Feature

A Season of Two Halves

It’s said that you have to have knowledge of the past to gain a better understanding of the present (or future). This may well be the case, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that this knowledge is infallible, or that history will repeat itself.

With Fantasy Premier League (FPL) wildcards offering the opportunity for a full squad face-lift, the performances of players to this point will likely play a major part in the selection process. The wildcard offers the chance to complete a team of season “All Stars” without too much thought, but does such a strategy really guarantee success?

Casting our memories back a season, there’s evidence to suggest we should be cautious when it comes to putting too much stock in player performance at the halfway stage. Indeed, it seems that identifying those players on the verge of an upturn in fortunes following a faltering first half of the season, could be just as significant.

To explore the theory further, we started by examining a selection of top Fantasy performers in the first half of the 2010/11 and compared this to their respective totals for the remainder of the campaign…

PositionPlayerPointsP90
GKJoe Hart 88 4.6
GKBen Foster 78 4.6
DFLeighton Baines 83 4.6
DFAshley Cole 80 4.4
DFNedum Onuoha 76 4.3
DFRobert Huth 75 4.2
DFNemanja Vidic 86 5.1
MDMatt Etherington 83 4.7
MDMortern Gamst Pedersen 82 4.8
MDChris Brunt 80 4.7
MDGareth Bale 80 4.4
MDRafael Van der Vaart 92 8.8
FWCarlos Tevez 112 7.0
FWAndy Carroll 111 6.5
FWJohan Elmander 99 5.7
1305

* P90 is the points scored per 90 minutes, which eliminates some of the distortion you get when using a straight ‘points per appearance’.

If you were making transfers at this time last season, how could you not be attracted to the above squad of players? The front three had a combined 32 goals, the midfield provided consistent returns despite only holding one expensive player (Bale, remember, was just 7.0m last year) and the defence and keepers had amassed 50 clean sheets. What could possibly go wrong?

PositionPlayerPointsP90
GKJoe Hart 87 4.6
GKBen Foster 75 3.7
DFLeighton Baines 95 4.8
DFAshley Cole 70 3.6
DFNedum Onuoha 21 1.7
DFRobert Huth 63 3.8
DFNemanja Vidic 62 3.5
MDMatt Etherington 41 4.0
MDMorten Gamst Pedersen 37 3.4
MDChris Brunt 50 3.0
MDGareth Bale 38 4.1
MDRafael Van der Vaart 73 5.1
FWCarlos Tevez 73 6.1
FWAndy Carroll 24 4.0
FWJohan Elmander 48 2.8
857

Fast forwarding to the end of the season, and the fortunes of this squad dip considerably. Leighton Baines was able to show some moderate improvement and Joe Hart stayed at the same level, but every other member of the team showed decline in the second half of the season. The less established Fantasy names predictably saw some of the biggest slumps, with Nedum Onuoha and Johan Elmander losing 2.6 and 2.9 points per 90 minutes respectively, although the heralded Rafael Van der Vaart was worst affected – the Dutchman fell a shocking 3.7 points per 90 minutes.

There are some players, of course, who enjoy good production throughout the season but, overall, this is the exception. It’s more common that a player’s productivity will decline after a strong opening to the season, or that we’ll see a player rise from relative obscurity to enjoy success and strong returns. It’s this second group of players who could hold the key to success via our wildcard selections.

For varying reasons the below pool of players have a chance to be “game changers” in the second half of the season and should be at least be considered, alongside some of the more likely candidates found atop the Fantasy rankings.

Out of the treatment room…

Last season we saw players like Robin Van Persie, Wayne Rooney and Frank Lampard return from long spells on the sidelines to help their respective teams, and Fantasy managers alike. All three went on to appear in the second half Fantasy team of the year. We don’t quite have the same calibre of players returning from injury this term, but there’s still potential value to be found.

Jack Wilshere (6.2 – 3% ownerhsip)
There is a danger of overvaluing players who have been out of sight for a prolonged period, as we tend to embellish their talents somewhat. Wilshere is an excellent player, there’s no doubt, but his Fantasy impact is still questionable. Last season he managed just a single goal and three assists in 31 appearances, so we perhaps shouldn’t expect fireworks when he finally returns to the Arsenal side. However, his Opta performance stats show that he was one of the more influential midfielders in the league last season, and with Van Persie in otherworldly form, there’s reason to believe that Wilshere’s assist potential is high for a player in his price range.

