Site Features

Development Squad – Update One Is Live

I’m delighted to announce that our first update to the members’ area, based on the initial work carried out by our new developer Mat aka “matzi11a”, is now live.

Those of you who have already signed up for the new season will now find the following features and fixes are now available:

New Home and Away Filters
We’ve now extended the number of filters available to allow users to filter statistics by the last two, four and six home and away matches.

The facility to filter Opta stats in this way is unique to Fantasy Football Scout and will enable Fantasy managers to improve their analysis of player performance.

As an example, we can now take a player like Eden Hazard and compare his last four or six home matches with his last four or six away trips to assess just how his performances differ.

We’ve also extended this to our maps on the player comparison tool so you can compare average position and plot key actions.

To achieve this, Mat has split matchdays from Gameweeks so, when a player has two fixtures in a single Gameweek, you can see the average position for both matches, not just one disc representing his average for the Gameweek.

Sky Sports Bonus Statistics
Our Sky Sports tables now include bonus points according to the two-tier system introduced by the game for 2016/17. We’ve also added the Shots on Target bonus points to the tables. We will obviously amend these to reflect any changes for the new season.

Time Played Modification
We’ve tweaked our Time Played statistic so that stoppage time is no longer recorded by default. This means that players who completed a full match are now capped at 90 minutes, while those introduced during the match are awarded minutes up to the 90th minute.

This brings us in line with other statistics sites – including Opta themselves – and therefore also brings our “minutes per…” data in line with Opta’s own numbers.

For those still wanting access to the raw Time Played minutes, including stoppage time, we will add a new “Exact Time Played” statistic and make it available in the Custom Stats Table listing so you can make your own tables with this data. We have added this task to Mat’s list for a future update.

Touches Modifications
To prepare for Touch maps and Touch heatmaps, we’ve carried out a full revision of our Touches data to bring this in line with Opta’s changes which included the introduction a new event – blocked pass – as a designated touch.

What’s next?

We’re now looking to start fixing and adding the statistics required to model the Fantasy Premier League Bonus Points System (BPS), so we can offer dedicated tables.

This will enable FPL managers to carry out more in-depth analysis of the BPS, including the facility to see baseline BPS (without goals, assists and clean sheets).

The first step is to add Fantasy Assists to our database which will replace the standard Opta assists in our tables.

We will then look to fix and add statistics such as Caught Offside, Big Chances Missed and Winning Goals.

As previously mentioned, we are looking to be transparent with our development process from this point on.

Not only will we release more “Development Squad” articles updating you on progress and updates, you can also look at our current roadmap and progress via this task board. You can see which task Mat is currently working on, what’s been done and in test for review and even vote for tasks on the board if you register a Trello account.

In addition, if you’ve any feature that you would like us to consider for the roadmap, please drop me a line at mark@fantasyfootballscout.co.uk

Your input will help ensure we’re embarking on the right additions and improvements and setting our priorities accordingly.

2017/18 Memberships Now Available

A reminder that memberships for the 2017/178 are now available for the pre-season price of £12.50 (RRP £15.00).

Last season’s memberships expired on June 1, but you can now renew to get access to the members area.

Existing registered users can upgrade via this link. New users, who are yet to get a registered account, can sign up via this link.

If you’re new to the benefits of Fantasy Football Scout membership, you can get full details, along with a series of movies previewing the content, via this page.

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

375 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Tansey
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Might as well get the membership this evening then

    1. Spike ⚽️
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      A bird in hand shits on wrist!

    2. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      I will give it another month before I raid the kids piggy bank

  2. goriuanx
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Good evening.

    1. UnitedFan
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Evening Berbs.

      1. goriuanx
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        How are you on this wonderful evening?

        1. UnitedFan
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          Grand. Bank holiday here in Ireland so it's been a relaxed day. Yourself?

          1. goriuanx
            • 13 Years
            6 years, 9 months ago

            Just catching up on some tv shows. Life without FPL isn't so bad.

            1. UnitedFan
              • 8 Years
              6 years, 9 months ago

              Yeah, agree. Good to have a balance.

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

      Evenin'

    3. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Did you predict VvD to Liverpool? Surprised you haven't mentioned if 😉

      1. goriuanx
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        What's a Liverpool? 😆

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

          *grabs history book*

          😛

    4. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Good Evening berbs
      After VVD and salah who is next iyo ??
      Lacazzett .. keita .. LB ??

      1. goriuanx
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        We won't be signing Lacazette. Don't know anything else.

        1. Deeney-is-a-god
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          Who do you think will sign him?

  3. Hooky
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    'Opta’s changes which included the introduction a new event – blocked pass – as a designated touch'

    Sounds like something from operation yew tree

  4. Spike ⚽️
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Tragic news about Cheike Tiote former Newcastle midfielder. Died whilst training in China. Just 30 years of age!

