This evening we roll out the first in a series of members’ articles that look back over each individual team from the 2014/15 campaign. Starting with Arsenal, we assess the top ten goal threats and chief creators in a season that saw the Gunners clinch third spot in the Premier League after finishing on 75 points, 12 behind title-winners Chelsea.
- Norwich, Bournemouth and Watford article - help wanted
Norwich, Bournemouth and Watford "Janus" Appraisal
Here's the draft for the latest article in the series. As usual any comments will be welcome (especially by fans of those clubs or others who know them well) and will be taken into account in the final revision. And once again, if you don't want to read a long post please skip over.
Next we will take a look at the newly promoted clubs - Norwich, Bournemouth and Watford. There is no immediate Premier League (PL) record to examine, of course, so this article will be more aimed to get to grips with some of the key players and possible FPL options for next season.
NORWICH - THE MANAGER
Alex Neil is a young manager (33) who took over at Norwich in January 2015 and had an instant impact by virtue of a 68% win record (17 wins from 25 games) that enabled Norwich to return to the top flight at the first attempt. "We've been working well under Alex," said Swedish full-back Martin Olsson. "He's a very tough manager but that's what we needed."
"We will need to learn fast, I'm fully aware of that," said Neil about Norwich's return to the PL. "There will be an incredible amount of hard work to make sure we can compete at that level. We will need to add a few quality signings but I will stick with the core of the squad and make sure they get an opportunity."
Norwich have usually played in variations of 4-5-1 under Neil.
THE DEFENCE
Alex Neil is noted for his preparation and organisation and this seemed to result in an improvement in Norwich's defensive record under him - 29 goals conceded and 6 clean sheets in 24 games before he took over; 21 goals conceded and 9 clean sheets in 25 games afterwards. So Norwich appear to be a side that can defend capably and they may be of interest to FPL managers looking for cheaper defenders.
John Ruddy is an experienced goalkeeper with 91 PL appearances as well as an England call-up behind him. Norwich are likely to be rotation paired with Leicester in the coming season and with Ruddy likely to be priced at 4.5m a GK rotation with Kasper Schmeichel would be one that some managers might look at. The back four under Neil was typically Whittaker - Martin - Bassong - Olsson although Russel Martin is more usually a RB and could be shifted to that position if Michael Turner returns to the club after his loan at Fulham or if Norwich sign a new CB. All of these players are internationals with PL experience but Martin, as team captain, would probably be a safe pick for those looking for a Norwich defender.
THE MIDFIELD
A typical Norwich midfield under Neil utilised Nathan Redmond (RW) and Bradley Johnson (LW) in the wide positions with Alex Tettey (CDM) and Jonny Howson (CM) central and either 33yo Wes Hoolahan or Graham Dorrans (signed from WBA in January) playing behind the striker. All of these players have plenty of PL experience. As fantasy assets it will probably be the wingers that will gain the most interest - Bradley Johnson (voted Norwich's POTY) was their highest scoring midfielder with 13 goals from 38 games whilst Nathan Redmond is a highly regarded England U-21 international who impressed in the playoffs, though his 6 goals in 38 games over the season was quite a way behind Johnson.
STRIKERS
The pacy Cameron Jerome was Neil's preferred option for the central striker role and is another with PL experience. He was never a heavy scorer at that level, however, apart from a decent return of 11 goals for Birmingham in the 2009/10 season. He scored 21 goals in 45 games for Norwich in the season just gone. Other current Norwich striker options are Gary Hooper - a prolific goalscorer in his Celtic days but who has never been so successful in England - and Lewis Grabban, a player with a good scoring record in the lower leagues but who doesn't appear to be favoured by Neil.
BOURNEMOUTH - THE MANAGER
Bournemouth are another of the promoted teams with a young manager - the highly rated Eddie Howe (37) who has spent most of his career at Dean Court as player and manager. He has a 54% win ratio in his latest stint as Bournemouth manager and recently received an award as "Football League Manager of the Decade" after taking the South Coast club from the foot of Division Two to the Premier League in 7 years. Bournemouth clinched automatic promotion after a superb unbeaten run from March onwards with 9 wins and 4 draws (including 7 clean sheets) in their last 13 games
Howe says he will "observe training sessions in either Italy or Spain this summer to improve as a coach" but "knows the squad needs adding to as well." There should be money available from the deep pockets of billionaire owner Maxim Demin and GK Artur Boruc (free transfer from Southampton) and attacking midfielder Christian Atsu (loan from Chelsea) are among those players already added for next season.
Bournemouth mainly played in a 4-4-2 (sometimes 4-2-3-1) formation in their promotion season and were known for their possession-based pressing game, apparently modelled in part on Guardiola's Barcelona tactics.
THE DEFENCE
Bournemouth stood out for their league leading 98 goals scored in 2014/15 but their 45 conceded (18 clean sheets) were also good - only bettered in the Championship by Middlesbrough. Whether they will be equally resilient in the PL is more doubtful unless Howe changes his approach, however, as they seem to be a team built to attack first and foremost. Polish international GK Boruc will provide a safe pair of hands with PL experience and, as Bournemouth are likely to rotation pair with Southampton, could be a contender for a cheap early-season GK pair with whoever Southampton will be playing pending Forster's return.
The back four was usually Francis - Elphick (c) - Cook - Daniels, none of which players have PL experience. It would be not at all surprising to see Bournemouth add a defender or two with PL know-how in the summer, possibly a CB to play alongside Elphick.
THE MIDFIELD
Typically a four man midfield (sometimes with the 2nd striker dropping back into midfield) was used. The formation usually relied on Drew Surman (CDM) and Harry Arter (CM) sitting deeper, with wide players Marc Pugh and Matt Ritchie pushed on. Of these, Matt Ritchie looks like the most interesting player for FPL managers after a season where the highly regarded 25yo scored 15 goals in 46 games, was capped for the first time by Scotland and was voted the Football League's best player by FourFourTwo magazine.