There’s obviously risk here and with Arsene Wenger admitting the player has suffered a “little setback” in training this week, we may have to wait a longer longer before considering Wilshere. The lack of consistent talent in the FPL 6.0 range means we need to widen the search and a 10-12 week cameo for Wilshere could represent an excellent differential opportunity. Much could be dependent on Arsene Wenger’s tactics; if Wilshere is afforded the role currently occupied by Aaron Ramsey, as the furthest forward of the midfield three, his potential would rise considerably.

Steven Gerrard (10.6 – 4%)
A mere mention of Gerrard’s name in some Fantasy quarters produces nostalgic memories; thoughts of simple times when the Liverpool captain was joined by Frank Lampard and Cristiano Ronaldo in the ‘holy trinity’ – a trio capable of consistently great returns and 200 point seasons. Injuries have ended Gerrard’s previous dominance, but we have at least seen flashes of his ability in his brief cameos this season, and he already has a couple of goals and six bonus points to his name. Without European commitments, Liverpool’s fixture list doesn’t look too crowded, which could see Gerrard coping with stresses and strains. The biggest problem, then, is his price tag which, at 10.6, remains the second highest among all midfielders in the FPL. He’s unlikely to deliver comparable value to some of his peers, but in terms of pure points production, his upside remains high and for a brief window in Liverpool’s season, he could well prove a profitable investment.

Jamie O’Hara (5.5 – 1%)
O’Hara was quietly having a fine season before the injury bug struck. Like Fulham’s Clint Dempsey, O’Hara’s performance statistics are hugely impressive and suggest that he has yet to fulfill the Fantasy potential that his displays have promised. Wolves aren’t an elite team by any stretch, but they rarely get shut out and with Steven Fletcher up top, they have a striker on form who can convert the chances provided. If O’Hara is granted the role behind Fletcher in a 4-5-1 on his return, then the prospects look good. Throw in O’Hara’s set piece duties and you have a definite “sleeper” who could wake to some effect in 2012.

Hatem Ben Arfa (5.4 – 2%)
It’s been an odd season to date for Ben Arfa, as he’s fought a combination of injuries and a desire from Alan Pardew to avoid tampering with a winning side. You get the feeling that the Magpies boss will not keep Ben Afra’s talent shackled for much longer. A goal and assist return at Fulham may have paved the way for a prolonged spell in the side, even once Demba Ba returns alongside new signing Papiss Demba Cisse. Ben Arfa is averaging a very promising 6.0 points per 90 minutes and if that can be maintained to any real degree over a series of regular starts, the Frenchman may yet deliver exceptional value as a midfield prospect.

Sleeping beauties….

One of the key pitfalls of Fantasy managers is judging value based on talent alone, without looking at the other vital ingredient for Fantasy success: opportunity. It doesn’t matter how talented a player is, if his manager doesn’t play him, or decides that his star winger is best suited as an emergency right-back, Fantasy returns will dry up. We can therefore highlight a few players whose situation has recently changed, or is forecast to change, thus providing the catalyst for improved output.

Edin Dzeko (8.0 – 13%)
Having failed to settle in at Eastlands last season, Dzeko appears to have turned the proverbial corner, both in real and Fantasy terms. So far this season, he’s averaged 8.9 points per 90 minutes, a level not even the great Robin Van Persie (7.5) can match. The problem, of course, has been his inconsistent and unpredictable playing time, mired in a six-into-three-position battle with Sergio Aguero, David Silva, Mario Balotelli, Samir Nasri and Adam Johnson. Aguero has often been lined up at the apex of a front three, but Mancini has also shown a willingness to play him behind Dzeko, most notably during the last three Gameweeks. With Balotelli sidelined for four games, Dzeko’s first team place looks all but assured, and, given Mancini’s hints at a lack of trust for Balotelli in the past, that could continue for a more sustained period, making Dzeko one of the hottest prospects around.

