Feature

A Season of Two Halves

It’s said that you have to have knowledge of the past to gain a better understanding of the present (or future). This may well be the case, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that this knowledge is infallible, or that history will repeat itself.

With Fantasy Premier League (FPL) wildcards offering the opportunity for a full squad face-lift, the performances of players to this point will likely play a major part in the selection process. The wildcard offers the chance to complete a team of season “All Stars” without too much thought, but does such a strategy really guarantee success?

Casting our memories back a season, there’s evidence to suggest we should be cautious when it comes to putting too much stock in player performance at the halfway stage. Indeed, it seems that identifying those players on the verge of an upturn in fortunes following a faltering first half of the season, could be just as significant.

To explore the theory further, we started by examining a selection of top Fantasy performers in the first half of the 2010/11 and compared this to their respective totals for the remainder of the campaign…

PositionPlayerPointsP90
GKJoe Hart 88 4.6
GKBen Foster 78 4.6
DFLeighton Baines 83 4.6
DFAshley Cole 80 4.4
DFNedum Onuoha 76 4.3
DFRobert Huth 75 4.2
DFNemanja Vidic 86 5.1
MDMatt Etherington 83 4.7
MDMortern Gamst Pedersen 82 4.8
MDChris Brunt 80 4.7
MDGareth Bale 80 4.4
MDRafael Van der Vaart 92 8.8
FWCarlos Tevez 112 7.0
FWAndy Carroll 111 6.5
FWJohan Elmander 99 5.7
1305

* P90 is the points scored per 90 minutes, which eliminates some of the distortion you get when using a straight ‘points per appearance’.

If you were making transfers at this time last season, how could you not be attracted to the above squad of players? The front three had a combined 32 goals, the midfield provided consistent returns despite only holding one expensive player (Bale, remember, was just 7.0m last year) and the defence and keepers had amassed 50 clean sheets. What could possibly go wrong?

PositionPlayerPointsP90
GKJoe Hart 87 4.6
GKBen Foster 75 3.7
DFLeighton Baines 95 4.8
DFAshley Cole 70 3.6
DFNedum Onuoha 21 1.7
DFRobert Huth 63 3.8
DFNemanja Vidic 62 3.5
MDMatt Etherington 41 4.0
MDMorten Gamst Pedersen 37 3.4
MDChris Brunt 50 3.0
MDGareth Bale 38 4.1
MDRafael Van der Vaart 73 5.1
FWCarlos Tevez 73 6.1
FWAndy Carroll 24 4.0
FWJohan Elmander 48 2.8
857

Fast forwarding to the end of the season, and the fortunes of this squad dip considerably. Leighton Baines was able to show some moderate improvement and Joe Hart stayed at the same level, but every other member of the team showed decline in the second half of the season. The less established Fantasy names predictably saw some of the biggest slumps, with Nedum Onuoha and Johan Elmander losing 2.6 and 2.9 points per 90 minutes respectively, although the heralded Rafael Van der Vaart was worst affected – the Dutchman fell a shocking 3.7 points per 90 minutes.

There are some players, of course, who enjoy good production throughout the season but, overall, this is the exception. It’s more common that a player’s productivity will decline after a strong opening to the season, or that we’ll see a player rise from relative obscurity to enjoy success and strong returns. It’s this second group of players who could hold the key to success via our wildcard selections.

For varying reasons the below pool of players have a chance to be “game changers” in the second half of the season and should be at least be considered, alongside some of the more likely candidates found atop the Fantasy rankings.

Out of the treatment room…

Last season we saw players like Robin Van Persie, Wayne Rooney and Frank Lampard return from long spells on the sidelines to help their respective teams, and Fantasy managers alike. All three went on to appear in the second half Fantasy team of the year. We don’t quite have the same calibre of players returning from injury this term, but there’s still potential value to be found.

Jack Wilshere (6.2 – 3% ownerhsip)
There is a danger of overvaluing players who have been out of sight for a prolonged period, as we tend to embellish their talents somewhat. Wilshere is an excellent player, there’s no doubt, but his Fantasy impact is still questionable. Last season he managed just a single goal and three assists in 31 appearances, so we perhaps shouldn’t expect fireworks when he finally returns to the Arsenal side. However, his Opta performance stats show that he was one of the more influential midfielders in the league last season, and with Van Persie in otherworldly form, there’s reason to believe that Wilshere’s assist potential is high for a player in his price range.

There’s obviously risk here and with Arsene Wenger admitting the player has suffered a “little setback” in training this week, we may have to wait a longer longer before considering Wilshere. The lack of consistent talent in the FPL 6.0 range means we need to widen the search and a 10-12 week cameo for Wilshere could represent an excellent differential opportunity. Much could be dependent on Arsene Wenger’s tactics; if Wilshere is afforded the role currently occupied by Aaron Ramsey, as the furthest forward of the midfield three, his potential would rise considerably.

