Scout Squad

The Scout Squad – Gameweek 3

We kick off the day by looking ahead, via our Gameweek 3 Scout Squad article.

This has been given a new spin for the 2016/17 campaign, to offer you a greater insight into the decision making process behind each Friday’s Scout Picks selection.

Each midweek Mark, Paul and myself will list the 18 players we think have the best chance of success across the four positions, listing them in rank order. This article will then highlight some of the likely discussions and disagreements that will take place behind the scenes as the Scouts look to back their players and secure a place for them in the Scout Picks and our Spot the Differential articles.

Finally, we will also reveal the Community Champion, who has been selected by our lottery, to represent the community and be in with a chance of winning a £100 Amazon voucher.

Mark PaulJonty
GoalkeepersBen FosterThibaut CourtoisKasper Schmeichel
Maarten StekelenburgKasper SchmeichelMaarten Stekelenburg
Kasper SchmeichelBen FosterBen Foster
DefendersVirgil Van DijkScott DannCesar Azpilicueta
Antonio ValenciaVirgil Van DijkHector Bellerin
Scott DannHector BellerinVirgil Van Dijk
Cesar AzpilicuetaChristian FuchsAshley Williams
Christian FuchsCesar AzpilicuetaAntonio Valencia
MidfieldersRiyad MahrezEden HazardEden Hazard
Eden HazardRiyad MahrezRoss Barkley
Nathan RedmondDusan TadicDusan Tadic
Ross BarkleyRoss BarkleyRaheem Sterling
Andros TownsendAndros TownsendAndros Townsend
ForwardsSergio AgueroSergio AgueroSergio Aguero
Zlatan IbrahimovicZlatan IbrahimovicZlatan Ibrahimovic
Salomon RondonDiego CostaSalomon Rondon
Diego CostaJamie VardyVincent Janssen
Romelu LukakuAlvaro NegredoRomelu Lukaku

Goalkeepers

Despite conceding at home to Everton in Gameweek 2, Ben Foster (4.6) is still being backed by all three of us heading into the weekend. However, with the 12.6% owned West Brom stopper at third place in mine and Paul’s selection, confidence in the Tony Pulis side’s ability to keep clean sheets at home is clearly waning.

Last season Tony Pulis’ outfit managed to register just five shut-outs at the Hawthorns. Nevertheless Mark is undeterred and rates Foster as this week’s best goalkeeper with his home encounter with Middlesbrough.

All three of us back clean sheet returns for Leicester’s Kasper Schmeichel (5.0) but for Paul, Chelsea stopper Thibaut Courtois (5.5) has the edge over Everton’s Maarten Stekelenburg (5.0), selected by myself and Mark.

“Middlesbrough are the kind of opponent that seem ideal for Foster. They do have threat but I think most of it will come from range which should prove comfortable for the Baggies stopper. I see a first home shut-out with one or two save points thrown in.” – Mark

Defenders

The prospects of clean sheets at Southampton, Chelsea and Leicester dominate our thinking regarding defenders, with the 12% owned Virgil Van Dijk (5.5) and Cesar Azpilicueta (6.0), who is in 13.2% of FPL managers’ teams, earning three picks, while Christian Fuchs (5.5) registers two, from Mark and Paul.

Areas of disagreement could centre around whether Manchester United, Arsenal and Crystal Palace can earn shut-outs against Hull, Watford and Bournemouth respectively.

Both Paul and Mark favour Scott Dann (5.0) against the Cherries, with his goal scoring record of last season fresh in their minds. He registered five strikes last term but I’m put off by this season’s events which have seen Dann muster just a single, off target, goal attempt in the league; Palace are also the fourth worst team for conceding shots in the box after two matches.

While Paul and I fancy Arsenal’s chances of a clean sheet against Watford, Mark remains unconvinced and has no Gunners defenders in his selection.

Hector Bellerin (6.5) may be expensive but his maximum bonus points against Leicester last weekend and assured starting role make him the standout pick within the Arsenal rearguard. With 27.6% ownership Bellerin is the second most popular defender in FPL.

