Awards

Team Of The Season – Zlatan Ibrahimovic

As the biggest name to arrive in the Premier League last summer, there was signicant hype surrounding new Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic among Fantasy Football communities.

He went on to enjoy a successful season at Old Trafford, scoring 28 goals in all competitions as Jose Mourinho’s side won both the Capital One Cup and the UEFA Europa League.

And while Spurs’ Harry Kane and Everton’s Romelu Lukaku were the stand-out options among the forwards across the Fantasy games, Ibrahimovic sees off Chelsea’s Diego Costa to claim the final spot in our Team of the Season.

The Statistics

Handed an initial price tag of 11.5 in Fantasy Premier League (FPL), Ibrahimovic was selected by 1,270,022 managers heading into Gameweek 1.

That figure reflected the fact the forward polarised opinion during pre-season, but a goal and maximum bonus points in the 3-1 win over Bournemouth quickly silenced any doubters.

He then registered a brace in the 2-0 victory against Southampton, with his 13-point haul forcing many who had gone without the Swede up to that point to alter their plans.

By Gameweek 5, Ibrahimovic was owned by over 2,400,000 FPL managers, with his price reaching a season-high of 11.9.

That early-season form was to prove a false dawn though, with the United striker blanking in five consecutive matches between Gameweeks 6 and 10.

By the time Mourinho’s men travelled to Swansea City in Gameweek 11, Ibrahimovic’s price had dropped to 11.1 and he’d lost over 1,100,000 owners along the way.

But that trip to south Wales proved to be a turning point, with Ibrahimovic scoring twice in a 3-1 victory.

Further goals followed against West Ham United and Everton before the former Paris St-Germain forward embarked on his best run of form between Gameweeks 16 and 18.

Over those three matches, he produced four goals, three assists and eight bonus to total 38 points in FPL.

Ibrahimovic’s price returned to its peak of 11.7, but he would never reach those heights again despite remaining a consistent point scorer – he registered a goal or an assist in five of his next seven starts.

His season was dramatically derailed during the 1-1 draw against Bournemouth in Gameweek 27.

He returned a Gameweek score of -1 after missing a penalty and picking up a yellow card, and he was then handed a retrospective three-match ban for clashing with Cherries defender Tyrone Mings.

Ibrahimovic did return from suspension to score twice and register an assist in his next two appearances, but his season was cruelly brought to a premature end after suffering cruciate knee ligament damage against Anderlecht in the Europa League.

He concluded the FPL season with 163 points, ranking him sixth among forwards, although he averaged 5.8 points per match, which was bettered only by Kane (7.5), Manchester City’s Gabriel Jesus (6.7) and Lukaku (6.0).

Despite only playing 28 matches, Ibrahimovic placed second among FPL forwards for shots with 115, averaging a chance every 21.2 minutes.

He also shone as a creator, with no other forward managing more key passes than his 47, seven of which led to assists.

The Prospects

It was confirmed last Friday that United have released Ibrahimovic following the end of his one-year deal, deciding against taking up the option of a second year.

His departure leaves only Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Wayne Rooney as the senior strikers currently on the books at Old Trafford.

After a brilliant performance in the 2-0 win over Chelsea and some important goals in United’s Europa League success, Rashford currently looks the primary option heading into next season, although a new signing in this position is surely inevitable.

Used mainly out wide during the first half of the season, Rashford enough flashes of brilliance in Ibrahimovic’s absence but would again seem destined to surrender the central striker role to a new signing.

Martial did play some matches in the lone striker role following Ibrahimovic’s season-ending injury, but it remains to be seen whether his long-term future will be as a centre forward or back out wide.

Rooney, meanwhile, has fallen down the pecking order, with his future at the club looking uncertain.

The skipper has been linked with a move away with just one year left on his current deal, although his wage demands could mean he sees out the rest of his contract as a bit-part player.

Mourinho is certain to bring in at least one big-name forward, with a deal to acquire Real Madrid hitman Alvaro Morata to the club reportedly in progress.

