Games

Fantasy Premier League – Player List Analysis – Goalkeepers

Just over twenty-four hours after the opening of the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) game, we kick-off our analysis of the player list. Over the next ten days we’ll be putting each position under the microscope, providing individual guides for each price bracket. However, we begin our assessment between the posts, running the rule over the candidates for our two goalkeeping positions at the various price points.

Before we delve into the list, it’s worth noting a new change to the Bonus Point System (BPS) allocation that favours this season’s stoppers. As discussed in yesterday’s article, keepers now receive two BPS points for every save made – last season they collected just one.

With that in mind, when assessing our keepers, it’s clear that those who are likely to make plenty of saves now have an improved chance of collecting bonus points.

The Budget Bracket

As expected, there are no starters in the 4.0 price bracket once again this year, though there are a number of options available at 4.5 to consider.

With Shay Given released over the summer and now at the Britannia, Brad Guzan will set you back just 4.5 after Villa conceded 57 times last term – the third worst defence in the top-flight. If either Philippe Senderos and Nathan Baker (4.0 apiece) can nail down a regular role in the heart of the back-four, they’d certainly be the more budget-friendly option.

The Villa/West Brom rotation gives us some kind fixtures over the first 11 (bou, wat, cpl, SUN, lei, WBA, EVE, STO, SUN, nor, LEI), with the Baggies’ Boaz Myhill also priced at 4.5. Given that Ben Foster (5.0) is due back in October, though, Myhill looks a short-term option for Fantasy managers looking for a way into a defence that racked up 16 shut-outs last time around. Myhill made a save every 17.7 minutes once installed in the Baggies goal – faster than any other keeper other than United’s Victor Valdes (who played just 120 minutes)

Julian Speroni also offers a 4.5 price tag, although Palace have failed to convince defensively under Alan Pardew, with just two clean sheets in 18 league matches. Furthermore, the Argentine picked up save points in just eight of 16 appearances with Pardew at the helm and the Eagles’ real lack of resilience suggests they may struggle to garner our attention.

Leicester’s Kasper Schmeichel remains in the budget bracket after the Foxes shipped 55 goals last time out. The Dane earned 19 save points in 24 appearances over 2014/15 and could be one of the main beneficiaries of the BPS changes but with the Foxes on the lookout for a new manager, there’s a lot of uncertainty surrounding their prospects. With the likes of Robert Huth and Wes Morgan coming in at the same price and offering a sizeable goal threat, though, Leicester offer some strong alternatives in the 4.5 range.

Tim Krul keeps his 4.5 starting price after Newcastle conceded 63 goals in 2014/15 – only QPR shipped more. Although Krul produced just 99 points last season, he missed eight matches for the Tyneside team – tellingly, they failed to register a single clean sheet without him on board. With new manager Steve McClaren in charge, Krul could be a real option for those who feel Daryl Janmaat’s 5.0 price tag is too lofty.

All three promoted clubs hand us keepers with a 4.5 price tag. Certainly, save points look on the cards here, though whilst John Ruddy’s spot as Norwich’s main keeper is undisputed, there remains some uncertainty over the Bournemouth and Watford custodians.

Cherries duo Artur Boruc and Adam Federici will battle it out for a starting berth after signing permanent deals over the summer. Boruc played 37 times after arriving on loan from Southampton last term, though Federici offers competition between the posts and also has top-flight experience. The Cherries racked up 19 clean sheets in the Championship last season, with full-backs Simon Francis and Tyrone Mings also offering options at 4.5. Francis produced more key passes (76) than any defender in the Championship last season and served up a goal and six assists.

It’s a similar situation at Watford. Heurelho Gomes was the Hornets’ regular stopper last term but the recent arrival of Giedrius Arlauskis could place question marks over his pitch time. Watford rotate home/away with Bournemouth over the 38 Gameweeks but many may opt for their defenders unless we get some clarification over the summer friendlies. The two sides do start with a nice opening set of matches (AVL, WBA, SOT, LEIC, SWA, SUN, SPL, WAT) over the first eight rounds of fixtures.

