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15 July 2016 605 comments
Paul Paul
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We continue our series of members’ articles, which review the numbers behind the 2015/16 campaign, with an assessment of Manchester City.

To kick off, we analyse the team statistics at the Etihad and compare them to the rest of Premier League, before casting an eye over their first-team squad, main goal threats and creative sources as we look to gain insight on their prospects ahead of the new season.

Hopes were high for City’s title challenge after finishing 2014/15 in second spot on a run of six straight wins. It’s fair to say that Manuel Pellegrini’s final year at the helm proved bitterly disappointing, though, after his side just managed to pip rivals United to fourth spot on goal difference, some 16 points behind champions Leicester.

Paul Is certain he won't make the same mistakes next season. Follow them on Twitter

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  1. 1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 2 days ago

    How are you guys viewing the Chelsea defence? Out of Man City, Man Utd and Chelsea I have to say I would feel more confident in owning defenders from the Manchester teams to begin with.

    1. Costa's Counsellor
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      Chelsea's could be gold. We just need to sign a decent defensive mid...

      1. 1
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 2 days ago

        No Kante no party?

    2. 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      Mainly due to the fact I have far more faith in Mourinho/Pep than I do in Conte, despite Italy's defensive showings at the Euros.

      1. Postman Ty
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 2 days ago

        Have you never seen Conte's Juventus..? His teams should always be very solid at the back. We just need to sign a new centre back.

        1. 1
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 2 days ago

          I have seen Contes Juventus in an exceptionally poor quality Serie A between 2010-2014 in my opinion.

          1. Postman Ty
            • 11 Years
            10 years, 2 days ago

            Fair point, but still shows their defensive setup and success.

            1. 1
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              10 years, 2 days ago

              Yeah completely agree it will be his intention to set up well defensively. I guess my lack of faith is more if he can make the squad he currently has defensively successful.

          2. MrMaverick
            • 10 Years
            10 years, 2 days ago

            2011/12 season, Contes Juve conceded JUST 20 goals. Best defence in PL last yr conceded 35

            1. 1
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              10 years, 2 days ago

              Do you not see how comparing how many goals Juve conceded in 2011/12 to how many goals Tottenham conceded last year is pretty pointless.

              1. MrMaverick
                • 10 Years
                10 years, 2 days ago

                My point being Conte is a defensive pragmatic coach

          3. Jay Jay Okocha
            • 13 Years
            10 years, 2 days ago

            The same Serie A that closed the coefficient gap dramatically over that time? Conte coached circles around the clowns at Euros, and I'm confident that he'll do the same in the EPL (with a couple of obvious exceptions.)

            1. 1
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              10 years, 2 days ago

              The strength in depth of Serie A between 2010-2014 compared to the strength in depth of the Premier League this coming season are on completely different levels in my opinion.
              Here did very well with Italy at the Euros but he isn't going to have Bonucci,Chiellini and Buffon at Chelsea.

    3. MrMaverick
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      Going for Courtois and Azpi in initial squad. Think Utds defence will disappoint a lot of people, as will Citys.

  2. Slam
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 2 days ago

    How many games is Vertonghen out for?
    With the new Wanyama signing, Wimmer could be a steal for early WCers...

    1. MrMaverick
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      Dier at CB, Wanyama and Alli double pivot? Wimmer not nailed on for me

      1. Slam
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 2 days ago

        Alli double pivot?
        Wouldn't Poch rather having Wanyama and Dier double pivot (until Dembele returns) with Alli in a more attacking position?

        1. MrMaverick
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 2 days ago

          He had Alli in the doubke pivot when he first broke into Poch's XI

          1. Slam
            • 11 Years
            10 years, 2 days ago

            Yes, that's true. But he looked much better in a more advanced position, would be very surprised to see him dropping back.

      2. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
        • 16 Years
        10 years, 2 days ago

        Has Dier ever played centre back for Spurs ? .

        1. MrMaverick
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 2 days ago

          In his first season, yes.

