The Technical Area – United’s Midfield Diamond
Filed under: The Technical Area - Posted by: Paul
For the first time in the current league campaign, Sir Alex Ferguson fielded both Wayne Rooney and Robin Van Persie in the same starting XI for United’s trip to Newcastle last Sunday. The pair had clicked in the previous game on Champions League duty, with Rooney teeing up the Dutchman for both his side’s goals in the 2-1 win over CFR Cluj and while Van Persie failed to fire against the Magpies, Rooney continued to revel in a more withdrawn role after providing another pair of assists in the 3-0 win.
Intriguingly, this was the first time Ferguson has rolled out his new diamond formation in the league. With Michael Carrick at the base, Shinji Kagawa and Tom Cleverley played right and left respectively, while Rooney tucked in behind Van Persie and Danny Welbeck. Post-match, the United boss talked up the success of his new formation:
“I wanted to try the diamond again after some success against Cluj, which is not an easy place to go to, and against Newcastle in the Capital One Cup…We played so well on Tuesday against a decent team. People look at the name Cluj and say they expect United to win, but they are a decent side. And because we played so well on Tuesday, I thought we should find out how far we can go with that diamond system.”
Looking at United’s respective shapes over the past couple of games, there’s a significant difference. From left to right and from front to back, in particular, there are far fewer spaces in between for opponents to thrive in. Ferguson’s default 4-4-2 formation was picked apart by Spurs in the previous match, with Gareth Bale’s second for the visitors indicative of just how stretched the Red Devils can be when opponents win possession and quickly counter-attack.
In the Tottenham match (above left), Andre Villas-Boas’ side were savvy enough to exploit the space behind Rio Ferdinand (5) and Jonny Evans (6) but Ferguson’s tactics against Newcastle (above right) saw the central defensive pairing sit deeper and nullify the home side’s threat.
Prior to Sunday’s match, United’s problems at the back meant they had opened the scoring just once in their first six matches. Back in Gameweek 4, they cruised to a 4-0 home win over Wigan and, having grabbed the lead through Jonny Evans at St James’ Park, United registered their second clean sheet of the campaign in a comfortable 3-0 triumph. With Patrice Evra adding a second soon after, the visitors established a two-goal cushion within the first 15 minutes of the Toon tussle and quickly set about dominating the match.
Maybe it was a case of sitting back and protecting their lead but there seems no doubt the system afforded the recently-maligned backline greater protection. Analysing United’s overall involvement in each of their seven league matches so far, though, there was a definite downturn in their forward forays on Sunday.
| Possession | Touches | Tchs Opp Half | % Tchs Opp Half | Tchs Final 3rd | % Tchs Final 3rd | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GW1 | 70.1% | 935 | 469 | 50% | 272 | 29% |
| GW2 | 60% | 844 | 491 | 58% | 317 | 37% |
| GW3 | 54.7% | 849 | 395 | 46% | 204 | 24% |
| GW4 | 52.2% | 668 | 340 | 50% | 233 | 33% |
| GW5 | 47.8% | 691 | 307 | 44% | 151 | 21% |
| GW6 | 74.2% | 952 | 552 | 58% | 291 | 30% |
| GW7 | 55.7% | 772 | 278 | 36% | 114 | 14% |
While United bossed the proceedings with 55.7% possession, only 278 of their total touches came inside the Magpies’ half – their least of the season. In three of their previous six matches, Ferguson’s side had less possession, yet in all of those fixtures they were in more advanced positions when on the ball. In the Gameweek 3 win at Southampton, they had 54.7% possession, yet 395 touches were inside the Saints’ half, while the same applies to Gameweek 4 at home to Wigan (52.2% and 340 respectively) and Gameweek 5 at Liverpool (47.8% and 307).
Looking at the final third touches, United had just 114 on Sunday – again, their lowest of the campaign. This means that just 14% of their total touches were made inside this crucial area; although they doubled this percentage in four out of the previous six matches, Ferguson was more than happy as to how his side were able to control Sunday’s match:
“The diamond closes off the midfield. The only problem is when the ball goes out wide, how far your midfield gets separated. If you try to keep it tight in the centre of the field, then the opposition have to go wide. Okay, we took a gamble today because Newcastle are so big up front and they’re good crossers of the ball. But the football we played from the central midfield positions through Cleverley, Kagawa, Rooney and Carrick was terrific.”
| Crosses For | Crosses Against | Total Succ Cross | % Succ Cross | Chances Created | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GW1 | 34 | 18 | 6 | 17.6% | 9 |
| GW2 | 37 | 15 | 5 | 13.5% | 15 |
| GW3 | 24 | 15 | 5 | 20.8% | 15 |
| GW4 | 30 | 18 | 7 | 23.3% | 13 |
| GW5 | 18 | 26 | 6 | 33.3% | 6 |
| GW6 | 43 | 7 | 4 | 9.3% | 12 |
| GW7 | 14 | 38 | 3 | 21.4% | 10 |
Once again, the statistics back up Ferguson’s comments here. United had managed fewer crosses than their opponents in just one of the six previous matches, with Liverpool delivering 26 balls from out wide at Anfield (in comparison to the visitors’ 18) back in Gameweek 5. United produced an incredible 43 crosses against Spurs in their last home game, with Villas-Boas’ side making a mere seven, but last Sunday the situation was turned on its head.