Pugh was also among the goals (9 in 42 games) but might find his place threatened by the arrival of Josh King. The other midfield arrival that will interest FPL managers is attacking midfielder Atsu on loan from Chelsea. Atsu is a talented 23yo who showed up well for Nigeria at the World Cup and in ACON (where he was awarded Player of the Tournament) in the last 12 months, after a season where he was voted POTY at Vitesse in the Eredivisie (2013/14). Capable of playing as a winger or behind the striker, it seems quite possible that we will see Atsu in the #10 role for Bournemouth in the coming season. One to watch.
STRIKERS
Callum Wilson was the main man for Bournemouth in the season just past, scoring 20 goals in 45 appearances and being linked with a host of PL clubs including Spurs, Southampton and Villa. A good finisher with a high workrate, Bournemouth are reportedly offering the 23yo a much improved contract in the hope of keeping him at the club. He could certainly be a candidate for good FPL returns at a lower price level, as Charlie Austin and Danny Ings were last season.
Wilson was usually partnered by Yann Kermorgant (15 goals from 38 appearances) or Brett Pitman (13 goals from 34 appearances). When Kermorgant played it was usually behind Wilson (4-2-3-1) whereas with Pitman it was more of a 4-4-2. Both were often used as a substitute, however, and may find their opportunities next season more limited if Atsu or Ritchie is handed the #10 role.
WATFORD - THE MANAGER
The new manager at Watford is Enrique Flores, their 5th manager in a year. He has a mixed coaching history with some success in Spain and Portugal (including the 2010 Europa League) as well as a recent spell in the UAE. As he is a new appointment it is very difficult to know how Watford will approach the new season. This section will therefore concentrate on some brief notes about players though there are likely to be ins and outs - Watford are owned by the Pozzo family who also control Granada in Spain and Udinese in Italy and have a business model which involves bringing talented younger players in that can later be sold for a profit. Loans and transfers between their 3 clubs are also common.
THE DEFENCE
Watford will probably rotate with Chelsea next season so will be of less interest to FPL managers looking for home/away defensive rotation pairs as those with Chelsea assets are likely to play them both home and away. The three defensive players that had the most appearances last season were Heurelho Gomes (GK), Gabriele Angella (CB) and Juan Paredes (RB). Gomes is known as a good shot-stopper and had PL experience with Spurs.
THE MIDFIELD
The midfielders who had most play were centre/left midfielder Daniel Toszer (who is in the middle of a 2-year loan from Parma and was described as "an unsung hero" of Watford's promotion push), attacking midfielder Almen Albi (9 goals from 32 appearances) and Scottish international right winger Ikeshi Anya. How useful as FPL options any of these are likely to be is hard to evaluate at this stage although Albi's goals are worth noting.
STRIKERS
Watford's 91 goals in the season just gone was the 2nd best total in the Championship and a lot of the credit for that was given to their 3 strikers - Troy Deeney (21 goals from 42 appearances), Matej Vydra (16 goals from 42 appearances on loan from Udinese) and Odion Ighalo (20 goals from 35 appearances). Ighalo is quite typical of Pozzo players, having already played for Udinese, Granada and Watford during his short career.
Troy Deeney will probably be the most popular option here for FPL managers. He is a proven goalscorer who has now scored 20+ goals for Watford 3 seasons in a row and is another, like Bournemouth's Wilson, who could feasibly gain "cult" FPL status next season.
First
Amazing luck...
Haven't read this yet, but surely you should finish off the current Premier League sides first? Unless you have and I've missed it.
There's no "should", I fancied a change. Plus West Ham are up next and I wanted to wait on confirmation of their new manager.
Barnet next. Good lad
Just seems you've done it out of order.
Great as always. How do you know Watford will rotate well with Chelsea though?
He has put why, home/away rotation
Teams in close proximity can't both play at home on same weekends, policing issues I think
I imagine its a police resource/transport issue on match day. For the same reason as Sunderland and Newcastle always rotating well. It's also fair to assume that Bournemouth and Southampton may rotate well.
chelsea is a long way from watford when I last looked.....
23.7 miles
7 miles form chelsea to crystal palaceanorak on.....
😉
108 miles from chelsea to forest of the nottingham......
when will the preseason start......Mid July I imagine. I'm hoping SKY comes out first again with the other games. Then FPL.
I'm talking about "pure" home/away rotations. The PL fixtures are built on 10 rotation pairs where in any set of fixtures one will be at home and the other away.
In some cases this is related to police preferences (United and City, Everton and Liverpool), in other cases it is just for the convenience of the fixture computer (Swansea and Stoke were a pair last season).
As for Chelsea and Watford, well Chelsea were paired with QPR last season and with QPR going down and Watford coming up they will very likely pair home/away with Chelsea.
The probable pure rotation pairs:
United & City
Sunderland & Newcastle
Liverpool & Everton
Villa & WBA
Arsenal and Spurs
West Ham and Palace
Stoke and Swansea
Southampton and Bournemouth
Norwich and Leicester
Chelsea and Watford
The first 7 on the list are the same as last season, the other three are adjusted to take promotion and relegation into account.Might switch to Palace/Chelsea, West Ham/Watford, though.
Arsenal and Spurs will stay the same because of policing.Palace are closer to West Ham I think. But we'll know for sure when the fixtures come out.
Never thought of that. Thanks a lot all.
All interesting stuff Ruth ta. Fingers crossed they don't bring in too many new players to muddy the water.
Watford will, you can count on that. The trading between the Pozzi clubs (and the "understandings" with other clubs like Parma) produces a bizarre labyrinth to be quite honest.