The Mid-Price Options

Everton’s Tim Howard drops from 5.5 to 5.0 after serving up a mere 84 points last time out. The Toffees produced a total of ten clean sheets – significantly down from 15 in 2013/14, when Howard was the top-scoring keeper in the FPL. In addition, despite struggling for clean sheets, Howard mustered a save every 45.5 minutes – slower than any other first choice keeper on show. However, with no European distractions this term, an upturn in resilience and therefore shut-out returns is expected. Howard is the most budget-friendly Everton defensive option but bearing in mind he faces all of last year’s top eight in the opening ten Gameweeks, returns could initially be hard to come by.

Somewhat surprisingly, Simon Mignolet also slips in price despite racking up 14 clean sheets in the previous campaign. The Liverpool number one finished just two points off the keepers’ summit and, at 5.0, is kinder on the budget than the likes of Martin Skrtel and new boy Nathaniel Clyne, who come in at 5.5 apiece. The Reds managed eight clean sheets on their travels last term, joint-top with West Brom, and proved relatively reliable at the back on their travels.

Despite finishing the season with the second most resilient defence, Southampton’s players remain fairly friendly on the pocket. Whilst there are costlier options in the back-four, new keeper Maarten Stekelenburg is available for 5.0 and faces just three of last season’s top eight in the opening 12 Gameweeks. Fraser Forster is similarly priced but faces further months on the sidelines with knee ligament damage – potentially, until Christmas. It should also be noted that Southampton’s robust defence protected Forster so effectively, he was able to make just 61 saves, registering a stop every 45.4 minutes – only Howard ranked lower.

Hugo Lloris also drops in price to 5.0 after Spurs managed just nine clean sheets last season. The Frenchman averaged 3.5 points per appearance last term, just behind Danny Rose’s 3.7, though the left-back demands a higher price at 5.5. If new boy Toby Alderweireld (5.0) nails down a starting berth as expected, he could be another option at the Lane, though if Lloris’ mooted move away from Tottenham comes to fruition, Michel Vorm could present a cut-price gem at just 4.5.

Stoke’s Asmir Begovic managed a mere seven shut-outs and 106 points in 35 appearances last season, yet remains at 5.0. Mark Hughes’ side also registered a couple of shut-outs without the Bosnian in goal, though, and if Begovic leaves, they’d offer Jack Butland as the new number one at just 4.5. Given that five Stoke defenders come in at just 4.5, there could be plenty of alternatives at the Britannia once we have more clarity on Hughes’ likely first choice rearguard.

Costel Pantilimon averaged 4.4 points per appearance last term – the highest of any regular keeper in 2014/15. It’s no surprise to see the Sunderland stopper move up to 5.0 this season, then, though he may well still prove worth the outlay. Thanks to his save-point potential, the big Romanian produced at least three points in 21 of his 28 appearances and the new BPS ruling will only strengthen his appeal. Pantilimon made a save every 23.7 minutes, more frequently than any other first choice keeper on offer in this season’s player list.

Nonetheless, given that every Sunderland defender aside from Patrick van Aanholt is cheaper, some would-be suitors may think twice. Although Sunderland rotate home/away with Newcastle over the season, Pantilimon, for some, looks the ideal “fire and forget” option, allowing us to play him regardless of fixture – a fact backed up by Sunderland’s clean sheet record in 2014/15, which saw them earn more shut-outs on their travels (seven) than at home (six).

The top-scoring keeper in last year’s FPL game, Lukasz Fabianski remains at 5.0. Given that the rest of Swansea’s likely back-four also come in at the same price, the Pole is arguably the best option here – he finished 33 points clear of any Swans defender and his average of 4.1 points per appearance was bettered only by Gylfi Sigurdsson for Garry Monk’s men. Furthermore, the Welsh side boast one of the few defences to prove just as reliable on their travels as at home – seven of last season’s 13 shut-outs arrived away from the Liberty. Fabianksi made a save every 24.9 minutes, second only to Pantilimon amongst the first choice keepers on show.

West Ham’s Adrian outscored his left-back Aaron Cresswell by 142 points to 129, yet comes in cheaper at 5.0 to 5.5. With Slaven Bilic at the helm, the Hammers will be looking to improve upon a poor defensive record on the road – they managed just two clean sheets away from home, compared to seven at Upton Park. Bilic’s side rotate home/away with Newcastle for 34 Gameweeks, offering you a rotation pairing with Krul for 9.5. Adrian recorded 129 saves last term, second only to Fabianski amongst those keepers that remain in the top flight. He also saved three spot-kicks, more than any other stopper.

