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FPL Q&A: How to fit in Salah, Lukaku and Ronaldo, best Everton mid and Leeds picks

The template is finally being shaken up, with Michail Antonio (£7.9m) and Bruno Fernandes (£12.0m) having been shipped by nearly a million managers this week.

With that in mind, I thought it would be a good time to use the tools and data in the Fantasy Football Scout Premium Members Area to help answer some questions from the FPL community.


Q: Who is the best Everton midfield option? (@smallccapitalt)

A. Everton have a bunch of good midfield options – Demarai Gray (£5.7m), Andros Townsend (£5.4m) and even Abdoulaye Doucoure (£5.5m) have already notched multiple attacking returns. Out of the three, I think Gray is the standout. As the below table from the last three Gameweeks shows, despite scoring three goals from as many shots on target, he is top amongst their midfielders for expected goals (xG, 0.78) and third for chances created (three). With Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£8.2m) injured, Benitez is likely going to look from goals from his midfielders and I think Gray offers great value at just £5.7m. 

Q: Who is the best forward under £6.5m to replace Ivan Toney? (@anathelana)

A: There’s very limited choice in the £6.5-and-below striker price bracket. Allan Saint-Maximin (£6.5m), Adam Armstrong (£6.0m) and Emmanuel Dennis (£5.2m) are some of the candidates but the standout in my opinion by some distance is Teemu Pukki (£5.9m). Norwich have failed to impress so far but it is worth mentioning that the Canaries were bottom of the Season Ticker for Gameweek 1-4. However, as the below image shows, they are top of the same ticker for Gameweeks 5-8. Norwich’s season starts now and Pukki is clearly their talisman. At just £5.9m and with very low ownership, he’s a great pick for the next four weeks. 

Q: Who would you pick between Patrick Bamford or Raphinha as a Leeds asset for the next three fixtures if you’re only going with one? (@FPLPHD)

A: Without going into the value/price argument, first let’s compare their numbers using the Comparison Tool in the Premium Members Area, starting off with assist potential. As the below image shows, it’s no shock that Raphinha (£6.5m) leads the way for chances created (seven to two) but the Brazilian’s numbers are not that great in isolation. Seven chances created over four matches is less than two a game and only one of those was deemed to be a ‘big chance’. 

In terms of goal threat, Patrick Bamford’s (£7.9m) numbers are impressive. He has been afforded nearly double (23 to 12) the penalty area touches compared to Raphinha and has taken 10 shots in the box to the Brazilian’s three, more than triple. The fact that Raphinha averages less than one shot in the box is not great.

When you add penalty-taking duties to Bamford’s repertoire, I think it’s pretty clear that despite the difference in price, the forward is the superior Leeds’ attacking asset. Raphinha’s numbers are likely to improve with the easier run of fixtures, of course, and he’s also a good asset in isolation. 

Q: Differential punts for Wildcarders in each position? (@FPLJames23)

A: I’ll skip the goalkeepers and start in defence. I think Nelson Semedo (£4.9m) is a great pick, his numbers versus Marcal (£4.6m) have been covered in detail in this piece by Neale. The fact that the Brazilian outscored him significantly last week means that the Portuguese will continue to go under the radar. If Semedo is too mainstream for you, then I would suggest Kieran Tierney (£4.9m). Arsenal switch to a back three in possession with the right-back tucking in to help the defence, so Tierney plays pretty much as a left-winger.  

In midfield, my pick would be Ismaila Sarr (£6.0m). Watford could not have asked for better opponents in the next three matches: Norwich, Newcastle and Leeds. As the below image shows, they are three of the five worst sides for open play goal attempts conceded over the first four matches:

Up top, Pukki is a great differential for the reasons mentioned earlier in the piece. Raul Jimenez (£7.4m) is also one to consider: he’s yet to find the back of the net this season but is posting good underlying numbers, indicating that a haul is just around the corner.

Q: Is Conor Gallagher a must-have? (@KaartikKrishFPL)

That’s it from me for now, hope you found the Q&A useful. We discussed a lot of the topics above and more on this week’s episode of The FPL Wire, so check it out below:

743 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Hy liverpool
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Fun facts

    - Bamford loves playing on friday 4G 1A in 2 games last season.
    - Salah and mane never blanked vs palace at Anfield.
    - Jiménez will finally score this week.

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

      A) Toney>Bamford FT
      B) Toney>Bamford, Antonio>Jimenez for a hit

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

        A

      2. Yank Revolution
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        A if good bench replacement, B if not.

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

    This is going to be an interesting weekend with so many changes being made and hits being taken.

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

      And then there's me who is saving his FT

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

      Bit nervous having taken a -8, but still leaves me inside top 10k :/

  3. toystory2wasok
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    still torn between jimi and bamford. having raphina and no wolves attack makes me lean to the former, but it's so hard :

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

      Really tough one, I would go with Jimenez if I were you

    2. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Leeds really do not look like a team to double up on right now but Bamford in isolation is still a far better pick than Jimenez

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

      If you have no Antonio and no money, Bamford gives you option of straight swap next week

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

      Same situation here. Leaning Bamford atm

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

      I went Bamford. More direct goal threat.