“Arsenal’s trip to Watford looks promising for the Gunners attack but with so much uncertainty surrounding their starting line-up, I can only back Hector Bellerin with any real certainty. The Hornets have managed just four shots in the box so far” – Paul

Meanwhile, Mark and I will be looking to persuade Paul to pick Manchester United’s Antonio Valencia (5.5), who we think has a chance of delivering returns at both ends of the pitch when he visits Hull. However, with Hull notching two wins out of two and Luke Shaw proving the more dominant with Paul Pogba in the side against Southampton last Friday, Paul may be right to turn his back.

I appear to be the only one supporting Ashley Williams’ chances of starting and delivering returns for Everton when Stoke visit Goodison Park. Given his ability to accrue bonus points while at Swansea, due to strong Clearances, Blocks and Interception (CBI) statistics, I’m backing him to earn his debut and make an immediate impact for Ronald Koeman’s men.

“I’ve got to go with Scott Dann this week. He notched in the League Cup to remind us of his prowess at set-pieces and I just don’t see Bournemouth providing more than a threat from range.” – Mark

Midfielders

All three of us back returns from the 23.3% owned Eden Hazard (10.1) this week, when Burnley visit Stamford Bridge. For Paul and myself, Burnley’s impressive tally of just one goal conceded masks a frail backline that has allowed more shots than any other side so far.

“Burnley were more than a little fortunate to beat Liverpool and the Clarets right flank look a real weak point, bringing Eden Hazard into contention as my first-choice midfielder” – Paul

Riyad Mahrez is another popular pick for Mark and Paul, but I remain unconvinced, with Leicester looking a far poorer team without the departed N’Golo Kante controlling midfield. Sadly, I’m anticipating fighting a losing battle to see him discarded from the Scout Picks, particularly as his goal attempt average is actually up on his last campaign.

Further down the price spectrum we all agree that Andros Townsend could represent great value at 6.5. Currently the Crystal Palace winger is joint second among midfielders in terms of goal attempts and is owned by only 5.8% of FPL managers.

“Palace will surely end their goal drought at home to Bournemouth. It’s debatable whether Christian Benteke will last from start to finish but Andros Townsend has some solid underlying numbers that should soon translate to points.” – Paul

Dusan Tadic (7.4) is another midfielder boasting strong underlying numbers. He is being backed by Paul and myself and, along with Adam Lallana, also joins Townsend as the joint second most prolific shooter from midfield. However, Mark favours the far friendlier price tag of Nathan Redmond (6.1).

Although the former Norwich man’s attacking statistics are not as impressive as Tadic’s, he does beat his team-mate in one crucial regard, having scored a goal already this season, at home to Watford in Gameweek 1. Redmond is also the most popular among FPL managers with an ownership of 11.4%, compared to Tadic’s 4.5%.

“Again, folk appear to be giving up on Mahrez. The numbers are encouraging and the Swansea clash is, in my view, the first opportunity for the Algerian to cut loose. I think he’ll deliver – it’s just too early to be giving up on a player of his quality.” – Mark

Surprisingly, it’s me who provides the maverick midfield punt this week, in the form of Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling.

I’ve been convinced by analysis from community members such as MesQueUnClub that the England winger has vastly improved under the tutelage of Pep Guardiola. An assist in each of his two league games so far suggests his 3.7% ownership could be set to grow, with more returns are on the cards when West Ham pay visit the Etihad on Sunday.

Forwards

My selection of Tottenham’s Vincent Janssen (8.0) has already prompted howls of derision from Mark and Paul.

I’ll be trying to persuade them using key statistics, like the fact that he tops Spurs’ ranks for big chances, shots in the box and shots on target against Crystal Palace in Gameweek 2.

Whether Liverpool can keep the Dutchman at bay will depend on another statistical battle. While Paul points to Jurgen Klopp’s side having the joint best record in terms of shots conceded this term, I’m more focused on their five goals conceded, placing them joint worst along with Stoke.

Everton’s Romelu Lukaku (9.0) is another potential maverick selection.

Despite averaging 15 goals a season over the last four campaigns, transfer speculation and a lack of match fitness has conspired to ensure he has only played 53 minutes so far, with an FPL ownership of just 6.2%.

Mark and I saw enough in his cameo against West Brom in Gameweek 2 to be convinced that he’ll start and score against Stoke. Paul, however, remains unmoved by his potential.