The Premium Bracket

With the new BPS changes likely to favour the cheaper keepers from teams who concede plenty of shots on target, it’s maybe no real surprise that 5.5 is now the maximum outlay for a goalkeeper.

Arsenal new boy Petr Cech comes in cheaper than Laurent Koscielny (6.0), though every other Gunners regular is also 5.5. Koscielny’s average of 4.4 points per appearance last term was bettered by only three team-mates, however, and if Cech’s arrival improves last term’s haul of 13 clean sheets, the Frenchman’s eye for goal could justify the extra outlay.

Thibaut Courtois sets you back 5.5 as a route into a Chelsea defence with 17 clean sheets to their name last term. That’s significantly less than John Terry and Branislav Ivanovic (7.0 apiece) and may sway some, given the Blues’ fixture-proof defence.

The Belgian averaged 3.8 points per appearance in 2014/15 compared to his above-mentioned team-mates’ 4.7. However, we should not underestimate the attacking threat on offer from the Chelsea defenders. In addition, Courtois is unlikely to benefit from the tweak in the BPS make-up – he made just 75 saves from 32 starts last term, a save every 39.7 minutes – only Howard and Forster made fewer saves per minute amongst first choice options.

Joe Hart easily outscored any City defensive team-mate last term. The stopper earned 142 points, compared to the top-scoring defender Gael Clichy’s 106 points, though there’s no doubt the Etihad side aren’t quite as resilient under Manuel Pellegrini – Hart has earned 27 clean sheets in the Chilean’s two seasons at the helm compared to 35 in Roberto Mancini’s final two years and is unlikely to win over many managers.

United’s David de Gea is the final 5.5 keeper, on the back of 138 points in 2014/15, though it remains to be seen whether he’ll still be at Old Trafford by the time the transfer window shuts. At present, it seems unlikely we’ll be afforded any United defenders at 5.0, though if De Gea does leave, Victor Valdes could be a real value option at just 5.0, providing Louis van Gaal resists the temptation to shop for a new number one.

We will revisit all these options ahead of Gameweek One when we compile our Goalkeepers Watchlist selection, offering a view on our initial squad recommendations.

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2,627 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Lukakuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu
    President John F. Keninnsie
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    The more I think about it, the more I'm tempted by Lukaku. Bare with me.

    The main reason people are being out off are his first 10 fixtures: WAT, sot, MCI, tot, CHE, swa, wba, LIV, MUN, ars.

    Most of these fixtures are very poor from a defensive perspective, but from an attacking perspective, I don't think they're as bad as they seem on paper...

    WAT - Arguably the strongest fixture of the season.
    sot - Probably without Bertrand, no Forster, still doubts around Fonte's CB partner, Scheniderlin will be a big loss.
    MCI - Not the hardest fixture offensively, City only kept 5 away clean sheets last season.
    tot - A team known to be poor defensively, Lukaku has done well against them in the past.
    CHE - Lukaku up against his former club, he'll be hungry to score. Definitely a tough fixture though.
    swa - I'd expect a low scoring match. Ended 1-1 last season, but there'll definitely be chances.
    wba - Going up against a Pulis defence is never easy, but once again Lukaku will be eager to score against his former club. This fixture ended up 0-2 to Everton last season.
    LIV - Derby day! Expect goals and maybe even a penalty or two.
    MUN - The corresponding fixture ended 3-0 last season. Can't see a United clean sheet here.
    ars - Possibly the most difficult game here.

    After this, Everton embark on a beautiful run of fixtures. Now, I know what you're thinking...
    "Why not transfer him in after GW 10?".

    Firstly: If he hits the ground running, his price will rise. A goal or two against Watford and casuals will be all over him. Most 'hardcore' players won't start with him, so here's an early opportunity to have a good differential too.

    Secondly: There seems to be a lack of strong striker alternatives. In a similar price range, there are:
    Benteke - doubts around his future, will he still be at Villa come GW1?
    Pelle - haven't seen him mentioned once since prices came out
    JRod - it'd be a risk starting with him after his long absence through injury. Doesn't play as an out-and-out striker either.
    Gomis - another striker who I haven't seen mentioned much, if at all, since FPL opened.

