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Should FPL managers buy Leeds United players ahead of Gameweek 5?

The FFS Pro Pundits 11

Leeds United have a favourable run of fixtures coming up, starting in Gameweek 5. Last season, this would mean a double or even triple-up on their Fantasy Premier League (FPL) assets. However, the early-season results have left many wondering if this is wise.

In this article, I’ll cast an eye over Leeds United so far in 2021/22, how this compares to the previous campaign and how we could expect the Whites to line up in the coming weeks, all within a Fantasy context.

But first, let’s just get this out of the way: Patrick Bamford (£7.9m) has been confirmed fit by Marcelo Bielsa!

2020/2021 vs 2021/2022

The new season is young, so rather than trying to draw firm conclusions from the data, we should instead look for trends. For example, signs of continuation or deviation from last season’s numbers.

Expected Goals Conceded

In 2020/21 (the first table above), Leeds were ranked fifth-worst for expected goals conceded (xGC) in the league with 58.71 (61.4 minutes per xGC). They managed to overperform this by just over four and a half goals across the season.

However, in the final 12 matches of 2020/21, the overperformance was more pronounced. Leeds conceded 10 goals from an xGC of 17.35 (65.8 mins/xGC). That is an overperformance of 7.35, which is comfortably the highest in the league over that period.

In 2021/22 (second table, above), Leeds have an xGC of 8.94, which is 42.7 mins/xGC. As we can see, all three clubs listed have a poorer mins/xGC than any club did in 2020/21, which suggests this is going to be heavily influenced by luck and the fixtures over the opening few matches. However, we can perhaps identify trends and a hierarchy.

Bielsa’s side have conceded two more goals than expected so far, but with only four matches played and Manchester United scoring five from an xG of only 1.47, we should not read too much into this.

Overall, it looks like the Whites have very much picked up where they left off. The accelerated rate of xGC from the end of the 2020/21 season has continued into 2021/22 and, despite the relatively tough opening fixtures, does not necessarily show any signs of reversing.

Expected Goals

In 2020/21 (first table, above), Leeds were the sixth-best side for expected goals (xG) in the league, with 56.36 (or 64 minutes per expected goal), overperforming this by roughly five and a half goals.

So far in 2021/22 (second table, above), this has dropped to 93.6 mins/xG (4.08 xG), which is the seventh-worst tally in the league. Leeds have performed exactly to the expected numbers, with four goals: Luke Ayling’s (£4.5m) wonder strike against Manchester United being balanced out by some poor misses, such as Rodrigo (£6.5m) spurning a roughly 0.3 xG (qualifying it as a big chance) shot against Liverpool.

This is a small sample and the fixtures have been relatively unkind – three of the four opponents finished last season in the top half for xGC – but the trend is not promising. Unlike the defensive numbers, the attacking numbers have flipped, going from amongst the best in the league in 20/21 to amongst the worst in 21/22. For a firm conclusion we need more data, but combining this with observations of Leeds’ performances could indicate if something has, or needs to, change for the goals to flow. That may of course simply be the fixtures, which Leeds have. 

Assessing Leeds’ Performances

Assessing Leeds United's FPL players ahead of Gameweek 5

The data suggests a continuation of the poor defence but a reversal in attack. Is this reinforced by what we have seen on the pitch? Can we identify reasons for this? Or is it just variance/fixtures?

The main concern for many Leeds fans like myself is the continued use of Rodrigo (£6.3) in the middle. Despite indications from his time at Valencia that he may well suit this role, the reality has been a harsh contrast.

Offensively, Rodrigo offers roughly what would be expected: chance creation and shots. Although even this could be improved, with several of his passes into Patrick Bamford (£7.9m) and others notably over-cooked or under-hit in recent weeks and his shot volume dropping from 3.08 per 90 (1.94 in the box) to 0.55 per 90 (all in the box) from last season to this.

