Podcast November 8

The ScoutCast – Episode Eighty Seven – The Hole

We just won’t let it lie. Having rinsed through the idea in this week’s Digest, the prospect of dropping this new breed of “in the hole” midfielders into a new Fantasy position gets another airing in this week’s ‘Cast. Granville agrees but we still somehow manage to argue about it.

Around that particular hot topic, there’s our usual brand of regulars, plus a preview of the two sides that lie in wait for us in the Fantasy Football Scout Cup and the latest on Ed’s team and his work on the new comments system. “Mr Ghostship” had a bad week – could it be all the attention has piled the pressure on his big coding shoulders?

Take up the role in the hole by clicking this link, or just stream the business in your browser via the player below….

2,249 Comments Post a Comment

kobebeef
11 years, 5 months ago
A) sagna and saylor, or

B) rafael and gorkss,

A or B
for the next coming weeks?
Open Controls
- Permalink
1. Twelve years a slave
  11 years, 5 months ago
  a
  Open Controls
  - Permalink
  1. kobebeef
    11 years, 5 months ago
    nice rank! best advise im prolly gonna get huh haha
    Open Controls
    Permalink
2. Yossi
  11 years, 5 months ago
  A
  Open Controls
  - Permalink
  1. Twelve years a slave
    11 years, 5 months ago
    Thinking of buying Bardsley myself .
    
    Have to make a transfer as two frees , in a few weeks he will prove useful
    Open Controls
    Permalink
    1. isacki: full casual
      11 years, 5 months ago
      Got bardsley last week, sadly Sunderland conceded to Villa (at home I think). I got him for his attacking potential from crosses and 100mph long shots though. Hope he pays off, lucky 4.8 isn't the end of the world. In a funny position of having cuellar too, figured they were two of the best options for cs so ignored club. At least they'll both get me extra in the DGW...
      Open Controls
      Permalink
      1. Eddie
        11 years, 5 months ago
        So you think he's worth the extra over Cuellar if I was to have only one?
        Open Controls
        Permalink
        
        isacki: full casual
        11 years, 5 months ago
        Yep
        Open Controls
        Permalink
3. Ryan
  11 years, 5 months ago
  B) Its a really close call though. The reason I favour B is because its better to have plenty of 4m defenders so you don't have too much cash on your bench.
  Open Controls
  - Permalink
  1. Twelve years a slave
    11 years, 5 months ago
    yes in some respoects it depends on make up of side
    Open Controls
    Permalink
    1. Ryan
      11 years, 5 months ago
      His only other cheap defender is Clyne so I think its worth having another one
      Open Controls
      Permalink
4. Red Daredevil
  11 years, 5 months ago
  A
  Open Controls
  - Permalink
Twelve years a slave
11 years, 5 months ago
As Berry would say on the fantasy baseball podcast

"in a vacuum A"
Open Controls
- Permalink
isacki: full casual
11 years, 5 months ago
Ryan, you still here? Just interested in you mentioning that Everton have gone more 4-3-3 than 4-4-1-1 in recent games and that pienaar has gone central. Could you show where each player is in the 4-3-3 and compare to the 4-4-1-1?
Open Controls
- Permalink
1. Cruizer van Nistelrooy
  11 years, 5 months ago
  i think the front three has been jelly, fellaini and mirallas
  Open Controls
  - Permalink
2. Ryan
  11 years, 5 months ago
  Sure its basically like this
  
  Coleman, Jags, Distin, Baines
  Neville, Osman, Pienaar
  Miralles, Jelly, Fellaini
  Open Controls
  - Permalink
  1. Eddie
    11 years, 5 months ago
    Someone said that Pie had been drifting all the way to the right at times. I didn't watch the game, only the highlights, but didn't see Pie at all.
    Open Controls
    Permalink
    1. Buck The Trent
      11 years, 5 months ago
      Didn't watch the game fully, but looking at the member's area player mapping, Peanut's average position in GW 10 was slighty more toward the middle as compared to his typical left position over GW1-8
      Open Controls
      Permalink
  2. isacki: full casual
    11 years, 5 months ago
    Ah nice. So basically their usual 4-4-1-1 but with Fellaini moved in front of pienaar on the left and pienaar playing deeper and slightly narrower? At least I'm starting to see why pie is not getting me the points. In retrospect I remember fellaini got an assist from a wide left position that pienaar normally would play in the pool game. Didn't see last week's game. But this solidifies pienaar's disadvantage, again hope he's back on the left.
    Open Controls
    Permalink
    1. Ryan
      11 years, 5 months ago
      They could revert to the old formation perhaps and recent results could force a change. Defensively they have been poor of late
      Open Controls
      Permalink
3. Billy Gilmore
  11 years, 5 months ago
  Moyes has been fecking around with Pienaar far too much recently. He moved him central for 2 matches and he got a red card and a nothing performance. Everton also haven't got the points. As a Pienaar owner I hope he changes it back.
  Open Controls
  - Permalink
Clay
11 years, 5 months ago
What would you do with this lot for the weekend, lads?

Bego (Jussy)

Clyne, Baines, Cameron (Cuellar, Demel)
Santi, Bale, Hazard, Walters, (Kac)
Ba, RVP, Berb

Looking okay, need a tweak or major overhaul?
Open Controls
- Permalink
1. Buck The Trent
  11 years, 5 months ago
  good to go
  Open Controls
  - Permalink
  1. Clay
    11 years, 5 months ago
    Cheers.
    Open Controls
    Permalink
2. Joggers Nipple
  11 years, 5 months ago
  Looks good for this week fellow Town Ender. Would have a plan in mind for Man City coverage with their nice fixtures though
  Open Controls
  - Permalink
  1. Clay
    11 years, 5 months ago
    Good point mate. Never a dull moment at the CG, eh.
    Open Controls
    Permalink
    1. Joggers Nipple
      11 years, 5 months ago
      If we stick between 10th and 5th and still there round Feb/ March wld be happy
      Open Controls
      Permalink
Joggers Nipple
11 years, 5 months ago
Mornin all. I am in danger of not actually using a transfer this week, mainly because im too confused.

Anyone there to persuade me to use it?

