Pro Pundits
12 May 2023 1193 comments
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Our top team of Pro Pundits and Hall of Famers write about all things Fantasy Premier League (FPL) throughout the season.

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, two-time Indian FPL champion Lateriser compares Brighton and Hove Albion midfielders and picks some exciting midfield differentials.

The FFS Pro Pundits 34

We’re almost there. You’ve only got 16 more days of FPL thinking to do and after that, you can give your brain a well-earned rest.

The Solly March (£5.3m) injury has definitely dented some plans and I’ve been wondering which is the best route to go. If you ask me, the Brighton asset I’m most convinced about is Julio Enciso (£4.6m) but the problem is that he’s a forward and, given the fixtures, using a transfer on a forwards needs to go on one of the Newcastle United strikers.

I wrote my thoughts on the Magpies’ pair last week and we covered the entire conversation in way more depth than I had predicted in our latest episode of The FPL Wire. We had Pras from Burning Questions join Zophar and me, playing a fun scenario game with regards to Alexander Isak (£7.0m) and Callum Wilson (£7.1m). For that reason, I won’t be covering them here.

JULIO ENCISO

Back to Enciso, I think he’s a really good player on the eye, is always direct and usually places himself in and around the box. I think he’s good for game-time due to his versatility – he can play on either wing or as the number ten – but March’s absence makes me even more bullish on the youngster as I like his expected minutes for the remainder of the season.



  1. Yozzer
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    IF for the unlikely reason Wilson (C) is benched tomorrow. Worth swapping him out for Isak (C )? It's hard to captain a player who starts on the bench.

    Don't think it will happen but just trying to cover all bases as it will all be last minute with little time to think.

    1. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      No. Isak and Wilson might both start one each and Wilson has a good record coming off the bench anyway.

      1. The Count of Monte Cristo
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        This

    2. yeahbuddy
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      If you have Wilson already I'd be backing him
      If not Leeds then BHA have been leaky anyway

    3. The Iceman
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Stick with Wilson.

    4. Yozzer
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Thanks all

  2. The Count of Monte Cristo
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Bottomed.

    2FT - not sure where to go. Botman --> 3.9m if anything as can't see him starting for me again?

    Steele
    TAA -- Trippier -- Estupinán -- Shaw
    Salah -- Martinelli -- Mitoma
    Álvarez -- Haaland -- Isak

    Iversen -- Grealish -- Rashford -- Botman [2FT + 1.9m ITB]

    1. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Team looks good
      If just wanting to burn could do Iversen to Forster (gives you a better GK cover if Sanchez started games)

    2. Twisted Saltergater
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Are you happy with double Brighton defence? I have the same players and considering a hit to move Estupinan or Steele out for MacAllister

      1. The Count of Monte Cristo
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        I did hear on BlackBox earlier than DZ may give Steele a break in fact. Is there any truth in that?

        It would have to be Martinelli or Grealish to make way, right? Probably Martinelli with upcoming DGW for Grealish?

        1. Twisted Saltergater
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          2 years, 7 months ago

          Yeah, Grealish out which allows KdB for Salah if you fancy it.

          Weighing up the same moves!

          Will google the DZ comments on Steele

          1. The Count of Monte Cristo
            • 13 Years
            2 years, 7 months ago

            I don't think he explicity said anything but the chaps on BlackBox thought changes may be made as DZ likely to look for a new keeper next season and will keep just one of these two.

            I have enough for Salah + Grealish --> KDB + B.Fernandes next GW as things stand.

            Still unsure if I'd want to get rid of Martinelli but next GW, I would almost certainly start KDB - Bruno - Rashford* - Mitoma over Martinelli. Probably Haaland + Alvarez too, so it would be Martinelli vs Isak I suppose.

    3. OptimusBlack
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Great Team dude with also those 2 FT u can get another GK instead of Ivesre

      1. The Count of Monte Cristo
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Think you and Sun are both right about burning a transfer via the goalkeeper if that is what I plan on.

    4. Eastman
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      I’m starting Botman but see what you mean. I am however worried about Steele starting

    5. Sheffield Wednesday
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      If you find yourself wanting to burn a transfer then Martinelli > Ødegaard for the more assured minutes and form.