    1. UnitedFan
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Wife was expecting a baby this week too. Terrible.

      1. Spike ⚽️
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Thats so sad

      2. SADIO SANÉ
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        was?

    2. Optimus.
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      There's not much hope for any of us if a fit man of 30 goes like that

      R.i.p

    3. matz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      R.I.P. Cheike

  5. FPL Virgin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    How does this site fix the problem of reply fails?

    1. Camp No No
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      By suspending people who commit reply fails.

    2. Mark
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 17 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      I've never really understood the cause of reply fails. Not sure how much is due to the presentation of the comments, the tech or user error. I'll do some chat with the mods and get their thoughts.

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

        It's user error. Ignorance, lack of concentration, drink or a combo of all 😉

      2. Syd.
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        I would say 9/10 it is user error. Probably getting distracted by other things going on around them

      3. Lawrø
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Well, It usually happens when I'm replying to the post at the very bottom of the page. The text box is already visible and so close to the post I mean to reply to that sometimes I think I've already clicked the reply button when I haven't. If you could get more buffer in between perhaps it would happen less.

        1. FPL Virgin
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          This could well be it.

        2. Geoff
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          This is the problem

      4. Spike ⚽️
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Are there any mods left? The likes of Rogue Trader and Evs have just disappeared!

      5. FPL Virgin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        I think it happens far too frequently to be 100% user error.

        1. Geoff
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          When the pages are flying I think people want to get comments in and go quickly, and I think mix up the reply and the other text box for a new post.

          This is how I've always made the mistake

    3. thericeking
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      is it something like:

      i'm reading a post i click to reply, decide i dont want to reply and keep reading.. find another post click reply, reply. but reply goes to first post i clicked on since i never clicked cancel..

      otherwise it has to be user error

  6. Syd.
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Leicester are 200/1 to win the title next season

    Huddersfield are 2000/1

    Bookies not giving much these days

  7. Optimus.
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    User error on my part usually

    1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Book'em Dano ... I mean Mark

    2. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Legend 😆

    3. Gnu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      😆

    4. ★Kuntheman★
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Subtle brilliance 😉

  8. Wild Rover
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Lol

    1. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      This could go on for a while 😉

  9. Syd.
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    All that BA chaos was caused a a maintenance engineer switching a UPS off

    I wonder if he has got the sack

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

      Regardless of the consequence, there would be nobody in work if we got sacked for making an honest mistake

      1. Syd.
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Very true. Very embarrassing for BA with basically with a flick of a switch their whole I.T system failed. Saying that I know somebody who managed to take BBC NI off air luckily it was about 11pm and it reverted to national coverage. That was to do with a back up generator and a UPS

    2. makaveli123
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Reminds me of something that happened here in Norway. An enormous datacenter / server farm was supposed to open last summer, but thanks to a new maintenance engineer they had to postpone the opening by 6 months. He was working with HVAC solutions and somehow managed to fill four storeys with pollen and dust.

  10. tambourineman
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Belgium 1-0 up vs Czech Rep
    Batshuayi goal, Lukaku assist

    1. tambourineman
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Czech Rep equalise
      KDB tackled in own box after Courtois pass out

      1. Point-one short
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Always a risk of the opponents scoring if your goalie loses consciousness.

  11. Syd.
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    FFS Tweeting again

    So it looks like it is Jonty is in charge of the FFS Twitter account and Mark is in charge of the FPL account

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

      Mark is too busy handling Fantasy Cricket Scout to handle anything else.

      1. Old Man Willow
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Is that the one where it rains each game and everyone scores zero?

        1. Fred54
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          TBF not every game.

          Just most of them.

    2. Mark
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 17 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Jonty does take care of some Tweets as part of his role, yeah - the community-based ones. Paul and I tend to post the news related ones.

      A whole different agency are in charge of FPL's social channels, including Twitter.

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

        Any plans for an app (IOS , Android) for the site Mark in the future?

        1. Mark
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 17 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          Not for this season - too much I want to get done in other areas. Maybe next summer it will be on the radar.

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

            No problem, looking forward to becoming a member, just discovered Ffs last season & had my highest ever rank 8k, Superb job you lot do

          2. Johqvist
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 9 months ago

            Any plans on getting some kind of notification system? To easier see who commented on your post without having to go through e-mail or "my profile".

  12. Newcastle key players
    TheTinman
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    To sum up Newcastle assets fpl wise...

    Yedlin - good but not nailed in Championship so likely to struggle in Prem for nailedness
    Gayle - One step away from pulling a hammy at all times
    Shelvey - plays too deep
    Atsu - Potential if nailed. But unlikely as he blows hot and cold
    Ritchie - Proven he is not that effective in the Prem. Will be overpriced.
    GKs - There's now Elliott, Darlow and Krul battling for No.1 spot. Elliott and Krul are both injury prone. Don't waste a transfer on a keeper.
    Lascelles - decent and a goal threat. However we are in the market for at least 1 CB, more likely 2.

    Positions in our current team up for grabs from a new signing - ST, CAM, LB
    If we sign anyone in those positions they could be nailed, but it is a gamble unless Prem proven.

    R.I.P The Tank.

    1. Olivier Bernards watch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Amen to all of this

    2. Je suis le chat
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Thanks for that. So we should avoid generally.

      1. TheTinman
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        I would say so. Unless someone is grossly mispriced

    3. Parm
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      None of these players are PL standard are they? Rafa has some work to do.

