FPL

The best FPL defenders for a Gameweek 4 Wildcard

Having already assessed the best goalkeepers on offer, our position-by-position analysis of the stand-out Fantasy Premier League (FPL) options for a Gameweek 4 Wildcard continues as we take a look at the defenders.

All stats taken from this article are from our Premium Members Area.

BEST PREMIUM DEFENDERS 

Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.5m) has already claimed 22 FPL points in the opening three Gameweeks, via two clean sheets, an assist and five bonus points. His 15 chances created is at least five more than any other defender on offer, while his 1.73 expected assists (xA) ranks top amongst all players in 2021/22.

With Leeds United (a), Crystal Palace (h) and Brentford (a) up next, there seems little reason to go without him on a Wildcard, despite the temptation to move funds further forward. 

Jurgen Klopp’s adjustment to his positioning, along with Harvey Elliot’s (£5.5m) movement into wider areas, is another intriguing factor to monitor in the coming weeks, as it allows Alexander-Arnold to invert more in the final-third.

Trent Alexander Arnold’s touch heatmap Gameweek 1 (left) v Gameweeks 2 and 3 (right)

Andrew Robertson (£7.0m) and Virgil van Dijk (£6.5m) offer cheaper routes into the Reds backline, while at champions Manchester City, Ruben Dias (£6.0m) and Joao Cancelo (£6.0m) have completed 90 minutes in all three Premier League matches so far. 

The duo have helped Pep Guardiola’s side keep back-to-back clean sheets against Norwich City and Arsenal, and despite some trickier immediate fixtures, take on Southampton (h), Burnley (h), Brighton and Hove Albion (a) and Crystal Palace (h) before the end of October.

Chelsea’s Cesar Azpilicueta (£6.0m) also deserves a mention, having performed as both a wing-back and centre-half under Thomas Tuchel this season. However, with cheaper alternatives currently on offer in the Blues backline, his ownership still sits at just 4.1%.

BEST MID-PRICE DEFENDERS 

Manchester United’s first-choice backline – Aaron Wan-BissakaRaphael VaraneHarry Maguire and Luke Shaw – are all available at £5.5m, though it is surely the latter who carries the most FPL potential.

Despite seeing just under 300k transfers out this round, Shaw is still the most widely held defender in the game with 47% ownership. Though he hasn’t quite hit his 2020/21 heights so far, he still ranks amongst the top five defenders for chances created and with his crossing ability, paired with corner-taking duties, can surely benefit from the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo (£12.5m). It’s also worth noting that three of United’s next four matches are at Old Trafford. Perhaps a little patience is required here, then?

Chelsea undoubtedly boast one of the meanest defences in Europe, with several mid-price options on offer. Antonio Rudiger (£5.5m) is perhaps the most secure, though the explosive nature of Reece James (£5.6m) once back from suspension may swing it for some. The England international returned 18 FPL points in Gameweek 2 alone and ranks second amongst all defenders for xA per 90 minutes this season. 

Andreas Christensen (£5.0m) and Ben Chilwell (£5.8m) are other options, but with Thiago Silva (£5.4m) and Marcos Alonso (£5.7m) lurking, none are immune to rotation. Gameweek 7 has been touted as the ideal time to find space for a Chelsea asset as the fixtures turn significantly for the better, though regardless of opposition, they seem capable of shutting teams out.

Elsewhere, Wolverhampton Wanderers are rightly gaining plenty of Fantasy attention ahead of their fixture swing, which sees them take on Watford (a), Brentford (h), Southampton (a) and Newcastle United (h) in the coming weeks. Despite losing 1-0 in each of their opening three matches, Bruno Lage’s side have faced tough opponents in Leicester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Man Utd. During that time, they have conceded just 27 shots, which is second only to the 15 of Man City, while according to expected goals (xG), only three teams have been better defensively:

Nelson Semedo (£4.9m) is a naturally more conservative wing-back, but in the current back-three set-up, is finding himself in plenty of good attacking positions, while team-mate Romain Saiss (£5.0m) was perhaps a little unfortunate not to score against Man Utd in Gameweek 3.

At Liverpool, Joel Matip (£5.0m) offers a cheap route into Jurgen Klopp’s backline, having re-established himself in the starting XI. It’s also worth noting that he’s amassed seven goal attempts in the box already this season. Amongst all defenders, only Shane Duffy (£4.2m) has more.