      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Martinelli is a great pick this week as Brighton don’t have a recognised RB plus Webster is also out.

        1. Sheffield Wednesday
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 7 months ago

          But what if Trossard is chosen to play against his old club?

  3. HD7
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Would you do Stones to TAA?
    Stones has a DGW but he will likely be rotated

    1. The Iceman
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Yes. TAA nailed for the final few and in great form.

  4. Hits from the Bong
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Is Iversen to Pope the best use of £1.7m in the bank? 1FT. Cheers

    Johnstone
    TAA Estupinan Lindelof
    Salah KDB Grealish Mitoma
    Haaland Wilson Enciso

    Iversen Rashford AWB Coufal

    1. bso
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Nice team mate

    2. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Yes I reckon so. No real obvious moves in the defence right now tbh. Else, Coufal to Trippier.

  5. Il Capitano
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Ederson
    Trippier Schar Estupinan Shaw
    Mitoma Salah Mac
    Isak (C) Haaland Watkins

    Kepa - Grealish Rash* Mee

    Start Grealish/Rash or GTG as is?

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Looks good.

    2. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Think you've got the line up spot on. Just Schar vs Grealish for me, but I think playing Schar is a fair call. Great side!

    3. Il Capitano
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Cheers fellas

  6. Twisted Saltergater
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Preferred combo?

    1. Steele + Shaw
    2. DdG + Estupinan

    1. Buck The Trent
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      1

    2. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      2 seems safer with rumours that Steele may not play at least one game?

      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Struggling to define these rumours.. but leaning that way. Any links?

        1. The Count of Monte Cristo
          • 13 Years
          2 years, 7 months ago

          Just what the heard discussed on FPL Blackbox tbh. Nothing else other than a few others mentioning it in comments during the day though not with any conviction either.

          1. Twisted Saltergater
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 16 Years
            2 years, 7 months ago

            Cheers mate. Am even trying the North Stand Chat fan forum… the lengths we go to haha

          2. Haa-lala-land
            • 5 Years
            2 years, 7 months ago

            I like black box, but Az is surprisingly unknowledgeable when it comes to Brighton, considering he claims to support them.

    3. The Iceman
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      2.

    4. Twisted Saltergater
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      thanks all

    5. Amartey Partey
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      2

  7. bso
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Start Estupian or Stones?

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Has to be Estu

    2. Shultan
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Estu

    3. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Estupinan

    4. Il Capitano
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Estupinan

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

      Thanks fellas

  8. Buck The Trent
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Who to start ?

    A Kepa (NFO)
    B Raya (WHU)

    1. Shultan
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      I have the same dilemma
      Currently playing kepa

    2. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      I think Kepa edges it for me.

    3. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Playing the odds which favour Kepa

    4. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      I lean Raya
      Just feel like Forest have much more to play for and West Ham maybe a bit fatigued having played on Thursday

      1. OptimusBlack
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        This

    5. The Iceman
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      B

    6. Hairy Potter
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      B

    7. Snake Juice
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Kepa. The Hammers are in fine form.

  9. FPL Marc
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    No idea who to make first sub (likely autosub for Rashford):

    Watkins (TOT)
    Botman (lee, BRI)
    Estupinan (ars, new)

    1. Sheffield Wednesday
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Interesting I'm fielding all your bench

    2. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Botman

    3. The Iceman
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Botman

  10. Mini League Fatigue
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Kepa
    Tripps Schar TAA Estu
    Mitoma McAlly Fernandes Salah
    Haaland Wilson

    Raya Grealish Solanke Mee

    Considering Grealish for Schar …stick or twist ?

    1. The Iceman
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Stick.

      1. Mini League Fatigue
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Cheers bud

    2. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Stick- not certain Grealish starts with RM game on Tuesday night

    3. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Hold

    4. Mini League Fatigue
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Cheers guys - validated my thinking

  11. GREEN JUMPERS
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Forest fan...but, trying to stay top 5k. So tempted again to start Johnson (chickened out last week). Bench one:
    A) Johnson
    B) Shaw

    1. The Iceman
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Start Shaw this week.

    2. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      A

    3. Mini League Fatigue
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      A

    4. GREEN JUMPERS
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Yeah, seems to be the logical call, thanks

  12. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Would you captain Wilson here? - think I probably made mistake last week bringing him in instead of Isak for Jota when thought Jota wasn’t going to play!