      To be fair neither are Brighton's but they seem to have a better structure to get the best out of them, could be a Burnley type team next year with a good Championship home record(W17 D3 L3).

      1. TheTinman
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Well Brighton were totally outclassed by us in both games. Suggesting to me they were consistent bullies. Something which they will certainly not be.

        Both teams have a decent base but do lack the quality at the moment.

        I think Newcastle will spend fairly big though. 50m+

        1. Mark
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 17 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          Thanks for summary - Clark's stats look very strong, though and he was a key figure last season when fit. Big issue, like Yedlin, is whether he is secure. Rafa looks to be buying in this position which would be tough on Clark from what I can tell.

          1. TheTinman
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 9 months ago

            Clark has been brilliant. I mentioned Lascelles because he carries a greater goal threat. But like you mentioned, we are strongly linked with two CBs this week Semedo and Lejeune

            1. Baines on Toast...
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              6 years, 9 months ago

              Clark used to have solid goal threat at villa, striker in his youth and all that. Has that declined?

              1. GreenWindmill
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 12 Years
                6 years, 9 months ago

                Not at all - still a major danger on set pieces.

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

          The big problem for promoted sides is improving the team without losing cohesiveness. The polar extremes are Burnley(14-15) who barely bough anyone and has no real quality and QPR(any year) who spent willy nilly on any Tom Dick and Harry.

          1. TheTinman
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 9 months ago

            Newcastle will be a revolving door this year. Hopefully Rafa can show his class and bed them in nicely

  13. Je suis le chat
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Cringing watching Diane Abbott unable to answer questions on Sky. Can't believe the poor quality of politicians these days in many countries.

    1. Old Man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      She will sink any lingering chances that Corbyn had on Thursday.

      1. Syd.
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Corbyn use to sink one into her

        1. Net Gains
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          LOL! True. But if she does sink him then at least she will have done one useful thing in her career.

        2. Old Man
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          So it seems - shame that he didn't choose a more competent politician.

          1. Net Gains
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 9 months ago

            Nah, she's twice the politician he is

            1. Old Man
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              6 years, 9 months ago

              Wow - that is some insult!!

        3. Je suis le chat
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          He's such a saint he probably did it out of sympathy.

          1. Net Gains
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 9 months ago

            Yup, a poorly-educated, terrorist-loving, cowardly, Marxist saint!

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

              I don't appreciate the ill informed, hate fueled lie spreading you are doing here

              1. Net Gains
                • 7 Years
                6 years, 9 months ago

                I couldn't care less what you appreciate. I knew who he was 30 years ago and I've been following him ever since so I'm pretty sure I'm more informed than you are but, either way, you can do one.

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

                  I see you are just as well cultered, self-centered and egotistical as the party im pretty certain you are voting for. There's more than just a "upper class" 5% that live in this country, I put that in inverted commas because for a supposedly highly educated group of people they don't act like one, and certainly don't care enough about the common people to deserve leadership of this country. Pure arrogance!!!

                  1. Net Gains
                    • 7 Years
                    6 years, 9 months ago

                    I'm a classic Labour voter but can't vote for them this time so I'm abstaining. So your assumption is wrong and the arrogance you display is breathtaking.

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

                      Really? You seem very pro May, I'm always one to consider other people's opinion and I'm a firm believer in the fact that I probably won't convince you and you won't convince me. However, the one thing I can't stand is people submitting into blatant lies and what is just an anti-Corbyn smear campaign and slander from the media

                      1. Net Gains
                        • 7 Years
                        6 years, 9 months ago

                        I do like May I must admit and I agree that we probably won't convince each other. Let's get back to the footy!

            2. Skid Vicious
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              6 years, 9 months ago

              Yeah. Perhaps keep your strong political views and debauchery away from these pages

              1. Net Gains
                • 7 Years
                6 years, 9 months ago

                If people raise it, I will express my views. If you don't like that, get stuffed. And maybe also read some newspapers once in a while.

                1. Skid Vicious
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 13 Years
                  6 years, 9 months ago

                  Do one I shall.
                  And stuff you too.
                  This is no place for your hype.

                  1. Net Gains
                    • 7 Years
                    6 years, 9 months ago

                    You don't have a problem with political debate on here otherwise you would have responded to the person who called our Prime Minister a dunce and hoped that she loses the election. You didn't. You have a political bias and opinion, which is fine, but don't try and shut down mine because I disagree with you.

                    1. Skid Vicious
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 13 Years
                      6 years, 9 months ago

                      Yeah I suppose I owe you an apology. All these politicians do suck.
                      I just thought it was. For all its worth we all belong here.

                      1. Net Gains
                        • 7 Years
                        6 years, 9 months ago

                        Thanks, much appreciated. Let's get back to the more important stuff - football!

                2. Garlana
                  • 9 Years
                  6 years, 9 months ago

                  Giant Douche or turd sandwich...which is corbyn?