In terms of involvement, Rodrigo has had 21.08 touches per 90 in the opponent’s half, down from 34.2 last season. Leeds’ touches in the opponent’s half have also dropped slightly, from 281.6 to 256.75 per 90, but Rodrigo’s drop-off has been far sharper, showing the proportionally lesser role he has played so far (12% of team touches to 8%).

The main issue however is not the Spaniard’s attacking contributions, which could be excused given opponents, but his neglection of defensive responsibilities. As an advanced ‘8’ in the 4-1-4-1, as opposed to a more traditional ‘10’ in a 4-2-3-1, he is required to form part of a midfield press and, like all players under Bielsa, has a specific marking job to perform.

Typically, Rodrigo is tasked with marking one of the opposition’s midfielders, whilst Bamford is left to cover both centre backs. This imbalance frees one of our own centre-backs from the strict person-to-person marking system, allowing them to pick up runners, and is the essence of why Bielsa switches from four at the back to three at the back depending on the number of opposition strikers, always covering them both whilst leaving a centre-back free.

This means that one opposition centre-half is always available to carry the ball into our midfield, either striding forwards themselves or offloading to a midfielder who can do the same. Leeds need to rotate marking duties during this phase or cut off the centre-back’s options to prevent it from becoming an issue. This is where we have failed, allowing players like Scott McTominay (£5.4m) to look world class once per season.

Whilst this is not all Rodrigo’s fault, teams regularly targeted Alioski last season, he is the main culprit. The Spaniard does not press backwards as keenly as he presses forwards and regularly leaves us overexposed in the midfield. The solution to this last season was for Bielsa to play Stuart Dallas (£5.4m) at CM and have him perform more of a zonal marking role, either picking up the free centre back as they strode forwards in possession or covering the midfielder that was likely to receive the ball from them.

Salah on target as Liverpool assets prosper at Leeds 6

However, Dallas no longer appears to be doing this. In the matches we have seen so far, he is man-marking like the rest of the team. This was especially evident in the first half of the Liverpool match, where Joel Matip (£5.0m) amassed 77 touches, which is second behind only Andrew Robertson (£7.0m) for Liverpool that day, beating even Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.5m). 22 of these touches were in the opponent’s half, which is double that of Virgil van Dijk (£6.5m). This is despite Bielsa moving to resolve this issue in the second half.

If Dallas is no longer performing this job in midfield, I would argue he should not be playing there at all. He offers much less in possession than a player like Mateusz Klich (£5.5m), with his touch, awareness and passing falling short of what is required. Whilst his performances last season, especially those of a Fantasy-relevant nature, will never be forgotten, he is not a natural central midfielder and the starkness of this becomes painfully apparent when he is on the same pitch as a master operator like Thiago (£5.4m).

Ultimately, Leeds failed to sign the ‘8’ we needed over the summer. With neither Rodrigo nor Dallas entirely suited to the roles they are playing and Klich seemingly third in line, we are left with a midfield of effectively just Kalvin Phillips (£4.9m). There is hope in Adam Forshaw (£4.5m), but he has been injured for over a year and is without consistent top-flight minutes for even longer.

All of this perhaps explains why Leeds have veered away from the more possession-orientated game we were known for at the start of last season, becoming much more transitional in nature. We often now bypass the middle of the pitch entirely, looking to win the ball quickly and immediately turn it over to Raphinha (£6.5m), who has almost all the creative responsibilities in the side, or Bamford via long balls. A simple but impactful example of this is the fact that in the recent match against Liverpool, Leeds had 44% possession. In the same fixture last season, Leeds had 61%.

Leeds have also relaxed the extremely high press into something more middling, albeit with similar intensity. This may be a result of the midfield issues or an (unsuccessful) attempt to improve our defence.

This combined with the fact that we are now a known quantity – last season, despite all the analysis professional teams do, we still seemed to catch many by surprise, something that can still be seen in the first 15 minutes of matches this season before sides adjust to us – results in our threat diminishing.

