FPL

FPL team guide 2021/22 – Manchester City: Best players, stats and more

Our team-by-team guide to the new Fantasy Premier League (FPL) season continues with this preview of Manchester City.

After a slow start to the 2020/21 campaign, the Citizens won the Premier League title at a canter and finished 14 points ahead of second-placed Manchester United.

City will undoubtedly finish in the upper echelons of the table this season too, though selecting their FPL assets that will gain the most minutes is a much trickier prediction.

FPL price reveal and launch reaction from three-time top 200 finisher Lateriser 1

The Gundo-wagon

Cancelo finally delivers big haul as Gündogan shines in KDB's absence 2

Ilkay Gundogan (£7.5m) was one of last season’s most profitable bandwagons, having ended the campaign as City’s top league scorer (13).

He was pivotal to the run which smoothed City’s path to the title, as Guardiola’s outfit won 15 consecutive games from Gameweek 14.

That came after a 1-1 home draw with West Brom, in which the German midfielder also netted.

But Guardiola put the winning run that followed down to a return to Man City’s principles.

“After that game I had a feeling this isn’t a team I can recognise. I didn’t like what I saw. We could have won at Tottenham (GW9) and West Bromwich but I didn’t like [the way we played]. We talked with Juanma [Lillo], Rodolfo [Borrell], Manel [Estiarte], Txiki [Begiristain] and I said we have to come back to our first principle.

“We started to rebuild and reconstruct the team from that point. We had success in the past and [we had to] come back on our positional play, move the ball quicker, do more passes, stay more in position, run less with the ball.” – Guardiola speaking on February 12

Speaking to BT Sport in March, Guardiola added:

We adjusted something, to put more players in front of the box. But especially it was the day after the West Brom game (that we changed), when we drew 1-1 at home.

Those adjustments particularly benefitted Gundogan, who scored 10 times between Gameweek 14 and Gameweek 25.

However, another tactical tweak from Guardiola – along with a policy of heavy rotation – saw the Germany international become much less influential in the final third from Gameweek 26 onwards.

Above: a comparison of Gundogan’s xG shot maps

As can be seen from the above map comparison of the xG of Gundogan’s shots, the midfielder’s license to get into the box was somewhat revoked in the latter part of the season.

It must be said that he started all games in the first period (GW13 – GW25) versus six starts in the second period (GW26 – GW38).

With that in mind, Gundogan had 26 efforts in the box over those 13 starts while managing just six between GW26 and GW38. His xG also tailed off significantly, from 7.01 to 1.81.

Home alone

De Bruyne goes off with injury and Holeš emerges as budget enabler

This downturn in Gundogan’s numbers coincided with the return of Kevin De Bruyne (£12.0m) to the Man City XI.

That’s not to say that De Bruyne suddenly made his team-mate a bad Fantasy asset, it just saw Guardiola make another system change.

The Spaniard operated with a veritable ‘front four’ of De Bruyne, Riyad Mahrez (£9.0m), Phil Foden (£8.0m) and Bernardo Silva (£7.0m), the Belgian occasionally operating as the nominal spearhead of the attack – something we may see more of in 2021/22 considering that Sergio Aguero has departed and a like-for-like replacement still hasn’t arrived.

That saw Gundogan move into a double-pivot midfield slot, alongside Rodri (£5.5m) or Fernandinho (£5.0m), rather than his previous position in Guardiola’s 4-3-3 – in which De Bruyne also featured before suffering a hamstring injury in late January.

Now £2.0m more expensive than last season’s starting price, Gundogan’s viability as an FPL pick will come down to Guardiola’s set-up once more.

Whether or not De Bruyne will be available for City’s Gameweek 1 opener at Spurs is anyone’s guess, after the Belgian admitted he played through torn ankle ligaments in his country’s EURO 2020 quarter-final defeat to Italy.

“For me personally it has been four or five weird weeks. But I especially want to thank the medical staff. It was a miracle that I played today because there was definitely damage to my ankle – a tear in my ligaments. But I felt responsibility to play for my country today. Too bad I couldn’t do more.” – De Bruyne speaking on July 2

His potential absence could also have knock-on effects for other City attackers. We can only hope for an official update ahead of Gameweek 1.

