Selection

Great Expectations – Leroy Sane

Our series of summer articles focusing on those players who head into the new season bearing the weight of expectation from Fantasy Football managers begins this morning.

Manchester City’s Leroy Sane – one of a cast of high quality attacking assets in Pep Guardiola’s squad – is the first player nominated and assessed.

Snapped up from German side Schalke 04 for a reported £37m last summer, Sane initially struggled to make his mark in Guardiola’s first season in charge.

The 20-year-old arrived on the back of eight goals and six assists in his final campaign in the Bundesliga, but was eased into action by his new manager, with just four starts and five sub appearances in the opening 21 rounds of fixtures.

Sane served up a single goal and assist over that period, while team-mate Raheem Sterling produced five goals and seven assists. That ensured Sane began as a peripheral figure across the Fantasy games, dropping in price in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) from £8.0m to £7.5m.

But a chastening 4-0 loss at Everton in Gameweek 21 changed Guardiola’s thinking. From that point onwards, Sane established himself as a regular fixture on the City left flank and was named in the first XI in 16 of the final 17 Gameweeks.

With security of pitch-time, the winger became increasingly influential in the final third and proceeded to deliver a further four goals and six assists, producing FPL returns on nine of those 17 occasions.

There is every reason to anticipate an even bigger impact in 2017/18.

Key Factors

  • Delving deeper into Sane’s FPL output over those final few months looks encouraging. In nine appearances between Gameweek 1-21, he delivered a mere 24 points – averaging 2.7 points per match (ppm). Yet from Gameweek 22 onwards, it was a different story altogether – 81 points from 17 outings equates to a far more respectable 4.8 ppm and hints at what’s to come next time around.
  • Despite that encouraging finish to the previous season, Sane ended his first year at the Etihad Stadium with just 108 FPL points. A significant price rise is certainly not anticipated as a result, and should ensure that he continues as a mid-price option for our FPL squads around the same 8.0-mark. With Kevin De Bruyne expected to remain in the premium midfield bracket and Gabriel Jesus vying with Sergio Aguero for our three-man frontlines, the German international could offer the best value route into Guardiola’s attack.
  • The underlying Opta statistics also point towards an increase in output. From Gameweek 22 onwards, Sane registered more touches in the opposition box (122) than any FPL midfielder and was on a par with Chelsea’s big-hitting Eden Hazard for both shots (28) and efforts on target (11). Meanwhile, his 26 efforts in the opposition penalty area was fifth for FPL midfielders and second only to Aguero’s 50 for City during that end-of-season run.
  • While Sane will always likely be overshadowed in the FPL’s Bonus Points System by the likes of De Bruyne, his debut season statistics suggested that he will remain a stronger option than Sterling in this respect. Sane certainly retained possession more often, with Sterling suffering heavily from BPS penalties via the “Tackled” metric. Sterling succeeded with 53% of his “take-ons” and was “tackled” every 17 minutes compared with Sane’s 60.9% success rate, losing possession every 20.4 minutes.
  • Sane should be fully refreshed for the new season after being ruled out of Germany’s Confederations Cup exertions due to nose surgery. An extended break should help, then, particularly at a time when the likes of Jesus could miss some of the pre-season preparations after sustaining a fractured eye socket while on international duty with Brazil. Although Sterling could also remain as a mid-price factor, the England star seemed to fall out of favour as last season unfolded and started just six of their final 12 league matches.
  • City’s opening set of fixtures certainly look conducive to Fantasy investment as Guardiola attempts to get off to a flier. Trips to Brighton, Bournemouth and Watford, allied with visits from Everton, Liverpool and Crystal Palace, suggest that many will be looking to invest in their main attacking targets from the off. And the stats show just why – they produced more big chances and shots in the box than any other side last season on their way to netting 80 times.
301 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Prokoptas
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Preseason will be key - City have such an abundance of attacking assets, we're going to need to see how Pep plans on lining them up.

    I have a feeling that rotation is going to be a major disincentive towards owning City attacking assets this year, though.

  2. Next season's 8-8.5m midfield stars will be...
    J0E
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Who will be next season’s versions of Alli, Eriksen and Mane

    Last season Liverpool and Tottenham midfielders started off priced at around the 8-8.5m mark but out performed their price tag.

    Alli was the second highest midfield scorer, while Eriksen the fourth. Firmino, Mane and Coutinho also did well – all offering more than 5 pts a game on average.

    All are set for a price hike making it impossible to once again load up on Spurs and Liverpool midfielders to the same degree

    So who do you think will be this season’s version of Alli, Eriksen, Coutinho etc.

    Who will be priced around the 8-8.5 mark but perform like a 10m+ Fantasy option?

    Could Leroy Sane out perform his likely price of around 8-8.5m?

    What of Paul Pogba? Priced at 8.5 last time out arguably he deserves a price fall after delivering just 3.8 pts per match. A price of 8-8.5 looks likely again given his status – but has he got more to his game to perform like a 10m+ option?

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

      I'm less interested in Pogba than in Mkhitaryan. A drop in price to the 8-8.5 bracket you describe could make him pretty interesting.

      Ozil is another guy who I expect to drop in price, and could represent a nice early-season bargain.

    2. Jigger & Pony
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Pogba, Lallana and Son could all have 10+ seasons while being priced under 9.

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

        Pogba is a good shout - particularly with United's opening fixtures. There's a GE coming up on him later this week and some pretty encouraging evidence included.

        1. Jigger & Pony
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          Look forward to reading it

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

      If he signs, Mohamed Salah could be brilliant.

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

        Agreed, though I'm still trying to work out how that jigsaw comes together.

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

          I may write something on it if it happens. He's a very good player.

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

      I'm looking at Sane, Aaron Ramsey, Tadic, Siggy and Willian.

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

        I'd like to add Ozil to this list, very good chance he falls in price.

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

          I'm expecting 9 Berbs. Not sure about him staying also.

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

            9 would be a very good price. And I assume they may get Mahrez, who could fall into the 8.5 category.

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

              Yeah. Arsenal have the biggest prospects among the top 6. Before CL starts, I'm also hoping that a Liverpool mid is also available for that price.

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

          Can't see Ozil dropping in price as he scored 5.1ppg last year.

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

      I think Pogba, Son, Pedro and Sané will out perform their price tags.

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

        Yes indeed to Pedro. Such a great opening fixture. No Hazard should nail him on. He could even be captaincy potential for those of a maverick persuasion. Should be 8m I reckon.

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

          Hard to ignore Kane but I would definitely like to have the guts to captain Pedro in GW 1. Maybe a bit early to say but do you have anyone else in mind?

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

            As a captain Kane is the obvious and most owned so looks the safe pick. Newcastle are no great shakes defensively and Kane showed at the end of the season that he can prosper away.

            But a chelsea player or ManUtd player would also be top of my list. If ManU get a quality forward in (Ronaldo/morata) I can't look passed them. I have high hopes for ManU next season as Fantasy options.

            Man City may get something at Brighton - but they will be positioning their biggest bus for that encounter so may not be as lucrative as Che, ManU or Spurs fixtures.

            Ultra maverick captain Benteke v Huddersfield.

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

              Newcastle are weak defensively and Spurs will prosper but Brighton will successfully park the bus against Man City? Tch, typical south coast media bias #FakeNews 😉

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

                Brighton 12 home CS last season. Newcastle 8. The case for the defence rests. 😉

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

                  Man City goals per away game last season: 2.26 (3 blanks)
                  Tottenham goals per away game last season: 2.05 (5 blanks)

                  Tottenham only got that high because of their freak last two results - they were on 1.5 gpag before that.

