Selection

Fantasy Premier League – Player List Analysis – Goalkeepers

The launch of the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) game heralds the start of our series of player list analysis articles, which scrutinise each player position and look at the best options across the price brackets.

We begin our articles by assessing the last line of defence and run the rule over goalkeeper options.

We focus not only on their clean sheet prospects, but their potential to earn points from saves and from bonus via the FPL’s Bonus Point System (BPS).

As with all these pre-season articles, we’ll focus on each price bracket – offering our view on targets for those who want to spend big on one reliable stopper, as well as those looking to rotate a pair of budget keepers.

Budget Keepers

The prospect of a starting goalkeeper in the 4.0 bracket was looking slim. However, there is now just a chance that Hull City’s Eldin Jakupovic could earn starts if boss Steve Bruce fails to recruit a replacement for number one keeper Allan McGregor (4.5), who is sidelined for the next six months with a back injury.

Jakupovic will hope to start as number one in McGregor’s absence, although Bruce is rumoured to be lining up a move for Crystal Palace’s second string stopper, Alex McCarthy who sets you back 4.5.

When you shift your sights into that price bracket, it’s another of the promoted sides that catches the eye.

Burnley’s Tom Heaton ticks a number of boxes. Not only is he guaranteed starts but his 130 saves when the Clarets were last in the top flight, in 2014/15, give considerable cause for optimism. This was the third best tally of any keeper that season.

Heaton also has a strong early set of fixtures, including home ties against Swansea, Hull and Watford in the first six Gameweeks, that rotate well with other budget friendly keepers.

West Brom’s Ben Foster (4.5) looks to be an ideal rotation match for Heaton early on, particularly in Gameweeks two and three, when the Baggies host Everton and Middlesbrough and Burnley face a pair of tricky ties, at home to Liverpool and away to Chelsea.

An injury hit 2015/16 has ensured that Foster has retained a budget price tag, in spite of his strong tally of 46 saves across just 15 appearances.

For those looking for an alternative rotation partner with Foster, Sunderland’s Vito Mannone (4.5) offers a very viable option.

This pairing provide a strong first eight Gameweek run that includes two home clashes with Middlesbrough and visits from Crystal Palace and West Brom.

Rotation early on with Costel Pantilimon saw Mannone earn just 19 starts last season and that has contributed to preserving his low price tag. With a highly impressive 76 saves over that period, Mannone looks to offer exceptional value, particularly if Sam Allardyce remains in situ at the Stadium of Light, thus giving Sunderland some stability heading into the new campaign.

Middlesbrough’s early fixtures also brings their goalkeepers into the equation, with former Manchester United stopper Victor Valdes (4.5) expected to oust last season’s regular number one Dimi Konstantopoulos (4.5).

With Stoke and Palace the first two visitors to the Riverside, around away trips to Sunderland and West Brom, the allure of Aitor Karanka’s rearguard is hard to ignore. However, with George Friend available in the same price bracket and offering stronger attacking and bonus point potential, it’s likely that many will look beyond Boro’s stoppers, particularly with the fixtures stiffening from Gameweek 5 onwards.

Crystal Palace may have only kept eight clean sheets last season but the signings of Steve Mandanda (4.5) and James Tomkins (5.0) could potentially see Alan Pardew’s men make strides.

Mandanda is expected to see off Wayne Hennessey (4.5) for the number one jersey at Selhurst Park and with West Brom, Bournemouth and Stoke the first three visitors, he has the opportunity to claim early returns.

Mid-Price Keepers

With a 2015/16 season topping 127 saves, Watford’s Heurelho Gomes (5.0) is arguably the strongest mid-priced option for the coming season.

In a stellar campaign which saw him save three spot kicks, Gomes also helped Watford rack up 11 clean sheets.

Swansea’s Lucasz Fabianski is another worthy candidate available for 5.0. With 117 saves he was second only to Gomes, although he will have to improve on his 2015/16 clean sheet tally of nine if he is to prove stronger value than this season’s budget keepers.

Jack Butland’s 2015/16 campaign was cut short after 31 games due to injury, but the Stoke keeper did more than enough during that time to earn a price hike to 5.0.

