Selection

Fantasy Premier League – Player List Analysis – Budget Midfielders

After running the rule over goalkeepers as well as budget, mid price and premium defenders, we now scan the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) player list to assess budget midfielders.

This group of players is often kindly priced for a reason, whether it’s the risk of rotation or just their lowly FPL points output.

Nonetheless, a budget option who can offer consistent pitch time can be a key “enabler” – a player that can free up cash to spend big elsewhere, whilst filling in admirably from the bench when the auto-subs come into play.

As you edge up into the 5.5 bracket, there is even the potential for a budget option to blossom into a regular starter – a scenario we witnessed with none other than Riyad Mahrez in the last campaign.

There’s no question that Bournemouth stand out as a major source of budget midfield talent. Eddie Howe’s side were often plundered in 2015/16, as a cast of midfielders almost took it turns to come to the fore as cut-price options. This time around, their array of candidates remains strong, although FPL managers will hope that a stand-out performer emerges.

Josh King was the pick of the bunch last season with six goals and two assists from 24 starts, having been thrust into the Bournemouth attack for spells. A price hike from 4.5 to 5.5 reflects this strong form, although it’s uncertain if he’ll be given regular starts this time out, let alone the opportunity to spearhead the Cherries’ attack.

Junior Stanislas (5.5) presents another option in the Bournemouth midfield, although security of starts is again an issue. The winger topped their charts for goal attempts per appearance and scored on three occasions but faces fierce competition on the flanks.

Max Gradel is likely to be above Stanislas in the pecking order. Despite being sidelined through injury for much of the previous campaign, the tricky attacker averaged more shots in the box per appearance and also scored 17 goals while at Saint Etienne in 2014/15. If he can claim a number ten role behind the lone striker, he could represent outstanding value.

Having said that, new signing Jordan Ibe appears to be the strongest option from day one. While Ibe made just 12 starts for Liverpool last season, we can surely presume that Howe will hand his £15 million signing regular starts.

Ibe is currently the most popular Cherries midfielder (5.5%) and scored his first goal for the club in today’s friendly with Portsmouth. There are some caveats, though: he registered a shot on goal every 43.7 minutes for Liverpool last season, creating a chance for team-mates every 63 minutes. Both King and Stanislas bettered that shot frequency (36.3 and 34.2), while the latter also surpassed Ibe’s creativity, laying on a chance every 45.6 minutes.

Crystal Palace have often provided another rich source of value midfielders. Their class of 2016/17 is headlined by the erratic talent of winger Wilfried Zaha at 5.5.

Potentially, this could prove exceptional value. We’re certainly expecting Alan Pardew to preserve Zaha in his starting lineup – he was, after all, voted the Eagles player of the season.

However, that could see Yannick Bolasie (6.0) shifted to a number ten role, boosting his stock as an alternative. Meanwhile, the allure of Andros Townsend’s proven goal threat at 6.5 will also detract from Zaha’s promise as a budget option.

If you’re snubbing both Townsend and Bolasie, then Zaha offers a third viable route into the Palace attack ahead of a favourable opening set of matches. Pardew’s men host West Brom, Bournemouth and Stoke in their opening three Selhurst Park meetings.

According to our Fixture Ticker, it’s West Brom who are blessed with the kindest opening to the season in terms of goal potential.

Tony Pulis’ side are rarely associated with providing attacking returns, although for this campaign, a summer signing and a young starlet may offer renewed potential. Recent recruit Matt Phillips has been priced at 5.5 and arrives back in the top flight having already proved a direct goal threat and prolific creator during his spell with QPR.

Phillips averaged a shot on goal every 45.8 minutes in QPR’s relegation season. He also scored three times and assisted a further eight goals for the Hoops. Such statistics offer significant hope he can break the mold and offer a genuine value route into the West Brom midfield for the coming season.

On the opposite flank, Jonathan Leko (4.5) is bracing himself for a breakthrough season. The 18-year-old earned a handful of appearances at the end of last season but, so far, has been almost ever present in pre-season on the left wing.

Pulis looks set to invest his faith in the youngster and, if he does cement starts, there can be no question that he would provide an enticing 4.5 option.

To this point, both Leko and Phillips have claimed just 0.8% and 0.4% ownership respectively. Instead, FPL managers have flocked to Darren Fletcher as a 4.5 option in the Baggies engine room.

