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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. JoeSoap
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    A. Antonio>Bamford
    B. Bruno/Antonio>Ronaldo & Torres/Gray/Other
    C. Bruno/Toney/Antonio>Ronaldo/Bamford & Gray/Torres/Other (-4)
    D. Other (1.9m to spend)

    Sanchez
    Shaw, Coufal, TAA, Ayling
    Salah, Bruno, Benrahma, Raphina
    Jimmy, Toney
    Foster, Bissouma, Tsim, Antonio

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

      Sanchez
      Shaw, TAA, Tierney
      Mount, Jota, Torres, Gray, Sissoko
      Ronaldo, Lukaku

      Bench Foster, Williams, Livra, Antonio
      1 FT, 1.8 ITB. Save transfer or any suggestions?

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

        Why would you get rid of Antonio? Would do D) Toney to Bamford

  2. OLLY G
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Would you buy James or Alonso?

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

      James, more secure of starts with Chilly lurking on the left

    2. pundit of punts
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Probably getting both in on GW 7 WC

      1. OneArseneWenger32
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        ballzy!

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

      James

    4. Over Midwicket
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      James. Chilwell is back.

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

      Good luck figuring out the alonso/chilwell situation! I blew a couple transfers already trying to guess when Chilwell starts... But looks to me like Alonso might be 1st choice now.
      I also have James & feel he'll be a season-long hold alongside TAA

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

      James easily. After City game. One of the easier transfers I'll ever make.

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

    Repost, bottom of previous page.

    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. Khark
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      B

  4. No_Mo_Salah?
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Afternoon... 1 ft and debating:

    A. Sarr
    B. Doucoure/ Gray
    C. Toney to Pukki and getting Raphina.

    Thoughts?

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

      All are good options.. with their own caveats..

      A. Sarr is good but WAT is not
      B. not sure how EVE will do without DCL
      C. Pukki is not proven imo..

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

    On a WC

    A. Marcal & Greenwood, 0ITB
    B. Semedo & Gray, $1.7 ITB to load up on Chelsea GW7

    1. No_Mo_Salah?
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Ha fair points - thanks. doesn't make the decision any easier...

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

    Pretty simple question - who do you think scores more the next 2x GWs.

    Lukaku - tot, MCI
    Bruno - whu, AVL

    I have Bruno now and will definitely have Lukaku from gw7 onwards - the question is if I do the move now, or if I wait till gw7. (no hits needed)

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

      seems bruno will score more

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

        I would wait

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

      Bruno

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

      cheers both.
      that's my feeling at the moment too.

      can do a couple of marginal improvements in the meantime.

  7. Oggle22
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Sanchez
    TAA Shaw Digne Coufal
    Salah Bruno Jota Raphina
    Jiminez Antonio

    Steele Amerty Brownhill Obafemi

    Just Antonio to Bamford can't keep Antonio or above transfer and a -4 Amerty to a 5m defender and bench Coufal?

    Cheers

  8. Scholes Out For Summer
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    I think I’m going to pull the trigger on DCL + Antonio —> Jesus + ASM (-4)

    Jesus can turn into lukaku to go along Ronaldo in GW7 with a downgrade of Jota

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

      Don't like it.

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

    Would you do:
    Dier+Antonio+Toney >> Livra+Lukaku+Bamford (-8)?

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

      Depends on team, personally would not get rid of Antonio, great pick as long as he stays fit

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

      No

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

        Dier and Toney are basically deadwoods to me now.. so get rid of them seem a good move

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

    @FFScout restricted by Twitter. Wut?

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

    Play one:
    A) Sissoko vs Norwich(A)
    B) Williams vs Watford(H)

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

      probably A

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

      A

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

    Anyone else think Jesus a good pick this week? Better than Ron of Lukaku?

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

      Nope

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

      This week yeah, but after that I think he suffers from KDB's return.

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

        How would he suffer from KDB returning?

