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20 July 2016 1728 comments
Paul Paul
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We continue our series of members’ articles, which review the numbers behind the 2015/16 season, with a look at Stoke City.

To get up and running, we delve into the Potters’ data and compare them to the rest of the Premier League, before assessing their first-team squad, main goal threats and creative sources as we look for some pointers ahead of the upcoming 2016/17 campaign.

Despite finding the net on 41 occasions, Mark Hughes’ side still finished in ninth position for the second successive season. Although they mustered just three points less than 2014/15 – picking up 51 points – it’s fair to say that the Potters’ threat in the final third took a turn for the worse in a season that saw just nine of their players find the net.

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

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  1. Syphras
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 12 months ago

    Mahrez or Mkhitaryan?

    1. Henryyy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      Mk

    2. Gooner97
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      Martial

  2. Parm
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 12 months ago

    2015/16 defenders baseline baps, a good indicator as to when to pay up for a defender compared to his teammates: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/19mzLcazDA_vMWWgW7UQYSmJeTxZoGptLK9uyUwxAfQk/edit#gid=0

    1. Parm
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      Might be able to update this for Chris Brunt's reclassification, also.

      1. Ziegler1988
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 12 months ago

        Hulk this Jafooli

    2. Jay_
      9 years, 12 months ago

      Nice one

    3. Costa's Counsellor
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      This is good

    4. Bedknobs and Boomsticks
      • 17 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      Oh yeah! 🙂

  3. Advice Mallard
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 12 months ago

    If you claim to be 'all that' you might want to back it up with past performances and you had better make sure you finish at least in the top 1k this season,

    Otherwise everyone will laugh at you, a lot. And rightly so, because you'll look like a complete and utter idiot.

    1. Elniñorules
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      Over to you, Mr Maverick.

      1. MrMaverick
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 12 months ago

        With pleasure, elninorules

    2. Clump
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      Top reply fail Duck! 🙂

    3. Parm
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      Thanks Optimus.

    4. MrMaverick
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      Top 100* autocorrect really is annoying...

      One would presume that your time would be better spent seeking mental help for your demented affection for ducks than worry about the inevitable - an astounding rank for monsieur mavericko. Au revoir

      1. Advice Mallard
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 12 months ago

        I'm a duck, I'm meant to have affection for other ducks.

        Poor response, I expected better even from you.

        1. le flem
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 12 months ago

          must be smoking quack

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

          How can a grown "man" punch such words into a keyboard willingly? Astounding.

          1. Advice Mallard
            • 13 Years
            9 years, 12 months ago

            How can even a little boy like you get involved in an argument with a duck? 😆

  4. Jafooli
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 12 months ago

    Casuals gonna blast us out the water on day one.

    They'll all load up on Mahrez & Vardy, but too expensive for us skilled practitioners.

    Leicester gonna hump Hull, hauls for both, sky rocket in price and we'll all be screwed 😀

    1. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      I might draft Mahrez in for Firmino

    2. Boris Bodega
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      Without Kante I think Leicester will struggle this season.

      1. Piggs Boson
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 12 months ago

        They played well without him whilst he was out last season. King and Drinkwater were fantastic.

  5. I Member
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 12 months ago

    Bottomed:

    What's everyone's thoughts on De Bruyne now? He was one of the first players in my team but now I feel the opposite. Hasn't gone on City's pre-season tour and they have CL qualifiers early in the season. No one else worried about rotation and his minutes early on?

    1. Jazz!
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      First name on my sheet after Kun and not worried. If he gets 0 preseason minutes, then I'll consider taking him out.

      1. thepeen555
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 12 months ago

        you like the prospects of the new spurs striker then?

        1. Jazz!
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 12 months ago

          Not yet as an FPL option ...

    2. The Saints of Footballing B…
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      He's a livewire, a player worth taking
      But with him, kun and nolito, one can't be sure of consistent returns, as goals might be distributed
      Also i am a part of the minority which thinks pep to manC won't be extremely successful immideately

    3. Scratch
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      Pep did an awful lot of rotation at Bayern, even the likes of Lewandowski, Muller and Robben so I could see City being an FPL nightmare this season

      1. The Saints of Footballing B…
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 12 months ago

        Maybe... Sterling navas and nasri still on the cards

        1. Scratch
          • 16 Years
          9 years, 12 months ago

          Iheanacho is the one on my watchlist, think he could end up being an absolute steal

    4. Bedknobs and Boomsticks
      • 17 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      4th most expensive player in the game, and yet with Kun in the team you'll never captain him. Streaky too based on last season.

  6. Team Zissou
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 12 months ago

    No love for Rooney on here?

