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The Numbers Game – Southampton

Next up in our summer series of members’ articles, offering in-depth team-by-team analysis are Southampton. A side that carry extra significance ahead of the new campaign given their exceptionally kind early fixtures.

To get underway, we’ll analyse performance at a team level and attempt to spot trends or improvements. We then delve into the player data, analysing the key individuals as we scour for potential targets ahead of next month’s Gameweek 1 deadline.

In addition, we’ll also focus on any specific periods of interest brought about by tactical changes or breakout Fantasy performances – in this case we’ll focus on the Saints’ home/away displays, investigating a trend that saw them score just 17 goals in front of their own supporters.

Southampton finished in sixth spot under Ronald Koeman back in 2015/16 – a total of 63 points was just three points behind Manchester City in fourth. But the Dutchman’s decision to move to Everton proved detrimental to their prospects, with replacement Claude Puel struggling to maintain those standards.

Despite claiming eight place, Southampton bagged just 46 points and found the net on 41 occasions – a tally that bettered only the bottom five and well behind the 59 strikes under Koeman.

Paul Is certain he won't make the same mistakes next season. Follow them on Twitter

4,269 Comments Post a Comment
  1. UVac
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    A) Kane + Zaha
    or
    B) Morata + Alli

    No Chelsea or Spurs cover other than these if chosen.
    Cheers in advance!

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

      Toughie, probably A

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

        I know, can't decide. Maybe go for A and then when Morata gets settled in go for B?

    2. Sciolist
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      We know Kane and Alli can get huge scores, so really it's about weighing the reliability of Morata vs. Zaha. As we know so little about Morata, I'd just go with Zaha to be safe, unless you have zero other gambles in your team right now.

      Even then, having your solo-gamble be your 2nd striker spot is a big one.

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

        Sound reasoning. Thanks man.

    3. jay01
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Kane + Willian??

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

    can someone tell me what's with the new craze of goalkeepers having to be good with their feet?

    All I notice is that they tend to make more mistakes and it's just unnecessary movement of the ball.

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

      It's daft you know what a keeper should be able to do
      Hoof it - end of 🙂

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

        Yeah this +1 I just don't understand the trend.

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

      Pressure relief and keeping possession of the ball. Key for some teams.

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

        Pressure relief I get but ant keeper can just boot the ball upfield to a teammate.

        Keepers can still keep possession without passing to the keeper. Like Barcelona did with Valdez

        1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          You make it sound so easy .

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

          But the pressing today from City left Madrid attacker solo with 3 City defenders. It's not as easy to contain the ball then, even if the keeper hits your chest from 50 meters.

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

      Just an "extra defender" when circulating the ball. Makes it easier to build-up your play from your own half...

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

    What your favoured 4.5 rotating defence pairing.

    With Brighton and Huddersfield rotation could
    Suttner and Hunemeier work at 8.5 or just too risky going with two promoted team for the pairing?

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

      Lol

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

        Trying to find .5 will make you try anything 🙂

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

          What you say for 2 * 4.5 - what do you like Waxy?

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

            Hunemeieir is risky he may start but I don't think so.

            At 4.5 the only players you should consider are Francis, Simpson and Mee as I believe they are nailed on at least.

            1. C-Dawgg
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              Isn't Tomkins?

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

          I know that feeling.

          Don't expect much from them though.

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

      It might have been Burnley - Newcastle? Don't remember.

      so Mee/Lascelles

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

      Naughton and Francis is fine

      1. Sciolist
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        I've gone Naughton & Dunk, just to cover gaps in the other 3. Not sure I like it though.

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

      Francis isn't necessarily nailed. There is some great 4.5 defenders who play with lower teams and can play in alonso type positions. I've got two in my team. Going one big hitter in def, 3 cheaps
      that rotate. Wildcard when defensive positions and transfers finalized

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

        I wouldn't call them great or expect a clean sheet tbh

    5. Albrightondknight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Thanks for replies all. Will check out those suggestions.