It's if it becomes too many strangers to be able to work together quickly as a team.
More than 4 or 5 and I think it can hamper a team's start.I totally agree. The trouble is that the Pozzo system treats individual clubs as interchangeable pieces in the overall plan. That's one of the dislikes I have about it.
If Pozzo wants a player put in the shop window he'll send him to Watford and Flores will play him. That's the way it works unfortunately.
Kasper and Ruddy would certainly be an interesting pairing if their prices are sensible.
Question is whether Schmeichel will be 4.5 or 5.0 I think. I'm hoping those two may be 4.5 each - if so they could be a good pair.
I can see Schmiechel rising to 5m.
Krul, Ruddy, Boruc will be among the pick of the 4.5m I think.
excellent stuff Ruth
Another great piece Ruth,
One minor quibble as a Norwich fan - when Dorrans plays instead of Wes, he generally drops alongside Tettey and Howson pushes up to the 10 spotThanks, that's exactly the kind of feedback I was after and I will revise that for the article.
Any other comments? If you had to pick one Norwich defender, midfielder and striker for FPL purposes who would they be and why?Not really, you are largely on the money and Hoopermanbelow makes some more worthy points.
Martin and Bassong have worked well as a pair, while Whitts has long been a liability so I imagine a new RB will be signed. The narrowness of the midfield means I'd want one of the fullbacks for FPL. Ollson would be my pick now as he has premier league experience and is well established in the first XI (unlike any new signing)
Also a toss up between Bradley and Redmond for me as the mids, Bradley was more consistent over the season but Redmond's improvement over the final 10 games or so in terms of returns suggest his decision making may finally have improved (his average shot location had been the worst in his league, for the last 18 months at Xmas). I would probably edge for Bradley atm
Stikers are a bit of a no no FPL wise for me, none have a proven track record of scoring at this level, and I see Jerome being used for his workrate and pace to bring the mids into the game.Cheers.
Good knowledgeable write up about us, nice job. Just a few minor points:
- Alex Neil's preferred striker in order is: Grabban / Jerome / Hooper. Grabban was injured and then suspended which is the reason why Jerome got more gametime. He also doesn't fancy Hooper as a starter, so one to avoid there.
- Expect to see Hoolahan for the home/easier games and Dorrans for the away games. For the away games Howson will push up to allow Dorrans to play a quarter-back type role alongside Tettey.
- Keep an eye out for Whittaker/Martin being replaced. The back four have been superb and very settled since Neil was appointed but many feel this area of the pitch is our weakest.
As for the transfer market, don't expect to see mass changes. The general consensus is that the following positions are likely to brought in, either as starters or squad players; Centre Back, Right-Back, Defensive Mid, Left-Winger, Striker.
As it stands, three players look candidates for FPL squads: Ruddy, Olsson, Redmond. Bradley Johnson is also pushing much further up the field and is one to keep an eye out, an aerial threat and on some free-kicks.
You really think Grabban is preferred to Jerome?
Thanks, great feedback and I will take into account for the revision.
Russell Martin is captain, right? You think he's likely to be replaced? I was more thinking they may sign a CB and switch him to RB.
Great info. Cheers.
As an Ipswich fan, I've watched all three live this season.. a few times in Norwich's case (don't remind me!), so I feel fairly qualified to comment from the outside.
NORWICH
As much as it pains me, I see Norwich as the best equipped to survive. They won't be spectacular, but Alex Neil has really taken them on and built a solid side. They won't score loads, but probably won't concede loads either. I'm surprised they didn't get automatic to be honest, with everyone else crumbling - ironically, it was a disappointing 1-0 defeat at home to 'Boro that did for them. We all know what happened four or five weeks later at Wembley.
In terms of FPL, Redmond is the one everyone will talk about. I see him in a similar position to Marc Albrighton though (the one from the start of the season!)... Redmond is known to most Prem watchers after Norwich's last spell, and those who saw him for the second leg of the play offs, followed by the final, saw him at his best. However, the first leg, and the majority of the season, were a different story. He's a player with pace and skill, but lacks the final ball to make him FPL gold imo. See Albrighton - ex-Prem, young talent, didn't quite deliver.
My eyes will be looking for Bradley Johnson's price. As an Ipswich fan, I can't stand the guy.. and that tells you all you need to know - he must be good, if I dislike him so much. He's a step above the other midfielders, who have done well at Championship level. He'll be the one going full throttle, winning the bps and getting in the box, especially in the air. The only criticism (a fairly big one) is his propensity for bookings. This may ultimately ruin him as a fifth mid if you can't rely on the two-pointer.
The most astute spot has been mentioned - Ruddy and Schmeichel could be superb. Ruddy's had a few clangers this season, but he should be cheap, he will be nailed and he'll likely be in the points. Strikers, I'm afraid, are a no-go.
BOURNEMOUTH
I can't speak highly enough of Bournemouth and am a tad envious of what they're fans have got. A young, talented manager and a team full of nice footballers.
They were by far the best team I've seen this season, and the best I've seen at this level since Southampton destroyed us a few years ago thanks to Lallana and Lambert (they did alright, didn't they!). At Portman Road, they just had so much quality - midfield runners, dynamic play, slick passing - it's so unusual to see a team not playing in straight lines.
Being more specific, Ritchie is by far the stand out man. The numbers say it all, but he's exactly what we want - a man with a final product. His price will be interesting, but given good opening fixtures, he may even qualify as my fourth mid. With Ritchie and his opposite winger often playing as inverted, the full backs were always supporting when I saw them.
Up top, I'm curious to see how Wilson does. I'm not a big fan - mainly because his diving got Bournemouth a ridiculous number of penalties this season. But he's scored goals, to be fair.