Mf- Bale, Oscar, Sterling, Michu, HBA

My thoughts are-
a.Osaca to Mata. Seems a little sideways
b.HBA to Fellani HBA great fixtures and held him this long.
c.Bale. Want to keep him
d. Carzola in for Bale? Dont like this
e.Save.

2.2m in bank

Fwrds are Berba, RVP and Tevez
Open Controls
- Permalink
1. Joggers Nipple
  11 years, 5 months ago
  c. Ignore. Tired
  Open Controls
  - Permalink
2. Buck The Trent
  11 years, 5 months ago
  B - i reckon. Even if Fellani is suspended, you still can play Sterlo/Michu
  Open Controls
  - Permalink
  1. Joggers Nipple
    11 years, 5 months ago
    thanks, this is the one i will probably go for. Then come Sunday when Ba doesnt make the 11 and HBA plays in the hole, gets a goal and two asisits i can hit the beer!
    Open Controls
    Permalink
3. lfc123
  11 years, 5 months ago
  d. why would you give someone that option if you don't like it yourself ?!
  Open Controls
  - Permalink
  1. Joggers Nipple
    11 years, 5 months ago
    Ha! Know what u mean, maybe didnt explain it well..
    
    It looks a good move on paper to me with Bale away and Caz at home to Fulham but have been trying to keep a settled side and stop chasing points around. Bale also seems to perform regardless of oppo
    Open Controls
    Permalink
    1. lfc123
      11 years, 5 months ago
      You should try and get them both in imo.. and mata aswell 🙂 personally though if your going with oscar i'de just try and get Caz in for HBA somehow
      Open Controls
      Permalink
4. Eddie
  11 years, 5 months ago
  a) Mata is playing in a class above Oscar at the moment, is on free kicks (and corners?) and has been generally looking like the bee knees.
  
  Stick with Bale, Caz is class, but Arsenal aren't gelling. Bale is a much more direct threat.
  Open Controls
  - Permalink
  1. Joggers Nipple
    11 years, 5 months ago
    Thanks for input. Agree on Bale, as much as a keeper for me as Michu. Oscar to Mata is prob the right move in that team and then cld leave Ch alone. Fellani is tempting me though
    Open Controls
    Permalink
    1. Eddie
      11 years, 5 months ago
      it can wait. Fell will have blank soon, and HBA has the fixtures. You've a decent strikeforce for the coming weeks as it stands.
      Open Controls
      Permalink
Twelve years a slave
11 years, 5 months ago
Just listened to podcast , Marks argument a little odd.

There have always been attacking midfielders doing well
.Just because Fellani and Michu doing well. Last year there were players
like Dempsey doing exactly the same thoing . I cant see anything has changed tbh
Open Controls
- Permalink
1. Ryan
  11 years, 5 months ago
  The only thing that's changed is that he is annoyed by his current ranking
  Open Controls
  - Permalink
  1. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
    11 years, 5 months ago
    Yeah I do think it's a bit over the top...I think at the heart of it is a concern that it's getting harder to beat 'the casuals' at the moment because these Attacking mid bargains are so obvious. So it seems like it's harder to climb the ranks because teams above you will just cancel out your scores with the same players. But it's far too early to come to these conclusions.
    Open Controls
    Permalink
    1. simsey
      11 years, 5 months ago
      Thats part of it too for sure.
      People who take it way too seriously get pi$$ed when all their hard 'work' doesnt pay off.
      How they forget or manage to ignore that 50% of this game is luck is just beyond me.
      When you cant accept that, you start trying to change things...
      When they make a change that comes off its wonderful foresight and football intelligence.
      Make a few that dont work and the game is wrong...thats all BS cos luck will always have the biggest say
      Open Controls
      Permalink
2. Joggers Nipple
  11 years, 5 months ago
  I agree with you Trigger. The only part of his argument that makes sense is that there is a huge % of midfielders that are totally ignored in this game and get them more involved would be fun and give more varied teams
  
  To be honest the old bonus system helped with this. If Essien had had a storming game, loads of tackles, full of energy he could have a chance of 3 bonus. Now a sub comes on for 27 mins gets a goal and 3 bonus for him.
  
  Its about making the 'ignored' mids more appealing not the attacking mids less so.
  Open Controls
  - Permalink
  1. Twelve years a slave
    11 years, 5 months ago
    The reason its becoming harder to beat the casuals is that they no longer quite so uninformed.
    This site puts an article out on the fpl site , more people come here etc . Every year will be more competitive than the previous one
    Open Controls
    Permalink
    1. simsey
      11 years, 5 months ago
      Depends on how you define casual.
      Is a casual a guy that looks picks a team at GW1 and plays patient, only making 4 subs by GW10 cos he wants to see how that team does over an extended period of time?
      Or is it a guy that spends 30 mins at it each week, makes a sub and picks a captain?
      Patience is a huge part of the game, anyone who took bale out for Hazard at GW4 will tell you that - I'm a victim of it myself having taken out Suarez, Cazorla and Fellaini in the last 4GWs.
      I dont see how 'studying' the FPL site and reading stats galore gives you a better chance to beat the two casuals I mention above.
      Assuming they all watch games at the wknd and match of the day theres nothing to split them.
      
      Heres one: The 'average position maps' in some of the analysis, what a load of crap.
      In the Fulham article it says that Berbatov and Ruiz were on top of each other.
      Kinda misses the point that theyre never in the same place at the same time! and etc etc
      Open Controls
      Permalink
      1. Joggers Nipple
        11 years, 5 months ago
        Simsey, good points.
        
        Also when this GAME becomes like work you have kinda gone too deep. By the very nature of us being here right now we are % wise very close to people who take the game too seriously!
        