Steven Gerrard (10.6 – 4%)
A mere mention of Gerrard’s name in some Fantasy quarters produces nostalgic memories; thoughts of simple times when the Liverpool captain was joined by Frank Lampard and Cristiano Ronaldo in the ‘holy trinity’ – a trio capable of consistently great returns and 200 point seasons. Injuries have ended Gerrard’s previous dominance, but we have at least seen flashes of his ability in his brief cameos this season, and he already has a couple of goals and six bonus points to his name. Without European commitments, Liverpool’s fixture list doesn’t look too crowded, which could see Gerrard coping with stresses and strains. The biggest problem, then, is his price tag which, at 10.6, remains the second highest among all midfielders in the FPL. He’s unlikely to deliver comparable value to some of his peers, but in terms of pure points production, his upside remains high and for a brief window in Liverpool’s season, he could well prove a profitable investment.

Jamie O’Hara (5.5 – 1%)
O’Hara was quietly having a fine season before the injury bug struck. Like Fulham’s Clint Dempsey, O’Hara’s performance statistics are hugely impressive and suggest that he has yet to fulfill the Fantasy potential that his displays have promised. Wolves aren’t an elite team by any stretch, but they rarely get shut out and with Steven Fletcher up top, they have a striker on form who can convert the chances provided. If O’Hara is granted the role behind Fletcher in a 4-5-1 on his return, then the prospects look good. Throw in O’Hara’s set piece duties and you have a definite “sleeper” who could wake to some effect in 2012.

Hatem Ben Arfa (5.4 – 2%)
It’s been an odd season to date for Ben Arfa, as he’s fought a combination of injuries and a desire from Alan Pardew to avoid tampering with a winning side. You get the feeling that the Magpies boss will not keep Ben Afra’s talent shackled for much longer. A goal and assist return at Fulham may have paved the way for a prolonged spell in the side, even once Demba Ba returns alongside new signing Papiss Demba Cisse. Ben Arfa is averaging a very promising 6.0 points per 90 minutes and if that can be maintained to any real degree over a series of regular starts, the Frenchman may yet deliver exceptional value as a midfield prospect.

Sleeping beauties….

One of the key pitfalls of Fantasy managers is judging value based on talent alone, without looking at the other vital ingredient for Fantasy success: opportunity. It doesn’t matter how talented a player is, if his manager doesn’t play him, or decides that his star winger is best suited as an emergency right-back, Fantasy returns will dry up. We can therefore highlight a few players whose situation has recently changed, or is forecast to change, thus providing the catalyst for improved output.

Edin Dzeko (8.0 – 13%)
Having failed to settle in at Eastlands last season, Dzeko appears to have turned the proverbial corner, both in real and Fantasy terms. So far this season, he’s averaged 8.9 points per 90 minutes, a level not even the great Robin Van Persie (7.5) can match. The problem, of course, has been his inconsistent and unpredictable playing time, mired in a six-into-three-position battle with Sergio Aguero, David Silva, Mario Balotelli, Samir Nasri and Adam Johnson. Aguero has often been lined up at the apex of a front three, but Mancini has also shown a willingness to play him behind Dzeko, most notably during the last three Gameweeks. With Balotelli sidelined for four games, Dzeko’s first team place looks all but assured, and, given Mancini’s hints at a lack of trust for Balotelli in the past, that could continue for a more sustained period, making Dzeko one of the hottest prospects around.

Luis Suarez (9.2 – 17%)
He may not be the most popular player around these days, but you don’t get any points for winning friends. Despite missing the last four Gameweeks, Suarez still ranks second among all players in total shots taken, and while his finishing has tended to lack composure, history suggests he will start to convert his chances at a better rate as time goes on. He still has one more Gameweek to sit out yet, and returns to line up against (TOT, mun) before facing a blank Gameweek 26 due to Carling Cup Final commitments, but Suarez has promise of a double Gameweek in the future, in addition to a relatively kind run of fixtures from Gameweek 28 onwards. With convergence among the top teams owning the likes of Aguero, Rooney and Van Persie, Suarez is one of the few remaining differential options with a chance to hit the highest returns, if you’re willing to take a risk.

Bobby Zamora (6.6 – 3%)
Zamora has struggled for consistency this year, with every promising run (see Gameweeks 4-7) being promptly followed by a spell on the sidelines. A return to fitness has coincided with an immediate return to form, however, evident with a goal and three assist return in the thrashing of Newcastle last time out. Indeed, one of Zamora’s key attributes is his ability to contribute assists as well as goals, which keeps his points ticking over even when he fails to hit the back of the net. His 5.9 points per 90 minutes compares favourably to some highly sought after Fantasy assets like Gareth Bale (6.0), Steven Fletcher (5.8) and Emmanuel Adebayor (5.6), while his performance stats suggest his recent production is sustainable. Fulham’s next five home opponents are West Brom, Stoke, Wolves, Swansea and Norwich, who all rank in the bottom half of defences away from home. If he can stay fit, Zamora could be an excellent third striker option.

