Selection

Fantasy Premier League – Player List Analysis – Budget Midfielders

After running the rule over goalkeepers as well as budget, mid price and premium defenders, we now scan the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) player list to assess budget midfielders.

This group of players is often kindly priced for a reason, whether it’s the risk of rotation or just their lowly FPL points output.

Nonetheless, a budget option who can offer consistent pitch time can be a key “enabler” – a player that can free up cash to spend big elsewhere, whilst filling in admirably from the bench when the auto-subs come into play.

As you edge up into the 5.5 bracket, there is even the potential for a budget option to blossom into a regular starter – a scenario we witnessed with none other than Riyad Mahrez in the last campaign.

There’s no question that Bournemouth stand out as a major source of budget midfield talent. Eddie Howe’s side were often plundered in 2015/16, as a cast of midfielders almost took it turns to come to the fore as cut-price options. This time around, their array of candidates remains strong, although FPL managers will hope that a stand-out performer emerges.

Josh King was the pick of the bunch last season with six goals and two assists from 24 starts, having been thrust into the Bournemouth attack for spells. A price hike from 4.5 to 5.5 reflects this strong form, although it’s uncertain if he’ll be given regular starts this time out, let alone the opportunity to spearhead the Cherries’ attack.

Junior Stanislas (5.5) presents another option in the Bournemouth midfield, although security of starts is again an issue. The winger topped their charts for goal attempts per appearance and scored on three occasions but faces fierce competition on the flanks.

Max Gradel is likely to be above Stanislas in the pecking order. Despite being sidelined through injury for much of the previous campaign, the tricky attacker averaged more shots in the box per appearance and also scored 17 goals while at Saint Etienne in 2014/15. If he can claim a number ten role behind the lone striker, he could represent outstanding value.

Having said that, new signing Jordan Ibe appears to be the strongest option from day one. While Ibe made just 12 starts for Liverpool last season, we can surely presume that Howe will hand his £15 million signing regular starts.

Ibe is currently the most popular Cherries midfielder (5.5%) and scored his first goal for the club in today’s friendly with Portsmouth. There are some caveats, though: he registered a shot on goal every 43.7 minutes for Liverpool last season, creating a chance for team-mates every 63 minutes. Both King and Stanislas bettered that shot frequency (36.3 and 34.2), while the latter also surpassed Ibe’s creativity, laying on a chance every 45.6 minutes.

Crystal Palace have often provided another rich source of value midfielders. Their class of 2016/17 is headlined by the erratic talent of winger Wilfried Zaha at 5.5.

Potentially, this could prove exceptional value. We’re certainly expecting Alan Pardew to preserve Zaha in his starting lineup – he was, after all, voted the Eagles player of the season.

However, that could see Yannick Bolasie (6.0) shifted to a number ten role, boosting his stock as an alternative. Meanwhile, the allure of Andros Townsend’s proven goal threat at 6.5 will also detract from Zaha’s promise as a budget option.

If you’re snubbing both Townsend and Bolasie, then Zaha offers a third viable route into the Palace attack ahead of a favourable opening set of matches. Pardew’s men host West Brom, Bournemouth and Stoke in their opening three Selhurst Park meetings.

According to our Fixture Ticker, it’s West Brom who are blessed with the kindest opening to the season in terms of goal potential.

Tony Pulis’ side are rarely associated with providing attacking returns, although for this campaign, a summer signing and a young starlet may offer renewed potential. Recent recruit Matt Phillips has been priced at 5.5 and arrives back in the top flight having already proved a direct goal threat and prolific creator during his spell with QPR.

Phillips averaged a shot on goal every 45.8 minutes in QPR’s relegation season. He also scored three times and assisted a further eight goals for the Hoops. Such statistics offer significant hope he can break the mold and offer a genuine value route into the West Brom midfield for the coming season.

On the opposite flank, Jonathan Leko (4.5) is bracing himself for a breakthrough season. The 18-year-old earned a handful of appearances at the end of last season but, so far, has been almost ever present in pre-season on the left wing.

Pulis looks set to invest his faith in the youngster and, if he does cement starts, there can be no question that he would provide an enticing 4.5 option.

To this point, both Leko and Phillips have claimed just 0.8% and 0.4% ownership respectively. Instead, FPL managers have flocked to Darren Fletcher as a 4.5 option in the Baggies engine room.