    1. Parm
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      Plenty of love from my end.

    2. thepeen555
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      got the love just not in my team, until i see where he is likely to play

  7. Jonjo Shall_We? (Flowers - …
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 12 months ago

    First Draft (Not convinced) help appreciated
    Butland
    Shaw Dawson Williams
    MickyT Haz Barkley Ayew
    Kun Berahino Long/Austin
    Jap Friend Mori JoshKing

  8. davies
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 12 months ago

    A) Fuchs
    B) Morgan + .5

    1. Jazz!
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      A

    2. Gooner97
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      A

    3. I Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      Depends on what you would do with the 0.5

      1. davies
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 12 months ago

        Nothing at this stage

        1. I Member
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 12 months ago

          Fuchs then

  9. The Saints of Footballing B…
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 12 months ago

    Guys any idea how much data is required to strwam a match?
    Frustrating though it is, no telecasters for bayern vs man city in india

    1. reason17
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      I can't help there but be prepared to use a large amount of data and a lot of battery life

  10. Jazz!
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 12 months ago

    Really want Sadio Mané in my team but can't get him in 🙁

    1. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      I have had Firmino in every draft but I think it may be time to let go and get Rihyad

      Hull are in dire straights

    2. Parm
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      Blessing in disguise.

    3. Licky
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      Personally I'd only consider starting Firmino or Sturridge, and that's either or, not both. It's a wait and see.

    4. JAC THE CAT
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      He's still in mine.

      1. Jazz!
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 12 months ago

        I have a really really good feeling about him this season. Seems like FPL do too looking at his price 🙁

        1. JAC THE CAT
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 12 months ago

          He's quality and should only improve in a Liverpool team.

          Players saying how good Payet was, Mane only scored 11 points less last season.

  11. scoreonemore
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 12 months ago

    2nd draft:
    Valdes
    Stones - Cedric - shaw
    KDB - hazard - mkhi - feghoulli
    Aguero - long - benteke

    Bench - foster, hojbjerg, friend, parades

    If benteke doesn't move - best replacement?
    Is hazard work the extra than fab?

  12. Jay_
    9 years, 12 months ago

    -------------------Adrian------------------
    Antonio Nordveit Burke Cresswell
    ---------------Kouyate Noble------------
    Feghouli--------Quina-------------Tore
    -------------------Valencia-----------------

    West Ham line up v Rubin Kazan

    The 2 CB's out for Reid and Ogbonna and Quina for Payet is how we will line up gw1 Maybe Carroll if fit or new striker for Valencia.

    1. The Sarjeant
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      Who's more nailed on between Reid and Ogbonna?

      1. Jazz!
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 12 months ago

        Both 100% nailed but Reid.

        1. The Sarjeant
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 12 months ago

          Cheers, Jazz!

      2. Jay_
        9 years, 12 months ago

        Both equally nailed but post Europa games could see Burke or Nordveit coming in for either

        1. Jazz!
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 12 months ago

          Collins, no?

          1. Jay_
            9 years, 12 months ago

            I think Burke ahead of Collins, that's why Tomkins has been sold. Maybe 50/50 with Nord and Collins

    2. davies
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      Think I'll punt on Feghouli as my 4th mid

    3. Dušan Citizen
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      Who is more nailed on? Feghouli or Tore? Lanzini is a threat for them alongside Payet.

      1. Jazz!
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 12 months ago

        Feghouli I reckon.

      2. Jay_
        9 years, 12 months ago

        I'd say Feghouli, Lanzini to come in for Tore when back and Payet switches to left

        1. Dušan Citizen
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 12 months ago

          Ty.

    4. Polaris - The Mortal Coil
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      Confirmed by Bilić or not? I still think the GW1 midfield will be:

      Noble *Nordtveit Kouyaté
      .......Payet Feghouli

      A system which will be deployed a fair bit, imo. Nordtveit is the only true DM there and I can see Bilić potentially adopting similar tactics to what he witnessed Joachim Löw use against Conte's team at the Euros.

      I know 4-2-3-1 is the preferred WHam system but I see 3 in midfield being used in certain tougher games.

  13. kuriko
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 12 months ago

    A) De Bruyne & Sigurdsson
    B) Hazard & Coutinho

    1. thepeen555
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      B due to the possible MCFC roation, hazard needs a good season after the main part of last year, countinho is cheaper than other liverpool mids but if he does hit form just as good

      1. kuriko
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 12 months ago

        Thanks!

    2. I Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      C) Haz & Sig

  14. SaidTheOne
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 12 months ago

    Thoughts on negredo to M'boro??