        I like it because on Saturday when watching with beers and with mates in my mini league we can take the piss ( and win some cash). Sure i probably take more time over my team but if my 'casual' mate makes his one transfer on Sat am and is doing better than me it says more about me than him
        
        It meant to be fun.
        Open Controls
        Permalink
        
        simsey
        11 years, 5 months ago
        And one statement you said there sums up your attitude for me, 'says more about me than him' 🙂
        Gotta laugh at yourself first eh, then you can laugh at everyone else 🙂
        I'm off work the last 5 wks after having ,y knee reconstructed, hence my extended time in here. Cant wait to get out n about again. Will still come in but definitely less often, and never at this time of the night!! These weeks have seen me develop a bit of a FPL obsession alright
        Open Controls
        Permalink
        
        Joggers Nipple
        11 years, 5 months ago
        self-depreciation is one of the most under-rated character traits. Gd luck with the op.
        Open Controls
        Permalink
  2. NATSTER
    11 years, 5 months ago
    I do agree with the point about many MFs are left uninterested.. Points for defensive actions are what I definitely support. It will open room for different team selection strategies.
    Open Controls
    Permalink
    1. Paul Psychic Octopus
      11 years, 5 months ago
      As per the UCL game? i.e. 1pt for 'recovered balls'
      
      Definitely a good idea
      
      Thought it was the same people/platform for this game, but I could be wrong
      Open Controls
      Permalink
    2. simsey
      11 years, 5 months ago
      But you have to be careful. Someone like Mikel could get BP's for tackles or blocks and just being in the way when a player like Oscar, twice the footballer, more creative, intelligent etc will get no reward if Chelsea draw 0-0.
      Its easier to be destructive than creative and I dont see why that should be rewarded in this game at all.
      Give players like Mikel points for tackles and they will have to raise his price. You still wont buy him at 5.5 when you could have Morrison at WB and other players
      Open Controls
      Permalink
      1. NATSTER
        11 years, 5 months ago
        I didn't mean BP but point from actions like save point for GK. It could give people some thoughts to consider getting points from defensive mid too.
        
        Btw, I think the game probably underreward players who destroy opponents' games. I think they are as important as creator for the teams to win the game. To effectively destroy opponents' game, you also need intelligence and capabilities to cleanly tackle, effectively steal, timely block, etc,
        
        Anyway, I don't want the game to be too complicated with many kinds of stat. Recovered ball might be a good starting as we saw it acceptable in Euro game.
        Open Controls
        Permalink
3. simsey
  11 years, 5 months ago
  yup, have to agree with you on that one.
  I went a step further on page 6 when I gave my opinion that some of the ideas were ridiculous.
  Some agreed, more didn't......probably the ones that cant actually play football but I'm just being snide now.
  Bottom line for me, its the prices that are out, not the categorisation of where players 'play'.
  Theres the odd few that are 'oop' each year but that adds to the game imo
  (and the bonus system is a pretty stupid but thats another story)
  Open Controls
  - Permalink
Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
11 years, 5 months ago
Any aguero owners giving him "one more chance" this week? Im almost afraidto transfer him out before a home game in case mancini finally decides to start him & he has his shooting boots on... his days do appear to be numbered in my team thouh, unless he does something spectacular in the meantime
Open Controls
- Permalink
1. SAMCRO-Sons Of Fantasy
  11 years, 5 months ago
  I have Aguero, it's do or die this week for him. In case you do not know, his price is set to drop sometime tomorrow, currently at 95%....If he fails to perform, I will do the Aguero-Ba switch next week
  Open Controls
  - Permalink
  1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
    11 years, 5 months ago
    Iyep, do or die is a good way to put it. I currently have RVP & Ba alongside him, so if he doesnt perform this weekend, the good thing isthat 2x free transfers next week allows downgrading kun to suarez or ber, using funds to upgrade one of my midfield of
    morrisson-hba-caz-michu(guthrie). Probably morrison>fellaini/valencia
    Open Controls
    Permalink
2. Cruizer van Nistelrooy
  11 years, 5 months ago
  i'm going to keep him, mainly as differential due to his low ownership.
  Open Controls
  - Permalink
3. Ziggers
  11 years, 5 months ago
  At the moment he is staying in my side as I can't decide if anyone else is worth a -4 hit (already made a transfer). I have him in because the teams above and below me in my league have Tevez and I wanted a different striker to them. In the next week or so I might transfer Aguero to Suarez and fit Man City coverage elsewhere.
  Open Controls
  - Permalink
Godfather Bandit 42
11 years, 5 months ago
Hey fellas, 1FT AND £0.3 in change.
Here come the boys-

Foster (Jaasi)
Baines, Gorks, McCauley (Reid, Clyne)
Mata, Cazorla, Michu, Pienaar, Kightly
RVP, Ba (Lukaku)

Anybody like puzzles?! Should I..

a) Jaasi>Bergo?
b) Reid or McCauley>Shawcross or Huth?
c) Lukaku>Long/Kone/Lambert?
d) Do nothing/Do 2 of the above/Do more?

I really appreciate your input so I thank you kindly.....
Open Controls
- Permalink
1. Joggers Nipple
  11 years, 5 months ago
  a. But depending on Fosters injury might be better to do him to Bego?
  Open Controls
  - Permalink
  1. Godfather Bandit 42
    11 years, 5 months ago
    Really? Foster's injured?.That's messed up the plans a bit but that's all part of the fun!! Thanks for your response..
    Open Controls
    Permalink
2. KING KOUNDER
  11 years, 5 months ago
  You are ready to go , Foster is injured , may be swap him for Bego.
  Open Controls
  - Permalink
  1. Godfather Bandit 42
    11 years, 5 months ago
    Cheers. That's 2 for Foster>Bergo..
    Open Controls
    Permalink
3. Eddie
  11 years, 5 months ago
  I'm struggling to see where all your money has gone. You need to sort out Lukaku, but not sure where you'll raise the funds for an upgrade from.
  
  of the three you've mentioned, Long looks good. But wouldn't want him filling my precious striker spot. Anyway you could downgrade your defence/keeper further to free up cash?
  Open Controls
  - Permalink
  1. Godfather Bandit 42
    11 years, 5 months ago
    Hmmmm. It's my 1st season and I didn't play the 'Price Rise/Fall - Sell/Buy game' at all.
    
    McCauley>Shawcross will give me £0.6 in the bank.
    You're right about Lukaku but £6.7 doesn't give me much FWD options.
    