Hugo Rodallega (5.9 – 2%)
Rodallega has been a strong Fantasy favourite over the past couple of seasons, weighing in with solid totals of 149 and 123 points. He just hasn’t been able to replicate that form this year though, and has largely disappointed for a struggling Wigan side. Or so the story goes. In fact, in terms of points per 90 minutes, the Colombian is enjoying his finest season in the Premier League (4.5) and it’s only been an inexplicable lack of playing time that has held him back. Whatever the motivation for not playing him (perhaps Rodallega’s desire to leave the DW Stadium), Martinez seems to have realised Wigan’s survival is likely tied to Rodallega’s success and the striker has rewarded the boss’ faith with two goals and two assists over the past four Gameweeks. When he plays, most good things Wigan do go through him, meaning he could once again be a very useful budget forward for the remainder of the season.

Jonny Evans (4.5 – 4%) / Anders Lindegaard (4.4m – 2%)
Any time you can access an elite defensive unit for a bargain price you have to be interested. This pairing may come cheap, but the evidence points to the fact that they have been integral to improved defensive form. Indeed, United have kept eight clean sheets in Evans’ 14 starts (57%) and six in eight when Lindegaard plays (75%). This compares favourably to Man United’s overall clean sheet rate of 50%. There’s some risk with both players, as David De Gea could be recalled without notice, while Evans faces competition from Chris Smalling and Phil Jones for that second centre-back spot. Of the two, Evans looks like the safer bet, particularly in light of Jones’ injury. A gamble on both, despite a tough run of fixtures in the short-term, looks incredibly appealing.

Royston Drenthe (5.8 – 1%)
Drenthe has been something of an enigma this year. His production has been great, yet he’s struggled to break into an Everton side lacking in goals and quality going forward. When on the field, the Dutchman has accounted for (scored or assisted) 54% of Everton’s goals, yet he’s been rewarded with just six starts. One look at his performance statistics suggests that he’s unlikely to maintain this incredible per minute production, but given that his current points per 90 minutes (6.5) is close to David Silva’s (6.8), even a 50% decline would keep him in line with the likes of the more popular Jon Walters (4.3) or Seb Larsson (4.6). There’s been signs that Drenthe may yet cement a starting role, although it may well take Landon Donovan’s departure to improve his chances. At 5.8m he’s clearly a risk, particularly with Everton about to enter a testing period of fixtures. Once Moyes’ side emerge from that and perhaps find a cutting edge, Drenthe could yet explode and deliver on his potential.

Stephen Ireland (5.6 – 1%)
There’s an old scouting saying that once a player displays a skill, he owns it. It’s on that basis that Ireland will continue to make lists like this. His 2008/09 season is the stuff of legend and the merest hint of a return to that form will rightfully pique the interest of Fantasy managers. The past three weeks have served as that trigger, with a goal and a couple of assists giving Ireland 31 points over the three Gameweeks prior to missing Gameweek 22 through injury. Having recovered from a hamstring niggle, a first team spot seems to be within his grasp, with or without the on loan Robbie Keane alongside him.

Darren Bent (9.6 – 4.7%)
A single goal in his first five Villa outings quickly dampened any enthusiasm for a striker who had returned 41 league goals in his previous two seasons. Bent has unquestionably struggled to settle in his new surroundings but, of late, the signs have been encouraging and hint at a strong 2012. Bent has notched in three of his last four league outing and another smart finish in yesterday’s FA Cup defeat at the Emirates offered another reminder of his finishing ability. Villa have a strong short-term schedule and, with Robbie Keane and Stephen Ireland providing a new creative spark, Bent could well continue to offer profit and come close to matching his strike rate of previous seasons.

Stephen Kelly (3.9 – 3%) / Mark Schwarzer (4.8 – 3%)
Fulham have managed just a single clean sheet without Mark Schwarzer, which is a concern, but this remains a good defensive unit if you can get in at the right price. Unfortunately, through the first half of the season, this was almost impossible to achieve. Phillipe Senderos, Chris Baird, Aaron Hughes and Zdenek Grygera were all given a time in the starting lineup, but none of them seemed able to make those spots alongside Brede Hangeland and John Arne Riise their own. After drifting in and out of the team in the early part of the season, Kelly was afforded a chance in Gameweek 14 and has played the majority of minutes ever since. At 3.9, he is cheap enough to be a fifth defender yet contribute regularly, even if Fulham have been maddeningly inconsistent of late. Schwarzer could return next week and make an excellent pick between the sticks, though with his fitness still in doubt, and a trip to Man City on the horizon, it might be worth waiting a couple of weeks before bringing this pair in.

Window of Opportunity…

Last season’s transfer window provided a useful influx of Fantasy talent with Luis Suarez, Dembe Ba, David Luiz, Stephane Sessegnon and Edin Dzeko all arriving in the Premier League and proceeding to have useful second half contributions. The window has been opened this year but, while very few have so much as peeked through, there are some names to consider….

