Scout Reports

Scout Report – Jacob Murphy

Newcastle United followed up the signings of midfielder Christian Atsu and defender Florian Lejeune by completing their third major summer purchase with the addition of Norwich City winger Jacob Murphy for a reported fee of £12 million.

The England U21 international joins the club that he scored twice against last season in the Championship, and Magpies boss Rafa Benitez believes the 22-year-old can really thrive in his new environment:

“He’s a young and talented player and hopefully he can develop even more here. We hope he can show us the passion, commitment and ability that he showed in the Championship last season… It’s the type of player we are looking for.”

The History

Murphy joined Norwich’s youth set-up at the age of 11 and was a member of the side that won the 2012/13 FA Youth Cup.

He made his professional debut as a substitute in an FA Cup tie against Fulham in January 2014, before taking in loan spells at League One side Swindon Town and League Two outfit Southend United during the second half of the 2013/14 season.

The midfielder then joined fellow Championship club Blackpool on loan, producing two goals and a single assist in nine appearances, and also spent time at League One sides Scunthorpe United and Colchester United, where he registered four goals and three assists over 11 matches.

The Canaries decided to send Murphy on a season-long loan to League One outfit Coventry City, where he enjoyed a very successful campaign, totalling nine goals and 10 assists in 40 outings.

Murphy finally got his chance at Carrow Road last season, producing eight goals and eight assists over his 37 league appearances.

He has represented England at U18, U19, U20 and U21 levels and was part of the squad that reached the semi-finals of this summer’s UEFA U21 European Championship.

The Prospects

After making Atsu’s loan move permanent earlier this summer, the addition of Murphy will provide the Magpies with another creative threat out wide.

In Matt Ritchie, Newcastle have an industrious player who can not only provide goals, but who also has the ability to deliver quality into the box.

The former Bournemouth wide man isn’t blessed with pace, though, so Murphy, who is capable of playing on either flank, although he played predominantly down the right for Norwich, should provide a good balance if he operates on the left for Benitez’s side.

Murphy, a boyhood Newcastle fan, is quick, direct, and also has an eye for goal.

When asked what he can bring to his new club, Murphy took the opportunity to outline these qualities and underline his suitability as a Fantasy asset.

“What will I bring? An attacking flair. Pace. I’m very direct and I like to shoot. I like to provide chances for the team. I’m an attacking wide midfielder so I will try my best to get goals and assists for this club.”

Although he is still very raw, and can drift in and out of matches, the 22-year-old looks to have the attributes to thrive under the tutelage of Benitez, who should ensure that Murphy doesn’t neglect his defensive duties, something he has been guilty of in the past.

That will be important, given that Benitez favours a 4-2-3-1 formation in which his wide players need to track back and offer protection in front of the full-backs.

Looking at Murphy’s underlying statistics from last season, he impressively averaged a shot every 29.82 minutes – better than both Ritchie (31.67) and Atsu (43.64).

But while Murphy provided a stronger goal threat, he only managed to produce a key pass every 61.02 minutes, inferior to both Ritchie (44.34) and Atsu (54.17).

The England U21 international may lack slightly in the creativity stakes then, but his goal threat, and specifically the quality of his finishing, make him an intriguing Fantasy prospect.

Murphy’s potential is likely to see him come in at between 5.5 and 6.0 in Fantasy Premier League (FPL), and given Ritchie has the majority of set-piece duties and is on penalties for the Magpies, he may need to come in at the cheaper end of the scale to tempt investment.

But Newcastle attackers are certainly on the radar, with their early fixtures (TOT hud WHM swa STO bha) very favourable following the daunting opener with Spurs.

Dwight Gayle and Ritchie are proven commodities, however, while Murphy has only played one full season in the Championship, so it is difficult to look past the more experienced pair from the off.

Newcastle’s pre-season matches will hopefully provide some insight as to how much faith Benitez has in Murphy.

The potential is clear with his valuation a key factor, but a lack of experience makes him a target to monitor, with team-mates Ritchie and Gayle currently the more assured options.

Further Reference

Jacob Murphy Wikipedia

Jacob Murphy Transfer Markt Page

Jacob Murphy You Tube Highlights

1,721 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Kambo
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    RMT

    De Gea (Elliot)
    Bellerin Kompany Cedric Trippier (Francis)
    De Bruyne Phillips Pogba (McCarthur/Carroll)
    Lukaku Kane Austin

    First Season giving this a real crack.... looking at taking advantage of Southampton's and Brom's early fixtures, minimising Chelsea and Tottenham players until fixture 3.
    Any constructive criticism would be appreciated !!