Luis Suarez (9.2 – 17%)
He may not be the most popular player around these days, but you don’t get any points for winning friends. Despite missing the last four Gameweeks, Suarez still ranks second among all players in total shots taken, and while his finishing has tended to lack composure, history suggests he will start to convert his chances at a better rate as time goes on. He still has one more Gameweek to sit out yet, and returns to line up against (TOT, mun) before facing a blank Gameweek 26 due to Carling Cup Final commitments, but Suarez has promise of a double Gameweek in the future, in addition to a relatively kind run of fixtures from Gameweek 28 onwards. With convergence among the top teams owning the likes of Aguero, Rooney and Van Persie, Suarez is one of the few remaining differential options with a chance to hit the highest returns, if you’re willing to take a risk.

Bobby Zamora (6.6 – 3%)
Zamora has struggled for consistency this year, with every promising run (see Gameweeks 4-7) being promptly followed by a spell on the sidelines. A return to fitness has coincided with an immediate return to form, however, evident with a goal and three assist return in the thrashing of Newcastle last time out. Indeed, one of Zamora’s key attributes is his ability to contribute assists as well as goals, which keeps his points ticking over even when he fails to hit the back of the net. His 5.9 points per 90 minutes compares favourably to some highly sought after Fantasy assets like Gareth Bale (6.0), Steven Fletcher (5.8) and Emmanuel Adebayor (5.6), while his performance stats suggest his recent production is sustainable. Fulham’s next five home opponents are West Brom, Stoke, Wolves, Swansea and Norwich, who all rank in the bottom half of defences away from home. If he can stay fit, Zamora could be an excellent third striker option.

Hugo Rodallega (5.9 – 2%)
Rodallega has been a strong Fantasy favourite over the past couple of seasons, weighing in with solid totals of 149 and 123 points. He just hasn’t been able to replicate that form this year though, and has largely disappointed for a struggling Wigan side. Or so the story goes. In fact, in terms of points per 90 minutes, the Colombian is enjoying his finest season in the Premier League (4.5) and it’s only been an inexplicable lack of playing time that has held him back. Whatever the motivation for not playing him (perhaps Rodallega’s desire to leave the DW Stadium), Martinez seems to have realised Wigan’s survival is likely tied to Rodallega’s success and the striker has rewarded the boss’ faith with two goals and two assists over the past four Gameweeks. When he plays, most good things Wigan do go through him, meaning he could once again be a very useful budget forward for the remainder of the season.

Jonny Evans (4.5 – 4%) / Anders Lindegaard (4.4m – 2%)
Any time you can access an elite defensive unit for a bargain price you have to be interested. This pairing may come cheap, but the evidence points to the fact that they have been integral to improved defensive form. Indeed, United have kept eight clean sheets in Evans’ 14 starts (57%) and six in eight when Lindegaard plays (75%). This compares favourably to Man United’s overall clean sheet rate of 50%. There’s some risk with both players, as David De Gea could be recalled without notice, while Evans faces competition from Chris Smalling and Phil Jones for that second centre-back spot. Of the two, Evans looks like the safer bet, particularly in light of Jones’ injury. A gamble on both, despite a tough run of fixtures in the short-term, looks incredibly appealing.

Royston Drenthe (5.8 – 1%)
Drenthe has been something of an enigma this year. His production has been great, yet he’s struggled to break into an Everton side lacking in goals and quality going forward. When on the field, the Dutchman has accounted for (scored or assisted) 54% of Everton’s goals, yet he’s been rewarded with just six starts. One look at his performance statistics suggests that he’s unlikely to maintain this incredible per minute production, but given that his current points per 90 minutes (6.5) is close to David Silva’s (6.8), even a 50% decline would keep him in line with the likes of the more popular Jon Walters (4.3) or Seb Larsson (4.6). There’s been signs that Drenthe may yet cement a starting role, although it may well take Landon Donovan’s departure to improve his chances. At 5.8m he’s clearly a risk, particularly with Everton about to enter a testing period of fixtures. Once Moyes’ side emerge from that and perhaps find a cutting edge, Drenthe could yet explode and deliver on his potential.

Stephen Ireland (5.6 – 1%)
There’s an old scouting saying that once a player displays a skill, he owns it. It’s on that basis that Ireland will continue to make lists like this. His 2008/09 season is the stuff of legend and the merest hint of a return to that form will rightfully pique the interest of Fantasy managers. The past three weeks have served as that trigger, with a goal and a couple of assists giving Ireland 31 points over the three Gameweeks prior to missing Gameweek 22 through injury. Having recovered from a hamstring niggle, a first team spot seems to be within his grasp, with or without the on loan Robbie Keane alongside him.

