Scout Scribbles – Sissoko Relishing New Role
Filed under: Scout Notes - Posted by: Mark
Newcastle’s new number 10 claims he is made for the English top flight. The clamour to shift Gareth Bale up front gathers momemtum. David Luiz is closing on a return to fitness, while Adam Le Fondre keeps patient as he waits on a shift in tactics at Reading….
Newcastle’s Moussa Sissoko has offered reassurance to those Fantasy managers who have already taken to the market to acquire his services. Talking on his impact over his first two matches in the stripes of Newcastle, Sissoko has expressed his joy at his role in the side having arrived on Tyneside from Toulouse…
“I am very happy to be in England. This championship is my style of play. The coach told me I was going to move to this position in the first two matches. It went well. So much the better for me and my team…Toulouse are a good team with quality players but going forward sometimes we experienced difficulties. English football is made for me. I’ve thought that for a while. I know I will often be in a position to score, just like last weekend….It is the same in the France team. I feel better and better. At first, I didn’t dare to take risks – I just did control and pass. Nowadays if I have to dribble, I do it.”
Indeed, from the interview in L’Equipe magazine, it’s clear that French coach Didier Deschamps has also noted Sissoko’s recent form as an attacking midfielder. When asked whether he was concerned that he was being forced to look overseas to find new talent for his squad, he singled out Sissoko’s recent impact, underlining the recent change in role as the key factor…
“It is a good thing…Take the example of Sissoko. Now he is a No 10. I could not imagine seeing him in such a position.”
It’s clear then that Fantasy managers are currently dealing with something of an unknown quantity with Sissoko. Played in a withdrawn, holding role at his former club, we have little data to go on other than his two performances so far for Newcastle. It must be said that those displays, as a very small sample, indicate that Sissoko will be a significant Fantasy talent. Further returns at Spurs this weekend, going into Newcastle’s favourable run of fixtures will surely see Sissoko’s stock and ownership continue to rise at pace. Almost 70,000 managers have acquired Sissoko so far this weeek following his brace at the weekend – only Liverpool’s assets have seen more activity and they have the double Gameweek in their favour.
Gareth Bale is another key fantasy target subject to a recent change of role. With Andre Villas-Boas mulling the idea of switching Bale to an advanced central role, or even deploying him as a striker, Wales’ boss, Chris Coleman, appears to be offering Bale the chance for a dress rehearsal. According to reports, Coleman is considering switching Bale up front for Wales for their forthcoming qualifiers with Scotland and Croatia…
“He can play anywhere cant he? Both flanks, down the middle and we even played him as a striker in the second half against Croatia. I saw the two centre-backs change their positions when we did that because they were petrified of his pace. Naturally, because he is a winger he wants to get the ball deep so he can run at players. But he can be just as devastating if you put the ball behind and have him running on to it.”
The talk of Bale being switched to a position that can maximise his goal threat, both for club and country, is clearly something that requires monitoring. The statistics show that Bale is amongst the most threatening players on show in the Premier League, although, from the flank, the majority of his efforts are fired from outside the box. Should he be granted the freedom to advance further up field and in central areas, his potential would surely enjoy a further boost which could prove significant over the remainder of the season. At Spurs, Jermain Defoe’s prognosis will prove vital to this – should the striker be ruled out for several months, Villas-Boas would have only Emmanuel Adebayor and Clint Dempsey as recognised strikers with Premier League experience – arguably players who offer very similar traits up top.
Moving to Stamford Bridge and Chelsea’s Demba Ba was confirmed as a doubt for the weekend clash with Wigan at Stamford Bridge having withdrawn from Senegal’s squad for their friendly with Guinea after suffering a broken nose in the defeat at Newcastle. Ba’s start against the Latics is clearly at risk, which could see Fernando Torres lead the attack in the weekend clash and in Thursday’s Europa League tie with Sparta Prague – Ba is cup tied in Europe. Elsewhere in the Chelsea camp, David Luiz remains a doubt for Brazil as they prepare to face England this evening. Luiz has missed Chelsea’s last two league encounters with an ankle injury, from the quotes from the Brazil camp, however, is clearly close to a return. Brazil’s coach, Felipe Scolari, has pledged not to take any gambles with Luiz’s fitness…
“Regarding David Luiz he will (have to) pass another exam with our physios, then we will decide whether he will play or not…We will not take any risks with him.”
