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31 July 2015 2121 comments
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We continue our members articles looking back at last season with a review of West Brom’s displays under Tony Pulis. The Welshman took the helm after Alan Irvine was sacked – with the Baggies lying 16th in the Premier League on December 30 – and ultimately steered them to a 13th-placed finish, a full nine points clear of the drop zone. We’ll compare the attacking numbers from both managers’ spells in charge, and assess the similarities and differences in the statistics.

Irvine was a surprise appointment ahead of the 2014/15 season, having endured difficult spells in charge at Preston and Sheffield Wednesday. After managing a mere four wins from Albion’s first 19 matches, the Scot was relieved of his duties, with Pulis taking over on January 1, signing a two-and-a-half-year deal. Under the former Stoke and Crystal Palace boss, the Baggies secured seven victories from 18 matches, including wins against Man United and Chelsea in the final months of the season.

  1. Dr Dream
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Oooh....RUDY, RUDY, RUDY......!!!.....Starter or bench fodder ?

      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      A lot of money for a bench warmer.

      1. Dr Dream
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        How much did they pay for him ?

    1. Demí
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Starter. Adebayor coming in would confuse things though, they won't always play 2 upfront

      1. Dr Dream
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        RUDY is twice the player Adebayor is....He's rubbish now,

  2. Matsy123
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Don't eat me, but why the sudden love for pellé?

      1. Bøwstring The Carp
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Another victim of the iced-gem haircut 😕

        1. Lingardium Leviosa.
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 4 months ago

          So that's what it's called!

      2. Matsy123
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks, really answered my question

        1. Lingardium Leviosa.
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 4 months ago

          😀

    1. Lucy.
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      I've been tipping him for a while now, since the Costa injury.

  3. C_G
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    RMT please!!

    pants, Ruddy
    Azpi, clyne, targett, cedric, oshea
    Hazard, ozil, yaya, mane, fletcher
    teks, defoe, rooney

    1. Dr Dream
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      No RUDY ?

    2. ⚽️ Barry Chocolate ⚽…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Watch Defoe as he could start wide with fletch up front alone. Benteke might not start first few games. Other than that it's decent.

  4. Feeling_blue
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Some more tinkering:

    A Wilson Payet Mertesacker/Darmian
    B Sakho Chadli/Milner Jenkinson

    Want to take advantage of Bournmouth's fixtures and think West Ham will attack well. Not sure on Mertesacker starting though

  5. Lovren an elevator
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Is Baines still first choice pen taker? Why isnt he appearing in any rmt's?!

    1. JasonG123
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Lukaku probably is now.

  6. themachine
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    How about this?

    Schmeichel / Schwarzer

    Azpi Cedric Bassong / Huth STaylor

    Hazard Ozil Hendo Chadli / Wanyama

    Aguero Rooney Deeney

    1. Albert_Luque
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Looks pretty good. Personally, I'd wait until aguero is playing, swap him out and get someone better than Chadli.

  7. EmreCan Hustle
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    KDB to Man Utd(Metro)?
    Rumours. Thoughts?
    LVG will probably play a 4-3-3(Scout tweets), KDB is a No.10 right? Will the formation suit him?

    1. Polaris - The Mortal Coil
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Wouldn't quote the Metro mate, worst source going.

      And no, de Bruyne isn't just a #10. He can play anywhere across the attacking mid slots.

      1. EmreCan Hustle
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Cheers.

  8. JamieLfc
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Lukaku for gw1 anyone? Then Tekkers in for gw2?

    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Maybe. Definitely.

      1. JamieLfc
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        I think using the ft will be worth it. I can always take a hit if I really need another transfer

    2. Mancunian
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      I'll most likely be doing that. Lukaku's first fixture sure is tasty

  9. Iwobi
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    RMT Please

    Cech

    Ivanovic / Kolarov / Bellerin

    Mahrez / Mane / Cazorla / Hazard / Ritchie

    Rooney / Pelle

    Schmeichel / Huth / S Taylor / Deeney

  10. JK - Cønt ⭐
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Ok Lucy try this one for size

    a) Ivan, Bentaleb, Sakho, Pelle (3-4-3)
    b) Coates, Mane, Giroud/Tekkers, Grabban (3-5-2)

    1. Lucy.
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      I'm a bit dim. I'm gonna need to see the full teams 😛

      1. JK - Cønt ⭐
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        I'll tweet them over

    2. Milner4eva
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      The 3-4-3 one

  11. Skor Hattricksson
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    What do you guys think of this lot?
    Fabianski, schmeichel
    Azpi, kosc, huth, Matthews, Francis
    Sterling, cazorla, chadli, Milner, Ritchie
    Rooney, costa, deeney

  12. Mancunian
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Milner or Hendo and why?

    1. Lingardium Leviosa.
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Probably the eighth time this has been asked 😐

      1. Mancunian
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Haha that's true but I would like to get as many people's opinions to come to an ultimate conclusion

  13. Jazz!
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Gonna WC GW2

    Who should I get for GW1 only:
    A) Jagielka
    B) Darmian

    I feel both teams are capable of keeping clean sheets. Also, Mahrez or Ritchie? I think Mahrez will out score him GW1 personally

    1. JamieLfc
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Why wc gw2 lol?

    2. Mancunian
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Why would you wildcard in Gw2? I understand the logic behind that

  14. Lallana_
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Ruddy / Mignolet
    Azpilicueta Koscielny Francis / Prodl Coates
    Yaya Toure Chadli Hazard (C) Milner Cazorla
    Rooney (v) Sakho / Graham

    1.0M ITB

    Would you keep the 1.0M aside or invest it now?