  4. Ask Yourself
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Start Veltman (LEI) over Coufal (MUN) right?

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

      I think I’d go Coufal. Don't see a clean in either. I think Coufal more likely to get an attacking return.

      1. Ask Yourself
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Without Antonio I don’t see anyone for Coufal to aim an attacking return at

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

      I would, yes.

      1. Ask Yourself
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks for confirming my bias

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

      I will start Coufal. When you have a 5.0 defender he need to play. And Coufal can do an assist against any team.

      1. Ask Yourself
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        But when he’s a 5m defender playing against the best striker in the league then maybe the cheaper defender against an insanely out of form attack is better

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

          Then I think its better to only get some 4.0 defender in your team like Williams, Duffy and Livramento and use the money somewhere else.

          And by the way Veltman will not have an easy game against Leicester neither. I will personally start Williams over Duffy for this GW.

          1. Ask Yourself
            • 7 Years
            2 years, 6 months ago

            I have livramento too but not wanting to play him vs mci, happy enough with Veltman I like Brighton defence

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

    GTG?

    Meslier
    TAA - Semedo - Williams
    Salah (C) - Raphinha - Benrahma - Gray
    Ronaldo - Lukaku - Bamford

    Gunn - Duffy - Livramento - Bissouma

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

    Lukaku+coady+grey
    or
    Antonio+shaw+jota

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

    I know it's basically a toss-up really, but I'd like to hear your thoughts and reasons: Salah (c) or CR7 (c)?

    1. Goonsquad245
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      It's not close to a toss up

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

        Who you picking and why, if I may?

        1. Goonsquad245
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Mo

          Is better than Ronaldo at a baseline level all else equal (largely because he is a mid)
          Plays a worse team
          Plays at home

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

      Salah for me. I think he scores more points. I think he’s more likely to explode. I like the fixture more. He gets an extra point for a goal if they both score. He gets a clean sheet point if they keep one.

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

        Well, I think Salah it is then. Cheers!

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

    Zoph's team doesn't look too far off mine, good luck all! Sold Shaw and Greenwood for TAA and Doucoure (-4)

    Sanchez
    TAA James Ayling
    Salah(C) Benrahma Sarr Doucoure Sarr
    Ronaldo Lukaku

    Steele Livramento Tsimikas *Antonio 0.1 ITB 0FT

    1. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Selling Greenwood and holding Antonio is bold, GL !

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

        Antonio has a couple of nice fixtures after his suspension.

        1. Ask Yourself
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Sure just a fully rested Greenwood in his form is interesting to pass up, assuming one of your Sarr’s is a Traore or alike you’re looking good x

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

          This right here. Hammers are fine until GW 10. But then....oh boy get away.

    2. Goonsquad245
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Don't think that's his team - just what it would be if he wildcarded and was forced to have Salah/Ronaldo/Lukaku

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

      Second Sarr is Sissoko

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

      too much Sarr for my liking!

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

        Sarry about that

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

      Good luck. Mid a little light though but the power forward should make up for it.

  9. zizoo10
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Pretend it’s GW6, who would u bench?

    A) Torres (che)
    B) Dennis (NEW)
    C) Benrahma (lee)

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

      B

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

      I think C

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

      B

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

    Reply fail…

    A) Toney>Bamford FT
    B) Toney>Bamford, Antonio>Jimenez for a hit

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

      A

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

    At the GW 7/8 fixture change are you getting

    A) 2 Chelsea defenders and 1 Man City defender
    B) Just 2 Chelsea defenders
    C) one of each

    1. Goonsquad245
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Likely James/Cancelo. Maybe Rudiger too for 4 at the back.

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

        Consider Pereira at Leicester - good fixtures and 2A already...

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

      Thinking Lukaku and Grealish

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

      James and Rudiger

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

    G2G? No hits 0FT and 0.5m ITB

    Sanchez
    White TAA Shaw
    Benrahma Salah(c) Bruno Greenwood
    Bamford Ings Jimenez

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

      G2G

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

    Hi dudes,
    I'm sure this has been raised already but do we know why Reece James is price locked?
    He is suspended not injured...?
    (- I could really use that £0.1m...!)

    1. Goonsquad245
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Red to clear in one jump = price locked for a week

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

      I'm pretty sure his price was never locked, but i could be very wrong. I think he just didn't move.

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

    Pep asked for more City fans to come to the Etihad to cheer them on as his players are, and i quote 'tired.' No I'm not making this up.

    1. Toby Lerone
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Tin pot club

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

    Any reason why I shouldnt hit the button?
    Antonio > Bamford for free. If Antonio falls or Bamford rise I'll be priced out.

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

      Can you get both and just bench Antonio this week?

      If you're OK losing Antonio, then sure, do the move.

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

        No, dont like hits.
        I think Im fine losing Antonio, still have WC in pocket too.

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

          im hovering on that exact same move, lets do it together

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

            Oh yes. I think theres many more with us.