The hope is that against poorer sides we can dominate, with Rodrigo’s deficiencies less easily exposed and the likes of him, Raphinha, Jack Harrison (£5.9m) and Bamford able to display their Fantasy potential.

It is worth noting that, last season, Rodrigo was considerably more effective against the weaker sides and that overall Leeds have very much tended to lose to sides better than them and win against sides poorer than them, sometimes dramatically.

How Leeds Are Likely to Line Up

Looking ahead, how do we expect Leeds to line up and what will that mean for our Fantasy assets?

4-1-4-1

This is the Leeds shape we are all most familiar with. The personnel selected here are what I believe to be Bielsa’s current favoured team rather than my own preference. Naturally, if you are reading this article in a few weeks’ time, this may well have changed. More often than not, the 4-1-4-1 is how Leeds will line up.

The main thing to highlight here is that Rodrigo plays as an ‘8’ not a ‘10’, as is often reported. Although, with Rodrigo pushing further forwards it can resemble a 4-2-3-1 at times, with a double pivot of Dallas and Phillips. In the past, it reflected more of a 4-3-3, with three central players, one more advanced one more withdrawn, and two wingers.

Raphinha is the main creator, with Ayling asked to build up down the right. It is worth noting that we have struggled more on the left this season, although Firpo has done a solid enough job in both the defensive and build-up phases. We were, for example, unable to take advantage of the space that Alexander-Arnold left exposed behind him this past weekend, something Harrison was able to exploit in prior meetings.

I would personally like to see Klich start, but Bielsa seems determined to make Dallas and Rodrigo work. That is despite him substituting the former Valencia man out in every match he has started this season, twice at half-time.

3-3-1-3

The 3-3-1-3 is rolled out against teams that play two up front, although there are some rare exceptions to that. Very often, Bielsa will use the exact same players as the 4-1-4-1 here to allow a seamless switch between the two shapes mid-match. Klich may displace Rodrigo, as he did against Everton.

In this shape, the RCB is tasked with progressing the ball whilst the RWB will often invert. In addition to the formational flexibility, this is another reason why Ayling tends to play the RCB role. Although, against Burnley, he did line up at RWB with Llorente the progressor at RCB and Dallas at LWB due to an absent Junior Firpo (£4.8m). This was reverted to the norm by Bielsa when Shackleton came on for Llorente at 65 minutes, however.

3-5-2

The 3-5-2 is one of those rare exceptions to the 3-3-1-3. This has been employed against teams that play three or five at the back themselves. Depending on how Newcastle line up, and namely the number of strikers they field (Bruce has indicated Callum Wilson (£7.4m) is unavailable), this could be what we see on Friday night. We could also line up in a 4-4-2 version of the 4-1-4-1, which is something we have seen occasionally in the past under these circumstances. As discussed earlier, the goal is to have two players pressing the three opposition centre backs to maintain the integrity of the marking system across the pitch.

I have not filled in the personnel here as, frankly, it would be a guess. I will however cover what I believe to be the most likely permutations for each position below.

CF – Bamford

SS – Rodrigo, Raphinha, Harrison

CM – Rodrigo, Raphinha, Klich

CM – Dallas, Klich

DM – Phillips, Klich

LWB – Firpo, Harrison

RWB – Dallas, Shackleton

CB – Ayling, Cooper, Cresswell, Firpo, Phillips

GK – Meslier

Diego Llorente and Robin Koch have been confirmed unavailable by Bielsa, while Pascal Struik is suspended. Cresswell could be in line to make his senior debut at centre-back if we go with three at the back.

This is one of the only occasions that Raphinha could play centrally, be it off Bamford or in the second CM slot. However, with how this formation operates, do not expect that to mean he is playing a traditional ‘10’ role. He is still likely to occupy the space on the right, especially if Dallas is the inverted RWB.