    Cheers for your response.
    Open Controls
    Permalink
Why always not me?
11 years, 5 months ago
ivano+flet -> sagna+roon(-4)
yay or nay??
maybe i should just wait for next week for roon
Open Controls
- Permalink
1. KING KOUNDER
  11 years, 5 months ago
  I'd say , wait.
  Cant see Roon exploding in away games.
  Open Controls
  - Permalink
OPTA FPL
11 years, 5 months ago
Just log-on and see Bale 2 assists, Defoe hattrick 🙄 If Ba isnot fit, Defoe will be in my team one more week & Bale too.
Open Controls
- Permalink
1. blue cheese
  11 years, 5 months ago
  I saw the result just now as well. Defoe hattrick?!?! 😯
  Open Controls
  - Permalink
2. KING KOUNDER
  11 years, 5 months ago
  So even you are planning to do Defoe to Ba , but just couldnt make up your mind ?
  😀
  Open Controls
  - Permalink
  1. OPTA FPL
    11 years, 5 months ago
    yeah, not sure what to do now if Ba is fit??? do you on same boat?
    Open Controls
    Permalink
    1. KING KOUNDER
      11 years, 5 months ago
      Yup , infact I have the exact cash , so if Defoe drops , its hell.
      Defoe played 90 ?
      
      Ade started ?
      If he didnt , I would happily bring on Ba.
      Open Controls
      Permalink
      1. OPTA FPL
        11 years, 5 months ago
        Adebayor also played yesterday mate, no chance AVB will drop Defoe this weekend after his hattrick
        Open Controls
        Permalink
        
        KING KOUNDER
        11 years, 5 months ago
        Okay, Iam setting myself for Defoe 2 pointer while I could easily have had a Ba hattrick.
        
        You mate ?
        Open Controls
        Permalink
        
        OPTA FPL
        11 years, 5 months ago
        I'm 0.1M short of doing Defoe & Guthrie --> Ba & Maloney. Maybe I must keep Defoe and hope Ba doesnt play this week & will drop 0,1M more.
        Open Controls
        Permalink
        
        OPTA FPL
        11 years, 5 months ago
        actually Defoe played 82 mins, Adebayor 90 mins
        Open Controls
        Permalink
        
        KING KOUNDER
        11 years, 5 months ago
        Thats sweet 😀
        Open Controls
        Permalink
        
        blue cheese
        11 years, 5 months ago
        I have Defoe and Giroud. I don't feel like selling either but there are soooooo many strikers I want ... 🙁
        Open Controls
        Permalink
        
        KING KOUNDER
        11 years, 5 months ago
        Giroud --> Ba , seems a no brainer to me.
        Arsenal just dont seem to score goals.
        Open Controls
        Permalink
        
        blue cheese
        11 years, 5 months ago
        Yeah, I'll wait for any more info of Ba before the weekend and see ...
        Open Controls
        Permalink
        
        OPTA FPL
        11 years, 5 months ago
        RVP Suarez Ba should be the way to go this year NN
        just try to find a Sunderland striker/Mid from gw 13
        Open Controls
        Permalink
        
        KING KOUNDER
        11 years, 5 months ago
        Problem with that front 3 is you couldnt have a heavy midfield and Baines.
        Open Controls
        Permalink
        
        OPTA FPL
        11 years, 5 months ago
        we can, see my team (Tevez --> Suarez future), Defoe is becoming Ba 😉
        Open Controls
        Permalink
        
        blue cheese
        11 years, 5 months ago
        Yeah, selling Suarez ahead of the Everton game was a mistake! Might get him back after his suspension.
        
        As far as Sunderland are concerned, not too keen on their attackers. Got Cuellar and Gorkss for the DGW. If they do show some signs of improvement, I could easily swap Pienaar for Larsson / AJ.
        Open Controls
        Permalink
Billy Gilmore
11 years, 5 months ago
Nitin, any insight on GreenWindmill's team?
Open Controls
- Permalink
1. blue cheese
  11 years, 5 months ago
  No. He hasn't done any transfers for this week, has he? La Liga clash?
  Open Controls
  - Permalink
  1. Billy Gilmore
    11 years, 5 months ago
    Yeah, this match has been building up for a while so I have to win 😀
    
    So you haven't seen any transfer plans?
    Open Controls
    Permalink
    1. blue cheese
      11 years, 5 months ago
      Oh ok. Good luck! 🙂 Nah, I haven't.
      
      *grav test*
      Open Controls
      Permalink
      1. Billy Gilmore
        11 years, 5 months ago
        I hate it! 😉
        Open Controls
        Permalink
        
        blue cheese
        11 years, 5 months ago
        GreenWindmill FTW! 😉
        Open Controls
        Permalink
        
        Billy Gilmore
        11 years, 5 months ago
        http://api.ning.com/files/b0eWVQfsIROlw9uUiuIdgqzxpDFiydyoSBYEjPkPW1nbX-fE6nETO2w25q0uV86WSJIHIelvAxjsG4knCK2L6itFWjBfEqny/jack_middle_finger.gif
        Open Controls
        Permalink
        
        blue cheese
        11 years, 5 months ago
        😆 Got any good differentials over him?
        Open Controls
        Permalink
        
        Billy Gilmore
        11 years, 5 months ago
        Him: Hughes, Santon, Cameron, Davies, Yaya and Tevez +1.6m in the bank.
        
        Me: Rafael, Riise, Nelsen, Gorkss, Bale and Giroud + 0.7m in the bank + 2FT
        
        I fancy my chances, providing Tevez doesn't explode.
        Open Controls
        Permalink
        
        blue cheese
        11 years, 5 months ago
        Hmm you'll win I reckon. Gotta run, ttyl!
        Open Controls
        Permalink
        
        Billy Gilmore
        11 years, 5 months ago
        Later! 🙂
        Open Controls
        Permalink
Twelve years a slave
11 years, 5 months ago
Instead of adding a new category i propose the following.

Players are no longer given bonuses for scoring goals or assisting ( They get their reward with the points)

Instead i would like to see 3 bonus points awarded for the following categories
Most succesful tackles =3
Most succesful passes =3
Most blocks and clearances=3

Thats it
Open Controls
- Permalink
1. Billy Gilmore
  11 years, 5 months ago
  I don't think it should be most, but more a threshold, so if you don't deserve the points then you don't get them.
  Open Controls
  - Permalink
2. Twelve years a slave
  11 years, 5 months ago
  Under my proposed syste a really good defensive midfielder could actually pick up more than three bonus points as could do well in all three of those categories.
  