Afforded plenty of width on the flanks, Alan Pardew’s men provided 38 crosses, with United managing a mere 14 – their lowest tally of the season. Their total of three successful crosses was also the least in any given Gameweek thus far but this equated to a 21.4% accuracy – their third highest rate of the campaign. Overall, it’s fair to say that United’s delivery from the flank has been disappointing; with only four of those 43 crosses against Spurs proving successful.
Ferguson could well be looking for a little more guile and intricacy to his team’s play. With ball-playing individuals like Kagawa and Van Persie brought on board, perhaps there’s less need for delivery into the box – United still
created 10 chances against Newcastle, with the stats above highlighting the fact that they don’t need to continually pump balls into the penalty area to provide goalscoring opportunities.
Finally, it’s impossible to overlook the effect this new system had on Van Persie – in particular, his average position when on the ball. As the graphic highlights, the Dutchman was far deeper when on the ball in comparison to the previous six Gameweeks. While he mirrored his previous average for minutes per touch, Van Persie had just 15 touches in the final third, considerably down on his previous 24 for Gameweeks 1-6; on a more optimistic note, however, his penalty box touches (5.5 to four) weren’t too dissimilar.
Although Newcastle did well to shackle the Dutchman and reduce the former Arsenal man to a single attempt, Van Persie’s creativity took a turn for the better – he created a goalscoring opportunity every 29 minutes against Pardew’s men, well up on his average of 54.5 from his first six appearances.
| Mins/Tch | Tchs Final 3rd | Pass Rcvd Final 3rd | Pen Box Tchs | Mins/Attempt | Mins/Chance Created | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RVP GW1-6 | 2 | 24 | 15.7 | 5.5 | 25.6 | 54.5 |
| RVP GW7 | 2 | 15 | 12 | 4 | 57 | 29 |
While the tactical spotlight has mainly centred on Chelsea since the arrival of Eden Hazard and Oscar, United’s shift of system over these last few games certainly hints at another evolution under Ferguson. Whether it’s to protect the shaky defence or find a solution to integrate the two summer signings alongside Rooney or perhaps a combination of both, the diamond affords a definite alternative to the usual 4-4-2 and gives United another dimension to their style of play as Ferguson attempts to wrestle the title back from Roberto Mancini’s City.
*The Technical Area is put together using the statistics and maps available in our members area. For access to such data and tools on every player, team and match of the 2012/13 season, and for exclusive members articles like this, click here for details.
About The Author
paul
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Just go in with what you know. No need to cram and panic. :grin: » -
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Stock knowledge or nothing. :grin: »
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i have an exam at 9.30am tomorrow and i know nothing...i should really be studying »
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This isn't from my post earlier is it? » -
have to study from now on...have xams from 22nd to the 30th!!! good night guys!!! » -
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gutted I finished outside the top 100 :( » -
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“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.”
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October 10 at 7:26 am
UNITED FORCE ™ says:
silva and tores in, hazard and suarez out after GW 8 ? Y/N
October 10 at 7:31 am
Sicaholic says:
Why Torres?
October 10 at 7:32 am
UNITED FORCE ™ says:
becauase he is nailed on attacker and i think Chelsea will win this season
October 10 at 7:38 am
Sicaholic says:
I was thinking hazard and kun
October 10 at 7:32 am
tw says:
noooo.
silva (though i might go for bale/caz/hba instead) and jelly/ba in
October 10 at 7:34 am
UNITED FORCE ™ says:
i already have bale, caz and ba
dont have city coverage and hazard iz only from chelskis
October 12 at 5:16 am
Kenny Dogleash says:
Liking Silva, not sure about Torres
October 10 at 7:31 am
transferaddict says:
Bloomin ek what does Morrison have to do to move up the watchlist. No way should he be behind Walters
October 10 at 7:37 am
In Like Flynn says:
Probably based on fixtures TF.
October 10 at 7:43 am
kathers says:
I have Morrison for a while now and his fixtures are not as great as Walters’. I expect Walters to outscore him over the next 6 GWs.
