Scout Notes

How budget Arsenal players Tomiyasu, Ramsdale and White fared in Gameweek 4

We’ve got the key Fantasy Premier League (FPL) takeaways from another two Gameweek 4 matches in this article, with Brentford v Brighton and Hove Albion and Arsenal v Norwich City under the spotlight.

For a briefer recap of Saturday’s games, our Scoreboard summary here has all the main talking points.

READ MORE: Antonio the most-sold player of Gameweek 5 as ban looms
READ MORE: Son injury latest as Gallagher impresses
READ MORE: Alexander-Arnold hauls again as Leeds suffer more defender problems

BRENTFORD 0-1 BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION

  • Goals: Leandro Trossard (£6.4m)
  • Assists: Alexis Mac Allister (£5.5m)
  • Bonus: Trossard x3, Lewis Dunk (£5.0m) x2, Joel Veltman (£4.4m) x1, Marc Cucurella (£5.0m) x1

WEBSTER AND GROSS FITNESS LATEST

Brighton’s last-gasp win over Brentford on Saturday came at a cost, with Adam Webster (£4.5m) limping off with a hamstring problem.

The Seagulls were also without Pascal Gross (£6.0m) and Enock Mwepu (£5.9m), who were both self-isolating.

“I need to see but he said [Webster] felt something there but we will see how bad that is. Enock was pinged from a flight and Pascal is just self-isolating.” – Graham Potter

From a cynical point of view, continued absences of key personnel at the back – Dan Burn (£4.4m) and Tariq Lamptey (£4.4m) remain sidelined for now – will surely only aid budget FPL asset Shane Duffy‘s (£4.2m) chances of staying in this Albion side.

He’s the second most-bought defender of Gameweek 5 at present and the joint-top FPL player for ‘value’, based on points per million.

DEFENCES ON TOP

Defences were well on top on this contest and there was plenty of encouragement for owners of Brentford defenders and David Raya (£4.6m) despite the late goal concession, with the Bees affording their visitors precious few opportunities until Leandro Trossard (£6.4m) popped up with a late curling effort from the edge of the box.

A third clean sheet of the campaign would have been deserved, with the Seagulls’ combined expected goals (xG) tally from just four shots a miserable 0.23.

No side has allowed fewer big chances than Brentford (two) this season.

Ethan Pinnock (£4.6m), indeed, was on course for a nine-point haul before Trossard’s 89th-minute winner.

“If you look at the first four games we’ve had consistent, good performances. The last three games, if there should have been a narrow winner, it should have been us in all three games if you look at the games and the stats.” – Thomas Frank

Brighton were slightly less formidable at the other end but gradually ground Brentford to a halt, with the hosts managing only one attempt in the final 40 minutes.

Marc Cucurella (£5.0m) and Joel Veltman (£4.4m), stationed initially as wing-backs before a move to a back four, marked their first starts with a bonus point apiece, while Lewis Dunk (£5.0m) collected two.

TONEY AND MBEUMO: PROMISE, NOT POINTS

Four Gameweeks into the season and the much-hyped Brentford strike partnership of 31-goal forward Ivan Toney (£6.4m) and ‘out of position’ FPL midfielder Bryan Mbeumo (£5.5m) have just one attacking return between them.

There has been plenty of promise but few points: Toney thrice set up decent opportunities that Mbeumo spurned on Saturday and teed up Vitaly Janelt (£5.0m) for a good chance, with the striker also going close himself with a close-range header and a confident 40-yard dink that floated narrowly over.

“I think he [Bryan] and Ivan work so well together, so I think that is promising. It won’t be long until he scores his first Premier League goal.

“He’s had some good chances and I think he’s been one of our best players so far in these first four games. He’s been so consistent in his performance, working hard under pressure and creating opportunities, so he’s been really good.” – Thomas Frank on Bryan Mbeumo

Above: Brentford sit bottom of our Season Ticker over the next five Gameweeks

The pair will invariably return big at some point but the Bees have so far looked more accomplished defensively than in attack, and the unfortunate fact is that the fixtures are about to turn very nasty; even a Gameweek 5 clash with Wolves, which looked appealing in pre-season, no longer seems as promising.

It will be ‘bench or bail’ for most of Toney’s owners, then, with plenty of forwards competing for our money elsewhere.


Brentford XI: Raya; Ajer, Jansson, Pinnock; Canós (Roerslev 61), Nørgaard, Baptiste (Onyeka 75), Janelt (Jensen 68), Henry; Toney, Mbeumo.

