpl scoring with a bit more for some things.

        Might be a sneaky good investment (or could be a big waste)

  15. Demba Demba
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    With regards to Ronnys price, how long is he price protected for? And will any price changes only be reflected after GW4 or is he likely to rise before the game week?

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

      11 Sep 01:21 PM, GMT
      - On fplstatistics

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

      I think he sticks until GW4 deadline. From that moment I'd expect him to rise 0.1 per day, especially if he scores v Newcastle.

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

      Thanks guys, I’ll sit out his first game then from behind the sofa

      1. JohnnyRev7
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Gotta buy a bigger sofa.

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

          As a Newcastle fan, non Ronny holder there isn’t one big enough

  16. Capitan_K
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Saka or Smith-Rowe? on WC

    1. HODGE
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Saka could be a decent option, if the players want to save Artetas job

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

      If ESR plays in the hole then him, but Odegaard might play there too.

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

      Where does Saka even play?! I wish I knew.

  17. Bobby Digital
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Any Toon fans got news on Wilson?

    1. Hairy Potter
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Nothing recent. Bruce said after the last match that he was carrying a niggle and possible thigh strain. It didn't sound serious, but probably best to wait until the press conference this week.

      1. Bobby Digital
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Fear I might get stuck with him because of other pressing transfers and a decent bench.

  18. Are you Shaw?
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    If Arsenal are to make any sort of comeback.. They would have to start with Norwich, and they have a run of 7 easy games in a row...

    So what does everyone think about Pepe and Tierney.. both starters (Pepe should have his place intact) and extremely dangerous

    1. RogDog_jimmy
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Tierney for me of those two. Nailed as nailed can be. Think the defense will improve with White back and the new guy potentially.

      Pepe still a rotation concern, but be nice if you get it right.

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

      Why nt auba?

      1. RogDog_jimmy
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        what about the last 18 months gives you any confidence he's still a good player or even nailed?

  19. _Gunner
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Who are the must haves on WC?

    Salah, Ronaldo, Lukaku surely?

    1. Harry the Hack
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Nobody is a must have. We'd all love to have those 3, but it then means compromising the balance of your team.

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

      Nope. And all 3 would leave your squad imbalanced.

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

      Not possible to fit in all 3 without compromising at other spots. Most teams with all 3 I observed here are without TAA which is not pretty.

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

        I have all the and Trent. It’s possible but you have to compromise your second / third defenders and hope cheapies score in those positions.

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

          *three

        2. Harry the Hack
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          you have to hope they play let alone score

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

            There is more than one way to play the game. Group think on here is off the charts right now lol

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

          So the assumption in this case is that a premium forward plus a cheap defender would outscore a mid-priced forward plus a premium defender. I'm not convinced yet.

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

            Perhaps yes. There are some good cheap defenders this year with good upcoming fixture runs.

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

      2 of those 3 are must haves for me. All 3 messes with the squad.

    5. JohnnyRev7
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      As said previously, once you've funded that premium striker spot it will be a case of jumping on/off Ronaldo, Lukaku and Kane as the fixtures/form roll.

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

      I think so. I also think Raphinha and Torres are strong picks. Jota pending news on Firmino. Trent is difficult to go without.

  20. Bobby Digital
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Anyone else not joining the CR7 circle-jerk?

    1. Are you Shaw?
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Yeah.. Its him or Lukaku.. and Lukaku looks perfect with Chelsea.. also 1 mil cheaper

      1. Bobby Digital
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Yea I'm planning to get Lukaku in GW7. Will keep Bruno till that happens.

    2. Harry the Hack
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Not this gameweek. Well.. not yet..

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

      Me so far

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

      You know, I was all in, until this evening when I decided to give the Blackbox video a listen. Mark convinced me to hold off. I mean, my OR is half a million above his at the moment, but he knows his stuff and he had persuaded me to wait until GW14.

      1. GREEN JUMPERS
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Great manager, love his insight, but Ronaldo really isn't an option for Mark on account of him going early for Lukaku. Not an issue for most of us.

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

          Az mentioned that psychological motivation, buyers remorse or some such. I ignored that; I'm not interested in Mark's team, but he convinced me that United are not set up to give Ron the supply he needs, and I think they'll need time to adjust. In the meantime (ie up to GW14), I think my front 3 of DCL, Antonio and Lukaku will match him in terms of value, and Lukaku/Salah tie up the captaincy until then

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

            Interesting alternative take to Mark’s here:

            https://twitter.com/fpl_toro/status/1433557129776959490?s=19

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

              Thanks, interesting stuff. Boy, this is a head-scratcher. One thing Mark, nor anyone else I've come across has commented on is the gazillion shots he takes that are blocked. What was it, 64 shots? 1 goal. That's 63 times the ball is not passed to Bruno, Greenwood, Sancho etc.