Gary Cahill (5.2 – 21%)
Cahill is one of the more widely owned defenders in the game, but whereas the previous rationale appeared to be dubiously based on his excellent 2009/10 campaign, we now have a reason to be legitimately excited. Cahill leaves the league’s worst defense to join up with a top-five club, which has historically been one of the best units around. Ironically, Chelsea have kept two clean sheets in a row, having failed to do so for the previous six games, but with a somewhat hefty transfer fee paid, one would imagine Cahill will slot into the back line sooner rather than later. With a visit from the Champions sandwiched between a couple of away games (swa, MUN, eve) it might be worth waiting to pull the trigger here until we know for sure that Cahill will start for the remainder of the year. His potential value is unquestionable, though.

Papiss Demba Cisse (7.0 – 0.0%)
One of the best things about modern day transfers is the ability to instantly know at least a bit about the incoming player (as opposed to just looking him up on Championship Manager – we’ve all done it). We can quickly find a player’s stats along with highlight clips, usually enough to persuade some that the newest arrival is the next best thing. These videos helpfully allowed us to identify that the likes of Mateja Kezman, Massimo Maccarone and Albert Luque would be unmitigated successes. Ok, maybe not, but there’s more to Cisse than a couple of nice clips. The list of players who have come to the Premier League with a similar goal scoring record in the Bundesliga is short, headlined by recent success stories like Dzeko, Ba and Van der Vaart. Cisse has been ruthlessly clinical in three seasons at Freiburg (37 goals from 79 shots on target), more so in fact than his new teammate Ba (25 goals from 86 shots on target). It’s always tough to predict if, and when, new arrivals will succeed, but Cisse clearly has the pedigree and skill, so his situation is one to monitor. Priced at 7.0, he’s an affordable third forward option, with a high upside and differential potential.

Gylfi Sigurdsson (5.0 – 0.1%)
It didn’t take Sigurdsson long to have an impact on his return to English football, notching an assist for Danny Graham’s winner against Arsenal, having been on the field for just 25 minutes. Sigurdsson will be familiar to some from his time at Reading in the Championship, where he was extremely successful in 2009-10 before moving to Hoffenheim. He enjoyed a good first season in Germany (outscoring teammate Demba Ba) but slipped from the first team last season, thus becoming expendable this year. The Swansea midfield looks a bit crowded, but Sigurdsson looks well-placed to secure a starting role in the centre of the park, surrounded by sufficient talent to make his 5.0m price extremely interesting. He’s also assumed the vast majority of set pieces, notching 10 corners and a couple of direct free kick attempts in just 110 minutes of action. There’s quantity, but not great quality in the 5.5m and below range, so Sigurdsson should be considered early on, especially given Swansea’s short-term fixtures after next week (wba, NOR, sto, wig).

Taye Taiwo (4.5 – 0%)
Last week’s Watchlist article brought the explosive left-back to your attention but his potential his worth stressing again. Starved of opportunities at AC Milan, Taiwo will arrive at Loftus Road hungry for success, at a time when the R’s are on the ascent following the arrival of Mark Hughes. With a very healthy short-term fixture list and a need to tighten the defence, Taiwo could be in line for immediate returns. If he can demonstrate his pace and power and get in range of the goal, Taiwo could prove to be an outstdanding prospect at just 4.5 in the FPL.

Chris Glover Creator of the plfantasy blog, providing a stats focused approach to fantasy football. Exiled to Canada but still prefer my sports played on grass rather than ice. Follow them on Twitter

2,036 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Soccer Brah
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Best striker worth 5.4m or under as a rotation cheapie to go with the FFS generic front 7? Is Morisson the shoe-in?

    Open Controls
    1. Acquafresca
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      what generic front 7 are u talking about?

      Open Controls
      1. Ginkapo FPL
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        Silva//Dempsey//Bale//Valencia//(Sess/McClean)
        Aguero//RVP// and I would say Graham

        Open Controls
      2. Soccer Brah
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        Silva - Bale - Sess - Dempsey - Valencia

        RVP - Aguero - ?

        Open Controls
    2. Gaz Downright
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Ba is your 8th man. Make it work 😉

      Open Controls
  2. Manani
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    the final final WC drafe:

    mignolet kurl
    komp senderos cahll Taiwo huth
    demp silva sess mcclean bale
    dzeko rodllega rvp

    3.5m in bank
    so can do dzeko>kun anytime, but i fancy dzeko to outscore kun for the next 3 GWs

    Open Controls
    1. Acquafresca
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      too much money spent in defence. Cahill isnt nailed on yet. Rodallega and dzeko are both punts. Most of dzekos goals have come in bunches, not a consistant FF player.

      The safer bet just settle with:
      mignolet krul
      komp senderos huth taiwo caulker
      demp silva sess bale dyer(unless you want to double on sunderland mid)
      rvp aguero ba

      this team will definately outscore your suggested wc team

      Open Controls
      1. Tim Canterbury
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        killjoy

        Open Controls
  3. McDog
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Any chance of Raylor starting in midfield for Newcastle with Cabaye suspended?

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

      110%, I reckon.

      Open Controls
      1. Attila the Bum
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        110% is impossible.

        Open Controls
      2. McDog
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        🙂 Good, good.

        Open Controls
    2. Attila the Bum
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Theres a chance yeah. Hard to say really, he experimented with a 4-3-3 against Brighton so may employ that again, although it didnt exactly work.
      Gosling could well get a go alongside Guthrie, but Raylor has a reasonable chance if the suspension is upheld.

