H2H Comparisons - THREAD

Now the 20/21 game has launched, I have produced a series of simple graphics to help me decide between certain players in my draft squads based on last season's performance.

Read my thoughts below on several key player decisions

Salah (12.0, LIV) v Mane (12.0, LIV)

I owned both of these players last season, starting with Salah but switched to Mane once his form looked stronger. He was the cheaper option between the two throughout last season, but only finished 12 points behind Salah.

Last season's data showed us that only one of Salah or Mane is in a rich vein of FPL form at any time. At the same price point I would be looking to start with Salah but be willing to move to Mane if he becomes the 'in-form' Liverpool MID.

De Bruyne (11.5, MCI) v Sterling (11.5, MCI)

Personally I don't see these two competing for the same spot in my team, but many seem to be debating it in the community so here's the comparison!

KDB massively outscored Sterling last season and showed incredibly consistency - the ultimate 'set and forget' player of 19-20.

Sterling, however, showed in spells just how destructive he can be as an FPL asset and shouldn't be dismissed easily.

City will likely continue to be a major attacking threat next season, and KDB is central to that. If fit, I can't see him leaving my team, particularly for the inconsistent Sterling.

Robertson (7.0, LIV) v Van Dijk (6.5, LIV)

With TAA nailed on and most sweating over their midfield premiums, having a second Liverpool defender could be strong double up at the back.

Robbo's attacking threat gives him more point scoring options when a clean sheet has been lost, which is why he showed better form than VVD for a couple of spells last season.

However, at 0.5m cheaper VVD actually matched Robbo for points last season and could provide very useful additional funds when putting together a squad.

If Liverpool defend strongly next season, VVD could be the perfect option alongside TAA.

Rashford (9.5, MNU) v Martial (9.0, MNU)

Requested by @FPL_ElStatto. These two Utd assets have swapped FPL positions this season which makes for an interesting comparison. Rashford was much more consistent in the 1st half of the season before picking up a long-term injury.

The arrival of Bruno Fernandes saw Martial become a much more consistent performer as higher quality chances came his way.

If Rashford regains his form from earlier last season, his midfield status could provide an edge on Martial.

Auba (12.0, ARS) v Sterling (11.5, MCI)

With Auba reclassifed as a MID, this is one I'm strongly considering. Both players are key goal scoring options for their sides and can be explosive with a good run of fixtures.

The fact that Auba outscored Sterling and will now pick up more points per goal is quite frightening. Again, fixtures will likely dictate which player will get the nod, but Auba is surely worth a punt at some stage.

Jimenez (8.5, WOL) v Ings (8.5, SOU)

Two very tempting forward options who both excelled last season, but unlikely to have both due to midfield commitments. Both grew into the season as their club's struggled for form, becoming the main goal threats by a long distance.

Despite Ings superb form, he did appear to have a dip before the season paused; perhaps a sign of fatigue given his struggles for fitness in previous seasons. The question is, can he back it up again this season?

Jimenez now has two strong seasons and is clearly the focal point of a very effective Wolves side. Fixtures may dictate otherwise, but I'm leaning more towards Jimenez who could be more consistent from the beginning.

Ryan (4.5, BRI) v McCarthy (4.5, SOU)

Last season 4.5M keepers (Pope, Hendo) finished as the top point scorers, could that happen again this season? I'm fairly certain I'll be opting for another 4.5, and have narrowed it down to these two.

McCarthy was 2nd choice for Saints last season and got his chance following the Leicester humiliation. He performed well in much more structured side and showed better form than Ryan in the 2nd half of the season.

Ryan himself impressed early on under new boss Potter with several strong FPL performances. However, with Saints investing in defence and looking like a well organised side, McCarthy may well prove a quality differential at 4.5m.

While there are plenty of useful metrics out there to help influence decision making, on this occasion I feel a simplified approach of examining past form and consistency can form the foundation to further analysis.

This thread only scratches the surface of possible player combinations, as these were just a few I've been playing round with myself.

I'd love to hear some of your own player dilemmas, and I WILL run the analysis for any of your suggestions if you drop them below!

@FplFuture
@FPL_ElStatto
@RedFalcon_30
@FPL_Connect
@FPLCognition
@FPLWILSON
Please get involved and RT would be appreciated