                  Case closed 😉

                2. CABAYE4
                  • 12 Years
                  6 years, 9 months ago

                  40 goals against apiece Jonty 😉

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

                    Brighton are home specialists, whereas Newcastle are venue-neutral (though with fewer goals for and also fewer goals against when playing away).

                    Brighton only conceded 14 goals in 23 matches at home, compared with 23 by Newcastle.

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

                      Right, but Tottenham are home specialists too (17W, 2D, 0L = 53 points at home vs 9W, 6D, 4L = 33 points away)

                      Man City don't care where they play (11W, 7D, 1L = 40 points at home vs 12W, 2D, 5L = 38 points away)

                      Man City even scored more goals away than at home last season.

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

                        True - I expect both Spurs and City to win their opening fixture.

                        But Brighton did have a better home record in last season's Championship than Newcastle.

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

                        They did - can't take it isolation though, have to assess the opposition 🙂

                        Newcastle's last game in the Premier League was completing a league double over Tottenham with a 5-1 win. We've got their number. Brighton haven't beaten Man City since 1989 😉

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

                        Is that in the league? Pretty sure I've seen Brighton beat City and I wasn't born in 1989....

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

                        They won on penalties in a cup tie in 2008 but that isn't really a proper win 🙂

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

          Don't you think he'll be cheaper than that? Started the last season at 7.5, so did Willian. Are you thinking they'll rise purely because Chelsea won the league?

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

      I'm certainly looking at investing more in players that are likely to exceed their price tag in terms of points.

      I failed to get Walker at 5.5 and while I did get Firmino initially - I dropped him too quickly - for 8-8.5 he was still a bargain.

      Sane is definitely a player I'm looking at to out perform his price tag. the Arsenal midfield could also be a strong source - will be scouting my old favourite Ramsey over the summer.

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

      Can see Sigurdsson being in this price bracket but not sure he can perform above it sadly - it might be tough to fit him in next season 🙁

      Most candidates already mentioned above. Maybe Sterling? Hard to know what the Man City rotation will do to his prospects though.

      Walcott to roll back the years and be steal of the season at £7.0m though - fantasy gold when getting games 😉

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

        I agree re Sigurdsson. He's good but 8m good...he doesn't perform abovet that for long enough.

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

          Yep, he'll tick over in a manner worth having patience with if he's 7.0/7.5 but slap an extra million on the price tag and I'll be put off. Shame as he's one of my absolute favourites.

    8. Pete Campbell
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Lallana, Sigurdsson and Phillips

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

        You're going with Philips GW 1 then I assume? A bit tempted myself over the likes of Ritchie or Knockaert.

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

          I'm definitely leaning that way

    9. CABAYE4
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      As long as Pep doesn't buy Alexis or an equivalent, Sane's the one for me.

      Playing as effectively part of a front 3 with Jesus and Aguero as he did in a couple of games at the end of the season he'd be a real threat.

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

        Not to forget his awesome corners last couple of games when he snatched them from KDB.

    10. asquishypotato
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Pending prices Sane/Jesus top of my list.

      Pogba never seemed much of a fantasy asset, yes 10 goals and 10 assists plus is great but I just don't see him being the main midfield threat (happy to be proved wrong though!) Miki the oneness to go for

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

        I agree. He's a wait and see for me. Might be tempted to put him in for the opening great Man U fixtures should they sign someone like Fabinho letting Pogba roam more freely.

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

        I'm with you completely. My team is going to include Mkhi, Jesus, Sane & Kane, and I'm building from there.

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

      The new bargains will be unexpected, like Capoue and King last season and Ramsey and Yaya a few years back.

      Any obvious improvers will probably be priced up by FPL, especially if we become too enthusiastic about them too soon.

    12. Patio Kev
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      If he stays in the Prem somewhere then Riyad Mahrez could well be taking a chance on if he can get his act back together.

      Likewise Ross Barkley could be interesting depending on where he ends up.

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

        Yeah Mahez at 8 - 8,5 will be tempting.

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

      Lallana and Sane are certainly two I am interested in.

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

      Mkhitaryan is one I'm thinking about as an under the radar pick. Finished the season at 8.7 from an initial 9.5 valuation, with a paltry 79 point total.

      If he ends up at 8.5, he could come from nowhere.

      Pogba I don't think was the best FPL asset last year. But we will need to see if he adds some output to his game.

      And, as you mention, Sane must be highly considered in people's minds. I also think Sterling will come back with a vengeance. I also wonder how players such as Arsenal's back up players, like Walcott, will fare in the pricing system.

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

      Siggy, arnie, shaq, Antonio, lanzini..lallana,.sane

      • 10 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Sanchez at £8.5m is going to be a steal.

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

      Ramsey for me.

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

      Sané is my favourite Premier League player already. The lad is a freak of nature; pace, balance, intelligence and increasing composure. Arguably, he's close to Hazard's FPL level already.

    18. Dave Boozle
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Andre Ayew? Ended the season up front for West Ham.

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

        *(L)AM

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

        This

  3. zLaTaN@uNiTeD
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Can anyone tell me how australia and germany will line up today in confederation cup?

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

      No idea mate.

  4. Are high transfer fees justified by increased marketing revenue?
    FPL ZB
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Why do football fans seem to have no comprehension that clubs don't get 100% of shirt sales funds?
    'Buy Ronaldo for 200m, club will make it back in one week of shirt sales'...
    No they won't.

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

        They won't but they will.

        Bear with me, they won't get paid by selling extra shirts but the fact Utd sell so many shirts means they can get a deal worth 75m per season from Adidas. If Utd were not signing the likes of Ibra and Pogba then they would not have a deal like this and in a way the 75m they earn per season is as a result of the shirt sales which are driven by these marquee signings.

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

          I'm in partial disagreement with you here. Manchester United is a bigger brand than Pogba or Ibrahimovic. Even if they sign an unknown prospect who has a great year, they would earn the same money from selling shirts as let's say a star player. Ex: Rashford.
          Adidas gave the 750m deal to Man Utd because it's Man Utd. They didn't have Pogba or Ibrahimovic back then.
          If Man Utd keep failing for a few more years like this, then nobody will pay them shit because the brand value won't remain the same.

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

      Yeah, no idea. Similar gets said every summer, utter nonsense.

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

      There's only one (minority) set of fans that believe this nonsense.

      1. jmcclory123
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        More than you'd think

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

      The kits sales thing has always been funny to me, you're being paid by the kit manufacturers and expect to take home most of their sales too? Lol.

      However, whatever about shirt sales, having a global brand like Ronaldo involved in any new sponsorship deals and ad campaigns will command much higher fees for the club.

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

        Man Utd's sponsorship deals don't expire for years do they? Even if they signed Ronaldo he'd be retired before they were renegotiated.

        Not an expert though and I don't pay that much attention to Man Utd so I'm probably wrong.

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

          I think and am sure to a certain extent that it's the image rights which are a big thing in negotiating a transfer. It's also the same case with manager's like Mouronho, Pep and Kloppo. They increase the marketability of the club in new markets like Asia and Africa and North America along with attracting a lot of new brands.

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

            Exactly. Even considering Ronaldo's own brands like his fashion label, you have all these avenues to explore.