    Kepa
    Trippier TAA Botman
    Salah Bruno F Rashford Mitoma MacAllister
    Haaland Wilson (c)

    Raya Estupinan Shaw Greenwood

    1. yeahbuddy
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Yes

    2. Il Capitano
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Yeah

    3. Hits from the Bong
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Yeah

  13. Sid07
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Grealish to bruno
    1) yes
    2) no

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      1

    2. The Iceman
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Yes - went against my own golden rule not to pick a City midfielder unless it’s KDB.

      Foden earlier this season and Grealish now have done f all.

  14. Royal5
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Start Steel or Raya?

    1. The Iceman
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Back the double - Steele.

      1. Royal5
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Need him to rack up some saves. Can't see him getting any CS that's for sure.

        1. The Iceman
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 7 months ago

          Absolutely, though if he’s dropped for the first game I can see him being dropped for the second game also. Raya may autosub in regardless.

    2. McGurn
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      It wouldn't surprise me if Steele is dropped after the last game. Hope not as i have poor cover. As the Iceman says he will prob play both or neither so starting Steele maybe the best call, but who knows!

  15. Bill Car
    • 15 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    How long til price changes gents?

    1. Fabreghastly
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      If you hit Hot Topics you will see that Ragabolly last posted 22hrs and 17 minutes ago

    2. McGurn
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      You should know that the Scout police hate that question!! Especially if you have numbers next to your name! Sorry, i dont know either, but in the absence of an answer, i think it is 2.30 UK time, but not certain.

  16. Nickyboy
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Would you take a hit this week to bring in DDG for Ederson if you had a non playing backup keeper?

    1. The Iceman
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Nope - wait a week.

  17. ratski
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Just got home from work and seen rashford news, can’t decide this week.
    Steele (kepa)
    Taa, Shaw, trips, botman, estupian,
    Rash, salah, Mitoma, (grealish, martinelli)
    Isak, Haaland, (Watkins)

    A. Steele and martinelli to macA and ddg
    B. Watkins out for greenwood to allow Bruno in next week

    1. The Iceman
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      I think the best thing to do in your position is to hold fire. Consider starting Martinelli over Rashford who is likely out.

      1. ratski
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Got 2 ft so feel must use one really.

        I think it’s whether it’s worth getting Bruno in or opting for ddg and macA

  18. The Iceman
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Good evening. Is the team/bench order correct here?

    Raya
    Trippier | Estupiñán | TAA | Shaw
    Salah | Mitoma | Mac Allister
    Haaland | Wilson | Isak (c)

    Subs: Kepa | Grealish, Rashford, Zinchenko

    1. djman102
      • 16 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      GK depends on how uch you think WHam will save for ECL (think you've called it right). Rest of the team very similar to mine and if you fear a Rashford cameo more than a start-and-haul, bench is g2g.

      1. The Iceman
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Thank you. Yes West Ham rotation ahead of second leg and possible Rashford cameo is my thinking here.

  19. Miami Monkey
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Pretty unsure on what to do here. 1 FT, 0.0 itb.

    Steele / Kepa
    TAA / Trippier / Botman / Shaw / Lindelof
    Salah / Grealish / Rashford* / Mitoma / MacAllister
    Haaland / Jota* / Watkins*

    Any ideas

    1. The Iceman
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Watkins > Isak/Wilson depending on who you prefer.

  20. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Is it fair to assume Rashford either starts or not in squad? On that basis would you start

    A Rashford (Estupinan first on bench)
    B Estupinan

    1. ZimZalabim
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      B

    2. The Iceman
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      B

    3. McGurn
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      B. For the risk of a 1 cameo. Either way the 2 games edges it.

    4. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      A
      I have Estu but only really expecting 3 points from him this week

  21. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Greetings all!! Best option here???

    A- Start Rashford
    B- Start Grealish
    C- Grealish to Bruno -4(meaning I can roll transfer in 37 to have 2 frees for 38).. and bench Rashford

    Cheers everyone!!!!

