Games

Fantasy Premier League – Player List Analysis – Budget Midfielders

After assessing the Goalkeepers, Budget Defenders, Mid-Price Defenders and Premium Defenders in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) game, we now focus our attentions further up the park.

Prior to our assessment, it’s worth noting the changes to the BPS scoring system this term. The decrease to the BPS for pass completion will hit those players who ply their trade for dominant teams, though in truth, that won’t hurt many budget attacking options hard – the likes of Nemanja Matic and Gareth Barry will be the chief protagonists in the cut-price bracket. There’s also the improved BPS changes for successful tackles, which will certainly benefit Matic, given that he made more (100) than any player in the Premier League last season.

We start off, then, with a look at what’s on offer at 5.0 and under as Fantasy managers scour the market for this year’s George Boyd or Matty Phillips…

Arsenal’s Francis Coquelin is, at the very least, a reliable starter at 4.5. Having been named in the first XI in 19 of the final 20 league fixtures, his defensive qualities afforded the Gunners a better overall balance last term, though given he failed to produce any attacking returns, you’ll be getting three-point returns at best here.

Villa’s new signing Idrissa Gueye has been priced at just 5.0 and boasts a relatively decent scoring record in 2014/15, arriving on the back of four goals and a pair of assists for Lille last term. Charles N’Zogbia and Scott Sinclair also come in at 5.0 but will need to force their way into the starting XI to have any chance of coming into consideration, with Jack Grealish expected to nail down one of the wide roles. Ashley Westwood sets you back 4.5 but with a single assist last term, he offers little prospect of attacking returns. With Bournemouth, Palace, Sunderland, Leicester and West Brom in the first six, though, Tim Sherwood’s side could be ones to monitor.

As mentioned in previous articles, Villa rotate home/away with Midlands neighbours West Brom over the 38 Gameweeks. Baggies skipper Darren Fletcher and Claudio Yacob (4.5 apiece) both started 15 of Tony Pulis’ 18 matches in charge last term and will at least offer security of starts in the centre of the park. Fletcher scored once after arriving at the Hawthorns, whilst James Morrison (5.0), who also started all but three of the fixtures under the new manager, produced two goals and an assist last term. New boy James McClean (5.0) could attract investment if Pulis affords the industrious winger a run of starts on the left flank – he chalked up six goals and seven assists in the previous campaign but faces competition from Callum McManaman (5.0).

Harry Arter could be an option for Championship winners Bournemouth – priced at just 5.0, he bagged nine goals and three assists last time out. Former Norwich man Andrew Surman looks the likeliest starter at 4.5 for the Cherries; despite sitting in the double-pivot, he managed three goals and six assists in 2014/15. Bournemouth have the kindest opening schedule over the first six Gameweeks, according to our season ticker – three strong home encounters (AVL, LEI, SUN) are complemented by a trip to Norwich.

Eddie Howe’s side rotate with fellow new boys Watford over the 38 Gameweeks, though the Hornets are currently undergoing a restructuring programme under Quique Sanchez Flores and it remains to be seen just how many of last season’s regulars will retain a starting role. The likes of Almen Abdi (5.0) racked up nine goals and two assists playing in “the hole”, while Ikechi Anya (4.5) proved to be a fine facilitator on the left flank, amassing seven assists. Etienne Capoue (5.0) and Valon Behrami (4.5) have already been drafted in and look the likely starters in the double-pivot in a 4-2-3-1, though the pair offer little in the way of attacking returns.

As mentioned above, Nemanja Matic looks set to be the chief beneficiary of the new BPS change for successful tackles. Coming in at just 5.0, he’s certainly very budget-friendly but his role in the Chelsea double-pivot produced just a goal and three assists last season – given we can only pick three players per team, few will be willing to turn to the Serbian as a viable option in the centre of the park.

Palace pair Mile Jedinak and James McArthur will set you back 5.0 apiece. The arrival of Yohan Cabaye places question marks over Alan Pardew’s plans in the centre of the park – should Cabaye be fielded in a deep-lying role, one of the duo look poised to miss out if the Eagles boss opts for a 4-2-3-1 set-up.

Everton’s Gareth Barry comes in at just 4.5 and started all but five of last season’s fixtures. Again, though, there’s uncertainty over Roberto Martinez’ intentions with Tom Cleverley adding an extra option in central midfield, whilst Steven Pienaar, Aiden McGeady and Leon Osman look far from certain starters at 5.0.

Claudio Ranieri’s arrival at Leicester may prove a source of frustration for Fantasy managers. Given that “The Tinkerman” is renowned for heavy rotation, the jury is very much out on Leicester’s potential regulars for the season ahead. Marc Albrighton staked a claim for inclusion with some strong displays at the end of last season – the 5.0-priced winger delivered two goals and assists in the Foxes’ concluding quintet of fixtures. The likes of Danny Drinkwater, Dean Hammond and Andy King are all 4.5 but we need to assess pre-season line-ups before considering any of them viable.

