Team News

Injury updates on Rudiger, Lukaku, Jota and more: Early Gameweek 8 team news

As always seems to be the case over international breaks, the injury flags are stacking up in Fantasy Premier League (FPL).

The pre-Gameweek 8 press conferences on Thursday and Friday will hopefully tell us more about the condition of the Premier League players who have picked up knocks, muscle strains and illnesses over the international fortnight but for those Fantasy managers thinking of making early transfers, we’ll round up what we know already here.

ROMELU LUKAKU

Romelu Lukaku (£11.7m) played no part in Belgium’s UEFA Nations League third/fourth play-off against Italy on Sunday, withdrawing from his national team’s squad ahead of that fixture with “muscle fatigue”.

Belgium head coach Roberto Martinez said of the issue in his pre-match press conference:

“Romelu Lukaku is suffering from muscle fatigue, same as Eden Hazard. They’re not in best conditions to play. They’re leaving the national team camp due to these problems – I don’t know how long it will take.”

ANTONIO RUDIGER

Antonio Rüdiger (£5.8m) missed Monday’s World Cup qualifier against North Macedonia with back problems.

The Chelsea stopper was absent from Germany’s final training session before that game but national team coach Hansi Flick had played down the severity of Rudiger’s injury:

“Antonio Rudiger didn’t train as a precautionary measure, he received treatment and was doing well today.

“It was a precautionary measure. The final training was more a matter of regeneration anyway. So it was okay for him in the hotel.”

DIOGO JOTA

Diogo Jota (£7.6m) missed Portugal’s win over Qatar on Saturday and has subsequently withdrawn from his national team’s squad.

Portuguese website SAPO Desporto initially reported that the Liverpool man hadn’t trained with his compatriots ahead of that international friendly “due to muscle problems” but comments from Portugal head coach Fernando Santos on Monday seemed to imply that Jota isn’t too badly injured:

“He trained a while ago, increased the intensity today with [the physio] but he didn’t train with us. The probability [that Jota will play] will be little. I’ll talk to him and see how he feels.

“If we see that he is in any condition to be on the bench and then he can come in, that’s fine. If we don’t, we won’t take the risk with a player who hasn’t been able to train with us for a long time. I’ll make the decision shortly, and if he can’t play, he’ll head back to Liverpool.”

RAPHAEL VARANE

Raphael Varane (£5.5m) picked up a muscle injury in Sunday’s UEFA Nations League final against Spain, limping off shortly before half-time.

The defender was subsequently pictured with ice on his right thigh and, on Tuesday, was ruled out for “a few weeks” by his club.

Owners of Jamie Vardy (£10.5m) will be watching with interest as Manchester United could be without both first-choice centre-halves for the clash with Leicester City, as Harry Maguire (£5.4m) remains a doubt for Gameweek 8.

LUCAS DIGNE

Missing out on France’s Nations League final success altogether was Lucas Digne (£5.3m).

The Everton left-back had previously withdrawn from his country’s squad due to a minor hamstring injury, despite being on the bench for Les Bleus’ 3-2 win over Belgium on Thursday.

The last update from the Toffees on Friday said that he would “return to USM Finch Farm to be assessed by the club’s medical team.”

VLADIMIR COUFAL

Vladimír Coufal (£4.9m) withdrew from the Czech Republic’s squad last week due to a minor groin injury – presumably the same problem that initially rendered him a doubt for Gameweek 7.

West Ham United’s Head of Medical, Richard Collinge, said:

“Vladimir has a slight groin injury that has caused him some discomfort. Both ourselves and the Czech Republic medical team agreed that it would be beneficial for him to get some rest during this period, and we will manage his recovery carefully with a view to him being available for selection again as soon as possible.”

OTHER INTERNATIONAL BREAK INJURIES/ILLNESSES

Kristoffer Ajer (£4.5m), Johann Berg Gudmundsson (£5.5m), Josh King (£5.5m), Mathias Normann (£4.5m), Che Adams (£6.8m), Jonny Evans (£5.4m) and Kalvin Phillips (£4.9m) have also all withdrawn from their respective national team squads but haven’t yet been ruled out of Gameweek 8.