Looking at the fixture calendar, and assuming no tactical surprises, I would expect the following formations against our upcoming opponents:

West Ham (home) – 4-1-4-1

Watford (home) – 4-1-4-1

Southampton (away) – 3-3-1-3

Wolves (home) – 4-1-4-1/3-5-2

Norwich (away) – 4-1-4-1 

So, Should We Pick Leeds Players?

1,699 Comments Post a Comment
  1. _Ninja_
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Which is the better WC team?

    A
    Sanchez
    TAA James Tierney Semedo
    Salah Raphinha Torres Gray
    Ronaldo Lukaku

    Steele Livramento Sissoko Locadia

    B
    Sanchez
    TAA James Tierney Semedo
    Salah Torres Jota Gray
    Lukaku Bamford

    Steele Sissoko Livramento *Antonio*

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

      or...
      A. Ronaldo Raph Locadia(bench)
      B. Bamford Antonio Jota

    2. iL PiStOlErO
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Tough but B

  2. Freddiemac123
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Tmisikis to Marcal or Antonio to Bamford or someone similar?

    1. iL PiStOlErO
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Tsimi to Marcal and bench Antonio

      1. waldo666
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        This.

    2. Hinchcliffe Thumper
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Tsim out.

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

    Dier to any playing defender (up to 6.3) for a hit?

    Only got TAA and Coufal playing this week

    Bench: Amartey Tsimikas

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

        Thanks. The thing is facing Chelsea is not really the ideal game anyway

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

          It may also not go well getting in a Chelsea or City defender now as they face each other GW6, City have LFC GW7.

          Unless you want to punt a Wolves or Arsenal def or get someone like Matip or VVD for GW5.

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

            Sorry VVD too expensive.

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

            That's exactly why I am not really sold on anyone. A 1 week punt is not worth it for a hit and I am eyeing WC in GW 7 anyway.
            But thanks for your help 🙂

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

          There is also Cresswell. May concede vs UTD but could very well get an attacking return. UTD only one clean sheet so far.

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

            Already got Coufal. I was looking at either Semedo or Cancelo as options

            If I knew Cancelo will start I would have brought him in 100%

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

        Niiiiice can't wait for son to come back. Hopefully he can throw a spanner in the three premiums

  4. iL PiStOlErO
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Sanchez Steele
    TAA Shaw Coufal White Livra
    Salah Bruno Mahrez Maddison Bisso
    Antonio Ings Scarlett

    0itb, 2ft

    I am torn here and appreciate help. Choose one, all for -4:

    A) Bruno+Maddison+Ings to Pogba+Raph+Kaku

    B) Bruno+Maddison+Ings to Jota+Raph+CR7

    C) Mahrez+Maddison+Ings to some 4.5mid+Torres+Kaku

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

      B

  5. okan58
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    My Team.

    2 FT:
    Bank: 1.3

    Sanchez
    Shaw - Coufal - Digne
    Salah - Raphinha - Bruno - Grealish
    Toney - Antonio - Ings
    Subs: Foster, Bissouma, White and Amartey.

    -> I would like to install Lukaku. Bruno and Antonio out for Pogba and Lukaku, would you do it? Or do you have other suggestions..

    1. iL PiStOlErO
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Looking this at one of the options above. But would rather sell Ings and bench Antonio. Think he could have season of his life

    2. Hinchcliffe Thumper
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I'd just bech Antonio. But you will want Lukaku/Ronaldo or both eventually.

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

    Please can you clarify this for me.

    If my team value is exactly £100 mln and l sell Antonio for a profit of 0.2 will my team net value now be £102.00 and therefore will l be able to buy a midfielder that is 0.2 higher than l had b4.

    I realise some might thk this is a stupid question, but I’d just like someone to clarify pl.

    1. Hinchcliffe Thumper
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Your team value will be 100,2, not 102.

    2. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      if your current team value is 100 and your sell value of Antonio is .2 lower that his current value but .2 higher than you paid for him, your team value will be 99.8 if you sell him

      I think 🙂

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

      Try this. Go to your transfers page, remove all your players and you will see how much you can spend.

