Scout Reports

The Promoted – Burnley

Having run the rule over Middlesbrough earlier this month, our assessment of the promoted clubs continues with a look at Championship winners Burnley.

After a lengthy three-horse race with both Middlesbrough and Brighton, the Clarets were able to seal promotion back to the top flight in their penultimate fixture against QPR, before claiming the title on the final day thanks to victory at relegated Charlton.

Sean Dyche will take his squad back into the Premier League at the first time of asking, then, having suffered relegation in 2014/15 with a 33-point total, just three points off bottom-placed QPR.

The Statistics

PWDLFAGDPCS
Total46261557235+379320
Home2315623814+245112
Away2311933421+13428

CS = Clean sheets

The statistics offer little argument against Burnley’s credentials as champions. Dyche’s attack was joint-top for goals scored (72) in the division, while the Clarets defence ranked second only to Middlesbrough’s robust rearguard: Burnley allowed just 35 goals and kept 20 clean sheets over the campaign.

Their away form was particularly significant. While they were strong at Turf Moor, Burnley netted more times than any other side on the road and allowed the fewest goals, recording eight clean sheets. It meant that Dyche’s side suffered just three defeats on their travels all season.

The overall pattern of Burnley’s results is of particular interest as it highlights their ability to achieve almost predictable results. The Clarets won all their matches home and away against sides who finished 18th or below. In clashes with the rest of the eventual top eight, however, they triumphed on just three encounters, drawing eight times and losing three.

It would appear that, in the bigger matches against stronger opponents, Dyche set up his side up to be hard to beat. Burnley failed to win any of their road trips against the top eight – a surprising statistic for the best away side in the division.

Nonetheless, the Clarets ended the season on a 23-match unbeaten run, setting a club record as Dyche’s well-drilled side sacrificed a degree of attacking style for a robust invincibility. Ultimately, it won them the title and promotion.

Now back in the Premier League, Dyche will continue to keep things tight at the back as Burnley maintain their results-driven approach.

The Manager

Taking the reins at Turf Moor back in October 2012, Dyche led the Lancashire outfit to an eleventh-placed finish in his first year at the helm.

Burnley were promoted to the top-flight as runners-up to Leicester in 2013/14 but lasted just one season, finishing nineteenth and scoring on just 28 occasions. Dyche’s men registered just 41.6% possession that year, an average better than only one other side.

Relegation to the Championship saw Dyche lose key players such as Danny Ings, Kieran Trippier and Jason Shackell last summer but the acquisition of record signing Andre Gray and free agent Joey Barton prove pivotal to their success.

Despite the drop down in division, Burnley continued to utilise a counter attacking style of play, combining Gray’s pace with the aerial prowess of strike partner Sam Vokes in a default 4-4-2 formation.

An average of 94 long balls per match was second only to Ipswich, with the Clarets’ 48.2% possession only eighteenth highest in last term’s Championship. It’s also worth noting that, in spite of ending the campaign as joint-top scorers, Burnley averaged just 11.9 shots per match – a tally better than just four other sides.

The Promoted Squad

Dyche used just 25 players throughout the campaign and the consistency of his starting lineup was cited as a key factor in their success.

The spine of the side is strong, with Tom Heaton a proven shot-stopper of great pedigree, playing in front of the blossoming central defensive talent that is Michael Keane.

While Barton’s departure to Rangers will leave a void in central midfield, Scott Arfield could offer a reliable and productive mainstay in that position if Dyche moves him off the left flank.

Meanwhile, up front, the Clarets have a potentially potent attacking duo in Vokes and Gray. That pair combine power and pace to great effect and have the ability and understanding to mirror the impact of Watford’s Troy Deeney and Odion Ighalo, who claimed 13 and 16 Premier League goals last season.

Listed below are the players who made at least five appearances and are still currently with the club.

Tom Heaton (46 starts) – awarded the captaincy for the 2015/16 campaign, Heaton furthered his burgeoning reputation with another outstanding season which culminated in his first international cap in England’s friendly with Australia last month. The 30-year-old is arguably at the peak of his career and could prove to be a major attraction for Fantasy Football managers. Heaton was the second ranked keeper in the Fantasy Premier League despite Burnley’s relegation in 2014/15, earning ten clean sheets and registering 130 saves, including two spot-kicks. He’s sure to be a pivotal figure in his second Premier League season and if classified in the budget bracket as expected, he’s likely to be a prime target for our Gameweek 1 squads.

