Leagues typically start now and around the mid-way point. I'll be launching a few 5AS leagues like we ran during restart but not for a month or two. Anyone got a league for Saul??
Hey John. Great work as always. I had a couple of questions I'd love to gauge some opinion on.
Firstly- if you do have the number 1 waiver position- what are your thoughts on using it for Semedo vs. waiting out. My inclination is to wait given Semedo's relatively average offensive stats at Barca but then again, Wolves look like a really good team this year?
Secondly- what is the value of Under really? As a loan option, looks to be someone to bolster the squad. Would he really play regularly above Maddison (no), or Perez and Barnes (probably not). There are players like Diangana available and they seem better shouts?
I would not use my WW1 on Semedo, he is less an attacking defender than Doherty who isn’t much of a defender at att. I did write extensively about him in the Monday column this week so won’t repeat it all here but I think he’s more valuable than Coady and less valuable than Boly.
Under is also in Monda’s column and I’m much higher in him than you are, it seems. Hampered by injuries at Roma and I think Perez spot is wide open for him to claim.
If I had Soucek I would trade him for Under. But my style is to target high PPM players; if you need consistent minutes/points that isn’t a good trade.
Q: Would you trade away ASM for Pogba in a 1 for 1 right now?
A: I have them ranked next to each other so it’s not unreasonable just like, why? In fantasy these are often called “challenge trades” where both managers just believe more in *the other guy*. Fun trades and great for a league to have a few of these every year.
Q: Would it be a bad move to see if I can trade Doherty for Reece or Lampety? I took him in the 4th round, and know it’s early and I shouldn’t panic, but also thinking a few more weeks and I won’t be able to get either. Worried Mourinho will keep one of his fullbacks back.
A: Maybe for Reece AND Lamptey. Doherty was often the farthest forward Spur who wasn’t Kane/Son last weekend. Southampton never should have kept that high like, but by doing that eliminated the need of Spurs to attack through the flanks. Reguilon will be the ‘defensive’ fullback of the pair. Frankly, Matt can’t be that guy.
Unless Azpilicueta or JMaddison starts, I'm gonna be short on a 11 players in my lineup, is Pablo Hernandez droppable in a 12 team league to fill my lineup?
Unfortunately I think Pablo is droppable to make up roster space for regulars. I would like to hold him because there will he value there but not enough I’m punting a week
How do you value Mount? My midfield group is pretty solid with Grealish, Havertz, James, Eze and also taking a shot on Under. Does Mount just make it into the linuep while the new guys get settled and should I then try to move him or is he worth holding on to?
That’s an ideal place to have Mount. You’re not relying on him every week; there is *some* cover should Havertz not start a week, and when Mount is in CHE XI you’re getting another player in your side with MID2 upside.
Hey Gaffer, got offered a draft fantasy trade of Soucek and James Justin for Lascalles and McNeil. On that face of it, my two players outrank his two in OFPL rankings, but maybe Justin was raked too low given his start to the season? But possible Periera comes in for him at some point, who knows. Worth a trade if I can bump up his mid (he has Podence, Trossard, ASM)? Thanks!
Cheers, agreed! Going to explore a downgrade in my mid or upgrade in his or leave it be. I'm short quality defenders but also 6th in the waiver wire if need be.
Hi John, I hope you're well, and everyone who is reading this too.
So I didn't use my "New EPL players draft" position. I was second, the first pick got Bale, I didn't pick Reguilon nor Under. I don't know if I should pick Semedo because, and I think you mentioned it in an article, it is not certain he'll be the next Doherty.
To be honest, as an United fan I'm hoping we land Sancho and I want to be certain I'll get him if he does come. I don't know if I should be risking my pick like this or playing it safer with confirmed transfers. I would really appreciate your input, and anyone else's too.
Would not use WW1 for any of the defenders, we agree. If you don’t have a solid new addition in the next two weeks I’d be surprised. But it’s also a valuable trade chip for a manager that doesn’t need to make moves now and wants to save the WW for January.
Debating offering a trade to a current Firmino + Reguilon owner. Based on the below, what would you feel comfortable sending in a 2:2? 10 team togga scoring
Current defenders: Digne, Chilwell, Taylor, Mendy, Cash.