The Scot certainly seems assured of starts and claimed a goal and three assists last term. However, there can be no question that Pulis’ wing options provide far more explosive alternatives that could even see them emerge as starters in our XI.

Only N’Golo Kante (5.0) can better Fletcher for ownership amongst budget options to this point, having found his way into more than 21% of squads.

The Chelsea capture from champions Leicester will likely be a certain starter in Antonio Conte’s midfield but his popularity is still somewhat puzzling.

Kante notched just a single goal and four assists for Leicester in their title winning campaign and there is no obvious potential to increase those tallies at Stamford Bridge. Indeed, should Chelsea flourish under Conte, it’s likely that FPL managers will look to rid themselves of Kante in order to free up a Chelsea slot for a more profitable asset.

Ironically, Kante’s capture could have a bigger impact back at his old club Leicester.

The Foxes have a couple of low-cost midfield assets that may just kick-on this season, with Claudio Ranieri forced to re-model his starting XI.

We’re watching to see if Andy King (5.0) can earn regular starts for the champions. With two goals and two assists from just nine starts last season, King has demonstrated that he can reward investors if granted pitch time.

For those willing to stretch to the 5.5 bracket, Danny Drinkwater could also prove value for money. After starting 35 matches last season, his inflated price tag factors in that greater security of starts and the prospect of improving on 2015/16’s promising tally of three goals and seven assists. Drinkwater has so far claimed 8% ownership in pre-season.

That’s left last season budget darling, Marc Albrighton, trailing. The Leicester winger has so far earned just 2% ownership, thanks in the main to his inflated 5.5 price tag.

Albrighton does not convince us this season. Jeffrey Schlupp (a 5.0 defender) will push him for starts if he remains at the King Power, while Demarai Gray (5.0) could also be a threat as he continues to progress.

Tottenham’s Eric Dier (5.5) is another to attract high ownership. This is doubtless explained by the fact that he sits top of the pile for points in the sub 5.5 bracket, having notched 130 last season.

However, Dier was listed as defender for 2015/16 and was therefore boosted by 12 clean sheets. Having been re-classified, he’ll score a single point from shut-outs, rather than four, over this campaign.

Dier managed to emerge from England’s faltering Euro 16 campaign with some credit, revealing a prowess from direct free-kicks. No doubt his 14.2% ownership will be hoping that he can translate that set-piece threat to the Premier League but, with Christian Eriksen in the Spurs ranks, that seems highly doubtful.

Like Kante, the acquisition of Dier will use up one of three Spurs slots that may just become precious should Mauricio Pochettino’s men enjoy another fruitful campaign. The arrival of Victor Wanyama (5.0) could also be a factor as the Kenyan international could be used to rotate Dier around Champions League fixtures.

Across the road in North London, Arsenal’s £34 million signing Granit Xhaka (5.5) has also picked up some healthy interest: The Swiss midfielder is currently found in 6.5% of initial squads.

Like Dier, this level of popularity does not convince us.

Xhaka notched three goals and a single assist in 28 appearances for Borussia Monchengladbach last term – hardly statistics to justify such ownership. He averaged a shot every 71.8 minutes in 2015/16; that ranks him behind new team-mate Mohamed Elneny (5.0), who fired in an effort every 63.6 minutes over his 11 Arsenal appearances.

Sofiane Feghouli (5.5) has hit the ground running for West Ham in pre-season, already providing an assist in the friendly against the Carolina Railhawks early this month.

Over 5% have been tempted thus far, perhaps looking to the Algerian to cover the Hammers’ attack having decided against the 9.5 fee for Dimitri Payet.

Feghouli has never scored more than six goals in any league campaign and fired in an effort every 57.2 minutes for Valencia last season; that was slower than Payet, Manuel Lanzini (6.5) and Michail Antonio (7.0).

Assists may just prove more profitable for his owners, with Feghouli laying on a chance every 48.4 minutes in La Liga last term, quicker than all West Ham midfielders aside from the mercurial Payet.

The Hammers have strong early home fixtures and will surely be buoyed to perform at the Olympic Stadium. However, with plenty of competition for places in attacking positions and Europa League football in the mix, Feghouli’s league starts are far from guaranteed.

