Pro Pundits - Sam

Will there be a new manager bounce at Spurs and what does it mean for FPL managers?

The last two years as a Tottenham Hotspur fan have been difficult to handle.

Parting ways with Mauricio Pochettino back in December 2019 has seen Spurs have four different managers in the last two years. And with Nuno Espirito Santo sacked after just four months and one day in charge, it will once again signal more changes. Whether these changes are for the better or not remains to be seen, both from a football and a Fantasy Premier League (FPL) perspective.

Spurs now find themselves linked widely with the same managers that were rumoured over the summer prior to Nuno’s appointment. One of them, Antonio Conte, is expected to be announced as new head coach later on Tuesday, but if he is, should we invest in Spurs assets?

As FPL managers, we always look for a new manager bounce as this can make certain assets prime targets for investment. When Jose Mourinho took over at Spurs in November 2019, he won four of his opening five fixtures – registering 14 goals and just one clean sheet. Ryan Mason collected three wins in the first five fixtures when he took over as interim head coach in April 2021, managing 10 goals and two clean sheets. Nuno Espirito Santo, like Mason, recorded a trio of wins in his first five but with just three goals. And although he began with three clean sheets, it was followed by a pair of 3-0 defeats.

Jose Mourinho Ryan MasonNuno Espirito Santo
West Ham 2-3 Spurs (W)Spurs 2-1 Southampton (W)Spurs 1-0 Man City (W)
Spurs 3-2 Bournemouth (W)Spurs 4-0 Sheffield United (W)Wolves 0-1 Spurs (W)
Man United 2-1 Spurs (L)Leeds 3-1 Spurs (L)Spurs 1-0 Watford (W)
Spurs 5-0 Burnley (W)Spurs 2-0 Wolves (W)Crystal Palace 3-0 Spurs (L)
Wolves 1-2 Spurs (W)Aston Villa 2-1 Spurs (L)Spurs 0-3 Chelsea (L)

There could be some potential for a new manager bounce, especially when you look at the forthcoming fixtures.

The North Londoners sit top of our Season Ticker from now until Gameweek 17 and in that time they will play four bottom half sides. Many FPL managers, myself included, were already looking at this run with optimism before the managerial switch, earmarking Gameweek 11 as a point of investment. However, with a series of awful performances where the Lilywhites have failed to look interested, my desire to spend the level of FPL budget needed to own a Spurs player was minimal.

The injury to Romelu Lukaku (£11.5m) ahead of Gameweek 9 meant I had a difficult decision to make. Free up money and downgrade Lukaku to Ivan Toney (£6.6m), play it safe with the in-form player of the time Jamie Vardy (£10.8m), or go early on my original plan to invest in Spurs from Gameweek 11 – even though their performances made me far from keen on this – by getting Harry Kane (£12.1m).

Who are the best FPL captain options for Gameweek 9? 5

I immediately questioned my decision when Kane was the only player to blank across my Gameweek 9 team, but when you make a decision for the long-term, you need to stick by it for at least a couple of Gameweeks. Kane’s performance against Manchester United in Gameweek 10, much like the majority of the team, was awful and therefore I was pondering on freeing up the money in spite of this fantastic fixture run.

However, the decision to part company with Nuno has made me stop in my tracks.

In the first five league matches under Mourinho, Kane brought in three goals and one assist, while under Ryan Mason he was unavailable for the first match and was returning early from injury yet still managed a goal. Whilst these stats aren’t eye-watering and Kane seems a shadow of the player he once was, the combination of fixtures and the right managerial arrival could potentially see FPL returns from Kane in the next few weeks.

Meanwhile Son Heung-Min (£10.2m), who was the preferred pick for many managers ahead of this run of games, also has a good record under new managers. Son registered two goals and three assists in the first five under Mourinho, three goals and one assist in Mason’s first five, then two goals for Nuno’s start.

However, it is the out-of-favour Dele Alli‘s (£6.4m) form under new managers which is somewhat more interesting. He has notched four goals and four assists throughout the first five games of those three managers. If he regains his place in the team under Conte, this is something to keep an eye on.

As a gift to FPL managers, Conte spoke in the summer about how he would use Kane if he was his manager:

“Many praise Harry Kane for his ability to go get the ball and play with the team, such as with the equaliser against Denmark. But it’s in the box where he’s clinical and as a coach, I would always keep him in there because he’s devastating.”

Antonio Conte on Harry Kane

Under Nuno, Spurs have been a shadow of their former selves, sitting 17th across the division for goals scored, 19th for goal attempts and shots in the box, plus 17th for expected goals (xG). As an FPL manager invested in their attack, as well as a Spurs fan, this is something that will need to be rectified quickly. We could see Conte deploy his favourite 3-5-2 formation, with Son playing out-of-position alongside Kane in a move which benefits both of them from an FPL perspective.