For my money, Bournemouth will be the surprise package if they can start well. With their style of football, they rely on confidence so early wins are key. They could quite easily replicate the good passing football seen by Southampton and Swansea, and do well - but if they get worked out, they could be similar to Blackpool (early promise but fade away). I'd like to see them do well, and Howe is recruiting well so far. If they can add depth, and a touch of quality, I'll keep a close eye.
WATFORD
After being our bogey team for years, we beat Watford 1-0 home and away. Ipswich are probably a prime example of a team that doesn't suit Watford.. tough, solid, organised.
However, on their day, they are lethal and will destroy teams. They scored four goals or more, eight times.. 7-2, 5-0 (x2), 4-2 (x2), 4-1 (x2), 4-3. The question will be if they can raise their game and step up. I can say it with words, but the numbers speak for themselves: http://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2015/06/08/the-promoted-watford/?hc_page=1#hc_comment_10403298 For my money, Watford are the dead certs to go down, but I see them having the odd day where they give someone a hiding. Plus, apart from Ritchie, Deeney is my main target of those promoted - even if they lose, Watford will still score goals and he's a natural finisher, a step above Vydra and Ighalo.
After all that, there is a big BUT. As you've mentioned, the Pozzo situation. With Watford being promoted, there is every possibility that Watford *could* become the primary club. I'm very much on the outside looking in, so Watford fans may correct me but.... Granada finished 17th in La Liga - had Elche not been relegated for financial reasons (despite finishing 13th), Granada would have only survived on goal difference. Udinese were equally tame, finishing 16th in Serie A. Watford have just been promoted to the biggest, *most lucrative* league in the world - cash and favourable loans could follow. They're the ones to watch in the transfer market.
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All opinion from watching on the outside, but I'm a big watcher of Championship football, so hope this helps.really good insights-different to have a watcher's view
ruddy and ritchie it is thenYes, very useful, thanks.
I'm keen to see Bradley Johnson's price too. But having followed Atsu quite closely for a couple of seasons I'm also very bullish about what he may do given a regular run as he will be at Bournemouth. The fans absolutely loved him at Vitesse, they finished 3rd in the Eredivisie when he was there (if memory serves) and he was considered one of the best players in the league.
Granada would have gone down if La Liga used goal difference to differentiate between teams on the same points total, luckily they use the head to head record. They seemed doomed and needed a miracle but 3 wins and a draw with Atletico in the last 4 games of the season kept them up.
As a Watford fan, I hope that being in the Premier League means investment that can keep us up!
Sorry to be a pedant but doesn't atsu play for Ghana?
Yes
Yeah. 😆 Good spot.
Good writeup otherwise tbf
You'd think I'd know that. Actually I do know that. Lord knows how Nigeria got into my head. 😕
Thanks and will correct in the article.
I would love it if Pardew bought Cisse for Palace. He'd be straight in my team.
Palace will be very interesting next season, may even have Cabaye as an option too.
I'd be shocked if Pardew managed to bring Cabaye and/or Remy to Palace. They are way out of Palace's league.
Better than sitting on the bench, wages a problem though. Thinking of starting with a Bolasie or Puncheon? 6.5m?
Remy is in the same league, Cabaye isn't, but France isn't that far.
May have to buy membership early for these articles, usually purchase day of the ticker!
You need an article to tell you who was good for arsenal? 😉
The pub it is 😉
Got any good UFPL tips WR after your good season?
I gave up when I had 2 fit defenders and Balotelli stinking the place out lolNot really, always started with five defs, good chance of a couple of cleanies and a goal or assist the chuck out the fails with the big guns often in the later game 🙂
Was half expecting pick more fit defenders and don't go near Balotelli haha
Looking forward to it next year, I went wrong by not leaving enough transfers for the last week.
I'm going to load the midfield, have a stronger defence and spend much less but have more depth in attack. That is the plan anyway.
Rene Meulensteen :
"Brendan Rodgers' biggest failure is that he's not invested in his staff."
http://t.co/YtHweUPtcv
He said that a few months ago. Linked with LFC assistant job..
Im not going to give away any spoilers but this weeks episode of Game of Thrones was one of the most disturbing in its history. Unnecessary scene really.
It was a horrible scene to watch. But necessary to the story.
I loved the bit just before it though, never saw that coming.
They could have found another way to progress the story or even if they had to go with that, then just suggest it and not show it. Terribly disturbing scene.
Should have just stuck to the story inb the book.
Out of all the penultimate episodes in past seasons, this was by far the very worst!
Well the end scene was exciting and tense, enjoyed that part of it.
What channel is it on? Is there another chance to watch?
Sky Atlantic in UK. Should be a re-run, maybe mext Sunday
Atlantic on Monday nights at 9. Not sure if its repeated during the week, probably is.
I'm usually one to complain about GoT but liked this episode
Apart from that disturbing scene, the rest of the episode was very good, especially the last scene.
It was supposed to be disturbing, thats whats so good about the programme, you never know when your favourite characters might suffer (unless you have read the books)
Yup, I'm with TL here. It was a good scene.
😯
IT'S HERE!!!
http://fantasy.premierleague.com/I wonder if Applebonkers will get ID 80085 this year...
I knew it was a load of crap, but my addiction lead me to click on it still... 🙁
Haha, AFC Bournemouth! They get first listing alphabetically now.
Any recommendations for a comedy series to watch? Stuff I'm in to includes the Office (US and UK), Peep Show, Parks and Rec, Scrubs etc.
30 Rock ?
Decent shout. I have already seen (most of) it, but might watch it again as I never got round to finishing it.
You would probably enjoy Suits too
Seen Suits too, or at least the seasons that I have on DVD (1-3). Loved it.
Chuck if you liked that
Added to the list, ta.
It kinda enjoys the same sort of cult following as community so you might find yourself getting addicted.
