Scout Report – James Tomkins
Filed under: Scout Reports - Posted by: Paul
Our series of articles focussing on key targets from the promoted clubs continues with a look at one of West Ham’s defensive assets. Hammers centre-half James Tomkins missed a single league game last term and was one of only two players from Sam Allardyce’s side to feature in the npower Championship team of the season, along with midfielder Mark Noble:
The Statistics
A product of the Hammers’ youth academy, Tomkins signed for the club at the age of seven and has worked his way up through the ranks. The centre-half made his debut in the 2007-08 campaign after a spate of injuries handed him a chance and went on to win the Young Hammer of the Year award after making six first-team appearances. Aside from a brief five-week loan spell at Derby the following season, Tomkins has been a one-club man.
The centre-half has struggled with injuries and failed to gain the trust of certain managers over his time at Upton Park; prior to Sam Allardyce’s arrival last summer, he had made just 60 league appearances in his first four seasons at the club. Installed alongside Winston Reid at the heart of the Hammers backline, Tomkins – who occasionally featured in a defensive midfield role under the former Bolton boss – was a stand-out performer as Big Sam guided the club back into the Premier League at the first attempt, returning four goals and a couple of assists. In total, he has played 104 league matches, scoring six times and providing three assists, and has represented England at youth level from Under 16 – Under 21.
The Prospects
Costing 4.5 in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) and 4.1 in the Sky Sports game, Tomkins is pricier than his fellow Hammers defenders in the latter game, with Reid matching his valuation in FPL. His guaranteed game time, however, has helped him pick up plenty of suitors and he is, resultantly, the most popular West Ham defender in both games, despite cheaper alternatives in Allardyce’s backline.
While many Fantasy managers are eyeing up the Hammers defence as we look for cut-price rotation options, it’s worth bearing in mind that Allardyce’s side were statistically more impressive away from home in the 2011/12 campaign. Not only did West Ham win more games on the road (13 to 11), they picked up 10 away clean sheets compared to just seven at home and also conceded less goals on their travels (22 v 26). A repeat pattern could well prove frustrating for Fantasy managers looking to mainly utilise their Hammers defensive assets at home, perhaps suggesting Jussi Jaaskelainen may be more reliable in FPL due to save points, though Tomkins’ ability to register blocks could prove essential in boosting his EA SPORTS Player Performance Index score and help him pick up bonus.
Tomkins’ involvement with the Great Britain Olympic squad has many worrying over his game time at the start of the season but even if Stuart Pearce’s team reach the final on Saturday August 11, it still gives the defender a full week before the Hammers get their season underway at home to Aston Villa – considering how integral Tomkins was to the team’s defensive performances last term, it seems unlikely this will affect Allardyce’s selection policy.
With (FUL, SUN, SOT) all set to visit Upton Park by the end of Gameweek 8 and trips to Swansea, Norwich and QPR also on the agenda, the Hammers are picking up plenty investment due to what is clearly one of the kindest opening schedules around. If Allardyce can engineer a quick start out the blocks, Tomkins has the potential to immediately flourish and establish himself as one of the best value defenders on offer to Fantasy managers for the season ahead.
Further Reference
About The Author
paul
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Recent Comments
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Sturridge, Bale or Walcott for the armband? » -
the link of the home page suggests it doesnt it? » -
Exactly! And 7 CSs in 9 games shows he still does his job ;) » -
Any chance this may be slightly biased as he had by far his worst game of the season against you lot ;-) » -
so aguero fit and ready to start? »
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The fact that people keep mentioning that there's no Hernandez possibly points towards him not really being a… » -
http://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2013/05/18/spot-the-differential-gameweek-38/comment-page-3/#comment-5832963 »
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http://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2013/05/18/spot-the-differential-gameweek-38/comment-page-1/#comment-5832660… » -
Ultra-Differential 8-) »
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I'm nervous about this. Thinking of ditching him for Dempsey. Problem is I have Lukaku too who I could get rid of for… »
“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.”
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July 31 at 3:08 am
Seabreeze says:
Is anyone buying in to the whole Lindegaard rumours? In regards to him splitting game time with DDG?
July 31 at 3:10 am
Yossi: The Jewish Iniesta I.D=485 says:
Now that DDG is coming home early from Olympics he should be ok.
July 31 at 3:20 am
Seabreeze says:
Indeed, well hopefully, will probably get Rafael in and wait and see how DDG is doing though.
July 31 at 3:11 am
Aaron30195 says:
I reckon DDG will be a regular starter to begin with but depending on his form Lindegaard may get a reasonable amount of action. Saying that I still wouldn’t have him in my team.
July 31 at 3:20 am
Seabreeze says:
That’s my worry, it all depends on how DDG is performing in regards to Lindegaard, and Lindegaard has been doing well.
