Selection

Great Expectations – Craig Dawson

West Bromwich Albion’s Craig Dawson was a force in 2015/16 and was earmarked as the Baggies’ leading defensive asset heading into last season.

He scored four times during the 2015/16 campaign and also registered 10 clean sheets on his way to 124 points in Fantasy Premier League (FPL), handing the West Brom defender a 5.0 price tag for 2016/17.

But Dawson only scored his first goal in Gameweek 26 last term, while fellow defender Gareth McAuley, who started the campaign priced at just 4.5, had netted five by that point.

Dawson did produce a further three goals during the back end of last season, and while McAuley is likely to be the main initial target after tallying 131 points, age and history suggest that his goal tally is unlikely to be repeated, meaning there may be little to choose between the pair.

Indeed, McAuley failed to register a single effort on goal after scoring in Gameweek 26 and scored from six of his seven shots on target over the course of the season – with that incredible strike rate suggesting some regression is inevitable in 2017/18.

Meanwhile, Dawson came on strong and appeared to take on the role of chief goal threat at West Brom’s set-pieces – so often a key weapon in Tony Pulis’ armoury.

We’re expecting that trend to continue over the new season.

  • Dawson ended last season with 102 points in FPL – level with Southampton’s Cedric Soares and West Ham United’s Winston Reid, who both cost the same amount. So it’s likely he’ll be handed the same price tag this time around. McAuley and Brunt – providing the latter isn’t reclassified after playing much of his football in midfield – are also likely to come in at a similar price, so other factors should define our thinking heading into 2017/18.
  • Dawson has proven his goal threat over three consecutive seasons, registering twice in 2014/15 (when he only made 29 appearances), and four times in each of the past two seasons. His underlying statistics last term were very impressive, producing more shots in the box (18) and headed efforts (13) than any other Baggies defender. Incredibly, from Gameweek 27 onwards, Dawson contributed to 42.9% of West Brom’s goals having ended the season with three over the final 12 matches.
  • Tony Pulis sides have historically relied on set-pieces for a high percentage of their goals and last season was no different. They were ranked second for goals from set-pieces – 20 of their 43 goals arrived via this method. Yet the Baggies were second-last for attempts from set-plays and fourth bottom for total corners, despite registering more goals from corners (16) than any other side. West Brom’s proficiency from set-pieces means any improvement in that conversion rate could result in a further boost for the attacking prospects of both Dawson and McAuley.
  • While Dawson’s attacking threat comes primarily from his ability at set-plays, he also possessed some assist potential last term, given he played the majority of his football at right-back. He created 21 chances, just three fewer than Chelsea’s Marcos Alonso, for example, suggesting he was a shade unfortunate not to produce a single assist. With greater potency up front, Dawson could well chip in with further attacking points.
  • Although Pulis’ side surprisingly only managed to register six shut-outs last term, history and the underlying statistics suggest they should improve upon that number in 2017/18. Only the top eight teams bettered them for both goals against (51) and shots conceded inside the box (297). By comparison, they let in the same number of goals during the 2014/15 campaign (51) and allowed a similar number of close-range efforts (290), yet managed to tally 16 clean sheets.
  • Facing only two of last season’s top six over the opening 11 Gameweeks, the Baggies’ early schedule looks tailor-made for investment in their backline. The defence is ranked second top of our Fixture Ticker over that period, with home matches against Bournemouth, Stoke City, West Ham United and Watford, along with trips to Burnley, Brighton and Hove Albion and Huddersfield Town all offering the platform for early returns.
380 Comments Post a Comment
  1. makaveli123
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Great expectations indeed!

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

    I've drank my coffee now 🙁

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

      Terrible feeling that. I'm on my third cup already

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

      Docs told me to cut back on the caffeine!

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

    Anyone know when match tickets go on sale

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

      I haven't even been able to renew my membership at WBA yet, no sign of tickets either.

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

      No idea but check this: https://www.premierleague.com/tickets

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

    Surely Brunt is a must have with fixtures if he stays OOP

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

      Big if though

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

    Brunt played several times at LB last season. Is that enough to keep his listed as a defender?

