Fixtures

Southampton handed further fixture boost

The Premier League have announced that Southampton’s proposed away trip to West Ham United – scheduled for Gameweek 2 – has now swapped venues.

The change was required due to the World Athletics Championship which is taking place at the London Stadium.

Southampton will now host the Hammers at St Mary’s on Saturday August 19. This, of course, means that the reverse fixture – scheduled for March 31 – has also flipped.

The alteration compounds an already hugely favourable opening three months to the season for Southampton.

They now enjoy a trio of home matches over the opening four Gameweeks with Swansea City, West Ham United and Watford the visitors, around a Gameweek 3 away trip to newly promoted Huddersfield Town.

That spell is just the beginning of an incredible run which has the Saints play just one of the top six – Manchester United at St Mary’s – over their first 12 Gameweeks.

Ironically, it follows their two Double Gameweeks at the end of last season which saw Southampton’s squad elevated as a key source of talent for Fantasy Premier League managers.

Managed at the time by Claude Puel, the Saints failed to convince over that season run-in, with striker Manolo Gabbiadini in particular, proving a major disappointment.

Fantasy managers now face the prospect of being forced to return to the Saints – who are still managerless following Puel’s recent departure – as a result of their overwhelmingly favourable schedule.

Depending on pre-season form, Gabbiadini may even be granted a reprieve as a third forward option. Meanwhile, at the back, Virgil van Dijk would be a likely target should he remain at the club, with Nathan Redmond and Dusan Tadic perhaps the current contenders in midfield.

As for West Ham, they are now forced to endure four away trips over their first five Gameweeks, travelling to Manchester United, Southampton, Newcastle United and West Brom, while hosting Huddersfield in Gameweek 4.

That will ensure that Slaven Bilic’s side will be seen as a no-go area, with their schedule improving from Gameweek 7 onwards.

Our season tickers have been updated to reflect this afternoon’s change.

792 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Parm
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Days like today make me really appreciate winter.

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

      Take more water with it. 😉

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

        I prefer the water coming down from the heavens.

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

          Ba mhaith liom oighear san deoch sinn led' thoil. 😉

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

            Oh woah...a fellow Gaeilgeoir on here.Didnt expect that.

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

              😀 😉

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

      Oh man, this has been the hardest day in Ramadan this year. Looking forward to a glass of ice cold water in about half an hour.

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

        Sun's nearly gone ...

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

          9:41pm is official sunset where I am - our local mosque has an 'official' timetable.

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

            Ah. Blimey. 🙁

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

              Haha, it's not too bad. You get used to it after a few days. It'll be all over in 6 or 7 days time and to be honest I do kind of miss Ramadan once it's gone.

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

        Hang in there, should be back to 'normal' by Thursday/Friday.

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

        I was thinking anyone fasting must be really suffering at the minute, don't know how you made it through today with no water!

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

          Yeah, I only really struggled first thing in the morning - I find it pretty hard to wake up without a glass of water. I've been OK for most of the day, the office was hot though and at lunch I just stayed in the shade as much as possible!

          I have family members who suffer from hay fever and they have it much worse!

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

            Fair play, I guess FFS is at least a distraction!

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

      Bah...humbug. I'm sat in my world class garden, and will be for another hour or two...

      Lovely...

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

        We need more pics Wakey.

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

          I'll send some in the next few days. Looking good.

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

        That's because you only get the chance five times a year 😉

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

          Yeah I know. Which is a couple of times more than you do in Blackburn.

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

            Well it was a joke about the region in general, but yeah.. if need to score points 😉

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

              Not point scoring. Just backing up what you said.

              Lancashire is kak but the a tiny bit better the further west you go.

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

    Chelsea set to confirm Willy Caballero arrival soon as former Man City goalkeeper passes medical

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

      In other scintillating news I had chicken for dinner

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

        Chicken and what else?

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

          Willy

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

          Mash

  3. FPL_Hazards
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Sky Sources = Total BS, they're not in for Aubemayang

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

      Yeah, it's just silly season right now. Only really trust BBC Sport.

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

      Apparently Dortmund are looking €90m.