              2. Debauchy
                • 11 Years
                6 years, 9 months ago

                I belong here too

        4. Point-one short
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          Yep. Tanktop and fake wig thrown asunder as he keeps the red flag flying.

    2. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      The Labour Party is just a complete basket case. The will take us back to the good old days of 3 day working weeks and power blackouts

    3. Net Gains
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      So true, but even by today's standards she stands out head and shoulders as illiterate, innumerate, daft, naïve, patronising and ditzy all at the same time.

      1. Je suis le chat
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        I'm a big fan of the lunatic Jez and his eco and anti-war credentials yet am gobsmacked at their lack of preparedness for interviews. That dunce May is there for the taking yet they are going to hand it to her on a plate.

        1. Net Gains
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          Really hope so! 🙂

      2. Old Man
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Rather sad really.

    4. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      I actually lolled when she said that the PM should be embarrassed 😀

      1. Je suis le chat
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        I wanted a hole to swallow me up watching her. Ricky Gervais should audition her for a new Office series.

    5. bojack
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      It's so true. The centre ground is there to be won by someone competent, pragmatic and sensible. Unfortunately those qualities are nowhere to be found in this campaign.

  14. liiusions
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    If VVD signs does that mean we can touch Liverpool defence again? I still think we need a quality DM to sit in front of the CBs

    1. Net Gains
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Nooo, don't! I remember when Lovren signed it was the same hype. Defenders don't improve Liverpool. Liverpool ruin the defenders.

      1. TheTinman
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        I think Lovren and VVD will be a great partnership.

        1. Somalion
          • 14 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          In training maybe but it'll be Matip and VVD come match day

          1. UnitedFan
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 9 months ago

            This.

          2. TheTinman
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 9 months ago

            Matip can play CDM. All 3 play. Maybe 😉

        2. liiusions
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          Lovren will hopefully be nowhere near the XI. Although I could see VVD playing that DM role, very good on the ball

    2. UnitedFan
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      I believe so. They'll be an option to us imo.

    3. Somalion
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      You are 100% correct.

      A quality DM has been lacking at Pool for so very long now.

      1. liiusions
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Still haven't replaced Mascherano!

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

      Five out of six CS's during the run in against predictable fixtures says they may have already started to turn the corner anyway.

  15. Fred54
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    I thought the cop was a prostitute.

    1. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      How much did you offer her

  16. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Cheers for the update 🙂

  17. Lovren an elevator
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Does anyone know when VVD is proposed to be back to full fitness?

    1. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Should be fit for the start of the season

  18. tambourineman
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Fellaini goal, Belgium lead 2-1

  19. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    VVD, Matip, Lovern as a back three... That's some ridiculous set piece threat. Coutinho essential at anything up to 10.0m if he stays the summer as he'll get all the assists!

    1. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Lol Lovren

    2. Lovren an elevator
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Will they go back 3?! I appreciate everyone is giving it a go but a look is struggling to fit everyone in his midfield as it is.
      If true though, Clyne.....?

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

      Jokes aside Coutinho and KDB been top on my list for next season.

  20. FC Lackless [BALEGIUM]
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Nice work on the updates Mat/Mark...cheers !

  21. diesel001
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Interesting how England U21s, U20s, U17s keep reaching semi-finals and finals of tournaments yet England can't. What is the issue? For me it is the lack of game time between the ages of 19/20 and 23. Case in point - Danny Welbeck.

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

      There's a huge gap in quality between u21 and the senior squad, a lot of that is, like you say, down to a lack of game time and their prime development age. Certainly keen to see more youngsters given a chance to prove themselves. Players like sterling, alli, stones or kane in recent years!

  22. Chucky
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Match abandoned... Partyyyy tiimmee 😀

    1. Chucky
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      oops wrong place

  23. Art Vandelay
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Some more great work from footie officials. Josh Onomah gets a deserved 2nd yellow for this reckless challenge...

    https://twitter.com/TTTactics/status/871712205980540929

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

      Good call, do I do feel a certain level of pity for the man, seemed accidental. You live and you learn I guess

  24. internal error
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    L'Equipe say that Lacazette wants to sign for Atletico this summer and wait 6 months to play for them. He isnt worried about prospects of missing out on World Cup

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

      Is he Scottish? 😉

  25. internal error
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Vvd will prob have to get used to being on the bench at first. No way is Lovren getting dropped for him

    1. FC Lackless [BALEGIUM]
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      this....defo

      1. Dr Dream
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Three at the back without a doubt IMO.

        Clyne and Milner(?) are plenty energetic enough to get up and down the pitch as WB's...

        1. FC Lackless [BALEGIUM]
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          A dream scenario fpl wise .. hope you're right.

        2. internal error
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          Doubt it and m
          Milner at lwb? No thanks

          1. Dr Dream
            • 11 Years
            6 years, 9 months ago

            What's up with Milner going forward?...Other than that I put a question mark because he may well be replaced....

