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24 July 2016 2733 comments
Paul Paul
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Up next in our series of members’ articles, which review the numbers behind the 2015/16 season, are Tottenham.

We kick start our analysis by assessing the north London outfit’s team statistics in Mauricio Pochettino’s second season in charge and compare them to the rest of the Premier League. After that, we then take a close look at their first-team squad, main goal threats and creative sources with one eye on the season kick-off in just three weeks’ time.

Pochettino’s side finished third last time around, 11 points behind champions Leicester and one point behind north London rivals Arsenal.

That fails to tell the full story, though, as Spurs were still in with a chance of winning the title right up until their Gameweek 36 trip to Chelsea, where a 2-2 draw at the Bridge, which saw the visitors pick up nine yellow cards, handed the crown to Claudio Ranieri’s men.

Subsequent losses to Southampton and relegated Newcastle – a 5-1 hammering at St James’ – meant their season ended in bitter disappointment, with the Gunners climbing above them to clinch the runners-up slot on the final day of 2015/16.

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

  1. Zweeps
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Hi all, appreciate input on my draft:

    Heaton, Foster
    Shaw, Terry, Souare, Friend, Evans
    Feghouli, KDB, Siggy, Tadic, Hojbjerg
    Kun, Ibra, Gray

    Thanks

    1. thorvaldsson
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Doubling up on Saints? So early?

  2. the cromulent one
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    I don't really get the Hazard love. Yes he had a few good games at the Euros, but he had a full, horrible season in the PL. Given the choice Hazard under Conte, or KdB under Guardiola, it's KdB all day.

    1. Nabs Kebabs
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Hazard was finding form at the endof last season aswell. A lot of us finished the season with him in our fpl teams. I see no reason why he won't be near his best this season.

      1. the cromulent one
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        I'd have to see it before jumping on that bandwagon. I don't really see why Conte will get any different results out of him than Mourinho did at the end.

  3. indiangunner
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    is townsend nailed?

    here's my team

    schmeichel (jakupovic)

    koscielny- mcauley-shaw (van aanholt)

    townsend-alli-payet-siggy (fletcher)

    aguero- negredo-vardy

    1. Totally !rre!evant
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      With the price they paid it is very likely he is nailed

  4. the dom 1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Gray or Carroll???

    I leaning toward Gray but Andy has got a great header in the box!

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Gray

      1. the dom 1
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Thats what I thought too!

  5. Nice to Finally Michu
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    XXX (Jakupovic)
    XXX Pieters Evans (Souare Kingsley)
    Hazard Mkhitaryan XXX Gradel (Hojbjerg)
    Aguero Ibrahimovic Long

    A) Courtois Shaw Lamela
    B) Foster Stones Eriksen
    C) Other

  6. the dom 1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Williams or Morgan for 5.0 budget?

    At present on Williams but gut is swaying me to Morgan?

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

      Morgan imo

  7. SpaceCadet
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Best 6.5m forward?

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

      Gray

    2. the cromulent one
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Huge question on here. You'll find many schools of thought on the issue.
      They all have some merit.

  8. Piggs Boson
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    After looking at the stats, I've come to conclusion that we're going to need Harry Kane in our teams eventually (maybe when Dembele returns). His goal threat is unreal, and at a sustainable level of conversion.

    Therefore I think we need a placeholder. And I can only think of one man 11.0m or more, that is not Aguero.

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

      Ibracadabra

    2. Freddie Cutecat
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Or if you like a cheaper attacker, you could get them and keep money itb, e.g. Lukaku and 2m itb

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

        Yeah. But I think Zlatan offers far more than Lukaku etc...

        1. Freddie Cutecat
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          Yeah that's fair and I agree with you. Just giving another option for people who don't favour Zlatan from the start.

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

            Good thinking 🙂

    3. Nabs Kebabs
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      why not just start with Arry? Fixtures are good imo.

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

        I am leaning that way 🙂

        1. Christina.
          • 15 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          Wow, Ozil...Kane....Kun....

          Rob a bank?

          1. Nabs Kebabs
            • 14 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            Tina what ya think of my draft above?

          2. Piggs Boson
            • 14 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            Easily affordable imo.

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

              4.5 - 4.0
              5.5 - 5.0 - 4.5 - 4.5 - 4.5
              9.5 - 7.5 - 6.5 - 6.5 - 4.5
              13.0 - 11.0 - 9.0

              1. Christina.
                • 15 Years
                9 years, 4 months ago

                Good luck in fitting Alexis in.