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

      What's the threshold for reclassification? Again, no transparency. No one knows.

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

        I'm excited to see where they stick Michael Antonio. Might as well have him in goal.
        Great RB/RW/CF

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

          That's such a good point.

          Any chance of him being classified as a defender? Imagine that.

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

        Just go with it. Half the fun is seeing where they classify players and capitalising on it where you can.

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

    This article has twisted my arm a touch but I'm still a bit reluctant to buy any Baggies as I think they're in for a really poor year.

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

      There are literally 10 defenders I want this season. Have no idea what to do 🙁

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

        Who's your ten? Ha.

        I think United and Saints picks will be very popular.

        Huddersfield actually have a reasonable start in terms of fixtures. Be interested to see how Smith is priced.

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

          See today's H.T., my knee jittery Friend:)

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

      baggies defenders are great up until they get 40 points and Pulis deems the season a success and gives up from there

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

    On the price prediction game people have been playing, nearly everyone is anticipating United defenders to rise from 5.5ish to 6ish.
    Can I ask why? They were expected by a lot of people to be challenging for the title last season, and got prices of 5.5 - why would they rise after finishing FIFTH?!

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

      Good defensive record.

      But you make a fair point. Lindelof will be 5.5 I reckon but Bailly and Valencia 6.0.

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

        Yeah but their defensive record wasn't too bad under Van Gaal if my memory serves me right... or was it?

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

        And actually... they finished 6th didn't they, not even 5th? IMO it would be unprecedented for a team finishing in 6th place to have the majority of their defensive assets priced at 6.0. Surely you can't justify a price rise after a league season that was worse than the one that proceeded it (where they finished 4th under Van Gaal).
        Pricing their defenders at 6.0 this year, would be like pricing Southampton's (who finished 6th in 2015/16) at that level last year, no?

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

          *5th under Van Gaal.

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

            Hopefully you can see what I'm saying though haha.

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

              I can!

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

          United lost 5 games all season, joint with Chelsea and only one more than Spurs - that's why.

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

            Leicester lost 3 games all season in 2015/16, finishing as champions. Not one of their defenders was 6.0 the following year...

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

      Position of the team doesnt matter, quality does. If league position was a major criteria, likes of Sigurdsson and King would be 5-6m.

      They had one of the best defensive record, so 6m is worth it for regular starters

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

        Agreed but I don't see how Bailly or Valencia's quality has changed from last season, or even the season before in Valencia's case.
        Many anticipating a drop for Aguero - have we witnessed a fall in his quality?

        I'd say that 6.0-6.5 would be a fair price for King in all honesty.

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

      i always thought the prices were determined by last seasons prices.

      Therefore im expecting spurs and chelseas to be most expensive.

      Remember arsenals were really expensive last season from the season before.

      I always thought they just took the list of defenders and price brackets. The prices dictated by how high up the list you are.

      Or they do it a bit more complex and have a team rating based on position, last seasons score and bps maybe. Times the 3 together and that puts you in a bracket.

      Alonso will be most expensive, McAuley maybe 5.5 this season.

      Just my theory.

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

        Largely agree, which is why I don't see how Bailly, who finished behind Charlie Daniels on points for example, can justifiably be given a 6.0 price.

        Your theory is sound though, but doesn't account for players that are new to the league.

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

          Yes new players is tricky. I think they have minimum prices based on the team they are in if there is no fantasy history of them as they havent played in the league before.

          Wouldnt expect to see a big club new signing def cheaper than 5.5m. If they are a big name (Alves) would expect 6m.

          However if WBA sign some dutch kid from Eindhoven you'd more than likely see a 4.5m price tag on him.

          Bailly i reckon will keep his 5.5m price tag.

          My bargain this season will be trippier if walker leaves, reckon he could be a very cheap way in to the spurs defence as im expecting ald and vert to be 6m minimum

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

    West Brom were 2nd for goals from set pieces. Guess who was first?

