Hi John.....I've been clinging onto Willian in the hope that he might turn things round (theory he can't keep being this bad). Am I right to hold ....I don't see anyone trading for someone decent so the fa options would be furlong, iwobi, b traore, targett. Thoughts?
I can see dropping Willian and using that spot for greater effect. I’ve been high on Iwobi since the injury to Digne and then James and he’s been fine. Traore may lost his spot here with Barkley coming back. I like Targett a bit more than Furlong right now only because of what I wrote in the Big Sam post: we don’t know if this change solidifies his value or tanks it completely..:if its solid then Furlong the best value listed here.
Hey John! Ive been offered three trades I would love your expert advice on (I would be getting the right side in each trades, each in a different league)
The only one of these which is close is 1. and that’s only if you’re playing in a deep league, more than 12-teams OR it’s a dynasty or keeper league. Ziyech has a couple prime years left and I still believe Mo or Mané exits this summer (my money remains on Mo, especially if LFC score another UCL or Prem).
2. Is a very, very bad trade. Antonio (my No 17) for Zaha (my No 12) is basically a push. Adding Youri (No 20) to that? This is too much, man. 3. Looks good on paper because you’re selling high on Mount but you’re getting 0.75 on his real value there. I want a guy with 0 questions about his value at DEF. I want Chilwell.
Thank you for the reply Gaffer, for Trade #2 he offered to do either Antonio and Trossard for Zaha OR Antonio and Lo Celso for Zaha instead, I'm assuming both those deals are better?
I might take Zaha for Antonio and Lo Celso. I don’t think Lo Celso has much FPL value based on his usage with Spurs and I do love Wilf. The main downside with Antonio is durability because we know he can produce when fit; personally I trust Wilf more which is why he’s rated higher.
Great post as always. Quick lineup questions for the weekend. Should I start Telles or Castagne (if he starts)? Which two do you like here to start this GW out of Wilson, McNeil, Trossard and Iwobi?
Also wanted to know your general thoughts on Iwobi and Trossard for now and what you think of their standing in their respective teams?
Thanks. I love Iwobi and will continue to start him in both leagues where I own him. Trossard is infuriating, as is most of Brighton. This team has real struggles and most of them seem to be in the managers head. I would happily start Trossard every single week if his manager would (and give him 85+ minutes). If he *doesn't* start this weekend at home to Sheffield United, you have to wonder if he's even worth owning, though. That's the match up. That's the one you want where he scores 10 points even without a g/a.
McNeil is a MID3 until Burnley do something different with him. This role isn't working this season. Its just 1-3 points per match he's off, but he's off every week and that's a big different across the full season.
If you own Telles he is starting every week. I feel like I'm writing this every single week. Y'all need to do put him in the XI and leave him there unless Ole pulls him first.
Also just for context, I'm starting Gylfi and Calvert this weekend too, that's why I was erring on the side of caution for Iwobi just in case Arteta puts on a masterclass, but there's also a genuine Theo Walcott situation possible where he's motivated to score against his former club
My squad is currently rostering: Jota (injured), Ziyech (injured), Bale (injured and not playing), Under (not playing much), Doherty (not playing) and Periera (suspended but back soon).
I know that Under and Doherty (and maybe Bale) will get a few games during the festive period, but I basically have a full bench of guys that dont play for one reason or another, leaving me with few options every week.
What to do? I may be able to trade Doherty to the Aurier owner but not for much, perhaps AWB. FA pool is thin: Iwobi, Rodrigo, Jones, and a few others out there. Any advice is appreciated! Thanks as always.
That's not a thin pool. Iwobi and Rodrigo (LEE) should both be owned and Iwobi is a regular fantasy starter at MID. Jota is droppable in a pinch (though I personally hate to do it) but this looks more a case of managing the *other* names on your roster to ensure you have starters each week while waiting for the other guys to get healthy/playing time. I bet you have someone who isn't scoring as well as Iwobi is right now that can make way for him. Same with Rodrigo who can 100% be streamed for the Burnley and WBA matches as a FWD3 (provided he's starting).
Would you swap Gylfi (picked up for short term) or Ndombele for Iwobi or Jones? I hate to drop Jota but I'm getting desperate for starters. Stings after dropping Jimenez :(
I'd drop Gylfi second and Ndombele first and not ever think about either of them again. Tanguy is in a split role and is destined to get 60 minutes every week. I don't know what inefficiency Mourinho thinks he's isolated and addressed by doing this, but a 60' rotation play isn't a fantasy player isn't one you have to own
Q: if you could trade out ASM for pogba right now, would you do it?
A: Today? Yeah, you'd have to. Pogba is looking nearly back to form and ASM doesn't have a return date. It's the last part there that's so damning...you'd really like to see that he's 3-4 weeks away instead of "no return".
Pogba is still currently ranked my No. 31 midfielder and the very bottom on tier 3. But, as I said in the write-up on the midseason ranks, this is only because he's not starting AND does not look recovered from Covid. If he's in the XI and playing anything close to his potential he's inside the top 10 at the position; if he's back among the goals he's got Top 10 overall potential.