                😉

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

                  Meh, I have captains. I believe Ozil is better value.

        2. Nabs Kebabs
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          It's the way to go i reckon. Personally i have no idea why anyone would want to pay an extra 0.5m for Ibra over a guy who scored 46 goals in last 2 PL seasons.

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

    which team?
    A)

    forster
    shaw souare terry
    Ozil Hazard Townsend Ibe Shaqiri
    kun Ibra
    bench. Paredes Valdes Oulare Pieters

    B) Forster
    shaw terry souare
    MKHITARYAN Hazard BARKLEY ANTONIO KDB
    kun

    Bench 4.5 4.5 st Evans Pieters

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Forward missing in B. Like B in Ibra is there.

      1. tobydrogba
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        im only playing one up top in B i cant afford Ibra

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 16 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          Only 10 starting in B

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

    thoughts on each player
    A) shaqiri
    B) Antonio
    C) Townsend
    D) Gray
    E) Ibe

    1. 32chickens
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      A) wouldn't bank on-watching brief
      B)excellent player-wrong position-avoid
      C)you're either for or against-I've never understood the charm.
      D) has he got the EPL quality?
      E)Don't get it

    2. Phnom_Penh_Andy
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      a) Good but will he score enough points? I want to see how stoke start before getting any of their men in.

      b) Excellent but OOP in defence? Assists will still be there but his position rules him out for me.

      c) Potentially a great FPL asset - again I'm not sure about Pardew and want to see how Palace start. On my watchlist.

      d) Leicester or Burnley? Leicester - if he replaces Mahrez he'll be good value; otherwise not a certain starter. Burnley - I suspect Burnley won't score too many and he won't get a lot of chances. But he's could be this seasons Ighalo/Deeney, so he's on my watchlist.

      e) Close to my team. Good price and if he's a regular starter I think there's assists in him.

    3. Freddie Cutecat
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      A) Good player, injured a lot, disadvantaged with Stoke not having a great striker- avoid for now

      B) Will play rb unless injuries/poor form with feghouli/tore. Great goalscorer (mainly headers), not many assists but great long throw- watchlist and in if he plays rm

      C) Good goalscorer, may overtake cabaye on set pieces and good fixtures- in

      D) good championship goal scorer, came from non league, very poor first touch but good pace, places with Vokes so will share goals with him- avoid for now

      E) good pace, good for asisists but not goals, many similar players at Bournemouth (mousset/gradel/King) etc- avoid for now

  11. tobydrogba
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    A) Kun Antonio Mkh
    B) Ibra Sanchez Townsend

    Note i have KBD

    1. Phnom_Penh_Andy
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      B I'm worried about Antonio at right back. I'd prefer Kun but do you want both KdB and Aguero?

  12. Bolivian Seaman
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Where is Zasa? I read that thing about 4-2-4. Where will Nolito fit into that system? He was bought primarily because he knows the systems, it could work at Man City

    Hart
    DF DF DF DF
    Gundogan Fernandinho
    Kdb Nolito Aguero Silva

    ? [so silva in the iniesta roll]

    1. Lateriser 12
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Continuing that article big man?

      1. Bolivian Seaman
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Yeah I'll be doing it. Reading Burnley yesterday, gray should be scoring most of the goals for them and they think they'll stay up this time but with a similarly average team

        1. Lateriser 12
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          Nice. Love it. Hoping to read your article for some early thoughts.

          1. Bolivian Seaman
            • 15 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            I'll let them play some friendlies first and see what the fans think after

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

    I'm bit surprised that people here seems to opt Lukaku over Costa. To me Chelsea starting fixtures are better and Costa has more points potential.

    1. Phnom_Penh_Andy
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Everton have decent opening fixtures that a premium striker ought to capitalize on. But with Lukaku you just don't know what you're going to get.

  14. Just A Hat
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    In other news: If Arsenal don't buy a striker, does Giroud become a name on your team sheets again? Don't think I have seen anybody with him yet

    1. Christina.
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      He looked tired in the Euro's though.

      1. Just A Hat
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        😀

      2. Lateriser 12
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Hello Tina. How's that draft looking?

        1. Christina.
          • 15 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          All well.

          Not wasting time on draft at the moment. Spend 5 minutes at the start on putting in those that I'm not budging on and haven't done anything further.

          Just looking at first 3 g/weeks for now.

          1. Lateriser 12
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            Decided on a gw3 wildcard or playing it by the ear? Who are you liking early on?