Reading’s Adam Le Fondre has drawn plaudits following a return of vital goals for the club in recent weeks – there’s even talk of an potential England call-up. The striker is still unable to establish a starting role in Brian McDermott’s side and, yesterday, spoke out on the situation, stating he was willing to bide his time…
“I’ve got to do what’s right for the team for the time being, until I can play in the team. Ever since I’ve come here I’ve wanted to play games – but the way things are going at the moment I’ve just got to bide my time and wait and see if we can play two up front.”
Unfortunately for Le Fondre, Reading’s recent form has coincided with a shift to a 4-5-1 formation which has seen Pavel Pogrebnyak impress as the lone striker. Le Fondre has proved effective coming from the bench late on and would seem set to continue in that role. That hasn’t perturbed Fantasy managers who have invested in the budget striker in their droves: Le Fondre, priced at 4.9 in the Fantasy Premier League game, drew 70,000 net transfers in the last Gameweek and has gained almost 20,000 new owners in this latest period.
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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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February 6 at 1:00 pm
Camzy says:
Figure I’d come on here and chew the fat for a bit since I’ll be online for a while.
Made my DGW transfers already. 3 players for the double – Suarez, De Guzman, Michu.
February 6 at 1:02 pm
Back to Back Ballacks says:
Not good enough, you need six
February 6 at 1:04 pm
Camzy says:
Haha. Not taking more than a 4 pointer in any situation. Especially not for a DGWer with a blank.
Next week plan to shift De Guzman > Taarabt or maybe ditch Demel. We’ll see!
February 6 at 1:02 pm
pompeyfan says:
I don’t really fancy Swansea much for this double
February 6 at 1:06 pm
CE says:
+1
February 6 at 1:03 pm
G-G-Granville says:
Nicely set up for GW27.
February 6 at 1:04 pm
Camzy says:
Have the Pog lined up for GW 27 with WIG.
February 6 at 1:07 pm
G-G-Granville says:
And not starting with a -4 or -8 will put you in good shape.
February 6 at 1:12 pm
Back to Back Ballacks says:
I can’t agree, OK it’s a possibility that Lpool don’t perform over the DGW but if they do and there is a high chance of that then the -4 or -8 will be insignificant for 27. I’m all in with 6 even tho I didn’t manage it as well as I would have liked but I still feel going for it is a better bet as the punishment for failing is generally limited to the cost of hits.
February 6 at 1:14 pm
Camzy says:
It’s more than you think.
If you take a 4 point hit to get Gerrard, and then another 4 point hit to get him out, you’re effectively 8 points down.
That means, he needs to get more than a single goal or assist over the two games, and you’re only just about breaking even.
February 6 at 1:18 pm
Back to Back Ballacks says:
But you have 6 players! Points opps from all angles! plus a skipper who if nailed can bring you 50 points! It’s a no brainer for me but I do understand the opposite point of view. In my opinion DGW’s have to be nailed when decent teams are involved otherwise you lose alot of ground.
February 6 at 1:05 pm
Zep - Where's that confounded bridge? says:
5 for me, still to decide on the 5th though…
Gerrard, Suarez, Davies, Michu and one of GJ/JE/DAgger…
February 6 at 1:06 pm
Camzy says:
Watch out for the week after, but if you’re confident you can cash in, go for it!
February 6 at 1:08 pm
Zep - Where's that confounded bridge? says:
I’ll be taking a hit to get Michu & Suarez out for Sissoko & Rooney/Aguero…
February 6 at 1:05 pm
The Kuqi Monster says:
think I’ll only be going with 3 players for the DGW as well – davies, enrqiue and sturridge (c)
February 6 at 1:07 pm
Doolittle says:
I’m currently on Sturridge, Michu and Davies and still can’t decide whether to do Rafael -> Enrique. trying to find a balance between GW26 and 27. Don’t want to leave myself in a mess, but don’t want to be below average this week.
February 6 at 5:14 pm
john woods says:
Ive got sturridge, michu and enrique the only player I regret not having is gerrard but id have to swap mata or bale to get him in for a 4 point hit. The balance is already struck for the following week.
February 6 at 11:07 pm
flipperallstars says:
I’m currently playing Davies, sturridge and Suarez. Tempted to get Johnson or Enrique for baines or michu for fellaini. Worried about not having Gerrard but bale, Walcott and mata are staying in team, good chance for points
February 6 at 1:03 pm
Its gonna get Messi says:
Defensive effectiveness
http://i1320.photobucket.com/a.....04853e.png
February 6 at 1:05 pm
G-G-Granville says:
I like them. Did you do these?
February 6 at 1:07 pm
Its gonna get Messi says:
Nope. They originate from http://experimental361.com/
Pretty neat though
February 6 at 1:05 pm
thehut says:
Great stuff!