Anything I can binge watch is fine by me!
Have you watched Community? Its fantastic.
Yes, four times over! Didn't mention it in my OP as it's a lot less heard of here in the UK but it's probably in my top three comedies. Such clever writing.
Okay then, we seem to have the same sort of taste:
Kimmy Schmidt is pretty good
Arrested Development
Its always sunny
Trailer Park Boys
The League
And on the off chance you never watched it- the greatest of all SeinfeldNice list, thanks!
I've got Kimmy Schmidt bookmarked as I liked Ellie Kemper in the Office and of course Tina Fey writes it; I was just waiting on someone recommending it to me.
Seen Seinfeld (of course), AD and Always Sunny but not the other two. Don't know much about them to be honest but I think they're both available on Netflix so probably worth giving a go.
Can't go wrong with the classic; Father Ted, Fawlty Towers, Bottom, Little Britain, etc
Saw a few episodes of Curb Your Enthusiasm and I loved them, not a big fan of US comedy prob Scrubs is the only thing I likeStrange that I probably prefer US sitcoms for the most part but detest most of their stand-up. Being only 22 a couple of those shows you mentioned were before my time but they're the ones my family always talk about so I might just give them a go, cheers!
It crowd as well (same writer as father Ted)
^^ this as well, really good 😆
The Countdown episode in particular 😆
Street Countdown and Moss' new emergency contact number the stand outs. Very funny show - one of the best UK comedies of the last decade, definitely.
I'm 22 as well 😀 but I'm really about 50 mentally. I listen to music waaaay before my time as well 😆
Me too, and my bones click a lot. I love wearing slippers. I'm going grey - a bit. I'm soooo moany. And I used to be out all the time, now I cba with going out on a Saturday night and just want to put my feet up lol.
In definitely an old man!People go out on Saturday's? 😯
I'm pretty much all that bar the going grey.
And I enjoy fishing, wow my life is a bore 😆
Same here, I love a bit of the Beatles and Dylan as much as I love a bit of Northern Soul. Feel I was born in the wrong generation from a music sense, although not everything around these days is all bad.
Late 60s/ early 70s.
Classic rock, hippy/ psychedelic or anything with a political vibe to it
The Big Bang Theory is good.
Watched the first couple of seasons but the novelty kind of wore off pretty quickly unfortunately.
Whilst not a full on comedy, Orange is the new Black has some very funny bits in it. Pretty entertaining in general
Funnily enough, the reason I made this post is because I finished OITNB yesterday and stuck on what to watch now. Decent show, has it's funny moments definitely.
Silicon Valley.
Seen it advertised but don't know much about it. Added to my list anyway, thanks.
The funniest TV shows I've seen are Modern Family (the older the better) and Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em.
Seen Modern Family and you're right about the earlier seasons being better. Haven't seen or heard of the other one to be honest.
It's from the 80's I think. UK comedy. Expertly written. And Michael Crawford (who plays the lead) does all of his own stunts and it's amazing what he does.
This.
You would never believe Frank Spencer was the same guy who went on to Broadway in Phantom of the Opera.
could try Better Off Ted (american or canadian), underrated first series 2nd not quite so hot...Spaced was great and shows where shaun of the dead, hot fuzz rose from, Louis or louis ck, police squad was a classic but may look very dated now
Will take a look at a couple of those, thanks
Arrested Development
Misfits
Fresh MeatMisfits is the only one I've yet to see. When it first started I was really stubborn as I assumed it would be a lazy hybrid of Heroes and Skins. For all I know it might have been but I have heard it is in fact very very good. Will make an effort to watch it eventually, cheers.
Yeah it's brilliant, especially the early series. You seem to have an excellent TV education!
Flight of the concords and Friday night dinners are 2 I've liked over the last few years
If you havent seen Blackadder then stop what youre doing want watch that now 😆 Funnily enough I dont seem to watch many comedies anymore. Get most of my laughs from Last Week Tonight with John Oliver. SOmeone brought up Seinfeld so I'll have to throw Curb Your Enthusiasm into the list. It's brilliant.
Veep
Great question! Think most covered the bases in any case.
Louie (easily best around IMO)
Curb your Enthusiasm
Seinfeld
Silicon Valley
Veep
Entourage
Arrested Development
It's Always Sunny
Community
Archer
Inside Amy Schumer
Broad City
Brookyln Nine-Nine (trust me)
Rick and Morty
Also, try to avoid anything having to do with Chuck Lorre (apart from Two and Half men with Sheen)Hulk this post mods 🙂
🙂
veep is great
Didn't see this post, Louie is a masterpiece.
VEEP.
Arrested Development, Louie, guessing you've already seen Partridge/Brass Eye etc? Nathan Barley.
Silva
10/11: 4 goals, 9 assists
11/12: 6 goals, 17 assists
12/13: 4 goals, 12 assists
13/14: 7 goals, 12 assists
14/15: 12 goals, 12 assists
Freak season? Or do you think he will score ~12 goals next season?How much would you pay for a player who gets 4 goals and 12 assists? That's what he seems like he'll get minimum this season.
I might yet go Silva over Aguero if the strikers are available elsewhere and the Budget has to be stretched.
9.0 and he'll be in my team I think, anything more and I'll probably avoid it.
3-5-2?
Could very well be. There's only three real big heavy hitting forwards that interest me - Aguero, Rooney and Costa (I think)
But of course there's still transfers to be done.
9.0 for Silva? Dreaming
Yeah, I'm expecting 10.5m
Yep.
Still a good option at that price imo
Aguero has the best ppg in the game. So I think he's worth it just for the captaincy. Double points is a huge thing over the season.
.
Using last season's ppg values you can roughly predict the significance of captaincy, assuming they play all 38 games.