    1. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      I would downgrade some defense and upgrade your 2nd/3rd mid. Decently solid team.

      1. Kambo
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        who would you look at upgrading? happy starting with Phillips as i think he provides great value especially with opening fixtures. ive looked at upgrading pogba, but cant get myself to go Alli or Erikson knowing they have Chelsea gameweek 2 as well as factoring in i have Kane already. looking at using wildcard gameweek 3 to pick one of the likes of these 2 ^^ would you consider Ozil worth getting over Pogba? or anyone else for suggestion?

    2. InSaneMan-e
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Havnt followed saints pre-season. If Austin nailed? If so bargain for the fixtures.
      I personally don't like Phillips and I reckon a lot will feel your defence is a bit expensive

      1. Kambo
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        im Holding on Phillips, knowing i can still tweak to either get Zaha, Tadic, Redmond ect or someone else by gameweek 3 depending on who is in form. Worried about Austin, have Gayle as a fallback but still dont like that idea. Do you value King instead or someone else7.5 or cheaper?

        1. InSaneMan-e
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          No for king. Mainly because of defoe and at 7.5 he may play at 10 and defoe upfront.
          If Austin isn't nailed I'm playing 352. Mids and forwards listed on 1 of posts below.
          I'm considering 343 with morata in attack too

    3. JoeJitzu +42
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Midfield is light and I'm not sure on Bellerin?!

    4. Wild Card this!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      There is some uncertainties with Bellerin and Austin...rest looks good to me

    5. jayzico
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Replace Pogba, Austin + Bellerin with Lukaku, 4mill def, and whatever you got left. Salah? Easy.

  2. Yome
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Breaking news, Morata signs for Chelsea

    1. b✪mber
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      So it begins...

      1. Yome
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Nightmare for our front 3...

    2. Dr Dream
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Whoo hoo.

      This season is getting better and better for picks.

    3. Mavric Marco
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      I've heard nothing about this at all over the last few days..!?

      Are you trolling?

    4. Wild Card this!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Please be 10!

      1. Ephurion
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Hard to make him more expensive when Costa is 10.

    5. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      should be cheap based on his history but he will be over-priced because he plays for chelsea

  3. Net Gains
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    What do people's midfield and attack look like?

    1. Dr Dream
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Eriksen Zaha Willian and Mkhi at the moment...

    2. POLSKA GOLA
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      5 in mid, 3 in attack atm

    3. b✪mber
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Kun Laca Firmino? (CL qualifiers)
      Alli Pedro (monitoring Mkhi) some guy around 7M Tadic RLC/Carrol (the more nailed of the 2)

      1. Johnny Leghorn
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        You've got my front 8 there.
        Kun, Laca, Firm
        Fab, Tadic, Alli, Carroll, Mkhi.

        Plenty of attacking bases covered.

    4. Mavric Marco
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Mané Sané Willian Carroll Cheeky-Loftus

      Lacazette Kane(vc) Lukaku(c)

      1. MFC86
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        I've gone very similar, I plan to rotate Carroll and loftus as 4th mid

    5. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Alli, Willian, Phillips
      Lukaku, Kane, Lacazette

    6. DantheManinaPan
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Sanchez, Alli, Willian, 4.5, 4.5
      Kane, Kun, 5.0

    7. InSaneMan-e
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Ramsey willian/fab sane Pogba coutinho
      Lukaku Lacazette/morata

    8. Net Gains
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Why has nobody said Jesus?

      1. J T
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Kane Jesus up top for me

      2. MFC86
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Jesus Lukaku and another for me

    9. J T
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Kdb Tadic Courtinho Willian Zaha

      1. InSaneMan-e
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Really like it
        Except for coutinho spelling

    10. Arn De Gothia
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Lukaku / Laczette / 4,5

      Eriksen / KDB / Phillips / Tadic / Richie

  4. A.T
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Fun fact
    West Ham have signed 31 strikers since 2010.
    20 of them have failed to score more than 3 goals.

    1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Chicharito's scoring record at utd wasn't super either... Think he managed about 1 in 3

      1. Matamatics
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        In the PL he has the fifth highest goals per minute ratio in the PL at 130.2 goals per minute.