Darren Bent (9.6 – 4.7%)
A single goal in his first five Villa outings quickly dampened any enthusiasm for a striker who had returned 41 league goals in his previous two seasons. Bent has unquestionably struggled to settle in his new surroundings but, of late, the signs have been encouraging and hint at a strong 2012. Bent has notched in three of his last four league outing and another smart finish in yesterday’s FA Cup defeat at the Emirates offered another reminder of his finishing ability. Villa have a strong short-term schedule and, with Robbie Keane and Stephen Ireland providing a new creative spark, Bent could well continue to offer profit and come close to matching his strike rate of previous seasons.

Stephen Kelly (3.9 – 3%) / Mark Schwarzer (4.8 – 3%)
Fulham have managed just a single clean sheet without Mark Schwarzer, which is a concern, but this remains a good defensive unit if you can get in at the right price. Unfortunately, through the first half of the season, this was almost impossible to achieve. Phillipe Senderos, Chris Baird, Aaron Hughes and Zdenek Grygera were all given a time in the starting lineup, but none of them seemed able to make those spots alongside Brede Hangeland and John Arne Riise their own. After drifting in and out of the team in the early part of the season, Kelly was afforded a chance in Gameweek 14 and has played the majority of minutes ever since. At 3.9, he is cheap enough to be a fifth defender yet contribute regularly, even if Fulham have been maddeningly inconsistent of late. Schwarzer could return next week and make an excellent pick between the sticks, though with his fitness still in doubt, and a trip to Man City on the horizon, it might be worth waiting a couple of weeks before bringing this pair in.

Window of Opportunity…

Last season’s transfer window provided a useful influx of Fantasy talent with Luis Suarez, Dembe Ba, David Luiz, Stephane Sessegnon and Edin Dzeko all arriving in the Premier League and proceeding to have useful second half contributions. The window has been opened this year but, while very few have so much as peeked through, there are some names to consider….

Gary Cahill (5.2 – 21%)
Cahill is one of the more widely owned defenders in the game, but whereas the previous rationale appeared to be dubiously based on his excellent 2009/10 campaign, we now have a reason to be legitimately excited. Cahill leaves the league’s worst defense to join up with a top-five club, which has historically been one of the best units around. Ironically, Chelsea have kept two clean sheets in a row, having failed to do so for the previous six games, but with a somewhat hefty transfer fee paid, one would imagine Cahill will slot into the back line sooner rather than later. With a visit from the Champions sandwiched between a couple of away games (swa, MUN, eve) it might be worth waiting to pull the trigger here until we know for sure that Cahill will start for the remainder of the year. His potential value is unquestionable, though.

Papiss Demba Cisse (7.0 – 0.0%)
One of the best things about modern day transfers is the ability to instantly know at least a bit about the incoming player (as opposed to just looking him up on Championship Manager – we’ve all done it). We can quickly find a player’s stats along with highlight clips, usually enough to persuade some that the newest arrival is the next best thing. These videos helpfully allowed us to identify that the likes of Mateja Kezman, Massimo Maccarone and Albert Luque would be unmitigated successes. Ok, maybe not, but there’s more to Cisse than a couple of nice clips. The list of players who have come to the Premier League with a similar goal scoring record in the Bundesliga is short, headlined by recent success stories like Dzeko, Ba and Van der Vaart. Cisse has been ruthlessly clinical in three seasons at Freiburg (37 goals from 79 shots on target), more so in fact than his new teammate Ba (25 goals from 86 shots on target). It’s always tough to predict if, and when, new arrivals will succeed, but Cisse clearly has the pedigree and skill, so his situation is one to monitor. Priced at 7.0, he’s an affordable third forward option, with a high upside and differential potential.

