Scout Reports

Scout Report – Ibrahim Afellay

Stoke City made their eighth signing of the summer yesterday afternoon, snapping up Dutch winger Ibrahim Afellay. The 29-year-old arrives on a two-year deal after his contract at Barcelona expired over the close season, becoming the fourth former player from the La Liga club to make the move to the Britannia.

Discussing the deal yesterday afternoon, the Potters’ assistant boss Mark Bowen revealed that Afellay has been on Mark Hughes’ radar for a number of years:

“He’s obviously got a fantastic pedigree. He’s been unlucky over the years with injuries and two or three really bad injuries have made his career stutter a bit. Realistically, that’s one of the reasons Stoke have been able to acquire him. When we were at Man City, Mark tried to bring him in then, so we’ve finally got our man and we know the qualities he will bring. It’s just a case of keeping him fit and well, but last year he played 29 times for Olympiacos and so he proved he can manage his fitness.”

The History

Brought up in Utrecht, Netherlands, Afellay started out at local club VSK, before joining USV Elinkwijk one year later. From 1996, he spent seven years cutting his teeth at PSV Eindhoven’s youth academy, making his senior debut in a Dutch cup fixture at the age of 17.

After recording two appearances in the 2003/04 Eredivisie campaign, Afellay enjoyed an increased role the next term but was restricted to just seven outings (two goals and a pair of assists) because of a broken toe. The 2005/06 season saw the Netherlands international installed as a regular starter, with Afellay managing two goals and an assist in 23 league outings.

Over the next five seasons, the Utrecht-born wide man evolved into a key player for the Peasants, tallying 32 goals and 16 assists in 127 appearances. Barcelona then came calling, snapping up Afellay in the 2011 January transfer window.

Afellay got a run out in all but six of the Catalan giant’s remaining La Liga ties that term, notching one goal in 16 outings. He required surgery for an anterior cruciate ligament rupture in September the following year, limiting him to four appearances. Informed by Barca boss Tito Villanova that he’d struggle to earn pitch time during the 2012/13 season, Afellay chose to team up with Schalke on a season-long loan deal.

A solid start with the Bundesliga outfit – which harvested two goals in 10 outings – was soon curtailed as injury struck again: Afellay sustained successive muscle tears that ruled him out for the remainder of the season. More surgery sidelined him for the first half of the 2013/14 La Liga campaign, with the fleet-footed Dutchman clocking up just four minutes upon his return to the Barca set-up. Afellay then spent last term on loan to Olympiacos, where he bagged four goals and three assists across 19 appearances.

Notwithstanding his pockmarked injury record, Afellay has chalked up an impressive 50 caps for Oranje, netting six goals in the process. He wasn’t involved in the 23-man squad that reached the semi-finals of the 2014 World Cup but has made five starts for Netherlands since that tournament.

The Prospects

A left winger by trade, Afellay will be hoping to fill the void left upon the expiry of Victor Moses’ loan deal. Certainly, the fact that Jose Mourinho has been willing to afford the Nigerian international significant minutes in pre-season suggests that he’s looking to incorporate him into the Blues’ squad next term, ruling out a return to the Britannia.

Assuming Hughes retains his favoured 4-2-3-1 set-up when the new season gets underway, Afellay is likely to challenge Marko Arnautovic for starts on the left flank. There’s certainly no guarantee that the Potters’ newest recruit will triumph in that internal contest, however, given that Arnautovic has excelled during the close season, netting once in two outings and generally injecting a touch of class into Stoke’s offensive repertoire.

A more likely scenario will find Arnautovic – as the most versatile of the pair – shifted out to the right flank, with Afellay hugging the left touchline and Bojan Krkic operating at the number ten berth. As a consequence, Jonathan Walters – who’s missed just 14 league ties during his five years at the Staffordshire club – can no longer boast security of starts, lessening his appeal as a mid-priced asset.

This scenario, of course, would require the Dutchman to remain injury free for the upcoming campaign – given that the last time he tallied 20 or more appearances in a season was back in 2009/10 with PSV, it’s fair to say that there has to be question marks over his ability to steer clear of the treatment table. Furthermore, it’s worth noting that reports today in the Ukrainain press indicate the Potters are still chasing the £14m-rated Andriy Yarmolenko from Dynamo Kiev. The winger has already talked positively over a potential move to the Britannia and, should he also arrive, would surely leap up the pecking order, given the substantial outlay.

