Q: I currently have Castagne, Wan-Bissaka, Enda Stevens and Kyle Walker-Peters. I wanted to wait for Sancho but seems moot at this point.
A: Is Reguilon an upgrade over KW-P? Sure. Do we know how often and in what tactical role he’ll actually be utilized? Not really and that’s concerning given the premium you’re paying to add him. He's 23 and a phenomenal talent. Jose doesn't exactly have a great track record there and we're banking an awful lot of this being one of 'his guys'.
Q: if you knew 100% Sancho was actually coming, would you still take Bale over Sancho?
A: I would take Bale over Sancho if I really liked my team. If I felt like my team needed a consistent upgrade Sancho takes it by a nose. There are a lot of reasonable questions to be asked about Bale's homecoming (Mourinho, tactical role, meshing in the locker room and on the field) but none more so than injury. I'm on record hating Ole as Sancho's manager in the long term, but in the short term I think he plays him often which FPL managers will love. An unreasonable question to ask is if Bale will be a productive fantasy player when he's on the pitch. He will be. He's a boss.
I think he's really only valuable in larger league (12-team or larger) as a hold right now. If he isn't loaned out to another EPL club that value plummets and he's only valuable as a streaming option.
I'm watching Chelsea's outgoing transactions very carefully for the next two weeks because we all need a lot more clarity about how much weight to afford their starters and which bench/rotation options have the most clear path to regular fantasy value.
Q: So I just noticed that Coleman is still available in my 8 man league. With Evertons upcoming matches, I am thinking of dropping Stevens for him. Wondering if thats just me being twitchy after their last week, or if it would be a solid move given how everton look. I am 8th on the wire, so if any good player comes in, im unlikely to get them
That makes good sense. Enda - like all of Sheffield defenders - are not going to have the same value this year because they're not going out-perform xG the same way. In OFPL scoring I like Coleman and Stevens about the same amount for attacking returns but Toffees' schedule better for cleansheets. Also in an 8-team league you'll always be able to find a DEF3 in this range to add. No harm.
This is a great, deep league question. Yes, I would add Hourihane for Ayew now unless Ayew has trade value in your league which is better than this. I would also watch Manquillo for another couple weeks before I trust him, but White doesn't look like he'll materialize as the no doubt Alpha CB I want him to be for Brighton.
A lot of Manquillo's value was derived from his accurate crosses/key pass (plus the cleansheet) so if he's not as involved in the attack in the coming weeks I'll chalk it up to opening week tactics/adrenaline and nothing more.
Q: I need wisdom 'Usually Right One'. Batshuayi or Ollie Watkins?
A: Like for the week? for the season? This weekend I think it's Ollie - he's fit right in with Villa, home against a Sheffield side that's ripe for a goal or two. Batshuayi is going to be great and I want him all season but this weekend they're still working through their line-up and who will be a part of this team moving forward. Plus playing a United side that are ready and rested.
Q: is Firmino gonna totally let me down this year?
A: His heat map for the 4-3 win over Leeds really looks more like a midfielder. But here’s the thing - it’s the same as last year and if he gets anything close to g/a his xG/A suggest he’s still a top 10 FWD at the back end. His loss of a floor from attacking points suuuucks right now though. One thing I never though I'd say is that Bobby is a goal-dependent boom/bust forward, but here we are. Man the good games are going to be so good though.
If Jota leaves, would Podence rise up in the ranks and become a better midfield? Wondering if you would change his tier at that point or if theres not enough seen as of yet.
I'm pretty high on Podence at the moment. Gets the start, losing competition, but he's young and I do expect that Adama is back in the front line more frequently (even shown in the recent outings). He has clear value and is worth holding all season and starting when he's in Wolves XI.
That’s not too risky and those are fine streaming options. BUT! Part of streaming those two spots means accepting that you will drop those players to add others for one-week upside. If you’re not comfortable with that Basham is a decent DEF3 and you’ll need to upgrade Cash ASAP as his value is opponent dependent.
In my 16 team DFL league I’m considering grabbing Cooper as a FA to double up with Ayling who I already have for the match up with Fulham this week. I would have to drop Fredericks who I’m high on but has a murderous schedule the next 6 weeks or Manquillo who plays Brighton this week but ultimately I could do without. Is it dumb to drop either for a Leeds double up?
This is advice only for a 16-team league or larger b/c that is the only place carrying defender handcuffs makes sense. Yes! If you can grab definite pairs and one of them is a high-upside play like ayling do that shit. Mendy + Cancelo is the 1.A example, but we might be there soon with a couple other spots (Wolves I’m looking at you).
You can drop Fredericks. No one is picking him up before GW8. And by then I doubt he’s still in the starting xI
I'm high on Ollie Watkins for the year; I like Moreno and believe he takes that spot from Bamford but as I've said elsewhere - Bielsa is thorough and he's not going to start a player who can't execute the tactics. It might be a couple more weeks before he's comfortable moving him into the regular XI. I have little doubt at season's end he has more fantasy points than PatBam.