“I like Lukaku as an option but it’s too early for him and Barkley gives us that cover of the Stoke encounter. For me, it will be Rondon who breaks out this week. He was somewhat subdued by Everton but I see Middlesbrough struggling to cope with his physicality.” – Mark

Unlike the 224,935 FPL managers that have jettisoned Jamie Vardy, Paul is retaining faith in the Leicester striker to prove that, like Mahrez, he is worthy of his price hike this season. Already his price has dipped 0.1 to 9.9, with further drops on the cards should the 19.9% owned striker once again fail to deliver when Swansea visit this weekend.

With two picks, from Mark and myself, West Brom’s Salomon Rondon (6.5) currently has the nod over Paul’s selection of Middlesbrough’s Alvaro Negredo (6.7) as the go-to striker for those on a budget; the two go head-to-head at the Hawthorns this weekend.

Having already notched 22 points this season, Sergio Aguero (13.1) and Manchester United’s Zlatan Ibrahmovic (11.7) are joint top of the FPL rankings and seem destined to be mainstays of the Scout Picks for many weeks to come.

Unsurprisingly the duo, who are the most owned in FPL, are our top two striker picks this week, with the Manchester City man having the slight edge, with a home clash against West Ham.

Community Champion

Representing the Community against the Scout Picks in Gameweek 3 will be Jac the Cat, who is now competing in his eighth FPL season, with last year’s impressive finish of 98th his best to date.

Gameweek 2’s champion Moin was defeated by the Scouts 59 to 54.

The community champion who has the best lead over the Scouts during 2016/17 will win a £100 Amazon voucher (currently we can only offer Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com vouchers).

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

1,284 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Slartibartfast
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Surprised only one of the scouts mentioned Ashley Williams - he was my transfer in this GW 🙂

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

      Did I say surprised? I meant slightly worried...

    2. thepeen555
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      he is in my starting line up this week

    3. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Same. Ive got RFM myself for the superior goal threat.

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

      Aren't you worried he might not start?

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

        Yeah, a bit.

        But I had two FTs and couldn't see anything that needed doing, so I've made this transfer to give me 1.0 ITB and will save the other (probably) two have 2FTs going into the break.

        1. Irish Madridista ⭐
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Very good move so imo. Nice to have 2FT itb and Williams was likely going to be brought in soon anyway, so you've set yourself up nicely!

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

            That was the reasoning! I normally would wait until later in the week, but had finished off a bottle of whiskey Sunday evening and seemingly decided it needed to be done there and then.

    5. Irish Madridista ⭐
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Good option, will work out medium / long term anyway.

      You maaaaay have gotten him a week early however.

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

        I transferred VVD out for him too 😆

    6. andy85wsm
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      My only concern would be him starting.

      If he does I'd love him in my team this week.

    7. J0E
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Good move. Looking forward to seeing him rival Curtis Davies as the CBI king of 16/17.

      1. Irish Madridista ⭐
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        If only Davies had even slightly better fixtures.... 🙁

        1. Kings of Lyon ★
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          From GW8

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

        I'm expecting clean sheets from Everton, so I'm happy with the move. Just hope he starts, but I would have brought him in soon enough regardless.

    8. Mithrandir, the Grey Pilgri…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Have had him from start waiting.

  2. Mavric Marco
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Just get Diomande and save yourself 1.5 to spend elsewhere

    (he scored 2 goals last night - 3 in 3 for the season) 😉

    1. Mavric Marco
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Oops, reply fail to MAHESH_KUMAR

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

      I'm seriously considering it.

      1. Mavric Marco
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        I've had him form the start - played him GW1 as well 😎

    3. One Man
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      I'm on WC and he looks a seriously good proposition.

  3. Karan14
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Rate my WC Team. Plan is to take out Redmond or Tadic for Eve player after 1-3 weeks. Any changes required?

    Foster - Heaton
    Shaw - Stones - Williams - McAuley - Amat
    Hazard - Ozil - Tadic - Redmond - Capoue
    Kun - Ibra - Diomande

    Appreciate your thoughts!

    1. shotgunnufc - MANIAC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      how much longer can hull keep their form up? also henandez looks like he will get some of whatvevr goals they get.
      find an alternative for diomande as capoue cant be relied on for regular points

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

        True but I'm playing a 4-4-2 this week. And if this doesn't work out I can easily downgrade one of the big boys to a mid price one. Also the 6.5 Strikers don't look that appealing.