De Bruyne managed 18 attacking returns last season, in a campaign interrupted by injury and Champions League prioritisation.

That compared to a ludicrous 36 goals and assists combined in 2019/20, where the Belgian started at £9.5m before being hiked to £11.5m for 2020/21.

Despite a less than stellar Fantasy season, De Bruyne has earned another price increase to £12.0m this time around.

The underlying statistics, rather than the tangible FPL returns, point to the reason why: the premium midfielder had the best rate of both shots and chances created among Man City assets in 2020/21.

418 Comments Post a Comment
  1. hnmfm
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    I’m seeing Smith Rowe is a lot of teams, how nailed is he? I could really use a 5.5

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Depends if Arsenal sign Maddison

      1. Gabbiadini
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Yep even Aouar, Arteta could install a 4-3-3.

      2. farmerfat
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        If Arsenal sign Maddison, ESR will probably still play on the left with Madders behind. When Odegaard was playing ESR was still in the squad. They not giving him the number 10 shirt for nothing!
        ESR Madders Pepe/Saka
        Auba

        1. Tonyawesome69
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          That could easily be ESR/Saka LWF and Arsenal linked with Abraham which could move Auba LWF as well. Did Arsenal give him the #10 shirt officially? I thought the photo was just his training/pre-season number

    2. Boris Bodega
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Rumours are that ESR has been given the #10 shirt. Make of that what you will.

    3. Haa-lala-land
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      There's zero chance Madders is leaving Leicester for Arsenal, who may sign Bissouma.

    4. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      He's towards the top of my watchlist

      Think he'll become a very popular player when the inevitable scramble to accomodate 3x big hitters instead of 2 starts

    5. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Great prospect - expecting a lot from him this season.

  2. Camzy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    It's really boring, but here's the latest team I have.

    Sanchez Foster
    TAA Chilwell Digne Ayling Hoever
    Salah Bruno Raphinha Buendia Gilmour
    Iheanacho Watkins Toney

    If Sancho comes in very cheap I might lose Bruno to raise funds for Son in midfield who I think is very undervalued. He's going to be on all set pieces, nailed on, and if Kane leaves quite likely to be played up front.

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I've had similar thoughts. Son hasn't been mentioned enough but it is understandable as his price is a bit awkward. The appeal of him playing CF and possibly on pens looks really interesting.

      1. Tonyawesome69
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Looking at Liverpool's opening fixtures, are you not keen on taking advantage with a triple-up?

        1. Camzy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          No to the defenders since I like Chilwell more. But maybe Jota.

          1. Tonyawesome69
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 3 months ago

            Why do you like Chilwell more than Robbo?

            1. Camzy
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 14 Years
              3 years, 3 months ago

              Because he's cheaper and Chelsea are an unbelievably good defensive team. Plus Chilwell will be nailed if Alonso leaves which I think is fairly likely. He's also playing more advanced at wing-back.

              Remember this is a team with Jorginho and Kante protecting it...

              1. Tonyawesome69
                • 5 Years
                3 years, 3 months ago

                Rotation is the only reason that is putting me off Chilwell. I quite like James as he is nailed to start in either RCB or RWB.

                1. Camzy
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 14 Years
                  3 years, 3 months ago

                  Chilwell more nailed imo.

                  James could be dropped for 3 ATB Christensen, Silva, Rudi with Azpi RWB. The fact that the club captain shares your position(s) is not good.

                  Chilwell was clearly preferred over Alonso end of last season and was also a huge threat at the back post.

                  1. Sgt Frank Drebin
                    • 8 Years
                    3 years, 3 months ago

                    I agree on Chilwell and I'm very optimistic about him, but what do you think about Chelsea's fixtures at the start of the season? They play LFC, Man City, as well as Spurs and Arsenal away. I'm thinking about getting him after GW6, possibly on a Wildcard, but also bit afraid he's and Chelsea overall gonna do very well and by that time he won't be much of a differential...

              2. Sheffield Wednesday
                • 4 Years
                3 years, 3 months ago

                Agree with Chilwell pick, have him in my draft. Iheanacho deserved more assists last season but for poor finishing from colleagues.