Butland’s save tally of 103 was the third best last season and only Gomes made more saves in the box than the Potters’ number one. However, with Man City and Tottenham visiting the Britannia Stadium in the first four Gameweeks, investors are advised to have a strong deputy in place, with Mannone providing one of the best rotation partners. Sunderland face home matches against Middlesbrough and Everton during those tough match-ups for Butland.

Stoke certainly have a run of obliging fixtures to follow their opening four Gameweeks so, if you can navigate that opening with rotation or are happy to rely on save points potential, Butland’s could once again emerge as a one-stop shop option.

West Ham’s Adrian also fits the bill in that respect, thanks to a raft of obliging early fixtures.

Over the first 11 Gameweeks the Hammers host Bournemouth, Watford, Middlesbrough, Sunderland and Stoke and also have kind away ties against West Brom and Crystal Palace. Middlesbrough and Crystal Palace also offer reasonable rotation partners with the 5.0 priced Hammers man.

Kasper Schmeichel is another 5.0 option to consider. After Leicester’s title-winning campaign, which included 15 clean sheets for the Dane, he has earned a price hike but still offers one of the cheapest and reliable routes into the Foxes defence. In addition, his 101 saves last season put him joint fifth with Adrian.

However, with N’Golo Kante now departed for Chelsea, there are concerns that Leicester’s back four will be more exposed, reducing their clean sheet potential whilst perhaps boosting Schmeichel’s save count.

Ronald Koeman’s appointment as Everton manager has prompted a re-appraisal of their defensive resolve and will have us monitoring the goalkeeper situation.

Koeman moved quickly to seal the capture of Maarten Stekelenburg from Fulham, which has us questioning Joel Robles‘ credentials as the Toffee’s number one.

Both are priced at 5.0 and could offer value given Everton’s early fixtures which find them hosting Stoke, Middlesbrough and Crystal Palace once the opening clash with Spurs has passed. Away trips to West Brom, Sunderland and Bournemouth also offer potential if Koeman can instill some much-needed resolve into the Everton back-line.

Premium Keepers

With the FPL deciding against nominating any 6.0 goalkeepers, we’re looking at just 5.5 in order to acquire a top-of-the-range stopper.

Among this elite group, Petr Cech offers not only strong clean sheet potential but also save points aplenty.

His 159 FPL points last season was the highest amongst goalkeepers, and was achieved thanks to his 102 saves, the fourth best last season, and 16 clean sheets – the top overall tally.

With price hikes for Gunners defenders such as Hector Bellerin (6.5), Cech’s price tag makes him the cheapest route into Arsenal’s strong clean sheet potential. It is worth noting that among regular keepers last season, Cech had the highest points per game of 4.7.

Arsenal’s fixtures are also kind enough to promote Cech as an option, with a strong run of opponents once the Liverpool and Leicester opening match-ups pass by.

Despite notching 15 clean sheets 2015/16 was a relatively poor season for Manchester United’s David De Gea as an FPL asset. A lack of save points was his key weakness, with the Spain international achieving just 83 across his 34 outings.

It’s difficult to say how United’s rearguard will fare under the stewardship of Jose Mourinho. There’s no doubt that Louis van Gaal’s methods boosted clean sheet returns at Old Trafford and, while we can perhaps anticipate this being maintained under the new regime, it’s tough to speculate whether De Gea will be called into action more readily, boosting his shot-stopping points. We do know that, with the fit-again Luke Shaw also available for 5.5, there is perhaps a more attractive route to covering Mourinho’s defence.

Elsewhere, both Hugo Lloris and Thibaut Courtois will be considerations but, as with United, the members of Tottenham’s and Chelsea’s back four appear more attractive. Their cast of defenders offer a degree of attacking threat that outweighs any promise from save points and bonus from their goalkeeper.

A final mention goes to Joe Hart, who was another to impress last season with 15 clean sheets. However, with a string of questionable performances for England in Euro 2016 and a poor save tally in 2015/16 of just 72, he seems unlikely to tempt investment.

We’re expecting great strides under Pep Guardiola but he has a lot to do before us FPL managers are convinced on Manchester City’s pricey rearguard.

