Pro Pundits

FPL Q&A: Time to sell Salah and ditch ‘big at the back’?

Throughout the 2022/23 Fantasy Premier League (FPL) season, our team of Pro Pundits, Hall of Famers and guest contributors will be appearing regularly on these pages to share their thoughts.

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Here, four-time top 5k finisher Az takes some FPL questions ahead of Gameweek 7.

Gameweek 7 Pro Pundit Article

Hello, hello, everyone! I thought I’d take a look at some of the pressing questions from the Fantasy community today. Anything that takes my mind off Graham Potter’s seemingly imminent departure to Chelsea…


Q. Should we sell Mohamed Salah? (Mozumbus, @FPL_Edmund, @SamFox885)

FPL Gameweek 7 hot topics: Salah's form, Leicester's defence, three up top

There’s no doubt that since Mohamed Salah (£13.0m) came back from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), his FPL output has been on the decline. From Gameweeks 1-21 last season, Salah was averaging 8.8 points a game with an average non-penalty xG (NPxG) of 0.6 and an expected assist (xA) tally of 0.2.

Upon his return, there were minor changes to both his NPxG (which fell to 0.5) and xA (which increased to 0.3). However, the points were harder to come by – dropping to an average of 6.2 points a game.

This season, despite a shake-up in the attack for Liverpool, we expected Salah to get back to the heights of the start of last season. Things got off to a good start, with 14 points against Fulham in Gameweek 1. However, since then, things just haven’t been dropping for the Egyptian King.

An average NPxG of 0.4 is the lowest it’s ever been, and while his xA is up to 0.3, Salah is only averaging 5.2 points a game – a far cry from his highs of 7.8 points a match in 2020/21 or 7.3 in 2019/20.

The biggest worry is perhaps his decline from being a reliable captain option to someone who has blanked more times than returned in the last five games.

 

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Az One half of the FPL BlackBox YouTube series with Mark Sutherns.Former Membership Strategy Manager for FFS  Follow them on Twitter

855 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Double Pivot
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 14 days ago

    A. Walker + KDH > Dalot + Rash
    B. Walker >James

    Any preference? Thanks for help

    1. banskt
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 14 days ago

      I like A.

      Wait and see for Chelsea defense. But you will never be wrong with James though.

    2. Tcheco
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 14 days ago

      A

    3. Bluetiger1
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 14 days ago

      C. Hold - save 1FT & watch next two weeks before making a move

    4. Double Pivot
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 14 days ago

      Cheers - yep A feels best to fix the KDH problem but agree nothing is stable right now and James may get the Potter bounce

  2. Sad Pablo Arsecobar
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 14 days ago

    Potter to Chelsea.
    Tuchel to Liverpool.
    Klopp to Leicester
    Brendan to Brighton.

    Would get some good odds for that!

    1. yousunkmybattleship
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      2 years, 14 days ago

      Good odds for a reason

      1. Bluetiger1
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 14 days ago

        Agree

        Tuchel will wait until next season & get a top European team

    2. banskt
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 14 days ago

      Leicester is the winner here.

    3. nerd_is_the_werd
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 14 days ago

      I would rather put money on Leicester winning the league, thank you

    4. Sad Pablo Arsecobar
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 14 days ago

      Million to one

  3. jack88
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 14 days ago

    Pool looked sluggish, tired, out of ideas..
    They need news faces and that is not Arthur melo.
    Fabinho is expired.
    Trent was bad defensively, but is now bad both attack and defensively.
    Their high line Isn't working anymore with 2 tall slow Peter crouch

  4. Tcheco
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 14 days ago

    A. Sterling to Rashford

    B. Diaz to Rashford

    C. Hold

    1. SirWenger
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 14 days ago

      C

  5. Old Bull
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 14 days ago

    Guys, I want Mitro especially in view of the Chelsea news today. Haaland stays unsurprisingly, so either

    a) Jesus
    b) Toney
    c) Don’t do it.

