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FPL team reveal: Benching dilemmas ahead of Gameweek 11

Pro Pundits 29

I’m currently in nosebleed territory with an overall rank of 21,857 after ten Gameweeks.

Historically, I’ve been a late developer in a season, however in my best season (817th place in 2017/18), I got off to a similarly good start. I’m hoping to kick on from this position and move into the top 10k.

I played my Wildcard back in Gameweek 8, where picks of Reece James (£5.8m) and Phil Foden (£8.2m) have carried me up 150,000 places. This shows how just a couple of well-timed differentials can really make your season. Don’t give up hope if you haven’t got off to the best start!

Above: My pre-Wildcard team (Gameweek 7)

My major decisions this week don’t actually revolve around transfers. I’m in an enviable position of not having many fires to put out in my side; instead, I have decisions to make about who to put in my starting XI and who to bench.

The last few weeks have seen me bench hauls from the likes of Emile Smith-Rowe (£5.6m) and Aaron Ramsdale (£4.7m) and this is one of the frustrations of having decent picks across my entire 15, rather than any ‘fodder’ options.

While it is annoying to bench players who return points, having options in my team should allow me to take my time with transfers and perhaps be able to save a free transfer when others are scrambling around. Having picked up Smith-Rowe at just £5.3m, I’m very happy to own him over the likes of Josh Brownhill (£4.4m) and I already reaped benefits when I got his nine points off my bench for the benched Bryan Mbeumo (£5.6m).

However, with three very good options currently on my bench, I sense that this week could test my current calmness for this approach.

Az <p>One half of the FPL BlackBox YouTube series with Mark Sutherns.</p><p>Former Membership Strategy Manager for FFS&nbsp;</p> Follow them on Twitter

647 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Mr_Barbs
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    A) Sarr > ESR
    B) Tsimikas/Marcal > Jansson
    C) Save FT

    Sanchez
    TAA, James, Cancelo
    Salah, Raphinha, Havertz, Foden
    Antonio, Toney, ASM

    Foster, Sarr, Marcel, Tsmikas

    1. snow pea in repose
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      A and B are both pretty good moves but coming out of the IB with two transfers might ultimately be the best move...

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

    Best Sarr replacement for this week? (WC next week)

    A) ESR
    B) Mbueno
    C) Any other under 7.4m

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

      A

      1. The Count of Monte Cristo
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Agree with ESR for this week

    2. Stranger Mings
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      A

    3. Tinfoil Deathstar
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      B for me

  3. Harvey Specter
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Bench Livramento or Hwang?

    1. School of Poch
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I've got both and benching Liv

    2. Gooner97
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Livramento

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

    Start 1

    A gray

    B dennis

    C livra

    1. School of Poch
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      A - I also own C and benching

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

        It just entered my mind how awful spurs Def are and the possibilities gray may have.

    2. Gooner97
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      A

  5. Stranger Mings
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Hwang or livra first sub?

    1. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      H

      1. Stranger Mings
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Cool thanks

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

    Who scores more this week,

    A) Hwang and Son (-4)

    B) Benrahma and Antonio

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

      B

    2. Bartowski
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      B

    3. Stranger Mings
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      B

    4. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Personally think A but really not much in it

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

      A - hands down

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

    What to do here?

    Tierney to Reguilón ?
    Mount + Tierney to Zaha + James (-4)?

    1FT and .3 ITB

    Schmeichel
    TAA - Rüdiger - Semedo - Tierney - Livramento
    Salah - Havertz - Foden - Mount - Sissoko
    Ronaldo - Toney - Davis

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

      defender transfers are premium, wouldn't punt on reguilon just yet
      tierney to james is a big upgrade
      if you think zaha will score well then go for the double move
      what about going ESR instead which would allow havertz to son soon

      1. The Count of Monte Cristo
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Agree with these points - definitely a wait and see on Spurs defence

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

          Ye will probably do the double move to avoid getting Sissoko 2-pointer again 😀

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

        Think Zaha have the fixtures and Palace have the form for him to score well.
        Might go for the double move tonight. Exact cash.

    2. Rick891
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Tierney to James for free
      Play Livramento 4-4-2
      Keep Mount

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

        Haha 😉 no worries !

    3. Rick891
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Didn't see 0.3 ITB

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

    Need inspiration…
    I have 2 FTs so might as well use 1…

    Mendy
    James(VC) TAA Cancelo Duffy
    Salah(C) Foden Raphinha
    Jesus Toney

    Foster; Antonio Livramento Brownhill

    Want to work a way of getting either Son or Kane in for after International Break…

    Thinking getting Cancelo out this week to make some money…

    Then either switch Havertz to Son or Jesus to Kane…?

    Thoughts?

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

      I would keep Cancelo and downgrade Antonio probably.

  9. Bartowski
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    From a fan at the Spurs game watching Conte:

    "Update on Conte Cam for the second half.