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

      Hull's fixtures are about as bad as they can get in the next few weeks. Can't see them getting alot of goals.

      Other than that I like the team

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

        True that but there ain't any cheaper option like him except Stuani and Boro are rotating. But that's the only way to fit Haz, Oz, Kun, Ibra. I'll downgrade one of them if they stop scoring points. But I like this team going into this week and then getting one of the Everton boys if everything goes well.

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

    Am I missing something concering Azpi vs Ivanovich?

    Ivanovich way more crosses, way more touches in the box, way more shots... Why is Azpi the preferred Chelsea cover?

    1. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      More baps, more nailed and seems more attacking under conte.

  5. andy85wsm
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Sky Sports News HQ ‏@SkySportsNewsHQ

    BREAKING: Slaven Bilic: Signing Wilfried Bony is an option - he plays in the position we're looking for.

    1. Mavric Marco
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Interesting!...but at 7.0m is he worth it?

      PS. I can see lots of new team names 'Bilic's Bony'

      1. Mavric Marco
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        *7.4m

    2. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      hmm

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

    Will this be the week that Arsenal turn it around?
    They have consistently been in the top 3 in shots in the box over the last few years, yet this year are in the bottom 5 so far for obvious reasons( no Ozil/Giroud).

    1. Arteta
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      I really hope so!

    2. Lovren an elevator
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      You think they should get another cleansheet away to Watford atleast?

  7. shotgunnufc - MANIAC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    I've had a good start to the season and happy with most my team, but concerned really with deulofeu, switch to townsend? keep? other suggestions welcome?

    haz, mahrez, redmond, capoue, deulofeu

    kun, ibra, gray

    1. Bushido
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Bring in Bojan

    2. Mayo.
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Had the same conundrum. Had a sideways punt with mirallas but Townsend might be a better move!

  8. Inter Me Gran
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Is Baines worth sticking with? No doubt as soon as I get rid he'll score.

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

      Yeah stick with him. They have a nice run of fixtures

      1. Inter Me Gran
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        That's it then, Leighton better perform!

    2. Third Eye Vision
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      I have slight doubts about his place in the team. If playing 3 at the back there are others who can play the left wing back role.

      If playing a back 4 there's the possibility that with Jags & Williams at CB, Funes Mori could play LB.

      Baines has been my favourite player for a very long time but he has lost pace and confidence. Shame.

      1. Third Eye Vision
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Pure speculation of course, but it is clear to see how diminished his game is compared to previous years.

    3. thepeen555
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      tbh i think when coleman is back he will be the better shout for the formation they want to play

  9. Krul Runnings
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Just watched the Scoutcast.

    Mark saying Azpilicueta gets me every time! Haha.

    Also, "Going without Ibra is like being a kid again at 5:30 on a Saturday and hiding behind the sofa when Dr Who comes on"

    Quality.

  10. Podolskistan
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    should i get rid of Vardy and bring in Negredo? or wait?

    1. thepeen555
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      a lot of people have as WBA are ok defensively but i expect borough to score at least 2 and leicester not so much faith atm

  11. thepeen555
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    how does my GW3 team sound?

    Foster/Heaton
    Shaw - Friend - Williams
    Redmond- Hazard - Capoue - Lamela
    Negredo - Aguero - Ibra

    Subs - 1 of the keepers - Bojan - Walker - Kingsley

    Maybe Bojan in for Lamela?

  12. Make United Great Again
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Foster
    Valencia Morgan Stones
    Hazard Ramirez Lamela Martial
    Ibra(C) Aguero(vc) Gray

    Jaku, Capoue, Friend, Amat.

    Good to go?

    A. Yay
    B. Nay

    1. JÆKS ⭐
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      I have Firmino + Redmond instead of Martial + Ramirez so hope that's good to go 😀

      I'm still uncertain if I am going to play Gray though

  13. DantheManinaPan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Important question: do I drop Sanchez?

    1. Irish Madridista ⭐
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      If he's not playing on the wing, then yes.

    2. 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Nope, see how he does with Ozil and Giroud back. He looked much better when they came on last week.

