Pro Pundits

What should FPL managers do with Ferran Torres, Diogo Jota and Mason Greenwood?

The FFS Pro Pundits 10

The decision over Fantasy Premier League (FPL) midfield spots has been a source of fierce debate over the course of the 2021/22 season so far. Do we go for zero, one, two or three of the mid-priced (and ‘out of position’) midfielders from the ‘big six’? If you are selecting at least one of them, then which is the right option?

The arrival of Romelu Lukaku (£11.6m) and Cristiano Ronaldo (£12.7m) to the Premier League has somewhat shifted the goalposts in terms of the other midfield spots and so it is harder to budget for more than two, if any at all.

I’ve assessed all three of Mason Greenwood, Ferran Torres and Diogo Jota in this article below, using numbers and graphics from the Fantasy Football Scout Premium Members Area.

The case for Diogo Jota

Robertson and Watkins injury latest as Son starts up front again in Kane absence 3

Diogo Jota (£7.7m) is the pick that many Fantasy managers were hoping would unlock their FPL problems, especially when Roberto Firmino (£8.8m) was ruled out through injury. The idea of being able to invest in the potent Liverpool attack for so little was music to our ears but is he the gift we were all hoping for, especially now Firmino has returned to training?

Jota was top of expected goals (xG) underachievers in Gameweek 5 with a delta of -0.94. He was also part of the Liverpool attack who were top for shots in Gameweek 5 with 25, ten of which were on target. Jota has managed two goals so far this season, one behind Sadio Mane (£11.9m) and two behind Mohamed Salah (£12.7m) – both of whom require a lot more cash for their services.

Jota has had 15 attempts on goal so far in the 347 minutes that he has played. This is fifth-best total across FPL midfielders with all those above him, bar Raphinha (£6.5m), costing significantly more. He has also recorded those opportunities when playing for at least 80 minutes less than those above him.

He is also tied third for big chances so far with four and averages an attempt every 23.1 minutes. Liverpool’s fixtures – bar Gameweek 7’s tie against Manchester City – also bode well for Jota, even if he comes off the bench. Last season, he averaged a goal every 29 minutes when coming on as a substitute and indeed was the subbed-on player to score most often in 2020/21.

It should also be noted that the Reds have registered the most goal attempts so far this season with 125, which is encouraging for those doubling up on the Liverpool attack and owning Jota.

The case for Mason Greenwood

Scout Notes 11

Mason Greenwood (£7.7m) started the season with a bang, returning in each of the opening four Gameweeks. Greenwood has managed ten successful take-ons so far; in the Manchester United team, only Paul Pogba (£7.8m) has more. The 19-year-old has made the same number of goal attempts as Ronaldo with 13 each, although it must be noted that Greenwood has played 427 minutes in comparison to Ronaldo’s 180.

Greenwood has also been involved in set plays for Manchester United this season, taking 10 corners, although only one of them has been successful. On top of this, he has registered three attempts from set pieces, second across the Manchester United team to Harry Maguire (£5.4m).

The mid-priced midfielder conundrum

The arrival of Ronaldo has seen Greenwoods position on the pitch change in the last two weeks. The result of him being out wide is fewer attempts on goal.

Greenwood’s goal attempts in Gameweeks 1-3 (Pre-Ronaldo)

Greenwood’s goal attempts in Gameweeks 4-5 (with Ronaldo)

The case for Ferran Torres

Picking Ferran Torres (£7.1m) means buying a ticket to the Pep rotation lottery and hoping to come home as a winner. So far Torres’ owners have mostly escaped the roulette with Torres starting four of the five opening fixtures. However he did miss out in Gameweek 5, likely as a result of the amount of minutes amassed for Manchester City in the Premier League and Champions League, plus those from international duty with Spain.

Like Jota, Torres has registered two goals in his four matches, meaning he is Manchester City’s leading goal scorer so far and also has an assist to his name. Furthermore, Torres leads his Manchester City team-mates for xG, goal attempts (13, tied with Ilkay Gundogan (£7.3m)) and big chances (three, tied with Raheem Sterling (£10.8m)), also ranking second across the team for penalty area touches with 27.

The mid-priced midfielder conundrum 6

Manchester City sit second for goal attempts so far with 100, which sits 25 behind Liverpool and in the next two Gameweeks they play Chelsea and Liverpool. Both have only conceded one goal so far, which could limit Torres’ potential, but owning an out-of-position City midfielder beyond Gameweek 7 could be a great option depending on how Pep Guardiola changes the system to accomodate the returning Kevin De Bruyne (£11.9m) and Phil Foden (£7.9m).

Comparisons

The beta version of the new Premium Members Area is excellent for comparing these three players to assess which makes the most sense for FPL managers to invest in.

The mid-priced midfielder conundrum 7

Greenwood is the stand-out option when we look at points scored so far this season. He has registered 33, in comparison to Torres’ 26 and Jota’s 23. Although it should be noted that only seven of those 33 points have been registered with Ronaldo in the Manchester United team.