Liverpool’s Jordon Ibe is available at just 5.0 and was utilised as a right wing-back on a number of occasions during the latter part of 2014/15. With Brendan Rodgers keen to restructure, though, it remains to be seen whether the youngster can nail down a starting berth – right now, his acquisition looks too risky to justify.

Newcastle’s 5.0-priced Rolando Aarons will be hoping for a breakout season under new manager Steve McClaren. The fleet-footed 19-year-old scored and assisted in his second cameo last term, before succumbing to a hamstring injury that restricted him to two further appearances. Aarons has looked sharp in the close season, netting for the England U20s, though the arrival of new boy Georginio Wijnaldum could well restrict his pitch time.

Norwich ‘s Jonny Howson is available for 5.0 and produced nine goals and six assists from the centre of the park in the Championship last term. Wes Hoolahan (5.0) bagged five goals and ten assists, takes the majority of Norwich’s penalties and shares dead-ball duties with Nathan Redmond, though he’s less secure a starter – ten of his 39 appearances came off the bench. Graham Dorrans made 18 appearances (13 starts, five as a sub) after arriving at Carrow Road midway thorough last season. The former West Brom man – priced at 5.0 – bagged three goals and an assist and his top-flight experience could be key to the Canaries’ survival bid. Alex Tettey is cheaper at 4.5 but with 13 yellows to his name last year, may be best avoided.

With Morgan Schneiderlin now gone, Victor Wanyama looks a decent squad-filler at a price of just 4.5. The Kenyan struck three times for Southampton last time around, though his role in the double-pivot suggests he may struggle to replicate that goal-getting form, given he mustered just 28 attempts over the course of the previous campaign. Steven Davis (5.0) started 32 times in 2014/15 and although he managed just two assists, still produced 49 key passes for the Saints. Ronald Koeman’s side square up to three of last term’s top seven in the opening 13 rounds of fixtures.

Similarly, Tottenham’s Nabil Bentaleb and Ryan Mason are very budget-friendly options at 4.5 and 5.0 respectively. The duo offer little in the way of attacking output, though – Bentaleb chipped in with a pair of assists in 2014/15, whilst central midfield partner Mason managed a goal and four assists.

Sunderland’s spot-kick taker Jordi Gomez (5.0) had started to find his form under new manager Dick Advocaat before his previous season was ended by injury and could be worth considering if he can nail down a starting berth again. Lee Cattermole comes in at 4.5, though it’s fair to say he is more likely to produce yellow cards than attacking returns. The Black Cats have some very kind opening fixtures and face just three of last season’s top seven in the first 14 Gameweeks.

West Ham new boy Pedro Obiang is available for a cut-priced 5.0 – although he’s noted more for his tough tackling, he notched three times for Sampdoria in Serie A last term. The Hammers have four decent home matches (LEI, BOU, NEW, NOR) in the first seven Gameweeks to heighten their initial appeal.

2,655 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Hans Landa
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Bournemouth´s new signing Joshua King, winger/striker classified as a midfielder, comes in at 5.0. Not sure how close he is to be a starter, but the potential is without a doubt there. He´s a regular for his national team. Worth monitoring.

    1. Wild Rover
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Well he starts tonight 😉

  2. Demí
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    afcb XI to take on @PhilaUnion: Boruc, Smith, Elphick, Distin, Daniels, Stanislas, Gosling, Surman, Ritchie, King, Wilson

    1. President John F. Keninnsie
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Looks pretty close to first choice.

      1. Wild Rover
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Lol

        1. President John F. Keninnsie
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          ?

          1. Wild Rover
            • 14 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            Mings, Francis, Atsu, Arter, Pugh, Kermorgant?

            1. President John F. Keninnsie
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 4 months ago

              First 4 yes. Don't think the last 2 will be starters.

    2. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Ooh, Ritchie. He's so dreamy.

    3. Wild Rover
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Francis rested for the prem. Like it

      1. Norco
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        really? or just not featuring?

        1. Wild Rover
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          Sorry, no idea.. I was being sarcastic 🙂

          1. Norco
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            i was hoping so... but him not featuring is a bit of a worry when he is in my draft lol

      2. Exilizer
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        just did distin->francis, might go back 😛

    4. Parm
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Tyrone Mings not risked after his Fresh Prince of Bel Air initiation song.

      1. Get up ya bum
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Now this is a story, all about how
        my life got flipped turned upside down

    5. Jay Jay Okocha
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Watching Ritchie like a hawk tonight

      1. Get up ya bum
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Keep a hawk eye on Wilson while you're at it 😉

  3. ralfb
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Silva azpi

    Or Sterling ivan

    Or depay ivan?

