Members

The Numbers Game – 2015/16 Review – Watford

Up next in our series of members articles, which assess the statistics behind the 2015/16 season, is Watford.

We start off by looking at the Hornets’ team data in Quique Sanchez Flores’ solitary campaign at the helm and compare them to the rest of Premier League. After that, we analyse their first-team squad, main goal threats and creative sources in an attempt to gain insight on their prospects for the season ahead.

Tipped for the drop by many last time out, the Hornets were quick out the traps and racked up eight wins and five draws in the first 18 Gameweeks. Although Flores’ side failed to maintain momentum over the rest of the season and managed just four victories and as many draws in the final 20 matches, they were never in danger of relegation and ended in thirteenth spot, eight points clear of the bottom three.

Paul Is certain he won't make the same mistakes next season. Follow them on Twitter

2,283 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Game of Throw_ins
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    RMT please. Where can I improve ?

    Foster janku
    Walker Coleman Frnd Souare Amat
    Ayew Mkh Townsend Albrighton Fischer
    Kun Kane Kaku

    1. Kered
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Midfield is a bit weak, but forwards could make up for it. Not a bad team.

      1. Drop Dead Tsimikas
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Not liking Albrighton and Souare, otherwise not bad, assuming Walker is nailed on.

    2. Goodricke
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Lose 1 mid/forward superstar and get a solid defender in there. City v Sunderland on opening day should provide a clean sheet.

      Kane takes a few games to get going, and isn't up to much without Dembele. Buy a cheaper attacker and spend that money on a keeper/defender.

    3. Mr. Blonde
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      I'd swap Albrighton for a 4.5 to free up funds. Probably capoue/Fletcher. Serious forward line but would probably operate a wait and see policy with Kane.

  2. Nabs Kebabs
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    How was Mirallas' performance vs Dons?

  3. Drop Dead Tsimikas
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Bottomed

    1. Deeney + KDB + Willian
    2. Aguero + Redmond + Bojan (unless you have a better idea on how to spend 12 mil on two MFs).

    1. Blurryface
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      2

  4. PAIRIDAEZAN
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Hey lads, just after a bit of feedback on my team. This is my first mock-up and I'm not particularly attached to it. Any advice would be appreciated. Kudos

    http://oi65.tinypic.com/nb26nb.jpg

    1. Drop Dead Tsimikas
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      You've gutted your team for that super expensive front trio. The midfield is extremely weak and I can't see a 4-3-3 working out for too long with that defense, either.

      1. PAIRIDAEZAN
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        I hear you but I think at least 3/5 of those mids are nailed on.

        4-3-3 has always been a good formation for me.

    2. noquarternt
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Very different, but looks good.

      1. PAIRIDAEZAN
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Thanks! Do you mind if I ask what your team looks like?

  5. passdpuck
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Obviously light on defense, but thoughts regardless?

    Foster / Jaku
    Koscielny / Simpson / Francis / McAuley / Fernandez
    Ozil / Eriksen / Barkley / Bolasie / Hojbjerg
    Kun / Ibra / Gray

    Might swap Ozil if he's unlikely to start.

    1. Drop Dead Tsimikas
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Not a fan of Barkley who always flatters to deceive or Bolasie. Might be changing my mind on Gray after today's showing. Not bad otherwise.

      1. Kered
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        How did Gray perform today?

        1. Drop Dead Tsimikas
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 9 months ago

          Heard he bagged at least one.

          1. Mane Of Steel
            • 10 Years
            7 years, 9 months ago

            Bagged one and you're going to sell? Be my guest...

            1. Drop Dead Tsimikas
              • 12 Years
              7 years, 9 months ago

              Apologies, should have been clearer - change my mind in the positive 🙂 Didn't like him a week ago.

  6. Kered
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Anyone rate Shaqiri? He scored a great goal in the Euros and played pretty well all around. His price at 6.5 is being overlooked by Townsend it seems.

    1. Just A Hat
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      I have a keen eye on him

    2. KingNidge
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Just the 3 goals last season would be a huge concern

      1. Nabs Kebabs
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Not when he is one of the most creative in the league.

        1. KingNidge
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 9 months ago

          He has a lot of talent just not someone in my thinking really

      2. Kered
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        That is definitely cause for concern.. I feel he was adjusting to the league and could produce decent numbers this season. I wont be starting with him, but I will watch and see how he plays early on.

    3. FPL Blow-In
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Yeah he could be a good option and Bojan also.

  7. Jinswick
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Not so sure about starting with Gabriel myself. With Kos returning late from the Euros it could be Chambers alongside Gabriel at the back, and that fills me with fear.