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

              Yep. Klopp is a very big icon in Germany. He's also the brand ambassador of various brands like Puma etc.
              And he does have a following in Germany I'm sure. A good way for fsg to earn some money from a new market.

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

                Only downside being the Germans are a more sensible lot when it comes to money madness in football. Still big money in it, but nowhere the level of other places. However, you're spot on. Even look at things like Pool players being in Nivea commercials. Yeah they get a bit of slagging, as any players in most adverts do, but it all increases revenue. The higher profile type players and staff you get in, the more lucrative those deals become.

                There are ads on in Ireland with Klopp in some car, can't remember the make, which I'm not sure if Pool get anything from as it doesn't mention Liverpool in the advert at all. But again, marketability.

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

                  Yeah. Advertising is such a big thing these days. Sky and BT are able to pay such crazy TV deals to PL clubs because of the spread of the Premier League. Which brings in an insane amount of revenue to them from various sources.
                  Man Utd players like Rooney and Pogba are easily marketable in many markets.

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

                    Then you have playing in preseason tournaments in foreign nations to expand the supporter base and the exposure some of your players get so they become more marketable too. Pool are in Asia this preseason I think? Huge developing market there.

                    It's all so intricate, long gone are the days of buying someone just because they're good.

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

                      They are in Asia, Germany and Ireland. Add to all of these, the extra things called fanparks in India.
                      All the fans gather at one place to watch a game.
                      And if the person organizing it is a money monster, he might as well charge us for getting a pic with the trophy.

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

            Exactly - the image rights are massive which is why clubs pay such ridiculous sums to the players for them.

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

          Doesn't stop them signing new sponsorship deals though is more my point. We don't see it as much with the PL in Ireland and the UK, but as an example myself and a friend were watching a La Liga match broadcast on an American channel (my mate streams this stuff). Nothing to do with United, but at half time of the 7 adverts they played 3 involved Manchester United and Manchester United players. It only struck me then how big the advert game is.

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

        See below.

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

      Dunno. I always use the term "commercial activity" when describing a players pulling power in football.

      The likes of Ronaldo and Pogba attract "commercial activity" for the club by force of personality in all sorts of ways. There really aren't many players who have the ability to raise a clubs overall "commercial activity" significantly through their image but those that do really are capable of easily paying off their lofty transfer fees.

      I've no doubt it's very complicated but just to say "shirt sales" is a bit naive...

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

        Not sure what commercial activity you're referring to but players get paid for their image rights - I imagine Ronaldo's image rights are astronomical.

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

        Exactly. A point I've always made about the Pogba transfer was that they weren't just signing a talented player but a global brand. That's where these real premium prices kick in, it's as much about the business as it is about the football.

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

          Right, but that marketing activity doesn't come free and isn't included in the transfer fee - Pogba will be getting an enormous wedge for his image rights so it doesn't really make sense to try to offset any commercial income gained against the transfer fee when you're paying for it separately.

          1. FPL ZB
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 9 months ago

            The club don't get the money from most of their image rights though. Ronaldo's are owned by a third party, no cash would go to Man Utd

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

              I'm saying Man Utd pay players for their image rights, not receive income from them.

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

                It pays the people who own them. Players receive a share of it.

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

            No it doesn't come free which is why image rights are such a big deal, but the whole point is you negotiate image rights with a player. They take home x amount paid by the club, but overall you're still talking huge revenues for the club despite paying that extra to the players. Look at any of the United deals, the Chevy $560 million deal, the Adidas £750 million deal etc. There's an added cost for image rights to be paid to players for their appearances, but without the marketability of the players (and club) the original deals wouldn't be worth nearly as much.

            Then you have the other side of bringing in more foreign markets since the more world famous players you have, the more people in these areas will have heard of them, so the further you can establish a strong foothold for the club in these markets as well, thus increasing the reach of the brand, thus increasing the revenues you can command from new sponsorship deals by selling to larger and larger markets.

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

              Sure, I get the marketing and economics of the situation, it's simply impossible to attribute the value of such deals to any individual player(s) though. Deals don't get renegotiated annually and even if they were it would still be impossible to establish how much any increase was down to player movement.

              Clubs attract sponsorship/advertising deals based upon their marketability. Agreed.
              High profile players (Pogba/Ronaldo) increase the clubs marketability. Agreed.
              Does it follow that those players increase the clubs marketing revenue? Absolutely.
              Can we even begin to determine that value and suggest they're paying off their transfer fee in this way? Never.

              Don't think we're disagreeing on anything here to be honest 🙂

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

                Can we even begin to determine that value and suggest they're paying off their transfer fee in this way? Never.

                We can. Not sure how accurately though.

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

                  Well if we can't do it accurately then we can't do it!

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

                    I hope that one day I crack the code for this puzzle. On the way atm.

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

                Nor do I 🙂

                I would never argue you pay the whole transfer fee off by these means, that is pure silliness and as you say I couldn't quantify what specific amounts they bring. It's too variable. All I really know is it's huge money and I do believe what they help bring in certainly reduces the massive outlay by the club. However you're never really going to recoup all you spend on a player unless you sell them on, part of it has to be an acceptance of financial loss for footballing gains or else it really becomes 100% about the business only.

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

                Increasing the club's marketing revenue - great.
                Winning the Champions League and being regarded as the world's best - priceless.

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

                "Can we even begin to determine that value and suggest they're paying off their transfer fee in this way? Never."

                We can't but the clever business people in the commercial department of clubs like Utd can 😉

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

                  No, they can't either - they can use accounting principles and an awful lot of assumptions to come up with a figure that will make accountants happy but it's basically just a wild guess.

    5. Triple C
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Yes they won't, if they do 50% profit, they will make it back in.... two weeks...., etc.

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

      Absolutely. Growing the brand grows the revenue. Marketing works, even if its hard to quantify.

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

    Great Expectations: Lanzini?

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

      Tbh, looking at last season's data, Michail Antonio has got to be a shoo-in for the 3rd/4th mid role. What a guy.

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

        depends on price of course, but dont forget ayew!

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

    Confiderations cup today. Ryan scouting on.

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

      C'mon Aussie

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

    Today, 19 June, at 7:30pm, the announcement of Florentino Pérez as president of Real Madrid C.F. till 2021 and its Board of Directors will take place in the presidential box at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium.

    Hard not to win when you wrote all the bylaws so that you are the only candidate capable of being the president.

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

      What a man. Hazard and Degea on the way I guess.

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

        Lets hope not.

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

          You don't like them or him?

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

            All three. I mean I like Haz and Dave as players, just wouldnt want them in Madrid.

            Despise Perez though.

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

              Oh. But doesn't his policy win you all those trophies though?

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

                The first galactico era won basically nothing (especially considering the players) and the second one was a bust till Mou came and set the base. The trophies are coming now because Zizou values homegrown and spanish players and is a big name enough that he can put James and Bale on the bench regardless of the price tag and even rotates Ronaldo.

                He values the likes of Casemiro, the hard working king who are detrimental to clubs success. Perez on the other hand dislikes him the way he disliked Makelele saying his average player that Real doesnt need. Im also never going to forget how the biggest madridistas left the club through backdoor.

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

                  Oh. I understand your hatred now. Hope that you people retain Zidane for a long time.