    3. Mavric Marco
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Keep, explosion imminent!

      Arsenal almost back to full strength and they'll start to 'click' again + they've got lovely fixtures

    4. Arteta
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      I'm keeping him.

    5. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Well his fixtures are only just getting good

  14. Jebiga
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Do you think Hull will beat United ?
    I think they will

    1. thepeen555
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      place a bet on it, 3-2

      1. Jebiga
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        2-0
        dimande x 2

    2. shotgunnufc - MANIAC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      trollolololol

      1. HellasLEAF
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Hull are really gonna surprise this season.

  15. cruzex
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Repost

    My team for next 2 gws:

    Heaton
    Stones Shaw Morgan
    Hazard Mahez (c) Coutinho Barkley Redmond
    Ibra Costa

    Ready to go?????

    Note: Gw5, i will buy Kun to have him against bournemonth. Until there, i dont need him, dont expect a aguero explosion vs West ham+ United

  16. BB-8
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    3rd time lucky, hopefully. Pick one of these-

    A. Oscar to Barkley (-4)
    B. Oscar to Tadic (-4)
    C. Keep Oscar

    Other mids are-
    Redmond Hazard Firmino

    1. Mavric Marco
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      I would do A. Oscar to Barkley but not sure its worth a hit...maybe save and do that over the international break.

      1. BB-8
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        But Barkley is in such good form. 🙁

    2. shotgunnufc - MANIAC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      either a or b. with fab looking like he might come good and haz on pens I don't think Oscar looks a good buy. both a and b are better options, will be more integral in their teams goal scoring

      1. shotgunnufc - MANIAC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        agree not worth the hit

        1. BB-8
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          If he doesn't start which is looking more and more likely, even then?

          1. HellasLEAF
            • 14 Years
            7 years, 7 months ago

            D - Sterling

            1. BB-8
              • 7 Years
              7 years, 7 months ago

              Need .1 more for him 😐

              1. HellasLEAF
                • 14 Years
                7 years, 7 months ago

                Hard not to like Barkley then.

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

      A

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

    An interesting write-up analysing the differences between United so far this season compared to last. Some positive reading for Shaw and Valencia owners in particular.

    "While Mourinho was never going to completely release the shackles on United’s forwards, the transition between defence and attack has been much better. Only Aston Villa (638 passes per goal) and Swansea (443) averaged more passes per goal than United in the Premier League last season (436), while no team is finding the back of the net with fewer passes than Mourinho’s side so far this season (194).

    Of course we’re only two games into the new season, but the initial performances are encouraging. United are already averaging nearly twice as many shots on target (6) per game than last season (3.8) despite the fact there has only been a marginal improvement in chances created (8.5 per game) compared to last season (8.2). They are also the most clinical team in front of goal (21.7% conversion rate), accentuating their statistically calculated WhoScored.com strength of ‘finishing scoring chances’.

    There hasn’t just been an improvement in attack, either. No team conceded fewer goals in the Premier League last season than United (35) but their defence was rightly earmarked as an area of concern at the start of the summer. Van Gaal’s conservative and uninspiring possession-based football, coupled with an average of 55.9% possession – the second highest in the league last season – explains why they were so effective at shutting teams out, although the same couldn’t be said about their ability to defend set pieces.

    Only Swansea (40%) conceded a greater proportion of their goals from dead ball situations than United (36.4%) last season, which would have played a part in Mourinho’s decision to make an imposing centre-back his first signing. A £30m signing from Villarreal, Eric Bailly joined as the only one of Mourinho’s four summer signings that was not one of WhoScored.com’s highest-rated players in Europe’s big five leagues last season. However, Bailly’s early season performances have been colossal and his physical approach to defending has already seen him draw comparisons to United legend Nemanja Vidic.

    At either side of Bailly, the two full-backs – Antonio Valencia and Luke Shaw – have been equally impressive. Sterner tests await, but the sight of both taking advantage of the space further forward vacated by the inside movement of Juan Mata and Anthony Martial has been a hallmark of United’s opening displays. In fact, only Paul Pogba (9) has completed more dribbles than Valencia and Shaw (both 3) for United and their use of the flanks has already become a statistically calculated strength for the team.