            1. internal error
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              6 years, 9 months ago

              I dont rate him at all as a lb. He started the season fairly well but got worse as season went on. Wasted so many attacks going forward by cutting in and crossing it. We are going to sign a lb after we sign vvd Salah and try for Keita

              1. goriuanx
                • 13 Years
                6 years, 9 months ago

                I'd love Theo Hernandez but I'll shut up for now.

                1. internal error
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 11 Years
                  6 years, 9 months ago

                  Anyone not named Milner will do me

                  1. Camp No No
                    • 10 Years
                    6 years, 9 months ago

                    Luke "fat ass on glass legs" Shaw?

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

                  I thought Theo already signed for Real Madrid. Which is one of the many reasons why nobody is inclined to love the rat.

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

      Nice try

  26. Wild Rover
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    So the World Cup in Russia will be ruined by violent thugs and the World Cup in Qatar will be taken away from them because they (allegedly) support terrorists. Good luck to whoever gets the gig instead.

    Thanks Sep. Twunt

    1. Dr Dream
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      It's a pigging nonsense all that awarding of the WC to countries to promote the game. It sounds right but it actually means nowt.

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

        They claimed that Qatar was awarded it to promote the region. Pity that everyone else in the region has broken off diplomatic relations with them and banned them from their airspace

        1. Dr Dream
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          I'll never change my mind...The right order for considering where to hold a WC...

          Who can actually host it without wasting millions of pounds
          Where do the fans want it to be played..
          Where do the players want it to be played.
          .....
          ......
          .....
          .....
          Where do FIFA want it to be played.

        2. Je suis le chat
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          I'm glad they have. At least previously the Qataris were mainly paying for Yayas birthday cake. Now they seem to spend more in Syria and the like at all kinds of nasty business.

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

      How will a winter WC impact FPL in 2018/19? These are the real questions that should be asked of FIFA.

      1. FPL price manipulators are …
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        It's not till 2022. Let them worry about it then

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

          You must be new... People are planning their teams already.

          1. FPL price manipulators are …
            • 10 Years
            6 years, 9 months ago

            I actually misread his comment.
            Completely agree. Why wasn't Mark consulted before making this decision!!!

    3. Je suis le chat
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      I believe nations with consciouses should boycott both. Could hold alternative tournaments.

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

        Yep, neither should ever have been awarded and even after FIFA are exposed as a fraud, there have been so many reasons to take it away but they don't have the bottle.

        1. Je suis le chat
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          Its still not too late to hold tournies in say UK in 2018 and China in 2022.

      2. Dr Dream
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Completely agree.

  27. Dr Dream
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Carrying on from that WR's WC post...and maybe worth chatting about.

    Given the obvious corruption that exists around the awarding of the WC would it not be worth just having a pool of "WC ready" countries, maybe six or so, and just take it in turns?

    Lots of other sports just use the same countries in a similar pool idea, albeit annually usually. Tennis, golf and such like just basically tour the same destinations year after year for most of their major tournaments.

    Meanwhile some of the other sports, such as rugby or Cricket by default have a much smaller pool so in effect is probably a lot less susceptible to corruption.

    Any thoughts?

    1. Camp No No
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      A bit harsh to restrict it to just six. In Europe alone there are 6 countries capable of arranging the World Cup. But, yes, it's awful that it is arranged in places where the lives of players and fans are risked. From the sportive point of view, it damages the competition, from the fan point of view, well, I can't understand who would want to go to Russia to get hospitalised by para-military troops.

      And then there are places where the local football league doesn't provide conditions for a big competition. Nowadays, I think Portugal could maybe host, but remember when they did? They built massive stadiums in the middle of nowhere and they stand there almost empty now. SA had massive problems in upgrading the stadiums to the sufficient level, and now if I haven't misunderstood, they are not in sufficient use. Qatar will be the worst of all. Their league will never be able to half fill any of those massive new stadiums.

      I wonder what the future will think of these massive complexes to host olympic games and football tournaments in areas where nobody lives.

  28. Sims
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Just seen the tiote news...can't belive it 🙁

  29. Is VVD worth £50m+?
    FPL Virgin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    £50m for an injured defender who does little more than carry a bit of a goal threat.

    £30m for Sakho just because he had a handful of good games.

    Does no one else not think there is something seriously wrong with English football?

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

      No. This is the market we live in. Deal with it.

      1. FPL Virgin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        I'm not talking about the market. I'm talking about clubs wasting their money.

        1. Jazz!
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          £50m for VVD is fine in this day and age.

          1. FPL Virgin
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 9 months ago

            Just like £35m was okay for Andy Carroll.

            1. internal error
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              6 years, 9 months ago

              Dont think anyone said Carroll for 35mil was fine

              1. Camp No No
                • 10 Years
                6 years, 9 months ago

                That was a price inflated by Chelsea agreeing to a stupid deal, wasn't it? Torres was £15M + whatever Newcastle asks for Carroll. That's what I heard. That put Liverpool in a situation where they don't have to care about how much they pay, and Newcastle in a situation where they can ask pretty much what they want. Neither side was pressed to negotiate the price lower.

                1. FPL Virgin
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 7 Years
                  6 years, 9 months ago

                  It wasn't hard to see that it was a colossal waste of money back then.