J0E Podcaster and writer. Tweets stats and stuff via @FFScout_Joe Follow them on Twitter

3,826 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Tiamani Warrior
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Doesn't Mahrez seem good value even with Kante gone? PPG were insane last year! Would his appeal be more or less with a move to Ars/Chels? Think I'd prefer him the big fish at Leic personally.

    1. Walsh
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      I'm not sure he is. Off pens is big, and the way they tried to grind out 1-0s towards the end of last year in association with his incredibly huge drop off in form seems like there are enough red flags to avoid. Leicester don't create much either to boot. At that price I'd rather look elsewhere...

      1. Tiamani Warrior
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        would you consider him if he moved to a bigger club?

        1. Walsh
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          Maybe.

          1. Tiamani Warrior
            • 10 Years
            7 years, 10 months ago

            @ walsh I just had a delve into the 4.5 defender PPG after your comments previous page on WBA, stoke etc. Evans and mcauley both had slightly higher PPG than pieters - you expecting WBA to further decline and stoke to step up?

            1. Walsh
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 10 Years
              7 years, 10 months ago

              I guess? 🙂 Just my reaction from watching them last season - not backed up by any stats obviously. Feel like WBA are just poor overall.

              1. Tiamani Warrior
                • 10 Years
                7 years, 10 months ago

                hah fair enough. all the 4.5s seem much of a muchness at the moment to be honest - none really jumping out to be picked

    2. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Depends on his mentality. Foxes are trying te price him out of the market and if someone blinks we don't know how he'll react. Starting spot @Foxes for me but a move and I'll dump & observe.

      1. Tiamani Warrior
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        got him in my current drafts too if he stays - could drop almost a point per game on last season and still be decent value

    3. Nicks93
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      I think Mahrez should be a great pick even if a bit too expensive. Yes he lost pens but he was on fire last season and only dropped towards the end due to fatigue+grinding 1-0s. I think a fully rested Mahrez and a fresh leicester is too good to pass up on, people tend to forget he was last season's highest points scorer

      1. How's Your Gowl
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Also, can see Leicester conceding more after losing Kante, meaning they'll have to chase more games this season.

        1. Nicks93
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          It depends how they approach games however Mendy is no slouch and according to scouting reports he is as good as Kante

          1. Tiamani Warrior
            • 10 Years
            7 years, 10 months ago

            by chasing games are you implying more goals for mahrez & vardy?

            1. How's Your Gowl
              • 9 Years
              7 years, 10 months ago

              That's what implying, but I've read nothing of Mendy. If he isn't as good as Kante you'd expect the result to be more goals conceded, thereby requiring more goals scored. I'm staying away from Leicester for now. (Said that over and over again last season too though.)

      2. Tiamani Warrior
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Mahrez & Gray for 16mil or 4.5mid & Zlatan for 16mil - no brainer right?

        1. Nicks93
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          A all day

  2. mranonymous
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    McAuley & Evans both to regularly start for WBA?

  3. theBoose
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Draft numero uno.
    Would love to hear your thoughts.

    Mandanda / Valdés
    Shaw / Terry / Friend / Wimmer / Mee
    Mkhitaryan / Højbjerg / Fàbregas / Eriksen / Townsend
    Agüero / Lukaku / Gray

    1. Poor man's Igor Biscan
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Looks good mate. Thought about JT myself. Not sure how many minutes Aguero is going to play early doors though.

      1. theBoose
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Cheers. JT is a cheap route into their defence and will likely start. I'm very confident Agüero will play, he was on the bench for the most part at the Copa.

  4. Poor man's Igor Biscan
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    how's she looking for a first draft?

    Foster | Valdes
    Azpi | Stones | Evans | Friend | Shaw
    Willian | De Bruyne | Ali | Townsend | Ibe
    Lukaku | Zlatan | Wilson

    Thoughts appreciated...

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      No Aguero is the thing that sticks out.

      1. Poor man's Igor Biscan
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Yeah he is noticable in his absense. Are we thinking Kun is going to be in GW1 fit and firing from the off, or will he be eased in? £13 million is a lot to be on the bench.

