Pro Pundits
21 October 2022 625 comments
zøphar zøphar
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Throughout the 2022/23 Fantasy Premier League (FPL) season, our stellar team of Pro Pundits, Hall of Famers and guest contributors will be sharing their thoughts and own transfer plans.

Only Premium Members are able to read every single one of these pieces, so sign up today to get full access not just to the editorial content but all of the other benefits, from hundreds of Opta stats to a transfer planner.

Here, seven-time top 10k finisher Zophar compares the FPL appeal of two Arsenal midfielders and reveals his team plans for Gameweek 13.


It’s the last Gameweek of a hectic period, following a fairly low-scoring midweek where the two most prolific sides didn’t play. With only four Gameweeks left until the unlimited transfers of a World Cup break, surely the priority for FPL managers is to now get as many players from Manchester City and Arsenal as possible.

READ MORE: FPL Gameweek 13 team news: Live updates

Gabriel Martinelli vs Bukayo Saka

Bukayo Saka (£7.9m) has outscored Gabriel Martinelli (£6.9m) over the last four rounds, after a slow start to the season. As pointed out by my friend @UnderstandingF8, a lot of this has to do with Ben White (£4.5m) growing into his right-back role, allowing Saka to take up more central positions while Martinelli has to stay wider due to currently having Takehiro Tomiyasu (£4.2m) on his side rather than Kieran Tierney (£4.8m) or Oleksandr Zinchenko (£5.0m).

Let’s have a look at the underlying numbers.

Above: Gameweeks 1-7, Saka left + Martinelli right

Over the first seven Gameweeks, Saka (above left) and Martinelli (above right) posted similar numbers, with 1.65 and 1.64 non-penalty expected goals (NPxG) tallies. The expected assists (xA) numbers were fairly similar too – 1.05 vs 1.24, slightly in Martinelli’s favour.

We discussed Arsenal, Man City, Darwin Nunez (£8.8m) and Wildcard picks in this week’s shorter episode of The FPL Wire. Check it out here.

See you next week!

VIDEO LATEST



625 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. McSauce
    • 16 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Brought in Saka last night to catch the rise..... didnt rise and now flagged 🙁

    Rookie error

    1. Krionos
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      He's fiiine...

    2. The Mentaculus
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Did it right after the game. Reports sounded like it was nothing. Kind of surprised to wake up to a flag but not really worried

      1. Geriatric Unathletic
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        You should be concerned. Arteta may well look to protect one his prized assets if any doubt.

    3. The Reptile
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Same here - but I'm on a W/c - he should be ok though by all accounts

  2. Deulofail
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Cucurella's chance of playing 60+ mins anyone?

    Am I good to go?

    Iversen
    Trent Trippier Gomez
    KDB Mount Zaha Odegaard
    Haaland(c) Darwin(v) Mitrovic

    Ward | Andreas, Guehi, Cucurella

    0FT. 1.0 ITB. WC15.

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Depends if Chilwell is ready to start

    2. The Mentaculus
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      No idea about Cucu, steering well clear of Chelsea. Looks fine but maybe a bit light on your lot - considered Mount - Saka/Martinelli?

      1. Deulofail
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        For a hit? I am currently considering it yeah, although perhaps Foden is more likely.

    3. dmirkovic1986
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Iversen is substitute goalie

      1. Deulofail
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Hello, welcome to FPL

  3. JIMMY TUGGINS
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Who scores more this week?

    A) Bailey
    B) Foden

    1. Deulofail
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      B scores 1.44x more than A according to RMT

  4. tbos83
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Will we get more on Saka's injury before the deadline?

    1. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Press conference in under an hour

    2. Deulofail
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yes and no

    3. Tonyawesome69
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Arsenal presser at 1pm and embargo later tonight

  5. Tabbara
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Bring Saka and remove rashford for -4 or play Andreas
    Thx

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Latter

    2. FantasyClub
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I played a -8 this GW to get rid of James Trossard & Mount to bring in Saks & Foden so I think-4 is okay but since he’s flagged now the smart thing to do would be wait as long as possible. Besides Andreas has been returning

    3. trick9
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Play Andreas.

    4. leop911
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Or play Rashford?

  6. FantasyClub
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    I really don’t like selecting my captain playing the first game of the week but how can you not Captain a LIV player vs NFO

    1. Deulofail
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I would guess some people own Haaland

    2. I Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Because Haaland.

    3. Tonyawesome69
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Norwegian Braut

    4. Krionos
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Because Liverpool have an underperforming Salah and either of Firmino or Nunez could score well. Haaland (C) all the way.

    5. trick9
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Rested Haaland all day every day.

    6. circusmonkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Because Darwen is getting in his way.

      1. FantasyClub
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Look at Hazz’s comment on Klopp about Nunez. A doubt moreover will most likely be managed if anything

  7. Tonyawesome69
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Is it worth taking a hit to upgrade Emerson? Doherty starts/ mins a concern.

