May
27

Season Review – Team of the Season – Leighton Baines

Filed under: Fantasy Football Team Selection - Posted by: Paul

Considering the way Fantasy Premier League (FPL) tend to price players in accordance to position, you’d expect forwards -and one or two certain midfielders- to outscore defenders by a comfortable distance over any given campaign. This season, despite a decrease in clean sheets across the board, Leighton Baines proved a notable exception.

Fifth-highest scorer in FPL, only one forward -Carlos Tevez- managed to score more than Baines, despite Everton picking up just 9 clean sheets all season. Baines only managed double figures on two of the thirty-eight gameweeks but his consistency throughout the season saw him steadily rack up the points on his way to a total of 178.

His set-pieces and crosses from the left flank are a crucial part of Everton’s game and Baines’ Fantasy returns ultimately saw him resemble more of a cut-price midfielder than costly defender, in the end making a mockery of his 7.0 starting price.

The Statistics

Initially, that starting price did seem relatively high for a player with 11 clean sheets the previous season. Given that Nemanja Vidic was available for the same price -and Man United had 19 clean sheets, in comparison- he wasn’t a real stand-out option. Baines had also scored just two goals in his last three seasons, which hardly increased the appeal, either.

Also coming into the equation early on was Seamus Coleman; with the young Irishman available as a 4.5 defender in FPL despite being fielded at right midfield by David Moyes, Baines’ price subsequently dropped to 6.8 by gameweek 6.

As the season progressed, however, Baines’ attacking quality prevailed and he finished with 5 goals and 11 assists to his name. In comparison, only Nani, Cesc Fabregas and Didier Drogba managed more assists, with Ashley Cole second best defender with five.

Everton’s clean sheets dropped slightly from 11 to 9 this term (5 at Goodison, 4 on the road) following the pattern for the vast majority of teams, with clubs finding it harder to keep their opponents out.

Baines’ best haul came in gameweek 33, where a goal, clean sheet and two Bonus Points in a 2-0 home win over Birmingham saw him pick up 13 points for his performance.

The Prospects

Such a high score this season could see him come in at the 7.5 mark next time round, though unlike many high-priced players, Baines is pretty much a guaranteed starter in every game; he played every single minute of his club’s 38 games and with Everton not having to bother with European football next term, won’t be prone to rotation.

The absence of Mikel Arteta through injury undoubtedly helped the left-back’s score, with Everton’s set-piece and penalty duties left to Baines with the Spaniard sidelined. Ironically, having failed to win a penalty all season, once Baines took over duties, the Toffees won three in a short spell. If Arteta is fit and stays at the club, there could well be a drop in returns for Baines – retaining spot-kick duties will be critical to his potential.

About The Author

paul

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  1. PDM Allstars ........... CY…
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    Why Oh Why don`t the powers that be organise a decent nations competition when the World Cup & Euro`s aren`t being played . I`m pretty sure most footy fans would prefer a decent 5 nations tournement with ENG WAL SCO NI & IRE every 2 years .........

    1. Fanta
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      +1

      1. Fanta
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        also wish England entered it. Would give us the chance to beat them in Rugby, Cricket, the Eurovision and Football in the one year.

        1. disparate dan - a reasonabl…
          • Reputation Level: Scout

          erm ireland beat us in eurovision

          1. Fanta
            • Reputation Level: Scout

            erm I'm Irish...

            1. disparate dan - a reasonabl…
              • Reputation Level: Scout

              LMAO

              fail

            2. TommyK
              • Reputation Level: Scout

              Okay, just checking if I've got jamsiep's spread betting-esque thing right. So I bet on every result that isn't barca winning up to say 4-4, making sure my stake is less than £100 and therefore will either win some money from one of those results or get refunded my stake should barca win?

              1. Badonge
                • Reputation Level: Scout

                use jamsieps brill spreadsheet; it does all the maths for yall.

                https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?hl=en_US&key=t8kYaLZC-sj9nGxwESIAAFA&hl=en_US#gid=1

          2. TommyK
            • Reputation Level: Scout

            He's irish....