    1. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 14 days ago

      A

    2. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 14 days ago

      B, don't think you can sell Jesus playing Everton with no Pickford. Not a given that Chelsea get smashed with no manager, often we see the opposite.

    3. Maeki2
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 14 days ago

      C

    4. banskt
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 14 days ago

      I have the same dilemma. Haaland, Jesus, Toney and I want Mitrovic. 2FTs.

      I think I will wait one more week and sell Jesus before GW8. This week, Jesus plays against Everton (without Pickford) at home. So, I can't sell Jesus this week. And I don't want to sell Toney. He is on free-kicks and penalties and doing everything in Brentford.

    5. Aussie Rules
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 14 days ago

      Wait until next week

    6. Old Bull
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 14 days ago

      Thanks for the input fellas. Maybe not the time to gamble.

  6. Sterling Malory
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 14 days ago

    Who to bench?

    A) Cancelo
    B) Trippier

    1. Maeki2
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 14 days ago

      B

    2. banskt
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 14 days ago

      B.

      (but ideally, someone else)

    3. Jonesfromthere
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 14 days ago

      A IMO

  7. Connor's Calling
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    2 years, 14 days ago

    Kane & Diaz -> Toney & KDB (free)

    Y/N

    1. Sun God Nika
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 14 days ago

      Nah

    2. banskt
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 14 days ago

      Y

      (Do you already have Mitrovic?)

    3. Jonesfromthere
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 14 days ago

      No, keep Kane

  8. Jonesfromthere
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 14 days ago

    Pope
    TAA | Trippier | Saliba
    KDB | Martinelli | Maddison | Gross
    Haaland | Jesus | Mitrovic

    Ward | Andreas | Walker | Patterson

    GTG? The plan is to lose TAA and Jesus next week for James and Kane

    1. Ray Kinsella
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 14 days ago

      I worry about Brighton when Potter goes. Gross out??!

      1. Jonesfromthere
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 14 days ago

        Monitoring. I’ll bench him for Andreas who’s got Forest next week.

      2. banskt
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 14 days ago

        I think he is still a good bench option. Of course, he doesn't play next week but there's a decent bench to get around that issue.

    2. banskt
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 14 days ago

      Great team. I would get this team if I was using my WC this week.

      (Unfortunately, I have already used my WC.)

      1. Jonesfromthere
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 14 days ago

        Thanks and same, I wildcarded gameweek 3 actually and lucked out with some picks coming good i.e. Pope KDB Saliba

        1. banskt
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 14 days ago

          I WC'ed after GW2, before GW3. Almost similar first team with Sanchez, Sterling, Cancelo and Toney. I wish I had Pope, Trent, Maddison and Mitrovic instead.

          1. Jonesfromthere
            • 12 Years
            2 years, 14 days ago

            Ouch can see the logic for going with those guys at the time. Early days anyway and Sterling/Toney still seem good picks now.

    3. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 14 days ago

      Quality team, looks like a WC team which is a great place to be in!

      1. Jonesfromthere
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 14 days ago

        Thanks man

  9. Ray Kinsella
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 14 days ago

    I’ve played my wildcard and would appreciate any comments. It’s a bit radical!

    Pope/Mendy
    Trent/Trippier/Cancelo/Williams/Saliba
    Andreas/Luis Dias/Rashford/Martinelli/Mac Allister
    Kane/Haaland/Mitrovic

    Be gentle…!

    1. Gizzachance
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 14 days ago

      See lot on pope an trippier
      Only have Tripp myself

    2. Sun God Nika
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 14 days ago

      Why mendy ?

      1. Not again Shirley
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 14 days ago

        Yes mendy reallg shouldn’t be there!

    3. Ray Kinsella
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 14 days ago

      Do you know, i don’t know why mendy - probably because I could afford him! Sanchez? Someone cheaper?

