Pro Pundits

My thoughts on Wildcarding, the best Chelsea defender and Gameweek 6 captaincy

Fantasy Premier League (FPL) Gameweeks are passing by fast, so this is going to be a freestyle ramble about the things that have been on my mind.

I’ve had a fairly decent start, sitting on 365 points and ranked at 296,393. If at all you’re worried about rank at this stage, don’t be. The numbers are very condensed and there will be some significant jumps and falls in the next few weeks. A mere 47 points is the difference between 10k and 500k at the moment which, if you ask me, is nothing. It is a points difference that can be recovered in two to three Gameweeks. I’ve seen certain managers 50 points ahead of me and the difference so far has been two alternative £4.5m defenders and one captaincy. Those are the margins we are talking about right now.

GAMEWEEK 8 WILDCARD

Double Gameweek 26 Scout Picks built on Man City and Everton assets 3

I think I’ve made up my mind about a Gameweek 8 Wildcard as things stand. My team is in decent shape at present and I’ve been chatting with my fellow Pro Pundit and co-host Zophar about this, as well. One important point he makes is that he’s not yet confident about the amount of information we have available to us as things stand and the correct ‘team structure’ when it comes to building a team for the Wildcard, especially when it comes down to the number of premiums we go ahead with.

These are very valid points that he makes and I’m trying to make a mental note to myself about making sure my structure is flexible enough should I want to switch between two premiums and three later in the season. I have only given it a fleeting thought at the moment and will consider it in more depth when I am actually building my Wildcard team.

Even philosophically and from a strategy point of view, I like the idea of Wildcarding in Gameweek 8 for the main reason that I am an impatient manager and don’t like being behind in the game. I think if I am not Wildcarding, more often than not I will be making ‘band-aid’ transfers and not opportunistic moves. I love making these luxury transfers and that isn’t possible if I am ‘behind the game’. It does rely on me getting the Wildcard right but that is the risk you take.

I also like the idea of having two weeks to absorb as much information as possible and weighing up a bunch of players. In addition to that, there are some prominent fixture shifts for Chelsea, Manchester City, Southampton, Arsenal, Aston Villa, Leeds United, Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace, all of whom I want to consider while building my Wildcard.

There is no one way or right way to play this game though, so if you are the more patient kind that thrives on playing the long game, a Gameweek 15 Wildcard before Manchester United’s incredible run of matches and setting up the bench before the fixture congestion does seem like a good time to play it. I am also trying to be open-minded to it and will see if the next two Gameweeks change my mind.

MARCOS ALONSO

Which FPL players were on set-piece taking duties and penalties in Gameweek 1? 3

I also want to talk a little bit about Marcos Alonso (£5.8m), who looked outstanding against Spurs. For me, he’s pretty much Chelsea’s second-best attacker and was so heavily involved in all of their moves. It will be interesting to see who plays in the game against Southampton in Gameweek 7 after back-to-back matches for Chelsea against Manchester City and Juventus. I do feel like re-iterating Thomas Tuchel’s quotes that Tom Freeman cited in his Scout Notes.

“[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

The line “…and then he delivered in Chilly’s position” makes me think that Alonso is the first choice until his performances drop (while scouring through the Chelsea forums, fans do expect it to happen eventually). That said, I think Alonso is a fine punt and one you can afford if the other four players in your defence are reliable, nailed picks. I think he’s worth the upside as long as you know the risks. We will learn a lot in the next two Gameweeks anyway.

REECE JAMES

For those that bought Reece James (£5.6m) and are not feeling great about that move, I wouldn’t worry. I would still pick him over Antonio Rudiger (£5.6m) if I was asked this week. I think there were two reasons behind him not playing against Spurs. Either Tuchel was offering extra protection against the counter-threat of Spurs (lopsided wingbacks with Alonso attacking more than the other wing-back) or it was just James not being in the right frame of mind after being the victim of a robbery. In my head, James is definitely the better pick compared to Rudiger despite the German being more nailed because of the run of fixtures Chelsea are going to embark upon. I think they will need more attacking impetus rather than protection in those games and I would be surprised if James doesn’t play a huge chunk of those matches.