In terms of pricing, Afellay looks likely to come in around 6.0 in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) game, putting him on a par with the rest of Stoke’s main midfielders such as Arnautovic, Walters and Charlie Adam.

Looking at the fixtures, Stoke’s opening run (LIV, tot, nor, WBA, ars,) is likely to temper any major interest in Hughes’ main assets until the schedule smiles kindly from Gameweek 6 onwards. By then, we should get a better idea of whether the Dutchman can make his mark in Hughes’ first XI or whether the Potters boss will court caution with his fitness over the first few months in order to avoid any further injury setbacks.

Further Reference

Ibrahim Afellay Wikipedia Page

Ibrahim Afellay Transfer Markt Page

Ibrahim Afellay YouTube Highlights

1,954 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Malkmus
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Anybody going 4.5 and 4 with keepers? If so who?

    1. Malkmus
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      First ever first, wooh !

    2. Teddy Brewski
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      I'm currently on 2 x 4.5's but am considering it. Butland maybe? Decent first 10 fixtures

      1. Malkmus
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        Yeah I'm on butland/ruddy for 2 x 4.5 which I think is ok. Just wondered if anybody was going with one 4.5m GK. Pretty risky.

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

          I am. Don't think it's risky at all, if anything I don't think there's much to be gained by rotation. The big point hauls by keepers can just as likely come in tough fixtures where they nick a clean sheet. You pick one who has good fixtures and take the bad ones on the chin. You have to just role the dice with the cheap keepers.

          In the rare event your keeper gets injured it costs you a transfer but it's very rare and the 0.5 or so can be used wisely elsewhere.

    3. thegreathoudini
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Schwarzer and Schmeichel

      1. Taffer
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        This

        1. MeDo_JE
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 10 months ago

          +1

    4. Trigg ⭐️
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Ruddy & Rudd

      1. Les Majesteux
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        Myhill - Schwarzer

        1. Malkmus
          • 12 Years
          8 years, 10 months ago

          Are you just going to keep as is for season or change up/WC if not going well?

          1. Les Majesteux
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 10 months ago

            Just keep as is. Im hoping Pulis will be keeping alot of CS.
            I prefer to have a stronger team elsewere. The 0.5 is important for me.

            1. Malkmus
              • 12 Years
              8 years, 10 months ago

              Sounds like a decent plan. Pulis will get a lot of CS for sure

      2. Malkmus
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        OK, Pool away in GW 6 could be painful though no ?

        1. Trigg ⭐️
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 10 months ago

          Norwich have a good record @ Anfield.

          And lots of save points!

          1. Malkmus
            • 12 Years
            8 years, 10 months ago

            True, and no suarez this time !

    5. Hooky
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Yes, I'm going Myhill + 4.0.

      The end of last season is probably clouding my judgement but WBA can get clean sheets against anyone so I'd want to play him every week.

      1. Malkmus
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        Ta, that's a fair point. Pulis factor and all that! I'll keep an eye on how they go, that extra 0.5 could be handy

      2. Teddy Brewski
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        Horrid start. City, Chelsea and Stoke(a). Can't see CS's. Save pts maybe

        1. Les Majesteux
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 10 months ago

          True. But longterm he is the best 4.5 in my opinion.

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

      Butland/Hennesey could work.

      1. Malkmus
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        Yeah, a few tough away games early on but stoke look decent

    7. Venom Snake
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      I am definitely going 4.5/4.0
      Currently on Myhill/Hennessy, but could switch to the Rudds or Schmeichel/Schwarzer

      1. Malkmus
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        I didn't realise so many are going 4.5/4 from the start. I could upgrade Targett with the extra 0.5. Hmm...

    8. You've got red on you.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Schmeichel and Butland

      1. You've got red on you.
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        whoops, both 4.5

  2. Tadic is the new Eriksen
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    😀

    1. Tadic is the new Eriksen
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      oops, fail reply, ignore this

  3. King Kohli
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Currently have:
    Panti McCarthy
    Azpi Kos

    What do you prefer?
    A) Cedric + O'Shea + 4m
    B) Francis + O'Shea + Huth (or any combo of 3 - 4.5's)

    1. Pariße
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      b

  4. Tomas Brolin ate all Depays
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Anyone ballsy enough to be going 2 x 4.0m GK ??!! Hennessey and McCartney

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

      no...it's a silly move.