                  Not hard to see it now. Southampton must be rubbing their hands together with utter glee.

                  1. Camp No No
                    • 10 Years
                    6 years, 9 months ago

                    Both Sakho and VVD strike me as a particularly good defenders, types that the top clubs look for. Both have proven their ability to play in a high defence line high pressing system. Both are big, good in air, but also fast, can deal with one on one situations when opponents hit their team with counter attack. Both actually also are good box players when opponent dominates. They are both good passing defenders, VVD has a good range of passing, Sakho's range and accuracy of passing is outstanding. Both proven to be tactically apt in more than one system. That's a skill set that is hard to find, but that is necessary for the top clubs that want to play dominant, proactive football. That increases the prices naturally.

                    If you wonder how VVD's price rose that fast, the problem is that he played for Celtic before, so he was difficult to assess. In Scotland, they are over-dominant, and look too good, it's hard to say how well they do outside. In CL they parked the bus, so you don't see him playing in a tactical setup that you'd like to put him in. At Southampton, he has shown that he can do it.

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

                    Yet I agree that Southampton is definitely happy about getting that price. They make healthy profit, and can probably find someone as good but who is not proven on the same level yet - which is a risk they can well take.

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

          Unless you're ITK about Liverpool and Crystal Palace's finances i'm not sure you're inclined to talk about how a club is 'wasting their money'.

          You should stick to football twitter.

          1. FPL Virgin
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 9 months ago

            No need to be ITK. The finances are publicly available. Liverpool made £146m from the premier league last season and they are blowing over a third of that on an injured player who made his name in Scottish football.

            1. Jazz!
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 9 months ago

              Lol if that's really your opinion on Van Dijk, not sure what to say. 🙂 In the top 3 PL CBs for me.

              1. FPL Virgin
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 7 Years
                6 years, 9 months ago

                Take a look at his KPI defending stats in the members area.

                It takes a lot of scrolling to find him in the 'minutes per' lists.

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

                  Defensive stats are heavily skewed by possession and don't give a true indication on a defender's quality.

                  Southampton had 54% possession(highest outside the top 6), West Brom had 36%.

                  Who has more opportunity to make a defensive action, McAuley or van Dijk?

                  1. FPL Virgin
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 7 Years
                    6 years, 9 months ago

                    Good point.

                    Although % successful tackles made out of total tackle attempts is a stat not influenced by possession and VVD is behind the likes of Stones and Kone.

                    1. Gubbins94.
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 9 Years
                      6 years, 9 months ago

                      All stats are skewed by something, the only way to judge a player properly is to watch them regularly.

                      1. FPL Virgin
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 7 Years
                        6 years, 9 months ago

                        Go and watch the film Moneyball and then come back to us.

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

                        Billy Beane created a world series winning team without watching games, it gave him an emotional attachment to players.
                        Reminds me of a guy on here last season(?) who lived in an Asian country and barely watched a game. Says he had no personal opinions on players and moved them like a trader with stocks. He was very successful from what I remember.

                      3. Lawrø
                        • 12 Years
                        6 years, 9 months ago

                        The film is rubbish, read the book!

                      4. Camp No No
                        • 10 Years
                        6 years, 9 months ago

                        Come on, the film is good too!

                      5. Parm
                        • 12 Years
                        6 years, 9 months ago

                        Would love to give a take on this but I've only read the book. #nerd

                      6. Lawrø
                        • 12 Years
                        6 years, 9 months ago

                        I read the book first so I have that bias. When watching the film I actually had to stop it halfway through and pick it up again later... really didn't enjoy it and was glad when it finished 😀

                      7. Parm
                        • 12 Years
                        6 years, 9 months ago

                        Generic take but i'd assume the film is more 'drama' based whereas the book obviously focuses on process, the bit that i'm actually reading the book for?

                      8. Camp No No
                        • 10 Years
                        6 years, 9 months ago

                        Yeah, true. The film is largely about the drama of the season. But, it is still good as a film.

                      9. Lawrø
                        • 12 Years
                        6 years, 9 months ago

                        Yep, lots of good details left out 🙁

                        Also add in the inconsistencies to the way you imagined the story, I had Chad Bradford down as a black guy for example! 😆

                      10. Lawrø
                        • 12 Years
                        6 years, 9 months ago

                        Also not having Paul DePodesta there was infuriating...

                      11. Parm
                        • 12 Years
                        6 years, 9 months ago

                        Chad Brayford was always a white guy in my eyes, I actually watched his pitching after reading the book and you can see how he was so good, reminds me of Malinga in cricket where his action is so unique and so hard to pick.

                        And Paul DePodesta is now working with the Cleveland Browns in the NFL, will be interesting to see if he can work his magic at the league's worst franchise.

                      12. The Mighty One
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 14 Years
                        6 years, 9 months ago

                        Forget Moneyball, it is irrelevant here. Sure Oakland did the fantasy baseball thing with that team and gets credit...oh, let's remember that they had 3 of the top pitchers in baseball (Hudson, Mulder, Zito), and that is exactly why the system worked. The movie didn't even mention those studs. Do what ever you want with fringe players when you have beasts on the mound.