February 6 at 1:07 pm
Zep - Where's that confounded bridge? says:
I saw those graphs last month in this article..
http://sport.uk.msn.com/blog/t.....38;_nwpt=1
They are very good but that was last month, not really applicable now… 5 games have passed since then…
February 6 at 1:09 pm
Its gonna get Messi says:
Yeah, you can also find them under the talking tactics section of MSN football
February 6 at 1:07 pm
Triggalicious says:
Very nice. Interesting to see where Tottenham are placed on the graph, been considering Walker or Benny.
February 6 at 1:11 pm
teddy says:
Classic Spurs defence – promising but disappointing.
I note the proximity of the Arsenal rearguard.
February 6 at 1:10 pm
teddy says:
Good to see both my keepers in that top right quadrant!
February 6 at 1:04 pm
The3rdTurd says:
Goal and assist threat from Liverpool and Swansea players over the last 6 gamweeks:
http://i.imgur.com/5jB5fcZ.jpg?1
I posted something similar earlier in the week, but this includes defenders and shows just the DGW players.
February 6 at 1:06 pm
The3rdTurd says:
* No Enrique because there’s a filter of minimum 3 appearances in the last 6 gameweeks.
February 6 at 1:06 pm
thehut says:
Thanks!
February 6 at 1:08 pm
roscola says:
Great stuff, thanks for sharing
February 6 at 1:08 pm
titihenry says:
awesome. well i don’t have suarez but sturridge
February 6 at 1:09 pm
Triggalicious says:
Again, very nice!
I feel safe with Suarez (c)
February 6 at 1:10 pm
Chuck Norris - "Keep Calm and Pass me the ball" - Berbatov, 26/12/12 says:
Another great graph!
Gerard a bit misrepresented since he has most of his shots outside the box but Sturridge and Suarez are clearly the way to go
February 6 at 1:13 pm
The3rdTurd says:
Perhaps, but overall the percentage of shots outside the box being converted into goals is ridiculously low.
February 6 at 1:13 pm
Dogba says:
Nice! I like GJs threat up there, feels good to have him for DGW.
February 6 at 1:14 pm
Back to Back Ballacks says:
Nice, can you get that same graph with all shots included (not just shots in box) ?
February 6 at 1:15 pm
The3rdTurd says:
With a bit of work, yes it can be done.
February 6 at 1:15 pm
good biashara says:
Nicely done. But now seeing Pablo so far to the right makes me think he might be better than De Guzman for this gw!
February 6 at 1:05 pm
CE says:
Whta’s the chances of M Wilson starting GW 27? 10%
Regretting jumping the gun and trying to be clever, by putting him in my WC.
Going to have Him and Demel for GW27. Probably going to have to break the golden rule and take a hit for a defender.
Possibly Gerrard & Demel > Sissoko & Baines.
February 6 at 1:06 pm
chunk says:
Baines over ratef if you ask me having to hope for attacking runs from a LB as they hardly ever keep clean sheets
February 6 at 1:06 pm
LOCO ABREU says:
don’t get baines
February 6 at 1:07 pm
chunk says:
+100
February 6 at 1:08 pm
CE says:
nor REA GW 27 & 28, and the highest scoring Defender in the game?
February 6 at 1:12 pm
LOCO ABREU says:
only 2 fixtures and possibly blank gw 29.
February 6 at 1:05 pm
Slaps says:
Do people think Enrique will earn 4 more points thank Zab/Baines this week?
Also if i do the transfer it leaves me with a bare boned team next and hoping for no injuries – guess everyone is in this position right?
February 6 at 1:09 pm
Doolittle says:
It’s what I’m debating – Rafael -> Enrique for free, but probably needing a hit next week. Think I’d probably say the 4 is worth it, but if it leaves you needing another hit next week I wouldn’t.
February 6 at 1:12 pm
Slaps says:
Thanks – I would be hitless next week, but if i had an injury i’d be in a bit of bother.
I think Rafa > Enrique long term is probably a good thing anyway…
February 6 at 1:18 pm
Doolittle says:
Probably, although I might get Evans in instantly (or after the Madrid tie).
February 6 at 1:10 pm
Triggalicious says:
Yeah, and I think it’s a risk.
Admittedly, I’m playing with 10 next week due to having Bertrand and Guthrie, unless one of them starts. If I get an injury or two, things are looking bad.
February 6 at 1:15 pm
Slaps says:
I think its definately the most exciting option, but saying this I do have a WC in the hole if things turn ugly.