                2. Arn De Gothia
                  • 13 Years
                  6 years, 9 months ago

                  Zidanes filming still makes my blood boil 🙁 How is that situation in la Liga now btw? Have they tried to get the filming under control? (Yes i know, he filmed in WC)

  8. The Big Fella
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    As Jesus has got injured (again) it stands to reason given the nature of the injury he can wear one of those bandit masks that Fabregas wore when he broke his nose. If that is the case then surely rotation between Sane, Sterling (will get odd game especially in that easy run-in) and Jesus (almost certainly get game time if fit). I'd be more tempted by de Bruyne to be honest but he will of course cost a good 3m more. Is it worth paying 3m more for a guaranteed starter, or as guaranteed as you can be whilst playing for Pep, is another question.

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

      i think that the only 'safe' way to get city returns is to double up on attackers, or go for aguero.

      So Aguero, or Sane + Jesus for example

      1. The Big Fella
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Aguero is as prone to rotation as the next man in Pep's City. He was benched for a number of matches last season and only got back into the team when Jesus got injured. If he is similarly priced to last season then he will be too much for a player that may well be rotated.

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

      Really tough to assess city. The midfield has become even more crowded now Bernardo Silva has arrived - who does he replace? Can Pep play all of Sane, Sterling, B. Silva, D. Silva, KdB, Jesus, Kun in the same line up? He surely needs some defensive minded players in the middle, with Yaya staying for another year, Pep loving Fernandinho and also the imminent return of Gundogan.

      I'm a bit worried about having one of their players from the outset; I feel like Pep is building a rotation-friendly side, which is not great for FPL. Let's hope they do settle into a preferred XI.

      Like your point on KdB. Likely to be very pricey, though, and if he stays in his more withdrawn role I don't know if he's going to be good value for money.

      1. The Big Fella
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        I agree 100% with this and not all players being able to fit into the squad. I have a feeling some players, such as Sterling, will not be played as much like towards the end of last season. If Jesus is not fit to play that will help matters too and after such a long lay off, Gundogan will be eased back into the team I would have thought.

        If everybody is fit and available though I think I will be avoiding any City to be honest which may well come back to haunt me in those first 5-6 easy matches if last year was anything to go by when they stormed it. Maybe City's defence may be the way into the team? KDB was quite forward towards the end of the season.

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

    anyone seen FPL are keeping flags up to date even now? 😀

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

      Ha. Yes. Noticed it. Eden has a red flag.

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

      Wonder if it's automated? Surely they can't have someone still manually doing that in off season!

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

        How can you automate something like that though?

    3. Kun Tozser
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      It'll just be an automated data feed

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

    FPL usually allows you to start with 4 big hitters. Purely speculation at the moment as without prices we cannot look for the best value ones, but who are you currently looking at? For me

    Kane, Jesus, Alli and Mane

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

      Kane, Lukaku, Sánchez & Eriksen. Plus Azpilicueta. Probably.

      1. Kun Tozser
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Beast of a spine

      2. Arn De Gothia
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        those 4 are top on my list too

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

      Gotta be Ronaldo, Morata, Mbappe and Auba for me

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

        You can't have 4 players from the same team.

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

          Gonna buy Mbappe when he signs for Pool then have him for his inevitable transfer to United 2 weeks later 😎

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

            when was the last time united bought a play from pool?

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

              2009, Michael Owen. The transfer was just complicated by him spending 5 years playing for other teams.

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

          Huddersfield to really push the boat out?

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

      Kane's the only definite big hitter for me at the moment.

      Maybe: Lukaku, KDB, Mane, Alli/Eriksen

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

        I forgot Sanchez

        1. The Big Fella
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          Will PSG or Bayern be playing in the Premier League this year?

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

      I think I might go with 3 and then use the difference saved on the 4th to have a couple of premium defenders for once, rather than 1 premium defender and a load of 4.5's. If that makes sense?

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

      All going well....

      Kane
      Morata (United)
      Giroud (WH)
      Mané
      with
      Sané and Valencia also

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

      Kane, 100%. Likely to hit 13.0, which will price out a Spurs mid imo as I will want spread.
      Kaku if he goes to Chelsea.
      Coutinho
      Sanchez if he's still a gooner (#pray #signthething #onecandream)

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

      likely 13m, 11m, 11m, 10m so you are left with 11m to upgrade 11 players from the base prices. I doubt this would be doable.

  11. Price rises - set by quota or potential?
    Shawcus
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    I'm a little bit confused regarding the pricing of players. All I seem to hear at present is that a lot of last seasons players will be have price hikes this season. Even Jonty's hot topic alludes to this with Alli, Eriksson and Mane among the names to all be far more expensive than last season. Surely if all these players get price rises we wont be able to pick even a half decent squad and all our squads will be filled with lots of bench fodder.

    Will both Alli and Eriksson be priced over 10 million what with Kane already assured a price rise. To me that would seem you will really only be able to afford one Spurs attacker when a lot were going for three last season.

    Don't quote me on this, but weren't Sanchez and KDB the only 2 midfielders over 10 million last season? What Jonty and the rest are proposing is that we could have potentially 8-10 midfielders this season over this figure and with Kane, Lukaku and Aguero all being the same or more expensive this season, having a viable front 7 could be nigh on impossible. I think it will be even more important to find the cheap differentials if what people are saying is correct.

    Going back to my original point, I always thought that each price bracket had a certain percentage of players in, ie Midfielders +10.0 = 1%, 9.0-10.0 3%, 8.0-9.0 6%, 7.0-8.0 15% and so on, with the majority of midfielders 7.0 or less. This is obviously not the case if all the so called price risers are going to happen. Am I right in thinking this, because Jonty's hot topic is totally contradictory to this view.

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

      Sometimes people slightly over-estimate prices. FPL will have to keep the game manageable. On top of that, cheaper options that we won't have thought of will emerge. Things will will fall into place and work out fine. They do every season.

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

      It's a really interesting point, Shawcus.

      What you need to remember is that the prices in the season just gone were based on the season before. And that was an anomaly as a season, with Leicester smashing the league and the big boys failing to some extent (cf Chelsea fail; deluded Brendan at Liverpool til December; United in disarray). The consequence of this was some really anomalous pricing for this year. Consider that Vardy was at 10m at the start of this season, with Mahrez at 9.5, versus Coutinho at 8.0, Costa at 9.5 and Alli at 8.5.

      Consider how flipping amazing the majority of teams were in the DGWs last season. That was a direct consequence of the pricing conditions that Leicester's unlikely title win created.

      I agree with Jonty in that this won't happen again. That's because this season was more orthodox in how it concluded, with the top 6 being who you'd expect.

      This will mean that one of the key features of this season - the ability to double or even triple up on many teams - think Cout/Firmino in H1 or Alli/Eriksen/Kane in h2 - will probably not be repeated. Instead, we'll be forced to choose one or maybe two (at a stretch) assets and decide continuously if we want to keep them, or jump onto others. We'll be forced to be more ruthless, removing non-performers for those whose bandwagons are leaving the station. If they don't adjust the mechanisms driving the economy, we will also see that those decisions will need to be made quickly as otherwise you will be left behind by price rises.

      Now, I don't know what will happen for sure. It may be that FPL dampens pricing across the board, or changes how the economy works. I don't think they have any "banded allocations" for pricing, but they will have some sort of idea of how to ensure we can get a team together for 100m. How that balance shakes out, as always, lies in the judgement of the individual manager.

