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The Technical Area – Willian’s Progress

Much like the broader picture of his career at Stamford Bridge, Willian’s 2017/18 FPL campaign has been something of a tumultuous one.

Heavily touted in the pre-season as an underpriced route into the Chelsea attack (after an Eden Hazard injury opening up space within the Chelsea XI), the Brazilian’s early returns proved bitterly underwhelming: no goals and a solitary assist over the opening eight Gameweeks served as disappointing returns for a player of his calibre.

A spell on the sidelines followed, with Willian most frequently utilised as an impact substitute towards the end of matches.

The winds of change, however, seem once again to be blowing in Southwest London.

Willian, who had started just one of Chelsea’s previous eight fixtures, returned to the lineup in Gameweek 17 and has since proved a revelation.

From this date, he has returned three goals and five assists over eight Gameweeks, alongside a heady seven bonus points. In so doing, the winger has also begun his return to fantasy prominence – acquiring over 100,000 new owners during this span.

Do the underlying numbers support the idea of a Brazilian resurgence? And how do Willian’s numbers compare to other mid-priced competitors? With popular mid-priced picks now falling by the wayside, could Willian yet prove to be a powerful Fantasy differential?

2,112 Comments Post a Comment
  1. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Man City vs WBA score predictions?

    1. F4L
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      2-1

    2. Wetdream
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      3-1

    3. WE GO FOR IT
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      1-1

    4. MTPockets
        6 years, 3 months ago

        4-1

      • 1zverGGadeM
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        2:0

      • diesel001
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        6-2

      • Wetdream
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Is there a prize ? 🙂

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

          If you bet on the right score.

      • michudagawd
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        10-0

      • dunas_dog
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        2-0

        1. Fantasy Gold
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          3-1

      • We Will Klopp you
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        7-1

      • ==rvn10==
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        5-1 after watching tonight's game. We could be in line for a cricket score Wednesday night!

    5. Jay_
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Sanchez probably going to be the best TC option, come April

        1. Going Home
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          Based on...

          1. Jay_
              6 years, 3 months ago

              City having the league sewn up. Salah not having a double, Kane playing City in a double and United having the best double fixtures. Plus a mid getting an extra point per goal and cleanie.

              1. Going Home
                • 12 Years
                6 years, 3 months ago

                DGW fixtures announced already? And Sanchez has performed how well this season?

                Calm down and wait and see

                1. Jay_
                    6 years, 3 months ago

                    The fixtures aren’t announced but a bit of common sense, looking at 31,35 and 34, 37 fixtures gives you a great idea. Give it a go.

                    1. Going Home
                      • 12 Years
                      6 years, 3 months ago

                      And don’t united have to win a fifth round game to even get a DGW? Getting miles ahead of yourself

                      And that’s ignoring the fact that Sanchez has apparently got 100x better by moving to a team where he won’t be a focus of their play

                      1. Jay_
                          6 years, 3 months ago

                          Of course. That’s why I said probably. What will be likely, if this score stays the same, is that the TC favourite, Salah, won’t have a double, unless WBA reach the Semis. So that kind of leaves just Kane and Sanchez.

                          1. Going Home
                            • 12 Years
                            6 years, 3 months ago

                            Unless Sanchez shows something like last season’s form, he won’t be near my team let alone a TC option. Would still be leaning towards Kane or a City player to be honest (especially with Spurs likely to be out of UCL by then)

              2. UshFPL
                • 7 Years
                6 years, 3 months ago

                Yeah he'll be a priority when I WC

            • SH
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 3 months ago

              What your take on this midfield?

              Salah Sterling Maheez Lingard Iwobi

              1. jimmy.floyd
                • 7 Years
                6 years, 3 months ago

                Iwobi???

                1. SH
                  • 9 Years
                  6 years, 3 months ago

                  two week punt

              2. SH
                • 9 Years
                6 years, 3 months ago

                *What's

            • Ser Bronn of The Blackwater
              • 6 Years
              6 years, 3 months ago

              Time to remove Salah from our FPL teams?

              1. WE GO FOR IT
                • 8 Years
                6 years, 3 months ago

                If you want red arrows, yes!

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

                Cost 0.5m last time.

              3. Kanga roo
                • 7 Years
                6 years, 3 months ago

                You first

              4. Epic Fail
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 13 Years
                6 years, 3 months ago

                Good luck.

              5. jimmy.floyd
                • 7 Years
                6 years, 3 months ago

                Why?

