Opinion

This Much We Know – Gameweek 6

There may be one match remaining in Gameweek 6 but, as always, there’s plenty for us to mull over. Palace’s form under the new man in charge, Southampton’s wide men, the lack of resilience afforded by Hull, Chelsea’s out-of-form Belgian and Man City’s improving performances are amongst a number of topics on today’s menu.

Warnock deserves credit…
A 2-0 win over in-form Leicester extended Palace’s unbeaten record to four since Neil Warnock took the reins. At both ends of the pitch, the new manager has made an impact – not only has he retained the Selhurst Park solidity instilled by Tony Pulis by securing back-to-back home clean sheets, his side are flourishing in the final third and have fired eight goals in four league outings, bringing the London club back onto our radars at both ends of the pitch. Warnock has also put aside his previous spat with Jason Puncheon and the wide man has flourished – attacking returns in four of his five league outings this season indicates he remains the weapon of choice, with Wilfried Zaha looking an increasingly peripheral figure once again.

Mane’s arrival could unleash Tadic…
The Senegal wide man was handed his league debut at home to QPR and immediately picked up an assist as the Saints won yet again. Mane’s installation on the left allowed Dusan Tadic to start as an inverted winger on the opposite flank and register his most attacking display of the season – six shots and four efforts inside the box was a season high for the Serb and top amongst midfielders for the Gameweek. Both players look full of promise right now, and with the fixtures still very much on side, Tadic may well be set for a climb up the midfield standings if he starts to convert his increased number of chances.

Hull don’t do clean sheets with four at the back…
Steve Bruce’s side had conceded just three goals in the opening trio of Gameweeks with his tried-and-trusted 3-5-2 formation. A spate of summer signings has forced the Tigers boss to change course, however, but his decision to play a more expansive brand of football has come at a cost, with the switch seeing Hull concede eight goals in the resultant three league fixtures. Bruce’s side may be scoring more – averaging two goals per match with the new system – but having picked up just two points with their new tactics, their manager may well be pondering a return to a more pragmatic approach in order to stop the rot.

Chelsea can coast without Hazard’s contribution…
The Belgian turned in yet another ineffectual display as Jose Mourinho’s side eased past Villa 3-0. With a single goal and two assists over the first six fixtures, Hazard has now played a played a part in just three of his side’s 19 league goals this season (15.7%) – a ratio in stark contrast to last year, when he scored 14 goals and created 10 of the Blues’ 71 strikes (33.8%). Whilst there’s no denying his calibre, it’s clear that Jose Mourinho’s side have become far less reliant on the Belgian – subbed off on 68 minutes without a shot or key pass against Villa, the Fantasy exodus looks set to pick up pace.

Chadli looks the real deal..
While Chelsea’s Hazard continues to toil, his compatriot is becoming increasingly crucial to Tottenham’s season. Chadli sits joint-top of the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) midfield standings after firing his fourth goal of the campaign and has now moved 14 points ahead of team-mates Christian Eriksen and Erik Lamela. It’s worth bearing in mind, though, that Mauricio Pochettino’s penchant for freshening up his options midway through the second-half has meant Chadli has managed 90 minutes just once – whilst the Belgian’s pitch time still looks an issue, he’s shown time and again that he’s more than capable of atoning for that, notching four of his side’s eight goals so far.

We can’t write off Gerrard…
The Liverpool skipper served a perfect reminder of his dead-ball abilities by firing a free-kick opener in the Merseyside derby. As we saw last year, Gerrard, in spite of his deep-lying role, proved the doubters wrong on numerous occasions by racking up 205 points and his weekend rise up the rankings suggests it’d be wise not to overlook him. Now sitting just five points behind team-mate Raheem Sterling, Gerrard is identically priced at 8.9, yet sits in just 5% of Fantasy teams compared to the teenager’s 49.5% ownership – those eyeing up an Aaron Ramsey replacement may well ponder Gerrard as a real differential as the Reds prepare for an excellent run of fixtures.