It is Jota who leads the way for goal attempts with 15 – ahead of the 13 from Greenwood and Torres – with Greenwood converting three of them in comparison to the others’ two goals.

Greenwood also leads the way for BPS (Bonus Points System) baseline with 38, versus the 28 of Jota and 21 of Torres.

Torres has the best goal involvement stats of the three with 37.5%, compared to Greenwood’s 36.4% and Jota’s 28.6%.

Jota has created two big chances, more than the one of Greenwood. Torres is yet to register a single one.

How many is too many?

I currently own both Jota and Greenwood and whilst long-term I’m not sure that I will hold either of them, especially as a result of the form of some of the cheaper midfield options and the premium Chelsea/City picks in defence, we may still be able to eke out some points in Gameweeks 6 and 7 and the double-up seems manageable. I am expecting that Firmino will be eased back into the Liverpool team and therefore Jota gets the start against Brentford in Gameweek 6, at the least.

Investing in just one of them longer term makes more sense and, if he continues to play as an out-of-position forward, then from Gameweek 8 onwards it might actually be that Torres proves to be a better investment – so long as FPL owners have a) a strong playing bench and b) don’t have too many other risky picks in their starting XI.

With a number of £6.5m midfielders bringing good returns for their owners after Gameweek 8, there is justification for going without any of these three, especially if it enables managers to triple up on Salah, Ronaldo and Lukaku or swapping their current £6.0m-£8.0m midfielder for one of the Chelsea options ahead of their nice upcoming run of fixtures. Although that too, of course, carries its own rotation risks…

Sam FPLFamily <p>Fantasy Football Scout's General Manager. Half of the FPLFamily. Pundit on the FPL Pod, Fantasy Show and Sky Sports News&nbsp;</p> Follow them on Twitter

405 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Philosopher's Stones
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Where do we think Southampton will finish in the league table this season?

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

      They will survive the drop

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

        10 to 12

        1. Philosopher's Stones
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Cheers

      2. Philosopher's Stones
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Survive quite comfortably or just about make it do you think?

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

          Worst case 12th or 13th I would say

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

            I would expect that is their Best case

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

              Sorry yes, mixed the words up

    2. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      12th-14th

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

    Which would you have?

    1) Salah (c), ASM, Bruno
    Lukaku for GW7

    2) Salah, CR7 (c), Benrahma
    Lukaku for GW8/9

    With Bam injury, thinking about going for Ronaldo - option 2), until GW9 - switch to Kaku.

    Thoughts?

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

      Go for it.

  3. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Sanchez (Gunn)
    White Shaw TAA Webster (Tsimikas)
    Benrahma Salah Raphinha Greenwood (Brownhill)
    Antonio Ronaldo (Bamford)

    1FT, 0.4 itb

    A) Webster/Tsimikas to Livramento and fix the dead bench
    B) Bamford to Ings/Jimenez
    C) Both for a hit
    D) Other

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

      Raphinha question mark makes me think moving Bamford for a starter is a good idea - though I don't know I loke any of the options.

      Tsimi > Livra might be the easiest, get yourself at least 1 playing bench to cover without a huge change.

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

      A

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

      A

    4. ted mcnure
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      A Webster to Livra, and play him over White

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

    Torres > Sarr and Bamford > Antonio for -4?

    Yay or nay?

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

      Only Bam to Antonio

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

      Don't think that's worth the hit. Just do the Bamford one

    3. oi no professionals
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Yay

    4. Lionel Fellaini
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I’ve done it. Incoming Torres brace

  5. DB_00
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Is Cancelo and James too risky on a WC?

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

      I will this next gw

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

      Yes

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

    1.Ayling to rudiger (-4) ?
    2. Play raphinha and hope for 1 point

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

      Bench?

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

        No one

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

    TAA dropping tonight!!??!! Have I missed something?!

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

      Why you care? Season keeper if not injured. Just let people make that mistake

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

        Yes, quite, I’m just puzzled why people are selling TAA. Curious!

    2. ted mcnure
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Delighted. Don´t have and want on WC

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

      I mean that's good for owners. Means less people have him

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

    Raph is in my 11. Who should be first on bench:

    A) White
    B) Gilmour

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

      Gilmour

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

    Hi all.

    Bamford to Antonio? or Armstrong and then I can upgrade Marcal/Livramento to Alonso?

    Thanks

    1. ted mcnure
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Antonio, and keep him till he breaks.

  10. Aaa
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    A - Son & Christensen

    B - Pogba/Jota & James

    Guaita/Foster
    TAA/Alonso/Duffy/Liv/*
    Salah/Gray/Sarr/Gilmour/*
    Ronaldo/Antonio/Armstrong

    1. oi no professionals
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      B

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

    Regulion or Livramento first on bench ?