              3. Marmalade Forest
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 3 months ago

                Would love Chelsea to sell a couple of their defenders

    2. Baines on Toast...
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Honestly that's not too boring - Nacho and Chilwell are both standouts stats-wise who aren't in the majority of teams.

      1. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        I think it's the most hole-proof team I've put together.

        Iheanacho and Chilwell as you say are very supported by stats. Iheanacho especially is someone I think is very slept on due to a bit of uncertainty regarding starts. But look at how he finished last season... There's no way he doesn't start imo, and Leicester have had a fairly uninterrupted pre-season with not too many key internationals away.

        Nacho himself has had no International football basically.

        1. Baines on Toast...
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          My only concern with him is - will he go back into his shell with fans back. But if he's anything like last year, it's worth a go.

        2. Gabbiadini
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          The concern is rotation.
          Daka.

          1. Camzy
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 3 months ago

            I don't think it's a risk. Daka is not that big of a deal. He's a 22-year-old forward coming from the Austrian league.

            Barnes might even be a bigger risk to the position. But I don't see it. Nacho will start imo. Maybe he won't keep his place for the whole season but it doesn't matter, those first few games are pretty good for Leicester so I think he can explode out the blocks.

        3. Marmalade Forest
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Big Man City shaped hole I am worried about.

    3. Baines on Toast...
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Also don't you have 0.5 left on this team? So could have two keepers, or a second 4.5 DF.

      1. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Maybe I'll do Sanchez > Henderson.

        I'm fine with weak bench covered by just 4.5m def. It has worked for a long time in non-COVID times. Last season was just weird.

    4. farmerfat
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      This is pretty much the exact team I have been toying with. (Antonio over Nacho).

      Ended up going ESR over Raph and put in Jota over Toney.

      Will look at Leeds from GW5

      1. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Only 3 players are super nailed on in my team.

        Salah, Watkins and Raphinha.

        Not gonna deviate from those 3. No exceptions.

        1. farmerfat
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Fair enough. Raph is no doubt great value. I could keep Raph and upgrade Buendia to Jota but want to attack those first 3 fixtures. If Raph wasnt playing two of my defenders ( Shaw & Digne) in GW1 or 2 I may have reconsidered.

    5. 7rjngs lollygagger
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      There’s a possibly intriguing option here

      Kane plus Sancho = Bruno plus Son

      Even if you don’t make that binary choice it does point up possible variations

      Son plus Sancho very much on my radar. Could be possible to squeeze Mahrez in there too.

      1. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Sancho + Son is my preferred. Sancho's price will make a big difference. If he's less than 10m he's in. If he's at 10m it's borderline. If he's more than 10m it's a no from me when I can just go Bruno.

    6. OverTinker
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Looking good but consider jota

    7. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Where you have (Sanchez, Chilwell, Watkins) I have (Meslier, Shaw, Bamford)

      Other that that and the bench change of me having Lamptey instead of your Ayling (due to my 3x Leeds) we're pretty much matched

      It's a good way to start GW1 imo - allows a lot of different reaction paths depending on what happens

      1. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        I'm probably gonna upgrade Sanchez > Henderson pending confirmation that he starts or DDG gets sold.

        But yeah, very hard to argue against this fairly template-y start. I think it's quite possible Shaw doesn't start GW1. If he does I might have to ditch Digne for Shaw.

        I can already see Chilwell putting up 15 points week 1 and everyone scrambling to get him in. Can't wait!

        1. OverTinker
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Seems defense heavy to me and I feel few CS at the start and you might need a hit if you need to get some attacking players if needed

        2. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          After all that Tuchel will probably ruin everything by playing Alonso GW1 😆

    8. nolard
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I quite like the team, also spent some in defense on TAA and Chilwell. Apart from Bruno and Nacho, it has the same outline as my own.

      I am pondering Son and Cavani, or Kane and Raph in their places.

      I also have Foden/Havertz and bench fodder up front, instead of Toney and Buendia.

      Your might be a but more on the safe side though. Not boring

    9. jennmenn
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Safe nd steady.. 😉

  3. Gabbiadini
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Sanchez | Foster
    TAA | Robbo | ... | Ayling | 4.0
    Salah | Fernandes | Raphinha | ... | 4.5
    ... | Watkins | Toney

    19.0 ITB

    a) Lamptey | Buendia | Bamford
    b) Shaw | 6.0 (Harrison) | 7.5 (Antonio/Wilson/etc)
    c) something else

    Cheers.