The Scot certainly seems assured of starts and claimed a goal and three assists last term. However, there can be no question that Pulis’ wing options provide far more explosive alternatives that could even see them emerge as starters in our XI.

Only N’Golo Kante (5.0) can better Fletcher for ownership amongst budget options to this point, having found his way into more than 21% of squads.

The Chelsea capture from champions Leicester will likely be a certain starter in Antonio Conte’s midfield but his popularity is still somewhat puzzling.

Kante notched just a single goal and four assists for Leicester in their title winning campaign and there is no obvious potential to increase those tallies at Stamford Bridge. Indeed, should Chelsea flourish under Conte, it’s likely that FPL managers will look to rid themselves of Kante in order to free up a Chelsea slot for a more profitable asset.

Ironically, Kante’s capture could have a bigger impact back at his old club Leicester.

The Foxes have a couple of low-cost midfield assets that may just kick-on this season, with Claudio Ranieri forced to re-model his starting XI.

We’re watching to see if Andy King (5.0) can earn regular starts for the champions. With two goals and two assists from just nine starts last season, King has demonstrated that he can reward investors if granted pitch time.

For those willing to stretch to the 5.5 bracket, Danny Drinkwater could also prove value for money. After starting 35 matches last season, his inflated price tag factors in that greater security of starts and the prospect of improving on 2015/16’s promising tally of three goals and seven assists. Drinkwater has so far claimed 8% ownership in pre-season.

That’s left last season budget darling, Marc Albrighton, trailing. The Leicester winger has so far earned just 2% ownership, thanks in the main to his inflated 5.5 price tag.

Albrighton does not convince us this season. Jeffrey Schlupp (a 5.0 defender) will push him for starts if he remains at the King Power, while Demarai Gray (5.0) could also be a threat as he continues to progress.

Tottenham’s Eric Dier (5.5) is another to attract high ownership. This is doubtless explained by the fact that he sits top of the pile for points in the sub 5.5 bracket, having notched 130 last season.

However, Dier was listed as defender for 2015/16 and was therefore boosted by 12 clean sheets. Having been re-classified, he’ll score a single point from shut-outs, rather than four, over this campaign.

Dier managed to emerge from England’s faltering Euro 16 campaign with some credit, revealing a prowess from direct free-kicks. No doubt his 14.2% ownership will be hoping that he can translate that set-piece threat to the Premier League but, with Christian Eriksen in the Spurs ranks, that seems highly doubtful.

Like Kante, the acquisition of Dier will use up one of three Spurs slots that may just become precious should Mauricio Pochettino’s men enjoy another fruitful campaign. The arrival of Victor Wanyama (5.0) could also be a factor as the Kenyan international could be used to rotate Dier around Champions League fixtures.

Across the road in North London, Arsenal’s £34 million signing Granit Xhaka (5.5) has also picked up some healthy interest: The Swiss midfielder is currently found in 6.5% of initial squads.

Like Dier, this level of popularity does not convince us.

Xhaka notched three goals and a single assist in 28 appearances for Borussia Monchengladbach last term – hardly statistics to justify such ownership. He averaged a shot every 71.8 minutes in 2015/16; that ranks him behind new team-mate Mohamed Elneny (5.0), who fired in an effort every 63.6 minutes over his 11 Arsenal appearances.

Sofiane Feghouli (5.5) has hit the ground running for West Ham in pre-season, already providing an assist in the friendly against the Carolina Railhawks early this month.

Over 5% have been tempted thus far, perhaps looking to the Algerian to cover the Hammers’ attack having decided against the 9.5 fee for Dimitri Payet.

Feghouli has never scored more than six goals in any league campaign and fired in an effort every 57.2 minutes for Valencia last season; that was slower than Payet, Manuel Lanzini (6.5) and Michail Antonio (7.0).

Assists may just prove more profitable for his owners, with Feghouli laying on a chance every 48.4 minutes in La Liga last term, quicker than all West Ham midfielders aside from the mercurial Payet.

The Hammers have strong early home fixtures and will surely be buoyed to perform at the Olympic Stadium. However, with plenty of competition for places in attacking positions and Europa League football in the mix, Feghouli’s league starts are far from guaranteed.