    Sturridge, Cout, Firm and Mane could have a field day. And then it's LEI away in GW2 - no thanks. Even GW3 is tricky - an away London derby is rarely clean sheet material, plus Deeney/Iggy caused us problems last year.

    GW4 onwards for me I think

    1. Cheeseoid
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Perfectly fair. His goal threat isn't great if you don't think he will get any clean sheets why should you?

      1. Jinswick
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Yep. Plus I expect/hope Wenger to sign a CB to challenge Gabs, so he may not even be a starter long term. Another advantage with waiting until GW4 is that the transfer window shuts that week, so we'll know which CB, if any, has been brought in.

        1. Just A Hat
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 9 months ago

          Surely he will bring in a CB

            1. Zasa
              • 9 Years
              7 years, 9 months ago

              Rob's Holding Matip 😯

              1. KingNidge
                • 8 Years
                7 years, 9 months ago

                loool

          1. Jinswick
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            7 years, 9 months ago

            He's said as much following the Mert injury (which was after the Holding signing). I expect whoever he brings in will be at a similar level (hopefully better) than Gabs.

    2. FPL Blow-In
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      I only see 2 possible cs in the first 6 for Arsenal unfortunately. Wait and see for me.

    3. Just A Hat
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Won't score any attacking points and can't see many clean sheets

      People are blinded by the cheap price and the "top" team he plays for.

  8. FPL Blow-In
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    I'm kind of liking this.

    Foster, Jaku
    Shaw, Friend, Souare, Mee, Robertson
    Mkhitaryan, Ayew, Mirallas, Bolasie, Højbjerg
    Aguero, Ibrahimovic, Costa

    I keep swapping Mirallas and Costa to Mahrez and 6.5m striker also though.

    1. Jinswick
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Not a fan of a MUN triple up myself. Mhki & Costa -> Mahrez & Lukaku and lose Mirallas unless he seems a nailed starter.

      1. FPL Blow-In
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Ta more treble United more due to fixtures and me being biased. I want to wait and see how Koeman uses Mirallas though in fantasy terms if he plays he is great. I can't afford Lukaku as you have mentioned above it would need to be a 6.5m striker. Costa to 6.5 and Bolasie to Silva is another one I'm looking at.

    2. PAIRIDAEZAN
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Just wait and see what happens with Costa. He might get transferred.

      That said, I would run with Mahrez over Mirallas (IMO a waste of space and a flash in the pan) and Costa.

      1. FPL Blow-In
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Yeah it's extremely early doors yet this is will likely change a lot. If Costa is transferred it will be a 6.5m striker. As a fantasy asset Mirallas is a selfish one. Which suits really.

    3. claretdownunder
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      wow that's an expensive front line - I think your defence is suffering for it

      1. FPL Blow-In
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Not so sure. I'd like a Che def ideally but... Those rotating pairs work quite well if Souare manages to be nailed

    4. Clay
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      I like the balance, even more so of you make that swap, with say a Long or a Wilson. Would make transfers moving forward a lot simpler. One issue is Souare, apparently played no part in the latest friendly, not sure how significant that is. You're also firmly in the hands of a resurgent Jose! Nice structure.

      1. FPL Blow-In
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Thank you. Yeah I'm playing the fixtures to start. If United are not clicking it's an easy swap from Ibra to Kane/Kaku etc and Mkhitaryan o Mahrez and so on. I'm still waiting on Saints frontline to become more clear. Austin v Long is confusing me. Wilson is a good option. If Boro play 2 up front with both Rhodes and Negredo I like Rhodes at 6m.

  9. Magic Man
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Anyone running any h2h leagues that don't mind me joining, thanks in advance

    1. Kered
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Funny, I was going to ask the same! Do you know if FFS has one?

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        There would be 2000 people in it
        There were FFS H2H leagues in the old days.

        1. Kered
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 9 months ago

          Ah I've never been in one, guess that wouldn't be possible than

  10. Jinswick
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Just dawned on me that I currently have no players from these teams in my squad. Eeeeeek.

    ARS, TOT, MUN, CHE, LIV, WHU

    1. FPL Blow-In
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Wow. I've managed United and Che players but have none of the others you've mentioned.

    2. Nabs Kebabs
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Who cares? Cover is a load of toss anyway. Your team can still be good.

      1. Jinswick
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        True, but that's probably 6 of the top 8 teams there. A little unsettling.

        1. Nabs Kebabs
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 9 months ago

          Nah, that's what the FFS mentality has made you feel. If you rate your picks individually, regardless of who they play for, that is the important thing

          1. Just A Hat
            • 14 Years
            7 years, 9 months ago

            hmm not sure that is true, the majority of the highest scoring players are obviously going to come from the top 8 teams, it's not really FFS mentality - just facts

  11. Jinswick
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Mods - new ticker is great, but I think there are few bugs:

    1) Occassionally when sorting by difficulty the starting GW is shifted out to the right.