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Lamptey, Buendia/Sarr and Antonio

      1. Gabbiadini
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        thanks for your thoughts.

  4. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    In the whole article the only reference we can find to how badly City started the season is “ After a slow start to the 2020/21 campaign”

    Is this kind of glossing over the way they were hammered by Leciester in GW3, scored 6 goals in the following 6 gameweeks, before a false-flag 5-0 at home to Burnley, followed by 6 goals in their next 5 gameweeks?

    That was a period of almost half a season where either side of the Burnley game they scored just 13 goals in 12 gameweeks… they were just letting people down every week, as well as the dreaded front 3 rotation game

    They have this type of run in their locker - be interesting to see if it repeats this year & it takes them a few months to warm up

    1. 7rjngs lollygagger
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      🙂

      It was a fair way into the season when they were not just close to level with Palace on points but also in a similar range for goals scored and 3 goal returns. That’s because of course Palace were actually really quite good then!!

      But it’s a point well made in general.

    2. farmerfat
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Rotation alone puts me off City for now, until we start seeing some players that are nailed on.

    3. Flair
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      City also have an awful pre-season this time around, they are playing Preston on Tuesday and then Leicester in the Comm Shield on Aug 7 - that's it. Many players coming back very late from international tournaments too, it's concerning.

    4. 7rjngs lollygagger
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Leicester City has a twin of course in Spurs United.

      Every season is different naturally but I’m taking early fixture difficulty ratings with a very hefty pinch of salt.

      Forget how United Palace went 🙂

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        I'd 100% expect to see a reference to Utd's bad start last season too if the article was about Utd!

        From an FPL perspective Bruno just kept smashing through the sticky start though which was good

        (Double return vs. Seagulls game after palace, scored utd's goal in the spurs hammering, double return the game after that vs newcastle, followed by couple of blanks vs Arsnela & Chelsea then his mega haul 2g 1A vs everton - 5G 3A from his first 3 appearances & he just kept going!)

        1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          *Frist 6 apps obvs, not first 3 - he "only" got 2G 1A in his first 3 apps 🙂

  5. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Bachmann (Foster)
    Trent Digne Castagne (Lamptey Ayling)
    Salah Son Rafa Buendia (Brownhill)
    Cavani Bamford Nacho

    1. farmerfat
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Looks nice, amazing what you can do with no Bruno.

      1. Haa-lala-land
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Take out Salah too, it's liberating!

    2. No Professionals
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      down with nicknames... took me a while that one, raphinha doesn't even have an f in it.

  6. The-Red-1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Sorry all, another RMT

    I keep flip flopping between big at the back and upgrading my 5th midfielder. Any ideas welcome

    Sanchez Steele
    TAA Dias Shaw Ayling 4.0
    Salah Bruno Raphinha Buendia 4.5
    DCL Antonio Toney

    1. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      It's not worth stressing about if you are flip flopping at the moment - take a break for a couple weeks, and start again when transfers, injuries, charity shield bandwagons etc will mean everything likely has changed, and options may be clearer.

    2. Holmes
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Dont think you will change much in this draft, just sit back and relax for now

  7. Sheffield Wednesday
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Chris Wood has scored the winner for New Zealand against 2016-bronze-medalist South Korea in their Olympic group stage match.

    1. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Just feel like this should be a cricket thread for some strange reason!

  8. IT'S JUST JAMIE VARDY
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Why does everybody prefer Raphinha over Harrison or Dallas ?

    1. Sheffield Wednesday
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Harrison and Dallas 'owner' here.

    2. Holmes
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      apparently he is class

  9. R.C.
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Would you pick Cavani over Bruno?

    1. No Professionals
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I wouldn't

    2. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Comparing apples to oranges.

      I am considering Cavani. But probably won't end up with him. Sancho or Bruno purely because Cavani is an awkward price and there's definitely better value for cheaper for more guaranteed minutes.