October 10 at 7:33 am
Valar Morghulis(Formerly Keith) says:
As a Chelsea and Everton fan it pains me not to own any chelsea player and not own baines.. Seriously considerin
Demel + Fellaini + Rvp to Baines + Mata + Berbs for a (-4) .. Sensible thing is to keep RVP and get Lallana in for Fellaini but this has so much of a higher upside!!
October 10 at 7:40 am
Willis_Hide says:
I stopped reading after “As a Chelsea AND Everton fan…”
October 10 at 7:44 am
Valar Morghulis(Formerly Keith) says:
I’m from India.. i’m allowed to support 2 clubs
.. Been a fan of Chelsea since 2003 and loved watchin everton since 2005.. no harm in that
October 10 at 7:47 am
Home Run Baker enjoys a 3 martini lunch says:
It’s allowed
October 10 at 7:44 am
Home Run Baker enjoys a 3 martini lunch says:
“Chelsea and Everton” – is that possible?
October 10 at 7:48 am
Valar Morghulis(Formerly Keith) says:
loved supportin Cahill and Arteta.. both were nailed on in my fpl teams too. love moyes too. Chelsea are my main club and will always be. Not part of the local rivalry as i’m a 1000 miles away. Will someone answer my question pls??
October 10 at 7:49 am
ⓖⓐⓩⓩⓐ™ says:
I’m a Liverpool and Manutd fan haha
October 10 at 7:46 am
Smurf says:
Who do you support when they play each other?
October 10 at 7:47 am
Valar Morghulis(Formerly Keith) says:
Chelsea :reminds myself never to post that first line on here again:
October 10 at 7:49 am
Home Run Baker enjoys a 3 martini lunch says:
October 10 at 7:49 am
Nick says:
“A Chelsea AND Everton fan?” Hang your head in shame you dual-club-fan loser!
October 10 at 7:50 am
Valar Morghulis(Formerly Keith) says:
i must say that fpl is to blame for this.. infact most weekends i just support the players i have in my team now
October 10 at 7:54 am
Ryan says:
Its weird ay. Although my United allegiances is telling me to start Foster (MCI) over Begovic (mun). In an odd way I’d still hope for the best fit result. Eg, tons of points for all my players as well as my team winning.
October 10 at 7:55 am
Nick says:
Hmmm
October 10 at 7:52 am
Ryan says:
Yeah I’m a fan of United and always supported Southampton when they were in league 1. It was no problem at the time as they were in different leagues. When they played each other I just supported Lambert and RVP
very neutral.
October 10 at 7:53 am
Jonty says:
As a Brighton AND palace fan ill answer. If you have two frees I’d stick with that. Berb is good but not sure at the expense of Rvp. Hard to tell without seeing your whole team, but I’d consider just two trannies… One of which involving switching Fellaini.
October 10 at 7:54 am
Jonty says:
I was joking about supporting palace btw.
October 10 at 7:57 am
Valar Morghulis(Formerly Keith) says:
thanks.. finally a reply. Fellaini to Lallana is a possibility. Team linked and i just got 0.2 to upgrade both Demel and Fellaini
October 10 at 8:02 am
footyjuana says:
I think the move is great, for a -4 getting in baines, berba and mata is fantastic, and ur getting out 2 injured players
October 10 at 8:08 am
Ryan says:
For those moves you proposed I’d say its worth it. Be aware though that it changes your tactics completely. A RVPless team means a better well rounded side but it will be very difficult to get RVP back if he hits form.
October 10 at 7:36 am
Cock Soccer says:
i think it’s fair to say giroud will keep his place and start against norwich. BUT if he has one or two blanks, do you think wenger will bench him and start gervinho up front again? or is he safe now in your opinion.
October 10 at 7:42 am
Valar Morghulis(Formerly Keith) says:
if he has 2 blanks but is playin ok i doubt he’ll get dropped.. gettin into good positions and has had 21 shots already. If i were you i’d look elsewhere though until we’re certain he’ll start. Not like you gotta break the bank to get him
October 10 at 7:45 am
Cock Soccer says:
thanks for your opinion. it’s just that i like to be 5 weeks early instead of 1 week too late. giroud (c) i like to be on the drivers seat in this bandwagon.
October 10 at 7:49 am
Ryan says:
Interesting logic. You’re a risk taker then?
October 10 at 8:01 am
Cock Soccer says:
maybe yes but not in my opinion. it seems like a risk because he’s only scored 1 goal so far but imo it’s because he wasn’t starting games at one point and bad luck/finishing couple of times.
but if you think he’s gonna start more or less every game from now on, i don’t feel risky paying 8.4£ for an arsenal forward who has good stats already (shots etc) and good fixtures coming up in a team who’s surely gonna score lot of goals (not something you can say about suarez & liverpool which makes him a riskier pick imo).
this bandwagon is inevitable imo =)
October 10 at 8:05 am
Ryan says:
Fair logic. He could still fall flat though no? that is if his confidence drops and he misses key chances again?