        2. A.T
          • 16 Years
          10 years, 2 days ago

          Don't think so but he was originally a CB. Used to be at Everton along with that German international Mustafi. Two lads Moyes thought weren't good enough 🙁

          1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
            • 16 Years
            10 years, 2 days ago

            http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/eric-dier-exclusive-i-am-english-but-i-m-like-any-other-foreigner-says-tottenham-centre-back-10253947.html . I think he can play there if needed that's the tone I got from the couple of articles I had a look at but I expect Wimmer will get a chance to nail down the spot . Read the opening paragraph gave me a chuckle .

            1. A.T
              • 16 Years
              10 years, 2 days ago

              I'm sure he can play there. I think he played regularly at sporting Lisbon at CB. Could becwrongvthough
              It has to be wimmer though I've thought.

    2. A.T
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      6 weeks from now approximately

      1. Slam
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 2 days ago

        That's nice to see, 5.0 anyone? 😉

    3. Jazz!
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      Wimmer was brilliant when Vertonghen was out mid season.

      1. Slam
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 2 days ago

        Exactly, did nothing wrong

  3. MrMaverick
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 days ago

    Im going Kane over Ibra. Am I crazy?

    1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      Dembele is out for the first couple of games so I am going to avoid .

    2. Slam
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      Not at all.
      Just keep in mind that he may be tired after participating in the Euro's and Dembele is suspended for the first few games

    3. MrMaverick
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      Why would dembele suspension so dramatically reduce Kane's appeal? Dembele plays in the double pivot, hes hardly Alli or Eriksen

      1. A.T
        • 16 Years
        10 years, 2 days ago

        FFS rule 16b. No Dembele no party.

      2. 1
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 2 days ago

        Ask Jonty

        1. MrMaverick
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 2 days ago

          Pls elaborate

          1. 1
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            10 years, 2 days ago

            Stats last year would suggest Kanes goals per minute with Dembele playing are significantly higher than without.

            1. MrMaverick
              • 10 Years
              10 years, 2 days ago

              Any reason for that?

              1. 1
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 11 Years
                10 years, 2 days ago

                Dembele is crucial to Tottenham?

            2. MrMaverick
              • 10 Years
              10 years, 2 days ago

              Dembele wasnt even a starter until December and Kane was banging them in regardless.

              1. 1
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 11 Years
                10 years, 2 days ago

                Dembele was a regular starter

              2. A.T
                • 16 Years
                10 years, 2 days ago

                As odd as it sounds the stats did significantly back up the argument

  4. Jamie_GAWA
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 days ago

    Foster/4.0
    Shaw/Azpi/Ayala/4.5/4
    Hazard/Mhki/XXX/Redmond/4.5
    Aguero/Benteke/Wilson

    I like the look of this.. Probably quite template (if there is one yet)

    Completely depends on prices but I'm just really bored lol

    1. MrMaverick
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      Benteke? No Kane or Ibra to combo Kun? Not template imo

      1. Jamie_GAWA
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 2 days ago

        Benteke at palace will b very template, Kane won't be template because of a poor euros,looks exhausted and most importantly no Dembele, Ibra will be too expensive for most so a lot people will choose Kun instead so will just use Mhki for attacking cover.

        1. Slam
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 2 days ago

          I agree with this.
          But doesn't the FFS template usually start GW1 poorly? 😉

    2. Slam
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      Just curious, how much do you think you will have left for XXX (approx of course)

    3. Parm
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      5 4
      6 6 4.5 4.5 4
      10 9.5 9 6 4.5
      13 8 6

      1. Jamie_GAWA
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 2 days ago

        Azpi + Shaw will be 5.5 IMO so that leaves 7m for that spot

        1. Jamie_GAWA
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 2 days ago

          * an extra 1m for that spot* oops

    4. Jay Jay Okocha
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      I don't understand the Better love here. Nobody recovers from an Achilles injury.

      1. Jay Jay Okocha
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 2 days ago

        Better = Benteke

      2. Jamie_GAWA
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 2 days ago

        Load of rubbish that...

    5. Uppercut Panda - A legend i…
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      i dont think benteke and wilsom are going to be template at all

  5. makaveli123
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 days ago

    Which teams do you think will finish in the top 4 this campaign?
    Man City, Man Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea are the bookies favourites. Personally, I can't see a top 4 without Liverpool this season.