I think Thiago takes minutes from all three of the current starters. But yeah Gini impacted the most, and wonder what this does to Keita/Fabinho minutes. The starting midfield trio could be any of Hendo/Thiago ahead of Fabinho or behind/center of Keita. Keita could play with either of Hendo or Thiago ahead of Fabinho as well and, if he stays, Liverpool are obviously comfortable running out Gini/Hendo/Naby. What this does is stifle anyone else getting midfield minutes. And, if you're not an LFC fan, is terrifying because of Thiago's ability to pass from the defensive third to the attacking third with world class vision. It's an added dimension to an already lethal counter-attack.
John, should I spend my entire FAAB budget (100$) on Bale? His injury news is concerning + Sancho rumours are tempting. Also, we play in a league where after 10 weeks, the bottom 3 teams are eliminated and their players are added back into the waiver pool.
I don't ever spend 100% of my budget on anyone and in that format a) HOLY SHIT THAT IS BRUTAL and b) they aren't going to have any players better than Bale? I guess maybe not...but I don't want to be broke when that happens.
Wolves’ next 5 fixtures look tasty, and Neto and Moutinho available on waivers.
Pickup none, one or both? My gut says wait and see how the two Wolves boys go against Man City and how ASM plays against Brighton. Klich being on Pens And Leeds being hella attacking bodes very well for him, assuming he stays fit and Leeds can maintain their current work rate. Potter can frustrate with his rotation, but I’m expecting Trossard to be more nailed on than not. ASM depends on if he can get the end product sorted again, he was playing annoying deep from a fantasy perspective for a lot of the West Ham game.
Yeah, Klich on Pens is a big deal. I'd be looking to add Moutinho for ASM - in classic scoring they're roughly equal except that Moutinho actually has a more nailed-on role and isn't currently injured.
Yep. What's a month? He wasn't going to play this weekend anyway. So back for GW5 a home clash against a West Ham side that will be positively reeling? Sign me up.
Q: I currently have Castagne, Wan-Bissaka, Enda Stevens and Kyle Walker-Peters. I wanted to wait for Sancho but seems moot at this point.
A: Is Reguilon an upgrade over KW-P? Sure. Do we know how often and in what tactical role he’ll actually be utilized? Not really and that’s concerning given the premium you’re paying to add him. He's 23 and a phenomenal talent. Jose doesn't exactly have a great track record there and we're banking an awful lot of this being one of 'his guys'.
Q: if you knew 100% Sancho was actually coming, would you still take Bale over Sancho?
A: I would take Bale over Sancho if I really liked my team. If I felt like my team needed a consistent upgrade Sancho takes it by a nose. There are a lot of reasonable questions to be asked about Bale's homecoming (Mourinho, tactical role, meshing in the locker room and on the field) but none more so than injury. I'm on record hating Ole as Sancho's manager in the long term, but in the short term I think he plays him often which FPL managers will love. An unreasonable question to ask is if Bale will be a productive fantasy player when he's on the pitch. He will be. He's a boss.
What are your thoughts on Tammy, is worth a roster spot at this point?
I think he's really only valuable in larger league (12-team or larger) as a hold right now. If he isn't loaned out to another EPL club that value plummets and he's only valuable as a streaming option.
I'm watching Chelsea's outgoing transactions very carefully for the next two weeks because we all need a lot more clarity about how much weight to afford their starters and which bench/rotation options have the most clear path to regular fantasy value.
Q: So I just noticed that Coleman is still available in my 8 man league. With Evertons upcoming matches, I am thinking of dropping Stevens for him. Wondering if thats just me being twitchy after their last week, or if it would be a solid move given how everton look. I am 8th on the wire, so if any good player comes in, im unlikely to get them
That makes good sense. Enda - like all of Sheffield defenders - are not going to have the same value this year because they're not going out-perform xG the same way. In OFPL scoring I like Coleman and Stevens about the same amount for attacking returns but Toffees' schedule better for cleansheets. Also in an 8-team league you'll always be able to find a DEF3 in this range to add. No harm.
Worth noting this is FPL scoring system
Manquillo and Hourihane are both available in my league. Is it worth dropping Ben White, Ayew or Bergwijn for either?
This is a great, deep league question. Yes, I would add Hourihane for Ayew now unless Ayew has trade value in your league which is better than this. I would also watch Manquillo for another couple weeks before I trust him, but White doesn't look like he'll materialize as the no doubt Alpha CB I want him to be for Brighton.
A lot of Manquillo's value was derived from his accurate crosses/key pass (plus the cleansheet) so if he's not as involved in the attack in the coming weeks I'll chalk it up to opening week tactics/adrenaline and nothing more.
Thanks for the help. Ndombele is sitting out on the wire in this league. Is he worth a flier in the case Jose warms to him, or should I hold off?
Q: I need wisdom 'Usually Right One'. Batshuayi or Ollie Watkins?
A: Like for the week? for the season? This weekend I think it's Ollie - he's fit right in with Villa, home against a Sheffield side that's ripe for a goal or two. Batshuayi is going to be great and I want him all season but this weekend they're still working through their line-up and who will be a part of this team moving forward. Plus playing a United side that are ready and rested.
