Scout Reports

Scout Report – Granit Xhaka

After failing to splash the cash on a single outfield player last season, Arsenal were quick out the blocks in late May with the acquisition of Granit Xhaka from Borussia Monchengladbach.

The midfielder arrives at the Emirates on a long-term contract for a fee believed to be in the region of £35 million and, having been afforded an extended break due to his Euro 2016 exertions with Switzerland, joined in full training last week.

In an interview with the club’s official website, Gunners boss Arsene Wenger explained the reasons behind snapping up the new boy:

“[Xhaka brings] his passing ability to play through the lines from deep positions, his work rate, and he’s good in the air. He’s a young boy as well, 23 years old. There’s a lot to come from him. We lost three midfielders: Flamini, Rosicky and Arteta, and numbers-wise we are quite solid in midfield now. Elneny had a big impact when he came here, Coquelin was injured for a long time and is back. Cazorla will come back, Wilshere is back… so we are solid in midfield.”

After completing his move, the 23-yeard-old – who had a habit of incurring the wrath of Bundesliga referees – hopes his all-action style of play will be more suited to the English top-flight:

“I remember I was young and the first game I watched was in the Premier League. It’s a big dream for me and now that I’m here I am very, very happy. I like the style of football in the Premier League. It’s aggressive and I like the way Arsenal play football. It’s not like other countries but it’s very nice here. In Germany you can play aggressively but the referee will always blow his whistle, but in England that’s not the case. That’s better for me. I like to play football. I’m an aggressive player and also a leader. I’m only 23 but I captained a good team in Germany.”

The History

A product of the Basel youth system in his native Switzerland, Xhaka made his first-team debut in 2010/11. Over the course of a couple of seasons, the midfielder produced two goals and four assists in 44 league outings, helping his side collect back-to-back league titles before sealing a move to MGladbach in May 2012.

Xhaka spend four years in Germany, delivering six goals and three assists over 108 league outings. He’s also played a total of 37 matches in Europe for the Bundesliga side and fared a little better in the final third, serving up four goals and a trio of assists.

In terms of discipline, Xhaka’s combative style of play earned ten yellows and a red card in 2013/14 and 2014/15, whilst he was booked five times and sent off on three occasions last season.

On the international stage, the Arsenal new boy served up eight goals in 43 appearances at youth level for Switzerland. He’s since turned out 44 times for the senior side and found the net on six occasions.

The Prospects

Given the hefty outlay, you’d expect the new boy is earmarked for a regular role in the Gunners’ double-pivot in 2016/17.

Xhaka’s excellent distribution and ability to orchestrate play from deep were very much in evidence over Euro 2016 – the playmaker was second only to Germany’s Toni Kroos in the centre of the park for both touches and passes over the first four rounds of fixtures as Switzerland lost to Poland in the Round of 16.

Looking at the underlying numbers from last season, though, Xhaka offered little in terms of attacking threat for Borussia, with a shot every 71.8 minutes and key pass every 107.6 minutes. It’s fair to say that, unless he’s handed a fair share of dead-ball duties, Xhaka’s impact in the final third looks somewhat limited.

Crucially for the north London outfit, Xhaka will add a real physical presence in the centre of the park.

His total of 67 successful tackles was more than any Arsenal midfielder last term, whilst 76 interceptions is level with Francis Coquelin, who was joint-top for Wenger’s midfielders in 2015/16. The new boy’s ability in the air also stands out. Xhaka won 94 aerial duels last term – again, that’s more than any of his new midfield team-mates.

With Xhaka set to be installed to the starting XI, Wenger has a real dilemma on his hands in the centre of the park, with Santi Cazorla, Aaron Ramsey, Francis Coquelin, Jack Wilshere and Mohamed Elneny also vying for minutes.

The likes of Cazorla, Ramsey and Wilshere could potentially be afforded a role in the attacking midfield three slots, though again, the competition is fierce.

With Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil nailed on, the aforementioned trio would battle it out with Alex Iwobi, Theo Walcott, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Joel Campbell and (when fit) Danny Welbeck. Given that Sanchez and Ozil cost 11.0 and 9.5 in Fantasy Premier League (FPL), we’ll be hoping that a cheaper player can emerge to offer strong value alongside them in Wenger’s attack.

