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Best Reece James replacements [Thread]
After an unbelievable 14 point haul in GW1, it has been downhill for James, not featuring in the last 2 GW’s. So the big question for owners, do we sell him?
We’ve discussed this and highlighted some of the top alternatives to consider
![Best Reece James replacements [Thread]After an unbelievable 14 point haul in GW1, it has been downhill for James, not featuring in the last 2 GW’s. So the big question for owners, do we sell him?We’ve discussed this and highlighted some of the top alternatives to consider](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ek3rXGvWAAI2St-.jpg "Best Reece James replacements [Thread]After an unbelievable 14 point haul in GW1, it has been downhill for James, not featuring in the last 2 GW’s. So the big question for owners, do we sell him?We’ve discussed this and highlighted some of the top alternatives to consider")
After an unbelievable 14 point haul in GW1, it has been downhill for James, not featuring in the last 2 GW’s. So the big question for owners, do we sell him?
We’ve discussed this and highlighted some of the top alternatives to consider
Should we hold James?
It all started soo well for James owners after the wonder goal v Brighton - a glimpse at the attacking potential we all knew he had.
But now that the experienced Azpi has come back into the picture, it’s clear that his gametime is under serious threat.
It all started soo well for James owners after the wonder goal v Brighton - a glimpse at the attacking potential we all knew he had.
But now that the experienced Azpi has come back into the picture, it’s clear that his gametime is under serious threat.
Over the 2 games that James has started, he averaged 2.66 key passes per 90, and accumulated 30 crosses, the 4th highest of any defender (while many have played 5 games).
His attacking threat is excellent, however at £5.0m, it’s an expensive player to own that may not feature.
His attacking threat is excellent, however at £5.0m, it’s an expensive player to own that may not feature.
Another consideration is the Chelsea defence as a whole, who have conceded 9 goals in the opening 5 games.
Chelsea's expected goals against (xGA) is 6.58 suggesting they have underperformed defensively as a team - *cough* Kepa *cough*
Chelsea's expected goals against (xGA) is 6.58 suggesting they have underperformed defensively as a team - *cough* Kepa *cough*
With the return of Mendy and Chilwell regularly replacing Alonso, we think there are clean sheets to come for Chelsea in the future.
However, until managers see results, it's hard to currently trust this Chelsea defence.
However, until managers see results, it's hard to currently trust this Chelsea defence.
Top replacements 
While on the topic of Chelsea, for those managers that want a piece of the defence, Chilwell looks the best option:
£5.7m
17pts
1.5%
With a goal & 2 assists in his 2 starts, he could offer similar attacking returns to James but with secure minutes.
While on the topic of Chelsea, for those managers that want a piece of the defence, Chilwell looks the best option:
£5.7m17pts1.5%With a goal & 2 assists in his 2 starts, he could offer similar attacking returns to James but with secure minutes.
Matt Targett£4.5m17pts1.5%3 clean sheets in the opening 4 league fixtures, Villa have been the only consistent source of clean sheets.
Targett hasn’t offered the attacking threat compared to the likes of James, with an xG of 0.07 and xA of 0.00 – blunt.
But at £4.5m, owning Targett does get managers into the Aston Villa defence.
Along with conceding the least goals, Villa are also posting the best xGA (3.71), highlighting the defence are looking a real deal.
Matched with the long term fixtures, he looks a great value pick.
Along with conceding the least goals, Villa are also posting the best xGA (3.71), highlighting the defence are looking a real deal.
Matched with the long term fixtures, he looks a great value pick.
Tariq Lamptey£4.7m13pts10.6%Caught the headlines for his attacking influence in a good Brighton side and an impressive 3 assists to show.
However without a clean sheet yet (unfortunate to be subbed before 60 in GW2) he has relied on assists for a source of points.
While Brighton have conceded the 5th most goals (11), they have posted decent underlying stats.
An xGA of 6.47 hints that their defence can be expected to improve in the long term.
An xGA of 6.47 hints that their defence can be expected to improve in the long term.
Combine this with a top stat from @BigManBakar
"No player created more chances or recorded more touches in the final third in the Palace v Brighton game than Lamptey. He was second for penalty are touches too."
He could be excellent long term.
"No player created more chances or recorded more touches in the final third in the Palace v Brighton game than Lamptey. He was second for penalty are touches too."
He could be excellent long term.
Max Kilman£4.1m21pts5.9%Kilman has emerged as an option over the past 2 GW’s registering an assist, 2 clean sheets and 6 bonus points!
Big question marks are over whether he will maintain a spot in the starting 11, with the return of Marcel could see Saiss replace.
But with the price tag and upcoming 2 fixtures, it is a risk that some managers can take depending on their team structure.
A 5th defender option in the shape of Kilman could prove to be a shrewd move at £4.1m.
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A 5th defender option in the shape of Kilman could prove to be a shrewd move at £4.1m.
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Pascal Struijk£4.0m2pts1.9%For those managers that want a real differential, the Leeds man might tick that box.
With the recent injury to Kalvin Phillips (expected out for 6 weeks), Biesla comments suggest Struijk will feature in the midfield over this period.
The risk with owning Struijk is the potential of having a non-playing asset in 6 weeks time.
However, a OOP defender featuring in this exciting attacking Leeds side is a tough one to pass!
However, a OOP defender featuring in this exciting attacking Leeds side is a tough one to pass!
Conclusion 
It looks like James needs to be sold, an asset which will likely haul in his starts but a risk of gametime to own.
Until his gametime becomes secure, a sale is probably the best decision at this time.
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It looks like James needs to be sold, an asset which will likely haul in his starts but a risk of gametime to own.
Until his gametime becomes secure, a sale is probably the best decision at this time.
#FPL #FPLCommunity
If money in the bank to upgrade James to the likes of Chilwell isn't an option, we think Targett is the best pick.
While the attacking potential is limited, he offers excellent long term fixtures, guaranteed gametime and featuring in a side posting excellent defensive stats.
While the attacking potential is limited, he offers excellent long term fixtures, guaranteed gametime and featuring in a side posting excellent defensive stats.
Of the two £4.0/£4.1m options, both have big risks associated with them. While Wolves have great 2 GW's, we think Struijk is a great move while Phillips is injured.
Remember - these players are this price for a reason!!
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Remember - these players are this price for a reason!!
#FPL #FPLCommunity
Thanks for taking the time to read our thoughts, hope it provides some value!
If you’re looking for more thoughts and tips ahead of GW6, check out our latest video discussing all the hot topics!
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If you’re looking for more thoughts and tips ahead of GW6, check out our latest video discussing all the hot topics!
#FPL #FPLCommunity