As always, it comes down to risk balance in your squad and in your defence. If I owned a Reece James, I’d balance it with a Ruben Dias (£6.1m) rather than a Joao Cancelo (£6.0m). If you do want to go with both Cancelo and James, make sure you have nailed fourth and fifth defenders in your squad.

GAMEWEEK 6 CAPTAINCY

Auto Draft 12

Before ending this article, I do want to touch upon captaincy a little bit. As things stand, there are no wrong picks between Cristiano Ronaldo (£12.7m), Mohamed Salah (£12.6m) and Michail Antonio (£7.9m). I’ll just talk about the factors in my head while I’m debating this.

Being a Manchester United fan, I somehow just trust Liverpool’s attack more than I trust ours. And that is because we’re a ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ team. On our day we are capable of putting four goals past anyone but we’re just as likely to have an off day. Maybe I’m underestimating the attacking credentials of our team. But what I have noticed is we don’t have sustained periods of domination. They are more in small spurts but they are very lethal.

Liverpool have been on another level when it comes to attacking play and could have had plenty of goals in the last couple of games. They do control matches better than Manchester United.

Ronaldo’s stats have been absolutely amazing in this short period. Perhaps he is more talismanic than Salah who does have Diogo Jota (£7.7m) and Sadio Mane (£11.9m) to share points with? That said, this is the best I’ve seen Salah play in a long time. In addition to his normal goal threat, he’s also getting headed chances, has been very creative as well and in general, just looks so sharp.

Both Aston Villa and Brentford have good defensive statistics so far but their fixtures have been pretty decent. Villa did face Chelsea and that 3-0 scoreline did flatter the Blues. Brentford haven’t faced anyone like Liverpool just yet and we don’t know how the well-oiled 3-5-2 will cope with that Reds’ attack. How much will home advantage come into play, as well?

Antonio has had amazing underlying numbers for a year and a half and is playing one of the most porous defences in the league (potentially without a fit centre-back) and somehow I am still not considering him as much as I should. He’s a really good bet but worth pointing out that he might not be on penalties. A case of price bias?

I find it interesting that our Deputy Editor, Tom Freeman, who is a Villa fan, is currently favouring Ronaldo as well. Maybe it is a tendency of me being a United supporter and not trusting my team as much as I should. As things stand, I am currently on Salah but in no way is this my final decision. I do want to reiterate, though, that I don’t think there are incorrect calls this weekend with the armband. It’s that tight.

In case you want more analysis, do check out this week’s episode of The FPL Wire below. We discuss strategy and the state of play in depth.

399 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Miguel Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Good to save FT to have two next week and then get in either Gallagher or Rudiger?

    Sanchez
    TAA James Livramento
    Salah Benrahma Sarr Doucoure
    Ronaldo(c) Lukaku Antonio

    Steele Sissoko Tsimikas Ayling 1FT 0.1 ITB

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

      Looks good to save team

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Good plan

    3. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Yep great team

    4. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Nice team mate. Have you played your WC yet? If not are you looking at GW8?

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

        WC played in GW2

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

      If James doesn't start you're down to just two starting defenders, which is the same position I am in. Would you not be tempted to do Ayling -> 4.5?

      To be fair, saving and being able to bring in a third Chelsea player for next weekend might be worth playing with 10 for.

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

        Could do but Ayling is part of the Rudiger or Gallagher plan so really need to wait it and decide which way I want to go. I suspect all three of Ayling, Raphinha and Bamford to be fine and play this GW though.

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

          PS. was at the game last night and Reece James was pretty decent and did well vs City in the UCL final so I am quietly confident he starts on Saturday.

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

            Good info.

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

          Dinnery says that apparently Ayling is a major doubt.

        3. Wenger's Puffer Jacket
          • 13 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Ayling and Bamford won't play. Raphinha probably.

    6. rizla86
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Great team and imo a perfect example of early wildcard advantage, with the price rises this team is not possible anymore.

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

        I still have my wildcard and this team is possible for me. And there are surely others like me..

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

    How does this look over 2 weeks?
    Still leaves me with a transfer to burn this week....

    GW7
    Digne > Alonso
    Doucoure > 4.5 (MacArthur)

    GW8
    Shaw > Dias

    Sanchez
    TAA Shaw* Digne* White Livra
    Salah Bruno Doucoure Raphinha Gilmour
    Lukaku Antonio Scarlett

  3. FC Hakkebøf
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Play Duffy, White or Ayling?

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

      Duffy for attacking returns

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

      Probably Ayling - can't see a CS from any of them really..