Matt Lowton (25 starts, 2 sub appearances, 1 goal, 3 assists) – snapped up from Aston Villa last summer, the right-back missed the start of the season through injury but nailed down a regular role from December onwards. Lowton offers limited attacking threat – managing just five attempts all season – though his tackles and interceptions could prove beneficial in Fantasy games that reward defensive actions.

Michael Keane (44 starts, 5 goals, 1 assist) – the departure of Shackell allowed the former Man United youth player the chance to cement a regular role in the heart of the back-four. Keane’s threat in and around the box saw him score on five occasions and produce an eye-catching 34 attempts on goal – an effort every 114 minutes is near-identical to Palace’s Scott Dann last year.

Ben Mee (46 starts, 2 goals, 1 assist) – started the season at left-back but was shifted into the heart of defence at the turn of the year and his partnership with Keane proved vital to Burnley’s unbeaten run. Mee just edges Keane for Clearances, Blocks and Interceptions, though offered less goal threat and fired 23 efforts, with a shot every 179 minutes. He’s also more likely to incur the referee’s wrath, having collected nine cautions to Keane’s three.

Stephen Ward (23 starts, 1 sub appearance, 1 goal, 4 assists) a peripheral figure at the beginning of the campaign, Mee’s winter move into central defence allowed the Irishman the chance to nail down the left-back berth. Although he offers more creative threat than fellow full-back Lowton, Ward fares poorly when compared to Keane and Mee for CBI and may struggle to earn our attention.

Tendayi Darikwa (21 starts, 1 goal, 1 assist) started the campaign as the first-choice right-back ahead of Lowton but the latter’s rise to prominence means the summer signing from Chesterfield faces a tough task to break into the first XI this time around. Given his side’s defensive displays over the final few months of 2015/16, it’s fair to say the Clarets boss will be reluctant to unnecessarily tinker.

Dean Marney (7 starts, 5 sub appearances, 2 assists) a peripheral figure over the course of last season, bench-warming duties seem the likeliest scenario as Dyche looks to strengthen in the centre of the park to compensate for Barton’s departure. The latter’s ball-winning presence will clearly need to be addressed – he made more successful tackles than any Burnley player.

Scott Arfield (46 starts, 8 goals, 6 assists) – the Scotsman fired a shot every 67 minutes from his role on the left, quicker than any of Dyche’s preferred midfield four. Arfield sat second for key passes and, having played a part in more goals than any Burnley midfielder, could be one to consider in the budget bracket when the player lists are announced next month.

David Jones (39 starts, 2 sub appearances, 1 goal, 7 assists) – number one for set-pieces and corners, the central midfielder supplied a key pass every 63 minutes, quicker than any team-mate. Jones offered little goal threat, though – an effort every 136.9 minutes is indicative of his reluctance to raid forward.

George Boyd (42 starts, 2 sub appearances, 5 goals, 5 assists) a cult favourite around these parts back in 2014/15, Boyd may struggle to catch the eye this time around – an average of 93.6 minutes per key pass and 71.6 minutes per attempt on goal was bettered by Arfield on the opposite flank on both accounts. The duo’s work-rate on the wing is crucial to Burnley’s style of play – Boyd and Arfield sat second and third for successful tackles across the Championship winning season. The right winger is second to Jones for free-kicks and has a share of corner duties.

Michael Kightly (12 starts, 6 sub appearances, 2 assists) a back-up option on the left who mainly earned his starts when Arfield was forced to cover in the middle. Providing Dyche buys an adequate replacement in the centre of the park, though, Kightly looks destined for a sub role at best.

Fredrik Ulvestad (1 start, 4 sub appearances, 1 assist) made his first start in the final fixture of Burnley’s 2014/15 Premier League campaign but has failed to cement a spot in Dyche’s plans. Was afforded just five outings in last term’s Championship and looks too far down the pecking order to be considered a potential replacement for the now-departed Barton.