      But I think, if they do stick with their current model, we will see that we'll have room for perhaps 4 or 5 big guns, and then have to look down the league for our filler complementing our killer.

      1. The Big Fella
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Agree with this. It will make it more competitive (more variation in teams) and fun if the prices are higher meaning people have to make tough decisions.

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

      Last year, I remember 9.5 being a popular price point for a lot of the Tier 1B midfield options: Ozil, Martial, Mahrez, Mkhi, Payet, etc. all came in around there.

      That's where I expect Alli/Eriksen to fall. But obviously it's all blind conjecture at this tage.

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

        100% total conjecture.

        My point above (made in my usual TL;DR style lol) kind of references why that might not happen again though. Think we'll see a new stock at the 9.5 mark, and lots of readjustments in who sits where when it comes to price brackets!

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

          It's an interesting dilemma for the gamemakers, for sure. I expect that we'll have the usual reactionary whining over how impossible it is to make a team this time around, how the good players have been priced out of the game...and then everybody will proceed to build their squads, having adjusted to the new paradigm.

          By the way: I'm really enjoying the new blog! Hopefully you guys will be able to keep it up once we're out of the dog days of summer, as it's a really interesting read.

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

            Haha yes. It happens every year mate!

            Thank you. I'm so glad you're enjoying it Prop. Atm thinking that we'll be pivoting to a pod first approach come the season, with key features per week plus one or two ad hoc articles, but we're just 2 people so we can't do it all :).

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

              That's understandable, and I think a pretty smart approach. There's so much written content generated across different platforms during the season anyway, that quality will definitely trump quantity. Managing the workload also has to be a consideration, as you say - though if you guys do ever need a hand with data mining/analyses as time goes on, just let me know and I'd be more than happy to chip in with whatever 🙂

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

                Yeah that's what our thinking is 🙂

                Any help is greatly appreciated - shoot us an email at whogottheassist@gmail.com and we can discuss that further, if you'd like?

                1. The Big Fella
                  • 7 Years
                  6 years, 9 months ago

                  What's the blog link?

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

                    Hey mate - as the email addy infers, it's http://www.whogottheassist.com 🙂

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

      I think Alli and Eriksen will be 9.5,not 10. We will also have good 8 mil options like Siggy,Lallana,Sane,Pedro. People are surely overestimating prices.If prices are high,we could move to 4 at the back,especially with wingbacks becoming great options.

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

        They'll be 10m minimum after 220 points plus seasons.

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

      I really hope you are right as this year was one of the most enjoyable fpl seasons in a long time with so many options to choose from meaning there was no real template team. People simply could not fit all the players they could afford in their teams so had to choose and it meant people even ended up with different formations.

      Some teams played with a dead striker to free up funds for midfield and some went with bit hitters in defence. All strategies worked if they right players were in the teams which is what made it so interesting.

      I really hope fpl took note as they did recently when dropping the prices of the top gks from the usual 6.5m a few years back to try and tempt some to managers to sign them. I think they need to look at this across the board with their pricing. I know it was only a fluke the way the prices worked out last season but by over pricing everyone people end up with the same 3 maybe 4 big hitters and all getting the same few enablers from the cheaper brackets leading to templates that ruin the enjoyment of the game imo.

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

        Given my rank I wouldn't say last season was my most enjoyable....but it was certainly the most interesting I can remember due to the problems fitting all the good players in. By the end I didn't want the season to end ....by the end of 14/15 and 15/16 (get Vahrez early, set alarm clock to gwk 38) I was bored and couldn't wait for them to end.

        So there is definitely something to be said for game play by having too many heavy hitters.

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

          I can see where you are coming from alright but for most it was a very enjoyable season.

          Personally I think you just panicked a little early and went off on a hit madness pure antithesis of a Jonty way to play the game. When you pulled in your craziness and went for your more sensible play you shot up the rankings.

          As long as they don't get the prices of the semi premium players off the chart wrong like kane and mahrez/vardy from seasons past then the game can generally function with a decent cohort of midfielders/fwds in the 7-9m mark imo. Here's to hoping they get it right again next season

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

            My main wish is to have a good array of 5-8.5 strikers. Last season's lack of forwards in that price range was awful. Need my fix of Darren Bent esque mid priced forward goal action.

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

              Yeah last season was a disaster for third forwards apart from maybe Defoe's unrealistic form.

              I think it is looking the same again for this season unless we see some transfers into the PL with maybe only Benteke having the potential to score well in that bracket.
              There are a few like Berahino, Deeney etc that could come good depending on tactics etc but nothing that exciting from the promoted clubs. Everton might give us an option if Lukaku moves on and Gabbiadini might do something at saints with a decent manager.

              I'm seriously contemplating one top forward like kun, plus a benteke type and a 4.5m forward to start as I think wbs will be where the action is this season. Also if pool don't sign a lb then milner will be a must if classified as a defender on pens. We're heading back to the days of the early/mid 2000's when the gap between the top teams and the rest is getting to a point where I think there will be a lot of cs for the top teams again. Maybe even one of them cracking the 20cs for a season.

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

                I must be the only one with fond memories of Negredo! Started the season with him where he scored a couple of times before I sold. I then didn't get him in for the DGW and he returned for me then too 😉

                This is counter balanced by owning Rondon (for ages) and then Gabbiadini... I let Gabbiadini drop .4m in value while keeping faith with him. Ridiculous.

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

                  There is a lot to be said byhopoing on a budget-mid price striker bandwagon early on.....they can build on that confidence - seen it time and again, especially my first season with that bloke from Wigan - Zaki. I'll be jumping on the next Negredo next season - get em whle they are hot - as they cool down pretty quickly.

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

                    Yep. Promoted teams seem to go into the season still riding the crest of a form wave until they suffer a big defeat or have a run of narrow defeats. That's the time to jump on those form over fixture players.

                    There's an argument for promoted teams to not change their winning formula too much. Dyche and Burnley know the qualities they need to win at home, where as sides like QPR tried to compete too early with the big boys by signing "luxury" players which may have more flair/technique but (at that price) don't have the work ethic that benefitted the team in the championship.

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

                  Gabbiadini urgh no I thought that was just a name parents dreamt up to frighten kids at night

    6. andy85wsm
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      A few things to point out:

      - Every season people worry about the prices and as soon as the list comes out will be moaning that it's impossible to make a team. All this is forgotten within a few weeks 🙂

      - You wouldn't have had a bunch of big hitters at the start of 16/17 either. My 5 were - Aguero, Vardy, Hazard, Eriksen, Firmino. Players kit themselves out with loads of big players over the season as A) They find out the good cheap enablers B) They increase team value

      - I wouldn't be surprised if Eriksen, Alli are 9.5-10m so it will make owning all of them tough - that's the point though

      - There will be other players you'll need to consider while attempting to find the value. It'll be there

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

        You didn't start the season with Ibrahimovic 😯

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

          Sometimes it's the best policy with newcomers to the PL.

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

            I didn't either - I'm just gobsmacked Andy didn't!

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

              😀 I panicked after GW2 and got him in for his drought lol

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

                He didn't start blanking for a few weeks (despite his dreadful stats) - I know because I went without him for longer and kept faith with Kane. Was not a good idea 😆

        2. andy85wsm
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          Nope - after saying I definitely would in the summer 🙂

          I changed that in GW2 though

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

            You've blown my mind there!

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

      I can see Alli and Eriksen in the 9.5-10m category. Sort of how Ozil was priced this season.