    3. Il Capitano
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Duffy

    4. DBW - Slug's Mortgage …
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I'm playing double Arsenal defence as a differential. 2 CS in a row against an off form spurs.

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

    The 6.5 and below striker options starting to look promising from GW8/9. Toney Armstrong and Pukki all coming through with some real nice fixtures

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

      Armstrong could be a great option. Already takes a lot of shots

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

        Took the most shots by far in the championship last season too. Problem is Adams, Broja and even tells are good competition for that position so he has to keep it up

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

      yes, thats why I bought Livra to free up 0.5m for the 6.5m striker/mf options from GW 8 onwards when many will WC

    3. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Would you prefer Toney or Mbuemo goi no forward?

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

        Toney looks a bit more clinical & attracts more BPS

  5. Hits from the Bong
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Who to captain between Ronaldo and Salah? I got it wrong last week, and got a massive red arrow too

    1. BrockLanders
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Proper toss of coin this GW

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

      Ronny. Home advantage

    3. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      If in doubt usually go for the one playing at home.

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

      Ronaldo - home advantage and proximity of shots to the goal being closer than Salah

    5. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Home advantage.

    6. Cok3y5murf
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Nice to see the crowd blindly going for the home player. Good week to rise up the ranks

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

        People are going for Ronaldo because he's playing for the top scoring team in the league and in front of his home fans, for a team for whom every attack is going to go through him.

        As Tom said in the article above, there's no wrong choice at this stage. But Brentford have given some indication that they are not going to be Norwich this season and shrink into a ball when they face bugger clubs

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

          *** bigger clubs ***

          Accidentally touched post before I had finished and amended auto correct.

          Brentford could potentially keep it close and maybe take a 1-0 loss. United, at home, against teams outside the top 6 are genuinely capable of hammering anyone and CR7 is more likely to be the main protagonist.

        2. Cok3y5murf
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Context though. Top-scoring team, but 9 of their goals came against Newcastle and Leeds. Those are plum fixtures. They have struggled against every other team this season including Young Boys. Anyone who thinks United attack has looked better than Liverpool's has not been watching football.

          Brentford conceded more goals than Watford and Norwich last season. They have brought in Ajer at CB but no other defensive improvements and haven't faced a top attacking side yet.

          Fixture wise, Antonio is the standout though

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

      Play safe. Play Ronaldo. Not a good time to punt.

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

      Think it has to be Ronaldo this week. Brentford may get leaky at some point this season, but they’re playing too well for it to happen overnight (although I hope I’m wrong, as a Liverpool fan going to the game!)

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

    Any reason (apart from fixtures) that Chelsea double defence is being considered over Liverpool double defence? Both have just conceded 1 goal and look very tight. Obviously TAA/Alonso both look very good but would I take Rudgier or James (start risk) over VVD? Probably not..

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      No reason

    2. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Both cheaper than VVD

    3. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Price.

    4. lilmessipran
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Alonso and James cheaper than Taa/Robbo albeit more rotation risks

    5. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Best defence in the division. Liverpool haven't really faced any really tough games yet apart from Chelsea (who were ahead when they had James sent off and conceded a penalty). I'm not too sure how they'll deal with better teams, Alisson has had to bail them out a few times in their early run, so I wouldn't feel comfortable doubling up yet

  7. antis0cial
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    .4itb WC intact, just save assuming all fit to play or anything worth a punt this week?

    Sanchez
    TAA Shaw Semedo
    Salah Jota Greenwood Benrahma Raphinha
    Ronaldo Antonio

    Livramento Ayling Scarlett

    1. BrockLanders
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Raph to Sarr?

      1. antis0cial
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Only if Raph is out, otherwise some great fixtures

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

      Sarr or one of the Everton mids

  8. Bubz
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Annoying that Bielsa’s press conference is today instead of tomorrow. Probably won’t give is a definitive answer on player fitness

    1. BrockLanders
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Yeah, hate these vague pressers

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Evolution process incomplete.

    3. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Oh balls. I thought it was tomorrow, that is annoying.