              6. F4L
                • 9 Years
                6 years, 3 months ago

                took a hit to take him out for Arnie a couple of days ago to try and spice it up. So disappointed 😥

                1. Alan The Llama
                  • 14 Years
                  6 years, 3 months ago

                  You might want to VAR that decision.

                  1. F4L
                    • 9 Years
                    6 years, 3 months ago

                    😀

              7. ♤TeddyBear♤
                • 9 Years
                6 years, 3 months ago

                why.... because he has an assist?

              8. McEwan
                • 14 Years
                6 years, 3 months ago

                Hell yeah, no need for him

            • Team Cruel
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 8 Years
              6 years, 3 months ago

              I was all set on ditching Kane for 3 GWs but Liverpool are giving me a massive headache here.

              1. Kanga roo
                • 7 Years
                6 years, 3 months ago

                Lay down and get some rest

              2. Wetdream
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 9 Years
                6 years, 3 months ago

                Same had just about talked myself in to it !

              3. TLF
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 8 Years
                6 years, 3 months ago

                They are getting the struggles out of the way, will surely beat Huddersfield next week....

            • McEwan
              • 14 Years
              6 years, 3 months ago

              I’m glad Scottish football is broke and can’t afford VAR! Terrible

              1. UshFPL
                • 7 Years
                6 years, 3 months ago

                It's not like it corrected two vital decisions in that 1st half alone

                1. Going Home
                  • 12 Years
                  6 years, 3 months ago

                  That first goal is given every week. Mignolet isn’t saving it, so whether or not Barry is stood in an offside position is never considered without VAR

                  1. UshFPL
                    • 7 Years
                    6 years, 3 months ago

                    He would have came and got the cross

                    1. McEwan
                      • 14 Years
                      6 years, 3 months ago

                      Jesus, If you want to justify it by terrible goal keeping, no bother. If anything that argument makes it worse. Barry actually stands his ground and Mig decides to not come for it!

              2. Epic Fail
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 13 Years
                6 years, 3 months ago

                'football'

                1. Going Home
                  • 12 Years
                  6 years, 3 months ago

                  Love this

            • Buck The Trent
              • 12 Years
              6 years, 3 months ago

              Would you do Kane to Kun ?

              1. jimmy.floyd
                • 7 Years
                6 years, 3 months ago

                For free yes

              2. Epic Fail
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 13 Years
                6 years, 3 months ago

                No. Would you?

                1. Buck The Trent
                  • 12 Years
                  6 years, 3 months ago

                  Thinking

            • Tazah
              • 6 Years
              6 years, 3 months ago

              What the heck so the ref just went to the screen and looked at the footage for the pen, just do that for every one of those decisions then.... That'll speed it up for sure.

              1. Ramboros
                • 12 Years
                6 years, 3 months ago

                You don't notice all the situations where the VAR is used quickly.

                1. Going Home
                  • 12 Years
                  6 years, 3 months ago

                  VAR isn’t used often and you know every time as the play stops.

                2. Tazah
                  • 6 Years
                  6 years, 3 months ago

                  Hahaha "quickly"

            • rdamjan
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 3 months ago

              What`s the opinion on Ibe? Stats are good, but did he pass eye test?

              1. jimmy.floyd
                • 7 Years
                6 years, 3 months ago

                Rotation risk

              2. Man Chest Hair United
                • 10 Years
                6 years, 3 months ago

                Good 5th mid option although only played 62 mins last time out

              3. AYEW KI-EDEN MEE
                • 7 Years
                6 years, 3 months ago

                Stanislas back which will reduce his minutes.

                1. rdamjan
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 9 Years
                  6 years, 3 months ago

                  Thanks. Didn`t aware of that. Back to drawing board.

            • Man Chest Hair United
              • 10 Years
              6 years, 3 months ago

              Thoughts on this move ?

              Alli And Arnie out for

              A KDB and Shaqiri
              B Mahrez and Silva or any mid out to 8.2

              1. UshFPL
                • 7 Years
                6 years, 3 months ago

                B

                1. Man Chest Hair United
                  • 10 Years
                  6 years, 3 months ago

                  Cheers who do you like at the 8.2 range ? Have son Pogba might be another option

                  1. UshFPL
                    • 7 Years
                    6 years, 3 months ago

                    Pogba has good ppg bht recent stats are poor. Silva is a good option if nailed.

            • ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
              • 14 Years
              6 years, 3 months ago

              Average VAR response time is 2 and half to 3 mins according to the ref on BT 😆

              Whilst I agree we need the right decisions this is just ridiculous. Totally takes the spontaneousness out of the game and draws the game out

              Ref was reviewing alot of things that half, little pushes, offsides

              Surely it should be much quicker than 2-3 mins per response

              1. F4L
                • 9 Years
                6 years, 3 months ago

                it'll improve. Might look back on events like today and just laugh how people doubted VAR in 3 or 4 years time. Tbh, I'm bored of Fulham dropping points because decisions go against us, and if this will stop that, I'm all for it

              2. George James
                • 9 Years
                6 years, 3 months ago

                I agree it needs to be quicker but surely to get the call right it’s a small price?

                Imagine last day of season and a Decision makes or brakes a title or relegation. It has to be right doesn’t it?

              3. diesel001
                • 7 Years
                6 years, 3 months ago

                It would be if they only used the man in the booth for things like offsides. The rest the on-pitch ref should watch on the screen and th replays should be shown on the big screen. Get the fans involved and also show the cheats (e.g. foulers and divers) on the big screen so they get called out.

              4. walkman666
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 9 Years
                6 years, 3 months ago

                So much faux drama about this. When they stop letting players fake injuries to draw cards, which takes up just as much time, for total bullshit baby whining, then I’d be annoyed with video replay review. Pluheeeese.

            • George James
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 3 months ago

              So confused by all these anti VAR comments. I get that it slows the game down a bit and the people in stadium not sure what’s going on but hopefully this will improve over time, The point is the decisions are more llikely to be correct and surely that is a good thing?

              1. Sedemuda
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 7 Years
                6 years, 3 months ago

                Works perfectly well in rugby & when you get used to it & it's implemented well it adds to the drama rather than reduces it.
                The audience should be able to hear the ref's conversation & players need to be away from the ref when they are talking to the video referee.

            • Majestic Chanka
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 3 months ago

              Can everyone stop moaning about VAR?

              I’m sure everyone of you picks it up perfectly and immediately whenever there is a big change in your line of work!

              1. Epic Fail
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 13 Years
                6 years, 3 months ago

                I do.

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

                  Pretty easy.

              2. Shultan
                • 8 Years
                6 years, 3 months ago

                Of course!

              3. George James
                • 9 Years
                6 years, 3 months ago

                I don’t like change 🙂

                But I think VAR is a good thing

                1. Majestic Chanka
                  • 7 Years
                  6 years, 3 months ago

                  That’s the point, no one likes change really.

                  Like you say this is definitely good for the game but it will take a bit of time to perfect.

                  That said, players surrounding the ref for/during VAR can GTFO of the game!

            • Shultan
              • 8 Years
              6 years, 3 months ago

              So liverpool in means no DGW for them?

              1. Shultan
                • 8 Years
                6 years, 3 months ago

                *losing

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

                If Pool lose, only GW35 vs WBA could move.

              3. dunas_dog
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 8 Years
                6 years, 3 months ago

                They can easily pull it back

            • ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
              • 14 Years
              6 years, 3 months ago

              Knowing sky they will start going to breaks during the VAR review

              "This VAR review was brought to you by specsavers"

            • Optimus.
              • 13 Years
              6 years, 3 months ago

              Man City 4 SOT - 3 goals scored

              Swansea 1 SOT - 1 goal scored

              WBA 3 SOT - 3 goals scored

              The quicker Lemar arrives the better!

              1. UshFPL
                • 7 Years
                6 years, 3 months ago

                Do Liverpool not need a creative central player rather than a winger?

              2. pakornk
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 7 Years
                6 years, 3 months ago

                Liverpool need a gk, left back, another center back before adding another attacker.

            • Syd.
              • 14 Years
              6 years, 3 months ago

              VVD

              Hasn’t exactly brought any confidence to the Liverpool defence

              1. Somalion
                • 14 Years
                6 years, 3 months ago

                Absolutely nobody could've seen that coming 😛

            • tm245
              • 12 Years
              6 years, 3 months ago

              Liverpool being available for GW31 would be nice.

              1. Rhinos
                • 10 Years
                6 years, 3 months ago

                would give me upto 8 players

                1. tm245
                  • 12 Years
                  6 years, 3 months ago

                  Just 2 for me. Will need to decommission some of my bench fodder in these next few weeks.

              2. Pierce34
                • 8 Years
                6 years, 3 months ago

                Disagree, the more things get mixed up the better. Plus would be nice to have Salah as a TC option in a DGW.

                1. tm245
                  • 12 Years
                  6 years, 3 months ago

                  The more blanks, the more teams will become template, imo, but I don't have FHC.