Moreover, it could mean that we could finally invest in the Spurs defence, as with Sergio Reguilon (£5.0m) and Emerson Royal (£4.9m) playing as wing-backs, their potential for attacking returns could be very interesting.

I am planning to wait and see what happens, with a close eye on the game at Everton in Gameweek 11. However, for those who aren’t currently invested in Spurs, there is potential to go early.

Tottenham Hotspur v Everton past results, via 11v11

With the run of fixtures that Tottenham have, as well as the potential for us to see Son playing out-of-position, I would be tempted to go early on the South Korean captain. Meanwhile, Saturday evening’s performance highlighted how important Reguilon is both in terms of defence and attack, thus I would be looking at a move for him or Royal on the other flank ahead of the Gameweek 12 deadline.

As a Kane owner, I’ll be holding fire and hoping to see a revival of the player I have loved so much over the last few seasons. It’s time for the big players to stand up, be counted, back the new manager and get their season restarted.

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

493 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Tinmen
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Folks, any Gabriel Jesus owners?
    And if so, should I ditch him?

    1. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Ditch for who?

      1. Ginkapo FPL
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Its all well and good being disatisfied with current forwards, but are there any good ones?

      2. Tinmen
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        It will be for Toney or Jimmy

        1. Aimar
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          I have jimmi and toney and will ditch jesus for raphinha as i have saka ESR salah & son

    2. Gommy
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Yes, I made my 2FT last night and changed Jesus to Toney (along with Sissoko > Gallagher)

    3. Ian J
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I’d wait until Champions League to see if he plays.
      In fact I’d wait until all mid week games are finished & check out conferences in case you have any yellow flags to mitigate first.
      Jesús is no worse/better than any others
      I do like Jimenez though

    4. 2999 - Lady of Legend
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Had him one game, disappointed but will stay patient for now

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

    A) Vardy/Benrahma -> Jimenez/Son
    B) Benrahma -> Gallagher, next week Havertz to Son

    1. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      B

    2. We Go Again
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      B

  3. Should we now consider spurs assets under Conte?
    Az
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Great article from Sam and now Conte is in, coinciding perfectly with a great fixture run ahead for Spurs.

    What does this mean for Son? Surely a better option now,

    Could we see an upturn in other assets, such as Lo Celso, Regulion... how about Dele Alli?

    Will Kane suddenly transform and start banging in the goals? Will we see him smile? I'm not totally convinced, but it's a statement from Spurs that they want to compete, so he may yet buy back into the Spurs vision.

    What are your thoughts?

    1. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Conte is not a sexy football manager.. Surely he is good for son/kane but i wouldn't be so mad about owning them asap.
      If he play like inter/chelsea full backs will be more exciting and wait for more 1-0s

    2. Konstaapeli
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Avoid. Conte at spurs is destined to fail.

      1. Wild Rover
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Care to say why?

        1. Konstaapeli
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Just a hunch. I don't think he's the messiah ppl think he is. Got found out in PL with much better squad and resources before getting sacked. Has a history of falling out with owners much less stingy than Levy.

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

            I'm guessing that's part of the reason why it's just an 18 month deal. He left Inter after delivering the Scudetto and being told he had to sell a bunch of players not even to buy, but just to get through the season, so Levy has to have promised him money

            1. El Presidente
              • 4 Years
              2 years, 4 months ago

              I think its also part of the strategy to try and get Kane back on board, at the end of that contract Kane has 1year left in his own contract.

          2. internal error
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            2 years, 4 months ago

            There were circumstances that year though. Chelsea sold Matic against his wishes. He wanted lukaku and got Morata

            1. Konstaapeli
              • 7 Years
              2 years, 4 months ago

              Do you see Levy giving him the players he want's? Think there's 'circumstances' in the horizon already.

              1. internal error
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 11 Years
                2 years, 4 months ago

                He would have been promised funds before agreeing a deal. Some of the players linked, arent going to be too expensive. They are experienced players that have worked under Conte before. He also has some talented players in that squad. Kane, Son, Ndombele, Romero. He can get a tune out of average players

                1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
                  • 14 Years
                  2 years, 4 months ago

                  I’d just go easy with the speculatory statements - we don’t know to what extent he’s been promised funds - that’s speculative

                  We often see this type of thing on FFS - Ronaldo will have been promised penalties before he joined Utd the most recent one that springs to mind - people might mean well obvs, but we’ve zero visibility to what Conte has or hasn’t been promised

                  FWIW, Regulion & Emerson are players he will probably like & suit his system, Kane is a ballbag but a good focal point, Son is Balon D’Or level, Lloris very good GK…. He’ll likely play 3 centrebacks so they don’t need to be world class… Hojberg & Ndombele can be a good 6/8 partnership in central midfield

                  But hard to know how it’ll shape up for FPL yet

                  I think Conte really needs a pre season with a team to have any effect & the fact that he’s coming in to clean up someone else’s mess might actually hinder him

                  Still remember Fabio Cannavaro and many other players with horror stories about how demanding Conte is fitness wise - that may not go down well with either him or the players when he comes in mid season

                  1. internal error
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 11 Years
                    2 years, 4 months ago

                    Its been reported by numerous sources that he has been promised funds.