Despite of his lack of attacking output, the 5.5-priced Xhaka has so far been snapped up by over 6% of FPL managers – the fifth most-owned at 5.5 and under. Given that his acquisition would take up one of our three available slots for Arsenal players, though, that popularity seems a little questionable.

Despite a tough couple of opening clashes against Liverpool and Leicester, Arsenal are ranked as having the third most favourable schedule over the first 10 Gameweeks, with clashes against Watford, Hull, Burnley, Swansea, Middlesbrough and Sunderland on their agenda.

Xhaka’s addition in front of the back-four suggests the Gunners will again be amongst the more resilient sides on offer, having finished joint-top with united for clean sheets last term on 18 apiece. This, in turn, should bode well for the prospects of Hector Bellerin, Laurent Koscielny and company. next time around as Wenger looks to improve upon last term’s second-placed finish.

Further Reference

Granit Xhaka Wikipedia

Granit Xhaka Transfer Markt

Granit Xhaka You Tube Highlights

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

1,734 Comments Post a Comment
  1. andrinho
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Please Rate My Team:

    De Gea Jakupovic
    Walker Morgan Fernandez Evans Friend
    Mahrez Eriksen Siggy Fischer Maloney
    Aguero Ibra Gray

    Btw I prefer not to invest too much in defence early due to the unpredictability of clean sheets.

    Any suggestions appreciated!

    1. The Hindu Monkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      You've arguably invested more in defence than midfield. Looks too lightweight that for me.

    2. DRYACID
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      RMT please friends. Thanks.

      Schmeichel (Pickford)

      Baines/Dann/Van Aanholt/Mee/Friend

      Mkhi/KDB/Feghouli/Townsend/Marney

      Musa/Lukaku/Kun

  2. FPL Maldini
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Is Firminho nailed it still rotation risk?

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

      I think all Liverpool midfielders will be under rotational risk.

    2. nelluckram
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      I think he's more or less nailed. Second on the team sheet behind Coutinho. No European games. May be used up front also..

  3. The Hindu Monkey
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    My problem this season is that I just don't like any of the mid priced striker options. I like a balanced team of

    9m keepers
    2 × premium, 2 × 4.5 rotation, 1 × filth
    10, 10, 8, 6, 4.5 bench fodder
    13 8 6.

    But I just can't really do that this year. The mid priced ones I want (vardy, Costa, kane, sturridge) are actually more like premium and very hard to get a decent defence and midfield if you have them alongside aguero.

    The ones below I just don't want. Lukaku? No thanks you massive troll. Giroud? No. Then what have we got? Rooney and Watford?

    And then the cheap ones aren't even that cheap. 6.5? For the likes of Gray and Long?

    This is causing me a headache. I'm currently on aguero, 6.5, 6.5 because that means I can have a good defence and midfield. But I've got nowhere to turn if a Costa or a Vardy comes out firing.

    Thoughts?

    1. Moin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      I am also not able to make a satisfying team

    2. Blue&White85
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      It's amazing the stick Lukaku gets on here. 5th highest point scorer last season with 185 points and 18 goals and 7 assists. I think he's well worth having but you need to be careful when you captain him as that's usually where the disappointment sets in!

      1. The Hindu Monkey
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Yeah I think it's that. You see a striker who bangs in seven in seven at home to Sunderland and you're like. Captain me some of that.

        Guaranteed shocker follows.

      2. The Hindu Monkey
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        I'm still considering him from a balance perspective but he looked very tired in euros.

    3. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Very few people on here are good at picking the mid price options . Michu and Mahrez were the biggest success stories . People usually pick the wrong ones like Boselli and Drenthne .

    4. meerlight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      good game innit?

      Still need team balance so that you can jump on viable bandwagons. but you're right the strikers are an issue. I've gone 8.5 in goal and 1 premium defender, which gets you the 2nd big hitter striker.

      1. The Hindu Monkey
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Which one? Zlatan just kills the team. Costa is only one I think I could do. I so wish Vardy was just 1m cheaper.

    5. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      3-5-2.

