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The Technical Area – Liverpool’s Attacking Trio

Few could have predicted the distribution of points from Liverpool’s midfield with any confidence heading into Gameweek 1.

Some of us – unnerved by Philippe Coutinho’s absence through injury and rumours of his possible departure – even abstained altogether, writing off the investment as too much of a risk.

Yet those who gambled were rewarded with points. Goals from all three primary options in the Liverpool attack – Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah, and Roberto Firmino – during Saturday’s 3-3 draw with Watford confirmed the potency of the trio.

In this week’s Technical Area, we will be looking into the performance of each of these three players, analysing their goalscoring threat, positioning and chance creation potential. Though much can – and will – change as more data becomes available, here’s our breakdown of who impressed us most in the season’s opening Gameweek.

2,119 Comments Post a Comment
  1. FPL ZB
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Actually Arnautovic has pretty decent fixtures there... is that a bit punty? More advanced than Rambo, more nailed than Willian, better at football than Tadic or Redmond?

    1. Greenbackbøøg…
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      More inconsistent than all of them combined

    2. Karan14
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Wait for Lanzini to come back and Chicha to settle down.

      Arnie might not be the best West Ham option.

    3. Duka
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Amused noone has mentioned ayew so far

  2. Greenbackbøøg…
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Any Palace fans know if Lokilo might replace Zaha? 4.5m

  3. Ntchampionees
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Can't wait for pogba to start destroying

    1. Whats the Huth
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      I still cant see it.
      Ok he's scored. But I cant see him keeping this up

      Would like to be proven wrong though, as he is a snip at 8.1 when he rises

      1. Ntchampionees
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        He's a demon with a good first touch and desire for a goal, this will be his year. Just hope he doesn't have balotelli complex and fks it

      2. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        I loved the way he looked, such a skilful player.

    2. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Destroying what, the centre circle white lines?

      1. Ntchampionees
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        tell me better value for 8 in the prem?

        1. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          Any defensive mid at 4.5 - He's a shackled DM, get over it.

    3. Ntchampionees
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      helps when youre feeding zlatan

  4. Whats the Huth
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Is Ramsey even nailed.

    Nailed when fit that is.

    1. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Not 100%.
      If Kola replaces Ox at LWB, Ox replaces Bellerin at RWB (likely). If Bellerin retains his RWB spot, Ox challenges Ramsey for double pivot. Regardless, he is challenged by Coquelin already.

      1. Eddie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Depending on the game I'd say Ramsey is normally first choice ahead of Coquelin, only if Wenger decides he needs to be super defensive will he go Coquelin.

        1. Eddie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          Fitness though...

        2. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          Agreed they're in different footballing leagues, but the Ox Vs Ramsey point is valid.

      2. zag
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Wenger hasn't played Ox in central positions all pre-season, despite Ox demanding it as part of his contract negotiations. I don't think he's going to start now, assuming Ox stays.

        1. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          So he's no threat? He's competing with Ramsey for the spot, like it or not.

    2. Harper_
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Probably the fact that you have to even ask that question shows that you should stay away for the time being.

  5. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Wished I'd gone Mane & Salah after about 30 mins of the Pool match

  6. Chandler Bing
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Should I get Ince for Zaha (if he's confirmed out after the pressers) or just play Caroll against United?

    Getting Ince would also mean playing him GW3 against my Southampton defensive double up.

  7. Sahil Yadav
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Bottomed, What to do?

    A) Zaha to Willian
    B) Zaha to Ramsey
    C) Zaha to Mkhi, Alonso to Kompany
    D) Zaha to Mkhi, Gabbi to Mounie
    E) Zaha to Ince/Ritchie/Xhaka and bank the money

    1. Karan14
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      C

    2. Costaplenty
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      c

    3. Lanzini girls just want to …
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      C but you might as well keep Alonso for 1 more match

  8. Karan14
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    So I think I've settled on doing these moves tonight:

    Zaha & Gabbi ➡ Mounie & Mkhi (-4)

    1. Danno - Emre Canada
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Hmmmm interesting my thoughts at this time

    2. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      I like it

    3. Junior ⚽
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Gabbi is playing that horrible West Ham defence who shipped 4 goals and looked poor. You'd need Mounie to score to break even.
      I contemplated the same but feel it might be best to not chase last weeks points.