            *awkward*

          3. alsybach
            • Reputation Level: Scout

            erm Thats what he said...........

    2. disparate dan - a reasonabl…
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      they're too busy taking bribes to organise MORE tournaments

    3. greek fan
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Don't you think it would be too much for players? They already play too many games every season. We often think of them as if they're machines. Some of them have health problems when they retire.

      1. Fanta
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        yeah good point

      2. alsybach
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        bless them.........

    1. 4vets
      • Reputation Level: Scout
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member

      Ultimate chav. Incredible! There'll be more muggings down Southend (on-sea) high st tonight because of that.

      1. PDM Allstars ........... CY…
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        Aaggh I miss S`end High St :-(

        1. 4vets
          • Reputation Level: Scout
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member

          I can't believe anyone anywhere would ever say that! Are you ok? ;)

          1. PDM Allstars ........... CY…
            • Reputation Level: Scout

            Am a proud ESSEX BOY !

            1. 4vets
              • Reputation Level: Scout
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member

              Me too, born a bred, but I can think of better places to miss than S-o-S High St!

              1. PDM Allstars ........... CY…
                • Reputation Level: Scout

                will be popping down on Sunday 4 the airshow :-)

                1. 4vets
                  • Reputation Level: Scout
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member

                  Where are you now? I'm in "upmarket" (heh!) Leigh-on-Sea... would do the airshow for my son but he only wants to go there for the chips and then go home. Spoilt brat ;)

                  1. PDM Allstars ........... CY…
                    • Reputation Level: Scout

                    Bedfordshire for 12yr now

                  2. PDM Allstars ........... CY…
                    • Reputation Level: Scout

                    Yeah Old Leigh is a bit snobby like Thorpe Bay ;-)

                  3. 4vets
                    • Reputation Level: Scout
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member

                    That's the way of it down here. I can't complain unless oiks like you invade ;) Enjoy the show!

                    Time for bed.

  3. PDM Allstars ........... CY…
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    If I had my way the play off finals would be a whole lot different and IMO a lot FAIRER indeed .

    Birmingham v Swansea
    Preston v Huddersfield
    Dagenham & Redbridge v Shrewsbury
    Lincoln v AFC Wimbledon

    1. Marknlard
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      They did something similar in the first year of the playoffs.

      1. Aldershot Rejects
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        They did indeed, except the best of the teams in the bottom 4 (or however many were due to be relegated) entered at the semi-final stage. They also had two-legged finals.

        I still remember the play-offs for the old division 4 - Aldershot beat Bolton (who were then relegated) and then won home and away against Wolves. How things change?

    2. disparate dan - a reasonabl…
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      hmmm no

    3. alsybach
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      ????????????

    4. Badonge
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      no that would be rubbish

  4. TommyK
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    oops- meant to post this down here:

    Okay, just checking if I’ve got jamsiep’s spread betting-esque thing right. So I bet on every result that isn’t barca winning up to say 4-4, making sure my stake is less than £100 and therefore will either win some money from one of those results or get refunded my stake should barca win?

    1. Demi
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      use jamsieps brill spreadsheet; it does all the maths for yall.

      https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?hl=en_US&key=t8kYaLZC-sj9nGxwESIAAFA&hl=en_US#gid=1

      1. Badonge
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        i got deja vu up in here

        1. Demi
          • Reputation Level: Scout

          :)

      2. TommyK
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        Ok sorry to be an idiot just making sure lol

  5. Goose
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    http://www.textsfromlastnight.com/

    Just on about this on Graham Norton, some are amazing.

    1. Demi
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      I can always make him wear a mask... I'll tell him it's a fetish.

      :lol;

    2. Badonge
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      (519):

      and then she said I drew a line on her forehead with my cum and whispered "Simba"

      1. Goose
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        (540): You scratched my dick last night. It deserves an apology and I fell that actions speak louder than words when it comes to apologies like this.

        :lol:

    3. disparate dan - a reasonabl…
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      what this all about then?

      people post funny texts they received?