      1. R.C.
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Yeah there are other better strikers. It's just Cavani v/s Bruno for me. Their fixtures aren't that good after first six.

      2. R.C.
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Also Ole will implement 4-3-3 which means Bruno will not be very attacking I feel

      3. SLOT Going On
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        I think you are spot on

    3. Flair
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      No. Dreadful idea.

    4. Botman and Robben
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Never

    5. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Christ no - In 51 appearances Bruno has 48 returns, 54 baps, 22 cleansheets

      I'm pretty confident Utd will score more goals this season, and Bruno's goal involvement will stay healthy

  10. No Professionals
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Have a number of lock ins (capitals), just playing round with the others...

    Sanchez
    TRENT SHAW Digne
    SALAH FERNANDES RAPHINHA Buendia
    Watkins Wilson Iheanacho

    Steele Fofana Brownhill Williams

    Do you prefer Toney and Jota to Iheanacho and Buendia?

    1. Flair
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Prefer Antonio and Buendia.

    2. Stupendous
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Will Shaw start the season?

      1. No Professionals
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        i'll take the risk probably, fofana is a decent first sub if not. guess a 1 point (or 0 point with the amount of lazy yellow cards shaw picks up) cameo is a risk, but not going to define my start to the season.

    3. nolard
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I'd stay away from Jota, as he isn't nailed.

      1. No Professionals
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        yeah he's a risk... but fancy liverpool to start fast and he can get points in 30mins cameos. Can imagine he'll play a at least 100mins in the first 2 weeks.

        one to keep an eye on.

        1. nolard
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Yes, I think he will get some game time. We all need a bit of a punt.

    4. space mercenary
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I have Toney + Nacho.

  11. R.C.
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    We all know Cantwell will score come GW1 and ruin the Liverpool CS

    1. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      this is why I don't want double Liverpool defence even though I'm on it right now, inevitable heart ache

    2. Andy_Social
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Rumour mill today has it Villa want Cantwell. Villains gutting Canaries - proper nasty.

  12. nolard
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    This little one is on my mind:

    a) Cavani and Son

    b) Kane and Raphinia

    1. No Professionals
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      B - will play more minutes overall, greater share of set pieces, will score more points.

      1. nolard
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        I am on B now, cheers.

        Only thing, I don't have any United cover, and Cavani is tempting with their start.

    2. olly:)
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      B imo

      1. nolard
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Thank you! Even without any United cover?

        1. olly:)
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Cavani can't cover Bruno anyways, Bruno / maybe Sancho or no one in my opinion.

          1. nolard
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 3 months ago

            He cannot cover, no, but provide some points from those early games.

            Also wonder how productive Bruno will be with Pogba still in the team.

            1. olly:)
              • 9 Years
              3 years, 3 months ago

              Cavani minutes are unclear, I would much rather have security of minutes early on to avoid a poor start.

              1. nolard
                • 10 Years
                3 years, 3 months ago

                Cheers! I stick with Kane and Raph then.

    3. Stupendous
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Not even close. B

      1. nolard
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks!

    4. I Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      A

  13. olly:)
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Think i'm settled on a first draft which I will sit on for a while until more info.

    Maybe a bit heavy at the back and no Bruno is the obvious difference compared to most teams but here we are...

    Sanchez (Begovic)
    TAA Robbo James Tierney Lamptey
    Salah (c) Mahrez Raphinha (Harrison, Brownhill)
    Kane Toney (Obafemi)

    any thoughts on this lot?

    1. nolard
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      James not nailed enough for me. I'd go Chilwell rather if you want Chelsea defense.

      Otherwise, it is nicely balanced. Question is also the double LFC defense.

      Mahrez a bit punty, but I guess we all need a bit of that. I went with Havertz/Foden.

      1. olly:)
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        yeah James is a tough one tbh but can't really find a 0.5 to upgrade to Chilwell and I do think he's their best RWB so until UCL rotation comes into place I am coming round to the fact that he wont be rotated.

        Double LFC defence is something I have started with in previous seasons and has done me well, I just think both are set up to have strong starts with VVD back and most of LFC's team having a full pre season with some kind early fixtures, staple for me.