Francisco Sierralta (£4.3m) will miss the upcoming Gameweek with a hamstring injury that forced his withdrawal from the Chile squad, however, while Francisco Trincao (£5.9m) must surely be a doubt for Wolves’ trip to Aston Villa after testing positive for Covid-19 while away with Portugal last Wednesday.

Curtis Jones (£5.0m) recovered from groin tightness to be on the bench for the England under-21s’ clash with Andorra on Monday, while Kelechi Iheanacho (£7.0m) had shaken off a knock that he picked up against Central African Republic on Thursday to feature against the same opposition on Sunday.

LATE RETURNEES?

As reported in our international break bible, there are 17 FPL assets representing South American nations over this two-week window.

Raphinha (£6.6m), Gabriel Jesus (£8.6m) and Emiliano Martinez (£5.5m) are among them.

Since that article, the head coaches of both Argentina and Brazil have confirmed that the Premier League contingent would not be returning to their clubs early and would instead be involved in World Cup qualifiers in the early hours of Friday morning, barely 36 hours before Gameweek 8 gets underway.

“There was never that possibility [of them returning to England early]. They were called up for the three games.” – Tite, Brazil manager

“We are not going to do the same as last time with the Premier League players. Before the game with Venezuela [in the September break] I said that they came to play all three games but the players raised a difficult decision for me and I understood it, I released them.

“Now the players are here to play the three games. Under no point of view, they will leave earlier.” – Lionel Scaloni, Argentina manager

RETURNING TO ACTION IN GAMEWEEK 8?

Thursday and Friday’s pre-match press conferences will be a must-watch not just for updates on the returning internationals but for the latest on the previously sidelined players who were earmarked for a comeback after this domestic football-less fortnight.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.5m), Richarlison (£7.4m), Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£8.0m), Patrick Bamford (£7.8m) and Ilkay Gundogan (£7.2m) are among the more notable names who could be poised for a Gameweek 8 return.

Klopp previously said that he “expected” Alexander-Arnold back after the international break and he has indeed been pictured in training as of Tuesday, while Pep Guardiola was “hopeful” on Gundogan and Oleksandr Zinchenko (£5.3m) likewise being available.

Bielsa’s timeline of a month for Bamford suggests he could be nearing a return in Gameweek 8, while Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison had already been on the grass around the time of Gameweek 7 so should be close to a playing comeback.

A raft of Newcastle players, including Callum Wilson (£7.3m), were also anticipated to be back on the training ground.

322 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Mind över Mata
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Please finish my WC:

    Ramsdale
    XXX, XXX, TAA, Cancelo, Livramento
    ESR, Son, Salah, Raphinha, Brownhill
    Lukaku, Toney, Antonio

    A) Chilwell, White
    B) Rudiger, Duffy

    1. TheBiffas
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      A

    2. RogDog_jimmy
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Flip a coin. Probably do Chilwell and Duffy myself.

      1. Mind över Mata
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        In that case I could upgrade ESR -> Mbueno

        1. RogDog_jimmy
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Really like that.

        2. Winston.
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          In that case Chilwell and Duffy. James should be fit soon I suppose, 0.1 cheaper than Chilwell. But you probably want Chilwell I suppose.

    3. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Rudiger White

      1. Mind över Mata
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        0.1 short

    4. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      B. That is one of my WC drafts man for man.

      Which is why I'm tempted to be more ambitious and go without TAA as a differential for a few weeks.

    5. I SPEAK ENGELS AND DRINK GI…
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      why ppl think suddenly Chilwell is nailed?

      1. Tonyawesome69
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        He isn't nailed. Played well in the last league game. He has a high ceiling and most WC teams are choosing him along with a cheap playing bench option

      2. RogDog_jimmy
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        I get the sense most think that he’s slightly preferred long term to Alonso.

        Truth is it’s a gamble with huge upside for either - and he’s now 0.4 cheaper than Alonso.
        A pretty reasonable punt for me.

    6. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      B is my preferred WC defence at the moment

    7. sandman58
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Why White if u have Ramsdale?
      Double Arsenal defence....not for me
      Maybe Veltman with Chilwell
      Though Chilwell not a cert starter

  2. RogDog_jimmy
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Thoughts on Watkins?

    I have Raph, Lukaku, Rudi, Jimenez and if 2 of them look like missing out I think I might use my FT.
    Don’t really want to lose any of the other three so likely it would be Jimenez > Watkins.