    From when Romero got himself sent off until the red card for Vitesse he was pretty calm however again Lucas got a lot of grief and I think that might be why he looked rather sour on the sidelines. Harry Kane did better in the second half but when we were 3-2 up and it was 10 vs 9 he absolutely lost his sh*t with Kane and screamed at him to get up the damn pitch and into the box."

    1. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Thanks very much for this - would not have found this otherwise.

      Will be an interesting first few weeks under Conte. A good time for an International Break for them too

  10. FPL Alaska
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    What to do here? 2 FT, 1.1 ITB

    Ramsdale
    TAA - Cancelo - James - Livramento
    Salah (c) - Raph - Foden - Mbeumo
    Vardy - Antonio

    (Foster; Hwang, Dias, Brownhill)

    A) Dias > Chilwell (Kane/Son in next week)
    B) Dias + Antonio > Chilwell + Toney (Kane/Son in next week)
    C) Vardy + Mbeumo > Toney + Son
    D) Antonio + Foden > Toney + Son

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

      A

    2. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      A

    3. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I think A as well and sort of similar to my proposed move below but you have double City and I only have 1.

  11. GE
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Play one:

    1) Antonio
    2) Livramento

    1. Stranger Mings
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      1

    2. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      1

    3. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      1

  12. Tambling5
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Hello, struggling at about a millionth place, so would like a plan.
    Team is
    Ramsdale (Foster)
    TAA Cancelo White Livramento (Duffy)
    Salah Son Mbueno Mount (Townsend)
    Vardy Antonio (Pukki)
    One FT and 0.3 itb
    Having missed most of Chelsea's good fixtures defensively, thinking of sticking with 2 value defenders, and trying to improve midfield and upfront by getting cheapest nonplaying midfielder for Townsend and upgrading Pukki, next week.
    Any affordable better plans?

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

      what's your feelings on Mount?
      could go to ESR and then White/Duffy to Chilwell/James which should pay off in the medium term

      1. Tambling5
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks Will think on. Mount got good fixture this week if fit, and sure you are right about Duffy to Chelsea wingback. Also wondering about downgrading Cancelo to Chelsea wingback, Mount to Esr, and then getting third striker like Watkins, if form continues to improve. May just save transfer for a week unless Mount doudtful for tomorrow.

  13. Rick891
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Best keeper under 5.0m for the next 6 gameweeks?

    1. Gymer11
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Guaita

    2. No One
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      sanchez

    3. Gooner97
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Sanchez

      1. Rick891
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks, was between these two. I feel like Guaita may get more save points

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

    1 week punt on trossard?

    Or just go ESR?

    1. Stranger Mings
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      ESr

    2. Rick891
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      ESR

    3. Gooner97
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      ESR

  15. C'mon the Fylde
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Should I roll FT?

    Elliot
    Coleman Kilman Kouyate
    Lookman Trincao McGinn Dele
    Ayew Connolly Pukki

    Foster Jansson Bertrand Bailey

    1ft

  16. The Count of Monte Cristo
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Very unsure here -- was thinking Cancelo --> Chilwell / James and save the other FT?

    Sánchez
    TAA -- Cancelo -- White
    Salah (c) -- Raphinha -- Saka -- Havertz
    Toney -- Antonio -- Vardy

    Foster -- Livramento -- Sarr -- Amartey [2FT + 1.4m ITB]

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

      Would keep Cancelo. Lots of attacking returns this season but so far most of them in CL. Could change any minute. City are also better defensively but Mendy has saved Chelsea's clean sheets. That could continue of course but I don't think it will.
      I would consider White>James or Sarr>someone (4.5 mid?)

  17. Gentle_Turks
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    G2G or play Cancelo over Antonio?

    Ramsdale
    TAA James Chilwell
    Foden Salah(c) Mbeumo Raphinha
    Antonio Kane Toney
    (Foster Cancelo Livramento Brownhill)

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

      Anyone?

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

      Im going to bench Antonio and play Cancelo

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

        What's your thinking? Antonio knackered after playing 90 tonight? Or fancy Cancelo to add to his three assists from yesterday? I reckon City will concede.

    3. Billybigspuds
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Antonio only played 60 mins didn’t he?

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

        Yeah you're right...just checked and he came off on 58.

  18. DavidKent
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Vardy -> Kane for a hit this week?

    Have exact money…

    1. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Absolutely not.

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

      I don't like the hit but as you'll likely be priced out (Kane prob going up tonight) it might be worth it.

    3. Scots Gooner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Yeah

  19. boroie
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Have 2 FTs and I’m struggling to find anything I want to do… would you do…

    Raphinha -> Mbuemo

    1. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I would not.

    2. C'mon the Fylde
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Show us your team.

  20. boroie
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Have 2 FTs but I’m struggling to find anything I want to do… would you do…

    Raphinha -> Mbuemo?

    1. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Thoughts here? 2FT and 1.5 ITB

      Thinking of going boring and just bringing in Brownhill for Gilmour. Don't mind keeping Armstrong if a strong indication he'll start otherwise I probably should move him on instead. James/Chillwell in for Christensen also holds some appeal.