              I'm going to watch the Newcastle game from behind the sofa. I've got 5.3m itb to switch for DCL if he blows the opposition away, but I'm still more inclined to think United will need time to get the best out of him and the 10 others sharing a pitch with him.

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

                Agree it’s not clear cut, especially with Lukaku as a possible alternative. I think the decision whether to go for CR7 this week really depends on available transfers and other issues in a manager’s team. The move makes sense for me from those perspectives. For others, it won’t.

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

      Will probably just transfer him in.

      But will await presser before deciding about the jerk.

    6. Pacer.
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Don't see anything to fear in going without. There are two other premium attackers and Salah starts with a 30-40 point head start due to being a mid.

      It's probably going to be a huge meh 50/50 at best, at worst the people who go with Lukaku are gonna get the same or more bang for their buck

    7. Thomas Shelby from Birmingh…
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Yes, because who pays 12.5m for a forward unless its Kane?

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

      I’m avoiding it.

      I assume it’s because I wasn’t watching Prem when he played so I have no nostalgia for him.

      Plus I’m a little conservative so would like to see how it all goes.

      Plus my team/start has been awesome so not going to mess it up for one dude.

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

      I am but i have towels.

  21. Bounce
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Thoughts on this WC?

    Sánchez | Steele

    TAA | Dias | Alonso | Shaw | Reguilón

    Son | Jota | Mount | Torres | Raphinha

    DCL | Antonio | Jiménez

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

      You're going to get obliterated by Salah/Lukaku/Ronaldo captains unless Son is unbelievable, which is a massive gamble

      1. Bounce
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Ridiculous comment. You think I'm going to captain Son all the time just because he's the most expensive?

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

          You're going to be captaining a differential every week, and that rarely works out a good strategy. Well, never.

        2. Pacer.
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          If you ask people for their opinions, it's probably best not to just get extremely defensive and call their responses ridiculous

          You're playing without any of the players capable of 250-300 points. I think you're going to get obliterated by the people who own and captain them

          Historically, Son is your best hope to somehow rescue that

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

            This. And it’s a terrible team, you’d think it was a one week BB effort. Probably trolling

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

              Newbie, non-payer, not learned manners.

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

                Nothing wrong with non payers, I stopped when it became clear it had stopped being support and had become pocket lining.

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

      Benching headache maximus

    3. Harry the Hack
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      you are spending too much on the bench. 3 players aren't playing each week, so have 3 dirt cheap players in there to allow you to get the uber premiums

    4. TheBiffas
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I'm sorry but that's awful

    5. FPL Pillars
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      If you think no Salah/Luk/Ron will work out go for it it’s your team but those will be heavy C and score very well so you maybe digging yourself in a hole.

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

        Redistributing the money from the best players in the league to your bench is an eccentric approach

        1. Harry the Hack
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          you'll take that back when you see the bench boost score.

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

            not when I see the first 11 score

    6. F4L
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Looks good, a strong bench is a viable strategy this season; but I'm not sold on Son, Alonso and Reguilon.

      Nuno is a defensive manager, Chilwell back now and Spurs have looked porous at the back and have been fortunate to keep 3 CS.

    7. GREEN JUMPERS
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Rightly or wrongly, captaincy is a huge part of the game, and you're lacking premium options.

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

      U decide to spread the funds a lot but then skimp out on the Keeper?

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

      Seems like a massive headache. You're potentially leaving points on your bench every week and you're also skipping 2 or 3 of the best players in the league?

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

      What a nonsense wc is that hahahahaha

    11. F4L
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      wow the groupthink is ridiculous here, and you all complain about the casuals being spoon-fed doing the same moves 😆

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

        It’s nothing to do with group think, it’s a terrible team. He will be destroyed by big hitter captains.

        1. F4L
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          If he could change Son and Jimemez to 6mil mid + Lukaku it'd be a fine team. 1 premium provides the safety option, but great mid priced options like Anotnio/DCL/Greenwood/Torres etc will be hauling consistently this year and would be fine to captain.

          Having 1 extra premium (Salah/Lukaku/Ronaldo teams all look awful imo) is not worth compromising the flexibility that a strong bench + premium defence gives you.

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

            That's a lot of words to double back on mocking people for groupthink and confirm that yes, theyre going to get destroyed by big captains

            They're going to regularly face captain scores of 30+ points for players they don't own.