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

    When is the membership available for the 2017/18 season?

    If I remember right, if you register early you get a little off...

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

      Pretty sure it's available now. Off the top of my head £12.50 now. £15 when the season starts.

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

      You can afford full price in fairness Conor 😉

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

        Tell Floyd I'm coming

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

    Just to add to the debate about whether Ronaldo would be good or bad for FPL.

    My view is he would add another game to FPL for anybody who likes to be adventurous. It would be called the "how well could I do without Ronaldo" game....or not as the case may be...

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

      My view is that people should go out a bit more. This isn't Football Manager. 😉

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

      Yeah, that game has been happening for years now

      E.g.

      How well could you do without Sanchez
      How well could you do without Hazard
      How well could you do without Kane

      Etc

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

        Yeah I know. I played the "how well can you do without RVP" game and did ok.

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

      I think it would be good. Would separate the men from the mice, the mavericks from the dullards. It would be fun trying to do well without him, but also with him as you'd be tasked with finding even more differentials.

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

        As above. When I went without RVP I captained Benteke a lot for the second half of the season. It was quite funny watching him banging goals in for fun.

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

      Also add extra hunger to Harry Kane to surpass Ronaldo in the hunt for the golden boot. I'd bet on Harry.

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

    Next season I'm planning on buying lots of cheap players that score loads of points. Never thought of doing it before. Anyone got any suggestions for players? Kenny maybe if he starts for Everton?

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

      This sounds like a really interesting strategy. Have you thought about writing an article on it?

      I'm pondering whether to try and maximise overall expected points whilst staying within my allotted budget.

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

        Could work

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

        Good suggestion. Hadn't even thought about the budget, I'll take that into consideration as well.

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

          No problem!

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

      This is a really good idea. Mind if I copy it?

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

        Only if you pay me £12.50?

      • 10 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Has Kenny Dalglish come back to football as a re-gen player? If so he could be a great pick for your scoring lots of points tactic.

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

        Do you think he would be better value than Rush? John Wark scoring 36 goals from midfield would have been a good pick in 80/81

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

          Stevie Bruce was FPL gold in the 90/91 season

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

            Used to play for Norwich though so wouldn't have been able to pick him. My OR would have taken a beating that season!

    3. George Sillett
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      This is genius. Keep it quiet though .

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

        You are absolutely right. Whatever you do, don't post it in a public forum where people might..... uh, oh

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

      I don't know. I think you'll feel bad when you don't own the over-priced players when they score goals and more people are cheering here and LOL'ing at you for not owning them even though your OR is higher.

      What's better really? High OR or not be LOL'ed at? Just saying...

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

        Getting cheered for is best. LOL hurts my feelings. I want all the great players that everybody has! Then we can all be happy together!!!!!!

    5. Old Schoolᴼˢ “disa…
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      😆

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

    Exciting game in U21's. Commentator just said 'third player booked for stimulation' 😀

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

    Yessss, come on Poland, don't miss

  9. BrockLanders
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Roughly 7 weeks till season starts and no early templates on here. What's the world coming to..

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

      Butland
      Kompany/Valencia/Daniels
      Alli/Siggy/Sane/Ayew/Knockaert
      Kane/Jesus

      Bench: Darlow, Dunk, Smith, 4.5 attacker

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

        Nice one.

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

    Boredom lol

    Heaton (5.0) Robinson (4.0)

    Moses (6.0) T.Smith/Lowe 4.5 Evans 4.5 Olsson 4.5 4.0

    Alli 10.0 Pedro 8.0 Salah 8.0 Sane 8.0 Kachunga 5.5

    Kane 13,0 Jesus/Lukaku 10.5 4.5

    But in all seriousness, this is just a very rough early sketch up of what my squad might look like, and it's missing Eriksen, Mane, one of Jesus/Lukaku, KDB

    So many options

    1. Ghost Gooner
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      I dont like the 2 attacking double ups. You could get 25pt week stinker quite easily if they blank.