October 10 at 8:17 am
Cock Soccer says:
that’s right & it makes him a risk i suppose. but i have confidence in him and wenger playing him up front instead of gervinho from now on.
October 10 at 7:50 am
Valar Morghulis(Formerly Keith) says:
same here, though i prefer to be 5 weeks early with players like Silva, rvp, bale, valencia etc.. as i know at some point they’ll perform. Giroud is still unproven and it may still end in misery
October 10 at 8:00 am
Home Run Baker enjoys a 3 martini lunch says:
Let’s keep perspective here – he’s scored twice, once in the PL. nothing is certain.
October 10 at 7:37 am
Sicaholic says:
Torres to aguero this gameweek? Or both next week? (michu gone)
Cos I’m inclined towards A currently.
A: aguero & walters
B: silva & crouch
Ivan baines Clyne Gunter nelsen
Yaya carz hazard Michu Rkanu
Ba torres berb
October 10 at 7:44 am
Soccaholic says:
aguero cud be benched or rested! aRGENTINA games…
October 10 at 7:40 am
Valar Morghulis(Formerly Keith) says:
Does Ramirez hinder or help Lallana’s fpl potential? any southampton fans around?
October 10 at 7:44 am
Soccaholic says:
hinders bcz he plays in a more advanced role while lallana is forced to play a more dfensive role
October 10 at 7:49 am
Smurf says:
Lallans never plays in any type of defensive role IMO.
October 10 at 7:51 am
MartinUnreal says:
Yeah, seems mainly attacking…does anyone play any type of defensive role for Southampton??
October 10 at 7:55 am
Smurf says:
October 10 at 7:50 am
MartinUnreal says:
Perhaps…but Lallana assist for Ramirez goal against Everton suggests a better player in their team is only a good thing for Lallana’s assists. Ramirez is more of straight out attacking midfielder…with Ramirez out there may be more chance for Lallana to shine…
October 10 at 7:50 am
Valar Morghulis(Formerly Keith) says:
takes set pieces off him?
October 10 at 8:01 am
Ryan says:
Tends to hinder as Lambert has no problem dropping deep allowing Ramirez to go ahead on a foray forward.
October 10 at 7:41 am
Soccaholic says:
A) Shud i play Mignolet(NEW) Or Foster (MCI)
B) Shud i play Fonte(whm) or Clark (ful)
C) Which1 of these shud i bench: HBA(sun) Haz (tot) Sterling (RDG) Berbatov (AVL)
Cheers!!
October 10 at 7:43 am
jinswick says:
A) Easily Migs
B) Coin toss. Expect both to concede, but both have an attacking threat. Gut says Clark.
C) Sterling
October 10 at 7:46 am
Valar Morghulis(Formerly Keith) says:
A) is a No Brainer.. Migs!!
B) Fulham and whm will score.. who’s a bigger goal threat in your opinion? for me its Clark
C) 2 internationals left.. one of your attackin 8 will get injured and solve your problem
October 10 at 7:48 am
Soccaholic says:
Thanks both
October 10 at 7:46 am
A.D.D says:
So feili out for 3 to 4 weeks then.
Happy as I don’t have him.
Who will everyone transfer him out for I they don’t sit with him?
October 10 at 7:50 am
Home Run Baker enjoys a 3 martini lunch says:
Pienaar presumably, or maybe a double switch to bring in Jelavic. I do wonder, though, whether his absence makes EVE less attractive for fantasy purposes.
October 10 at 7:50 am
Smurf says:
Why are you happy a great player is injured?
October 10 at 7:53 am
KakiBangku says:
Its annoying considering i dont have pienaar nor jelavic but the timing is right for me to use 2 FT for below;
Lescott > wilson
Fellaini> cazorla
What do you think?
October 10 at 7:55 am
dinamika says:
Chantek….
October 10 at 7:46 am
ManTree(v2!) or just JAY! says:
Hey folks
I have 1 FT and £3.5 in the bank.
Am thinking Fletcher and Fellaini out, for Jelavic and Nolan?
Worth -4?
Foster, Begovic
Baines, Davies, Demel, Cuellar, Gorkks
Fellaini, Cazorla, Michu, Bale, Guthrie
Ba, RVP, Fletcher
Thank you
October 10 at 7:52 am
Home Run Baker enjoys a 3 martini lunch says:
Interesting – I have been having similar thoughts. My only question is whether Jelavic’s value suffers without Fellaini’s chaos in the box.
October 10 at 7:53 am
Home Run Baker enjoys a 3 martini lunch says:
Maybe Berb and Nolan?
October 10 at 7:54 am
Home Run Baker enjoys a 3 martini lunch says:
Or use the cash – Fellaini to Mata/ Silva?