    Ta

    1. Hurnt
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Silva azpil

    2. Louis99
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      First one

      1. ralfb
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks

  4. Bøwstring The Carp
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Any good prize leagues going around for FPL this year?

    1. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Bowstring do you like me?

      1. Bøwstring The Carp
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Errr... sure why not....

        1. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          Thats good was just fishing for compliments

          1. BeachBadger
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            😆

    2. MrT
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      This has been a very well run league for the last couple of years and prize fipund was over €1,500 last season.

      http://www.finnharps.com/fhfc/?p=2109

      1. Bøwstring The Carp
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Cheers MRT, just signed up!

  5. Louis99
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Repost
    Thoughts?

    Cech - Hennessy
    Azpi - Clyne - Bassong - Reid - Cook
    Silva - Walcott - Hendo - Depay - Gomez
    Costa - Pelle - Sakho

    1. Az
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Walcott and Depay maybe a bit punty, but if you're happy to live without Hazard, its looking good!

    2. The_Socca_Philosopha
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Pelle is a risk at his price and I'm not too sure on Clyne, but other than that it looks decent.
      7/10

  6. bootneck
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Opinions on following please, playing 3-5-2 formation
    Speroni Schmeical
    Cresswell Trippier Distin Holebas Lescott
    Hazard Payet Nasri Sterling Wanyama
    Costa Bony Sakho

    1. Az
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Very different. Nasri / Sterling / Bony all a bit risky imo

      1. bootneck
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks for that, you have a point, especially as I'd overlooked Nasri and Sterling now in competition for midfield role (fantasy league still have Sterling in red lol). So Nasri out I think..

  7. Az
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Pantillimon
    Cedric // Koscielny // Huth
    Silva // Hazard // Henderson // Ramsey
    Rooney // Kane // Deeney

    Subs: Hamer // Bassong // Wanyama // Oxford

    Not a bad effort right?

    1. President John F. Keninnsie
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Looks decent.

    2. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Nice team or maybe I am just saying that because I want to win your league 🙂

    3. The_Socca_Philosopha
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Yeah, it looks solid

    4. Jay Jay Okocha
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Very nice. Contingency plan for Kun?

    5. Twisted Saltergater
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Ramsey replacing Cazorla, do you reckon, or keeping Walcott out?

  8. JackBetherz
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Opinions?
    Cech Guzan
    Morgan Mings Cedric Bassong Azpi
    Hazard Redmond Silva Cabaye Payet
    Benteke Wilson Rooney

  9. vova
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Is Mert and Azpi a viable alternative to Ivanovic and Kosc?

    1. Jay Jay Okocha
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Absolutely. Give me the former + 1.5 ITB

  10. yer_ould1
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Hear me now...

    ___________Schmeichel___________
    ____Ivanovic__Richards__Ward_____
    _Cozuelin__Hazard__Silva__Cazorla_
    _____Costa__Sakho__C.Wilson_____

    (Fabianski)_(Ki)_(O'Shea)_(Williams)

    Rip it to pieces people..

    1. Wild Rover
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      I genuinely don't have one of them so it would be a bit unconstructive 🙂

    2. The_Socca_Philosopha
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Lol, is that Coquelin on the right?
      Nice squad tho
      8/10

      1. yer_ould1
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Coquelin yep, hoping BAPS benefit him this season

    3. Twisted Saltergater
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      When you don't fancy captaining a Chelsea player, what are you going to do?

      1. yer_ould1
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Silva or Caz, with 2.0 itb probably have Aguero from GW2/GW3 on..

        1. Twisted Saltergater
          • 15 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          yeah, think we'll all need Aguero as an option. Not sure I'd give Cazorla the armband. He might be seeing more rotation this season with Ramsey, Wilshere, Coquelin all fit and firing.

    4. Parm
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Sell Richards and Ward, both in terrible defences.

      1. yer_ould1
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Who else would you suggest for 4.5?

        1. Parm
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          I personally have Francis & Huth. Wollscheid also worth a go. Norwich have good home fixtures if it's a rotation you're interested in.

          1. yer_ould1
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            Cool thanks for the advice 🙂

    5. yer_ould1
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Might I add that I also still have 2mil in the bank for any necessary upgrading of Costa to Aguero

      1. Exilizer
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Screwed if Kun goes up by 0.1

        1. yer_ould1
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          Haha that's true might downgrade one 4.5 defender to S.Taylor

  11. Dr Dream
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Had to nip off but I wanted to reply to WR's question "can United win the title"...which I answered yes to...

    I'm amazed sometimes by how so many fans declare that all their team needs is another World class forward or another world class centre back or winger or playmaker...or another blah blah blah. The myth being that if you have the best players in every position then that will win the title...it won't...

