Navigating Mid-Range Midfield Scarcity in Fantasy Football - Episode Hero Image

Navigating Mid-Range Midfield Scarcity in Fantasy Football

Fantasy Football Scout - FPL Tips · · Listen to Original Episode →
Original Title:

TL;DR

  • Arsenal's Hincapié is a strong defensive option at £5.4m, offering a nailed-on starter until Gabriel returns, potentially through GW21, providing a budget-friendly alternative to more expensive defenders.
  • Chelsea's Chalobah is a recommended defensive pick for the next four gameweeks, especially if you already have triple Arsenal, due to favorable home fixtures against Newcastle, Villa, and Bournemouth.
  • Fulham's Tosin Adarabioyo offers a short-term defensive solution with strong underlying data and appealing fixtures, but his long-term viability is questionable due to Fulham's defensive inconsistencies.
  • Liverpool's Van Dijk remains a difficult asset to own due to defensive frailties around him, making him a potential sell for those prioritizing attacking options or Arsenal defenders.
  • Fulham's Harry Wilson is a strong midfield option at £5.3m, offering back-to-back double-digit hauls and favorable upcoming fixtures against Burnley, Forest, and West Ham, despite inconsistent underlying data.
  • West Ham's Bowen is a compelling forward option from GW18 onwards, with an excellent long-term fixture run and a guarantee of playing minutes during the busy Christmas period, making him a valuable addition.
  • Manchester City's Foden is a top-tier midfield target, offering high potential and current form, making him a priority buy if budget allows, especially considering his recent price rises.

Deep Dive

This episode of the Fantasy Football Scout FPL Tips podcast focuses on Game Week 16, particularly addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by five free transfers and the impending absence of key players due to the Africa Cup of Nations. The core argument is that while the traditional premium midfielders and forwards remain strong options, the current scarcity of reliable, in-form players at mid-range prices necessitates strategic use of transfers to navigate defensive vulnerabilities and capitalize on favorable fixtures.

The discussion highlights several key player trends and implications. In defense, Arsenal's Jakub Kiwior is identified as a strong, affordable option due to Gabriel's injury, offering a nailed-on starter until a key player returns. Chelsea's Trevoh Chalobah continues to be a consistent performer despite prior skepticism, with his home fixtures offering potential returns. Fulham's Timothy Castagne is noted for his attacking threat and good upcoming fixtures, though his defensive consistency is questioned. For Liverpool, Virgil van Dijk's ownership is debated; while his individual quality is undeniable, the team's defensive fragilities make him a frustrating asset, prompting some to consider moving him on despite favorable fixtures.

Midfield presents the most significant strategic dilemma. While Phil Foden, Bruno Fernandes, and Bukayo Saka are acknowledged as the top-tier options, their high cost and potential for rotation or early substitutions make them challenging to acquire simultaneously. Harry Wilson of Fulham emerges as a compelling short-term punt due to his recent form and excellent upcoming fixtures, despite statistically underwhelming underlying data. Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai is also mentioned as a potential option due to his penalty duties and favorable run of games, though concerns about his overall consistency and his team's defensive issues persist.

Upfront, Erling Haaland and Thiago are considered essential picks given their consistent returns and favorable schedules. However, the third striker spot is more fluid, with West Ham's Jarrod Bowen being highlighted for his durability and strong fixture run from Game Week 18 onwards, despite his team's inconsistent form. Raúl Jiménez of Fulham is presented as a budget-friendly option with potential for points against weaker opposition, though his ceiling is considered lower.

The second-order implications revolve around the strategic trade-offs forced by the current player landscape. The abundance of free transfers encourages significant team overhauls, particularly for managers with underperforming assets like Enzo Fernández or those looking to offload defensive liabilities like Ibrahima Konaté. The difficulty in finding reliable midfielders at mid-range prices means that managers must either invest heavily in the top three, take calculated risks on in-form but statistically weaker players like Wilson, or consider budget forwards to fund premium midfield acquisitions. This strategic maneuvering directly impacts team structure, captaincy choices, and the ability to react to mid-season form swings, ultimately determining success in the congested festive fixture period.