  22. Big boy Bowen
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Is Ronaldo definitely on pens?
    There’s a part of me that thinks Bruno still has them….if it’s not broke don’t fix it etc

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

      We don’t know

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

      I really hope Bruno keeps them

    3. FPL Pillars
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      It’s Ronaldo who eats goals for fun, you see how he got given number 7 shirt, he’ll be given pens as well.

      1. FPL Pillars
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        He will be go for the golden boot and pens will be a big part of that

        1. RogDog_jimmy
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          go to catch Mickey Tony !!! no chance.

    4. Harry the Hack
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      he pulls rank on Bruno for Portugal and he'll pull rank here

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

      It would make sense but it's Ronaldo and there's zero chance he'll let anyone else take them. It was probably in his contract when he signed that he gets to take penalties 😆

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

    Aubameyang anyone?

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Sure... if he starts banging them in.

    2. Harry the Hack
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      This is pretty random!

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

        Fixtures turn well and on pens, quite a diffefential ya?

        1. Harry the Hack
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Arsenal are a mess. Agree on great fixtures, but you just can't invest in them right now.

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

            I keep seeing people asking about all sorts of Arsenal players lately. Every day. It's madness to me. They have to show me they can play like a professional side again someday, to say nothing of an actual Premier League club. I'm not sure many have actually watched how dire they really are.

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

      potentially. I'd have to take a hit though so it starts to look a bit mad at that point

    4. F4L
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      how much game time will Lacazette get up front is my worry.

    5. RogDog_jimmy
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Since the start of last year he has not been good - whether it's related to fitness (injury, illness - he had malaria!) or to Arteta chopping and changing the team.

      Can you even say if he starts, and if yes, where on the pitch?

      Big big gamble for me.

  24. Chelsea91
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Sanchez
    Taa,Matip,Marcal
    Traore,Salah,Gray,Benrahma
    Ronaldo,Lukaku,Antonio

    Forster Livramento,Sissoko,Williams

    Thoughts on the WC? 0.00 itb.

    1. Good Times
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Good team. Can you up traore to Jota instead of matip? That's what I'd try to do.

      1. Good Times
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Mid is a bit light I feel

        1. Chelsea91
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          what your suggestion?

          1. Good Times
            • 10 Years
            2 years, 6 months ago

            Only way I see is dropping taa but I wouldn't want to do that. Better to go for a 4-3-3 formation? I think you might get good value from defenders

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

            Matip > White
            Save the money - gives you flexibility for that 3rd Liverpool slot later in the year without 2x moves.

      2. Chelsea91
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Need 1.6M for that.

    2. FPL Pillars
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      For a triple big gun team it’s decent but I worry about the inflexibility of it and you can only C one player. I would look at who you would C each week and if you can maybe update elsewhere and can Ron and Salah and Ron out for Kaku GW7

      1. Chelsea91
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Thinking for Mount instead of lukaku, what you think?

        1. FPL Pillars
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Lukaku you need from GW7 onwards when Chelsea’s fixtures are good, I don’t think Mount will cover.

          1. Chelsea91
            • 5 Years
            2 years, 6 months ago

            thanks mate , think will go Big three and will change when time goes.

  25. Good Times
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    How's this team? On a WC have a good start 40k rank. But i feel benrahma will drop off and really want Jota and Ronaldo.

    Bachmann
    Taa shaw coady
    Salah Jota Torres gray
    Ronaldo dcl Antonio
    0.6 itb and playing bench

    Cheers

    1. Chelsea91
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Coady to Marcal

      1. Good Times
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Marcal nailed?

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

          Mmm, not sure, Ait-Nouri's ready

          1. Good Times
            • 10 Years
            2 years, 6 months ago

            Hey Andy, just wanted say big fan of your YouTube channel keep up the good work appreciate it!

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

              I'm just ordinary Andy, not the content creator influencer sort!

              1. Good Times
                • 10 Years
                2 years, 6 months ago

                Humble man

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

              I thought this at first too hehe.

        2. Chelsea91
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          he playing wing, will get attacking points.

      2. Good Times
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        I would rather be boring with a team. Like Wolves and pay 4.5 and not regret. Also that 0.6 itb keeps me in the hunt to upgrade mid to a raphina or Greenwood should he keep his place

        1. Thomas Shelby from Birmingh…
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Greenwood in fact would be much safer than Jota, unless Firmino injury is confirmed

          1. Good Times
            • 10 Years
            2 years, 6 months ago

            I'll keep an eye out thanks. Really like Jota if firminos out the short term fixtures are too good to resist

          2. Good Times
            • 10 Years
            2 years, 6 months ago

            Also don't know how Ronaldo effects greenwood,would like to see that

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

            I really like Jota's game and his appeal, but i secretly am ready to audible into Greenwood if he gets rotated too much with Bobby Firms. I don't see Ole dropping Mr. Greens with him in such form (barring rest of course).