    Only Jose Mourinho fully understands, and puts into practise, that to win the title you don't need a better team than your rivals you only need to get more pts than your rivals...It's not the same thing.

    The way to win it is to beat the likes of Stoke, Bournemouth, West Ham and co on a very regular basis and then don't lose to your rivals...and you don't need to beat them 5-0. Arsenal don't need a better striker than Giroud to beat Stoke, and United don't need a better defender than Smalling to beat Stoke either...What Arsenal need is to stop trying to win 5-0 and what United need is a better set up...Schneiderlin and and Bastian give them that opportunity for that set up and put up a wall before they ever get to Smalling and co.

    LVG has come a long way from this time last year when he set up with three CB's and one CDM....We'll have to see now if he can manage a team as well as Mourinho but he has the tools to do it.

    1. Get up ya bum
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Yeah mou is the best in the modern game. Really hard to see Chelsea not taking it

      1. Wild Rover
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        But there is an argument that Utd are assembling better tools.. No pun intended

        1. Dr Dream
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          I agree...

        2. Get up ya bum
          • 15 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          🙂
          They are making some very good moves. I can't see better than 3rd or 4th though

          1. Dr Dream
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            We'll see....I think LVG is a bit of a crackpot tbh so he may make a bllx of it....and if he does he won't need to look far for somebody to blame with those players he now has.

      2. Dr Dream
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        His mindset is just better than his rivals and he understands that key statement above...To win the title you don't need the best team or players...what you need to do is get more pts than your rivals"..

        He of course has some great players..but is Willian better than ADM ?...Is Costa a world class forward ?...Is Oscar better than Rooney ?..They're good but they aren't Messi and Ronaldo...or Aguero for that matter.

        1. ChelseaKTBFF
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          Costa is worldclass. Easily top ten, possibly top 5.

          1. Dr Dream
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            He's good, but not world class. Charlie Austin and Harry Kane gave him a good run for his money for goals....are they world class ?

            1. ChelseaKTBFF
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 4 months ago

              First of all. Hammies

              Second of all, he brings much more than just goals to the team. Think of it like this; how many strikers could displace him from the Chelsea starting eleven? I would say Kun, Suarez, maybe Lewandoiski but you would be hard pressed to argue for any other individual.

    2. Jairzinho
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      I just don't see them beating the likes of Stoke, Bournemouth, West Ham and co on a very regular basis. I see them slipping up more than occasionally, like they did last year but to a lesser degree (but still slipping up a lot more than Chelsea and Arsenal).

      1. Dr Dream
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Why did they slip up ?..what happened ?....It was the same problem City had, too cavalier and they left their defenders exposed. The very thing Mourinho avoids. This weeks signings should go a long wat to sorting that out....Potentially.

        1. Jairzinho
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          And failure to finish off teams. More draws than anyone in the top 10.

          I guess you could argue that's been addressed as well though. I just don't think they can turn into Premier League winners overnight (or over the season). Do they have a league winning mentality? Old Trafford isn't the fortress it once was. Teams have started to enjoy going there. Only takes a few games to change that though, I suppose.

  12. LE GOD(C)-AMERICAN DYCHO-(1…
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    RMT Shows GW1 53 pts and 303points over 6GWs how does this fair with other teams?

    Myhill
    Darmain Huth Targett
    Walcott Fab Mata Mane
    Costa(C) Rooney Sakho

    Hamer Bentaleb Clyne Williams

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      That is my front 7!! (Except I've gone Depay over Mata)

      Love it.

      1. LE GOD(C)-AMERICAN DYCHO-(1…
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        How's your defence looking?

        1. Twisted Saltergater
          • 15 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          Happy with it, though obviously had to skimp a bit. I'm happy with my rotations though (would like to keep secret, tbh ... I've put a lot of work into it lol).

    2. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Might have to rethink Myhill as an option if they sign Hennesey

      1. LE GOD(C)-AMERICAN DYCHO-(1…
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Plenty of 4.5 GK about, could try and find another .5 and get Pants

        I guess Clyne >> Sakho would be the way

        1. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          Or just get Hennesey

  13. The_Socca_Philosopha
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Is Kos worth the extras .5 over Mert?

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Ideally, but I can't quite afford it.

    2. Get up ya bum
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Not as long as mert is starting

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

      I dont thinks so, I will go with Mert to start with.

    4. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      If Mert starts it will feel like a waste of .5 if he is to be rotated with Gabriel then you will be glad you went with Kos. It's a tricky one

  14. Jay_
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Schmeichel Henessey
      Ivanovic Martin/Sakho Francis/Jenkinson
      Hazard Walcott Yaya Henderson Wanayama
      Rooney Lukaku Deeney

      1.0 itb Lukaku to Sakho gw2 leaves 2.5 for Rooney to Kun around gw4

      1: Is it silly to use Lukaku for just one week ?
      2: Is Aguero Sakho Deeney to light up top ?

