Scout Notes

Mendy injury latest as Chelsea defence impresses again

We continue our Scout Notes of the weekend’s Fantasy Premier League (FPL) matches with analysis of Tottenham Hotspur v Chelsea.

For a briefer recap of all of Sunday’s action, check out our Scoreboard summary here.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 0-3 CHELSEA

  • Goals: Thiago Silva (£5.4m), N’Golo Kante (£4.9m), Antonio Rudiger (£5.5m)
  • Assists: Marcos Alonso (£5.7m), Mateo Kovacic (£5.1m), Timo Werner (£8.6m)
  • Bonus: Thiago Silva x3, Rudiger x2, Alonso x1

ANOTHER CLEAN SHEET FOR CHELSEA

Chelsea have made an impressive start to the season, collecting 13 points from their opening five matches. During that time, they have kept four clean sheets and are still yet to concede a goal from open play.

Against Spurs, Kepa Arrizabalaga (£4.9m) replaced the injured Edouard Mendy (£6.0m) in goal, who was ruled out after taking a ‘huge hit’ against Zenit in midweek.

“Edou got a huge hit and we tried everything in the last days. He never felt fully comfortable in diving and getting another hit on it. Yesterday in training, we decided if a miracle doesn’t happen overnight then Kepa will play.” – Thomas Tuchel

At the back, Andreas Christensen (£5.0m) returned to the right of the Blues back-three, which meant a wing-back role for Cesar Azpilicueta (£6.0m). As a result, Reece James (£5.6m) was on the bench and has now started just 14 of Tuchel’s 24 Premier League matches in charge.

Despite the changes, Chelsea were difficult to break down, especially after the introduction of N’Golo Kante (£4.9m) for Mason Mount (£7.4m) at half-time, as they restricted their opponents to just two shots on target and 0.73 xG.

In addition to the clean sheet, centre-backs Thiago Silva (£5.4m) and Antonio Rudiger (£5.5m) both scored and registered huge hauls for their owners, with 15 and 14 FPL points respectively.

ALONSO STARTS AGAIN

FPL Gameweek 5 round-up: Sunday’s goals, assists, bonus and injuries 12

It’s now five consecutive starts for Marcos Alonso (£5.7m), with Ben Chilwell (£5.6m) still awaiting his first Premier League appearance of the season.

At Spurs, the Spaniard thrived and supplied the assist for Silva’s opener, as he ended the match with four shots in the box, 42 final-third touches and a massive 15 crosses, all game-leading totals.

Above: Defenders ranked by xGI 2021/22

Alonso looks far more than just a placeholder for Chilwell right now, though the latter will surely be handed his first start soon as Chelsea compete on a number of fronts.

“[Chilwell] came from a Champions League win and from 90 minutes and a strong performance [in the final] and had a good end of the season in general. Then it was individually for him a tough Euros because there were chances I think when he thought he could have played, and he did not. It was hard for him to totally relax and to get this personal disappointment, that he would never put out on the team, off his shoulders. And when he arrived here [for pre-season] I felt he was a bit mentally tired, a bit still worrying about the situation.

Marcos was here the whole pre-season, he did every single training session and he took this opportunity and was so, so great with such huge quality and attitude. So, Marcos was crucial for us from the first day in training and then he delivered in Chilly’s position. And these are our two specialists for the same position, so this is a tough competition for both of them. We had talks with Chilly about the situation. There are no further worries for Chilly, he has to be patient and keep on training.” – Thomas Tuchel on Ben Chilwell and Marcos Alonso

KOVACIC IN FOCUS

Mateo Kovacic (£5.1m) has now provided one goal, three assists and two bonus points so far this season. As a result, he ranks eighth amongst all midfielders for FPL points, but is his attacking output sustainable?

The Croatian international has been heavily involved in the final-third across the opening five Gameweeks. In fact, amongst all team-mates, only Alonso and Mount have registered more touches in that zone. However, he doesn’t get too far beyond that, with just six penalty area touches to date.

It’s also worth noting that his three assists have arrived from an xA total of 0.83, and with just four shots in the box, the likes of Bryan Mbeumo (£5.5m) and Conor Gallagher (£5.6m) probably remain better budget options.