Brighton and Hove Albion XI: Sánchez; Webster (Moder 37), Duffy, Dunk; Veltman, Lallana, Bissouma, Cucurella (March 82); Trossard; Maupay, Welbeck (Mac Allister 64).


ARSENAL 1-0 NORWICH CITY

  • Goals: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£9.9m)
  • Assists: Nicolas Pepe (£7.2m)
  • Bonus: Aubameyang x3, Gabriel (£5.0m) x2, Kieran Tierney (£4.9m) x1

GLIMMERS OF HOPE FOR ARSENAL

The “we are staying up” chants from the home support and the myriad memes that accompanied Arsenal’s narrow win over bottom-of-the-table Norwich City illustrated how far the Gunners have fallen of late.

Still, things were always likely to get better after back-to-back meetings with arguably the division’s two best clubs and the easing of an injury-and-illness crisis that blighted Mikel Arteta’s August.

80% of the backline, including the goalkeeper, were overhauled for this fixture, while Thomas Partey (£5.0m) appeared for the first time this season and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£9.9m) finally looked back to full fitness after his struggles with Covid last month.

It was far from a perfect display but Arsenal had 30 attempts against the Canaries, taking them to 52 shots in their two meetings with non-big six sides this season – that’s more than 13 clubs have managed in the whole of 2021/22.

And it was no surprise that the ball-playing Ben White (£4.4m), who created an eye-catching three chances from deep, and Gabriel (£5.0m) were a darn sight more solid than the motley crew of misfits that lined up at the Etihad.

Arsenal are a long way from being a great team but if we’re giving a lot of thought to mid-table Leeds United and Wolverhampton Wanderers assets for their similarly appealing fixture runs, then it’s negligent to completely overlook the Gunners.

TOMIYASU V TIERNEY

Above: Touch heatmaps from Arsenal v Norwich taken from our Premium Members Area

Takehiro Tomiyasu (£4.5m) made his Arsenal debut at right-back, matching Kieran Tierney (£4.9m) for goal attempts (two) and trumping him two-to-one for penalty box touches.

Make no mistake, though, that Tierney remains the more attack-minded option.

Tomiyasu was typically more reserved as Tierney bombed forward, tucking in alongside Gabriel and White or joining Arsenal’s two central midfielders a la Kyle Walker (£5.5m) at Manchester City.

The Scotland international indeed had over twice as many touches as the debutant right-back in the final third, although admittedly lasted 30 more minutes.

“Really positive. Just the first impression when you met him, it was just joy and happiness and good energy. The moment he steps on the pitch he was really focused, determined, he understands the role really good. He was cramping. Obviously he only trained a day and a half with us, he had to travel, and emotionally it was his first game and we had to take him off.” – Mikel Arteta on Takehiro Tomiyasu’s debut

£4.5m GOALKEEPER DEBUT

Aaron Ramsdale (£4.5m) quietly impressed on his Arsenal league bow between the posts and is now surely catapulted towards the top of the budget goalkeepers’ watchlist, with Bernd Leno‘s (£4.9m) future increasingly in doubt.

Arteta wouldn’t quite rule out the prospect of the German being brought back into the side but his glowing testimony of Ramsdale didn’t hint at the former Bournemouth man being swiftly demoted to the bench:

“I think he was terrific. It is not only what he did on the technical side, it is what he transmits, his energy, his chemistry with the backline, how he reacts, his body language… I think it was top. We have two fantastic goalkeepers and never forgot what Bernd has done for us and what a good goalkeeper he is. I had to make decisions and I felt Aaron was the right one to do so and like in any other position, and that is what we decided today.

“I want to see how they perform [when asked about rotating his goalkeepers]. Now we need performances and we need to win football matches, so whoever gives better performances and whoever transmits more confidence and is more reliable will play.” – Mikel Arteta on Aaron Ramsdale

EASIER FIXTURES AHEAD FOR NORWICH

Point-less Norwich have had a tricky run at the start of 2021/22 but things improve now, with the Canaries sitting top of our Season Ticker for the next four Gameweeks.

There have been pockets of encouragement against Liverpool, Leicester and Arsenal but there aren’t really any stand-out Fantasy targets, save for bench fodder and, as a long-shot, eye-catching winger Christos Tzolis (£5.0m), scorer of two goals and assister of another pair in a recent 6-0 cup win over Bournemouth.

