The Numbers Game – Budget Midfielders
Filed under: Members - Posted by: Paul
Starting the season priced at just 4.5 in Fantasy Premier League (FPL), Raheem Sterling quickly cemented his place in many a five man midfield thanks to a consistency of game time under new Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers. Handed a first-team chance in Gameweek 2, the winger rose steadily in price to 5.7 as the bandwagon showed little sign of slowing down but a run of 16 consecutive starts was brought to an end in Gameweek 18, with Rodgers citing signs of fatigue in the youngster’s play:
With the arrival of Daniel Sturridge added to Fabio Borini’s return from injury, the attacking options are increasing for the Merseysiders – having started just three of the last six, Sterling’s owners are starting to get twitchy. He’s now dropped in price to 5.5 but, with a 17% ownership, remains the most popular sub 6.0 midfield option in the FPL game at present. As winter wildcards continue to be flourished, we take a look at the upcoming six Gameweeks and, in accordance with our Rate My Team projections, analyse the likely protagonists for those Fantasy managers eyeing up a potential transfer out…
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January 26 at 9:41 am
SanguisSalmon says:
I’m in my first season of FF and so far I thinking Im doing alright (in top 50K).
I just wondered do other players try to plan the season out from the start of the season (i.e. with transfers, looking at fixtures / player combos)?
I currently don’t do this myself, but wondered if this would help improve my rank next year. If not plan the season out, how far ahead GW wise do you plan?
Cheers
January 26 at 9:43 am
onionbarje says:
No you cant predict injuries
January 26 at 9:48 am
SanguisSalmon says:
I’m finding I spend far too many transfers messing about sorting out my defenders, when I think if I planned properly from the start I wouldn’t have to do this?
January 26 at 9:43 am
GARRIDO IS THE NEW BAINES says:
It’s my first season too, and to be honest, I think planning out the whole season won’t work, the closest thing you can do to that is choosing your GKs based on fixture rotation
January 26 at 9:48 am
EpicFAIL - AVFC <3 says:
4-5 weeks ahead is what I plan, and even that hardly ever works in reality.
January 26 at 9:48 am
spectrum says:
No planning goes out the window as form dictates who people pick last year for example Dempsey was top scoring mid, this year he is nowhere to be seen, no one would have predicted Fellaini’s explosive returns going off previous seasons. Start with a team your fairly confident will start well and then adapt it getting in consistent performers.
January 26 at 9:52 am
SanguisSalmon says:
I started my team this year with proven performers like Gerrard, Lamps and Tevez. So it started well, just recently now past the half way mark of the season, I’m planning about 4 changes to my defence in the next 5 GWs, but this seems wrong as most of my DF are cheap and unlikely to score mega points. I feel at this stage I should concentrate transfers on the players likely to make a difference (i.e mids and forw).
January 26 at 10:01 am
spectrum says:
The thing is never take a hit for a defender you need a clean sheet to break even, teams fixtures change all the time and clubs have good/bad fixtures at different times of the year Liverpools next 2 games are a great example Arsenal/City from a defensive point of view not ideal but after that fixtures are great, best thing to do is to analyse the next 6 ticker on the homepage, this way you can see who has decent fixtures coming up, when making transfers think long term, taking out Van Persie for example because United play Chelsea would be a silly move because you would only want him back. So to summarise check the ticker compare players in your team to the difficulty of maybe the next 4-6 gameweeks and look at how you can improve your team, don’t take anyone out you would only want back straight after a difficult fixture.
January 26 at 10:05 am
SanguisSalmon says:
Thanks, think this answers my question to Jonah below. The answer being stick with Suarez, as I would want him back in a few games time!
January 26 at 10:10 am
spectrum says:
Yes I would stick for sure for now it’s always easier to downgrade than to upgrade players
January 26 at 9:49 am
ATHLETICO TIMBO. Top 10,000 any season 2nd Wildcard league 16771-553963 says:
I don’t plan too far ahead. Maybe 5 games max. I’ve found I try and see long term plans through when I really should be doing something else.
January 26 at 9:49 am
Wild Rover says:
What’s planning?
January 26 at 9:55 am
Jonah says:
Very complicated answer: Let me address it in stages:
a) There’s never any point planning beyond your next wildcard, so you’re never EVER looking more than half a season ahead.
b) Every manager with half a brain comes up with a plan about when they may use their wildcard at the start of the season; this then affects the players you pick at the start. If you know you’re going to use it when your team is at its lowest, you can pick some more punty players at the start.
c) You should be planning ahead with things like budget defender rotation, always. You really don’t want to be spending transfers on cheap players and defenders; the way to maximise your potential is to shuffle around the big players as they have good fixtures etc. I have got this wrong this year, no question.
d) Normally I plan a lng way ahead in terms of when I;m going to GET RID of people; i.e. Bale has great fixtures over the next 10, I’ll get him in for that run, forget about him and assess him at the end. Deciding who you;re going to transfer in in 10 gameweeks time is far harder.