There are suggestions that personal terms have already been agreed with the player, leaving only a fee to be negotiated between the two clubs. The player’s agent has also confirmed that an “important offer” has been made to Madrid by United with reports today stating that a deal is close.

The Spanish international produced 15 goals and five assists in 26 league outings last season, despite being a bit-part player, and has plenty of experience having also enjoyed a two-year spell at Juventus.

United have also been heavily linked with a move for Torino striker Andrea Belotti, with some speculation suggesting Mourinho is keen to sign both players.

The 23-year-old Italian registered a hugely impressive 26 goals and eight assists in 35 league appearances last season in a side that was only able to finish ninth in Serie A.

Both players underlying statistics from 2016/17 are pretty similar, with Belotti averaging a shot every 23.6 minutes, slightly superior to Morata (24.3).

They both fell slightly short of Ibrahimovic’s mark of a chance every 21.2 minutes, but in Belotti’s case, he would certainly be part of a side creating a lot more chances than he is used to at Torino, while an increase in starts for Morata should also boost his numbers.

Fantasy managers will be taking a keen eye on United’s activity and pre-season matches to try and establish the pecking order among the United forwards, but while Morata and Belotti are both talented individuals and boast huge potential, they’ll do well to adapt to English football as quickly as Ibrahimovic did.

Even with those doubts, today’s publication of the 2017/18 fixtures gave us reason to increase our interest in United’s assets. Jose Mourinho’s side avoid all of last season’s top six over the opening six Gameweeks and arguably have the smoothest opening of any of the likely title contenders.

520 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Azathoth
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Com'on Southampton,sign Tuchel.

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

    Bit of a step down for Tuchel, cant see him fancying it

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

    Fixtures for the first few weeks are not strong for players for the standard go to teams, should make GW1 selections interesting and possible not template?

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

      Liverpool was a step down fro Klopp yet he went to pool

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

        Replie fail to Annie. Sorry

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

        Slightly bigger club...

    2. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Agreed! Should be fun/terrible

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

    What managers could conceivably continue as managers of their current club 15+ years like Fergie and Wenger?

    Pochettino?
    Zindane?
    Simeone?
    Mourinho?
    Conte?

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

      Zizou

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

      Can't see Mourinho doing more than three seasons at United, especially given that he is living in a hotel.

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

      It's a brave person who thinks Real Madrid will keep any manager for that length of time

    4. noquarternt
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      None of them. Won't happen again.

  5. Home and Away Rotation
    Ludo
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Sorry if this has been posted already, but I couldn't see it anywhere.

    These are the pairings that rotate home and away for all 38 gameweeks this season, so whenever one team plays at home, the other will be away, and vice versa.

    Arsenal and Tottenham
    Bournemouth and Southampton
    Brighton and Huddersfield
    Burnley and Chelsea
    Crystal Palace and Stoke
    Everton and Liverpool
    Leicester and Newcastle
    Man City and Man United
    Swansea and West Brom
    Watford and West Ham

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

      Is this true?

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

      Do you remember last pre-last season people were actually claiming they would captain Ibra and Kun on Home rotation basis all season...started well enough at least 🙂

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

      Good work. What's the likely cheap gk rotation from that?

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

        Brighton Huddersfield likely cheapest but Huddersfield keeper from last season has joined the Redknapp revolution in the Championship.

        1. The Mighty Whites
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          *Brighton's keeper 😉

      2. The Rumour Mill
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Cheapest probably Brighton and Huddersfield. But the best value in rotation goalkeepers may well be Henessey (4.5?) and Butland (4.5?). Will have to see who the new Palace manager is though first, shame Sam has left in this respect as he's normally good for clean sheets.

        Swansea and WBA also worth considering, I'd imaging Foster and Fabianski to both be 4.5. Not sure i trust the Swansea defense though, and Mawson/Olsen probably better value at the same price.

        Watford maybe worth looking at, Marco Silva has atonishingly good home form. However West Ham are poor at home, and their picture is complicated by the Olympic stadium being unavailable until September, so the rotation wouldn't work at first anyway.

        The other rotations are all expensive, or feature teams with particular defenders who are better over the goalkeepers.

