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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

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  1. THE REAL RON ⚽
    10 years, 2 months ago

    beware the bournemouth defence. heard it here first.

  2. Sadio
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    10 years, 2 months ago

    I like to have a couple of differential to start the season, particularly in the backline.

    How does this look?

    Valdes
    Coleman | Van Dijk | Azpilicueta
    Mahrez | Firmino | Ayew | Townsend
    Aguero | Costa | Gray

    (Pickford - Friend - Evans - Capoue)

    1. Sadio
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Friend is actually Francis, whoops.

    2. Kizza_10
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Baines instead of Coleman otherwise good team.

    3. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      10 years, 2 months ago

      I think that's a solid balanced team. I'm not over on gray though, for 6.5m I would be looking to proven premier league scorers such as long, Austin, Caroll....

      1. Sadio
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah, Long and Rondon are the other 2 I'm considering. Long is likely the best pick of the 6.5 striker brigade.

        1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
          10 years, 2 months ago

          Definitely.

          Other than that your good to go....

          1. Sadio
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            10 years, 2 months ago

            Van Dijk is a rock, hope I'm right to pick him over Fuchs, Walker and Shaw.

    4. bici
      10 years, 2 months ago

      I don't like it. No rotation keeper, Capoue is worthless. I would go with Ibra or Lukaku instead of Kun, and then remove capoue and Pickford.

      1. Eskimooo
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Your suggestions are wild !

      2. Pariße
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Capoue is by far the best choice from the 4.5m mids

    5. RATEBT
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Nice team

  3. Kizza_10
    10 years, 2 months ago

    A. Batshuayi
    or
    B. Lukaku

    1. Worzel Gummidge
      10 years, 2 months ago

      A

    2. Coaly
      10 years, 2 months ago

      B

    3. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      10 years, 2 months ago

      B. Proven BPL scorer with good fixtures.

      Is A 100% nailed?

    4. Sauzée
      10 years, 2 months ago

      B

  4. Worzel Gummidge
    10 years, 2 months ago

    I know Arsene got a lot of stick but I just say this Rob Holding defender looks extremely good.

    1. AK ⭐
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Top 20 in the world?

    2. Wilshere Knowledge
      10 years, 2 months ago

      It's never a mistake investing in youth, but it would be predictable if it were to come at the expense of the premium players we need.

  5. Zoostation
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Some quick help needed please:

    A: Costa, Mkhitaryan

    B: Ibrahimovic, Fabregas

    Thanks!

    1. THE REAL RON ⚽
      10 years, 2 months ago

      A

    2. Coaly
      10 years, 2 months ago

      B

    3. jayzico
      10 years, 2 months ago

      A

    4. WE GO FOR IT
      10 years, 2 months ago

      A

    5. Worzel Gummidge
      10 years, 2 months ago

      A but with Bats.

    6. Arn De Gothia
      10 years, 2 months ago

      b

  6. Coaly
    10 years, 2 months ago

    a) Hazard and Austin
    b) Fabregas/Tadic and Lukaku

    1. THE REAL RON ⚽
      10 years, 2 months ago

      b with tadic

    2. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      10 years, 2 months ago

      A for me. Think hazard is going to be essential this year.

    3. pundit of punts
      10 years, 2 months ago

      B

    4. WE GO FOR IT
      10 years, 2 months ago

      A.

    5. Worzel Gummidge
      10 years, 2 months ago

      A

    6. Arn De Gothia
      10 years, 2 months ago

      a

  7. pundit of punts
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Austin to be on pens at Soton?

    1. SPFC
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Bertrand, i guess

      1. THE REAL RON ⚽
        10 years, 2 months ago

        guess again.

    2. Wilshere Knowledge
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Possibly, he has a decent record, although so does Tadic.

      I'd guess at yes, given strikers' habit of wanting them.

      1. pundit of punts
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Could again have a season like he had at QPR if given gametime from the start.

        1. Wilshere Knowledge
          10 years, 2 months ago

          Could do, but I'd be worried about injuries and Long. I personally wouldn't risk starting with him, but he could be gold.

    3. Danstoke82
      10 years, 2 months ago

      No Tadic will be pen taker

  8. SPFC
    10 years, 2 months ago

    RMT

    Hart (Jakupovic)
    Toby Shaw Bertrand (PVA, Friend)
    Mkhitaryan Ayew Mirallas Redmond (Fer)
    Aguero Costa Gray

    0.0 ITB

    1. glennbet
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Hart won't pick up many bonus points (will go to attackers instead), won't pick up many save points (he's not that good, plus City don't concede that many shots), though he could get a lot of clean sheets and weeks where he gets 6 points. Personally, to cover the City defence, i'd get someone who offers attacking potential as well. Sagna?