      1. Chalobah's Witness
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 14 days ago

        keep Mendy if you feel like getting him!
        Chelsea will be much better than under Tuchel.

    4. C0YS
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 14 days ago

      Mendy to Ward, Mac Allister to Trossard

  10. FOO FIGHTER
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 14 days ago

    Thank heavens Thiago and Matip are back for LFC. Expecting a midfield two of Matip and Melo over the weekend. Fabinho was at walking pace in the 2nd half. He looked knackered and abysmal.

    Expect a completely different display with a full strength staring eleven over the weekend 🙂

    1. FOO FIGHTER
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 14 days ago

      Sorry, Thiago and Melo.

  11. JohnnyCroat
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 14 days ago

    Couldn't watch the games, but ah ha a ha ahahahahahahahahahhahha, what a scoreline that was. And in a week where the Salah debate is in full swing.

    And lovely to see Richarlison's passion for the game. A great signing for Spurs. Anyone watch? How was Son?

    1. Not again Shirley
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 14 days ago

      According to my mate who’s spurs fan, he was bad.

    2. BeWater
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 14 days ago

      Richarlison was really good. Can do everything well. I thought Son was poor again. Touch was off, lost the ball a lot. I don't think it happens v City but Richy Kane Kulu up top needs to happen soon.

    3. House Frey Wedding Planner
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 14 days ago

      Son was the same as he's been all season.....just looking off the boil. He'll start against City though

  12. maglia rosa
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 14 days ago

    Dunno if posted as I’ve been watching The Wire……Pickford out for a month 😮 with Sanchez a sell with the wk 8 postponement seen posters earlier tonight considering the Toffee’s keeper as replacement 😥

    1. FOO FIGHTER
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 14 days ago

      It is Wardersen all over again.

    2. Count of Monte Hristo
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 14 days ago

      Horrendous fixtures.

      1. Dthinger
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 14 days ago

        also, isnt it Begovic?

    3. banskt
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 14 days ago

      I was considering Pickford as a replacement. He has the absolute best numbers (in 2022) for all keepers below 5.1m. Along with a career penalty save percentage of almost 22% (compare that to the next best Pope's 14%).

      Only worry was the poor defensive record of Everton, which is worse than Newcastle. But, now this injury settled it for me. Going for the second best, that is, Pope.

      1. maglia rosa
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 14 days ago

        Thought I’d seen someone considering Pickford 😉

  13. Stranger Mings
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 14 days ago

    Anyone playing ward GW8 away to spurs & benching Sanchez ?

    1. C0YS
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 14 days ago

      You know it. Most Sanchez/Ward owners will

    2. DycheDycheBaby
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 14 days ago

      Yes probably

    3. Sad Pablo Arsecobar
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 14 days ago

      Absolutely not. Pencilled in Pope transfer

    4. Old Bull
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 14 days ago

      Thinking of getting Pope instead of Sanchez. If Potter goes there’s even more reason to want out.

    5. Ze_Austin
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 14 days ago

      Yeah. Anything else will involve a hit for me + going without Zaha. I'll just take Ward's 0 or 1 pointer and move on

    6. FourLokoLeipzig
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 14 days ago

      Lots I would assume

    7. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 14 days ago

      Might be Iversen by then!

  14. nerd_is_the_werd
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 14 days ago

    So it's easier for Fulham to score against Chelsea now Tuchel's gone?

    1. DycheDycheBaby
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 14 days ago

      It could be the opposite. Who knows.

      1. DycheDycheBaby
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 14 days ago

        I'm still getting Mitro in though.

    2. BeWater
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 14 days ago

      No idea but I'm getting off double Chelsea defence. Trippier + James feels a lot better than Cucurella + James.

    3. FOO FIGHTER
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 14 days ago

      I think it will be a goal fest.

  15. Gandalf
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 14 days ago

    If pretty set on GW8 wildcard, does something like Kane + Walker > Mitrovic + Cancelo, followed by bringing Kane back in on WC sound sensible?

