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Technical Area – Budget Midfield Options

One key to a successful Fantasy season has always been the early discovery of a midfield gem.

The 2015/16 season saw Riyad Mahrez rise from relative obscurity to the heights of a 240-point season, while last campaign, Josh King’s 16 goals powered many Fantasy line-ups to the top of their respective mini-leagues.

After seven Gameweeks, we are beginning to accumulate sufficient data to begin making more confident assertions regarding a player’s underlying performance metrics.

This international break is, therefore, an ideal time to evaluate the potential candidates for the title of must-have budget midfielder this time around.

It also gives us the chance to roll out – for the first time in Technical Area – data on expected goals (xG) and assists (xA), a new source of information which will soon be available to our members.

1,891 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Dream Wildcard Team
    Legomané
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    I've been thinking about the ultimate template team filled with all those juicy options available to Wildcarders.

    Obviously we simply can't have them all...the team below would set you back c.£16m more than budget.

    So where are you making your 'compromises', and who do you refuse to compromise on?

    (Note, anti-meta picks such as Sanchez have been ignored. Max 3x players from each team.)

    _
    Pope/Fab/Ryan + Elliot
    _
    Alonso Azpilicueta Davies Otamendi Jones
    _
    Hazard Eriksen Sterling Coutinho Ricarlison
    _
    Kane Lukaku Jesus

    1. F4L
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Kane, Hazard, Eriksen , Azpi from that lot

    2. ZeBestee
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Silva for Sterling

      1. Legomané
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Perhaps. Personally I'm only considering Silva in my 'no-Jesus' drafts. Sterling offers (potentially) outstanding value on WC if you didn't get Silva early.

    3. Yozzer
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Hazard has not earned his spot and why no salah?

      1. Legomané
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Is anyone actually looking at Salah in WC right now? Squeezing the pennies and it's Couts that's risin'

      2. Kiwivillan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        I've had Salah since GW4 and he's leaving my team on a WC. There's better 4 week options

        1. Legomané
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Same reason I'm probably losing Couts - short term drop, nothing wrong with buying back in a couple of weeks even if losing the odd 0.1 or 0.2 - this is the season for ruthless management and Pep-esque FPL squad rotation

          1. Bird Raymond
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 6 months ago

            Assuming Morata is out would you go Hazard over Salah financed by Luiz over Alonso with the next few games in mind?

            1. Legomané
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 6 Years
              6 years, 6 months ago

              Quite possibly on wc

        2. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Like?

    4. Yellin' in my Ear
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      I have seven of those in a non wc team (Elliott, Jones, Davies, sterling, Kane, Kaku, Jesus). I think of those Kaku is the potential fall guy due to cost and fixtures but happy to hold for now. Of the others, I'd want azpi (but remains to be seen if his current firm continues without morata), cout (albeit have salah), and richarlison (in two games time). Hazard is definitely on the watch pile for now but think Kane is sufficient spurs attack.

      1. Legomané
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        I had 6 pre-WC : Davies Jones Eriksen Coutinho Kane Lukaku, but crucially for me no City or Chelsea at all. I'm looking at moving on (temporarily) Couts and Kak

    5. Kloppen Schloppen
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Not enough RLC

      1. Legomané
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        I'm all over RLC like an itchy rash

    6. Nascimento
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Assuming you've somehow accumulated 137.4m team value.

      1. Legomané
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Obviously not the point of the exercise 🙂

    7. Legomané
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Shucks, hulked 🙂

      1. We Will Klopp you
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Take a few from each has always been my approach, the rest can be filled with midpriced players and cheapies, especially in defence. Compromise a bit everywhere to prevent a heavy compromise elsewhere in your squad

        1. Legomané
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Toughest one for me is up front. Kane Lukaku Jesus triple doesn't seem viable. I don't like wasting funds on Vardy that could be spread elsewhere on the likes of Haz or Marcos...leading me toward a 2 man pair

          1. We Will Klopp you
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            Fair enough, I think Vardy will do well but if he flops, I'll either switch back to Firmino or downgrade and spread the excess into my squad, perhaps to get Hazard

          2. Smurf
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            I'm the same with the strikers. I think I'm going Kane and Jesus and having fodder for the third spot and playing and extra midfielder (I'm sticking to 4 at the back as I have all season).