                    1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
                      • 14 Years
                      2 years, 4 months ago

                      Fair enough - at least it’s not baseless

                      Wonder how many quotes it’s substantiated by etc though - hard to know how they’ve formalised that with Conte

                  2. Baines on Toast...
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 13 Years
                    2 years, 4 months ago

                    Missed opportunity to reference 'Patson Daka has been promised first team football' 😉

                  3. bench boost for every gamew…
                    • 7 Years
                    2 years, 4 months ago

                    Maybe Doherty cometh out of his matty h.. hole??
                    That would be fun!!

          3. I Member
            • 8 Years
            2 years, 4 months ago

            Got found out? He won the league and the FA Cup in his two seasons at Chelsea.

            1. noquarternt
              • 8 Years
              2 years, 4 months ago

              This, to say Conte is anything other than an elite manager is baffling. Whether he'll get the same results out of Spurs players is one thing, his pedigree is another.

    3. Forgetmeknot
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I think it very quickly makes reguillon a very interesting option - which is a shame as defenders is one area we are already spoilt for choice!

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

      Times out well with a very good fixture run so it will be hard to ignore. Issue for me is with with way my squad is it's far easier for me to fit Kane in than Son, but I don't have confidence he'll shift all of a sudden.

      As for non FPL terms, he's a shrewd manager but the short-term nature of the deal intrigues me and I think it shows he doesn't see himself wanting to be there for long. He's not going to play incredible attacking football but it will be effective. Yet still I don't feel like I could trust a Spurs defence, especially if it has Dier at the centre of it.

    5. El Presidente
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I'm quite surprised Conte has accepted this offer, the money must be astronomical. The issues are all there, the squad is weak in depth and some players don't like to work hard as we've seen with Mourinho. I think there is potential for some really nasty clashes in that dressing room and let's not forget levy will not fork the money.

      Short-term and with favourable fixtures maybe yes, but the long run I have my doubts. Wouldn't be surprised if he leaves before the season is over.

    6. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Many of us want to see Kane and Son being a double act again, plus the fullbacks bombing.

      None of these desires have anything to do with a new manager bounce or any particular playing style.

      The reality is that Spurs are still a tired squad who let their leaders depart over the summer.

    7. Forza Papac
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Given Conte's record of getting the best from his strikers i'm looking to jump form Vardy to Kane in GW12

    8. internal error
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      he is tasked with getting top 4 and a trophy. I think a Carabao/Fa cup is very attainable. 4th will be harder as its so competitive.

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

      I'm expecting big things from Kane. Conte is good at getting players on board with a project, and his comments about wanting to keep Kane in the box and not coming deep are very promising. The issue I have is his price. Even over a good fixture run can Kane be good value without captaincy? I'm not sure. 12.1m is a lot of money. Son seems more likely to be good value, so I'm currently leaning towards him, but I'm still undecided.

      If he does use a back 3, which I think he will as it suits the current crop of players, then the wingbacks will obviously be of interest. Reguillon is the obvious candidate but Doherty may well thrive should he get the nod over the relatively inexperienced Royal. He was FPL gold when playing as a wingback at Wolves, and we may see a return of those juicy 6pt Doherty goals.

      But either way, I'm going to wait until I see how Conte sets up against Everton, and then have a think over the international break with 2FTs and 4.7m in the bank. It's a big call, and want to get it right.

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

      Conte will have a few ready made wing backs. Berwijn and Moura come to mind and are both Mids so no help there.I don't think he needs much; probably two playmakers that are better than Le Celso and Ndombele. Even those two could improve massively with the right attitude and effort.
      The big plus is Kane. Conte has always got the best out of center forwards. It is up to Kane now.

    11. fplgaruda
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Not so great article, especially when she keep biggin up Dele.

    12. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Lloris
      Dier Romero Tanganga
      Royal Lo-Celso Hojbjerg Reguilon
      Moura Kane Son

      Gollini
      Sanchez Rodon Davies
      Doherty Winks Skipp Sessegnon
      Bergwijn Alli Gil

      Ndombele on his way out.

    13. noquarternt
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Wait for the Everton game of course.

      But anyone who's far behind has a list of differentials to aim at now.