Current midfielders: James, Ziyech, Silva, Townsend, Dallas.
Current forwards: Mahrez, Mitrovic, Haller, Wilson.
Also a hard question to answer. What *I’m comfortable with* isn’t great for you and doesn’t really tell me what you’re thinking. What I would do is start w/ an offer below the value I want to spend (but not insultingly low) and open a dialogue to see what they want from my team. Then we what they say and gauge if they’re trying to rob me or being reasonable. The work to find value for my starting XI. Maybe Mitrovic and Silva is where you end up, but I’m not offering that to start
Compltely fair - "comfortable" is the most relative thing ever. The core question - should I feel the need to trade and improve in those areas (FOR / DEF)? I was thinking Silva and Mitrovic as well, but is that just making a trade for the sake of trade? I am growing nervous at having too many talented, yet scarcely available players. But...then again...its been two weeks.
Well, having many talented players is good - committing to a strategy of mandatory management is hard but can be very rewarding. this is why high-upside with playing time concerns it is a topic I cover every summer in the draft guide stuff; if you're not willing to check your roster every time a lineup is announced, you should manage your draft day very differently than a hyper vigilant type.
I wouldn't be in a rush to trade unless you've realized you thought you were manager A, but really you're manager B. Then trade your risky, upside guys for the steadier types who don't burn as bright.
I wish the comments had an edit feature, the minor typos in my responses today have been murdering my soul.
I remember reading that - very helpful. I've got a 1 month old and we end up on the couch (while mom gets much deserved rest) at 7 am every morning and stay there for most of the day, so I never miss an announced line-up.
My worry was that (like last week), I'd have too many weeks where a Ziyech, Silva, and Mahrez don't start leaving me with a weakened team.
That said, it sounds like (if I understand correctly) that is less so the risk. Assuming you can be hands on and dialed in, then a roster with variable mins isn't really a risk by itself.
This is not a question I can answer? Dunno like charades? Probably a very bad improv team? See if you can trade from depth to upgrade Maupay into a slightly better FWD3 choice...14-Team league im not rushing to sell good players with depth but open ended questions like seriously leave me no idea what you’re looking to do.
haha Thanks John, I am just looking for another perspective I started 2-0 and feeling pretty good about the squad but I don't want to get to attached to the players and miss an opportunity to improve in DEF or FWD.
Apparently the rules of Fantasy Soccer say I need a goalie, so I need to pick one up before the games start this week. (I stop gapped waived my G to pick up Reguilon.)
Who's your short and long term favorite of Guaita, Emmy Martinez, Darlow, Messlier, and Johnstone, and when Mendy clears waivers would I rather have him than any of the above. Thanks for all your help.
LOL. We should change those rules (and in fact your league *can* change those rules on many platforms) but until then...
I'm happy playing in a league where I can regularly stream GK from the names you mentioned and I would do that - based on opponent - for as long as the GK pool remains deep. I don't want Mendy any more than I want DDG. They're too clean sheet dependent with no saves upside.
There is a transaction limit in this league, so if you think one of those goalies stands out as a longer term positive, that's great. (Possibly the dumbest rule in the history of fantasy sports, but I digress.) I also will look at schedules and see who has a good run of starts somewhere. (Or look for the place on the internet someone else has already done that for me.) Definitely conflicted about how to use scoring system (Fantrax) to my advantage, as to whether I'd rather go for W+clean sheet, or whether to count on saves and passes as a way to accumulate points.
MANDATORY GOALKEEPERS AND A TRANSACTION LIMIT?!?!!? FURIOUS WITH RAGE.
In this very limited scenario I will say: Martinez, Guita, Darlow and I'd agree just add Mendy and be done with it. Save your transactions for positions that actually matter.
Below Harrison. They might finish the year about level on points but I don't think Praet has regular starts moving forward and Harrison will. Harrison very boom/bust but that comes with the territory. Praet just a streaming option in leagues 10-team and smaller; can make a good argument to roster him in 12-team and larger.
