The Community Round Up

Crystal ball gazing took centre stage during the second week of the international break as our community writers sought to find the best way to predict Fantasy returns.

A host of data, metrics and player attributes came under their watchful eyes as they considered the optimum captains and transfer moves over the coming weeks.

Our hot topics were also in spiritual mood as they prepared for Gameweek 8, a part of the fixture schedule with almost holy status among Fantasy managers. Elsewhere, there’s further number crunching predictions in our Members table section, and we assess whether some of our key players will find themselves benched this weekend or add to the legend that is Gameweek 8.

The Community Articles

Statistical chat stepped up a gear this week with a raft of articles delving deep into the player numbers to see how best to predict Fantasy returns.

Spreadsheet led the numerical charge with two articles, the first looking at how reliable points per game is as a guide to potential points and the second focusing on the best data to use to assess captaincy candidates.

Also armed with facts and figures was Your Mum’s Athletic, who dropped by to explain how fixture and form data can combine with bookies odds to help us pick out Gameweek 8’s best armband options.

Meanwhile, Bowstring the Carp undertook a refresh of Rakkhi’s One Stat To Rule Them All research from last year, which looked at the influence of shot accuracy on spotting points hauls. The comments section in this Members community article is particularly fascinating for those looking to gain further insight into points prophesising.

The veterans had mixed fortunes in their ability to number crunch player data over the last three Gameweeks, according to Kavali’s latest update on the fortunes of the 50 experienced Fantasy Premier League managers he is tracking this season

Don’t forget, if you’ve got some analysis, scout reports or features brewing, be sure to visit our community section to submit your article.

The Hottest Topics

Gameweek 8 has legendary status among Fantasy managers, with the potential to make or break a season. For the last two years, popular captain pick Sergio Aguero has scored a total of nine goals over this set of fixtures. While its position in the calendar, often around an international break, can make it a potential minefield for rotation and injuries.

Investment in some of Stoke City’s cut-price players is among the potential opportunities open in 2016/17’s Gameweek 8: the Potters now embark on a lengthy run of “easy” match-ups. In our discussion on the Stoke’ schedule we found out whether you are willing to take a risk on the fixtures improving their form.

Another team garnering interest is Tottenham Hotspur, particularly their defenders. As Dino’s hot topic shows, while the likes of Kyle Walker are expensive, they offer considerable points potential for those with some spare change in the bank.

For those looking for some less popular, under the radar options Worzel Gummidge’s hot topic will appeal. There were further differential striker options on offer in our discussion on the best front three to have for Gameweek 8 and beyond.

Chelsea’s Diego Costa may be one card away from a ban, but KTK Interiesta thinks on current form the Premier League’s top goalscorer this term is being unfairly overlooked for one of the three FPL striker roles.

International injuries are just one of the traditional Gameweek 8 pitfalls. Luckily knocks and niggles to the likes of Everton striker Romelu Lukaku looked to have passed. However, there are still concerns that fatigue could curtail the minutes of some of the Premier League’s more well-travelled players, in particular, Arsenal’s Chilean midfielder Alexis Sanchez and Aguero, who played 163 minutes for Argentina during the international break. MNR96 has been looking closely at their minutes for their national squads in his discussion on whether the pair will start or be asked to take a rest this weekend.

One player that is in no danger of fatigue is Wayne Rooney, who was dropped from England’s starting line-up for their Tuesday night clash with Slovenia. His axing from both the England and Manchester United first XI prompted us to start a discussion on other Premier League stars, who look to have passed their sell by date.

Finally, Gameweek 7 proved another poor week for our Scout Picks, but at least the Scoutcast team did well with their successful differential picks, according to Andy85wsm’s review.

The Members Tables

The analyser has taken a look at the best midfielders to choose from. For best results this table should be sorted by either chances created or goal attempts.

Also, here’a reminder that I turned Rakkhi’s One Stat To Rule Them All analysis into a Members table last year. Click here to see the latest accurate chancers with the potential to rack up the points over the coming weeks.

If you’re a member and are yet to get to grips with the custom statistics tables, you can view this movie for an explanation of how they work. Also, remember to tag them so that people can find the tables with ease.