      1. disparate dan - a reasonabl…
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        "woke up this morning with a big mac and chips on a plate, coke in a glass and a knife and fork AND NAPKIN waiting for me in front of my computer. PORN WAS ALREADY PLAYING. I LOVE DRUNK ME"

        LOL

        the knife and fork make that

    4. disparate dan - a reasonabl…
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      that site is brilliant!!

      "I fed him jelly beans while he fingered me. Win, win situation."

      1. disparate dan - a reasonabl…
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        i just walked into a room at this party and someone yelled "dibs!"...

        that would be great

        1. Goose
          • Reputation Level: Scout

          Lot of crap, but some classics too.

          (817): Printing the vagina inspector badge was money well spent.

          1. Goose
            • Reputation Level: Scout

            (415): dude what did you give her she's eating her pocket lint

            1. disparate dan - a reasonabl…
              • Reputation Level: Scout

              (845):
              Count me out. I seem to have semen induced blindness in one eye.

  6. jamsiep
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    -------------->

    That's all.

    1. jamsiep
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      It's about time Barcelona admitted that they blatantly stole our club emblem.

      http://kentsgeordieboy.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/forest_green_633790183305322500.jpg

      English flag top left, club colours behind the ball in the bottom segment... Not sure what the top right segment is all about though.

      1. disparate dan - a reasonabl…
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        ha! is that forest green's badge?!

        i guess the top right segment is the green from 'forest green'

        duh

    2. disparate dan - a reasonabl…
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      haha i've literally just changed mine to the fcb badge!

    3. TommyK
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Says it all really. And not in a good way..... ;)

      BTW, to get it from the horse's mouth: if i follow you're spreadsheet on united winning by up to two goals, what's the highest amount I can possibly win?

      1. jamsiep
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        £69.81, as it quite clearly states.....

        1. TommyK
          • Reputation Level: Scout

          ah right, misread the spread sheet lol :lol:

          1. jamsiep
            • Reputation Level: Scout

            Do you have a Paddy Power account?

            1. TommyK
              • Reputation Level: Scout

              yeah

              1. disparate dan - a reasonabl…
                • Reputation Level: Scout

                i haven't set one up yet

                can you put a grand on for me?

                1. TommyK
                  • Reputation Level: Scout

                  lulz

            2. Mighty
              • Reputation Level: Scout

              Sorry if this an idiotic question, but what happens if Barca win after extra time? My guess is that it's irrelevant and that the entire bet only depends on the 90 mins, but wanted to be sure.

    4. King Eric, in America
      • Reputation Level: Scout
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member

      Small. And ugly.

      1. jamsiep
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        I know you are, you said you are. But what am I?

        http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v672/jordanmacdonald07/Fatboy_reacts.gif

        1. AP
          • Reputation Level: Scout

          So glad you'll be cheering on Iniesta tomorrow.

          http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIrg7CFy2T4

          hahahahhahahaaaaaaaaaa.

          1. disparate dan - a reasonabl…
            • Reputation Level: Scout

            "AHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHA

            CHELSKI THE RENT BOYS

            NO EUROPEAN GLORY FOR U C*NTS

            AHAHAHAHAH LOOK AT THAT LITTLE KID C*NT CRYING AT THE END C*NT HE IS C*NT SON OF A WHORE C*NT
            wacko9119 1 day ago"

            I can't work out how he feels about this game...

            1. TommyK
              • Reputation Level: Scout

              :shock:

            2. AP
              • Reputation Level: Scout

              Hey Damn Dan. Who's the current champions of the premier league and in the final of the champions league, and who's just scraped 6th place and was dumped out of the europa league by Braga? I've had a sudden memory lapse, help me out.

              1. disparate dan - a reasonabl…
                • Reputation Level: Scout

                5 times CL winners Liverpool FC

                1. AP
                  • Reputation Level: Scout

                  Braga.

