Members

Who is the best third Liverpool asset to own during AFCON?

With Mohamed Salah (£12.8m), Sadio Mane (£11.8m) and Naby Keita (£5.0m) linking up with their respective teams for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) this week, a third Liverpool slot has opened up in most Fantasy Premier League (FPL) squads.

The trio are expected back for Gameweek 24, but it is worth noting that the AFCON final and third-place play-off takes place on February 6th, just four days before Liverpool are due to entertain Leicester City.

As a result, if Egypt, Senegal or Guinea reach the latter stages, the players in question would be faced with a tight turnaround, with their involvement in Gameweek 24 perhaps in doubt.

AFCON/FPL TIMELINE:
  • Jan 9 – AFCON begins
  • Jan 16 – Liverpool v Brentford (Gameweek 22)
  • Jan 23 – AFCON Round of 16
  • Jan 23 – Crystal Palace v Liverpool (Gameweek 23)
  • Jan 29 – AFCON Quarter-Finals
  • Feb 2 – AFCON Semi-Finals
  • Feb 6 – AFCON Final/Third-place play-off
  • Feb 10 – Liverpool v Leicester City (Gameweek 24)
  • Feb 13 – Burnley v Liverpool (Gameweek 25)

Losing three regulars during a hectic period in the season and with others out through coronavirus and injury is not ideal for Liverpool, with key attacking pair Salah and Mane responsible for 24 of their side’s 52 Premier League goals in 2021/22.

Discussing their departures after Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Chelsea, assistant manager Pep Lijnders said:

“You can try to plan it, but you can never prepare it. It is not a worry because we have faith in the boys we have and a few boys are coming back as well. We know that certain players can play more offensively as well, they have been playing in midfield, but they can play more offensively as well.”

However, for FPL managers, it has presented an opportunity to bring in a third Liverpool asset alongside Trent Alexander-Arnold (£8.3m) and Diogo Jota (£8.2m), at least for a short period, which we’ll explore in this, our latest Members Article.

THE FIXTURES

In addition to the fixtures detailed above, there is also a possibility that Liverpool may be handed a Double Gameweek 22, with postponed matches still to be rearranged against Leeds United (h) and Arsenal (a).

If that comes to fruition, it certainly increases the appeal of a short-term move for a third Liverpool asset.

The below graphic, courtesy of the excellent @Legomane_FPL, outlines the Reds’ schedule, with domestic cup ties against Arsenal (x2) and Shrewsbury Town also to navigate in the coming days.


PLAYERS TO CONSIDER

294 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Firmino
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Covid outbreak

    1. Chenku╰☆╮
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      where?

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

        Liverpool

      2. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Around the world.

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

      Sh*t, meant to reply Rupert

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

        Ah yes. I’ve just seen. I miss the scout tweets section.

    3. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Yeah I’ve heard about this, bloody everywhere.

    4. FFSbet.com
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      2nd WC in mud...

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

    So, os it gonna be a postponed DGW22?

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

      Why would the whole DGW be cancelled?

  3. Sillet Bang
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Fab Keane Gray Bowen@ Ant and DCL to play cmon

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

      Now that’s balls deep.

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

      Ha. I just realised I also have 6 whoops.

      1. No Professionals
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        I'd be claiming 7 to play!

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

          How many you got? If link is right it looks like two.

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

    You know what, I’ve really not noticed Wolves and their defensive record. It’s pretty nuts. Wolves have conceded 2 in their last 8. Origi's last minute winner and that penalty away at City.
    DDG to Sa?
    Jansson to Coady maybe.

    1. Black Knights
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Ait-Nouri amazing value for the amount he bombs forward.

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

        I’ve simply not been watching their games. So that’s good to know.

        1. dabber7
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          Ait-Nouri is currently being kept on the bench by Marcal. Also worth noting that over the next 16, Wolves are second on the season ticker for defence.

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

            Thanks for this.

          2. Black Knights
            • 12 Years
            2 years, 2 months ago

            Not strictly true. He'd become first choice LWB and then got injured in the warm-up vs Brighton. Wasn't fit enough for the next game vs Chelsea so wasn't even on the bench. First bench appearance back vs United, because Old Trafford is probably not the place for your unfit attacking defenders. I expect he would've replaced Marcal at LWB regardless of AFCON but with Saiss gone, Marcal can cover LCB anyway.