      Also last season saw lots more midfielders in that 8-8.5 category perform better. the previous season there were less.

      Looking over the way prices change season to season players that do well for a good side and look to be nailed on with strong prospects the following season tend to get price rises.

      Also not sure the prices are based on a proportion - I think it depends on the season. If lots of mids do well one season then you can't stop a deserved price hike because the quota is full up. I'd be surprised if they stick to a rigid quota system.

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

        Also Andy makes a good point re number of heavy hitters. Having more than three 10m players is really tough at the start ....last season I could have started with four of Kane, Alli, Eriksen, firmino no problem. Next season I won't be able to afford that quartet hence the hot topic on finding next season's 8-8.5 players.

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

          I think the key thing is to have at least 2 reliable captain options, then mid to high priced fillers (8-9m). You wouldn't captain the latter, but they'll tick over better than budget options.

          I saw so many Hazard, Sanchez, KdB, midfields last season in the DGWs. Perhaps King was the only worthy filler to play regularly in our FPL teams.

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

        Hi Jonty, regarding the proportion in each price bracket. Surely this is something that FPL would have to consider even if there was no exact rigid structure. What you're saying is, if a high proportion of midfielders score really well one season, then the next season they will all get a price hike. My point is that last season a large proportion of midfielders did indeed score well so if they are all priced accordingly this season we will only be able to include one or two max in our squads. Surely this then makes midfield options fewer and would be detrimental to the game.
        My plan would be to increase the midfielders that scored well last season but still have enough options in each price bracket (eg different increases dependant on starting value last season). FPL could even state that there is a maximum increase from season to season - say 1 million. For example If Alli started last season at 8.0, the maximum he could start this season would be 9.0? If he started off scoring well his price would soon increase to 9.5 anyway.
        Does Mark know how they price each individual player, or is it pretty random?

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

          I think you're missing the point though. Cheaper options will always emerge because they'll be good value. Deliberately pricing players too low out of fear of lack of options will just mean you get a template right from the off.

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

            Indeed. They will price players to how well they expect them to do. Wouldn't surprise me if Alli was 9.5 to 10 as he got a monster total last season and is getting better as a fantasy asset, plays for top team etc.

            As far as I can see there are a variety of factors they take into account...previous form and prospects key to that.

            It actually wouldn't surprise me to see Alli at 10m. Where the FPL price setters game play may come into it is how they price Eriksen and Alli. will they be the same? Or will they invite us to get the cheaper one by pricing one 0.5 lower?

            If I was a price setter I would definitely look to add an element of gameplay into pricing - invite Fantasy managers to make tough decisions.

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

              I think it would be a great idea to price Alli and Eriksen differently. If they were both priced the same then everyone would just get the higher scorer, exactly like my point above. If they were priced differently (ie. in different price brackets) the choice would be, do you get the more expensive one who potentially will score more points or the cheaper one which would enable you to spend more money on another player.

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

                My prediction

                Alli 10m
                Eriksen 9.5

                I consider that the same price bracket though...but would be more interesting as it is asking managers backing Eriksen to predict he will outscore last year's higher scorer.

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

                  Ive been thinking thats possible. And would likely see me back Eriksen.

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

            No I understand that, what I'm saying is if there are lots of options in each price bracket then there will be more choice for everyone so a template will be harder to form. If there are 10 players 10.0 or higher, everyone will only be able to pick 3 max of these. Surely everyone would just pick the 3 highest scoring ones of these so a template would emerge this way.
            What I'm suggesting is having a greater choice in each price bracket to give us all more options.

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

          Here's how players were priced last year following the points earned in the 2015/16 season.

          https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1yStmjLuN-hpvHJdidwogZjt8jAQHBEnd8J8JIeHBfLk/edit#gid=1921517026

          We always seem to be blessed with a Charlie Adam, Dele Alli, Joshua King, etc.

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

            Very interesting thanks. 3 midfielders 10.0+ with a further 8 over 9.0. We may see quite a few more in these price brackets this season.

            Also interestingly, Alli and Eriksen were priced exactly the same at the start of last season.

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

              Yes. The biggest price increases last season were:

              Mahrez from 5.5m to 9.5m after scoring 240 points in 15/16
              Vardy from 6m to 10m after scoring 211 points in 15/16
              Alli from 5m to 8.5m after scoring 166 points in 15/16
              Payet from 6.5m to 9.5m after scoring 171 points in 15/16

              Price drops are much less likely in FPL (as your original post implies). The biggest price drops were:

              Balotelli from 10m to 6.5m after scoring 0 points in 15/16!
              Nasri from 8.5m to 6.5m after scoring 36 points in 15/16
              Lambert from 7,5m to 5.5m after scoring 31 points in 15/16
              Pedro from 9.5m to 7.5m after scoring 113 points in 15/16
              Markovic from 7.5m to 5.5m after scoring 0 points in 15/16

              Thankfully, we have new players come through as bargains, but there's a lot to be said for FPL being quicker to drop prices on players that haven't performed in the previous season, rather than price them out of the game.

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

      I don't think it will be too bad.

      In terms of forwards I expect for next season just Lukaku, Kane, Aguero to be priced at 10m plus. Costa and Ibra would both be in this bracket too but with them both exiting the league that reduces the problem somewhat. Last season for example we had Ibra, Aguero, Vardy, Sturridge and Kane all starting at 10m plus, so you could argue it was actually more of a headache last summer!

      In midfield its a bit trickier admittedly, but with Sanchez likely leaving for Bayern, and Hazard currently injured, that's the 2 likely highest priced players not a worry for the start of the season. Yes Alli and Eriksen will be 10m plus, the Liverpool mids will be pricier (9 to 9.5?), but who else will really stretch the budget? I actually see the 8m bracket being very crowded this season, rather than the 10m bracket.

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

      I dont like that if player has got a good season, next season his price is much higher, but if expensive player has got not good season, next season he is just a litle bit cheaper. In this way every season we have more expensive player and less chance to make balanced team.

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

        Also I would like option where would be a lot of quality players in the same price -it would make a lot of differental teams for similar price.

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

        But this is compensated for by expensive players leaving the league and new players coming in at lower prices, so the overall balance usually remains pretty much the same.

        Rising stars tend to start off underpriced and then improve at a fast rate, whereas established players with a good track record tend to deteriorate at a slower rate.

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

    Sane reminds me of a younger Ronaldo. Be interesting to see if he progresses this year. I'll probably wait a few weeks on him.

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

      Who are you thinking of as a City attacker? KDB looks relatively secure and has set-pieces, but whether he's worth the extra cash over someone like Sane is another thing.

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

        All depends on signings and prices. May get Kompany and Jesus. All up in the air for now. Kdb is likely to be a bit pricey for my midfield.

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

          Yeah, I'm currently considering KDB and Sane. Might look at Jesus depending on what pre-season shows/doesn't show us. Minutes will obviously be a problem for City assets but I'd rather buy a raffle ticket than sit back and watch points they accumulate evade me.

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

            I see City thrashing teams so the likes of Kdb and Sane may have their minutes curtailed with its consequent effect on their points/bonus points. Centre halves/the keeper might be good value.

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

              Will be ignoring their defence as I think I'll only have one 6.0 defender and will invest in the United defence for that spot instead.

      2. FPL ZB
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        I think all the midfielders will dilute each others returns too much for any real value. Jesus for me and no others

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

          Reckon he's the most secure?