    Last season the average player position of United’s full-backs in a back four under Van Gaal was scarcely positioned over the halfway line, but Mourinho has already given them greater responsibility in the attacking third. Shaw’s average position against Southampton was more advanced than Wayne Rooney and Juan Mata, while Valencia’s positioning was almost level with United’s front four against Bournemouth. Even in United’s biggest wins last season, their full-backs would never wander too far ahead of the two deep-lying midfielders. It may only be a subtle change, but it’s one they are evidently benefiting from."

    1. DeathoftheParty
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Big fan of this reading...

    2. Third Eye Vision
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Interesting stats - not seen 'pass per goal' analysed before.

      Bailly looks immense.

    3. Camp No No
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      First: just two matches. I wouldn't make any conclusions about their set piece defence on that basis.

      Second: 21.7% conversion rate, and from those chances too, is not exactly encouraging. Wanna take a bet that it will drop below 14% by the end of the season? I take that any time, and could add that it will more likely end up closer to 10% than 14%. But not going to have that one, because there's for every season some big club that goes high up (12.5%-15%) on conversion rate (usually the one that wins the league).

  18. 1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    "Man Utd will reject any offer from Arsenal for Phil Jones, because Mourinho doesn’t want to do business with Wenger. "

    😀

    1. Mavric Marco
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Classic! 🙄

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

        I'm rotating him with Capoue/Amat for the foreseeable future.

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

          Oops

    2. Arteta
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Isn't he going to Stoke? But it's understandable. He didn't want to sell Demba Ba when we really needed him.

    3. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      He did wenger a favour this time

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

      Petr Cech?

      1. HellasLEAF
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Voyeur

    5. Camp No No
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      😆

      Arsenal dodged a bullet there.

  19. Iceball
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Diomande too week 3rd striker, maybe to rotate with Capoue?
    I have him (as enabler to get Ibra) but having doubts since Negrado/Gray looks much better (but 2m more expensive though)

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

      Look at Hull's and Watford's fixtures in the next few weeks... not great to say the least

    2. 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      I'm rotating him with Capoue/Amat for the foreseeable future.

    3. Mavric Marco
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Thats what i'm doing, rotating Dio & Capoue (3-4-3 / 3-5-2) depending on fixtures. Could even play a 4-4-2 one week if your 4th def has a nice fixture and they both have bad ones.

    4. Third Eye Vision
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      He's too weak even for two weeks.

  20. Eze Really?
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    I am quite interested in the penalty stats. This pulling pushing and eye gouging is being stamped on by the refs. It is tempting to choose penalty takers more than before or will it even out?

    1. jmcclory123
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Mike Dean is refereeing the Crystal Palace and Bournemouth game for what it's worth.

      1. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Yeah but I am more interested in the penalty taker against Stoke!

      2. DeathoftheParty
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        TEKKERS!!!

        1. Eze Really?
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Cabaye?

          1. DeathoftheParty
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 7 months ago

            Like to think Pardew will give Tekkers one in his first game as a confidence builder...

  21. Knallie
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    With Lukaku back, Bolasie in and favourable fixtures, Everton are exptected to revert back to a 4-3-3, which means only 2 of Williams, Jags and Funes Mori can play.

    Who will start Saturday?

    1. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      The eye of the beholder but Del boy could make way.

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

        Any idea on the CBs?

  22. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Those with ibra and kun, out of the 2 who would you pick as your cheap 3rd striker?

    Benteke or Bony

    Both likely to be on pens, Benteke likely to be the only striker whilst Bony has competition for his place and also has Europa League to deal with.

    1. Bleach †
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Bony is better imo

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

        Maybe, but I think the points will be more spread out at West Ham as they have Payet and goal-scoring wingers (and full back), whereas Benteke would be the main man at Palace.

    2. andy85wsm
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Bentekkers

    3. Slartibartfast
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Benteke

    4. Mavric Marco
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Tekers out of those 2 Bemba

    5. stachman
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      You call those cheap? 😉

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

      What have I missed here? Bony no longer at City or?

      1. Mavric Marco
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Gone to WHU

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

        Might go to West Ham

    7. Kings of Lyon ★
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Probably sticking with Gray / Wilson although Bony on the end of Payets FKs could be great.