January 26 at 10:03 am
SanguisSalmon says:
Thanks, thats REALLY helpful, I suppose its all down to how seriously you want to take it. Its certainly given me something to think about.
Funnily enough Caz > Bale is going to be my transfer this week, just waiting to see if any injury from FA cup action and if his price drops, as I’ve seen a few comments on here about it might be on the cards.
Whilst I have you attention, would you recommend swapping out Suarez > Aguero for a hit this week. Or stick rather than twist?
January 26 at 10:05 am
Jonah says:
The logical decision would be not to do that transfer for a hit, you’re giving away an entire goal.
January 26 at 9:42 am
Heisenberg says:
No Liverpool cover for me in my WC team. Thinking about getting both Suarez and Sturridge when they play WBA,SWA,wig.
Currently have RVP Aguero Fletcher up front
January 26 at 9:43 am
EpicFAIL - AVFC <3 says:
Good luck man.
January 26 at 9:53 am
Ragin Cajun says:
It might work but QPR have been resolute the past few games, I think that match would be harder for City than people think.
January 26 at 9:43 am
ATHLETICO TIMBO. Top 10,000 any season 2nd Wildcard league 16771-553963 says:
Is there any live fa cup on uk telly today?
January 26 at 9:44 am
TorresMagic™ - Join the "FPL Open & Elite 64". Millionaire Club qualifying starts GW22. Codes in link. says:
We get 3 games in Australia from ESPN.
January 26 at 9:46 am
ATHLETICO TIMBO. Top 10,000 any season 2nd Wildcard league 16771-553963 says:
Got a feeling its on Espn here too but I don’t have it anymore. Too expensive considering the small amount of games it shows here.
January 26 at 9:46 am
ATHLETICO TIMBO. Top 10,000 any season 2nd Wildcard league 16771-553963 says:
Have you sorted your wc out yet tm?
January 26 at 9:48 am
TorresMagic™ - Join the "FPL Open & Elite 64". Millionaire Club qualifying starts GW22. Codes in link. says:
No chance. Just playing the market unless the final days.
January 26 at 9:52 am
ATHLETICO TIMBO. Top 10,000 any season 2nd Wildcard league 16771-553963 says:
What’s your thoughts on aguero? Are you getting him?
January 26 at 9:53 am
TorresMagic™ - Join the "FPL Open & Elite 64". Millionaire Club qualifying starts GW22. Codes in link. says:
My team value isn’t great for starters. QPR have tightened up so possibly not. Will look into it next week.
January 26 at 9:48 am
Bad Pen says:
ESPN for United v Fulham, looks like Stoke v City is on ITV though. Might be more, can’t find it though.
January 26 at 9:48 am
TorresMagic™ - Join the "FPL Open & Elite 64". Millionaire Club qualifying starts GW22. Codes in link. says:
We get those 2 plus the Arsenal game in Oz on ESPN.
January 26 at 9:50 am
Bad Pen says:
Ha, nice. Lucky Aussies!
January 26 at 9:53 am
ATHLETICO TIMBO. Top 10,000 any season 2nd Wildcard league 16771-553963 says:
Cheers
January 26 at 9:48 am
Wild Rover says:
Both Manc games are on
January 26 at 9:51 am
ATHLETICO TIMBO. Top 10,000 any season 2nd Wildcard league 16771-553963 says:
Just found it. Didn’t realise itv had it. City then Liverpool later. Nice one
January 26 at 9:54 am
ATHLETICO TIMBO. Top 10,000 any season 2nd Wildcard league 16771-553963 says:
Liverpool tomorrow
January 26 at 9:46 am
Manani says:
is doubling up on suarez+sturridge too much?
January 26 at 9:48 am
1874FC says:
I think so.
I have a similar dilemma – is Gerrard+Studge too much?
January 26 at 9:50 am
Ragin Cajun says:
I like this but Gerrard maybe playing a bit too deep in the new formation. Sturridge/Suarez from GW26 looks very good.
January 26 at 9:55 am
1874FC says:
Food for thought, guess I’ll sit tight and see how they play next week.
Thanks
January 26 at 9:56 am
ATHLETICO TIMBO. Top 10,000 any season 2nd Wildcard league 16771-553963 says:
I think that was just cause Allen was rested
January 26 at 9:56 am
HVT says:
1 Liverpool is enough- not enough consistency there , spread the love.
January 26 at 9:48 am
HVT says:
IMO yes , Rvp Suar/aguero and fletch for me
January 26 at 9:48 am
EpicFAIL - AVFC <3 says:
Not if you bring you plenty of points.