        1. Matamatics
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          Said in the PL twice but point stands! He is a top goalscorer so would be shocked if he joins the list of failed Whammer strikers

      2. bitm2007
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Scoring record was great when he got pitch time. Goals per game states are shewed by all those sub appearances.

      3. Hotdogs for Tea
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        59 goals in 8300 minutes over 157 games - or the equivalent of 92 games (full 90 minutes) - pretty good really ?

    2. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      The sort of thing I can use to annoy Doos but not useful for fpl

      1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        I'm past annoyance, stopped briefly at incandescent, and am now nestling close to suicide. 😥

        1. Somalion
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          Tell that muppet Sullivan to shut his bleedin pie hole and stop turning your own players against the Hammers.

          Not to mention how public he makes his desperation for a striker and is shocked when clubs capitalise on this by upping their asking prices for players.

          He honestly drives me mad

          1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            7 years, 3 months ago

            *grits teeth* Maybe you're right.

            😀 You joining us, this year? Gnu sent you an email.

            1. Somalion
              • 14 Years
              7 years, 3 months ago

              Yes sir, I replied to you yesterday I think 🙂

              Essentially (mentioned to dear Gnu as well) my bank are being wholly uncooperative so I'll kick in my share as soon as I can but could be another week or 10 days before I'm able to 🙂

              1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 14 Years
                7 years, 3 months ago

                Nope. Maybe to Gnu. That would explain his email to me. Right. But you need to get your skates on.

                Can I help?

                1. Somalion
                  • 14 Years
                  7 years, 3 months ago

                  I'll e-mail Gnu as well just to fill in. Had this problem paying for last season recently.

                  Afraid not, it's just nonsense stuff. I'm heading into my 8th and final year in college (2 degrees, back to back) and have had a student account all these years. That is until recently when the bank decided I haven't been a student these last 3 years and pulling a fast one to avoid charges.

                  As soon as I possibly can it will be done

                  1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 14 Years
                    7 years, 3 months ago

                    Ah, blimey. My son, Luke got caught in the same trap. Now I understand.

                    1. Somalion
                      • 14 Years
                      7 years, 3 months ago

                      Yeah. Really said bank are trying whatever way they can to get rid of individual customers, they only want to deal with bigger pension funds etc. Jacked up their maintenance fees recently (which doesn't hit me but hits others) so I reckon this is all part of their grand scheme.

                      1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 14 Years
                        7 years, 3 months ago

                        TSB? They are advertising.

                      2. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 14 Years
                        7 years, 3 months ago

                        Basically, you need to get an online bank.

                      3. Somalion
                        • 14 Years
                        7 years, 3 months ago

                        Actually, very funny, but I believe we have an entirely different bank called Permanent TSB here and they're the ones I'm with currently 😀

                      4. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 14 Years
                        7 years, 3 months ago

                        Oh, God. What is to be done??? 😆

                      5. Somalion
                        • 14 Years
                        7 years, 3 months ago

                        I'm think beer and arson 😆

                        Ah I have a feeling it's coming to the end soon, hopefully actually in a couple of days, but just wanted to put the week on it in case something delays it again!

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

                        *thinking

                        Might have *hic* been a tad vigorous on the beer side of things

                      7. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 14 Years
                        7 years, 3 months ago

                        Good! 🙂

                      8. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 14 Years
                        7 years, 3 months ago

                        😆 😆 😆

        2. Jazz!
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          Believe in our little pea 😉

          1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            7 years, 3 months ago

            He's gonna have to go some, son. 🙁

            1. Somalion
              • 14 Years
              7 years, 3 months ago

              I actually think he might be okay.

              He's a poacher/finisher, I don't think he has much else to his game. But Lanzini is growing as a creative player, he could really offer a lot of chances. I also rate Arnie, think he needs the "big club" vibe to perform at his best and the Hammers can offer that much moreso than Stoke. Ayew is a baller too.

              1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 14 Years
                7 years, 3 months ago

                Arnautovic is a problem. Always has been always will be.

                And where is he supposed to play?

                1. Somalion
                  • 14 Years
                  7 years, 3 months ago

                  His attitude, even back to his Bundesliga years, was often powered by believing he was the best at a club. He was often right (Zlatan like confidence). West Ham should offer a different challenge.

                  I reckon he's been brought in for the left wing

                  1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 14 Years
                    7 years, 3 months ago

                    Well, he is not better than Ayew - and that is Ayew's position.

