Opinion
7 November 2016 2425 comments
Mark Mark
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The futile resistance to Hazard, the irresistible Samba twins, further Guardiola gripes, Zlatan clutching defeat from victory and the “unplayable” Victor Anichebe – these are the basis of our learnings from Gameweek 11.

Hazard just has too much going for him…
We’ve already written plenty of words on Eden Hazard, and there’s doubtless more to come.

The impact of his performance against a bewildered Everton resonated throughout the Fantasy Football community and ripped up any plans that dared to ignore the Chelsea playmaker.

Hazard’s ownership is soaring off the back of four in as many Gameweeks.

Naysayers will doubtless consider that chasing points already lost is futile but, such is the form being shown by Hazard and Chelsea, that seems a churlish stance that’s doomed to failure.

He has form, he has fixtures, he has set-piece duties, he has penalties, he has no European distractions and the idea of Antonio Conte resting him seems unthinkable.

There are just so many factors in his favour, those resisting the move can only be clinging to arguments, data and theories currently beyond our feeble minds.

Once again, it’s Coutinho and Firmino…
As if we needed further evidence that one Brazilian wasn’t enough, the pair combined again to rout Watford at Anfield and underline their importance to our cause.

We can flirt with Sadio Mane and Adam Lallana as alternatives but, for all-round potential and consistency, it’s almost impossible to deny that Roberto Firmino and Philippe Coutinho are the preferred route.

There are some concerns that one or even both will return for Gameweek 12 lagged and leggy following exertions on the international stage but, given their current form and opposition (Southampton), it’s difficult to see Klopp being content to deploy an XI without them.

While Hazard has decided our current transfer priority, there’s urgency to react to the Coutinho/Firmino double act given the destruction they’re inflicting.

Sunderland may offer two third striker solutions…
We’re well and truly sold on the Jermain Defoe option.

When Sunderland score, it’s a good bet that the 7.3 striker will be involved. In fact, the statistics back it up – Defore has scored or assisted 77% of the Black Cats goals this season.

After a blip of three blanks, Defoe’s ownership is back on the rise with Hull City due to drop in on the Stadium of Light in Gameweek 12.

While Defoe is a solution for those clinging to a three-man forward line, his Gameweek 11 partner, Victor Anichebe, is a new possibility for those happy to bench their third striker.

Every season we here that Anichebe is “unplayable” – 90% of the time that’s the case but for all the wrong reasons – he’s normally crocked.

But his performance at Bournemouth in Gameweek 11 fell into the other category – the Cherries couldn’t tame his power as he muscled his way to goal and assist returns.

Smarting from a cracked rib, it’s uncertain if Anichebe will face the Tigers defence come Gameweek 12. If he does and links effectively with Defoe once again, suddenly his stock will rise and more will shift to invest in their fifth midfielder.

It’s Vokes not Gray…
Burnley are another to offer budget options up front, although it’s become clear that our sights have previously been set on the wrong option.

With returns of three goals and an assist over the last four Gameweeks, Vokes has blinked on the radar. More significantly, Sean Dyche’s decision to deploy him in the 4-5-1 and bench Andre Gray on Saturday confirmed the Welshman’s place in the Clarets’ pecking order.

Burnley’s fixtures and the confidence instilled by Dyche offers encouragement, as Vokes emerges as a potential solution for those looking to adopt a more cautious 3-5-2 with an third active striker.

Clean sheets remain an endangered species….
While we’re intent on shuffling funds between attack and midfield, our five-man defences are set to remain ignored – for now at least.

Gameweek 11 offered little evidence for the need to switch tact, with Chelsea the only defence to offer returns.

Clearly, they are a different animal. Having provided five consecutive shut-outs, we should all be coveting Antonio Conte’s revived defensive unit and Marcos Alonso in particular.

Beyond the Blues, we need to show caution.

Liverpool and Manchester City are currently written off as erratic, frustratingly calamitous options – we even begrudge the relatively modest outlay for John Stones and Dejan Lovren.

But the heavyweights in north London are also letting us down.