    8. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Benteke. Bony will not take pens from Noble either

    9. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      thanks guys

    10. El-Kloppico
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Is Bony to WHM a done deal?

    11. getfunky
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Bony - better team, better deliveries (Payet)

    12. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Benteke. If Palace score it is more likely to be him whereas if Hammers score it could be anyone

  23. villian-ty
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Whose keeping Gray?

    1. jmcclory123
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Conflicted at the minute. I don't particularly want to play him against Chelsea, plus there is the chance of him hitting the sidelines till these FA charges get cleared up.
      Worst comes to worst, Capoue will be first sub off my bench.

    2. BB-8
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Me

    3. JÆKS ⭐
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      I am

      Not sure if I will be playing him Capoue or Friend though

    4. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Not sure. Tempted to get Benteke for a hit tbh

    5. Make United Great Again
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Only for this week. Will have to sell when the inevitable ban kicks in.

  24. Comment removed. Please refer to our terms and conditions on posting comments.

    1. Third Eye Vision
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Why are you so upset? Homo agenda? Really?

      If you are disgusted by people being punished for advocating murder that's okay. But sharing it online is not a good idea.

      (Gray owner).

    2. pompeyfan
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      'homo agenda' - are you serious, or is this a wind out?

    3. Sauzée
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      You have lost it my friend.

    4. Camp No No
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      What? What ban? Is Gray banned now!? The f***?!?!?

      You should be banned though. And have some homo "agenda" shoved down your throat.

    5. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      I think he should be banned and I own him

      1. Camp No No
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        How long a ban?

        1. Bubz
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Hes not banned yet

          1. Camp No No
            • 10 Years
            7 years, 7 months ago

            Thanks! 🙂

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

      God this is disgusting. "homo agenda"?! Do you mean people's right to be treated equally?

      This guy needs to be banned. How do you report a comment to the mods?

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

      Fighting against prejudice in general is a pretty big deal for the FA right now. They can hardly choose to ignore a player who publicly wanted gays to burn and die no matter how long ago it was, can they? It's not just about punishing him, it's about sending a message to future players that it's not okay to do that kind of thing.

    8. Worzel Gummidge
        7 years, 7 months ago

        You sound a complete imbecile.

    9. jmcclory123
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Mike Dean has awarded three penalties in his last two premier league games.
      Refereeing the Crystal Palace v Bournemouth game. Is there a chance Benteke will be on penalties?

      1. andy85wsm
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Big chance I'd say

      2. Respect My Authoritah
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Yep. This is what's making me want him so badly this week. Could easily rack up 13 points

        1. jmcclory123
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Crystal palace fixtures are mouth watering too - Bournemouth, Middlesborough, Stoke and Sunderland

          1. Respect My Authoritah
            • 10 Years
            7 years, 7 months ago

            Yep. The problem for me is I won't get him next week as Gray has SWA, so I could miss 2 hauls and price rises. Really really tempted to just get him now for -4

            1. Sjaugen
              • 8 Years
              7 years, 7 months ago

              Hull you mean?

        2. Emp
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          he got hauled off at half time tho last night.... doesnt seem match fit

      3. El-Kloppico
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Cabaye?

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

      Where are these Soton DGW8 rumours coming from?

      1. Respect My Authoritah
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        😀 😀

    11. Mavric Marco
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      JUVE 'CLOSE ON MATUIDI'

      Juventus are closing in on a 30m euros deal for PSG midfielder Blaise Matuidi, according to L'Equipe.

      1. Make United Great Again
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Workhorse merchant.

      2. Beavis
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Bargain.

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

      Is it time to just bite the bullet and get rid of tadic + kane for redmond + ibra.

      I'm sure points are immenent for tadic and it pains me to do this but I've lost a lot of value + points with my current setup

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

        If you've held until now, no harm in holding for this week

      2. jmcclory123
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        I'm buying Tadic this week.

    13. KickIt
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      No mention of Barkley although listed......keeping him to yourselves? 🙂

    14. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Everton in talks with Cuco Martina from Southampton. Koeman wants further competition for Coleman

      1. Respect My Authoritah
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        They do lack a proper backup now. And Saints got Pied in. Sensible move all round

      2. Third Eye Vision
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Only thing I remember about him was he scored a worldy. Can he defend?