We saw two bargain-bin FPL defenders line up at the Etihad, with left-back Brandon Williams (£4.0m) joined in the starting XI by Andrew Omobamidele (£3.9m)

“We needed a bit more pace against a really pacey, offensive team like Arsenal, so Andrew came in, who was excellent for the Republic of Ireland. He was excellent in his defending, calmness, positioning and the build-up.” – Daniel Farke on his decision to start Andrew Omobamidele

Billy Gilmour (£4.5m) lost his place, meanwhile, although Farke seemed to suggest he was merely protecting the Chelsea loanee after racking up the minutes for club and country.


Arsenal XI: Ramsdale, Tierney, White, Gabriel, Tomiyasu (Smith Rowe 62), Maitland-Niles (Soares 81), Saka, Sambi Lokonga (Partey 62), Ødegaard, Pépé, Aubameyang.

Norwich City XI: Krul, Aarons, Hanley, Omobamidele, Williams, Rupp (Idah 79), McLean, Lees-Melou, Tzolis (Rashica 69), Pukki, Dowell (Cantwell 61).

433 Comments Post a Comment
  1. La Roja
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Play up pompey and all that

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

    Any DCL news coming through about his fitness to play this evening?

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

    Antonio to -
    A) Bamford
    B) Jimenez
    C) Keep Antonio

    1. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      If you have a good bench player, C and roll

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

        I have Livramento, Sissoko and Williams. If I opt to play one of them, I would probably pick Sissoko.
        On the other hand, I like the looks of Bam and Jimi very much and they can haul against their opposition next weekend.

    2. Maeki2
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      4 goals 4 assists. Do you think you want him in later? Else swap then bam

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

        I will want him later of course. I'm just a little bit worried with europa league fixtures incoming, will he play as regularly as he does now.

    3. Sun God Nika
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I did Bamford currently on a triple up now as i had raph and ayling - on paper better fixtures and will be gunning for some much needed 3 points wins ,

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

        I guess you will truly test the " form vs fixtures" argument!

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

        Bamford looks very nice. I expect Leeds to start wining some games asap. Cheers

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

      C

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

        Cheers

  4. Ohh1454
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Current 11 and 1ft. Is it time to wildcard ?
    Sanchez
    Shaw Trent Tanganga
    Bruno Salah Greenwood Benrahma
    Antonio Jimenez Ings

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

      Bit of a pointless question if we don't know your bench

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

      I would.

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

    Who's a better option for gw5-gw7?

    A - James (tot, MCI, SOU)
    B - Laporte (SOU, che, liv)

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

      A

    2. Maeki2
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      James is nice when he plays. But he is still to uncertain so if you have backup the go with James. Else not

  6. Emiliano Sala
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Would you swap torres to raphinha for this coming gw or next one?

    1. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I am also in the same situation. It may or may not cost a hit even. Dangerous to second guess pep so I don't know what to wish for in ucl match whether he starts and what conclusions we can draw from that.

    2. Maeki2
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Wait and see if Torres plays middleweak if not i think i save

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

    Ramsdale
    Tomiyasu White Magalhaes Tierney

    Most likely the best back 4 we've had in years to be fair. First clean sheet of many for this young defence.

    1. Threat Level Midnight
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Not really saying much, is it?

    2. mox81
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Tierney is a bargain!

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

      Long term:

      Ramsdale
      White Holding Gabriel
      Tomiyasu Partey Odegaard Saka Tierney
      Pepe ?????

      Rúnarsson
      Saliba Chambers Mari
      Cedric AMN ESR Lokonga Tavares
      Nketiah Martinelli

      Sell (in summer 2022): Leno, Lacazette, Kolasinac, Torreira, Elneny, Xhaka, Mavropanos, Guendouzi, Bellerin, Aubameyang
      Sign (in summer 2022): a centre forward

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

    Best option out of these for the next 3 games?

    A) Sarr (nor, NEW, lee)
    B) Traore (BRE, sou, NEW)
    C) Saka (bur, TOT, bha)

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

      ACB

    2. The Tinkerman
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      ABC

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

      ABC

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

      B

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

      Cheers all!

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

      ACB

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

    https://www.premierleague.com/news/2253702

    Most of "experts" are leaning towards keeping Antonio. And what did/will you do?