Meanwhile, Lucas Digne (£5.4m) could thrive in the coming weeks with Burnley (h), Aston Villa (a) and Norwich City (h) up next. Everton have made a promising start under Rafael Benitez and have conceded just 17 shots in the box so far – only the Manchester clubs have given up fewer. Paired with Digne’s crossing ability, he looks like the stand-out option in the Toffees defence, though Michael Keane (£5.0m) and Seamus Coleman (£5.0m) are also available at cheaper prices.

Arsenal added another defender to the ranks on transfer deadline day, with the signing of Takehiro Tomiyasu (£4.5m). The Gunners have been really poor so far this campaign, but the new arrivals ability to perform as a defensive minded right-back is interesting. That could mean Kieran Tierney (£4.9m) on the opposite flank is given more license to push up, safe in the knowledge that the Japanese defender can tuck in to form a back-three. It’s also worth noting that Mikel Arteta’s side have good fixtures right through until Gameweek 11 (see below), and as Pro Pundit Lateriser said in his recent column, FPL is not about what has happened but rather anticipating what will happen in the future. Maybe a punt on the Arsenal man isn’t such a bad idea, then?

Staying in London, Tottenham Hotspur are the only team yet to concede a goal this season, with Sergio Reguilon (£5.2m) picking up bonus in two of Spurs’ three matches so far, while at West Ham, Aaron Cresswell (£5.5m), Vladimir Coufal (£5.0m) and new signing Kurt Zouma (£5.4m) all have the potential to do well. The latter’s impact was discussed in our Moving Target article, but with the Hammers UEFA Europa League campaign kicking off soon, many will be happy to look elsewhere.

At Man City, Aymeric Laporte (£5.5m), John Stones (£5.3m) and Kyle Walker (£5.5m) are cheaper alternatives to Dias and Cancelo, though in the case of the centre-halves, we may need a few more weeks before we know exactly who Guardiola sees as his first-choice pairing.

Lewis Dunk (£5.0m) and new signing Marc Cucurella (£5.0m) at Brighton can provide value with trips to Brentford, Crystal Palace and Norwich City coming up, though there are perhaps better options for those building Wildcard teams this week, especially with cheaper alternatives available at Albion.

BEST BUDGET DEFENDERS

The hunt for cheaper defenders is always a big part of building a Wildcard squad, such is their importance to free up cash for the premium picks. And fortunately for FPL managers, there are an interesting batch of options worth exploring.

At Spurs, Eric Dier (£4.6m) is perhaps the best budget option, with Davinson Sanchez (£4.5m) out of Gameweek 4 and new signing Emerson Royal (£5.0m) possibly impacting Japhet Tanganga’s (£4.5m) minutes further down the line.

Conor Coady (£4.5m) and Marcal (£4.5m) offer cheaper alternatives at Wolves, while it’s also worth noting that Luke Ayling (£4.5m), who has already scored this season, and Diego Llorente (£4.5m) have promising schedules from Gameweek 5 onwards. Ben White (£4.4m) and Joel Veltman (£4.4m) could also be worth a look.

Brentford have started well, with Pontus Jansson (£4.6m), Ethan Pinnock (£4.6m) and Rico Henry (£4.5m) all impressing, though the fact David Raya (£4.6m) is available at the same price suggests he is probably the best route into Thomas Frank’s defensive set-up. Another newly promoted side, Watford, certainly have the fixtures in place to kick on, with centre-back’s William Troost-Ekong (£4.5m) and Francisco Sierralta (£4.4m) making their first starts together as a defensive pairing in Gameweek 3.

That leaves us with the bargain-bin enablers.

With Kostas Tsimikas (£4.2m) losing his place to Robertson in Gameweek 3, Tino Livramento (£4.1m) looks like an excellent alternative at Southampton. He ranks in the top 10 defenders for xA so far this season, while Man Utd loanee Brandon Williams (£4.0m) is another nice option who may benefit from the arrival of Ozan Kabak (£4.5m).

There is also Duffy, who we touched on earlier, and Daniel Amartey (£4.1m), though it is worth noting that both players have benefitted from injuries to team-mates at their respective clubs and may be on borrowed time. However, Duffy has certainly impressed, which suggests he is perhaps the more likely of the two retain his place.