At just £5.1m, we can’t really argue with the value Kovacic is offering right now, but despite that, the fact that he would take up a valuable third Chelsea spot may not be optimal, especially given the Blues’ fixture schedule from Gameweeks 7 to 11:

“I was absolutely not happy with the first 45 minutes. There were individual performances that were already great like from Kepa and Thiago Silva, and even more players were good, but in general we lacked energy and being more relentless in duels.

I had the feeling that we wanted to impress by pure skills but in a game like this in the Premier League, a derby away at Tottenham, it’s not only about skilful play. It’s also about aggression, winning duels and performing better as a team.

We lacked energy and we spoke clearly about it at half-time but the second half was a very good performance and a well-deserved win. It was a very good reaction so I’m absolutely happy with our performance in second half.” – Thomas Tuchel

SPURS STRUGGLES

After winning their opening three Premier League matches, it is now back-to-back 3-0 defeats for Spurs, who have scored just one goal from open play this season.

However, there were positives against Chelsea, as they were the better side in the opening 45 minutes and welcomed back Son Heung-min (£10.0m) from injury, having previously missed two games with a calf strain. The South Korean international was at the heart of Spurs’ early chances, though he did understandably tire as the match went on.

Following Gameweek 5, Spurs are seventh in the Premier League but rank near the bottom in various underlying numbers, with the caveat that they have already faced arguably the two best teams in Europe – Manchester City and Chelsea – so far.

TOTTENHAM PREMIER LEAGUE STATISTICS 2021/22
TotalRank v other Premier League teams
Goals316th=
Shots4619th
Shots in the box2520th
xG4.4220th
Shots conceded9018th
Shots in the box conceded6018th
xGC9.5916th

TOTTENHAM XI: Lloris, Royal, Romero (Sanchez 83), Dier, Reguilon, Ndombele (Skipp 62), Hojbjerg, Alli, Lo Celso (Gil 62), Son, Kane

CHELSEA XI: Kepa, Christensen, Thiago Silva, Rudiger, Azpilicueta, Jorginho, Kovacic, Alonso, Mount (Kante 45), Havertz (Werner 70), Lukaku

READ MORE

442 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Big Hippo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Trying to plan for the next few weeks:

    A) Traore & Alonso
    B) Sarr & Alonso
    C) Raphinha & Rudiger

    Assuming no injuries

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

      A is out of the equation because it consists of Traore

      C for me

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

      C 1000%

    3. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      C yep

  2. Lord of Ings
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Pick one of :-
    A)Gray
    B)Gallagher

    1. Lord of Ings
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      For the next 5.

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

      It's a flip of coin. Gallagher with set pieces nicks it slightly.

    3. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      B, just about

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

    Is Antonio still price locked? On 0% at fpl statistics.

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

      Yeah till gameweek starts I reckon

  4. mattyb09
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    At a loss of what to do with my 2 FTs….
    0.1 ITB

    Sa
    TAA Rudiger Shaw
    Salah Jota Raphinha Gray
    Ronaldo Antonio Jimenez

    Gunn; Sissoka, Livramento, White

    1. mattyb09
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Gunn to Begovic v NOR this week?

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

      Jimi to ASM maybe, Shaw is another you can think of replacing

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

        Far too early to move Jimmy on IMO

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

          Normally I would agree with you but this s Jiminez under Lage is not a goal threat, he is a play maker who is usually 10 yards behind Traore & Trincao

      2. mattyb09
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Debated ASM...I just am not keen on Newcastle attack. He is quality though.

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

      Very good side. I would say monitor Firmino to potentially move on Jota? Otherwise, I see no issues.

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

      Shaw to Duffy, he is UTD defence very sceptical and they have some tough fixtures ahead. Brighton in good form. Livra rototes very nicely with Livra as well.

      Jimenez to Ings. Ings has failed to return only once this season and he has got UTD and Spurs both cannot keep clean sheets plus has decent fixtures up to GW13.

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

        Sorry, remove "he is"

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

    Trying to decide if I should revert Bamford>Antonio or not...Thoughts?

    Will be bringing Rudiger in for Shaw for GW7, and potentially Lukaku for CR7.

    Sanchez
    TAA-Shaw-Semedo
    Salah-Jota-Torres-Sarr
    CR7-Jimenez-Bam

    Gunn-Livra-Williams-Gilmour

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

    Thoughts on captaincy this week? I have neither Ron or Antonio

    A) Salah
    B) Lukaku
    C) Trent
    D) Bamford to Antonio and captain him

    1. Gunners in Haaland
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      A

  7. Well you know, Triffic
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Teams with Ronaldo and Lukaku are assuming Antonio doesn't maintain his form. Antonio pretty much leads all the stats for forwards, and we saw last season he scores against anyone. For me, he still is a must have, but it seems not everyone agrees.