October 10 at 7:48 am
WithEase says:
Morning Guys,
Is there any real advantage in picking Shawcross over Wilson? They both start for Stoke who have a good set of fixtures coming up, yet Wilson is 0.5 cheaper.
October 10 at 7:48 am
ManTree(v2!) or just JAY! says:
Goal threat
October 10 at 7:51 am
WithEase says:
Shawcross has scored 3 in the last two years, would you consider that worth the extra 0.5?
October 10 at 7:53 am
MartinUnreal says:
Goal threat is nonsense…Shawcross isn’t going to score many goals…I’d save the money or go Huth for flair
October 10 at 7:56 am
WithEase says:
We all dream of a team of Robert Huth’s!
October 10 at 7:58 am
MartinUnreal says:
Wilson is more likely to get you attacking returns with assists than Shawcross is with goals. When you have Crouch up front you don’t really need big centre halves to score headers as much!
October 10 at 8:00 am
WithEase says:
Cant remember the last time I saw Shawcross get a goal.
Just checked Wilson’s stats for assists, they near enough tally up with Shawcross’ goal threat, so its pretty much even between the two.
Wilson it is then.
Cheers.
October 10 at 7:56 am
TorresMagic™ - Check my link for Early Bird qualification says:
If Wilson plays every game like Shawcross than Wilson is enough. Shawcross gets the odd BPs etc.
October 10 at 7:56 am
WithEase says:
He’s played every minute, yeah.
October 10 at 7:52 am
Soccaholic says:
Its like the Hughes-Hangeland debate
yet ShawX is better than Hange when it comes down to attacking potential
October 10 at 7:53 am
MartinUnreal says:
They’re both just big centre halves…I don’t see how either is better than the other at attacking.
October 10 at 7:58 am
Soccaholic says:
if u had Hughes or wilson and ur rival had ShawX or Hangeland and 1 of them scored , wudnt u be pissed? Hell yeah! I prefer having them cz They are team captains and are good in the air–> they are bound to score even tho i’m losing faith in Hangeland week after week…
October 10 at 8:02 am
TorresMagic™ - Check my link for Early Bird qualification says:
Depends where you use the 0.5.
October 10 at 8:04 am
Valar Morghulis(Formerly Keith) says:
i get pissed every week when i own Shawx and Hangeland and my rival owns Wilson and Hughes and they all get the same points(this week Hangeland got even less than Hughes!)
October 10 at 8:07 am
WithEase says:
Haha.
October 10 at 8:07 am
MartinUnreal says:
Having Hangeland for his goalscoring ability is not worth the extra money. Hughes had 2 chances against Southampton and that was part of why he got BP’s. They’re centre halves, they get the odd chance but they’re not particularly likely to get goals. If it’s fixtures that look good for CS then saving the money is perfectly fine to me.
October 10 at 8:10 am
Soccaholic says:
Every1 plays the game the way he finds more suitable
But if Hangeland or ShawX come back and score during some weeks Ima remind u of this day
Hoping we both have a solid FPL season mate
October 10 at 7:53 am
UNITED FORCE ™ says:
think i will go with Wilson
October 10 at 7:57 am
WithEase says:
yeah I think its the sensible choice when comparing the two.
October 10 at 7:58 am
Nick says:
Save your cash and go with Wilson IMO.
October 10 at 7:59 am
Willis_Hide says:
Wilson is a boring pick.
October 10 at 8:04 am
WithEase says:
This would be relevant if I was thinking of touring the country with him. As it stands he seems the better option to Wilson as they both offer a limited attack but are a part of a solid defence with favourable fixtures yet Wilson is 0.5 cheaper.
October 10 at 8:09 am
WithEase says:
*the better option to Shawcross
October 10 at 7:49 am
UNITED FORCE ™ says:
Cant wait for friday and Serbia-Belgium !
October 10 at 7:51 am
Smurf says:
With Fellani out it could really hamper Everton’s game. Hopefully he will only miss the QPR game and return for Liverpool where they will need him. Everton’s form could easily dip if he is out for long as his is central to everything they do.
October 10 at 7:55 am
Home Run Baker enjoys a 3 martini lunch says:
This
October 10 at 7:56 am
MartinUnreal says:
I agree it might have an adverse effect…but he’s not really central to their attacking threat…Baines/Pienaar and Mirallas/Jelavic/Anichebe offer a hell of a lot of threat on their own. It might affect the overall balance though and he is playing really well so they’ll miss him.
October 10 at 7:57 am
Home Run Baker enjoys a 3 martini lunch says:
Not sure you’ve got that right. Fellaini’s advanced position this year has been key to their success.