                    1. Somalion
                      • 14 Years
                      7 years, 3 months ago

                      I wouldn't doubt Ayew's ability, but mostly since leaving Ligue 1 Ayew has been positioned on the right. That of course is Antonio's territory. It does add confusion and a bit of rotation, but it's not a bit thing to have either.

                      1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 14 Years
                        7 years, 3 months ago

                        He is left footed. Very left footed. 🙂

                      2. Somalion
                        • 14 Years
                        7 years, 3 months ago

                        Absolutely, but then Robben loves the right wing with his cannon of left boot 😉

                        I do think some of the buys can perform. Arnie's attitude the biggie but if he's playing in a team with decent football he'll be placid enough for a few seasons. Last season Stoke reverted to the dull stuff having played some lovely footie the season before. That transfer request was the first thing I expected.

                      3. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 14 Years
                        7 years, 3 months ago

                        Ah. OK.

                        Bear in mind that not many players have Robben's positional sensibility. 😉

                      4. Somalion
                        • 14 Years
                        7 years, 3 months ago

                        Of course, most don't whine and dive as much either 😀

                      5. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 14 Years
                        7 years, 3 months ago

                        Indeed. I think part of it was where the softest grass was for his next spectacular! 😉

    3. Camp No No
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      You forgot the hashtag, OptaJoe! 😆

      #Scouting

      1. A.T
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Am I suppose to credit the source for this then?

        Knock knock etc

        #bob 1972

    4. Mavric Marco
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Boom! 😎

      Enter little Pea

    5. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      They have also been linked to pretty much every striker that still breaths.

  5. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    With this VVD kerfuffle at southampton... Have their defensive prospects just taken a knock?

    1. SUAREZ_MESSI_COUTINHO
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      That is a word right there.

      1. RiskyBusiness
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Didn't expect him to stay anyway, manager had good defensive record at his old team

        1. bitm2007
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          This

    2. FALCAO & MOU
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Do you write from a dictionary? Kerfuffle, FuchsAkeMane.

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

    Liverpool penalty list:

    Milner, Henderson, Sturridge, Coutinho, Moreno

    Things could get interesting if Robertson takes Milner's starting place...

    1. Lebowski85
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Interesting is a strong word when discussing Henderson.

      1. PvA
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Can
        Wijnaldum
        Lallana
        Coutinho

        Will Henderson play?

        Safe to assume Sturridge won't

  7. RiskyBusiness
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Morata - Aguero - Chicharito :)))))

    1. Oven Glover
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Latino lover

    2. Yome
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Lukaku? Lacazette? It is going to be hard to pick

  8. Individual
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Morata report: http://whogottheassist.com/alvaro-morata/

    Happy Friday, all!

    1. Mavric Marco
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Hay man how tricks?

      Enjoyed your last pod. First I had listened to but I'm going to look out for more.

      Great work

      1. Matamatics
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Glad you enjoyed the pod. We are doing another the week before game week one, then one a week all through the season! Going to be good fun. Have also been working hard on the site getting tons of content out 🙂

        1. Mavric Marco
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          Sounds good, looking forward to it

      2. Individual
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Hey man not bad! Lots up with work and also wgta but yeah enjoying it. What about you?

        1. Mavric Marco
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          Sounds like a good kind of busy 🙂

          I'm good thanks, new job keeping me busy enough but still finding time to tinker 😉

          1. Individual
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            7 years, 3 months ago

            Haha yeah you always find time to tinker don't you! I'm giving 4-4-2 a whirl currently. Still not too sure about it but I am generally flavouring the expensive Def over the cheapmid currently

            1. Mavric Marco
              • 11 Years
              7 years, 3 months ago

              BTW my new job is a web designer and some UI/UX work so if you ever need any help with the visuals and user interface of your site let me know. I'll be happy to help out 🙂

    2. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Wow, that was fast!

      Now that's the standard, FFS.

  9. ddande
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Please RMT..

    Foster
    Alonso, Trippier, Cedric
    KDB, Alli, Willian, Phillips
    Kun, Austin, Jesus

    Elliot, RLC, Mee, Ra

    1. ddande
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      *Rangel

  10. Dr Dream
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    So far this pre season the Mkhi/Lukaku/Rashford combo has made itself almost impossible for Mourinho to ignore....

    Agreed?