            From the above I have the following:

            Pope
            Elliot
            Azpi
            Davies
            Jones
            Cout
            Haz
            Sterling
            Jesus
            Kane

            Unfortunately as I want Hazard I'm going to have to ditch Eriksen who's served me well up to now. Although I'll have 1.5m in the bank to upgrade Sterling to him in a few weeks.

    8. StoichkovFPL
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      As I see it you need heavy front so Luka and Kane are a must. Probably highest scorers this season. Than City snd Liv attacker plus Eriksen who is one of the best mids in PL. Richarlison underpriced so I would go him too. In defense Chelsea def is a luxury where I can not go (Kaku+Kane) so Bavies and Jones probably.

    9. sully29
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Personally, I think losing Lukaku and being able to redistribute the funds appropriately is one of the main pluses of a wildcard. I'm also relatively okay with losing Davies. He's taking up a valuable premium defender slot that could be better spent on, say, a Chelsea defender with better fixtures and who won't inevitably be rotated as soon Rose is back.

      I'm less keen to lose Eriksen but will be doing so as it allows me to bring in Hazard. Loading up as much as possible on Chelsea and City assets is another key part of the wildcard and of those assets it seems to me that he is the obvious captaincy candidate. Eriksen is a quality player but, looking at Spurs' fixtures, I think owning Hazard makes more sense.

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        I'm trying to get in the strongest front 3 but the problem is all these injuries piling up. Currently, with Kaku missing the Belgium game I'm on Kane, Jesus and Vardy. That frees up plenty of cash but leaves me stuck if Morata, Lukaku, or Aguero return fit and hot too soon.

        I'm going for a flexible 5-2-3/4-3-3/3-4-3
        So I'm on Pope+Elliot
        Back line drops Alonso in favour of Azli + Luiz
        with Bellerin, Ward and Simpson (fixtures turning for Foxes)
        Big mids - Countinho and Sterling
        Mid-mids - Richarlison, Choupo-M
        cheap mid - RLC (could be a belated gem if Palace eventually start firing)
        Kane (perma-cap), Jesus, Vardy (those fixtures again)

        1. Andy_Social
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 6 months ago

          Too add to the discussion, from my original squad I've dropped:
          Bavies - a shock I know. I grabbed the price rises; I feel all this attention lavished will be the kiss of death - more specifically I'm looking at Real Madrid and seeing rotation or team exhaustion. He can return to my squad later.
          I've had Jonsey since the start and he's served me brilliantly, but the fixtures are turning. I've also lost Mkhi. Also had Salah from the start - I'm taking a big risk in switching to Coutinho.
          As you can see, I don't have funds for Hazard; I watched his performance yesterday - despite setting up the first goal I felt that he's not quite ready and the time to get excited about Haz will coincide with the return of Morata.

    10. Legomané
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      TBH all my 'Hazard' drafts include Eriksen rather than replace him. Can't bring myself to lose Christian before the BOU match. Cout Alonso > Haz Luiz

    11. Lanley Staurel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      I have 9 of those if we replace Hazard with Sanchez and Azpil with Alonso. So quite happy really. A downgrade of Sanchez and I will have options to get to 10.
      Eriksen and Lukaku would go imo.

    12. Home Run Baker
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Needs DDG in goal.

    13. Jafalad
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Elliot and Pope.

      Ignoring CHS defenders as there is better value elsewhere as Jonty has already mentioned. I have Bavies and Otamendi from that lot.

      Milfs: Eriksen, Coutinho and Richarlison are now in my team and I'm to play these three every week with 4 defenders.

      Kane and Jesus in my WC team. Happy to lose Lukaku who will now regress with the fixtures.