    4. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      If he does have anything he normally is pretty good though.

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

      He will probably repeat the same vague thing, need to see/late fitness test etc

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

    Pick one each

    A )Rudiger
    B)Alonso

    1)Dias
    2)Cancelo

    Currently on A1 but B2 just looks better I feel.

    1. Hits from the Bong
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      A2

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

      B1

    3. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      B2 is better until Zinc and Chilwell play - depends how risky you like to play

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

      B2

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

      A1. Safe

    6. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      A1

    7. FPL_ UP_Down
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I’ve gone B2
      Knowing there is risk!
      Sticking to my gut feeling

    8. Jam0sh
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      B1

  10. Boz
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Torres to Sarr no brainer?

    1. BrockLanders
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Yep

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Torres haul incoming?

  11. Kellz86
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Not the most exciting but whom to play from this lot?

    A. ESR
    B. Livramento
    C. Marcal

    Cheers

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      A

  12. The Case for Antonio Captaincy
    ChelseaGuy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    The case for Antonio captaincy

    So, all the talk of captaincy have mostly been around Salah & Ronaldo, I believe Antonio is being overlooked as a captaincy option.

    Looking at their individual stats.

    - PPG: Salah (10) > Antonio (9.8) > Ronaldo (9.5)
    There is nothing much to differentiate between them
    - xGI per 90: Ronaldo clear winner here with around twice the xGI per match as Antonio & Salah. Do note Ronaldo’s stats are from a very small sample size of 2 matches where he played the worst & 9th worst defences in terms of xGC.
    Form-wise, I think all 3 are in great form, and should deliver this gameweek.

    Now, let’s have a look at their opponents.

    - Leeds ranks worst for chances conceded through the middle (32), while Aston Villa ranks 12th (15), less than half of what Leeds conceded.
    - In comparison, Brentford ranks 2nd best for chances conceded through the middle, and 4th best for down their left, where Salah will be operating.
    - If we look at the goals conceded, we can see Leeds have let in 12 goals while Brentford & Aston Villa let in 2 & 7 goals respectively.
    - This is in line with the xGC where Leeds ranks 3rd worst while Brentford & Aston Villa are 2nd best & 3rd best for that metric

    Admittedly, the sample size may be small, and Salah & Ronaldo can score big against almost any defence but I believe Antonio makes a compelling case for captaincy against a Leeds that looks poor at the back & may be missing some key personnel again and has everything that it takes to haul in this fixture.

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Mo thanks

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

      Safety in numbers and all that

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

        I hate this reasoning for picking a captain.

        Pick who you think will score the most points.

        1. fusen
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          You may not like it but to succeed at FPL you only need to beat the other players. It isn't a game of "reach 3000 points", it's "get more points then the person next to you".

          So when you do risk analysis on captain choices then EO should realistically be taken into the equation. By not doing it you are massively increasing the risk of you choices.

          1. Ruth_NZ
            • 9 Years
            2 years, 6 months ago

            "..to succeed at FPL you only need to beat the other players."

            OK. So explain how you beat them by copying them? 😆

            Risk analysis is for nuclear reactors, not FPL.

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

              Risk analysis isnt particularly useful for nuclear reactors fyi, the consequences are too extreme.

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

            so to beat other players, the logical thing to do is do the same thing as them? EO should be taken into consideration, but it shouldnt be the deciding factor. I use EO if i think nothing else separates the candidates

    3. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Beast mode activated.

    4. lilmessipran
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Going under the radar, pretty good captaincy shout imo..go for it

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

      The one thing Antonio probably doesn't have which Salah and Ronaldo probably do have is penalties.

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

        He probably does now lol

      2. Cok3y5murf
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        He took a penalty in GW1?

        1. Rupert The Horse
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          And missed

          1. Cok3y5murf
            • 7 Years
            2 years, 6 months ago

            So? So did Salah in his last pen

      3. lilmessipran
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Will they sub Noble on again to take one? I guess Rice takes the next one ahead of Antonio

      4. Weak Become Heros
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Hmm when on the pitch I think its between him and Rice.

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

        Seen a bit of disagreement here. I think Rice takes the next one with Antonio on the pitch. Benrahma has a decent record at penalties (6/6), wonder if he would fancy taking it on soon.