The Southampton ranks offer up three prime contenders in this bracket, although it’s worth stating that if you’re considering either Nathan Redmond (6.0), Jay Rodriguez (6.5) or Dusan Tadic (7.5) in the mid-price, you’ll likely to overlook them.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s price tag of just 4.5 has put many on immediate alert and has already drawn an ownership of 4.9%.

The 20-year-old Dane is undeniably a prospect: he is the youngest player to represent Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga. However, while his goal record is fairly strong in reserve team football, Hojbjerg has been far from prolific at a first team level.

The statistics bear this out – a shot every 57 minutes and a chance created every 182 minutes for Schalke 04 last season produced just one assist from 13 appearances. Hojbjerg has potential but will have to prove himself to Claude Puel, who will be in no hurry to thrust the young midfielder into the spotlight.

It’s also worth noting that, although he netted from the spot in today’s friendly win over PEC Zwolle, there were no first-team regulars on the pitch at the time of the award.

Spend a million more and you can take your pick of James Ward-Prowse or Steven Davis (both 5.5).

We’ve been monitoring Ward-Prowse for several campaigns, waiting for him to cement a starting role. This season could well prove to be a breakthrough, with the England U21 starlet looking to build on his 14 starts from 2015/16.

There’s no doubting his quality: Ward-Prowse’s dead-ball delivery is a potent weapon and he’s also listed high on the pecking order for spot-kicks – he may even be the designated taker when on the pitch.

Pitch-time isn’t an issue for Steven Davis and, while he lacks the obvious appeal, the shift to a number ten role in the latter stages of last season has raised awareness – particularly after a brace at White Hart Lane. Only Dusan Tadic (7.5) created more chances for Southampton last term.

It’s uncertain how Puel will deploy the Northern Ireland international but, if he choses to use his qualities behind a lone striker, we’ll certainly be monitoring Davis’ progress.

While we have some reservations on the Hojbjerg hype, we certainly recognise the growing case for Watford’s Etienne Capoue as a 4.5 enabler.

Although the defensive midfielder has only scored one Premier League goal in his career, he has now netted twice in summer friendlies – new manager Walter Mazzarri has granted him freedom to bomb forward from the heart of the Hornets’ new 3-5-2 system.

On last season’s form, Ben Watson (4.5) looks the pick of Watford’s budget midfielders after starting 31 times and emerging as their most successful supplier of crossed balls. His two goals, assist and tally of 89 FPL points last term further add to his appeal.

Unlike Capoue, Watson’s role appears to be uncertain under Mazzarri. He made his first start of the pre-season in today’s stalemate with Anzhi Makhachkala and will need monitoring over the remaining summer fixtures.

Budget options are normally littered amongst the promoted squads and, sure enough, there are candidates on offer for 2016/17.

Hull City will be considered relegation battlers in waiting as a result of Steve Bruce’s departure and a string of cruel pre-season injuries at the back.

In attacking quarters they at least have the talents of Robert Snodgrass (5.5), who scored four times and notched seven assists in an injury-ravaged promotion season for Hull that restricted him to 21 starts. The Scot’s ability to play on either flank adds to his appeal, as does his strong underlying statistics, having averaged a key pass every 30.1 minutes last season, more than any other team-mate. With set-pieces in his locker, Snodgrass may come into the reckoning once Hull get a foothold.

For the same price Mo Diame offers a significant goal threat from the centre of the park, having scored ten times and assisted a further four more goals. He averaged 30.5 minutes per goal in 2015/16, which was better than any other Hull midfielder.

Finally, Sam Clucas (5.0) started 39 times in Hull’s promotion season, where he accrued six goals and eight assists. However, with just two starts in Hull’s final eight fixtures, the former Chesterfield winger looks a risky proposition.

While Middlesbrough boast the top-flight experience of Stewart Downing (5.5), a tepid promotion campaign has us doubt his ability to make an impact this time around. Instead, we’re monitoring the pre-season progress of Viktor Fischer (5.5) who has so far attracted a 2.3% ownership.

As our Scout Report revealed, the former Ajax prospect notched eight goals and three assists from 28 appearances last season, registering a shot on goal every 29 minutes – only Jordan Rhodes (21.9) amongst Boro’s promotion squad bettered that.

With the fixtures falling very kindly for Aitor Karanka’s men, Fischer is certain to figure on our pre-season Watchlist.

Burnley’s cupboard was looking a little bare until recently.