        I would agree Mahrez is the biggest uncertainty but he's penalty taker, one of the only attackers who's had a full rest and pre-season (no international commitments), it's obviously Pep so can't expect anything but I would be surprised if he is out of the team early on, community shield will maybe give us more idea (probably not). I do like your Havertz / Foden choices but they are similar to Mahrez where we don't know they will definitely start, Havertz much more likely to than Foden/Mahrez i guess....

        1. nolard
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Hope you are right on James, he is very good going forward.

          LFC with VVD will be a different beast for sure. Will Robertson be given some rest though?

          Right, in that context, it makes sense that Mahrez will be playing a bit from the start. You can easily switch in that price bracket as well.

          Wasn't advocating Havertz/Foden, just mentioning that they are my punts, similar to Mahrez.

          Good luck!

          1. olly:)
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 3 months ago

            thanks for you long and well-thought input I appreciate it.

            Good luck to you as well 🙂 !

            1. nolard
              • 10 Years
              3 years, 3 months ago

              You are welcome!

  14. diesel001
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Tell me about Dallas?

    £4.5m last season scoring 171 pts classed as a defender. He kept 12 CS last season equating to 48 pts (excluding bonus, which would have been mainly, but not wholly, aligned to him keeping CS).

    Priced at £5.5m this season classed as a midfielder. He will lose 3pts per CS equating to 36pts and 1pt for a goal equating to 8 pts. Assume he loses no bonus. That means you are paying £1.0m more for a player who will be around 44pts down.

    Given the number of midfield options is he a good pick for a midfield slot at his new price?

    1. olly:)
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      You can pay 0.5 more for Harrison or 1.0 more for Raphinha who offer much more. I'd sooner have the both of them before Dallas at 5.5

      1. diesel001
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        That is my initial thinking, particularly as he overperformed his xG last season.

        But I am open to other arguments.

    2. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      He got 8 goals from 4.6 XG (nearly a 100% overperformance)… and would have finished on about 130 (about 20 behind Soucek)

      If he can outperform his XG by 100% again this year he has a decent shot at 130 points - which is pretty bad

      If he hits his XG he’d be down at about 110….

      If he’s lower than his XG…

      Honestly he has a battle to hit 100 points this year let alone the 170 he got last season

      Even using Soucek as a benchmark - He got 150 points at 5.0 last season and still wasn’t totally viable as a 4th mid (he was one of the most frustrating and most criticised players despite his excellent season)

      Dallas makes absolutely zero sense as a 5.5 midfielder to me

      Nothing to stop him popping in a worldie from 30 yards vs. Man Utd GW1 & all of a sudden he looks like a great pick, but those black swan/freak type points aren't the ones I'm after tbh

    3. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      He will always have that doubt of having to fill in at FB/WB

  15. SLOT Going On
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    I would appreciate any constructive observation on my proposed 15.
    sanchez/bachman
    chilwell/coady/awb/dunk/fofana
    salah/jota/son/harrison/jorginho
    wilson/watkins/dcl
    0.5 itb
    tx guys and dolls

  16. Stupendous
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Why the Chilwell love?

    Tuchel won't suddenly stop tinkering surely

    1. Gabbiadini
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Don't see it personally.

      1. cravencottage
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        for the same uncertainty, I would rather have Cancelo

    2. antis0cial
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Alonso is expected to go, leaving little competition for that left back spot. He will still get the occasional rotation, but the thinking is he will play the majority and a 4.5 bench will cover those that he doesn't play.

  17. Karan14
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    So Watkins + Buendia double up yes or no?

    Think its hard to ignore Watkins given the fixtures and even ownership.

    Question is double up with Buendia or find another 6.5-7.0m mid (not Raph)?

    1. Stupendous
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Many have both to start
      Their fixtures are great and if Jack stays they will be brill going forward.

    2. I Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I don't see why not. They look like the best options at their respective price points so it shouldn't matter that they play for the same club.

  18. Nomar
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Anyone else at the moment got half their starting team playing in the Man Utd v Leeds game?

    1. Stupendous
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Not half but a few yea
      Bruno, maybe Shaw, Raph

      1. Nomar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Yes, half may be a slight exaggeration. Currently 4 of them, only 1 Utd.