I mean that's a stacked team for 2022-23! You might be ok this year. I'd be trying to trade Iheanacho to someone who believes he has a chance at breaking out in the EPL. And I'd be trying to trade Lo Celso to the Dele owner, maybe to whoever landed Bale just to get back a value piece for the future (Harry Wilson? Rhian Brewster? Someone who doesn't play for Liverpool possibly....). For this season that's a bottom half team with a decent chance at getting relegated unless Neto and Michy both get serious minutes.
Not that I need any mids... but since I am waiting for three of them to come back from injury I am debating grabbing Zambo for a short term pickup. Probably dropping Coleman and just rocking the three defenders. What do you think Gaffer? Thanks!
Just play a 3-4-3; you’re ina good place and this is why having value/depth across your roster is so valuable! You’ve done a good thing, don’t squander it for a short term play.
A bit off topic, but does anyone have a late starting league?
Leagues typically start now and around the mid-way point. I'll be launching a few 5AS leagues like we ran during restart but not for a month or two. Anyone got a league for Saul??
Hey John. Great work as always. I had a couple of questions I'd love to gauge some opinion on.
Firstly- if you do have the number 1 waiver position- what are your thoughts on using it for Semedo vs. waiting out. My inclination is to wait given Semedo's relatively average offensive stats at Barca but then again, Wolves look like a really good team this year?
Secondly- what is the value of Under really? As a loan option, looks to be someone to bolster the squad. Would he really play regularly above Maddison (no), or Perez and Barnes (probably not). There are players like Diangana available and they seem better shouts?
I would not use my WW1 on Semedo, he is less an attacking defender than Doherty who isn’t much of a defender at att. I did write extensively about him in the Monday column this week so won’t repeat it all here but I think he’s more valuable than Coady and less valuable than Boly.
Under is also in Monda’s column and I’m much higher in him than you are, it seems. Hampered by injuries at Roma and I think Perez spot is wide open for him to claim.
Do you rate Under over Soucek?
If I had Soucek I would trade him for Under. But my style is to target high PPM players; if you need consistent minutes/points that isn’t a good trade.
Q: Would you trade away ASM for Pogba in a 1 for 1 right now?
A: I have them ranked next to each other so it’s not unreasonable just like, why? In fantasy these are often called “challenge trades” where both managers just believe more in *the other guy*. Fun trades and great for a league to have a few of these every year.
Q: Would it be a bad move to see if I can trade Doherty for Reece or Lampety? I took him in the 4th round, and know it’s early and I shouldn’t panic, but also thinking a few more weeks and I won’t be able to get either. Worried Mourinho will keep one of his fullbacks back.
A: Maybe for Reece AND Lamptey. Doherty was often the farthest forward Spur who wasn’t Kane/Son last weekend. Southampton never should have kept that high like, but by doing that eliminated the need of Spurs to attack through the flanks. Reguilon will be the ‘defensive’ fullback of the pair. Frankly, Matt can’t be that guy.
Q: Would you trade Mings for Reece James? Just objectively without knowing the rest of the team
A: Yes and it not close. Only reason James wasn’t ranked higher this summer is playing time which he appears to have now in Lampards side.
Unless Azpilicueta or JMaddison starts, I'm gonna be short on a 11 players in my lineup, is Pablo Hernandez droppable in a 12 team league to fill my lineup?
Unfortunately I think Pablo is droppable to make up roster space for regulars. I would like to hold him because there will he value there but not enough I’m punting a week
How do you value Mount? My midfield group is pretty solid with Grealish, Havertz, James, Eze and also taking a shot on Under. Does Mount just make it into the linuep while the new guys get settled and should I then try to move him or is he worth holding on to?
That’s an ideal place to have Mount. You’re not relying on him every week; there is *some* cover should Havertz not start a week, and when Mount is in CHE XI you’re getting another player in your side with MID2 upside.
Hey Gaffer, got offered a draft fantasy trade of Soucek and James Justin for Lascalles and McNeil. On that face of it, my two players outrank his two in OFPL rankings, but maybe Justin was raked too low given his start to the season? But possible Periera comes in for him at some point, who knows. Worth a trade if I can bump up his mid (he has Podence, Trossard, ASM)? Thanks!