    Going a bit cheaper, there are still elements of risk if you opt for a promoted striker, or someone like Diouf or Sakho, who has a mixture of good and bad fixtures.

    Also, it's highly likely that a striker bandwagon will happen within the first few weeks. Lukaku could easily be offloaded to jump on the latest bandwagon. I'm not saying plan for a transfer out, as I believe he's a chance of scoring in almost every game early on, but even if you sell him early, you'll still have him for that juicy WAT fixture at the very least.

    Tl;dr - Don't be put off by Lukaku's 'hard' fixtures on paper. Look at them from an attacking perspective. The thing that should catch our eye the most when we look at Everton's fixture list isn't these 'difficult' fixtures. It should be the absence of Europa league matches. An 8.0m priced, penalty-taking Lukaku, in a creative Everton team with no European matches looks a great shout to start the season with in my eyes. Welcome into my latest draft, Romelu.

    1. Get up ya bum
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Cya

      1. President John F. Keninnsie
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 11 months ago

        😀

    2. Beavis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Not sure Everton are creative at all these days tbh but he's a decent option. Not one I'm considering though.

      1. President John F. Keninnsie
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 11 months ago

        Deulofeu will help on the creative side. I remember Lukaku doing well when Deulofeu was there on loan last time.

    3. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      I am slightly worried about Everton's wingers Mirallas , McGready , Deulofeu and possibly Lennon .

    4. icywrists23
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      good post. I have lukaku on my team as of now. Look for a bounce back season from him

    5. Dr Dream
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      He had a couple of poor runs last season but I still fondly remember him for WBA when I had him all season in a poor team...scored against anybody regardless of status...

      1. President John F. Keninnsie
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 11 months ago

        Indeed, once his confidence is high he's a great striker. Without the distraction of Europa League, which you'd think would result in a more settled starting XI, Lukaku will surely benefit.

        1. DGW blindness is for Kinnea…
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 11 months ago

          I expect around 20 PL goals from him this season

    6. 1966 was a great year for E…
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      I wish you'd miscounted.

      😉

    7. DGW blindness is for Kinnea…
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      I agree

    8. ChelseaKTBFF
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Ive had him from the start. Its him and aguero\ Costa and Rooney upfront

    9. OShaughnessy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Lukaku at 8mil is a nice *set it & forget* option.
      He'll bang out his goals with no mid-week fixtures & pens now.

      And you're right, his fixtures aren't as bad as they may seem, in a vacuum.

      However, once we look at all the other soft scheds & great players available (perhaps going 5 in midfield instead?) Lukaku now looks less enticing.

      tl'dr I'll take my chances & wait to grab him in GW10. 🙂

    10. the cromulent one
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      You lost me at "bare with me". But then again, I am currently wearing a shirt that has "I am silently correcting your grammar" written on it. 😉

      The "could explode despite tough fixtures" argument could apply to any number of players. That in itself is not compelling enough. IF he has a productive first game and IF he becomes the casual's choice and IF he follows it up with more productive games and IF he stays healthy... too many ifs for me to jump on right away. I'll keep an open mind and look at his preseason, but I don't want to begin the year with low-percentage strategies.

    11. PSEBJ27
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Probably going to sell him for Kane, wait for price to raise or drop, and then buy him after his round in hell is over

    12. DGW blindness is for Kinnea…
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Sssshhhhhhh

    13. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      My only fear is the brace against Watford and the inevitable price rise. That said, maybe that is what non-owners want as all the 'casuals' jump onboard for his 5 subsequent blanks.

      i think I'm going to go without then reconsider on my WC.

      1. FortunesAlwaysHiding
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 11 months ago

        He's in my team at least until Aguero is back.

    14. buffrey
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      I like this. Makes sense. Him or bentekkers for me I think. Will leave t till week before start to decide. Depends on where tekkers is of course.

      Good news with him is he's around the hot price id want for a second striker. 9m down to 8 I guess.

      Good stattage Innsie

    15. rattan64
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      I love this post. People also forget that Lukaku was the 7th highest points scorer for attackers (excluding Austin). He outscored Rooney, Giroud, Van Persie, Benteke....and this was a "bad season" for him and a horrible season for everton. Imagine what he could do now with no Europa League?