    14. Flair
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      World class players under a world class manager with Norwich, Burnley, Leeds and Brentford straight after the IB.

      No reason to not be on one of Kane/Son.

  4. EL tridente
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Would you go for Kane or Son?

    1. Hansel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Son

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

      Kane

    3. Pork Pie Sausage Roll
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      KNe

      1. Pork Pie Sausage Roll
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        My kingdom for an edit button

        1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          I read this in Matt berry voice 😆

    4. More Cowbell
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      At the moment, Son. Will need to see evidence of an attitude change before moving to Kane

    5. drughi
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      kane

    6. El Presidente
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Kane wants to leave and Conte changes nothing in that front.

      1. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        I don’t know enough about Conte but he clearly has pedigree, a good manager (in any industry/profession) has the ability to get someone back onside.

    7. Root
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Going for both.

    8. Walter White (WW)
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Both

    9. Stimps
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Going for both

  5. Ronnies
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Best replacement for Sarr ?

    A) ESR
    B) Mbuemo

    My thinking is if Arsenal score, it could be Auba, Saka, ESR, Laca, Etc involved. Whereas if Brentford score it's more likely Toney or Mbuemo especially with their kind run of fixtures.

    Thoughts ?
    Cheers

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

      I'm doing Sarr > Mbeumo

    2. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      But arsenal are more attacking and score more goals?.. Might still go for muembo if no toney

      1. Ronnies
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        I also don't have Toney and feel I need a Brentford attacker.

    3. Walter White (WW)
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      A

    4. Tasty Jerk
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Gallagher (unless you already have him)

  6. More Cowbell
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    What's the deal with Davinson Sánchez?

    Played Spurs first 3 this season, 3 clean sheets, scores of 5,8,6. Proceeds to get dropped and Spurs go on a terrible run. He's only featured in one game since the first three.

    Why did he get dropped? Injury? Is he likely to feature under the new regime?

    1. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Needs brain.

      1. More Cowbell
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        ??

        1. Hy liverpool
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Just like shawcross and richard dunne... Players that don't even think before they move/tackle.

  7. FOMFF
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Grealish and Scarlett > ESR and Jiminez for -4?

    Sanchez, Steele
    TAA, Rudiger, Chillwell, Livra, Aarons
    Salah, Foden, Grealish, Gallagher, Gray,
    Vardy, Antonio, Scarlett

    Or hold Grealish and get rid of Gray for someone like Bowen, ESR, Raph

    1. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I wouldn't

    2. Walter White (WW)
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Yes imo

  8. davies
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Best 4.4 defender to complete this lot?

    TAA / Chilwell / James / ***** / Livramento

    1. Pork Pie Sausage Roll
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Honestly just some perma bench fodder. Omo or Manquillo

    2. Ronnies
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      White

    3. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Lamptey/white

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

      White (safe)
      Lowton (interesting pick but may feel knee-jerky)
      Ait Nouri or Lamptey (punts)

    5. sulldaddy
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Lamptey he is cheap and good differential and will likely play if needed for your roster

  9. unclesbasement
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    My team for this upcoming gameweek

    Sanchez(Steele)
    Rudi,Chillwell,White,Cancelo(TAA)
    Salah,Gallagher,Foden,Mbeumo(Brownhill)
    Vardy,Toney(Antonio)

    Should I play TAA or Antonio and if so who would I replace them with

    1. Water_Pink
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      TAA

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

    Lot of spurs haters in here today, bit salty

    Conte will rejuvenate the lads and get us top 4, Kane to bag 20-25 goals

    You heard it from an anonymous potato on ffs first !

    1. have you seen cyan
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      If he gets top 4 this season then that’s a success. Personally not hoping for much this season but next season we need to be competing for some titles and hopefully we get a few good signings

  11. ADucksBehind
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Have exact funds to do
    Havertz + Antonio to
    Son + Toney for a -4

    Is Antonio to Toney this week for free more sensible?

  12. TokyoMontreal
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    GW11

    1) Gray to Mbeumo ? or Jorginho ? or Emile Smith-Rowe ?

    2) Dier to Chilwell ? or James ?

    Thanks!

  13. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Best duo from week 12 Already have Kane do A /C would be going for double up and new manager bounce with decent fixtures

    A Hwang Son
    B Antonio Foden
    C Toney Son - requires additional transfer of Raphinha to Gallagher

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

    https://mobile.twitter.com/BenDinnery/status/1455522240804630530

    "Klopp confirms Keita "will be out for a while" following the hamstring injury he sustained against Brighton on Saturday. James Milner remains sidelined, but Thiago and Fabinho have both "trained completely normal" and come into contention. "So we will see." #LFC #UCL"

    Liverpool have drawn every PL game this season without Keita (including Brighton as he only lasted 19 mins)

    1. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Sell Trent

      1. Ginkapo FPL
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Still amazing how little squad depth Liverpool have

        1. @persecuted_by_mods
            2 years, 4 months ago

            It's why I backed Chelsea for the title, they're going through an injury crisis and we've all barely noticed, with Liverpool we instantly notice. Man city I thought that lack of striker would catch up on them

            1. Cok3y5murf
              • 7 Years
              2 years, 4 months ago

              Aguero started 6 games last season and scored 4 goals (2 of those came after they won the title). He was irrelevant for their title win, and they scored more goals than any other team.

