Drop the Flop

Drop the Flop – Gameweek 27

Our second instalment in a new series of articles shines the spotlight on two premium-priced players who would probably chuckle at the notion of being called ‘Flops’. Nonetheless, the Fantasy world is remorseless, and once you fall by the wayside as these two have, there can be no mercy shown by managers longing for those green arrows:

Mesut Ozil

Brought in by Arsenal on transfer deadline day for £42.5m, Ozil was introduced to Fantasy Premier League (FPL) at a similarly premium price of 10.0, making him the most expensive midfielder in the game. Expectations were, hence, almost unreasonably high. Nonetheless, after just seven Gameweeks, and a price increase to 10.8, it seemed that our initial hopes were justified and that the German could provide a genuinely consistent source of points throughout the season. Quickly proving why he acquired the nickname ‘King of the Assist’ during his time in Spain, Ozil’s first 12 games saw him tee up team-mates eight times, with four goals over that time further delighting his owners.

However, since Arsenal’s 6-3 drubbing at the Etihad back in Gameweek 16, things have slowly turned sour for Ozil and his owners. A shoulder injury picked up in late December saw the German miss two fixtures and, since his return, the Gunners’ record signing has produced a number of lacklustre displays which have subsequently served up no more than a meagre assist. Now down to just 9.7, a price tag still hardly justified for a player with attacking returns in only one of his last eight games, and with pundits queuing up to shoot down his performances after every match, it looks like it’s finally time to stop convincing yourself that Ozil’s class will shine through and wave “Auf Wiedersehen” to this Flop.

The good news is that Ozil’s premium price tag affords managers a wealth of options in looking for a replacement. Amongst the FPL midfield options, only Yaya Toure, Eden Hazard and Manchester United new boy Juan Mata are more expensive than the former Real Madrid man, although managers may naturally recoil from the idea of investing so much budget in any of United’s assets right now, whilst also turn their nose up at upgrading to such ‘safe’, template options as Toure or Hazard. Certainly, Toure’s upcoming back-to-back blanks diminish his short-term appeal.

The 8.0 priced Adam Lallana may now appear to be a bandwagon long since missed, but with fine fixtures ahead (whm, LIV, cry, NOR) the league’s most in-form midfielder is undoubtedly a competent and secure alternative to Ozil. On the other hand, for those uncomfortable with the thought of ridding themselves of Arsenal coverage, downgrading to Ozil’s midfield team-mate Santi Cazorla would seem to be the most sensible option, if you can stomach the Gunners’ blank Gameweek 29. The little Spaniard has picked up more than double the amount of points accrued by Ozil over the past five Gameweeks, and available for a similar price of 9.6 but with just a 3.7% ownership, Cazorla looks a decent differential as the Gunners go in search of their first league title for ten years.

Wayne Rooney

It would be fair to say that for the first half of the season Rooney emerged from the shadow of his strike partner Robin Van Persie to establish himself as the number one Fantasy option in United’s ranks. Nine goals and 11 assists in the opening 18 Gameweeks saw the 28-year-old deny his team’s faltering form to confirm himself as a consistent source of points, and with six double figure hauls amassed in that period, Rooney proved to be a dependable captaincy option for those resisting the temptation of a certain Uruguayan.

Plagued by injury throughout January, however, Rooney’s stock went into rapid free-fall. His return for United’s Gameweek 23 fixture with Cardiff looked promising, but with a meagre six points accrued in the four games since then, those who chose to draft the England man back into their sides have been left rueing the decision. With United continuing to stutter, and Rooney suffering from his versatility as David Moyes tries to accommodate him, Van Persie and Mata in the Red Devils’ line-up, it would seem that Rooney’s time as a viable fantasy option is up.

The main concern for the 11.2-priced Rooney’s owners will naturally be how valuable our frontline slots have become this season, with so many forwards offering outstanding value for significantly less outlay. Daniel Sturridge is, of course, one such contender. Having scored in every game since his comeback from injury in Gameweek 21, the Liverpool frontman has begun to outshine his team-mate Luis Suarez in recent weeks, and with fixtures against Swansea and Southampton to come next – at a time where Rooney has a blank Gameweek 28 – it’s hard to see past the 10.1-priced Sturridge as the perfect replacement.