    16. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      10 Goals
      6 Assists
      12 BAPS

      £8m?

      No thank you, sir.

      1. Bøss ⭐
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 11 months ago

        Also won the Europa golden boot....

    17. ihateramsey2
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      2nd hot topic on Lukaku, I smell a consipracy to troll us

    18. Zasa
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      I agree, think he'll score 5 goals & bag two assists by Gw8. Great captain for Gw2 as well.

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

        Boom! Grab yourself a Delorean

      2. Every Dog Has Its Day
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        🙂

      3. President John F. Keninnsie
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        😀

  2. King Henrik
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Schweinsteiger a done deal! Just like Fabregas, Strootman, Hummels, Ramos, Pogba, Turan, Reus, Coleman, Maradona, Pele and Iron Man

    1. theeribert
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      I hope you're right. I remember when we signed Thiago right after every newspaper had already declared him a United player.

      1. King Henrik
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 11 months ago

        Dam media

    2. JoeKing
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      ackward moment when he actually is is signed

  3. Arsenal@Gunners
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    please rate

    Cortois Hamer

    Cedric Hutton oShea Mings Alderwereld

    Hazard Depay Henderson Anya(or 4.5 mid) Ozil(or Arsenal 8.5 mid)

    Aguero Benteke Deeney

  4. Every Dog Has Its Day
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Any standout Palace defenders?

    1. il Brutto
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      no

    2. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Ward is cheap and nailed at the moment, but transfer activity may change that

    3. Dr Dream
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Not with those fixtures. Scott Dann when the fixtures change will be the best pick.

  5. theeribert
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    So assuming the deal goes through (still praying to everything that it doesn't), what do you think Schweini's prize would be? Potential free kick taker (maybe even some penalties), good header, good long shots, great passing range. I think it would be about 8.0 maybe?

    1. Theatre_Of_Screams
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Sounds about right

  6. il Brutto
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Does anyone follow Watford? Is Almen Abdi a possible fantasy asset?

  7. District
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Thought I'd see if I could get Costa, Rooney, Aguero and Hazard in to a team, I wouldn't enter this as it has no balance but what do people think?

    Butland Hennessey
    Francis Morgan Coates targett baker
    Cabaye Henderson hazard Ritchie bentaleb
    Rooney Aguero costa

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

      Lacks balance.

    2. il Brutto
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Well you proved the obvious to be true.

    3. Merteswagger
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      nasty

    4. Boo Ya Ka Sha
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Big fan of a weak defense but your mid is too weak and your gk's need upgrading

  8. Merteswagger
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    First of many...

    Courtois/4.0

    Mertesacker/Alderweireld/Cedric/Francis/Coates

    Hazard/Silva/Ozil/Depay/Anya

    Rooney/Sakho/Murray

    1. Arsenal@Gunners
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      whoaaa. my team is so similar

      Cortois Hamer

      Cedric Hutton oShea Mings Alderwereld

      Hazard Depay Henderson Anya(or 4.5 mid) Ozil(or Arsenal 8.5 mid)

      Aguero Benteke Deeney

      1. Merteswagger
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 11 months ago

        love Ozil as a pick, lot of noise that hes the set number 10 and the midfields being built around him

        1. Nickofoz
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 11 months ago

          I agree

      2. ChelseaKTBFF
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 11 months ago

        His defense is better than yours tho

  9. Dr Dream
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Not a dig at United...more an observation of the prem in general

    Schweinsteiger has been a great player and will be for another two or three years..but the signing speaks volumes that a club like United are more than happy to sign up Bayern's cast off's....If the prem was healthy in terms of European football it should be the other way around...

    1. 1966 was a great year for E…
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Even when English clubs were getting to CL finals every year in the mid to late 2000s, top German players didn't come to English clubs.

    2. Solenya
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      To some extent yes but it's more of a matter of demand and supply. Didn't Bayern themselves sign an even older Xabi Alonso last season. Does it mean they're more than happy to sign Real's cast offs? They'd be loath to sell Bastian had they not had so many options in CM. Conversely, some body of his quality for around £10-12m represents a good deal for Utd.