October 10 at 8:02 am
MartinUnreal says:
Yeah but what I’m saying is the Baines/Pienaar combo on the left wing and the Mirallas/Jelavic threat is sufficient to get goals. Fellaini is a crucial part but not the only part.
October 10 at 8:13 am
Smurf says:
I agree with you Martin on the other players also being good attacking threats but usually teams will only attack well if the team as a whole is playing well. Without Fellani they loose a big piece of the puzzle and it could hamper their ability to take control of games and therfore to be the great attacking threat they have shown so far.
October 10 at 7:57 am
Hubert says:
Naismith is a good replacement
October 10 at 8:07 am
Smurf says:
He is not even in the same level. Fellani’s contribution to the team is probabaly the most important in the team. His physical presence cannot be replaced and playing in the form he is in he has been unstoppable in most games even for the big teams. His ariel threat and ball winning abilities along with his new found attacking threat playing off the main striker have made him key to everything Everton have done so far.
October 10 at 8:03 am
Ryan says:
Somehow I don’t think so. There is a range of very able replacements that are unlucky to not be in the starting team
October 10 at 8:10 am
Smurf says:
IMO although Everton have some great players in the squad, if you have watched them this season you would realise they have knowone who can rival Fellani. He has been one of the best performers in the league so far and has so many great attributes all in one player that most others lack. He is as key to the way Everton play as Messi is to Barca. Everthing runs through him.
October 10 at 8:12 am
Ryan says:
He is key to a certain style of play Everton have implemented this season, a very physical approach. I have confidence that Everton can alter there style to cater to the strengths that the likes of Naismith and Mirales can bring.
October 10 at 8:15 am
Smurf says:
I hope so as I really like Everton as a team and don’t want them to drop off form. I think If Gibson could return then it would really help Everton with Fellani out. Although they are not the same player, he would be important if Everton do, like you say, alter their style of play.
October 10 at 8:21 am
In Like Flynn says:
Gibson and Barkley due back. They have plenty of cover.
October 10 at 8:25 am
Smurf says:
Not so sure about Barkley. As a Sheffield Wednesday fan I know we are trying to extend his loan period.
October 10 at 7:51 am
Valar Morghulis(Formerly Keith) says:
just 3 days over and i’ve already got 3 injured players.. Fellaini, Demel and Federici(does’nt count i know).. Gonna be a looong 2 weeks
October 10 at 7:58 am
Home Run Baker enjoys a 3 martini lunch says:
The skill is timing the transfers – try to wait til the last minute to assess your most important needs.
October 10 at 7:59 am
Nick says:
Try having a shambles of a defence consisting of Ridgewell, Demel & Clyne
October 10 at 7:59 am
Valar Morghulis(Formerly Keith) says:
oooh.. ooooh.. I got Clyne too!!
October 10 at 8:01 am
Valar Morghulis(Formerly Keith) says:
he’ll be fit though.. (not like i’ll ever play him)
October 10 at 8:20 am
Soccaholic says:
if u said that abt Fonte last week woudnt u commit FPL suicide
Check my link
October 10 at 7:57 am
kathers says:
Should I be content with a starting team this weekend of:
Jussi
Jenks/Rafael/Baines
Cazorla/Hazard/Morrison/Michu
RvP/Tevez/Jelavic
It allows me to do Michu and Hazard to Walters and Silva in GW9 without a hit.
October 10 at 7:59 am
TorresMagic™ - Check my link for Early Bird qualification says:
Enter the Early Bird League.
Save the trade if that’s the plan.
October 10 at 8:04 am
Home Run Baker enjoys a 3 martini lunch says:
Early Bird is a cool concept. I was eliminated last week in 1,000,100th position.
October 10 at 8:06 am
TorresMagic™ - Check my link for Early Bird qualification says:
Actually 1,223,072nd. Hopefully you’ll do well in the Millionaire Club later in the season.
October 10 at 8:16 am
Home Run Baker enjoys a 3 martini lunch says:
Oh mayb week before then. You weren’t supposed to check
Thanks for organising anyway.
October 10 at 8:18 am
Home Run Baker enjoys a 3 martini lunch says:
You were right. Fiction is so much more interesting than reality
October 10 at 8:00 am
In Like Flynn says:
Yep, Good to go Mo.
October 10 at 7:58 am
cylus11 says:
My team is
Jask, Davis
Ivan,Demel, Clark, Ridg, Baines
Santi, Pienar, Nolan, HBA, Bale
Lamb, Ba, Flet
I m thinking to get M city cover should i do
A) Demel to Kolarov
B) Lamb to Aug next week
Other options are
A) Lamb to Crouch next week
B) Nolan to Mata in GW 10
Need your opinions on the same.
Other
October 10 at 8:07 am
cylus11 says:
Any thoughts on the above post
October 10 at 8:17 am
Nitin Nagaraja says:
Don’t get Kolarov, get a grav instead.