      Open Controls
      1. Attila the Bum
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        Basically what I would advise is if you already have Raylor keep hold short term and see what happens against Blackburn (play him if you have no-one better). I would advise against bringing him in at this stage though.

        Open Controls
        1. McDog
          • 13 Years
          12 years, 3 months ago

          No I got him in last week, the week his luck finally ended. I thought he'd be playing on the right side of midfield, since he played there against QPR when Obertan was supposedly fully fit.

          Open Controls
        2. King Eric, in America
          • 13 Years
          12 years, 3 months ago

          Attila: Barfa, Ba, or Cisse?

          Tough call, but if you could get only one - best guess?

          Open Controls
          1. Attila the Bum
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            12 years, 3 months ago

            Wow tough one. Completely depends on your need to gamble. Safest option short term (after this GW) is Ba, then Ben Arfa then Cisse. But that could all quickly change.

            Open Controls
      2. McDog
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        So Raylor and Guthrie in the centre and Barfa and Guti on the wings?

        Open Controls
        1. Attila the Bum
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          12 years, 3 months ago

          If its 4-3-3 (it might be, as it is reasonably likely that he will use that when playing Cisse and Ba from what I gather) then the midfield three could easily be

          __Jonas__Guthrie__Gosling___

          Honestly I would give Raylor a 60% chance of starting over Gosling. He SHOULD get the nod, but it is by no means certain.

          If he plays 4-4-2 then Raylor is up against both Ben Arfa (for the RW berth) and Gosling (for the central berth)

          If I was to put a few quid on it, I think Raylor will start. But as I said I wouldnt be sure enough to consider him worthy of a transfer in.

          Open Controls
          1. McDog
            • 13 Years
            12 years, 3 months ago

            Thanks for the info. I'd be surprised if Pardew starts Gosling over Raylor tbh. And you were doing well until he was dropped and now you've had 2 losses on the bounce. The 4-3-3 sounds intersesting. I wonder if it'll be Ba or Cisse as the front man...

            Open Controls
            1. Attila the Bum
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              12 years, 3 months ago

              Yeah I think it will be Cisse central, Ba and Ben Arfa flanking. Very different to what Pardew has tried before though (apart from the Brighton horror show) so wouldnt be surprised if he just tried to crowbar HBA as a RW and Cisse and Ba as a front two.
              Obertan is a bit out of favour, he's had a niggling injury (a toe infection) and has been pretty inconsistent so I wouldnt worry about him.

              As I say I think in all likelihood Raylor should get a start against Blackburn, but it is by no means certain.

              Open Controls
  4. 1mills
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Hmmm Lindegaard and Valencia articles today have made me rethink my wildcard team.

    Second guessing my wildcard team now, had settled on

    Krul, Lindegaard
    Richards, Huth, Evans, Taiwo, Kelly
    Silva, Bale, Valencia, Dempsey, Sess
    RVP, Dzeko, Ba

    Or

    Krul, Mignolet
    Richards, Huth, Vermalen, Taiwo, Kelly
    Silva, Bale, Dempsey, Sess, Barfa
    RVP, Dzeko, Zamora

    £1.3million left over with the second one.

    Open Controls
    1. Tim Canterbury
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      was the valencia article negative?

      Open Controls
  5. MB10
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    So guys will Linde play or not?

    Open Controls
    1. Acquafresca
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      most likely

      Open Controls
      1. Acquafresca
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        he wont

        Open Controls
    2. Mull
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Probably not.

      Open Controls
      1. Ryan
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        any idea how long he will be out? one game?

        Open Controls
  6. ViperStripes
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Who rotates well with Vorm, now Lindegaard is out? Can't bring in Mignolet as already have Turner, Sess & MacClean

    Open Controls
    1. 1mills
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Assuming you are on your wildcard, do you really need Turner?

      I'd say more defensive options available than keepers.

      Open Controls
    2. 4vets
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Banging my head on a brick wall... SCHWARZER!

      Open Controls
  7. daire74
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    what say you people?

    Dempsey on for Bale
    Zamora on for Sturrdige

    For a 4 point hit…

    Open Controls
    1. Acquafresca
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      why wouldnt you want bale at home to wigan!?!

      Open Controls
    2. 4vets
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      For a hit? You can not be serious!

      Open Controls
  8. Twisted Saltergater
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Rooney named in provisional squad for Stoke... (not sure what the source of this information is)

    http://www.ftbpro.com/posts/davidwilson62/13823/rio-expected-back-against-stoke

    Open Controls
    1. Acquafresca
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      thats someones blog. I guarantee rooney wont start. they need the W vs chelsea. I think fergie will start either berba or chicarito alongside welbeck

      Open Controls
      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        Perhaps. I'd argue United need a win against everyone.

        I'm trying to glean if Rooney trained today but can't find any info.

        Open Controls
  9. daire74
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    what say you?