    2. Andre W
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      If you want to waste 2 points each week then yes

  5. Lingardium Leviosa.
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Where's everyone? 🙄

  6. Tomas Brolin ate all Depays
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    LEAGUE POSITION LAST YEAR

    Can you view where you finished in a certain league last season ????

    I was in a large fantasy football league last season and top 4 paid £££££££££

    the admin says he cant find the league positions and thinks I was 3rd , but I think I finished 2nd.

    1. John t penguin
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      is there a finders fee?

    2. BabyB
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      look at your gameweek history.

      1. John t penguin
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        that will show his overall only wont it

        1. Tomas Brolin ate all Depays
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 10 months ago

          yeah overall only - 6027th

          cant find how to find out where u finished in a particular league ??

          1. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
            • 12 Years
            8 years, 10 months ago

            If you know the people you can check where they finished overall rank and work it out

            1. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
              • 12 Years
              8 years, 10 months ago

              Ps your username is wrong the guy who finished 27th wouldn't claim to be 1st 😉

  7. Trigg ⭐️
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Any Cresswell love?

    Lovely home fixtures for WHU, and I think he is worth the extra 0.5

    1. Reckoner.
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      As below he's in my team!

    2. Exdeo
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      I am with Jenkinson atm, but might switch to Cresswell

      1. Teddy Brewski
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        5.5 is too much for WHU defender in my opinion. Can get in Arsenal's defence for the same and saints defence for less

  8. Reckoner.
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    So I've tried to go for players who when they score they score big:

    Cech | Elliot
    Ivanovic | Cresswell | Ward | Targett | Baker
    Sterling | Walcott | Mane | Chadli | Ritchie
    Costa | Rodriguez | Sakho

    +2.0 in the Bank

    Ivanovic and Cresswell are both good candidates for a goal, added to their clean sheet prospects.

    We've seen Sterling, Walcott, Mane & Chadli all have big scoring game weeks before, getting goals and assists

    Ritchie is an unknown quantity but he's proven himself in the Championship, I'm going to give him a chance and hope he carries it across to the Premiership.

    Costa again can score big but he will > Aguero when he's back playing.

    I think Rodriguez is going to be a big plus to Southampton this year, big player to come back for them and again he can score big, often doing so from the wing.

    Sakho, best option at 6.5 for me at the moment although Bamford at 6.0 could be interesting if he nails down a spot.

    Couple of questions tho:

    1) Targett is only there for a few weeks, better to downgrade one of Ritchie/Sakho to upgrade him and/or Barker,
    2) When Aguero's back I'll do Costa > Aguero leaving me with only Ivanovic as Chelsea cover, too risky not having any attacking players? I just personally feel their points will be pretty spread out this year.

    1. Arvin-ation
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Not sure Rodriguez is an option from the start. There's been comments from the club that he's not fully fit yet, doubt he'll start the season.

      1. Gooner Kebab
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        this. And Mane and JRod, really?

    2. t4thomas
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      It's a nice looking team, but there is some danger built in.

      If you have time, I'll shortly go through players 1 by 1. Hold tight!

    3. Les Majesteux
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      If you are going for players who score big.
      Were is Haz?

      1. Reckoner.
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        Can't have them all and he just cost a bit too much.

    4. John t penguin
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      didn't the report say rodriguez will get eased into the league? also with couple of euro games he may not start.
      I know it is all ifs and buts, ....but one starting keeper, unsure spton defender, ward and baker hard set of games for teams who don't really do CS.
      you could be using a few transfer early on if it goes bad

    5. t4thomas
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Cech | Elliot
      Ivanovic | Cresswell | Ward | Targett | Baker
      Sterling | Walcott | Mane | Chadli | Ritchie
      Costa | Rodriguez | Sakho

      Cech - would rather have Courtois, as he is cheapest route into the Chelsea defence and you are going large in goal.

