Team Reveals

FPL Team Reveal: Injury problems and the hunt for Bamford replacements

Phil Gill, aka @fplsorcerer, is an incredibly successful Fantasy Premier League (FPL) veteran who can boast of two top 1k finished, six top 5k finishes and eight top 10k finishes.

Phil sits 85th in the Career Hall of Fame and currently has an overall rank of 143k.

Here he discusses his team plans for the weekend and beyond.

FPL Gameweek 5 Review

  • Points: 72
  • Overall Rank: 143k 

Gameweek 5 felt like a breakthrough with my rank moving from 220k to 143k. My moves to take out Harry Kane (£12.2m) and Diego Jota (£7.7m) for Mohamed Salah (£12.6m) and Patrick Bamford (£7.9m) paid dividends although Bamford is now injured for this week. These moves, although quite template, pushed my rank up more than 70k places. 

Gameweek 6 ‘Bus Team’

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When I set my team after the game updated on Friday evening, I was thinking how great it looked and how I would save my transfer for the Chelsea fixture shift next week. But then broke the news in midweek that Bamford was out and Luke Ayling (£4.5m) and Raphinha (£6.5m) were doubts. So my team is currently looking problematic with the risk that I only have nine players available.

Here are my thoughts on how to optimize my team this week.

An obvious transfer for me to make is to take out Bamford who is out this week. I thought about keeping him especially looking at the Leeds fixtures but not knowing how long he is out for is problematic. For all we know, he could miss Gameweek 7 too as there is no clear-cut news on his length of absence and I need players starting this Gameweek. 

I looked at the following Bamford replacements…

  • Romelu Lukaku (£11.6m), whose run after this week looks irresistible but this means also losing Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.6m) or Mason Greenwood (£7.7m) and I don’t want to lose them especially not for a bench player when I need all the players I can this week.
  • Chris Wood (£6.8m), who faces a Leicester team that has been giving away many headed chances and who has Norwich at home next week. But then he faces Man City away.
  • Odsonne Edouard, (£6.5m) passes the eye test and has some good fixtures on the way. But he may still not start as Viera feels he still needs bedding into the premier league.
  • Adam Armstrong (£6.0m), who has been getting a lot of chances and faces Wolves at home next but then next week it’s Chelsea away.
  • Salomón Rondón (£6.0m), with Norwich at home but that would be a transfer for one week and I am not keen to use my Wildcard anytime soon.

None of these options appeal to me so I looked at possible midfield player transfers. The key players I wanted for this week even before the injuries filtered through were Demarai Gray (£5.8m) and Ismaila Sarr (£5.8m). Both players are in top form and have good fixtures this week with Gray probably the slightly better option with his long-term fixtures and Everton’s injuries. However, I don’t have the funds to upgrade Josh Brownhill (£4.5m) to one of them and I am not too keen to replace Raphinha as he has good fixtures and may even play this Gameweek.

So I have opted for a double transfer move which means yet another 4 point hit but almost guarantees me 11 playing players this week whilst strengthening my squad. 

Gameweek 6 Transfers

FPL Team Reveal: Injury problems and the hunt for Bamford replacements

Bamford and Brownhill have gone out and in come Emmanuel Dennis (£5.3m) and Sarr.

This allows me to get Sarr, the top player that I wanted this week, and to start Raphinha with Dennis as a back-up if he doesn’t play. This move also frees up money in the bank for me to get a premium Chelsea player next week without taking a hit so it seems like the most sensible option all round despite the four-point hit. I haven’t pulled the trigger yet as I’m waiting to see if any more team news becomes available about Raphinha especially and any other of my players. But I am almost certain that these will be my moves which I feel will safeguard my team for this week and going forward despite taking another four-point hit.

Gameweek 6 Captain

Cristiano Ronaldo (£12.7m) gets the captaincy for me at home to Aston Villa. Other good options are Mohamed Salah (£12.6m) away to Brentford and Michael Antonio (£7.9m) away to Leeds. However, I think Ronaldo is the best pick this week with the home fixture and he will also likely be the highest owned captain.  If I was to gamble though, I would go for Antonio captain against an injury-hit Leeds team. 

Thanks again for reading and good luck for the Gameweek.