      1. President John F. Keninnsie
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Love that defence Jay.

        1) You'll want to keep Lukaku after his GW 1 brace.
        2) Probably. For flexibility it'd be good if Sakho/Deeney were in the 8.0m+ range.

        1. Jay_
            9 years, 4 months ago

            That's what worries me, I'd like Benteke instead of one of the lightweights and it can be done with Ritchie in for YaYa but then that means no City cover and Yaya might be on pens until Kun is back, plus Sakho and Deeney have some juicy homes between them

        2. Sánchez
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          Dont like the jenkinson pick. Downgrade schmeichel to a 4.0 😉

          1. Jay_
              9 years, 4 months ago

              Can afford Creswell but that would mean benching a 5.5 for half of his first 8 games and leave me short of Rooney to Aguero

          2. Ludo
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            The front line is a bit shaky. The rest is beautiful.

            1. Jay_
                9 years, 4 months ago

                That's the problem, can't find a perfect balance, a mid to Ritchie can sort out the striker problem but I'm quietly confident of Watford and West Hams early home games

          3. Dušan Citizen
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            Why I am such a idiot in love? Why? 🙁 Why I always have to sh1t all things? 🙁

            1. Wild Rover
              • 14 Years
              9 years, 4 months ago

              You are male. Welcome to the club:)

              1. Dušan Citizen
                • 10 Years
                9 years, 4 months ago

                I will never find girlfriend. 🙁 FPL is all I will ever have and we will always be in love. 🙁

                1. Parm
                  • 12 Years
                  9 years, 4 months ago

                  Now you know how Daniel feels.

                  1. Dušan Citizen
                    • 10 Years
                    9 years, 4 months ago

                    Maybe it's not problem with ourselves. We are both from Balkan. Maybe we just need other location.

                    1. Get up ya bum
                      • 15 Years
                      9 years, 4 months ago

                      How old are you dusan?

                      1. Dušan Citizen
                        • 10 Years
                        9 years, 4 months ago

                        16

                        1. Get up ya bum
                          • 15 Years
                          9 years, 4 months ago

                          Argh you are a puppy. Don't worry about love man. Aim for a fulfilling, fun, meaningful life and love will hitch a ride when its ready

                          1. Dušan Citizen
                            • 10 Years
                            9 years, 4 months ago

                            Don't know why I have to mess up everything. 🙁

                    2. Parm
                      • 12 Years
                      9 years, 4 months ago

                      Maybe you need each other...

                2. Wild Rover
                  • 14 Years
                  9 years, 4 months ago

                  Get a grip, I suspect you are still young.. I've been married twice and engaged 5 times. I am master of messing up 😀

                  1. Gnu
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 15 Years
                    9 years, 4 months ago

                    🙂 That's certainly the impression you gave me..... 😉

                    1. Wild Rover
                      • 14 Years
                      9 years, 4 months ago

                      Are you my first or second?

                  2. Get up ya bum
                    • 15 Years
                    9 years, 4 months ago

                    😆 that's gold 🙂

                  3. Twisted Saltergater
                    • 15 Years
                    9 years, 4 months ago

                    :ozil: 😉

                  4. Parm
                    • 12 Years
                    9 years, 4 months ago

                    They say you learn from your mistakes.... 😉

                    1. Wild Rover
                      • 14 Years
                      9 years, 4 months ago

                      They do? 😯

            2. Abusive_Sgt_Daelrhos
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 4 months ago

              "*GET OUT THERE AND FIGHT MAGGOT*" 😀

              1. Bambi
                • 12 Years
                9 years, 4 months ago

                for doomhammer!

          4. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
            • 13 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            You should come to England. Jeremy Kyle will solve all your problems

          5. sully29
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            Never seen this Ritchie guy play but he's in my team atm. Is he any good? And how sure are we that he'll do well FPL-wise.

          6. Sánchez
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            Is there much point to RMT's?

            Everyone just ignores when a side is a perfectly reasonable squad and critices the 2 or 3 they dont like if it isnt exactly the same as their side.

            And all along, the poster has spent ages considering rotation of players, when bench fodder might be called upon and who is captain potential for the next 6-8 weeks etc. While the replying post looks at a side, takes 5 seconds, knows little of why the squad works well and simply comes back with stuff like "dont like the Williams pick. Downgrade Ruddy to a 4.0 keeper" etc.

            It makes no sense.