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754 Comments Post a Comment
  1. FPLtfs
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Son and Ings -> Lukaku and Torres?

    Leaves 1.2 itb for Lukaku -> CR7

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

      I wouldn’t book in transfer- just get Ronaldo

      1. Dexters Laboratory
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        This

  2. Catastrophe
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    A) 3-4-3 - Sarr & Traore (Ayling)
    B) 4-3-3 - Raphina & Reguilon/Matip (Allan)
    C) 4-3-3 - Torres & Ayling (Allan)

    Rest of Team:

    Sanchez
    TAA, Shaw, Coady
    Salah, Gray
    Ronaldo, Lukaku, Antonio

    (Foster, X, Sissoko, Livramento)

    Cheers.

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

      A as prefer to 4 at the back but issue you will have with 3 mids at around 6 m is how to move on to 7 m plus mid. I would downgrade Lukaku and spend money in midfield

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

        Yeah this is what I was struggling with when trying to accommodate Lukaku + Ronaldo + Antonio. It's just not possible unless you get rid of TAA which I'm not willing to do.

        There's too much value in the

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

          *in the less than 8 range.

        2. Catastrophe
          • 13 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          It's a challenge!

      2. Catastrophe
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers, ultimately thats the compromise. I'm thinking Gray can cover some of DCL and Lukaku should be on for huge points this season. Perhaps I'm clutching at straws but dare I say Torres, Greenwood and Jota could end in some disappointment also whereas the others are nailed at least (albeit nothing as attractive options!)

    2. Dexters Laboratory
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      A.. more flexible .. and hopefully more points

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

        Cheers

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

      A. Don't like 4 atb.

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

        Cheers, me neither really but points in isolation do you not think Raphinha & Reguilon offers more than Sarr & Traore?

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

          If you like Raphinha so much, pick him and downgrade one of the other two to Gray or ESR.

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

            Ta. Could do, already have Gray - wasn't sure if ESR would be nailed with Odegaard coming in?

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

              I don't know is the answer. But the fixtures are there and he played 270 minutes from the opening 3 games. Worst case scenario, you swap to the other one. They're the same price after all. I can see one of them being really important picks.

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

                Cheers mate. Appreciated.

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

      If you drop coast down to a 4.1 you'll get a good solid rotation out of your third place defender and it opens up Raphina and Benrhama as one of the two 6.something mids. Those options will be important when you're trying to get the most out of a budget bracket

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

        *coady

      2. Catastrophe
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers, hadn't really thought about that. Ayling on the bench so could drop him and keep Coady. Just thought a bench of Livramento, Sissoko, Williams would be too light?

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

          Bench sounds absolutely fine if you are relatively confident that your 11 should be first choice players and only unforseen circumstances will trip you up

          Gray and two 6.0s with no money in the bank leaves you with not a great deal of options if that strategy backfired. Put an extra 0.5 into the deal (even if it's just sitting in the bank) and you have a much better situation with Raph, Ben, Alli, JWP etc all options

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

            Cheers, really appreciate the detailed input. Think I'll sleep on it 😀

  3. Kryptonite666
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Hows this template WC?

    Bachmann
    Trent Shaw James (Williams) (Livramento)
    Salah Jota Raphinha Benrahma (Mendy)
    Ronaldo DCL Antonio

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

      Looks good- you will need to bench James this week and unless Firmino out for couple of weeks would probably prefer Torres

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

        * over Jota

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

      I like it. Bachmann is the main weak link, he is not getting that many saves and Watford don't look like keeping too many clean sheets even with reasonable fixtures. Despite Brentford's bad fixtures you might get more points for Raya if you have 0.1M spare.

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

        Did Bachmann not make 7 saves this GW

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

          Correct I did see that. It's just in those easier fixtures he made few saves. That's the issue with the early wildcard when there's not a standout like Martinez - none of the cheap goalkeepers are very inspiring this year.

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

      Looks good, injury news pursuant. Why Mendy?

      1. squ1rrel
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        4.4

  4. squ1rrel
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Trincao a good punt? 5.9 seems value

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

      I’d hold. With Podence back now I’d like to see how they all line up. I expect him back starting soon.

      Same for Traore for me.