    6. Sahil Yadav
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Lowe is a good choice at 4.5
      He's a set piece specialist i think. And would be on pens too probably

      1. Oven Glover
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Scott Malone makes him an uncertain starter imo

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

        Yeah noted him too. Have finally started my promoted teams research.

  4. So Troublesome
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Foster
    Trippier Monreal Bertrand
    Willian Coutinho Eriksen Zaha
    Aguero Rashford Jesus

    Elliot Carroll Mee Hanley

    A mistake to not have Lukaku?

    Lacazette for Jesus?

    RMT

    1. Uncle John from Jamaica
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Rashford wont play enough imho

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

    Like how the Madrid youngster who scored celebrated less then Stones after he nodded the assist for Otamendis goal.

  6. Uncle John from Jamaica
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    KDB or Eriksen?

    Already have Alli.

    1. Over Midwicket
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      KDB. Guessing no Kane?

      1. Uncle John from Jamaica
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Correct.

        Lukaku Lacazette Morata

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

      KDB if you don't have City coverage elsewhere?

    3. Sciolist
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I think the Wembley risk is smaller than some do, but having two Spurs mids seems a gamble. KDB is safe.

      1. Uncle John from Jamaica
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks all

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

    could this team pay off or too risky?

    foster
    alonso trippier cedric
    sane cout willian jwp
    kane lukaku chicharito

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

      Kinda template so not risky

  8. Fantasy Steve
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    New Member, please RMT

    Foster
    Valencia / Danilo / Trippier / Cedric
    De Bruyne / Alli / Willian
    Lukaku / Jesus / Chicharito

    Subs: Myhill, Long, Carroll, RLC

    Danilo will start the season as Mendy is injured, and with Ederson in net now
    City have much more of a chance of clean sheets.

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

      wait and see danilo imo but look solid

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

        He played better down the left side for Madrid in his years there. Big plus if the 3-back contains too, he was shockingly defensively for most of the time.

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

    This season is going to be amazing. There are so many big hitters firing you simply can't have them all. Ever team is different (attack mostly as defences all looking a bit template) which is incredibly exciting.

    Can't wait for GW1.

    1. C-Dawgg
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Might be hard to make up ground if everyone is constantly firing though!

  10. UVac
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Did Alli score most of his goals last year when Kane was injured, or do I just remember wrong? Just thinking that Eriksen might be a better option than Alli if this was true.

    1. FPL Hitman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I am on Eriksen atm as as I too believe he would be a better option than Alli. Will have to wait and see i guess.

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

      Also on Eriksen. End of the day he is a more consistent point machine with set pieces so less risk in my opinion.

  11. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Thoughts on this latest draft folks (besides the obvious lack of lukaku)? Plan is to downgrade benteke > chicarito once the fixtures turn

    forster
    alonso kompany trippier dawson
    kdb coutinho willian
    kane benteke rashford

    elliott milivojevic carroll rangel

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

      In my opinion if you want to start well you need Kaku, to cover the risk that he smashes it the first few weeks and you've missed out. I'd personally downgrade Coutinho if need the extra £££

  12. Ruffio
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Good morning all any help appreciated
    Where to spend my extra 1.5mil please
    Will return and rmt's

    Foster. Fab.
    Trippier. Dawson. Louis. (Rangel. Dunk)

    Alli. Kdb. Ince. Ramsey. (Cook)

    Kaku. Friminho. Rooney.

    Thanks!

    1. @fpl_phenom
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Louis?

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

        Luiz my bad

  13. Reuser
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Who should I sacrifice to bring in KDB for Sane?

    A) Coutinho/Salah for a 7.5 mid
    B) Alli for an 8.0 mid
    C)Willian for a 5.5 mid
    D) Keep Sane

    Thanks.