            1. Get up ya bum
              • 15 Years
              9 years, 4 months ago

              Absolutely no point 🙂

            2. Wild Rover
              • 14 Years
              9 years, 4 months ago

              Exactly, we are not rating your team, we are highlighting the differences between your team and ours mostly. Apart from the masses still with Morgan 😉

              1. Sánchez
                • 12 Years
                9 years, 4 months ago

                What I will instead do is wait till the last day, find someone post a RMT who is a stead high ranker every season, then copy their team. A steal my team if you like

              2. Get up ya bum
                • 15 Years
                9 years, 4 months ago

                This. And then they whine about a template

              1. Wild Rover
                • 14 Years
                9 years, 4 months ago

                They had a separate RMT thread last year, it failed miserably

              2. Sánchez
                • 12 Years
                9 years, 4 months ago

                Spot on. I habe done it myself but really we should post only the bits we are unsure of (i.e. Opinions on.Bellerin? Or Mert & Depay or Kosc & Coutinho?)

            3. Twisted Saltergater
              • 15 Years
              9 years, 4 months ago

              yep, pretty much this.

              FWIW, balanced teams will do sh!te in my opinion because they've not been set-up for the short term fixtures. In seasons past that has been fine, but we now have a WC to use in the first 19 GWs. Yes, you could set up a team for 18 weeks then use it, but the ideal time seems to be once we have an understanding of starting elevens, form, etc.

              1. JPeg
                • 14 Years
                9 years, 4 months ago

                Why do we have a wildcard to use in the first 19 gwks?

                1. Sánchez
                  • 12 Years
                  9 years, 4 months ago

                  Use it or lose it
                  New rules

              2. Sánchez
                • 12 Years
                9 years, 4 months ago

                I agree. Im setting up on a week 8 basis.
                Given deadline day happens after kickoff day, players will arrive and as always, some "nailed on" players might get benched or injured even
                The new WC system for me means WC1 is for getting things right early on to set up for the long term.
                WC2 will be for DGW times

                1. Twisted Saltergater
                  • 15 Years
                  9 years, 4 months ago

                  Yep, exactly. The only benefit I can see is if you get off to a good start and can save the WC until December. You can then prepare your squad for the second half of the season (defender rotation, etc.) rather than limp through to the second WC when the DGW's come around.

            4. Jairzinho
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 14 Years
              9 years, 4 months ago

              Agreed.

              "Change it to my team and then it's perfect"

          7. Goodnight Kiwi
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            Thinking of dropping Cedric or Williams to 4.0 and upgrading Ritchie to Hendo?
            a) yes or no?
            b) get rid of Cedric or Williams?
            Cheers

            1. President John F. Keninnsie
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 4 months ago

              Depends on your other defenders GK.

              1. Goodnight Kiwi
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 11 Years
                9 years, 4 months ago

                True. Currently Azpi, Kos, Huth, Cedric, Williams

                1. President John F. Keninnsie
                  • 10 Years
                  9 years, 4 months ago

                  I'd do it and downgrade Cedric so you keep the LEI/SWA 3rd defender rotation.

                  1. Goodnight Kiwi
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 11 Years
                    9 years, 4 months ago

                    Cheers brew 🙂 looking fwd to ripping up a new season for Team NZ

                    1. President John F. Keninnsie
                      • 10 Years
                      9 years, 4 months ago

                      As am I brew 🙂

          8. Michael Jordan - call me MJ
            • 14 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            Just a quick one,

            Huth, Coates, Jenkinson, Francis

            All likely to be starters next season?

            1. Ludo
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 4 months ago

              Yep!

            2. Dušan Citizen
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 4 months ago

              Yeeah

          9. bennyp
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            Hey lads, thoughts?

            schmei - fab
            ivan - mert - cedric - francis - burke
            fab - caz - ritchie - henderson - wanyama
            aguero - sahko - deeney

            4.5itb. Can always start with Haz over fab but not sure yet... Got extra cash for an easy sanchez swap with cazorla. Should I start with Costa over Aguero?

            1. Abusive_Sgt_Daelrhos
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 4 months ago

              A little heavy in the back maybe... Start Costa

              1. bennyp
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 10 Years
                9 years, 4 months ago

                Yeh a bit heavy but worth it imo. Yeh i'm thinking fab+costa is going to be the chelsea way to go at the start.

                1. Abusive_Sgt_Daelrhos
                  • 10 Years
                  9 years, 4 months ago

                  I'm thinking Fab too with Costa and Azpi but I'm afraid to go without Haz. I had him since the beginning last year and I survived that Fab/Costa rampage first weeks... Still tinkering:)

            2. bootneck
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 4 months ago

              From Hammers fan keep an eye on situation at West Ham, strong rumour Reece Burke may be going out on loan

          10. DanWills
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            Myhill

            Mertersacker
            Azpi
            Morgan

            Fab
            Hendo
            Cabaye
            Ramsey

            Costa
            Kun
            Deeney

            Hamer, O'Shea, Alderweireld, Ki

            Thoughts?