October 10 at 8:19 am
Home Run Baker enjoys a 3 martini lunch says:
Demel —> Grav ?
October 10 at 8:19 am
Nitin Nagaraja says:
Agreed.
October 10 at 8:00 am
ⓖⓐⓩⓩⓐ™ says:
How am I looking for this week plz
Jaaskerlainen
Jenkinson. Rafael. Baines.
Cazorla. Bale. Silva. Pienaar
Aguero. Jelavic Berbatov
Subs
Foster. Sterling. Hangeland. Demel
October 10 at 8:01 am
Valar Morghulis(Formerly Keith) says:
that is unbelievable.. well done
October 10 at 8:03 am
ⓖⓐⓩⓩⓐ™ says:
Thanks, took couple of hits last week but I’m happy how my team looks now
October 10 at 8:06 am
Valar Morghulis(Formerly Keith) says:
no RVP really does wonders
October 10 at 8:04 am
footyjuana says:
I would start Hangeland over Jankinson. Rest all great
October 10 at 8:05 am
footyjuana says:
Jenkinson*
October 10 at 8:05 am
Home Run Baker enjoys a 3 martini lunch says:
Sweet team
October 10 at 8:04 am
Valar Morghulis(Formerly Keith) says:
Silva or Mata? (Considerin i own Tevez and no Chelsea cover). Doubling up for City’s run could prove a masterstroke
October 10 at 8:12 am
Home Run Baker enjoys a 3 martini lunch says:
Silva for me. Not sure how Mata / Hazard will split points.
October 10 at 8:04 am
nomar says:
Why did Santi and Baines rise last night when neither of them were on 100%? This years price rises seem a lot less predictable than previous seasons.
I’m now £0.1m short of doing the 3 moves I was looking at doing now. Ah well, gotta start work now so thats me offline until lunchtime.
October 10 at 8:05 am
TorresMagic™ - Check my link for Early Bird qualification says:
Try Fiso.
http://www.fiso.co.uk/crackthecode.php
October 10 at 8:07 am
Nitin Nagaraja says:
Total FPL is not at all reliable these days. Follow FISO.
October 10 at 8:12 am
In Like Flynn says:
They were according to Fiso Nomar.
October 10 at 8:05 am
masyuris says:
McAnuff, Routledge or Gera ? Or you have another option for Midfielder under 5.4?
October 10 at 8:22 am
In Like Flynn says:
Kaca, Sterling,Puncheon.
October 10 at 8:07 am
john25 says:
PLEASE HELP!
On FISO or TotalFPL what % does it have to reach for a player to drop in value? 100%?
Also, which site is more reliable?
Thanks!
October 10 at 8:07 am
ⓖⓐⓩⓩⓐ™ says:
Fido more reliable
Total fpl looks better
October 10 at 8:07 am
ⓖⓐⓩⓩⓐ™ says:
Fiso
October 10 at 8:13 am
john25 says:
What % will they drop or rise? At least 100%?
October 10 at 8:14 am
In Like Flynn says:
Roughly, I’ve seen 98% in both directions this year.
October 10 at 8:14 am
Home Run Baker enjoys a 3 martini lunch says:
Fido more faithful?
October 10 at 8:16 am
ⓖⓐⓩⓩⓐ™ says:
Haha iPad continues to change what I type
October 10 at 8:20 am
Home Run Baker enjoys a 3 martini lunch says:
You can easily spot the iPad users
October 10 at 8:12 am
Ryan says:
It needs to reach 100% for a price change to happen. Fiso is very reliable, usually within about 2% accuracy
October 10 at 8:13 am
Home Run Baker enjoys a 3 martini lunch says:
I hear TotalFPL not so accurate while they perfect their beta release. Worth returning to later tho.
October 10 at 8:11 am
Lateriser12 - "I am a consulting detective. The only one in the world" says:
Anyone seen Christina around?
October 10 at 8:20 am
MartinUnreal says:
He deleted his account here and on FPL…couldn’t hack doing so badly…poor guy!
October 10 at 8:22 am
Lateriser12 - "I am a consulting detective. The only one in the world" says:
LOL. Doubt it.
October 10 at 8:12 am
fijuhmon says:
Boyaa! Down it went, WC I mean!
Jussi
Ivan, Baines, Hughes
Pienaar (vc), Mata, Santi (c), Bale
Torres, Ba, Berba
Bego, Sterling, Nelsen, Clyne.
October 10 at 8:15 am
sukrut23 says:
the forwards dont really impress..
October 10 at 8:33 am
fijuhmon says:
Torres -> Tevez is an alternative. Also Berba -> Fletch/Lambert if he doesn’t get fit.