      1. Eddie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Long term though. I've only seen Mounie play one game but he looked great. I've unfortunately watched Gabbi a few times and he looks at best average at worst completely absent. This said, I have him and am not shipping for a hit just yet. Think I'll wait and get in Firm once midfield downgraded. Or straight Zaha swap for Willian.

    4. FPL ZB
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      seems to be a common one, depends if you feel those 4 points are disposable. Gabbi could always come good at some point.

    5. fastgun2111
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Probably good moves, But Gabbi scores only when you take him out, you know the deal

      1. Eddie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Take him out!

    6. Do I Not Like Orange
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Looks good. Just done Benteke > Mounie myself (wasn't ultra confident in Benteke this weekend anyway, but Zaha injury hurts his supply line significantly I feel). Could backfire, but with 2 home games coming up and the chance of a significant price rise if he scores this weekend I feel it's worth the risk - always fear missing out on the early season cheapo bandwagons after taking an age to catch up with the Ighalo points a few seasons ago.

  9. FPL ElasticO
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Gabbi >>> ??

    a. Vokes
    b. Mounie (great fixtures)

    1. Do I Not Like Orange
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Probably equal chance of scoring this week, but feel Mounie has far more chance of turning into a wagon and making you a tidy profit.

  10. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Any advice on what to do here?

    Need to get rid of zaha. Do I take a hit and get rid of gabbi too?

    Could get mooy and firmino or mhki and mounie...

    Foster elliot
    Danilo daniels Stephens Suttner long
    Kdb salah zaha Ritchie carroll
    Kane lukaku gabbi

    Thanks

    1. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Id take the hit. Both of those options look good

    2. fpltactician
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      zaha to mhki
      and
      gabbi to mounie

      1. Flynny
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers....not sure I want to double up on lpool attack when from recollection they have a couple of tricky games soon..

  11. Stats Don\'t Lie
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Forster
    Bertrand, Dann, Daniels
    KDB, mkhi, zaha, atsu
    Kane, Lukaku, Firmino

    Elliott, Carroll, Suttner, Long

    Best replacement for zaha here? 0itb

    1. fpltactician
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      willian

    2. Shearer & Sutton
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Willian

  12. fpltactician
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Hi guys, I got 75 points this week so I don't mind taking a hit.

    Foster
    Kola Danilo Stephens Daniels
    KDB Salah Willian Zaha
    Lukaku Kane

    Elliot Caroll Quaner Long

    Should I do
    A) Zaha to Ramsey
    B) Zaha to Mhki and Danilo to Lowe
    C) Zaha to Atsu and Quaner to Mounie + 0.5 itb

    1. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      B or C for me

    2. fastgun2111
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      C

  13. FPL ZB
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    As a Mounie owner, has Depoitre done anything to suggest he's any good? Worried about the whole 60 min sub thing

    1. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      I wouldn't be worried after that mounie performance

    2. City Road End
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Mounie nailed, but Palace were really poor - wouldn't expect him to get past quality defenses so easily...

      1. Do I Not Like Orange
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Fortunately he's playing whatever back 4 Newcastle can cobble together this weekend. If he manages to score past them, he's probably 6.4 before GW3 starts.

  14. Just Been On Loan
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    So looks like I'm taking a hit to drop Wilf and Fabregas. Thinking of bringing in Mkhi or Pogba, so who are we rating as the best

    1. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Depends on your budget

      1. Just Been On Loan
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        No idea what happened there...

        Less than 6.0m midfielder to go with Mkhi?

        A) Mooy
        B) The Ox
        C) Xhaka
        D) Brunt
        E) JWP

        1. Stats Don\'t Lie
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          A C or E

    2. HNI
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Coming from Manutd fan who saw all their matches and preseason, Mikhi looks best as until last 5 minutes Pogba never seemed great fpl wise..Can advice below mate?

      1. Just Been On Loan
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers, think you're right on Mkhi. Only thing making me think of Pogba is how nailed on he is.