The imminent return of Sergio Aguero will also have Fantasy managers on alert. Those holding Rooney might fancy an upgrade to the big-hitting Argentine, who – like Sturridge – still sits above Rooney in the FPL forward rankings, despite missing more than double the number of games as the United forward throughout the campaign thus far. Once City’s back-to-back blanks in Gameweek 28 and 29 are over, Aguero will surely be one to consider, given that his side will have three doubles from Gameweek 30 onwards – whilst it’s accepted he won’t play every minute of those matches, Aguero, in comparison to other frontline options, has shown he needs little time to deliver.

There are plenty of cheaper alternatives to mull over, too. Emmanuel Adebayor has recently climbed our Watchlist as he continues his renaissance under Tim Sherwood, whilst, like the Togo international, Southampton duo Rickie Lambert and Jay Rodriguez have a fixture in Gameweek 28 and 29 and are both showing strong form.

However, for those in search of some real differential value in the attempt to shake up mini-leagues, it’s worth monitoring Romelu Lukaku’s recovery from an ankle injury. If the Everton forward remains on the sidelines, his Toffees team-mate Lacina Traore could be one to mull over – the Ivorian needed just four minutes to notch on his debut against Swansea in the FA Cup last weekend and, at 7.5, with some stand-out fixtures to follow, could prove to be the canniest of calls.

1,087 Comments Post a Comment
  1. isacki: full casual
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Gutted that Maxi - Real English Fan isn't on here tonight, he would have loved the game

    Open Controls
    1. The3rdTurd
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      He's a parody account, surely?

      Open Controls
      1. isacki: full casual
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        I've always thought this but I cling onto the hope he is for real

        Open Controls
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    DEFINITELY NOT Time To Offload Luis Suarez

    In response to Giggs, who admittedly was being a bit mischievous, the answer is a resounding no. Suarez must stay.

    Why?
    (in no particular order)

    - Fixtures:
    SWA / sot / n/a / mun / car / TOT / whm / MCI / nor / CHE

    In summary, four very strong games (SWA/car/whm/nor). The home games look tough - but Everton and Arsenal at home looked tough too. Suarez may not have profited fully, but it was goals galore. Spurs and City aren’t exactly resilient defensively, nor are United who they play away.

    - Nailed on:
    One competition left - Suarez starts every week guaranteed.

    - Ownership:
    Differentials are great, but picture the scene. Suarez gets a massive haul… everyone has him… except you. 😯

    - Form:
    Sturridge is obviously the man in form. But if you actually watch the games, Suarez is still playing well. Sturridge’s purple patch and Suarez’s bad spell have coincided - accentuating the difference. Comparison tool since Sturridge’s return - 75% Luis, green down the board.

    - Position:
    Sturridge has played centrally in recent weeks - however, this has been targeted against the slow Mertesacker in two of those games. However, Sturridge missed big chances against Arsenal and Suarez shone in the middle when played their second half. His ego will need a massage, so I’d expect him to return to the centre this week.

    - Explosiveness
    Who would you trust to captain more than Suarez? RVP playing for United, Sturridge unproven as an explosive asset, despite his consistency, Kun still not fit.

    - Other options:
    The key point for me. No one else stands out. I can take a JRod as a third striker, but I’d want the other two from the top teams.
    Arsenal? Giroud not up to it. Chelsea? No. City? A minefield with rotation and congestion. Kun the only adequate replacement when back fit. *if back fit. Everton? No. Spurs? Ade is strong, but his fixtures take a turn. United? Rooney is a flop, according to the scouts, and I’d rather have Luis than RVP at that price.

    My tuppence worth guys. 🙂 Once you get rid, you’ll never get him back.

    I’ll be sticking. SAS on the bench GW29. Both essential if you ask me.

    Whoever mentions ‘doubling-up’ will be ranted at big time. 😉

    Open Controls
    1. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      You have to be open minded and explore ALL options before making a decision. Playing devil's advocate is important to help install a mindset that maximising your points must come before herd mentality and closed mindedness.

      I am of course keeping Suarez for now, but when Aguero returns, it is something worth considering.

      Open Controls
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        I know what you mean and the thought has crossed my mind, but Suarez is something else.

        I'd probably agree that if Sturridge continue his form, the Suarez->Aguero transfer becomes an option if Kun proves his fitness.

        Right now though, with United being poor and Chelsea lacking options, plus none of City's strikers being nailed on, I don't see there are any options out there.

        In midfield and defence, there is a lot of value there to rival the big hitters.

        I see your theory, but it doesn't fit in current circumstances.

        Open Controls
  2. The3rdTurd
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    And lest we forgot, Suarez is currently doing better than Ronaldo, RVP and Lampard were doing at the equivalent stage of their respective highest scoring FPL seasons:

    http://public.tableausoftware.com/views/SuarezFPLwatch/SuarezFPLwatch

    Open Controls
    1. Reedy
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Wow

      Open Controls
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        AND without the opening gameweeks! 😯

        Open Controls
        1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          this....