July 31 at 3:08 am
Mick says:
What about the rumours going around that cavani is to be Chelseas next signing?? How much do you reckon he would cost in the game, 11m maybe???
July 31 at 3:14 am
Aaron30195 says:
Yeah 11m maybe even 11.5m
July 31 at 3:16 am
Billy Gilmore says:
Why wouldn’t he be 10m like Torres?
July 31 at 3:22 am
Mick says:
because unlike Torres he has had 2 brilliant seasons as opposed to well you know, he has also been a key component in Uruguays emergence as a top internation team
July 31 at 3:24 am
Billy Gilmore says:
Yeah but same team. Same position. Torres has also shown he can be very prolific at his best.
July 31 at 3:27 am
Mick says:
Yes but he hasn’t been in a long time and as for same team….Tevez, Aguero same team, Rooney, Hernandez same team
July 31 at 3:29 am
Billy Gilmore says:
Aguero, 1st choice. Tevez far from it. Rooney 1st choice. Hernandez far from it. Torres 1st choice. Cavani……..
July 31 at 3:32 am
Mick says:
Thats what I’m saying though mate, with Cavani arriving he becomes THE striker making Torres a rotation risk, especially with all that wing and attacking mid talent making it more than likely they will play a 4-5-1
July 31 at 3:37 am
Billy Gilmore says:
Yes but £10m is the price for a 1st choice Chelsea striker. That’s what they would have done when they evaluated Torres. Drogba was the same price last season and I’d expect cavani to be as well.
July 31 at 3:41 am
Mick says:
they aren’t going to change Torres price so they have to make Cavani more expensive. They’re not just going to go here you go have this currently world class striker for the exact same price as one that used to be.
July 31 at 3:42 am
Billy Gilmore says:
Well with the added rotation risk that is Torres. If he reclaims any semblance of form then he will definitely rival Cavani for his price. Torres is also the 1st choice striker for the best team in the world…
July 31 at 3:49 am
Mick says:
Yes but that’s a massive if? And Torres isn’t Spains first choice striker, they played with 6 mids to avoid having to play him and even started Negredo ahead of him when they didn’t. Ask anyone else mate, Cavani is in the next best group after Messi and Ronaldo of the worlds top talent and Torres is far off that. I actually really hope Torres does get back to world class form but just stating that Cavani is ahead by miles at the moment and will most definitely be more expensive IF he does arrive at Chelsea
July 31 at 3:53 am
Billy Gilmore says:
I certainly agree he’s a much better player but personally I can’t see him being over 10.5m. Especially considering Aguero is 11.5m in the Champions team.
July 31 at 4:03 am
Mick says:
I imagine they shaved .5 off of agueros price because of Mancinis rotation habits especially with tevez still in the squad. 10.5 would be a bargain but it’s a possibility. I think he’d be devastating in the premier league too, he’s extremely physical in the same vein as drogba only maybe more naturally/technically gifted
July 31 at 4:03 am
Mick says:
I imagine they shaved .5 off of agueros price because of Mancinis rotation habits especially with tevez still in the squad. 10.5 would be a bargain but it’s a possibility. I think he’d be devastating in the premier league too, he’s extremely physical in the same vein as drogba only maybe more naturally/technically gifted
July 31 at 3:23 am
Seabreeze says:
If it’s true, he will be going in my team anyway.
I don’t see why he wouldn’t cost the same as Aguero did last season, so 11m~
July 31 at 8:09 am
Kendog says:
no way cavani will be same price as Aguero. Any world class striker coming to chelsea will have to start at least at $10.5
July 31 at 3:23 am
RedForLife says:
Afternoon all…
So few thoughts:
A. Mata on the radar now he is back early from the olympics?
B. DDG over Friedel?
C. Best option bar Maloney & Noble for 5m. Thinking Pilkington, can anyone tell me if he’s played preseason?
July 31 at 3:28 am
iLA says:
Yes think he’ll be more settled this season but both he and Hazard will be subbed off early imo to bleed in Marin and Oscar.
DDG anyday United def >> Spurs by far, and I’ve been burned by Friedel big time last season when Spurs couldnt buy any cleanies during their easy fixtures.
Pilko played and scored but iirc he’s 6m mate.
July 31 at 3:39 am
RedForLife says:
Cheers Ila. Appreciate the info..
July 31 at 3:33 am
Ryan says:
A) Not really, I don’t think he will be the stand out Chelsea midfielder. I doubt he will regularly get 90 minutes every game either.
B) Its a hard one. Friedel seems to be good Spurs defensive cover due to his nailed on ness and the fact that they have a kind fixture list for the start of the season.