    Dempsey on for Bale
    Zamora on for Sturrdige

    For a 4 point hit…

    Open Controls
    1. daire74
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      sorry bout the double post folks

      Open Controls
    2. Menly
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Taking out Bale before the Wigan Massacre? Bad idea

      Open Controls
      1. JK - Cønt ⭐
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        he is yellow flagged, me thinks there's some jerking of knees going on.

        Open Controls
        1. daire74
          • 12 Years
          12 years, 3 months ago

          Thats the reason i thought Dempsey would be worth the swap this GW, if Bale doesnt play.

          Open Controls
      2. daire74
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        ok so heres my team, i really want to get dempsey in there somewhere.

        Vorm
        Richards, BAE, Simpson, (J Evans, Taylor)
        Valencia, Bale, Silva, Ireland (Pilkington)
        Aguero, RVP, Sturidge

        0.0 Bank

        Open Controls
        1. 4vets
          • 13 Years
          12 years, 3 months ago

          It's a shame you can't do Valencia > Dempsey 🙁

          Open Controls
          1. daire74
            • 12 Years
            12 years, 3 months ago

            You think dempsey is better to have then Val?

            Open Controls
        2. JK - Cønt ⭐
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          12 years, 3 months ago

          Ireland???? LOVE IT

          Open Controls
          1. daire74
            • 12 Years
            12 years, 3 months ago

            Am i sensing sarcasm?

            Open Controls
  10. adziom
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Vorm, Krul
    Santon, Baines, Agger, Senderos, Warnock
    Ben Arfa, Silva, Bale, Dempsey, Moses
    RVP, Aguero, Helguson

    A) Baines to Kompany, bench Helguson (doubtful)
    B) Helguson to Keane, bench Baines and sell for Kompany next week
    C) Neither, 2FTs next week
    D) Both (4 point hit)

    Open Controls
  11. you can call me AL
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Hi guys, just need a bit of help with my line up please;
    This is what I'm thinking .

    Vorm (sorrenson)
    Richards, Cahill, Huth (evans) (r Taylor)
    Silva, Dempsey (vc), Valencia, sess, bale
    Rvp (c) Crouch (Sturridge)

    0.7 in bank 1 ft

    Thanks AL

    Open Controls
    1. SouthCoastSaint
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Think everyone may have that midfield now. If your doing well in your league then it's ok I guess

      Open Controls
      1. you can call me AL
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        I'm top by 51pts, just really stuck this week with def/forwards

        Open Controls
        1. SouthCoastSaint
          • 12 Years
          12 years, 3 months ago

          Personally I wouldn't go for crouch or Sturridge

          Open Controls
  12. Domo
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Would anyone play Sigurdson over Fletcher tomorrow?

    Open Controls
    1. you can call me AL
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      I have the same issue, leaning towards benching Sturridge. Really think Stoke will score, esp if that weed is in goal.

      Open Controls
      1. you can call me AL
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        Sorry wrong thread!

        Open Controls
  13. ddande
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Who to bench Sturridge or Crouch?

    Open Controls
    1. you can call me AL
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      I have the same issue, leaning towards benching Sturridge. Really think Stoke will score, esp if that weed is in goal.

      Open Controls
  14. SouthCoastSaint
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    People of Fantasy Football Universe.

    I know I can wait for the teams tomorrow, but what do I do with Rooney and Torres this week? Used my freeby to get Adebayor in for Odem so any transfer would be a hit.

    And won't get to see Wednesday team sheets.

    Thinking of Bent?

    Open Controls
    1. Domo
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Who are your subs? I'd be tempted to sit tight tbh.

      Open Controls
      1. SouthCoastSaint
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        Walters Santon and Mcauley

        Open Controls
  15. tbhogal
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Worm or Krul?

    Open Controls
  16. isacki: full casual
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    I leave FPL for a second and the rock of my WC, Lindy, gets injured. Brillllllllllllllll.

    Does it look like a long one?

    Open Controls
    1. Call Me Old Fashioned
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      +1

      Open Controls
    2. isacki: full casual
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      HE'S A KEEPER!! YOU GUYS AREN'T MEANT TO GET INJURED!! NOT IN TRAINING ANYWAY!!!! SIGHHHH

      Open Controls
      1. Mull
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        How selfish of him 🙂

        Open Controls
        1. isacki: full casual
          • 12 Years
          12 years, 3 months ago

          I know. When SAF randomly dropped Rooney over Christmas I took it very personally.

          Open Controls
  17. Twisted Saltergater
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Chaps, what time do the price changes kick in lately?

    Open Controls
    1. Kings of Lyon ★
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Too late 🙁

      Open Controls
    2. isacki: full casual
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      2:30am, 2:37am to be precise.

      Open Controls
      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        Cheers... is there much transfer activity in the early hours? Am delaying on Aguero > Rooney for a 4 point hit until I can do it for free after the Everton game. Would feel better if he doesn't rise .1m tonight!

        Open Controls
        1. Kings of Lyon ★
          • 13 Years
          12 years, 3 months ago

          He will rise imo

          Open Controls
          1. Twisted Saltergater
            • 14 Years
            12 years, 3 months ago

            Bah. Even with TotalFPL having him at just 94%???