      3. Swansea Bloke
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Brighton and Huddersfield surely?

    4. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Thanks, that's not what I was expecting. Geography appears to have gone out of the window with most of those pairings.

    5. Individual
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Nice one ludo!

      Found a few decent rotations yesterday. I'm favouring a 3 way with SWA/BUR/WBA (wba having the best opening fixtures of any midtable side):

      BOU
      WBA
      CPL
      NEW
      WHU
      WAT
      HUD
      LEI
      sot
      BHA
      SWA
      BOU
      NEW
      CPL
      WAT

      Think I'll personally have wba/SWA (Dawson and Mawson/Olsson) myself, plus a 4.0 bench fodder.

      🙂

      1. The Rumour Mill
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        I think Southampton are another mid table side with a good start, depends who their new manager is though. Could work either in rotation with WBA or in addition to one of their defenders (Southampton fixtures listed first column, WBA fixtures second column)

        GW1 SWA BOU
        GW2 WHU bur
        GW3 hud STO
        GW4 WAT bri
        GW5 cry WHU

        (assuming Southamptons GW2 fixture is switched from the Olympic stadium to St Mary's)

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

          Yep, I tweeted about that yesterday. Lots depends on the identity of the new manager.

          Wonder if Gabbiadini will rectify his past errors.... Lolol

          1. The Rumour Mill
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 9 months ago

            Ah ok, I'm not on twitter haha.

            Lol I don't really know what to make of Gabbiadini, is he the sharpshooter who scored heavily in his first few matches of english football, or the chugger who misses golden chances, including penalties? hoping for pre season to give us some clues!

            P.S. Loving the new blog you've started, you've definately got yourself a regular reader here 🙂

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

              That's cool 🙂

              Aww thanks RM, so glad you are enjoying it! Lovely to hear that feedback!

              1. The Rumour Mill
                • 7 Years
                6 years, 9 months ago

                Yeah I've found it very interesting and infomative so far, particularly enjoying the long form "future trends" series. Its nice to have the game discussed in depth and detail that isn't always possible within the confines of the FFS articles (as much as I also appreciate and enjoy the shorter form FFS articles).

                Furthermore, having a number of pespectives on FF can only help. As you mentioned in one of your blog posts, its easy to get swept up in a herd mentality on FFS. Sometimes this is beneficial (King), other times less so (Gundogan, Allen, Capoue, Phillips, Stanislas; yes, they were all in my team at one point or another this season!). My aim for next season is to try and seperate the good transfer decisions from the bad, especially in the hectic early gameweeks of the season. Hopefully reading your posts and others, like Triggerlips' blog, will help me in that aim 🙂

                Keep up the good work!

                1. The Butch
                  • 8 Years
                  6 years, 9 months ago

                  Can you repost the link to your blog? 🙂

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

                    Sorry mate!

                    It's

                    Whogottheassist.com 🙂

                    1. The Butch
                      • 8 Years
                      6 years, 9 months ago

                      Thanks! Superb

                2. Individual
                  • 10 Years
                  6 years, 9 months ago

                  Great feedback, that's what we're aiming for: to be another voice and to give you a unique perspective! Glad you got through my long articles too 😀

                  Cheers RM, hit us up at whogottheassist@gmail.com if you have any questions or comments :F

                  1. Zogzeg
                    • 11 Years
                    6 years, 9 months ago

                    I've been enjoying the blog too.

                    Does it have comments? I haven't seen any when viewing on iPhone, but I do see a 'Leave a comment' link.

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

                      Hi mate, yes it should have comments! Can you email the issues you are having to whogottheassist@gmail.com? Thanks 🙂

                  2. The Rumour Mill
                    • 7 Years
                    6 years, 9 months ago

                    No worries 🙂 Haha I'm a quick reader 😛

                    You have just been emailed!

    6. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGeniusâ…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Ta, Ludo.

    7. Hasselbaink Forever - Defoe…
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Cheers

    8. A.T
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Thanks Ludo. Long time no see 🙂

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

      Boom. Nice one, Ludo.