        1. theBoose
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          What I said above. I can't see him starting the season anywhere but on the pitch (unless injured during preseason of course).

  5. Freshy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    FPL Draft #01

    Valdés/Jakupovic
    Shaw/Morgan/Williams/Dawson/Wilson
    Mkhitaryan/Ayew/Eriksen/Fàbregas/Højbjerg
    Agüero/Costa/Gray

    Prospecting

    1. Poor man's Igor Biscan
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Seems to have a good balance to it. Not too sure about Ayew though, think there are a lot of excellent midfield options who could do better

      1. Freshy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Good early fixtures

  6. the dom 1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    What are the chances of Payet playing the first few games?

    Think he will be rested as he played Euro's?

    1. d1sable
      • Has Moderation Rights
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Yes

    2. Tiamani Warrior
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      I have no knowledge on his situation at all but surely they need their main man starting from game one?

  7. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    C'mon DZers, 8 needed to hit 300 entries in LMS.

    1. Cheeseoid
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Can I enter with my hamsters team?

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        You'll outlast it so no point.

    2. Jigger & Pony
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Signed up!

    3. bennyp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      I'm in!

  8. Cheeseoid
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Didn't J Rod used to be classed as a forward? He could be a nice mid at 4.5

    1. Cheeseoid
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      at 6.5 even

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      6.5*

      1. Freshy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Ayew Serious

    3. Boo Ya Ka Sha
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      yeah. He's the one player with the biggest question mark this preseason IMO

  9. I Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    A) Hazard + Long
    B) Tadic + Costa

    1. d1sable
      • Has Moderation Rights
      7 years, 10 months ago

      B for me

      1. Walsh
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Me too

  10. d1sable
    • Has Moderation Rights
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Mesut Ozil at 9.5 anyone?

    Loves a bap so he does

    1. Freshy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Im waiting on Arsenal till after Internationals

    2. Uppercut Panda - A legend i…
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      in my team currently.

    3. Walsh
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      No thanks.

  11. Chef Ramsey
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Anyone considering Wilshere? He'll probably play in the beginning due to all the rested Euro players

    1. Boo Ya Ka Sha
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Actually, I am. He links up play very well and likes to get forward. With Xhaka as the holding mid, I can see Wilshere getting up field even more. But Wheelchair is his nickname for a reason.

    2. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Doubt it, not looked good and better replacements.

  12. Jape
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    And we're back!

    First question of the day, who's Boro's first choice keeper now?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Valdes

      1. Jape
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        How do you know it'll be Valdes? Surely they can't replace Konsta straight away!

    2. Nicks93
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Valdes I suppose?

      1. Jape
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Very hard to tell right?

        1. Nicks93
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          I know right

  13. Nicks93
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Is hazard+Vardy worth the extra cash over Mahrez and Costa/Batshy?

  14. EmreCan Hustle
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Morning DZ.

    Can anyone please link me to the Home-Away rotation article?

    Can't seem to find it.

    Thanks.

  15. Canadian Football
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    hey lads whats the deal with Mkhitaryan? whats all the buzz surrounding this EPL newcomer? Do we wait and see how he will fair? or do we put him straight in our squads?

    1. Just A Hat
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Wait and see for me Canadian Football, wait and see for me

    2. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      I'm waiting, too much buzz.

  16. Just A Hat
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Has it died down enough to have a bit of a chat on the opening of FPL?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Need to wait until 4am.

      1. Just A Hat
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        🙁
        The new site is horrible. stop asking me if I want to remove a player!

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          Hardly the end of the world. Mine doesn't ask me 🙂

        2. Cheeseoid
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          Are you using the mobile site. It is pretty poor isn't it? Hopefully the app will be better when it comes out

          1. Just A Hat
            • 14 Years
            7 years, 10 months ago

            nah just on my laptop! I don't like that I can't see my team + the players on the side without zooming way out as well

            1. TorresMagic™
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 14 Years
              7 years, 10 months ago

              Zooming out on that page will always keep that page zoomed out.