    0FT 1.9ITB
    Pope
    Doherty Tripper Cancelo
    Zaha Salah Foden Martinelli
    Mitro Toney Haaland
    (Ward Andreas Neco Emerson )

  8. Tinmen
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Guys, is Grealish a good option this week if you knew if started ?

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yes if we knew he started but that's obviously not the case. Too risky

    2. JIMMY TUGGINS
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I don't really understand the question, do you have the City teamsheet? If so, please share.

  9. Black Knights
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Advice please guys? I've done Trossard to Foden this week, giving me:

    Ward
    Cancelo, Romero, Cancelo
    Foden, Martinelli, Bowen, Zaha
    Erling, Kane, Mitro
    (Pope, Andreas, Guehi, Neco)

    Should I:

    A) Add Zaha to Saka -4? (feels like Zaha could burn me)
    B) Keep Zaha (also feels like Zaha could burn me)

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Same boat and doing B.

      1. Black Knights
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah any return from Zaha and it becomes very difficult to make a profit on Saka's points.

        1. Tonyawesome69
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Attack the home fixture v Forest in 14 and do the transfer for free

          1. Black Knights
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            TBF Zaha will have SOU in 14, which isn't bad!

            1. Tonyawesome69
              • 6 Years
              3 years, 1 month ago

              Saka V Forest is better

    2. trick9
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      B.

      1. Black Knights
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks.

    3. The Mentaculus
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      My first time owning Zaha is at an end. Its been... educational. A rite of passage. Sold for Saka for -4. I think the Everton game will be fairly tight, Southampton not so much, and there's no question who I want longer-term

      1. Black Knights
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah that's the thing. I can just commit to Saka, enjoy the price rises, and he's in until WC. Then just swallow Zaha's returns as a life lesson.

    4. Drumandbaines123
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Double Cancelo yes please

    5. Tic Tacs
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Nice team, 2 Cancelo's is impressive. I'm sticking with Zaha for now.

    6. Black Knights
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Thanks all.

  10. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Very sad to see a player of Ronaldos stature behaving like this. Refusing to come on as a sub is unforgivable in my eyes. What kind of example does that set for young boys and girls .
    It's time he hung up the boots. Was once a great player. Now he's just sad and bitter.

    1. trick9
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      He was always sad and bitter, but he got away with it because he's one of the goats.

    2. ZeBestee
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I think he puts a lot of pressure on his shoulders for far too long. He also has a HUGE ego that makes him not understand that he has regressed. I like the fact he is the epitome of hard work and success that comes with it but sometimes you have to analyze yourself and accept you can't be the same forever. He always make Utd worse when he is on the pitch, just can't keep up with the pace of their game and passes as well as can't keep up with the pace of the PL as well.

      1. ZeBestee
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        I did an overly written reply, sorry for that. 🙂

    3. Wild Card this!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      He didn’t change a bit. He was always same person, but never great personality.

  11. agueroooooney
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Who to leave out on WC?

    A) Jesus
    B) Martinelli
    C) Saka
    D) Ars def

    1. trick9
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Jesus.

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A

  12. OptsDan
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    How am I looking?

    Pope - Ward

    Dalot - Trippier - NWilliams - Cancelo - Salina

    Foden - Zaha - Eze - Andreas - Martinelli

    Haaland - Kane - Toney

    2.3 ITB

  13. Shark Team
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    I have Nunez and I could captain him but Haaland against Brighton’s slow CBs will have a cracker as I expect Brighton to go out and attack cause they aren’t a defensive minded team

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Tight hammy in the last game is a concern for Darwin

    2. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I agree with this and not just because I'm Liverpool-less atm

    3. ZeBestee
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Nunez is a differential, think that's just about enough for you

    4. The Mentaculus
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I have Darwin too but I just feel like after last week, there's zero chance of City coasting to a 2 or 3-0, they're going to be absolutely rampant

  14. faux_C
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Zaha and Gross -> Eze and Foden for a -4

    Yay or nay?

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      If you need to take a hit to fund Foden then yes.

      1. faux_C
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        I can just do Zaha to Foden, but feelsbad not having any Palace right now.

        1. Tonyawesome69
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Nah just the Foden move then

    2. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      yay

    3. space mercenary
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      An Eze Yay. See what I did there?

  15. Lionac
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Does Darwin outscore Jesus in next 4 GWs?

    Disregarding yellow cards

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Depends what xMins you have on Darwin

  16. DannyDrinkVodka
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Is Darwin safe to bring in for Wilson? I have no Liverpool coverage

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Klopp presser at half 12. Wait for training photos. He was rested/missing in previous training photos

      1. DannyDrinkVodka
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers, may have to go with Firmino instead, which is not as exciting

  17. Pether
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Trossard + Solanke -> Martinelli + Nunez worth -4?

    1. ZeBestee
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yeah for me

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Probably yes

    3. DangerFC
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yeah

    4. WALOR
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yup

  18. DangerFC
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Yes or no

    Kane and da silva to foden and nunez? -4

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Probably yes

    2. WALOR
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yup

  19. Deulofail
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    A) Mount (MUN) + Zaha (SOU) + 4pts
    B) Foden (BHA) + Foden (lei)

    1. DannyDrinkVodka
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Foden a must have for me

      1. Deulofail
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        How about for me? For two GWs only

    2. ZeBestee
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      B

    3. The Mentaculus
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      B

    4. g40steve
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      B

  20. DannyDrinkVodka
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    The regret of bringing in Doherty instead of Gomez……do I now have to bench Doherty?