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

    Hi all,

    I am running a WhatsApp group for FFS posters for FPL related chatter since last season. We are extending the number of posters this season - and are looking to add a limited number of participants. Ideally we're looking for FPL managers who have been around these parts from quite a while and are avid players of the game we love. The group has been a great success - some of us managed a highest ever FPL finish while others are prominent HOF members. Anyone interested in joining the group can feel free to hit me up on my email address.

    'bigmanbakar@gmail.com'

    Today is the last day of our recruitment - anyone who hasn't been in touch with me already and is interested in joining should email me at the email ID given above. Thanks. 🙂

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

      What's WhatsApp? Not for me I guess 😀

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

        It's an interactive app on Android/iOS 🙁

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

          Don't think that explanation is going to help much! It's like a group text message

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

            Never mind, it's sounds like it's for elitests who are deluded enough to think they could win it. I prefer shits and giggles 🙂

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

              In fact it's quite the opposite 😉

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

      In what way are you big? Height, belly or schlong?

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

        I used to obese and tall - but over the past 2 years I have cut down on my diet and am fit and healthy again through regular exercise and strict diet control. 🙂

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

          Are you still tall though?

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

            Of course 🙂

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

              Fantastic!

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

              Congrats on maintaining that parameter.

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

          Good job losing the weight. Can you see your schlong again now?

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

      Can we exchange naughty pics or is that a different group?

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

        😉

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

          I'm in.

    4. JAC THE CAT
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      My hat is in the ring 🙂

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

        Sounds painful

        1. JAC THE CAT
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          Another good season for you Hooky.

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

            Poor finish the last few weeks unfortunately. Gamble on triple Saints defence and triple Chelsea attack backfired a bit 😆

            1. JAC THE CAT
              • 10 Years
              6 years, 9 months ago

              The last 3 seasons you've been very consistent.

              I did the triple Chelsea attack, cost me top 10k in the end.

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

                Bloomin West Ham messed everything up by beating Spurs!

        2. Back on the horse
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          It's Just a Hat

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

        😮 a mod

        1. JAC THE CAT
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          If rules don't allow, I understand.

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

            It's perfectly fine haha, just messing. 🙂

            1. JAC THE CAT
              • 10 Years
              6 years, 9 months ago

              Cheers Jazz 😉 I need to see if I pass the selection process now.

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

          quick , run for cover! Everybody under the Hat

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

        Big name signing on the cards. 😉

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

      I'll need another week to think about it.

    6. @chapellefpl OR 577TH
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      I would join but don't want to get copied and guys asking for help 24/7. If there was a top100 hof whatsapp group I would be interested.

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

        😆

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

        I think the place for you is here:
        https://www.triggerlips.com

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

        You could start one and all of the other 99 of the Top 100 HOF, along with you, of course, could have an insane brain trust.

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

    China putting a 100% tax on transfer fee's for foreign players. 🙂 Gift horse or prevention tactic?

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

      That China fad was always going to come to a abrupt end
      How could any btw communist country be forking out that kinda money to football players while lots of people in China still live in real poverty.

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

        They screwed up imo putting the tax on the transfer fee. Most are going for the wages and have a fairly low transfer fee as they are out of contract

        1. Back on the horse
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          Good point. You're the FFS Jaques Perretti, following the money. 🙂

      2. Get up ya bum
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        They are hardly communist these days and people have been moving from poverty to middle class by the hundreds of millions.

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

    Anyone know if Andy is planning to do a stream soon? Hope so, they are nothing short of brilliant.

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

      Gasmaaan!

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

    Imagine Ronaldos game time will be reduced at Man U (if he goes there) in the same way Zidane managed it in the past season. Might reduce his price.

    1. JAC THE CAT
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      The price will still be big, I would be suprised if it was under 14 Million.

    2. Ghost Gooner
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Zidane had bench players that delivered when called upon like Morata, Asensio and to a lesser extend Vasquez. Mou doesnt have that luxury.

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

        Was a pity Zlatans time wasn't managed better. Reckon he wouldn't have got injured if more rested.