While the romantic in us wants to look again at George Boyd (5.5) after he served us so well as 4.5 option in the Claret’s relegation season, we’re now more drawn to new signing Johann Berg Gudmundsson (5.5).

As we outlined in our recent Scout Report, Gudmundsson averaged a shot attempt every 36.1 minutes for Charlton last season, which was far better than Boyd (71.6). The Iceland international also held a significant edge in terms of assist potential, producing a key pass every 43.1 minutes, compared to Boyd’s 93.6 minutes.

Finally, we’re monitoring two more “breakout” options.

Chelsea’s Ruben Loftus-Cheek (5.5) has so far enjoyed an encouraging pre-season, pushed into a striking role by Antonio Conte.

While the return of Chelsea’s established stars from their extended break will likely oust the 20-year-old back onto the bench, we’ll be watching and waiting for Loftus-Cheek to make his mark.

Equally, with David Moyes now seizing the reigns at Sunderland, we have to track the progress of Duncan Watmore (5.0).

Classed as a midfielder this time around, his direct running can terrify defences and Moyes could hopefully turn to the local boy to win the affections of the home fans early on.

J0E Podcaster and writer. Tweets stats and stuff via @FFScout_Joe Follow them on Twitter

2,616 Comments Post a Comment
  1. bigbudgie
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Anyone going with both Martial and Mkhi ?

    I feel like Mkhi is a sesaon keeper, Martial is explosive.

    Ibra I think may start well but I see his minutes being managed. However he may be kept for the PL where as Rashford gets to play Europa. At 35 (soon) no matter what condition even Ibra is going to struggle over the christmas period for example to complete regular 90 minutes. Opinions on that, or is the favoured strategy of Kunbra teams that they are wC early and just hoping for points from United's good opening fixtures?

    As I write this I have almost convinced myself against my own point which is weird. How can I not have Ibra (sad face)

    1. Bøwstring The Carp
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      All of my United decisions are likely to be based on what I see in the Charity Shield; a chance for Jose to put out the 1st team and win a trophy. Should be a taste of what to expect in the league

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

        Yeap CS will be very interesting.

      2. Ludo
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Good shout

      3. bigbudgie
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Yeah this...that charity shield is a blessing. You expect Jose to put out his best team. But it's basically Ibra Martial Rooney Mkhi with Rashford Young Mata Lingaard Depay as back ups. I'm mostly looking at who starts in defence.

    2. money face bandwagon
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      last 3 seasons utd not scoring a lot. Even with ibra mhki and a new manager i dont think they will start scoring 4 every game lol.

    3. ekul the lokonga enthusiast
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      mkhi and payet are fighting for that 3rd premium mid spots for me right now.

      Currently on

      KDB Hazard Mkhi. not sure how im going to fit in payet and ozil atm 🙁

    4. FPL Blow-In
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      I'm going with Shaw, Mkhitaryan and Ibra to start with I think.

    5. Esraj
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Rooney at 9 offers better value than ibra at 11.5. You can buy three premium defenders with that extra 2.5.

      1. bigbudgie
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Rooney playing in the no 10 role is very interesting I must admit.

  2. The Mighty Whites
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Thoughts -

    Courtois - Jakupovic

    Shaw - Evans - Friend - Souare - Kone

    KDB - Mkhitaryan - Ayew - Townsend - Capoue

    Aguero - Lukaku - Long

  3. H-SF
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Midfielder for 7.5m or less??

    1. Big Sum
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Tadic, Barkley, Siggy, Ayew

    2. The Mighty Whites
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Ayew, Tadic, Townsend, Bolasie

    3. Esraj
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Ayew, Siggy, Arnautovic

    4. ekul the lokonga enthusiast
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      arnOUTOFIT

    5. bigbudgie
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      It's a good price bracket with lots of choice, Barkley, Fab, Willian, Ayew, Tadic

    6. papabouba
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Loads!

  4. Twelve years a slave
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Who will be the first Man U player to be kung Fued by Ibra?
    Martial already peeved off after losing 9 shirt, and who can blame him

    1. Norman Conquest
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      jones

    2. Bøwstring The Carp
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Rooney: been the authority/ captain figure there for so long that I think he'll be offended by any challenge to that

      Either him or Fellaini 😆

      1. Norman Conquest
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        cant see it being fellaini for fear of losing a boot in his hair

    3. Dokdok666
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      I am yet to see a source on the Martial rumour, any source on it?

