Team of the Season – Danny Simpson
Filed under: Season Review - Posted by: Mark
Danny Simpson fulfilled the role of a dependable defensive filler brilliantly all season. Available for a budget price and assured of first-team starts throughout, the right-back proved a solid, if unspectacular, Fantasy acquisition to earn recognition in our team of the season.
Newcastle’s back four, marshaled by the hugely impressive Fabricio Collocini, allowed Simpson to contribute handsomely to our lineups. While he failed to hit the high notes in attacking terms, regular clean sheets for a budget price became a precious commodity in a season dominated by attacking heavy-hitters.
The Statistics
With 35 starts in the Newcastle defence, Simpson earned his Fantasy owners 14 clean sheets – more than any other member of Alan Pardew’s back four. With only the City and United back fours outperforming Newcastle in terms of shut-outs, Simpson, at just 4.0 in the Fantasy Premier League game, offered the best value of any defender.
Simpson’s returns were spread over the season, ensuring that that he remained a “keeper” as the Gameweeks rolled by. Following three clean sheets in the opening four Gameweeks, his initial price began to rise and a steady increase saw it peak at 4.8 by the final month. By the end of the season, Simpson was owned by over a quarter of the FPL manager base.
In attacking terms, Simpson disappointed. While his Opta performance statistics show that he was the most fruitful supply of crosses in the Magpies’ rearguard (including Ryan Taylor), this failed to translate into assists. Simpson ended the season with just two to his name, with zero goal returns. Indeed, in terms of goal threat, Simpson managed just three efforts on goal all season.
The Prospects
Simpson’s future as a Fantasy prospect is most uncertain. Protracted contract negotiations appear to have made his situation in the north-east untenable.
Although it’s stated that Simpson is looking to stay with the club, reports have indicated that the player has rejected the final contract offer, as he looks to earn better terms than the reported £25,000 a week that’s on the table. It’s believed that offers will now be welcomed for Simpson, who has just one year left on his current deal.
The Mapgies are apparently assessing the suitability of Davide Santon for the right-back role, while there are growing reports of the club targeting full-backs. Only this morning, the Mail have stated that the Magpies are looking to both Lille’s Mathieu Debuchy and Crystal Palace’s hot prospect – Nathaniel Clyne.
Simpson would seem destined for pastures new, then, perhaps avoiding an inevitable price rise that seems certain to come the way of the entire Newcastle back four.
Right now, it’s uncertain just where Simpson will land and whether his new surroundings will present potential for Fantasy managers. It’s likely, however, that he’s already enjoyed his best Fantasy season. Simpson is not a leading attacking full-back and will require a budget price and the potential of 12+ clean sheets before he’s set to be considered as a target.
Back in the north-east meanwhile, a new right-back seems likely to be acquired and, if his price tag fits, he could well present a new option as the Magpies look to build on this season’s success.
About The Author
“Mark created the beast. He's now looking to tame it.”
Mark
Commenting is now closed for this post.
Recent Comments
-
Yep. :-D » -
everyone has inflated price nowadays. if you want to improve the team, you have to spend » -
Honestly, I just can't imagine Arsenal spending 30m on one player... But if they do it should be Benteke or Lukaku who… » -
http://media.tumblr.com/526d4c9873bbaf8fbf6476ebe0e90ef8/tumblr_inline_mmzdedQmtk1qz4rgp.gif » -
No. My exams are in a month. Loads of work ahead. Talk to you later, TM. » -
Cheers, Fratboy. I value your opinion, too. »
-
:shock: » -
He said the Napoli president confirms Napoli are in talks with City about Cavani and Dzeko earlier too. The thing… » -
http://i.imgur.com/t8IHP.gif »
-
Bye and GL! »
“I am happy with the way I’ve started, but on the other hand, I should have scored four or five more, so that’s something for me to work on.”
Robin Van Persie talks about his early form at United ahead of his first Manchester derby
-
Mark @FFScout_Mark
-
Paul @ffscout_paul
-
greek fan @FFScout_Greekf
-
Andy @ffscout_andy
-
G-G-Granville @FFScout_Granny
-
Akers @FFScout_Akers
-
Big Dunc @FFScout_Dunc
May 20 at 11:39 am
Menly Men (A Slight Return) says:
http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaH.....?ID=239415
Hands off the Kwad Fergie!