  The present bonus system does not work , the stats cannot distinguish between a lucky goal/assist or a quality one , the best players often recieve no bonus points at all
  Open Controls
  - Permalink
3. KING KOUNDER
  11 years, 5 months ago
  Why not do it like the UCL style ?
  Like points for tackles , balls recovered and interceptions .
  Open Controls
  - Permalink
4. Joggers Nipple
  11 years, 5 months ago
  Like it.Maybe add -
  Most shots on target=3
  Just to give some chance for forwards to get bonus.
  Open Controls
  - Permalink
  1. simsey
    11 years, 5 months ago
    Bonus to fwds for shots on target don't work for me.
    The minimum theyre expected to do is hit the target, not being smart here but thats why they play where they do, theyre 'supposed' to be more accurate than everyone else.
    Likewise giving bonus to defenders for tackling seems silly to me, thats theyre job. Track, mark, tackle, intercept. Thats what they train for 6 days a week.
    
    There is an argument that players who do their jobs exceptionally well should be rewarded with bonus pts but thats what the old system did and it was changed for some unknown reason
    Open Controls
    Permalink
    1. Joggers Nipple
      11 years, 5 months ago
      Your last paragraph nailed it. Back to adjudicator Bonus Points solves alot of this
      Open Controls
      Permalink
5. simsey
  11 years, 5 months ago
  I wold simply give it to the three players that had the most touches of the ball.
  99% of the time they will have been the most influential.
  Open Controls
  - Permalink
  1. nimbin_headers
    11 years, 5 months ago
    Yes that is not a bad way to do it, But only for midfielders
    Open Controls
    Permalink
6. nimbin_headers
  11 years, 5 months ago
  Maybe just review the PPI, it is clearly not working, why cant they change it to reflect defensive work or pass completed ect...
  Open Controls
  - Permalink
7. New Ghost
  11 years, 5 months ago
  I love this idea Trigger.
  Open Controls
  - Permalink
8. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
  11 years, 5 months ago
  The problem I have with rewarding the defensive mids with bonuses and thus bringing them into play is then there is less advantage to owning players who score goals and assist. If it equals out then you could have teams with all these defensive mids who score equally or roughly the same. That to me sounds like it makes the DM's almost as valuable as goal-scoring ones and I don't like that.
  
  For me the best part of FPL is diminished by rewarding the grafters. I appreciate the footballers who don't get covered in glory because they do the dirty work...but I don't think I'd feel that excited playing this game if I had 5 DM's instead of 5 AM's who have a chance at scoring most weeks. These rewards for defensive work just don't thrill me at all.
  Open Controls
  - Permalink
  1. simsey
    11 years, 5 months ago
    I'm with ya mate, you have to be careful.
    Someone like Mikel could get BP’s for tackles or blocks and just 'being in the way' when a player like Oscar, twice the footballer, more creative, intelligent etc will get no reward if Chelsea draw 0-0.
    Its easier to be destructive than creative and I dont see why that should be rewarded in this game at all.
    But anyway, if they give players like Mikel points for tackles etc then they will have to raise his price. Who will buy him at 5.5 when you could have Morrison at WB and other similar players?
    Back to square one after one season cos the end of season points decides the prices for nxt season and defensive mids become expensive and then people are moaning about prices, filling their squad, talented players not getting enough.
    I can see a pattern here.
    Open Controls
    Permalink
9. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
  11 years, 5 months ago
  You're on to something there. Having BPs tied to something more transparent & objective can only faour those who put the effort in to research stats. Im all for it
  Open Controls
  - Permalink
  1. Twelve years a slave
    11 years, 5 months ago
    The old bonus system did try to reward the best players , but failed miserably, points always went to the show ponies.
    I like the statistical rewarding of points , just feel they are using the wrong statistics
    Open Controls
    Permalink
    1. simsey
      11 years, 5 months ago
      Really, I liked the old system. I remember Arteta was a BP magnet cos he was hugely influential in games even when he didnt score or assist.
      Who are the show ponies you mean?
      
      Your second statement is something I feel very strongly about. Whoever is 'weighting' the data - as in a shot on target is worth this much, a successful pass this much etc - is doing it arseways and its not at all how football should be judged.
      
      It should be done by watching the game, end of.
      Open Controls
      Permalink
nimbin_headers
11 years, 5 months ago
What would you recommend if any:
Becovic (foster)
Baines Rafael Nelsen (Demel, cuellar)
Michu Bale Piennar Cazorla (sterling)
RVP (C) Tevez Berbatov

I was thinking bale to Valencia but could back fire badly
Or
Demel to Gorks but could wait till next week and have 2 transfers

Am i missing the obvious?
Open Controls
- Permalink
1. Buck The Trent
  11 years, 5 months ago
  Keep bale IMO...he made 25 crosses against wigan and made 2 assists in Europa
  Open Controls
  - Permalink
  1. nimbin_headers
    11 years, 5 months ago
    ok tahnk you for your advice
    Open Controls
    Permalink
Pigvig
11 years, 5 months ago
25 points last week. Hopefully do better with this rabble:

Begovic
Baines Ivanovic Gorkks
Mata Pienaar Bale Michu
RVP(C) Ba Berba

Subs: Jaask, Maloney, Fonte, Nelsen

Got it right?
Open Controls
- Permalink
1. Bolt-on
  11 years, 5 months ago
  i would leave that side - bad week last week but can give you 60+ this....
  Open Controls
  - Permalink
Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
11 years, 5 months ago
Anyone taking a punt on ahley young? Looks like he's won a place in the side for the league, very cheap at 8.2 &surely only a matter of time before he starts returning points with utd fixs & form! No anger of plaing fullback either unlike valencia
Open Controls
- Permalink
1. OPTA FPL
  11 years, 5 months ago
  not a chance.
  Open Controls
  - Permalink
2. lfc123
  11 years, 5 months ago
  all you need is rvp an rafael, all their mids should be left alone!
  Open Controls
  - Permalink
  1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
    11 years, 5 months ago
    Yeah fair enough. I have rvp... Still reluctant to get rafaf bak in... I sold him for wilson last week, and had boughtrafa for 5.6 so now cant afford him!!
    Open Controls
    Permalink
lfc123
11 years, 5 months ago
Anyone else think all this 'changing the system' talk is a waste of time??