    2) An example - I noticed that when sorting by difficulty over the first 3 weeks that Boro were top for both attack and defence, but when sorting by overall they were only 3rd - how is that possible? I'm sure there are other examples like this also.

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      1) Has never occurred to me.
      2) Will leave a note regarding that with Mark and co.

  12. Blurryface
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Tinkering between these two options for days. Which one is better

    A Luka Haz Townsend
    B Costa Mah Mirallas

    1. Kante Be Bothered
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      A

    2. FPL Blow-In
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      I prefer B

    3. SpaceCadet
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      B

    4. Blurryface
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Thanks all

  13. Beautiful Game
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Anyone have any tactical analysis for Everton's game last night?

  14. Thomas Magnum
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Is EPL Fantasy down or is it just my internet?

    1. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Any1 else unable 2 log in

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

        Can log in but can't see my team

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Just came back up.

  15. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Thoughts on this team folks? Keep tinkering between a 3-5-2 and 3-4-3

    courtois
    cedric shaw Naylor
    tadic ayew mahrez hazard mirallas
    kun wickham

    jaku carroll evans friend

    1. JasonG123
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Structurally I've never liked the 3-5-2. What if Ibra/Kane/Costa/Studge explode? Will require at least two transfers to get one in.

      1. Phnom_Penh_Andy
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        By the same token, what if you've tied up half your budget in a power front 3 and they fluff? It's horses for courses; I've never been a believer that any one strategy is The Way.

        1. JasonG123
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 9 months ago

          I don't advocate having a power front three (Kun, Kane, Ibra) either, but I think having two (or one and maybe Costa/Lukaku and then a cheapie) is better structurally.

          1. Phnom_Penh_Andy
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 9 months ago

            Well yeah, that's the balance for me.

    2. Phnom_Penh_Andy
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Mostly decent until the front line - Wickham and Carroll? Not for me. Also, see my thoughts on Ayew below.

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

        Cheers. Changed the front 8 below. Thoughts on that?

        1. Phnom_Penh_Andy
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 9 months ago

          Can't find it!

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

            Here it is bud. Have two options for you to pick from now 🙂

            a.
            mahrez mirallas ayew mkhtariyan Watson
            kun costa long

            b.
            mahrez mirallas ayew townsend tadic
            kun costa carroll/ gray

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

              a

  16. JasonG123
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    First attempt at a RMT - how does this look?

    Foster (Jankupovic)
    Shaw Baines Gabriel (4.5 4.0)
    KDB Firmino Tadic Feghouli (4.5)
    Aguero Kane Wilson

    1. Phnom_Penh_Andy
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Looks very decent to me.

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

      excellent

  17. white lightning
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Thoughts on my team & thanks.

    DDG (Jaku)
    Azpi, Friend, Souare (Naylor, McAuley)
    Mahrez, Tadic, Ayew, Townsend (Hojbjerg)
    Aguero, Zlatan, Negredo

    (a) Negrado & Hojbjerg (3/4/3) or Campbell & Miralles (3/5/2)

    Thanks.

    1. Phnom_Penh_Andy
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Largely solid providing you have deep faith in rotating 4 cheap defenders.
      I've taken Ayew out of my squad after the Swansea chairman said they're looking to buy 2 strikers - i.e. Ayew won't be an OOP striker after all. Hojbjerg looks like a regular 2/3 pointer, whereas Miralles would potentially be explosive. However, I don't see Campbell getting pitch time so I wouldn't clog up the bench with him. Keep Negredo and get Miralles over Ayew.

      1. white lightning
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Thanks mate. I like your suggestion & it gives me the upgrade in defense as I don't really like Souare & it gives me a more solid defense.

      2. Tornado
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        How much pitch time will miralles get though?

  18. Saniul
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Morning, all.

    I don't seem to find any rotation sheets in any of the stickies or the community articles. Can anyone direct me to one? Thanks.

    1. The Hindu Monkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Type in rotating pairs in to the search and there is an article.

    2. Lateriser 12
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      I'll join the league soon. Completely forgot.

  19. The Hindu Monkey
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    I can't decide whether to now get Gabriel from the start or not? I just can't see arsenal keeping clean sheets week 1 or 2 but if they do his price will soar.

    1. Blurryface
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      I dont think there will be much of a rise in his price. so u can get him after wc

    2. JasonG123
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Think I will get him and just bench him and play someone with good fixtures (e.g. Naylor) those two weeks.

    3. Phnom_Penh_Andy
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Yeah, I had Cech and Merts; now I've abandoned any Arsenal defence until I see evidence of no disastrous holes.