              I don't know why people keep coming back to this lame argument every time they lose a game. Even Pep joked about this in an interview just last week

              1. @persecuted_by_mods
                  2 years, 4 months ago

                  I am well aware they won the title without a main striker last season, you're not educating me here

                  What's lame exactly? Thinking that a new season, new tactics, new players makes a difference to who wins the title

                  Or your argument which seems to solely be, they won title without a striker last year so they will again

                  Lame indeed

                  1. Cok3y5murf
                    • 7 Years
                    2 years, 4 months ago

                    When did I say they will win again? I'm saying their lack of striker is not an issue for scoring goals in their system. It's the lazy argument people jump on when they lose a game. The same thing happened after the Spurs loss.

                    It's the only position they CAN strengthen in, but it's not something they need.

                    New players? Chelsea have a new "striker", but in their system, most of their goals come from their defenders. Liverpool don't have a traditional striker either.

                    1. @persecuted_by_mods
                        2 years, 4 months ago

                        In that case, where did I say they wouldn't score goals? + My prediction was made at the beginning of the season, I think they can't repeat last year's trick of no striker and winning the league so not "lazily" reacting to a loss

                        What are you even arguing here dude? Again, you're not telling me anything I don't know

                        Didn't realise it was so controversial and lazy to look at teams, tactics, and make a prediction based on it

                        1. @persecuted_by_mods
                            2 years, 4 months ago

                            Ironically what you've lazily done here is assume I'm one of those people that say city can't win the title without a striker without knowing they did it last year, but I'm not

                            Whichever way it goes it will be tight, I tip Chelsea still

                          • Cok3y5murf
                            • 7 Years
                            2 years, 4 months ago

                            Last year's "trick". What do you mean by this exactly? What trick?

                            And it's a forum. You posted a comment and I responded. Why so defensive?

                            1. @persecuted_by_mods
                                2 years, 4 months ago

                                Can't explain the defensiveness, you lame lazy commenter!

                                1. @persecuted_by_mods
                                    2 years, 4 months ago

                                    But thanks for explaining it's a forum, and also thanks for telling me all the other things I was already aware of too

                                    It's a common phrase, it doesn't mean an actual trick which bizarrely you've taken my comment as

                                    Since you need a breakdown, I believe with the players Chelsea have and Tuchel in charge from the start they will get more points than man city, man city won last year without a main striker I am well aware, I am not expecting them to implode or suddenly not score goals, I just think a main striker gives them more points than Chelsea this year and without they don't finish above Chelsea though it will be close

                                    It's just a prediction, lame and lazy arguments don't really come into it other than all your interjections

                                  • Cok3y5murf
                                    • 7 Years
                                    2 years, 4 months ago

                                    Says breakdown and didn't break down anything.

                                    "I think without a main striker, they will get less points than Chelsea."

                                    Why?

                                    "It's just a prediction. Lack of striker will catch up to them and it was a trick last year. I don't know what else to say and have no explanation, so I'll get defensive." 😆 Have a good day.

                                  • @persecuted_by_mods
                                      2 years, 4 months ago

                                      Okay lazy lame boy, easy to sit and attack when you've got 0 actual points to make yourself huh. What kind of breakdown am I meant to give you? A full tactical analysis?

                                      Not sure if you think you've made any points other than regurgitation of facts that I was already aware of but good for you buddy you've taught me things I already knew

                                      Happy to listen to who you think will win the league and why

                                    • @persecuted_by_mods
                                        2 years, 4 months ago

                                        It's an open forum buddy don't get upset by my perceived defensiveness, just responding to your comments 😉

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

                            A lack of central striker doesn't hinder City, as it doesn't hinder Liverpool, or didn't hinder Barca 09, so I don't think it'll catch up on them myself.

                            In a possessional system, having a striker come deep is hugely beneficial to controlling games as the centre-backs can't follow him. The wide forwards pin the back 4 in place with just 2 players, giving you 2 extra players elsewhere. Those two extra players allows you to cause overloads regularly which allows you to keep the ball with ease.

                            Not my own opinion, just what experienced coaches have explained to me.