  15. Albert_Luque
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Just read this article on the guardian: http://www.theguardian.com/football/who-scored-blog/2015/jul/29/aston-villa-surprise-package-premier-league-season

    Made me have a look at aston villa on FPL, and in particular their midfield looks like it could have a few potentially stand-out options. Was surprised to see Scott Sinclair at only 5.0, could prove to be a real bargain if he gets back into his swansea form. Any thinking he could be worth a punt?

      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Struggled to get in the team at the back end of last season.

      If Sherwood had his way, Villa wouldn't have signed him. Was a clause of the loan that Villa had to sign him if they stayed up.

      Verdict: Avoid.

      1. Albert_Luque
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Cheers, that's a great tip. Will be sticking to the wanyama option as a 5th mid then. I'd love him to do well though, feel sad that his City days may have destroyed a promising career.

    1. bejzu
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      I think villa will struggle all season.. Dunno

    • 12 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Robbie Brady will start the season at left back for Norwich.

    I've seen on here suggestions B. Johnson might drop back (he's played there in pre-season) but it looks to be Brady. The other option is 19 year old Harry Toffolo.

    Alex Neil on deputies for Martin Olsson: "Robbie can step in there and him and Harry are probably the two left-back options.”

    (Olsson returning from a shoulder injury and short of fitness.)

    1. The Light Knight
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Johnson certainly won't play LB at all (and never would have), anyone who thought that should never be allowed to draw conclusion from a preseason game ever again

    2. maff
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      You're probably right but wouldnt rule out Toffolo at LB in the opening game completely. Either way i wouldnt be picking any of the those 3 players - had considered Johnson before but is not nailed on anymore

  16. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Which is best
    (A)Mane and Wilson or
    (B )Pelle and Ritchie.

    1. Clangers
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Depends on your other strikers/midfielders imo. Pelle and Ritchie if Pelle is going to be your second striker. Mane and Wilson if Wilson will be your third striker.

      1. DA Minnion (Former great)
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Hazard sterling ozil Ritchie/mane 4.5
        Benteke Rooney pelle/Wilson

        1. Clangers
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 4 months ago

          Definitely Mane + Wilson for me personally then.

          1. DA Minnion (Former great)
            • 13 Years
            10 years, 4 months ago

            Cheers clangers

    2. Crinix
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      I would recommend watching videos on the players in question and where they excel, and based on the attributes they excel at; you put it against the teams/fixtures coming up.

      Quick example: pelle is a good header of the ball and feeds off those crosses, and has a tendency to use his body to good measure to get a shot off. if the teams he will be playing in the upcoming fixtures have a tendency to do poorly against this type of striker. Then it's good backing to pick him.

      1. DA Minnion (Former great)
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Okay good advice crinix

    3. FPLzebub
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Depends what you are doing with the 0.5 you save with A.

      1. DA Minnion (Former great)
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Making my 4 m non playing keeper into a 4.5 rotating one.
        I guess that swings it.very insightful.thanks dod

  17. Piggs Boson
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Score predictions?

    Everton - Watford
    Bournemouth - Aston Villa

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      1-0
      2-1

    2. Bøwstring The Carp
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      2-1
      1-0

    3. Polaris - The Mortal Coil
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      1-0
      1-1 or 1-2

    4. Mainoo Magic
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      2-0
      1-1

    5. GuyIncognito
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Everton 2 - 0 Watford
      Bournemouth 1 - 1 Villa

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

      2-0
      2-0

    7. The Chosen One...
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      3-0
      2-0

  18. C_G
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    pick your favorite 5 mil defenders!

    1. Piggs Boson
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Williams
      Jenkinson
      Cedric

    2. Joga Bonito®
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Sakho and Cedric

      1. Jimjam
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Yup, mine too. Lescott once fixtures ease up.

    3. Margarido
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      PVA
      Jenkinson

      1. FPLzebub
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        PVA

    4. Novo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Cedric, Williams, Lescott, Jenkinson.

    • 12 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    @Wakey..

    "Aston Villa have confirmed the signing of Rudy Gestede for a fee believed to be £6million" according to the local rag. Big bucks for a Championship striker.