I did ranks not that long ago so those are still the values I have on players (I do also update the sheet periodically and indicate players who've jump/slid with those little arrows; check it out if you haven't). Antonio is my No. 17 MID so anyone above that; any of the FWD at Bamford or above; DEF no one that isn't top 10.
I would happppppily trade Kane for Grealish, Maddison (I would of course ask for a little something extra). I would be more cautious about a 1:1 on Ziyech and bet you could land on a 2:2 where you get an upgrade elsewhere.
Now, I love what Mount has done and I DO think you should trade for him right now. BUT these are two of the biggest "sell high" guys out there (also: Son). I would absolutely hold out for more in a 1:2 where I ship 'arry's stick legs out for Mount + another piece, but I'd love to ship him for two underperforming guys. Could you land Sterling + Benrahma? Aim for the stars.
that is a lot of dead wood to be carrying in a 10-team but also probably necessary to feel good about your chances.
I would rather have TAA and Werner (I just wrote about Werner today!) but JWP and James is a nice collection of talent. What are you starting up top right now? I'd be running out FWD1: Werner FWD2: Raphinha and FWD3: ??? Giving up Werner here means you have a lot more faith in either Auba or Martial than I do. Because you have *both* it's defensible but there will be weeks you're starting both of them. I will say you do that deal and your midfield damn well ought to be the best in your league.
1. have a conversation before making the offer. nothing pisses off a manager like feeling they're getting lowballed
2. Which of those players is expendable for you right now? I can't offer a player who's in my core so if that's a 12-team league I'm not offering any of them (maybe Trossard but I doubt that gets it done) in an 8-team league? Sure I'd offer Dallas.
3. I generally believe you need to asses the other team: have they made moves to cover for Havertz? Then they don't need a direct replacement. Is the position thin and they've been starting him despite the performances? Offer up a solid midfielder (maybe Iwobi is doing enough? A challenge trade with Foden?)
I'll have to feel this one out. It's tricky because earlier in the season I traded Havertz and Ings to this owner. He was dead last in the league at the time and things haven't changed. He may want to shake things up again.
Hi John.....I've been clinging onto Willian in the hope that he might turn things round (theory he can't keep being this bad). Am I right to hold ....I don't see anyone trading for someone decent so the fa options would be furlong, iwobi, b traore, targett. Thoughts?
I can see dropping Willian and using that spot for greater effect. I’ve been high on Iwobi since the injury to Digne and then James and he’s been fine. Traore may lost his spot here with Barkley coming back. I like Targett a bit more than Furlong right now only because of what I wrote in the Big Sam post: we don’t know if this change solidifies his value or tanks it completely..:if its solid then Furlong the best value listed here.
Thanks a lot John
Hey John! Ive been offered three trades I would love your expert advice on (I would be getting the right side in each trades, each in a different league)
1. Salah for Firmino and Ziyech
2. Antonio and Tielemans for Zaha
3. Mount for Telles
As a professional trade evaluator:
1. Hell no
2. Helllllll no
3. GTFO
The only one of these which is close is 1. and that’s only if you’re playing in a deep league, more than 12-teams OR it’s a dynasty or keeper league. Ziyech has a couple prime years left and I still believe Mo or Mané exits this summer (my money remains on Mo, especially if LFC score another UCL or Prem).
2. Is a very, very bad trade. Antonio (my No 17) for Zaha (my No 12) is basically a push. Adding Youri (No 20) to that? This is too much, man. 3. Looks good on paper because you’re selling high on Mount but you’re getting 0.75 on his real value there. I want a guy with 0 questions about his value at DEF. I want Chilwell.
Thank you for the reply Gaffer, for Trade #2 he offered to do either Antonio and Trossard for Zaha OR Antonio and Lo Celso for Zaha instead, I'm assuming both those deals are better?
I might take Zaha for Antonio and Lo Celso. I don’t think Lo Celso has much FPL value based on his usage with Spurs and I do love Wilf. The main downside with Antonio is durability because we know he can produce when fit; personally I trust Wilf more which is why he’s rated higher.
Hello John,
Great post as always. Quick lineup questions for the weekend. Should I start Telles or Castagne (if he starts)? Which two do you like here to start this GW out of Wilson, McNeil, Trossard and Iwobi?
Also wanted to know your general thoughts on Iwobi and Trossard for now and what you think of their standing in their respective teams?
Thanks. I love Iwobi and will continue to start him in both leagues where I own him. Trossard is infuriating, as is most of Brighton. This team has real struggles and most of them seem to be in the managers head. I would happily start Trossard every single week if his manager would (and give him 85+ minutes). If he *doesn't* start this weekend at home to Sheffield United, you have to wonder if he's even worth owning, though. That's the match up. That's the one you want where he scores 10 points even without a g/a.
McNeil is a MID3 until Burnley do something different with him. This role isn't working this season. Its just 1-3 points per match he's off, but he's off every week and that's a big different across the full season.
If you own Telles he is starting every week. I feel like I'm writing this every single week. Y'all need to do put him in the XI and leave him there unless Ole pulls him first.