    1. Kryptonite666
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Yeah agree. Made a mistake last week getting rid on WC and no easy way to get back

    2. james 101
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I’m holding ant for now. Zero reason I can see to rush him out.

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

      I didn't start with him so I think I'll continue to ride without, for now.

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

      I agree

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

      There's a 2rd forward slot though. Why do u think they don't have all 3?

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

        3rd*

    6. Morph - Unbelievable Geoff
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I have all 3 and Trent.

      It means missing out on Jota, Greenwood, Torres etc but they haven't done much recently.

      Jota gets worse with Firmino back and Torres has a couple of tough fixtures, so I think that front 3 is viable for a few weeks. GWs 8-9 is the time to reassess when Man City's fixtures improve and West Ham's get worse.

      1. Harry the Hack
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Greenwodds only had one blank in 5 matches?

        1. Morph - Unbelievable Geoff
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          True. I'm expecting Ronaldo to hinder his FPL points though.

          It's Premium + cheap -vs- 2 x ~£8m though. If only one >£8m is doing well, taking the premium option should be ok. After the IB when DCL is back and Man City have good fixtures this may change.

          1. Harry the Hack
            • 14 Years
            2 years, 6 months ago

            Yeah I've gone that path too, given the quality of the ~6m about. But both are absolutely still viable strategies. One bad week has seen everyone ditch the ~8m. That, and the FOMO from the big guys.

  8. What do we do with Diogo Jota?
    james 101
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    What are Jota owners doing?

    A. Hold
    B. Drop

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Been crap hasn’t he! Might ditch

      1. james 101
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Yeah. Felt good getting him in.

        Now I’m looking at his foot and seeing cheaper mids who are delivering more.

        And VVD as a tempting double up with TAA too

        1. james 101
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          *foot = form!

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

      Hold for now.

      1. james 101
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        You see his form swinging up?

    3. Well you know, Triffic
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Hold until Firmino returns / Origi scores

      1. james 101
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        That’s what I’ve been doing. But he’s not really delivering

    4. Big Hippo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Hold for me. If Mane could finish vs Leeds or he put that sitter away at the weekend it's a much easier decision. Fine margins

      1. james 101
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Absolutely true.

        Though at nearly £8m I want the marginal ones to go my way.

        2.3 form currently…

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

      If you have held him to now, you may as well keep on going until Firmino starts again.

      Get rid now and chances are he hauls like a mofo GW6.

      Plus who do you bring in for him at this point?

      1. Brimble82
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        I’m backing on him hauling like a mofo this GW!

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

        Very much this. The first sentence especially

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

      I don't see a predictive reason to sell now, just reactionary

      1. james 101
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        FOMO is always a factor right?

        Others scoring more consistently

        Including pool defenders . .

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

          Luck isn't dependent on past events. He's been unlucky, not bad. That earns at least one more game for me

          Wolves were unlucky until their last game, for instance, where they were finally bad and outclassed by Brentford (still hit the post though)

          Jota had a ball come to him a fraction of a second late and he blazed it over the bar, a step away from the goal line. That's with the many missed Mané chances he created

          That's luck, and it doesn't predict

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

      Absolutely hold. It's not even a close decision imo.

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

      Scotty A or B question as a HT - love it!

      I'm keeping for Brentford, probably getting rid GW7.

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

      Last 2 gw's he has averaged 1 chance + 1 shot every 23rd minute, with an xGI of 0.9 per app. Clearly better then the previous 3 matches, when his form was "so much stronger". Only noobs will sell prior to facing newly promoted Brentford.

    10. @persecuted_by_mods
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Easy hold for Brentford. Based on the tweets it doesn't sound like Bobby will play in the carabao therefore won't start in the league either

        Jota gets one last game to leave a hero

        If by some chance Bobby comes off the bench in the carabao then it might be a different story

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

          I think Bobby should be back for Brentford

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

            Officially, at present, he won’t be. So without new info it seems very unlikely

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

        Im dropping. He has Brentford away, who has home advantage and have a really solid defence so far. Then City next, Bobby should be back by Brentford, there's just no upside to keeping for now

      • Salarrivederci
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Holding one more GW, then he will be downgraded to fund Wood vs. Norwich and a Chelsea defender with 2FTs (-4)

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

        Keep until Firmino's back. If he scored that tap-in, this hot topic wouldn't exist.