    1. b✪mber
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      yup

    2. InSaneMan-e
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Agreed. Add pog to that list. Only thing is mkhi will be rotate but lukaku and pog won't

      1. Dr Dream
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Mkhi won't be rotating with anybody if he carries on as he is.

        1. InSaneMan-e
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          You reckon? Hope your right.
          Good thing is in sure vs madrid utd will play what will be mourinhos likely first 11

        2. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          This - Mkhi could be star turn this year in both FPL and reality

    3. Lebowski85
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Hard for everyone to ignore

    4. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Wakey? Help. I've started my road.cc, got my team, now what?

      1. Dr Dream
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Back in a mo...

    5. hannibalos
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Good for Utd and Mourinho, terrible for Pogba owners. We are rethinking!

  11. bitm2007
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Morata deal done

    http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40667600

    1. Think
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      So one more striker in uper bracket .

      1. bitm2007
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        I'm hoping he will drop into the 9 - 9.5 void, but 10m most likely IMO.

        1. FPL.team
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          Surely 10.5m - Lacazettes pricing kind of set the bar there

          1. Ramboros
            • 13 Years
            7 years, 3 months ago

            They are different kinds of players. Lacazette is a better goal scorer.

            1. FPL.team
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 7 Years
              7 years, 3 months ago

              We'll see...

  12. sttewwizza
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    RMT

    Foster-Myhill

    Trippier-Cedric-Monreal(or Lindelof)-Mee-Dunk

    Willian-Alli-Salah-KDB-T.Carrol

    Lacazzet-Lukaku-Fletcher

    1. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      That side is over budget. KDB to Sane might do it?

  13. epj448
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Hi guys, can we organise the draft league yet?

    1. CostaCoffee
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Should only really organise a league with about 5/6 friends

  14. CostaCoffee
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Diego Costa liked Chelseas photo on instagram of them announcing Morata yikes

    1. Lebowski85
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Bit awkward

  15. FPL Joker
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    What's your preference, gents?

    Exhibit A:
    Holden/Mert, Mustafi, Trippier, Rose, 4.0

    Play 442 but RLC & T. Carroll in midfield.

    Exhibit B: Cedric, Bertrand, Trippier, Rose, 4.0

    As above

    Exhibit C: Naughton, Dawson, Bellerin, Trippier

    Play 343 and upgrade RLC to Brunt

    Bit much to ask, I know. Much obliged.

    1. Oven Glover
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Sorry. Not liking any of them.

    2. SADIO SANÉ
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      B probably

    3. SUAREZ_MESSI_COUTINHO
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Dear posh bloke,

      B looks like the best option, but the double-ups seem strange.

      Regards
      SMN

      1. FPL Joker
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Dear sir,

        I am strange in this den of inequity.

        Thanks for your replies, most gracious.

  16. FALCAO & MOU
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    This season is going to be difficult. I don't know if we need to show patience with the strikers or just swap them around each game.

    1. Smoky Johnson
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      If Kane is running, chasing, fighting for goals but lacazette gets 2-3 early i dont care. Got to top 5k last year with absolute minimal knee jerks. Hold your pistols.

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Totally agree

      2. b✪mber
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Agree with cat

  17. SADIO SANÉ
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Does anyone, aside from Conor McGregor, take ownership into account when picking their team?

    Does the 'ownership tactic' just focus on getting the highest owned players?

    Those currently over 25% owned are:
    Lukaku 46.5
    Alli 38.7
    Kane 34.9
    Lacazette 25.9

    From a strategy point of view, knowing that we don't actually know who will score more, is it more important to go with these players or not?

    The ownership of the following players seem pretty low to me...
    Eriksen 11.9
    Aguero 9.5
    Sane 8.8
    Pedro 7.6
    Ozil 5.6
    Mane 5.2

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      simply, I don't

    2. Lebowski85
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      For me, it's something worth considering but well behind fixtures, positioning IRL, form

    3. diesel001
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      My thoughts on the best high ownership squad:

      Foster
      Trippier - Daniels - Lindelof - Cedric
      Alli - Coutinho - Zaha - Pogba
      Lukaku - Kane

      Elliot - Loftus-Cheek - Fletcher - Rangel

      Actually looks decent to be fair to the masses

      1. InSaneMan-e
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        That's actually better than a lot of the RMT squads posted already

        1. SADIO SANÉ
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          yeah, it actually is

      2. SADIO SANÉ
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        yeah it does, once Pogba/Zaha get transferred out to the best emerging options that team would be pretty good

    4. InSaneMan-e
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Don't. Mainly because I'm too ambitious for my own good a s wind up picking differentials to get ahead. Almost always fails me haha

    5. Ramboros
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Can anyone explain to me the supposed benefit of doing this sort of ownership strategy?

