Moving Target

Moving Target – Ruben Loftus-Cheek

Ruben Loftus-Cheek has been confirmed as the first new addition of the Frank de Boer era at Crystal Palace, with the Chelsea midfielder joining the Eagles on a season-long loan on Wednesday.

The England U21 international was limited to just six substitute appearances in the Premier League last season and revealed the chance of more regular first-team football was the driving force behind the move:

“I had the option of coming to Palace, and I thought that it would be great for me… I hope to play a lot more games and give everything I’ve got.”

De Boer, meanwhile, gave an insight as to where he believes Loftus-Cheek could fit into his plans:

“He is a technical and physical player, so after I looked at our squad I thought he could be a very helpful player for the team and gives us a quality injection. He’s an attacking midfielder obviously, but with his attacking ability, he could also be used as a sitting midfielder. We will have to see what is the best position for him and also what will be the best for the team.”

The History

Loftus-Cheek joined Chelsea’s academy at the age of eight, and progressed to be a key member of their successful youth teams.

He made his professional debut as a substitute against Sporting Lisbon in the UEFA Champions League in December 2014, with his Premier League bow following a month later.

He also made two starts during the final weeks of the season after the league title was wrapped up and earned rave reviews for his performance in the 1-1 draw against Liverpool when he boasted a 100% pass completion.

Following the sacking of Jose Mourinho, Loftus-Cheek gained favour under Guus Hiddink and ended the 2015/16 season having made 13 league appearances, managing one goal and one assist.

He also chalked up four matches in cup competitions, producing a further goal and two assists.

But with no European football last season, and few injuries for Blues boss Antonio Conte to deal with, Loftus-Cheek failed to make a single league start, although he did make five appearances in the FA Cup and League Cup, registering one assist.

Loftus-Cheek has represented England at U16, U17, U19 and U21 levels, and has impressively scored 13 goals in 27 outings for the U19s and U21s.

The Prospects

While Loftus-Cheek’s progress was halted last season, the move to Selhurst Park looks tailor-made to further his development.

Strong, athletic and with an eye for a pass, Loftus-Cheek was quick to point out his versitility when sealing his move to Palace:

“I’ve played in a number of positions over the past couple of years, but recently I’ve been playing as a number 10 for England and Chelsea. Last year I was also playing in a front three. In the academy, I was playing as a defensive midfielder, so I don’t mind playing wherever, as long as I’m playing.”

The fact he has played more of his football of late in a more advanced role is particularly promising from a Fantasy perspective.

While strong in the tackle, it’s Loftus-Cheek’s dynamism when driving forward from midfield that stands out.

In Yohan Cabaye and Jason Puncheon, Palace have solid technicians in the middle of the park, but Loftus-Cheek, who stands at 6ft 3in tall, certainly looks capable of adding a new dimension, primarily due to his height and power.

Having been brought up at Ajax, new Eagles boss de Boer is a firm advocate of the 4-3-3 system, although he is also adaptable in his tactical approach.

He has operated with a false nine as the central attacker and used central midfielders out wide, while at Inter Milan he trialled a 4-2-3-1, with his side averaging 30 crosses per match.

The versatile Loftus-Cheek could, therefore, play in a number of different positions, including anywhere in a two or three-man midfield, while he could also feature out wide in either formation or even as a false nine alternative to Christian Benteke.

It’s likely that Luka Milivojevic will start as the holding midfielder after his arrival in the January transfer window helped shore up that area of the pitch, leaving Loftus-Cheek competing with the likes of Cabaye, Puncheon and James McArthur in the middle of the park.

Given that De Boer will have two quality wide men at his disposal in Wilfried Zaha and Andros Townsend, it’s probably less likely Loftus-Cheek will feature on either flank, though pre-season should provide some more definitive answers.

During the 2015/16 campaign, when Loftus-Cheek featured most prominently for Chelsea, he impressively averaged a shot every 34 minutes.

By comparison, Zaha only produced a goal attempt every 61.73 minutes last term, while the Chelsea loanee also bettered Townsend (45.16) and Cabaye (53.32).

While only a small sample size in Loftus Cheek’s case, the numbers, along with his goalscoring record for England U21s, are hugely promising bearing in mind that the 21-year-old has been handed a meagre 4.5 price tag in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) and just 7.3 in Sky Sports.