    1. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I don't hate it.

    2. TheTinman
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I'm keen on Watkins too. Could be shrewd

    3. Winston.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      What about Bamford if fit?

      1. RogDog_jimmy
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        I have 0.0 itb so anything from Jimenez is maxed out at 7.4.

        Toney is another thought but I’m likely to do Benrahma > Mbuemo next week so don’t feel like doubling up in Brentford attackers.

        If I roll the transfer I could be keen on Bamford with a double move. Would like to see Leeds play well for a week before over committing on them - super disappointing so far.

  3. Best Jota Replacements
    Steve The Spud
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Jota owners, if he’s confirmed out for this game and possibly the next - who will you sell him for or will you hold?

    Been doing some analysis on the mids on the bracket just below 6-7m

    Best option appears to be saka or mbeumo assuming you already own Raph

    I would prefer not to go mbeumo until next week so perhaps saka, arsenal though

    1. TheTinman
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      If out for 2 weeks I'd go for Foden. If you can't go above then yeah, probably Mbeumo

    2. I Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I'll probably go Foden but I really wanted to use my FT on Cancelo this week.

    3. RogDog_jimmy
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Yeah that price range is tough - Mbuemo seems the obvious choice post-Chelsea.

      Torres is another one but not sure that actually gets you a playing player.

      I’d bite the bullet on Mbuemo I think in the end - Chelsea haven’t looked amazing and Brentford at home could steal something.
      I’m considering starting Duffy over Rudiger even.

      *Jota non-owner.

      1. Steve The Spud
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        For me I also have sarr

        So thinking of jota to saka this week then sarr to mbeumo the week after

        1. RogDog_jimmy
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Oh I like that then.

          My cheap midfield rankings go

          Raphinha
          Mbeumo
          Benrahma (only if you had him from 6.0)
          Saka
          Everton (Gray probably)
          ESR

          Or something like that.

          1. Sharkytect
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            I think the whole bracket are dependent on fixtures. So for me benrahma is right down the bottom of the list and all the rest roughly tied below raphinha in first place!

    4. Joey Tribbiani
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      For me its Saka, Gallagher or Mbeumo, in that order probably

    5. DAZZ
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Thinking Foden to be honest. Also have a bonfire called Traore that needs putting out. Mbuemo next week

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

      Mount for me. Give em 2 weeks and if it doesn’t work out sell for Mbeumo.

    7. Mince n Tatties
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Jota is in - Spud Jacket is on

  4. Tonyawesome69
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    How do we think Tuchel will handle Rudiger if he still hasn't signed a new contract by January?

    https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/12431425/antonio-rudiger-defender-assessing-options-as-contract-runs-down-but-chelsea-stay-still-possible

  5. CrouchDown
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Is Jimenez a doubt?

    1. RogDog_jimmy
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Just rumors about a late return from Mexico duty.

      I thought I saw somewhere saying they had an agreement he’d leave early - but I can’t be sure anymore.

      1. RogDog_jimmy
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Should say it’s fear of a late return more so than rumors of a late return.

        Normal for folks to assume the worst.

  6. Sz21
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    On a -4 atm but still have some dodgy picks for the GW ahead.
    Leaning towards WC to just make some necessary changes now.

    1. WC and just get the squad sorted out properly with decent back up!
    2. Just leave it as it is and hope for the best this GW.

    Sanchez.
    Alonso, Rudiger, Cancelo, TAA.
    Salah, Raphinha, Gray.
    Jimenez, Anto, Lukaku.
    Bachmann, Benrahma, Bissouma, Tsimikas.
    0.2m ITB, -4 taken already

    1. RogDog_jimmy
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      That’s tough - team is awesome except for the weak last two bench spots. Yet you could conceivably have TAA, Alonso, Rudiger, Raphinha, Lukaku all out. (Or only 1-2 of them too).

      I might leave it as is and just hope the injury/late return stuff isn’t so bad.

      If you were to WC next week you’d almost chose this team with different cheap players. One week of pain might be worth saving the WC.

      Maybe.

      1. Sz21
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Cheers- yes similar thought process here.

        I've been making some drafts atm and they are looking sweet too. Just really tough to decide. Feeling a little behind WC'rs atm + not sure if there will be decent opportunities later which is something that is nagging at me too.