            Open Controls
            1. isacki: full casual
              • 12 Years
              12 years, 3 months ago

              FISO CTC is very reliable on rises, error is around 1%. Been watching for months and bang on.

              Open Controls
              1. Twisted Saltergater
                • 14 Years
                12 years, 3 months ago

                Yeah, I know... just trying to give myself some hope, lol 🙂

                Open Controls
        2. isacki: full casual
          • 12 Years
          12 years, 3 months ago

          It generally gets quieter as you get deeper into the night as you'd expect. It is the night before the deadline so it will still be busier than other nights. Aguero is rising for sure if he's at 99% by this time. I guess you know Valencia, Dempsey and Keane are rising too

          Open Controls
          1. Twisted Saltergater
            • 14 Years
            12 years, 3 months ago

            Yep. I have Dempsey and Keane so happy with those changes. Cheers.

            Open Controls
  18. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    *shakes head*

    I am so confused now.

    Open Controls
    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      What's up Doos?

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

        My team is crumbling as we speak ... Bale, Etherington and now Lindegaard. Bah!

        Open Controls
        1. Call Me Old Fashioned
          • 13 Years
          12 years, 3 months ago

          Bale will be fine

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

            That would be good, at least! 🙂

            Open Controls
          2. GREENDREAMS11
            • 14 Years
            12 years, 3 months ago

            If Bale is not 100% Spurs might not risk him. Spurs should be able to overcome Wigan without him in the team and they have some pretty big games coming up. Liv Newc United & Arsenal. It wouldn't make sense for them to take that chance imo. Hope for you guys that i'm wrong

            Open Controls
        2. Mull
          • 12 Years
          12 years, 3 months ago

          Mine is looking worse. Lindegaard, Lampard, Bale, Sorensen, Senderos

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

            What's wrong with Senderos, ffs???

            Open Controls
            1. SouthCoastSaint
              • 12 Years
              12 years, 3 months ago

              Yes , what Is wrong with senderos !!!

              Open Controls
            2. Mull
              • 12 Years
              12 years, 3 months ago

              He got rested/dropped at the weekend.

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

                No - that means he's nailed on - don't worry about that! 🙂

                Open Controls
                1. SouthCoastSaint
                  • 12 Years
                  12 years, 3 months ago

                  Clearly a nice rest!

                  Open Controls
                2. Mull
                  • 12 Years
                  12 years, 3 months ago

                  One less worry 🙂

                  Open Controls
        3. Menly
          • 12 Years
          12 years, 3 months ago

          I was getting Ethers too! 🙁 nice soft Man U reserves underbelly to dig into..

          Open Controls
        4. Crouch Potato!
          • 12 Years
          12 years, 3 months ago

          Thought Bale was ok'

          Open Controls
        5. Twisted Saltergater
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 3 months ago

          Well, at least you haven't got Ferguson... (do you?) 😉

          Could be time for one of your bench fodder to shine!

          I knee jerked 2 (free) transfers very early on and now have the dilemma that is Rooney. Would love for Aguero not to rise tonight to give me time to see the team sheets.

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

            True dat. Sos about Rooney. 🙁

            Open Controls
            1. Crouch Potato!
              • 12 Years
              12 years, 3 months ago

              Can't believe McAuley is out, just got him in.

              Open Controls
        6. SouthCoastSaint
          • 12 Years
          12 years, 3 months ago

          Bale will be fine?

          Open Controls
  19. Kings of Lyon ★
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Any one heard of or seen soop?

    Open Controls
    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      I check the site most days... not seen hair or tail of him in months, KOL

      Open Controls
      1. Kings of Lyon ★
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        Im the same. I was afraid of that. Hope he's ok

        Open Controls
    2. Attila the Bum
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      He and RBJ have gone to found their own site. It doesnt have much to do with Fantasy Football but if you want to know what to have for lunch or if you fancy signing a good petition about trees then its terrific.

      Open Controls
      1. Kings of Lyon ★
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        Id welcome rbj back he was a decent chap albeit highly strung.

        Open Controls
        1. Attila the Bum
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          12 years, 3 months ago

          Yeah didnt mind him. Well it was a bit much when he got wound up, that could be a bit unpleasant but otherwise found him funny enough and a decent poster.

          Open Controls
          1. SOM.... This is Fellaini�…
            • 14 Years
            12 years, 3 months ago

            Gave me some top history advice along with yourself, which I must thank you for. I sent in the special study, teacher reckons I'll get full marks for it 🙂

            Open Controls
            1. Attila the Bum
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              12 years, 3 months ago

              Oh aye the German stuff! Glad it went well. If you need any further boring history stuff give me a shout, I love it!

              Open Controls
      2. andy85wsm
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        lol 😀

        Open Controls
  20. LarryMurphy
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    What are Rooney's chances of playing tomorrow night? Is taking a 4 pointer to get Dzeko in for him madness?

    Open Controls
    1. dfroes
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      ofcourse not.. go for it. dzeko will be my captain

      Open Controls
      1. Le Bluff
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        No, this ^ is madness.