DDG could be prone to rotation and he also takes up a United Spot in the team. Whereas someone like Rafael (when he returns to the starting team) could be better value at only 5.5m.
I’m seriously considering switching from DDG to Friedel
C) There isn’t any that are good picks. Besides I would try and spend an extra 1m on the numerous quality 6m options.
July 31 at 3:44 am
RedForLife says:
Ok cheers Ryan. Good food for the thought. The DDG v Friedel battle is giving me headaches.
also, may look to a 6m/4.5 mids in place of the 5m/5m mid plan. Cheers.
thoughts on Hammers O’Neil at 4.5 for a bench possie?
July 31 at 3:47 am
Ryan says:
No idea about O’Neil sorry. Guthrie might be a good mid at 4.5m though
July 31 at 3:54 am
RedForLife says:
Ok Ta…
Going with Torres? I’ve decided against it & going with Mata & Ivan as DGW cover from CHE.
July 31 at 3:34 am
Seabreeze says:
A. I have Mata and Marin in my team, with Marin’s form I’m hoping he will get the game time, all subject to change closer to the season though when we can see what team gets played.
B. Yes. Only thing in doubt at the moment is his game time due to Lindegaard rotation, but if he’s performing well then he’s a solid pick.
C. Pilk is 6m, think Noble is probably the best pick anyway due to the Carroll move anyway.
July 31 at 3:44 am
RedForLife says:
Nice 1 SB. appreciated!
July 31 at 8:12 am
Kendog says:
considering AVB uses a more attack minded style of play… If you were to get Spurs cover in defense i would avoid Friedel. At least a defender has ability to assist/score. I dont see spurs racking up too many clean sheets at start of season. DDG is worth .5 more
July 31 at 3:27 am
Sigga says:
Rate my team,
Hart, (Henderson)
Hangleand, Kompany, Evra/Vidic, (Cuellar, Clyne)
Silva, Kagawa,Maloney, Noble, (Guthrie)
Roonpig,Graham,Torres
torres> to adeybayor
all input greatly appreciated
cheers
July 31 at 3:30 am
Mick says:
Midfield is a little light, could build on it by downgrading hart or Evra/Vidic….I would go for downgrading Hart as with save points a weaker keeper tends to be the better option. Kagawa isn’t nailed on and as for the last 3 anything at all could happen.
July 31 at 3:31 am
iLA says:
Probably the generic Kompany > Lescott and upgrade one of the mid. Like the triple United, could pay off nicely if they start strong.
July 31 at 3:32 am
Billy Gilmore says:
Too much in defence imo.
July 31 at 3:35 am
GreennRed says:
I have Jaaskelainen. Do you reckon Henderson will oust him? Class keeper, should have been in for Ireland in the Euros after the Croatia game. Would save me 0.5 m too.
Downgrade your very pricey defence and upgrade midfield.
July 31 at 3:37 am
GarthButchers says:
Kompany to a Chelsea D at least for gw1 as you’ll have your city coverage through Hart?
July 31 at 3:44 am
LWO23 says:
Do whatever Petri Skriko would do.
July 31 at 3:48 am
GarthButchers says:
+1
July 31 at 4:36 am
Sigga says:
thanks for all the input guys!
July 31 at 3:36 am
jinswick says:
Morning chaps. So it looks like Carroll is on his way to WHU – that cements Noble in my team!
July 31 at 3:41 am
iLA says:
Morning! Noble is getting more and more popular in here, was already a decent pick with without Carroll anyway imo. Also who do I need to ask to join the top 1000 any season league?
July 31 at 3:49 am
Nitin Nagaraja says:
PDM
July 31 at 3:50 am
Nitin Nagaraja says:
League code is 100-348 btw.
July 31 at 3:52 am
iLA says:
Who’s PDM?
July 31 at 3:51 am
Nitin Nagaraja says:
http://www.fantasyfootballscou.....nt-3445479
July 31 at 3:57 am
iLA says:
Cheers NN very helpful as usual
July 31 at 3:44 am
zan says:
http://bleacherreport.com/arti.....-completed ?????
July 31 at 3:50 am
LWO23 says:
Yep, agreed. Hoping he scores well enough that I can eventually downgrade to another 4.5 or 5 mid to sit on the bench and upgrade elsewhere.
July 31 at 4:07 am
KIT says:
I highly doubt Liverpool will loan out Carroll. Really if even after the Aquilani loan term disasters we continue to make the same mistakes it’ll be unfortunate.
Also saw BR’s interview where he clearly says its foolish to consider a Loan move for someone we bought for 35 mil
Really dont see this move happening.
July 31 at 3:37 am
Aaron30195 says:
Has anyone seen Michu play? He has goalscoring potential judging by his stats, but is he worth the gamble?