    1. Gooner97
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      We'll see

    2. reason17
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      brilliant signing for them, for us there is no guarantee of a large goal haul. Furthermore, there may be rotation with Rhodes.

    3. Bedknobs and Boomsticks
      • 17 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      Seemed like a good idea until I looked into it:
      http://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/alvaro-negredo/leistungsdaten/spieler/18644/plus/0?saison=2015

      5 goals and 2 assists in La Liga last season ain't great, and he's no spring chicken.

  15. reason17
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 12 months ago

    Why is stones being picked so much more in drafts? Does Koeman really make them that much better defensively?

    I'm not particularly convinced by his Southampton defence. It was good but average for southampton.

  16. Gooner97
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 12 months ago

    Any interesting friendlies today?

    1. AlexFF
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      City vs Bayern 7:30 BT Sport. (I think)

      1. Gooner97
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 12 months ago

        Ta

  17. Jafooli
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 12 months ago

    Who's your 5th mid? There really is no-one even half decent around 4.5-5.0m?

    1. Jazz!
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      Feghouli 5.5 atm but 3-5-2 here

    2. Big Sum
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      Fletcher. Boring

      1. Jafooli
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 12 months ago

        That's who I'm on atm.

        *vomits everywhere, lots of it*

    3. davies
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      Hojberg but really no idea at this stage. Likely to be him or Capoue.

      1. Jafooli
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 12 months ago

        Yeah keeping an eye on this Hojoberg fella for sure....

        1. Piggs Boson
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 12 months ago

          What if we want 3 Saints in the future though... there are potential bargains there.

          1. Jafooli
            • 14 Years
            9 years, 12 months ago

            True and agreed.....JRod, Redmond, Davis could all be 3rd/4th mids potentially

    4. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      Capoue

      1. Jafooli
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 12 months ago

        Yeah he could be the one.....

    5. Ask Yourself
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      Looking at gray from Leicester as an option to monitor in pre season (5m)

    6. Piggs Boson
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      Ben Watson.

      Crap choices tbh.

    7. AlexFF
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      The most popular ones I've seen are Feghouli, Hojberg or Fischer.

    8. Boris Bodega
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      Elmohamady atm but not properly looked yet, just wanted someone cheap in there.

    9. Bedknobs and Boomsticks
      • 17 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      Khirchof
      Kihrcof?
      Khirchov?

      Him anyway.

      1. JK - Cønt ⭐
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 12 months ago

        bought on this recommendation

      2. Jafooli
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 12 months ago

        Interesting, cheers Todd.

    10. Jafooli
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      Many thanks all, useful replies.....

    11. WE GO FOR IT
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      Leko.

  18. Gooner97
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 12 months ago

    West Brom have yet to respond to a bid from Stoke of £20m for striker Saido Berahino, according to Sky sources.

    Mark Hughes told Sky Sports News HQ yesterday that Stoke have already seen several bids for him rejected.

    Stoke are prepared to pay £17m up front, with a further £3m in add ons, but it's emerged West Brom are not prepared to let him leave without first lining up a replacement.

    In turn, we understand Albion are interested in West Ham striker Diafra Sakho, but again, the Hammers are reluctant to negotiate without signing a new striker of their own.

    Berahino, who is in the final year of his existing contract, was last month offered an improved deal at The Hawthorns, but Sky sources say he has turned that offer down.

    1. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      so basically West Ham are the key

    2. Scratch
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      £20m?? take the money and run

      Also, WBA haven't signed anyone in this window have they

      1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 12 months ago

        phillips

        1. Piggs Boson
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 12 months ago

          Terrific signing.

    3. davies
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      Please go to Stoke

  19. allthewine
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 12 months ago

    Here is my first draft

    Foster Mandana

    Naughton Tarkowski Stones Robertson Bailly

    Townsend De Roon Siggy Coutinho KDB

    Hernandez Aguero Ibra

    I am thinking about taking out Kun.

    Thoughts would be most appreciated

  20. Oooof
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 12 months ago

    Any comments welcome:

    Adrian / Heaton

    Azpi / Shaw / Monreal / Lovren / Paredes

    Hazard / Siggy / Redmond / Khazri / Fischer

    Aguero / Bats / Gray

  21. JK - Cønt ⭐
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 12 months ago

    if the season started tomorrow this would be the Hull team

    Jaku
    Elmo, Davies, Maguire, Robertson
    Clucas, Meyler
    Snodgrass. Diame. Maloney
    Hernandez

    absolute garbage

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      but it won't and we have 3 weeks until players recover from injuries and they bring players in

      1. JK - Cønt ⭐
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 12 months ago

        Thud and Livermore are on;y out 2 weeks, but it's a massive disruption to their pre season

        they need a keeper, a CB a RB at the very least

  22. Jazz!
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 12 months ago

    Do we know any £4.5m - £5.0m forwards who are first choice?