May 20 at 11:40 am
The Giggs Boson says:
Are there any Grecians here who know Greece’s preferred strikers?
May 20 at 11:41 am
Doosra - A NOBLE PROMOTION!!! IRONMONGERS UNITE! says:
It doesn’t matter. You don’t want any, whoever they may be.
May 20 at 11:49 am
The Giggs Boson says:
I wouldn’t be too sure. They won’t score many but their strikers are cheap and if all attacks go through one striker (like Holt at Norwich), they could be good value.
May 20 at 11:42 am
Hitman3095 says:
Hey guys! I guess I’ll post here
What do you think of my team? Thanks
Cech, (Tzorvas)
Piszczek – M. Kadlec – Zhirkov – (K. Papadopoulos), (M. Olsson)
Yarmolenko – Shirokov – Sneijder – Özil – (McGeady)
Cristiano Ronaldo – Lewandowski – Robben
May 20 at 11:43 am
Hitman3095 says:
Whoops, that wasn’t meant to be a reply :/
Sorry
Can’t help with the question, even if my background is Greek
May 20 at 11:47 am
The Giggs Boson says:
haha! I thought you were just posting it in random places to be a kn*b!
I like your team by the way!
May 20 at 11:57 am
Hitman3095 says:
Ahahaha thanks man!
May 20 at 11:45 am
Childish Gambino says:
Their preferred formation is 4-3-3 (4-5-1 when defending) with Gekas as the No. 9 flanked by Salpingidis and Samaras. Ninis plays at the attacking mid. If they play Ninis as a winger, then there’s a chance it could be Samaras up top on his own, but that’s unlikely. He’s been on the left of a front 3 for his club too.
May 20 at 11:48 am
The Giggs Boson says:
Ah, good good, it’s all coming together… Is the no 9 on pens as well?
May 20 at 11:51 am
Childish Gambino says:
Yes. I’ve got him too. Shh!
May 20 at 11:49 am
★FC Borecelona★ says:
Does Fetfatzidis start for Greece?
May 20 at 11:53 am
Childish Gambino says:
Don’t think so
May 20 at 11:55 am
Doosra - A NOBLE PROMOTION!!! IRONMONGERS UNITE! says:
Oh, and Ninis is named as a defender …
May 20 at 11:55 am
Childish Gambino says:
He isn’t doos?
5.5m mid
May 20 at 11:57 am
Doosra - A NOBLE PROMOTION!!! IRONMONGERS UNITE! says:
Look at the UEFA info. – named as a defender for both qualifiers and friendlies …
http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/s.....index.html
May 20 at 11:59 am
Childish Gambino says:
Definitely a mistake/typo then. He’s in no way a defender
May 20 at 12:00 pm
Doosra - A NOBLE PROMOTION!!! IRONMONGERS UNITE! says:
Well, I am only looking at Kyriakos.
May 20 at 12:07 pm
Doosra - A NOBLE PROMOTION!!! IRONMONGERS UNITE! says:
He has a grand total of 3 international goals, 2 against Cyprus in 2008, and one against Israel in the last qualifying round. I think I’ll pass …
May 20 at 11:55 am
★FC Borecelona★ says:
Darn it. Was looking forward to having the ‘Greek Messi’ in my team
May 20 at 11:53 am
Doosra - A NOBLE PROMOTION!!! IRONMONGERS UNITE! says:
Mostly, although he is not as nailed on as Kostas Katsouranis or Giorgos Karagounis.
May 20 at 11:59 am
★FC Borecelona★ says:
Thanks Doos
May 20 at 11:41 am
Chris_White says:
What. A. Night.
May 20 at 11:42 am
Doosra - A NOBLE PROMOTION!!! IRONMONGERS UNITE! says:
*LOUD NOISE*
May 20 at 11:44 am
Chris_White says:
Congrats to you as well Doos, were you at Wembley? Great seeing you returning to the promised land…
May 20 at 11:45 am
Doosra - A NOBLE PROMOTION!!! IRONMONGERS UNITE! says:
Yes, and YES!!!
May 20 at 11:48 am
Menly Men (A Slight Return) says:
+ loads
May 20 at 11:51 am
Doosra - A NOBLE PROMOTION!!! IRONMONGERS UNITE! says:
Cheers, guys!!!
