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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. FPLGyarados
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    A: Sterling + Costa + Deeney
    B: Fabregas + Kane + Sakho (+0.5 itb)

    If I had Sakho my 5th mid would be Mahrez who I would put on just got GW 1. Otherwise I have 3 strikers.

    Opinions on these two options? Thank you

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

      Neither? Make sure you have Hazard. If you do already, then B but make Fabregas > Walcott/Ozil (Sterling from GW4).

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

        I have Haz and Ozil already in my team 🙂

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

        That is the perfect gif for this situation. I applaud you!

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

          Either could come back to bite u in the bum

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      terrible news, looks like bilic will have to go in for another striker now

      don't trust zarate or miaga

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

      Wow. Poor guy.

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

      Is that good for sakho prospects

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

      🙁

      The official news said this

      Enner Valencia sustained what initially appears to be a significant injury to his right knee and right ankle during Thursday's UEFA Europa League third qualifying round first leg tie with Astra Giurgiu.

      The Ecuador forward will see a specialist consultant at a clinic in central London on Monday morning and an update will be provided following that meeting.

      It is too early to put a timescale on how long Enner's recovery and rehabilitation period may be.

      1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Yes, well. Things have moved on.

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

          I see

          Rotten luck

          you need another striker now

          Maiga is gash. Can't go in with just Sakho and Zarate

          1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 16 Years
            10 years, 4 months ago

            - and Elliot Lee ... 🙂

    5. Guy Demel's SH
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      :(. Daves will have to stump up for a good forward now, seen reports of a Moussa Sow bid.

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

      He did say it looked serious. West Ham linked with Raul Jimenez now.

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

      Ouch! Horrible, you have to feel for the man.

      1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Yep. Great bloke, as well. I'm gutted.

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

      Awful news

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

      Calling carton cole...

    10. Every Dog Has Its Day
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Ouch 🙁

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

      In 50 years some doctor is going to make a fortune after developing a quicker way to repair knee ligaments.

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

      That's bad news for Sakho too.

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

        How? Won't payet now play in behind him?

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

          They played well together, Payet is the new guy, who knows if they'll link well.

    13. Mr. Grv
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      bad hate it when players have to go something like that . Did strootman make a comeback ?

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

        He's been training by himself for a few days.

    14. MARVELLUS
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      I'm gutted, first I heard of this.
      Really like Valencia as a player, massive blow.

  2. Louis99
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Pick THREE to play (1 to bench):

    A) Oshea vs Leicester (A)
    B) Deeney vs Everton (A)
    C) Bassong vs Palace (H)
    D) Cedric vs Newcastle (A)

    Cheers!

    1. GerardoGarzon11
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      A, B and D

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

        I'll second that.

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

      C imo

  3. jonnyleeds
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Rooney Kane lambert front 3..... Love it.

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

      If loving is wrong i want to be right

    2. chilli con kone
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Wait till GW4 on Lambert

  4. Kirwan24
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    2.0 in the bank, what improvements can be made?

    Schemichel (Rudd)
    Azpi Mertesacker O'Shea (Cedric Smith)
    Ozil Haz Milner Mané (Coquelin)
    Rooney Sakho Pelle

    Pelle is not certain, not sure who I'll start between O'Shea (Lei) and Cedric (New)

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      who is smith?

      Maybe trade coquelin as he takes an arsenal spot and won't really get more than 2-3 every gw anyway

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

        Smith is Francis' RB backup, but also subs on in midfield a lot.

      2. Kirwan24
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Smith is 4.0 Bournemouth defender, there as nothing more than a placeholder on the bench,
        Good point about Coquelin but I didn't really plan on playing him.
        Any other thoughts on the rest of the set up?

  5. JoeJitzu +42
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Cedric or Fonte?

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

      Cedric

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

        I second this.

  6. Az
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 16 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Any brave people going with one 4.5 keeper and a 4.0?

    I'm thinking Butland is v. good value and despise rotating GK's

    1. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      i am, Schmeichel and Hennessey, may choose Butland instead though

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

      Normally I'm a 1stop shop but fer Fuch's ake of 0.5m I think it's worth the peace of mind.