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

      I'm selling as I have triple West Ham already and don't want to go with just one forward next week

    2. The Tinkerman
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Holding, see below

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

      Holding. I'll be happy if his EO is below 80 from GW6 onwards.

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

      Keeping, in comes Gilmour

    5. Bury94
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Keeping, got Brandon Williams off the bench which isn't ideal, but I don't wanna lose the value in Antonio when we're almost certainly going to want him back

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

        I've flukily had benchie Duffy step up and haul/return for 3 games now. He's gonna do the same sans Antonio next GW too.

    6. We Go Again
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Keeping. Happy for people to sell, becomes more of a differential

  10. The Tinkerman
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Thinking to just do Benny > Raph (FT) this week and keep hold of Antonio... Hoping to then hold 2FT for GW7 prep:

    Sa
    TAA, Semedo, Tierney, Williams
    Salah, Jota, BENRAHMA, Traore
    Ronaldo. DCL

    4.0; Antonio, Livra, Allan

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

      I think Benny deserves one more chance. I also have him, and also need to work out what to do with Antonio. I was going to do Amartey to Marcal and play Marcal as an extra defender for a week.

      1. The Tinkerman
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        EL and rotation with Vlasic worries me tbh. Antonio may become Bamford in a week or two if it looks like he will be rotated around EL games too... sadly.

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

      Yes I like that move!

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

    I don't have much cover for Antonio, so am thinking of doing Amartey to Marcal and playing him as an extra defender. Good option, or are there better alternatives at 4.5?

    Thanks.

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

      Sounds good. I think its pretty much wolves or arsenal, maybe brighton, at that price. Marcal's assist was a bit lucky & I think people might be expecting too much / chasing last week's pts a bit, but I would go wolves personally & he's a fine option

    2. space mercenary
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Exactly the move I made last night. I think Marcal looks like a bargain plus the form and fixtures.

  12. La Roja
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    How’s WC team looking?

    Ramsdale
    TAA Laporte Marcal Duffy
    Salah Greenwood Torres Gray
    Lukaku Ronaldo

    4.0 Livramento McArthur 4.5

    1. Threat Level Midnight
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Very nice. Quite jealous TBF

      1. La Roja
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Really want a Chelsea defender but can’t possibly squeeze one in

        1. Threat Level Midnight
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Torres or Greenwood can easily become Raph and then you can make that happen if need be. Set up nicely.

          1. La Roja
            • 12 Years
            2 years, 6 months ago

            I did have Raph but Leeds form is concerning tbh

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

      Laporte not a rotation risk? No Jota?

      1. La Roja
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        It was either Jota or Trent. Have to go with Trent.

        Laporte is a rotation risk but I’m prepared for that. Will check CL starting line up of course

    3. Maeki2
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Jota instead of gw

      1. La Roja
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Can’t get rid of GW with that form tbh

    4. The Tinkerman
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Laporte, Greenwood and Torres are all rotation threats, and Duffy could lose his place when everyone is match fit, so it’s a bit risky, but I’m sure you know this.

      Marcal too, but Jonny won’t be back for a while, not sure Ait Nouri is good enough to take his spot tbh, so should be okay.

      1. La Roja
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Yeah rotation is always gonna be on cards for CL teams but have to accept that

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

      Anyone but Ramsdale tbh, though I can see the appeal

      Rudiger over Laporte

      1. La Roja
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        4.5 for arsenal goalie and decent fixtures though.

        Yeah Rudiger is always great about tbh

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

        Really like it though

        Sa, Semedo for a Tosey Treble

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

    The Tierney vs Tomi heatmap is most excellent.

  14. CAP
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Would you guys wildcard this? Added an asterisk for my problem players

    Sanchez
    Shaw, White, TAA
    Barnes*, Salah, Gray, Mahrez*, Raph
    Ronaldo, Antonio*

    Foster*, Livramento, Amartey, Perica*

    1. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I would not WC that.

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

      I don't think you'd change enough there in main squad to justify a WC.

    3. The Tinkerman
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I’d add Amartey to the list of problems, he isn’t going to start anymore. If you have 2FT I’d be tempted to do a -4 maybe to make it until GW7, then WC in Chelsea and City players... but given you have Ronaldo I guess you only have 1FT?

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

        Yeah only have 1FT. In that awkward position whether or not to pull the trigger on the WC

        1. The Tinkerman
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          You need to take at least a -4, Mahrez and Perica ideally. Then when Antonio is back next week you should be okay to hold out on the WC until Chelsea fixture swing in GW7.