Also just for context, I'm starting Gylfi and Calvert this weekend too, that's why I was erring on the side of caution for Iwobi just in case Arteta puts on a masterclass, but there's also a genuine Theo Walcott situation possible where he's motivated to score against his former club
Hey John.
My squad is currently rostering: Jota (injured), Ziyech (injured), Bale (injured and not playing), Under (not playing much), Doherty (not playing) and Periera (suspended but back soon).
I know that Under and Doherty (and maybe Bale) will get a few games during the festive period, but I basically have a full bench of guys that dont play for one reason or another, leaving me with few options every week.
What to do? I may be able to trade Doherty to the Aurier owner but not for much, perhaps AWB. FA pool is thin: Iwobi, Rodrigo, Jones, and a few others out there. Any advice is appreciated! Thanks as always.
That's not a thin pool. Iwobi and Rodrigo (LEE) should both be owned and Iwobi is a regular fantasy starter at MID. Jota is droppable in a pinch (though I personally hate to do it) but this looks more a case of managing the *other* names on your roster to ensure you have starters each week while waiting for the other guys to get healthy/playing time. I bet you have someone who isn't scoring as well as Iwobi is right now that can make way for him. Same with Rodrigo who can 100% be streamed for the Burnley and WBA matches as a FWD3 (provided he's starting).
Would you swap Gylfi (picked up for short term) or Ndombele for Iwobi or Jones? I hate to drop Jota but I'm getting desperate for starters. Stings after dropping Jimenez :(
I'd drop Gylfi second and Ndombele first and not ever think about either of them again. Tanguy is in a split role and is destined to get 60 minutes every week. I don't know what inefficiency Mourinho thinks he's isolated and addressed by doing this, but a 60' rotation play isn't a fantasy player isn't one you have to own
True that has been bizzare. Thanks!
Sorry ment rodri (City), I own Rodrigo actually.
Oh not to mention Shaw and Saiss (rotation)
Q: if you could trade out ASM for pogba right now, would you do it?
A: Today? Yeah, you'd have to. Pogba is looking nearly back to form and ASM doesn't have a return date. It's the last part there that's so damning...you'd really like to see that he's 3-4 weeks away instead of "no return".
Pogba is still currently ranked my No. 31 midfielder and the very bottom on tier 3. But, as I said in the write-up on the midseason ranks, this is only because he's not starting AND does not look recovered from Covid. If he's in the XI and playing anything close to his potential he's inside the top 10 at the position; if he's back among the goals he's got Top 10 overall potential.
Hi Gaffer,
What value would you look for if you are trading out Antonio? (12 team league)
Also what do you make of Harry Kane in a trade for one of Ziyech, Maddison, Mount, or Grealish?
I did ranks not that long ago so those are still the values I have on players (I do also update the sheet periodically and indicate players who've jump/slid with those little arrows; check it out if you haven't). Antonio is my No. 17 MID so anyone above that; any of the FWD at Bamford or above; DEF no one that isn't top 10.
I would happppppily trade Kane for Grealish, Maddison (I would of course ask for a little something extra). I would be more cautious about a 1:1 on Ziyech and bet you could land on a 2:2 where you get an upgrade elsewhere.
Now, I love what Mount has done and I DO think you should trade for him right now. BUT these are two of the biggest "sell high" guys out there (also: Son). I would absolutely hold out for more in a 1:2 where I ship 'arry's stick legs out for Mount + another piece, but I'd love to ship him for two underperforming guys. Could you land Sterling + Benrahma? Aim for the stars.
Hi John,
For reasons I won't get into I have 6 strikers in a 10 team league (Werner, Aubameyang, Martial, Raphina, lookman and Greenwood).
There is an offer of Trent + Werner for JWP and James. I'm very tempted given TAA poor form and the fact it gives me 2 miss... Thoughts?
that is a lot of dead wood to be carrying in a 10-team but also probably necessary to feel good about your chances.
I would rather have TAA and Werner (I just wrote about Werner today!) but JWP and James is a nice collection of talent. What are you starting up top right now? I'd be running out FWD1: Werner FWD2: Raphinha and FWD3: ??? Giving up Werner here means you have a lot more faith in either Auba or Martial than I do. Because you have *both* it's defensible but there will be weeks you're starting both of them. I will say you do that deal and your midfield damn well ought to be the best in your league.
What sort of player would you offer for Havertz? Trossard? Harrison? Dallas? Zouma? None of the above?
I mean the general advice is:
1. have a conversation before making the offer. nothing pisses off a manager like feeling they're getting lowballed
2. Which of those players is expendable for you right now? I can't offer a player who's in my core so if that's a 12-team league I'm not offering any of them (maybe Trossard but I doubt that gets it done) in an 8-team league? Sure I'd offer Dallas.
3. I generally believe you need to asses the other team: have they made moves to cover for Havertz? Then they don't need a direct replacement. Is the position thin and they've been starting him despite the performances? Offer up a solid midfielder (maybe Iwobi is doing enough? A challenge trade with Foden?)
I'll have to feel this one out. It's tricky because earlier in the season I traded Havertz and Ings to this owner. He was dead last in the league at the time and things haven't changed. He may want to shake things up again.