The Community Round Up

Price predictions dominated much of our hot topics this week as the community continues to speculate on the upcoming domestic campaign. There was also the launch of the UEFA U21 Fantasy game to scratch that Fantasy Football itch during the summer months. Meanwhile, our community articles look ahead to Premier League sides’ prospects and look to see if a dead team, where no changes are made, could beat the carefully planned tinkerings of elite Fantasy managers. We also catch up on the latest tables being constructed in our newly-launched 2015/15 Members area.

The Community Articles

Ruth NZ has been continuing his team-by-team review and look ahead to 2015/16. Amongst those teams analysed this week include Arsenal, Europa League qualifiers Tottenham and Southampton, Swansea and Stoke, West Brom and Crystal Palace, and promoted sides Bournemouth, Watford and Norwich.

Arsenal also feature in The Sarjeant’s analysis of the top four Premier League side’s clean sheets over the last three seasons. Later in the week he also carried out this research into whether managers who were defenders in their playing days boost their team’s chance of a clean sheet.

Such analysis is vital to planning ahead and tinkering with our squads when the season is underway. However, RedLightning’s attempt to create the optimal dead team squad for 2014/15 puts our efforts to shame. He has created a Fantasy Premier League team that without any changes from Gameweek 1 until the end of the season was capable of giving winner Simon March a run for his money.

Don’t forget, if you’ve got some analysis, scout reports or features brewing, be sure to visit our community section to submit your article.

The Hottest Topics

Price predictions were in full flow this week with Christina launching a discussion on the most eagerly-awaited price tags. For Licky, the cost Sergio Aguero’s will be key, while Siva Mohan is looking forward to seeing how Southampton’s Jay Rodriguez is priced after missing the 2014/15 season through injury.

In addition, BITM asked about the Fantasy Premier League (FPL)’s priciest ever players as fears mount up over the high price tags for 2014/15 stars like Eden Hazard.

Prices are likely to go the other way though with Internal Error’s collection of 2014/15’s Top Flops. Manchester United and Liverpool stars dominate his list. With just 126 points last season Chelsea’s Oscar was a flop for many, But our Great Expectations article on his prospects prompted this discussion on his chances of success next season and other possible intriguing differentials.

Our article on Theo Walcott, whose 2014/15 season was ravaged by injury, also triggered a lively debate as to whether his injury record and high points per game average makes him the perfect FPL player.

Meanwhile, the actual price tags of players were the subject of Berbinho’s Head’s hot topic, which aimed to highlight how statistics and career medals can be misleading when valuing a player.

Bowstring the Trout’s excellent research into the impact of recent managerial changes at Premier League clubs showed how a new boss can have a positive impact on a team’s performance, with Alan Pardew’s arrival at Crystal Palace being particularly eye catching.

Despite having a new manager, with Quique Sanchez Flores joining as head coach earlier this month, Ludo is unconvinced Watford will have a successful 2015/16 and fears the newly promoted side may struggle in the top flight.

The launch of the UEFA U21 Fantasy game also sparked a flurry of points as the community hurriedly researched the best young footballing talent in Europe. The Serjeant popped by with a look at the best budget defensive options, while we also launched a RMT surgery for those looking to get advice.

Finally, the summer break has given the community the chance to look back at some of the best FPL players of all time and construct their all time FPL dream team.

The Members Tables

Sharp shooters with a high goal conversion rate are the subject of Ethered the unready’s latest table. Meanwhile, my table looking at the best defenders for accruing FPL bonus points is now live.

If you’re a member and are yet to get to grips with the custom statistics tables, you can view this movie for an explanation of how they work. Also, remember to tag them so that people can find the tables with ease.