May 20 at 11:42 am
spectrum says:
Morning everyone, quick question regarding changing your captain do you get to change your captain before all the games on a particular game day eg pick a Poland captain if that fails change it to a Russian who is playing the same day but in a later kick off, or can you just pick 1 captain for that particular days games
May 20 at 11:44 am
EpicFAIL - AVFC <3 says:
1 per day, so 4 altogether for each round of games.
May 20 at 11:49 am
spectrum says:
Ok cheers for the clarification epic the old grey matter struggling to function this morning lol
May 20 at 11:48 am
★A-O-Chamberlain★ says:
What would be your dream midfield for the Euros? (Fantasy wise)
May 20 at 11:54 am
Raiders says:
Sneijder, Iniesta, Ribéry, Özil.
May 20 at 12:05 pm
The Giggs Boson says:
For the entire tournament:
Sneijder, Xavi, Young, Ozil
For wk1:
Sneijder Young Ozil Meireles
May 20 at 12:24 pm
Tommytour59 says:
Meireles?
May 20 at 12:29 pm
The Giggs Boson says:
Germany have a slow defence. And i think he’s an underrated player. You’ll see
May 20 at 11:51 am
sachmo says:
Any thoughts on the team below? Think it’s got some good balance, but someone might spot something I haven’t…
Akinfeev Szczesny
Zhirkov K Papadopolous Kadlec Olsson Strinic
Ninis Ozil Iniesta Rosicky de Jong
Robben Ronaldo Lewandowski
Thanks in advance!
May 20 at 11:55 am
Milanista says:
Goalkeepers same day
Too much group A in general
De Jong
May 20 at 11:55 am
Raiders says:
You have Nigel De Jong in your team.
May 20 at 11:57 am
The Giggs Boson says:
haha
Recovered ball points are not enough alone, especially as he’ll be picking up many yellow cards!
May 20 at 11:57 am
sachmo says:
Hehe fair points. Any recommendations for someone else who’s around 5.5?
And once I’ve fixed the GK and de Jong, any more room to improve?
May 20 at 12:00 pm
The Giggs Boson says:
Don’t worry ican see why you picked him, low cost, recovered ball points and nailed on i a top team. I’d say for 5.5, McGeady or Duff. I like the look of Fetfatzidis for Greece but apparently he isn’t nailed on.
May 20 at 12:01 pm
saint4life says:
Save 1m on the keeper, maybe akinfeev to given then bring in Larsson or kallstrom, at the momrnt your team in general is too group B heavy captain wise. Who will u captain that day? For that reason alone think about robben or robaldo to ibra so u have a last day captain option.
May 20 at 12:03 pm
EpicFAIL - AVFC <3 says:
Make sure you have got at least 1 decent captain choice for each day.
May 20 at 11:55 am
The Giggs Boson says:
English football has been spoilt this year! We’ve had the most exciting Premier League season in history and an English club earning a magnificent UCL win. Now, will the Euro’s complete a hat-trick of english footballing beauty!?
May 20 at 11:56 am
Doosra - A NOBLE PROMOTION!!! IRONMONGERS UNITE! says:
No. Sorry to be a shower, but no team captained by Gerrard is going anywhere, imo.
May 20 at 11:58 am
The Giggs Boson says:
It’s a shame Terry can’t be captain, he’ll do the best job. After last night any Chelsea player would be a good captain! Cole or Cahill would do a good job
May 20 at 11:59 am
Doosra - A NOBLE PROMOTION!!! IRONMONGERS UNITE! says:
I do hope that you are pulling my leg …
May 20 at 12:06 pm
The Giggs Boson says:
May 20 at 11:58 am
EpicFAIL - AVFC <3 says:
^This
May 20 at 11:59 am
Steel Arm says:
Terry would have been better…..
May 20 at 12:01 pm
big oak says:
gerrard will be wearing the armband but terry will be the captain
May 20 at 12:07 pm
The Giggs Boson says:
+1
May 20 at 12:10 pm
Steel Arm says:
Exactly
May 20 at 12:10 pm
Raiders says:
why?
May 20 at 12:07 pm
teddy says:
Olympics might be a better bet.