                            1. Cok3y5murf
                              • 7 Years
                              2 years, 4 months ago

                              Dude, it's just a prediction. Why are you even arguing with him? He already knows everything you just said!

                              1. @persecuted_by_mods
                                  2 years, 4 months ago

                                  Who doesn't know it though? Again all this guy has said is things I already know

                                  Me: I think city won't win the league without a striker this year

                                  You guys: did you know they did it already?

                                  Did you know other teams have done it before?

                                  Huh did ya?

                                  Me: um yes I did

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

                          Funnily enough they've conceded 8 in those 4 games (and one of those halves was playing against 10 men against Chelsea so could have been more). Fabinho played in 3 of those, they're definitely missing Wijnaldum

                          1. Ginkapo FPL
                            • 12 Years
                            2 years, 4 months ago

                            I said preseason that Wijnaldum would be a big loss for the defence, but its hard to be heard when a certain poster shouts that trent has x returns in y matches at every opportunity. Missing a hard working skilled player in midfielder was always going to cause a dent to the number of clean sheets

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

                              I haven't seen enough of Liverpool in the last year to make a judgement on it but I'm guessing he must have done a lot of the defensive covering when Robertson and particularly TAA went up the flank / TAA moved into midfield when Liverpool had a lot of possession. He covered a lot of ground in general anyway but I wonder if they haven't really managed to get that balance right this season because he's gone

                      • internal error
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 11 Years
                        2 years, 4 months ago

                        We need Fabinho and Thiago back asap. They will make a huge difference to our midfield if both start

                        1. We Go Again
                          • 9 Years
                          2 years, 4 months ago

                          Even just having Fabinho back will make someone like Jones play so much better.

                          1. internal error
                            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                            • 11 Years
                            2 years, 4 months ago

                            Jones doesnt do any defensive work.

                            1. BrockLanders
                              • 9 Years
                              2 years, 4 months ago

                              Jones won't play if Thiago, Fab & Hendo are fit..

                    2. rnrd
                      • 9 Years
                      2 years, 4 months ago

                      Antonio owners, what are you doing?
                      Keeping or trying to sell and fund an upgrade to Son in MID.

                      Tough decision but a Antonio to Hwang seems sensible.

                      1. Nimby
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 5 Years
                        2 years, 4 months ago

                        I wanna keep him until I'm forced to get rid because of injury. He's top class.

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

                          This

                      2. Pops15
                        • 7 Years
                        2 years, 4 months ago

                        He has 2 returns in the last 7. Hes not unsellable and I'm highly considering moving him out for at least 5 Gws.

                    3. Forza Papac
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 8 Years
                      2 years, 4 months ago

                      I was explaining the price change element of FPL to a work colleague yesterday and mentioned the fplstatistics site to him. His immediate response was to question whether that was cheating or not. I reasoned that it's a free-to-use tool that anyone can use.

                      I'd never really questioned the use of third-party sites like fplstatistics myself. So, what do you think? Is it, in a way, cheating?

                      1. Lanley Staurel
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 13 Years
                        2 years, 4 months ago

                        They just provide data that may or may not point to future performance. Its not cheating to look at a companies P & L accounts or historic PE ratio etc before you buy shares in a company. Same principle.

                      2. Ginkapo FPL
                        • 12 Years
                        2 years, 4 months ago

                        Its not cheating, but its poor sportsmanship to not make your competitors aware of the tools available to them

                        1. Forza Papac
                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                          • 8 Years
                          2 years, 4 months ago

                          Gonna play devils advocate here. Isn't it my competitor's responsibility to be resourceful and find these tools for themselves? Nobody told me about them. I literally googled 'fpl' which is how I found FFS and I was turned onto fplstatistics from there by asking how people knew player x's price was about to drop.

                          1. Ginkapo FPL
                            • 12 Years
                            2 years, 4 months ago

                            That it may be, but if you play someone at fifa and dont bother to tell them how to pass are you really a worthy winner?

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

                              I dunno, in this example I played PES a lot until this year and a work colleague said he played too so we said we'd play sometime. I like to maximise my options so I try to learn and master as many controls as I can (including pass types and skill moves) to give me more options mid-game. He said he couldn't be bothered to learn those and plays pretty simple. If I played him and beat him using a lot of those other options and found manual controls were better (if you can master them) and he was annoyed with me being able to do that but that he couldn't, I'd say it's on him for not wanting to seek that information out and trying to use it because it's not hard to find.

                              If you're specifically avoiding telling someone this stuff then I guess I get it a bit (or actively trying to avoid them finding it out), but otherwise it's up to each player to use the information available. The third Google result for "how do you know when fpl price changes happen" is fplstats so I think if you want to know this stuff it's not hard to find

                    4. Karan14
                      • 7 Years
                      2 years, 4 months ago

                      Saving FT this week so that I can have 2 FTs to get Kane or Son in GW12.