    10. Boris Bodega
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Thanks a million

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

    Thanks

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

      reply fail to Ludo .. seems to be a lot of reply fails atm

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

        Bottom of page syndrome

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

          This is exactly what it is.

  7. Postman Ty
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Newcastle to open the season against Spurs after the licks they gave them last time out. That should be interesting.

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

      Yeah have to see what happens... I imagine Kane is going to have the premium pricetag but he does tend to start quite slow. Maybe it'll be different this year!!

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

    Some early reports about Maguire signing for Leicester. If this is true, given Leicester's potency from set pieces with Huth and Morgan, Maguire could be next season's McAuley if he nails down a starting spot

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

      Yes he was marauding forward loads wasn't he!? Looked quite a prospect!
      I feel like Dawson might be this year's McAuley, especially given their first 5 fixtures.

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

        Is Dawson going to revert to CB next season? Seemed like Pulis was preparing to phase out McAuley towards the end, which was accelerated by McAuley beginning to show his age with injuries

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

      Indeed. Looks pretty much a done deal. I'm expecting a resurgent Leicester next season and will certainly be eyeing up their assets.

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

    Hi all

    Whilst it's quiet after yesterday's storm... Written an article assessing the fpl prospects of the Huddersfield dangerman, Elias Kachunga, for our blog: http://whogottheassist.com/posts/461

    (Lindelof and Kolasinac, plus a pile of other hopefully interesting stuff, and our first podcast also on there too)

    Check it out if you have a free minute and can spare us some time 😀

    Cheers!
    Individual (Tom)

  10. Emiliano Sala
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Which gks you are thinking about ?
    2 4.5 and rotate ? Which teams?

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

      4.5/4.0 for me.

      Best rotation so far if you want a 4.5 route is SWA/WBA

      BOU
      bur
      STO
      NEW
      WHU
      WAT
      HUD
      LEI
      MCI
      BHA
      bur
      BOU
      NEW
      CPL
      WBA

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

        Don't see Baggies keeping it clean against Bournemouth, or anyone particularly.

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

          Of course not, but when you are putting your adjustments to your team and playing with the budget they will be top of your list for 4.5-5.0 players.

          It's deffo a myth that they are impenetrable, but I'd be getting Dawson in for the set piece threat tbh plus Pulis does grind points out first half of the season. McAuley likely to be 5.5 I reckon so too much, but Dawson could be perfect.

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

            Yeah a 4.5 option could be good.

            I'll be at the Hawthorns on the opening day, so I'll.report back on my findings, ha!

      2. Emiliano Sala
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Swansea will concede goal in any of them. I consider dawson from wba and not going to make it double with foster
        Can't decide to chose gk by quality or fixtures. Butland would be lovely at 4.5 but stoke fixtures is not great
        Newcastle has nice fixtures

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

          I'm in the same boat, there's probably a reason no one mentions fixture rotation after GW1.

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

            Oh yeah for sure. It's more of a "nice to know", mostly cos we have nothing else to talk about atm apart from the fixtures and also the new players 😀

    2. Emiliano Sala
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      How people see the idea of picking both first and second gk of one team ? You would save 0.5 and will always have gk with certain fixtures

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

        This is my strategy. Hopefully they'll jack Myhil down to 4.0 so I'll have Foster Myhil. Last year, Heaton/Robbo was perfect.
        As you say, I reckon that 0.5 is better spent up the pitch.
        I also advocate having 1 4.0 bench fodder defender.

        1. Emiliano Sala
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          Buying a 4 price defender for bench is base of my fpl startegy.

        2. FPL Kangaroo
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          Love that strategy Individual.Think I'll be doing the same myself.Hopefully there is at least one starting 4.0m player but doubt it.I'm planning to go with one premium defender(Valencia) & 4 cheap rotating defenders(Dawson,Olsson/Mawson , PVA,Cedric/Stephens).

          Loving the new blog btw.

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

            Thanks Kangaroo :D. So happy to hear that.