January 26 at 9:50 am
EpicFAIL - AVFC <3 says:
they*
January 26 at 9:56 am
Chu Young Ping Pong says:
MILLWALL!
January 26 at 9:54 am
Chu Young Ping Pong says:
Yes, considering they have no game in GW 27
January 26 at 9:57 am
1874FC says:
deep intake of breath.. forgot about that :O
January 26 at 9:54 am
Heisenberg says:
For now yes. Check the situation again after city/ars games.
January 26 at 9:46 am
nutmegking says:
Not like anyone of you watch tennis… but AUSTRALIAN OPEN FINALS!
January 26 at 9:48 am
nutmegking says:
I don’t always watch tennis but when I do…I WATCH DUH FINALS! (Sry I had to say it just for the LOLZ)
January 26 at 9:48 am
nutmegking says:
How can we miss watching Team GB’s Murray in the finals!
January 26 at 9:50 am
nutmegking says:
http://www.australianopen.com/...../live.html
CMON NI LA!
CHINA POWAAA!
January 26 at 9:53 am
TorresMagic™ - Join the "FPL Open & Elite 64". Millionaire Club qualifying starts GW22. Codes in link. says:
Its LI NA!!!
January 26 at 9:53 am
nutmegking says:
HAHHA!
OH MY!!!
IM SUCH A DISGRACE TO CHINAAAAa!
January 26 at 9:57 am
nutmegking says:
FKKKK DONT GET INJURED LINA!
CHINA hAVE HIGH HOPES FOR U!
January 26 at 9:56 am
nutmegking says:
OF*
January 26 at 9:57 am
nutmegking says:
ouch… that must have hurt hope shes fine O.o
January 26 at 9:49 am
Gr3g says:
Good afternoon,
Looks good for this GW? Team/Subs in order?
Bego
Zaba, Azi, Evra
Bale (vc), Mata, Walcott, Afro
RVP (C), Podolski, Lambert
Subs: Fed, Noble, Cameron, Demel
I got 0.6 in the bank and one FT but just cant see anyway for improvement this GW unless I take a hit. Any opinions guys?
January 26 at 9:51 am
Home Run Baker says:
Save your FT
January 26 at 9:55 am
Gr3g says:
Yeah, I wanted to do Lambert > Fletcher but was 0.1 short so decided against… 2FT next week could come very handy!
January 26 at 9:50 am
nutmegking says:
Newcastle should just be called Uni du Newcastle
January 26 at 9:52 am
Home Run Baker says:
The new French guys will get a shock when they meet the Geordie slappers
January 26 at 9:52 am
EpicFAIL - AVFC <3 says:
Clubs should base their name on the players they’ve purchased recently?
January 26 at 9:54 am
Home Run Baker says:
So “Aston Villa are Shit FC” ?
January 26 at 9:54 am
EpicFAIL - AVFC <3 says:
We haven’t bought anyone recently.
January 26 at 9:55 am
nutmegking says:
Not a AVFC fan but I hope they stay up.
January 26 at 9:56 am
Home Run Baker says:
True, but the name still works
January 26 at 9:52 am
Berbilly Gilmore - Uefa council CL teams and groups announced. Click my link for further details says:
Do you ever speak sense?
January 26 at 9:55 am
nutmegking says:
More than you
January 26 at 9:50 am
The Hitch Hikers Guide to the F.P.L. says:
Hey i was wondering what you thought of this wildcard
Mata, punch, Walcott, Mich, Fellani
Van P, stuttridge, Ba
January 26 at 9:55 am
Ragin Cajun says:
Good team but be ready to bench Ba when necessary
January 26 at 9:50 am
dudload says:
cant decide between studge and suarez. team is currently
migs/jussi
zabs/ azpil / cameron / clyne / davies
michu / walcott / mata / fellaini / guthrie
rvp / suarez / fletcher
selling suarez for studge would let me upgrade guthrie to punch and strengthen 1 defender. on wc – what you think?
January 26 at 9:51 am
The Hitch Hikers Guide to the F.P.L. says:
I like it fletcher is in some good form right now.
January 26 at 9:52 am
Ragin Cajun says:
I think you can’t go wrong with either of them, will score similar points I think
January 26 at 10:02 am
dudload says:
ty guys. thats my quandry 0 if they do get similar points studge ould be better as could have better bench strength
January 26 at 9:52 am
athleticbilbobaggins says:
Planning to WC after this GW? Santi -> Fellaini with my FT sounds good? Have Walcott. Any other good one week punts? Berbatov -> Fletcher?