The Southampton ranks offer up three prime contenders in this bracket, although it’s worth stating that if you’re considering either Nathan Redmond (6.0), Jay Rodriguez (6.5) or Dusan Tadic (7.5) in the mid-price, you’ll likely to overlook them.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s price tag of just 4.5 has put many on immediate alert and has already drawn an ownership of 4.9%.

The 20-year-old Dane is undeniably a prospect: he is the youngest player to represent Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga. However, while his goal record is fairly strong in reserve team football, Hojbjerg has been far from prolific at a first team level.

The statistics bear this out – a shot every 57 minutes and a chance created every 182 minutes for Schalke 04 last season produced just one assist from 13 appearances. Hojbjerg has potential but will have to prove himself to Claude Puel, who will be in no hurry to thrust the young midfielder into the spotlight.

It’s also worth noting that, although he netted from the spot in today’s friendly win over PEC Zwolle, there were no first-team regulars on the pitch at the time of the award.

Spend a million more and you can take your pick of James Ward-Prowse or Steven Davis (both 5.5).

We’ve been monitoring Ward-Prowse for several campaigns, waiting for him to cement a starting role. This season could well prove to be a breakthrough, with the England U21 starlet looking to build on his 14 starts from 2015/16.

There’s no doubting his quality: Ward-Prowse’s dead-ball delivery is a potent weapon and he’s also listed high on the pecking order for spot-kicks – he may even be the designated taker when on the pitch.

Pitch-time isn’t an issue for Steven Davis and, while he lacks the obvious appeal, the shift to a number ten role in the latter stages of last season has raised awareness – particularly after a brace at White Hart Lane. Only Dusan Tadic (7.5) created more chances for Southampton last term.

It’s uncertain how Puel will deploy the Northern Ireland international but, if he choses to use his qualities behind a lone striker, we’ll certainly be monitoring Davis’ progress.

While we have some reservations on the Hojbjerg hype, we certainly recognise the growing case for Watford’s Etienne Capoue as a 4.5 enabler.

Although the defensive midfielder has only scored one Premier League goal in his career, he has now netted twice in summer friendlies – new manager Walter Mazzarri has granted him freedom to bomb forward from the heart of the Hornets’ new 3-5-2 system.

On last season’s form, Ben Watson (4.5) looks the pick of Watford’s budget midfielders after starting 31 times and emerging as their most successful supplier of crossed balls. His two goals, assist and tally of 89 FPL points last term further add to his appeal.

Unlike Capoue, Watson’s role appears to be uncertain under Mazzarri. He made his first start of the pre-season in today’s stalemate with Anzhi Makhachkala and will need monitoring over the remaining summer fixtures.

Budget options are normally littered amongst the promoted squads and, sure enough, there are candidates on offer for 2016/17.

Hull City will be considered relegation battlers in waiting as a result of Steve Bruce’s departure and a string of cruel pre-season injuries at the back.

In attacking quarters they at least have the talents of Robert Snodgrass (5.5), who scored four times and notched seven assists in an injury-ravaged promotion season for Hull that restricted him to 21 starts. The Scot’s ability to play on either flank adds to his appeal, as does his strong underlying statistics, having averaged a key pass every 30.1 minutes last season, more than any other team-mate. With set-pieces in his locker, Snodgrass may come into the reckoning once Hull get a foothold.

For the same price Mo Diame offers a significant goal threat from the centre of the park, having scored ten times and assisted a further four more goals. He averaged 30.5 minutes per goal in 2015/16, which was better than any other Hull midfielder.

Finally, Sam Clucas (5.0) started 39 times in Hull’s promotion season, where he accrued six goals and eight assists. However, with just two starts in Hull’s final eight fixtures, the former Chesterfield winger looks a risky proposition.

While Middlesbrough boast the top-flight experience of Stewart Downing (5.5), a tepid promotion campaign has us doubt his ability to make an impact this time around. Instead, we’re monitoring the pre-season progress of Viktor Fischer (5.5) who has so far attracted a 2.3% ownership.

As our Scout Report revealed, the former Ajax prospect notched eight goals and three assists from 28 appearances last season, registering a shot on goal every 29 minutes – only Jordan Rhodes (21.9) amongst Boro’s promotion squad bettered that.