          1. FPL ZB
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 9 months ago

            I think he's a player who is most likely to contribute in goals. Got a few assists as well as goals at the end last year, I don't see city as a team who will get many assists from out wide, which rather nullifies the Sterling/Sane/wing backs ideas

      3. The Big Fella
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        I would prefer Sanchez over KDB, if he stays at Arsenal. He is also on (some) set pieces and less/zero chance of rotation. Plus may well end up playing up front if they get rid of Giroud and if/when Welbeck gets injured.

  13. Pep
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Sané predicted price. Hoping for 7.5 but expecting no more than 8.0

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

      ?*

    2. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Would happily take him at 8.0 providing he retains some semblance of his role in the second half of this season. Don't see him at more than 8.0 either.

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

      Might depend on possible signings such as Sanchez.

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

      8.0 sounds right.

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

      Think 8.0 will be where he ends up.

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

    3:5:2 could be the most popular with Ronaldo (15m) and Kane (13m).

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

      At those prices, surely it's an either/or scenario? You would otherwise be facing a serious lack of depth elsewhere.

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

        It will be a runner if they both return 250 points plus and cover captain picks. I'm rubbish at picking a third striker anyway.

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

        In that scenario, you'd have to go with Ron. He's a proven goalscorer each season whereas Kane is just another three-season-wonder.

        1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          Can't tell if sarcasm... If not, how many 20+ goal seasons will it take? Not doubting that Ronaldo has more oomph. But you can't just write Kane off like that

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

            Sarcasm 😉

            1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 9 months ago

              Oh thank goodness 😀

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

      Think it's gotta be 3-5-2 regardless to try to accommodate everybody. Have even seen some 4-4-2 proponents!

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

        5:3:2 might be needed, if getting good wingbacks.

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

      I'm def starting out with 4-4-2 until some budget mid emerges.

    4. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Strongly considering 5-3-2.

      5 big hitters the same as most other teams, just then comes down to whether the 5-6m defenders will outperform the choice 5-6m mids. Hoping they will, and there's certainly a good opening fixture list for some good defensive sides

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

        I like this....im listening....
        Any early ideas on players to fill this?

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

          There are so many options. All depends on pricing, transfers and classification of positions. You have Alonso, Cahill, Azpi, Moses, Trippier, Rose, Walker, Bavies, Bellerin, Ox, Kolasinac, Milner, Valencia, Bertrand, Van Dijk, Coleman. Those are mostly likely to be 6.0 plus, but you might even go for value picks at 5-5.5 that are more assured of FPL points than mids or a 3rd striker at the same price. Even Baines could be one of the best value defenders again.

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

            Once you have 4-2-2, or a similar spine, it's a case of deciding how to fill the remaining 2 spots with the remaining money and 5 spare slots. Is it better to spread across 3-5 good options to "rotate", or spend all your money on the 2 last slots to play every week. That's another thing that depends entirely on prices. Another premium defender plus a mind could be the best, or a 3rd striker and rotating mid and def.....It's just too early, and this is only one way to go about filling up your teamsheet.

            I'm currently wondering whether I'll go for KdB and Mane in midfield, with 4 or 5 cheapies competing for 1 or 2 slots, or whether I go for 4 mids to start every game who could prove to be valuable, like 4 of Ramsey, Pedro, Herrera, Siggy, Lallana. Or maybe just Mane.

            Basically, everything I'm writing is pointless, because it's too early.

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

            I'm looking at Kolasinac, Azpi, Valencia, Clyne and Toby.
            City full back (possibly Alves?) and Baines are in my thinking too.

  15. supersham
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Afternoon everyone. Didn't see much of the championship last year. Who out of the promoted sides is worth keeping an eye out for?

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

      Not sure myself, but they do have articles written on the teams. 🙂

    2. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Brighton, Huddesfield and Newcastle all look likely.

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

      Toss up between Knockaert and Gross. Gotta wait and see pre season.
      Newcastle don't have anyone currently that I'm looking at.
      Hudds didn't do well with cleansheets or goals scored last season, I'm avoiding

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

    What would be the worst change you can imagine FPL making for next season?

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

      Double captain chip - can captain two players.

    2. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Not making it free 🙂

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

        😯

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

      Chip betting. You can wager against others in your minileague to win their chips.

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

      Pricing changes at a faster rate and a more unpredictable way than this season.

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

      Worst change: Bringing back the man in the stand bonus system

      Best change: letting people use their two wcs whenever they want instead of forcing one to be used early in the season.

      Potential good change: Letting transfers role over as much as you want giving mini wc to those who are more patient.

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

      Ban chips from being used for DGWs?

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

        Nah. Too much of complexity for the casuals.

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

      Man in the Stand bonus system and complication of classification (DMs etc)

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

      In my opinion, most would have to do with the game chips.

      There are endless combinations of stupid chips that could be introduced:

      "The Tinkerman" - additional transfers cost only -2 weeks this week, in place of -4.
      "Park the bus" - a team can play both goalkeepers.
      "Double down" - all players serve as captain for a week, and have their points doubled.

      But the worst thing I can think of that could realistically be implemented would be to make the game more pay-to-win, by allowing teams to purchase additional chips (e.g. an extra wildcard, a second bench boost, etc.) for cash.

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

        FPL towers may request your CV after reading that.

        Park The Bus is brilliant, funny and "please no" all in one.

      2. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Agree wholly with the pay-to-win point.

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

        Anything with pay to win would see me instantly stop playing the game.

    9. FPL ZB
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      More posts from FPL on exactly who to put in your team. More spoon-feeding for the casuals

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

      Adding of a glory hole to the website. Would be completely unnecessary.

      1. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Haha

    11. Dreams
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Sacking Jules from the show.

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

      That bizarre having an option of the same player available to buy at different prices and positions that was mentioned on here.

      As in you could by an Alonso (DEF) or an Alonso (MID) and his points calculated accordingly.

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

        Egads.

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

      Eliminating the ability to chat with other people in your mini-league. Oh, wait, they did that last season.

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

      I think even they must know pay-to-win will kill the game. But if that did ever happen, as long as there was some way to filter out the impact of whatever mechanism included it in the final score / social stigma meant you wouldn't do it, I'm sure we'd be OK 😀

    15. Qubit
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Dunno, probably get rid of the AOA and replace it with some other chip i dont care for. Or more likely increase the number of chips as well.

  17. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    As I have nothing else to do, been looking at some price templates so far, not actually guessing as to where any players will be but so far 4-4-2 seems to offer the greatest team balance to begin the season with. You can spend a goodly amount on defence whilst still having a double premium attack and a nice midfield too.

    For example

    4.5 4.5 = 9.0
    5.5 5.5 5.5 4.5 4.0 = 25.0
    10.0 9.5 8.0 5.5 4.5 = 37.5
    13.0 11.0 4.5 = 28.5

    It seems to me like this would offer a good compromise between team balance and having all the heavyweights. It would give your team 7 premium starters (5.5+ for def, 9.0+ for mid, 10.0 + for forwards) and no real sacrificed starting positions except perhaps that 4.5 def spot.

    1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      The no-Kane option looks even better

      4.5 4.5 = 9.0
      6.0 5.5 5.5 4.5 4.0 = 25.5
      10.0 10.0 9.0 5.5 4.5 = 39
      11.0 11.0 4.5 = 26.5

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

        They all look the same until prices come out.