            1. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
              • 13 Years
              9 years, 4 months ago

              Needs better formating

            2. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
              • 13 Years
              9 years, 4 months ago

              Decent though but see above on Myhill

            3. Abusive_Sgt_Daelrhos
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 4 months ago

              U need Huth! Take someone else before Kun picks it up

          11. Nice to Finally Michu
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            Ooh the Joshua King Signing peaks my interest for sure
            I've been following him a bit
            he was very exposive last year for Rovers and is already a starter on the Norwegian NT
            Ready for the best part? he is very very often deployed at striker and based on that could definitely be deployed there for Bournemouth
            Based om that I think he's definitely the best 5.0 option to possibly feature in anyone's team's midfield

            1. Get up ya bum
              • 15 Years
              9 years, 4 months ago

              Interesting. Cheers. Slightly akward price that

          12. Gríma Wormtongue
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            A) Ivanovic // Cedric // Francis // O'shea // Bassong

            or

            B) Azpi // Mertesacker // Damian // O'shea // Saylor

            ?????/

            1. UnitedFan
              • 9 Years
              9 years, 4 months ago

              A)
              great attacking threats and ivan has high no. of tackles, good with new bps system

              1. The_Socca_Philosopha
                • 10 Years
                9 years, 4 months ago

                A) for me as well

            2. bennyp
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 4 months ago

              Ivan/azpi - Mert - Cedric - Francis - O'shea

              Who are your keepers though?

              1. Gríma Wormtongue
                • 9 Years
                9 years, 4 months ago

                it was lloris and kasper but lloris is injured

                1. bennyp
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 10 Years
                  9 years, 4 months ago

                  Ahk. Yeh Kasper works well with that backline.

          13. Ruth_NZ
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            Well, that looks better. Play the 2-5-3 chip in GW1.

            1. Wild Rover
              • 14 Years
              9 years, 4 months ago

              Or when you have two transfers just before a wc?

            2. President John F. Keninnsie
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 4 months ago

              I'm leaning towards that too. Especially when a lot of good value defenders (SWA, WHU, LIV(?)) have unfavourable fixtures.

              1. Ruth_NZ
                • 9 Years
                9 years, 4 months ago

                I have been looking at a GW4 2-5-3 immediately prior to wildcarding. It works but I don't like the look of the squad. But GW1 looks better and has the advantage that I can downgrade a mid soon after.

                My GW1 team would look like this as a rough draft:

                Stekelenburg
                Huth Ivanovich
                Ritchie Mane Cesc Ozil Johnson
                Rooney Costa Lukaku

                1. Twisted Saltergater
                  • 15 Years
                  9 years, 4 months ago

                  Ritchie is very tempting for that GW1 fixture.

                2. President John F. Keninnsie
                  • 10 Years
                  9 years, 4 months ago

                  That looks very good. Is that Bradley Johnson?

                  1. Ruth_NZ
                    • 9 Years
                    9 years, 4 months ago

                    Yes. MVG is an alternative that I'm sure you are aware of. 🙂

                    1. Get up ya bum
                      • 15 Years
                      9 years, 4 months ago

                      Brilliant business for stoke that. Could he get a look in on set pieces?

                      1. Ruth_NZ
                        • 9 Years
                        9 years, 4 months ago

                        Don't think taking set pieces is really his thing but getting on the end of them is.

                        Mourinho: “He covers a fantastic area of the field defensively and after that he has this instinct where he wants to go into finishing areas, he wants to score goals. He’s very good in the air.”

                      2. Ruth_NZ
                        • 9 Years
                        9 years, 4 months ago

                        In addition, after the Atsu/Everton debacle Chelsea are now fixing loan fees differently. The loan fee for MVG is quite high but reduces with every game he starts for Stoke.

                        In other words, play him regularly and the loan fee is £1m. Leave him stranded and it costs you £5m. That kind of thing. Atsu has a similar set of stipulations at Bournemouth as far as I know.

            3. Get up ya bum
              • 15 Years
              9 years, 4 months ago

              All of em look best used once value is built and rankings stagnate imo

              1. Ruth_NZ
                • 9 Years
                9 years, 4 months ago

                I don't think so.

                Once my team is established I will have one or probably two 4.5m bench midfielders. Changing that around to play 2-5-3 will use up too many transfers.

                At the moment I'm assuming I'll wildcard in the first international break. After that my squad will be in its long-term shape. So 2-5-3 for me looks best used in the first 4 GWs or alternatively kept for GW38 when clean sheets are often at a premium. It could also be saved just in case of a defensive injury crisis.

                Still exploring options but the GW1 job looks quite attractive to me thus far.