May 20 at 12:10 pm
The Giggs Boson says:
Nah, everyone that goes to the Euro’s is ineligible to play. Wilshere, Bale and Keane will be good additions though. I can’t think of many scots, which is only going to add to our already stony relationship with them at the moment!
May 20 at 12:11 pm
The Giggs Boson says:
Oh wait, NO KEANE. He’s republic of Ireland.
May 20 at 12:15 pm
Hard Van Toulouse says:
😡
May 20 at 12:11 pm
Doosra - A NOBLE PROMOTION!!! IRONMONGERS UNITE! says:
Not received yet …
May 20 at 12:11 pm
Raiders says:
that’s gb, not england though
May 20 at 12:00 pm
big oak says:
looking at some of the comments here i think i should go take a look at the rule book
it sounds quite complicated and needs non stop followup throughout the tournament
May 20 at 12:04 pm
EpicFAIL - AVFC <3 says:
It sounds a lot more complicated than it actually is.
May 20 at 12:08 pm
yiddo67 says:
Morning – or should I say (being a Yid) – Mourning
2 simple questions to take my mind off which form of suicide awaits me :
A ) Inietsa or Sneijder
B) Rosicky or Yarmolenko
If anyone’s got a similarish dilemma, would love to hear the pros & cons for each (as opposed to the, more expected, eg Iniesta & Rosicky)
Appreciated
May 20 at 12:08 pm
Willis_Hide says:
http://tinyurl.com/6vmfbt4. LOL? What happened here?
May 20 at 12:10 pm
EpicFAIL - AVFC <3 says:
http://tinyurl.com/6vmfbt4
May 20 at 12:12 pm
Steel Arm says:
Don’t remember that scene….
May 20 at 12:11 pm
G$nk@po- bringing the bling to FFS since 1990 says:
* http://tinyurl.com/6vmfbt4
Not sure
May 20 at 12:11 pm
Steel Arm says:
Nothing there….
May 20 at 12:10 pm
Gervinho's Forehead says:
Who saw the Special Report on Ukraine’s Hooligans? They’re disturbed people, very disturbed. England fans going to get it for sure.
May 20 at 12:13 pm
Hard Van Toulouse says:
Just to clear this up once and for all, Coleman and Dibson don’t start for Eire, it’s (player of the tournament to be) Whelan and Andrews flanked by the duffer and mcgeady. Trap doesn’t like change , Trap doesn’t do change.
May 20 at 12:15 pm
Doosra - A NOBLE PROMOTION!!! IRONMONGERS UNITE! says:
http://theexecutionersbong.wor.....struction/
You never know …
May 20 at 12:14 pm
Crouch Potato says:
Well done to the Hammers Doosra, cracking game, looking forward to the Hoops and Hammers derbies!
May 20 at 12:16 pm
Doosra - A NOBLE PROMOTION!!! IRONMONGERS UNITE! says:
Cheers, mate! Likewise!
May 20 at 12:14 pm
The Giggs Boson says:
Argh, my 4.5m midfield slot is bugging me. Gibson isn’t nailed on. The only other i can think of is Andrews, but he’s only going to get 2-3pters.
May 20 at 12:16 pm
EpicFAIL - AVFC <3 says:
I had the same problem, I ended up downgrading elsewhere and now my cheapest mid is 6m.
May 20 at 12:19 pm
The Giggs Boson says:
I’ll have to do the same, but i love my team the way it is!! If Andrews gets a clean sheet and a recovered ball point, that’s 4pts; good value for a 4m mid right?
May 20 at 12:16 pm
Doosra - A NOBLE PROMOTION!!! IRONMONGERS UNITE! says:
My cheapest midfielder is 6.0 …
May 20 at 12:18 pm
G$nk@po- bringing the bling to FFS since 1990 says:
I got two 5.5′s. I dont get the need for cheap cheap midfielders, when you can have cheap cheap defenders and sub them out until you get some clean sheets.
May 20 at 12:24 pm
Doosra - A NOBLE PROMOTION!!! IRONMONGERS UNITE! says:
Quite so.
May 20 at 12:18 pm
EpicFAIL - AVFC <3 says:
8)
May 20 at 12:24 pm
Doosra - A NOBLE PROMOTION!!! IRONMONGERS UNITE! says:
Indeed!