            1. Good Times
              • 10 Years
              2 years, 6 months ago

              Valid point. I guess my gut is pushing me towards Jota. I should leave my team and check it on the last day now hehe

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

      Lovely except i don't know what to think of Gray.

      1. Good Times
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        I've always been interested in him even when he was in Leicester.

        I feel he has the fixtures and the form in the short term at least. Worst case I can go to a 4-3-3 if it doesn't work out but if there was a time to take a chance on him it's this. Benrahma worked well hoping Gray does too!

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

          Nice, good luck. I didn't make it onto the Ben train, and i suffered from it. Now I'm sad. If i WC into him he'll stop contributing surely.

        2. Good Times
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Good luck to you as well. I don't think you need both benrahma and Antonio. I feel benrahma will drop off. I can be wrong but there are a few things like sticking in the wing quite a few times itching me to remove him

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

      Template.

      I would be spending the 0.6 on either on Traore/Sarr in place of Gray, or ESR+Tierney who have the fixtures and the stats to back themselves up. Not sure what you are expecting from Gray or Coady.

      1. Good Times
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        I think being at a high rank doesn't make me want to go away from the template (also a high rank doesn't mean much at this point).

        Wolves have defensive stats and now fixtures to turn it around, I expect coady to get 2 cs out of 3 I don't expect returns every week but for 4.5 I'm happy.

        With arsenal not able to cope with Brentford being one of their easier fixture, I can afford to wait and see improvement before going for their assets.

        I mentioned earlier Gray is looking in form and has decent fixtures to back him. Sort off my differential.

    4. have you seen cyan
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I too think Ben will burn out, but it hasnt happened yet and you are taking a gamble on it. My 3 Ham have served me well so far (Cresswell with Ben and Ant). Im not moving off it until injury or drop in form

      Just losing Ben for Raph or something isnt too bad, but this combo has been well serving so far

      1. Good Times
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        I think you have a solid argument and definitely don't deny west ham assets are in form. With Europa fixtures coming in I feel its going to be a bit difficult. This can bite me back I'm sure but I'm willing to take the risk.

        Holding off raphina till after the liverpool game atleast then I can see if I need a switch

  26. Thomas Shelby from Birmingh…
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Having 2FTs has put me in a dilemma whether to WC or not.
    If it were just 1FT, I would surely have played the WC.

    Sanchez Foster
    Digne Shaw Tsim Manquilo Amartey
    Salah Bruno Son Gwood Bissouma
    Antonio Toney Ings
    0 ITB, Rank 185k.
    Any suggestions on what to do??

    1. Good Times
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      With 2 Ft you can join the Ronaldo train =)

      1. Thomas Shelby from Birmingh…
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        And drop Bruno?

        1. Good Times
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Yep, in fpl terms you want the main men of teams in your team. Ronaldo will now be the main man in united. My opinion ofcourse I'm sure you can think otherwise

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

      This is the exact team that doesn't need a WC - especially with 2 fts.

      I would move Son & Tsimi to a good defender (Semedo, Tierney, Dias even) and Jota.

      Play 3,4,3 this week.

      Use the change to move from Ings > someone next week.

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

    On wildcard,

    Sanchez
    Reguilon digne white
    Salah torres greenwood gray
    Auba luk antonio

    Subs bachmann esr coady livra

    Gtg?

  28. Bobby Digital
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Who should be first on the bench (might come on if Wilson is crocked)?

    A. Livramento(WHU)
    B. Gilmour(ars)

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

      Livra

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

      A

    3. GREEN JUMPERS
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      A

    4. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Cheers all

  29. OptimusBlack
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Which is better
    A- Reguilón + Gray
    B- Coady + Sarr
    C- Ayling / White + Traoré

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      C

    2. GREEN JUMPERS
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Tough. B would be more short term with Watford fixtures turning. Not convinced by Traore, so A for me.

    3. OptimusBlack
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Cheers

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

      B feels more correct.

  30. GREEN JUMPERS
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Which pair on a WC:

    1) Semedo and Bamford
    2) Coady and DCL

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      1

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

      2

    3. Good Times
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      2

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

      Coady and Bam + funds?

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

      2 because of form for me.