Burnley’s midfield is key to clean sheets…
A 4-0 hammering at West Brom ended The Clarets’ run of three clean sheets yesterday. Noticeably, both David Jones and Dean Marney missed out through injury, forcing Sean Dyche to change tactics and shift to a 4-5-1. The Clarets boss switched formation after the break but by then it was too late – forced to go on the offensive, their frailties at the back were cruelly exposed, leaving them rooted to the bottom of the table. It’s just one goal in six matches now, and with last term’s top scorers Danny Ings and Sam Vokes still sidelined through injury, Dyche’s side risk being cast adrift before long.

The budget frontmen continue to deliver…
There’s no shortage of cut-price options for our three-man frontlines right now. Saido Berahino’s brace took the West Brom forward into fourth spot in the FPL forward standings – so far, four of the top eight strikers sit under the 6.0 price mark. Add in the fact that Palace’s Fraizer Campbell has now scored in each of the last two and West Ham’s Diafra Sakho has notched in all four of his starts for Sam Allardyce’s side and it’s fair to say that Fantasy managers looking to offload Wayne Rooney are spoiled for budget choices right now, with such a trade potentially freeing up plenty of cash to upgrade elsewhere.

Arsenal are looking top heavy…
The arrival of Alexis Sanchez was meant to spearhead the Gunners’ title bid but so far it’s clear that Arsene Wenger has yet to find a perfect balance. Despite scoring in three of his previous four appearances in all competitions, the Chilean was dropped to the bench for the north London derby, and whilst replacement Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain grabbed the hosts’ equaliser, Sanchez will surely be expected to nail down a starting berth in the near future. With Theo Walcott potentially back within a month, though, the Arsenal boss still needs to find a formula that allows all his big-hitters the chance to flourish and keeps his side tight at the back. It’s perhaps no coincidence that their only clean sheet so far was due to a move to 4-2-3-1 away to Villa, but with a number of central midfielders doubtful for the weekend trip to Chelsea, Wenger’s chances of keeping out the hosts at the Bridge seem remote.

We can’t ignore City’s goal potential…
With Edin Dzeko installed alongside Sergio Aguero in a 4-4-2, the champions ran riot against Hull’s porous defence. The Bosnian’s brace suggests he’s finally rediscovering the form that served up 16 goals last time around, though with Stevan Jovetic now passed fit for tomorrow’s Champions League clash with Roma, the options up front look set to increase for Manuel Pellegrini. Sergio Aguero’s minutes continue to be managed, though a fourth goal of the campaign, allied with David Silva’s two assists, suggests that City’s main men are starting to find their stride ahead of a very encouraging run of fixtures.

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1,598 Comments Post a Comment
  1. 12E
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Roon master flex+siggy - to Kun +fat frank or dezko + chadli
    which combo is better
    mee thinks the kun not Sure .. Thanks Lads

  2. Messiah Hazard
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Why is Chester no longer starting? I brought him in after the first GW and he has done nothing special for me yet.

    1. RetroMetro
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Change of formation.

    2. rickardinho
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Are you really that surprised that Chester hasn't got 15 points again? Ditto for Dier.

      Dawson is so overrated though. Hulls defense has become spurs under Sherwood with him there

      1. DRAFTSNAKE
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        is Dawson really overrated? doesn't everyone think he's shit?!

        1. Kim Jong Kün
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          thought so too...

    3. chocolove
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      he did, at GW 2

  3. Kerrazy
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    OFFICIAL: West Brom’s Reiss Greenidge has joined Port Vale on loan until the end of December.

    cue a Dorrans bandwagon.

    1. Billy Gilmore
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Yes, a young CB going out on loan will make a midfielder essential

      1. JK - Cønt ⭐
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        why let this stand in the way of a good Dorrans band-wagon

        Where's Wild Rover when you need him

  4. Dr_Deej
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Any estimates on whether Ramsey will drop before City play tomorrow?
    Have 0.0 ITB and I'm wondering if I can afford to wait...