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

          Was explained in an article today about Pep's tactical remarks

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

      No

  13. Yankee Toffee
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Any issues? RMWCT. Went Pogs over Greenwood or Jota for nailed-on-ness.

    Guaita
    TAA Alonso Duffy
    Salah Pogba Gray Raph Gallagher
    Lukaku Ronaldo

    Steele Livra Omobamidele Archer

    0.0itb

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

      I like the Pogba pick.

      GL!

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

      I just dont like the three premium set up. Downgrade one of Luk/Ron to say Bamford, and you can upgrade 4 or 5 players!

    3. Corkyote FFS CWC Champion 2…
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      As good as I’ve seen with 3 premium, good work

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

      I would have five players from that in my WC team and two of them are on the bench.

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

      Gallagher & Guaita tough fixtures!

      Alonso, Chilwell says Hi!

      Don't see the upside in pogba over greenwood tbh - both dead end with fixtures soon anyway!

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

      You can't have them all, ..so ..good luck!

    7. Yankee Toffee
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Thanks for the comments everyone. GL this week!

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

    From GW7 ➡

    A. Havertz
    B. Grealish
    C. Pepe
    D. Another max 8.4m midfield

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

      Pogba?

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

      GW7 is 3 weeks away, isn't it?

  15. 2EyedTurk
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Pretty set on this WC now

    Schmeichel
    TAA Alonso Semedo
    Salah Greenwood Raphinia Saka
    Lukaku Bamford Richarlison

    Ward Sissoko Williams Liv
    0.8ITB

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

      I like the Richarlison pick. Good team. Not sure of Saka though.

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

        I think Arsenal will pick up soon, and he seems pretty safe of his place. Could switch him to Gray maybe, and change Rich??

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

      Will Greenwood keep his place?

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

        He looks on form so worth the risk I think. Could easily switch to Grealish maybe in a couple of weeks

    3. luk46
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      would rather have Jimenez and Gray instead

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

        Does Jiminez look sharp? Not sure of the Wolves attack to be honest

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

    By the way, whatever happened to Fudgy? The guy that would always comment that his season was over?

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

      Fudgy second account spotted

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

      are you making top 1k this season?

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

        Wanting to beat my last season's OR. Higher up than I was last season before gw5 so looking good so far.

    3. Yankee Toffee
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Guess he meant it.

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

      What happended to IRBOX if I got the name correct.

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

        Haha, him too.

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

        He was the absolute worst

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

        He was banned for calling Let's Talk Andy names

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

      Disappeared after his stupid comments while Eriksen was being treated at the Euros. Hopefully gone for good.

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

        I see

    6. Alton E.
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      What about that Forza guy who trolled people here years ago. He had Mandzukic in he's avatar. Who remembers?

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

        I don't remember him.

    7. The Mandalorian
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      The user called Hazz made multiple complaints about Fudgy and I believe his account was subsequently banned.
      I think I saw him on Twitter with a few others that have left here.

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

        What about the one with Negredo's(in Middlesbrough) shirt avatar?

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

    Hope fabianski starting even the Europa league surely means we will start areola in the league now or is moyes just trying to injure flappy to have an excuse to drop him

    1. luk46
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      has he been that bad?

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

    My team is now locked in for the weekend. Just pulled the trigger on Antonio - Bamford.

    Antonio away at Leeds next week will punish me I think, but out of the next 10gameweeks I fancy Bamford to outscore Antonio. Especially with the European fixtures starting up. Good luck for the game week everyone!

    1. CRO KLOPP
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Gl to you too

  19. CRO KLOPP
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    0 ft,0.9 itb already used my ft,WC available

    Sanchez
    TAA Shaw White Ayling
    Salah(c)Greenwood Benhrama Sarr
    Ronaldo Bamford
    (4.0 Brownhill Tsimikas Antonio)

    Gtg or
    A) Benhrama to Raphinha(-4)
    B) Tsimikas to Semedo(-4)

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

      Are you not tempted to start Tsimikas?