With the fixtures falling very kindly for Aitor Karanka’s men, Fischer is certain to figure on our pre-season Watchlist.

Burnley’s cupboard was looking a little bare until recently.

While the romantic in us wants to look again at George Boyd (5.5) after he served us so well as 4.5 option in the Claret’s relegation season, we’re now more drawn to new signing Johann Berg Gudmundsson (5.5).

As we outlined in our recent Scout Report, Gudmundsson averaged a shot attempt every 36.1 minutes for Charlton last season, which was far better than Boyd (71.6). The Iceland international also held a significant edge in terms of assist potential, producing a key pass every 43.1 minutes, compared to Boyd’s 93.6 minutes.

Finally, we’re monitoring two more “breakout” options.

Chelsea’s Ruben Loftus-Cheek (5.5) has so far enjoyed an encouraging pre-season, pushed into a striking role by Antonio Conte.

While the return of Chelsea’s established stars from their extended break will likely oust the 20-year-old back onto the bench, we’ll be watching and waiting for Loftus-Cheek to make his mark.

Equally, with David Moyes now seizing the reigns at Sunderland, we have to track the progress of Duncan Watmore (5.0).

Classed as a midfielder this time around, his direct running can terrify defences and Moyes could hopefully turn to the local boy to win the affections of the home fans early on.

J0E Podcaster and writer. Tweets stats and stuff via @FFScout_Joe Follow them on Twitter

2,616 Comments Post a Comment
  1. The Curse of Falcao
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 3 months ago

    Got a pretty standard MID, looks almost identical to my MID last season, anyone got some shouts to replace any of these?

    Mahrez Ozil Payet (All 9.5) | Alli (8.5) | Watson(4.5)

    1. Oooof
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 3 months ago

      Go tried and tested at the beginning.

      Last year I remember going for Depay on the basis of all the hype and one or two other PL newbies.

      Cost me a bad start to the season.

      1. The Curse of Falcao
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 3 months ago

        I did exactly the same with Depay as well :/

        1. Oooof
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 3 months ago

          I see all these teams with Zlatan and Mkhitaryan - I reckon one of them will be a disappointment.

          Plus Mourinho seems a pretty defensive manager to me.

          1. The Curse of Falcao
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 3 months ago

            Zlatan would be my pick from the 2, everything will go to him and he's a proven world class striker, will be an interesting season that's for sure.

            1. Oooof
              • 9 Years
              8 years, 3 months ago

              Are you having Aguero and Zlat?

              1. The Curse of Falcao
                • 9 Years
                8 years, 3 months ago

                Tried that, but my team was suffering in other areas because of it, opted for Zlatan right now for price, but it's not 100% yet

                1. Oooof
                  • 9 Years
                  8 years, 3 months ago

                  Yes, agreed that it's one or the other for me.

                  So far it's Aguero unless Zlatan lights it up in the charity shield match.

                  1. The Curse of Falcao
                    • 9 Years
                    8 years, 3 months ago

                    Yea, Aguero is proven in the BPL and I have many memories of him saving my gameweeks, my thinking at he moment or Zlatan is that he frees up a bit of money for improvements elsewhere, however it will only work if he does the business.

                    1. shiva3593
                      • 9 Years
                      8 years, 3 months ago

                      MTT... Suggestions are most welcome.. Worried about Bojan.. And gray/Long/Austin/hernandez/berahino? Capoue or hojberg?

                      I got Aguero and Ibra.. Is this team OK or should I chane?

                      Foster/Heaton

                      Shaw / Stones / Friend / Saure / Pieters
                      Eriksen / Miki / Bojan / Ayew/ capoue
                      Aguero/ Ibra/ Gray

                      1. The Curse of Falcao
                        • 9 Years
                        8 years, 3 months ago

                        Going for either Aguero or Zlatan will make life a lot easier, you can upgrade some of your concerns.

                      2. papabouba
                        • 8 Years
                        8 years, 3 months ago

                        I'm not overly keen on Bojan. Otherwise looks like a really good team!

            2. LANNISTER
              • 8 Years
              8 years, 3 months ago

              zlatan r aguero...whom to choose???