      9 in total. Happy with my lot 🙂

      1. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Haha I'm doing the opposite and getting both wing backs

    14. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Pretty happy to have crammed enough hitters in my WC:

      Elliot (3.9)
      Alonso Moses Bavies Martina (3.9)
      Sterling Sane Tarrol (Choupa RLC)
      Kane Kaku Jesus

    15. Legomané
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Turns out I followed my ultimate team template hard...9 banked, plus Stones over Otamendi..

      Pope
      Elliot
      _
      Azpilicueta
      Davies
      Otamendi > Stones
      Alonso > Ward
      Jones > Wimmer
      _
      Hazard
      Eriksen
      Sterling
      Coutinho > RLC
      Ricarlison > Carroll
      _
      Kane
      Lukaku > DCL
      Jesus

  2. F4L
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Anyone else watch Black Lake on BBC 4?

    1. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Yes but still to see tonight’s double. Been gripping so far.

      1. F4L
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        ah, fair enough. Wont say anything about it then 🙂

  3. C'mon the Fylde
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Lukaku & Jones -> Vardy & Azpil

    Yes or no?

    I already have Chicharito and Kane

    1. @fpl_phenom
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      No

    2. F4L
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      nope

    3. Yellin' in my Ear
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      No

  4. pakornk
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Team ok?

    Elliot, Foster
    Kola, Bavies, Bertrand, Stones, Rangel
    Alli, Salah, Mhiki, Babangida, Carroll
    Kane, Jesus, Quaner

    1. ZeBestee
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Quaner and Babangida.. need to upgrade at least one of those

    2. nonprophet
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Any itb. I'd try and change Bertrand, better value at 5.5 imo. It's only 0.1 off stones or 0.4 of luiz

    3. Yellin' in my Ear
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Babangida?

  5. nonprophet
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    How's this wildcard. Playing the big defense thingo..
    Courtois(elliot)
    Jones Luiz Davies Kola(mbemba)
    Sterling Silva Pedro (Rlc Stephens)
    Kane, Jesus, Rashford. Any suggestions or weaknesses

    1. @fpl_phenom
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      THAT! Is class!

    2. @fpl_phenom
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Stephens > Carroll
      Mbemba > Martina

    3. ZeBestee
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Excellent team. Though you will have to sometimes settle with a few players on the bench.

      1. nonprophet
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Yeah most likely Rlc and Stephens. Cheers guys

    4. Yellin' in my Ear
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Kola to Monreal?

    5. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      No Rashford for me... go for Vardy...and Pope for Courtois

    6. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      No to Pedro and Rashford

      1. Boetticher
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Why no to Rashford? Lukaku has a little ankle problem - he was on painkillers the last match - and I think won't be at his best still. And Rashford is high on confidence.

  6. Winners900
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Vardy rising?

    Thougs?

    1. ZeBestee
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      I just dont trust Vardy to be consistent. He has given his best before already.

    2. nonprophet
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      He won't rise for a while. Only on 87 %

  7. Nascimento
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    How is Anton Ferdinand playing League 1?!

    1. Nascimento
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Should probably make it clear that this is based on ability and the fact he is not good enough to play at this level given previous accusations.

  8. lennie123456789
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Sorry I've been away from FPL what's happened with lukaku?? Thanks

    1. Yellin' in my Ear
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      International injury

      1. Yellin' in my Ear
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Aka, hopefully nothing

    2. @fpl_phenom
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Had a niggle before utds last game... I think he might be using this to skive off int duty... Belgium already through anyways

    3. lennie123456789
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Thanks everyones been getting rid but no chance if it's just a niggle

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

    Are there any other serious options to Vardy or Firmino you would be happy to bring in as a striker on WC at 8.5 m or below ?

  10. @fpl_phenom
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    So Lukaku Jones and Atsu... flagged but likely to be fit for next Saturday?

    1. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Likely to be fit- yes

    2. TaiwanHC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Atsu is fine

  11. C'mon the Fylde
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    What area do you think needs improving in my team?