      Ivanovic - yes he is great, but not worth 1.5M over Courtois. Especially when you have two 4M defenders that won't play. It only takes Ward/Cresswell/Ivanovic getting a rest, and you'll be 2 at the back. Spread the money around!

      The midfield is quite nice, but think Tadic over Mane is worth the saving.

      With Sakho and Ritchie, you are going to be leaving quite a lot of money on the bench each week. Sounds like a headache you don't need, when you could drop Ritchie to a 4.5 and have the funds for a better defence or Benteke etc.

      Rodriguez will be gold, but too early to get him in.

      Sakho looks good.

      OBSERVATIONS:

      Where's your united players?

      1. Reckoner.
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        Points are going to be spread around Man United players too much imo.

      2. Reckoner.
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        Also the Ivanovic point I posted this a week or so ago:

        Over the last 3 Seasons how many Goals, Assists and Clean Sheets do you think Ivanovic has got in those 9 games? So 1st 3 games of 14/15 + 1st 3 games of 13/14 + 1st 3 games of 12/13.

        5 Goals, 1 Assist & 5 Clean Sheets. Even without adding bonus points in that would be a total of 71 points over 9 games (when including 2 points per game for the 60+ mins).

        That averages at 7.89 points per game. Was the first name on my team sheet myself!

        1. Reckoner.
          • 12 Years
          8 years, 10 months ago

          But thanks for the feedback, think I'm going to downgrade Ritchie.

  9. Jay Jay Okocha
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Re: the speculation about Geoff Cameron playing in the midfield. I played with him through U18 and he was always a CDM. Even played up top on occasion in college. I'm sure he'll be more than happy to shift to the midfield.

    1. Ricky - it doesn\'t ta…
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      too much rotation though

      barsley/johnson/cameron - shawcross - muniesa/wollschied/wilson - pieters

      whelan / van ginkel - sidwell/adam

    2. John t penguin
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      I know there was stories about African players lying about their age but cmon jay jay you and Cameron in under 18 team

  10. kalmoffit
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Good to see Sparky hasn't forgotten his old mates.

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

    Which one?

    a) Sakho + NOR def

    b) Jenko + BOU def

    1. Gooner Kebab
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      a

    2. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      B) for me.

    3. meerlight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      a

  12. Gooner Kebab
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    If Afellay comes at 5 or 5.5 - he's on my team

    1. Jay Jay Okocha
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Thinking 6, minimum

    2. Lingardium Leviosa.
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Applepie

  13. Squires FC
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Rmt please

    Fabianski / schmeichel
    Francis / cedric / Clyne / Richards / Alderweireld
    Hazard / ozil / Fabregas / ramsey / wanyama
    Rooney / lukaku / Deeney

    Thanks guys

    1. JÆKS ⭐
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      6/10 for me

    2. meerlight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      not feeling it. there's quite a bit of money tied up at the back, and little to show for it. in fact i've got issues with all of your defenders: either punty, or leaky.

      1. Squires FC
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        Time for a tinker then. Thanks guys

  14. JÆKS ⭐
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    I'll try again on the new article this time ... 😀

    Is this defence:

    Panti Hennesey
    Koscielny Azpi Williams Huth 4.0

    Worth 0.5 over my current defence?

    Courtois Hennesey
    Koscielny Williams Huth Oshea Francis

    1. Inanimate Carbon Rod
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Yup

    2. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Probably.

      1. JÆKS ⭐
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        Big spender on defence Doos? 😀

        1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          8 years, 10 months ago

          Huge. Best value to be had. Especially at the start ...

          1. JÆKS ⭐
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 10 months ago

            Haha noticed that already 😀 no love for Andy's defence then 😀
            Well everyone seems to think it's worth the extra 0.5 so hopefully Adebayor moves to Villa: Sakho --> Adebayor then

            How is your defence looking atm Doos?

    3. Les Majesteux
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Yes again 🙂

      1. JÆKS ⭐
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        Haha indeed, tnx!

    4. Simon69
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Hard to tell. There's no massive difference.

      1. JÆKS ⭐
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        Will have to play Panti (SUN) Kosc (ARS) Azpi (CHE) every week and rotate Williams and Huth.