Palace’s opening fixtures are also a cause for optimism.

They begin the campaign at home to newly-promoted Huddersfield Town, while their next four matches (liv, SWA, bur, SOT) are generally favourable.

As a result, there has already been plenty of excitement regarding the prospects of Loftus-Cheek as a cheap fifth midfield option.

While his progress may have stalled at Chelsea, he has shown enough during his fleeting appearances that he should be able to thrive in the Premier League.

Loftus-Cheek is only three months older than Tottenham Hotspur’s Dele Alli, for example, and if afforded the pitch-time that the Spurs star has enjoyed, he has the potential to offer almost untouchable value.

His ownership has already gone beyond 14.6% in FPL, making him the most popular 4.5-priced midfielder in the game.

Fantasy managers will be paying close attention to De Boer’s teamsheets and tactics during pre-season then, and should Loftus-Cheek impress and get plenty of minutes, his ownership will continue to soar.

This time last year it was Watford’s Etienne Capoue who caught our eye playing in an advanced midfield role, and it could be that Loftus-Cheek follows a similar path this time around.

The only caveat would be the impact on Zaha as an option.

Priced at 7.0 for the new season and 9.3 in Sky Sports, the Ivorian international will be cited by some as a potential bargain. He will be expected to build on his 2016/17 return of seven goals and 11 assists.

We could elect to recruit two Palace assets and, should De Boar make improvements, that may appeal. However, if Loftus-Cheek is established in an attacking role, the value he offers could calm interest in Zaha.

No other midfielder in the budget price bracket offers the same potential upside as Loftus-Cheek, and providing his starting berth is assured, he would offer an irresistible “enabler” to help free up precious funds.

Further Reference

Ruben Loftus-Cheek Wikipedia

Ruben Loftus-Cheek Transfer Markt Page

Ruben Loftus-Cheek You Tube Highlights

3,758 Comments Post a Comment
  1. @Team Shark FC
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Kompany nailed?

    1. d1sable
      • Has Moderation Rights
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Yes when fit

      1. @Team Shark FC
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks mate

  2. Dynamic Duos
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    2nd draft , advice please, any good?

    Foster
    Cedric Lindelof Milner
    Sane Alli Coutinho Redland
    Lukaku (c) Lacazette (vc) JRod

    Myhill Loftus Francis Rosenior

    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Redmond*

      1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        It's a bit like the curate's egg, this. Good, in parts. 😀

        1. bojack
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          What's a curate's egg?

          1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            It was off.

        2. Dynamic Duos
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Which bits don't you like ?

          1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Milner, Myhill, Rodriguez and Loftus.

            1. Dynamic Duos
              • 10 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              Do you prefer my first draft ?

              Foster
              Cedric Lindelof Trippier
              Pedro Alli Coutinho Pogba
              Jesus Lacazette Gabbiadini
              Myhill Lascelles Loftus Rosenior

              1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 14 Years
                6 years, 8 months ago

                No. Not at all. 🙁

    2. Ghost Gooner
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Gtg.

    3. UshFPL
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Very good

  3. Whats the Mata?
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Maximum number of leagues can one join in fpl?

    1. stat
        6 years, 8 months ago

        I think it's 15

    2. TACTICSBALL
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Dunk/Lascelles/Lowe/4,0/4.0

      Better than your defence.

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

        Haha

        My defence is Milner / Kolasinac / Trippier / Cedric / Yedlin

        So you're right!

      2. stat
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Your defence is terrified, your defence is on fire

      3. The Mighty Whites
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Best max. 6.5 striker? Current on Gayle

        1. Toby Lerone
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Rodriguez?

        2. Netley Lucas
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Austin if he does okay in the friendlies.

        3. UshFPL
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Deeney

        4. BananaNose Maldonado
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Probably Deeney if Silva has them playing more attacking like Hull were after he took over.

      4. PvA
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Another creative player reveal

        Not a big signing... Chalobah back at Watford

        https://twitter.com/WatfordFC/status/885612326811860992

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

          In my team already along with RLC and TC!

          1. stat
              6 years, 8 months ago

              5-2-3?