Gylfi Sigurdsson (5.0 – 0.1%)
It didn’t take Sigurdsson long to have an impact on his return to English football, notching an assist for Danny Graham’s winner against Arsenal, having been on the field for just 25 minutes. Sigurdsson will be familiar to some from his time at Reading in the Championship, where he was extremely successful in 2009-10 before moving to Hoffenheim. He enjoyed a good first season in Germany (outscoring teammate Demba Ba) but slipped from the first team last season, thus becoming expendable this year. The Swansea midfield looks a bit crowded, but Sigurdsson looks well-placed to secure a starting role in the centre of the park, surrounded by sufficient talent to make his 5.0m price extremely interesting. He’s also assumed the vast majority of set pieces, notching 10 corners and a couple of direct free kick attempts in just 110 minutes of action. There’s quantity, but not great quality in the 5.5m and below range, so Sigurdsson should be considered early on, especially given Swansea’s short-term fixtures after next week (wba, NOR, sto, wig).

Taye Taiwo (4.5 – 0%)
Last week’s Watchlist article brought the explosive left-back to your attention but his potential his worth stressing again. Starved of opportunities at AC Milan, Taiwo will arrive at Loftus Road hungry for success, at a time when the R’s are on the ascent following the arrival of Mark Hughes. With a very healthy short-term fixture list and a need to tighten the defence, Taiwo could be in line for immediate returns. If he can demonstrate his pace and power and get in range of the goal, Taiwo could prove to be an outstdanding prospect at just 4.5 in the FPL.

Chris Glover Creator of the plfantasy blog, providing a stats focused approach to fantasy football. Exiled to Canada but still prefer my sports played on grass rather than ice. Follow them on Twitter

2,036 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Ron_Swanson
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    I think the FPL could learn a lot about eliminating racist chanting from other tournaments.

    They've had no trouble at all at the African Cup of Nations for instance.

    Open Controls
    1. applebonkers
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      that's because the average attendance at each ACON game is about 3

      Open Controls
      1. applebonkers
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        even if the three spectators were adolf hitler, luis suarez and jim davidson you wouldn't hear them

        Open Controls
    2. Ron_Swanson
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      EPL I meant

      Open Controls
    3. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      It's not really a laughing matter, mate.

      Open Controls
    4. Harry Ball Bag™⚽⚽…
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Open Controls
    5. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Barnet have the highest number of arrests for abusive chanting.

      Their claiming that its a good thing because we are clamping down on hard on the offenders. But, have they seen our attendences, how have we got that many nutjobs amongst our ranks in the first place?

      Open Controls
  2. Harry Ball Bag™⚽⚽…
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    On a wild card this week shall I keep adebayor this week n then swap to augero ... Or just do the swap now?

    A swap nx week
    B do it now

    Open Controls
    1. COMH
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      B

      Open Controls
    2. DVassell
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      contemplating this also since if bale is inj i will want more spurs coverage and everton away will be a tough game for city.

      I would say A might bring the higher reward...might even consider captaining him...it just makes sense!

      Open Controls
  3. Demí
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    http://twitpic.com/8dqfrr

    Anyone see the captain on the top left? Horror training injury for Lindegaard, de Gea to start vs Stoke.

    Open Controls
    1. Demí
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      *Caption 😡

      Open Controls
    2. 4vets
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      The Man U def conundrum gets trickier.

      Open Controls
    3. Henry Hill
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Not sure thats the most reliable source but some United fans in Anfield were chanting "The Sun was right" Saturday so who knows, could well be true

      Open Controls
    4. applebonkers
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      seriously demi, i think you should become a search engine, google is getting a bit cocky and blazé at the top

      Open Controls
      1. Scroobius Mac
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        😀

        Open Controls
      2. Demí
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        🙂

        Open Controls
    5. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      simple advice to anyone not on wc is wait until after tomorrow night and see if Lind plays or is on bench,

      Open Controls
      1. JK - Cønt ⭐
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        if it turns out to be true I'll go back my Schwarzer/Sorensen rotation.

        Open Controls
    6. AP
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      The Stoke luftwaffe will bombarde Dave Grandé. Might have to bench mr Evans.

      Open Controls
      1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        Shawcross may get an outing tomorrow ... 🙁

        Open Controls
      2. Ginkapo FPL
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        This now classifies as an injury crisis in my book.

        Open Controls
    7. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Feck that. 🙁

      Open Controls
    8. @ImpressiveTackl
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Krul Lindegaard ship is sailing into the night 🙁

      Open Controls
      1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        Errr - I'm the first mate ... 🙁

        Open Controls
    9. Henry Hill
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Is anywhere other than The Sun covering this story?