      If anything you should go for players with low ownership, as their stock among the average player is more likely to rise after the season has started.

      1. SADIO SANÉ
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        I guess it's just a 'defensive' strategy, I'm assuming you are less prone to big OR swings because when you fail, so does everyone else. I'm not sure I buy into it really, but it kinda makes sense.

    6. Pirlø's Pen
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      I simply don't

    7. MagicMario45
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Never heard of a high ownership strategy. IMO it's much wiser to go for the best picks that are under-represented by the masses.

      Good differentials will not only give you an advantage over the rest of the field points-wise, but have much more room to grow in their value.

      Of course, going entirely with differentials may cause more harm than good. Last thing you want is to avoid X player who is tearing it up and also owned by over 40% of players. I'd say it's smart to have a solid mix.

  18. diesel001
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Who has the best fixtures - first 6 GWs? I think:

    1) Man Utd
    2) Man City
    3) Southampton
    4) Newcastle
    5) Arsenal
    6) Spurs

    1. Ramboros
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      1) Southampton
      2) Huddersfield
      3) City
      4) United
      5) Newcastle
      6) Spurs
      7) Brighton

    2. Lebowski85
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      You haven't seen West Broms then?

      1. diesel001
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        The way I see it is that WBA are an average side who won't win lots of games by many goals. So from a FPL perspective they don't appeal. Same with Brighton and Huddersfield. When I look at WBA's fixtures I can see them drawing or losing a lot of them:

        GW1: BOU - Similar mid-table opposition
        GW2: bur - Burnley a good side at home
        GW3: STO - Chance of a WBA win
        GW4: bha - Chance of a WBA win
        GW5: WHM - Similar mid-table opposition
        GW6: ars - Good luck!

        So yes, the opposition look good, but when you take into account WBA's standing it is hard to see where the points are coming from except possibly some dour 1-0 wins or 0-0 draws.

  19. hannibalos
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    I have produced my team but something is increasingly messing with my head and is telling me to risk this season with 5 wing backs and a 5-3-2. Can produce the goods but can really be total destruction if it will not work.

    5 wing backs and 4 midfielders. It would take some really smart choices in midfield.

    Anyone else with the headache of a 5-3-2 on his mind? Total suicide you think?

    1. hannibalos
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      *3 midfielders

    2. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      I think you're nuts. 🙂

      Sorry, but there it is.

      Also, the pain that you will have to bear, quarter of an hour to go ...

      1. hannibalos
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        I get your point but defenders on the 5.5-7M bracket produce many points and they might produce even more this season leaving money for the 3 well targeted midfielders. Then 2 midfs with 4.5-5M that will play as many games as possible. The problem will be really to find an attacker below 6.5M that will play games.

        It can be a double edged knife I admit it

    3. FALCAO & MOU
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      I am planning 4-3-3.

      1. hannibalos
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        I believe you have a strong case there with so many strikers anymore than can produce huge points (Lukaku, Kane, Jesus/Aguero, Morata, Vardy maybe Lacazette etc)!

        4-3-3 sound nice too mate!

    4. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Flirted with it briefly - it may work as many of the defenders score more points than the mids and third striker - but just didn't like the team though and it seemed so wrong having a bunch of mids I don't like

      1. hannibalos
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        It can really work though if you find two 5M(or below) midfielders that score about 100points each per season and play games. You do not have to like them hehe. The tough is too find the 3 midfielders out of so many that will be the star midfielders of the season. And of course to find the 5 heavily priced defenders that will go up and down the pitch with attacking abilities. There are for sure!

        1. Hotdogs for Tea
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          I want a team I like lol - can not cope with watching the games cheering on 5 clean sheets and the odd goal

    5. Dr Dream
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      No it's not suicide, that's something altogether different. If you decide to play that game stick with it and see how well you can do against the template formation...for good or bad...

      I really like seeing teams that provide a different angle.

      1. hannibalos
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Cheers mate, appreciate it. Have not decided yet but it is a challenge that kinda excites me. I might do it. Need to see what other transfers we will have until the start of the first game before I take a final decision.