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

        Thx Foo Fighter that really helped.

        My money l have to spend on my team is = 100.3

        I made a profit of 0.1 on Greenwood
        And a profit of 0.2 on Antonio

        Think I’m getting confused between what l have to spend on my team and current squad value.

        My current squad value is 101.4.

        This will rise at 2:30 am to 101.7, because x3 of my player are going up in price ( SANCHEZ, DUFFY & TAA)

        Is this correct.

    4. Bennerman
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      There are some things to clarify in what you say before it can be decided definitively.

      If it truly is 'profit' of 0.2 on Antonio, eg you bought him for 7.5 and sold him for 7.9 or 8, you have indeed profited by 0.2 and can sell for 7.7 (a profit of o.2).

      But if Antonio just 'rose' by 0.2 then that means you only made 0.1, in which case you couldn't make that change.

      Because the way they work it, you only get 0.1 of 'profit' for each 0.2 you rise between buying someone and selling them.

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

        Yes I bought Antonio at the very beginning for 7.5 and he’s now 7.9 = so yes that is 0.2 ( A rise of every 0.2 increase is a 0.1 profit)

        And I bought Greenwood at the very beginning for 7.5 and he is now 7.7= a 0.1 profit

        Overall 100.3 to spend on my team.

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

        Thx for clifying...you’re a

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

    Is Veltman (LEI) [have Sanchez GK] >> Semedo (BRE) worth -4 ?

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

    Bamford or Jimenez? I already have Raphinha.

    1. FF Dirtbag
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I personally wouldn't over commit to Leeds.

      1. baines is god
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        disagree-leeds are proven goalscorers in this league now

        1. FF Dirtbag
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Last season yeah. Just don't over commit until you see evidence of more goals going in.

          1. Kun Tozser
            • 8 Years
            2 years, 6 months ago

            Can say the same about Wolves, more so Jiminez after the injury

      2. Hinchcliffe Thumper
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        This

    2. iL PiStOlErO
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Jimmy

    3. jia you
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Bamford, doubt still over Jimenez confidence

  9. FF Dirtbag
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Hows the WC look? Like everyone else's?

    Sanchez steele
    TAA James Marcal Livra Williams
    Salah Greenwood Jota Gray Sissoko
    Antonio Bamford Ronaldo

    0.1mill left in the bank.

    1. baines is god
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      why sanchez over ramsdale?

      1. Hinchcliffe Thumper
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Is he nailed?

    2. FF Dirtbag
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Because Brighton are better than arsenal

  10. jia you
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Locked & Loaded, GTG?
    GL for the GW all...

    Meslier
    Trent Cancelo James Shaw
    Greenwood Raphina Sarr
    Lukaku(C) Ronaldo Bamford
    (Gunn Ben Livramento Biss)
    0.2
    First hit of the season:
    Kane + Antonio to Ronaldo + Bamford

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

      Wow. A thing of beauty.

      Well until you mention the name Salah

      1. jia you
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers & yup not for everyone with No Salah for sure but I'm committed to that so onwards and hopefully upwards 😉

    2. Wally711
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I would re-think the no salah thing.

      1. jia you
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        yawn

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

          He’s got a point though.. such an unnecessary risk betting against Salah and his effective ownership likely to be a huge 180% this gameweek

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

            Boom

      2. Hotdogs for Tea
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        he is in a league where you are not allowed Salah or Bruno, sounds like a bit of fun to me

    3. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      You are my target Jia!
      Looks scary, but I have a thing or two up my sleeve this week. gl 🙂

      1. jia you
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        haha happy hunting!

  11. ZTF
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Schmeichel
    Coady TAA Ayling [Webster, Livramento]
    Benr Salah(C) Raph Pogba Gilmour
    Lukaku DCL* [Antonio]

    1.1m available. 1 FT.