Sam Vokes (39 starts, 4 sub appearances, 15 goals, 4 assists) restricted to just five starts in 2014/15 due to injury, the fit-again Vokes proved a vital part in sealing his side’s top-flight return. It’s fair to say that Burnley’s penchant for playing long balls relies on Vokes’ aerial abilities, with the frontman winning a massive 329 successful headers. Put into perspective, strike partner Gray won 14, whilst Troy Deeney’s 231 was first amongst forwards in last term’s top-flight. Vokes produced just 11 shots less than Gray and slightly edged his strike partner for key passes (40 to 34), though is likely to remain under the radar due to the latter’s more prolific displays.

Andre Gray (41 starts, 23 goals, 8 assists) – top scorer in last season’s Championship after bagging 23 goals in his debut year at Turf Moor. Gray’s shot every 31.3 minutes was quicker than any team-mate, whilst a total of eight assists underlines his Fantasy potential. Number one for spot-kicks, he could well prove this season’s star turn amongst the promoted sides’ attackers.

Rouwen Hennings (3 starts, 23 sub appearances) – joined from German outfit Karlsruhe last summer after finishing the 2014/15 campaign as top scorer in Bundesliga 2. Hennings has been restricted to role of impact sub due to the performances of Gray and Vokes and, injuries aside, that situation doesn’t look like changing any time soon. Nonetheless, he looks ahead of the like of Chris Long (1 start, 9 sub appearances), Lukas Jutkiewicz (3 starts, 2 sub appearances) and Ashley Barnes (1 start, 7 sub appearances) as Dyche’s go-to option up top in the latter stages.

Potential Targets

Whilst it’s fair to say that Dyche can be expected to strengthen his squad, the Burnley chief executive David Baldwin pleaded patience in the search for new faces. Pointing to last summer’s late arrivals as an example, Baldwin is reluctant to splash the cash just for the sake of it:

“At the end of the day it’s what is right for Burnley Football Club and it’s what is right to fit into Sean’s DNA. From our point of view, we’re very busy behind the scenes because it’s really important that we tee up and get really good knowledge on the players that we want to go after. It’s very much a case of making sure they fit in to a group, environment and culture that’s already here and established at the club. I feel confident with time and patience that will occur. One good illustration of that is last season, it’s fair to say that both Andre and Joey had a big impact on the season that we had, yet neither one of them was in the building by the second week of August. We certainly shouldn’t be hitting the panic button on July 1st, that’s for sure.”

Prior to any incoming deals, Dyche will have to fend off mounting interest in Michael Keane from champions Leicester. The Foxes have cash to burn after clinching the Premier League crown last term and have now tabled two bids for the defender with a £15m deal rejected earlier this week. Having featured for the King Power club on loan back in 2012/13, Keane has already worked with Claudio Ranieri’s assistant and head of recruitment Steve Walsh, who is determined to acquire the highly-rated centre-half. Keane’s possible departure would clearly have an effect on how we assess Dyche’s defence and clean sheet potential for the season ahead.

Sheffield Wednesday’s Tom Lees is a rumoured target should Keane depart. The centre-half bagged three goals and an assist last season and may well be considering his options after The Owls were beaten by Hull in the Play-Off final.

Central midfield is an obvious weakness and most of the current transfer rumours have focused on this area of the pitch. Growing reports have linked Dyche with a move for Charlie Adam as a result of Barton’s move to Rangers. The Scot has plenty of top-flight experience and racked up 192 points for Blackpool back in 2010/11 – he could also be handed dead-ball duties at Jones’ expense if he opts to make the move from Stoke, where he’s no more than a fringe player under Mark Hughes.

Brighton’s Dale Stephens bagged seven goals and five assists last term and is regarded as a favourite of Dyche’s, whilst elsewhere in the Championship, the likes of Henri Lansbury and Oliver Norwood are also targets. Third for interceptions in last year’s Championship, Norwood made more successful tackles than any midfielder in the Euro 2016 group stages and has the work-rate to make an immediate impact.

Palace’s Joe Ledley is also a reported target, though with five goals and two assists in the last three seasons, offers little attacking threat.