    5. Boom!!!
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      wow!glory hunter,jamsiep and dan ;)

  7. AP
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    Loving at the gravatars. The last hurrah of the ABU's... support a different team to your own. :lol:

    1. disparate dan - a reasonabl…
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      doesn't every football fan do that at some point?

        1. nomar
          • Reputation Level: Scout
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member

          I guess that, in hindsight,challenging your rival to come back when they've won 18 wasn't such a clever idea after all?

    2. Attila the Bum
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      I'm not supporting Barca. If they win I get about €40 though.
      Perfect world = Man Utd win the Champs League and England pull out of FIFA. The feckers can stick it.

      1. AP
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        I'm with you on all counts here. I'd love it if we pulled out of FIFA, Viva the revolution!

        1. Attila the Bum
          • Reputation Level: Scout

          Does that mean I lose my coveted ABU#5 badge? ;-)

          1. AP
            • Reputation Level: Scout

            Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. I guess it does! After tomorrow i'll be absent till August anyway at which point a whole new list will be drawn up.

    3. King Eric, in America
      • Reputation Level: Scout
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member

      Ohmyf*ckingawd ...

      Lovin' the embrace of another team's badge guys. You all slay me.

      Gosh, what would happen if everyone changed their grav? What *then*

      Textbook.

  8. SOM.... This is Fellaini�…
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    Barcelona to win, 11 or more corners and over 45 on card indez... 9-1.

    I prob won't do it, but that looks decent..

  9. RoysCallerAnne
    • Reputation Level: Scout
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member

    Leighton Baines to Liverpool?

    Don't ask me for a link, because at the moment it's just a rumour ( but a strong rumour).

    Brilliant for LFC if this happened. Brilliant for FPL also, can you imagine the points for a Baines/ Carroll combination?

    1. Wessex Warrior
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      While subtracting the points for Baines behind Gerrard and Kuyt on pens

  10. Passionated
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    United to win 3 - 2 is now 33/1, as opposed to the 50/1 on the spreadsheet. This alters things significantly since the 2.84 stake on it isn't enough to cover the other bets - At least, by my calculations anyway, haha. Just a heads-up guys (and also a gentle nudge in jamsiep's direction)!

    1. jamsiep
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Cheers for the heads-up. It's not the only odds that have changed as well.... If you save the spreadsheet to your computer, then you can change the odds in there, and the whole thing will recalculate itself.

      I'll try updating it on the Google doc.

      1. Attila the Bum
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        Couple of rounds of BlackOps?

        1. jamsiep
          • Reputation Level: Scout

          Just turned it off, but yeah, why not!!

          1. Attila the Bum
            • Reputation Level: Scout

            Hopefully it will let me on today! :?

            1. Attila the Bum
              • Reputation Level: Scout

              Ah it has. Bene.

      2. jamsiep
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        Right, should be done.

        It's actually works out better now. 1-1 (which has the lowest odds, and therefore requires the highest stake) has drifted to 6/1, and the odds on 2-2 have also drifted...

        New minimum profit works out to be £49!

        Worth emphasising that you really should check to make sure that the odds PP are offering, are the same as are in the spreadsheet. Because if not then it obviously cocks up all the maths.

  11. RASPUTIN - the foking bom t…
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    Not blowing smoke - but AP - you are an awesome poster - Atilla - we have had run in (whilst i have had different guises but you aint too bad either - chica chica chicarito first scorer united to win 2-1 booooooooom!

      1. RASPUTIN - the foking bom t…
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        Basically yeah!

    2. Attila the Bum
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Which guise was that then?
      Hmmmmm I'll do my Colombo impersonation - you're a Man Utd fan who is literate so that rules out most of them........ I'll have to think :)

      1. RASPUTIN - the foking bom t…
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        I can spell but i aint no Joseph Barton!