              1. navbash
                • 8 Years
                8 years, 3 months ago

                I reckon Aguero. He was injured for part of last year and was still joint 2nd for goals (1 behind Kane). Plus, Guardiola and Aguero working together can only be good.

  2. MarkusH
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 3 months ago

    Guys, what do you make of my team?

    Foster (Adrian)

    Morgan, Shaw, Taylor (Souare, Friend)

    Mahrez, Mkhi, KDB, Ayew (Capoue)

    Costa, Lukaku, Long

    Is Aguero a must? And am I missing out on not having a Chelsea defender?

    1. papabouba
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 3 months ago

      Yes Aguero is a must imo

      1. LANNISTER
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 3 months ago

        aguero or zlatan???

  3. Bushman
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 3 months ago

    Hey guys,
    Please RMT:

    Foster / Janko
    Terry / Walker / Gabriel Paulista / Friend / Morgan
    Mkhi/ Mahrez / Fergouli / Capoue / Ayew
    Kun / Vardy / Gray (or other £6.5)

    Cheers

    1. papabouba
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 3 months ago

      Dunno if you really want to triple up on Leicester from the start. Vardy seems overpriced to me. Also not sure about Gabriel Paulista...

  4. papabouba
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 3 months ago

    Please RMT and rip it to bits. Thanks!

    Foster / Heaton
    Shaw / Walker / Kone / Souare / Fernandez
    Tadic / Ayew / Fabregas / Eriksen / Fletcher
    Kun / Ibra / Long

    1. Bushman
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 3 months ago

      Thanks for your comments on my team. I'm also unsure about Leicester, particularly Vardy, but Hull in gw1 should be one-sided. I had the same 3 forwards as you but the rest of my team was weak. You seem to have found a nice balance through going for mid-price midfielders. I can't see how Fab fits into Conte's team unless he plays 1 striker so he could be a bit of a gamble imo.

  5. sentz05
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 3 months ago

    Can someone please provide some advice:

    Cech (Jakupovic)
    Van Aanholt, Simpson, Bellerin, Taylor (Friend)
    Ozil, Mahrez, Zaha (Hojbjerg, Fletcher)
    Aguero, Ibra, Wilson

    Many thanks

    1. papabouba
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 3 months ago

      Beef up your 3rd and 4th midfielders by downgrading your defence and Cech by a notch or two.

  6. Pirlø's Pen
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 3 months ago

    Anyone else going full in on City and having KDB & Kun?

    1. Sauzée
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 3 months ago

      For the moment but tempted to downgrade KDB to Firmino.

      1. Batigol
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 3 months ago

        yeah I downgraded KDB to firminio

    2. Bushman
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 3 months ago

      I can't afford both

  7. jatoamtic34
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 3 months ago

    RMT Please! First year year doing this

    Foster - Heaton
    Baines - Shaw - Van Aanholt - Friend - Paredes
    KDB - Hazard - Barley - Eriksen - Fischer
    Ibra - Long - Gray

    1. Batigol
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 3 months ago

      seems like a decent first team, not having Kun in might hurt you in the rankings if he perfoms. He will be up the in the ownership % imo

  8. Batigol
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 3 months ago

    So I made some more alterations. How is my team looking?
    GK-Konstantopolous, Boruc
    Deff- Keane, Ayala, Alderweireld, Koné, Targett
    Midd-Payet, Mahrez, Ibe, Ward Prouse, Fletcher
    Forwards- Agüero, Gray, Ibrahimovic

    RMT please

    1. Bushman
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 3 months ago

      i think you're whole team is suffering from having both Kun and Ibra. I would lose one to improve other areas. I would downgrade Toby to Walker to save £1m. There's better £5.5m players than Ward-Prowse imo (I've gone for Ferghouli atm). I don't think Targett is a starter. I haven't put Payet in - the Hammers gave tough fixtures and he's returning from Euro duties so may not be chucked straight into the action. Your defende is reliant on teams that will most likely be at the bottom

  9. foreverton
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 3 months ago

    Foster - 4.0

    Friend, VvD, Funes Mori, (Evans, 4.0)

    Barkley, Mahrez, Ayew, KDB (4.5)

    Long, Aguero, Lukaku

    RMT please.

    1. joersherman
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Looks solid to me. Could swap out barkley for deulofeu to free up 1m. Leicester have a hard few games up to GW5 so could swap mahrez for another 9.5 and bring mahrez in later on?