  5. Wivanee
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Thoughts on this WC team?

    Sanchez / Steele

    TAA / White / Marcal / Ayling / Williams

    Salah / Jota / Raphina / Gilmour / Sissoko

    CR7 / Luk / Jimi

    This is providing White drops to 4.3 and Bobby is out for a while...

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

      White isn't going to drop to 4.3, but if you need that 0.1 you can go Mendy in midfield instead of Sissoko.

      I'm not a fan of the team though, two 4.5's in midfield.

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

      Defence not too great and probably need to play Gilmour Sissoko most weeks - don’t think I have seen team with 3 premiums that are decent- you can only captain one so suggest downgrade of Lukaku to Antonio or DCL and spread funds

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

        * Gilmour or Sissoko

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

      No Antonio is a no from me. The form he's in, he's about 2m underpriced.

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

        I'm a WHU fan and can't see him continuing it come EL.

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

          I don't think West Ham will care that much about EL tbh. Think they'll just play Yarmolenko up front.

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

    Gilmour + Sissoko = Good luck

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

      Doh

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

      433

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

        Not a fan of 4 at the back personally

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

    To those who own all three of Lukaku, CR7 & Salah:

    Who's your captain for GW4?

    I'm currently minded to hang Penaldo the armband

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

      Currently on Lukaku
      but need to sort out the rest of the team first

  8. Pinturicchio10
      2 years, 6 months ago

      WC's getting torched all over the shop.

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

        Breathe in the beautiful smell

    • Slitherene
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Best 3 GW midfield punt??

      A) Sarr (nor, NEW, lee)
      B) Raphinha (new, WHU, wat)
      C) Traore (BRE, sou, NEW)

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

        C

      2. Haa-lala-land
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Definitely not Traore, he's played terribly, wolves have lost three in a row, and Southampton and Brentford have looked quite good.

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

          Played terribly? Don’t talk crap. He ran rings around Man Utd last week

          1. Haa-lala-land
            • 3 Years
            2 years, 6 months ago

            He's good at running, just not with the ball at his feet.

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

      Shout me your thoughts;

      Sa - Ward
      TAA - Christensen - Tierney - Duffy - Williams
      Salah - Torres - Traore - Sarr - Gray
      Ronaldo - DCL - Antonio

      0.6 ITB

      Few points;

      1) I know Duffy isn't nailed, but I'm happy to ride the wave for a while, have enough depth to cover if needed
      2) Traore is an enigma, but I'm keen to jump on that bandwagon, it's only a matter of time he/Jimenez hauls, and as I don't have room for Jimenez yet, thinking Traore might work out well.
      3) Part of me thinks triggering the WC was a mistake so I've cornered myself regardless to think forward
      4) 0.6 ITB can be used to upgrade Christensen to James but I'm willing to hold off till GW7, could alternatively use it to upgrade Torres to Jota, Sarr to Raphinha. What's the best way to utilise it?

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

        Tierney to Shaw?

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

          agree Tierney to shaw and downgrade Gray to a 4.5 (sissoko or allan or Gilmore)

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

          My only thing is Arsenal's games line up so much better than ours and I don't feel like we're playing particularly well. We got away with it vs Wolves and our up coming fixtures aren't great either.

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

        I’d drop one of Gray/Sarr to a 4.5 and upgrade Christensen to Shaw or a better Chelsea defender.

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

        Agree with ditching Gray for a 4.5. No point having 1.0 on your bench which could be itb or invested in your team.

        I'm not sold on Traore or Sarr, so improving one of them to, say, Harrison, might be an idea.

        Stick with Torres. Stick with Tierney. imo.

    • _Gunner
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      It is very very difficult to field: Salah, Ronaldo, Lukaku, TAA and Shaw in one team

      Is it doable?

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

        not without destroying the rest of the team

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

        Will leave you about 50m for 10 players, so yes, possible......

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

        Yes

        You just need to either start 3 of (Sarr, ESR, Gray, Harrison, Traore, Trincao, Soucek, Armstrong, Dennis, etc)

        Or play a back 4

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

        Yeah you can do it. The main problem is that you'll need to lose a 7.6 range slot in midfield which could be detrimental.