the system is there and it's not up to us whether it changes or not.. live with it 🙂
Open Controls
- Permalink
1. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
  11 years, 5 months ago
  Yeah, I think it's giving me a bit of a headache. I see no worth in complicating things. And as I said before...what's most fun about this game is goals/assists. We all want to own the guys who do these things...I don't want to be tempted to own Cattermole because he'll make loads of tackles and get more points for CS...it's already making me queasy thinking about it.
  Open Controls
  - Permalink
2. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
  11 years, 5 months ago
  I havent listened to podcast... But the system is key imo, especially for FPL! Take charlie adam as an example, the system blackpool played suited himperfectly... They had the team set up around him leaving him free reign to score & create much more chances... Then at liverpool & ow at stoke, he's still the same player, but in a diffrent system he is much less producive in terms of pure goals and assists (i.e.fantsay points)
  
  Imo the trickis to identify teams that using systems that are geared towards a certain individual player, or set of players. Fletcher at sunderland, fellaini at everton (this year vs. Previous years has seena change in role for fellaii + lots ofpoints as a result)
  
  Not sure if that was the poi t ou were getting at?
  Open Controls
  - Permalink
  1. lfc123
    11 years, 5 months ago
    Basically read wat 'mataunreal' has said ^^ i agree with that. No one wants to be cheering on tackles or balls recovered.. it's all about goals assists and clean sheets, and it should be just left as it is
    Open Controls
    Permalink
3. Bolt-on
  11 years, 5 months ago
  Agree - leave as is
  Open Controls
  - Permalink
Bolt-on
11 years, 5 months ago
can any newcastle supporter or anyone else know that steven taylor situation? is he a regualr or just going to play becasue of collocinis absence - im looking long term - thanks in advance.
Open Controls
- Permalink
1. OPTA FPL
  11 years, 5 months ago
  nailed on
  Open Controls
  - Permalink
  1. Bolt-on
    11 years, 5 months ago
    thanks
    Open Controls
    Permalink
isacki: full casual
11 years, 5 months ago
Before I sleep I'll just throw out my own very small and simple tweak to the rules (no fiddly counting of game events) that I think would restore defensive mids as at least an option.

Defensive mids get 2 points for a clean sheet, attacking mids get none. Defensive mids retain similar pricings to now. Hence you could get semi regular 4 pointers from a 4-5m mid. If you really felt like it you could even try rotating two of them for 4 pointers while massively upgrading the rest of your squad.

Remember if you're aiming for 55 points a week from 100m, each million needs to get you 0.55 points. So a 4.5m player need only average 2.45 points to break even.
Open Controls
- Permalink
1. Billy Gilmore
  11 years, 5 months ago
  Far too boring for me.
  Open Controls
  - Permalink
  1. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
    11 years, 5 months ago
    +1 Where is the fun owning two DM's so you can get bigger hitters? That's like saying...let's all get 7 defenders instead so we can just have 3 mids and 3 fwds...
    Open Controls
    Permalink
2. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
  11 years, 5 months ago
  But why would we want to own more defensive mids? Is that in any way exciting? Not in my opinion. We all want to own 5 attacking mids...I want to be good at this game because my players scored goals while I owned them...not because they recovered loads of balls and got extra CS points...it's such a boring concept...no?
  Open Controls
  - Permalink
  1. isacki: full casual
    11 years, 5 months ago
    Defender CS points are a "boring concept" too but we seem totally gripped by them 😆
    
    Build the points and they will come. Yes, they will spend hours before a ball is kicked working out three way rotation strategies. You should have been here in preseason.
    Open Controls
    Permalink
    1. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
      11 years, 5 months ago
      I love FPL but if they brought in that defensive mids were highly valuable...I actually think I'd quit playing...and if they were made mandatory...I think most casuals would quit too...this isn't real life...it's fantasy football...the defensive mids can rot in hell...it's not a democracy...points for your mids should come from goals/assists and the CS point is enough to recognise a midfielder's role in the defensive side.
      
      Honestly, being forced to own Mulumbu/Mikel would make me vomit!
      Open Controls
      Permalink
3. isacki: full casual
  11 years, 5 months ago
  Anyway if you want to see it in action I leave you with this 😆
  
  Begovic McCarthy
  Baines Rafael Sagna Cuellar Demel
  Mata Bale Cazorla N'Zonzi Mulumbu
  RVP Rooney Suarez...
  Open Controls
  - Permalink
  1. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
    11 years, 5 months ago
    Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
    Open Controls
    Permalink
    1. isacki: full casual
      11 years, 5 months ago
      No need to advertise your attention span 😆
      Open Controls
      Permalink
  2. Stupendous
    11 years, 5 months ago
    Nzonzi and Mulumbu?????
    
    That front and back line though.............wow.
    
    how much did that cost you in pts?
    Open Controls
    Permalink
4. simsey
  11 years, 5 months ago
  No way. How do you define a defensive mid?
  Toure was that when he arrived at city. But then he started bursting fwd and getting involved further up the pitch.
  Are Scholes, Britton, Allen or Carrick DM's? I dont think so. They are passers that keep the ball moving abd their teams in possession. They are quality footballers but not DM's
  They do as much to keep a clean sheet as muck players like DeJong, Mikel etc who would definitely be pigeonholed as DM's.
  But rewarding this muck with points and not the other 'quarterback' players would be wrong.
  I know thats not exactly what you said but I just see the sub-categorisation as a needless complication.
  For example Rooney puts in more tackles than Evans some games but gets no CS points....
  Open Controls
  - Permalink
  1. isacki: full casual
    11 years, 5 months ago
    I'm just playing devil's advocate in trying to suggest one of the only tweaks that would be palatable to me to get defensive mids into the game. If you read my post last page I want the game as it is. I do grant that it is absurd that a category of players are totally useless at fantasy football . Until the day arrives that a fair way of recognizing their contribution arises, it may have to stay that way.
    Open Controls
    Permalink
    1. simsey
      11 years, 5 months ago
      I hear ya Isacki, wasnt meanin to be too loud with my words.
      