              1. Just A Hat
                • 14 Years
                7 years, 10 months ago

                Thanks TM

            2. Cheeseoid
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              7 years, 10 months ago

              Mine looks fine on my laptop and the desktop at work

  17. Pepereina Pizza
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Schmeichel - 4.5m
    Rose Bellerin 4.5 - 4.5 - 4.5
    Eriksen - Arnautovic - Mane - Townsend - Payet
    Ings Aguero (Grabban)

    Best i could do on short notice.

    1. Stupendous
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Excellent midfield. Lots of explosives

    2. Nicks93
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      A bit weak upfront. I think 6.5 is too much for Bellerin tbh. Backline could also use an upgrade

    3. How's Your Gowl
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Ings not nailed, and Liverpool have tough opening fixtures so I'd reconsider Mane too.

  18. Ayew Serious
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    I've found a way into my latest draft

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Thought you weren't bothering until August?

      1. Ayew Serious
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Had nothing on today. And no tour de France, had nothing else to do, now I'm hooked

    2. Cheeseoid
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      You got past the excluder?

    3. Freshy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      May have to ship him GW3
      At the price I think hes a great punt to start with

  19. Stupendous
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    What we think?

    DDG
    Williams. Baines. Friend
    Eriksen. Silva. Siggy. Mkhitaryan
    Batshuayi. Kun. Ings

    Jakupovic. Leko. Pieters. Tarkowski

    1. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Why peeps are DDG'ing when Gooners have a BAPS machine for the same price? Just get Shaw mate, yes, instead of Baines.

      1. Stupendous
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        I'll look into that definitely

  20. Blurryface
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    First draft
    Forster junu
    Shaw morgan mori evans taylor
    Haz mikhi firmino bolassie hojeberg
    Kun lukaku long/gray

    Any changes needed?

    1. Stupendous
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Nice front 8

    2. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Yes, dump the troll until he scores.

      1. Blurryface
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Costa as a replacement?

  21. Sanchez.98
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    First draft... Fancy it or back to the drawing board?

    Lloris/Mandanda

    Shaw/Simpson/Paredes/Wollschied/Moreno

    Firmino/Hazard/Fletcher/Mahrez/Stanislas

    Kane/Ighalo/Costa

  22. Jape
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    First draft

    Mandanda / Jaku
    Friend / Bellerin / Williams / Baines / Souare
    Ibe / KDB / Redmond / Bojan / Downing
    Ibra / Kun / Musa

    Thoughts?
    My thinking is that the mid is a little weak.

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Agree with weak mids.

      1. Jape
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Thought so. Thanks

    2. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Martial looks the option mate, but everything seems te get weaker on the screen, but not in reality.

      1. Jape
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Will try and look at slotting him in somehow. Thanks

    3. Rake
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Like the Downing pick. Could be gold at 5.5.

      1. Jape
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Yea that was my thinking. Same with Ibe now he's at BOU

        1. Rake
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          Yeah. Gradel is also one to keep an eye on.

    4. Cheeseoid
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Yes the mids are the issue

      1. Jape
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Cheers Cheese, will work on it

  23. the cromulent one
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Happy tinkering everyone!

    A few questions:
    1. How nailed is Souare?
    2. Is Gabriel or Mertesacker expected to start? 5.0 seems a nice price if one is nailed. Wasn't Mertesacker expected to leave this summer?
    3. Has anyone been looking at the Aguero-Costa-Lukaku front line. It throws the balance off a bit, but it is workable. I'd call it the ACL front line, but then one of them is sure to rupture some knee ligaments

    1. Cheeseoid
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      It would solve the selection dilemma at least

    2. Canadian Football
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      re 3. Im having a hard time resisting Zlatan with those fixtures.

      1. the cromulent one
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        I can't bring myself to jump on the Zlatan bandwagon. 34, new to the league, new manager whose first instinct is defence, probably not on pens (still Rooney, I'd imagine). Too much to justify the price.

        1. Canadian Football
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          fair points,

    3. Rake
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      1. First choice LB last season.
      2. Gabriel, imo.
      3. I'd stay away from 3 premium (not to mention injury prone) strikers. But it sure helps you get on the gw1 striker bandwagon.