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

        For me, just about:

        Sanchez
        TAA - Shaw - Duffy
        Traore - Raphinha - Salah - Benrahma
        CR7 - Lukaku - Jiminez

        £4.0 GK, £4.0 Def, Allan, Williams

        Not tempted by that midfield tho. My current WC team looks like:

        Sanchez
        TAA - Duffy - Marcal
        Traore - Torres - Salah - Benrahma
        CR7 - Lukuku - Antonio

        £4.0 GK, Livramento, Williams, Allan

        I think spending the extra £1.4m on Torres and Antonio is better - otherwise midfield is too shaky. I'm taking enough of a punt on Torres + Traore as is. Benrahma becomes Raphinha from GW5 onwards

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

          What's your team value?

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

            £101.3

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

            Great

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

        I'm going for James over Shaw so yes, more than doable.

        Sanchez
        TAA / Dier / Semedo / Livramento
        Salah / Gray / Raphina
        Ronaldo / Antonio / Lukaku

        Steele / Gilmour / Sissoko / Reece

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

        Mine would be a 4-4-2

        Sanchez (4.0)
        TAA, Shaw, Digne, Ayling, (Livramento)
        Salah, Greenwood, Benrahma, Gray (Mendy)
        Ronaldo, Lukaku (4.5)

        0.4 itb

    • FPL Doctor
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      2 FTs 1.2 ITB

      Sanchez
      TAA Coufal Shaw
      Salah Bruno Raph Benny
      Antonio Ings Toney

      Steele White Gilmour Tsimikas

      A) Bruno + Ings + Toney --> Torres + Ronaldo + DCL (-4)
      B) Ings --> DCL and roll
      C) Bruno + Ings --> Torres (or other sub 8 mil midfielder) + Ronaldo (free)

    • OptimusBlack
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Who is better ?
      A- Gray
      B- Doucouré

      1. antis0cial
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        A

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

      I know Ronaldo is Ronaldo, but Lukaku for 1m less is proving hard to ignore.

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

        1- Hit WC button
        2- Get Both of them
        3- Be Happy

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

        Why react to international football? It doesn't matter

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

        I think you're right.

        I still have both tho.

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

        The thing with Lukaku is, he actually has historically proven to be a “good” finisher - 129 goals from 124 XG is fairly clinical

        And in that Chelsea team you’d imagine he’s going to get a lot of expected goals - 2.0 already from 2 games, one of which was against liverpool

        And he has basically zero completion for his slot

        So he really does have a lot going for him, albeit the scoring system isn’t kind to expensive strikers

        Salah, CR7, Kaku looks like a new FPL Holy Trinity in the making

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

          ^ This

          Atm, people are naysaying the idea of 3 big players.

          *If* Traore, Raphinha, Torres and other value mids score decently over the next 3 or so GWs then it will definitely become the new template.

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

          I agree with this a lot.

          I like Lukaku a lot as a pick. In fact, it makes me question whether getting Ronaldo is even right when I can just go straight to Lukaku now.

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

          Lukaku looked the same against Liverpool as he did playing all the big guns whilst at Utd

          His stats are only marginally better than Ronaldo against the big teams

          Therefore you don’t waste budget outside of good fixtures

        4. Old Bull
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Something like this?

          Sanchez 4.0
          TAA Christensen 4.5 4.5 4.0
          Salah Torres Gray Sarr Bissouma
          Lukaku Ronaldo Toney

          0.2 left over in my case if I should be so reckless

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

          I don't like the sacrifices you need to make with all three + TAA.

          I think there's merit in swapping that premium striker swap around, for example Ronaldo 4-6, Lukaku 7-11, Kane 12-14 and then back to Ronaldo for United's insane fixture run. Bamford/DCL/Jimenez rotation based on fixtures can match or beat Lukaku anyways at more than 3M less. Course, it takes transfers but better that than on the 5.5M MIDs you'll be owning if you go with 4 premiums...

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

      FPL is all about regret, usually drunken regret.

    • Tomas_brolin
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I want Lukaku and ronaldo and this 3 premium team has them all. What do you think honestly?