          I would also keep an eye on who plays for Leicester in midweek, I’m a fan and I think there’s a chance we go to 352 and drop Maddison or Barnes in the next league game. EL selection may give some clues.

    4. We Go Again
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Wouldn't WC that.

      Mahrez and Perica to DCL/Bamford and a playing 4.5 to sub for Antonio.

  15. DannyDrinkVodka
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Why do people feel so strongly about DCL as the best option in the 7.0-8.5 price range (Antonio not included)? The guy is carrying an injury, his fixtures aren't great and he has a reputation for disappearing......I'm trying to convince myself that he is a better option to replace Toney than Bamford but I just don't see it!

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

      Goal hanger
      Leads xG stats
      On pens
      BUR avl NOR mun WHM WAT

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

        3/4 of the next fixtures are tough

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

          Which 3?

          West Ham - perhaps a decent defence but at home you’d still fancy Everton to score

          Avl - just got hit for 3 by Chelsea hardly look watertight

          Nor - best fixture in the league

          Looks like United away is the only tough one in the next 4 to me ?

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

            its 4 home games in 6 against obliging opposition, and villa away hasnt been tough since about xmas time.

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

      I went Bamford, but I also have Gray.

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

      Bamford is a better option from next week. DCL was a better option if you got last week or this week.

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

        Cheers, I agree

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

      I was in your camp on this too. But checked stats this morning, comparing per appearance for Bam and DCL over last year. DCL slightly better and was not on penalties then. Now he is. Pending how he gets through today's match, I am leaning DCL over Bam as Obafemi upgrade. Think Bam will do great too and may look to bring him in if Antonio gets injured, etc. (but likely keeping Antonio this week).

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

      Because he scored three goals and all people look at is that. Two of his three goals were penalties which Bamford has as well, so it's really more of a 50-50.

  16. Botman and Robben
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Keeping Antonio myself, can't afford DCL or Bamford anyway.

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

      I don't see any other routes. Eduoard if he had decent fix? Knee jerkie

      People saying how precious the 3 FWD spots are but that's not where the value is tbh

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

    Aubameyang could've (should've to be honest) scored a hat-trick and still wouldn't get back in the big hitters debate. He's just not as clinical as he used to be since his health and family issues began. It's hard to make a case why would anyone pick him instead of Ronaldo, Lukaku or Kane up front. But if he gets close to 22 goals like in 2 of 3 previous seasons, he could be worth picking at some point I guess.

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

      Carslen brought him in on a wildcard. Maverick pick but could be gold with the fixtures

    2. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      This post feels like Arteta’s Auba confessions

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

      Norwich at home was the time to pick him, if any .

      And as you he had the opportunities (Arsenal had 30 shots) but didn’t deliver .

      Not sure if it comes back but currently not looking as sharp or as on form as others

  18. sirmorbach
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Friends, please:

    Meslier (4.0)
    TAA / Shaw / Coufal (Livramento, Omobamidele)
    Salah / Jota / Torres / Raphinha / Benrahma
    Bamford / Ronaldo (Obafemi)

    So, Benrahma to
    A. Gray
    B. Gallagher
    C. Saka
    D. Coufal to Coady/Marçal instead
    E. Hold

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

      D

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

        Appreciate it, mate

    2. Maeki2
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Better of hold and have 2 ft next

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

        Cheers, sir!

  19. FOO FIGHTER
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Any chance Pogba or Matip will rise in price today or tomorrow?

    Checked fplstatistics and both over 80%

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

    Don't have much cover for Antonio, so am thinking of doing Amartey to Marcal and playing him as an extra defender. It he a good option, or are there better alternatives at 4.5?

    Thanks.

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

      thinking similar but quite tempted by White at £4.4m and they have good fixtures

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

        True. I have White already so I'd be playing White, TAA, Shaw and then Marcal.

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

    Am I GTG?

    Sanchez
    TAA Ayling Shaw
    Raph. Greenw'd Jota Salah Benrahma
    Dennis Ronaldo

    Steele Veltman Manquillo Antonio

    0m itb
    WC still available

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

      That's a decent team! I just WC and ditched the West ham assets. Why not Antonio --> Bamford?

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

        Thanks.
        I'm 0.2m away from that move.

  22. Killitzer
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Bit the bullet and hit the WC- for better of for worse!

    Now some tinkering....