    Chelsea. And yet no one mentions Cahill on here. Even though he was the highest scoring defender as well! Madness!

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

      How many goals did he score??

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

        6, I think.

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

      Price

  9. Worth spending a little more in defence?
    J0E
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Fantasy Football Scout daily hot topic

    Worth paying a bit more in defence.

    Craig Dawson has the potential to be FPL gold, with goals in his locker should West Brom once again struggle for clean sheets. But with a price tag above 4.5 we will have to spend a little more to get him.

    Will you be looking to go mainly cheap at the back with at least two 4.5 defenders and even a 4.0 bench fodder?

    Or is it worth buying more 5.0 and 5.5 defenders who can offer strong attacking returns.

    PVA at Palace could be another that could be worth the extra outlay.

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

      There are so many defenders I want.

      Moses, Milner, Antonio?, Mawson, Maguire, Valencia, Rose, PVA, Dann, Dawson, Cedric ... to name but a few.

      Unlike midfield and attack, there seems to a huge amount of choice in defence. Not sure if I can start the season with just 3 playing defenders.

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

        antonio will not be a defender. Moses I think is debatable (one season at wing back does not a defender make), as is Milner.

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

          If Moses isn't a defender it would be ludicrous. There is zero chance of him playing anywhere other than wing back for Chelsea, and likewise if he got a transfer, it would be because of his wing back performances

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

            Milner spent the entire season at left back as well.

          2. Bojan Horsemack
            • 10 Years
            6 years, 9 months ago

            Agreed if he stays at Chelsea. Disagree if he leaves.

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

            Still...being reclassified because he's playing wing back is dubious.

            1. Bojan Horsemack
              • 10 Years
              6 years, 9 months ago

              A lot of disagreement on this. But in my view if a player plays most of a season in one position, and the only reasonable likelihood of him getting a game the next season is in the same position, then he should be classified in that position. Because regardless of the player's history, that's the only position he'll be expected to get a game this season.

              Injuries to both Pedro and Willian and Moses could suddenly turn into an OOP prospect, of course, but it's not the likely outcome.

              Strong transfer rumours before the deadline for price-setting might change my mind.

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

          Party pooper.

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

          IMO Moses and Alonso need to be classified the same, don't see any way around it.
          "one season at wing back does not a defender make" - yet a few games at left midfield seems to make Martial a midfielder?

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

      I think I'm going for 4 defenders who are 5.5 and 5, rather than having big outlay on some and some cheapies. Can then rotate those 4.

      Thinking of Cedric, Dawson, PVA, Bailly, then a 4.5, hopefully T Smith

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

        something similar to this

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

      I am going as cheap as I can, Dawson very likely to be in my team from the off. I don't think concentrating on attacking returns is the key - clean sheets and nailedness are by far the most important concern, any attacking returns would be a bonus.

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

      Now that 4.5, rather than 4.0, is the baseline for a starting defender, I really think going for minimum 5.0s is justified. Budget defence was awful last year until Mawson, Davies, Yoshida/Stephens appeared later on; I expect it'll be the same again this time around.

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

        McAuley Smith Daniels says hello

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

      I don't like going cheap on defence, no better feeling than having 4 clean sheets in a gw

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

        Feels even better if the players only cost peanuts 😉

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

      Yes I believe so, looking at Valencia (6.0), Bertrand (5.5), Dawson (5.0), (4.5), (4.0) so far.

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

        No Chelsea?

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

          They have an excellent first fixture, but I think their next 4 look quite tricky and that clean sheets will be unlikely. I guess when there's no form to go on I place quite a lot of weight on fixtures! Its a risk to go without though I admit, still very early initial thoughts at this stage 🙂

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

            I guess it's price dependent too. Is there a chance someone like Cahill or Alonso could be 7.0?

            I like the look of Cahill at 6.5 despite fixtures.

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

              I think Cahill and Alonso could well be 7.0, although FPL seem to only price defenders this highly on rare occasions. 6.5 probably more likely.