    1. C0YS
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 14 days ago

      Can make sense if you have 2 FT

    2. House Frey Wedding Planner
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 14 days ago

      If it's not for a hit and there are no other pressing issues within your squad then that's fine

  16. Dynamic Duos
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 14 days ago

    So only me (c) Salah v Wolves?

    1. banskt
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 14 days ago

      I would have done that if only I had Salah in my team. I keep my words, generally.

    2. FOO FIGHTER
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 14 days ago

      We all know now that Haaland is not going to be benched and will play around 70 minutes. Don't let Pep bs you again.

      Everyone will cap Haaland now that bald fraud was playing mind games.

      1. JabbaWookiee
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 14 days ago

        Why what has Pep said now?

        1. FOO FIGHTER
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 14 days ago

          Bald fraud told everyone Alvatez will play instead of Haaland, which is not the case.

          1. JabbaWookiee
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            2 years, 14 days ago

            Not true. He never said definitively either way. People hear what they want to hear. He keeps his cards close to his chest, he’s not a fraud. He’s a winner.

      2. Orion
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 14 days ago

        Not going to happen for the spurs game

    3. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 14 days ago

      no, me too 🙂

    4. Stranger Mings
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 14 days ago

      Yes haaland for me

  17. C0YS
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 14 days ago

    Is Rashford now guy to get at the 6.5 price point with the Brighton blank?

    1. BeWater
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 14 days ago

      It's him or Sinisterra for me. Prefer Rashford but haven't seen any update about his fitness after he was seen holding his hamstring.

      1. maglia rosa
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 14 days ago

        Lateriser said on The Wire earlier he’d seen training pics of Rashford

  18. JabbaWookiee
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 14 days ago

    Anyone else concerned TAA will get benched next game?

    1. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 14 days ago

      Not really

    2. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 14 days ago

      After watching Klopp interview I think TAA and Salah getting benched

      1. PartyTime
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 14 days ago

        Who will replace both? Gomez had a bad game today & there is no natural right winger to replace Salah in that team.

        1. JabbaWookiee
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 14 days ago

          Or fit right back tbf

    3. FOO FIGHTER
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 14 days ago

      There is no way Trent will be benched over the weekend. He played ok as well. Had to mop up after Milner in the first joining the midfield on many occasions.

      He is always going to be some sort of threat.

    4. Mr. O'Connell
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 14 days ago

      Who for?

      1. JabbaWookiee
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 14 days ago

        Adrian could do a better job defending

    5. LÖrKingMuch
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 14 days ago

      Staying calm here for now.

    6. banskt
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 14 days ago

      Not concerned at all.

      (Because he is not in my team).

  19. Chris_l25
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 14 days ago

    How we looking for the weekend? Any changes required?

    Pope
    TAA, Cancelo, Veltman
    Sinisterra, KDB, Martinelli,Trossard
    Mitro, Haaland, Jesus

    Ward, Neco, Emerson, Andreas

    1. Jonesfromthere
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 14 days ago

      Nope, quality team bro

  20. FPL E
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 14 days ago

    Right…GW8 Wildcard starting team and (loose) transfer plans to GW10…Attacking the fixture swing..

    Pope
    Trent Trippier Perisic
    Rashford KDB Andreas Martinelli
    Haaland Isak Mitro

    Bench: Cresswell, Zaha, Neco, Ward

    GW9: Rashford to Maddison (Andreas benched)
    GW10: Perisic to James

    2.5itb to facilitate the above moves and any price changes. Really welcome thoughts…

  21. corderz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 14 days ago

    1FT + 1.0m

    Sanchez Ward
    TAA Cancelo James Dunk Williams
    Salah Diaz Martinelli Gross Pereira
    Haaland Jesus Archer

    Any suggestions?

  22. camarozz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 14 days ago

    Taa benched at wk end I reckon?