      2. Bruno Commando
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        this

  7. Eh, just one more thing ...
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    These IBs are too long. I’m actually savouring the Saturday morning injury panic as we all beg around for last minute news on at risk players before pulling the trigger on potential transfers just to get 11 players out.

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Definitely the best way forward with Liverpool in the early KO with potential leaked line up and embargo from pressers

  8. Eh, just one more thing ...
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    How many of your starting 11 need to be confirmed out before you are forced into the FH very much against your will …. You going with 10 players … 9,8,7 ….?

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Similar thinking to a BGW, if you have 7-8 players and cover the core/ highly owned players then you can get away with not using the FH.

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      If I have got 5-6 players after -8, then it's time to FH (if out for one week)

      If they are out for long, then FH won't solve the problems, it would just delay it.

    3. fish&chips
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I never think it's worth using the FH outside of the doubles / blanks. It's too valuable. Even with 4 or 5 out you can put a team out with a -8 or -12 which you should easily make from the FH.

      Having said that, I'm getting exhausted from these recent injuries. Team's been hammered ever since my GW5 WC.

      TAA, James, Jota, Bamford, Raphina, Shaw, Gilmour. It's been absolutely relentless.

    4. Tic Tacs
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I've pressed the Free Hit button already, I like the fixtures of City and Spurs this week along with Liverpool so am going in heavy on those without the risk of holding long-term. I also am happy with my team from GW9 onwards so it made sense for me this week, I've always used it in blanks and doubles but because most others do too it never feels as exciting.

  9. I SPEAK ENGELS AND DRINK GI…
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    my current WC draft:
    Ramsdale
    Dias, Cancelo, Rudiger, Azpli
    Salah, Raphinha, Saka, Foden
    Lukaku, Antonio
    Foster, Livra, Hwang, Dougas Luiz
    ITB 0.8M

    gtg? I could get Hwang -> Toney but then no money in the bank and Brentford next two are hard scoring games for them. In the otther hand im priced out when Toney rises and its happening soonish and their fixtures are quite good after 2 games.

    Any other suggestions?

    1. The Mentaculus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I would just get Toney. Sounds like you want him when fixtures turn, so just bench him v Che, then Lei is not a bad fixture at all with their leaky defence at the moment

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      You can start with Brownhill instead of Luiz, gives you 0.1 cushion.

    3. RogDog_jimmy
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Fun team for me.

      If you want Toney long term and are benching Hwang anyway I’d go straight to Toney.

      Money ITB doesn’t score you any points.

    4. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I'd get Toney right away.

    5. Pep bites Kun
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I don't see Lei as an overly-tough fixture for Bre. Lei def hasn't been solid. I'd prefer Toney over Hwang, as you don't have Mbeumo.

    6. I SPEAK ENGELS AND DRINK GI…
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      thanks guys. I will get Toney

  10. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Hi all...been sat on this wildcard draft since Friday and would appreciate any views please

    Brought son in on Friday night for 10m ahead of his rise. This draft is exact cash so taking it as a sign!! Thanks

    Ramsdale foster
    Taa cancelo rudiger duffy livra
    Salah son raphinha mbuemo brownhill
    Lukaku antonio hwang

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Not much can be done with that set-up. Looks good.

      My personal preference are Dias over Cancelo, Raya over Ramsdale. Other than that, all set.

      1. Flynny
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks v much

        Think I'm happy with cancelo and ramsdale

        Dias will step in for trent if he looks set to miss gw8

    2. RogDog_jimmy
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Yah a classic looking WC to me.

      For me it’s easier to drop TAA down to Dias when getting Son - use that money to upgrade Hwang. But this is great.

    3. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      You're all set with that team.

    4. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Hopefully you have enough cover for TAA Rudiger Raphinia Lukaku

      1. Flynny
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Expect lukaku and rudiger to be fine

        Will get dias if trent out

        Duffy can cover raph for 1 game

    5. TheTinman
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      This seems go be the template

    6. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Pretty sound to be fair …. Comfortable sitting on that, check late news Friday evening, and if you do nothing, your team is set.

    7. SKENG
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I think I prefer Jimenez and Armstrong over Antonio and Hwang, if you can make that work. Just something to think about.