          Open Controls
    2. isacki: full casual
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Graphical evidence that Suarez is literally the greatest ever FPL player. If Suarez could see this he would cry with pride

      Open Controls
      1. The3rdTurd
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        He'll need to pick up his scoring rate again if he's going to end the season above those other players. Lampard, in particular, had a storming end to his season - 4 goals, 1 assist and 28 points just in that 7-1 thrashing of Villa.

        Open Controls
        1. isacki: full casual
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          Basically, when Sturridge gets injured, Suarez is confirmed as the greatest ever.

          Open Controls
    3. Wilshere Knowledge
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      ...and a DGW comes with a blank. 😯

      Open Controls
    4. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      prayin he gets back to scorin ways and knocks the others into a cocked hat

      Open Controls
    5. Alberto Tomba
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Awesome analysis. I note there's one every other year. I'll keep my money in my pocket next year then 😉

      Open Controls
    6. Saint Domingo
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      YIKES

      Open Controls
    7. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Burn out imminent.

      Can he keep up that level, especially when he is now playing a different role?

      Previous seasons suggest that players who perform unbelievable well in the first half of season tend to drop off before the end. Mata's name springs to mind.

      Just putting the idea on the table 😉

      Open Controls
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        He plays once a week?

        Open Controls
      1. isacki: full casual
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        The falloff is generally due to regression, outperforming the stats. That's the opposite of what he's doing right now, he's underperforming his recent stats, so potentially could go even faster.

        In terms of form Sturridge is better at the minute, though his misses in the cup tie against Arsenal have me monitoring that.

        Open Controls
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          Like the point I made above, I see Suarez returning to the centre.

          Sturridge screwed up vs Arsenal and Suarez will need his ego massaging. Come the end of the season, BR will want to show him that he's the main man.

          Open Controls
          1. isacki: full casual
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 1 month ago

            Sturridge is less versatile playing outside center forward, so I think he will stay there. I think Sturridge could continue score equally or better compared to Suarez. As in both are great options.

            It doesn't have to be 'either Sturridge or Suarez'. That false dichotomy is a trap people get sucked into.

            Open Controls
      2. The3rdTurd
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Suarez laughs in the face of fatigue and burnout. And he will laugh in your face when you drop him and he goes on another scoring streak. 🙂

        Open Controls
        1. Piggs Boson
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          That's one possibility yes. There are others to consider 🙂

          Open Controls
          1. The3rdTurd
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 1 month ago

            You also need to factor in that Sturridge and Aguero are both injury prone, but Suarez isn't. If you ditch Suarez for one of those two and they get injured, it's a lot harder to get Suarez back in your team if you lost value when you sold him.

            Open Controls
      3. Cesc Pistols
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        I agree with everything but with the statement that he might play centralised this week. Sturridge just has not the physique of a winger and doing this would waste Daniel's current ridiculous form. Just like yesterday, they can switch positions according to the situation, yes, but let's not forget they won't be playing Koscielny and Mertesacker this weekend.

        Open Controls
  3. saata
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Just saw that Chester makes the bench..

    That guy made my day 🙂

    Open Controls
    1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      at 3.8 he has just become essential

      Open Controls
      1. saata
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        I wanted to sell him on couple of occasions throughout the season, but he never lets me do it..

        Open Controls
    2. The Regular
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Just sold him for collins

      Open Controls
  4. FPL Touches
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Wow.

    There goes my potential £60 accy 🙁

    I even had snooker players in there 😆

    Open Controls
  5. tm245
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Are these the players to get/have for gw30 and beyond

    GK
    Evra Baines/Coleman Kompany
    Hazard Yaya AJ Ramsey
    Suarez Aguero Sturridge

    Plus cheaper bench fodder/rotation from dgw teams? Only Hazard would be without a dgw.

    Open Controls
    1. Wilshere Knowledge
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Why the flying f* ck is Evra in there?

      Open Controls
      1. FortunesAlwaysHiding
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Not convinced by AJ and Ramsey.

        Open Controls
        1. FPL Touches
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          2DGWs?

          I'll be wanting AJ gw30 anyway..

          Evra to Kos
          Ramsey to Lallana imo

          Open Controls
      2. tm245
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        DGW plus he is actually the 7th highest scoring defender.

        Open Controls
        1. FPL Touches
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          High price to pay, why not just Kos?