        In my current defence I will play Courtois (CHE) Kosc (ARS) every week and rotate Williams, Huth, Oshea (not 100% nailed) and Francis for the 2 remaining spots

    5. SUAREZ_MESSI_COUTINHO
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Yes , more balanced

  15. Inanimate Carbon Rod
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    A) Ivan + Richie
    B) Cedric + Mane

    1. Wes Brown
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Could go Aspi + Ritchie, save an extra million to invest elsewhere.

  16. goriuanx
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    https://twitter.com/msmith850/status/625999731320324096?s=09

    Pedro the latest player who's going to regress then

    1. Wouter
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Great signing for them.

      1. goriuanx
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        Top player. Let's see if he does an ADM or a Sanchez

      2. QPR expects... glory!
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        Adds speed to what was a pedestrian front line, Depay aside.

    2. Sess!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Cue Pedro being in everyone's RMTs

    3. Simon69
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Regress is what sense?

  17. King Henrik
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Defoe for the first 5 gameweeks ?
    Who's with me

    1. JÆKS ⭐
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      He trolled too many of us last season....

      1. Sess!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        He was playing on the wing.

    2. Les Majesteux
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Only Defoe is with you 🙂

    3. King Henrik
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Am willing to give it a go

    4. Sess!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      I metioned it earlier. He's in my current draft. Very good punt for first four games given our fixtures and only £5.5m. We're adding creativity to our team with likes or lens, so we'll create more chances than last year and Defoe is a proven scorer in the premier league.

      1. DazC1989
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        is he better value than sakho though? albeit the hard first gwk

    5. SuperDunny - Used to be goo…
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Great pick for the money imo

  18. ales100i
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Could i get a RTM please:

    Courtois (Schwarzer)
    Koscielny - Fonte - Clyne - Huth (Micah)
    Theo - Fab - Yaya - Milner (Wanyama)
    Costa - Rooney (Wilson)

    1. Gooner Kebab
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      8/10 for me. But Roo upfront is too risky for me.

      1. Your Man With The Hair
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        I'm a big fan of Roonpig for the start of the year. Only option LVG has at the minute. I think he'll fly this season.

        1. Gooner Kebab
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 10 months ago

          Roo's streaky and has been burnt a few times. I'm gonna stay away for GW1 at least

      2. ales100i
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        In my opinion Rooney will be one of top 3 scorers this season. I see ManU to be in the running for the title. Wanted to put another player from them in, but none seems to be nailed on at the moment. But i guess i could be wrong of course. Who do you have up front?

    2. Your Man With The Hair
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      I like it. No hazard always scares me though.

      1. ales100i
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        I am not to scared for Hazard, i think he will not do so well this year. I mean he will do grat, but he will not be as dominant. Don't know why, just a feeling. But with Fab-Costa combo, i think i have him covered anyway.

  19. Kirwan24
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    One final midfield position up for grabs, who do we think I should go with?
    Cazorla, Depay, Firmino, or a 9.0 midfielder (Fab?)

    1. JÆKS ⭐
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Fabregas without a doubt if that is the rest of your middfield,

      Wouldn't be too sure about Depay and Firminho though

      1. Kirwan24
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        My midfield right now is Hazard, Mané Ritchie Wanyama and one of my choices above.
        I actually made a mistake, I have three Chelsea players already so Fab is ruled out for now. Cazorla looks safe for the first few weeks at least

    2. Les Majesteux
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Ozil

    3. kalmoffit
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Sterling

  20. Your Man With The Hair
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    This is my fist attempt...

    Butland / Speroni
    Koscielny, Huth, Azpilicueta (Bassong, Mings)
    Hazard, Yaya Touré, Ramsey, Coutinho, Wanyama
    Rooney, Pellè (Deeney)

    Thoughts would be appreciated?

    1. Gooner Kebab
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Nice team, can you do Yaya to Sterling?

      1. Your Man With The Hair
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        I can. But I hate the little sh1t

        1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          8 years, 10 months ago

          Would be a very bad move, anyway. Lovely midfield.

          1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            8 years, 10 months ago

            Coutinho perhaps 0.5 too expensive ...

        2. Gooner Kebab
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 10 months ago

          Lol - he's greedy lil sh1t and he shoots!

  21. jimbobjeff85
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Guys, I'm really sorry if this has already been posted (I don't get to visit the site as much as I'd like) but...