        1. Ghost Gooner
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          Zlatan got injured due to bad luck more than anything. He just landed badly during an aerial duel. He did look lethargic in some games though due to lack of rest considering his age

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

    What's the worst/most desperate fantasy sports game you've participated in? Must be some niche ones out there.

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

      Relatives partake in Fantasy hare coursing! Prizes are better apparently.

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

        Better than an FPL pencil case? I doubt it.

    2. JAC THE CAT
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      I tried fantasy formula one, didn't go very well as I don't like formula one.

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

        I can see why that didn't pan out 😛

        I used to like F1 before they stopped drivers from racing eachother.

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

      I have only ever played fpl and one season of ultimate myself

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

      Fantasy Eliteserien.

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

      Dunno...but that reminds me.

      Is the TDF doing a fantsy game this year and is anybody playing it?

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

        We have Tourmanager in Norway. Join us down the rabbit hole.

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

      Fantasy Kabaddi.

      Doesn't exist and it shouldn't.

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

        Is that the Indian hand holding thing?

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

        I'd imagine a very complex bonus system in that game.

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

        Oh no? https://fantasykabaddi.dream11.com/in/ 😉

        But it does seem like they're hiring for a lot of developers on that site so not sure what state it will be in once the Pro Kabaddi League season starts.

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

      Be nice if the major change to the game next season would be a first prize of a million pounds/Euros. Its all too sedate and gentlemanly at present.

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

      Fantasy Sumo is good as the Japanese fighters are always overpriced and mostly lose. Lots of good value Oop Mongolians

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

      Our country had Tour de France. Was actually decent.

    10. The Quiff
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      ESPN.com ran a competition called UBER a few years ago. The objective was to try and accumulate the most points in as many games as possible from the available ESPN Fantasy Games.

      Aside from the obvious ones like Fantasy EPL, Football, Baseball and Ice Hockey, I remember playing such gems as "Fantasy NCAA College Football", "NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament Bracket Challenge" and a game called "Streak for the Cash" where the objective was to build the longest streak of correct picks from a daily list of professional and college sports matchups. Also some Fantasy Golf Majors thing.

      I had zero interest in American sports.

      I actually did quite well, and was sad when they discontinued it.

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

      Probably Fantasy Eliteserien

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

        Racist.

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

      London isn't LHR though

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

        Maybe he's signing for Reading?

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

        London Heathrow.

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

    Is Redmond nailed for Soton?

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

      Not with Tadic and Boufal around

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

        Ah I forgot about boufal...good fpl option?

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

          Tadic is the best of the bunch imo. New manager may bring in some other options though

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

      Yes.

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

      Until or unless they add a bunch of new attacking talent, he'll surely be part of it.

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

    Does van dijk worth 0.5 more expensive than cedric? If cedric is 5.
    Which players you consider from saints ?

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

      Cedric if 5m. If not, Bertrand @ 5.5m

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

        At 5.5 vav dijk is a bonus magnet, no rotatio risk and goal threat and also a great player in your team looks good

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

          Very true...im still under the assumption he won't be there though

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

      Jack Stephens for me. He's too good not to play regularly.

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

        Maybe yoshida will win the challenge

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

          Yoshida is better than Stephens imo

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

      Definitely a defender. VVD if he's there for the reasons you mentioned. If he's gone, then either Yoshida or Stephens will be in my team, depending on who looks more nailed.

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

      I'd be all over either Yoshida or Stephens, whichever one looks cheaper and more nailed. The fixtures warrant investment in their defense, but I'd hold off on paying for attacking returns from their defenders (or their attackers) until we see that they are actually going to score goals this season.

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

    "We have not spoken because we were on the deadline for [presidential] nominations and I wanted to be respectful, but I am convinced we will talk and we will solve it.

    "I have always said I have great affection for Cristiano. He is one of those players who stands out, and whenever there has been a problem we have solved it.

    "Cristiano is playing the Confederations Cup. We will wait until the tournament ends and then we will see the extent of everything that has been written. I am sure it will work out fine."

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

      Why do people always fall for the Ronaldo story? He loves attention, Madrid love power and the media love clicks.