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

                He's a defensive liability, too cavalier and positionally poor. Fonte made him look a lot better than he actually is.

                1. FPL Virgin
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 7 Years
                  6 years, 9 months ago

                  That's something I think no one has considered - including Liverpool's infamous transfer committee (who have never wasted a penny in their life).

              3. Twisted Saltergater
                • 14 Years
                6 years, 9 months ago

                £ 50m for a defender is a ridiculous amount, regardless. Based on talent, that would make Koscielny £ 75m 😀

                1. Camp No No
                  • 10 Years
                  6 years, 9 months ago

                  Certainly, if they payed for one season only. But Koscielny is 6 years older, he will be 32 this autumn, and is carrying a chronic injury. He is definitely a top defender, but it is quite likely that he already played his best season, and it is a doubt if he can ever play a full season again, even if you do get top performances from him for another 2-3 seasons.

                  Whereas Van Dijk should be about to enter his best age, he'll be 26 at the start of the next season. Whoever pays £50M for him, pays it for having a top performing CB for the next 5 seasons.

                  The doubt with VVD is that he's injured now too, and it seemed serious. But if the doctors are convinced he can come back to 100% for next season, then it should be ok, right?

      2. Jazz!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        This

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

      I think there's a lot wrong with English football, but you very much underestimate these players.

    3. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Have you seen either of them defend or are you too busy watching Jonty getting changed into his night clothes? 😉

      1. FPL Virgin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        I've always maintained that the binoculars in my possession were for an innocent birdwatching trip to Somerset.

        1. goriuanx
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          What kind of bird? 😉

    4. bojack
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      o/

    5. UnitedFan
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      VVD is one of the best in the league. Don't be stupid.

    6. bojack
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      I'm no economist, but these prices look like the characteristics of a bubble to me.

      If there was a sudden drop in TV money surely a number of clubs would be up a certain creek without a paddle.

      It happened to FL clubs when ITV Digital went bust.

      1. Camp No No
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Nah, only result would be that such prices could not be commanded anymore. As long as they don't waste money they don't have, it doesn't matter that they don't get it in future. I mean, for transfers. The wages are another thing. If PL suddenly lost that TV revenue, the clubs would be screwed with the salaries they pay to their big squads.

        1. bojack
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          I guess they're speculating that future income from TV and prize money will continue to increase.

          1. Camp No No
            • 10 Years
            6 years, 9 months ago

            Maybe, many PL clubs are making deficit despite everything. Just saying that they don't have to worry about player prices dropping in future, because they can buy cheaper then too. If their revenues drop, their wage budgets will become problematic though, and then they are screwed if they can't get money out of their players, or even worse can't get rid of them at all.

            1. bojack
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 9 months ago

              The wages are obscene, aren't they?

              And if the bubble did ever burst it's be the everyday staff at clubs who'd suffer through layoffs. Knock on effect to lower division clubs too.

              1. Camp No No
                • 10 Years
                6 years, 9 months ago

                Yup.

                And don't get me wrong, I agree, the transfer fees are absolutely obscene as well. The money in football now, particularly in PL, is just silly, and the TV money part of it in particular.

                And I hate how TV broadcasting dictates everything now.

                Including the World Cup thing we discussed above. Broadcasting + merchandise, but still.

      2. Gnu
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        This.
        Big big bubble.

      3. FPL Virgin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        That's the perfect word for it ... a bubble.

    7. Gnu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      I have to agree.
      Signed two years ago from Celtic for 13m.
      Has he been the outstanding defender in English football?
      No.
      Pretty good fantasy asset if he's under 6m - maybe.
      50m?
      Never in a month of Sundays, really is time for a reality check .

      1. FPL Virgin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        At last. Someone talking sense.

        1. bojack
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          You're both on to something I think. Been trying to articulate this and failing over the last week or so, ha.

      2. The Mighty One
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        I agree, but do you guys feel that way about the Pogba fee?

        I see City trying to pay 40M for each fullback this Summer. Crazy money.

    8. Gubbins94.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      £60m is crazy but fees are becoming less and less relevant these days. Seems a lot of clubs have bottomless pits for transfer fees.

      In terms of the player, I'd rather spend the premium on a low risk transfer than cheaping out on some young lad from a foreign league with good stats. They've made that mistake enough times before.

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

        This is smart, low risk business from Liverpool. Plus given that clubs use player amortisation by accounting for transfer fees across their contract(along with wages) on a per yer basis, the fees aren't as heavy on club finances as you'd expect.

        1. Gubbins94.
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          Low risk in terms of the player's profile, VVD's injury this season accentuates the risk.

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

            Didn't think of that but it's smarter than spending £20m less on a not-sure-thing signing.

            1. Gubbins94.
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 9 months ago

              I agree, assuming Liverpool have done their extensive medical research etc. etc.

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

            That's true, but the injury and its effect to his future capacity to return is obviously assessed by the doctors. So if they say it's not going to be a problem, then, that's probably so? Right? I would hate to tell my boss he's safe to spend £50M on a broken product that cannot be fully repaired.