    1. A.T
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      Liverpool
      Chelsea
      Arsenal
      Man U

    2. MrMaverick
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      City Chelsea Spurs Liverpool in that order

    3. Parm
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      I think Chelsea miss out.

      Arsenal, City, United, Pool, Chelsea, Spurs. In that order.

      1. MrMaverick
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 2 days ago

        Arsenal lucky to finish top 8 imo

        1. Slam
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 2 days ago

          Not this again

          1. MrMaverick
            • 10 Years
            10 years, 2 days ago

            My honest opinion. Title and top four off the table completely. This is Wengers last stand

    4. Jamie_GAWA
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      United
      City
      Liverpool
      Chelsea

    5. Licky
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      Some faith in Liverpool for once. :O

  6. Jafooli
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 2 days ago

    Partick Thistle Transfer News:

    Nil.

    1. A.T
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      Sack the board 👿

      1. Jafooli
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 2 days ago

        No need, we have Mathias Pogba, brother of Paul - https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mathias_Pogba

        Asking price - £100m 😎

        1. Jafooli
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 2 days ago

          *£100.00

          1. A.T
            • 16 Years
            10 years, 2 days ago

            🙂

          2. George Sillett
            • 10 Years
            10 years, 2 days ago

            Bradford signed Colin Doyle from Blackpool for £1.00

            1. Jafooli
              • 14 Years
              10 years, 2 days ago

              😀

              What year?

              1. George Sillett
                • 10 Years
                10 years, 2 days ago

                A few weeks ago !

                1. Jafooli
                  • 14 Years
                  10 years, 2 days ago

                  😯

                  Oh the humiliation 😀

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

      You wouldn't want to be Messi'n with a fine squad like that.

      1. Jafooli
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 2 days ago

        How did your team go in their European game Crunch?

        1. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 2 days ago

          It seems my answer has been marked for review but I'm sure you will see it shortly...... 😉

          One good gw and that was in the semi's... 12k

          1. Jafooli
            • 14 Years
            10 years, 2 days ago

            Nah, your real team, did they not have their first European game recently?

            1. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
              • 12 Years
              10 years, 2 days ago

              Ah. We lost away to Rosenborg. 1-3.
              2-0 at home would do it and our latest purchase is available then so I'm optimistic. Got a good chance next round also if we make it.

              1-1 away to Minsk was a good resault for St Pat.

              1. Jafooli
                • 14 Years
                10 years, 2 days ago

                2-0 is always doable......good luck 🙂

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

                https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/IFK_Norrköping
                This is us.

                Home of one of the best strikers through all time.
                https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gunnar_Nordahl

                1. Jafooli
                  • 14 Years
                  10 years, 2 days ago

                  That picture:

                  1963: Bengt Nyholm, the keeper of IFK Norrköping, tries to improve his effectiveness by applying glue from flypaper to his hands

                  😆

                  1. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
                    • 12 Years
                    10 years, 2 days ago

                    Lovely isn't it.
                    A stroke of genius in that time perhaps 🙂
                    No 100m players then, that striker actually worked as a fireman if I remember correctly, fireman by day and footballer by night..

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

                      Ahh Nordhal part of the famous Milan Grenoli trio

                      1. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
                        • 12 Years
                        10 years, 2 days ago

                        And I have met him and talked to him plus got his autograph. As a little boy, probably in the late 70's or early 80's on some sort of spectacle in town. Took the chance before the event started and climb on to the stage and stretched out my hand and said hello. I remember he made a mess of my hair.

                    2. O2C
                      • 10 Years
                      9 years, 12 months ago

                      Prob gave him some weird disease als Well...

    3. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      Maybe they lost your number 😉

      1. Jafooli
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 2 days ago

        I have offered my services as a scout many times.

        I suggested Ronaldo, Suarez and Neymar.

        They decided not to pursue any of them.

          1. Jafooli
            • 14 Years
            10 years, 2 days ago

            Applied. Under qualified.