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

      Livra

  12. EL tridente
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Bamford to?
    A) Armstrong
    B) ASM

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

      ASM

  13. oi no professionals
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Mahrez > Sarr

    No brainier right?

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

    I am just trying to figure out why many are intent on keeping Leeds assets when their squad is haning by a limb?

    Anyone believe Raphina is going to perform at his best in their current situation. As it is, Rodrigo will be leading the line for them. That should already send shivers down your spine.

  15. mr messi
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Gilmore to Gray and bench Toney? If Raphina doesn't play Toney comes in.

  16. tommo1989
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Do we have any idea what is going to happen with the South Americans for the upcoming international break? I’m thinking about putting Jimenez in for Richarlison but Mexico play very close to GW8.

    1. FPL Theorist
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      There have been suggestions the government will be more lenient this time on the quarantine rules.

      That doesn't change the fact that the game is still very late and might cause him to miss out regardless of quarantine.

      1. tommo1989
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Yeah that’s what I was thinking and don’t like transferring players in for only a couple of weeks, especially for a -4.. I’ve got no money itb and there’s really nobody else I like apart from Jimenez (and not really convinced by him either!). Not sure I want to accept the drop in price and could be a couple of drops before he’s back.

  17. palace ash
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    What's the template WC if playing it this week?

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

      Ramsdale
      TAA Rudiger
      Salah Sarr Gallagher
      Ronaldo Lukaku Antonio

      Fill in the blanks

  18. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Who would you play out of these two folks?? Other one is first sub!!

    A- Livramento
    Or
    B- White

    Currently starting A!!

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

      A

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

    I have Raph and Traore in my midfield but i don’t know who to get rid of
    Traore, Raph or Both

    If i take out Traore i will get Gray
    and
    If i take out Raph o will get Sarr or Benrahma

  20. Philosopher's Stones
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    What to do here?

    A: Raphinha -> Sarr
    B: Roll FT (Toney first sub)

  21. _Gunner
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Bamford > Dennis for FT?

    Current forward line:

    Antonio Ronaldo Bamford*

    Enables me to get Lukaku GW7

    1. Philosopher's Stones
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Yeah, looks good.

      1. Philosopher's Stones
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Though I won't advice you to bring in Lukaku at the expense of the GOAT, ie Antonio.

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

      How does that enable you to get Lukaku in GW7?

      You'd have to sell Antonio or Ronaldo.

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

        Antonio > Lukaku GW7

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

          Good luck selling Antonio when he gets a hat-trick this weekend and has BRE next week.

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

            This weekend am keeping though

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

              The point is, I don't think Antonio out is going to be the move you want to make next week. Lukaku can wait until GW9.

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

                Thanks Mate
                Can wait then

                Who do you think is the best replacement for Raphinha then?

                I fancy Watford’s next 2 fixtures and don’t have Sarr

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

    Nice to see TAA back in action. Still Raphinha to go and my subs can handle Bamford.

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

      And many got rid of TAA LOL

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

        I'm trying to roll a transfer in midst of this mayhem.

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

    That Derby manager Mel - he was in that documentary 'The Men who Sell Football' wasn't he?

    He was trying something dodgy there too frm wat I remember. And now the club, staff and fans suffer!

  24. FPLMACKEM
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Sanchez
    TAA, Shaw, Semedo
    Salah, Greenwood, Benrahma, Barnes,
    Toney, CR7 (c)

    Steele, Amartey, Tsimikas, Gilmour

    1FT £1.1M itb

    My initial thoughts are to bank the transfer this week.

    Would you do anything with this?

  25. Hazardous1983
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Bamford to who? No wildcard

    1. Philosopher's Stones
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Have Antonio?

      1. Hazardous1983
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Yep own antonio and cr7 is.other strikers

        1. Philosopher's Stones
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Jimenez, Ings are your best picks in that range. Though personally I'm yet to be convinced with Jimenez. Could still be a decent punt if he starts popping them in tho.

    2. 2001: A Space Origi
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Might be worth having a punt on Rondon, just for 1 week, this week!!!

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

      A Armstrong

  26. 03farmboy
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    What to do with Bamford, raphina and Torres this gameweek??

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      am selling bamford for armstrong
      i d sell torres for sarr

  27. FPLtfs
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Never saw myself doing the Antonio / Bamford hokey cokey, but now it’s done. Good luck.

  28. Hazardous1983
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Sanchez (steer)
    Livra shaw taa (coady ayling)
    Salah jota sarr saka (sissoko)
    Antonio ronaldo bamford

    0.5 in bank 1ft

  29. Hazardous1983
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Torres to.gray/sarr/ gallacher for -4

  30. ZeBestee
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Bamfor to 9.1 or less striker. Have Antonio already.

    Best option?

    1) ASM
    2) Watkins
    3) Armstrong
    4) Denis or King?
    5) any other