  5. Are the best those that have had a rest?
    Ludo
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Anyone else targeting players who've had the summer off? Without the Euros or Copa America, they should be fresh for the start of the season. Currently, Aguero is my only player that went to an international tournament this summer. Here's a few that spring to mind:

    Mahrez, Mkhitaryan, Mane, Firmino, Eriksen, Yaya, Walcott, Cazorla, Mata, Tadic, Ayew, Mirallas, Townsend, Bolasie, Redmond, Bojan, Gradel, Fischer, Feghouli.

    Costa, Ighalo, Deeney, Defoe, Austin, Gray, Wilson, Negredo, Berahino, Rondon, Carroll.

    1. Bøwstring The Carp
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Worth noting Aguero and Martial have played very few minutes over the summer too

      My front 7 so far: [Martial or Mkhi], Mahrez, Tadic, Willian, Aguero, Lukaku, [6.5m]

      Lukaku playing with a team that has no Europe, should be a nice breather for him when the fixtures get heavy

      1. Ludo
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Yeah that's also true.

        Lukaku should be a great pick over the course of the season at his price, but I can't see myself overlooking Costa for the first few currently - fancy him to come back fit and hungry, and start with a bang.

      2. d1sable
        • Has Moderation Rights
        7 years, 9 months ago

        The Martial thing i kind of agree on but kind of dont at the same time. He still was in a mentally pressured situation still had to train every day etc so i think he will also be jaded somewhat.

        Being 20 years old though is in his favour i would of thought.

    2. d1sable
      • Has Moderation Rights
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Yep i am also heading in that direction

      Only Aguero in my team that played during the Summer.

      Oh and Cech actually but not sure Keepers are an issue in that regard.

      1. Ludo
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Not sure if it makes a difference to defenders, either, but you could say the likes of Ivanovic, Terry, Shaw and Baines have a better chance of starting and picking up attacking returns when at full fitness. Ivanovic's famous GW1 prowess could be put down to his conditioning, for example.

        1. Kun, Ayew Nigerian?
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 9 months ago

          Ivanovic is injured http://bit.ly/2a5S1xA

          1. ihateramsey2
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 9 months ago

            does this mean Babe starts?

      2. Dokdok666
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Kun more or less didn't play

    3. andy85wsm
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Not sure I'm specifically targetting those players but it is something to take into account. How far they got in the respective tournaments probably needs to be mentioned too.

      Martial went all the way to the final but barely played - did have to train over the summer though.

    4. Dušan Citizen
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Rondon was on Copa America

    5. FPL Notebook (John)
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      I think it needs to be a combination of how much they played in the summer, and how many games they'll have this season (Europe)

  6. Big Fella
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    A) KDB + Ibrahimovich
    B) Aguero + Martial/ Mkhi
    No other cover for MC or MU

    1. bigbudgie
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Aguero and Mkhi

    2. Garvanko
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Aguero has to be in your team regardless

      1. Big Fella
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Ok, so i suppose you all prefer option with Aguero, but which UTD mid would be better as a FPL prospect?
        Martial closer to goal, but i think Mkhi is more all around footballer who besides goal could get a bunch of assists

  7. Drip Doctor
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Gots ta be Aguero Ibra Austin.

  8. H-SF
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Is Rhodes nailed on?

    1. Ludo
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      No, Negredo looks favourite to start up front now.

      1. FPL Blow-In
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        I'm still not sure if Rhodes is just going to be pushed aside though. Any chance they would play with both up top in a 442?

        1. Ludo
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 9 months ago

          Expect rotation if anything. Karanka is a 4-2-3-1 man. I'd say that either Negredo will be an option, or neither Negredo nor Rhodes will be.

  9. BB-8
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    A. Mkhi, Mahrez, Long
    B. Tadic, Mirallas, Ibra

    1. H-SF
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      A

    2. The Mighty Whites
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      A

    3. Garvanko
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      B

    4. Esraj
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      A

  10. Garvanko
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Please RMT

    Courtois
    Bellerin Shaw Pieters
    Fabregas Tadic Ayew Barkley
    Aguero Sturridge Deeney

    Subs: Jakupovic Cresswell Fletcher Paredes

    1. Sylas
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Downgrade your defence (Ars and Wham don't have favorable fixtures) and upgrade a midfielder (Barkley+1) or two. Stay away from Liverpool, until further notice. That's just me and I could be wrong.