    3. Ryan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      He isn't done yet. Remember United are still rebuilding and the whole squad is almost entirely young players. We need some shepherds in the team and Schweinsteiger fits the bill perfectly. He'll pave the way for the young talented squad to mature and take over in 2 years time.

      1. Ryan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 11 months ago

        I think he's an excellent signing. A much better signing than Schneiderlin who at 25 will only add competition for our other young players like Herrera, hampering the progress of both players.

    4. Dino
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Bayern also signed Boateng as a cast off from city and Robben who was let go by Chelsea. Its the way of the world. Players move around. I do think Bayern offer a comparatively easy life (easy league win every year now their monetary advantage is so great over the rest of the league) on great money and a decent crack at the champions league each season but you don't see any other "cast offs" from Germany heading to top epl teams.

      The EPL has had to go through a spell of adjustment to allow for ffp and now that they have done that and that the tv money has gone up again I think they will be back in for a lot of the top talent in Europe again.

  10. Theatre_Of_Screams
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    --------------------------------------------Panti -----------------Hamer ---------------------------------------------------------

    ----------------------Cedric-------Fonte--------O'Shea--------Matthews---------Morgan-------------------------------

    ---------------------Hazard---------Sanchez---------Silva--------Ki Sung-yueng---------Anya-----------------------

    ---------------------------------------Costa----------Sakho---------JRod-------------------------------------------------------

    1. Merteswagger
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      not sure at all on JRod

      1. ChelseaKTBFF
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 11 months ago

        or double saints and sunderland defense

  11. DGW blindness is for Kinnea…
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Keep it hush but Jamal Lascelles looked good tonight. Could be a 4m starter

    1. ChelseaKTBFF
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      what club...

      1. DGW blindness is for Kinnea…
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 11 months ago

        New Van Castle

    2. Nickofoz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Is he a CB?

  12. Fin
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Am actually quite content with this, thoughts?
    Krul Guzan
    Cedric Clyne Alderweireld Ward Turner
    Hazard Depay Ozil Cabaye Anya
    Costa Lukaku Benteke

    1. ChelseaKTBFF
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      like it its a change

  13. Make United Great Again
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Schweinsteiger.

    A. Good signing if true.
    B. Bad signing.

    1. Ryan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      A) and I'm a United fan

    2. Dino
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Great signing

  14. Rotation City
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Does the arrival of Cabaye take the punch out of Puncheon?
    (See what I did there?

    1. Ryan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Yes. Cabaye will take a big share of set pieces

  15. Now I'm Panicking
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Current ownership% surprises for same club/value/position players........

    Depay 22.7% v Mata 6.0%
    Cazorla 11.0% v Ozil 8.0%

    1. Nickofoz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      As someone else mentioned above I'm quite optimistic about Ozil. He'll have his first pre season in years, is on most set pieces and plays the no 10. role for a top 4 club at 8.5....very under the radar option imo

      1. Merteswagger
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 11 months ago

        shhhh 😉

    2. DGW blindness is for Kinnea…
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      The Mata/Depay conundrum will be a headache

  16. Egg Fried Reus
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Likely West brom defence line up this season? Are they in the market for any one in that department at the moment?

  17. ktk_interista
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Whats all the talk about Ozil being the no 10? When has he not be the no 10? This has always been his role and he will sometimes drift to the flanks. All of the creative play already goes through him. Whats new here?

    1. Nickofoz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Your right he's always played the number 10 but it's other factors that make him a very nice option

      1. ktk_interista
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 11 months ago

        I mean why is he a better option than last year? Why would you pick him over Ramsey? I am not buyin that Ramsey isn't nailed on. He is one of the 3 most important and decisive players in the team. I am a great fan of Ozil in real life but I got him last year in GW 34 and he did nothing.He is frustrating fpl-wise.

        1. Dino
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          8 years, 11 months ago

          I'm not sure I would. He has shown in the past that a little like fabregas he tends to start well so you could ride some early form and ditch him for ramsey when he slows down?

        2. Nickofoz
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 11 months ago

          He's nailed on, unlike Ramsey (who is also very injury prone). He is on most set pieces and had the quickest chance creation per min of any player in the BPL for the last few gameweeks of the season, was very unlucky to not score better. And he'll also have his first pre season in his Arsenal career, which will surely help him.