    Although nothing compared to Rovers' outrageous evaluation of Rhodes! 😉

    1. Piggs Boson
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Villa are going down.

      1. The Sarjeant
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        I think they've made decent signings.

        1. Twisted Saltergater
          • 16 Years
          10 years, 4 months ago

          Panic buying.

    2. PRENO
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      He's a quality target man who plays similarly to Benteke. The majority of his goals last season came from headers. Good signing IMO.

  19. JustWatching
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Any 4.0 defenders who are nailed-on starters?

    1. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Don't think so.

    2. Bertzeiner-m
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Targett for GW 1 other then that no

  20. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Never mind the rest of the team, allthough I already have another 8.5m mid in the team so flexibility wont change. And of course these options based on Bellerin startin community shield.

    Özil, Bellerin, o'Shea
    or
    Payet, Kosc, PvA

    1. Lingardium Leviosa.
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Keeping it a secret eh Crunch?

      1. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Not really, just don't want the rest of the team influence this choice.

    2. Ludo
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Hmm, I would lean towards the latter, actually. Think Payet is a great option.

      1. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Yeah I'm also leaning towards the latter cause Kos is the choice and not that sure about Özil

    3. Clangers
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Ozil > Payet (although I'm quite excited to see what Payet can do)
      Bellerin < Kosc
      O'shea < PVA

      I'd definitely go for the latter given the choice

      1. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Thx.

  21. Doctor X
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Which option would you go for?

    A. Diafra Sakho + Chadli

    B. Callum Wilson + Mane (double up with Pelle)

    I've got Pelle, but I kinda feel like I should have Mane as well, BUT I'm not a big fan of getting in championship strikers into my team in the first GW, which I would have to do with B to get Mane.

    Any advice?

    1. Bertzeiner-m
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      A for sure think Chadli and Sahko will have a very big year!

    2. Jimjam
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      I'd go with A if you already have Pelle

    3. FPLzebub
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      B GW1 A GW2

  22. The Hindu Monkey
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    I assume most people will go hazard captain first week. Is this wise though? As long as you have him in your team you're not going to lose major ground and there are some excellent more leftfield choices (theo, lukaku, Ritchie!) that could give you a massive early boost...

    1. Ludo
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Walcott for me (assuming he starts on Sunday).

    2. Demí
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Think you're overthinking it a bit. If you feel he'll score the most points, then captain him. Don't let ownership be a factor, especially as it's only the first week. I'll be captaining Walcott, as i think he'll outscore Hazard in the 1st week

      1. The Sarjeant
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        This.

        1. The Hindu Monkey
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 4 months ago

          I'm also on theo. Don't feel quite so unique now though...

      2. JK - Cønt ⭐
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        +1

        *waits for Demi to change to Hazard*

    3. Frank Black
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      I won't go with Hazard captain in GW1.

    4. Joga Bonito®
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      I'm going to treat GW1 like any other week, whoever I think is the best/safest choice to score high will be (c) regardless of ownership.

  23. TheSteel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Top 3 and bottom 3 prediction:
    City
    Utd
    Chelsea

    Villa
    Norwich
    Bournmouth

    1. The Sarjeant
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      I hope your not a betting man.

    2. Lingardium Leviosa.
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Chelski
      City
      United

      Villa
      Leicester
      Norwich

    3. Polaris - The Mortal Coil
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Chelsea
      Arsenal
      United

      Watford
      Leicester
      Bournemouth

      1. The Sarjeant
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        This is more like it. Although, I think it'll end up Chelsea, Arsenal, City.

  24. Jimjam
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Quick A/B question for you... Thanks for all responses!

    A)
    Schmeichel
    O'Shea, Bassong
    Ritchie
    Benteke

    B)
    Pantilimon
    Koscielny, Huth
    Milner
    Wilson

    1. Ludo
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      B

    2. The Sarjeant
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      I'd much prefer A in my team.

      1. FPLGyarados
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        A bit of column A and a bit of column B for me. B if I had to choose.

        1. Jimjam
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          10 years, 4 months ago

          Thanks Ganontek - which bits would you choose from each?

    3. TheSteel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      A as i have more from that side

    4. Bertzeiner-m
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      B

    5. FPLzebub
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      B

  25. Lovren an elevator
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Who looks more nailed on, Diouf or Joselu?

  26. Mid-Table Obscurity
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    anyone know where I could find what the winner of ufpl's team looked like last year?

  27. JK - Cønt ⭐
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    a) Ivan, Bentaleb, Sakho, Pelle (3-4-3)
    b) Coates, Mane, Giroud/Tekkers, Grabban (3-5-2)

    1. The Sarjeant
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      A.

    2. Jimjam
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      A

    3. The Chosen One...
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      a

  28. Lovren an elevator
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Who's more likely to be a FPL asset this season, Payet or Wijnaldum?

    1. The Sarjeant
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Payet.

    2. jernej93
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Payet

    3. Bertzeiner-m
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Payet