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

      Traditionally I've gone cheap, Walker and Shaw were my most expensive defenders to start with last year, both at 5.5 and the rest at 4.5. Somehow I had McAuley from day one 🙂

      I'm thinking more of a 6.5, 6.0, 5.5, 4.5 combo this time.

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

      I'm probably going with triple Saints defense if Van Dijk is back along with a United defender. So defense is likely to be 6, 5.5, 5, 5, 4.5

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

      With the good early fixtures, I'll be happy to have plenty of 5m+ defenders such as Dawson and PVA. Will make it easy to downgrade to cheapies as they emerge.

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

      Wait and see for Palace for me. I'd like to see some of their pre season before putting PVA in my team; he wasn't particularly fantastic when he first moved there. I'm thinking Bailly/Lindelof 5.5, Cedric 5.0 (If VVD leaves), Dawson 5.0, 4.5, 4.0

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

      Right now I'm interested in starting with several of Azpi(If WB), Mawson, Dawson, Van Dijk/Cedric, Trippier(Walker sold), Tom Smith and Bailly/Lindelöf. I don't think any of these will be at 4.5, and I can't see any players that will obviously be 4.0/4.5. Currently I'm leaning towards a Van Dijk/Dawson/Mawson/Smith/4.0 defense, but seeing the players list will likely change my mind.

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

      I think there is potential for a few cheapies, especially with fixtures in the early stages. I feel too spoilt for choice at present.

      I'm looking at bailley, Southampton defender, Dawson, T Smith and either Mawson or PVA.

      I also think City could get more clean sheets this year. The stats say they should have kept more. A decent keeper and they would have. I am wondering what Trippier's price will be, should Walker leave.

      I'd rather spend less in defence though and committing to Bailley as my 1 premium currently. I think with my current choice I could have selection dilemmas for some weeks.

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

      Not in the beginning, less clean sheets at the start.

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

        No.

    14. SweepaKeepa
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Yes. I believe the £0.5M extra is worth it for some attacking opportunity. And it's more fun. So Mawson, Dawson, Cedric, Maguire, Brunt all on the radar for this reason. However, may be able to have our cake and eat it e.g. Janmaat, Ake.

    15. Ludo
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      It's all about the alternative. Dawson at 5.0 loses appeal for me if Evans is there at 4.5. Yes, he'll score a little more, but he's not very good in the BPS, and Evans is good value to pick up a goal or two himself - the difference is unlikely to be worth the cost. However, I would be willing to pay more for Brunt, for example, if he were classified as a defender, because of the greater difference in attacking threat.

    16. FrankieTheGent
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      I hope to be lucky enough to identify 3 fire-and-forget premium defenders (last year 3 of the top 20 were defenders) which will allow:
      (1) Having two ultra cheap bench fodder
      (2) Focus transfers on the front 8 were form can more reliably be 'chased'

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

        Food for thought and another decent strategy; I like the second point particularly.

    17. The Hindu Monkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      The key question to all of this is the classification of wing backs. If and only if the likes of Alonso/Moses/Walker/Rose etc are still all classed as defenders - even 6-7m ones then I honestly think 4-4-2 could be this seasons formation of choice

      those players are easily going to score more points than a 6m midfielder... and there are tons of 5m defenders like PVA/Brunt who will easily outscore their respectively priced mids as well

      so let's wait and see, but I certainly would rather own more of these attacking wing backs than I would 2 point fodder from the lesser teams in midfield

    18. shirtless
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      I finished the latter part of the season with Alonso, Toby, Mawson. Maquire and Holgate, 6.5 6.0 4.5 4.5 4.0.

      I'll quite happily go again with the same sort of players/budget if possible but will probably look to get Bailly or Lindelof in. Toby could be value this year as he didn't total that highly last year. Depends on the Trippier situation there. Alonso could be rotated heavily this year so a 7.0 or higher price would put me off him.

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

      5th defender will be 4.0
      will rotate 3rd and 4th 4.5 defenders and spend 11.0 between my 2 main defenders. My plan so far

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

    West Brom linked with a 30mil move for Gibson

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

      West Brom forking out 30m? For a defender from a championship team? Chriiiiiist.