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

              Can you spoon feed me a little easier. Who am I getting again?

              1. Black Knights
                • 12 Years
                2 years, 2 months ago

                Ha well I've just read that Jonny Otto might be almost ready to return too. Maybe we're best off going for the CBs after all. 🙂

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

                  Well with less confusion there and a couple of games in hand, I will have to monitor over the next 10 days and make a decision could just get Sa.

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

                  Coady and Kilman?

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

                    If I get Coady and Ait-Nouri does well there’ll be plenty of hindsight superheroes around.

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

              But nouri only became 1st choice because marcal got injured

              1. Debauchy
                • 11 Years
                2 years, 2 months ago

                Nope , other way around Nouri the better player

                1. DavvaMC
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 3 Years
                  2 years, 2 months ago

                  Seriously considering Ait Nouri, just hope he is nailed o start every game.

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

      Maybe Doherty, it seems he could be back at Wolves

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

        Haha what? Where’ve you heard that? I’m glad I’ve finally got the day off. I’ve missed a lot.

    3. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      I thought it was between Wolves and Spurs for switching James around last game week personally.

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

      Guess when I sold Semedo? 8 weeks ago...

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

        So harsh. Hope it was for a banger.

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

      By some miracle I have Semedo still in FanTeam. Got him on GW4 wildcard and never had time to replace him.

      He's come in clutch a few times to cover for blanks. Left him on my bench this week though unfortunately.

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

        The right decision though.

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

          Had a bench of Martinelli, Alonso, Semedo.

          Foden and Watkins didn't show and I STILL didn't get Semedo haha.

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

            They mightn’t have been on your radar, as with me.

    6. Ruth_NZ
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Saïss is a big player for them. They won't be as strong without him.

      Coady is competing against Sanchez/Davies for a spot but Spurs have more doubles to come.

      Nothing against Sa, though, he's a very good GK.

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

        Hadn’t a clue he is African.

        1. AC/DC AFC
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          Moroccan, the reason many didn't get him last week.

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

            Ah ok thanks. Guess they didn’t get him for UTD away as well. Seen many transfer in African players too.

    7. ceejay106
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Ait Nouri had been superb prior to his injury. Strong defensively and going forward. There’s a chance Marcal will slot in as CB to cover for Saiss so I think there’s a fair chance RAN plays next GW. Jonny is supposedly still a few weeks away from challenging but we have brought Ryan Giles and Dion Sanderson back from loan which gives more options in defence. Semedo is more nailed but rumors circulating about him going to Athletico Madrid to replace Trippier. Not sure what I make of the Doherty rumors but he was a beast for us!

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

    I think it will be better for the world to go on full lockdown again

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

      Why?

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

        🙂

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

    Last Man Standing Update (719 teams)

    Current safety score = 35 with autosubs
    Top score = 65

    https://www.livefpl.net/LMS

    To enter - https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2022/01/04/last-chance-to-enter-the-last-man-standing-competition-5/

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

      Cheers TM

  7. ClassiX
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    I see Dragan Solak bought an entire club for the same price that City paid for Grealish. Now THAT's good business...

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      For Villa, Manchester City or Southampton?

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

        For Liverpool. Their academy will only get stronger now.

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

        Saints

    2. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Talk Sport reports £250m deal in total.

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

        Ah - the headline figure in the popular press is £100m.

  8. Sterling Archer
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Tripper price prediction for the toon army revolution?

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

      5m max

    2. Pia06rc
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Would guess £5m

  9. jdp219
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Still unsure whether to just keep Salah, so addressing James to begin with.

    James > ...
    1) Laporte - already have Cancelo
    2) Wolves (TBD) - ticker says second-best def fixtures through gw31
    3) Reguilon - not the greatest fixtures, but probable DGWs

    1. Lord of Ings
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Laporte probably.
      Kilman is a good shout as well..

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

    Looking at those fixtures from GW23, I'm liking the idea of playing a back four of Cancelo, Dias, Trent and VVD for a few weeks. (Jota will make way for Salah).

    Anyone else thinking the same?