      1. glennbet
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Other than that, though, seems a pretty solid team

      2. SPFC
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Sagna will be rotated on UCL weeks. Hart is more nailed. Cheers

        1. glennbet
          10 years, 2 months ago

          Curious as to why you've chosen Hart over other keepers such as Cech and De Gea who are in my opinion clearly better players, available at the same price?

          1. SPFC
            10 years, 2 months ago

            City have easier fixtures in the first games (WC in GW9). I am confident Pep for Clean Sheets

    2. Eskimooo
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Ditch mirallas

      1. SPFC
        10 years, 2 months ago

        It's a punt. Everton can go better in PL with Koeman than the Palace (Townsend)

  9. Ostrich Baby
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Cheap midfield options - am stuck between a few:

    Leko (4.5) - exciting prospect, and cheap as can be. Started all games in pre-season, should be his year to kick on. But is unlikely to be a regular.

    Watmore (5.0) - scored a few last season, out of position as a midfielder, Moyes does give young players a chance. But Moyes' teams also don't score, and likely to be rotated.

    Ibe/Zaha (5.5) - both should be near regular starters, both direct players. But unclear how Ibe will fit into Bournemouth's system or whether Zaha will be focal point or Cabaye, Sako or Bolasie will be. Plus takes off 0.5/1m from elsewhere in the team.

    Any views?

    1. THE REAL RON ⚽
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Leko/Watmore won't play regularly.

      FPL rule #1:
      Pick players who'll play regularly.

      1. Ostrich Baby
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Normally true I think, unless you have seven guaranteed starters in the other midfield positions, and they're just bench fodder.

    2. glennbet
      10 years, 2 months ago

      What about Kante(5m) - clean sheet potential and will play 90mins of most games you'd think - or Fletcher (4.5m) will play every game. I wouldn't put Ibe in as I believe it's best to give new signings a bit of time to settle, especially if they're young. With Zaha he seem's pretty inconsistent to me and I don't think i'd want my cheap midfielder to be as expensive as 5.5

      1. THE REAL RON ⚽
        10 years, 2 months ago

        clean sheet potential?
        what if you want a chelsea def, hazard and costa at some point?

        1. glennbet
          10 years, 2 months ago

          Good point. Didn't really consider that. I can't imagine i'd ever have Hazard and Costa at the same time though. They are at really good prices though so if they do perform could be very good value!

          1. THE REAL RON ⚽
            10 years, 2 months ago

            doesn't have to be hazard & costa. just a defender and two attackers.. could want it if chelsea hit the ground running.

      2. Ostrich Baby
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Problem with Kante/Fletcher is they're just 2 or 3 pts each game. As they're only going to be off the bench, I'd rather the gamble with a defender or roll the dice with someone like Watmore - who at least if they do play, will have a better chance of scoring big.

        1. glennbet
          10 years, 2 months ago

          I'm not sure a player like Watmore really has much chance scoring big. Also, if he does - do you really want him on the bench when he does? Would of thought a reliable 2/3 points on the bench is exactly what you'd want.

  10. THE REAL RON ⚽
    10 years, 2 months ago

    *klaxon*

    robot wars returns in ten minutes.
    BBC2.

      1. THE REAL RON ⚽
        10 years, 2 months ago

        😯

        teeth out face.

        1. Wilshere Knowledge
          10 years, 2 months ago

          😆

  11. mental
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    10 years, 2 months ago

    have a feeling that kane will troll us all.people seem to forget how deadly he is

  12. pundit of punts
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Zabaleta at 5m anyone?

    Could be gold for early WCers.

    1. THE REAL RON ⚽
      10 years, 2 months ago

      sagna says hi, surely?

      1. pundit of punts
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Played Euros till late.

        Can't see him starting.

        1. THE REAL RON ⚽
          10 years, 2 months ago

          true dat. transfer waiting to happen for non-wcers though.

    2. jayzico
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Won't play.

  13. Torreslove
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Last call for a draft league with promotion/relegation. Draft starts tomorrow and I have a couple spots open. Reply if you're interested and I can give league code.

    1. ONSIDE 9
      10 years, 2 months ago

      I'm interested, which game you using?

      1. Torreslove
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Fantrax.

      2. Torreslove
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Join private league on fantrax.

        League ID: k9h8a4u9iqx7ih3k

        Password: fpldraft

        1. ONSIDE 9
          10 years, 2 months ago

          Cool, thanks

          1. Torreslove
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            10 years, 2 months ago

            You're welcome!

  14. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
    10 years, 2 months ago

    I think I'm settled......

    Deliberately avoiding UTD. Only interested in starting with proven BPL players (in the mid/premium brackets).

    How am I looking?

    Foster, Jaku

    Shaw, Coleman, Terry, Friend, Lenihan

    Hazard, MahreZ, Ayew, Townsend, Leko

    Aguero, lukaku, Austin

    Likely to switch MahreZ to payet once he's back (unless MahreZ explodes once again lol!).