    3. Tommytour
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Gone Schmeichel Butland mainly cos I want Kasper and Butland covers him well

    4. Gazza2000
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      I'm thinking about it, Butland would be my pick

    5. Wax
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      I'm going Butland / McCarthy, not a fan of rotations

  7. Gregor
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 16 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    How the heck has Benteke not managed to get himself fit. There are players who have been at tournaments already playing games.

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      no competitve games

    2. Davido989
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      It's Brenda being a tool

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

      Yeah, really annoying. Wanted him from the start, a few liverpool fans said he was nailed on. Might end up with Pelle after all :/

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

        Not a nice feeling is it?

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

        It's narrowing by the minute...

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

        Pelle scored in only 1 away game all season but he scored 11 goals at home

        Only Costa (12) and Aguero (13) had a better home scoring record

        Bit annoying then that Saints have 2 of the first 3 away

        1. Tommytour
          • 15 Years
          10 years, 4 months ago

          New and nor away are basically home games

    4. S.Kuqi
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      He is surely fit. Just need to train more with new team tactics.

      1. Gregor
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 16 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Seemingly a fitness issue from Rodgers comments, may play some part with second string against Swindon on Sunday but it hasn't been decided yet.

  8. olidooley
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Best 4.5M for Sunderland defence????

    1. Reedy
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      I know thing it is Coates. But wait till we see the line-up for their last friendly tomorrow.

      1. Reedy
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        *I now think.

        I know no-thing.

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

      Not sure, alot of rotation during pre season

    3. Forza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      O'Shea

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

      O'shea > Kaboul > Jones > Coates in my opinion.

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

    Graziano fookin Pelle!!!

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

    Won't be touching them for a few weeks but I'm sure one of the defenders will become a fixture.

    1. Gnu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Talking about West Brom obviously. 🙂

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

      Yep! Tempting to carry Lescott from the start, but I'll probably grab one on the WC instead.

  11. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Rugy Gestede to villa official

    https://twitter.com/AVFCOfficial/status/627131616972943360

    1. SuperDunny - Used to be goo…
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      £5.5m?

  12. clownbot2000
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Would a had Kaboul ahead of O'Shea myself

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      not nailed

    2. Reedy
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Same...I think that'll happen eventually but the captain may start the season while Kaboul beds in. I expect Coates to start.

  13. olidooley
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Who would you slot in there then?

    Azpi Kosc Huth Francis XXX

    1. olidooley
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Ruddy/Butty as keepers btw

      1. olidooley
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        For 4.5M too I mean

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

      O'Shea

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

    Azpi got rotated last year with Luis. It won't happen too often but the guy they've bought today will get a few games throughout the year. It's nothing to worry about though.

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

      In the first half of the season he'll likely just play cup matches. If he plays well he could get league time

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

      Cheers Mull. What do you make of James Milner and Jordan Henderson?

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

          🙂

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

    Please help me pick...

    A. Kane and Pelle

    B. Giroud and Benteke

    No other players from any of these teams.

    1. mdm
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      A

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

      A

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

        Thanks guys

  16. mdm
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Any thoughts on this team:

    Ruddy / Butland
    Azpi / O'shea / Huth / Francis/ Saylor
    Hazard / Sterling / Walcott / Hendo / Wanyama
    Rooney / Kane / Sakho

    Thank you!

    1. Mane Of Steel
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      solid! mayb kane---> pelle and upgrade hendo

  17. Somalion
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Villa sign one of the lads from Rizzle Kicks

  18. Jude Rooney
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Come on Costa

    Back to Rooney/Costa/Benteke strike force and hello to an easier Aguero in strategy

    1. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Rest of team?

  19. tm245
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Berahino, fifth highest scoring forward...one pt behind Pelle and two pts behind Costa.

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

      Fixtures. Good option from GW5 though.

      1. tm245
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Agreed, I can see that 6.5m spot being a nice way to catch form and fixtures.

        Cisse Sakho Diouf and Berahino all promising.

      2. Birds of Prey
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        yep Sakho makes more sense at 6.5.IMO

  20. La Roja
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Jordan Amavi, Jordan Ayew, Jordan Veretout.

    Villa's on something here...

    1. Birds of Prey
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Apparently they also have Jordan Bowery and a Jordan Graham under contract. You are correct, that is a pattern.