  7. Postman Ty
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 2 days ago

    Anyone eying Victor Valdes if he starts this season? Could be a goodie if he's 4.5

    1. Boydinho
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      He should start and he should be 4.5 but the problem is he will be 5.0 imo.

      1. Postman Ty
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 2 days ago

        i fear the same.

    2. Uppercut Panda - A legend i…
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      Nice fixtures to start.. good shout

  8. Parm
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 2 days ago

    I think that, with Champions League football, the Spurs defence may be a bit of a minefield next season. I am looking at Lloris, personally.

    1. Slam
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      I'm wildcarding after 3 GWs, surely there shouldn't be any trouble 🙂

      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      With Europa the full backs were a mare so I can see that continuing to be the case. But in the middle I think Toby will play 50 games if fit, the only problem will be his price in FPL.

      1. Parm
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 2 days ago

        I'm not paying £6.5m, I don't think. Not while I only have £100m in team value, anyway.

          • 12 Years
          10 years, 2 days ago

          That's my sentiment too, I don't pay more than 5.5 for a defender in gw1.

            • 12 Years
            10 years, 2 days ago

            As per the second half of your post, that may make Lloris the good pick.

            1. Parm
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 14 Years
              10 years, 2 days ago

              Or just not pick at all. I like to scout my defenders properly before I pay up.

          1. MrMaverick
            • 10 Years
            10 years, 2 days ago

            Dont like this premium defenders bs. I go for the cheapest starting defender of the best defensive teams

            1. Parm
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 14 Years
              10 years, 2 days ago

              But sometimes the most expensive defender in a team is worth the extra £0.5m, or alternatively going for a player in a worse defence but is likely to get a better share of the bonus, Ashley Williams is the price case and point.

              1. MrMaverick
                • 10 Years
                10 years, 2 days ago

                What is the likelihood a defender that doesnt keep a CS gets all 3 bps? And say he did, add it to the 2 points for playing 90 mins, totalts to 5. A 90 min playing defender with a CS is 6 points

    2. Licky
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      They're fullbacks aren't very good either. So it could well be.

  9. Jafooli
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 2 days ago

    Did I just read a hot topic about DGW strategies? 😆

      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      it weren't me guv!

      1. Jafooli
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 2 days ago

        Feel like we're two thirds through the season 😀

        Was a good read mind you......

    1. Jamie_GAWA
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      Only you know what you read

      1. Jafooli
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 2 days ago

        😉

    2. A.T
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      Hehe. Check in tomorrow for end of season rotation. I think we're running out of ideas tbh. 😀

      1. Jafooli
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 2 days ago

        FPL 17/18 opening soon 😀

        1. Jamie_GAWA
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 2 days ago

          Price predictions for 16/17?

          • 12 Years
          10 years, 2 days ago

          Thank goodness for that, 16/17 was a disaster!

          1. Jafooli
            • 14 Years
            10 years, 2 days ago

            😀 that's the spirit.....

        2. A.T
          • 16 Years
          10 years, 2 days ago

          Who do you think will win the league not next season but the one after that.

          1. Jafooli
            • 14 Years
            10 years, 2 days ago

            Notts Forest looking strong. Just need to replace Hazard who they bought next season and will soon sell.

          2. George Sillett
            • 10 Years
            10 years, 2 days ago

            Coventry City with 11 loan signings.

    3. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      I can honestly say I did not write it 🙂 . Least helpful poster on the site 😎

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 17 Years
        10 years, 2 days ago

        You wouldn't make the top 1000.

        1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
          • 16 Years
          10 years, 2 days ago

          I clearly have a lot of work to do 🙂

  10. TheFootballHub
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 days ago

    My initial thoughts on a team before prices and pre-season:

    De Gea Jakupovic (so long as hull don't sign another gk)

    Azpilicueta coleman Dawson(or another WBA def) Ayala Shaw/city def(undecided whether or not to double up on Man u/chelsea/neither)

    Hazard Townsend Nolito(if likely to start and a mid) Ozil

    Zlatan Origi Gray (no kun as probs wont start opening games)

    1. MrMaverick
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      Origi hardly nailed on

      1. TheFootballHub
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 2 days ago

        yeah I had that in mind, id have to watch the pre season and see how clop will play and if it includes both studge and origi, if not then id probe ditch him

      2. Licky
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 2 days ago

        Not nailed, one to watch if Sturridge gets sidelined though.