      Open Controls
      1. Demí
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        It's the Sun breaking the story, so not yet but there might be other places covering it by tomorrow morning. We'll know the lineups beforehand anyway, but i see no reason why it wouldn't be true.

        Still confident of a United clean sheet tomorrow, regardless of whether de Gea starts or not.

        Open Controls
        1. Henry Hill
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 3 months ago

          De Gea won't be able deal with Stoke's aerial prowess

          Open Controls
    10. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Stoke are 10/1 at the moment if you want to get in before the news breaks

      Open Controls
  4. Henry Hill
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Is The Wrestler worth watching?

    Open Controls
    1. Ron_Swanson
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      yep

      Open Controls
    2. @ImpressiveTackl
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Yes even if it is just to see Ms. Tomei's goodies.

      Open Controls
      1. Disco Pat
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        never seen it, but for her goodies i'll watch it!

        Open Controls
      2. Low-Life
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        *Changes channel*

        Hmm. Beats Jeremy Paxman.

        Open Controls
    3. Manani
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      the divas? or the naked man??

      Open Controls
  5. Portsmouth Bubblejet
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Wildcard problem! I planned on keeping Adebayor for the Wigan home fixture, before shipping him out for Agüero in GW24. But as Agüero now looks set to rise in price tonight. this means that instead of buying a £4.1m defender (Shotton, McAuley) as planned, I'd be stuck with a £4.0 player. Since I've got Kelly already, that really only leaves Caulker, which would mean doubling up on Swansea (already have Vorm).

    So should I:
    a) keep Adebayor for Wigan and buy a 4.0 defender (Caulker, er... Wilkinson)
    OR
    b) buy Agüero tonight, and get a 4.1 defender (Shotton, McAuley)

    Open Controls
    1. Ron_Swanson
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      a

      Open Controls
      1. Harry Ball Bag™⚽⚽…
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        A

        Open Controls
    2. @ImpressiveTackl
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      B.

      DIE ADEBAYOR DIE.

      Open Controls
      1. @ImpressiveTackl
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        P.S. get Caulker anyway.

        Open Controls
  6. anish10
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    repost:
    which of the following should i pick:

    cahill or kelly

    and ben arfa or sturridge

    Open Controls
  7. Fancy Feet
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    So Zamora or Bent for a hit? or play Dyer for no hit?

    Open Controls
    1. 4vets
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Dyer. I am just trying my hardest not to do hits this season and it's working for me so far.

      Open Controls
    2. COMH
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      I wouldn't take a hit. If they score you are only making 2 points from it, the amount Dyer will get for playing plus he is always a threat in matches.

      Open Controls
  8. @ImpressiveTackl
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Anybody not going with either Valencia or Sess in the WC?

    Form would say not to but the fixtures do.

    Open Controls
    1. rickytoso
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      i have sess. i'll be getting rid of him in my wc. i don't plan on bringing in valencia, at least not until gw28.

      Open Controls
    2. Manani
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      look below

      that is my plan, not getting valencia, then sess out after the NOR match.

      Open Controls
    3. applebonkers
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      considering ditching sess after the norwich game. one thing i fear with him however is that he'll inherit penalties off larsson

      Open Controls
    4. 4vets
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Not on a wc, IT but already had demps and am going with him for fixtures. Despite Valencia's incredidible form I am not considering any Man u until gw28, and then it'll probably be Cleverley

      Open Controls
    5. COMH
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      That is a good point. They are being selected as a no brainer but their fixtures aren't the best. Are you leaving both out?

      I just don't see many other midfielders standing out that much to look past Valencia.

      Open Controls
      1. @ImpressiveTackl
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        Sess Moses rotation looks nice 🙂

        Open Controls
    6. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      They are both in my team, but I am quite prepared to ditch them for another high performer. Timmy C if he gets another goal tomorrow........

      Open Controls
  9. Boss Hogg
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Looking for a one week only striker punt.

    Keane?
    Zamora?
    Someone else?

    (7.3 maximum, and can’t have Welbeck because I’ve got 3 United already

    Open Controls
  10. got2bmyyear
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    ok so stick with fletcher for another 2 wks or
    fletcher > Ba?

    does anybody know how ba did at the african cup

    Open Controls
    1. COMH
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Senegal hardly kicked a ball at the ACON so Ba won't be anything other than a little jetlagged. He won't start at B'Burn but will be back for the Villa game imo. So stick with back at least for this GW.