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

        Not anymore. Jordan Bowery joined Rotherham permanently.

  21. Francescoli
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    A or B?

    (A)
    Schmeichel (Schwarzer)
    IVANOVIC, MERTE, Huth (O'Shea, Targett)
    Hazard, Sterling, HENDERSON, Cazorla (Fletcher)
    COSTA, Pelle, Sakho

    (B)
    Schmeichel (Schwarzer)
    KOSCIELNY, AZPLI, Huth (O'Shea, Targett)
    Hazard, Sterling, MANE/COUTINHO, Cazorla (Fletcher)
    ROONEY, Pelle, Sakho

    1. Inanimate Carbon Rod
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      B

    2. Reedy
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      B with mane, for me. I like Coutinho but not sure he's featured in preseason yet...he's probably fine to start but it would make me slightly cautious.

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

        thanks reedy. keep wavering on these last selections...

    3. Big Sum
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      (B)

  22. Inanimate Carbon Rod
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Have to get this off my chest, but what the hell is the obsession with leaving money in the bank for so many people on here? Weighing possibly saving 4 points against fielding a full price/close to full price team that's probably going to cover those points anyway just baffles me.

    0.5 left, 1.0 max = handy
    2-3.5 left = silly

    1. Jude Rooney
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Each to their own surely........not a fan myself but let them get on with it. We will all probably have money in the bank at some point in the season.

      1. Inanimate Carbon Rod
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Of course and if it feels good do it, I just wonder how those teams would fare against their other, hypothetical free spending alternates

  23. Catilo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Apart from saylor and targett, is there another 4.0 defender that will likely to start the first 3 GW??

    1. La Roja
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Baker is most owned 4.0

      1. Catilo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        OMG can't believe I missed that info! Cheers mate

        Looking for budget enabler myself, planning on two 4.0 defs that (hopefully) will never come on as subtitute, at least until WC time.

  24. GoRedz
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Given fixtures & form, would you be happy to start with Pelle + Kane + Wilson ?
    And upgrading one of Kane/Pelle to Kun when necessary.

  25. samuelessien
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Any chance someone could RMT? Planning to WC in week 3/4 to bring in Aguero.

    Mignolet (Shwarzer)

    Azpilicueta, Koscielney, Huth. (Ward, O'Shea)

    Hazard, Cazorla, Ozil, Depay. (King)

    Kane, Pelle, Wilson.

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

      you apparently answered my question just above.
      I like it a lot, it's well balanced. I'd try to fit in Sterling but I understand the double ARS as well.

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

        Feel arsenals fixtures are better than ManC, hence the double up instead of Sterling.
        Man city fixtures are good after week 3/4 so then I bring Aguero in and possible double up with Sterling - depending on how he looks in the first three!

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

          looks good then. You probably dont need to WC to get Kun, with the money left over, no ?
          Caz/Ozil/Depay->7.0 and Kane -> Kun seems doable

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

    Who will score more points first 5 weeks:

    A Chadli (mun, STO, lei, EVE, sun)
    B Milner (sto, BOU, ars, WHM, mun)

    1. Jude Rooney
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Your guess as good as any bodies surely

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

        I keep changing my mind on all my players...

        1. Jude Rooney
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 4 months ago

          So do I but at the end of the day these are your decisions to make

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

      Chad

  27. S.Kuqi
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Which one will keep more cs in first 4?

    Darmian (TOT, avl, NEW, swa)

    Merte (WH, cry, liv, new)

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

      Darmian

    2. Jude Rooney
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Your guess as good as any bodies surely?

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

      Mert

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

    do people intend on having 15 DGW's for the BB chip?

    1. SuperDunny - Used to be goo…
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Surely not

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

        surely that means there is no advantage playing it in a DGW?

        1. SuperDunny - Used to be goo…
          • 16 Years
          10 years, 4 months ago

          Surely

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

      Yeah, but that would need a WC before it, and there could be a blank GW right before it, so it would be difficult.

    3. CABAYE4
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Certainly close to that if we get a DGW with 6 teams.

    4. Jude Rooney
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      If it falls right then yes

  29. milanista10
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    A or B guys?

    A) Henderson Kane Sakho Francis

    B) Ozil Benteke Wilson Williams

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

      A

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

      A