    A) Davies, Jones, Bertrand
    B) Mooy, GroB, Salah, Alli
    C) Chicharito, Lukaku, Kane

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

      B

    2. Rash
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      B and Chico needs to go imo

    3. Yellin' in my Ear
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Easy, B.

    4. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      B. Moting in among options

  12. Kiwivillan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    I have Richarlison(GW3) and Brady(GW2) and I'm on WC and both will go. Choupo is coming in to my team for fixtures after GW8

    1. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      I think you may want Richarlison back in couple of weeks

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

        No doubt I will

    2. lugs
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Richarlison is likely to rise before the end of the week , if he scores against Arsenal in the televised game he will probably rise even further pretty quickly , so maybe this week isen't the time to get rid of him

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

        Now looks like Fellaini might be out a while I may keep

  13. Super Silva Haze
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Davies to David Luiz ?

    1. Yellin' in my Ear
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      No. Davies is season keeper

    2. F4L
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      erm

    3. Rash
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Awful move

    4. Ghost Gooner
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Not with Bou coming up unless you know something we dont

    5. JÆKS ⭐
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Next week maybe

  14. Stat Sloth
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    I see two posts about Fellaini injury in twitter feed. Where is the post about Kante injury? Surely there was time to do that before midnight, seeing that he got injured about 8:30 pm gmt.

    This is the earliest article I found about it. Should've been source enough for a post, no? http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/863596/Chelsea-injury-N-Golo-Kante-hamstring-France-Antonio-Conte

    1. Yellin' in my Ear
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Maybe they went home rather than manned the Twitter feed all evening?

    2. Legomané
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Casuals don't check FFS feed so no point shouting it out?

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

        It’s a muscular problem behind the thigh sounds like a hammy?

        1. dunas_dog
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Yes sound like that

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

      Already flagged on FPL. Probably a tweet later this morning.

    4. George Sillett
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Yeah outrageous. People really shouldn't be allowed to go out ever.

  15. Rash
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Ronaldo
    Games 869
    Goals 612
    Assists 200
    Total 812

    Messi
    Games 714
    Goals 579
    Assist 233
    Total 812

    1. Yellin' in my Ear
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Needs more RLC

    2. F4L
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      lovely. Most impressive thing here is that Messi is matching Ronaldo for involvements, while at the same time contributing so much more to his given team

      1. Rash
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Being a United fan im slightly biased toward Ronaldo but I think instead of comparing the two we should just feel blessed to be able to witness them smash what seemed like untouchable records into oblivion

    3. Ghost Gooner
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Insane stats, we are lucky to see them at the same time

    4. George Sillett
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Just go and see Messi live.

      1. Ghost Gooner
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Not in an Argentina shirt 😛

        1. George Sillett
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Barca different kettle of fish.

      2. Clintymints
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Facinating to see him live indeed

    5. Nascimento
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Please, please, please - as a major Ronaldo fan stop posting this ridiculous stuff. Messi is the best ever and this sort of thing is extremely embarrasing.

      1. Rash
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Embarrassing for who?

        1. Nascimento
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Ronaldo. I'm assuming by these sorts of stats you're trying to stick fhe boot in a bit more. If you look at those stats alone, Ronaldo is obviously found wanting. But just appreciate him in his own right. If Messi hadn't existed we'd possibly be talking about Ronaldo as one of the best ever

          1. Rash
            • 6 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            If you read above I said we shouldn't compare them.. if Messi was the best ever then there should be no way that Argentina miss out on going to the world cup

            1. Nascimento
              • 8 Years
              6 years, 7 months ago

              Messi isn't Argentina.

            2. Nascimento
              • 8 Years
              6 years, 7 months ago

              You come across well but to suggest what an entire nation does comes down to one individual...

              1. Rash
                • 6 Years
                6 years, 7 months ago

                Of course it's not down to a single player but Messi has failed spectacularly at international level and there for does not earn the right of GOAT imo

          2. Ghost Gooner
            • 10 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            Ronaldo played winger for a vast majority of his career that's why his stats are slightly inferior. Plus he was rightly eased into 1st team football by Fergie due to the competitive/physical nature of the prem.
            Messi could be played from day one due to La liga being a softer league.