                1. Get up ya bum
                  • 15 Years
                  9 years, 4 months ago

                  Fair enough that makes sense to me. I normally start with cheap bench fillers but later in the season get some proper squad depth going.
                  I do like the idea of bj and Ritchie as I'm still trying to decide between them 🙂

            4. LE GOD(C)-AMERICAN DYCHO-(1…
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 4 months ago

              Best 5th Mid for this? How much you spending

            5. Miami Monkey
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 4 months ago

              I've been setting up to do this from the start. Looks like I'm going either Mert or Darmian, and then Targett as my likely 2 for GW1. Then on the bench like two 4.5's and a 4.0. Just picking ones that'll get me through 4 weeks

          14. JPeg
            • 14 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            If you could help me out I'd be much obliged:

            I) Best cheap gk pairing that'll last until the January wildcard
            2) Best three 4.0M defenders
            3) Best cheap forward option.

            1. The_Socca_Philosopha
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 4 months ago

              3) Deeney and Wilson at 5.5, not much below that except Jerome (NOR) but he's never been great in the EPL
              2)No Mids priced under 4 mil, but the popular 4.5 mids are Wanyama, Bentalab and Barry

            2. Heytch
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 14 Years
              9 years, 4 months ago

              Ruddy and Butland for me but loads of good combos
              Was Targett Burke and Saylor, but you now need to find someone else for Burke due to Jenkison
              Very cheap or just a little cheap. Sakho if you can spend up to 6.5 Murray if your budget stops at 6. Defoe or Deeney if 5.5. Ask someone else if 5 or less

              1. JPeg
                • 14 Years
                9 years, 4 months ago

                No love for Bojan on here?

                1. Heytch
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 14 Years
                  9 years, 4 months ago

                  You want love for bojan?! You've come to the right place.
                  Not my place... Just FFS. There's always love for him here 😆

                2. 32chickens
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 14 Years
                  9 years, 4 months ago

                  http://oatcakefanzine.proboards.com/thread/240590/bojan-knee-operation-rehab?page=16

                  well i have warned people before but the stoke fans can really laugh at themselves
                  take a look at this for bojan love-warning you need a strong disposition

          15. djenzio
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            anyone else miffed about the new WC changes? I always kept mine till the end and used it as intimidation, lording it over my ML rivals! It was great watching people use their WC up early while I held mine till the dying moments...

            1. Cheeseoid
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              9 years, 4 months ago

              There will still be many who use it as soon as it becomes available.

            2. Ziegler1988
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 4 months ago

              Save it for GW38 then 😉

            3. joinho
              • 15 Years
              9 years, 4 months ago

              Actually prefer new way as always found myself having to use it in january when i didn't really need to make too many changes

              1. Cheeseoid
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 12 Years
                9 years, 4 months ago

                Yes. I think that was the only good change. The use it or lose it of the Jan WC has never worked for me.

          16. The_Socca_Philosopha
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            Huth or Morgan?

            1. Twisted Saltergater
              • 15 Years
              9 years, 4 months ago

              Huth. Has worked with The Tinkerman before.

            2. Ludo
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 4 months ago

              Morgan still playing at the Gold Cup apparently, so Huth might be the safer pick.

          17. Cheeseoid
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            Good evening Chaps, Chappetes and Chapperinos. Any interesting friendly news today?

            1. Get up ya bum
              • 15 Years
              9 years, 4 months ago

              Hi cheesemeister. My balls are itchy and it's very bloody cold in Sydney.

              1. Cheeseoid
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 12 Years
                9 years, 4 months ago

                I hope your balls aren't itchy and bloody?

                1. Get up ya bum
                  • 15 Years
                  9 years, 4 months ago

                  😮 no thanks Christ! (I'm apparently religious when it comes to bloody balls)

                  1. Cheeseoid
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 12 Years
                    9 years, 4 months ago

                    And who is this Sydney character and why are your balls "in" him?

                    1. Get up ya bum
                      • 15 Years
                      9 years, 4 months ago

                      Well this took a hard right on wtf street 😀

            2. Wild Rover
              • 14 Years
              9 years, 4 months ago

              The west likes Iran again

              1. Cheeseoid
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 12 Years
                9 years, 4 months ago

                Maybe we can all now live in perfect harmony?

          18. joinho
            • 15 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            Marks out of 10?

            Cech (Guzan)
            Fonte, Morgan, Bassong, Skrtel (Smith)
            Mané, Silva, Henderson, Walcott (Gosling)
            Agüero, Kane (Kermorgant)

            1. The_Socca_Philosopha
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 4 months ago

              6/10
              Too much money in the GKs
              Cedric over Fonte

            2. UnitedFan
              • 9 Years
              9 years, 4 months ago

              8.5/10 , maybe add another fullback to defence