    1. Gooner97
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      Not going with 343? 😀

      1. Jazz!
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 12 months ago

        Nope, so many good midfielder options and few good striker options imo.

  23. Jafooli
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 12 months ago

    Is Noble (5.5m) a possible 4th mid? On penos and seem to be scoring well end of last season?

    1. Jazz!
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      Prefer Feghouli. Attacking mid.

    2. davies
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      He's 6.5 and relies on pens too much imo. Prefer Feghouli for 1.0 cheaper

      1. Jafooli
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 12 months ago

        He's 6.5m 😮 screw that...no chance.....

  24. Nabs Kebabs
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 12 months ago

    I have decided Firmino is too much of a steal to pass on @8.5m even with his opening 3 fixtures being away. Set n forget.

    1. Licky
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      I've gone for Eriksen to begin with but plan to get him in at some point, really not sure on how best to work this.

      1. Nabs Kebabs
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 12 months ago

        I rate Eriksen both as a player and fpl wise but in terms of fpl Firmino is surely superior due to that goal threat of his. I don't even mind the fixtures for Livp attack anway, they'll probably score in all 3 of those away games and no doubt Firmino will be involved.

  25. reason17
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 12 months ago

    Best goalkeeper pair? Any price.

    Thank you 🙂

    1. Jafooli
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      Slowly cementing Foster & Valdes in my team.....

      1. Jafooli
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 12 months ago

        Oh any price?

        DDG & Lloris

      2. Jazz!
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 12 months ago

        Both have great opening fixtures, headache there ...

    2. Kings of Lyon ★
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      DDG and Cech

      • 12 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      Any price?

      De Gea and Hart rotate perfectly.

  26. Sanchez.98
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 12 months ago

    Thoughts?

    Courtois,Jakupovic

    Jones/Simpson/Moreno/Wollschied/Paredes

    Firmino/Arnautovic/Fabregas/Mahrez/Fletcher

    Costa/Kane/Giroud

    1. Oooof
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      Not enough big hitters for me.

      Did Firmino and Arnautovic pick up most of their points filling in up front due to injuries?

    2. Gooner97
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      Giroud to Lukaku

  27. Bøwstring The Carp
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 12 months ago

    Liverpool fans

    Run me through the 3 attacking mids behind the striker

    Mane LW? Who goes into the hole - really interested in that place (no pun intended)

    1. Jazz!
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      Coutinho Firmino Mané
      Sturridge

      Coutinho on the left, Mané on the right. Firmino in the hole.

    2. davies
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      Mane right, Coutinho left, Firmino central...

      ... Surely?

      1. Licky
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 12 months ago

        I would guess at this. Mainly Mané right and Coutinho left. Klopp used a 4-4-2 a lot last season with Firmino playing off the striker.

    3. Oooof
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      Coutinho played more games on the left of the 4-2-3-1.

      I'd expect Mane to play right with Firmino down the middle behind Sturridge.

      I might try and watch tonight's preseason game.

      Grujic, the kid they bought from Red Star looks good.

  28. Dušan Citizen
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 12 months ago

    This is nice:

    Weekly Prizes
    Manager of the Week

    Copy of FIFA17
    Nike Ordem 4 match ball
    FPL rucksack
    FPL mug
    Top 20 Managers each week (incl Manager of the Week) will receive:

    FPL T-shirt, stress ball, pen, pad and key ring

    1. Dušan Citizen
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      What would happen if your other account get reward and they find out it's not you real one? 😆

    2. Jazz!
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      TC Kun first week, going for it! 😉

      1. Dušan Citizen
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 12 months ago

        😀

  29. JK - Cønt ⭐
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 12 months ago

    I have a 6.5 mid and a 7.5 mid in my team, both are punts but I like the flexibilty of having those 2 spots

    If there's a 5.5 bargain like Fischer or Feghouli it's an easy downgrade and it opens up the 8.5 area which brings the likes of Eriksen into play, or the likes of fab, Mata, Theo, Barkley or the Everton mids

  30. AlexFF
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 12 months ago

    I'm not sure how you lot went about it, but last season I only played 5 at the back I think once in 38 games. I presume I'll follow the same idea going into this season, therefore would it not be a sensible choice to get 4 decent/good defenders, and 1 cheap defender to sit on my bench all season, in the hope that another Targett will arise allowing me a straight swap. Sensible, right?

    1. Oooof
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      Yep - Paredes could be that man for you.