May 20 at 12:20 pm
Childish Gambino says:
http://gfx.dagbladet.no/labrad.....e/978x.jpg
Photo of Robben during Bayern’s banquet after the game. He and also Schweinsteiger looked absolutely distraught. The Holland and Germany coaches will have some work to do to heal their hearts before the euros
May 20 at 12:22 pm
The Giggs Boson says:
I would feel sorry for Robben but his wife is stunning.
May 20 at 12:26 pm
Gervinho's Forehead says:
She’s average.
May 20 at 12:29 pm
EpicFAIL - AVFC <3 says:
If that.
May 20 at 12:32 pm
The Giggs Boson says:
Have to disagree, naturally beautiful features. I don’t consider women who cake themselves in the similar make-up beautiful.
May 20 at 12:34 pm
Doosra - A NOBLE PROMOTION!!! IRONMONGERS UNITE! says:
I agree with G B.
May 20 at 12:34 pm
EpicFAIL - AVFC <3 says:
She’s not ugly, but I see women like that all the time just by walking through town. Nothing special.
May 20 at 12:24 pm
Running Riot - New Euro H2H @ 29877-15064 says:
He’s having a right sulk.
May 20 at 12:26 pm
Doosra - A NOBLE PROMOTION!!! IRONMONGERS UNITE! says:
A nice point. There was something wrong with Schweinsteiger from the start …
May 20 at 12:29 pm
Count Of Monte Hristo says:
Very true. Was far from his usual self throughout the match. I knew he was missing that pen.
May 20 at 12:32 pm
Doosra - A NOBLE PROMOTION!!! IRONMONGERS UNITE! says:
… and what was that tackle all about? Not his usual style …
May 20 at 12:25 pm
Running Riot - New Euro H2H @ 29877-15064 says:
Who is a better prospect for France – Nasri or Ribery? Thanks.
May 20 at 12:28 pm
EpicFAIL - AVFC <3 says:
I’d prefer Ribery, but I reckon Nasri is a decent cheaper alternative.
May 20 at 12:27 pm
The Giggs Boson says:
Can any Irish tell me how good Andrews is at ‘recovering balls’ ? At £4m, with a cs, he could be decent value.
May 20 at 12:32 pm
Count Of Monte Hristo says:
I don’t think you need to be Irish to answer that one. Blackburn or WBA fans will be more qualified to answer that. And recovered balls will just depend on how Ireland as a team are set up to nullify the Croatian threat and whether Andrews has a good game or not.
May 20 at 12:41 pm
The Giggs Boson says:
True, but people have a deep devotion to their country and know their team and players better than anyone. I’m unaware of how different Andrews plays for Ireland than Blackburn and WBA.
May 20 at 12:33 pm
Doosra - A NOBLE PROMOTION!!! IRONMONGERS UNITE! says:
Well … he is no “Wild Rover” …
May 20 at 12:46 pm
James_Fitz says:
If you’re looking for recovered balls from the Irish midfield, you should go for Whelan imo.
May 20 at 12:49 pm
The Giggs Boson says:
An extra 1m though, i’m only after recovered balls to justify having a 4m player with no attacking threat.
May 20 at 12:54 pm
James_Fitz says:
Andrews has more of an attacking threat, he won’t get as much recovered balls but he might get the odd assist, imo.
May 20 at 12:31 pm
WinThe2ndHalf says:
Who do ye think are the best captain choices for each day of round one in the Euros?
May 20 at 12:33 pm
Running Riot - New Euro H2H @ 29877-15064 says:
Well I know nothing about the Euros fantasy system, so I just stuck Villa (ITA) as captain. Hang on…you have to change captain each day?
May 20 at 12:35 pm
EpicFAIL - AVFC <3 says:
You don’t have to, but it’s a very good idea.
You’re best off having a quick brush through the rules page.
May 20 at 12:36 pm
Running Riot - New Euro H2H @ 29877-15064 says:
ah yes…that would help
May 20 at 12:37 pm
WinThe2ndHalf says:
You dont have to change captain but you can depending on how well they do assuming your captain actually plays. So if you start with a Russian as captain and he plays but does nothing else you can select someone else playing the following day and so on.