Aguero = 6.5ppg * 38 = 247pts * 2 = 494pts
Hazard = 6.1ppg * 38 = 231pts * 2 = 462pts
.
An extra 32pts between 1st and 2nd for ppg. Makes his pricetag worth it imo.
I think it's Pellegrini's style of using him
Maybe double figures, narrowlyEssential
Ordered this over the weekend; my childhood and present situation combined 😆
http://imgur.com/7m8uz8EHaha thats class. Im on the look out for some decent online tees. Let me know if you know a good store
If Bolasie could finish he'd be formidable.
Yep. Here's hoping he learns. That skill in the corner is insane
He's always been better than Zaha, even in the Championship when everyone was raving about Wilfried
He was terrific for Plymouth Argyle. I was really disappointed when he left.
Same with Ebanks-Blake to Wolves. And Gosling(18yo) to Everton. And Puncheon to Southampton. And Noone...You must have a decent academy then. Anyone I should look out for?
We're still recovering from administration and selling all our players. Alessandra and Reid are both great though.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2K8IPdmmC54If anyone's bored here's Argyle beating Santos, who had a little striker called Pele 😉
http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/devon/hi/people_and_places/history/newsid_8475000/8475238.stm
I think he'll be a very good option next year
Sky game to open in less than 4 weeks, probably around 25 days time. Can't wait 🙂
Really looking forward to it
Big things this year
Hope they change it up a little D.
I assume Liverpool will go into the new season with only Ings and Sturridge as their main strikers. I expect 8 goals from Ings and 11 for Sturridige
Might be wrong but I though Studge was due to miss the start of next season because of his recovery.
Origi?
nah
IF balotelli and borini can be sold expect another signing. I think br is still after tekkers tbh
Damn you Dan! Shakes fist
What the...
Had to go out. Still 3-1 to the yanks?
Yep, FT.
Lol champ, you clearly still have internet. Get a World Cup app on that new phone of yours.
Finished 3-1Haha thought there might be some world cup banter on here with the aussies and sepos. Guess not 🙁
I do know how to internet smart arse 😉I'm disappointed Howe little attention there has been to it, in Melbourne at least. Losing first game does not help as we all know Aussies only follow winning teams
Yeah and winning male teams at that 🙁
I met all the matildas before they left. Took my daughter to open training session and she got a poster signed by them all. She was stoked 🙂 Some real quality in that teamI'm an English expat so I support England in the men's (with a soft spot for Australia) but I married an Aussie and my daughter is Aussie, who I hope to get into football in a couple of years, so really want them to do well. I can't claim to be an expert on the teams but it's world cups that bring you up to speed.i only watch rugby at the World Cup as well.
Sounds like a great experience for your daughter, it's good to have positive role models in this world of twerking.Indeedy 🙂
Every game on live TV here in Canada
To be fair if I did not need to work or sleep I can watch every game live as well, we have enough channels. It's more the lack of screens showing it at work and in bars, cafes, food courts, shopping centres etc. And more importantly no one is talking about it
Tis well dead on here. Expect McBrolly to be announced today. Initially I was angry, then considering the the structure of the whole backroom staff it was clear that the only options were English managers to work with dinosaurs like Carver and Steve Stone. They've done a clever one by releasing the news a week before announcing as we all have a kind of Stockholm Syndrome towards McBrolly now. Upwards and onwards
He should see you safely to 14th or 15th next season. Onwards and upwards 😉
It's 4 am 😉
It never rains but it pours eh?
Come to think of it, Nigel Farage would love an all English club. There even talking about more English players needed in the team. NUKIP FC 😯
So looks like JR Smith was the MvP for the Warriors last night, those had to have been some of the worst rookie mistakes I've seen on Championship level. Truly embarrassing stuff 🙁
Is it me, or has the quality of basketball played in the NBA plummeted in the past couple of years?Don't know why but I stopped following many years ago. I was obsessed as a kid. Warriors were my team. No finals back then though
😯 Jealous you got to watch all the talent man, so many legendary finals back in the day. No finals?
Used to love watching sprewell and hardaway rip it up. Na not in my time unless I've forgotten. I think the golden years were in the 70's I was following them through the 90's. They did pretty sh1t despite some awesome players. The bulls were some next level sh1t back in the 80's 90's. Best ball I ever seen
If anyone wants a turn by turn game on chess.com my username is champynwa
Round numero dos tomorrow night Champ 😉
Wakey might.
Sweet let him know if you see him?
Will do, Champ.
Pirlo's all-time Champions League XI:
.
Gianlugi Buffon;
Cafu, Paolo Maldini, Fabio Cannavaro, Philipp Lahm
Gennaro Gattuso, Paul Scholes, Xavi, Kaka
Lionel Messi, Filippo Inzaghi
.
On Scholes: "The truly great English midfield player of the generation," he said. "Didn't just play the game, he thought about the game.
"You could see every pass, every decision, was based on his intelligence and understanding."Unfortunately, every time Scholes opens his mouth, he casts more doubt on that opinion.
He doesn't get the whole suck it up and interact with the media the right way thing...
Na judge him on the pitch I say
Oh, I think he does. He is turning out to be not a particularly pleasant person, though.
Agreed
He was a hero of mine. I rather wish that he would disappear from all media. 🙁
He's not the most articulate, but he understands how to dictate a game on the pitch. Also, he was creative, had pinpoint passes, thunderous shots, and great aggression. The complete midfielder.
Right, time to sleep. Have to be nocturnal for a long late drive tonight.
Hard to argue with that team as far as champions league performances go. The ginger ninja was a freak.
Well, I don't think that it is even close.
Well they have all been amazing in the comp. Who's missing in your opinion?
Iniesta. Which says it all, really. Imo.
Also, I think that the competition itself is flawed.