    A) DCL to Bamford?
    B) Anything else?

    1. Hinchcliffe Thumper
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      A

  12. Lingard’s Shin Guards
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    With Antonio and Dier out, I'll have to count on a McArthur masterclass against Liverpool. Gtg?

    Sanchez
    TAA Shaw Coady
    Salah Jota Raph Sarr McArthur
    Ron Bamford

    Steele Livramento Dier* Antonio* (0ft 0.5m itb)

    1. Hinchcliffe Thumper
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Gtg if no free transfers to get Dier out.

      1. Lingard’s Shin Guards
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Nah no ft's and apparently it's just a bad dead leg for Dier. Need a little bit of money itb for Shaw -> James in a few weeks and no other 4.5's really stand out, especially for a hit.

  13. boroie
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    A - Benrahma & Toney
    B - Townsend & Bamford (-4)
    C - Gray & Jimenez (-4)

    First to 3 votes wins it…

  14. Big boy Bowen
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    So with Spurs injuries Son will have to start at the weekend regardless!

    1. jia you
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Chelsea to win that 3-0 I reckon

    2. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Ugly ugly game.
      1-0 the Chelsk_ Mount goal Luk assist.
      2 Red Cards.

  15. El Copo
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Who do you fancy as a fourth mid, Gray or Gallagher?

    1. Hinchcliffe Thumper
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Gray

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

      Gallagher

    3. rjcv177
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Long term, not worried aproach Gallagher.
      If WC soon or a spot u like to gamble and fixture hunt go Gray now

  16. Bonus magnet
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Not really loving my team but also not sure if I need to WC???

    Sanchez
    TAA Shaw Reguilon
    Salah Bruno Saka Greenwood Bissouma
    Toney Jimenez

    Forster Antonio Livra Tsimi

  17. ball c
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Hows my WC team looking:

    Sanchez - Steer
    TAA - Semedo - Livramento - Williams - Duffy
    Salah - Jota - Torres - Raphina - Sissoko
    Ronaldo - Lukaku - Scarlett

    1. Bonus magnet
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Not feeling it

    2. FF Dirtbag
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      It looks good. But can you trust that defence long term??

      1. Hinchcliffe Thumper
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Depends on what is long term. It is a bit dodgy, but potentially ok for the next 10ish gameweeks.

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

        Just short term.
        Other option is bringing James in for Duffy and Traore in for Torres.

    3. Hinchcliffe Thumper
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I feel it except Scarlett

      1. ball c
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Will be absolute bench fodder.

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

    Apart from Chelsea - any other team that has fixture swing from GW 7 where everyone is talking about WC?

    1. rjcv177
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Im moving salah out on 7 to Lukaku. WC in 8 to grab that City block, plus Chelsea, leeds, Arsenal

    2. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      it’s really a swing from Liverpool & Utd to Chelsea, Leeds and Arsenal

      Sort of reversing in GW15 with a few other teams involved too

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

        Gotcha, thanks!

  19. boroie
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    A - Benrahma & Toney
    B - Townsend & Bamford (-4)
    C - Gray & Jimenez (-4)

    Already have Raphinha and Antonio

    1. ball c
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      C
      As you already have Raphina

    2. rjcv177
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      B, dont trust Jimenez, i think he is not the man he used to be

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

        That's very compassionate of you, would like to have you as a mate

  20. Jdpz
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    What to do? 1FT and 1.5m in the bank.

    Sanchez
    TAA Reguilon Cash Tierney
    Salah Bruno Jota Raphinha Benrahma
    Toney

    4.0* Ayling Antonio* Perica*

    a) WC
    b) Cash to under 6.5m defender (Alonso, Reece James, Cancelo, ...)
    c) Toney to Bamford (or Jimenez)
    d) Antonio to Jesus
    e) keep FT