    1. The Iceman
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Not sure that is worth a -4 this week so I would go with Rashford and have Grealish first sub.

      1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Thankyou mate!! That’s what I’m on currently, Mings is 2nd sub. Just gotta hope for the best this week I think

        1. The Iceman
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 7 months ago

          Definitely - I have a feeling it’s one of those weeks where doing the bare minimum is best.

          1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            2 years, 7 months ago

            Yeah could definitely be right mate!! Rest of my team is set up nicely so should still be in for a decent week, just in the mini league it’s annoying coz the two guys below don’t have rashford so was hoping for some gains this week by having him

  22. Totti
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Raya
    Trippier shaw burn estupinan
    Salah mitoma march
    Halland wislon watkins

    Kepa grealish rashford henry

    A) march -> macallister
    B) burn and march -> arnold and willock or joelinton (-4)
    C) burn march watkins -> arnold macallister isak (-8)
    D) other suggestion

    Please need your help guys

    1. The Iceman
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      A - the other options are not worth the minus points.

      1. Totti
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Isak doesn’t worth?

        1. The Iceman
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 7 months ago

          Can you do March > Mac Allister and Watkins > Isak? That’s a good -4.

          1. Totti
            • 9 Years
            2 years, 7 months ago

            I have burn trippier wilson
            Should pick out burn

            1. The Iceman
              • 3 Years
              2 years, 7 months ago

              If it means a -8 I wouldn’t do it. Go with A or B - Joelinton could be good this week.

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

    1FT (used one already on Watkins -> Isak)
    A) Zinchenko -> Schär (playing Estu, Trip, Schär - benching Trent, Stones)
    B) Zinchenko -> Shaw (Playing Estu, Trip, Trent - benching Shaw, Stones)
    C) Roll

    1. The Iceman
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      C

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

        Cheers

    2. Totti
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      C

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

        Cheers

    3. Norco
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Surely not A with Trent benched

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

        True, unbeliavable we've come to that

  24. norniron85
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Any thoughts on playing triple captain on Isak or use it on Haaland for GW37?

    1. The Iceman
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Wait a week, IMO.

    2. Totti
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Halland 37

    3. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Haaland 37 sounds good

  25. The Iceman
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    C - seems you can put out a pretty solid defence already so having 2FT next week will come in handy.

    1. The Iceman
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Reply fail to Joakim ^

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

      Cheers

  26. Ruinenlust
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Start or Bench Rashy?

    1. djman102
      • 16 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Don't think it will matter, but I'm starting him.

      1. Ruinenlust
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        What if he comes on as late sub?

        1. djman102
          • 16 Years
          2 years, 7 months ago

          I'm putting my money (symbolically) on a start or nothing. I'd bench if you have a doubt about that.

    2. McGurn
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Depends on your bench, but i am benching for the risk of a 1 er.

  27. Kodap
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Start one…

    1. Watkins
    2. Shaw
    3. Rashford

    1. The Iceman
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      2

    2. Totti
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      2

  28. Boomerang V
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Best 4.9- defender till end of season?

    Already own Trippier, Burn, Estu. Shaw

    1. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      I like Porro

    2. The Iceman
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Konate if you don’t own TAA. If you do, consider Pedro Porro or Tierney.

    3. djman102
      • 16 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Porro's last 2 fixtures look good.

  29. Norco
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Chasing in ML, time to go down swinging.

    Pull the trigger on the below?

    Watkins + March + Grealish > Wilson(C) + Groß + Bruno (-4)

    Gives me:
    Kepa
    Trips Burn Estu
    Salah Bruno Mitoma Groß
    Haaland Wilson Jota

    Subs: Raya | Rashford Shaw Henry

    1. The Iceman
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Yes but I prefer Mac Allister to Gross due to penalties.

  30. Kodap
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Am I G2G here guys? All set with no hits taken.

    Steele
    Taa - Botman - Trippier - Shaw
    Mitoma - Salah - Mac10 - Mahrez
    Haaland - Isak (c)

    Raya - Watkins - Rashford - Zinchenko

    1. The Iceman
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      GTG.