696 Comments Post a Comment
  1. GC123
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Help please. Play one of Toney (LIV), Marcal (sou) or Smith-Rowe (TOT)

    1. Hulk Smash
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Toney

      1. GC123
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks Hulk

    2. All Hail K
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Marcal

  2. LiamK17
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    If I am wildcarding in GW8 would you:

    Use 1FT on Raph to Benhrama
    Save and play White off bench

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

    Raphinha misses GW8 should he stay for the duration of the International Break doesn't he? May force my hand...

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

    News on raphinha?

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

      Him and Ayling both seen getting on the coach at the squad hotel. A positive, but still not a definite to start.
      https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/leeds-united-squad-revealed-raphinha-21672957

  5. jai1212
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    If I can get this team by GW8 with taking a -4 in all GWs till 8, would you hold the WC?

    Sanchez
    TAA Rudiger White | 4.5 Tsimikas
    Salah Raphinha Gallagher Traore | Gilmour
    CR7 Lukaku Armstrong

    A. Take the -4s and take this route
    B. Avoid -4s, take punts and WC in GW8

  6. bjarnia87
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Raph to sarr? And get Raph back next week?

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

      do you have 2FT. if yes, do it

      1. bjarnia87
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        I have 2 FT, that im going to use next week

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

      Nah unless wildcard planned

      1. bjarnia87
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        No WC. But I have 2 FT, that im going to use next week. ?

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

          Must be better transfer plans than can think up than shifting back and forth between mid priced mids. That’s only a strategy which might be considered for premiums who are captain material. Sarr 4/1 to score and not playing Norwich so he’s not all that (albeit may yet haul!)

  7. GC123
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Start Foster (NEW) or Sanchez (cry)?

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

    Bamford > ASM for FT

    yay or nay?

  9. Tmel
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Torres > Sarr worth a hit over the next 2 GWs?

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

      no

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

      Yes for me. I did it.

      Can't see Torres getting anything in those two tough fixtures, plus the added rotation hassle.

      Sarr could redeem your - 4 vs Newcastle if things go well.

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

    Bottomed. Suggestions please, on WC

    Sanchez (Ramsdale)
    Alonso - TAA - Rudiger - Shaw (Duffy)
    Gray - Salah - Townsend - Benrahma (Raph)
    CR7 - Antonio (4.5)

    1. Play shaw bench rudiger
    2. GTG

    Cheers

  11. Jet5605
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Hey guys, 2 FT and 0 ITB. Planning to do Gilmour > Raph next week.

    A - Ayling & Bruno > Duffy & Sarr
    B - Bruno > Sarr and save 1 FT
    C - Other suggestion?

    Sanchez
    TAA - Shaw - Coufal - Ayling
    Salah - Bruno - Benrahma - Doucoure
    CR7 - Antonio

    Foster - Livra - Gilmour - Perica

  12. Super Frank
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Sanchez
    TAA, Matip, Christensen, Coady/White
    Ronaldo, Lukaku, Antonio
    4.0 GK, Duffy, Bissouma, 4.5 MID
    What do you think of this team for GW7 and after?
    Thanks in advance.

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

    Bad etiquette to take a hit with WC likely to be used in 7 or 8?

    Bamford + Brownhill -> Dennis + Sarr -4?

    (Have lots of injury doubts / roation risks ... Ayling, Raph, Brownhill, Bamford, Tsimikas, Torres, Greenwood)

    1. Big Hands Barry
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Are you the guy in the article above

  14. Jokesy87
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    JOKESY87 7 Yearsjust now
    Sanchez
    TAA Shaw Digne Duffy
    Salah Greenwood benrama Raphinha
    Ronaldo Antonio

    Toney Ayling Brownhill Steele

    A) roll transfer
    B) Raphinha -> Zaha
    C) Raphinha-> Barnes
    D) Raphinha -> Gray
    E) stop trying to get Raphinha out you got bigger problems

  15. tbhogal
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Start Semedo or White ??

    1. All Hail K
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      White

    2. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Semedo

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

      Semedo

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

      Semedo. Better clean sheet chance and better going forward. Easy decision

  16. Lord Flashheart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    play one:

    A livramento (WOL)
    B duffy (cry)

    1. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Liv

    2. All Hail K
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Livr. Think Gallagher and Zaha look like scoring.

  17. The Count of Monte Cristo
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Would you still start Raphinha over Toney?

    Just worried about a 20-30 min bench appearance from Raph...

    1. Oggle22
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I own Raphina and thinking surely it's a start or fully out? Why risk playing him 20-30mins?

      1. The Count of Monte Cristo
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Ugh, that's true. Think I'm just double guessing myself...