Didn't realise how good Sakho's stats were. Could be a decent option next season at a decent price, only concern is EL.
Indeed. 🙂 Depending on fixtures.
Yep. Although Sakho playing up top with Valencia would be a slight put off, do you think that'll happen?
Isn't Valencia playing Copa America? If so that might affect how quickly he comes back into the reckoning.
Good point. Although Ecuador wouldn't be a team you would expect to go too deep into the tournament
EL is less of a concern for West Ham I think, especially early in the season where they may get an advantage by having played competitive games before everyone else.
A lot depends on the new manager but we should have an idea of his starting lineup because of the EL qualifying games. West Ham assets could be very useful early on.
This is the way I see it. Maybe later on in the season it could have a negative effect.
Good point, yeah.
It depends on the coaching to be fair. Brendan has his favourites so Sakho is guaranteed to be the starter, and then you'd have to wait and see about the performance of the defense on top of that.
I'm talking about Diafra 😀
Oh. 😉 Mamadou is great statistcally too, that's where I got confused. What I said still stand in regard to Liverpool though. 😛
Sakho double-up maybe?
Knowing Rodgers it wouldn't be surprising to try out Diafra at RCB. :I
Yep. No way I'm touching that Liverpool defence though (unfortunately, as an LFC fan). It seems to up and down, looked to be on the down at the end of last season
Liverpool could easily be a team I'll go without completely. 😕
Coutinho and Lallana are the only Liverpool players I'd consider right now and I doubt either will make my GW1 team.I'd consider Milner if he's 6.5 or less and Hendo if he is 7.5 or less. Other than that nobody from LFC.
Lallana is an odd one?Very good at Southampton, injury-hit 1st season at Liverpool, good stats when he has played and should benefit if Sterling leaves. He's a player I quite fancy if things fall out the right way, especially as he could be around 8.0 with a bit of luck.
A lot of "ifs" there, I'm afraid.
Yes he was injured a lot but for a majority of the season he wasn't, he simply didn't fit into our plans. Yes Sterling could change that, but Lallana's best position is the 10 which Coutinho is in at the moment and won't be giving up. So that leaves two wide positions for Lallana, which is where he has largely been ineffective and understandably so.
A big fish in a small pond type player for me, a lot of whom end up at Liverpool (unfortunately) and their career stagnates.
I have to agree, which annoys me because I'm one of the, what appears to be few, who think the squad right now is a great base to build from, we just need a top class GK, perhaps DM, and ST.
Yes. It's just the "mood music" that is so off-putting.
Even so, if you could shift Balotelli and maybe Borini out and bring in a top striker things would look much better.Just need those players for what? Challenge for the title?
Top four. We are some ways off the title, but it all depends on the right management. I can't see that happening unfortunately.
Cech says moving away from london will complicate life for his family. Thats basically putting himself on a plate for Arsenal.
Pardew says hi
No, he'll probably go to Arsenal.
I'm only joking 🙂
As if he would actually go to Palace
Or Barnet.
😀
Looks that way. Chelsea fans would prefer almost any other move but he deserves to get the move that suits him best. Whether Wenger will pay £9m+ is another matter, however.
Cech for 9m is a bargain imo. Especially when Ospina has been okay but hardly great
I seem to be in a minority but I think Ospina did very well, 8 clean sheets in 18 games after he came into the team and few mistakes (though the one against Swansea was quite high profile).
He did alright, but doesn't exactly inspire confidence. 9m for Cech would be well worth it
9m is nothing in today's football .
I doubt he'll move today
I guarantee he will move today. Bookmark this.
I think Wenger would pay it. Cech would be an immense signing for them, would set that team up a bit more to go on and challenge, defenders love it when they know they hav a reliable, top quality GK behind them.
Pray this transfer happens after the prices are released! Cech at 5.0 woulld be gold.
Butland at stoke, southampton keeper, Myhill all could be cheap too
What are steve mcclarens teams traditionally like?
Better in defence or attack?Neither. Also not good in the rain. Traditionally they are fairly likely to be disappointing, that's the main thing.
Haha, so you DO have a sense of humour 😀
Sacked by England
Sacked by Wolfsburg
Sacked by Derby.
😕True, but was hoping for Krul and collocini to be under priced at 4.5. they couldn't possibly be as bad again this season. They have decent enough defence and keeper, plus tiote back sitting in front of them will be a huge help this season. What defences you looking at?
if they have easy opening fixtures and prices are ok, I may get one Newcastle as a cheap DF.. probably won't though and will sit and watch how he sets the team up first...
won FC Twente's first ever league title playing good football.
Took Boro to a UEFA cup final
Just adding some balance 😉Yeah i read up on mcclaren on wikipedia there too. He won the league cup, reached an fa cup semi final and finished 6th. He also managed england(did terribly i know), but you dont get that job by being completely useless!
what he did at Twente first time around cannot be underestimated, it was a great achievement
resigned from Twente second time round before he was sacked
I seen someone, supposedly ITK, say Liverpool never even bid for Clyne, I trust the site its from, why are the papers reporting it? Maybe we did?
What price do defenders in teams who narrowly avoid relegation come in at?
Does it depend on how many clean sheets in the season gone by? or on overall team performance?
Has anyone a list of last seasons player starting prices? or where can i find it?This might help.
http://fantasy.premierleague.com/stats/elements/
Krul should be 4.5m I reckon.Thank you 🙂
Hopefully PvA comes in at 4.5 too. All West Brom defenders will be minimum 5.0 most probably and Leicester defenders should still be 4.5 too imo except for maybe Schlupp.
I can see Kasper being 5m. Fuchs as well. Hope I'm wrong.
People reckon Ruddy will be 5m, based on him being in the PL before. I don't agree. If that's the criteria then Schmeichel needs to be 5m as well considering Leicester kept 9 CS, the same that Norwich kept the last time they were in the PL.