          1. ChelseaKTBFF
            • 10 Years
            8 years, 11 months ago

            ?walcott?

          2. ktk_interista
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            8 years, 11 months ago

            If Arsenal sign a clinical striker then maybe but now with Sanchez also probably not playing the first couple of weeks, there is one less player for Ozil to provide.

            1. Nickofoz
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              8 years, 11 months ago

              If he keeps creating chances at his current rate he'll get assists.

        3. QGOONER
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 11 months ago

          Ozil was injured for a large portion of last season. But I remember he had double digit points in back to back fixtures and consistently provided a Gameweek total higher than the average 2...

          He also had the best points per game in the Arsenal team barring Sanchez of course.

      2. ktk_interista
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 11 months ago

        What factors?

    2. Dino
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      He has played left wing at the start of last season but second half of season he was no10 mostly iirc.

      I have a vision in my head of wenger playing with ramsey and wilshere as kind of a double pivot no10 with a holding mid behind them at the start of last season but I don't think we will see that experiment again (could be wrong though and it may just have been a drunken dream 🙂 )

  18. jaredwilliams
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Courtois, Myhill
    Koscielny, Clyne, Stones, O'Shea, Baker
    Hazard, Yaya, Ozil, Barkley, Redmond
    Kane, Giroud, Bojan

    First draft - thoughts?

    1. craigm49
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Solid team all round with plenty of definite starters to get points on the board, Ive taken a couple of risks with new signings. Unsure on Barkley and Bojan though. Barkley had awful form last year and Bojan, after his injury, may need that first 6 games again to get into his groove that he needed last year

    2. ChelseaKTBFF
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Think about:

      clyne
      stones
      yaya
      barkley
      bojan

    3. sambyy
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      0/5 you have Bojan

  19. Now I'm Panicking
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Which teams would you most and least looking forward to watch if the season started tomorrow?
    For me.....

    Most = Palace and Man U
    Least = Everton and West Brom

    1. jaredwilliams
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      United and Norwich

      Stoke and Sunderland

    2. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Man U, Liverpool and Stoke.

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 11 months ago

        Plus Bournemouth and Palace.
        Least, Everton, Norwich and Sunderland.

  20. Adderz
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Best cheapish rotation pairs? I'm liking Bournemouth-West Brom and Swansea-Leicester

  21. James LeBron
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Panty
    Azpi - Koscielny - Cedric
    Hazard - Walcott - Henderson - Ritchie
    Costa - Lukaku - Sakho

    Schmeicel - Wanyama - Prdol - Richards
    With 0.5 Left, Thoughts? Thanks!

    1. ChelseaKTBFF
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      we have a very similiar team..

      1. James LeBron
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 11 months ago

        haha, great minds think alike?

  22. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    So Guidetti seems to have signed for Celta Vigo.

    1. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Could mean that Norwich sign Celta Vigos Joaquin Larrivey.

  23. ktk_interista
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Why no love for Benteke? He has good fixtures. Does a move to Liverpool increase his appeal or decrease it? I assume he'd take off penalties off Hendo since Hendo is not an penalty expert or anything. He will play in a better team. However, the team wouldn't probably be built around him as in Villa.

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      I think he is one to be considered if he stays or goes.

    2. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      He is in my team at the moment. I might switch to Giroud/Gomis/ even Lukaku instead.
      Liverpool seem to have a habit of ruining formerly decent players these days.
      It seems to be the Liverpool way!

  24. bbqmcrib
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Guys what you think
    Courtois krul
    Clyne alderweild mertersaker micah richards lascelles
    Hazard schnerderlin depay delofoue silva
    Aguero de foe deeney

    1. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Krul pick not good as you will play Courtois every week anyway.
      Schneider is good irl, not fantasywise.
      Not loving the defence but could very well work out nicely

    2. dylbert
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Delofoue's 1st 5 fixtures or so are pretty tough. Maybe Schniederlin>Albright and Delo>Milner or Henderson

      If you're gonna do a bit of a pricey rotation with Courtois, i think Cptcrunch11 is right, but you may want something there when CHE plays MCI in week two. Your call!

  25. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    I have this quandary now
    1) Mane and Giroud?
    OR
    2) Pelle and Ozil?