    1. Lord of Ings
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      I don’t trust any defence enough for a double except city so probably not
      I guess It’ll be a pool double till salah is back

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

      Don’t think I could deal with 2 of my defenders blanking in 27

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

      That's 5 GWs away so shouldn't be an issue. Still have WC and both FHs in hand anyway.

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

      Nah.

      I only really want TAA, Cancelo and a Spurs defender (went for Emerson to good effect this week). The rest can be cheap guys with good fixtures.

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

      Thats fair enough. I suppose a Wolves def could also be a good option in place of VVD. I think I trust their defence more than Spurs, albeit they don't offer much attacking threat.

  11. Debauchy
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Omnicron is the saviour petered out here pretty quick. By gw 22 it's all over
    Relax

    1. DBW - Slug's Mortgage …
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      You in SA??

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

        Yep.

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

      Yeah. Hopefully it’s spreads to everyone healthy.

  12. Rednev1983
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    This is my WC team for going forward with the good fixtures for my selections and their form,obviously can change a few if/when DGW announced..I`m not that hung up on overall rank as more interested in mini leauge win and cash from that.

    Sa..Sanchez
    Trent..Cancelo..Laporte..Cody..White
    Sterling..Jota..Saka..Son..Bowen
    Antonio..Dennis..DCL

    My route back to Salah is Sterling but can change Dennis or DCL to say Gelhardt and get De Bruyne...My question is with Mahrez away who is more likely to get time in his place on the right? have had Bilva and Foden for recent hauls,is Sterling a good asset going forward or are the better choice for one place one of the other 3 i mentioned..I know with Pep it is difficult to predict but welcome you guys thoughts/knowledge.

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

      I think I'd pick Kev over Sterling, even with Mahrez out of the picture temporarily.

      1. Rednev1983
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks it`s in my thoughts...Cheers for replying.

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

    At the moment would you WC this team for GW22 or take a -8 for 3 DGWers instead

    De Gea Ramsdale

    Rudiger Cancelo James* Mitchell Tsimikas

    Salah* Bernardo Saka Bowen Mbeumo*

    Dennis Jesus Lacazette

    Any ideas would be welcomed

    1.5 ITB 1 FT

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

      I’m not sure. I’d need to see the doubles first.

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

      Jota and Son are the priorities I think, beyond that I'd get some in for James, maybe VVD or Robbo.

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

        Jota has Bre, but if Liverpool is not having dgw, is he really a priority over Maddison?

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

          Why Maddison?

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

      Personally I'd WC & would wipe out the whole team except the GKs, Cancelo, Bowen and maybe Dennis

  14. The Polymath
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Not sure if it's already been posted but UEFA has granted the Premier League permission to reschedule postponed Premier League matches for Champions League nights.

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

      Not that I’ve seen so thank you. Useful.

    2. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      That's a fixtures planning spreadsheet nightmare right there.

      Opens it right back up for odd dgw's.

  15. Cheeto__Bandito
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Real Madrid and Man City = 13 UCLs
    Barcelona and Man United = 8 UCLs

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

      I guess this is a joke I’m not getting.

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

      What is the point of including Man City ?

      My local pub team and Real Madrid have 13 UCLs combined as well !

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

        I guess it’s some sort of joke.

      2. Cheeto__Bandito
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        why they are the bigger clubs - more UCLs

  16. BrutalLogiC
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    What to do with Salah?

    Ddg Guaita
    TAA Reg Cancelo Tierney Duffy
    SALAH Jota Bowen Gray Gallagher
    Ronaldo Antonio Dennis

    1. Gudjohnsen
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Son or city midfielder

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

        Or best dgw player when we know who he could be. Son probably.

  17. Marty McFly
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Non-members will really struggle to work out which 3rd Liverpool asset could be the best option to own. Especially if they don’t recognise Andy Robertson on the photo at the top of the article!

    1. St Pauli Walnuts
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Well played Mart.

  18. Jerse
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Just listened to ne "expert" podcasting site doing an analysis of the Wolves defence. It recommended Sais who is a decent option but for the fact he is away at Afcon and so not available for a number of game weeks including the double.

    I find this tiresome when folk pedal their wares with "expert" advice when you see stuff like this.

    Make sure you do your own research and play your own game.