I'd be surprised if Schmeichel wasn't 5m tbh.
The nailed-on ones will be 4.5, unless they have some sort of goalscoring/assisting prowess - in which case they'll be 5.
Just looked back through boruc's career statistics and hes been excellent. Has consistently amassed clean sheets everywhere he goes. Think i might just chance going with him from the start if fixtures are ok!
Bournemouth bought Frederici(30)
Boruc 35yrs old already. Shirley some rotation there.
Here's a list of the majority of starting prices: http://web.archive.org/web/20140719024805/http://fantasy.premierleague.com/player-list/?
thanks billy
Who was the 2nd highest scorer between the goal keepers in 2014/15?
No peeping.Mignolet?
I hate that fecker.
no.1st 151
2nd 150
turd 149(mignolet)Oh must be your favourite Heaton then.
lolYou hate that fecker.
I always hate GKs that I don't own that get timely pen saves in the only fixtures anyone played him in 😡
How many are in that group
Kenny Samson, sad state of affairs
The irony
You couldn't write it, well you could cause it was I supposeI was talking to john Sutton yesterday if anyone wants any random speculative info about one of the promoted teams from someone who probably doesn't know the facts
Sounds like something we crave for.
- The Most Expensive FPL Players Ever
Last seasons highest starting prices by position were
GK 6.0 Cech, Courtois and Hart
DF 7.0 Ivanovic, Baines, Coleman
MD 11.0 Yaya
FW 12.5 Van Persie
Have there been players in earlier seasons, with higher starting prices than these ?.
RVP was 14 previously, Bale was 12, Ronaldo 14 I think, Baines has been 7.5 before, GKs have been 6.5 before I think.
RVP at 14 definitely. He was effectively priced out of the game
Ronaldo at 14 was actually underpriced. The last priceless player I can remember in the game.Thanks,feared that.
Was hoping that Chelsea defenders wouldn't go above 7.0, Haz 11.0 and Kun 12.5.Here's my predictions on Dat Guy's Price Prediction Challenge for those Chelsea players
8. Branislav Ivanovic – 7.5m
9. John Terry – 7.5m
10. Cesc Fabregas – 9.5m
11. Eden Hazard – 11mHazard could be 12m...but I think that would be harsh.
Hazard at 11m would be magic.
Alexis?At least that's make the whole Ivanovic v Terry deal easier. If Terry was 7.0 then it'd be a tough call
I can't see how they can make one more expensive than the other. Both very similar points wise, seemingly nailed on, playing for a great defence with lots of clean sheets. Also if one is cheaper that'd be the one every gets. I get a sense that the pricing presents games within games. With Terry and Ivan the same it presents a great decision to make...makes it more interesting. If one is cheaper then it takes away that tough call for many.
Yeah that's true. I'd guess the same as you, they'll probably both be 7.5.
I disagree with your final statement though, if both are 7.5 then Ivanovic is easily the better option. If Terry is 7.0 then it's a lot closerTerrys age could be factored in, surely won't play every minute of the season again aged 34/35.
Be careful saying RVP was priced out of the game, Jafalad will have you against the wall.
Ha, he was never going to live up to 14m though.
If Ronaldo was underpriced at 14m imagine what Messi would be. Have to be the game's first 15m player.Messi is 26m in Mondogoal's Copa America game.
😆Out of £100m? Actually that's still probably underpricing him.
Yeah, 100m budget. Different structure though, with Uruguay keeper costing 3.5m.
Henry, Ronaldo and RVP have all been £14m. All were poor picks imo.
Ronaldo was priced at £14m due to scoring 31 league goals the previous year. He scored 18 the year he was £14m. That sounds a lot but having him meant you couldn't have a lot of other good players. It wasn't like the season just gone, where you could have pretty much any players you liked, there was real competition. He was very trickily priced. Expensive but you were afraid to go without him due to his potential.
He certainly wasn't underpriced and the general consensus at seasons end was he was overpriced.
Definitely.
Pretty sure Baines/Terry have come in at 7.5/8.0 before.
Bale and Fabregas were both priced at 12.0 in the seasons they left. Ronaldo was something absurd and I imagine Lampard/Gerrard both topped 11 with ease.
van Persie himself was more than that the previous season wasn't he?Lampard was 13.0m at one stage.
Defenders have been at least 8m and mids and forwards 14m
2012/13 prices analysed: http://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2012/07/17/fpl-201213-player-prices-revealed/
A short quiz on the highest 2010/11 prices: http://www.sporcle.com/games/AngrySi/fantasy
Yes, plenty. Here is my data of all players priced above, all saved from the player list in the August of that starting year.
13/14 -
GK 6.0 - Hart, Cech
DF 7.5 - Baines
MF 12.0 - Bale
FW 14.0 - Van Persie
12/13 -
GK 7.0 - Hart; 6.5 Cech
DF 7.5 - Kompany
FW 13.0 - Van Persie
10/11 -
GK 6.5 - Cech, Reina, Van der Sar
DF 7.5 - Vermaelen, Cole, G.Johnson, Evra
MF 13.0 - Lampard
09/10 -
GK 6.5 - Cech, Reina, Van der Sar
DF 8.0 - Vidic; 7.5 - Bosingwa, Terry, Zhirkov, Lescott, G.Johnson
MF 12.5 - Lampard, Gerrard
I can't find my 11/12 list.
Shows how many valued fantasy assets there used to be!Zhirkov!
Sorry, 13/14 keepers should say 6.5 for Hart & Cech.
New Community Article
Here's Ruth NZ's Tottenham and Southampton season review and look ahead to 2015/16
http://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2015/06/09/tottenham-and-southampton-reviewed/