Blighted by recent injuries, neither Arsenal nor Spurs are offering a stable source of points, postponing any switch to re-consider the likes of Hector Bellerin or Toby Alderweireld.

Since the flood of interest in Laurent Koscielny following his Gameweek 7 goal, he’s returned a single clean sheet and 12 points.

Jose Holebas has offered 25 points and George Friend 24 over the same period.

Until we get a sniff of greater consistency in settled and stable rearguards, our strategies are likely to remain centred on optimising our midfield and forwards.

We need Kane just as much as Spurs….
How we’d love to see Harry Kane re-produce the form of his last two seasons.

With the current landscape settled on the form of Diego Costa and Romelu Lukaku, coupled with the resistance to kick the Sergio Aguero habit, we really could do with Kane tossing a feline into our comfy pigeon coop.

The reaction to his appearance at the Emirates and his spot-kick goal have understandably been tempered by his obvious lack of match fitness. But a sharp and confident Harry Kane would change matters.

Then we’d see Aguero owners tempted by a powerful differential, and a new recruit to reinforce the forwards as they struggle to hold the Gameweek armband in the face of free-scoring midfielders.

Pep’s Christmas card is very much still in doubt…
The Aguero tremor upset us enough. Now Pep Guardiola’s next act is to step up his rotation policy and start picking off some previously assured targets.

I for one was shocked by the omission of Raheem Sterling against Middlesbrough.

Taken off on 70 minutes after terrorising Barcelona in midweek, that decision now seems very odd given that Guardiola presumably had no intention of fielding him four days later.

It demonstrates that this is a manager who is almost impossible to read and anticipate.

Clearly, I should never be so arrogant as to believe I can second guess his intentions – what we’ve learned and know from the habits of other managers can be dismissed. Guardiola has his own rulebook, and we’re at the mercy of decisions that are destined to frustrate us further.

Those of us who own Aguero and/or Ilkay Gundogan are potentially in for a rollercoaster over Christmas.

Ibrahimovic is just not meant to be…
So he breaks a dry spell of six matches with a brace at Swansea, only to earn a fifth booking and de-rail any momentum for Gameweek 12.

Seemingly, Zlatan Ibrahimovic wants us to go on selling him, and thousands continue to oblige.

Perhaps he wants to eventually inflict maximum damage to as many of his former owners as possible.

He’ll wait until his price has floored at 10.0 then hit the five Gameweek goals and reward the zealots and “ghostship” managers who took eyes off their squads back in September.

Either way, we’re still giving up on Ibrahimovic, and now that Kane is edging back on the menu, there are increasing doubts on how big a factor he can be in our seasons.

Mark Mark created the beast. He's now looking to tame it.

  1. Ginola14
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Currently proudly gazing at my mid of
    Haz / Sanchez / firm / cout / Allen
    About to go 352 for the 1st time in a long time

    1. Ginola14
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Luckily beat the price risers, sorry for top page boast!

    2. Pierce34
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Same, just switched to 3-5-2 to get Hazard in. It looks weaker than yours though - I've got Redmond instead of Firmino, others are identical.

      1. Ginola14
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        What do your strikers and def look like?

        1. Pierce34
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          Aguero, Costa and Barrow on the bench.

          Defence is Koscielny, Stones, Holebas, Pieters, Amat.

          Foster and Pickford in goal, 0.5 in the bank. What about you?

          1. Pierce34
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 1 month ago

            By that I meant just Barrow on the bench, not Aguero, Costa and Barrow 😀

          2. Ginola14
            • 13 Years
            9 years, 1 month ago

            Aguero Austin anichebe on the bench
            with walker kosc Coleman love Amat
            Heaton and pick in goal with 0.6 itb to do Coleman to alonso
            My bench stinks but I haven't needed them so far.......

            1. Pierce34
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 1 month ago

              Yeah as long as you don't need your bench you look in better shape. Costa vs. Austin is where all my money went!