        1. Attila the Bum
          • Reputation Level: Scout

          Ha! Was the argument about Archbishop Barton? Ach anyroad, doesn't matter.
          As I said above I'd rather United win tomorrow, but I won't cry much if they don't. Barca have gone down in my estimation a lot this season. It was basically battle of the tosspots for me
          Nani & Rooney v Pedro, Busquets, Alves
          2-3 to Barca in the twat stakes. Plus I like VDS & Scholes and would like them to retire on a high

          1. RASPUTIN - the foking bom t…
            • Reputation Level: Scout

            i really hope you lott spend that 35 mill..got a fair spine already,,,

  12. SOM.... This is Fellaini�…
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    Fuuck the spreadsheet, the only bet i'm doing is Ryan Giggs to swap shirts with Imogen Thomas after the game, 1000/1 on PP.....

    1. Attila the Bum
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      The TV ads say bets are refunded if Barcelona win in normal time. Is Jamsie on a different offer or is he (and everyone else who jumped in) screwed if Barca win in extra time or pens?

      1. SOM.... This is Fellaini�…
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        Nah, then it'll be a draw which they've covered as well.

        1. Attila the Bum
          • Reputation Level: Scout

          Ah ok! Cool.

      2. RASPUTIN - the foking bom t…
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        Imogen thomas - it would be horrifically rude not to!

  13. Dan
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    Not put any bets on in a while, might just have £3 on Man Utd to win on penalties at 10/1.

  14. scored
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    Saw some talk of a pokerstars "home game" would be up for it. How about leading up to champs league final? To kill the boredom that comes a few hours before a big game!

    1. Hutton dressed as Lahm
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Good stuff

    2. big oak
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      very nice
      "One player who should perhaps stop trying is Stephen Hunt: the Wolves winger beat his opponent just three times from 36 attempts all season"

  16. Jafalad
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    Just been to see Source Code. Much better film than Inception imho.

  17. Hutton dressed as Lahm
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    Paddy Power Rule 41,
    41.Paddy Power may, at its sole discretion, exclude selected customers from receiving the selected promotions: guaranteed best price; bonuses; free bets; enhanced prices; and money-back specials and any other promotions and offers introduced by us from time to time.

    Be warned, this could go tits up!!

    1. Passionated
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      This is me being optimistic (since I've just placed my bet, haha!) - It says receiving the selected promotion, i.e., taking part in it in any way, doesn't it? I read a post earlier that said it would be outrageous for PP to not refund bets, because I've only placed them in the knowledge that there is that potential safety net.

      I don't want to get into a legal dogfight here because my knowledge of the law is pretty much non-existent, but it does seem pretty unreasonable.

  18. Mak_Gold
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    Should I bring more Utd. or Barca players in my team in UCL fantasy?Gut says United will win but Barca are the favourites.Who would you bring out of Rooney and Pedro?

  19. Wessex Warrior
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    Depends on the scoring system. But Rooney is on pens, Pedro plays out wide.

    Points confusion in most games about what happens in penalty shoot-outs. Pen scored and pen saved score points, but do goalkeepers and defenders get minus points for every penalty scored in the shoot out?!! Do clean sheet points disappear? Might be worth not having a goalkeeper!

  20. Morrissey1986
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    Baines will be a good option next year he is the only one that is standing out for Everton now in previous seasons you have had to worry whether you wanted Cahill Arteta aswell. By only getting Baines gives you solid Everton coverage.

    1. Dan
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      I think everybody on this site will have him at the start of the season, providing their fixtures aren't too difficult. I think he'll be priced at 7.5.

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Scout Picks

Team of the Season 2012/13

  • Jääskeläinen
  • Baines
  • Vertonghen
  • Zabaleta
  • Davies
  • Walcott
  • Mata
  • Michu
  • Bale
  • Suárez
  • van Persie
  • Evra
  • Cazorla
  • Benteke

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Up Cech CHE B, Vs
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Up Luiz CHE A, Vs, Rest
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£ Potential Bargain
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“I love to attack and I love to go up front...It is a little more difficult than when you are playing centre-back. If you play the way that I want to play, I think my influence is better as a left-back. For the team, it is best that I play as a centre-back. I like to bring the ball out. You need to move the game quickly, and that is one of my qualities as well.”

Jan Vertonghen outlines what he feels is his best position for Andre Villas-Boas