Burnley have also been eyeing up QPR winger Matty Phillips – another player with Premier League experience. His arrival could potentially allow Arfield to move inside and solve Dyche’s conundrum in the centre of the park.

Given Dyche’s consistency of selection over the course of 2015/16, it’d be a major surprise if he chopped and changed from one match to the next. Although he has plenty of cash to strengthen, the Burnley manager’s penchant for a settled side suggest that, barring one or two necessary additions, he’s likely to rely on the majority of last term’s regulars once again.

Mark Mark created the beast. He's now looking to tame it.

1,064 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Ayew Serious
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Not considering any of these guys as of news

    1. Ayew Serious
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      *now...

    2. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      This

  2. Play Pal
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Taking into account their side of the knockout tree, how far do we think Croatia will progress?

    1. Ayew Serious
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Final

      1. ★Kuntheman★
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Agreed.

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

        Possibly. But they may have to win Portugal, Poland and Belgium on the way, and those are not easy matches. In fact, they received the toughest route of that side of the tree. Belgium and Portugal have difficulties in winning matches, but they're still hard to beat.

    2. Play Pal
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Cheers for all the replies! I'll take them into account…

      1. Ayew Serious
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        ...

  3. Slam
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Which striker?
    A) Lukaku 9.0
    B) Milik 7.5

    1. Ayew Serious
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      B

    2. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Switzerland are pretty good defensively. I would go with Lukaku.

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

        Are they really?
        From my understanding they are quite poor...

        1. Karan14
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 9 months ago

          Well they conceded only 1 goal in Group Stage. Hungary conceded 3 in 1 game.

    3. le flem
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      b

  4. Ayew Serious
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Lol @ Ukrainer

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

    Henn
    Hector Rami Meunier
    Payet Perisic Kroos Ramsey
    Ron(C) Lukaku Muller

    Lloris Dier Giach Alli

    0.9m ITB - How would you strengthen this lot?

    1. le flem
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      good

    2. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Looks good.

      Not sure Alli is nailed, although he looked threatening.

  6. le flem
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    rate my team just for next gameweek, have a wildcard:

    hennessey hart

    chester dier smalling cahill hector

    payet perisic ramsey de bruyne grosicki

    milik bale(C) muller

    .5 itb

    cheers

    1. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Would never even think of triple up on England defence. You've got 4 in yours. I'd reduce that to 2 maybe.

  7. Jay_
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Oscar Pistorius is the biggest slime ball on earth.

      1. ★Kuntheman★
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        I hope no one buys his act. He's a madman.

      2. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Agreed. Such a tragic story, Reeva was stunning, what a plonker

    • A.T
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Keane and Gray a worth a sniff. Boyd for old times sake if you're a romantic soul. 🙂

      1. Ayew Serious
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Heaton too

        1. A.T
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 9 months ago

          Yep he'll be on the radar. I can't remember if he was a save magnet last time around as you wouldn't expect too many cleanies. Well I wouldn't anyway. I can't see them staying up which is a shame. Ive a bit if a soft spot for them and get too see the odd game now and then.

          1. Ayew Serious
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 9 months ago

            Save magnet is his appeal. 🙂

    • EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      R16 Draft #2

      Neuer Hennessey
      Schar Rami Dier Jedrzejcik Hector
      KDB Perisic Ramsey Dzsudzsak Payet
      Ronaldo Lukaku Milik

      No Spanish or Italian defender. But WC intact. Thoughts?

      Thanks.

      1. Karan14
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        England Mid or Fwd?

        1. EmreCan Hustle
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 9 months ago

          Dier seems like the only one nailed atm.

      2. ★Kuntheman★
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        I'd pick up Alli for Dzsudzsak. Rest looks fine.

        1. EmreCan Hustle
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 9 months ago

          Cheers.
          Alli nailed?

    • Karan14
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      I think this was the best I could come up with. What do you guys think about it ?

      Fabianski

      Rami Hector Meunier

      Payet Perisic Rackitic Ramsey KDB

      Mueller Bale

      Neur Vardy Dier Giaccherini

      Also is Meunier nailed ?