            1. Christina.
              • 15 Years
              9 years, 4 months ago

              Just looking at first 3 fixtures. WC most likely after first 3 GW's during first Int break as I've never had a good start in 9 yrs.

              Will gladly bin the WC early on if I get a crazy start.

              1. Bolivian Seaman
                • 15 Years
                9 years, 4 months ago

                Look into Nolito. It's just a suggestion, he could be gold for the first few. He's massively under the radar. he will get rotated at some point but I wouldn't have thought so at the start.

      3. Moin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        😆

    2. Phnom_Penh_Andy
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      No - Ozil, Sanchez and possibly Mahrez are far more dependable.

    3. S.Kuqi
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Yes after first int. break

  15. chichorito
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Thoughts on my team folks

    Courtois
    Fuchs Morgan Baines
    Xhaka Ayew Firmino Willian
    Costa Vardy Aguero

    Subs
    Hennessy Amat Hojbjerg Paredes

  16. Lateriser 12
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Are we liking the look of those Spurs fixtures early on?

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

      All of them have mediocre defences imo. So yeah, I like them for attacking returns.

      1. Lateriser 12
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Agreed. Just when i was about to remove Alli.

    2. Bolivian Seaman
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      The west brom looks hard for lukaku but good for everton wingers. Lukaku got drowned out against them in their second fixture, the rugby players wouldn't let him get the ball. But he did score twice in the first fixture but only had 2 shots

    3. Phnom_Penh_Andy
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      I've got this thought about Spurs that no one has expressed.

      Poch requires his team to be superfit to do all that pressing. Last pre-season he had time to prepare them, but this summer Spurs had the most players at the Euros of any club in the world. That worries me - I fear they'll be motoring on 90% early doors and get off to a sluggish start. I'm hanging back on Spurs picks for GW1.

      1. Lateriser 12
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Nice. They haven't even had much pre season have they.

  17. Eze Really?
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    With:
    Everton/Spurs
    Arsenal/Pool
    Chelsea/Hammers
    Picking a week 1 points bonanza is going to be a little difficult. Human nature fixates on immediate returns and getting off to a good start is imminent. Preparing a WC Week 2 or 3 hampers this a little less so my question is:
    Do you go for Man U, City, heavy week 1 for points and address the team imbalance week 2 by Wildcarding?
    Do you ignore the fixtures and keep a decent balance for a later WC?
    Interested in those old timer's answers.

    1. Rhinos
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      I'd keep a balance. Gives you more options

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

      "It's a marathon, not a sprint"
      Hope this helps Smeggs.

  18. Moin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Been a long time since I spotted Innsie here, does he come here nowadays?

    1. HVT
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Now that you say it, I haven't seen him for ages-top poster too!

  19. El-Kloppico
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Best combo?

    A) Shaw + Foster
    B) Evans + DeGea

    1. Moin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      A

    2. Lateriser 12
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      A

    3. H-SF
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      A

    4. Incredibale
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      A

  20. Jinswick
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    This is probably too cheap at the back, but I think the upside of the attacking 7 warrants it. Thoughts?

    Foster
    Friend, Soare, JEvans
    Mahrez, Eriksen, Tadic, Townsend
    Aguero, Kane, Lukaku

    Jaku, Kone, Capoue, Paredes

    Happy to wait on United and Chelsea to see how they shape up, and the only attacker I'd ideally want in there is KDB, but that probably means sacrificing one of the front 3, which I'm not keen on. An extra 0.5 to upgrade Paredes would be great, but nothing obvious is standing out - any ideas?

    1. Bolivian Seaman
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      CPL are looking for a new left back I think but they might not get one. You don't like mkhi? Or are you just starting with Mahrez because of the fixture?

      1. Jinswick
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        I mainly like Mahrez because he's just such a great player. Also fancy LEI to do well away at a depleted HUL in GW1 and there's enough uncertainty over how the points will be shared at MUN (Ibra, Rooney, Martial, Mhki etc) and how quickly Mkhi will adapt to the PL for me to start with him. Could be wrong, but I think Mahrez is the safer pick to start with, and we all know he can be explosive.

      2. Jinswick
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Eriksen -> Ayew for the first couple of weeks to save 1m? Could then upgrade Paredes to a 4.5/5 that rotates well with the other 4. Mahrez -> Eriksen then an option in GW4.

        1. Bolivian Seaman
          • 15 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          Don't know much about ayew. Isn't alli better away from home? I don't thin you need to upgrade paredes. try the burnley defender at 4.0m he may be their first choice cb

          1. Jinswick
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 15 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            Sounds like Ayew has a good chance of starting up front, and his opening 2 fixtures are bur, HUL, so could be a good 2 week gamble. Cheers re the BUR defender tip - what makes you think he's first choice?