            Casuals might not be aware of that but I doubt someone knowledgeable would penalise him for that

            1. Nascimento
              • 8 Years
              6 years, 7 months ago

              Vast majority?! Wtf are you on? He's played centre forward for Madrid for the vast majority of his career.

              1. Ghost Gooner
                • 10 Years
                6 years, 7 months ago

                Do you watch the games or highlights? Higuain and Benzema played upfront for years then Higuain left. Benzema plays up front with Ronnie filling in periodically?

                1. Nascimento
                  • 8 Years
                  6 years, 7 months ago

                  Do you watch team sheets or football matches? I'm not sure what you're smoking but I'm out.

      2. Ghost Gooner
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        All this best ever talk is taking it too far imo. If you can't win a world cup you are disqualified from such debates. Please respect Pele and Maradona.

        1. Sánchez
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          It's not just the winning. Messi failed at world cups. His goals were always against Iran and Nigeria and stuff. Soon as tough games came, he vanished. Maradona had to take his sides past Germany, Brazil, Italy, Uruguay, England, Belgium, Yugoslavia and he actually ripped top sides apart while playing with a swollen foot all through 86

          1. Nascimento
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            Damn, you weren't joking

      3. Sánchez
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Best ever? How does he fair without Xavi Iniesta Neymar Suarez etc. for Argentina? He fails. Maradona was on another level compared to Messi. Stats don't make a player great. Stepping up when it matters most and not needing great team mates to do so, that's a great player

        1. Nascimento
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Giordano. Careca. Maradona's supporting cast was better than Messi's (I know you're probably joking but just in case...)

          1. Ghost Gooner
            • 10 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            Mascherano, Otamendi, Zaba, Banega, Lavezzi, De Maria, Higuain? 😕

            1. Nascimento
              • 8 Years
              6 years, 7 months ago

              How do Mascherano and Otamendi support Messi? Are you looking at team achievements? If so, say this isn't as good an Argentian side as some of those previous - don't start comparing individuals based on who they played with.

              1. Ghost Gooner
                • 10 Years
                6 years, 7 months ago

                They support him by making Argentina a well rounded team that should be winning tournaments if Messi shows up at crucial moments as Sanchez has pointed out.

                1. Nascimento
                  • 8 Years
                  6 years, 7 months ago

                  Lol, if it helps end this argument I will confirm that in light of all the World cups Ronalo has helped Portugal win, he's the best ever.

                  1. Ghost Gooner
                    • 10 Years
                    6 years, 7 months ago

                    Never said Ronnie is the best ever, I mentioned Pele and Maradona!

                    At least Ronaldo has led Portugal to a Euro 😀

          2. Sánchez
            • 11 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            Joking? That Maradona is the best footballer ever? He was. Easily. All that is needed to know this is to have seen him play

            1. Nascimento
              • 8 Years
              6 years, 7 months ago

              I've seen Maradona play. If I'd never watched anything after, I'd agree with you.

              1. Sánchez
                • 11 Years
                6 years, 7 months ago

                Did you see Messi in his world cups?

                1. Nascimento
                  • 8 Years
                  6 years, 7 months ago

                  Yes. He was fantastic. His teams were not. So I guess if we're going that way - you're right, Maradona won the world cup. He must be the best player. For me though, the best player is the best player and the best team is the best team.

                  1. Rash
                    • 6 Years
                    6 years, 7 months ago

                    Messi was far far from fantastic in the world cup. It was di Maria who carried that team to the final

            2. DJDave1979
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 7 months ago

              100% true. A level above anyone else. Imagine if he'd also been a true professional!?

              1. Sánchez
                • 11 Years
                6 years, 7 months ago

                Yep. Talent wise, untouchable.
                Sadly not the best decision maker off the field though

                1. DJDave1979
                  • 9 Years
                  6 years, 7 months ago

                  Maybe when your brains are in your feet, you have to make up for it! Certainly seemed like that for Gazza.