          Open Controls
          1. tm245
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 1 month ago

            Much kinder fixtures, imo.

            Open Controls
    2. 7shadesofsmoke
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      lallana over AJ

      Open Controls
      1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        AJ has a double

        Open Controls
        1. tm245
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          Double double, right?

          Open Controls
          1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 1 month ago

            yep

            Open Controls
          2. 7shadesofsmoke
            • 11 Years
            10 years, 1 month ago

            fair point!

            Open Controls
  6. isacki: full casual
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Hull's quality of play tonight has gone below just 'terrible'. It's hovering just above 'match fixing'.

    Open Controls
  7. Saint Domingo
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    I saw some talk earlier of a Palace DGW,is this true guys,and if so when is it.?

    Open Controls
    1. FPL Touches
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Not sure, think it's still indecided? Worth just hanging onto Ward and Punch if you own

      Open Controls
      1. Saint Domingo
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers bud,will keep an eye on it,all these blanks and possible blanks are starting to hurt my head 🙂

        Open Controls
        1. FPL Touches
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          True - but it will all be worth it when the plans for gw28 onwards worth seamlessly! (I'm dreaming) 🙂

          Open Controls
    2. Wilshere Knowledge
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Everton v Palace was cancelled last week, we don't know the date yet for the dgw.

      Open Controls
      1. Saint Domingo
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers WK

        Open Controls
    3. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Maybe I'm bias, but I really think United will explode at some point. After all their key injuries and Mata's arrival, the last few games have been their pre-season 😉

      Open Controls
  8. FPL Touches
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    RVP to Sturridge I'm thinking.

    General opinion seems to be that cpl-mun will be a tight affair with few goals, Benteke will hopefully be hungrier to end his mini barren spell this week. NOR in GW28 is worth keeping for anyway..

    Open Controls
    1. Saint Domingo
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Did the same move last night,2 weeks 2 late,but it felt good

      Open Controls
      1. FPL Touches
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        I think last week was the time to sell RVP if I should have...will probably now go mental as Studge's form falters...

        Open Controls
    2. Cesc Pistols
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Did that some days ago and I don't regret the move at all. United are not on form and since Mata's arrival their bonuses are being spread around, which is not good. Hauls of 5/6 for someone that costs as much as him are just not good enough, especially when you have Sturridge scoring for fun every week.

      Open Controls
  9. Wilshere Knowledge
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Who plays Hull at the weekend?

    Open Controls
    1. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Cardiff

      Open Controls
      1. Chris_White
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        I would have to get paid to go to that game

        Open Controls
        1. tm245
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          MLS exhibition quality, that match.

          Open Controls
      2. Wilshere Knowledge
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Equally shocking... Moving on.

        Open Controls
  10. Reedy
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Sagbo!

    Open Controls
  11. The3rdTurd
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Ah feck it!

    Open Controls
  12. OptimusBlack
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    is UCL site for Fantasy working ?

    Open Controls
    1. Jimmers
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      I can't get into it either

      Open Controls
      1. OptimusBlack
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Shit 🙁

        Open Controls
    2. Jimmers
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Go to http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/ and click on fantasy

      Open Controls
    3. Konig Luther
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      try chrome... not firefox or other

      Open Controls
  13. PINKFISH (SANCTIONED AND GA…
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    SAGGGBOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooooooooo

    Open Controls
  14. Colonel Shoe 肝池
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    anyone still gettin miralas gw30 onwards??

    Open Controls
    1. Wilshere Knowledge
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Only standout Everton attacker IMO. I have him now and will hold him.

      Open Controls
    2. @ocprodigy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      I have him (brought him in for Cabaye a bit ago). Plan on selling soon, hes just too frustrating.

      Open Controls
  15. isacki: full casual
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    IT WORKED!!!! Again. 😆 😆 😆 http://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/comment/6821864

    Open Controls
    1. Wilshere Knowledge
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Say something about Arsenal not beating Bayern!

      Open Controls
      1. isacki: full casual
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        "Arsenal could play Bayern til Christmas and not score..."

        Open Controls
  16. onionbarje
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Damn 1-1, although it serves Brighton right

    Open Controls
  17. Mithrandir, the Grey Pilgri…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Is Chester fit??? 😯

    Open Controls
  18. Colonel Shoe 肝池
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    arse biscuits 😕

    and theres another hit i have to take 🙁

    Open Controls
  19. Jafooli
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    New post gents >>>>!

    Open Controls
    1. New Article Posted
  20. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    and now what?

    Open Controls