      1. Garvanko
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Thanks

  11. Blurryface
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    All comes down to this

    Hazard or Mahrez

    Mahrez would mean no che attacker in my team

    1. Esraj
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Try to have both.

    2. FPL Blow-In
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Yep I had to make that decision too and I went with Mahrez. Che having WHM in the first game is a saving grace as I believe it will be very tight and cagey. If they do hit the ground running then it could be an early hit taken.

      1. Blurryface
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        I fear that too. Costa plus mah can be a solution with mirallas in place of townsend

  12. H-SF
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Who would be the ideal striker at 6.5m or under

    1. Esraj
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Austin, Gray or Wilson

      1. Rockstar17
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Rondon for me. Got some nice opening fixtures

        1. DeathoftheParty
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 9 months ago

          Is Berahino gunna come back to light this year after Pulis has had a summer of putting his arm round him? I agree with a West Brom Striker for the first 3/4 weeks... but which one?

    2. Sauzée
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Berahino at Stoke/CPL

  13. You've got red on you.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    A quick rate of my latest draft please:

    Valdes - Jakupovic

    Azpilicueta - Shaw - Souare - Friend - Mee (3 way 4.5 rotation)

    Payet - Mkhitaryan - Ramsey (if fit) - Townsend - Hojbjerg

    Aguero - Lukaku - Rhodes

    1. H-SF
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Very nice team only thing to consider is the amount of game time Rhodes will get

  14. Ëð
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Any thoughts on my first draft?

    Foster, Heaton
    Shaw, Morgan, Pieters Friend, Paredes
    Mkh, Firmino, Tadic, Townsend, Capoue
    Aguero, Ibra, Negredo

    Thanks 🙂

    1. Olivier Bernards watch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Quite like it, but parades is a dead loss. Having a useless bench fodder defender that loses value always tends to cost you in the long run,

  15. StalkingDwarf
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    What's everyone's feelings on planning wildcards? Do you feel like you get more out of it when you use it as needed or when you prepare and plan for it?

    1. Rhinos
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Always plan, always rage press it gw2 😆

    2. willl
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Using for GW8

    3. Mr. Blonde
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      I think they're most effective if played in the first few GWs. Get on those early bandwagons, get rid of bad picks, and watch your TV soar

  16. Rhinos
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Courtois
    Dann Coleman Shaw Friend
    Alli Hazard Ayew Bolasie
    Aguero Rooney
    Jak Carroll Leko Meet

    Done tinkering, for now

  17. alfast1c
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Courtois = Jakupovic
    Toby - Baily/Shaw - Pieters - Souare = Paredes
    Miki - Fabs - Willian - Ozil = Fletcher/Capoue
    Aguero - Lukaku = Nugent
    itb-0.0

    What u think lads of this team? Any place for improvement? Maybe downgrade Toby > Sagna and use that 1.0m on Nugent?

    1. Olivier Bernards watch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Some interesting simultaneous equations going on there. I especially like Aguerro - Lukaku = Nugent. Looks plausible.

      1. alfast1c
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        I got burned last season with 3 attackers and only 3 mid. That is way iam going with 2 att this time? Any thing that u would swap ?

  18. Steevo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    A) Foster, Bellerin
    B) Cech, Fuchs

    1. StalkingDwarf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      A

    2. Sauzée
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      A

  19. Oooof
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Anyone see Mahrez's goal against Celtic

    Two defenders on him then BOOM, he cuts inside, then BOOM goal pie all over the goalkeeper's face.

    1. Rockstar17
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Was at the game mate. He's dynamite.

    2. Sauzée
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      STRIKER!

  20. Alan Hansen's Emu
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    I appreciate it is the direction the modern game is going in - but when I hear interviews like this I always worry there is a disconnect between manager and those who sign players.

    He only speaks to the chairman once a week RE signings. Swansea have no strikers!

    http://bbc.in/2a3yxX5

  21. jayzico
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Wow. For same cash you can do:

    Erikson + Redmond
    or
    Tadic + Lamela

    Surely the former?

    1. Oooof
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Former.

      1. jayzico
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Cheers Cheesus. Well, that's my team sorted. Back to Netflix 🙂

        1. Oooof
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 9 months ago

          Ha ha

    2. papabouba
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      I've got Eriksen sand Tadic both

  22. H-SF
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    A) Lukaku, Batshuayi, Giroud or Rooney
    B) Negredo, Gray, Long or Wickham

    One of each.