              2. Rash
                • 6 Years
                6 years, 7 months ago

                If brazillian Ronaldo didn't suffer such bad injuries I think he blows both Messi and Ronaldo out the water tbh

          3. Sánchez
            • 11 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            And those aren't a better support. The equivalent then would be like having Van Basten and Platini alongside Maradona

            1. Nascimento
              • 8 Years
              6 years, 7 months ago

              Perhaps they're not a better support but I think suggesting his support is Van Basten/ Platini level is a bit far fet fetched.

              1. Sánchez
                • 11 Years
                6 years, 7 months ago

                In terms of currently worlds best. Out with Ronaldo and himself, Messi had probably the 3 best players in his side in Iniesta Suarez and Neymar

                1. Nascimento
                  • 8 Years
                  6 years, 7 months ago

                  I think we're missing the point a bit here anyway. This started out as Messi vs Ronaldo - I don't think Ronaldo can have any complaints about his supporting cast even compared to Messi's.

    6. Sánchez
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      But football today allows teams to contain all the best players. The 3 foreigners rule ensured they were split into lots of teams and had to play against each other. Now they just team up to defeat weaker opposition. An attack like Suarez Messi Neymar would never have existed in 1990. They'd all have been competing against each other. Not setting each other up. And the defences would also have been split instead of all in their side and therefore ensuring opposition defences don't contain a tougher challenge

      1. Gnu
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        The '3 foreigners rule' or as it was known in Scotland, the '8 diddys rule'

        1. George Sillett
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Hahaha.

        2. Sánchez
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          😆 I still know it as this too.
          Classic only an excuse moment

        3. Hibbo
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Weren't Irwin & Keane two foreigners for United in the olden European days?

          1. Gnu
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            They would have been however English teams were banned from Europe during that time if my dodgy memory serves me right.

            1. Hibbo
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              6 years, 7 months ago

              I seem to remember it being in place around the early 90s that basically a non Englishman was foreign.

              Google seems to say it was scrapped around 95/96?

              1. Gnu
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 14 Years
                6 years, 7 months ago

                Can't remember when it came into the rules but it was one of the main reasons Rangers managed to sign all the English players they did at that time - Woods, Butcher, Francis, Stevens, Stephen, Walters, Roberts, Hateley and the likes because of the ban but then the Eufa rule cocked all that up .

    7. Hibbo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      I used to like Messi..until he turned into a moany wee chocolate fanny who complained anytime he was tackled.

    8. Clintymints
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Why can't we just love them both equally

    9. JoeJitzu +42
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      They both haven't lived up to expectations.... wasted talents!

      Oh my, what could have been.......

    10. SUPER MOKH
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      "Messi has failed spectacularly at international level" is such a horseshit, Messi single handedly brought Argentina to three finals in three consecutive years, including WC final to see Higuain bottling sitters. Yes Messi hasn't won anything at international level but he has literally brought Argentina to three finals and that is some achievement. He is just unlucky.

      1. Nascimento
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        But Messi is single handedly responsible for what the rest of his nation does though? Wasting your time here. Ronaldo once played for Man Utd and is therefore the best ever and therefore Messi absolute rubbish.

        1. Rash
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          I don't think anybody is claiming Messi is rubbish at all. They are both freaks of nature and it'll be a sad day for football when they ain't playing

          1. Nascimento
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            That we can agree on! Feel lucky to have enjoyed both at their prime!

        2. 3 A
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Messi absolute rubbish? That guy got hattrick at the age of 19 against Real Madrid.

          At the same age most players only a bench warmer.

    11. Lone Wolf
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Messi!

    12. 007 [RoboKlopp]
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Still thinking how to fit either Ronaldo and Messi to my FPL team. 🙂

  16. fedolefan
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Kante possible injury means Fabregas is now looking important to my team. Thoughts on this move for free.

    Salah + Phillips > Sterling + Fabregas

    1. George Sillett
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Sound as a pound.

      1. fedolefan
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Thanks mate!