  10. creaky24
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 3 months ago

    Ibe or Gradel?

    Any ideas on who's likely to be the bigger star?

    1. lufc87
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 3 months ago

      I loved Gradel when with Leeds and he also did very well in France. Personally I think he will be bigger than Ibe so that's why I have him in....better off just checking how the pre season pans out really. Gradel has great pace and lots of tricks.

  11. punking
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 3 months ago

    Afternoon lads. What do you think of this team?

    Cech
    Baines / Otamendi / Cedric
    Hazard / Mkhi / Zaha / Snodgrass
    Wilson / Aguero / Ibra

    Jaku / Mendy / Smith / Paredes

    Cheers.

    1. Bushman
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 3 months ago

      Looks decent but your 3rd and 4th mids and bench are weak and there's better players for the same price. I would sacrifice Kun or Ibrahamovic for the benefit of the team. I would also change Cedric - he will be late back to training following Euros heroics and may miss the start.

  12. clmhrd
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 3 months ago

    Right, first ever draft lads. Feel free to pick holes...

    -------------Foster----------------
    -----Azpi-Morgan-Baines------
    Townsend-Mahrez-Mkhi-Cesc
    -----Kun-Lukaku-Austin-----

    (Jaku, paredes, Van A, Capoue)

    1. Arvient
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      - For GK, Foster not a bad choice for the first few weeks but you might get into trouble if WBA repeat their disastrous defense record last season and Hull also might buy a new GK soon cuz they only have 1 available GK right now (Mc gregor is injured). I would go for Forster with an 'r' instead.
      - Kun+Lukaku is fine. Austin might not be 1st choice in his team anytime soon.
      - Midfield and defense are both good to go.

  13. hjalmarekdal
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 3 months ago

    Hi guys, just signed up. Was hoping to getting some response on my first draft. RMT please 🙂

    Schmeichel - (Jaku)
    Shaw, Taylor, Pieters - (McAuley, Paredes)
    Hazard, Özil, Sigurdsson, Fischer - (Höjbjerg)
    Aguero, Ibra, Gray

    1. Bazzalona
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 3 months ago

      shaw taylor......there's a memory for us old gets.

      that's not half bad for a first draft have to say

    2. Sauzée
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 3 months ago

      Don't think you'll get much from Fischer, Höjbjerg or Paredes. Think Mcauley might be rotated this season as he is auld.

      1. hjalmarekdal
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 3 months ago

        No, you're right. But what options to cheap midfielders as Fischer (5,5) and Höjbjerg (4,5) do I have? Or do you have any other idea? I am thinking of Ibe, Zaha or Feghouli instead of Fischer..

        1. Sauzée
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 3 months ago

          I like Max Gradel at 5.5. Höjbjerg might be good and as a 5th midfielder it is not a big risk.

  14. Jems Reds
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 3 months ago

    Please RMT

    DDG - Jakupovic
    Walker - Shaw - Friend - Soare - 4.5 def
    Hazard - Mkhi - Alli - Townsend - Gradel
    Aguero - Long - Gray

    1. Arvient
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      I like your team, it is very balance. I think DDG is a bit risky at the start, though.

  15. MK90
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 3 months ago

    Thoughts on which £9.5m midfielders you prefer the look of? I've sided with Payet and Mahrez. Tempted by Mkhitaryan but stayed away due to the unknown factor

    1. navbash
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 3 months ago

      I'm having a similar issue. I went Payet and Ozil because I don't know what Leicester are gonna be like this year and agree with your reasoning for Mkhi. Also toying with spending the extra .5m for Hazard instead of Ozil

  16. LFC4EVER
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 3 months ago

    RMT Please

    De Gea - Ben Foster
    Ward -Shaw - Walker - Friend - McAuley
    Sanchez - KDB - Miky - Willian - De pena (from Buro)
    Sturridige -Austin - Rondon

    What do you think? Too much West Brom? Need stronger defenders/strikers?
    Thanks!

  17. DMil
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 3 months ago

    Puncheon worth a mention? He's played #10 for Palace and was nailed when he came back from injury the end of last season.