        Open Controls
  21. dfroes
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Who to start, one of these 3: Raylor, G.Johnson or Clichy?

    Open Controls
  22. Le Bluff
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    This GW is looking potentially disastrous for me, what with owning Brown, Bale and Rooney.

    Gonna sit tight though and even save a transfer; a replacement for Rooney can wait as I wanna say how Ba and Dzeko perform, and I ain't wasting no transfers on no defenders!

    Open Controls
  23. The Wizard of Ozil
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    will Aguero go up tonight? want to leave Rooney to the last min

    Open Controls
    1. McDog
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      I'd say it's unlikely he'll go up. In any case it's worth holding tight since we'll know the Teamsheets tomorrow and you can see if Rooney starts.

      Open Controls
  24. Gianluca Busio's Hair …
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    i have two free transfers and did that bum Sorensen to Mignolet. Was planning on doing Richards to Kompany, should i do it now (i can do it with 0 left in the bank due to Kompany's drop.)

    i guess my main question is, kompany is back from suspension (right), should i bother waiting on the sideways move? i play my main mini league rival GW24 and thought i should have 2 xfers for it, but i dont know why.

    wow, that turned out longer than i expected. sorry.

    Open Controls
    1. 4vets
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Keep Richards.

      Open Controls
      1. Gianluca Busio's Hair …
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        that solves everything, cheers!

        Open Controls
  25. dfroes
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Who to start, one of these 3: Raylor, Glen.Johnson or Clichy??

    Open Controls
    1. Gianluca Busio's Hair …
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      i guess raylor as he is now a midfielder (would have been nice to know he still had a job 2 weeks ago when i dropped him in my WC).

      i...hope Clichy gets a CS as i have richards so that would be 2nd choice

      Open Controls
    2. afcblegend
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      That's a lot of outlay on defenders! I would say Clichy for this gameweek. Glen Johnson is a player that you would hope will push on and start getting the points his price tag deserves, but can't see that happening any time soon.

      Open Controls
  26. daire74
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    ok so heres my team, i really want to get Dempsey in there somewhere.

    Vorm
    Richards, BAE, Simpson, (J Evans, Taylor)
    Valencia, Bale, Silva, Ireland (Pilkington)
    Aguero, RVP, Sturidge

    0.0 Bank

    Any suggestions, willing to take 4 point hit.

    Open Controls
    1. Jax
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      bandwagon fail. bet ye he gets 2 points.

      Open Controls
      1. daire74
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        Very helpful thanks...

        Open Controls
  27. afcblegend
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Marko Marin ehhh. The kid any good? (Not usually one for transfer gossip, but it's that time of year where like Christmas, you can't help but get caught up in the deadline day spirit)

    http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/tottenham-hotspur/9050745/Tottenham-Hotspurs-hopes-of-landing-Werder-Bremens-Marko-Marin-hinge-on-departures-from-White-Hart-Lane.html

    Open Controls
  28. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Right. Knee's wobbling. Time for bed - night all - avoidance of stupidity ... 🙂

    Open Controls
    1. Kings of Lyon ★
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Night mate

      Open Controls
    2. 4vets
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Ditto. Best of luck for tommorrow.

      Open Controls
    3. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Think I'm going to do the same! Night Doos.

      Open Controls
  29. SouthCoastSaint
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Have Torres Rooney and Adebayor up top.

    1. Captain Ade?
    2. Rooney to who or leave it?
    3. Leave Torres or replace with Bent for a hit?

    Open Controls
  30. Ryan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Do England fans want the 'special one' as their manager?

    http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1015344/fa-to-move-for-jose-mourinho-to-replace-fabio-capello?&cc=3436

    Open Controls
    1. Kings of Lyon ★
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      I was sure years ago he said he would only want to manage Portugal

      Open Controls
    2. AP
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Yes. Well i do anyway.

      Open Controls
    3. Attila the Bum
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      It's almost a perfect fit. Mourinho wont want to directly follow Fergie - he likes to rebuild a side and make it successful, what else would suit his ego like taking over an England side that never achieves feck all despite all the immense hype?
      He might be reasonably successful too, I'd prefer him to Harry Redknapp anyway.

      Open Controls
    4. Gargamel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      I don't think he'll take it. It's not a good job to take to keep building an image as a winner. I'm serious here, which manager in the last 30 years has come out of that job looking better than he did before he took it?

      Open Controls
      1. Attila the Bum
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        Dont you think thats exactly why he'll take it? Sounds daft like but I think he is ambitious and egocentric enough that he thinks he might buck the trend

        Open Controls
    5. Gianluca Busio's Hair …
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      oh quit crying my across the pond friends! at least you dont have Jurgen "i've never done anything to deserve it" Klinsmann as manager of your national team. i mean, bob bradley was only the most successful coach in US History, he has to go! he's to boring! and he lost to Ghana. damn you ghana!!! damn you!!!!!!!!

      of course i hope im wrong and Jurken Klitsmann is great and leads us to a World Cup.....round of 8.

      Open Controls