Yeah I’d want better than Soucek - Ricardo is still months away so Justin has value but Lascelles has less in OFPL than other formats.
Cheers, agreed! Going to explore a downgrade in my mid or upgrade in his or leave it be. I'm short quality defenders but also 6th in the waiver wire if need be.
Hi John, I hope you're well, and everyone who is reading this too.
So I didn't use my "New EPL players draft" position. I was second, the first pick got Bale, I didn't pick Reguilon nor Under. I don't know if I should pick Semedo because, and I think you mentioned it in an article, it is not certain he'll be the next Doherty.
To be honest, as an United fan I'm hoping we land Sancho and I want to be certain I'll get him if he does come. I don't know if I should be risking my pick like this or playing it safer with confirmed transfers. I would really appreciate your input, and anyone else's too.
Would not use WW1 for any of the defenders, we agree. If you don’t have a solid new addition in the next two weeks I’d be surprised. But it’s also a valuable trade chip for a manager that doesn’t need to make moves now and wants to save the WW for January.
Who do you like better in the short to medium term -
- Haller or Callum Wilson?
- Dallas or Henderson or Lallana?
- Cash or Jamal Lewis or Ben White?
I'll take the guys who have the time and points:
Wilson
Henderson
Lewis
Makes sense. Last one - Bowen or Anderson. Both free agents due to Moyes asinine moves.
Debating offering a trade to a current Firmino + Reguilon owner. Based on the below, what would you feel comfortable sending in a 2:2? 10 team togga scoring
Current defenders: Digne, Chilwell, Taylor, Mendy, Cash.
Current midfielders: James, Ziyech, Silva, Townsend, Dallas.
Current forwards: Mahrez, Mitrovic, Haller, Wilson.
Also a hard question to answer. What *I’m comfortable with* isn’t great for you and doesn’t really tell me what you’re thinking. What I would do is start w/ an offer below the value I want to spend (but not insultingly low) and open a dialogue to see what they want from my team. Then we what they say and gauge if they’re trying to rob me or being reasonable. The work to find value for my starting XI. Maybe Mitrovic and Silva is where you end up, but I’m not offering that to start
Compltely fair - "comfortable" is the most relative thing ever. The core question - should I feel the need to trade and improve in those areas (FOR / DEF)? I was thinking Silva and Mitrovic as well, but is that just making a trade for the sake of trade? I am growing nervous at having too many talented, yet scarcely available players. But...then again...its been two weeks.
Well, having many talented players is good - committing to a strategy of mandatory management is hard but can be very rewarding. this is why high-upside with playing time concerns it is a topic I cover every summer in the draft guide stuff; if you're not willing to check your roster every time a lineup is announced, you should manage your draft day very differently than a hyper vigilant type.
I wouldn't be in a rush to trade unless you've realized you thought you were manager A, but really you're manager B. Then trade your risky, upside guys for the steadier types who don't burn as bright.
I wish the comments had an edit feature, the minor typos in my responses today have been murdering my soul.
I remember reading that - very helpful. I've got a 1 month old and we end up on the couch (while mom gets much deserved rest) at 7 am every morning and stay there for most of the day, so I never miss an announced line-up.
My worry was that (like last week), I'd have too many weeks where a Ziyech, Silva, and Mahrez don't start leaving me with a weakened team.
That said, it sounds like (if I understand correctly) that is less so the risk. Assuming you can be hands on and dialed in, then a roster with variable mins isn't really a risk by itself.
I have an abundance of MIDs. What would you recommend I do with this group?
- Madders
- JWP
- Djenepo
- Diangana
- Under
- Zambo Anguissa
- Dallas
This is not a question I can answer? Dunno like charades? Probably a very bad improv team? See if you can trade from depth to upgrade Maupay into a slightly better FWD3 choice...14-Team league im not rushing to sell good players with depth but open ended questions like seriously leave me no idea what you’re looking to do.
haha Thanks John, I am just looking for another perspective I started 2-0 and feeling pretty good about the squad but I don't want to get to attached to the players and miss an opportunity to improve in DEF or FWD.