July 31 at 3:40 am
GreennRed says:
Definitely.
July 31 at 3:43 am
Aaron30195 says:
I assume he’s in your team then.
What keepers are thinking about?
July 31 at 3:43 am
NotoriousDRE says:
swansea have a run of favourable game…if u not going graham, michu maybe worth a punt
July 31 at 3:38 am
The Artist says:
updated team, please RMT:
green/jaask
hangeland/fonte/boyce/clichy/tomkins
siggy/yaya/hazard/michu/noble
jelavic/aguero/carroll
July 31 at 3:45 am
NotoriousDRE says:
frontline a bit light…having both jelly and carroll is a bit risky. Pick one….and use the rest of the funds to upgrade ya backline mate…imo
July 31 at 3:39 am
★FC Borecelona★ - "I can make anybody look like a nobody" says:
Cech ¦ Jussi
Fabio ¦ Ivanovic ¦ Santon ¦ Clyne ¦ Cuellar
Valencia ¦ Noble ¦ Hazard ¦ Maloney ¦ Michu
Aguero ¦ Rooney ¦ Petric
Rate this team out of 10 please
July 31 at 3:41 am
★FC Borecelona★ - "I can make anybody look like a nobody" says:
Morning, NN
July 31 at 3:42 am
★FC Borecelona★ - "I can make anybody look like a nobody" says:
July 31 at 3:44 am
Nitin Nagaraja says:
Haha! Morning, Borce
July 31 at 3:44 am
Nitin Nagaraja says:
Oooh, Cech. Haven’t seen him these parts around much.
Solid defence. Love it apart from Noble. A solid 8/10 I would say.
July 31 at 3:50 am
★FC Borecelona★ - "I can make anybody look like a nobody" says:
Yeah, not totally convinced by Noble either
July 31 at 3:45 am
iLA says:
Nice team, Ivan to a City/United def imo.
July 31 at 3:55 am
★FC Borecelona★ - "I can make anybody look like a nobody" says:
Cheers. I will consider Lescott over Ivan
July 31 at 3:46 am
GreennRed says:
Nice one. 8/10.
I don’t rate Maloney and don’t like having a keeper and defender from same team but if Chelsea defence improves then you’re laughing all the way to the Leeds!
July 31 at 3:48 am
NotoriousDRE says:
3 cheap mids is a touch risky
does your backline rotate well..atleast all except from Ivanovic?
July 31 at 3:57 am
★FC Borecelona★ - "I can make anybody look like a nobody" says:
Yep. Santon+Cuellar and Clyne+Fabio rotate very well
July 31 at 3:49 am
Aaron30195 says:
Good team
8.5/10
You could possibly look at putting Torres in for GW1 and then switching for Rooney
July 31 at 3:49 am
Aaron30195 says:
Good team
8.5/10
You could possibly look at putting Torres in for GW1 and then switching for Rooney.
July 31 at 4:03 am
★FC Borecelona★ - "I can make anybody look like a nobody" says:
My team is so good you had to post it twice
Personally not considering Torres but understand the appeal of him for the DGW
July 31 at 4:04 am
RedForLife says:
Like it…
Very simular look to the team I’m assembling.
July 31 at 4:09 am
★FC Borecelona★ - "I can make anybody look like a nobody" says:
Great minds
July 31 at 3:39 am
Nitin Nagaraja says:
Morning, people!
July 31 at 3:41 am
Billy Gilmore says:
Morning Nitin
July 31 at 3:48 am
Nitin Nagaraja says:
Sup, Billy?
Any new transfer news?
July 31 at 3:51 am
Billy Gilmore says:
Carroll to WHU supposedly. Your much better at those rumours than I am. You must have high up sources
July 31 at 4:21 am
Billy Gilmore says:
*you’re
July 31 at 3:41 am
shikabala says:
buenos dias !!
July 31 at 3:42 am
Nitin Nagaraja says:
Yes, that too.
July 31 at 3:41 am
iLA says:
Mornin Nitin hows it going
July 31 at 3:43 am
Nitin Nagaraja says:
All good, Ila. Thanks
Not bothered to tinker with my team for 4 days now. I’ve decided to leave it as is until all the Olympics, transfers, pre-season dust settles.
July 31 at 3:47 am
iLA says:
Haha good plan, you’d end up changing it again on the last day anyway. Mine is still at the auto complete team
July 31 at 3:48 am
Nitin Nagaraja says:
July 31 at 3:40 am
13VanDerBale13 says:
Lesscott Or Pienaar
July 31 at 3:42 am
Mick says:
Need more info, what is the rest of your team and instead of who?