              1. Ginola14
                • 13 Years
                9 years, 1 month ago

                Gone heavy in def as it should pay off long term but maybe you have the right setup with 2 big strikers, costa looks awesome again this season

  2. Twelve years a slave
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    So far this season the spoils have gone to those who jump on and off the form ponies.
    Last few weeks people saying

    Crazy to sell Antonio
    Crazy to Sell Ibra
    Crazy to sell Sterling
    Crazy to sell Walcott

    All that has happened is their owners have lost money while those
    that switched to the form players like Coutinho and Hazard have been
    laughing all the way to the bank.

    1. Ginola14
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Crazy to sell lukaku? Just did

      1. fedolefan
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Haha.

      2. Dr Mantis Toboggan
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        That's a move for after this GW

      3. Twelve years a slave
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Now that is crazy 🙂

        However if he blanks against Swansea then he will be the next to be hit hard,
        and the lesson from this season will be SELL and bank the profits, because holding
        on is just not working

        1. fedolefan
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          I actually think, only Lukaku can blank against Swansea. That will be a very fitting blank for the king of trolls. The fact that even Ibra scored against them makes Lukaku a triple captain candidate. The utter depression when he returns 2+2+2.

    2. Cheeseoid
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      You are right it has been like that and it is damn frustrating

      1. Twelve years a slave
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Yes I mean Sterling was in top form, yet somehow has had Five blanks on the trot.
        However his fixtures mean people always give one more week.

      2. Ginola14
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Straight call between him or Sanchez to bring in haz, and even tho I miss the swan game Sanchez is a better prospect with the fixtures to boot

    3. fedolefan
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      These were fine though:
      Crazy to sell Firmino
      Crazy to sell Aguero

    4. Mini Mane Mo
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Crazy to sel Sanchez?

  3. Pierce34
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Bottomed - thanks for the one reply so far:

    I need some Chelsea defence - which combination would you prefer?

    A) Courtois & 4.4 defender

    B) Alonso & keep Foster in goal

    Bear in mind that A costs 9.9 whereas B costs 10.5 - the extra 0.6 would go towards upgrading Allen to someone like Chadli/Lallana/Sigurdsson in due course. (playing 3-5-2 with Allen as 7th attacker)

    1. Ginola14
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      B by far as alonso has so much more upside than courtois and is more likely to get you attacking returns over the next run of fixtures

    2. The Chump
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      B. whats your whole defence like? are there other options to downgrade if you want to upgrade allen?

  4. mattk lfc
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Just me who wants to watch the world burn with 3 Hazard blanks in the next 3 😀

  5. Diva
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    To those saying the price changes were a few minutes early tonight, the evidence you give does not suggest that. Make your moves before 10 past to make the cut. 🙂

    1. Cheeseoid
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      If possible at least 24 hours early. Just to be sure

  6. Kitman
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Sanchez & De Roon for Coutinho & Walcott

    Does this make sense, not 100% of ditching Sanchez but hopefully issue is mitigated

    Thoughts?

  7. Cok3y5murf
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Redmond is like a parasite. Has managed to stay in my team from GW3 even though I've wanted him out badly every week...

    1. Pierce34
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Haha, he's one of 3 players in my team since GW1!

  8. Cheeseoid
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Is it possible for a civillian to launch appeals anganst Smithh and Holebas' yellow cards? I could really do with another defender this week

    1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Please contact Optimus via email 😉

    2. Mini Mane Mo
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      When you brought Holebas in, you knew there was a risk in his 4 YC and together with Smith as well

      1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        I honestly think my post was more helpful .

        1. Cheeseoid
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          To be honest his post wasn't helpful at all

      2. Cheeseoid
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        That isn't correct

        1. Mini Mane Mo
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          i apologise for the sarcastic post...can you take hits to get another defender in?

          1. Cheeseoid
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            9 years, 1 month ago

            Of course I can. I just would rather not, it seems a bit daft they are good defenders it is a bit annoying they both got suspended the same week. I might have to take a hit to make Amat someone half way useful

            1. Mini Mane Mo
              • 9 Years
              9 years, 1 month ago

              Holebas has favourable fixtures after his suspension. I took Smith out because his next two are against Ars and Pool..Pieters could do a job short term for Smith.