    1. Mr. O'Connell
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      What's happened with Doherty?

      1. DannyDrinkVodka
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Royal Emerson is back from suspension and Doherty was averageagainst United

      2. GENERATION X
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Emerson and quick turnaround is what's happened. He may start but you are praying he gets to 60

        1. Mr. O'Connell
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Fair enough, thought he was injured for a sec. Yeah that's a risk I was obv willing to take last week on WC, but if I had my time again....

          1. GENERATION X
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            I'm an owner too, was a mistake tbh...

      3. Tonyawesome69
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Royal now available from suspension and Doherty not getting the points in the last 2GWs

    2. Samsonite
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I’d probably bench this week. Good chance he plays against Bournemouth though I think

  21. Biggsy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Bit of Liverpool FOMO creeping in. Which looks better?

    A. Trossard to Saka (my original move)
    B. Scamacca to Darwin (can do Mount to Saka in 14)
    C. Scamacca & Mount to Darwin & Saka (-4)

    Kepa (Ward)
    Cancelo, Trippier, Dier (Guehi, Dunk)
    Mount, Martinelli, Trossard, Foden (Andreas)
    Haaland, Kane, Scamacca

  22. Jebiga
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    After this gw, who is better pick foden or bowen ?

    1. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      If both get same minutes, Foden

      1. Jebiga
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        City qualified for next round in CL ?
        Looks like no brainer then...

        1. Biggsy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          I think so. West Ham not exactly firing on all cylinders either

  23. Apollo Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Zaha to Saka or Harrison to Martinelli?

    1. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I'd prefer Saka, but Martinelli still good value and Zaha > Harrison

    2. Big Hands Barry
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Martinelli

    3. Tonyawesome69
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Martinelli when looking at the players you are transferring out

    4. WALOR
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Marti

    5. ZeBestee
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Martinelli because Zaha is way better option than Harrison.

  24. Zidane's Floor
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Leed's presser time, anyone?

    1. Philosopher's Stones
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Marsch's leaked pressed comments: "avoid our players for FPL".

  25. Johnjo
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Currently have Zaha and Mount and 1FT. Contemplating switching one (or even both) to Foden and/or Saka.

    Who should I ditch and who should I get in?

  26. SomeoneKnows
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    WC activated - which combo would you pick mainly for the bench

    Raya (Ward)
    Cancelo, Saliba, Trippier (xxx, xxx)
    Salah, Foden, Saka, Martinelli (xxx)
    Haaland, Toney, Mitrovic

    A) Cresswell, Neco, Almiron
    B) Cresswell, Guehi, Andreas + 0.4
    C) Guehi, Neco, Andreas + 0.8
    D) Other ideas 14.1 budget

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Easy C for me. You have a set and forget 3 defs and Guehi solid cheap 4th def. Keep the funds for the attackers

    2. WALOR
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      C

    3. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      B given that you have both Saliba and Toney who are on 4 Yellows, otherwise I'd have gone C

  27. The Big Fella
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Play Andreas against Leeds this week, or Maddison against Wolves? The answer should be the latter but I just have a feeling about Pereira.

    1. Paqueta Rice
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Got to be Maddison

    2. I Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Maddison

    3. Tonyawesome69
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Maddison

    4. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Andreas looked good Vs Villa and Leeds looked rubbish Vs Leicester. Tempted to play him

      1. The Big Fella
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        This is what I think too. The only way I could play both though is to bench Wilson which doesn't make sense.

  28. Stimps
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Who scores more

    A) Foden / Emerson
    B) Bowen / Gabriel

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Which Emerson?

      1. Stimps
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        West Ham... Possible start, possible cameo Emerson

        1. Tonyawesome69
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          More likely cameo. Option B for me

  29. El Copo
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Kane to Darwin for a -4?

    1. Paqueta Rice
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Tough one

  30. ZeBestee
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Biggest mistake you did this season and advice to yourself/others?

    Will start with mine; Removed Saka for Zaha before gw10.

    Best advice to myself/others? If you are unsure, don't touch it.

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Done the same move instead of saving FT all because of the BGW. Poor decision

      1. ZeBestee
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah. Tbf, watched Arsenal games and while Saka did well against Pool, one goal was a scrappy tap in and another penalty. Think Martinelli was more deservedly of his points on the day. But I have to admit Saka's form is really good now, if not better than Mart. While Saka has always been good from the beginning of the season, he has been quite wasteful in front of goal.

    2. circusmonkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Not capping the big H early on.