    2. Jamie_GAWA
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      Fix the format of this gzzz

  11. :
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 2 days ago

    How is it that I can see some of the photographs on this site in colour in my work? Do you need IE for that?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 17 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      Some browsers have them in colour. They are meant to be in black and white.

      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      Yep, its a design "fault" they haven't fixed they're meant to be B&W as per the site design but the filter code doesn't work on IE or IE mobile.

    2. :
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      Thanks chaps.

  12. King H
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 2 days ago

    Can confirm Kante medical completed in West London. Paperwork for £30m move to @ChelseaFC to be done at Cobham tonight

    1. A.T
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      Source?

      1. Jafooli
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 2 days ago

        Butter.

        Corn-on-the-Cobham.

      2. Parm
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 2 days ago

        Jim White

    2. King H
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      100% confirmed. He will be a Chelsea player next seaaon.

      1. A.T
        • 16 Years
        10 years, 2 days ago

        Yep just seen it on sky. Blimey cor blimey.

  13. Squires FC
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 2 days ago

    I don't understand why kante would join chelsea?! Surely the money isn't much better than what Leicester have offered him, as well as champions league football. He should at least wait a year imo

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 17 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      Probably a now or never decision.

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

    Jonny Evans, Romelu Lukaku and Gaston Ramirez all in the PL this season. It's like my own private hell

    1. Parm
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      I hope they all have great fantasy seasons, too.

      1. Jafooli
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 2 days ago

        This 😆

    2. MrMaverick
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      Gaston very high on my watchlist, as is Romelu tbh.

    3. le flem
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      all very good options this season if they come at the right price

    4. George Sillett
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      Throw in Benteke and it's a proper rogues gallery.

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

        At least Pelle has gone

        1. George Sillett
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 2 days ago

          All 5 of them would have been just too much.

        2. SweepaKeepa
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 2 days ago

          I'll still probably manage to buy him somehow.

    5. HVT
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      Add Carroll to that list and all pool defs.

  15. Trigg ⭐️
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 2 days ago

    Insane that I've not seen a top 4 prediction that had last season's champions by 10 points in it 😆

    It seems to make sense to me too, but will Leicester really fall that far from grace?

    1. le flem
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      yep
      1. chelsea
      2. man u
      3. spurs
      4. arsenal
      5. man city
      6. liverpoooooooooool

    2. Jazz!
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      Don't think so personally 🙂 People underestimating the lads - again.

      1. Trigg ⭐️
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 2 days ago

        That team lost 3 games all season, that's pretty impressive. Crazy to suggest they will suddenly lose 12-15 games next season, isn't it?

        1. AK ⭐
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 2 days ago

          It's the same that happened to the defending champions last season though, yeah?

          1. Trigg ⭐️
            • 13 Years
            10 years, 2 days ago

            Yes, and how mental did we all think that was?!

            1. AK ⭐
              • 13 Years
              10 years, 2 days ago

              It was because Chelsea have always been in the top 4 in the past decade, the one season where they weren't, they won the UCL.

              As for Leicester, the thing that actually motivated them was because they knew this was their only chance at a title, Ranieri always said that in his PCs and Team talks.

              A Top 8 finish is what I am expecting, anything more than that for them, it would be wonderful!

              1. Trigg ⭐️
                • 13 Years
                10 years, 2 days ago

                General football knowledge does dictate that Leicester will certainly struggle to make the top 4 this season, let alone win the league.

                Just amusing that they won the league so comfortably in the end last season, defeated all the big boys when they played them, yet don't have a chance this year!

                1. AK ⭐
                  • 13 Years
                  10 years, 2 days ago

                  That's just how the brain works. We don't expect miracles to happen, yet alone get repeated. 😉

                  Btw, lovely signings by Boro, what are you expecting from your club this season? Surely too good on paper to go down now?

                  1. Trigg ⭐️
                    • 13 Years
                    10 years, 2 days ago

                    I'd be very disappointed if we went down now.