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

      Great work. I agree with Antonio

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

      most of the fpl players including casuals will captain ronaldo this week. I would just play safe. Ronaldos ownership can badly hurt you. He is very capable of scoring hattrick against villa at old trafford. Moreover the way he is being tackled at penalty area i am sure pens are on the way

    8. Cruyff's Eleven
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Antonio's relatively low EO is differential enough.

      (C)R7

  13. winchester
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Hey lads, have 1FT and 0,9m itb. taa and bamford confirmed out? What transfer should i do lads? Wc gw7-8

    sanchez
    taa shaw livramento
    benrahma salah greenwood sarr
    cr7 antonio bamford

    foster esr tsimi amartey

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Wait for preeesssaahhhsss!

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

        smart cheers.

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

    Foden looked so good yesterday. If he can cement a place on this City team, we could finally have somewhere to spend our money that isn't just big hitters.

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Wooohooo Fodenfreude!!!

    2. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      If he plays in midfield I'm not keen. If in a front three then very good option

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

        The 8s at City get forwards into the box, with the wingers holding the width. So I actually prefer him as an 8 than out wide.

        1. FC Hakkebøf
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          You might be right hmm

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

      Just becomes a decision of foden or Antonio then and I know who I’d rather have still

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

        You can have both Antonio and Foden.

        I meant more the midfield, we have few options there. There's a real lack of mids above 6.5m that are good value atm.

      2. FC Hakkebøf
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Maybe for your team but not everyone else

    4. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      He's tempting me looking at GW8 and I hate it. Was one of the first in my original drafts and then the injury became apparent. The way things have gone I don't really want to go near City assets but Foden can just be so good and his starts have increased each year since breaking into the first team. I'd rather he plays central as too much competition out wide but even there Bernardo has picked up some great form and KDB is back now too. Guess I'll just keep an eye on how much he plays and where in the next two.

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

      The way city assets just keep on reeling people in is bananas

      It was Mahrez who was Pep’s main man in the eyes of the masses GW1 (he’s rested and had a preseason!!)

      Then Torres after his GW3 haul (he’s a 7.0 playing up front for Man City!!!)

      Now Foden (he looked so good against Wycombe!!!)

      Next week it’ll be KDB, week after it’ll be Grealish, week after it’ll be back to Mahrez again, then Gundo, then Sterling for a while, then Jesus…

      Don’t know why you would do it to yourself

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

        *attacking assets

        Cancelo, I can understand while Mendy’s in jail

  15. FC Hakkebøf
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Best move here?

    Sanchez
    TAA Shaw White Duffy
    Salah Greenwood Jota Benrahma
    Ronaldo (C) Bamford
    __
    Steele Toney Ayling Brownhill

    A) Toney -> forward max 6.8 (one week punt before gw7 wc)
    B) Save FT and do Ronaldo + Toney + Jota -> Lukaku + Antonio + Raphina/Torres -4 next week. Hopefully avoid using wc in the near future

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

      Save. I'd play Toney over Duffy, the guy looks the real deal.

      1. FC Hakkebøf
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Vs pool? Hmm

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

      B

      1. FC Hakkebøf
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Only worry by going Bbis that Firmino could return soon and Gwood is a rotation risk. Might be forced to wc in gw7 or 8 anyway :/

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

    G2G?

    Sanchez
    TAA / Duffy / Marcal / Shaw (Chelsea def gw7)
    Gray / Salah / Raph
    Ron / Rom / Antonio

    Bench: foster / gilmour / Ayling / Mendy

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Yes

  17. Sepp Blattered
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Greenwood to Sarr on a FT, or roll the FT?

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

      Yep

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I'd roll but Sarr a nice option.

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

      I plan to do this move with 1FT and roll the other. In your case, roll the FT.

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

    Sell Tsimikas or Omobamedele? Tsimi frees up a Liverpool spot whereas he at least until now has played more

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Are you looking to fill the Liverpool spot?

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

        Not immediately, but possibly Jota down the line

    2. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Id not look to free that spot until you really need it. Are you looking to triple up anytime soon? I bet not.

  19. Le Bluff
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Pick one for this GW only:

    A) Shaw and Gallagher

    B) Livramento and Greenwood

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

      A

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

    In the next say 8 games
    How many do you reckon Alonso starts?