July 31 at 3:43 am
13VanDerBale13 says:
basically, Lesccot and 4.5 Mid Or Peinaar and 4.5 Def
July 31 at 3:46 am
shikabala says:
pienaar if rest of def looks solid
July 31 at 3:56 am
GreennRed says:
Pienaar if he eventually signs for Everton. Some good 4.5 m defenders like Fabio, Cuellar, clark, Hughes etc. Almost no decent 4.5 m mids. Worth getting.
July 31 at 3:58 am
13VanDerBale13 says:
wat about 5.0 mids if i get clichy instead
July 31 at 3:44 am
shikabala says:
FriedelCerny
Gorkss
Simpson
Williams
Clichy
Barnett
Yaya Toure
Hoilett
Bale
Lampard
Sinclair
Aguero
Bent
Graham
and 0.5 left u know why
rate plz and leave suggestions thx
July 31 at 3:47 am
Nitin Nagaraja says:
- Simpson might be on his way out to make room for Debuchy. Pick Saylor if you want a Geordie.
- Yaya doesn’t cut it for me.
- Prefer Taarabt to Hoilett.
July 31 at 3:52 am
shikabala says:
thx man
July 31 at 3:56 am
iLA says:
I’d rather 2 playing goalies and 6m/4m def than Simpson and Williams
July 31 at 4:20 am
shikabala says:
good point anyway i might just change the whole team if carrol arrives in westham
July 31 at 3:48 am
LWO23 says:
Need to drop .5 for this to be my GW2 team (a few spots where I am undecided, but choosing between the same price). Any suggestions appreciated.
Friedel Fed
A. Cole Hang Fabio Cuellar Wilson (or other 4.5 mid)
Bale Kagawa Pien McClean/Michu Noble
Rooney Aguero Graham/Petric
July 31 at 3:54 am
Nitin Nagaraja says:
1. Friedel/Federici > Foster/Begovic
2. Hangeland > Hughes
3. Pienaar/McClean/Michu > Taarabt/Nolan
July 31 at 3:57 am
LWO23 says:
Cheers. All good suggestions. Might be leaning to Hughes if it appears he has secured the job over Senderos. Think I need a certain starter in there as some potential for rotation for Fabio/Cuellar/Wilson and don’t want to be caught short a defender.
July 31 at 3:51 am
LWO23 says:
Anyone considering Howard over Friedel? Not seeing Howard in many RMTs. Any reason other than Everton’s usual slow start?
July 31 at 3:55 am
shikabala says:
tot fixtures are so easy startin from gwk2
July 31 at 3:58 am
LWO23 says:
Guess that is simple enough. I’m not sold on Tott’s defending, but perhaps sched is easy enough to risk it.
July 31 at 3:55 am
jz says:
rmt
ddg begovic
ashleycole, lescott, hangeland (cuellar, tienery)
vdv, kagawa, yaya, britton (frei)
torres, p cisse, tevez
July 31 at 3:57 am
jz says:
torres (captain)
July 31 at 4:07 am
RedForLife says:
Like the defence. Few risky options forward IMO. Do you think Frei will play? Some doubt there I believe.
July 31 at 3:57 am
zan says:
What one?
A.Williams or Hangeland
July 31 at 4:07 am
RedForLife says:
Hangers for me.
July 31 at 4:17 am
Nitin Nagaraja says:
Hangeland.
July 31 at 4:26 am
shikabala says:
williams 0.o
July 31 at 4:47 am
Sigga says:
Hangeland
swansea lost BR so i doubt they’ll keep as man CS
July 31 at 4:10 am
RedForLife says:
Ok who wins the nod here.
A. Koscielny (Have a feeling & have Chel & Spurs cover) & O’Neil (or 4.5 mid)
or
B. Hangerland & Noble
Note the Mid will only play minimal games in a decent midfield.
July 31 at 4:13 am
super zlatan says:
B
July 31 at 4:18 am
RedForLife says:
cheers SZ!
July 31 at 4:22 am
mahfreems says:
Defs B
July 31 at 4:18 am
★FC Borecelona★ - "I can make anybody look like a nobody" says:
B
July 31 at 4:18 am
Nitin Nagaraja says:
Not sold on the clean sheet potential for Arsenal yet.
B for now.
July 31 at 4:19 am
Billy Gilmore says:
B but make sure that Hangeland rotates with your other defenders though.
July 31 at 4:23 am
RedForLife says:
Cheers to all… Made the change, Hangerland in for now, keeping the .5 handy just incase, if nothing else turns up Noble will be acquired.
July 31 at 4:30 am
shikabala says:
what bout williams swans ?
July 31 at 4:21 am
Nitin Nagaraja says:
If he gets to start, who do you think Geoff Cameron will replace in the Stoke lineup?