    8. Mozumbus
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      It's a great team I'd say

      1. Flynny
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks v much for comments

        I'm not sure I have the balls to lose antonio given the ownership

        Good luck all!

  11. Athletico Underachieving
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Ramsdale,
    TAA, Rudiger, Cancelo, Livra, Lowton
    Salah, Raph, Sarr,Gallagher, Sissoko
    Lukaku, Antonio, Jimi

    Was set on Sarr - Grealish, but given the various flags plus Raph, is the sensible moving upgrading Lowton? Marcal is an easy swap

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Let's see who is fit. If Trent is good to go, you can roll with 4-3-3 and still do Sarr move.

      Lowton move is a luxury transfer which I wouldn't bother with as long as you can field full XI.

      1. Athletico Underachieving
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Fair point…I just fear minus points from Lowton. That said, might be a few -4s done anyway!

        1. Holmes
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Just stick him on last bench spot.

  12. MountainBeach
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Sanchez
    TAA Rudiger White
    Salah Saka Benny Greenwood
    Antonio CR Jimenez

    Foster Coady Allan Williams.

    Didd Sarr to Saka earlier this week due to Raph's risk of not playing. Thinking of doing Greenwood to Foden this week for a hit. And then CR to Lukaku next GW. Thoughts?

  13. Ask Yourself
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Mexico playing 3am Thursday. Is Jimmy going to get enough time to recover to play on Saturday? I doubt it annoyingly as I really wanted him on WC

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      50/50 for me so I’m transferring him to Hwang.

      1. Ask Yourself
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Not a fan of Hwang personally but never tried so may be convinced

        1. Rupert The Horse
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Use butter

  14. Zilla
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Anyone getting Vardy on WC?

    1. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Maybe with Varane and Maguire out for GW8 against him and nice fixtures thereafter

    2. baggins46
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Yes - but keep quiet or they all will ....

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

      Have got him in - no WC

      The rage is for Son who is also a good pick but really there is nothing between them fixture wise in the next 4. Son does look better after that. Can see myself moving onto him as well around 12.

      Part of my argument for Vardy is his record of being a form player. His returns in the last few seasons have come in spurts generally and you strike while he's hot. They're both outperforming underlying stats but Vardy has the more interesting stats for me.

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

        It's between Vardy and Son for me as well and this was my reasoning too.

  15. Hint
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    This season has been ridiculous. I bought DCL and Bamford in for them to be immediately unavailable. James too was rested and then played 30 mins. This week I have TAA, James, Rudiger, Raphinha, Jota, Lukaku. Will it stop?

    1. TheTinman
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I think 4 of those will play. Good luck!

  16. The-Red-1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Thoughts on this?

    Ramsdale Foster
    TAA Azpi Cencelo Dias Livramento
    Salah Son Raphinha Mbuemo Luiz
    Antonio Jesus Toney

    No Lukaku but can't have the lot!

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Too much Brazil.

  17. Water_Pink
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Laporte or Walker ?

    1. RogDog_jimmy
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Laporte for me.

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

        He's a real tempter

        Really wasn't that long ago he was rated pretty much equal to VVD as a threat for random CB attacking returns. He's the one with the history of getting all but 180 points in a season.

  18. I Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Will wait for team news obviously but is it madness to be considering Free Hit if I've got TAA, Reece James, Jota, Raphinha and Lukaku?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Depends on the other 8 outfield players.

      1. I Member
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        It's probably totally unnecessary but somewhat tempting to triple on City with KDB on a FH.

  19. EL tridente
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Who to start?
    A) Sarr
    B) White

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      B

  20. We Go Again
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Sanchez Steele
    TAA* Rudiger* Tierney Marcal Livra
    Salah Jota* Raphinha* Gray Sissoko
    Lukaku* Ronaldo Scarlett

    So many doubts going into the next GW.... 2 FT 0 itb no wc, any ideas?

    1. RogDog_jimmy
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      For me I’d ask who I wanted to keep medium-long term vs willing to let go.

      So I’d move TAA and Jota.

      Plenty of options if you do that.

      Obviously I’d keep anyone who is playing though.

    2. I Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Got to hang tight and wait for team news for a clearer picture. I have pretty much the same doubts in my team (James instead of Rudiger) and no idea what to do yet.