    Which pre-season promise have you broken already?

    For me, after last season I promised myself Aguero would be in for GW1 this season come rain or shine, along with Hazard.

    I've already taken Aguero out (due to GW1 fears) and FFS is slowly convincing me to eject Hazard too initially.

    I also promised myself Terry would be a nailed-on starter, but have found myself downgrading to Azpilicueta.

    Curse my own fickleness...

    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      In other words, you are going mad, like many others on here ...

      1. Exdeo
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        🙂

    2. Nice to Finally Michu
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      I made no promises
      it's a new season

      1. Nickofoz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        Exactly

    3. Exdeo
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      I promised not to take any hits, first challenge would come in after 1GW:))))

    4. Your Man With The Hair
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      why are you turning your back on Haz?

    5. Simon69
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      I think it's okay to go without Aguero for the time being but more fool you for giving Hazard the boot. He is a option for the armband every week whereas the other Chelsea mids are not. Consistently raking in massive hauls is Eden..

      1. jimbobjeff85
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        Not ejected Hazard yet. I read Jonty's intriguing post (http://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/comment/10615684) and the comments of many who suggest there's better value elsewhere.

        My gut is to keep him and I likely will, but it's very tempting to downgrade to Fabregas and upgrade other areas. This would also help with getting Sanchez and Aguero in when they are fit.

  22. goneill79
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Do you let your own stubbornness get in the way of selecting a player?

    1. Simon69
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      No. All about the points.

    2. kalmoffit
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Yes

  23. Nice to Finally Michu
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    A) Fabregas and Kosc
    B) Azpi and Wally

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

      B

  24. Ricky - it doesn\'t ta…
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    this the potential new look west brom back 4? we know pulis loves 4 centre backs as a back 4

    dawson/chester - dawson/chester/mcauley/olsson - lescott

    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Think that you will find that Lescott plays LCB, while Olsson plays at LFB.

      1. Ricky - it doesn\'t ta…
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        someone posted something the other day showing that lescott played left back for the games against better opposition whilst brunt played left back against lesser opposition. think pulis wants him there permanently and can do that by signing chester

        1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          8 years, 10 months ago

          He does, and can, but is no longer fast enough.

          1. Demí
            • 13 Years
            8 years, 10 months ago

            I think he looked uncomfortable playing their at times last season. Reckon Pulis will stick with Brunt there or buy a specialist LB

            1. Ricky - it doesn\'t ta…
              • 12 Years
              8 years, 10 months ago

              he did look a bit lost there. just trying to justify lescott as a fpl option

          2. Ricky - it doesn\'t ta…
            • 12 Years
            8 years, 10 months ago

            did he ever have pace? can't remember haha

  25. mranonymous
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Giroud v Benteke

    1. Gooner Kebab
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Donkey

    2. chilli con kone
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      In a fight? Benteke.

  26. boooobah
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    A) Ozil and Darmian
    B) Walcott and Cedric

    Thanks!

    1. Nice to Finally Michu
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Darmian not nailed so B

    2. super zlatan
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      B

  27. The Darkest Knight
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Anybody playing Mirror iTeam fantasy????

    1. t4thomas
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Sounds terrible.

  28. S.Kuqi
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Pick team for me. So tired for tinkering.

    1. Lingardium Leviosa.
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      GK GK
      DEF DEF DEF DEF DEF
      MID MID MID MID MID
      FWD FWD FWD

      1. S.Kuqi
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        Looks good tbh.

        1. Lingardium Leviosa.
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 10 months ago

          😀

      2. RustyBz
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        Weak defence. Downgrade one of your FWDs maybe?

    2. Gooner Kebab
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      hit autoselect mate

  29. King Henrik
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    A wonder how many teams would have Kane from the beginning if there opening fixtures wasn't United ?

    1. S.Kuqi
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Its not the United game. He is just too expensive for Spurs striker and no pre season games yet to asses him.

  30. Gooner Kebab
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Thoughts?

    Ruddy (Schwarzer)
    Ivan, Kos, Yoshida (O'shea, Baker)
    Haz, Mata, Wally, Hendo (Fletcher)
    Costa, Pelle, Wilson

    0.5ITB.

    *Yoshida to Huth (still deciding this)