May 20 at 12:36 pm
The Giggs Boson says:
ooh good question
I’d say Zhirkov, Huntelaar, Ramos(?), Young
May 20 at 12:40 pm
Doosra - A NOBLE PROMOTION!!! IRONMONGERS UNITE! says:
Błaszczykowski(c)(08/06), Sneijder/Ozil(09/06), Mandzukic(10/06), Kallstrom(11/06). Obviously.
May 20 at 12:44 pm
WinThe2ndHalf says:
A lot of differentials there. Might be a bit risky.
May 20 at 12:58 pm
Tommytour59 says:
Lewandowski
RVP/Huntelaar
Alba
Ibra
May 20 at 1:04 pm
Nitin Nagaraja: Come on you Rangers !! says:
Kuba
Mathijsen
Mandzukic
Ibrahimovic
May 20 at 12:33 pm
Snowman says:
Robben is now definetely out of penos for holland, still worth having tough?
May 20 at 12:38 pm
The Giggs Boson says:
Not for me, but he may come back with a vengeance though, and on his day he has mean long shot, and he’s good and making himself chances to do so.
May 20 at 12:44 pm
Snowman says:
yeah, have to think that more now..maybe I’l make room for cr7 after all.
May 20 at 12:57 pm
Tommytour59 says:
Its always been RVP or Huntelaar for me
May 20 at 12:35 pm
gaspar says:
Poland has beaten Rapid Lienz (Austrian 4th league) 8-0 in a friendly. Goals: Grosicki x2, Kucharczyk x2, Mierzejewski, Wolski, Brożek and an own-goal.
Lineup: Tytoń – Kucharczyk, Jodłowiec, Wojtkowiak, Kamiński – Matuszczyk, Polański (Murawski) – Mierzejewski, Wolski, Grosicki – Sobiech (Brożek)
May 20 at 12:42 pm
Doosra - A NOBLE PROMOTION!!! IRONMONGERS UNITE! says:
Urggghhh. No Błaszczykowski?
May 20 at 12:56 pm
G$nk@po- bringing the bling to FFS since 1990 says:
Looks like a reserve team
May 20 at 12:57 pm
G$nk@po- bringing the bling to FFS since 1990 says:
No Szceney and no Lewandowski
May 20 at 12:45 pm
★FC Borecelona★ says:
Jodłowiec 4mil interests me
May 20 at 12:36 pm
Henry Hill says:
Watching that prick lift the cup last night make me want to PUKE. How does Gomez score so many goals? He looks so average everytime I see him
May 20 at 12:37 pm
EpicFAIL - AVFC <3 says:
He’s just like a better version of Darren Bent.
May 20 at 12:38 pm
Running Riot - New Euro H2H @ 29877-15064 says:
Right place, right time…all the time?
May 20 at 12:40 pm
Kurtd says:
Hey Henry, remember, never rat on your friends. And always keep your mouth shut!
May 20 at 12:40 pm
Count Of Monte Hristo says:
Who is the best striker prospect for the big clubs to be signing this season? Falcao imo. Llorente after that.
May 20 at 12:42 pm
Mulder says:
There are a bunch IMO. Probably Falcao, Cavani , Llorente in that order
May 20 at 12:42 pm
EpicFAIL - AVFC <3 says:
Anyone would do well to pick up Falcao or Hulk.
May 20 at 12:45 pm
Kurtd says:
Manchester City will sign them all by offering to double their wages.
May 20 at 12:46 pm
The Giggs Boson says:
Apparently Falcao isn’t moving from Madrid, he loves it there. This might be a tactic to get offered higher wages but i doubt it. Neymar’s name might surface again but i think Llorente will be going to united.
May 20 at 12:47 pm
Vlad says:
Falcao is the best striker out of Champions League, but he will probably stay in Madrid.
Seidou Doumbia is likely to go somewhere.
May 20 at 12:55 pm
Tommytour59 says:
Chelsea to sign a big name striker with Drogba looking on his way out, Cavani seems the most likely
May 20 at 12:43 pm
James_Fitz says:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Spursday, Friday.
May 20 at 12:43 pm
Mulder says:
LOL
May 20 at 12:43 pm
James_Fitz says:
Sorry, I had to do it.