  21. Oggle22
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    How's she looking?

    Ramsdale
    Rudiger Christensen Laporte
    Salah Raphina ESR Townsend
    Antonio Lukaku CR7

    Foster Luiz Livramento Manquillo

    Cheers

    1. Water_Pink
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Good team

  22. House Frey Wedding Planner
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Who would be the better premium differential on a WC from this lot if Lukaku is ruled out:

    A - KDB
    B - Son
    C - Vardy

    1. ANGRY PERSON
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      A or C

    2. RogDog_jimmy
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Vardy so you can get right back to Rom for the Norwich game if you want.

      1. ANGRY PERSON
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        This

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

        Fair point

        The other one is that if you look below the premium category and want to downgrade in a few weeks there are way more alternatives up top in the 8.0 range than there are in midfield.

        In principle I'd prefer to be putting money up top.

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

      If it's 1 match I'd consider Kane. If not, C.

    4. House Frey Wedding Planner
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Cheers all

  23. sirmorbach
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    What do you think, ladies and gentlemen?

    Ramsdale / Foster
    TAA / Cancelo / Dias / Rüdiger / Livramento
    Salah / Raphinha / Zaha / Townsend / Luiz
    Lukaku / Antonio / Toney

    1. Water_Pink
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Good to see zaha in a team

  24. I Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Trent's ownership down to 22% and continuing to drop. Looking forward to him being a differential.

  25. SKENG
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    This is an easy save this week with 0 ITB right?
    I know Harrison & no TAA is a problem, but better to reconsider next week with 2 FTs?

    Ramsdale
    Cancelo Azpi Rudiger
    Salah Son Raphinha Harrison
    Lukaku Jimenez Antonio

    Foster Livra Williams Brownhill

    1. Geordie19
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Yes hold if possible

    2. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Hold. Your D looks good for the next 4 GW's, then find a way of getting TAA in for one of the Chelsea boys.

  26. pingissimus
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Prevailing orthodoxy appears to be fixtures trump form. Praps a decent starting point but here is part of my argument for Vardy. I'm not sure he bets the rules 😉

    Last season 17 goals - including 13 goals in 14 weeks
    Season before 23 goals - including 16 in 13 weeks
    Season before that 18 goals - including 11 goals in 11 weeks

    This season so far 6 goals in 7 weeks.

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

      *obeys

    2. Max City
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Would you have him instead of Lukaku?

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

        Right now the only fixture for Lukaku I'm sold on is week 9 and that's largely a captaincy thing and I have an easy enough route to hold them both then with a power defence. My compromise has been to ditch to Antonio which could of course backfire but there we go.

        There's nothing inevitable about Vardy at all of course. That's part of the joy of owning him. His pricing means that he's pretty much always a slightly offbeat choice and typically only becomes template quite a long way into one of his runs.

        For me it partially comes down to trust. Vardy is a player I know I'm able to hold through some blanks without worrying about lack of returns and he's unlikely to push me Into a knee-jerk transfer. He'll go when I reckon the golden run is over and is in anyway for a stretch.

        I don't have the same relationship with Lukaku who's also decently more expensive. Right now he's one to hit a fixture or two or three and see what happens.

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

    On WC

    1. Smith roe
    2. Townsend
    3. Hwnag (3-4-3 without 1and 2)

    1. Geordie19
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Hwang for me but like ESR

  28. Steve The Spud
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    That’s good news on jota from the Portugal manager, sounds like he’ll at least be in with a shout for Watford

    1. I Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Doesn't sound like he has a clue to me.

      1. Steve The Spud
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Well he trained and increased the intensity

        That’s a lot better than being in the swimming pool

  29. Geordie19
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Thoughts on Ramsdale vs Raya on wildcard?
    Also, if Raph is out, may start with Torres for the next 2 but don’t like booking a transfer.

    Currently at: (0.6 ITb)
    Xx (Foster)
    TAA Dias Cancelo Azpili (Livra)
    Torres ESR Salah (Mbeumo, Bhill)
    Lukaku Antonio Toney

    1. Max City
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Both are good, pick one then forget

  30. Max City
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Lukaku Son Hwang for Sarr ASM Ronaldo, yes or no?

    1. Meechoo115
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Son not for me given good options in defence