Rest of the team is this: (14 Team League)
- Lloris
- Mee
- Soyuncu
- Cash
- Ayling
- Vinagre
- Salah
- DCL
- Maupay
Apparently the rules of Fantasy Soccer say I need a goalie, so I need to pick one up before the games start this week. (I stop gapped waived my G to pick up Reguilon.)
Who's your short and long term favorite of Guaita, Emmy Martinez, Darlow, Messlier, and Johnstone, and when Mendy clears waivers would I rather have him than any of the above. Thanks for all your help.
LOL. We should change those rules (and in fact your league *can* change those rules on many platforms) but until then...
I'm happy playing in a league where I can regularly stream GK from the names you mentioned and I would do that - based on opponent - for as long as the GK pool remains deep. I don't want Mendy any more than I want DDG. They're too clean sheet dependent with no saves upside.
This weekend it's the Villa man against Fulham.
There is a transaction limit in this league, so if you think one of those goalies stands out as a longer term positive, that's great. (Possibly the dumbest rule in the history of fantasy sports, but I digress.) I also will look at schedules and see who has a good run of starts somewhere. (Or look for the place on the internet someone else has already done that for me.) Definitely conflicted about how to use scoring system (Fantrax) to my advantage, as to whether I'd rather go for W+clean sheet, or whether to count on saves and passes as a way to accumulate points.
MANDATORY GOALKEEPERS AND A TRANSACTION LIMIT?!?!!? FURIOUS WITH RAGE.
In this very limited scenario I will say: Martinez, Guita, Darlow and I'd agree just add Mendy and be done with it. Save your transactions for positions that actually matter.
Where would you rank praet ? Above or below Harrison?
Below Harrison. They might finish the year about level on points but I don't think Praet has regular starts moving forward and Harrison will. Harrison very boom/bust but that comes with the territory. Praet just a streaming option in leagues 10-team and smaller; can make a good argument to roster him in 12-team and larger.
My team: 20 team keeper, h2h roto (keeper goals, keeper saves, min, g, a, sot, tackles, passing %, defender CS:
Keepers: Southampton (each team gets one teams)
DEF: Ayling, Basham, Coady, Ben White, Holgate
MID: Barnes, Diangana, Foden, Lo Celso, McGinn, Berge, Ceballos
FWD: Maupay, Neto, Michy, Iheanacho
Weird rules I know, but how should I feel generally/talent-wise, especially given this was an orphan team two years ago with no studs
I mean that's a stacked team for 2022-23! You might be ok this year. I'd be trying to trade Iheanacho to someone who believes he has a chance at breaking out in the EPL. And I'd be trying to trade Lo Celso to the Dele owner, maybe to whoever landed Bale just to get back a value piece for the future (Harry Wilson? Rhian Brewster? Someone who doesn't play for Liverpool possibly....). For this season that's a bottom half team with a decent chance at getting relegated unless Neto and Michy both get serious minutes.
I might try to trade Lo Celso for Greenwood?
I mean, sure but you’d be lucky to get Jesse Lingard. Bale really crushed Lo Celso’s stock in a single move
My squad (10 team Togga scoring):
G: Schmeichel
D: Castagne, Saiss, Doherty, Coleman
M: Pulisic, Ziyech, Bale, Under, Armstrong, Ceballos, Periera
F: Jiminez, Haller, Moreno, Michy
Not that I need any mids... but since I am waiting for three of them to come back from injury I am debating grabbing Zambo for a short term pickup. Probably dropping Coleman and just rocking the three defenders. What do you think Gaffer? Thanks!
Oh I do not like that, Sam I Am
I do not like dropping Seamus Coleman
Just play a 3-4-3; you’re ina good place and this is why having value/depth across your roster is so valuable! You’ve done a good thing, don’t squander it for a short term play.
This is why you're the Gaffer. Thanks
Or Villa's Traore? Could be a nice lottery ticket, I;m not sure about his playing time though.
Covered Traore earlier but I don’t get the love for Bertrand and comp’d him to Trezeguet last season
Would you bring Abraham in for either of JayRod or Adams? OFPL scoring
Nope. I want players with a clear path to minutes in that format. I really hope he moves but I think he stays and therefor has minimal value.