  20. FALCAO & MOU
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    How does Morata start in a new league? Slow off the blocks or sends crackers flyin'?

    1. Individual
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      The Burnley opening game certainly looks a nice punt for an introduction to the Stamford bridge faithful. But I don't think there's room up top at the moment

      1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        CHE : BUR 804

        1. Wild Card this!
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          That

    2. Licky
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Let me get my crystal ball...

  21. Pirlø's Pen
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    What do we reckon of this team? Don't think it has too many weaknesses.

    Foster
    Trippier Kompany Bertrand
    KDB Salah Zaha Willian Redmond
    Lukaku Lacazette

    Elliot Lascelles Quaner Hunemeir.

    1. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Actual 11 great. Weakness is bench if needed. You smouldering downgrade Bertrand to Cedric and Kompany to a 5.5/5 and spend to have bench back up

      1. dunas_dog
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        * could ( not sure where autocorrect got smouldering from!)

        1. Oven Glover
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          Spurs attack missing. Bench missing. Salah/Zaha/Redmond, one or all of them will flop.

        2. dunas_dog
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          Looking again I would change with

          Bertrand to Cedric
          Kompany to Lindelof/Monreal
          Hunemeier to Dunk
          Salah to Alli

  22. Hotdogs for Tea
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Picking a stacked defence with premium defenders is like trying to get Hazard (if fit) and Sanchez in the team - just doesn't compute

  23. Dr Dream
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    @Doosra.

    Damn...I'll have to wait to get on my computer (IPad at the mo)...We'll sort it later...

    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      OK. No worries - lovely! 😀

  24. bejzu
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Foster / Heaton
    Walker / Valencia / Alonso / Dunk / Resenior
    Alli / Zaha / Pogba / Romeu / McAuthur
    Jesus / Lukaku / Gayle

    will heavy Defence reap rewards?
    Jesus Nailed?

  25. Blaves
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    RMT

    Begovic (Elliott)

    Bertrand, Trippier, Cedric (Francis, Mariappa)

    Eriksen, Pogba, Zaha, Phillips (Loftus-Cheek)

    Lukaku, Kane, Benteke

    Looking to target those with friendly early fixtures before wildcarding either GW3 or GW4, hence the two Southampton defenders. Risky I know but they have the easiest run by far and could easily keep 5 clean sheets in the first 5 games.

    Gone light on the bench as I'm looking to maximise points on field in the first few weeks before WC where I'll look to get better cover. Loftus-Cheek will be first EMG for any late outs with Francis my defensive cover should one of the defenders not get named for whatever reason.

    Any advice would be sweet

  26. Morbius
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Bit of input would be greatly appreciated!

    A) KDB, Willian, Rooney
    B) Sané & Ozil & Gayle
    C) Something else.

    Currently on:
    Begovic / Foster
    Cedric / Kolasinac / Lindelof / Daniels (Suttner)
    KDB** / Pogba / Willian** (Can, RLC)
    Kane / Lacazette / Rooney**

    Rooney is my short term concern, but I'm not sure on Willian either (?). How's it looking. Thanks!

    1. Reuser
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Have you considered going 442?
      Rooney to Ayew (5.0) could bolster your midfield significantly.

      Of the choices - A.

      1. Morbius
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        It's definitely on my radar yes. Out of my comfort zone but I do think something other than 3-4-3 is the way to go this year. Thanks

  27. Hotdogs for Tea
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    How many premium players do you have (9 mill +)?

    I have 4

    1. william prunier
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Think most will go with 3

    2. We Will Klopp you
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      2, 3-4-3 with 2 premium forwards

    3. Wild Card this!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Premium defender is not 9

      1. Hotdogs for Tea
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Premium defender isn't going to get you 200+ points though which what you look for in your big time premium players

  28. b✪mber
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    [SHITPOST]
    Pool have CL qualifiers, Klopp gonna rotate, so I'm tempted to avoid entirely
    Spurs play on Wembley, so I'm tempted to avoid entirely.
    City have Pep who rotates, so I'm tempted to avoid entirely.
    Chelsea are missing their main man and now have a new striker that's never played in England, so I'm tempted to avoid entirely.
    Arsenal... Wenger out!

    Triple MU+Soton and some players from those teams I can't pronounce FTW!

    1. Dr Dream
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      You mean triple Man U who never rotate?....good luck with that.

  29. Worsle90
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Will Loftus-Cheek start?