    2. JoeJitzu +42
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Very promising..... Fab is the big punt alright but your logic is sound!

  17. Fanta sea
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    There's 6 days left until the deadline for the next gameweek and there doesn't seem like alot of risers.

    Is wildcarding classified so far as a mistake?

    1. CloudSky
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      You wildcard because you want to catch the fixtures, not price rises or your team needs a remodel.

      1. Fanta sea
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        seen alot do it for to catch some rises.

        1. Fanta sea
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          *do it to catch

    2. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Nah.

    3. lugs
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      there will probably be a deluge of risers and fallers the night before the deadline , since the team news on injuries etc will be in and there will be a lot of panic buying/selling

      1. George Sillett
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Not necessarily. Depends how many WC's are being played.

        1. FPL Virgin
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Not many according to the WGTA duo.

          1. FPL Virgin
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            Only 66K.

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

      More about getting a nice green arrow next GW and beyond. The money follows the points.

    5. Smurf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      No. Wildcarding with prices rises as a big reason behind it, would be a mistake.

  18. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Who would you choose on WC
    A Salah
    B Coutinho

    1. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      A.

    2. JoeJitzu +42
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Sorry it's so 50:50 for me

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

      Have Salah. On WC. Want neither with upcoming fixtures

      1. We Will Klopp you
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        A

  19. Point-one short
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    How's this look?

    Elliot | Pope/Ryan
    Davies | Jones | Cedric | Ward | Mbemba
    Hazard | Eriksen | Silva | Sterling | Fabregas
    Kane | Jesus | 4.5

    352 but with reasonable 4th defender in case of a benching.

    1. George Sillett
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Slightly arousing.

      1. Point-one short
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        "It's Victor Melly, the man with the semi!"

        1. George Sillett
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Good spot. I couldn't put his original stapline on this grav for fear of invisibility.

    2. JoeJitzu +42
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Wow, strongest midfield I've seen... wonder if you'd be better off downgrading Fab, Hazard and 4.5 striker to 4.5 mid, Coutinho and Vardy??

    3. IWR
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Not the year for a strong midfield.

    4. CloudSky
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Im 3 mil off of that. Dont think its possible really.

  20. JoeJitzu +42
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Foster Elliott
    Otamendi Jones Bavies *Hegazi Mbemba
    *Mkhitaryan Eriksen *Mooy *Atsu Carroll
    Kane Lacazette *Morata

    Thinking 1 (FT), 2 (-4) or 3 (-8) of the below, how many and in what order?

    Hegazi to Cedric
    Mkhitaryan to Sterling
    Mooy to C Moting
    Atsu to Brady
    Morata to Jesus

    1. We Will Klopp you
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Morata to Jesus is most pressing. You're not playing Hegazi so no worries there. If you want to take a hit, I'm considering Mkhi to Sterling but isn't something that has to be done and in your case you may want to keep him for United cover

      1. JoeJitzu +42
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Thank you

  21. cravencottage
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Why no Shaquiri mentioned in the article? He has excellent stats

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

      He's Stoke's version of Matt Ritchie stats wise.

      1. Pierce34
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        I thought you were a fan of Ritchie, TM.

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

          I am. Similar xG as Ritchie and lower xA. Shoots mainly from distance.

          1. Pierce34
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            Yeah I was never convinced by Shaqiri either, though people insist he's a much better option this year.

          2. FPL Virgin
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            Where are you getting the xG and xA data from?

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

              The article.

              1. FPL Virgin
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 7 Years
                6 years, 7 months ago

                Which one?

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

              Use the comparison tool.

              Goal attempts in box
              Big chances created

          3. cravencottage
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            Yes but on target

    2. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Tadic has excellent stats. Redmond has excellent stats. They don't deliver hence no one buys them

  22. StoichkovFPL
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    1 FT, 0 ITB, got WC.
    What do you think of this team? Any obvious missing? Any suggestions?
    (Firmino stays - underpriced, pens, Liv love big games, already been rested)

    Foster, Elliot
    Kola, Davies, Cedric, Mee, Hune
    Eriksen, Silva, Ritchie, Brady, Carroll
    Kane, Lukaku, Firmino

    1. JoeJitzu +42
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      If Firmino stays then you absolutely save a transfer!