            Yes I'll be talking about this in one of our upcoming pods (early July as Matamatics is getting married). Think it's such a sound strategy. You don't need a bench til the business end of the season imo past your first sub and maybe backup def

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

      Heaton or Butland. Whichever one takes off.

      1. Emiliano Sala
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Heaton price is at least 5. Too much for me

    4. *sigh*
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      I'm going 4.5/4.0 keepers from the same team at least until team value builds.One of the promoted teams will likely give this combo.Unfortunately can't see Butland and Grant at these prices.

  11. Piggs Boson
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Should Giroud stay or go? Interesting analysis here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYniELTnbZY

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

      He seems to divide opinion like no other forward. Personally I think he's just a bit average.

  12. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGeniusâ…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Anyone seen Portsmouth Bubblejet?

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

      Not for many moons.

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

      Anyone have ready-to-load DRG ratings for the upcoming season?

      1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGeniusâ…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        DRG? 🙂

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

          Yes, DRG. Or have the marketing department come up with a better name (unlikely)?

          1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGeniusâ…
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            6 years, 9 months ago

            Ah. Currently under construction. Basic spreadsheet assembled, all fixtures. Now just a matter of filling in 760 cells, and then individually formatting them ... 😉

            1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGeniusâ…
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 14 Years
              6 years, 9 months ago

              Also, the actual generator is in fact complete. 😀

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

                'tis the ratings I'm after specifically. I can plug that in to the fixtures fairly quickly.

    3. Ziro
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      "Anyone seen ..." used to be the pre-cursor to sighs on non-signups to LAWR 😀

      Wonder what this one is about 🤔

  13. *sigh*
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Anyone else disagree with Ibra being in fpl team if the season? Surely Defoe or Costa should be in there ? Or even five mids with Kane/Lukaku up top.

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

      Defoe a scored 1 in his last 14. Hardly worthy or team of the year.

  14. Emiliano Sala
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Just changed my mind.
    Foster price prediction?
    Which one looks better ?
    A) Foster + dawson
    B) Foster + cedric

    I think apart from above, dawson is better pick than cedric with those fixtures but always doubted in doubling the defence

  15. Does Zlatan really deserve praise?
    J0E
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Fantasy Football Scout daily hot topic

    More big chances missed than any other player last season. http://members.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/my-stats-tables/view/16995/

    Yes he scored 17 league goals, but consider where ManU could have finished if Zlatan hadn't been passed his prime. And consider all those missed points among Fantasy managers who trusted him through those goal droughts.

    Does Zlatan really deserve a place in the Team of the Year, especially given he was a very distant third in the vote to Lukaku and Kane?

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

      Who was the 5th highest voted for mid? Could he take his place in a 352?

      1. J0E
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Was Hazard on around 300 - 100 shy of Ibra. But Azpiliceuta - fourth placed defender got more than Ibra's....perhaps a case of 4-4-2 instead this season?

        My problem with Ibra is not just the way he curtailed ManU's attack for much of the season was that his returns for his price were woeful.

        My third vote went to Defoe who was a genuine source of good returns for a large chunk of the season. Llorente was another. Their value was key for me. I just think for premium forwards Ibra was dramatically behind Kane and Lukaku. He just feels like an intruder into the end of year team.

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

          I was going to suggest Defoe but from memory I thought he tailed off quite badly in the second half of the season. Azpi seems more deserving in a 442.

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

            This. Defoe second half of the season was completely different to the first half I'm sure. Yes he was the star of a poor Sunderland team but not worthy of team of the year imo

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

              King delivered nothing in the first half of the year too.

              It's a question of how many points you have given your owners, how many owners you have had, and how much value you offered. Defoe was the only striker priced below 9.0 that finished above 150 points. He even managed to bring in more points than Ibra.

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

          We were only allowed to vote for 4 midfielders, which left Alli, Eriksen and Hazard all fighting for the 3rd and 4th midfield places after Sanchez and King.

          Hazard should have been in the team instead of Zlatan imo, but he was deservedly voted the 3rd best forward (though a long way behind Kane and Lukaku).

          We should have had a vote on the formation before or after the votes for the 4 categories.