            1. Gubbins94.
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 9 months ago

              You'd imagine so but United put all their eggs in an Owen Hargreaves shaped basket once upon a time.

              1. Camp No No
                • 10 Years
                6 years, 9 months ago

                True. The medical staff must do their work well. And it's a risk even then, of course. £50M is a big risk, I'm not a MD, but the ankle injuries often seem to repeat.

        2. bojack
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          But what if the value of their assets suddenly halves or worse because the market crashes for some reason?

          Surely there's a limit to the growth of the Premier League.

          The irony is that despite all the money, we don't have the best players.

          1. FPL Virgin
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 9 months ago

            Couldn't agree more. There is a gargantuan premium on Premier league players who simply can't cut it on the European stage.

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

              They can't cut it on the European stage because their clubs can't. And here's some of why the PL clubs can't cut it right now from a non-football standpoint: https://twitter.com/jburnmurdoch/status/871045786435563520/photo/1

        3. The Mighty One
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          Any chance that you're a Pool fan? 60M on a CB with an injury history is too much! (Yes, that is Giggs in my Grav.) The 50 or 60M is paid in real cash (installments) so there is no help in amortisation which only presents the number in the annual financial statements. There is definitely RISK.

    9. Hibbo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Great signing for Liverpool if they pull it off.

      The money is very big but if the recoup some crazy money back on Sakho it all comes out on the wash.

      The money in the league is nuts, simple as. City spend huge sums on bench players. If Liverpool sign Van Dijk for this fee there will be critics, if they don't sign there will be critics.

      I think Van Dijk is top class and in my opinion he's been done a disservice by a few on this thread.

      Hey he could have been bought for cheaper money when he came south of the border but Premier League clubs want to see proven Premiership ability and then pay a premium. Quite similiar to Wanyama. Celtic have a good model it shouldn't be knocked as "he made his name in Scottish football". The path from Celtic to Premiership has worked out for plenty.

      1. FPL Virgin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        What do you think of VVD's stats, Tony? I wasn't impressed to the tune of £50m.

        1. Hibbo
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          I don't know the stats and I don't need to know the stats really Virg.

          It's all eye test with me and VVD I like what I see. I liked it at Celtic, I like it at Southampton.

          I look at say the top 5 or 6 teams in the league and Van Dijk would be a great signing, for me, for any of them. I could visualise him playing for any of those teams.

          When Stones went to City he was the great hype, similiar price but for some Van Dijk's fee is easier to baulk at? Not for me though.

          I really rate him, I like how he is on the ball and how he builds out and breaks out from the back. Big ambition by Liverpool if they pull it off imo.

    10. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      The money in football is stupid and anyone who is a rational human being should see this - think how these sort of amounts could help the homeless or single mothers struggling to buy their babies food. Fundamentally wrong.

      1. bojack
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        It is.

        On a slightly less important point nowhere near enough profit is shared lower down and it's begining to feel like two separate worlds from League One up.

    11. Sconeaus - The Dude Abides
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      think VVD offers a bit more than that, made more blocks Aeriel duels won and tackles since in Prem when combined then any other defender.

      Him and Toby A best two centre halves in league, kompany when fit but never is.

      Ferdinand cost £30m in 2002, equate that w inflation 15 years on in market, not comparing the Two but if he's up there as top cb well that's what wud be paying, whether we rate him or not Chelsea Liverpool n man city seem to

      I'd suggest Conte, pep and klopp know a good player when see one.

    12. redbeard
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      he's worth it to Liverpool https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVQ22zrxRH0

  30. Parm
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Goals for and against of PL winners in recent years.

    City 11/12: 93 & 29
    United: 12/13: 86 & 43
    City 13/14: 102 & 37
    Chelsea 14/15: 73 & 32
    Leicester: 15/16: 68 & 36
    Chelsea 16/17: 85 & 33.

    Do defences actually win you titles?

    1. Gubbins94.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Last two team's to win it have been counter attacking teams and Mourinho's Chelsea weren't much better.

    2. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Yep. Forget Gerrard's slip - Liverpool lost the league 3 seasons ago because they couldn't convince Carragher to delay being a pundit for 1 more season.

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

        That team also scored over 100 goals. If Pep's City can score over 100 this year, will it really matter how bad they defend?

        Also look at United this year, 29 goals conceded, one of the best defences in the league, the same last year. Didn't finish top 4 either year, yet alone win the league. Why?

    3. ONSIDE 9
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Have to say yes really. With a good defence you can afford to misfire going forward and still win games 1 - 0.

      If your conceding goals and misfiring your going to drop points.

    4. Somalion
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      I've always felt it was a 60% attack, 40% defence kind of thing. You can all out attack (Pool a good example) but still wind up failing if your defence is utterly hapless. Flipside, if you don't allow many goals in but are limp up front you aren't going far.

      My view, and I haven't checked any stats behind this so could be wrong, is that the ones with the strong attacks but weaker defences will still wind up higher in the table than the strong defences with rubbish attackers.