Action Items

  • Audit Arsenal defense: Assess Hincapié's suitability for the next 20+ game weeks, considering Gabriel's potential return timeline.
  • Evaluate Chelsea defense: Determine Chalobah's long-term viability, factoring in fixture difficulty and potential for returns beyond clean sheets.
  • Track Fulham defense: Monitor Andersen's performance over the next 2-3 game weeks to inform potential transfer decisions.
  • Analyze Liverpool defense: Assess Van Dijk's role and points potential for the next 4-6 game weeks, considering team defensive form.
  • Measure midfield options: Compare Foden, Bruno Fernandes, Saka, and Rice for team integration, considering current form and upcoming fixtures.

Related Episodes

Key Quotes

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"I think when Gabriel got that injury, I was looking through all the, you know, the replacements that happened and some of the subs that Arsenal have been making in their defense over the season, and a lot of people were talking about Saliba being the replacement, but he was Gabriel's replacement in his position, in terms of that side of the center-back role. And I just fully thought, you know, Whitehair is going to be the man, you know, that is in there because, I mean, he was part of a Bundesliga Bayern Leverkusen team that, you know, kept, they didn't lose a game for almost the whole season. Like, he's obviously a top, top-level defender."

This statement explains the rationale behind considering a specific player, Whitehair, as a defensive replacement for an injured Arsenal player. The speaker emphasizes the player's pedigree, referencing his past success with a formidable team, to justify his quality and suitability for the role.

"I've done Gakpo to Foden. That leaves me with four free transfers and £0.8m in the bank. The kind of original plan was Keane to Van den Berg, but looking at it, kind of planning a bit longer term, I only actually play Van den Berg once and that's this week. So I just don't think it's worth it."

This quote details a specific transfer made by the speaker, moving from Gakpo to Foden, and outlines the remaining transfer plans. The speaker explains that a planned transfer to Van den Berg is being reconsidered due to the player's limited short-term utility, indicating a strategic approach to maximizing transfer value over a longer period.

"I'm almost tempted by Collins the most out of those three. And then obviously, if Munoz is confirmed out, I'll just get two of those three. And then in the midfield, I'm looking at Enzo to Foden, which I might have to do this game week to catch to be able to afford these moves."

The speaker expresses a preference for a particular defender, Collins, and outlines a plan to acquire two defenders if another player, Munoz, is unavailable. The speaker also highlights a potential midfield transfer from Enzo to Foden, noting the financial implications and the necessity of making the move soon to afford it.

"My priority would be an Arsenal attacker against Wolves. I think that's that's the thing. If I had to do it by names, I would have the Arsenal two lower down, but if I, an Arsenal player, an Arsenal attacker would be top. I don't care that much who it is."

This quote reveals the speaker's strategic priority for the upcoming game week, emphasizing the importance of selecting an Arsenal attacker due to their favorable fixture against Wolves. The speaker indicates a preference for an Arsenal attacker over other individual players, even if other players might rank higher in a general assessment.

"I think Haaland's the best. Like, you have to have Haaland in your team. He's just the best player in the game right now. And I think Thiago is just the best value in the game right now. Great fixtures coming up too. Those front two are absolutely locked."

The speaker asserts that Haaland is an essential player due to his status as the best in the game, while identifying Thiago as the best value option. The speaker supports this by mentioning favorable upcoming fixtures, concluding that these two players form a secure forward pairing.

Resources

External Resources

Books

  • "The FPL Watchlist" by Fantasy Football Scout - Mentioned as the name of the podcast series.

Articles & Papers

  • "Fantasy Football Scout - FPL Tips" (Podcast) - Mentioned as the name of the podcast.