        No worries, will take a look

  15. Bambi
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Don't chase points. Jesus, Kane and the likes will come good

    1. pundit of punts
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      +1

      Jesus and Kane were inches away from hauls.

    2. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      I agree, but with the rest of my mini-league owning and capping Lukaku it's a case of damage limitation unfortunately!

      I know I won't make up the ground quickly by having him but can't afford another week like GW1 so on balance of probabilities had to get him in

  16. Gubbins94.
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone here properly follow the Bundesliga? Schalke getting a lot of hype for a CL spot, wondering if anyone has an opinion on it?

    1. Agger
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      They didn't get close to the champions league spots or even Europa league last season. There's at least 6 better teams then them

  17. HNI
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Considering 4 possible replacements for Zaha

    1) Tadic (GW1: 2 Chance Created, 3 Shots) - On Fks, Corners [WHU hud WAT cry]
    2) Redmond (GW 1:5 Chance Created, 2 Shots) None [WHU hud WAT cry]
    3) Ramsey (GW1: 1 Chance Created, 4 Shots) None [stk liv BOU che]
    4) Ritchie (GW1: 1 Chance Created, 0 SHot) On Penos, Fks, Corners [hud WHU swa STK]

    Got all imp stats, saw highlights and found tadic and ramsey most inform but Ramsey gametime and Tadic cutting edge are worries

    Thoughts?

    1. pundit of punts
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      1

    2. Just Been On Loan
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      I think Ramsey's gametime is fairly secure at the moment, so I'd probably go for him.

      Southampton's complete lack of goals atm are stopping me going in for any of their attackers

    3. Shearer & Sutton
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      I'm thinking Tadic atm. Nice stats last week & fixtures looks tasty.

    4. My neck my back my Saed Kol…
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      100% go for Ramsey mate. He should be fit and will be a huge player for us this season. Unlikely to get rotated. He's looked so dangerous in this new formation and makes the marauding runs like he used to

      1. HNI
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Eactly my thought. Think he will 100% start? Isnt he too glass legged or played most of preseason?

        1. My neck my back my Saed Kol…
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          I would say I'm 90% sure he'll start. The only reason he didn't on friday was that Wenger rushed him back last season when he wasn't ready and it caused him to have an injury lay off. You can see by what he contributed in the half hour he played that he's on the way back to his best. The 3 at the back gives him licence to roam and it's where he's suited to best. I reckon if he doesn't get too many injuries this season he be a template mainstay. Although I am a tad bias!

    5. Going Home
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Ignoring that Rambo only played about half an hour and his stats still look great. Though I'm hoping he stays quiet until Eden comes back so I can straight swap him in for Willian

  18. JasonG123
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Which move?
    (A) Zaha to Mooy
    (B) Zaha and King to Mkhi and Mounie (-4)
    (C) Zaha and King to Mooy and Firmino/Vardy (-4)

    1. HNI
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      B of those mate as Mooy may not be best bet longterm..Can help above?

    2. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      B

    3. jia you
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      I did (A), fix are decent and happy enough to bank the 1.5m 🙂

  19. Legohair
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    How do i know when is Zahas price is going to drop?

    1. Le _ Professeur
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      http://www.fplstatistics.co.uk/

      When he drops below ( -100 ) then he's likely to drop price 🙂 .. He's currently on ( -50 )

    2. Norman Conquest
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      http://www.fplstatistics.co.uk/
      usually when they get over -100 they drop

  20. pundit of punts
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Did PVA + Zaha ➡ Hegazi + Mkhitaryan giving me -

    Foster
    Stephens - Yoshida - Hegazi
    Mane - Mkhitaryan - Phillips - Fraser
    Aguero - Kane - Lukaku

    Elliot - Carroll - Long - Rosenior

    Thoughts?

    1. HNI
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      I like it for this week but next week try to get a good brighton defender for one of Long/Rosenoir so you covered. Can advice me above mate?

      1. pundit of punts
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        No cash in the bank for an upgrade.

        1. HNI
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          Then wait 2 weeks and maybe replace Kun with Firmino and one of Phillips/Fraser with inform Mid

          1. pundit of punts
            • 11 Years
            7 years, 1 month ago

            Cheers.