      Been having similar problems and this solves it. Easy to change back to 3-4-3 if needed when players emerge

      1. The Hindu Monkey
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Who is your last striker. I looked at that but lots of 4.5 mids play 90 minutes week in week out (dms mostly) but which 4.5 or 5 striker is even going to get on the pitch?

        1. Respect My Authoritah
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          None. Not bothered. 5-10 points over the season is irrelevant when we will be wildcarding within 8 weeks

          1. The Hindu Monkey
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 10 months ago

            It's a fair point...

  4. Moin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Just curious to know if anyone is thinking of going for 4.5m GKs and Defenders?
    4.5m // 4.5m
    4.5m // 4.5m // 4.5m // 4.5m // 4.5m

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

      Normally I would, but this year you can still get a very strong team, even with Aguero/Kun.

      Stones at 5m, and Shaw at 5.5m are very good prices, but many other good options....one of the Arsenal CBs will also be 5m.

    2. Big Sum
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      4.5m // 4.0m
      4.5m // 4.5m // 4.5m // 4.5m // 4.5m

      1. nelluckram
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Yep

    3. The Hindu Monkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      I looked at it yesterday trying to find a 5 way 4.5 rotation but there isn't a decent one. Certainly nothing beyond 5 weeks. Let me know if you work it out as I want to do it!

      You need West ham to make one work a bit longer so watch to see who they get in for Cresswell.

      1. The Hindu Monkey
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Also I think defenders are hugely under priced. Leicester at 5m very, very odd. Walker and Shaw at 5.5. Some superb value.

      2. Netley Lucas
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Yeah you can do it but it's not ideal. A few weeks are a bit iffy but until the prime def's bed down it might be a decent strategy.

    4. Valar(Keith)
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      i've spent the same amount.. ie
      4.5 // 4
      5 // 4.5 //4.5 //4.5// 4.5

      Loving the 4.5 options this year!

      1. Big Sum
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Who is your 5? Morgan/Simpson or Mertesacker/Gabriel?

        1. Valar(Keith)
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          Morgan.. i'm a bit of a bore when it comes to fpl(which one could argue is a good thing)

          1. Uppercut Panda - A legend i…
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 10 months ago

            and the rest of your defence?

    5. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Nah. Most seasons it makes sense, but with the plethora of strong 5.5 and 5.0 options, need at least 1 or 2 in there imo.

    6. QPR expects... glory!
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Almost! I have one 5.0 defender but rest of back 7 are 4.5's...

  5. creaky24
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    what does everyone think of stones if he stays at everton? i'll put him in if he goes to city, not sure if he stays

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

      I think he's a great pick either way, at City he'll probably get more CS's - at Everton he could potentially be a bigger attacking threat, Fonte and VVD were both used under Koeman as dangermen on set plays

    2. Blue&White85
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      If he stays at Everton I wouldn't pick him. Better options in Coleman and Baines. If City, he's right in my team as a cheap route to their defence.

    3. Ber2k
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Got him in at the moment pending move but will get rid if not at City. I would pick Funes Mori over him also. I actually think Stones is a bombscare but I can't be without a 5.0 City defender if nailed on.

  6. HamezMace
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Is McCauley a safe pick for West Brom this year? Isn't he 37 or something?

    1. The Hindu Monkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      I don't know. I personally think Chester and Evans are long term pairing there with Brunt and Dawson full backs. But he'll certainly start the season.

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

        Cheers, he would be part of a 3 man rotation - Evans seems more risky due to persistent injury, Brunt would be good if I can find the extra 0.5m from somewhere

    2. Ten Season Wonder
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      OH MY GOSH!! I never actually thought about his age. (actually 36) Always though he was mid twenties or something!

      1. The Hindu Monkey
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Lol

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

        I didn't realise he was as old as he is until recently...think he was pretty consistent for them last year, but as the monkey says Evans/Chester is probably going to need to be phased in soon

        1. Ten Season Wonder
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          I have him in my team. Seriously considering switching him out.

      3. nelluckram
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Only discovered this today too! Evans in

    3. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      McAuley looks solid enough, Evans maybe better if injury-free, Foster looks good too, take yer pick, all look good value.