  20. Blurryface
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    how does this front 8 look

    Mah Mkhi Siggy Mirallas Leko
    Kun Costa Austin/Long

    Would u change anything
    I am also on this
    Haz Mkhi Siggy Townsend Leko
    Kun Luka Austin/Long

  21. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Better option out of these?

    a. tadic townsend gray
    b. mkhti Watson long

    1. Blurryface
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      B

    2. tobydrogba
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      A

    3. Cecil The Lion
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      B

  22. Cecil The Lion
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Costa or Batshuayi?

    1. Phnom_Penh_Andy
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Costa until he buggers off to Atletico!

      1. Cecil The Lion
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Cheers 🙂

  23. tobydrogba
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    RATE MY TEAM

    Forster
    Shaw Terry Sagna
    Hazard Barkley Tadic Ayew Mkhytarian
    Kun Berahinho

    bench. Valdes,Souare, Brad Smith,Grabban

    1. Phnom_Penh_Andy
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      A few known unknowns in there. We don't know if Pep will use Sagna regularly. We don't know if Ayew will be an OOP striker. We don't know where Berahino will be or his state of mind. Despite to silly money splashed out, we don't know if Smiffy will get pitch-time.

      1. tobydrogba
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        if Sagna does play 5 mil is a steal if not Souare will replace him for gw1 and i can get Sagna out. I agree with you on Berahinho but i dont know who else i could get? maybe Denny then replace souare with a 4 mil? CHeers

        1. Phnom_Penh_Andy
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 9 months ago

          There are l oads of tasty options for 6.5 strikers:

          Negredo, Long, Austin, Wilson, even Rondon if you want a Baggie.

          1. tobydrogba
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 9 months ago

            not sure these teams will score a lot of goals thats why im thinking of relying on defence and midfield + Kun

  24. Tornado
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Which of these will play the most minutes

    Miralĺes, delboy, townsend

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

      Townsend imo

    2. tobydrogba
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Townsend

      1. Phnom_Penh_Andy
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Yeh, Andros

  25. Goodricke
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Take 2 (actually more like 10th incarnation, but 2nd posted)

    Hart/Hennessey
    Rojo, Gabriel, Toby A, Kingsley, Daniels
    Wanyama, Mahrez, KDB, Mikel, Dier
    Kun, Zlatan, Campbell.

    I had another look at Zlatan's stats, and even if the French league is easier than the Premier League, 113 goals in 122 games and a start against Bournemouth, has to be worth a punt, doesn't he?

    Not convinced with Wanyama, but who else may be nailed on for a top side at 5m?

    1. tobydrogba
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      is it worth having to man city covers? Also Dier is at a high price for what he offers, i think Zlatan is definitely worth a go

      1. Goodricke
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        KDB at home v Sunderland should be a points fest.

    2. Phnom_Penh_Andy
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      You've sacrificed too much to get Ibra and Kun in (+ KdB and Mahrez). It's still doable but some rejigging is required.

      Rojo - unsure to start.
      Gabby - unreliable.
      Wanny, Dier and Mikel will rarely score more than 3.
      Campbell won't play.

  26. Lateriser 12
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Morning my lovelies.

  27. tobydrogba
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Zlatan or Mkhytarian

    1. Phnom_Penh_Andy
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Micky is the safe option, Ibra the punt. I have both!

  28. Cecil The Lion
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    A) Ibrahimovic + Fabregas
    B) Costa + Mkhitaryan

    Cheers

    1. Kante Be Bothered
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      B

    2. tobydrogba
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      hard choice! A for me

  29. Jonny Sutt
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Is anyone else monitoring Sturridge?

    1. Phnom_Penh_Andy
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      I'm waiting for him to break a toenail and be out for 3 months. In other words, on my watchlist!

      1. Jonny Sutt
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Pool seem to have some many creative midfielders this seasons and I'm worried about rotation. If he is fit, he seems like a very strong option.

        1. Camp No No
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 9 months ago

          Big if.

          1. Phnom_Penh_Andy
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 9 months ago

            Exactly. Liverpool are troublesome, fantasy-wise. Dodgy at the back, great in midfield but with too many options, and one balsawood option up top.

  30. cricketmad787
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Team A:

    Foster
    Shaw - Sagna - Souare
    De Bruyne - Mkhitaryan - Fabregas - Townsend
    Aguero - Benteke (Providing he goes to Palace) - Gray

    Jakupovic - Feghouli - Taylor - Friend
    ______________________________________________________________
    OR
    ______________________________________________________________
    Team B:

    Foster
    Dann - Williams - Pieters
    De Bruyne - Hazard - Mkhitaryan - Townsend
    Aguero - Long - Gray

    Jakupovic - Fletcher - Dawson - Kone

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

      team a