May 20 at 12:45 pm
★FC Borecelona★ says:
May 20 at 12:50 pm
Chris_White says:
May 20 at 12:53 pm
The Giggs Boson says:
May 20 at 12:55 pm
chinmusic says:
Spurs will be fine as FF prospects, just like they were this season.
May 20 at 12:57 pm
James_Fitz says:
Agreed.
May 20 at 12:47 pm
Smurf says:
Sorry if this had been discussed but does last nights result mean Newcastle lose out on European football?
May 20 at 12:53 pm
trisonetwo says:
dont they get chelseas spot?
May 20 at 12:54 pm
The Giggs Boson says:
I thought this, but no apparently. I’m not sure how this works, where do they get the extra team to them?
May 20 at 12:54 pm
The Giggs Boson says:
I thought this, but no apparently. I’m not sure how this works, where do they get the extra team to play them?
May 20 at 1:19 pm
Smurf says:
I thought that Spura would just take their place?
May 20 at 12:53 pm
Tommytour59 says:
Anyone had a go at a GW2 Wildcard draft?
Heres mine…
Akinfeev Given
Bonucci Alba Perquis Papa Olsson
Young Nasri Valbuena Ninis Dzagoev
Ronaldo Llorente Balotelli
Gone a bit too far here?
May 20 at 12:56 pm
The Giggs Boson says:
Lack of England defence. But i’m not worrying about that til nearer the time. I want to see the teams play.
May 20 at 1:01 pm
Man with new name says:
Why bother? You will just knee jerk all the gw1 big hitters same as everyone else
May 20 at 1:07 pm
Tommytour59 says:
Well not really as I dont want any Dutch/Germans as they play each other and they are likely to be the big hitters GW1
May 20 at 12:58 pm
WinThe2ndHalf says:
Is Huntaleer nailed on? I had Robben in my Euros team but after lasts nights match Im reconsidering.
May 20 at 1:04 pm
Tommytour59 says:
Was nailed on in qualifiers but Robben was always injured so depends where he comes into the equation?
De Jong – Van Bommel
Kuyt/RVP/Robben – Sneijder – Robben/VDV/Affelay
RVP/Huntelaar
May 20 at 1:06 pm
The Giggs Boson says:
Yes i think so, lone striker pretty much, with RVP to the left and Robben to the right.
May 20 at 1:07 pm
The Giggs Boson says:
Or the other way around sorry.
May 20 at 1:11 pm
WinThe2ndHalf says:
Thanks guys.
May 20 at 1:04 pm
Eoin says:
My thoughts on the Dutch
THE DEFENCE
Unfortunately for those pursuing Dutch Defensive players, the Netherlands have been drawn into a group with Portugal and Germany – two teams brimming with quality attackers. However, Netherlands’ first game of the group is against Denmark who pose a less significant attacking threat, so if you’re planning to use your wildcard after Gameweek 1, then investing in the Holland defence might not be a bad move.
Maarten Stekelenburg seems to be the number one Goalkeeper for Bert van Marwijk’s side. He played the majority of the qualifying games and every minute of the last 3 friendly games in succession so will more than likely be preferred over Michel Vorm. The Roma man costs 6.5 million though, a price tag that will undoubtedly prove to be a huge deterrent.
Unfortunately, there seems to currently be no cheap way into the Dutch defence without taking a major risk. The cheapest nailed-on defender is Joris Mathijsen, who is the same price as Stekelenburg so the potential clean sheet against the Danes will come at a premium price. However, the Netherlands have 3 friendly games coming up in the next 2 weeks so if players such as Ron Vlaar (5.5 million) sneak their way into the starting line-up then the Dutch Defence would look a far more attractive prospect for Gameweek 1.
THE ATTACK
So we’ve seen the potential for returns at the back for the Netherlands. However, the Dutch offence is a completely different beast. Including friendlies, Holland have scored 46 goals in 18 games and broke their goal scoring record by hammering San Marino 11-0 in qualifying for the tournament. With an average of just under 3 goals per game, going into Gameweek 1 without any Dutch attacking coverage would be a brave move indeed.
In midfield, it’s impossible to look past Wesley Sneijder. He’s scored 4 goals in his last 8 appearances for the team but comes at a price of 9.5 million so a one week punt may be the best option here considering the likes of Iniesta and Özil have far more attractive fixtures in Gameweek 2 and 3 respectively.