      But I think there are players playing football that are shite at it, Mikel is one of them.
      Consider those in his position that are actually good such as Arteta, Osman, Carrick, Busquets, Alonso, etc etc.
      They can all do the job of the Mikels and DeJong's of this world - and more.
      
      A central midfielder should be able to both attack and defend.
      If teams persist with playing mids that can only defend then its bad for 'real' football.
      That they have no place in fantasy football is a really good thing and I say long may it continue 🙂
      Open Controls
      Permalink
      1. isacki: full casual
        11 years, 5 months ago
        Haha, like the clear opinions anyway 😆
        
        Clearly on technique the rotating Spanish mids as well as the Germans would win hands down, we might be in danger of just giving all the plaudits to them then. I think FPL tries to stay neutral with regards to class. It rewards achievement, and in the end class helps you achieve. Nevertheless, a goal is a goal no matter how it's scored and a clean sheet is a clean sheet no matter how it's kept. And I think there is a beauty and romance to that as well.
        Open Controls
        Permalink
Godfather Bandit 42
11 years, 5 months ago
Baines>Rafael? Inspired or demented?
Open Controls
- Permalink
1. Billy Gilmore
  11 years, 5 months ago
  Demented. Get both 😎
  Open Controls
  - Permalink
  1. Godfather Bandit 42
    11 years, 5 months ago
    Ideally, I would love to, Berbilly, but I'm trying to raise funds to get Lukaku out.
    1FT AND £0.3 in change.
    
    Foster (Jaasi)
    Baines, Gorks, McCauley (Reid, Clyne)
    Mata, Cazorla, Michu, Pienaar, Kightly
    RVP, Ba (Lukaku)
    
    Thanks for your advice.
    Open Controls
    Permalink
    1. The Baines
      11 years, 5 months ago
      Baines will surely keep a clean sheet this week + attacking potential... save the transfer..
      Open Controls
      Permalink
      1. Godfather Bandit 42
        11 years, 5 months ago
        Cheers. Might just do that and keep Lukaku on the bench. I do prefer 3-4-3 more than 3-5-2 though.......
        Open Controls
        Permalink
    2. The Baines
      11 years, 5 months ago
      Baines: a season keeper without daubt..
      Open Controls
      Permalink
      1. Godfather Bandit 42
        11 years, 5 months ago
        I knew that really, thats why I got him in (eventually). It was just a thought to free up funds but I think I'll keep him.
        
        Thanks for your input.
        Open Controls
        Permalink
    3. Cruizer van Nistelrooy
      11 years, 5 months ago
      maybe you can just do lukaku -> ruiz
      Open Controls
      Permalink
      1. Godfather Bandit 42
        11 years, 5 months ago
        Do you think Ruiz will do well against Arsenal?
        Open Controls
        Permalink
    4. Billy Gilmore
      11 years, 5 months ago
      Foster + Lukaku –> Begovic + Berba? Maybe wait til next week though.
      Open Controls
      Permalink
      1. Cruizer van Nistelrooy
        11 years, 5 months ago
        agreed that you have to transfer out either foster and mcauley..their fixtures are not that great, not sure they can keep enough clean sheets
        Open Controls
        Permalink
        
        Godfather Bandit 42
        11 years, 5 months ago
        Cheers. Fixtures + injury does point to using my 1FT for Foster>Bergo as my free transfer.
        @ Berbilly - I can't do that cos i am £0.4 short...
        Open Controls
        Permalink
2. Bolt-on
  11 years, 5 months ago
  i have neither and am comfortable with that - having said that i would ditch baines for rafael yes
  Open Controls
  - Permalink
  1. The Baines
    11 years, 5 months ago
    -1
    Open Controls
    Permalink
    1. OPTA FPL
      11 years, 5 months ago
      ................
      Open Controls
      Permalink
      1. The Baines
        11 years, 5 months ago
        ??
        Open Controls
        Permalink
        
        OPTA FPL
        11 years, 5 months ago
        - 80935
        Open Controls
        Permalink
  2. Godfather Bandit 42
    11 years, 5 months ago
    Oh ok. Refreshing to hear that. Who are your defenders?
    Open Controls
    Permalink
3. सनकी
  11 years, 5 months ago
  would love to have both. wouldn't have only Rafael tho.
  Open Controls
  - Permalink
  1. Godfather Bandit 42
    11 years, 5 months ago
    Cheers. As a fellow Baines owner, I'd have to agree. Thing is I had Rafael early season but got rid for Gibbs I think.
    Open Controls
    Permalink
lfc123
11 years, 5 months ago
Would much prefer a Fifa Ultimate Team conversation than the boring FPL system debate..

just sold all my players for just over 50K

i'm shite at trading as it's my first season

someone tell me what to do please 🙂
Open Controls
- Permalink
1. lfc123
  11 years, 5 months ago
  Must be the only person on here who plays 🙁 surely not..
  Open Controls
  - Permalink
2. nedfoo
  11 years, 5 months ago
  Buy low, sell high.
  Open Controls
  - Permalink
simsey
11 years, 5 months ago
Just noticed that Stoke have been the lowest scoring side last season.
In the three seasons before that they were in the bottom 4 for goals scored.
And it continues this season

One thing for sure, next week I'm taking Crouch out! - unless he score 2 this week of course 🙂
Open Controls
- Permalink
The Baines
11 years, 5 months ago
Any news on Morrison and Ba?? I have both of them and enuff cash to do Morrison to Mata(-4)..
Open Controls
- Permalink
1. OPTA FPL
  11 years, 5 months ago
  Morrision is OK, not yet news about Ba
  Open Controls
  - Permalink
OPTA FPL
11 years, 5 months ago
Any Man Utd fans still around? Awesome video tribute for Van The Man, 23/24 this month will be the first time he will be back at Old Trafford for the unveiling of sir Alex Fergusons statue and the game against Q.P.R

http://youtu.be/bk7AVEd_OrQ

My favourite player of all time 🙂
Open Controls
- Permalink
1. lfc123
  11 years, 5 months ago
  http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b185/luckylucvfr/Gif/fc783ef6.gif
  Open Controls
  - Permalink
  1. OPTA FPL
    11 years, 5 months ago
    typical Liverpool 😉
    Open Controls
    Permalink
2. simsey
  11 years, 5 months ago
  Wicked, my favourite finisher of the last 10 yes for sure. Learned everything I know from watching him, his runs, movement, finishing etc.
  Obviously I'm just a Sunday player but ya gotta look up to someone right 🙂
  Open Controls
  - Permalink
  1. OPTA FPL
    11 years, 5 months ago
    http://youtu.be/vf9SOUOiNHQ
    