    1. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Nobody knows :/

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

      5

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

      could be 1, could get 7. who knows!

  21. ResultatFar
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    1 FT in the bank and Torres in my team. Should I ship him to another mid (max 8.0) or save the FT to get more Chelsea ahead of next gw?

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

      Ship.
      Sarr/gray/raphinha/Gallagher any one of them.
      Sarr preferably

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

    Cancelo rudiger > Alonso Dias right?
    Rudiger Cancelo both are nailed and since they haven’t signed a striker I can’t see pep playing with 2 defensive full backs in zinchenko and Walker.

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

      Zinchenko is a converted mid - not sure I'd classify him as a defensive full back. had 16 shots in 15 starts last season as compared to Cancelo with 35 in 27 starts.

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

        zinchenko was sketchy midweek and so was Walker vs Southampton and since 2/3 will start every game
        Cancelo for me is as nailed as it gets.
        I might be wrong though but I think that’s how are as things stand.

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

          Nitpicking really on Zinchenko

          Cancelo is a great call imo as matters stand. He was pretty much nailed all last season once you consider he missed weeks 1-4 and some of his misses came when Pep was in full roulette mode towards the end. The best part is he rarely if ever cameos which is the danger with James.

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

      I prefer Cancelo, Rudiger

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

      Leaning towards Dias and Rudiger. Nothing more boring than seeing your player benched.

      We have two games a week now. Rotation will start to pick up.

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

    I wouldn't be surprised if the correct to answer to who to captain turned out to be an Everton player, given how completely absymal Norwich are. Not many folk will have the testicular fortitude to go there though.

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

      Everyone eagerly waiting Bielsa's presser.

      Antonio primed for one massive haul IMO.

    2. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Shame most of their good options are injured mate.

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

      With DCL out, they don't have that one player that hoovers up the points. The points are more spread out.

      'testicular fortitude' 😆

    4. The Orienteer - find me in …
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Upvote for the term 'testicular fortitude'. I don't have it.

    5. Cok3y5murf
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I had DCL penciled in for this, but he got injured

  24. Steve The Spud
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    If injured or doubtful could do bamford to Armstrong this week

    Leaves 2m in the bank to pick a premium def from Chelsea or city next week, play 4 at the back (already own Christensen) bench Armstrong v Chelsea and then have him for an unbelievable run of LEE BUR wat afterward

    just thinking out loud

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I just got him in on Monday. First early transfer I’ve done for years but Ings was dropping in price and I’ve already lost a load of money.

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

      Not sure Southampton gonna score loads of goal. They just defended better in 2 games. Thats a small sample. They might be wolves 2.0

      1. Steve The Spud
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Perfectly possible and look at bamfords fixtures after

        It would need bielsa to come out and say it’s more serious than we thought, he’ll miss the next 2 or 3 for me to make this move I think

    3. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I'm definitely thinking I'll bring him in in GW8, I don't have Bamford so not in your predicament but sounds like a fine idea, could well score v Wolves, think he's been pretty unlucky the last few weeks

  25. Weak Become Heros
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    442 they way to go on WC GW8 do we think?

    Looking at double chels def, TAA and dias.

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

      prefer 4-3-3 pr 5-2-3

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

      Just be flexible so that team, formation can be changed at any time depending on situation.

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

      Might depend a bit on how Brighton and Arsenal defences hold up and what appears in midfield and attack.

      Dias Rudiger et al will get some attacking returns but they are essentially there for cs and baps. Duffy, White Tomiyasu and perhaps Lamptey could prove to close in value. Dias only beat Dunk by 10 points last season despite cs disparity.

      I sense that all the recent attacking returns for Chelsea defenders are warping views a tad here.

    4. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      3-4-3 for me.

  26. The Orienteer - find me in …
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Very nice article, thanks.

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Yeah I actually read it for once. Good stuff.

  27. Eze Really?
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Bielsa press conference is the important one I think.

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

      hopefully he gives straightforward answer instead of we will see tomorrow 😀

      1. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Yep. why have pressers if they "lie" or be conservative with the truth

    2. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Yeah just wish it was tomorrow

      1. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        An extra day yes

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

      And Klopp. Hope Trent is feeling better.