                      Which option looks the best for GW12 onwards?

                      A) Vardy & Saka ➡️ Kane & ESR/Mbeumo/Gallagher
                      B) Saka & Vardy ➡️ Son & Wilson/Jimenez
                      C) Vardy & Sissoko ➡️ Son & Hwang
                      D) Semedo & Vardy ➡️ Kane & 4.5m def

                      1. cheese XL
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 7 Years
                        2 years, 4 months ago

                        B

                      2. dunas_dog
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 8 Years
                        2 years, 4 months ago

                        I think you want Son so B or C- probably C as like Hwang who looks pretty attacking and Wolves fixtures ok

                    5. davies
                      • 9 Years
                      2 years, 4 months ago

                      What to do with Iheanacho?

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

                        Hold and start for this week

                    6. Big boy Bowen
                      • 7 Years
                      2 years, 4 months ago

                      I feel popular of a sudden

                      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
                        • 14 Years
                        2 years, 4 months ago

                        😆 fortune favours the patient

                      2. Botman and Robben
                        • 7 Years
                        2 years, 4 months ago

                        It has been a while.

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

                      Anyone got the testicles to cap anyone but salah this week?

                      Feels like a pretty tough fixture for them, keita out, he’s been over performing

                      Toney (c) - he’s due!

                      1. Mozumbus
                        • 2 Years
                        2 years, 4 months ago

                        Tested mine last week TAA(c). Was only hoping all the time Salah wouldn't haul 😀

                      2. Pops15
                        • 7 Years
                        2 years, 4 months ago

                        I'm considering Vardy but I did captian him the other week and Salah absoultey murdered me

                    8. TR1CKY TREES
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 9 Years
                      2 years, 4 months ago

                      some Antonio Conte stats as manager (deciding whether to bring in Kane or not, already have Son):

                      Juventus
                      before Conte 2010-11 season finished 7th: GF 57 GA 47
                      with Conte 2011-12 season finished 1st: GF 68 GA 20
                      with Conte 2012-2013 season finished 1st: GF 71 GA 24
                      with Conte 2013-2014 season finished 1st: GF 80 GA 23

                      Chelsea
                      before Conte 2015-16 season finished 10th: GF 59 GA 53
                      with Conte 2016-17 season finished 1st: GF 85 GA 33

                      Inter
                      before Conte 2018-19 season finished 4th: GF 56 GA 32
                      with Conte 2019-20 season finished 2nd: GF 81 GA 36
                      with Conte 2020-21 season finished 1st: GF 89 GA 35

                      tldr: expect massive improvement from Spurs both in GF/GA and win % plus Conte's comments about Kane during the summer: "Of course, he’s good at that (playing deeper) too, but it’s in the box where he’s clinical and as a coach, I would always keep him in there because he’s devastating."

                      I will see how Kane gets on this weekend and if he is more advanced then he is coming in for me in GW 12 for the good fixture run. With the GF improvement in Conte teams, Kane will be the biggest beneficiary IMO

                      1. Botman and Robben
                        • 7 Years
                        2 years, 4 months ago

                        You plan on getting both Son and Kane in GW12 if they look promising?

                        1. TR1CKY TREES
                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                          • 9 Years
                          2 years, 4 months ago

                          That's my current plan yes to bring in Kane for Vardy in GW12 (I already have Son). Especially if Kane does indeed stay in the box as per Conte's comments and the wing back positions are sorted out which Conte will develop without doubt. Reguilon could be an interesting option too for the fixtures from GW12...LEE,BUR,BRE,NOR... too hard to ignore. Is Kane/Son in your thoughts at all?

                          1. Botman and Robben
                            • 7 Years
                            2 years, 4 months ago

                            Didn't hear/read the Conte comments, sounds lovely.

                            Kane & Son in my thoughts as I plan to WC during int'l break. Also get the defenders I want too going forward.

                            1. Hktrader88
                              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                              • 5 Years
                              2 years, 4 months ago

                              I was planning the same, but my WC team with Kane and Son probably has better fixtures GW11 than my normal team, so very tempted to trigger the wc now! Not that easy to get a great looking team with Salah, TAA, Son and kane

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

                        Incredible level of improvement. One of the best managers in the world, no doubt.