    Sanchez Steele
    TTA Duffy Laporte Livra Marcal
    Salah Raphinha Greenwood McArthur Gray
    Ronaldo Lukaku Hwang

    Questions-
    1. Marcal vs White
    2. Gray? Best £5.5m mf?
    3. Hwang- could save £0.3m and stick with Dennis OR sell Greenwood to fund Bamford

    Any advice would be most appreciated!

    1. The Tinkerman
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Having watched Gray for years at Leicester, I would caution heavily against him...

      Underlying stats aren’t good, but he has been lucky so far.

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

    Off topic

    Does anyone own a 12.9 iPad?

    1. Igz08
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Nah couldn’t afford one with the price rise

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

      yes. sold it. too big and heavy.

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

    My bench is allan, brandon. Should i sell antonio. Or just play bench?

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

      Play bench

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

        Allan or brandon

        1. FOO FIGHTER
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Allan

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

      It's what your bench is for. Williams could get a cleanie.

  25. FOO FIGHTER
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    I am still sceptic about getting Arsenal or Wolves assets.

    None of their players are proving value for money at this point. Especially their attacking assets.

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

      I agree with the exception of the Wolves defence.

      Semedo looks great at 4.9 even if he just carries on as a Traore-lite and delivers nailed CSs. Think points will come with him though

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

      Then get defenders.

      Tierney and Marcal are excellent options.

      1. FOO FIGHTER
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Watford and Norwhich not really going to test anyones defence.

        Verdict still out and is why I will hold on moving for assets from ARS and WOL

    3. Sun God Nika
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Wolves will definitely be in the high bracket for CS in the next fixtures coming up - their stats were very impressive from GW 1 to 3 considering the fixtures they had

      i went from semedo to marcal on my WC in GW 4 - paid off!

  26. Sgt Frank Drebin
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    I guess James is a bigger priority than Semedo? I'm wondering whether 4-4-2 wouldn't be that bad at this point with a defence of TAA - James - Shaw - Semedo. Now you don't need Bruno you should also fit enough mid priced midfielders with a 4 men midfield.

    1. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Who wud be the two strikers?

      1. Sgt Frank Drebin
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Lukaku/Ronaldo and pick one from DCL/Antonio/Bamford

        1. Sgt Frank Drebin
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Or Jimenez

    2. Sgt Frank Drebin
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Tierney and Chilwell when he's back also interesting. Cancelo too but who knows for how long will he play.

  27. Igz08
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Wondering how to play the Antonio absence?

    A) Tsimi -> Marcal
    B) Toney -> DCL
    C) Gilmour -> Gray
    D) Play Gilmour

    OR 65k - kinda fancy being aggressive and doing A+B for a hit. Altho no trusting my bench cost me 7 points last week - hit for Torres instead of playing Liv

  28. La Roja
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Slim pickings for 5.5m’ish bracket

    A) Odegaard
    B) Gray
    C) Gallagher

    1. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Between Gray and Gallagher.

      See how Gray does tonight but doubt you want Gallagher vs LFC for GW5.

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

      Gallagher is a great pick. Reminds of Raphinha last season. On a lot of set pieces, involved, good stats. 5.5m, fairly nailed. I'm looking to buy him next week.

      Just can't do it this week with Liverpool away...

      1. La Roja
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        I’m in a WC so I’ll have to pick one. I guess I’ll watch Gray tonight and then try to decide

    3. Stamford B
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Gray for the fixtures. He’s been excellent

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

      I think you're better off spending some more money for Sarr, Traore or Saka. Gallagher might be an option but fixtures look tough next 4.

  29. FOO FIGHTER
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Imagine Nuno benches Kane until he has decided to end his sulking over not getting his way and Scarlett gets a run?

    FPL Gold!

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

      Right.........

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

      Jose's masterplan

      1) Make Kane look good
      2) Sell him to City for silly money and re-invest to turn Sp*rs into a top 4 club

      somewhere between 1 and 2, Levy sacked Jose and got greedy.

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

    Will Havertz be a good pick from GW7 ➡ or will he get rotated?

    1. Stamford B
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Well Saturday was very disappointing. Certainly more of a wait and see how it goes situation now I think.

    2. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Any CHE player besides Mendy and Lukaku and perhaps Rudiger are up for rotation.

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

      Looking for a max. 8.4m midfielder from GW7 onwards. Might go with Pepe if Havertz doesn't nail his spot down.