      1. EmreCan Hustle
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Don't like Rakitic. Rest is good.

        1. Karan14
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 9 months ago

          I would bring in a Spanish Mid instead of him. But Italy, then Germany and then possibly France. Any suggestion ?

          1. EmreCan Hustle
            • 11 Years
            7 years, 9 months ago

            Perhaps Grosicki?

      2. ★Kuntheman★
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        I like it. Think Muller is kinda unnecessary but otherwise it's fine.

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

      FPL article. YAY.

      1. Ayew Serious
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Too bad it's about a team who aren't very fpl relevant

      2. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Looking forward to a few more

    • ★Kuntheman★
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Current team. No WC so I have to kinda predict the semifinalists (which I think will be Belgium, Croatia, Spain, and France).

      Hence:

      Subasic (Courtois)
      Koscielny Rami Muenier (Hector, Juanfran)
      De Bruyne Payet Perisic Kroos (Alli)
      Bale(c) Lukaku Giroud
      0.6 in the bank.

      Thoughts?

      1. EmreCan Hustle
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Looks good. Wouldn't expect much from Subasic.

        1. ★Kuntheman★
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 9 months ago

          I just think he'll make it far

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

        No germany in semis?

      3. dub75670
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        I like it

    • SKENG
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Someone told me on the last page Vermaelen won't start the next game. Any idea why this is, anyone?

    • Blurryface
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Ronaldo n Bale together. Good or bad?

    • ryacoo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Which combo is better?

      A) Muller, Lukaku, Alli
      B) Giroud, Vardy, KDB

    • No UFPL Next Season
      Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      No UFPL game being run this year. 🙁

      1. Ayew Serious
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Really? Why?

        1. Wild Rover
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 9 months ago

          Hi Dean,

          Thanks for your email and interest in Ultimate Fantasy Premier League (UFPL).

          We can confirm that the Ultimate game will not be running during the 2016/17 season. As part of a major overhaul of the Premier League’s digital properties, we’re focused on rebuilding and improving the free to play Fantasy Premier League game in advance of the new season. So while UFPL may return in the future, it will not be available this August.

          Kind regards,
          Ultimate Fantasy Premier League Support

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

            More changes to FPL then? 😐

            1. Wild Rover
              • 13 Years
              7 years, 9 months ago

              There always are but could be pretty major ones this year

              1. ★Kuntheman★
                • 8 Years
                7 years, 9 months ago

                This

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

            That sucks. 🙁

          3. Ayew Serious
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 9 months ago

            Fpl to become daily fantasy? 😮

            1. tm245
              • 12 Years
              7 years, 9 months ago

              I think they will.

              1. Ayew Serious
                • 8 Years
                7 years, 9 months ago

                I will not be happy. Planning becomes far more complex for my little brain.

                And it's just not as fun

                1. tm245
                  • 12 Years
                  7 years, 9 months ago

                  Too much like work, agreed.

          4. Hooky
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 9 months ago

            You're called Dean and not Albert?! I'm most disappointed!

      2. A.T
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        🙁

      3. ★Kuntheman★
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Definitely means added material to the regular game. Looking forward to it.

        1. Wild Rover
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 9 months ago

          'rebuilding and improving' suggests big changes

      4. tm245
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        They are going to go big on DFS -- perfect for short attention spans and generating visitors to the site week after week, since no team is ever a dead team in that format.

        Too bad as I have really enjoyed the McEuros set-up which many people say is similar to UFPL.

        1. Wild Rover
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 9 months ago

          DFS?

          1. tm245
            • 12 Years
            7 years, 9 months ago

            Daily Fantasy Sports, what Draftkings is.

            1. Wild Rover
              • 13 Years
              7 years, 9 months ago

              Nothing to do with furniture then? 😀

          2. SuperDunny - Used to be goo…
            • 14 Years
            7 years, 9 months ago

            Daily Fantasy Sports... get with it old timer

            1. Wild Rover
              • 13 Years
              7 years, 9 months ago

              Haha, how's it work then? 🙂

              1. tm245
                • 12 Years
                7 years, 9 months ago

                You pick your team for one week only, within a budget. Professional gamblers (in America, that comes with inside information and scandals) fleece the masses by playing the differentials.