    Thanks.

    1. glennbet
      10 years, 2 months ago

      I'm on the opinion that last season was somewhat a fluke for Mahrez and he won't perform as well, so would advise upgrading Townsend and downgrading Mahrez, maybe for Eriksen and Barkley/Willian

      1. Worzel Gummidge
        10 years, 2 months ago

        He is probably the best RW in the league.

      2. Spike ⚽️
        10 years, 2 months ago

        You need to read the report on Celtic v Leicester then

        1. glennbet
          10 years, 2 months ago

          It's a pre-season game, I wouldn't get too excited. He only scored 4 prem goals 2nd half of the season

      3. THE REAL RON ⚽
        10 years, 2 months ago

        https://twitter.com/hughwizzy/status/756921282256445440

        fluke says hi. a day or two ago..

      4. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks for the feedback.

        But yea it Can't be a fluke. Like worzel an spike have said.....

        That goal vs Celtic the other day was MahreZ in exactly the same form.

        I can't miss the opportunity of MahreZ vs Hull first game of the season..... He's a captaincy option first GW.....

      5. Eskimooo
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Outstanding performance over 38 games a fluke ? What an absurd comment , that's absolutely ludicrous ..

  15. Tomerick
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Foster/heaton
    Friend/Dann/williams/mcauley/pva
    Fab/ayew/mkhi/payet/ibe
    Bats/ibra/negredo

    Thoughts?

  16. Marshall126
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Salivate

    Heaton, Jaku
    McAuley Friend Stones Kone Souare
    Firminho Mkhitar Mahrez Hazard Leko
    Aguero Gray Defoe

    1. George Sillett
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Why what's for tea ?

    2. RATEBT
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Good team but don't like defo

  17. THE REAL RON ⚽
    10 years, 2 months ago

    *researches sagna vs zabaleta*

    *finds new sagna article*

    thesun.uk/6014BIv0w

    *gets distracted*

    1. THE REAL RON ⚽
      10 years, 2 months ago

      https://goo.gl/LzcbKR
      😀

      1. Malcolm Tucker for England …
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        10 years, 2 months ago

        now THAT is something to say hi to..

        1. THE REAL RON ⚽
          10 years, 2 months ago

          😆

  18. Kizza_10
    10 years, 2 months ago

    A. Silva & Alli
    or
    B. Hazard & Ayew

    1. Worzel Gummidge
      10 years, 2 months ago

      B

    2. glennbet
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Silva - on the decline, not on form, injury prone
      Alli - not that established for the price he's at.

      B) all day . Though depends how Hazard plays doesn't it?

    3. Ange Ball
      10 years, 2 months ago

      A

  19. mental
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    10 years, 2 months ago

    hazard &silva
    Or
    mahrez &miki

    1. Worzel Gummidge
      10 years, 2 months ago

      M&M

  20. Coaly
    10 years, 2 months ago

    How do we think Hernandez will do for Hull?

    Lone striker, high goal involvement...

    But no manager and they will probably be the whipping boys of the league ...

    1. THE REAL RON ⚽
      10 years, 2 months ago

      flopped at prem level last time.

  21. glennbet
    10 years, 2 months ago

    What do people think of the idea of rotating De Gea/Hart all season?

    Baring in mind its a hipster strategy, be kind

    1. Worzel Gummidge
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Think its a terrible waste of money and team slots.

      1. glennbet
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Was thinking that spending an extra 2 million all season for Man U/Man City home games all season could be very beneficial though as definitely more points gained at home and you'd never spend transfers on your keeper, plus its a differential strategy

        1. andy85wsm
          • Has Moderation Rights
          10 years, 2 months ago

          Not everything differential is better 🙂

          1. oghash
            10 years, 2 months ago

            That what the Mrs said when she first saw my third nipple.

    2. George Sillett
      10 years, 2 months ago

      2M to spend elsewhere with 2 x £4.5M.

    3. skodaole2
      10 years, 2 months ago

      2 keepers with minimum saves, so you ll get 6 points at most. Plus one may concede at home whereas the other keeps a cs away. And what about the MCI-MUN games? I would go for one of them and Jaku.

  22. bici
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Heaton/Schmeichel

    Stones/Evans/Shaw/Souare/Friend

    Mkhitaryan Firmino Fabregas Fisher Ayew

    Lukaku Long Ibra

    1 million left, where to invest?

    1. Worzel Gummidge
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Downgrade Fisher to a cheapie and upgrade Fabs to Haz. Also get Austin instead or Long.

      1. Worzel Gummidge
        10 years, 2 months ago

        In fact you will be .5 short. Just realised you dont have Kun either. Start again. Get rid of Ibra for Aguero.