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

        I doubt they would smash their transfer record twice over for a defender but this is a Pulis team after all

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

          Could be worse, could be Darren Gibson

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

    Ox to Liverpool would be a good move for both player and Liverpool. Would offer decent squad depth and only 25mil in todays market

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

      Move only happens if/when we start buying the big players. I agree, Ox would do extremely well in Liverpool.

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

        If you keep Sanchez and buy a pricey forward, I think Ox will leave

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

          Read the article about wage constraints, it's very good. If Arsenal keep Ozil/Sanchez then likely have to get rid of Ox and Giroud to keep within financial rules of the league

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

          Agreed, Arsenal will need the funds.

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

            Bad situation for a club to be in. Does explain why there's the contract problems with Ozil and Sanchez though, no way they can both sign and the club retain everyone else as well.

            That's without even doing any transfer business..

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

              I think they can offset a higher wage bill with transfer fees, from what I understood. Says to me that the Ox, Walcott and many other fringe players will be off, especially as there will be no CL football this season.

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

      I am not too excited about this move neither I am too downbeat about as I thinl OX is a good player.

      So either way its a win-win situation 😉

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

        Who's that in the photo?

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

          Alvaro Morata. My first Grav here at FFS when I joined.

          Not that I like Him . Its just aa picture I like
          😉

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

        Isn't Liverpool's midfield a bit crowded already? Henders, Wijnaldum, Can, Lallana, Salah, Mane, Couts, Bobby F - where would the Ox fit in? He has less competition staying on at the Arsenal.

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

          This is true however. He may end up becoming a regular for Arsenal, as he was at the back end of last season. Especially if Sanchez leaves.

          It wouldn't be a surprise if Arsenal just chuck a massive contract at him and convince him to stay. Liverpool wouldn't go over 90-100k p/w for him and even that's a push.

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

      I wouldn't mind Ox but 25m has to be the maximum price. Definitely not a priority but type of player we need. Any Pool fan against this signing should cast their minds back to January and how they felt when we had no options. Ox can cover RB, all midfield positions and both wide areas - almost a back-up to every position.

      Loads of room for improvement though but that'll be a reason why Klopp wants him. He played well at the back end of last season too. Good option to beef up the squad. Plus,
      it will annoy Arsenal fans so win-win.

      By the way, Graeme Kelly called this transfer months ago. As he has called Virgil van Dijk. Looks like he eventually will be right on both.

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

        I'm primarily interested in this deal for the fact that it will annoy some arsenal fans

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

      Ox should go to Newcastle, thats where his missus is from near.

      Thats what dictates things these days isnt it? haha

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

      Ox and Walcott would add a bit of depth to Red's squad...call it 32m the pair

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

    Who will Arsenal's back three consist of? Most nailed is Koscielny obviously. Opinions?

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

      Kosc and Mustafi for sure, maybe Holding if they don't sign anyone else. Not an arsenal fan so don't know for certain.

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

      depends on whether wenger sticks with 3 at the back.

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

      Mustafi - Kos - Monreal

      Holding will get in whenever Kosc gets crocked

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

        I think it might be Holding - Kos - Mustafi/Monreal

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

          cant see Mustafi being benched when fit

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

        I'd go with holding and make monreal lwb

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

      What others said. If Wenger sticks with 3 at the back it's either Holding - Mustafi - Koscielny or Mustafi - Koscielny - Monreal (Kolasinac LWB). Can't see Mertesacker or Gabriel as starters when everyone's fit.

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

        Oh, and Chambers is back. Maybe going out on loan again, we'll see.

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

    McAuley Smith Daniels says hello

  14. mad_beer ✅
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Andy, here is the "news" article about Giggs and Rooney.

    It must be slow if this makes the news.

    http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11667/10928335/wayne-rooney-could-stay-at-man-utd-if-he-accepts-lesser-role-says-ryan-giggs

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

    Feels bettter without the Mask

    Woooosh! !!!!!!!!!!