  23. Ginola
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 14 days ago

    BHA postponement forcing me to wildcard GW8. Time for Robertson to go as he’s likely to be benched on Saturday.

    Best defender for a 1 week punt?

    1. Londongeezaa
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 14 days ago

      I’ve missed this.

      What postponement?

      1. _Ninja_
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 14 days ago

        Brighton v Palace off due to rail strikes.

        1. Londongeezaa
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 14 days ago

          Oh dear. Zaha was in my plans.

  24. FOO FIGHTER
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 14 days ago

    I think some people make comments without watching matches. Liverpool were utterly sh*te in the 2st half. Matip came on and things were instantly better. By the time Tiago and Melo were on, Liverpool found some calm.

    Trent was not sh*te and won't be benched.

    1. FOO FIGHTER
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 14 days ago

      1st half bloody hell

      1. DycheDycheBaby
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 14 days ago

        So both halves then 😀

        1. FOO FIGHTER
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 14 days ago

          2nd half LFC were not overrun.

          1. DycheDycheBaby
            • 9 Years
            2 years, 14 days ago

            I agree but that's because the game was already won and Napoli didn't need to take any risks.

  25. bso
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 14 days ago

    LIV 1. - WOL 3

    1. banskt
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 14 days ago

      5-0 win for Liverpool. They need to bounce back.

      1. Klaren
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 14 days ago

        The fact that they need to doesn't mean they are currently capable of it. It will be a very close game.

    2. FOO FIGHTER
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 14 days ago

      Bookmarked.

  26. Shark Team
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 14 days ago

    I WC next he, so 1week punt:
    A) Sinisterra
    or
    B) Trossard

    1. Shark Team
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 14 days ago

      gw*

    2. AD105
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 14 days ago

      Tross probably, both good differentials though

      1. Shark Team
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 14 days ago

        If Potter leaves Brighton before the deadline then still Trossard?

    3. Jonesfromthere
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 14 days ago

      I’d go Trossard only because he’s more of a known entity.

      1. Shark Team
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 14 days ago

        If Potter leaves before the deadline then maybe go for Sinisterra?

  27. Riggs
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 14 days ago

    Ramsdale Ward
    TAA Cancelo R.Henry Neco Estupinan
    Salah Gross L.Diaz Martinelli A.Pereira
    Haaland Jesus Archer

    1FT 1.6 ITB

    A) Roll
    B) Estupinan / Henry / Neco -> Trippier IN
    C) Ramsdale -> Pope IN
    D) Other

  28. AD105
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 14 days ago

    Salah/Archer > Rash/Mitro for free worth it? Planning to WC GW9

    Would leave me with this:

    Sanchez
    TAA Cancelo Tripps
    Diaz Rash Martinelli Gross
    Haaland Jesus Mitro

    Ward Cucu Perisic Pereira

    1. DycheDycheBaby
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 14 days ago

      I like it

      1. AD105
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 14 days ago

        Then possibly Diaz/Jesus to Son/Kane as a 1 week punt vs Leicester before playing the WC

        1. DycheDycheBaby
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 14 days ago

          Yes that sounds really good man. I will probably do the same but go for Kane

  29. The Pep Revolution
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 14 days ago

    Just came in and saw the results. What has happened to Liverpool? Do you think they will be able to turn it around or has Klopp run the team into the ground?

    1. Jonesfromthere
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 14 days ago

      Looks like the latter, lack energy, concentration. Defending was dire.

    2. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 14 days ago

      Napoli were awesome!

      1. The Pep Revolution
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 14 days ago

        Napoli are good especially at home but it's not just one result for Liverpool. With the exception of 9-0 they haven't looked convincing this season.

    3. Fish up a tree
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 14 days ago

      The fixtures don’t bode well for a turnaround but let’s see what happens against Wolves. If it goes bandy again then Liverpool assets will be sold on mass!

  30. southernpacific
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 14 days ago

    Is rashford injured?