      • el polako
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        So A or B questions without any writers thoughts, data or analysis input being hulked these days....

        1. 3 A
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Because some mod have Jota and dont know what to do

      • Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Tie him up and throw him overboard
        Tie him up and throw him overboard
        Tie him up and throw him overboard
        Early in the morning

        This is a sea shanty, right?

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

          Don't add the board part. Doesn't go with the flow. Just over is good. But that's not what u do with a drunken sailor 😛 poor guy

      • HollywoodXI
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Hold one more week then sell as part of a move to fund Lukaku.

      • HVT
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        C Never Owned

      • noquarternt
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Hold, he’s still a starting Liverpool attacker for under 8 mill.

        Hasn’t scored nicely yet but everything else is there, imagine if that chance bounced nicely for him.

    11. Sz21
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      What would you do here?
      Probable WC soonish-7/8.

      1. Save the ft for GW 7.
      2. Greenwood-> Sarr/Raphinha- 1 week punt probably and WC next GW.
      3. Something else.

      Sanchez.
      TAA, Tsimikas, Pereira.
      Salah, Benrahma, Greenwood, Gray.
      Bamford, Lukaku, Antonio.
      Bachmann, Shaw, Coufal, Bissouma.
      0.4m ITB, 1ft.

    12. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      2FTs, 0.2itb. Fairly settled at the minute. Jota really not done it like I thought though. Ings has bad fixtures too. Any other weak areas I should target?

      Sanchez
      TAA. Shaw. Livramento
      Salah. Jota. Raph. Sarr
      Ronaldo. Antonio. Ings
      (Foster, Gilmour, White, Ayling)

      1. james 101
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Jota to Geay / Gall
        Cheap defender to VVD

        As an option…

    13. Legohair
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I have very tough one!bench one?

      A. Benrahma
      B. Gray
      C. Jimenez
      D. Raphinha

      1. Chelsea91
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Jimmy mate, sainst strong at home

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

        Not D. I wouldn't bench Jimenez either tbh.
        Benrahma, just

    14. T0A5N
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      A) digne to Alonso
      B) Torres to Sarr
      C) raph to tielemans

      0.1 itb
      1ft

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

        A

      2. Chelsea91
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        B

    15. Comment removed. Please refer to our terms and conditions on posting comments.

    16. Ninjaa
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Gameweek 8 I can have a starting line up of

      Sanchez
      Shaw Alonso Coufal
      Salah Raphinha Benrahma Gray
      Ronaldo Lukaku Antonio

      I'm planning to get rid of TAA to get Lukaku in?? Thoughts

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

        TAA season keeper in my eyes

      2. james 101
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        TAA is one of the best value options in the game. Keep.

    17. Gabbiadini
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      What 4atb formation do people prefer, 4-3-3 or 4-4-2?

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

        4-3-3

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

          any reasoning or just prefer having x3 forwards?

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

            Current quality of forwards is much better than mids

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

              What if I said to you I had no more than 6.0 to spend on that last midfield/forward position.

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

                Then I would go with mids

                Forwards around 6m probably wont provide much. Pukki and Armstrong, thats about it. Maupay at 6.5 is the only interesting one.

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

                  Yes. I do agree.
                  Thanks for your thoughts.

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

              Agree

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

        4 3 3

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

          any particular reason out of interest. personal preference, the currently available options, etc?

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

        442 but there's no reason you can't use 2FT to flex between the two depending on fixtures and form

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

          that is true.

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

      Liverpool centre back Joel Matip has had more touches in the opposition penalty box (11) than Tottenham striker Harry Kane (10) in the Premier League this season.

      Kane owners should hold, it will surely turn around for you guys one day

      1. james 101
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Considering doubling up on pool defence

        (TAA and VVD?)

        Not currently considering Candy

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

          What about Trent & Matip, he is only 5m. In the games he doesn't start, he unlikely to make a cameo appearance with the extra 1.5m used to upgrade elsewhere

          1. james 101
            • 12 Years
            2 years, 6 months ago

            It’s an option too yes.