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

      This is a family friendly website. Why are posts about Phil's 50 shades of grey exploits allowed?

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

        😀

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

      You'll have to change grav when Morata signs for United..

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

        hahhaaa plzzzzz no 😛

        This is the first grav i used here when i joined.
        I really like it but yeah probably have to if he signs for them

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

          Yeah, it's great and most of us recognize you by this grav. Enjoy while you can 😎

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

            Cheers Ozil 😎 I will

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

          Phil, how do I get an avatar on this website? Do I have to become a member?
          It's not clear anywhere!

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

            Hey Swanck, from the FAQs (http://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/fantasy-football-faq-and-glossary/):

            How do I get a picture next to my name when I post a comment?

            Head on over to http://www.gravatar.com and register for an account (make sure you register with the same email as the one you are registered with here). Choose an image, and this will be associated with all of your comments on site. Your gravatar image should appear next to your comments within roughly 24 hours.

            In my experience it usually only takes a couple of minutes. Make sure your picture is G-rated to have it appear 🙂

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

              Cheers Windmill!

              I now have an identity instead of looking like Farmer Joe!

              Many thanks buddy

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

                Enjoy!

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

    Crystal Palace used pictures of Frank de Boer's brother, Ronald, when they presented their new manager on Twitter.
    https://twitter.com/FrankRonald1970/status/879636680319356928

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

      Coz that's what Palace do 😀

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

        Yup!

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

      Oh well, not as bad as when ITV showed videos of Ainsley harriot instead of Lenny Henry by mistake for Lennys knighthood.

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

    " Morata scored 15 La Liga goals last season, but nine of those were against teams who finished in the bottom five and against whom Real create chances galore."

    Is Morata to Utd still happening?

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

      I hope it wont 😎

      But still 15 ain't bad when you play only last 15mins mostly

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

      Did you hear about Moratas wife following United on Twitter? Looks like it's going to happen.

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

      Was hard to score against the top half teams from the bench.

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

      Ah so we want to play knifey spooney. 😉

      13 of Salah's 15 Serie A goals came against teams in the bottom half of the table last season. Only scored twice against top 10 teams, once against Napoli and once against Torino.

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

        8 of these goals were against teams ranked 15th-20th, if including place 14th (Chievo) then that total comes 10 goals.

        1. Wilshere Knowledge
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          No need to fight fellas, they're both terrible signings.

          *ignores Lacazette penalty numbers*

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

            Well, he's no Cavani 😉

            At least Pool and United aren't selling their best players to get him either 😉

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

          that's good news given how we struggle against the smaller teams. Morata at 60mil though.....

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

            Fair play if you're genuinely happy with Salah's inability to score goals against mid table Serie A sides.

            As for Morata, I never said I'd be happy with him at that price. All I can say is 15 goals in 1331 La Liga minutes was a better outing from him than I had expected.

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

      I am hoping Utd buy Welbeck back from Arsenal for £40 million....

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

    @Zoumasbloomers: Would you be so kind to post the article about wage constraints?

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

        Cheers!

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

    So after Depoitre , Huddersfield have apparently signed Steve Mounie from Montpellier for club record 11m.

    His wiki page was ok last night although its in a bit of shambles right now.

    https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Mounié

    Current Club - Hudd
    0 app. 100 goals 😉

    First 50.0 m player? 100 goals alreadt FFS

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

        ain't working .Strange

        Might just search him on google and see his wikipedia lol

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

      This one should redirect to the correct page:

      https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Mounie

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

    Man tryna tell me fpl starts 10th july.
    Tell my man shut up!

    Mention my name in your post oi rudeboy shut up!

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

      https://goo.gl/G82sd5

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

    Anyone else thinking of going for a 4-5-1 formation?

    This is the kind of team you could assemble

    4.5 - 4.0
    6.5 - 5.5 - 5.0 - 4.5 - 4.5
    10 - 10 - 9.5 - 7 - 6
    13 - 5.5 - 4.5

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

      With Kane,Kun,Jesus,Morata,Lacazette,Lukaku,need at least 2 big hitter striker spots.