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

                Mostly 433 but any formation possible

                Foster
                Milner Kolasinac Trippier Cedric
                KDB Mane RLC
                Kane Laca Defoe
                Elliot | Chalobah, Carroll, Yedlin

                1. Ser Davos
                  • 8 Years
                  6 years, 8 months ago

                  Interesting side

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

                    I'm going to say 'thanks'! Better to be interesting and lose than be boring and lose!

          2. Gareth nose
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Not really creative

        2. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Which FPL ID range are you in?

          a) 1-100
          b) 101 - 1000
          c) 1001 - 10000
          d) 10001 - 100000
          e) over 100K

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

            C

            Is that bad? Should I be sad?

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

              Casual

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

                Nooo the C word!

            2. Deulofail
              • 8 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              No-one can be in D or E right? Haha

              1. PvA
                • 7 Years
                6 years, 8 months ago

                Yes they can... there are 300k players

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

                  Oh jeez my eyes deceive me

          2. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            How do you find out?

            1. TorresMagic™
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 14 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              Your FPL history link has the ID number.

          3. Syd.
            • 14 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            b) 197

          4. PvA
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            A boiiiiiiiiiiii

          5. Parm
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            a) 79

          6. Karan14
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            C

          7. BananaNose Maldonado
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            E. And proud of it.

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

            b - 394

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

            C

            I was on the M3 when it launched! 3900

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

            a) Route 66

          11. Jigger & Pony
            • 10 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            A

        3. Cilly Bonnolly
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          With Walker off to City, Trippier is likely to get a lot of gametime yeah? With that in mind, Trippier and Redmond/Tadic or Dawson and Ramsey?

            1. Cilly Bonnolly
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              Oh well, there goes that idea.

              1. Netley Lucas
                • 8 Years
                6 years, 8 months ago

                He should still be ahead of Pereira but just be aware of the rotation risk.

          1. Moore FPL
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            I'm going T & C

          2. shirtless
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Flirting between Mustafi, Trippier or a Baily/Lindelof double up!

        4. Toby Lerone
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Hello again FFS

          1. Syd.
            • 14 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Hello Troy

        5. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Trying to join the members league, but it's saying invalid pin.

          I'm not copying and pasting it either, any ideas?

          1. VS10_
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Last year's code maybe? Not sure there is a members league yet.

            1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              Yep, last years code still up mate, thanks.

          2. TorresMagic™
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 14 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            New code hasn't been made.

            1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              Ah, that explains it! Thank TM

        6. @Team Shark FC
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          How does this team look?

          Foster
          Cedric Lindelof Kompany
          RLC Willian Sane Pogba Alli
          Kane Kaku

          Myhill Dawson Rangel Fletcher

          Can change formation between 352 and 442. Thoughts?

        7. The Mighty Whites
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          What does everyone think to Rondon? Good shout at 6.5?

          1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            No. Absolutely terrible.

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

            Don't.

          3. Netley Lucas
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            31 gameweeks out of 38 he scored 2pts or 1pt. Time it right mate.

            1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 14 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              What Netley says. He found a new and creative way NOT to get on the scoresheet, every week.

          4. bojack
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Avoid.

          5. BananaNose Maldonado
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            What everyone else said. Plus, he has even more competition with JRod there now.

          6. Duffy Dunk
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            He was useless almost all season.
            I got him after his hattrick and almost always he disappointed me.
            Keep away

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

          Is Tom Ince nailed on?

          And the following defenders: Naughton, Tomkins, Mee

          Thanks for the help, kind stranger.

          1. slamdunk
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            I should think Ince is and mee but not sure about the other two

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

              Thanks.

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

          Foster - (Myhill)
          Trippier - Lindelof - Cedric - (Yedlin) - (4.0)
          Mane - Willian - Knockaert - Fraser - (Loftus cheek)
          Lukaku - Kane - Lacazatte

          suggest me any improvements

          1. UshFPL
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            If I were you I'd downgrade Kane or Lacazette and upgrade Fraser

          2. Mavric Marco
            • 11 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Similar to mine, but I have Sané over Cedric

        10. JAC THE CAT
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Late night draft...

          Foster
          Walker - Trippier - Cedric
          Alli - Salah - Pogba - Redmond
          Aguero - Lacazette - Deeney

          Myhill - T.Carroll - Lascelles - Rangel

          1. Whazza
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Would have Yedlin over Lascelles for attacking threat. Milner over Walker too and Mane over Salah but just personal preferences I guess

            1. JAC THE CAT
              • 10 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              Cheers Whazza.

              Any 6.0M defenders stand out?