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

        My defense starting GW 7:

        TAA Matip Rudiger White Livra

        1. james 101
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Nice mate

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

            Thanks!

    19. Kodap
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Any suggestions with what to do with this lot? Initial plan was to just do Ronaldo > Lukaku in GW7, now thinking of dropping some budget midfielders in and doing Lukaku, Ron and Antonio up top over the course of the next weeks.

      Sanchez
      Trent - Rudiger - Livramento
      Salah - Jota - Torres - Gray
      Bamf - Antonio - Cr7

      Bench: Steele - Marcal - Sissoko - Williams

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

        Torres to Gallagher/Raph/Sarr and leave your options open.

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

      Torres, Traore -> Raphina, Sarr (-4)?

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

        yes if Raphinha is fit

    21. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Is it worth holding Traore till at least after Newcastle at home, plan is to get to Chelsea with 2 freebies next week

      1. Big Hippo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        I think I'm getting rid. His stats aren't as good these last 2 GWs vs 1-3. Sarr and Raphinha looking at me

        1. Warby84
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Would you go for Sarr?

    22. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Cancelo to Alonso now? To avoid price rise

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

        Do you not want Cancelo gw8 onwards?

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

        There is a reason you got Cancelo and others like myself will bring him in from gw8, so keep. Find a different route to a Chelsea defender

    23. Chilli Heatwave
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Quite interesting looking at value for price, never gone 433 before but it looks to be providing the best points this year, with midfield minus Salah, not earning their keep. Any one else going to move to it? For instance rudiger of Jota/Greenwood seems a sensible move now

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

        yes, 4atb looking likely for me also. taa/cancelo/rjames/rudiger

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

          Looks good. My worries are with cancelo/James both rotation risks, but guess that’s all part of the game.

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

            Livramento 1st bench and good fixtures during this period, definitely makes me slightly less worried by potential rotation.

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

        It's the new template

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

        433 usually = 2 x 4.5 mids?

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

          Yes

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

          that is correct.

      4. Hangman Page
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        I like the idea of three solid defenders (say TAA, Rudiger and James) with two good backups in the 4.5 and 4.0 range. That way I have the flexibility to play four at the back if I want to and I also have a backup in the event that someone like James is on the bench.

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

          Yes, I like those three defender options but as of now, I am looking at complementing them with Cancelo, hence my original question regarding formations.

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

            Maybe I don't go Cancelo. Burnley, Brighton & Palace is only a small window between double red fixtures but one of these following is Everton.

    24. john25
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Hey guys, how nailed on is Alonso for Chelsea for the next few GWs?

      Cheers

      1. Chelsea91
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Rotation mate

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

          Yes, whilst not the first choice I just think Chilwell has to get a game soon.

      2. john25
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Thank you. Who would you guys say are the most nailed on Chelsea def for the next 5-6 GWs?

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

          I would say Rudiger.

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

          Rudiger and Mendy only

    25. Nespinha
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Help me fill the gaps for GW7

      Sanchez (Gunn)
      TAA, Cancelo, _____ (White, Livramento)
      Salah, Raphinha, Benrahma, Gray, _____
      Ronaldo, _____ ( _____ )

      A) Rudiger, Grealish, António, Perica (352)
      B) Rudiger, 4.5 mid, Lukaku, Perica (442)
      C) 4.5 def, Gallagher, Lukaku, Perica (352)

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

        If Perica's in every option why is he not just in the XV 🙂

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

          Yes, aha.
          I'd go B quite comfortably.

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

          Ah don't know, brain freeze

    26. mattyb09
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Rondon tempting as a 1 week punt v Norwich?

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

        before a WC I don't mind it, that's the only time I'd do a 1-week punt.

        1. mattyb09
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          I have 2 FTs and no immediate concerns.

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

            Interesting, definitely no other concerns?
            Not sure about getting him in and then possibly straight out.

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

              There's a notion that a trade's overall value to your team is 4 points (regardless of a hit), so I would say no.

    27. legolas
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Which you prefer in each duo?
      Benrahma or Sarr
      Pukki or Dennis
      Gray or Gallagher
      Sanchez or Ramsdale?

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

        Sarr (if you have the trade in a couple of weeks)
        Dennis
        Gray
        Ramsdale (if his spot is nailed, which I am not sure it is, certainly not regarding performance rather Arteta's comments).