July 31 at 4:50 am
RedForLife says:
Don’t know much about this guy?
July 31 at 4:22 am
tomdn says:
Any love for Segg?
July 31 at 4:37 am
Nitin Nagaraja says:
Do you mean Sess or Siggy? Sorry :neural:
July 31 at 4:38 am
tomdn says:
My bad. Segg of Sun.
July 31 at 4:39 am
Nitin Nagaraja says:
Sunderland are in talks to sign Steven Fletcher. If he comes in at £6.0m or so, he’ll be a very good buy. He’ll gobble up those Larsson and McClean crosses.
July 31 at 4:50 am
tomdn says:
Good news. Ive bought Yaya but wonder how much offensive he ll play @City
July 31 at 4:55 am
Nitin Nagaraja says:
Yeah. That’s the concern.
July 31 at 4:28 am
Nitin Nagaraja says:
So, Ramis joined Wigan and not West Ham?
July 31 at 4:29 am
Billy Gilmore says:
What??
July 31 at 4:31 am
Nitin Nagaraja says:
I just read that somewhere in the earlier pages. Doos and Demi’s posts.
July 31 at 4:33 am
Billy Gilmore says:
July 31 at 4:32 am
Nitin Nagaraja says:
Here.
http://www.fantasyfootballscou.....nt-3504008
Doos and JK posted it later too.
July 31 at 4:33 am
Nitin Nagaraja says:
So West Ham are now in talks with James Collins and free agent Sebastian Boenisch.
July 31 at 4:40 am
Cubillas says:
Any comments about my team, with advise on who might be better choices, would be extremely welcome. Thanks:
Sczcesny, (Federici),
Lescott, Rafael, Kaboul, (Clyne, Demel),
Kagawa, Arteta, Piennar, El Ahmadi, (Britton),
Roons, Tevez, Aguero
July 31 at 4:52 am
Sigga says:
not sold on rafa/arteta/kagawa/tevez/pienanr
too many risks IMO
i have kagawa myself
also is El Ahmadi 4,5mil and certain to play?
July 31 at 4:52 am
FuzzyWarbles says:
downgrade tevez and upgrade midfield. not a fan or arsenal defence unless its verm and the fixtures are good. arteta may be a good shout if/when rvp leaves, but i wouldnt gamble on him until then.
July 31 at 4:43 am
FuzzyWarbles says:
gah!!!!
current team
Howard, Federici
Clichy, Hangeland, Rangel, Cuellar, McCartney
Lampard, Siggy, Kagawa, Pienaar, Noble
Aguero, Torres, Graham
if i were to raise .5, better to upgrade lamps->mata, siggy->bale, or kagawa->valencia?
better to get .5 by going hangeland->hughes or cuellar->fonte or clyne?
OR do lamps->ramires, take the 2 mil and put .5 clichy->lescott, .5 siggy->bale, .5 kagawa->valencia, and save the remaining .5 for an aguero->rooney transfer or something like that for gw2?
July 31 at 4:56 am
FuzzyWarbles says:
this did post in english right?
what, too off-topic?
July 31 at 4:57 am
RedForLife says:
Like the last option.
July 31 at 4:58 am
RedForLife says:
No Spurs or Che Defence interesting also.
July 31 at 5:11 am
FuzzyWarbles says:
one has AVB, the other still has the aroma of AVB. chelsea have stretches where they are tight at the back, but overall i think clubs with cheaper defenders hav equal if not better CS potential over the first couple of months. im a spurs fan and i think they are going to have trouble there as well. If it werent for the dgw, i dont think many are investing in chelsea defence.
July 31 at 4:44 am
Manani says:
so if I have 7.5m for a midfielder, would I be better off to get Pineear and use the 1m else where?
July 31 at 4:47 am
Test Eagles says:
Michu?
July 31 at 4:51 am
FuzzyWarbles says:
for 7.5 i think pienaar is the best bet, if not larsson (both 6.5). or sess if you can scrounge up .5 more. but all 3 players have a bad gw1 fixture. Maybe a short punt on ramires then switch?
July 31 at 4:52 am
Manani says:
will do torres>Roon/Kun>Roon switch. in GW1
July 31 at 4:45 am
Test Eagles says:
I’m considering Walcott for the first GW instead of a Spurs mid. He had a great end to last season, has already popped a goal in pre-season and has Sunderland at home? Worth a pop, and then trade for one of Siggy, Bale or VDV once we know how their lining up?
July 31 at 4:50 am
Nitin Nagaraja says:
Morning, Mr. Hitman. Makes sense.
I’m considering Gervinho!
July 31 at 4:51 am
Test Eagles says:
Oh good… glad Arsenal are still on the radar! Gervinho could be an interesting look in too!