                        1. TR1CKY TREES
                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                          • 9 Years
                          2 years, 4 months ago

                          he's a winner and will demand improvement, he will only up Kane's game

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

                        Excellent info, thanks for this. It's easier for me to get to Kane than Son and I know Conte (like Mourinho) tends to get the best out of strikers so it all looks good, just really all depends Kane himself and if he'll buy into it

                        1. TR1CKY TREES
                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                          • 9 Years
                          2 years, 4 months ago

                          I'm hoping for a similar pattern with Kane to that of Lukaku the season Conte took over at Inter. Lukaku 19/20 season: 23G 2 A, 20/21 season 24G 9 A. Just need Kane to stay in the box and the goals will come I'm sure

                    9. Jässi
                      • 6 Years
                      2 years, 4 months ago

                      Who is the best option for bench as I need to downgrade Dias in order to upgrade Grealish to Son and play 3-4-3 again instead of 4-3-3.

                      A) Johnson (costs only 3.9m so leaves money ITB, but probably will not start too many games?)
                      B) Jansson or Pinnock (both 4.7m and Brentford have nice fixtures, but can they keep clean sheets?)
                      C) Emerson Royal (got exact money for him, but will he be nailed under new manager?)
                      D) Someone else?

                      1. cheese XL
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 7 Years
                        2 years, 4 months ago

                        Depends on rest of bench. A if you have other playing subs

                    10. Simon69
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 11 Years
                      2 years, 4 months ago

                      Anyone else considering a mini wildcard ahead of GW12? Not thrilled to be losing Foden but I can't look past Son for that fixture run...

                      Vardy > Kane, Foden > Son, Wood > Broja / Cucho

                      Would leave me with...

                      Sanchez

                      Chilwell, James, TAA, Dier

                      Salah, Son, Mbueno, Sarr

                      Kane, Jimenez

                      Subs: Christensen, Broja / Cucho, Mendy (lei)

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

                        Yeah, I have 1ft (used the other to do Havertz to Trossard), but think I'll roll this one and with 2FT next week could do this for -4:

                        Raphinha > Cornet
                        Vardy > Kane
                        Semedo > TAA

                        I'd still have around 1m itb too which is always helpful and means I don't need to worry about price fluctuations too much for now

                        1. Simon69
                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                          • 11 Years
                          2 years, 4 months ago

                          Like those moves and Cornet in particular. I would be left with approximately 0 money unless I opted for a non-playing striker at 4.4 but I think funds are well spread so might be ok.

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

                            I'd say you'll be fine, and the good thing with your team is that you have premiums in all positions so moving to other players when necessary looks like it should be easier

                    11. royals forever
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 14 Years
                      2 years, 4 months ago

                      In your opinion who is the best 4.5 - 5m DF to have for this back 7 for the next few GWs

                      Meslier Bachmann

                      Azpilicueta Duffy Rudiger Livramento xxxxxxxxx

                      Any ideas would be welcomed

                      1. Nomar
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 14 Years
                        2 years, 4 months ago

                        Firstly, may I express my sympathies to you as a fellow Meslier owner.

                        Arsenal defenders look good right now. Gabriel seems to have a level of goal threat that the others don't have.

                    12. alfast1c
                      • 13 Years
                      2 years, 4 months ago

                      Zaha or Gallagher ?

                      1. Sailboats
                        • 8 Years
                        2 years, 4 months ago

                        Gallagher. Cheaper and score more points

                    13. phuang
                      • 8 Years
                      2 years, 4 months ago

                      Mid: Salah, Mount, Sarr, Gray, Raphinha

                      Best replacement for Sarr? £1.4 ITB

                    14. Sailboats
                      • 8 Years
                      2 years, 4 months ago

                      Which option to bench? Need to bench 1.

                      1- Antonio (Liverpool - H)
                      2- Mbeumo (Norwich - H)
                      3- Livramento (Villa - H)
                      4- ESR (Watford - H)

                      Based on form, I should bench Mbeumo right?

                      1. Aimar
                        • 4 Years
                        2 years, 4 months ago

                        2
                        1
                        3
                        4

                    15. Aimar
                      • 4 Years
                      2 years, 4 months ago

                      Cheer guys
                      I have son 2ft &1,2 itb

                      So which one is the best

                      A) Jesus & dias ——> amartery & kane

                      B) dias ——> regaluion & roll 1 ft

                      C) jesus , Dias & cancelo ——-> kane ,Regualion & amartey -4

                    16. Nomar
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 14 Years
                      2 years, 4 months ago

                      Looks like picking Son last week may work out OK after all now!

                    17. nolard
                      • 9 Years
                      2 years, 4 months ago

                      Was looking at Wolves who are improving and they have good fixtures.

                      Hwang as back up striker
                      Jimi as third in a front three?

                      Any other Wolves assets looking tempting?

                      1. Nomar
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 14 Years
                        2 years, 4 months ago

                        Ait Nourri if he can keep his place.

                        1. nolard
                          • 9 Years
                          2 years, 4 months ago

                          Yes, that is a decent one. Feels punty though.

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

                        I find it hard to rely on them defensively myself so I'd only go for Hwang or Jimenez