  7. FPL Maldini
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Is Negredo nailed do we think?

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

      Yeah, for sure

    2. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Should be as Karanka has been testing 4-4-2 this week in prep for Stoke's 3-man defence (Negredo is head and shoulders above Rhodes at this level - Boro fan)

  8. Rupert The Horse
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Lucy's thunder -------> Rupert.
    https://twitter.com/rlovibond/status/757583040818343936

    1. GreenWindmill
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      What a monstrous sausage thumb!

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        It truly is. My fingers are so fat. Ivett calls me duck feet too. Bleeding mother gave me these features. Never get pushed over playing footie though.

        1. GreenWindmill
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          Haha! Congratulations - when's the big day if I'm allowed to be so nosy?

          1. Rupert The Horse
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            7 years, 10 months ago

            1st September. Getting married in Buda Castle, Hungary.

            1. GreenWindmill
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              7 years, 10 months ago

              Ah, magical - as luck would have it I'm free that day 🙂

              1. Rupert The Horse
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 11 Years
                7 years, 10 months ago

                Well due to complications we have loads of room.....

    2. Irish Madridista ⭐
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Good shtuff Rupert 🙂

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Thanks Connery.

        1. Irish Madridista ⭐
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          I musht try to emulate my nameshake.

  9. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Am I wise to leave 2.5ml in the bank for jumping on bandwagons?

    RMT please:

    Cech (Jakupovic)

    Stones (assumed City) - N.Taylor - Shaw - Friend (K.Walker)

    Fischer - Redmond - Sigurdsson (Willian & Feghouli)

    Negredo - Ibra - Aguero^2

    1. The Hindu Monkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Not with that midfield no

      1. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Little help?

        1. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          P.S the mid is fixture proof for the first few weeks (allowing for bandwagons to develop)

          1. The Hindu Monkey
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 10 months ago

            Just nothing explosive there at all. You need one player at least who's got a brace in their locker.

    2. Jay10
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      No,improve midfield.

    3. KingNidge
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      You need to wake up and smell the coffee.. Zlatan and Kun isn't an option.. look at that midfield

      1. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        (suggestions are more useful than smart arse comments)

    4. Benalis Tache
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      With only 1 free transfer each week you're better off betting on the players you think are most likely to take off - then you don't miss out on any of their points and you don't take any hits. 2.5M in the bank is a waste when your midfield is that weak.

  10. Wild Rover
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Every team I make looks amazing until I realise who I don't have 😀

    Should be a great game this year

    1. Blue&White85
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      I'm the same! It's so interesting with all the options this season.

    2. Irish Madridista ⭐
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      This is exactly it 😀 cannot wait.

      Anyone that gravitates towards a "template" is playing a very risky game.

    3. GreenWindmill
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Always the way I find - don't have a record of my GW1 team from last year but I bet almost all the players I chose are cheaper this year because they were so poor (Rooney, Walcott, Fabregas, etc.)

      At the time it looked great though! I didn't look twice at Mahrez, Vardy, Kane...

      Basically I suck at this!

  11. Ten Season Wonder
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    If all are to be guaranteed starters (or in Chadli's case pending a move to other prem club) put in order from best pick to worst;

    Townsend
    Mirallas
    Chadli
    J.Rod
    Lanzini

    1. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      M
      C
      T
      L
      J

    2. Big Sum
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      1.Mirallas or Chadli
      3.Jrod or townsed
      5. lanzini

    3. Valar(Keith)
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Mirallas, Chadli, Townsend, J.Rod, Lanzini

    4. Blue&White85
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Mirallas, Townsend, Chadli, Lanzini, Rodriguez.

    5. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Mirallas
      J-Rod
      Chadli
      Townsend
      Lanzini

    6. Ten Season Wonder
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Unanimuous decision... Mirallas.

      FWIW here's mine;

      Mirallas
      Chadli
      Andros
      J.Rod (oop)
      Lanzini

    7. Benalis Tache
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Good question.
      Mirallas
      J Rod
      Lanzini
      Chadli
      Townsend

  12. FPL Maldini
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Is Wilson for Stoke nailed?

    1. Blue&White85
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Not nailed.

    2. Benalis Tache
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Haha - wishful thinking. There must be 1 nailed 4M defender... No, 'fraid not.