People

  • Harry Wilson - Mentioned as a former FPL watchlist pick who is now in form.
  • Tom - Mentioned as a co-host of the podcast.
  • Stephen Gallagher - Mentioned as a co-host of the podcast.
  • Kevin Cole - Mentioned as a guest on the podcast.
  • Bruno Fernandes - Mentioned for his recent points and returns.
  • Michael Keane - Mentioned for his recent points and clean sheets.
  • Foden - Mentioned as a player who has risen in price.
  • Saka - Mentioned as a player who got an assist but a yellow card.
  • Enzo - Mentioned as a player who blanked.
  • Anderson - Mentioned as a player who blanked.
  • Death Con - Mentioned as a player who blanked.
  • Raya - Mentioned for his points.
  • Richards - Mentioned as a defender who was close to being the best for one week.
  • Cunha - Mentioned as a player who was unlucky not to get more points.
  • Burmo - Mentioned as a player leaving for AFCON.
  • Amad - Mentioned as a player leaving for AFCON.
  • Mazraoui - Mentioned as a player leaving for AFCON.
  • Munoz - Mentioned as a player who got a knee injury.
  • Michael Keane - Mentioned for his points and clean sheets.
  • Bramthwaite - Mentioned as a player who is still not available.
  • Saka - Mentioned for his assist and yellow card.
  • Bruno Fernandes - Mentioned for his 18 points.
  • Rylander - Mentioned as a player on the bench.
  • Haaland - Mentioned for his blanks and returns.
  • Salah - Mentioned as likely out for the weekend and going to AFCON.
  • Gakpo - Mentioned as injured.
  • Saka - Mentioned as a player who got an assist but a yellow card.
  • Enzo - Mentioned as a player who blanked.
  • Anderson - Mentioned as a player who blanked.
  • Death Con - Mentioned as a player who blanked.
  • Raya - Mentioned for his points.
  • Timber - Mentioned for his points.
  • Konaté - Mentioned for diving in and his team conceding.
  • Gabriel - Mentioned as injured.
  • Saliba - Mentioned as a doubt.
  • Hincapié - Mentioned as a potential replacement for Gabriel.
  • Ben White - Mentioned as a player who will likely drop out when Saliba returns.
  • Calafiori - Mentioned as suspended.
  • Muskura - Mentioned as a potential replacement for Saliba.
  • Bayern Leverkusen - Mentioned as a team Hincapié was part of.
  • Arteta - Mentioned as the manager of Arsenal.
  • Chalobah - Mentioned as a Chelsea defender.
  • Van den Berg - Mentioned as a Brentford defender.
  • Collins - Mentioned as a Brentford defender.
  • Anderson - Mentioned as a Fulham defender.
  • Keane - Mentioned as an Everton defender.
  • Van Dijk - Mentioned as a Liverpool defender.
  • Konaté - Mentioned for his defensive actions.
  • Kirk - Mentioned as a Liverpool left-back.
  • Brighton - Mentioned as a team playing Liverpool.
  • Spurs - Mentioned as a team playing Liverpool.
  • Wolves - Mentioned as a team playing Liverpool.
  • Leeds - Mentioned as a team playing Liverpool.
  • O'Riley - Mentioned as a defender.
  • Guvardo - Mentioned as a defender.
  • Set pieces - Mentioned in relation to Guvardo.
  • Mata - Mentioned as playing 60 minutes.
  • Enzo Fernandez - Mentioned as a midfielder.
  • Harry Wilson - Mentioned as a former FPL watchlist pick who is now in form.
  • Burnley - Mentioned as a team playing Fulham.
  • Forest - Mentioned as a team playing Fulham.
  • West Ham - Mentioned as a team playing Fulham.
  • Dúbravka - Mentioned as a cheap pick.
  • Chelsea - Mentioned as a team playing Fulham.
  • Arsenal - Mentioned as a team playing Fulham.
  • Gakpo - Mentioned as injured.
  • Semenyo - Mentioned as a player.
  • Tino Barri - Mentioned as a player.
  • Saïz - Mentioned as a player who took a penalty.
  • Isak - Mentioned as a player.
  • Salah - Mentioned as likely out for the weekend and going to AFCON.
  • Gakpo - Mentioned as injured.
  • Brighton - Mentioned as a team playing Liverpool.
  • Spurs - Mentioned as a team playing Liverpool.
  • Wolves - Mentioned as a team playing Liverpool.
  • Leeds - Mentioned as a team playing Liverpool.
  • Fulham - Mentioned as a team playing Liverpool.
  • Burnley - Mentioned as a team playing Liverpool.
  • Bruno Guimarães - Mentioned as a player in incredible home form.
  • Sunderland - Mentioned as a team playing Fulham.
  • Leeds - Mentioned as a team playing Fulham.
  • Mintéh - Mentioned as a player bought and likely to be sold.
  • West Ham - Mentioned as a team playing Fulham.
  • Burnley - Mentioned as a team playing Fulham.
  • Sunderland - Mentioned as a team playing Fulham.
  • Liverpool - Mentioned as a team playing Fulham.
  • Arsenal - Mentioned as a team playing Fulham.
  • Max - Mentioned as a player.
  • André Santos - Mentioned as a player.
  • James - Mentioned as a player.
  • Palmer - Mentioned as a player.
  • João Félix - Mentioned as a player.
  • Manchester United - Mentioned as a team playing Chelsea.
  • Burnley - Mentioned as a team playing Chelsea.
  • Cucurella - Mentioned as a player.
  • Caicedo - Mentioned as a player.
  • Noni Madueke - Mentioned as a player.
  • Brentford - Mentioned as a team playing Arsenal.
  • Declan Rice - Mentioned as a player.
  • Bruno - Mentioned as a player.
  • Saka - Mentioned as a player.
  • Haaland - Mentioned as a player.
  • Thiago - Mentioned as a player.
  • Mitoma - Mentioned as a player.
  • Bowen - Mentioned as a player.
  • Villa - Mentioned as a team playing West Ham.
  • City - Mentioned as a team playing West Ham.
  • Fulham - Mentioned as a team playing West Ham.
  • Brighton - Mentioned as a team playing West Ham.
  • Wolves - Mentioned as a team playing West Ham.
  • Forest - Mentioned as a team playing West Ham.
  • Mitrovic - Mentioned as a player.
  • Jao Timber - Mentioned as a player.
  • Alderete - Mentioned as a player.
  • Brighton - Mentioned as a team playing Valencia.
  • Joe'sbury Hall - Mentioned as a player.
  • Solly - Mentioned as a player.
  • Pedro Neto - Mentioned as a player.
  • Callum Wilson - Mentioned as a player.
  • Calvert-Lewin - Mentioned as a player.
  • Mark Guu - Mentioned as a player.
  • Tarkowski - Mentioned as a player.
  • Pickford - Mentioned as a player.