February 6 at 1:06 pm
Mind over Mata says:
What to people think of Demel’s chances of playing?
My current defence looks a bit suspect for week 27:
Mignolet
Zabaletta, Demel, Wilson
February 6 at 1:09 pm
LOCO ABREU says:
seems bad
February 6 at 1:15 pm
Camzy says:
Not too likely unfortunately.
I really wish I’d picked up Davies instead of Demel. Poor call on my WC.
February 6 at 1:18 pm
good biashara says:
I hope he plays but according to some he’s in pretty bad form… then again fielding a 2-4-3 in gw 27 wouldn’t be the end of the world…
February 6 at 1:07 pm
kaz says:
Bleh, Wilson ( @ -73 %) isn’t going to fall now.
February 6 at 1:11 pm
LOCO ABREU says:
i expect a yellow flagg first and then a drop, the target nti changes.
February 6 at 1:07 pm
Chuck Norris - "Keep Calm and Pass me the ball" - Berbatov, 26/12/12 says:
When’s McCartney back?
Licking my lips at a McCartney/Wilson perfect rotation for just 7.8m. I know they’re both leaky of late but home games each weak for less than 8m is insane
February 6 at 1:10 pm
UNITED FORCE 101% ™ says:
hmmmm
February 6 at 1:09 pm
nzsheep says:
This GW doing my head in. Choose one to start out of Baines, Anichebe, Samba or TRabbit
February 6 at 1:11 pm
CE says:
Samba
February 6 at 1:13 pm
nzsheep says:
Cheers, he did look dangerous
February 6 at 1:10 pm
Mind over Mata says:
For one big hitting defender would you go Evra or Baines?
February 6 at 1:10 pm
Doolittle says:
Probably Evra, fancy a lot of Utd CS.
February 6 at 1:12 pm
nzsheep says:
Frisking the Fixtures would point to Evra but Baines for me
February 6 at 1:15 pm
Dogba says:
Probably Baines, but it’s close.
February 6 at 1:15 pm
Demi says:
Baines i think. Wouldn’t say United’s CS potential is much greater so Baines’s pens/set pieces seal it for me
February 6 at 1:11 pm
Lateriser12 - "I am a consulting detective. The only one in the world" says:
http://www.fantasyfootballscou.....nt-5128527
NEW POST
February 6 at 1:14 pm
Back to Back Ballacks says:
FERK, I was enjoying it here!
February 6 at 1:12 pm
chunk says:
So DGW get out plan everyone ?
Ok i’ll start Sturridge-Augero & Michu/Fellani both 7.6 selling price — Tarrabt
For -4 so i can field 10/11 following GW
February 6 at 1:17 pm
AriseSirGiggsy says:
for -4 you can maybe not field 11 in GW27? that sounds very bad
February 6 at 7:53 pm
thischarmingman says:
My exit plan is worse.
February 6 at 1:17 pm
Round and Round says:
Urghh gw29 is looking tough for those of us without a WC.
Attacking-wise, only Newcastle, Norwich, QPR and Reading look appealing. Bale and Liverpool players look ok too I guess. But realistically we’re left with these as the only attacking options:
Bale, Gerrard, Cabaye/Sissoko/HBA, Snodgrass/Pilkington, Taarabt, Kebe
Suarez/Sturridge, Cisse
Given most people will be holding Mata, RVP, Walcott and Fellaini through the blanks, pretty much forces a 5-2-2, only fielding 10. Guess a lot will probably drop Fellaini given they have City next but still it looks pretty bleak, having to field 5 defenders. And many of us have Baines + WHM def!
ARGHHHHH
February 6 at 1:19 pm
good biashara says:
why, are the blanks in gw 29 100% sure??
February 6 at 1:37 pm
Somebody's gonna get Litt Up! says:
Has anyone been watching The Following? Made the mistake of starting it at midnight. Ended up watching all 3 episodes, paying for it today. I thought it was great but apparently, ratings are dropping a bit, hope it doesn’t get cut.
February 6 at 2:33 pm
Prasanna Hegade says:
Is there any specific rule for ‘Players Price’ in FPL? How exactly it works?
February 6 at 7:51 pm
thischarmingman says:
http://www.fiso.co.uk/forum/cr.....97027.html
February 6 at 7:50 pm
thischarmingman says:
Still time for Suarez to get injured.
February 7 at 12:31 am
cheeky_ash says:
Chaps….
Have 5.1m to spend on a defender…was thinking carragher for the DGW…but not sure he will start both games? What do you think?