      Sanchez
      TAA Rudiger Christensen
      Salah Mbeumo Raphinha Foden
      Ronaldo Antonio Armstrong

      (Steele Livramento White Gilmour)

      A) Gilmour to Brownhill
      B) Armstrong to Toney/Hwang
      C) Christensen to Chillwell/James
      D) A combination of the above options
      E) Something else

      1. waldo666
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Sorry mate, wrong post, still a no from me.

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

        B or C

      3. Tinfoil Deathstar
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        C for me.

        1. waldo666
          • 13 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Cheers.

    2. Thomas Jerome Newton
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I would not.

    3. Tinfoil Deathstar
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      No. Raph is gold

  21. McPollolocco
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Sell or keep Gray?
    Would do Gray --> Cornet?

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

      Cornet getting subbed around 60 most games so hard to know
      I went Gray to ESR this week

  22. Nedvěd11
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Most points

    A) Jimenez + Son (-4)
    B) Vardy + Raph

    1. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      B

  23. boroie
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Thoughts on Reguillon?

    1. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Not interested.

    2. Gooner97
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Better options

    3. Thomas Jerome Newton
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Wait and see on Spurs for me.

  24. waldo666
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Thoughts here? 2FT and 1.5 ITB

    Thinking of going boring and just bringing in Brownhill for Gilmour. Don't mind keeping Armstrong if a strong indication he'll start otherwise I probably should move him on instead. James/Chillwell in for Christensen also holds some appeal.

    Sanchez
    TAA Rudiger Christensen
    Salah Mbeumo Raphinha Foden
    Ronaldo Antonio Armstrong

    (Steele Livramento White Gilmour)

    A) Gilmour to Brownhill
    B) Armstrong to Toney/Hwang
    C) Christensen to Chillwell/James
    D) A combination of the above options
    E) Something else

    1. Thomas Jerome Newton
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Teams okay, so maybe best to sort your cover out.

      1. waldo666
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Cheers, Terry.

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

      B or C

      1. waldo666
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks.

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

        Toney not Hwang

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

      Armstrong to Toney.

      Wish I did this when I wildcarded in gw8 and am now priced out

      1. waldo666
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Cheers. Yeah, I wish I never took him out for Armstong with what has transpired since but the move looked a good one on paper. I will wait so would end up paying 0.3 more for Toney than when I sold him so will have to jump that mental hurdle as well.

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

      I think Christensen is a bit like White where he's likely capped at 6 points for a cs and goal scorers to hog bonus points (unless score is 0-0). Moving him to chil/james surely pays off quickly

      Hold the other transfer for post IB

      I have gilmour armstrong and white as well
      moving now to brownhill is probably only worth a consideration if you're wanting to BB soon, otherwise low upside and can always do this move anytime

      1. waldo666
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Cheers HMC, fair points made, I haven't needed third on the bench yet (touch wood) and most years I have played with a non-playing third bench player anyway.

  25. Gooner97
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    1FT

    A) BSilva to ESR (Broja on the bench)
    B) Antonio to Toney
    C) Play Broja and bench BSilva

  26. jaguar shark
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    A. Raphinha + Vardy >> Son + Toney
    B. Raph + Vardy + Duffy >> Son + Toney + Chillwell (-4)
    C. Vardy >> Toney (save 1 FT)

    1. jaguar shark
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      No opinion here? Seems like this would be a hot topic no?

      Another way to ask this question: bring in son now or wait?

    2. Thomas Jerome Newton
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      A

      1. baines is god
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        a

  27. No One
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    A.: Antonio to Toney or

    B.: save FT.

    1. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      B

    2. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      B

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

      If only 1 ft save. If two, go for it

  28. baines is god
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Bench 1
    CHO, Raphina, Jimenez or Antonio

    Genuinely not decided at all between all 4 of them. A lot of people suggesting CHO but Chelsea could easily put 5 past Burnley whereas Leeds, Wolves and West Ham are unlikely to score more than 1 goal each

    1. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I'd have to say CHO as well, I reckon. Allot benching Antonio but not for me.

      1. baines is god
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        I think Raphina is my likeliest to bench if i don't bench CHO

        1. waldo666
          • 13 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Raphinha would be last on my list to bench, tbh.

  29. Nightf0x
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    sanchez (foster)
    rudi christensen taa white (matip)
    raph salah beny (town sisoko)
    antonio jimi vardy

    which?

    a) town beny -4 to galagher zaha esr mbuemo tross moura
    b) beny matip -4 to mbeumo dufy/livra/dier/mitchel (gw12 town christensen -4 to son 4.4/4.5 def.)
    c) beny town -4 to son 4.5 mid

  30. Fpl Richie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Being priced out of a one move route to Son from Havertz. Have a FT. Best option?

    A. Do it now and keep Vardy
    B. Wait. Then downgrade Vardy to get Son.
    C. Wait. After IB do Havertz to Foden, Vardy to Kane.

    1. Root
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      C is my exact plan