                  1. UshFPL
                    • 7 Years
                    6 years, 3 months ago

                    The more blanks, the more my free hit is worth and the more I can catch up on those who don't plan ahead

                  2. Pierce34
                    • 8 Years
                    6 years, 3 months ago

                    Not sure about that - if Liverpool's GW31 fixture is on then everyone will have Salah captain, plus Firmino and either Mane or a defender. A blank means no template in GW31, and a 'free' captain punt from the available teams that won't backfire as the high ownership players will be blanking.

                    1. tm245
                      • 12 Years
                      6 years, 3 months ago

                      Good point, I think I just need players.

            • rdamjan
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 3 months ago

              Do we still want VVD in our teams?

              1. UshFPL
                • 7 Years
                6 years, 3 months ago

                I never did

            • Ted Bovis
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 3 months ago

              Everyone OK for snacks?

              1. Epic Fail
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 13 Years
                6 years, 3 months ago

                Not sure. Better refer it to VAR.

            • Red Dagger ✪
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 6 Years
              6 years, 3 months ago

              West Bromwich scores 6 goals in 2 months

              They scored 4 in 45 mins today....

              1. UshFPL
                • 7 Years
                6 years, 3 months ago

                They scored 3

                1. Red Dagger ✪
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 6 Years
                  6 years, 3 months ago

                  I know but going for the dramatic.....

            • The HurriKane
              • 10 Years
              6 years, 3 months ago

              For GW26:

              Sterling and Firmino ----> Alexis and Wilson (-4)

              Yes or No?

              1. dunas_dog
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 8 Years
                6 years, 3 months ago

                No

              2. UshFPL
                • 7 Years
                6 years, 3 months ago

                No

              3. The HurriKane
                • 10 Years
                6 years, 3 months ago

                Thank you both but I think I will do it, I want to break the template and follow my gut finally. But I appreciate!

            • LosBlancos
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 6 Years
              6 years, 3 months ago

              What about an added official that just monitors VAR, should be under a minute

              1. diesel001
                • 7 Years
                6 years, 3 months ago

                Why not just the official on the pitch looks at the screen. Guy in the booth can be used for the blue lines on offsides etc.

                Also put the replays up on the big screen at the match. Call out the cheats and dirty players. Will be hilarious seeing some of those divers etc. on the big screen made to look like idiots.

                1. Red Dagger ✪
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 6 Years
                  6 years, 3 months ago

                  I like that.

                2. UshFPL
                  • 7 Years
                  6 years, 3 months ago

                  Not all grounds have screens. Eg Old Trafford

            • Evil Genius
              • 6 Years
              6 years, 3 months ago

              Just tried to put a WC team together but VAR ruled it out as being shite.

            • LǝgleSs e|even
              • 8 Years
              6 years, 3 months ago

              Oh Blimey,
              Whats going on with the Reds?
              First Swansea now West Brom? Could have bought 3 defenders for 75 mil

              1. Super Silva Haze
                • 10 Years
                6 years, 3 months ago

                Exactly mate. They are actually a joke man. A would definetly bought 2 defenders and a keeper for that 75m

              2. UshFPL
                • 7 Years
                6 years, 3 months ago

                Not 3 good defenders in today's game

                1. Super Silva Haze
                  • 10 Years
                  6 years, 3 months ago

                  At least 3 half decent would do better than 1 donkey.

                  1. LǝgleSs e|even
                    • 8 Years
                    6 years, 3 months ago

                    They beat Citeh tho.. hmm wierd vibes

            • the snazzy viking
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 3 months ago

              Just got on and saw my team, to see Masuaku banned until mid March?? what on earth did he do?

              1. Team Cruel
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 8 Years
                6 years, 3 months ago

                Spat on Powell.

              2. how now brown cow
                • 9 Years
                6 years, 3 months ago

                Spitting

              3. the snazzy viking
                • 7 Years
                6 years, 3 months ago

                Ah cheers both

            • Gassemannen
              • 8 Years
              6 years, 3 months ago

              Have 2 FT and 0 ITB.
              Need to get rid of Arne and Lanzini.

              Who should I replace them with (13.8 total)?

            • The HurriKane
              • 10 Years
              6 years, 3 months ago

              Arnie is definitively out for some weeks, right?

            • Super Silva Haze
              • 10 Years
              6 years, 3 months ago

              Am sorry but Vvd is just not good enough imo. 75m even in this type of day and age is daylight robbery for him.

            • ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
              • 14 Years
              6 years, 3 months ago

              W brom goal disallowed

              VAR is back 😆