    2. olly:)
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      have 1 starting in my current draft (Raph) with Harrison on the bench.

    3. Dynamic Duos
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      None , Raph on bench

    4. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Planning to have Meslier, Raphinha, Bamford, Shaw, Bruno

      The last game at Old Trafford was 6-2 so here's hoping 😆

      The Elland Road pitch was so bad it didn't help the game after christmas

      1. Nomar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Ditto except Shaw at the moment.

    5. Karan14
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I think ill have 3 starting max Bruno, Raph and possibly Shaw.

    6. Andy_Social
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      If you mean 'squad', yeh. Shaw and Ayling on my bench for GW1 though - I'm anticipating goals at both ends.

  19. Wild Rover
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    I see Aaron Ramsey scored for Villa yesterday 😆

    1. Andy_Social
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Assisted by Adama Traore?

  20. Dogs Of War
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    So I’ve removed Pukki to come up with this:

    Bachmann Sanchez
    TAA Robertson Digne Shaw Fofana
    Salah Bruno Buendia Raphina Brownhil
    DCL Toney Perica

    How does this look? Taking advantage of early Liverpool fixtures with a triple up.

    1. olly:)
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I really like this, i've come up with something similar with the same LFC triple up n fairly heavy in defence. Only worry would be Shaw fitness really, seen some rumours he may not be fit to start the season so keep an eye out for that, other than that its a strong team.

    2. Gabbiadini
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I'd prefer removing one of Shaw/Digne to a 4.5/4.0 and finding a 7th mid/fwd option.

  21. cm790
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Sanchez (Foster)
    Fofana TAA Shaw (White, Johnson)
    Grealish Salah Fernandes Saka Raphina
    Watkins Iheanacho (Obafemi)

    Changed from 3-4-3 to 3-5-2.

    Dallas out for Raph and Pukki out for Obafemi.

    0.5 ITB.

    What do we think?

  22. Dynamic Duos
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Bloody just noticed the season starts Friday 13th , loads of wc for gwk2

    1. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      It's a sign.

      1. Dynamic Duos
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        The season is doomed

        1. Sheffield Wednesday
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Worse than the last two?

    2. No Professionals
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I will fight every urge to even make a transfer in GW2, rolling to GW3 and having the option of a mini WC can really set the tone for a season (in my experience).

    3. el polako
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I'm not superstitious, it's bad luck.

      1. Flair
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        If we're all unlucky, is anyone unlucky?

    4. Andy_Social
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      The real horror is TDD the following Sunday. I can see Kane to City and Lewandowski to Chelsea on the last day, causing 2 million GW2 wildcards rather than black cats.

  23. R.C.
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Spurs signed Gil

    1. R.C.
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      sign*

    2. Holmes
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Carles Gil?

    3. el polako
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Great talent, his direct numbers only tell half a story.
      Very creative player who likes to embaress his opponents with a nutmeg or two.

      1. Andy_Social
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Played like 2 games for Sevilla, rest at Championship-level clubs he's been loaned out to.

        1. el polako
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Season loan at Eibar which got relegated from La Liga.

          I'm not telling anyone to buy him just stating fact that he is a talent and great baller.

  24. King Kohli
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Son or TAA to start with?

    Son is also a good captain option in gw 3 and can hurt more than TAA who imo won't be captained as much

    1. Gabbiadini
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      TAA

    2. antis0cial
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      TAA, find another way to get Son if you want him

  25. Gabbiadini
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Anyone else looking at United's first 11 fixtures and are questioning how "bankable" their CS are.
    Personally, I'm on double Liverpool.

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      depends if they change formation to an attacking 433 and no new DM to replace Fred/Matic/Mctominay

      1. Gabbiadini
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        yes, my thinking too.
        some however, saying Shaw is "essential".

    2. FPL Theorist
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Definitely. The data from yesterday's BlackBox showed that fixtures don't matter as much as expected for defenders, since teams set up more defensively against better attacks.

      Nowhere is that more true than for United.

      1. 7rjngs lollygagger
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Didn’t catch black box

        Is that data consistent through the season? My uninformed guess is that early season teams are less prone to a negative mindset. When 40 points is the ultimate goal and early season optimism has worn off then pragmatism sets in

        1. FPL Theorist
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          I think they used whole-season data, but someone can correct me if that's wrong.