                If FPLDiscovery and Scout Picks had a baby, it would be DFS.

                1. tm245
                  • 12 Years
                  7 years, 9 months ago

                  Killian would be the godfather, just to be clear.

                2. Pork Pie Sausage Roll
                  • 13 Years
                  7 years, 9 months ago

                  Sounds interesting. I hope they run it in parallel to FPL as opposed to replacing it though.

                3. wachu
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 11 Years
                  7 years, 9 months ago

                  I don't like this formula because you don't have to take responsability for your squad, because every GW you can change all players. It's boring for me, because it have nothing with tactic as it is now- in currently FPL formula.

                4. Smarty Pants
                  • 14 Years
                  7 years, 9 months ago

                  Lol, what?! 😀

        2. SuperDunny - Used to be goo…
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 9 months ago

          This

        3. tm245
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 9 months ago

          Scout Picks to be a new tab on the FPL site?

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

          If they take it in the direction of DFS I'm out. 😕

      5. Kun Tozser
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Software developers are not cheap 😉

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

        Wakey will be devastated lol

      7. djenzio
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        shower of b*stards

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

      WC was basically a step sideways. Good news I get to do it again!

      Hart | Sommer
      Giac | Hector | Jrdhfhgrhs | Rami | Meunier
      Payet | Allen | Iniesta | Kroos | Pogba
      Nolito | Bale | Ronaldo

      Thoughts?

      1. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Iniesta isn't great from a ff perspective doesn't chip in with many goals or assists, likewise Allen. I would take Ramsey from the Welsh

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

          Yeah, I actually have the funds for Rambo. He's not super consistent, but may not be a bad punt against NIL.

    • Tmel
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Any better options than Witsel or Alli in the 6.8 or under bracket?

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

        Short term - Allen may be.

      2. Ayew Serious
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Dzsudzsak?

    • Tmel
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Andre Gray definitely going on my watchlist

      1. Ten Season Wonder
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Going in my basket

    • Ten Season Wonder
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      A). Hazard & Gru/Morata

      OR

      B). Witsel & Muller

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

        A

    • TheBusDriver
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      How does grandpa Carvallo start ahead of Fonte?

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

        I don't know 🙁

      2. Rains of Castamere
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Bonkers isn't it. Carvalho is way past it.

    • Lucy.
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Pick one: Blaszczykowski, Rakitic (double), Ramsey or Iniesta?

      To go alongside:
      Hazard, Payet, Perisic, Kroos
      Bale, Muller, Morata

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

        Rakitic.

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

          Probably biased cause that's my exact midfield. 😉

      2. Ayew Serious
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Ramsey.

        There all doubles really apart from Blaszcz

      3. Slam
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Rakitic imo. I expect Croatia to maintain their great attacking form.
        Fantastic attack imo, just wondering, why have you gone with Morata over the likes of Milik or Lukaku?

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

          At the moment, because of the MD3 (c) potential. But it's far from set in stone. But I've also had Lukaku and Giroud in that spot.

      4. EmreCan Hustle
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Ramsey

      5. Kun Tozser
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Well I have Blasz and Rambo

        Morata probably your weak attacker though

    • agramadyastha
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      please RMT

      henn - kristinsson
      howedes - pazdan - rami - dier - munier
      blasz - payet - perisic - ozil - KDB
      bale - giroud - muller

      0.4 itb

      1. kinghenry14
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        not quite sure if howedes is nailed since kimmich played much better than him at RB last game

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

          noted. thanks!

    • RyanC
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      98458th draft.

      Hennessey De Gea
      Hector Rami Meunier Giaccherini Dier
      Hazard Kroos Payet Perisic Rakitic
      Bale Ronaldo Milik

      Still got a WC and probably using it in the quarters.

      Looking alright?

    • TheBusDriver
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      People are underestimating Portugal. They've unbeaten in the Euros since Germany beat them in 2012. 7 games or so.

      1. Ayew Serious
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Watching their recent games is better than nitpicking stats that are from 4 years back

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

          They were very unlucky. They'll beat Croatia comfortably.