      I also have Gundo flagged ffs. The theme of my season is flags...

      1. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        True, but everyon affected by TAA. Raph and Bamford require decision making more maybe.

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

    Any improvements for the long term?

    Sanchez
    TAA, Rudiger, White
    Salah, Sarr, Traore, Gallagher
    Ronaldo, Lukaku, Antonio

    Steele. Alan, Livramento, Williams

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      All good for the time being.

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

      Is this a WC? Any FTs/ITB?

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

        Already made this week's transfers. Wondering what changes I could make from GW 7 onwards.

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

          Thinking of bringing in Alonso for White and downgrading Traore to a 4.5/4.6 and playing with 3 mids.

    3. rizla86
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Quite similar to what I'm going for. All the big hitters covered, TAA, Salah, Ronaldo, Lukaku, Antonio. Good Chelsea coverage as well. My only issue is Man City cover, how will you ensure that in the long term if their players start scoring? For now I feel City is not worth the risk given the rotation, no value for money in their team

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

        The problem is when they do start scoring they share it around. Difficult to nail the right player.

    4. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      A nice side but I feel a better bench maybe needed. Also points per mil heavily weighted to defenders. I might look at 4 defenders and 3 mids.

  29. rizla86
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    On a wildcard, can anyone rate this team?

    Ramsdale
    White-Alonso-TAA
    Salah-Sarr-Gray-Kovacic
    Ronaldo-Antonio-Lukaku

    subs: Foster, Tsimikas, Manquillo, Bissouma.

    transfers out: Toney, Alli, Torres, Greenwood, Coufal, Sanchez.

    I have done quite well so far (360 points) but want to wildcard proactively, already had TAA, Lukaku, Antonio and Salah but Ronaldo's underlying stats are making it seem like he may be a season keeper, already risen 0.2 and can't afford for him to rise again.

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

      Not sure on Kovacic long term... he has ben great in real life but his returns so far have all had an element of fortune to them.

    2. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Kov is not a good pick, look elsewhere, would rather double on their defence.

      1. rizla86
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Tbh bit strapped for budget in that position, Kovacic seems to be getting into advanced positions lately, whether lucky or not he is still scoring or trying to. Might end up being a similar run to Gundogan last year? Other option is to go for another 4.5 and put the rest into the defence bench.

    3. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Nice. I’d be tempted to get someone other that Kovacic and get an extra Chelsea defender.

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

      Kovacic is a good pick only if he is nailed which he isnt

      1. rizla86
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        5.1 to spend..not sure if one can do much else in that. Kov seemed like the best option, unless I downgrade one of the other players.

        1. Ruth_NZ
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          I would, it's just too stretched. You can't afford Alonso with TAA and 3 super-premiums, it is punishing the other positions too much.

          Alonso ➡ Tierney, Kovacic ➡ Elyounoussi or Gallacher, Manquillo ➡ Livramento, Tsimikas ➡ Duffy, something like that? Though personally I don't like that kind of structure anyway.

  30. Weak Become Heros
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Are we in agreement that Reece James is likely to get most games in that RWB slot over these easier fixtures given Chelsea will need his attacking intent over the safety of Azpi at RWB?

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I’d say that yea. Benched for City and then he starts to play. Azpi in CL

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

      The problem is when he doesn't start and comes on for a 1 pointer. Any attacking returns the previous week just lose value. And if you don't get an attacking return from him then he's already a worse option than Rudiger.

    3. Ruth_NZ
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      "We"?

      TT wants a RWB that can dribble and go past people in easier games. It's quite possible that CHO or Pulisic could be used in that position.

      1. Weak Become Heros
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Sorry.

        Would the persons reading this bottom of the page post be in agreement that RJ has a higher chance of playing over the next run of easier games given his more attacking output.

        Yes you are right about CHO in particular but I still feel (hope) that RJ will get the nod more often. Otherwise I’m going Rudi and Azpi on my Chelsea double up on WC in GW8.

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

      I don't think it's simply a case of James playing in the easier fixtures. I'm sure there is more Tuchel will consider. Trying to second guess managers rarely ends well and it's not a game I want to play.

      1. Ruth_NZ
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Agreed. Listening to what they actually say is sometimes quite useful though. 😉