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

        And he's under a £13m tax evasion scheme, any way to deflect from that and get his buddy Florentino to use his dirty ways for him to get away with.

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

        Funny thing is, I kind of believe he wants out. Issue is, I can't see him leaving. He just signed a new contract in November (hence why I don't think this is a money thing) which means Real have an astronomical fee on his head. Realistically, it's very hard to see any team spending a whole transfer budget, or even two transfer budgets, on just one player. Real know that and I reckon they'll explain it to him very plainly. Unless he tries to buy himself out or something mental like that.

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

        😆

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

          Otherwise known as "The Retreat Song".

          The young men are down the river, fighting with their sticks
          Their sticks are breaking good now, their sticks are breaking bones

          We will turn round at the cliffside, then, we will turn at the cliff.

          😉

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

    https://twitter.com/BassTunedToRed/status/876737959067877377

    Coutinho looks to be the Liverpool mid to have, especially if he gets penalties.

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

      That is what Barcelona are thinking.

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

        It'll inevitably happen but not this summer it seems.

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

      Pity I don't play fantasy La Liga.

    3. Ghost Gooner
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      I hope he doesnt play in a deeper role like the last few games of the sesaon.

      1. Gareth nose
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        this

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

      Salah.

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

        This. Salah. Should be at least 1m cheaper too.

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

        You're not supposed to give away the real deal Parm. I'm trying to sway the masses here.

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

      He improves with every passing year. No reason to believe he won't step it up a little more again.

      Good shout.

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

        I think he'll take it to another level next season given his new position and the 3 players he can feed. And sadly, he'll be too good to stay. Seen it all before but can never blame a player for wanting Madrid/Barcelona.

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

      Wijnaldum could be an under-the-radar differential. He's shown the past season that he can produce away from home, and he got 11 goals and 6 assists (and 170 FPL points) during his season with Newcastle, compared to the 6 goals and 9 assists (149 points) he got with Liverpool

      1. Ghost Gooner
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        If he is 7-7.5 then he would be an attractive option but I think he will be a 8.

      2. I Member
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Won't be nailed if/when they sign Salah.

        Can/Henderson/New DM
        Lallana/Wijnaldum - Coutinho
        Salah - Firmino - Mane

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

        Aye, very underrated and a good pick. But I think he'll be a victim of rotation with CL.

  20. HurriKane
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    If you were mourinho who'd you rather get.?

    A) Harry Kane (23 years) 100m

    B) Cristano Ronaldo (32 years) 150m

    i knw kane wont leave next season but spurs doesnt win any trophie again he'll surely be gone

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

      Doesnt look like a guy who is too bothered to win things, a golden boot every year will probably do the job

      Ronaldo signing would help merchandise sale, so pretty much half of that price will be recovered 😛

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

        But yes, if Kane is up for sale, I would grab him

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

          You'd be fired if you didn't at least try to grab him.

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

      I'm sure he'd take either, but only one might even be on the market right now, and even that isn't absolutely clear. If you make it a totally hypothetical and they both actually are on the market at those prices, he'd probably take Kane, due to the length of time that he will still have him for.

      Such an awesome question, though. Thanks for stimulating the thoughts!

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

        Real toughie.

        - kane: best striker in epl, consecutive golden boots,young,peak years ahead, unproven in europe

        - Cr7: best player in the world atm, goal machine in laliga,cl at his peak, shirt sales, regression and age could come in play

        kane has more years left in him and maybe better value but cr7 is a monster and could defy age limits. id just prefer kane

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

      Ronaldo for the last few seasons he has at the very top level then replace with Kane coming into his peak years and ready to leave Tottenham after banging in goal after goal and having no trophies to show for it 🙂

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

        Yeah this.

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

    Read 'em and weep boys

    2 x 4.5

    5 x 4.5

    Erikson(10)-Ozil(9)-Siggy(8)-Ritchie(6.5)-Knockaert(6)

    Kane(13)-Benteke(8)-Defoe(8)

    1. I Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      No City, United or Chelsea. No thanks.

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

        Cover is a myth

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

          United's fixtures are among the better opening sets.