          3-4-3 and 3-5-2 are always the best and most popular formations - they beat 4-4-2, 4-3-3 and other formations every time.

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

      Explosion imminent.

      1. J0E
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        I'm sure he'll do well in the US...but I think the Premier League was a bit too much for him. 🙂

    3. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      How is the Team of the Season decided?

      Missing 15 out of 21 big chances is not good enough for a striker of his calibre! But I was red-flagged most of the season, so I can't really say if anyone deserved it more. It's seems quite a bad year for FPL strikers.

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

        I don't think he should have been in it, especially if Azpi got more votes ! Does team of the year factor cost in as well as it seems like this team isn't very viable from a financesbperspective either.

      2. J0E
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        You are right - it isn't good enough.

        It's decided by votes. I was surprised when I saw him so high, considering his high profile misses. Also the price was key - not good enough for that price tag - so as a Fantasy option he was appalling.

        Azpilicueta got more votes and is more deserving - great fantasy option.

        Also while 3-4-3 was used most by the top managers last season, the third striker was in the main Austin/Llorente/Defoe etc.

        1. J0E
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          In terms of the democratic process he was the third most voted for striker so its all those who voted for him that are the cause of his inclusion.

          Would be good to hear from those who voted for Ibra to find out why they think he is so deserving?

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

            I voted for him but I think it was because I was struggling to think of anyone else 😀

            1. J0E
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 14 Years
              6 years, 9 months ago

              Not exactly a ringing endorsement 😉

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

                I voted for Ibra.
                He scored well for my team and it wasn't his fault that he missed the end of the season through injury.
                He was the 4th best forward in terms of points per game (behind Kane, Jesus and Lukaku), and ahead of Costa and Aguero.
                The remaining forwards all had considerably worse records and none of them deserved to be anywhere near the team of the season.

                Hazard was far more deserving of a place, in a 3-5-2 formation.
                The fact that Azpil got more votes than Hazard should be irrelevant, even if the result hadn't been skewed by giving us 4 votes for defenders but only 4 for midfielders.
                3-5-2 is always more popular than 4-4-2, so if there were 4 votes for defenders then there ought also to have been 5 votes for midfielders.
                This was a season for midfielders.

                Alonso, Kompany and Coleman were the best 3 defenders, but Kompany was unfortunately injured for a large part of the season.
                Azpil was only the 3rd best Chelsea defender (after Alonso and Cahill), and I wouldn't have dreamed of including all 3 in my team, whether playing 3 at the back or 4.

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

                If there had been 3 votes for defenders and 5 for midfielders then Hazard would have beaten Azpil hands down.

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

            I actually only voted Lukaku and Kane. It was a really bad year for strikers in general. Costa had a decent season and perhaps was more deserving, but tailed off in the end.. Defoe too. I think Llorente did well too but not enough in my view to get in the TOTS. This year was more a year for midfielders - those extra points for goals and clean sheets really make them step out as valid assets - the likes of Sanchez, Hazard, King, Alli, Eriksen, Siggy

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

          Azpi/Llorente were both in the best team for the dead team challenge - I know this isn't the selection criteria but you'd have thought it would still be one of them rather than Ibra.

          1. Piggs Boson
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 9 months ago

            Do you have a link to this Pasqualinho? 🙂

        3. Piggs Boson
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          Azpilcueta's stats are incredible, he does deserve to be there more than Zlatan. The formation needs to be a bit more flexible.

          Llorente and Defoe were two of the best value players in the game, right? If priced similarly next season, one or both will be in my initial XI for sure!

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

      Pretty sure I only voted for Lukaku and Kane, none of the others deserved one 😉 give it to Hazard, personally had him most of the season and he served me well.

    5. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGeniusâ…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      No, not imo.

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

      From an FPL point of view definitely he has had long periods of big disappointment, like the first stretch after Aguero's suspension and towards the end near the BGW/DGW. Then again, he was my winter saviour when despite captaining Kane for his home blanks I had big green arrows.