        1. Oggle22
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Your bench not cover him? Mines weak so debating a -4

          Sanchez
          TAA Shaw Digne Coufal
          Salah Bruno Jota Raphina
          Antonio Jiminez

          Foster Brownhill Amartey Obafemi

          Brownhill to Townsend -4 and bench a defender also that way if Raphina is a no show ive got bench cover

          1. The Count of Monte Cristo
            • 11 Years
            2 years, 6 months ago

            I have Toney - Ayling - Amartey on my bench

            1. Oggle22
              • 7 Years
              2 years, 6 months ago

              You've got playing cover at least

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

      He had the small injury last week and still played over an hour so I’m starting him. I know West Ham are better than Newcastle but it’s no exaggeration to say he could’ve scored a hat trick last week.

      1. Oggle22
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        True that hope your right could be painful for me if Raphina is a no show and Jota is benched

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

          I can’t see Jota being benched as Firmino is only just coming back from injury. He might get subbed off after an hour so should start at least.

  18. Rinseboy
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Benching dilemma!

    Who to bench from
    A - Marcal
    B - James
    C - Livramento
    D - Tierney

    1. Stockport Hatter
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      A or D, probably A just.

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

        All are likely to play wing back apart from C if they play.

  19. marcymarc
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Current team with 1 FT, 1.3 ITB.

    Schmeichel
    Shaw, TAA, Duffy
    Salah (C), Sarr, Greenwood, Gray, Ben
    Lukaku, Antonio (V)

    Sanchez, Semedo, Toney, Amartey

    A) Lukaku to Ronaldo and keep for 2 GWs
    B) Hold and save FT. Plan to do Shaw to Rudi and transfer out Greenwood next

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

      Hold but I’d start Semedo over Duffy

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

        Thx, yes that was my latest change actually. Was about to ask. I have started to doubt wolves a bit, however Semedo is a good offensive threat.

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

          You have to start Semedo if you have him. He’ll play wing back and could’ve scored twice against Watford - went one on one twice and got into some great attacking positions.

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

            Ah thanks good input- will go Semedo

  20. Erange
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Help please. choose 2 to start.
    A. Raphinha
    B. Reguillon
    C. Livramento
    D. Coady

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

      A and C

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

      A B

  21. Oggle22
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Anything worth a -4?

    Sanchez
    TAA Shaw Digne Coufal
    Salah Bruno Jota Raphina
    Antonio Jiminez

    Foster Brownhill Amartey Obafemi

    Brownhill to Townsend and bench a defender?

    Cheers

  22. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Morning.....2fts. 0.7mitb. Likely wildcard in gw8....what do I do with this please? Just want Just want use 1 ft

    Thoughts on toney to josh King pint for next 2?

    Sanchez
    Taa shaw livra (white ayling)
    Salah greenwood benrahma jota (gilmour)
    Ronaldo Antonio toney

    Thanks

  23. TSN
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    best 6.5 mid? (have raph and benrahma)

    1. Jet5605
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Townsend

  24. BelgianCoach
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Play Foster or Sanchez?

    1. Jet5605
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Probably as good a chance as any to start Foster

  25. Saka Rice
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Can't afford TAA. Van Dijk or Dias?

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

      Dias, Cancelo if you can afford

  26. frenchfries
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Sanchez
    Shaw TAA Semedo
    Salah Jota Fornals Traore
    CR7 Antonio Bamford**

    Steele Livra Sissoko Williams

    For the next 5 or so: Bamford ->
    A) Sarr (-4)
    B) Armstrong
    C) ASM

  27. Emp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Best mid for 2 week punt 7.5 or under before wcing please

  28. Johan Queef
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Last minute decisions...start:
    A) Semedo
    B) Livramento (also have Jimenez)

    Transfer:
    1) Barnes to Sarr
    2) save

    Thanks!

    1. Big Al Stankovic
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      A2

    2. Stockport Hatter
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      B1 personally but you could save.

    3. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      A2

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

      A2

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

    Captain Antonio or Ronaldo? Antonio or Ronaldo? Antonio or Ronaldo perpetually...

    1. El Matador
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Both will be in the points. So I think whenever you choose you will be fine.

  30. Big Al Stankovic
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Start one of these:
    1. Livramento (WOL)
    2. Marcal (sou)
    3. Veltman (cry)

    1. Johan Queef
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Flip a 3 sided coin. Probably favour one of the first 2.

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

      2

    3. All Hail K
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Liv