              1. Cheeseoid
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 13 Years
                9 years, 1 month ago

                You may have a point. Maybe Smith will have to go but is a shame as I have made a few quid on him

                1. Mini Mane Mo
                  • 9 Years
                  9 years, 1 month ago

                  This is probably not the season to be loyal. Taking a hit might be beneficial 2-3 GWs down the road.

                  1. Cheeseoid
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 13 Years
                    9 years, 1 month ago

                    TBH I think playing with 10 men might be the best option

                    1. Cheeseoid
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 13 Years
                      9 years, 1 month ago

                      And hope that Amat gets back in

                      1. Mini Mane Mo
                        • 9 Years
                        9 years, 1 month ago

                        No worries...take in whatever you can in here and do what you think its best for your team. Don't be swayed if you feel convicted.

    3. Diva
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Can you AOA this week?

      1. Cheeseoid
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Yes I could bring Diaomonde off of my bench!

        1. Diva
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          Hull v Sunderland isn't the worst fixture to give him a run out. But is he playing? I haven't been paying much attention to the Hull attack for some reason! 😀

          1. Cheeseoid
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            9 years, 1 month ago

            No. He is in the middle of a 3 match suspension and I was hoping he could just rot on my bench over that time.

            1. Cheeseoid
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              9 years, 1 month ago

              Especially annoying because that Hull front line has now got a lot of injuries in it. If not suspended he would be playing now I think

  9. niloh1
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    who is the best third striker option thats under 8m? benteke or defoe or deeney?

    1. Walsh
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Austin

      1. Ginola14
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        I'd go Austin

    2. Dr Mantis Toboggan
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Austin

  10. FortunesAlwaysHiding
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Emre Can is racking up stacks comparable to some 3rd striker options. Seems like a good enabler to downgrade a Liverpool mid for Hazard. Just sayin'....

    1. nonprophet
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Terrible. He doesn't play a lot of minutes

  11. Jambu1986
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Looking forward to the next round of games!

    Firminho, Coutinho, Hazard, Gundogan, Aguero, Costa and Lukaku, ditched Sanchez in favour of 'certain' point scorers! Walker, Alonso and Pieters at the back too! Thoughts?

  12. Bruno Bruno!!
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    by gw15 i will have the ultimate fpl midfield

    1. Ginola14
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      And the worst def and strikers?

    2. waldo666
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      But what will the rest of your team look like?

      1. Bruno Bruno!!
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Heaton, Valdes

        McAuley, Morgan, VanDijk, Evans, Stones

        Sanches, KDB, Hazard, Coutinho, Firmino

        Anichebe, Austin, Wilson

        1. Cok3y5murf
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          Surely this is a joke.

          1. Bruno Bruno!!
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 1 month ago

            gonna play either 4-5-1 or 3-5-2 each week

        2. Ginola14
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          I would rather have Costa or aguero over kdb and you have too much in def

        3. waldo666
          • 15 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          Wow that front 3 is awful sorry to say but I assume you plan on just playing 2 up front? Still even then, Yikes!

          1. Bruno Bruno!!
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 1 month ago

            most weeks 4-5-1, just changing the odd midfielder with Austin up front

          2. Bruno Bruno!!
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 1 month ago

            its a bold move, but sometimes you have to take bg risk to bet big reward

            1. waldo666
              • 15 Years
              9 years, 1 month ago

              Bold is one word ;), certainly a risk but hey who am I to say it won't pay off, only time will tell.

    3. lahi
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      The problem is, it might change by GW15. It's ever changing this season.

  13. Dino
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    What are people's thoughts on the price function in fpl?

    Personally I think it had positives and negatives.

    Main positive is it helps the more discerning manager by giving a bit of an advantage monetary wise in the second half of the season.

    The negative to me far outweighs the positive for me though and that is that we all ends up with the same tasks after xmas. Players that are doing well all season will be owned by 30% plus managers and will have risen so much in value that if we sell we will never be able to get them back. We end up playing with two or three outfield positions where we can take a gamble and maybe tinkering with a few defenders. I find the game gets very boring when this happens and often lose interest (unless I'm doing quite poorly in which case I'll be having fun with differentials trying to turn it around).