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

      Not far off. You'd be constrained with a 442 and 352 with that. I'd want a bit more flexibility and would upgrade the second striker to a regular starter and have the option of rotating him with a 5th midfielder. That would give me 13 starters to choose from.

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

        All the big name attackers being linked with the league i think you will need 2 biguns up top and defence will be neglected.

        Remember last season it was between sergio, ibra, kane and costa.

        Also no one really found their defensive rhythm last season at first it was pointless spending anything on defense, it wasnt until chelsea went on their great run that defense needed investing in.

        I will follow the same suit this season. 3x 4.5s to rotate with 2 expensives, 9m keeper duo.

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

          But the point is there will be a lot of big guns in midfield too.
          One big gun striker can allow you 3 big gun midfielders; with 2 big gun strikers you might only manage 1 big gun midfielder without badly unbalancing your squad.

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

            I'd be surprised if there isn't a big name striker for 10m or less, so just switch a 10m mid and the 5.5m striker and you've got 2 big gun midfielders and 2 big gun strikers in a 4-4-2 formation.

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

          Regarding defenses, your reference to Chelsea might hold a big clue. Chelsea went on that great run when they switched to 343 with wingbacks. Other teams that followed suit also found their wingbacks were chalking up the points. If those teams start the season with wingbacks, those defenders could be great assets.

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

      No

    4. SAY MY NAME
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      actually really tempted, with expected price increases could have a much stronger more balanced team, and would prefer to have a stellar midfield than experiment with 5.5 starters - all will depend on prices though, players first, formation second, depending on where the value is

  22. TheBusDriver
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Hello. Anyone missed me?

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

      The London Bus Driver’s Prayer

      Our Driver, who art in Hendon -
      Harrow Road be thy aim.
      Thy Kingston come; thy Wimbledon,
      In Erith as it is in Hendon.
      Give us this day our Berkhampstead,
      And forgive us our Westminster -
      As we forgive those who Westminster against us;
      But, lead us not into Temple Station,
      And deliver us from Easville.
      For Thine is the Kingston, the Purley, and the Crawley!
      For Iver and Iver,
      Crouch End.

      With thanks to Ian Dury and others ...

    2. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Who are You?

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

      Please leave 😉

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

        Best post the link this is reference to 🙂

        http://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/comment/2932634

        1. Epic Fail
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          This is an excellent link. One of the best I've seen. No holes. Perfectly balanced.

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

            I've seen a lot of links before, and this is the best one.

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

            Ha! RML 🙂

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

              10/10. 😉

  23. KUN_DE_BRU_YNE
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Is zaha and Redmond decent 4th and 5th mid for 3-5-2 formation ??

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

      I'm looking at one of them in my likely 4-4-2 formation.

    2. SAY MY NAME
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      could do much worse, sensible picks, will get a few points here and there, great fixtures for SOT

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

    Everton beat Arsenal to the signing of Henry Onyekuru. Not going well for the London club

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

      Arsenal are one of the least threatening clubs in the transfer market

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

    I really like the look of Tom Smith, however, I also liked the look of George Friend. Is there any chance the same might happen? or is he nailed?

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

      Yes, there is a chance the same might happen.

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

    I've just moved to London from Canada a few days ago and am wondering which papers are reputable.

    Which are good? Which are conservative? Which are posh? Etc.

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

      Sun, Star, great for boobs.
      Daily Mail, Express, Metro great for sensationalist news.
      Guardian for the lefties (but I quite like their sports pages)
      Independent and Times are the posh ones with proper hard crosswords.

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

        + right wing Telegraph

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

        🙂

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

      Read anything that isn't the Sun, the Daily Mail, or the Daily Express

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

      Guardian has the least bs. Really comes down to your political stance too.