      Sanchez
      TAA Shaw Semedo (ayling, Williams)
      Salah raph Allan ESR (sissoko)
      Antonio Lukaku ronaldo

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

        Is that Alan Partirdge in midfield

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

          Nope the mustachioed Brazilian. It’s the sacrifice for 3 premiums

      2. Justin Credibles
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Get rid of Trent and upgrade midfield, looks to weak

    • PB-THE-VET
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Talk to me on

      Fornols vs Benrahma at west ham

      Who is the better fpl asset? Ignore the price

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

      https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/12400082/argentinas-premier-league-players-placed-into-isolation-by-brazilian-authorities-ahead-of-world-cup-qualifier

      Brazil being incredibly petty ahead of Argentina game, what a surprise. Already making excuses before the game has even begun, so fully expecting them to try get FIFA to sanction PL clubs for holding onto the players they called up

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

        TBF to them, why are their main rivals allowed to have players from the Prem and they aren't for this fixture?

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

          It's bonkers that it wasn't resolved before the match kicked off though.

    • Cheeky Onion
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Anyone seeing what’s happening in Brazil v Argentina match? Looks like health officials came onto the pitch in the 6th minute to deport/quarantine Argentine players who travelled from UK

      1. Bada Bing
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        What a circus. They couldn't figure this all out before kickoff?

        1. Cheeky Onion
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Farcical. Must be a publicity/power move or surely it would’ve been addressed before kickoff

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

        Yeah, watching it now - completely nuts! Why wait till the game has started?

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

          They tried it a few hours ago as well, Brazil just being as petty as possible.

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

            It does look from that link you posted as though they've broken the Brazilian Covid regs but equally you wonder if they'd have done this if it wasn't Argentina! Crazy stuff.

            1. Art Vandelay
              • 13 Years
              2 years, 6 months ago

              Why were they moaning about the Brazilian players not being released then. Would they have not been able to play either? It’s a complete farce.

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

                Good point.

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

                The quarantine rules are different for Brazilian nationals returning to the country apparently.

                1. Art Vandelay
                  • 13 Years
                  2 years, 6 months ago

                  Really? If that is the case then FIFA would have never let Brazil host the game as it would be completely unfair.

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

        Scandal

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

        Bolsonaro - what did you expect? Trying to boost his pitiful ratings by showing he is strong through kicking out the Argentines and giving Brazil a cheap win.

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

          The health official clowns should deport the Brazilian president first.

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

          He's decided Covid is actually quite bad now then has he? His contribution to their problems with it is somewhat greater than 4 Argentinian footballers I think.

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

        LoL @Brazil, LoL @Argentina.

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

        Probably because no English players traveled for Brazil

        1. Art Vandelay
          • 13 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Sure, but those players would not have been able to travel/play either according to what is going on now.

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

            Err cause and effect

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

          No English players could play for Brazil…

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

        Crap, my rival has Martinez in goal, hoped he’d miss gw4 but looks like he’ll be deported and back in time…

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

          If he's coming back from a UK red listed country, he'll need to quarantine for 10 days.

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

            In one of those dodgy hotels as well

    • AIRMILES
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Pulled my WC trigger because of Ronaldo, and I've got some regrets on this. However, this is the current state of my team. Downgrading Son would help stengthen all over the shop, but I have big hopes for Son this season, and I feel pretty good about the rest of the team. Penny for your thoughts.

      Sanchez (Steele)
      TAA - James - Christensen - Tierney (Williams)
      Salah - Son - Torres - Benrahma (Allan)
      Ronaldo - Antonio (Street)
      0.0itb

      With James suspended, I'd play Allan (BUR) this coming gw.

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

        I would never ever WC my team just because one player, however your team looks good, i would work on Tierney, Torres and Son, Son is a good pick, but downgrading him gives a more flexibility to the team.

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

          Well, Ronaldo was the catalyst, but I'm keen to change a number of players. I usually tend to WC in GW4, but this year I was hoping to keep it going till the next intl break. But yes, it's a bit dumb of me.

          I'm actually very happy with the three players you mention. I think Torres offers a very cheap way into the City front line, though admittedly he will not play every game. Son is awesome, but as you allude to, he's pricey. I suspect in due course I'll need to downgrade him when I find my team wanting in other areas. Tierney is totally not an ideal pick, but the fixtures are great, and he stands a good chance of picking up attacking points. Who would you go for of

      2. Joey Jo-Jo Junior Shabadoo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        I've wildcarded... and I'm playing Allan this week.
        Yeah I'd have some regrets as well.

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

          The alternative is I have Rudiger this week and then upgrade to James next week.