  13. Bleach †
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Costa or Batshuayi
    Mirallas or Townsend

    Also is there a point having Lallana in the team or rather no?

    1. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Townsend and Costa safest but I prefer the other two

      No

      1. Benalis Tache
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Listen to this man and risk it. Small risk, big reward. I haven't picked any of them at the moment, but it changes daily.

    2. Däzzy
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Cm

  14. Bøwstring The Carp
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Gray, Long/ Austin, Rondon/ Berahino, Rhodes/ Negredo are the only 6.5m strikers I'm looking at for now

    All about whittling it down.

    Gray (SWA, LIV, che, HUL, lei, WAT) - mixed bag of fixtures but 4 homes out of 6 is a huuuuge factor imo, especially when 3 of them are nice ones. Easily benchable away to Chelsea (my defence has good fixtures that week so might play 4-4-2 or 3-5-2)

    Long/ Austin (WAT, mun, SUN, ars, SWA, whm) - similar home games to Burnley but three tricky away matches. May go with one or the other if Southampton's form looks good over preseason; their defence looks solid so far.

    Rondon/ Berahino (cry, EVE, MID, bou, WHM, sto) - average fixtures split between home and away. The key here is how attacking Pulis wants to be going into the start of the season. Berahino and Rondon have been doing well with their goal involvement during preseason, especially the former.

    Rhodes/ Negredo (STO, sun, wba, CRY, eve, TOT) - not tipped to be prolific in attack but the addition of Negredo to the squad may change this. Certainly a great option for £6.5m and Rhodes has bagged a few goals already in preseason. Worth seeing hoe they play together over the next few games.

    1. creaky24
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Wilson?

    2. Junior ⚽
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      I'm on Gray

    3. Jazz!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      I'm just considering Austin, Gray and Wilson. Really leaning towards Wilson now, like his first 3 fixtures.

      1. Bøwstring The Carp
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        I'm a big Wilson fan but I'm really not convinced. I expect Bournemouth to start off slow and don't like their first 6 fixtures. The good ones are away. Now I know that doesn't stop them from attacking (weren't they one of the best away teams for attacking last season?) but I'll have to await and see

        With MUN, whm as their first 2 games I'll watch them there while going with someone who has easier opening fixtures. Easily switchable then. Gray (SWA, LIV) and Negredo (STO, sun) in my thinking for this reason

        1. Irish Madridista ⭐
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          West Ham couldn't defend at all last season and I think Mourinho will focus more on attack than defence at the start to "wash away the LVG"..

    4. Däzzy
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Kun, Zlatan & Lukaku ftw 🙂

      1. Jazz!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Trying to imagine the midfield now ... 😉

    5. Bedknobs and Boomsticks
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Good post.

      I'm just coming around to Gray at the moment, and going 4-4-2 in GW3 would certainly be an option.

  15. Henryyy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Please help me decide:

    A Hazard & Lukaku
    B Fab & Ibra

    1. FPL Maldini
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Fab and Ibra

    2. Benalis Tache
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      A for me - especially with Everton's opening fixtures.

    3. The Hindu Monkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Martial and Costa

      1. Henryyy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Not going near Costa with the new card rules!! I would go martial over Mk...but zlatan :-p

    4. Henryyy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Thanks guys, i think im waiting for more info on Fab and where he will play

  16. Bubz
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Is it just me or is it really easy to make a great looking team within the budget this year?

    1. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Yes it is but see my post above 😉

      1. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Haha yeah, I just realised I have no Man Utd attack and am now doubting everything.

    2. Irish Madridista ⭐
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      It really is... I love it, so many different teams and tactics 🙂

      The question is who's MOST worth shelling out extra for?

      1. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Well as far as I'm concerned we have 87M budget because Aguero is a must have for that Sunderland game and beyond. But yeah, who else? I really fancy Hazard to turn it on again this season.

    3. Exdeo
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      a lot of options, yes, but easy? I don't think so, in every price category, and in a lot of teams there are several players to choose from...yeah, I am saying that a lot of options give a headache:))))

      1. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        It's certainly tricky to choose which, but I'm not finding myself with a load of rubbish players that Im forced to put in in order to facilitate others

      2. Wild Rover
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Well it is easy to pick a great looking team as per the question. Less easy to pick the correct one 😉

    4. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      But do you have Ozil, Kane, Vardy etc. There will always be titans capable of exploding you don't have. Who's to say you have the right ones 😉

      1. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        I don't have any of those... *starts to panic*

    5. HamezMace
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      It is certainly easier than previous years, it's just picking which premium players you want which is now the hard part.