October 10 at 8:18 am
In Like Flynn says:
I have to say, looking at your team as it was. I haven’t got a clue as to why you Wildcarded now.
October 10 at 8:21 am
Nick says:
+1 Team looks pretty similar tbh!
October 10 at 8:35 am
fijuhmon says:
well yes, the key players (Pienaar, Baines, Ivan, Torres +gk’s) stayed, but nonsense to get rid of them.
October 10 at 8:37 am
fijuhmon says:
Baines a season keeper, Ivan is almost a forward sometimes, Pienaar in good form and gk’s have the best price-quality value. Of course I could think of getting Foster in for Jussi and downgrading one defender to a West Ham def if needed. But I have 1,5 weeks time to consider that.
October 10 at 8:20 am
Dr. Ex: Managing Genoa CFC says:
An RVP-less team does look better on paper. But you’re fooked if he scored big. Just saying.
October 10 at 8:26 am
In Like Flynn says:
He can come in after the next three if he’s doing much.
October 10 at 8:32 am
fijuhmon says:
+1, I’m prepared.
October 10 at 8:31 am
fijuhmon says:
I was losing 10-20 points each round in my ML, had to do something. There must have been quite a few changes to my previous team as this would have cost me 28 points.
October 10 at 8:17 am
sukrut23 says:
B.Davies–Hangeland–Rafael–Demel–Ridgewell
who should i take out and for whom??
bank 0.1
October 10 at 8:21 am
big oak says:
if u have 1 ft save it
if u have 2 then wait on demel’s injury adn decide
reports are mentioning 4 weeks out which is 3 games
ridg is back
and the others are fit
always a risk on davies to be rotated
October 10 at 8:51 am
fijuhmon says:
Hughes does the same as Hange but with 0.5 less cash.
October 10 at 8:22 am
MJ6987 (Atalanta) says:
Couldn’t decide whether to ship Gervinho or Fellaini to get Cazorla in before the price rise. Decided to keep Fellaini in the end cos “at least he’ll Definately play”…now he’s out for 3 weeks!! Great.
Should I just bench him next GW and play Sterling and hope he gets better soon (or his price doesn’t plummet too much)? Or take a hit to get rid and bring in Pienaar probably?
October 10 at 8:23 am
Soccaholic says:
Go for Sterling
October 10 at 8:23 am
Ryan says:
NEW POST
October 10 at 8:26 am
MJ6987 (Atalanta) says:
That’s what I’ve been thinking, thanks.
October 10 at 8:26 am
Home Run Baker enjoys a 3 martini lunch says:
Tevez / Fellaini —-> Berbatov / Bale
While I’d prefer to keep Tevez, I’m equally keen to get Berb. The Fellaini upgrade to Bale is nice.
What d’you think?
October 10 at 8:25 am
Home Run Baker enjoys a 3 martini lunch says:
Or I could get Silva…
October 10 at 8:31 am
MartinUnreal says:
Prioritise finding a Fellaini replacement imo…
October 10 at 8:28 am
MartinUnreal says:
As good and desirable as the big hitting midfield idea is…the general impression I get is that most people would wish to have a team like that at the start of the season but due to form the cheaper options have been more fashionable. Now suddenly Bale/Mata/Silva show some form and everyone wants them in their team as if it’s the holy grail they seek.
The problem is we know it’s inevitable these guys will score high over the season…they’re too good not to but their form doesn’t coincide all at the same time. Building a team around these guys might be worth it in the long run but I guarantee there will be frustration when say one week 2 of them score blanks and you’re sitting there wondering ‘Why didn’t I go for such and such, they’re only 6m and a bargain!!’
Saying all this I would love to have all the big name mids in my team…there’s no doubt it’s more desirable…but there’s lots of other things to factor in before rushing into it. Mata might seem like a ‘bargain’ right now but is he really? 9m for someone in a midfield crowded with attacking mids…I would say it’s risky despite his form. Any thoughts on these points?
October 10 at 8:48 am
fijuhmon says:
After just wilcarding, I’m building my new team for strong MF. Average price 7.84, Sterling is the cheapest and Bale the most expensive. 6m guys might do the same in random gameweeks, but I’m going to stabilize my MF for a long term.
October 10 at 8:46 am
The Gamesmaster ™ says:
Is Lennon a good pick? Thinking he could be a differential to bale
October 10 at 12:01 pm
Anonymous says:
Ivanovic->Mertesacker/Jenkinson & Barfa->Cazorla for a hit, YES or NO?
October 10 at 12:00 pm
Anonymous says:
reply fail
October 10 at 11:20 pm
Silly Sausage says:
Cracking article Paul, really interesting stuff. Wonder if United will try that formation again, protect the defence, less chances but more clinical. Shame it doesn’t cuts Valencia out a bit…