      1. CRO KLOPP
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        You think he starts? Bench who?

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

          Tsimikas ?

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

          I think he might start……and if he doesn’t he’s probably not coming on…..

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

    A. Bruno + Toney > Raphina + Ronaldo
    B. Mbeumo + Tsimikas > Raphina + Semedo and play 442
    C. Any other suggestion, including for a hit or two

    Current team:
    Sanchez / (Foster)
    TAA / Coufal / Veltmen / (Dier) / (Tsimikas)
    Salah / Bruno / Greenwood / Mbeumo / Allan
    Ings / Toney / (Antonio)

    2FT, 1.9ITB

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

      I like B

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

      I did A

  21. Eastman
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Ings / Bruno >
    Ronaldo / Grealish -4

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

      Ings 6 goals in 12 vs Everton, 7 in 13 after this weekend

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

    Anything worth a hit? 0.3 ITB

    Sanchez
    TAA Shaw Tsimikas
    Salah(c) GWood Torres Benrahma Gilmour
    Ronaldo Bamford

    Ayling Livramento Antonio Steele

  23. Corkyote FFS CWC Champion 2…
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Anyone think they have a good answer to how to fit in Ron, Rom and Mo? My current effort:

    Bachmann
    TAA Rudiger Shaw
    Salah Gray Saka Gallagher
    Armstrong Lukaku Ronaldo

    Foster White Livramento Gilmour

    1. Corkyote FFS CWC Champion 2…
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Midfield or defence suffers with all three of them

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

      Sa
      Taa shaw tierney Duffy
      Salah Greenwood raph gray
      Lukaku Ronaldo

      4.0 williams Allan 4.5

      Shaw to Reece in 7

      1. Corkyote FFS CWC Champion 2…
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Yeah looks good

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

    Looking at this from GW7:

    Sanchez | 4.0
    TAA CHE Tierney Marcal | Duffy
    Salah Raph Gray | 4.5 4.5
    CR7 Lukaku Jim

    Jota and Antonio are currently in for Lukaku + 4.5 mid. I see 4-3-3 working out long-term with some timely defensive transfers

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

      Just saw this while searching for something else. The only thing changing in this plan now is that I'd probably lose Jim and keep Antonio 🙂

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

    Thinking of

    this week - Ayling > Semedo
    gw7 - Shaw > Chelsea defender (up to 6.0)

    I could go straight to James/Rudiger this week - but that seems a little premature with their fixtures.

  26. Nath1210
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Sanchez
    Cancelo, TAA, Marcelo
    Sarr, Gray, Benrahma, Traore, Salah
    Ronaldo, Bamford

    Foster, Williams, Livra, Antonio

    Gonna bring Lukaku in from GW6 onwards

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

    What do you guys think? Currently on Wildcard!!!

    Sanchez (Steele)
    Semedo, TAA, James, White (Livramento)
    Salah, Raphinha, Traore, Gray (Gallagher)
    Lukaku, CR7 (Scarlett)

    1. Pep's Money Laundry
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Nice

    2. Yankee Toffee
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Traore not good in FPL. Only 2 goals last season

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

      Sarr over Traore

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

    True story, I had an actual dream that Jimenez hauled this weekend. Now I feel like I should captain.

    So nervous right now about what to do.

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

    Benrahma on the bench.

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

      Dial up

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

        Alarm on snooze!

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

    A) DCL -> Bamford, play Gilmour
    B) DCL, Tsimikas -> Jimi, Semedo -4, bench Gilmour for Semedo

    1. CRO KLOPP
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I like B tbh

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

        FWIW, A is for -4 so B is -8 but effectively -4 comparing the two

        1. CRO KLOPP
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          -8 is too much in my book,I would play Gilmour

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

            yeah I think it might be, thx