    6. RMT's Professor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      I think one of the reasons for this is the excellent pricing of the players. I'm sure they'll be the usual group consensus on which players are the best to have but I think there seem like so many similar options at the moment.

      1. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        I think structuring your team correctly is going to be more important than every this season. Having so many options in certain price brackets means we can easily switch out for form players if we have the correct structure in place from the get go

        1. RMT's Professor
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          Good point.

        2. Irish Madridista ⭐
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          Tis easier to downgrade than upgrade 😉

  17. I Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Costa or Lukaku?

    1. Blurryface
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Costa

    2. Benalis Tache
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Lukaku

    3. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Lukaku

    4. Henryyy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Lukaku, coz fixtures and new card rules

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

    Any rumours on the Chelsea formation?

    Really intrigued by how Fabregas fits in being only 7.5m

    1. Big Sum
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      4-4-1-1 Ι think. Conte prefers to call it 4-2-4 for the fans

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

      I imagine whichever formation they go with he will play in central midfield, alongside Kante, so he will be the more advanced of the two.

  19. Syphras
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Who are your top 4 must haves for this coming season, even if you can't get them all in your team? Was gonna make it top 3 but realised Aguero would probably be on everyone's list.

    1. FPL Maldini
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      For me Kun, Zlatan, Shaw and Azpi

    2. willl
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Aguero, Kane, Sanchez, Hazard

    3. Benalis Tache
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Good question... First thoughts are Aguero, Ibra, Hazard, Sanchez (once he's back)

    4. Benalis Tache
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      What are yours?

      1. Syphras
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        I really am unsure. There are so many names that jump out at me. I feel like maybe:
        Aguero, Ibra, Kane, Hazard.

    5. Exdeo
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Kun, Miki, Chelsea def(because they have Kante now), 4th spot for me is between Mahrez/Hazard/De Bruyne, so hard to predict who will be better this term

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

        and Sanchez....

    6. Däzzy
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Kun
      Zlatan
      Hazard
      Mufc defence

    7. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Kun the only one really.

      Feel like everyone else has an equally viable alternative at the moment.

      Maybe in defence - Shaw, Baines, Walker

    8. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Aguero, Mahrez, Shaw, Azpi

  20. Rupert The Horse
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    My friend, ex flat mate and colleague just won best international bar. Dear Lord.

    1. Däzzy
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Lol. Nice 1 🙂

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Even more so when he offered me bar manager role like 10 times and I kept declining. He's taken the current bar manager to New Orleans to attend the ceremony.

          1. Rupert The Horse
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            7 years, 10 months ago

            Errr, perfect.

        1. GreenWindmill
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          Your life and times are so far removed from my own it's fantastic, I love these little vignettes! 🙂

          My wife and I had a few days in London to celebrate an anniversary recently and went to one or two swankier places (by our standards!) Kept looking for scotch eggs on menus to determine if you'd have been or not 😉

          1. Rupert The Horse
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            7 years, 10 months ago

            That's bleeding hilarious. Honestly. I'm cracking up at the image. "What are you looking for love?"
            "Oh nothing."

  21. Maarrrr17
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Thoughts on Iwobi's game time?

    1. SAY SOMETHING SIGNIFICANT
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Extremely minimal, I'd have thought.

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

      Minimal - could be loaned out?

      1. Maarrrr17
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Despite Sanchez's current injury situation?

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

          Wasn't aware he was injured? - just not back training yet due to Copa.

          But over the season I doubt he will start more than a handful of games.

        2. QPR expects... glory!
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          Iwobi's going to be in Rio when the Premier League season starts

    3. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      He'll get decent minutes considering Arsenal's guaranteed injury crisis

  22. creaky24
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    A) Stones and Gabriel

    or

    B) Van Dijk and Taylor

  23. YoungPretender
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    I see a lot of Mirallas love. Has he been playing well in pre-season? I have Townsend at the moment, but may swap to Mirallas!