      1. We Will Klopp you
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Easy save then. 2 frees gives you room to manoeuvre next gw

  23. FPL Virgin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Is it ever sensible to go without a player who is 60% owned?

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

      Depends on the alternatives.

      1. FPL Virgin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Surely the risk of being left behind is too great?

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

          You'll never crack 5K playing that safe.

          1. FPL Virgin
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            I dare you to clearly state what you are doing with Lukaku. Triple dare you. No glib response. Just a straight answer.

            Are you risking it? Yes or no answer!

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

              Is he injured?

              1. FPL Virgin
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 7 Years
                6 years, 7 months ago

                Let's assume he's not. What do you do?

                1. Henryyy
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 8 Years
                  6 years, 7 months ago

                  He is keeping. I know TM 😛

                  1. Henryyy
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 8 Years
                    6 years, 7 months ago

                    Some impressive C, and transfers right there...!

                    I think ur gonna keep for atleast two more gw's tho!

      2. Rash
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        The alternatives are injured

    2. lugs
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      well i personally got rid of Lukaku for Morata before his injury , i feel that was a sideways move that freed up some cash for elsewhere , it will obviously hurt when Lukaku gets a haul , but the flip side of that is whenever Morata gets a haul and Lukaku doesn't , then i'd expect a lot of green arrows for gambling against the crowd

    3. Ghost Gooner
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Don't have Lukaku anymore, green arrows ever since I dropped him 🙂

    4. Dr. Agabuse
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      yes

  24. Dr. Agabuse
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    I'm on a WC and planning with and on Atsu.
    He's rotating perfectly with Ward/Mee and has juicy homefixtures.
    He's 5.1 and there's no way, I'd get smn more expensive, that I would want to rotate and not play everygame. Dont like a 5.5 on my bench as this could be a Stones instead.
    Benitez said, he has a knee problem, that they are aware of and him not playing for Ghana is the same as Lukaku not playing for Belgium tonight, I'd presume.
    Anyone wanna talk me out of it?
    (please)

    1. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      He's a good enabler. Just don't expect anything but a modest return.

    2. JoeJitzu +42
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      I've Atsu as well, getting nervous but must put out the crocked Morata first....

  25. SAY MY NAME
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    has Richarlison played over the IB?

    1. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      No

      1. SAY MY NAME
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        cheers mate

  26. Rash
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Oh how I wish I saved my wc got more flags than the united nations it seems

  27. GuyIncognito
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Will Chancel Mbemba ever get that big price rise that we've all been waiting for?

    1. George Sillett
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Makes no difference whatsoever.

    2. JoeJitzu +42
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Not if he's not in the squad again!

      1. GuyIncognito
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        I actually think he's a decent player, Benitez doesn't seem to rate him much though.

        Apparently he plays in midfield for DRC.

    3. Rash
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      He probs won't get double rise anyway

      1. GuyIncognito
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        He got flagged when he was so close to rising and then the numbers got reset :/ I've had such bad luck with him, not getting that valuable 0.1.

  28. JoeJitzu +42
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    I know it's dangerous, in case you forget to confirm but if I had WC there's no way I'd confirm it until just before deadline.
    There'd be massive changes and price rises if confirmation came later. I appreciate it's difficult to contact thousands of players WCding but there's already been significant movement and yet minimal price rises.

    1. Lone Wolf
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      I never understand why people make many transfers and hit WC just before deadline.

      1. Pierce34
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        If everyone (or at least the majority) did it there would be more price rises.

        1. Lone Wolf
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          True. But seen few -24 teams after a small accident with memory.

  29. Lone Wolf
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Better option:

    A) Hazard + 4.5/4.4 rotation
    B) Sterling + Ramsey

    1. VFORVANDETA
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      B

  30. IWR
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Siggy to Richarlison. Nom nom nom.