    2. Rhinos
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      That has early wc written all over it, soon as Chelsea Arsenal Man u or Spurs keep a clean sheet

      1. Jinswick
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        That's sort of the plan also - either for GW4 or GW7, depending on how it goes.

        1. Rhinos
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          I agree re Mhik, defo a wait and see pick

  21. Lateriser 12
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Point of Note from the Lei forum:

    People expecting Chillwell to be a beast of a LB. Had a great pre season too.
    Makes me think twice about Fuchs.

    1. Bolivian Seaman
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Yeah, they'll need fuchs for the champions league

    2. El-Kloppico
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Can't see him overtake Fuchs though.
      He was for me, the best LB last season.
      Chillwell might get a go in FACup and LeagueCup

      1. Lateriser 12
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Champs league rotation etc.

  22. SpaceCadet
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Best pick?

    a. stones
    b. cedric
    c. morgan

    1. Lateriser 12
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      C. Easy.

    2. H-SF
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      C

    3. Freddie Cutecat
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Cedric

      Puel relies on very attacking fullbacks with his attackers more narrow for intricate build up play

      He also relies on a solid defence and will have 3 mids who are defensively competent in front of a good back four

      For Leicester, we may see huth start to fade which means luis Hernandez will have to fit in, who is yet to play in the prem and it also remains to be seen if mendy will be as good as Kante in terms of a defensive shield

      1. SpaceCadet
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Cheers

  23. Twelve years a slave
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Anyone have address for the site with the draft leagues?

    1. bangsilog
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      fantrax?

  24. Magic Man
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Thoughts? I like my weak-ish defence for now.

    Foster - Heaton



    Souare - Evans - Friend - Naylor - Lenihan

    

Mkhit - Ayew - Mirallas - Eriksen - Fletcher



    Kun(c) - Vardy(vc) - Costa

    1. Zareos
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Defence is weak but you already knew that. I am not sure about double WBA at the back. I think your midfielders and attackers are great prospects - with some differentials from the template team. I'd be tempted by Alli over Eriksen.

  25. shiva3593
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    RMT guys.. Suggestions are most welcome.. Bojan or Redmond or some other 6.0 mid.. And gray/Long/Austin/hernandez/berahino? Capoue or hojberg or some other 4.5 mid?

    Foster/Heaton

    Shaw / Stones / Friend / Saure / Pieters
    Eriksen / Miki / Redmond / Ayew/ capoue
    Aguero/ Ibra/ Gray

    1. Rhinos
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Don't like bojan, I've got Bolasie

      1. shiva3593
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Im looking for a Palace mid myself.. but waiting for Preseason to tell me which one.. Zaha looking interesting this time..And townsend for sure if CPL cant get a striker..

  26. Roy Rovers
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Foster / Jakupovic
    VVD Terry Souare Taylor Kone
    Mahrez Ayew Fabregas Martial Capoue
    Aguero Lukaku Gray

    A : Lukaku > Wilson & Fabregas > Hazard

    B : Leave it as it is.

    1. Rhinos
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      I think Hazard gonna tear it up so B. Mind I thought that last season too

      1. Rhinos
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Oops A I meant

  27. bangsilog
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Who replaces Cresswell should his injury be as bad as presumed?

    1. Freddie Cutecat
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      At this stage Nordtveit most likely

      1. bangsilog
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        thanks

  28. Prakatan
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Morning all.

    New to site, would appreciate if you could rate my squad.

    Forster/Mannone

    Walker/Dann/Mori/Friend/Parades

    Miralles/Ayew/KDB/Bolasie/Ibe

    Kane/Aguero/Long

    Questions:

    Walker or Shaw
    Zaha or Bolasie
    Any other comments

    Cheers

    1. kingmig84
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      I think Walker/Shaw is a personal choice.
      Zaha/Bolasie...needs monitoring in pre-season.

      Apart from that, Miralles, Mori, Ibe & Long need monitoring as gametime might not be secure.

      1. Prakatan
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks

        I think Mirallas will play on left under Koeman and Mori will start as I don't see Stones being there much longer

        I can't believe Bournemouth would have paid £15m for a squad player so expecting him to start

  29. Nerazzuro
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Who else is going with both Ibra and Kun? Feel like I will have to chose between one or the other for better team balance.

    1. Rhinos
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      I've gone Rooney seeing as he gonna be a striker