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

            no attacking assets & clean sheets rare at the start

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

              Two in the first week last year, but then in subsequent weeks there were 6, 4, 3, 4, 4 per week.

              But that doesn't mean your approach won't work.

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

      Ewwwww.

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

    Transfer haven't really kicked off so far. Teams are back for preseason in a couple of weeks and not much movement despite all the TV money

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

      Yeah I can see a lot of late transfers in August which is not good for FPL.

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

        If they're within the PL then it can work out. e.g Bertrand at Soton should cost 5m but a move to a bigger club will enable a cheap defender

    2. Ghost Gooner
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      The summer before a World Cup is not great for transfers. Only players looking for game time like Morata/Giroud/Iheanacho etc tend to be willing to change teams.

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

        Do you have any data for that? Very interesting if true

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

        Gareth Bale to Madrid in Summer 2013
        Mesut Ozil to Arsenal
        Fernandino to City
        Willian to Chelsea
        Eriksen to Spurs
        Tevez to Juventus
        Also, Fellaini, Soldado, Lamela, Negredo, Schurrle, Sakho, Paulinho, Navas, Lovren.

        I'm not so sure that all of those players were just looking for game time.

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

          Lots more, that was just from skimming the list, sorted by transfer fee.

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

        Surely by this logic there will be more transfers than other years? Players looking to play more rather than sit on the big benches?

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

      The transfer window doesn't officially open until 1st July, so we should expect lots more news a week Saturday.

      Many deals may have been concluded already but are waiting until formally announcing (Defoe to Bournemouth, for example, looks 99% happening).

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

        Yeah I know about 1 July but we usually have news of deals already agreed. It's not like 1 July we suddenly hear of tons of transfers. I would've thought managers like Mourinho would like their squads ready for preseason

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

    Why do people play 343 instead of 433 in this game? How much do you spend on your 4th midfielder? Imagine putting him down to a bench price of 4.0/4.5 and using that excess cash to have another defender who plays every week.

    'Oh but what about King?' I hear you say. Yes of course get someone like him when he appears, but for the majority of the season you would've done a lot better doubling up on Cahill/Alonso/Luiz or Rose/Walker rather than chasing Gundogan, Allen et al.

    If you measure a player's points per million, you'll see players like McAuley providing huge value for the whole season.

    TL:DR - I started with Valencia and Shaw last year and will likely be starting with 433 again this year.

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

      Gundogan and Allen were 5th mids for most.

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

        People were playing them though? In a 352? Take 4th mid to mean 5th mid in that case. Or 'outfield player you'd bench first'.

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

          Allen scored 11,8,16,2,10 in GWs 6-10. Beats McAuley easily then.

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

            And?

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

      I think it's because of the chances of getting points. A defenders chances of scoring points are lesser when compared to a midfielder or a forward.
      Players like Lanzini, Snoddy and Zaha had scored more than most of the defenders.

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

        But the point is that the Chelsea defenders cost the same/less for many more points. You're right that midfielders and forwards score more of course, but that cash for the last outfield player would be better spent in defence.

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

          If you look at Gary Cahill last year, he didn't score anything for the first 6 weeks. Gwks 8-22 were highly productive for him. Again quite a few blanks after that.
          Now compare two players like Zaha and Walker who were available for the same price and compare their scoring. Not much of a difference in points. But they had different periods of scoring.
          So what I learnt from last season was that the game was about adapting quickly to the situation and changing formations and players accordingly.
          Sitting rigidly on 1 formation or going all over the top didn't work out properly.

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

            No of course, and I tried to be adaptable last year, rather than sticking to the 343 that most seem 100% convinced on. Maybe I phrased it poorly.

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

              352 was a better formation in hindsight last season.

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

                Got any information to back that assertion up?

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

              Maybe I understood it poorly. But you made a good point. What you mentioned could be a viable strategy this season.
              We just have to keep our eyes open.

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

      Worked well for you this last year, obviously. Maybe not so well during previous years, if you took same approach those years.

      Every year is different. In general, though, midfielders score better than defenders, and McAuley probably wasn't somebody's fourth defender, at least not at a price that was 4.8 by GW6 and then got up to 5.3 at peak.