          1. Ayew Serious
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 9 months ago

            Grav bet?

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

              If Croatia win, I'll never post on FFS again.

              1. Ayew Serious
                • 8 Years
                7 years, 9 months ago

                Be realistic

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

                Someone please take note of the permalink!

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

            Please explain how they were unlucky?
            Getting 3 points from a group with Iceland, Hungary and Austria?

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

              This.

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

              Dominated all games.

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

                So did England.

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

                  England didn't create chances, Portugal did.

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

                    They did.

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

                      😡

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

                    Portugal did? You mean Ronaldo did. I think he had 30 shots over the 3 games?
                    Point being, although Portugal created chances, they weren't necessarily good ones

          3. Ayew Serious
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 9 months ago

            I kind of agree though.
            Dominated in the first 2 games but the defending against Hungary was laughable

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

              With that defending in mind, think what the Croatian attack could do to them.

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

                You mean Mandzukic who can't score to save his life

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

                  No, I mean Perisic and Rakitic, two of the form players of the tournament.

              2. Ayew Serious
                • 8 Years
                7 years, 9 months ago

                Exactly why I'm thinking Perisic captain

                1. muggaz
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 12 Years
                  7 years, 9 months ago

                  this. I am Perisic(c)

              3. Rossaldinho
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 14 Years
                7 years, 9 months ago

                Agreed Lucy! Busdriver I don't know if you saw the MOTD highlights last night but there was a short focus on Ronaldo's reactions when things didn't go Portugal's way. Team spirit will suffer and I anticipate a few yellow cards

      2. Wild Rover
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        More like you are over estimating them. 😉

    • Slam
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      First draft and decided to go with a 4.5 fodder, thoughts?

      Subasic (Neuer)
      Boateng Hector Meunier (Cahil Juanfran)
      Rakitic Perisic Payet KDB (Duda)
      Muller Bale Milik

      Triple German defence and double Croatian attack, I'm chasing so wouldn't mind some risky recommendations 😀

      1. Rossaldinho
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Slamdog triple German defence doesn't take account of their QF game with Spain - risky!

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

          I thought about this, here are my thoughts:
          - Looking at the stats, the Germans are most likely to keep a CS in the R16 only (Slovakia with poor attacking stats and Germans with great defensive stats)
          - You don't know if it will be Italy or Spain tbf, I'm kind of hoping it's Italy tbh 😀
          - If it is indeed Spain, hopefully it will be a game full of nerves that will go to pens.

          It's a risk I know 🙂 But it's got huge potential upside, especially in the short term.

          1. Rossaldinho
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            7 years, 9 months ago

            good luck!

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

          Yeah Italy will give Germany an hard time as always

      2. Jay_
          7 years, 9 months ago

          Can't fault it mate, solid

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

            Cheers Jay

      3. Jay_
          7 years, 9 months ago

          Shooting at a cinema in Germany, multiple wounded, no confirmed dead, gunman barricaded himself in. Unknown if any hostages. Pray that it's just a few wounded and nothing worse 🙁

          1. Jay_
              7 years, 9 months ago

              Reports of between 20-50 injured, not looking good.

            • Ayew Serious
              • 8 Years
              7 years, 9 months ago

              Unsurprising. Germany have big problems

            • Kun Tozser
              • 8 Years
              7 years, 9 months ago

              What is wrong with people!

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

            Okay here we go again:

            Lloris / Hennessey
            Dier / Hector / Menuier / Rami / Jed
            Özil / KdB / Payet / Perisic / Alli
            Morata / Bale / Lukaku

            What do you think? Anything needs changing? No Italy or Spain.

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

              Would want to get Ramsey in...

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

                Ozil -> Kroos and Alli -> Ramsey?

            2. Kun Tozser
              • 8 Years
              7 years, 9 months ago

              Ozil > Ramsey

          3. Hendrix911
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 9 months ago

            Any ideas, tips etc would be welcome 🙂
            I'm quite low on points (142) but haven't used my WC yet

            Neuer, Hennessy

            Dier, Hector, Rami, Jedrzej, Meunier

            Hazard, Payet, Perisic, Rakitic, Kroos

            Muller, Bale, Giroud