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

      D

    2. Uncle John from Jamaica
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      d

    3. Silva’s Left Nut
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I want to say D. Very likely to start and my memory of him last season is being the heart of the counterattacking chances and goals

      1. Silva’s Left Nut
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        But if sane plays wing back then debruyne is probably a better shout. And in that case get rid of coutinho/salah

    4. Reuser
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Thanks all - more of a consensus than I anticipated. I thought C would be the most popular option.

      Will have to monitor the rest of pre-season. Sane has been a constant in my side so far, but KDB's performance against Real has got me wondering......

  14. Kun, Ayew Nigerian?
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    RMT

    Foster
    Cedric Trippier Alonso
    DeBruyne Carroll Ramsey Willian
    Lukaku Firmino Kane
    Elliot, McArthur; Dummett; Rangel

  15. jai1212
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Sterling seems like a better option when compared to KDB

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

      Gundogan even better

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

      Fabian Delph worth a shout too

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

        This!

    3. @fpl_phenom
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      ?

  16. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Good balance ? No Arsenal in team

    Foster (Elliot)
    Trippler Bertrand Lindelof (Dunk, Rangel)
    Salah Sane Wilian Zaha (Carroll)
    Kane Kaku Austin

    Lindelof as a placeholder for now
    Also considering Chicharito

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

      Think Chicharito will outscore Austin. Austins body is broken

  17. RohanVaswani
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    A) Cout and Austin

    Or

    B) Firminho and Tadic plus 0.5 spare?

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

      A if you think Austin's going to start.
      But B is safer.

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

        A

  18. Emiliano Sala
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Sorry just arrived
    How was kun and jesus lineup in pitch? Where were they?

  19. Dumpo
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Where to spend my £0.5m spare?? Considering RLC to mili and starting him?

    Team:

    Foster (Elliot)
    Trippier - Cedric - Francis - (Yedlin) - (Rangel)
    KDB - Eriksen - Lanzini - Carroll - (RLC)
    Kaku - Kane - Benteke

    1. Uncle John from Jamaica
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Francis to Daniels

  20. S.Kuqi
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Those who follow City or / and have seen their pre season matches. Which one would you get from the start Jesus or Kun?

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

      It's a close call, nothing new too add for me.

  21. pakornk
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Why are people hopping on the Chicharito bandwagon?

    1. S.Kuqi
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Because he is the only even half decent mid price option.

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

        I feel tekkerz is being overlooked for just £1m more..

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

          It's Zahas fault.

        2. @fpl_phenom
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          For 7m in midfield you can have Fab Willian Sane Ramsey Zaha etc....

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

    Which do you prefer more?

    A. De Gea, Elliot
    Trippier, Cedric, Otamendi, Tomkins, Resenior
    Tadic, Alli, Ramsey, Willian, T Carroll
    Luk, Kun, Firminho
    0 ITB.

    B. Foster, Elliot
    Trippier, Cedric, Dunk, Lindelof, Resenior
    Tadic, Alli, Ramsey, Willian, T Carroll
    Luk, Kun, Firminho
    1mil ITB is required to upgrade to Kane.

    TIA.

    1. jon.terry.tfh
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Not a big fan of Firmino. Playing reversely out of position. Maybe you can consider downgrading him to a 6.5 and upgrading your midfield? Look very light to me.

      A slightly edges it if i have to pick from the two.

    2. Jafalad
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Neither team is very impressive but B if you want an answer.

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

      Thanks all for your suggestions.

  23. unlethal
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Pick one:
    A) De Bruyne + Cedric
    B) Eriksen + Bertrand

    Have Kane

    1. MB10
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      A

  24. jon.terry.tfh
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Latest rounds of gossip make me suspect Coutinho is really on his way to Barcelona. Joining his best mate Neymar at the biggest club of all, challenging for CL titles years in years out. I would be surprised if a deal wouldn't be reached at some point.

    Not sure about My Salah pick now considering Liverpool also have a CL qualifiers in between the first few gameweeks. Who should I go for at that 8.0-9.5 category? Already own Kane,Kaku and KDB.