      From a footballing point of view, having seen almost all of United's matches this season, I have to say they greatly modified their playing style to accommodate him and the chinks arising from such an adjustment were clear to see. It was painful to see so many counterattacks peter away or so many half-chances (and full for that matter) go begging. But what came as a very big consolation was the following:

      Granted he must take a good share of individual blame for the record number of draws (especially 1-1), but he did step up at a number of big moments in the cups and also in the league when he had a few late equalisers to keep our draw record intact. When he signed last year, I was not hopeful of a 30 goal season from him. Instead all I hoped for was an extended Henrik Larsson type of impact, which we definitely got from him. He came into a team devoid of any sort of winning mentality. His positivity, spirit and physical hardwork must have rubbed off on his team mates, and if the likes of Lingard, Pogba, Rashford etc. can draw from that (which they do seem to have) for seasons to come, then yes, his wastefulness cost United a better league position; no, he probably should not have an FPL team of the year place; but yes, he definitely deserves praise for kicking United back into shape physically and mentally.

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

        With regards to the vote, I did vote for Ibra as third striker because I don't think any of the other strikers did more than him over the course of the whole season to earn a call up, but personally I feel a 352 or even a 442 would be more reflective of this season than a 343. I think the gap between Kane/Kaku and Ibra just proves this.

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

      @Jonty

      Defoe scored 1 goal in his last 14 games for Sunderland. You can't say he deserves it more than ibra. Who was only 3 points behind but missed the last 7 or so games. Yes ibra was average but not many were better

      1. J0E
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        I think that's the key point though - Ibra was average - yet he's named by a vote as one of the best 11 players of the season. I agree re Defoe - but I voted for him for value - at that price he was an excellent third striker for a large part of the season, which I thought deserved recognition- I think Azpi though is ahead of him in a best XI.

        So far average is best thing anyone has said about Ibra 😉

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

          The fault was in choosing 3-4-3 instead of 3-5-2 as the team formation.
          If we had to have 3 forwards, and with Jesus not available as an option, Zlatan was the best of a bad bunch for the 3rd forward position.

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

      Great hot topic, but will Andy take the bait ...?

      1. J0E
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Or will we take the bait in your comment.

        No is the answer 🙂

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

          Andy is Ibra's biggest cheerleader.

          You're having a pop at Ibra in the hot topic.

          Surely he will defend the Swede's honour?

          1. J0E
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 14 Years
            6 years, 9 months ago

            Nice second attempt - but we continue to not bite 🙂

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

              😀

    9. The Rumour Mill
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      He doesn't deserve to be in the team of the season for me. Kane and Lukaku, in the same price bracket, could be relied upon far more. Even Aguero and Costa were more consistent. Ibra blew very hot and cold, but when he was cold he was ice cold, derailed my season from GW6-GW10.

      He missed too many big chances, he even broke Jonty's goals imminent table for goodness sake!

      He was too expensive for his output.

      He missed penalties, got suspended, and got injured.

      I think the most damning fact was that Utd didn't even renew his contract. On that basis alone he shouldn't be in team of the season!

      Team of the season should be a 3-5-2 formation, as this year was clearly the year of the midfielder

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

        I think the non-renewal of his contract had a lot to do with his probably not going to be available for the first half of next season due to injury.

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

      Justice4Llorente

      1. J0E
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Agree- a far more worthy recipient given his output and price.

        King did little the first half of the season but made up for it in the second. I think Llorente for his price offered strong returns too.

  16. nobwak
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    If Southampton get Tuchel - & given their awesome opening fixtures - Gabbi is going in my team, yes despite getting burned badly by him at the end of last season.
    Price prediction? 6.5 again? 7.0?

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

      Sucker for punishment mate? Chaz Austin will be back so Gabbi's position will be nowhere near secure

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

        Austin's knee is nowhere near secure 😉

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

      Who is Tuchel of which you speak?

  17. Can Klaassen Prosper At Everton?
    A.T
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Davy Klassen agrees personal terms with Everton.
    http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/davy-klaassen-agrees-personal-terms-13188359

    A box to box mid who has scored goals in the Dutch league and Europa
    https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Davy_Klaassen#/editor/7

    Can he score goals in England too and become an fpl option next season and any ideas on his starting price?