    My fear this year is that with process fluctuating so much and so quickly I'm actually heading for a position like that alway and we are still only a third of the way into the season.

    Any thoughts?

    1. Cheeseoid
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      But how would you fix it? I have contemplated it before and it is a tricky one. If you removed price changes altogether would that be a good thing?

      1. Dino
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah I'm really not sure tbh, I was hoping someone more clever than me would come up with a clever way of fixing it

    2. waldo666
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      I struggled at first, in fact my first 3 or 4 years playing as a full on casual I don't think I even knew how they were calculated!!

      I actually like that it is market driven, it's a different format than the other fantasy games I play (different sports as well as different EPL products).

      It can be annoying when getting priced out and having to make early transfers but that's all part of the game and same rules for all.

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

      The price changes are crazy atm. Making early transfers in an international break is something I rarely do yet made 0.2 doing it Sunday and would have made another 0.2 if I took the real risk of Saturday. No price changes would make the game/FFS more static as there would be no point making transfers until Friday/Saturday.

      1. Cheeseoid
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Beat you on Sportsdeck 😉

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

          Beat you in FPL 😉

          1. Cheeseoid
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            9 years, 1 month ago

            We didn't have a H2H in that but I will take your word for it.

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

              Well done though. I still have Mahrez from GW1 so am quite lost in the game.

              1. Cheeseoid
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 13 Years
                9 years, 1 month ago

                I did Zlatan to Vardy this week as a punt. That worked well!

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

                  Getting close to retiring for the season. Need a WC to even get close to a good side. Pretty poor too.

                  1. Cheeseoid
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 13 Years
                    9 years, 1 month ago

                    I would give up my Sky rank and my Sportsdeck rank to have a decent FPL rank.

                  2. waldo666
                    • 15 Years
                    9 years, 1 month ago

                    Stick it out TM, if for nothing more than to keep the league rank up, I'm doing shocking this year too

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

                      I will. Just hate my team. Outside Coutinho, it's pretty rubbish.

                      1. waldo666
                        • 15 Years
                        9 years, 1 month ago

                        Fair enough and I hear ya, think I have chased coin too much this year, normally I don't so much in this game and I think the change in tack has been to my detriment

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

                        Same, got Gundogan for the cash this week.

                      3. Cheeseoid
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 13 Years
                        9 years, 1 month ago

                        I don't really know what I am doing in the game tbh. Never really worked out the scoring system either yet I am doing OK still.

                        I just do not get it

                      4. waldo666
                        • 15 Years
                        9 years, 1 month ago

                        To your advantage by the looks of things Cheese! 😉 One thing to remember is to start looking after those trades, that's the other thing, I have traded way more early season this time around and if I don't pull up I will be out of trades with half the season still to play

                      5. Cheeseoid
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 13 Years
                        9 years, 1 month ago

                        I think I have been relatively careful. I have been a bit more tranny happy the last couple of weeks but I still have 28 left. How does that compare?

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

                        You have the core players in whilst I have punts I'd never consider in FPL 😆

                      7. Cheeseoid
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 13 Years
                        9 years, 1 month ago

                        I mostly started with them tbh. My initial selections on that and Sky were very strong

                      8. waldo666
                        • 15 Years
                        9 years, 1 month ago

                        Compares well with me mate as I am down to just 22

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

                        26 for me.

                      10. Cheeseoid
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 13 Years
                        9 years, 1 month ago

                        You have done very well in your H2H matches though

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

                        Luck of the draw, no skill.

                      12. Cheeseoid
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 13 Years
                        9 years, 1 month ago

                        I do like the price change system. How would you feel if FPL was similar speaking of price change issues. Then you would get price changes without the rushing into something stupid before the internationals happen?

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

                        http://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/comment/14433354

                        Price changes would have already happened so you could make late transfers in peace. Prices changing during the break force people with tight budget into early moves which are risky given the water still to flow under the bridge in these 2 weeks.

