Members

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. HollywoodXI
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    GTG for this week. FT made - DCL to Bamford.

    Raya
    Trent Shaw Christiansen Duffy
    Salah(c) Jota Raphinha Benrahma
    Ronaldo(vc) Bamford

    Gunn Gilmour Livramento Antonio

  2. caldracula
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    What to do with Ben? Was going to lose him next week for Gallagher but might just do it tonight.

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

      Gallagher playing LFC over the weekend. You may want to wait?

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

        But then Ben has a nice couple of fixtures and I might not want to make the move when I really do want rid! Also, don’t think he’s nailed.

        1. AC/DC AFC
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          He's not nailed but it's a tricky time to switch.

          See how he does over the next 40 mins.

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

    WC this week

    Anyone like this?

    Sa, Carson (4.0)
    TAA, James, Rudiger, Marcal, Liv
    Jota, Torres, Gray, Raphina, Bissouma
    Ronaldo, Lukaku, Bamford

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

      Lose Bambi, get Salah

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

      I like it. 3-4-3 with Marcal on the bench i assume?

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

        Yes 3-4-3

        Not this week. Marcal in, Rudiger first on the bench. I'm concerned Tott will get a goal. Wolves at home to Brentford.

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

          I'm sorry if you have Rudiger you have to start him. Spurs are crap atm. Maybe they score but I'm confidently starting Rudiger myself. Think about how Spurs looked vs Palace, then imagine them trying to attack Chelsea. I'm willing to risk a moment of brilliance from Kane or Son. Rudiger should always be started imo.

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

            Thank you. I appreciate you taking the time to write that for me.

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

              You're very welcome, good luck! Maybe Rudiger heads one in from a corner and we're laughing! Cheers.

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

                Thank you. All the best to you too. Yes wouldn't that be something? 🙂

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

    Has anyone ever won one of the weekly or monthly prizes on fantasy football on here?

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

    Rice scores

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Over did his celebrations for the locals liking!

  6. AC/DC AFC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Is that Benrahma coming on?

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

      Watching live comentary, yes it is.

  7. Bruno Commando
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Should I...

    A) Obafemi > Dennis to take advantage of his good fixture and WC GW7
    B) Tsimikas > Livramento, and then do Shaw + Antonio > Omo + Lukaku for GW7

    GW5 team:
    Sanchez
    TAA Ayling White Shaw*
    Salah Greenwood Raphinha Traore Benrahma
    CR7

    Steele // Tsimikas* // Antonio* // Obafemi*

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

    Rice with a beastly run. Ok, Antonio off now please and thank you.

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

    Isn't Dinamo Zagreb a better team than Young Boys 🙂

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

    Ben to raph -4?

    1. OPTA FPL
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Good move

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

      why for a hit?

  11. OPTA FPL
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Moyes win europa this season, may give it a bet

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

    So there's a youtube fpl content creator, who actually seems like a really decent guy so its nothing against him personally, but, he's taken a -4 to take out antonio to bring in ings for one week to bring antonio back in next week even though he has williams and gilmour on his bench

    smh

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

      Not that big of a deal IMO

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

        Maybe not to be fair maybe its me being slightly harsh, just think the 0.2 you'll be losing on Antonio for a -4 just for one week is a bit of a weird play to make

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

          No it definitely is. But I would rather start Ings over either of those two Norwich options. I had both and did Antonio>Bamford partly because I didn't want to start either of them.

          Might be a sign I need a stronger a bench. Haha

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

            Antonio - Bamford makes perfect sense though because Leeds have real nice fixtures. Antonio - Ings, when Antonio has leeds next week and aston villa have manchester united i just can't get my head around. It's all very well saying you're gonna bring someone back but you could get X amount of injuries this week. In the Antonio - Bamford case, even if it was for one week, if you had other stuff come up it wouldn't be the end of the world keeping Bamford.

            I do think though, players from your bench, no matter who you pick to stick on it you should be willing to field at least once in extreme circumstances. I don't think Williams at home to Watford is a bad fixture to field him this week at all.

            So many different plays to make, so many different opinions. Fantasy this year, has potential to be the best and most diverse in a long time. Template well and truly smashed to bits.

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

              Extremely well said. Cheers

    2. fclackless [Brazil Nuts]
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Being a 'nice guy' doesn't necessarily equate to being an elite fpl manager. Look at Az :p

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

        Haha, i really hope he reads this!

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

        *chuckle* 😀

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

    Celtic bleeding badly

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

    Holy crap! Celtic was up by 2 and have now conceded 4 vs Real Betis! Oof.

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

    With Dennis, Gallagher (and Livra) on the wc bench is it too pricey?

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

      No

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

    does not feel like Europa without Arsenal.

    1. OPTA FPL
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Lol

    2. syke63
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Enjoying my Thursday's nights off, ty.

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

      Ouch. Right in my heart, that one.

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

    GTG for this week? FT made - DCL to Bamford.

    Raya
    Trent Shaw Christiansen Duffy
    Salah(c) Jota Raphinha Benrahma
    Ronaldo(vc) Bamford

    Gunn Gilmour Livramento Antonio

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

    Tottenham Hotspur.

  19. dark91
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Were Bergwijn and Moura subbed off due to injury?

  20. OPTA FPL
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Why is Nuno playing a strong team

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

    Antonio and Benrahma
    to
    Bamford and Raphinha -4?

    Thanks.

    1. School of Poch
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I'm just considering keeping Benrahma over Raph on a WC, think he still looks lively and Antonio still in scoring form. Maybe one of those moves for free but not both would be a better option

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

    Please take Antonio off now, Moyes. Please? I'll send you a biscuit if you do.

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

      hes off

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

    On WC

    A) Sarr, Pukki, White (Rotating with Liv, Marcal,Omdele)

    B) Gray, Dennis, Shaw (Playing every week)

    Cheers

  24. Mini League Fatigue
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    I probably could have written this article given my WC squad … thoughts ?

    Sanchez (Steer)
    TAA, Marcal, White, (Ayling, Williams)
    Salah, Torres, Townsend, Raphina, Podence
    Lukaku, CR7 (Dennis)

    0.2m ITB

    Can bring in Gallagher after the Liv game

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

    What to do with this mess:

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

    3.3m ITB
    Already on -4
    Thanks in advance!

  26. BMiller415
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Wildcarding this week and was trying to squeeze Rom, Ron, Salah and TAA onto the same team. However, I really disliked the budget midfielders and defenders after trying dozens of combos. Now I am thinking of the below team and would appreciate thoughts.

    GK: Sanchez, Steele
    D: TAA, Semedo, Tierney
    M: Salah (C), Jota, Raphinha, Gray, Torres
    F: Ronaldo, Bamford

    Bench: Reece James (saving for GW 7), Livramento (looking at week 9 and beyond fixtures), Scarlett (4.5 filler)

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


    Ayling, Duffy, Coady
    Bissouma, Gilmour, Salah, Bruno, Benrahma
    Bamford, Ronaldo

    Sánchez, Livramento, Dier, António

    I'm going to sell DCL for Bamford, is it worth it to sell Dier for Marçal (-4) and switch on 11 for Duffy?

  28. Tricky90
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Had a rethink and looking to pull the trigger on this WC

    Sanchez
    TAA, James,Cancelo, Semedo
    Salah (C), Torres, Gray
    Ron,Bamford,Jim

    Steer, Liv, Gallagher, sissoko
    0.2 ITB
    Torres could be Jota and downgrade cancelo but I do want some Man City cover albeit a risk.

    Thoughts please, thanks