July 31 at 4:53 am
Nitin Nagaraja says:
Yeah – specially with Wenger saying Podolski and Giroud will be “eased into” the first team.
July 31 at 4:48 am
EX: Lurker since '09. Regular since '10 says:
Torn between Maloney and Noble. Reckon Maloney’s got more potential in him?
July 31 at 4:53 am
tomdn says:
It really depends on what you expect from them. If they just a filler for the mids. Noble should get a nod because of his pens, FKs, and cornerkicks.
July 31 at 4:54 am
Manani says:
also thought about that, but bad run of fixture+wigan don’t start playing football till Jan at least
July 31 at 4:55 am
Ryan says:
A few intriguing differentials out there that people haven’t thought much about. These are the guys that could really propel you up the rankings early as you never really know who is going to come out of the blocks firing. Feel free to add to this list.
1. Defoe.
This guy is the main striker for Spurs at the moment as they continue their search for a striker, if Spurs don’t sign a striker soon Defoe could do well in the first few game weeks. Ade is still at City making things difficult and at this stage Spurs haven’t begun to look elsewhere.
2. Jelavic
Ever since Everton got themselves a descent attack they have been in great form. The January signings of Jelavic and Pienaar made a huge difference for Everton so I wouldn’t expect any changes in their form at the start of this season. Their kind run of fixtures from GW2 could see fine profits here.
3. Tevez
Not that much of a differential in these parts but in the grand scheme of things Aguero has a much higher ownership rate. Tevez seems to be as nailed on as players such as Hazard and Kagawa so its intriguing that people have steered clear. At 9m he is also a bargain.
4. Carol
Would be a great fit at West ham. His aerial prowess and value could see him do well.
5. HBA
Hasn’t been in too many RMT’s so this dynamic midfielder is flying way below the radar. He has the ability to go on hot runs of form and there is no reason why he cannot come out of the blocks firing.
6. Marin
Has had a strong pre season campaign for Chelsea. Looks a great prospect for only 7m
7. Given
A massive bandwagon at the start of last season this man has become forgotten. Villas strong early fixtures could see him do well.
8. Cisse (QPR)
Many are picking QPR to do better this year. Cisse is the main protagonist up front and has a fine goal scoring record. He is a bargain at 6.5m
9. Bent
A surprisingly low ownership Bent is nailed on and on penalties. He is a proven fantasy performer and comes in at a good price with nice early fixtures
10. Snodgrass
Was the key player for Leeds and has an array of set piece duties to boot. A relative unknown but has the potential to make a big impact in the premier league for Norwich.
July 31 at 4:57 am
Manani says:
+1000
can’t understand why people overlooked bent
July 31 at 4:57 am
Nitin Nagaraja says:
Great post Ryan – keep ‘em coming.
July 31 at 4:58 am
Test Eagles says:
Great post Ryan… thanks for spotting these up!
July 31 at 4:59 am
Test Eagles says:
I still thing Dave Cisse could be a surprise package too
July 31 at 5:04 am
Ryan says:
Yeah that guy is a beast. Its interesting that Ba has a higher ownership but I haven’t seen much love for Newcastle attacking assets around these parts.
July 31 at 5:02 am
FuzzyWarbles says:
agreed on defoe, bent, ben arfa, snodgrass and perhaps marin.
carroll was great when newcastle got promoted, he was priced like a promoted striker. now hes 8.5 playing for the hammers? no thanks.
cisse WILL burn you. the million or so less he is priced at will even out when you get red carded, have points deducted, and have to spend transfers you didnt want to to take care of it.
if given were 4.5 this year, id be on board. but after last season, i need to see villa prove something before i invest
jelly may have low ownership so technically considered a differential, but hes far more secure in investment than these others IMO.
July 31 at 5:09 am
Ryan says:
Good point on Andy Carol regarding price/value I do have to agree there. As Jelly is the same price he would be a much better option.
I’d disagree with regards to Cisse though. Just because he got a few red cards last year doesn’t mean it will happen all the time. Remember how we all though Belotelli will always get red cards.
July 31 at 5:15 am
FuzzyWarbles says:
it only needs to happen once to ruin so much. i just dont see the point in investing in anyone prone to the red card. he is certainly prone. and i still think balotelli is prone too. give me an even temperment please!
July 31 at 5:06 am
mahfreems says:
This is awesome, Marin is the only one that I disagree with but other than that sounds pretty accurate. Tevez is a serious contention for me. Going to wait to the Community Shield to see first. Team looks so much better with Tevez instead: free’s up so much money
July 31 at 5:11 am
RedForLife says:
Nice Post.
Like the Defoe call if No Spurs Striker is purchased.