    1) Alli
    2)Eriksen
    3)Mkhitaryan
    4)Pogba
    5)Ozil

    1. The Quad
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      3 or 4 in my opinion, i believe man utd will get matic soon so that could see pogba get more attacking returns

    2. Jafalad
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Has to be Erik or Alli who are very well priced.

    3. S.Kuqi
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Neymar ➡ PSG
      Verratti + 100M :arrrow: Barcelona
      Coutinho ➡ Barcelona

      Thats I how I see it but extremely doubtful it will happen. Pool won't sell Cout this summer.

    4. n-doggg
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      1 all day

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

    Is Sane even a starter in that city team?
    2 sub appearances after 60 minutes and with Pep playing a 352, don't think Sane is worth 8.5 even if he starts at lwb

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

      I am coming round to the possible idea of Jesus plus a Citeh defender might be the way to go. They always seems to start the season well enough with goals aplenty.

    2. n-doggg
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Can only see kdb as a nailed on starter in that side. Alll depends on what he does on aguero and Jesus though. I mighy wait for a gw3/4 WC to get citi coverage in

    3. @fpl_phenom
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      He's 7.0

      1. @fpl_phenom
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Actually you're right 8.5 is very high given his rotation risk

  26. supercolso
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Morning all,
    Joined your community last week. This is my first ever RTM.Gone with 3 big hitters up front. What do you think ? Is it too much ?

    Foster, Myhill
    Kompany,Cedric,Trippier,Yedlin,Francis
    Redmond,Willian,Stanislas,Phillips,Carrol
    Kane,Aguero,Lukaku

    help would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

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

      Welcome
      So 442 with rotating pair at the back.

      Looks great at the back and obviously up front.
      Midfield is the issue, but it could work short term.
      Stanislas going to be fit for GW1? If so he is a great pick based on value.
      Also check if Cedric will be ready for GW1

    2. n-doggg
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I think aguero is too much of a risk until we know more with Jesus rotation. I'd downgrade and upgrade midfield.
      Also not sold on Kompany due to injury track record. That's a transfer waiting to happen

      1. supercolso
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks guys.
        I know the midfield is week, that's why I wasn't sure about the 3 big guns up front. Just got a feeling we could be looking at an Aguero bagging 3 or 4 gameweek 1.

    3. @fpl_phenom
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      not bad at all

  27. 007 [RoboKlopp]
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Please choose:

    A. Alonso
    B. Monreal + 1,5m + Chelsea fixtures is not really good
    C. Other, already have Cedric and Trippier

    Thx you.

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

      Bailly?

      Not a fan of Arsenal's fixtures either

  28. jay01
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    RMT please haven't had much feedback so far...will be playing 433 most often

    Hart/Foster
    Alonso, Trippier, Cedric, Daniels, Mee
    Coutinho, Willian, Phillips, RLC, Carroll
    Kane, Jesus, Morata

    1. william prunier
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      5.8

    2. @fpl_phenom
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Morata - Lukaku... not bad then

  29. F4L
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Thoughts on this 4-4-2 anyone?

    Elliot

    Trippier Berty Kompany Cedric

    KDB Salah Willian Salah

    Lukaku Kane

    4.0 4.5 4.5 4.0

    Elliot the obvious concern, but if needs be I will find that extra .5 to upgrade him

    1. n-doggg
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Too much salah

      1. F4L
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        oops, meant to be Zaha there

    2. @fpl_phenom
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Very good side , you need to maybe downgrade berty to Daniels and get foster or hart

  30. Legomane
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    I've sunk deep into the 5-3-2 trap. I keep trying to tweak it to 4-3-3 or 3-4-3 and can't get close. There is far too much value going with 5 at the back that anything else feels rubbish 🙁

    1. n-doggg
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Out of the history of fpl. 5 at the back hasn't worked for more than a few choice game weeks.

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

        I appreciate that, it's just so darn difficult-

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

          -not to have a team riddled with compromise.

    2. @fpl_phenom
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      The team looks unreal 532!! All wing backs too like so it's really tempting!