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

        ??? You not read it since 2015, then? 😆

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

      I don't read any of them so this comes with a heavy disclaimer but my opinion:

      Left wing: Guardian, Mirror
      Centre left: Independent
      Right wing: Express, Telegraph, Times

      Toxic hateful garbage: Sun, Daily Mail

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

        Boob hater 😉

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

          #justiceforboobs

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

        Helpful thanks 🙂

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

      Cheers all. I'll check out Guardian Independent and Times.

      I don't mind reading left or right provided its proper journalism

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

        You then have a problem. There are only one-and-two half proper journalists.

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

      Left wing: Morning Star
      Left leaning: Mirror, Channel Four
      Centre-Right: The Guardian, Independent
      Loony Right Wing: BBC, The Standard, Times, Express
      Bufton Tufton, Disgusted of Tunbridge Wells: Telegraph
      Facist: Daily Mail
      Toxic hateful garbage: Sun

      1. Bojan Horsemack
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Bufton Tufton, Disgusted of Tunbridge Wells 😀

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

          😉

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

        Cheers Doos

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

    This is the article I found on Arsenal's problems with their wage bill, and why they can't just re-sign Ozil and Sanchez on huge contracts:
    http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/arsenal-transfer-news-summer-sell-out-tie-alexis-sanchez-mesut-ozil-new-contract-a7803741.html

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

      Says to me that once they sort out their big moves and hopefully tie both Sanchez and Ozil down, they will start selling off. I'm telling you the last few days of the transfer window is going to be carnage this year.

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

        I can see Bellerin going if Sanchez, Ozil and Lacazette sign. That's a LOT of wages they'll need to get rid of

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

          They can offset wage rises using fees from sales. Bellerin won't go, especially of the Ox moves on.

  28. white lightning
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    I've just noticed that a 3 way defensive rotation of Palace, Leicester & Watford has Hudd (h), Brighton (h) & Brighton (h) in the first 3 game weeks but there's no mention of their defenders. You could get PVA, Simpson & a cheap Watford defender like Prodl/Holebas/Britos.

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

    Transfers have been pretty slow thus far, when do we expect to see the market come into its busiest stages? Mid - late July?

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

      July 1st may have some big news, as the window officially opens and sponsorship/kit launches come in to play. Teams will be trying to get marquee signings into their kit launches etc

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

    I've seen a lot of chat about people wanting to double and triple up on certain team's defences; mainly Saints or West Brom.

    Is this not lunacy? Never going to be any guarantee those teams keep cleans, even with favourable fixtures.

    You start with Yosh, Bertrand and Forster, and Saints lose 2-0. You could potentially have 3 or 4 points across them, a sea of red arrows, and an early struggle.

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

      Alternatively it could be a great gamble that could give the minority a massive edge over the rest of the field. But it is a gamble.

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

      I don't think doubling up has ever been as bad as some people make it out to be.

      The biggest risk of doubling up is that it takes longer time to transfer out your players with weak fixtures. WBA doesn't have a bad fixture in the first 6 games. Southampton has generally good fixtures for the first 13 GWs. WBA and Southampton would have to severely under perform for a doubling up to be punished. We know Southampton are solid defensively. We know Pulis hates conceding goals. It's not a massive gamble.

      The reason I don't want to double up in defense(Not counting gk + def) is that there are bound to be teams starting off better than expected. Watford, Brighton, Swansea, Huddersfield and West Ham might have several 4.0-5.0 defenders that could get a lot of points with their fixtures. If I bring in my 4th and 5th defender from those teams, then I might have chance of turning that defender into my 3rd defender. If I they don't perform, then they stay on my bench. No harm done. If Evans is my 4th defender, and Dawson is my 3rd defender, then I don't see Evans ever becoming the 3rd defender in my team.

    3. Bojan Horsemack
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Obviously we should choose the players we think will score us the most points, regardless of whether they're from the same team. Saints having a new manager is the only thing putting me off doubling up early on (though their fixtures are delicious) - I'll probably take one and see how they get on. WBA have been struggling at the back for a good while, so even with their great fixtures it'll be one (max) for me. A Man U double up might tempt me, depending on price. Otherwise, I don't think there's anyone with the fixtures to warrant it early on.