    1. rjcv177
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      C

    2. Hinchcliffe Thumper
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      C

  21. rjcv177
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Anything for a hit?
    Sxz
    TAA, Shaw, digne, white
    Salah, Greenwood, benhrama, Gray
    CR7, bamford

    Tsimikas, brownhill, Antonio*

    Thkx in adv

  22. FPL Alaska
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Best midfield option 8.2 or under to bring in?

    A) Jota
    B) Greenwood
    C) Torres

    1. Hinchcliffe Thumper
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Grealish

    2. Hinchcliffe Thumper
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Pogbis

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

      Grealish or Jota I'd say

    4. rjcv177
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Jota now.
      Grealish long term

  23. ChelseaGuy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Just saw Barnes get Goal + Assist in Europa. Played 90mins though.

    Reckon he starts vs Brighton?

    1. rjcv177
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      My two cents on Leicester.
      There is a problem there. Locker issues.
      Last year the injuries led them to a 3 at the back that helped hienacho and good envolvment overall as an off unit.
      This year to play to vardys strenghts and lack of CBs they are going for the 4231. They look bad with maddy, barnes and vardy not reaching potential.
      If Rodgers doesnt twick something they will be out of top6

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

        Interesting

  24. AD105
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Which one?

    A) Ayling to Semedo
    B) Benrahma to Raphinha

    1. Hinchcliffe Thumper
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      B if you have no other Leeds and want to trust them

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

    Final decision before lock in - which option for the next 7 GW’s or so, holding a decent bench?

    A. Torres
    B. Raphinha
    C. Pogba
    D. Jota

    1. Hinchcliffe Thumper
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      C

    2. Alisson WondHaaland
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      B

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

    I am going for the highly risk WC option with Ron, Rom, Salah and TAA.

    I think this is finally an option with the appearance of viable sub 6m options in the midfield and attack, namely Gallagher, Gray, Pukki and Traore.

    However i am a bit torn between the Bamford route and the Pukki route, the latter offering a stronger mid:

    A/ Bamford route: Bamford, Gray (or Gallagher), Traore
    vs
    B/ Pukki route: Pukki, Raphinha, Torres

    What do you folks advise? Thanks!

    1. ball c
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I would go B.
      Pukki has the fixtures too.
      Is on Pens.

    2. Hinchcliffe Thumper
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Maybe A

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

    Posted this above:

    WC team:

    Option A, B or C?
    A) James & Traore or…
    B) Duffy & Torres

    I’m going all attack as you can see

  28. Jdpz
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Will Scarlett play?

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

      For Forest?

    2. Alisson WondHaaland
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Cameo is likely, not sure if he starts

  29. Eddie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Is Steele Brighton's number 2 keeper? I've got him as backup to Sanchez put just listened to Andy on Let's Talk FPL who thinks Scherpen is next in line. If so, any suggestions on best 4.0 keepers?

    1. Hinchcliffe Thumper
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Sanchez will play unless injured. So basically any 4.0 would do.

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

      Foster is not flagged anymore.

  30. Alisson WondHaaland
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    As much as Id like to have both Jota and Ronaldo on wildcard, is it really sensible? Essentially 2 planned transfers in 2/3 weeks time. I like the idea of starting with Lukaku as it gives extra money to work with and saves a transfer. Lukaku vs Spurs is a very underrated fixture and although the Man City fixture is not ideal, Salah vs Brentford is a good enough captain option to not need Ronaldo in GW6.

    Thoughts?

    1. Hinchcliffe Thumper
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Ronaldo is essential. I'd pick him over Lukaku any day. Fixtures dont matter that much with elite players. They perform against anybody.

      1. Hinchcliffe Thumper
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        I have both thou.

      2. Alisson WondHaaland
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Not really true though, theres no denying his quality but he's not the old Ronaldo that can make things happen out of nothing. He needs the service, we saw against Young boys, as soon as the service is gone, he's not going to do anything.

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

          What 'old Ronaldo' is that though? The one when he made goals for himself?

          The one about 500 goal ago...?