        1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          Fair enough. Just something to kill the time with 🙂

  18. Jafooli
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Cadburys is now the Official Snack Partner of FPL (see bottom of Status or Points page).

    Free Curly Wurly's next season?

    1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      *Replaces prize with unlimited lifetime supply of chocolate* (Disclaimer: Morbid obesity or Type 2 Diabetes may be included in package. Snack responsibly)

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

        😀

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

      The Curly Wurly Wildcard™

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

        Once played, all your players turn to chocolate and you can eat them?

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

      What went through my mind was that awful Venky's video when they took over Blackburn Rovers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYwf2SBWa5o

      Just imagining a terrible promo video with players eating cadbury's products. Ryan Shawcross gnawing on a double decker. Gareth McAuley chomping on a Chomp. Harry Kane with a Wispa. Pulis on the sidelines feeding himself out of a tin of Roses. Any more

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

    https://twitter.com/paulpogba/status/876750623861092352

    What a monumental idiot. Mino Raiola and his little gang are all about themselves and the payday. It wasn't long ago Donnarumma stated his desire to be Milan's keeper for the next 10 years.

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

      Donnarunner (with a load of money)?
      Primadonna (unless you pay him a tonne)?
      Dollarumma (Milan fans)?
      Donnarkebab (made with Kobe beef)?

      I feel like he has a very punnable name if nothing else. Gotta be worth the millions.

      But seriously - it's absolutely mad and I 100% agree with you Berb. Surely proof that at the top level players are just assets rather than having any real sense of loyalty to a club (or a Club, depending on how you want to write about it). Either that or advised by people who see things that way, and they're too young to know what else to do except go along with it.

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

      What a guy. Weighing in to support a fellow professional and ease his transfer to Real Madrid so they no longer have any interest in De Gea, thus protecting one of United's assets.

  20. FPL ZB
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Very very early to say without prices, but considering going heavy on attackers.
    Would Pogba, Sane, Pedro be a bit of a flimsy three hitters in midfield? Thinking could be three 8.0s, which would leave some good money for elsewhere

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

      Thinking the same, cheapies 4.5s at the back

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

      Ditto.
      I'm thinking 4 of....
      Pogba, sané, Pedro, Ramsey, Ayew. Then 1 fodder.
      Who are you thinking upfront?
      I'm currently narrowed down to....
      Kane, Lukaku (Che), Morata, Ronaldo, Giroud (WH)

      1. FPL ZB
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Kane Jesus, then Morata or Ronaldo in place of Kane if funds are needed. Giroud or Deeney could be third striker

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

          Don't fancy Lukaku at Chelsea?
          And why are people keen on deeney now Silva is in charge?

  21. Pep
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Dele Alli - 10 or 9.5?

    1. FPL ZB
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      I think he'll be 10, and Eriksen may be 9.5 (or also 10). Think I'll steer clear of both until I see how the Wembley thing pans out

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

      No less than 10m. Possibly the most valuable player of his age bracket in the World, plays more forward than Kane.

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

      Very little chance of him being priced less than 10m.

  22. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Come to think of it, why are forwards arbitrarily the ones that seem to be priced the highest? Sanchez, Alli and Hazard were the top three performers this year for FPL, in terms of points. Looking at it from that perspective, wouldn't it be logical that they would be priced the highest? Maybe not Alli, as it would be a monumental price jump, but surely there's no reason for FPL Towers not to price Sanchez the highest out of all players?

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

      Kane was out injured. Take a look at PPG, but yes, I agree that those mids you mention will be up there with Kane as the most expensive options.

      1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Good point, I had overseen that

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

      Kane deserves to be priced higher than Sanchez imo

      1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Fair enough, but all these others e.g. Aguero, surely should be priced lower than Sanchez (if he stays)? In terms of points, Sanchez was 40+ points better than Lukaku, the second best striker this season after Kane.

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

      Sanchez was more expensive than Giroud. Hazard more than Costa. It's not arbitrary, don't worry.

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

    Real Madrid president to speak about the Ronaldo situation tonight. SSN.

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

        It probably won't happen, but it's exciting nonetheless 😀 https://media.giphy.com/media/6nGE3BmUlhs3e/giphy.gif

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

    Would you say age is a valid excuse for Rooney's decline? He did start his career early...

    But if a 40-year old Ronaldo has more agility than you, it's hard to make a case: https://twitter.com/BrazilStat/status/874009710248296448

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

      Every player has a different natural physique. Rooney was playing the Prem from the age of 16, wasn't he, and his style has always been where he's pressing and tackling no matter where he's positioned. Bring polite, I wouldn't say Ronaldo has those team work attributes.

      It's a shame we can't measure the number of miles on the clock, as it were. I would've thought Rooney would be way ahead.

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

      Not in the slightest.. yes he has run himself into the ground from a young boy at the highest level and for a period of about 6 years he was one of the very best in the world but ultimately dedication and application to keeping himself in shape has cost him badly especially with a stocky physique that would have needed a lot extra care in that department.. he was well and truly cooked before the age of 30.. there can be no excuse for that

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

      Nope, never bought it. Yes he ran a lot from an early age, as did the likes of Ronaldo or Giggsy but wasn't a bother to them. That's because they took the job seriously, I don't recall them showing up to training or preseason overweight. I mean, even Scholes could come out of retirement and look far sharper than Rooney does.

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

    https://www.premierleague.com/news/421252

    Southampton's opening set of fixtures look pretty sweet now: SWA, WHM, hud, WAT, cpl

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

      Oh no. I feel a Saints defensive double up coming again. Foregone conclusion.

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

      Yoshida in my team then.

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

    Anyone following the Donnaumma drama over in Italy?

    Agents like Mino Raiola have ruined football.
    All about money instead of loyalty now.
    Convincing that poor lad Donnarumma that he should leave AC Milan just so he can get another hefty commission fee is sad.
    He has just ruined that lads reputation now forever.
    Raiola basically made an 18-year-old turn down a €25 5-year contract, the captain's armband of his boyhood club and the prospect of being treated as a God by Milan fans for more money.

    Loyalty in football is dead.

  27. new article posted
  28. Bedknobs and Boomsticks
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    I'm loving the mixed bag of opening fixtures this season. There are hardly any teams that scream essential or avoid, which makes picking a team that much more fun IMO as we can really just go fr who we fancy without having to pander to the fixtures.

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

      100% this. I've never seen the fixture list look so even (on paper at least).

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

      Hello, mate. Would you check your emails, please?

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

    With West Ham v Southampton in GW2 being switched to Southampton being at home, I just updated my fixture ticker and was surprised to see it flagged as a MORE difficult fixture for a Southampton clean sheet.

    West Ham only scored 19 goals at home last season, while they scored 28 away.

    I'd still prefer Southampton playing at home in fantasy terms, but still.

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

    OK. I am going to need a MUN player. Just one. Which one should I get please, and why? 😀

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

      Depends on the pricing and who they buy. 😉

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

        😛 😀

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

      I would advise waiting until we have concluded are business Doos but a defender certainly looks a great asset from the start and for me Valencia looks the best of the bunch despite likely being .5 dearer than others he is worth it for the attacking potential imo

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

        *adds to shortlist* Ta! 🙂

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

        Our business

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

          Also, I actually like Valencia, which I cannot sy for all your players. Great shout, I hope!

    3. FPL ZB
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      I'm looking at Bailly, Pogba and Morata, despite liking none of them