    1. Gunner HitIT
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      dont wait

  5. Mohit20
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    any updates on janmaat

    1. Game of Stones
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      No, just have to wait and see tonight

    2. roscola
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      "Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew is expected to restore Daryl Janmaat into his side tonight against Stoke City (8pm)."

      http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/daryl-janmaat-could-return-newcastle-7847197

      1. Mohit20
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        cheers!!

    3. RetroMetro
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Team news on BBC gave no mention of Krul earlier. Injured players were mentioned so would assume he starts but no sources for you with confirmation i'm afraid.

  6. Game of Stones
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Any die hard Chelsea fans here, or anyone familiar with getting Chelsea tickets?

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Hello. Liverpool fan here with Chelsea season ticket, don't ask. What do you want to know?

      1. rickardinho
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Traitor!!!!

      2. Game of Stones
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Haha, wow.
        Was just wondering if there is any chance of getting tickets to Chelsea - Arsenal on match day (sunday), or is it absolutely no chance at all?

        1. Rupert The Horse
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          No chance at all. Sorry. Chelsea are becoming more popular. Believe it not there is not a huge fan base for them, mainly as they don't have such a long history like the others. But with the success over last 10 years it has become very hard to get tickets. Stadium in talks to increase.
          The best way is to become a true blue member.

          1. Game of Stones
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            I am a true blue member as I was trying to get tickets, but 5 LP wasn't enough 🙁
            I was a bit stupid, I should've bought tickets for the Aston Villa/Swansea game just to get the LP, but didn't think about that...

            1. Rupert The Horse
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              A shame I don't you, I always have a few extra tickets. At the Swansea game I had 4 going.

              1. Game of Stones
                • 9 Years
                9 years, 6 months ago

                🙁
                How come you are a Liverpool fan? 😛

                1. Rupert The Horse
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 11 Years
                  9 years, 6 months ago

                  My dad is from Liverpool and was raised to support them. I actually a, trained to hate Chelsea, but when I was offered a season ticket this year for £900 I couldn't say no. Too many great games.

                  1. Rupert The Horse
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 11 Years
                    9 years, 6 months ago

                    I had Fulham last year.

      3. RetroMetro
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Cue everyone asking 😀

  7. andres
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Moreno/ Pieters out?

    Forster (Mccarthy)
    moreno moore naylor (clyne pieters)
    Adm fabs sterling siggy (boyd)
    Falcao costa pelle
    2FT, 0.2

    1. Kim Jong Kün
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      I'm giving Moreno one more week.

  8. Mike2795647
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    A) Sterling and Ulloa or B) chadli and pelle? Thoughts on changes in a couple of game weeks, I've got A at the moment

    1. Isco Disco
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      B hands down, although you should have Sterling in your team.

    2. Gunner HitIT
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      B

    3. Reedy
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      A

    4. Olivier Bernards watch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      A

  9. Isco Disco
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Is Mannone-Fabianski the best goalkeeper combination for £9.5?

    1. The Machine
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      .5 too expensive for me

  10. RetroMetro
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Last comment on previous page.

    If Koscielny is out for more than one GW and Chambers gets booked against Chelsea then the Arsenal back 4 is going to look VERY weak for GW8. Shame they have Hull at home. Hernandez/Jelavic anyone?

    1. Punty
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Koscileny injured?

  11. Keno
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Ramsey to drop this week?

    1. roscola
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Would expect so. At least once, perhaps twice

  12. Honeybadger
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Anyone playing Fifa Ultimate Team? Who are your best players right now?

    1. davies
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Doumbia and Musa. Can't beat it, mate.

    2. GoonerByron
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Not enjoying FIFA 15 much at all but have made a Russian league team with the few coins I managed to get... Doumbia my best player by far!