January 26 at 9:53 am
EpicFAIL - AVFC <3 says:
All good.
January 26 at 9:55 am
athleticbilbobaggins says:
Which is better only for this GW? Berbs -> Fletcher or Santi -> Afro. Thanks
January 26 at 9:57 am
EpicFAIL - AVFC <3 says:
Berbs to Fletcher I think.
Santi could easily do some damage.
January 26 at 9:59 am
athleticbilbobaggins says:
hmm, my thinking too.Should have done it yesterday before his price rise. Thanks.
January 26 at 9:52 am
The Hitch Hikers Guide to the F.P.L. says:
Anyone here heard what happened to Messi?
January 26 at 9:57 am
athleticbilbobaggins says:
Precaution. Missed training, Might miss Osasuna today because he won’t be risked with Copa tie against Madrid mid week
January 26 at 9:55 am
Giggs Boson says:
*Last 6*
Suárez……6 goals……1 assist
Agüero…..3 goals…….1 assist
Gerrard…..3 goals…….5 assists
Silva……..2 goals……..2 assists
1. Suárez & Silva +0.4m
2. Agüero & Gerrard
January 26 at 9:57 am
athleticbilbobaggins says:
Aguero was injured GB
January 26 at 9:57 am
Giggs Boson says:
This was his last 6 matches played.
January 26 at 9:59 am
athleticbilbobaggins says:
January 26 at 9:58 am
Natster | The Shuffling says:
I like 1.. Most important to their club.
January 26 at 9:58 am
Home Run Baker says:
1 (for the last 6)
January 26 at 9:59 am
Bad Pen says:
2, Silva’s recent output is misleading and I doubt he’ll be scoring too many more goals this season.
January 26 at 10:00 am
Jonah says:
My honest response it that I don’t think I’d have Gerrard or Silva in my team; goal threat from open play isn’t strong enough when you consider the Walcotts, Bales, Michus, Fellainis of this world.
If those were the only options, from two weeks’ time I’d take Suarez and Gerrard, as long as the Swansea game is on.
January 26 at 10:00 am
Billy Ketsu says:
Interestingly ( or not ), the RMT thingy in the member’s area has Silva outscoring Aguero for the rest of the season. No idea how accurate it is, but there you go. Maybe it factors in hamstring injuries. It also told me I’d be a complete fool to ever consider selling Fellaini.
January 26 at 10:01 am
HVT says:
Suarez but tbh I’m not gone on silva , I presume you have mata / theo ,
Bale at 9.8 ?
January 26 at 9:56 am
TorresMagic™ - Join the "FPL Open & Elite 64". Millionaire Club qualifying starts GW22. Codes in link. says:
Li Na looks dead.
January 26 at 9:58 am
Chu Young Ping Pong says:
Great. I’m so pissed she knocked out Sharapova.
January 26 at 9:57 am
Timon says:
new post
January 26 at 10:00 am
nutmegking says:
I hope LI NA is ok…
It will be terrible if the finals end incomplete because of an injury
January 26 at 10:02 am
nutmegking says:
And she’s back!
January 26 at 10:12 am
Mainevent says:
I love how everyone on here are sports enthusiasts and not just football mad. Love a good tennis match! kamaaan LI NA
January 26 at 10:24 am
spectrum says:
Did you see the bowls on channel 2 this week that Paul Foster bowled well
January 26 at 10:38 am
I will be top by end of season says:
How is this looking for a 3-5-2?
Begovic/Mignolet (Bunn)
Nasty Gibbs Azpil (Davies Mariappa)
Silva Bale Michu Mata Walcott
RVP Suarez (Pog)
January 26 at 12:11 pm
RohanVaswani says:
any clues if dzeko will start against qpr?
January 26 at 12:13 pm
Katie says:
I’m the cleaner – all the punters have gone to the next article.
January 26 at 12:17 pm
cardoso71 says:
Hi all, some advice would be much appreciated…(the most important thing to be aware of is that im top of my ML, but the guys closing me down have Juan Mata….)
For the next 3/4 games:
1) Mata and Lambert
2) Michu and Sturridge
January 27 at 4:00 pm
CookieMonster says:
Got 0.4m to improve this, any ideas?
Mignolet (Bunn)
Zabaleta Rafael Davies (Clyne Demel)
Walcott Michu Lampard Bale Johnson
RVP Sturridge (Pog)
Thanks
January 27 at 4:00 pm
CookieMonster says:
Oops.. wrong place D:
January 27 at 4:22 pm
4-4-who? says:
Why did Naugton come off after 66 mins today?>