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

          Yeah, that's the problem with Ramsdale, but if I get Dennis instead of Pukki, than I can have Sanchez and Ramsdale together.
          Not convinced about the Gray/Gallagher... Everton with no attacking power in next couple of weeks

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

            I don't love rotating 4.5 GKs. Both the headache of rotation but also if you are short of a trade, that's the first place you're looking.
            I just don't love some of Palace's fixtures, Brighton, Leicester, Arsenal (away), Man City (away) in their next five.

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

              Agree with the Palace's fixtures. Gallagher will wait 🙂

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

                Could look at it like Gray may have a greater responsibility, if they are to score it could likely be him/go through him.

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

      Does anyone believe there is too much hype around Raphina?

      Many say Leeds started of vs tough opposition?

      UTD - have been suspect defensively since the start of the sesson
      EVE - Raphina scored but no bonus
      BUR - Blank
      LIV - I did not expect fireworks from Raphina
      NEW - Scored and 1 bonus.

      Unfortunately I am not a member so cannot dive into his stats but IMO he is being hyped to nomansland.

      Leeds have major issues at the back and it has largely affected their atracking play. Biesla is just going gung ho tactics and hoping for the best. If they concede 1st in matches it will be tickets for them at this point.

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

        If Leeds are to improve and pick up points then I don't think it will come from their defensive efforts, rather their attack.
        It's a good argument but I don't think you can deny he also has some fairly favourable fixtures in his next 5.

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

          Yeah and so do Wolves have great fixtures and many are sitting with double or triple Wolves wanting to delete their teams.

          If Leeds concede 1st, they will still be gung ho throw everthing forward and be caught on the break every time with a defence worthy of relegation at the moment.

          I do not see them fixing their defence soon...

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

            Yes, I agree with some sentiments of your comment, if Leeds are going gung-ho does that not play into Raphinha?

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

              But they have been going gung ho every match and Raphina has not scored more points than Gallagher for instance.

              I don't know, guess people will pick him. I had, no longer do. Guess only time will tell.

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

                'I had him'

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

                  He's had some good chances in those games, United and Newcastle (another) I remember.
                  He has also possibly been carrying a knock.

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

        Bamford has also been pretty average so far. Some of the talk on here before the season was that he was more or less an auto pick.

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

          Yeah, Bamford won't be making it into my team anytime soon, most likely not the whole season.

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

            I don't mind Bamford to be honest. Although it does look like he may be carrying a niggle.

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

        any player who is on all the set pieces and shoots on sight pretty much should tick over very nicely.
        a 130 point season would make him worth 20ppm, and i expect him to do better than that.
        just good value really - a bit like Mount & JWP, but a little more exciting.

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

          That is why I prefer Gallagher 🙂

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

            Gallagher has some tough fixtures.

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

            to be fair i put Gallagher as a higher priority transfer then Raphinha. they are quite similar in terms of profile.

    29. Chelsea91
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Mendy
      Taa,Rudiger,Livra
      Raph,Benrahma,Salah,Gray,Jota
      Ronaldo,Antonio

      Steer Coady,Marcal,4.5 striker

      1FT 0.9 itb

      GTG?

    30. Ando
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Is doing Lukaku (MCI) ➡ Antonio (lee) this week then doing the reverse next week absolutely mental?

      I've got Raphinha who's an injury doubt but I have Marcal (sou) first on the bench, which I don't think is terrible.

      1. Jimbo-Jones
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Yeah don’t plan a merry go round, essentially you need minimum one attacking return from Antonio just to break even.

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

        Yes.

      3. Kryptonite666
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        I’m considering it. Except that i will be priced out of the move as I got Lukaku at 11.5.

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

        yes, if a trade is worth 4 points then this is essentially a -8 move.

    31. Atimis
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Good enough for the next week? Keeping FT.

      Sanchez
      TAA/Shaw/Duffy
      Salah(c)/Bruno/Greenwood/Raph/Sarr
      Bam/Antonio

      Steele/Ayling/Tsim/Scarlet

    32. Jimbo-Jones
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Any recommendations here?
      2ft, 0itb.
      Digne needs to go but not before NOR.

      Sanchez
      TAA Shaw Digne Livra
      Salah Bruno Doucoure Raph
      Lukaku Antonio

      White Gilmour Scarlett