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

    A. Greenwood
    B. Grealish

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

      Greeny

    2. MaRooney 5
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Greeny next 2
      Jack long term

  17. MaRooney 5
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Would you WC this:

    Sánchez, x
    TAA, Shaw, Ayling, Veltman, Amartey,
    Salah, Raphinha, Jota, Benrahma, Bissouma
    DCL(!), CR7, Perica(!)?

    3.3m ITB
    Already on -4
    Thanks in advance!

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

      Yes, maybe. You can also ditch Veltman, Amartey, Benrahma. Make sure you bring a CFC defender, and you’re set for gw7+

    2. kempc23
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Maybe. Playing a 4-5-1 with Bissouma and Veltman isnt ideal. Plus you can use up the money you have in the bank and get it on the pitch.

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

    Pick:

    A) Gallagher + Rudiger
    B) Doucoure + James

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

      A for me. But it's tough.

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

      A

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

    Digne and Barnes. Keep or move to Semedo and Pepe for a hit?

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

      Why Pepe?

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

        Very attacking against Norwich and could've easily had 3 assists and a goal. He was superb end of last season and with arsenal fix he's a good differential

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

    Hi All,

    DCL > ?? For free

    A- Bamford
    B- Jiminez

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

      A

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

      A - already firing, good underlying stats, more likely to return twice in a single fixture! The old Jimenez loved a goal but rarely picked up all the bps or a combo!

  21. suddenorgan
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    any love at all for DCL -> Richarlison? Not sure about a Raphinia/Bamford double up with Leeds' form

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

      Been burnt so many times in the past by Richarlison but I don't hate the move. He'll be on penalties now too.

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

    A) Lukaku -> Ronaldo (back in gw7)
    B) Antonio -> Bamford
    C) save and play Williams (and Sarr)

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

      C

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

      B

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

    Just to confirm this is how it works....

    If I am extremely pleased with my side then I am due for a stinker, correct?

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

      Always the way

    2. Toby Lerone
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Yup brace yourself

  24. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Would you play williams or sissoko this week?z

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

      Sissoko

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

      I have the same decision I think and going Sissoko

  25. Christina.
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    This is the weekend the Fab Four blow the template to pieces.

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

      John, Paul, George and Ringo?

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

      Good luck with your Doucoures, Gallaghers and others, you need it 😉

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

      What constitutes an explosion - all achieving double digits?

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

      Fab 4?

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

      They did say they wanted a revolution

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

        What does your mate call it...?
        "upside chasing"..?
        😉

    6. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      All you need is luck

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

        I do love to buck a trend. Last week I took hits to bring in Lukaku and Ronaldo. This week I'm taking a hit and getting rid of Ronaldo. That's not a thing you'll see in many posts.

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

          Good reason why we wouldn't too.

  26. Piggs Boson
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    West Ham XI away v Zagreb:
    Fabianski, Cresswell, Diop, Zouma, Fredericks, Rice, Soucek, Fornals, Lanzini, Vlasic, Antonio

    Coufal, Benrahma, Bowen benched.

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

      that's a keep on Benrahma then

      1. @persecuted_by_mods
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Not if his replacements outperform him

      2. Piggs Boson
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Quite a strong side. I hope Rice and Soucek get 90 to weaken them for Sunday.

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

        love this side.

        excited to see Fredericks get a run, Zouma in.
        Hope the midfield 3 finds some chemistry too.

        I suspect this means it's Bowen up front for Antonio on the weekend and Benrahma in the 10.
        And tat they'll have to do a lot of work. Like their pace on the counter against MU.

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

          Woah, they're going out there to win the match. Could be tired legs v United.

    2. Weilong7
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Sanchez 4.0
      Shaw Digne TAA Sanchez Coufal
      Barnes Greenwood Jota Salah 4.5
      CR7 Antonio 4.5

      Sanchez (Spurs) for Coady or any 4.5 defender?
      Barnes for Gray/Gallagher/Raphinha?

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

        Sanchez to Coady yes
        Barnes to Raphina yes

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

      Best defender under 6, other than from Liverpool?

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

        Have you heard of Chelsea or Manchester City?

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

          Yes. I meant who's the best defender to transfer in under 6, other than TAA?

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

        Probably Chelsea defender

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

        Rudiger (5.5) and James (5.6) from Chelsea are almost risk free and great value. Rudiger is their best cb, and starts almost every game. James is a first choice wingback on the opposite side from Alonso/Chilwell, and will start most games unless he needs rest from fixture congestion.

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

          Thanks a bunch

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

      1 - Gray + Bamford for a -4 play with 11
      2 - Keep Fernandes play with 10

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

        1

    5. Big Ronnie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Even though Barnes has been poor I'm tempted to give him another week. Thoughts on below options? 1 FT and £0 ITB.

      Sanchez
      TAA, Shaw, White, Coufal
      Salah, Greenwood, Torres, Benrahma, Barnes
      Ronaldo

      Steele, Tsimikas, Richardson, Antonio*

      A) Barnes to Raphinha
      B) Coufal to Semedo
      C) Both for A & B for (-4)
      D) Coufal & Benrahma to Marcal & Raphinha (-4)
      E) Save

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

        B