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

        But that's the whole point. McAuley becomes your 3rd or 4th defender if you have him and play 433 rather than your 4th midfielder.

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

          Sure, identify him next year and ride him for budget production. This year was an outlier for him though. 113 and 110 his first two years and then less than 100 each of the last three. You can't bank on 131 points out of him. Knock down to the 100 point range and you'll find plenty of fourth mids who produce that total for that or less. And in reality, people who rode McAuley, then sold off one of their other pricier, less-well-scoring defenders and used it as an upgrade on one of their other attackers. It's nice to have a reliable fourth defender to be able to play 4-3-3 when you need to, but I think there is a reason that in the top 100 or top 1000, the 343 or the 352 are the predominant formations played.

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

          Have you always played 433 for your entire career?

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

            Just last season. Yeah I see what you mean, perhaps this year is an outlier. I just see there being a lot more value from buying the defenders from teams producing rather than the cheap ones. Then have 3 x 8 mil + mids instead of grappling around with Gaston Ramirez/Ritchie disappointments.

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

              Well, obviously it worked well for you this last year. I think the lesson for me from this last year was that in a volatile season like this one, where there was no Vardy/Mahrez/Alli budget template that got locked in to so many squads, that you have to be nimble and willing to jump ship to the next productive option. And that having a core of some locked in players in cheap defense and mid-positions can let you be more nimble in moving to the next hot hand in the pricier positions. Don't get your salary structure too out of whack and you can shift formations when the opportunity arises.

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

      I agree. Defenders were best value for money last season (except King) so I will start with 4-4-2 this season.

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

      😆 70 years. We'd be dead by then.

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

        Not most of the 14 year olds here...

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

          I doubt that. 84 is too long a time to live.

  24. Ghost Gooner
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    No data but looking at transfer market and RM incoming signings they made more statement transfers after a WC

    Ronaldo 02/03

    Higuain 06/07
    Ruud
    Marcelo

    Ozil 10/11
    Di Maria
    Khedira

    James 14/15
    Kroos

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

      Zinedine Zidane 1/2

      Sergio Ramos 5/6
      Robinho

      Ronaldo 9/10
      Benzema
      Kaka
      Xabi Alonso

      Gareth Bale 13/14
      Isco

      But remind me why we are discussing Real Madrid transfer timing again?

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

        I'd say the pre-WC signings listed above surpass the post-WC signings.

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

    FPL did not open

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

      Shall we start an e-mail campaign asking for a change? Clearly we deserve assistance.

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

      BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

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

      😆 Lovely stuff. I'm more of a ffscout geek than football one. Just come here for the banter and sometimes football discussions.

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

      By the way, have you reached Czech Republic?

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

        leave here Saturday... get there Sunday after 7 hours drive from Frankfurt...

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

          Oh. Enjoy your trip.

  26. QPRUTD
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Good Morning.....

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

      Morning.

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

      Welcome to the deadest of Dead Zones.

      About ten comments per hour at this time of day. Hope you brought some work with you to keep you occupied.

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

        Hello there.

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

          'Sup?

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

            All good mate. How are ya?

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

              Good here, procrastinating getting some work done tonight. Thinking about hopping in the pool to wake myself up first so that I can get going.

              Insane hot here today in Arizona. Where do you live?

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

                India. Raining here. Pleasent weather.

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

                I can relate. I live in one of the hotter places in India.
                45+ deg. C the norm during summer..

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

                  46.1 here today. Projected 48.5 tomorrow

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

                    I have heard some American politicians dont believe in Global Warming 😉

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

                      some American politicians are frankly tiny-fingered vulgar greedy idiots who have no understanding of local, national or world politics and see nothing except opportunities for furthering their personal fortune. Not that I have strong feelings about our so-called president or anything.

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

                        covfefe

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

                        Exactly

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

      Actually it was meant to be a Grav Check 😉

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

        Then you can just ignore us. Nvm.

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

          Good morning mate 🙂

  27. Phil Dagger ⭐
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Page Turner Activated 😉