    1. LE GOD(C)-AMERICAN DYCHO-(1…
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Mane and Giroud

      1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 11 months ago

        Thanks

    2. theeribert
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Pelle and Ozil, cause Ozil.

  26. RoysCallerAnne
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    OMFG. Just watched my first ever UFC fight. 2 heavy weight lads. Bloody horrific. Pain. Swollen sore ears. No head gear. Blood. 2 guys completely exhausted falling into each other .

    Adverts for McGregor.... I am a hero, I am a warrior, I am a fighter, I am a hero, prepare for war.

    Seriously... what the hell is all that about??? It's been on my radar for a while because McGregor is Irish an all.

    Feckin barbaric, sweet jebus.. fecks sake.

    The world needs the smell of a fresh mint leaf crushed between your fingers. Not this this sh1t. I'm sorta ashamed that I kinda knew about it but had never actually looked at it. SHAME

    1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Yeah the younger guys seem to think it is great it has the hype of WWF and the spectacle the same as a traveller fight. Both end up hugging each other on the ground.
      Awful to watch...
      Then again the manny p v maywather fight was sh*te as well. So it is not just UFC that can be crap.

    2. Goodnight Kiwi
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      It completely depends on which fight you are watching. The title holders and guys close to them are some of the best mixed martial arts fighters on the planet. They train as hard, and debatably harder, than any top level athlete on the planet. It is one of the fastest growing sports in the World and has a massive following. Not in 20years has there been a death or serious injury in UFC, because they have a lot of rules in place to stop this. I personally love the UFC.

      1. RoysCallerAnne
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 11 months ago

        Fair enough. I'm sure they train hard. But to my eyes it just looks like pure unadulterated violence.
        There is blood, pain and exhaustion. Not for me. I'm not one for banning sports that are widely enjoyed and I accept your point on serious injuries/ deaths.
        If 2 grown men want to hurt each other that badly, let them at it, but I won;t be watching it again.

  27. James LeBron
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Gomis vs Sakho + 1 Mill?

  28. Egg Fried Reus
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Benteke or Lukaku?

    1. Chelsea Dagger
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Tekkers. Especially if he moves to Pool

    2. LE GOD(C)-AMERICAN DYCHO-(1…
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Tekkers

  29. craigm49
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    I have 2 rough drafts with a similar spine....

    Courtois - Krul
    Yoshida - Clyne - Mings - Morgan - Alderweireld
    Ozil - Hazard - Depay - Cabaye - Anya
    Pelle - Defoe - Aguero

    OR

    Courtois - Speroni
    Richards - Clyne - Gibbs - Trippier - Huth
    Ramsey - Yaya - Firmino - Sinclair - Mcclean
    Rooney - Deeney - Aguero

  30. Goodnight Kiwi
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    There was a lot of excitement for Mane pre-prices, now that he is 8.0 not too much. Tadic seems to be completely ignored though, is 7.0 and on kicks... He's in my team for now

    1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Good point plus he did get that big last season gw 8...

    2. Ryan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Will he be a regular starter though. Got rotated a bit at the back end of last season.

      1. Ryan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 11 months ago

        Europa league also complicates matters with plenty of competition in the squad.

        1. Goodnight Kiwi
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 11 months ago

          Unsure why he was rotated end of last, will look into that. But everyone was still keen on Mane regardless of Europa. Their fixtures are pretty good and 1.5 cheaper than Mane and on kicks... feels worth a shout to start off

          1. LE GOD(C)-AMERICAN DYCHO-(1…
            • 10 Years
            8 years, 11 months ago

            I think it was because Shane Long getting a run out and to be fair did really well ..I think he could be a good shout if gets the stsrts early on.

    3. LE GOD(C)-AMERICAN DYCHO-(1…
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Still think Mane is a good price due to early fixtures for the saints, and I'd would rather pay the extra 1mill knowing he'll be a starter unlike Tadic

      1. Goodnight Kiwi
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 11 months ago

        Yeah, 1M saving not 1.5. Surely they will play Tadic? Need to talk to Lucy 🙂

        1. LE GOD(C)-AMERICAN DYCHO-(1…
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 11 months ago

          Depends on J Rod and S Long

          1. Goodnight Kiwi
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            8 years, 11 months ago

            Ta man, will monitor