Organizations & Institutions

  • British Army Recruitment - Mentioned as a sponsor.
  • Fantasy Football Scout - Mentioned as the podcast name.
  • Arsenal - Mentioned for their defense.
  • Chelsea - Mentioned for their defense.
  • Fulham - Mentioned for their defense.
  • Brentford - Mentioned for their defense.
  • Everton - Mentioned for their defense.
  • Liverpool - Mentioned for their defense.
  • Manchester United - Mentioned as a team playing Chelsea.
  • Newcastle - Mentioned as a team playing Arsenal.
  • Aston Villa - Mentioned as a team playing Arsenal.
  • Bournemouth - Mentioned as a team playing Arsenal.
  • Leeds - Mentioned as a team playing Arsenal.
  • Wolves - Mentioned as a team playing Arsenal.
  • Sunderland - Mentioned as a team playing Fulham.
  • Leads - Mentioned as a team playing Fulham.
  • West Ham - Mentioned as a team playing Fulham.
  • Brighton - Mentioned as a team playing Liverpool.
  • Spurs - Mentioned as a team playing Liverpool.
  • City - Mentioned as a team playing Liverpool.
  • Inter Milan - Mentioned as a team playing Liverpool.
  • Real Madrid - Mentioned as a team playing Liverpool.
  • AFC Wimbledon - Mentioned as a team playing Liverpool.
  • Brentford - Mentioned as a team playing Arsenal.
  • Crystal Palace - Mentioned as a team playing Arsenal.
  • Everton - Mentioned as a team playing Arsenal.
  • Fulham - Mentioned as a team playing Arsenal.
  • Burnley - Mentioned as a team playing Arsenal.
  • Forest - Mentioned as a team playing Arsenal.
  • West Ham - Mentioned as a team playing Arsenal.
  • Leeds - Mentioned as a team playing Arsenal.
  • Sunderland - Mentioned as a team playing Arsenal.
  • Liverpool - Mentioned as a team playing Arsenal.
  • Arsenal - Mentioned as a team playing Arsenal.
  • Chelsea - Mentioned as a team playing Arsenal.
  • Aston Villa - Mentioned as a team playing Arsenal.
  • Bournemouth - Mentioned as a team playing Arsenal.
  • Newcastle - Mentioned

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