      2. Gabbiadini
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        yes, plenty of 0-0s in those fixtures.

    3. 7rjngs lollygagger
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Very much so

      But there again I’m dubious about Liverpool too. Potential there of course but it requires turning the clock back a fair way and the equation is different now. New midfield a query. Change of dynamic in PL since duopoly years. Are Robbo and TAA more attacking/ gung-ho than back then? Is VVD the same player? Who else fits in there?

      1. Tonyawesome69
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        just over 3 weeks until GW1 and VVD is not expected to play the next friendly game tomorrow.

      2. Botman and Robben
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Hey Penguin, don't make me feel bad about my double LIV defence.

        1. Andy_Social
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Hey, I'm on TTAA, Robbo and Shaw and I don't feel bad.

          1. Gabbiadini
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 3 months ago

            That's hard to afford with Salah and Bruno.

        2. Holmes
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Its not like we have better options 😉

          1. 7rjngs lollygagger
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 3 months ago

            There are cheaper options though 🙂

    4. Holmes
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      For first 7GWs, fixture difficulty looks same to me. I dont think they would keep more than 2-3 CSs over that period anyway.

    5. Flair
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Looking at their first 6-7 fixtures (WC afterwards) and it looks fine to me. United can keep a CS against any of these sides.

    6. The Knights Template
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Double Chelsea

  26. antis0cial
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    A) Chilwell + Digne (any 5.5)
    B) Robbo + 4.5

    1. nolard
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Do you have TAA?

      1. antis0cial
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Yeah, current rough draft is below:

        Bachman
        TAA Robbo Lamptey
        Salah Bruno Raph Buendia
        Watkins Nacho Toney

        White Ayling Gilmour

    2. Gabbiadini
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      b
      ayling or lamptey

    3. I Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      B

      Don't fancy Chilwell to start with. Tough fixtures and it wouldn't be a massive shock if Alonso played GW1.

  27. NotNowKato
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Richarlison with a sweet sweet finish in the Brazil v Germany game.

    1. The Knights Template
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Wilson in!

  28. OverTinker
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Sanchez 4.0
    TAA Coufal Digne Lamptey 4.0
    Salah Bruno Jota Buendia 4.5
    Watkins Antonio Toney

    0.5 itb
    No Leeds from the start and Coufal over Shaw for the start - all because of fixtures.

    1. I Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Looks good. Ayling is the only Leeds player in my GW1 squad, rotating with Lamptey. I get that they're a good attacking team and can score against anyone I just fancy Buendia to outscore Raphinha with those first three fixtures. Same goes for the likes of Antonio, Watkins and Nacho against Bamford at the start.

  29. Yankee Toffee
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    How will Gray’s signing effect DCL’s output? Thoughts on Rafa’s formation(s)?

    1. Holmes
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      He is not much better than Iwobi, I would expect Dom's output to drop if they dont sign a decent creator.

      1. Holmes
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Based on signings till now, 3-4-3 or 4-3-3 looks likely.

        1. Yankee Toffee
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Cheers, 433 or 4231 with Digne and Coleman wingbacks looks likely. I just hope James steps up for the whole season this time round.

    2. Andy_Social
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I'm looking at Crystal Palace's incoming transfer activity and thinking, 'They'll probably survive with that'. I'm looking at Everton's incoming transfer activity and thinking, 'It's on a par with Palace'. Everton ought to be showing more ambition than that, surely?

      1. Yankee Toffee
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Surely.

        It’s def not a top shelf signing but teams sign players to solve problems and the wingers weren’t working well with the wingbacks last year imho. DCL needs crosses or Richarlison needs through balls. Not sure Gray is the guy but I guess they saw something

  30. NotNowKato
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Richarlison gets a second. 2-0 after 20 mins. He should have had a hatty already

    1. jason_ni
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Golden olympic boot incoming!

      Surely will need a rest post Olympics though.

    2. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I'm watching the Australia v Argentina fight - 8 yellows and a red so far with 25 minutes still left!

      1. The Knights Template
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        How did that not go in!!!!

    3. NotNowKato
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      And a hat trick.

      I'll stop now.