      Open Controls
      1. got2bmyyear
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        tank you

        Open Controls
  11. Manani
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    surely if u want to choose one to get rid from the generic midfield, it will be valencia.
    his fixture after stoke is crap. don't think he can out perform a.cole that match

    plan:
    coming GW: valencia>mcclean
    GW after: sess> walters

    so i can have enough fund to upgrade dzeko to kun at the bol bla GW.

    how it sounds??? 🙂

    Open Controls
    1. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      it's an interesting idea, I'm just not overly enamoured by the mid priced options.

      Open Controls
  12. arcticjunkie1
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Nip and tuck between Bale/RVP for (C) chances are high that my rival will go with RVP and with him not having Bale would you lot say stick my (C) on Bale in an attempt to increase my 160 point lead or so?

    Open Controls
    1. Shakhtar Senseless
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Wait until tomorrow evening, see the team sheets then decide

      Open Controls
  13. J0E
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Outstanding article ... And great to see one or two of my wildcard picks on chris's list. Will definitely refer back to this for next few transfers.

    Open Controls
    1. Shakhtar Senseless
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      +1

      Open Controls
    2. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      indeed, but some I may avoid.

      Open Controls
      1. 4vets
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        Mnay I will avoid like the plague, but informing nonetheless.

        Open Controls
  14. jimski
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    A superb article. To go with a superb blog.

    Open Controls
  15. Shakhtar Senseless
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    RMWCT:

    Lindegaard (Vorm)

    Kompany Verm Senderos (Macaulay, Caulker)

    Silva Bale Valencia Sess (Murphy)

    Aguero RVP BA

    Thank you my lovelies.

    Open Controls
      1. Shakhtar Senseless
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        Cheers! Love the pic. What do you think of the team?

        Open Controls
        1. DVassell
          • 12 Years
          12 years, 3 months ago

          I thin that's a good team...do u have cash in the bank? may not want to double up on swans def since their fixtures are toughening up

          Open Controls
  16. Ryan
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Guys for my WC team should I keep Raylor at rotation risk or play it safe with Santon?

    Open Controls
  17. Marco Del Wattsio
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    is this everybodys midfield these days??

    Bale, Silva, Dempsey, Valencia, McClean

    Open Controls
    1. 4vets
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Nope. Mine is linked.

      Open Controls
    2. DVassell
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      pretty much...and everybody's front 3:

      Ba, RVP, Aguero

      Open Controls
  18. choppers13
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Is Welbeck guarenteed to start tomorrow?

    I have a sneaky feeling that Hernandez and Berbatov may start up front

    Open Controls
    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      He's never guaranteed to start. Could easily see Hernandez and Berbatov given a run out. I'd go Ba, Zamora, Keane, Sturridge before Wellbeck just because of the rotation risk.

      Open Controls
      1. Marco Del Wattsio
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        hernandez - missing out that excellent report. potential gold

        Open Controls
        1. JK - Cønt ⭐
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          12 years, 3 months ago

          problem is Rooney and Welbeck now first choice it would seem, that being said Chica always capable of a goal off the bench, they guy is Ole Mark II

          Open Controls
  19. Twisted Saltergater
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    According to CTC, Aguero (98%) needs ~500 net transfers for a price rise. Think he'll go up tonight, or reckon I can hold fire until after the Everton game?

    TotalFPL are being much more cautious at just 94%.

    Open Controls
    1. The Gambler.
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      He will rise tonight for sure

      Open Controls
      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        "for sure" - 2300 net transfers in today, what time do the prices change this season? If it's around 2am then 500 NTI's in 3 hours is going to be touch and go!

        Open Controls
  20. Andy1
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    RMWCT

    Krul Vorm
    Kompany Evans BAE Kelly Simpson
    Silva Bale Valencia Dempsey McLean
    RVP Dzeko Ba

    Or should I swap Krul or Vorm for Lindegaard?

    Open Controls
  21. Drip Doctor
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Glorious article!

    Really want Dzeko over Aguero but no doubt i'll chicken out and play it safe.

    Open Controls
  22. Harry Ball Bag™⚽⚽…
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Lingaard injured??

    Open Controls
    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      According to the back page of tomorrow's The Sun.