If you’re short on money and short on Orange jerseys in your team, then Kevin Strootman might be worth a look. The 22 year-old made only one 90 minute appearance throughout the campaign but managed to find the net in that game which demonstrates that he could be a fantastic differential if given the game time. The PSV midfielder is said to be attracting the interest of clubs such as Manchester United and AC Milan after a great domestic season that will no doubt provide van Marwijk with a reason to give him some more game time. At 6.0 million, he’s worth keeping an eye on in the upcoming friendlies.
Up front, us fantasy managers have been given a real headache because of the inclusion of Robin Van Persie, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, Arjen Robben and Dirk Kuyt as Forwards in the McDonald’s game. Surprisingly, Robin Van Persie is the highest owned out of these four players with 31.9% of the game acquiring his services. In comparison, a mere 4% of managers have opted for Huntelaar who is the same price as Van Persie – 11.0 million. On an international level, Huntelaar is proving to be far better option with 15 goals in the last 17 games compared to the Arsenal man’s 6. Huntelaar has a strike rate of a goal on average every 70 minutes over that period, Van Persie scores every 127 minutes. Even when we look at domestic form, it’s hard to believe that Van Persie has 8 times the ownership of Schalke’s top scorer. Huntelaar has played 47 times in all competitions for the German club this season, scoring 44 times. Van Persie has 36 goals in 44 games. Statistically, Huntelaar is clearly the better pick for the fantasy game.
If you’re looking for a cheaper option, then Dirk Kuyt comes in at 7.5 million and despite having a terrible domestic season, is set to play most of Holland’s games in this summer’s tournament. He’s earned the manager’s trust after scoring 8 goals in the last 17 of the Netherlands’ games and has a strike rate of a goal every 148 minutes which shows that a steady amount of goals will be in order for the Liverpool man. Considering the price tag, Dirk Kuyt looks like he could be an excellent option.
Unfortunately, we can’t look into the international statistics of Huntelaar, Van Persie and Kuyt too much. This is because Arjen Robben will be thrown back into the mix for Euro 2012 after missing every game of qualification through injury. He’s only played 2 games over the last 18 Dutch matches but it’s been shown that Klaas-Jan Huntelaar’s game time has decreased dramatically as a result – there have only been 2 games over his past 14 matches that Huntelaar has been afforded less than a half of, and these were the 2 games that Robben was fit for. At 9.0 million, the Bayern winger is also a much cheaper option than his fellow Bundesliga player and has had a good domestic season, with 18 goals in 28 games.
Overall, I think it’s a very risky play going into Euro 2012 without one of Sneijder, Huntelaar, Kuyt, Van Persie or Robben. We’ll have to wait for the friendlies to get a greater idea of who will play, though. Undoubtedly, they all have the potential to rack up large points hauls this summer.
May 20 at 1:08 pm
G$nk@po- bringing the bling to FFS since 1990 says:
Now your making me doubt Huntelaar. Grrr
May 20 at 1:10 pm
Man with new name says:
+1
May 20 at 3:00 pm
Doosra - A NOBLE PROMOTION!!! IRONMONGERS UNITE! says:
Excellent, Eoin!
May 20 at 3:21 pm
Camzy says:
Predictions on a starting XI?
I have:
Stekelenburg
Van Der Wiel, Mathijsen, Heitinga, Boulahrouz?
Van Bommel, Strootman
Robben, Sneijder, Kuyt
Van Persie
May 20 at 1:12 pm
JuanMataBeast says:
Is madzukic nailed on for croatia i need an altenative to kranjar whos worth no more then 6.5
May 20 at 1:15 pm
The Giggs Boson says:
Yes he is, and he plays OOP as a striker. He’s not for me personally though.
May 20 at 1:13 pm
Vlad says:
Vasily Berezutsky will miss the Euro due to his injury @Advocaat
May 20 at 1:14 pm
Moe says:
atleast one good thing from chelsea’s win is liverpool go directly to the group stages of the europa instead of 1 or 2 qualifying rounds which wouldve upset the pre season
May 20 at 1:20 pm
Vlad says:
Another good thing is that Spartak Moscow will most likely go from the 3rd qualification round of the Champions League to the 4th round because of Spurs vacating their place