  13. mojoindojo
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Play 2

    Clyne(tot) Moore(bur) Duff(lei) Moreno(wba)

    1. davies
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      M&M

      1. mojoindojo
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Clyne has attacking potential though

        1. davies
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          Wouldn't worry about that away at Spurs. If he manages to notch, unlucky. He has the least CS potential, imo.

    2. Carrick Doesn't Deserv…
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      c and d

      1. Carrick Doesn't Deserv…
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        whoops, clyne and moore

  14. ed24
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Aguero and Tadic
    or
    Pelle and Silva

    1. radawson
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      A and T

      1. ed24
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks, have done it now, had no money in the bank so had to rush it before Rooney went down.

  15. Total Foot 5 - romario 11
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    best move: (still unsure as proper route) thx!
    avoid the -4 hit or go for the hit?

    1.FT Rooney>Pelle tot
    2.FT rooney>ulloa BUR (AND 80% chance of WD gw 8 to reasses)
    3. (-4) Rooney>aguero & Cahill>Bertrand (WC around DGW end of yr)
    4. (-4) rooney>falcao & cahill>Baines (WC around DGW end of yr)

    atm Def: cahill - clyne - wisdom - *duff - *moore

    1. Punty
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Is cahill not playing? If cahill is not playing I would take 3, if cahill is playing I would take 1

      1. Total Foot 5 - romario 11
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        cahill is playing.

    2. Total Foot 5 - romario 11
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      2 option i meant WC and not WD

  16. noMoreInternationalBreaks
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Any obvious transfers?

    Mannone heaton

    Clyne moore moreno naylor pieters

    Fab sterling siggy ADM boyd

    Costa falcao welbeck

    2 FT and 0.6 itb

    Thinking of chambers for pieters a week early?
    Maybe after internationals sturridge in for falcao?

    Thanks in advance!

    1. Cesc's old mullet
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      looks very solid

      maybe try to squeeze in one of Tadic/Pelle?

      1. noMoreInternationalBreaks
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Cant afford either without downgrading sterling/ADM/moreno?

        Are utd players worth it with their fixtures? Could do di maria out for tadic or is that crazy talk.

        1. Cesc's old mullet
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          would Moreno to Chambers/Bertrand/Duff/ free up enough funds?

          1. noMoreInternationalBreaks
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            Could do moreno to chambers and welbeck to pelle with some change!

            1. Cesc's old mullet
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 14 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              Don't know, Welbeck is a good choice too.

              Sorry I can't help you out more

              1. noMoreInternationalBreaks
                • 9 Years
                9 years, 6 months ago

                Cheers man!

  17. asyrafdanial
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Mannone - Krul

    Cahill - Clyne - Hutton - Ferdinand - Moore

    Siggy - Fabregas - Sterling - Ramsey* - Wanyama

    Costa - Pelle - Rooney*

    Wanna ditch R&R. Then, which combo will do better ?
    1) Aguero + Chadli
    2) Aguero + Downing
    3) Welbeck + Di Maria
    4) Aguero + Di Maria + Duff (-8pt: madness)
    5) Other

    1. vicho.gonvid
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Hey!! we have truly similar team! Look! (not WC play yet. just 6 changes until now)

      Mannone - Krul

      Terry - Clyne - Chester - Ferdinand - Moore

      Siggy - Fabregas - Sterling - Ramsey* - Wanyama

      Costa - Pelle - Rooney*

      I have your same doubts. Also i considered Mata instead of ramsey (he will take rooney position in United squad). Now my preference is the madness option!

      1. vicho.gonvid
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        maybe ulloa+dimaria(or mata) and next GW chester->coleman (evert very favourable fixture)

    2. GrapeJuice
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      1 or 3

  18. noMoreInternationalBreaks
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Aguero and chambers in for falcao and moreno for free?

  19. Sid07
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    If on wc select three from adm sterling tadic fab