      Open Controls
      1. Boss Hogg
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        What!!??

        Open Controls
          1. AP
            • 14 Years
            12 years, 3 months ago

            Huth: " It’s just the league for them now, so I’m sure they’ll be up for it.”

            Aren't Stoke in the Europa too? Silly sod.

            Open Controls
            1. Drip Doctor
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              12 years, 3 months ago

              😆

              Open Controls
    2. Drip Doctor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Oh balls.

      Open Controls
    3. Granville
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      It's the most incredible season.
      I'd rather see Amos starting.

      Open Controls
      1. AP
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        Return of the PIG.

        Open Controls
  23. The Mighty Slovenian
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Brilliant article, well done!

    Open Controls
    1. Gaz Downright
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      +1

      Open Controls
  24. @ImpressiveTackl
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    I feel Moses should have featured in this article 🙂

    Open Controls
    1. Pat Mustard
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Me too

      Open Controls
      1. The3rdTurd
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        Wigan have a cracking run of fixtures coming up after Spurs

        Open Controls
  25. Fancy Feet
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    RVP or Bale for cpt?

    Open Controls
    1. Pat Mustard
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      RVP but i'm slightly tempted Bale because he's yellow flagged, we'll see line-ups while the casuals will be frightened by that, could just turn out to be good diff.

      Open Controls
    2. DVassell
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      RVP

      Open Controls
  26. The Gambler.
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Been thinking Raylor>Taiwo all week, already have Krul and Santon.

    This leaves a NEW spot for Ba.

    Now Cabaye gets 3 match ban!

    Keep Raylor now??

    Open Controls
  27. Marco Del Wattsio
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Who is everyone captaining this week. On RVP at the minute. not getting off that fence haha!

    Open Controls
    1. Spike ⚽️
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Me too

      Open Controls
    2. AP
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Gaz Bale.

      Open Controls
    3. Drip Doctor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      RVP at the minute, he's scored a lot of goals against Bolton.

      Open Controls
    4. Pork Pie Sausage Roll
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      RVP as it stands. I'm a sucker for set piece duties

      Open Controls
    5. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Arsenal got to be feeling good after the come back against Villa. Very difficult to see past Van Persie, imo.

      Open Controls
  28. choppers13
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Which striker for a 1 week punt? First to 3 votes wins.

    1. Keane
    2. Sturridge
    3. Zamora
    4. Welbeck

    Open Controls
    1. 4vets
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Sturridge

      Open Controls
    2. 4vets
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Sturridge.

      Open Controls
    3. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Keane

      Open Controls
      1. Boss Hogg
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        Zamora.

        Open Controls
    4. 4vets
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Sturridge..

      Open Controls
      1. 4vets
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        It'd hardly scientific 😉

        Open Controls
      2. Twisted Saltergater
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        haha, that's cheating, Steve! Give Robbie a chance 🙂

        Open Controls
        1. 4vets
          • 13 Years
          12 years, 3 months ago

          I've always been a filthy cheat. Sorry.

          Open Controls
          1. Twisted Saltergater
            • 14 Years
            12 years, 3 months ago

            I can recall the name reversal thing to put off spying eyes, but missed the reason why you didn't settle on 3vets. Surely, that's perfect with the 3 being a backwards E, no?

            Open Controls
  29. Boss Hogg
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    So....who rotates well with Krul?

    (was going to go with Lindy in my WC team, but not so sure now...)

    Any ideas?

    Open Controls
    1. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Mignolet

      But if you are not yet on wc, wait for team news or a source different from the Sun

      Open Controls
      1. Ginkapo FPL
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        Telegraph has it too now as well.

        Open Controls
        1. 4vets
          • 13 Years
          12 years, 3 months ago

          Sun/Telegraph... no connection there then 😉

          Open Controls
          1. Ginkapo FPL
            • 12 Years
            12 years, 3 months ago

            They are all related if your gonna argue that

            Open Controls
    2. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Kenny has decent fixtures in Gw's 25, 27, 30, 33 & 37 which is the only weeks you will need your second keeper in my opinion.

      The decent rotater is Mignolet, but he has some tough home fixtures.

      Open Controls
  30. SOM.... This is Fellaini�…
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    #teamdegea

    Mon David, you can do it, I hope..

    Open Controls