  18. GrandMastaShake
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 3 months ago

    Alright what do you think
    Jaku/Mandanda
    Walker/Friend/Dann/Dawson/Shaw
    Townsend/Sigi/Lamela/Deulofeu/Leko
    Aguero/Ibra/Lukaku

    Not set on Mandanda yet but otherwise pretty happy. There are a number of 4.5 goalies im inbetween atm
    Had Firmino/Fischer but opted to switch for Deulofeu/Townsend based on fixtures
    Jaku and Leko will probably be benched all the time but both provide potential for their cost
    Appreciate any advice!

    1. Fantasy failure
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 3 months ago

      Midfield concerning for me, not convinced there's enough there to warrant the spending on the front three

  19. Fantasy failure
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 3 months ago

    Please rate my team lads, and I'll be happy to return the favour:

    Heaton (Foster)

    Shaw Monreal Friend (Robertson Paredes)

    Miky Payet Ayew Redmond (Phillips)

    Aguero Lukaku Long

  20. Puyol Pants Up
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 3 months ago

    Which option lads?

    A) Fernandez + KdB (Already have Aguero)
    B) Ivanovic + Silva/Firmino/Eriksen

    If B, which mid?

    1. Puyol Pants Up
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 3 months ago

      Woops wrong article.

  21. Sad Pablo Arsecobar
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 3 months ago

    Opinions on leko? Will he break into 1st team?

  22. stuart21
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 3 months ago

    No mention of Cabaye? On pens and £6 mil

  23. JANUZAJ11DR
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 3 months ago

    Ibra and Routledge
    or
    Lukaku and Sigurdsson?

  24. korbendallas82
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 3 months ago

    Anyone who have any good alternatives, for out of position players? Like Dier last season, mentioned here. And Jonathan Walters for Stoke, some seasons.

  25. jimbo90
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 3 months ago

    RMT please?

    Foster Jaku
    Shaw Morgan Pieters (B.Smith/Kone)
    Hazard Mahrez Siggy Gradel (Leko)
    Kun Ibra Gray

  26. amit1964
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 3 months ago

    hii,what do you think, townsend or redmond?

  27. Labhya 07
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    I have both aguero and ibra at the moment but I feel my midfield is getting affected.
    I have hazard lamela Townsend leko and coutinho as of now.
    Unsure about lamela and coutinho.
    Suggestions anyone?

  28. Labhya 07
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Lukaku + payet or ibra+lamela.
    I'mnot sure of lamela

  29. joersherman
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Any thoughts on the best 5.5m midfielder given their fixtures and stats? Currently looking at Fischer, feghouli and kouyate.

    And for 6.5m strikers....Wilson, Gray, Carroll or Negredo?

    Thoughts? Cheers!

  30. Ibra Kadabra
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Guys, need help.

    carroll,long,negredo or gray for third striker?
    deulofeu/chamberlain/ any other 6/6.5?
    valencia or shaw?

    1. Arvient
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      - Your 1st question is also something I can't quite decide. IMO it is down to luck. I would rank them: 1. Long (good record but might be damaged later by Austin) 2.Gray, Negredo (they are someone their whole team depends on) 3. Caroll (can spray a lot of goals in 1 or 2 match but no consistence).
      - I go for bolasie or townsend
      - If you have Ibra, I vote for Shaw cuz if Valencia cross, it will be Ibra who score so you better have 1 of them only. Shaw have more tendency to do low cross.

      1. Ibra Kadabra
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks mate! I'm having Ibra, so most probably i'll go with shaw.
        bolasie or townsend compared to deulofeu/chamberlain? reason?

        1. Ibra Kadabra
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 2 months ago

          Btw, Chamberlain would be my differential but considering the fixtures of arsenal not so convinving, anyway seems like he might show off at the early of the season at least based on his pre-season form. No?

          1. Arvient
            • 8 Years
            8 years, 2 months ago

            First, CP has very good first 5 games. Then, Townsend was a beast last season in newcastle and crystal palace style is similar to newcastle. Bolasie because he will be moved to a new attacking midfield role right behind the striker (plus he is on the move to everton as well and might damage delofeu).

            1. Arvient
              • 8 Years
              8 years, 2 months ago

              the problem with chamberlain is the competition is stiff in his team. But if you like to risk then it is not a bad choice anyway. Don't expect him to play 60 mins every match though