  21. MrMajeika
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Ok i have a problem now. Have zaha in my team and just heard he is likely injured. The problem i have used my free tranfer. What should i do? I will wait till fri to see about zaha. If he is injured do i just take the 4 point hit? I have 0.5m in the bank.
    Team is;
    Pickford (elliot)
    Bertrand bailly hegazi ( tuanzabe)
    Ritchie kdb alli zaha (carrol)
    Lukaku jesus gabbi

    Help!!

    1. HNI
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Play Carroll...Atleast he will take all corners and fks...Replace Zaha with one from ramsey,ritchie,soton mids....Can advice me above who to replace zaha with?

      1. DaveMarsh3237
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Yes, just play Carroll. He will get you at least 2 points, so by making the additional transfer you are in essence requiring your replacement to score 6 points to just break even

  22. Silva’s Left Nut
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Is Zaha out for certain? Why is everyone transferring him?

    1. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      4 weeks out apparently

      1. Silva’s Left Nut
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers. Do you have a link to that?

  23. Jonesfromthere
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Literally no good Zaha replacements. Horrid situation.

    1. FISSH
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Ritchie, Ramsey..

      1. Jonesfromthere
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Have Ritchie, Ramsey not nailed.

    2. FPL ElasticO
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Get Pogba or Mooy

    3. HNI
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Check my post few posts above...Watched highlights checked stats and fixtures..no relief

      1. Jonesfromthere
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Don't like those options. Considering Wijnaldum.

    4. Net Gains
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Even Zaha was never a good Zaha replacement though

      1. Costaplenty
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        😆

    5. Chris_White
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Ramsey is back...

      1. HNI
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        You think he will start all matches?? Isnt he too much of glass legged? Or Tadic/Redmond/Ritchie are better?

    6. pundit of punts
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      I liked what I saw of Mkhitaryan.

      1. Jonesfromthere
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Not nailed imo.

        1. HNI
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          He is till fixtures get congested

        2. pundit of punts
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          After that performance, he sure is.

  24. FPL ElasticO
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Best long term Man Utd option ???

    a. Mkhitaryan
    b. Pogba

    1. FISSH
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      I think A will do better. B is probably more secure of starts

      1. FPL ElasticO
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks Guys , But can you suggest best 6.0 mil striker option??

        a. Vokes
        b. Mounie

        1. Do I Not Like Orange
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          Both probably equal chance of scoring this weekend, but Mounie better medium-term fixtures and more chance of turning you a nice profit.

    2. Chris_White
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      B. I like A for now, though.

    3. HNI
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      A for now..then when fixtures get congested shift to Siggy/Liv cover

  25. BoooomXhakaLaka
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Is it better to keep mounie and have a Liverpool mid or have Firmimo striker and get a 6.5 mid. My other strikers are currently Aguero Lukaku

    1. FPL ElasticO
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Get Mounie they have two home games and promoted teams do maintain a good home form

  26. Del Monte
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    A) Mooy, De Bruyne and Kane

    B) Mkhitaryan, Alli and Jesus

    C) Alli, Lacazette and Firmino

    1. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      B or C I think

  27. EL_FENOMENO
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Willian or Rambo in for Zaha ?

    1. My neck my back my Saed Kol…
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Ramsey definitely

  28. JasonG123
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Pull the trigger now on Zaha and King to Mhki and Mounie now? What time are price changes this season?

    1. My neck my back my Saed Kol…
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Wait until after tonights liverpool game i would

    2. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      King has Watfor home

  29. Just Been On Loan
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    So looks like I'm taking a hit to drop Wilf and Fabregas. Thinking of bringing in Mkhi or Pogba, so who are we rating as the best 6.0m or less midfielder?

    A) Mooy (NEW)
    B) The Ox (stk)
    C) Xhaka (stk)
    D) Brunt (bur)
    E) JWP (WHM)

  30. GXNG
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Guys how did Wijnaldum do v Watford?

    1. Jonesfromthere
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      It was an away game so obviously blanked.

    2. Redbull Sucks
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      He was our worst player, yet he had a chance to score