      1. the cromulent one
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Thanks.
        The fact that they are injury prone is definitely a concern...

    4. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Looks nailed? Prefer JW for a fiver more but that's just me.

      Dunno who'll partner Kosc mate, prefer Cech for the saves & BPS tbh, 5.5?

      Prefer Haz for Chelski mate, looks the real deal again, not a lot agree with me though.

  24. Rake
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Why so much love for Hojbjerg? Read somewhere that he only performed for Bayern reserves.

    And is he nailed on?

    1. the cromulent one
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      I think that for now he is 4.5 fodder. Comes with a decent pedigree and plenty of potentisk. If he does not look certain to start come opening day, I'll go with a safer pick.

      1. Rake
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Cheers. Friendlies will help.

    2. Canadian Football
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      beware of his ownership. Almost at 7% ownership already, if he doesnt start, you could lose value on him pretty quick. If he starts regularly, you can always get him in. I prefer a low ownership 4.5mid bench flogger personally.

      1. Rake
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        That's a good idea. Cheers.

  25. Canadian Football
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Call me old school but having a Pulis GK and two starting CB priced at 4.5 is a bargain. Not to mention, Brunt @ 5.0 on set pieces when he returns. A potential double up for me! Thinking about starting with Foster and then bring in Brunt once fit.

    pulis

    1. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Limit your exposure mate, curb your enthusiasm.

      1. Canadian Football
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        last season was the only blip in a Pulis squad defensively. 5 years prior, his squads were a fortress.

        1. OShaughnessy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          Agreed, the run if fixtures is tasty.

        2. How's Your Gowl
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          I disagree. I think he's tired of his name being a byword for dour football and is trying to sexy up his football.

          1. Canadian Football
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            7 years, 10 months ago

            with low budget payroll he has to tighten up. Especially if Berahinho leaves they will struggle for goals and be forced to park the bus.

            1. How's Your Gowl
              • 9 Years
              7 years, 10 months ago

              Go with your gut man but three is madness.

        3. Netley Lucas
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          Yes but get one and be satisfied.

    2. Freshy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      IMO Dawson over Brunt

    3. the cromulent one
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Which CBs will start? The McAuley-Olsson-Evans rotation was not always predictable last year.

      1. Canadian Football
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        because of injuries i believe. they were playing 3 CB and a wingback (brunt) if i recall

  26. bennyp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Thoughts on Fabregas at 7.5?

    Assuming he plays #10, with Matic & Kante behind him, surely his attacking output will increase this season?

    1. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      We dunno though, wing-backs could alter things. Best 7.5 is Siggy so just buy him.

      1. bennyp
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Already got Siggy xD

        1. Netley Lucas
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          Get Arnie then.

    2. Freshy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      shhhh

    3. Slam
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      I don's see Conte playing with 3 CMs

      1. bennyp
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Why? I don't think it's safe to assume he's going to bring the exact same formation style to Chelsea

  27. Sanchez.98
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Repost

    First draft... Fancy it or back to the drawing board?

    Lloris/Mandanda

    Shaw/Simpson/Paredes/Wollschied/Moreno

    Firmino/Hazard/Fletcher/Mahrez/Stanislas

    Kane/Ighalo/Costa

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Drawing board.

      1. Canadian Football
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        ^This

    2. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      You need Kun mate, midfield is weirdly weak too and the defence is hopeless. Possibly the worst RMT ever. 1/10

  28. OShaughnessy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    OK, time to pack it in boys.
    Got the first place overall team picked out & set.
    No need for subs, or swapping the armband either...

    “Who’s Playing for Second?” ~ Larry Bird

  29. davies
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Do we think Watson (4.5) will start at Watford under new management?

    I remember him being on most set pieces too...

    1. Calm
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Friendlies should give a good idea. I like Capoue as a 5th mid despite the amount of YCs he got last year. Wait and see i guess

  30. Just A Hat
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Might sneak Lamela into my team

    1. Canadian Football
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      could be a good shout at that price, you can always jump on a

    2. Rake
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Really like the Lamela pick. Under the radar and a steal at 7. Kind fixtures too.