        11. Everyday im Schneiderlin
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          first draft any thoughts? cheers

          pickford
          luiz bellerin daniels clyne
          kdb zaha william ritchie
          aguero lacazette defoe

          elliot humeister loftus cheek

          1. UshFPL
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Didn't know you could play 12 players

            1. Everyday im Schneiderlin
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              oops

          2. Ghost Gooner
            • 10 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Pickford has crazy fixtures, not sure luiz and bellerin is the best use of elite def spots. No spurs. Kdb and aguero is overkill

            1. Everyday im Schneiderlin
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              cheers good points

        12. CloudSky
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Chalobah bandwagon?

          1. Syd.
            • 14 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            He might not start

            1. CloudSky
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              Neither might RLC. Chalobah a better player. RLC much more offensive though.

          2. Cilly Bonnolly
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Chalobahndwagon, surely?

            1. CloudSky
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              How did I miss that?

          3. Junior ⚽
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Nah enough 4.5's with Carroll RLC

        13. Ghost Gooner
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Please advise on which setup looks better?

          A.
          Fabianski
          Milner Cedric Dawson
          Alii Sane Willian Ayew
          Lukaku Lacazette Benteke

          Elliot Carroll Tomkins Hudson

          B.
          Lossl
          Kompany Cedric Dawson
          Ozil Pogba Fab Lanzini Zaha
          Kane Kun

          Elliot Naughton Fletcher Rosenior

          1. UshFPL
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            A

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

            So much different but I think B.

        14. Karan14
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Is Matt Ritche a good option?
          Is he on Set Pieces & Pens too?

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

            Didn't live up to expectations the last time he was in the Prem with Bournemouth. Maybe worth a punt. And yes.

            1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              Well said.

              Everyone was buzzing about him last time and he was a premier league flop. Why not just buy Phillips who did well last season?

          2. Prøfeßör …
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Agreed with the above. There are SOT options for 6.5 though.

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

            I think he's progressed as a player and like him this time around. Rafa seems to like him too.

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

          Foster Elliot
          Trippier Cedric Ake Dawson Rangel
          Alli Coutinho Sane Loftus-Cheek Carrol
          Aguero Lukaku Defoe
          What do you think?

          1. Ghost Gooner
            • 10 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Downgrade Sane and Ake to upgrade RLC or Carroll

            Dont like Foster/Dawson, Rangel/Carroll and Sane/Aguero double up from GW1.

        16. Pique boo
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Is Defoe really worth getting over a 6.5 FWD?

          1. Junior ⚽
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            If money is no issue.

        17. Whazza
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          The more I tinker, the more I think this is the season to play 4 at the back.

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

            Same happened to me. Succumb to it.

          2. slamdunk
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            I can't even choose a formation let alone a team.

        18. McNab
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Opening gambit and trying to get a team loaded up top. How does this stack up?

          Foster/Elliott
          Cedric/Daniels/Mee/Rangel/Hunemeier
          Alli/Siggy/Ritchie/Knockaert/Loftus-Cheek
          Lukaku/Kane/Jesus

          1. slamdunk
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Very heavy front three..three of your mids are a gamble and siggy over priced imo

            1. McNab
              • 10 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              Could go Pogba for Siggy & Redmond for Knockaert and keep the heavy front three

              Plan B would downgrade one of the front 3 and upgrade a mid

              What do you think

          2. Prøfeßör …
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            The defense and midfield is too weak.

        19. FPLFamily (Lee)
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          No teams with Lallana in from what I've seen.

          Couple of £m saving and still key to the way we play with his unbelieveable fitness and high pressing from the left. Anyone considering?

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

            Not nailed.

            1. FPLFamily (Lee)
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              Best option for the left side in my opinion. No-one else gives us that balance. Salah prefers centre or right I believe.

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

                He'll be competing with Wij for a spot in the midfield 3, right?

                1. FPLFamily (Lee)
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 12 Years
                  6 years, 8 months ago

                  Depends on formation. If 4-3-3 then yes possibly. Keeping a close eye on pre-season!

          2. slamdunk
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Lallana runs and runs and klopp likes to press so I reckon he will start

            1. FPLFamily (Lee)
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              Yeah I think Lallana left, Mane centre, Salah right. Firmino false 9, Coutinho deeper.