                    I'll be getting in Ayala/Valdes depending on price and might keep a slot open for a midfielder/striker if Karanka doesn't rotate too much and Fischer/Negredo start firing.

                    I'd encourage anyone to get a defender though. We conceded 8 goals in 23 home games last season!

        2. A.T
          • 16 Years
          10 years, 2 days ago

          They hardly played any cup games and now they've got CL. Can the squad cope?

          1. Trigg ⭐️
            • 13 Years
            10 years, 2 days ago

            This logic I'll accept, the CL will affect their league form, with their depth of squad, you would think.

    3. George Sillett
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      Not insane just realistic.

      1. Trigg ⭐️
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 2 days ago

        But what's the logic?

        Blind faith that the big boys will be strong again and that Leicester won't be?

        1. George Sillett
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 2 days ago

          Lost one key player , had the other ones fit all season. Depth of the squad wasn't tested. Could easily happen this time round.

    4. MrMaverick
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      10 pts in a season where Chelsea, City, Utd were all awful. Theyll compete for top 4, no doubts about that, but will they get in? Mendy and Ahmed Musa good signings too tbf to Ranieri

      1. George Sillett
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 2 days ago

        I will be backing them at 3/1 to finish in the bottom half.

  16. A.T
    • 16 Years
    10 years, 2 days ago

    Will this Kante sale trigger a Leicester exodus I wonder?

    1. AK ⭐
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      Vardy has committed already. Mahrez could be a different issue altogether though..

  17. JJJ
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 days ago

    Mandanda worth consideration to start off with? CP have a very favorable start their first 5 fixtures.

    1. Parm
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      You know what i'm going to say so I won't even say it.

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

    Baragan signs for Middlesbrough

    1. Trigg ⭐️
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      That's our RB slot filled.

      We'll see what prices our back 5 come in at.

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

        Yeah very curious on this one. Valdes or Ayala on the radar

    2. Jafooli
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      3.5m in FPL?

  19. invertebrate
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 2 days ago

    From browsing the boards over the last few days I've seen plenty of speculation about Conte playing 3-5-2 at Chelsea because that's what he's used to. Well , is it? He managed four clubs before Juventus (Arezzo, Bari, Atalanta and Siena). He never really played 3 at the back with any of them. In fact, at Bari and Siena in particular he was well known for favouring a pretty attacking 4-2-4.

    So why the change at Juventus? The main reason was that he had to accommodate Pirlo in the quarterback role. He also had three versatile centre backs, all of whom warranted a place in the side. This carried over to the Italy job. Obviously Pirlo was gone but he decided it would be ludicrous to break up the Juventus back line.

    Bottom line? He really does do what he said in the presser yesterday: play the way that suits the players at his disposal. As things stand I can't see that being 3-5-2 as they don't have good enough wing backs or versatile enough centre backs. In fact, I'd rule it out altogether if they sign Kante. A player like him simply isn't necessary in a 3-5-2 where you already have an extra centre back and central midfielder.

    1. AriseSirGiggsy
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      Your last point depends on just how defensive you want to go.... I have 2 Italian Juve fans who (separately) often decried Conte's negativity

      1. invertebrate
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 2 days ago

        Yeah, true and he was definitely a lot more defensive with Italy than with Juve, playing De Rossi in the Pirlo role for instance. I think that was down to necessity, though. A) having no-one else available who was good enough and B) defensive football working better on the international stage due to lack of prep time. You're right, though, he could easily go that route with Chelsea. Can't see Abramovic being thrilled though!

        1. I Member
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 2 days ago

          Italy were far from negative at the Euros though. They were defensive against Germany but they were fantastic against Belgium and Spain and created in a ton of chances in those games.

          1. invertebrate
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            10 years, 2 days ago

            Good point. It was mostly counter-attack but that's still a way of attacking right? And what else are you meant to do against Spain and Germany?

    2. le flem
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      i like your grav.

      1. invertebrate
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 2 days ago

        I'm hiding behind fruit. Deep, man.