        1. THE REAL RON ⚽
          10 years, 2 months ago

          You don't have Kun.
          Start again.

          😆

          1. Worzel Gummidge
            10 years, 2 months ago

            Too harsh? 🙂

            1. THE REAL RON ⚽
              10 years, 2 months ago

              too true. 🙂

              1. andy85wsm
                • Has Moderation Rights
                10 years, 2 months ago

                You're going to need to change your name to something proper please

                1. THE REAL RON ⚽
                  10 years, 2 months ago

                  proper? 🙂

                  1. andy85wsm
                    • Has Moderation Rights
                    10 years, 2 months ago

                    Yes please - get rid of the sign and add wording instead (in line with T&Cs)

                2. oghash
                  10 years, 2 months ago

                  Thank you, my hero

        2. bici
          10 years, 2 months ago

          Haha, no way, City will strugle with stubborn Pep, i don't need City players, especially Aguero who cost waaaaay to much. I would maybe go for Silva in midfield, but no Aguero.

          1. Worzel Gummidge
            10 years, 2 months ago

            Anyone without Aguero needs to consult a doctor 🙂 I know you are probably a Man U fan but Aguero is the best striker in the league and I think not having him will hurt you. It is your team though so good luck. I would swap Ibra for Aguero but that is just me.

            1. Hibbo
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              10 years, 2 months ago

              I don't reason with anyone so blinkered.

    2. Gizzachance
      10 years, 2 months ago

      ibra class player, unproven in this league, aguero is best striker in league, only finished 1 goals behind kane{who played every game}
      aguero played 8 games less, some were sixty minute games after injuries, for me kun will outscore aguero, those that go without him
      always fear not having him !

  23. Rhys85
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Evening guys,

    Let me know how you think this looks?

    Heaton / Foster
    Koscielny / Shaw / Kone / Francis / Friend
    Mkhitaryan / Eriksen / Townsend / Redmond / Capoue
    Aguero / Ibarhimovic / Wilson

    Cheers

    1. Kizza_10
      10 years, 2 months ago

      I'm unsure on Townsend, palace have competition in that area so unlikely he will play the full 90 and may even be rest for the odd game

    2. Eskimooo
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Decent

  24. Ange Ball
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone else on here think Gray for Leicester gonna be Mahrez off last season price 5.0m scored a good goal in a friendly.

    1. Worzel Gummidge
      10 years, 2 months ago

      He has potential but I like my 5th MID to be 4.5

      1. Ange Ball
        10 years, 2 months ago

        I reckon he will be the buy off the season.

        1. Worzel Gummidge
          10 years, 2 months ago

          If I somehow manage to get an extra 0.5 I will consider him but I agree. He looks good.

    2. Pierce34
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Will he be nailed on? If so, definitely considering him

    3. Old Man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Could be very good eventually, but his game time will be limited at the beginning of the season.

  25. Kizza_10
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Who's the best 9.0 option ?
    1. Mane
    2. Lukaku
    3. Batshuayi
    4. Rooney
    5. Silva

    1. Ange Ball
      10 years, 2 months ago

      3

    2. Worzel Gummidge
      10 years, 2 months ago

      For me 1,2,3 in no order. I have Bats and none of the others though. I prefer Firm to Mane and EVE mids are more appealing to me than Lukaku.

    3. Uppercut Panda - A legend i…
      10 years, 2 months ago

      lukaku

    4. skodaole2
      10 years, 2 months ago

      You cant compare Mid with Fwd imo. Silva ahead of possibly rotated Mane and Lukaku ahead of Bats. Rooney isnt worth considering, almost all 6.5 strikers are better choices

      1. THE Wild Rover
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Lol

  26. LFC Ranger
    10 years, 2 months ago

    is shaw nailed on?are you sure?

  27. Jay_
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Good to see the RMT tool up and running. What's your score after 3 weeks with your current draft? 159.9 here.

    1. oghash
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Oooo is it? Brb

    2. willl
      10 years, 2 months ago

      155.24

    3. Hibbo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 years, 2 months ago

      53 a week average seems solid scoring.

    4. oghash
      10 years, 2 months ago

      152.16, not bad, we disagree on one of my defensive subs though.

  28. mr messi
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Is Feghouli good enough for a 4th mid?

  29. LFC Ranger
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Shaw or Bailly?and why?

    1. bici
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Shaw has tremendous attacking potential.

  30. bici
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Guardiola’s tactical journey from Barca to Bayern and why he is destined to fail at Manchester City

    http://thefalse9.com/2016/05/pep-guardiola-tactics-bayern-barca-manchester-city.html

    Read this and think again about getting Aguero for 13M

    1. djenzio
      10 years, 2 months ago

      did you write this by any chance?

      1. bici
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Why do you ask?

        1. djenzio
          10 years, 2 months ago

          just wondering