    he taught Welbeck when he was young 🙂
    Open Controls
    Permalink
  2. lfc123
    11 years, 5 months ago
    heard on the grapevine Simsey is the next RVP 😉
    Open Controls
    Permalink
    1. simsey
      11 years, 5 months ago
      hahahaha, nice!
      well I have his cruciate injury at the moment, wont mind if I can come back to score 40 league goals nxt yr 😉
      Open Controls
      Permalink
3. vickyz r3d d3vil$ !!!
  11 years, 5 months ago
  brilliant !! one of the best..so many games he has rescued united in the last minutes...RESPECT !!
  Open Controls
  - Permalink
The Baines
11 years, 5 months ago
who has more chance of playing in the hole?? Morrison /Gera now that the Manager has heaped praise on Gera for his recent good form..
Open Controls
- Permalink
Ryan
11 years, 5 months ago
I enjoy trying to come up with the 'new' template team on occasion, looking ahead to the ideal side for the coming weeks. Here's my thoughts on a possible option that could be the way forward with a big 3 up front

Baines, Rotating cheap defenders/keepers
Mata, Caz, 3 of Michu/Fellaini/Nolan/Maloney/Sterling
RVP, Suarez, 1 of Rooney/Aguero/Ba
Open Controls
- Permalink
1. Stupendous
  11 years, 5 months ago
  Wow...groundbreaking mate!!!
  Open Controls
  - Permalink
  1. Ryan
    11 years, 5 months ago
    A tad cynical 😉 3 big hitters up front is different from recent trends.
    Open Controls
    Permalink
2. Pigvig
  11 years, 5 months ago
  Nah mate, 2 expensive defenders and 3 rotating cheapies is the way to go.
  Open Controls
  - Permalink
  1. Ryan
    11 years, 5 months ago
    Yeah there is merit to that as well.
    Open Controls
    Permalink
lfcserg
11 years, 5 months ago
Gibbs -> Cameron and Holt -> Berba for a 4pt hit?
Open Controls
- Permalink
1. lfc123
  11 years, 5 months ago
  fo sho
  Open Controls
  - Permalink
2. Joggers Nipple
  11 years, 5 months ago
  Just Gibbs to Cameron
  Open Controls
  - Permalink
Jafooli
11 years, 5 months ago
% chance of starting this GW, if you'd be so kind:

1. Tevez
2. Ba
3. Bale
4. Foster
5. Rafael
Open Controls
- Permalink
1. Stupendous
  11 years, 5 months ago
  1. 75
  2. 60
  3. 100
  4. 50/50
  5. 100
  Open Controls
  - Permalink
2. Joggers Nipple
  11 years, 5 months ago
  1.80
  2.40
  3.99.99
  4.40.
  5.99.98
  Open Controls
  - Permalink
3. Jafooli
  11 years, 5 months ago
  Cheers Stupendous & Sab....what about Berbatov?
  
  Oh and why Tevez so low? Because Balotelli back in the bad boy books so leaves Aguero plus one?
  Open Controls
  - Permalink
  1. Stupendous
    11 years, 5 months ago
    75percent is hardly a low percentage though is it 🙂
    
    Just reckon that Dzeko and Aguero start this weekend, and I have Tevez 🙁
    
    Remember what Dzeko did to Spurs last year??? (granted this is home)
    Open Controls
    Permalink
    1. Jafooli
      11 years, 5 months ago
      Yeah fair points all round....
      Open Controls
      Permalink
4. New Ghost
  11 years, 5 months ago
  1. 100
  2. 75
  3. 100
  4. 50
  5. 100
  Open Controls
  - Permalink
5. simsey
  11 years, 5 months ago
  1. Tevez - 100%
  2. Ba - 75%
  3. Bale - 100%
  4. Foster - 50%
  5. Rafael - 100%
  Open Controls
  - Permalink
6. Jafooli
  11 years, 5 months ago
  Cheers Snake & Simsey. So in summary
  
  1. Tevez 75-100%
  2. Ba 40-75%
  3. Bale 100%
  4. Foster 50%
  5. Rafael 100%
  Open Controls
  - Permalink
Daniel_tsl
11 years, 5 months ago
How do u install the Scoutify thing on Chrome? can’t seem to do it, errors pop up
Open Controls
- Permalink
robdag
11 years, 5 months ago
Team before transfer:

Bego (Jussi)
Baines, Rafael, McAuley (Rangel,Demel)
Mata, Michu, Sterling, HBA, Hazard
RVP, Berb (Pog)

Thinking of doing Rangel ----> Gorkss and then benching McAuley.

Thoughts?
Open Controls
- Permalink
1. Jafooli
  11 years, 5 months ago
  Or save transfer? No point in wasting it on a benched defender?
  Open Controls
  - Permalink
  1. robdag
    11 years, 5 months ago
    I would then play Gorkss instead ofr Mcauley
    Open Controls
    Permalink
    1. Jafooli
      11 years, 5 months ago
      Not sure Robdag, seems a waste, Gorkss not certain to keep a CS anymore than McAuley, and I have Gorkss....
      Open Controls
      Permalink
cheweydewey
11 years, 5 months ago
Got a real dilemma this week:

Ruddy(Fed)
Baines,Wilkinson,Gorkks(Caulker,Cuellar)

Bale,Michu,Caz,Mata,Fellaini
Berbatov,Suarez,Jelavic

I think I've got the defense sorted out...but don't know weather to do 3-4-3 or 3-5-2, and who to leave out.
Any thoughts? Already used my transfer from Gervinho to Caz.
Open Controls
- Permalink
1. lespaul
  11 years, 5 months ago
  whether
  Open Controls
  - Permalink
  1. cheweydewey
    11 years, 5 months ago
    Thanks..really needed that spelling advice.
    Open Controls
    Permalink

You need to be logged in to post a comment.