Q: is Firmino gonna totally let me down this year?
A: His heat map for the 4-3 win over Leeds really looks more like a midfielder. But here’s the thing - it’s the same as last year and if he gets anything close to g/a his xG/A suggest he’s still a top 10 FWD at the back end. His loss of a floor from attacking points suuuucks right now though. One thing I never though I'd say is that Bobby is a goal-dependent boom/bust forward, but here we are. Man the good games are going to be so good though.
If you want to see the map here's the link: https://www.whoscored.com/Matches/1485188/Live/England-Premier-League-2020-2021-Liverpool-Leeds
If Jota leaves, would Podence rise up in the ranks and become a better midfield? Wondering if you would change his tier at that point or if theres not enough seen as of yet.
I'm pretty high on Podence at the moment. Gets the start, losing competition, but he's young and I do expect that Adama is back in the front line more frequently (even shown in the recent outings). He has clear value and is worth holding all season and starting when he's in Wolves XI.
Matty cash or Bashan ? 3 defenders in squad....two of which streamers (boly the only fixed one. Too risky?
That’s not too risky and those are fine streaming options. BUT! Part of streaming those two spots means accepting that you will drop those players to add others for one-week upside. If you’re not comfortable with that Basham is a decent DEF3 and you’ll need to upgrade Cash ASAP as his value is opponent dependent.
Okay thanks.
In my 16 team DFL league I’m considering grabbing Cooper as a FA to double up with Ayling who I already have for the match up with Fulham this week. I would have to drop Fredericks who I’m high on but has a murderous schedule the next 6 weeks or Manquillo who plays Brighton this week but ultimately I could do without. Is it dumb to drop either for a Leeds double up?
This is advice only for a 16-team league or larger b/c that is the only place carrying defender handcuffs makes sense. Yes! If you can grab definite pairs and one of them is a high-upside play like ayling do that shit. Mendy + Cancelo is the 1.A example, but we might be there soon with a couple other spots (Wolves I’m looking at you).
You can drop Fredericks. No one is picking him up before GW8. And by then I doubt he’s still in the starting xI
Yeah I’d probably only carry Cooper this week honestly. I’m holding out to try to get Telles on the Waiver wire if United grab him
Independent of the fixtures this weekend, Watkins or Moreno moving forward?
I'm high on Ollie Watkins for the year; I like Moreno and believe he takes that spot from Bamford but as I've said elsewhere - Bielsa is thorough and he's not going to start a player who can't execute the tactics. It might be a couple more weeks before he's comfortable moving him into the regular XI. I have little doubt at season's end he has more fantasy points than PatBam.
How does Thiago's arrival effect the value of others? Hurt Hendo and Keita, while boosting the other attacking players + Trent and Robbo?
I think Thiago takes minutes from all three of the current starters. But yeah Gini impacted the most, and wonder what this does to Keita/Fabinho minutes. The starting midfield trio could be any of Hendo/Thiago ahead of Fabinho or behind/center of Keita. Keita could play with either of Hendo or Thiago ahead of Fabinho as well and, if he stays, Liverpool are obviously comfortable running out Gini/Hendo/Naby. What this does is stifle anyone else getting midfield minutes. And, if you're not an LFC fan, is terrifying because of Thiago's ability to pass from the defensive third to the attacking third with world class vision. It's an added dimension to an already lethal counter-attack.
Thoughts on Semedo Gaffer? And what WW would you burn on him (I'm currently 2 and have TAA).
Monday article covers all the new additions and many of the rumors.
John, should I spend my entire FAAB budget (100$) on Bale? His injury news is concerning + Sancho rumours are tempting. Also, we play in a league where after 10 weeks, the bottom 3 teams are eliminated and their players are added back into the waiver pool.
What do you suggest?
I don't ever spend 100% of my budget on anyone and in that format a) HOLY SHIT THAT IS BRUTAL and b) they aren't going to have any players better than Bale? I guess maybe not...but I don't want to be broke when that happens.
OFPL 10-man Classic scoring
I’ve got Klich, Trossard and ASM.
Wolves’ next 5 fixtures look tasty, and Neto and Moutinho available on waivers.
Pickup none, one or both? My gut says wait and see how the two Wolves boys go against Man City and how ASM plays against Brighton. Klich being on Pens And Leeds being hella attacking bodes very well for him, assuming he stays fit and Leeds can maintain their current work rate. Potter can frustrate with his rotation, but I’m expecting Trossard to be more nailed on than not. ASM depends on if he can get the end product sorted again, he was playing annoying deep from a fantasy perspective for a lot of the West Ham game.
Yeah, Klich on Pens is a big deal. I'd be looking to add Moutinho for ASM - in classic scoring they're roughly equal except that Moutinho actually has a more nailed-on role and isn't currently injured.
With Bale out a month would you still Burn WW1 on him?
Yep. What's a month? He wasn't going to play this weekend anyway. So back for GW5 a home clash against a West Ham side that will be positively reeling? Sign me up.