    3. I Member
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      Been saying this as well. Conte didn't even play 3-5-2 at the start of his Juventus career. He started with a 4-4-2/4-3-3 in his first season.

      1. invertebrate
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 2 days ago

        Oh yeah, I forgot about that. Somehow I've revised history in my head to think he made changes as soon as he got there!

  20. AriseSirGiggsy
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 2 days ago

    Kante couldn't get past Matuidi and Pogba in French midfield.... 1 season wonder? Who knows. Definitely see this from the perspective is as more of a negative for Leicester than a positive for Chelsea....

    1. Trigg ⭐️
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      How many players could get past Matuidi and Pogba?!

    2. AK ⭐
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      What?

      Kante started the tournament really well but got suspended and then Sissoko replaced him in the squad, giving more of an advantage to France in the attack with Pogba and Matuidi in the midfield. Sissoko had a very good game against Iceland and that's where France lost the tournament, cause Kante never came in and Pogba was being played out of the position while Sissoko was in there.

      1. AK ⭐
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 2 days ago

        And as for Pogba and Matuidi, Matuidi didn't have the best of tournaments., but it was the name that got them into the team sheets, not their performances.

    3. Boydinho
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      He wouldn't have started at all if Lass Diarra would've been fit. Though.

    4. I Member
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      Matuidi and Pogba. Only two of the best centre mids in world football...

  21. Parm
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 2 days ago

    Can't wait to have Baines in most of my initial drafts. He's like a drug.

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

      I am liking Fuenes Mori

      1. Parm
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 2 days ago

        He's great with the baps and carries a bit of goal threat but his disciplinary record is a little concerning, no?

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

          Possibly. It's down to prices

          1. Parm
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            10 years, 2 days ago

            Baines 5.5 and i'm laughing.

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

              If Mori is 5.0 I would be tempted

    2. Jafooli
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      Really hope Azpil - Baines - Shaw - PVA - 4.0 comes in my def budget......

      1. Boydinho
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 2 days ago

        whats your def budget?

        1. Jafooli
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 2 days ago

          25m, think I might be over by 0.5-1.0....

          1. Boydinho
            • 11 Years
            10 years, 2 days ago

            Yes thinking 5.5-6 + 5.5 + 5.5 + 5 + 4

  22. Thomass
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 2 days ago

    Any Muslims on here....?? Don't worry it's nothing offensive

    1. Roger Hernandezz
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      I am muslim 🙂

    2. Roger Hernandezz
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      how come you are asking mate?

  23. d1sable
    • Has Moderation Rights
    10 years, 2 days ago

    Conte + Kante = clean sheets surely?

    1. Thomass
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      They have every chance of getting clean sheets regularly!

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 17 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      Another 0.5 added to Chelsea defence.

    3. Bøwstring The Carp
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      I would imagine so. Definitely interested in an OOP wing back if he plays 3-5-2

      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      Kante think otherwise.

    4. AriseSirGiggsy
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      Hard to pick out a nailed member tho, Azpi most but the threat of 352 could work against him

  24. 1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 2 days ago

    Love the new season ticket, one thing I do miss is being able to hover over fixtures and see the results of the fixture over the past 4 years and also the date of the fixture.

    1. 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      Ticker*

  25. Jebiga
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 2 days ago

    Anyone else think that 3 city players are must this season ?
    I think that city will easily win EPL with at least 15 points advance on the end of the season...

  26. Däzzy
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 days ago

    dazzy‏ @fpldazzy
    This stat may encourage FPL managers to include KDB in their gw1 squad
    Average mins per home goal/assist in PL 15/16:
    De Bruyne 64
    Aguero 73
    Vardy 93
    Mahrez 137
    Kane 168

    For more interesting statistics like this please follow me on Twitter @fpldazzy

  27. 1justlookin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 2 days ago

    does anyone have a link so that I can copy the full season ticker onto an excel spreadsheet?

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

    very tough call this

    a) watch a recorded film (Terminator Salvation, Now You See Me)
    b) watch a film on tv that I have on DVD but is just quality (Shawshank)

  29. halcyon
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 12 months ago

    will berahinho be a guaranteed starter for the first few gameweeks?