    1. Oooof
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Lukaku and Gray

    2. Jafalad
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Luk, Neg

  23. Esraj
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Who might be this year's michu/yaya/ramsey/mahrez?

    1. Jafalad
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Miki would be my hunch.

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

        ? he's already premium priced

  24. Jafalad
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Which of those budget milfs make the most appeal in the article above?

    Can't get excited about any of them. Currently using Holjberg as a 4.5 enabler. Ibe could be a shout but poor stats.

  25. Piggs Boson
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    1. Quique Flores was sacked because of the boring style of football, therefore we should expect them to be more attacking.
    2. Ighalo scored 16 goals, 6 assists and 175pts. This is good value returns for 7.5

    If you agree with the first two clauses, then you must agree on this:
    C. We should expect Ighalo to improve on last season's tally, making him amazing value.

    .
    Despite the fixtures, he is a player who is tempting to start with. He'll be in my team at some stage this season regardless, but he is capable of scoring in those fixtures imo. I think Watford were right to reject the £37.5m Shanghai bid. Anyone else rate him highly?

    1. Olivier Bernards watch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      I don't think the inference from A and B to C is valid. In particular, you make no allowance for the fact that his form declined dramatically towards the end of the season, and the fact that just because Watford might intend to play more attacking football, that is not necessarily an indication that Ighalo will score more goals. Indeed, a lot of his goals came on the counter attack, and he profited a lot from the space that opposition defences left behind them when they pushed up to attack a very defensive Watford side. If Watford play a more aggressive style, that space will be more limited. Still, I take your point that there is a reasonable possibility that he will prove to be excellent value.

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

        Fair points!

    2. aehii
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      I had him in, but have gone with Austin for extra 1m. No guarantee the new manager will be more attacking, people are saying the same of Mourinho. I never considered Watford boring. Pelle gone, long not prolific, Rodriguez to come back, but Austin is way overlooked. No striker at that price can match his 18 goals for qpr.

    3. d1sable
      • Has Moderation Rights
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Yes.

      Only worry aside from fixtures early on is his dramatic tail off of form in the later part of the season.

      I think the moment the fixtures get better and he bangs in one / looks fresh then he looks a great option as you say.

    4. Esraj
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Yep. 16 goals for 7.5 is tremendous value. So is Deeney at 7. Would probably consider after GW 5.

    5. Jay Jay Okocha
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Alternatively,

      A) Watford made a huge mistake in sacking a manager who overachieved with inferior talent. Accordingly, Watford appear to be relegation fodder this season.

      B) Ighalo massively over performed his expected goals last season and we should expect some regression to the mean this season.

  26. Ando
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Hey guys, I've just made my first draft and have decided that I'll be playing a 3-5-2 (but 4-4-2 for GW1).

    Forster / (Jakupovic)

    Azpi / Shaw / Williams / Souare / (Wilson)

    Mahrez / Micky / Ayew / Bojan

    Aguero / Vardy / (Stuani)

    Any feedback is appreciated! 🙂

    1. Ando
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Sorry guys just realised there's an RMT thread.

  27. GS456
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Half 1 this morning, I think ive nailed it.

    Heaton/Foster

    Azpi, Stones, Shaw, Soaure, Freind

    KDB, Mahrez, Redmond, Townsend, Watson

    Lukaku, Aguero, Negredo

    Annoyed to not have Bellerin, vardy and Kane but quite happy with it.

  28. Azathoth
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Deeney as 3rd striker is a good choice?

    1. d1sable
      • Has Moderation Rights
      7 years, 9 months ago

      I would say its a safe choice. Will play every game and has pens so will get a decent return.

    2. Esraj
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Very much. Fixtures are tough though for the first 5 matches.

  29. new article
  30. The Legend Squad
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    I have two drafts... I must be going crazy as i'm questioning if Aguero is really necessary...

    1)
    Foster Jaku
    Fernandez Souare Friend Bellerin Van Dijk
    KDB Mkhi Fabregas Delefou Watson
    Costa Ibra Gray

    2)

    Foster Jaku
    Fernandez Souare Friend Shaw Pieters
    Mkhi Fabregas Silva Delefou Hojbjerg
    Aguero Ibrah Long

    Which one?