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

      I'd say 7.5, same as Barkley last year?

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

        I haven't a clue how they'll price him but was hoping for more around the 6.5 region. Sounds like he'll play in the middle three, maybe similar to a Lallana type last season

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

      Given Everton's opening fixtures, I won't be taking the plunge off the bat. He's one to keep an eye on though, for sure; with Gueye & Schneiderlin holding the fort, he could have plenty of opportunities to get forward from midfield.

      And I'd expect 7.0 or 7.5.

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

        I think he is being brought in to supply more productivity. That's Koeman's catchphrase last season, he wants more end product from other areas of the pitch. After Lukaku I think the second highest scorer was Barkley and then Coleman who got about 4 or 5 each. Sounds like anyone brought in should have that in his locker.

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

      Only seen him play once or twice in real life, but I tell you what - he's an absolute beast on Football Manager 17 lol.

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

        he's v good irl too.

        I've seen almost every game he's played.

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

        😀

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

      yes he can 🙂

      I reckon about 7.5 as they will just look at his scoring record and price tag.

      He has taken a few pens in the past, but he's not the best at them.

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

        What player in the Prem would you like him to most?

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

          a bit like Lampard. Good eye for goal, especially when arriving late into the box. Great leader and competitor

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

            Seriously! Oh you massive tease 😀
            I so hope this is true.

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

              clearly not as good, a poor man's Lampard 😉

              Personally I'm not his biggest fan, but he's always produced for us, and is a very good player. But I'd rather lose him than Ziyech, and it gives opportunities to the likes of Nouri, de Jong etc..

              And Klaassen has earned this chance.

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

                I know what you're saying. Bit of a Ramsey type.

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

                So more like boyd or jenas than lamps then?

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

                  Haha, id go out on a limb and say he's better than them 😉

    5. Jaws
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      The Dutchmen from the last couple of seasons all disapoointed Luuk De Jong, Siem De Jong, Vincent Jansen .....
      In FPL stay as far away as you can.

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

        Suarez and Eriksen say hello to name but two. They've always produced great players but of course that doesn't mean everyone will be a success, nor a failure either.

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

          You didn't read it properly.... Suarez and Eriksen are not Dutch.

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

            So just avoid anyone Dutch is your point then. 😀

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

              Exactly!

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

            irrelevant, all from the Eredivisie, and the likes on Eriksen, Vertonghen, Alderweireld were in the Ajax academy at 15/16 so what's the difference?

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

        very selective. What about:

        Dembele, Eriksen, Suarez, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Chadli, Wijnaldum, Vorm, Janmaat, etc etc..

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

          I only see 3 Dutchmen in your list. Vorm & Janmaat are 13 in a dozen players, Wijnaldum is decent. In general Dutch players must be in an all time low nowadays. Pretty sure there will be talented players again very soon but now it's a disaster area...

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

            lol, you can't just write off a whole nation, that is beyond ridiculous!

            Maybe answer my previous point. If they have lived in, been assimilated, learned the language, and been in a Dutch youth set up since 16 what is the difference ?

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

              No need to take it personal. Just look at you national side. You're just a cut above Luxemburg, Holland has sadly become Europe's laughing stock! But it will turn soon I guess.

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

                I don't.

                You love your hyperbole's. A cut above Luxembourg, is again just ridiculous.

                Successive poor manager choices has really not helped and the NT is doing pretty poorly, but we did come 2nd and 3rd and the past 2 WCs. Hardly laughing stock material.

  18. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Not sure I can handle another 2 months of this...

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

      log off for a bit?

    2. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGeniusâ…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Chins of Uppington. 😛 😉

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

      Maybe this can reduce your suffer:
      http://welltomek.usermd.net/
      http://welltomek.usermd.net/welcome

      1. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        this may help

  19. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGeniusâ…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Anybody calculated second rank rotations, yet? NOT your opinion, actual home/aways? 😀

  20. New Article Posted