Looked long & hard at Tevez. Would love the additional 2.5 u get for downgrading Aguero but that little bit of doubt is what’s swayed me in the end. Just don’t want to start the season off behind the 8 ball.
July 31 at 5:19 am
Sigga says:
superb post! I plan on doing Torres to one of defoe/Adzey or Jelly
July 31 at 5:58 am
Pratik : Registrations open for the UEFA Council Leagues!!! Click me to know more! says:
Defoe – I expect Spurs to sign a striker soon (before the season starts). If they don’t, we will see. It will still be risky to get Defoe, because as soon as the striker arrives from the transfer windows Defoe might be relegate to the bench.
Newcastle don’t have great fixtures to start off with, hence ignored for a while. I am suprised you missed Cisse (Newcastle), he has a low ownership here on FFS.
Marin – Not such a great choice, as there is no way is gonna play regularly irrespective of the pre-season
Jelavic, Bent, Tevez great choices.
July 31 at 8:26 am
Kendog says:
There are players on every team that are overlooked… The fact is you need Torres and Roon/Aguero for gameweek 1 which means u either need a 3rd cheapo and the best third cheapo options would come from those with strong fixtures. Those on this site have a reason for picking their players. Id love to have all these players in my team… but unfortunately there is only $100 bugdet and and 15 spots. nice post though
I think this post was made so people second guessed themselves and provided RYAN with a small advantage haha
July 31 at 4:56 am
Manani says:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19056545
worth a punt if that’s true
July 31 at 4:57 am
Ray Allen Iverson says:
would you guys choose a or b?
ddg fed
ivan, santon, cylne, mccartney hange
ddg fed
ivan santon clyne fabio cueller
open to any option for 9m defense..
July 31 at 5:45 am
RaspingDrive says:
Close call. I would go Fabio Cuellar. I think the wheels came off FulhamKs clean sheet potential after Jol took over the reins, so back Sunderland to keep more cleansheets.
July 31 at 4:59 am
saints says:
Ok lads, Thoughts on this mob…….
Howard, Jaaskelainen
Haggerland, Fabio, Harte, Rafeal, Clyne
Silva, Kagawa, Taarabt, Noble, Maloney
Aguero, Torres, Jelavic
2m in the bank to swap in Rooney
July 31 at 5:06 am
FuzzyWarbles says:
harte not nailed on im told
im going howard too, most think it daft, but not i. im pairing him with federici though. after gw1, you are going to want to play howard just about every week until gw14, so why not go federici and get tht cheap dgw in for gw1 with howard benched vs utd?
July 31 at 5:14 am
saints says:
Cheers, Jass is getting dropped
Totally agree about Evertons run of games hence Jelavics inclusion.
What do you think to Silvas valuation – I cant seem to put a team down without him in it?
July 31 at 5:19 am
FuzzyWarbles says:
silva kinda slowed down as the season wore down last year. i suppose one could say he needed to get rested and will come back fresh and on fire again for a new term, or one could argue he’s lost that fantasy touch. 21.5 mil invested in 2 attacking city players, i just dont think their fixtures warrant it. Id invest in one or the other and use the money toward swansea or tottenham. Both have great prospects and great fixtures.
July 31 at 5:11 am
tomdn says:
Hangeland, Coloccini or Rangel/Willams?
Pick 2 for me plz
July 31 at 5:13 am
Ryan says:
Hangeland and Rangel.
July 31 at 5:17 am
tomdn says:
Btw, who among them is a goal threat?
July 31 at 5:24 am
Sigga says:
Hangeland?
Though last season i don’t think he scored as often as previous seasons.
July 31 at 5:19 am
Test Eagles says:
Why Rangel over Williams IYO?
July 31 at 5:21 am
Manani says:
I think is because Rangel is more involved in attacking
July 31 at 5:22 am
FuzzyWarbles says:
williams amidst transfer rumours. otherwise id go williams too, but im currently on rangel. i think rangel will offer slightly more goal threat while williams gets in the bonus more. its pretty much an even race IMO.
July 31 at 5:21 am
Ryan says:
Rangel was prolific during his time in the championship. Last year wasn’t his best so I’d expect him to improve his attacking output this time around.
He gets himself high up the field and gets a lot of touches on the ball. He has the potential to do very well in terms of attacking returns.
July 31 at 5:23 am
tomdn says:
Tks Ryan. +1
July 31 at 5:27 am
Test Eagles says:
Cheers pal
July 31 at 5:22 am
GUNNER says:
Expectations for Cazorla’s price if he arrives to Arsenal?
July 31 at 5:24 am
GUNNER says:
I’d say 8.5
July 31 at 5:27 am
FuzzyWarbles says:
wait we answer our own questions now? that should make things easier!
July 31 at 5:26 am
Sigga says:
8-9?