    1. A.T
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      He's only played one game but scored a fk = bandwagon.

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

        Thankyou!

    2. Ten Season Wonder
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Andros great option, Mirallas an even better option but only if he plays.

  24. Bøwstring The Carp
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    If you were to pick the "template" team from last year this season it would cost you 114.0m

    Cech/ 4.5m
    Bellerin/ Alderweireld/ Fuchs/ Van Dijk/ 4.5m
    Mahrez/ Payet/ Ozil/ Alli/ 4.5m
    Aguero/ Kane/ Vardy

    Just goes to show the price difference considering people with this team had about 4/5m ITB, effectively making any understanding of VORP useless.

    Around an 18.0m price rise over those 12 players since last year.

    1. Däzzy
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Butland was the keeper most popular amongst the serious players
      Cech was only really chosen by the casuals

  25. Syphras
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Does Kante start for Chelsea?

    1. Big Sum
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      yes

    2. Costa's Counsellor
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Probably, but don't.

      1. Syphras
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        I'm asking as a consideration for taking on board Terry at 5.5m. If Kante is starting then Chelsea's defence will probably be solid.

        1. Costa's Counsellor
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          Absolutely. Azpi for me though.

    3. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Er, yeah. Best holding middie in the Prem isn't he?

  26. Blurryface
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    If both Austin n Long start upfront who would u consider?

    1. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Long

    2. Irish Madridista ⭐
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      I love Long but in fpl terms it has to be Austin.

    3. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Really tricky. Long has really improved lately. But theres something about Austin I really like, he's just an instinctive goal scorer. Probably Austin.

    4. Big Sum
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Long

    5. A.T
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Austin

    6. Blurryface
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Austin with that QPR team was lethal and with this Sot team can prove to be diamond

    7. Jazz!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Austin without a doubt for me. Don't rate Long in terms of FPL.

    8. Lucy.
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Austin.

      1. Irish Madridista ⭐
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        The question is... Will you be starting with him Lucy? 😉

    9. Däzzy
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Tight. Long probably better player & likely to be drives if less. Austin a more proven goalscorer. I won't be with either from the off

    10. Freddie Cutecat
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      If both were guaranteed to start all games and stay fit all season, then definitely Austin.

      Given Austin's injury risk and Long's versatility and contribution to the team, Long

      Prefer to watch and wait for now!

    11. QPR expects... glory!
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Austin. I don't understand why there's even a debate.

  27. adased
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Rate my team?
    Butland-Adrian(For the rotation)
    Ayala-Williams-Fuchs-Alderweireld-PvA
    Mkhitaryan-Nolito-Sigurdsson-Phillips-Kante
    Ibra-Negredo-Musa (Entire forward line consist of strikers unproven in the EPL)

    1. Däzzy
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Aguero essential

    2. Costa's Counsellor
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      No players that are in my team, so I don't like it.

    3. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      2/10

      1. Däzzy
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Bit harsh
        I'll be very kind as usual 😉 and give it a TEN OUT OF TEN

  28. YoungPretender
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    How's this looking?

    Valdes Juko
    Baines Shaw Souare McAuley Paredes
    Mkhi Eriksen Mahrez Townsend/Mirallas Holjberg
    Aguero Costa Gray

    Any good? Which one out of Townsend & Mirallas?

    1. Däzzy
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Looks good

  29. Trae44
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Thoughts on this front 7?

    Mahrez, Ayew, Fabregas, Mkhitaryan
    Aguero, Lukaku, Austin

    1. Ten Season Wonder
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Top drawer. Not sure about Cesc mind... what's your defence?

  30. Costa's Counsellor
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Has a 4.5 mid ever turned out to be brilliant?

    1. Blurryface
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      5.5 was the POTY

    2. Jazz!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Boyd was great. I enjoyed owning Gosling too for a period last year.

    3. KingNidge
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      George Boyd was an absolute hero

    4. Ten Season Wonder
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      i got Dele Alli in for 4.9m last season and that turned out alright i suppose...

    5. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Boyd was good for a while a couple of seasons back? This season? Leko seems to have the nod on the left, could be worth it as a 5th middie?