              Makes the best two options Lallana budget option, or if you can afford it Mane. He will do some proper damage in the middle.

          3. Ser Davos
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Can't squeeze Cout ATM. Wijanaldum?

            1. FPLFamily (Lee)
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              It's a bit of a minefield. The best strategy may be to wait at first, we have a mixed bag of fixtures to start.

              Cout will be deeper this season, picking the passes, assisting the assister, pulling the strings. Still class though and will get points.

              For me though, it's Mane if you want the big hauls.

          4. Bored Bear
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Lallana got more premier league minutes than either countinho or mane last season

        20. My Mums Athletic
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          So, are we all supposed to have 3 City + Walker so we can have 4 for the first few weeks....??

          If you do that can you sub City for City, or are you stuck with the original 4...

          Just imagine if Sanchez goes too! 5 City....owwwww

          1. Ghost Gooner
            • 10 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Your first transfer would be a forced City player out first.

            Not even sure the game allows you to make changes ie change cpt or re-arrange the team etc

        21. Drip Doctor
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Midfield looks light in all the RMTs. History shows midfielders score the most.

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

            It seems that once you drop below the 7.0 mids, 6.0 defenders are the better options.

            1. Drip Doctor
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              Not seeing any premium picks other than Alli on here though.

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

                Well I have KDB and Mane atm 🙂

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

                True. Coutinho for 9.0 is my most expensive.

          2. Deulofail
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Bit of an over-simplication though really innit? It's not like everyone has RANDOMLY gone light in midfield this year. If you can produce a RTM which is heavy in midfield that you genuinely think will outscore one that's "light", then fair play to you, and good luck. It would be interesting to see it

          3. Ser Davos
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Heavy forwards with high ownership and captain's armbands.

        22. FPL Kangaroo
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Anyone looking for a free league to join my mini-league code is 487-19440. Can you beat Kanga

          1. FPL Kangaroo
            • 6 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Boing...boing...

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

            You're running a cash one too, right? This one's just for the craic then?

            1. FPL Kangaroo
              • 6 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              Oh sorry yeah this is my FPL league...My Sky one is a Cash one tho 🙂 £10 in. Hoping for a big pot.

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

                Still grand. I'll join this one for the craic then. 🙂

                1. FPL Kangaroo
                  • 6 Years
                  6 years, 8 months ago

                  Yeah why not 🙂 There's around 70/80 people in this FPL mini-league so far 🙂 Including the big man himself FPL Dreams 😉

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

                    We'll have to take him down. 😉

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

                Just joined. Thanks.

                1. FPL Kangaroo
                  • 6 Years
                  6 years, 8 months ago

                  Nice one 🙂

          3. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Count me in, thanks!

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

          Still to confirm formation and personnel but decided on early tactic.

          Pick a strong starting 11, all likely nailed for the first three weeks, bench will be 4.0, 4.5, 4.0, 4.0, hope I get lucky with injuries then wildcard after wg3 for international break.

          If I get lucky the worst case scenario is one of my defs doesn't start and I lose a defender sub in. What could go wrong apart from my starting eleven having a mare? 😀

          1. Mavric Marco
            • 11 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            I am employing a similar tactic WR

        24. COYG
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          RMT out of 10

          Foster
          Lindelof Cedric Trippier Daniels
          Pogba Alli Couthinio
          Jesus Lukaku Benteke

          1. TorresMagic™
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 14 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            4 subs?

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

              6 inch or footlong?

            2. COYG
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              Myhill Yedlin RLC Romeu

        25. We Will Klopp you
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Happy to start the season with this bar any surprise developments, RMT out of 10 please.

          Forster
          Lindelof Cedric Daniels Trippier
          Pedro Alli Salah Stanislas
          (K)ane Lukaku

          Myhill Loftus-cheek Yedlin Quaner

          1. PatrickLee
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            I think it's good.

            Like: Lindelof, Cedric, Daniels, Trippier, Stanislas, Alli and Lukaku.

            Kane I'm going to judge on his form when season starts - he can start slow and goes through form and off form.

            Not sure on Salah or Pedro. Same opinion on Alli as Kane - Eriksen might be better bet for set pieces.

            Think bench could be stronger.

            But being pedantic, it's good.