          1. Joey Jo-Jo Junior Shabadoo
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 3 Years
            2 years, 6 months ago

            Aaaa I'm just messing with you, it's a nice team and I would have gone James too.

            But you admit yourself Torres isn't going to play every game. Combined with double Chelsea defence, it might be that Allan has to play most weeks, not just this one.

            I would probably sacrifice Son to make the bench at least a bit more secure, with the aim to get him back later on (certainly by week 12).

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

              I just think at 7.0 for someone who plays as a false 9 for City, that he's just a very good option. I agree my bench would ideally have a bit more substance. And I agree that sacrificing Son is the most likely way forward. Alternatively, I opt to downgrade Ronaldo to Lukaku for the extra 1.0, but it's much harder to later find the 1.0 if I need Ronaldo in.

              Tough calls to make.

    • Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Jimi or traore?

      1. Game of Throw_ins
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Jimi, if budget permits

      2. antis0cial
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Jim

    • Game of Throw_ins
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      ?/10 this 3-5-2 / 4-4-2 WC team plz:
      Meslier
      TAA - Digne - Shaw - Semedo - 4.0
      Salah - Jota - Torres - Raphinha - Gray
      CR7 - Antonio - 4.5

    • CelticBhoy1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      How nailed are Gundogan ad Torres?

      1. Cheeky Onion
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Gundo more nailed, Torres more explosive

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

      Torres scores again - surely can’t ignore

    • Davros
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Who is the best 4.5 mid (for regular playing time and maybe the odd assist)?
      A) Allan
      B) Bissouma
      C) Someone else

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

        Gilmour 100%

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

          I like gilmour as a player but not Norwich as a team but one to watch no doubt

      2. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        McArthur

      3. FPL Emu
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Allan has looked good and dangerous imo. Takes up an Everton spot though

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

          3 Everton? Not for me!

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

          One of those precious Everton spots

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

          Wasn’t planning on 3 Everton (only have DCL for now) but fair point

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

        McArthur definitely

    • ZeBestee
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Would you do Kane 》》Ronaldo for -4?

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

        No

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

          Thanks.

          Whom will you captain here?

          Sanchez
          Dias VVD Coufal
          Benrahma Jota Bruno Greenwood Gundo
          Kane Antonio

          Foster Veltman Amartey 4.5

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

            Bruno easy

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

              Would yoi start Veltman over Coufal to double up on Brighton defence?

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

                Spread it with Coufal

    • Salarrivederci
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Would you do:

      A: Ings -> Jiménez (-4) and bench ESR (concerned he might be benched). Next GW I would do Toney -> Bamford for free
      B: Hold for now. Maybe do Ings + Toney -> Bamford + Jiménez (-4) next GW, but with the opportunity to opt getting in CR7 with a BruNO move?

      Team for now with 1.0 ITB and 0 FTs

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

      (Sanchez, Ings, Williams, Amartey)

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

        Hold. Would also plat Ings over ESR and Sarr.

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

          Don't trust Ings against Chelsea with those attacking numbers Villa have at this point.

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

            Yes, but ESR and Sarr are not better if not worse. Ings at least has a pedigree in the PL

    • Kimmich
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Opinions on this please

      Sanchez
      TAA - Shaw - Tierney
      Salah - Jota - Torres - Raphinha
      Ronaldo - Antonio - Jimenez

      Steele - Livramento - Duffy - Gilmour

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

        Nice team. Issue long term would be not nailed on players like Jota and Torres.

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

          Yeah I agree benchings will happen. They have a very high upside for the price however

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

        Personally I've taken Shaw out of my team given his upcoming fixtures. I'll likely bring him back circa GW14.

        Jota and Torres are two players who risk benching, the former especially so, though he probs will get 30 mins most matches where he starts on the bench. Maybe a good call actually.

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

          I think the upside of Jota and Torres outweighs the benchings for now. Can reasses and jump onto say Mount for Jota in 3 weeks or so if Firmino isn’t out long term.

    • OptimusBlack
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Best Combo if u have 12 M
      A- Benrahma & Gray
      B- Sarr & Traoré
      C- Smith & Dele
      D- other thoughts

      1. FPL Emu
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Sarr/Traore + Gray and use 0.5 elsewhere

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

        B

    • CelticBhoy1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Buy Torres or Gundogan?

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

        Torres

      2. antis0cial
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Torres assuming you have playing bench