      2. Dino
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        It would make it more static during the week I'd at but do you not think it would actually free teams up to be more different if we could get rid of big players and just play the fixtures?

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

          May as well have a WC every week if you want different. Safety in numbers would still happen if there were no price changes.

          1. Dino
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 16 Years
            9 years, 1 month ago

            What about limiting price changes to 0.1 per week and only on a Friday night.

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

              Before off changing prices after final update with no transfers allowed until then. Base it on performance or score. Score of 7 or more for a 0.1 rise and scores of 1 or less being a 0.1 drop with a limit of 0.5 below original price.

              1. Dino
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 16 Years
                9 years, 1 month ago

                That could work but it sounds very dynamic.

                I think they key to fpl popularity is noobs can understand it and play it without too much attention and still do ok.

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

                  It's still less dynamic to what is happening now. No price changes sounds like the only way you'd be happen.

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

                    happy*

                  2. Dino
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 16 Years
                    9 years, 1 month ago

                    No, as I said originally I do think there is a positive side to price changes but I don't think the "locked in" element of your team is the reason they are there.

                    I do think there has to be a way to tinker with the current system to allow more ability to change your team in the second half of the season though.

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

                      Towards the 2nd half of the season, team value means less as points win the game. If you have built up well pre Xmas, you can loss your earners easier. You may as well have full selling value instead of half but that just rewards money chasers.

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

              Plenty only bother Saturday morning.

              1. Dino
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 16 Years
                9 years, 1 month ago

                It won't have too much effect on those guys then as they are missing out even more under the current system.

            3. Gussy
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 1 month ago

              Hmmm if you do this then you could also make SV = CP so people aren't afraid of "losing" value on picks they have held for a loooong time

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

                More money chasing = more money templates.

      3. Dino
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        That comment below was supposed to be in reply to you tm

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

          It still is when you follow the lines.

    4. 42towels
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      I think the system itself works fine, I do have issues with the transparency. Instead of relying on fplstats or fffix, FPL should be providing their own predictions.

      When am talking to my ML 'casual' friends, they regularly feel that it's a random system - I think FPL can make it more predictable and part of the game, rather than some goblin at work every night.

      1. Dino
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        I just find it incredibly boring post Xmas in the years I am doing well. The chips have livened it up a little but the shear amount of value you lose when selling a player means you can't shift a good few members of your squad post Xmas.

        What about the longer you have a player the more you get when you sell? Eg if you have him for say 8 or 12 weeks or more you get his full value as your sale value. It might help to both slow down price changes and still allow people to swap out for a while without penalty.

        1. waldo666
          • 15 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          I don't mind that or something like that Dino, a 'loyalty bonus' if you will

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

          Rules like that would need to be clear as someone selling after 7 gets robbed compared to 8 GWs.

          1. Dino
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 16 Years
            9 years, 1 month ago

            Yeah of course tm.

            Another way of doing it would be to offer a buy back at the same price you sold on players you have owned for more than a given period of time. This would ensure people are not using the extra value in their "holiday" period while they have dropped a player or players.

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

              What if that player went up in price after you sold or dropped?

              1. Dino
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 16 Years
                9 years, 1 month ago

                You take the price rises on the chin but don't lose your retained value?

                So if a 10m player is worth 1m more than you bought him for you sell at 10.5. If in the meantime the player rises by 0.2 to 11.2 and you want to buy back you pay 10.7 to get him back? Maybe?

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

                  FPL servers would crash working all that out. Would probably need a fixed buy back period or you lose that privilege.

                  1. Dino
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 16 Years
                    9 years, 1 month ago

                    Yeah I'm not sure how possible or if we even want these changes, I'm just brainstorming here.

    5. tets mcgee (Ha La Land)
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      can i just say what a devilishly handsome fellow u appear to be in ur grav.

      1. Dino
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Why thank you Tets, it's my job

    6. Ruth_NZ
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      TV (SV) has a value but it is less important than many people imagine.

      I expect to lose Lukaku soon and will lose 0.4 TV when I do. I kept Zlatan for 2 weeks and lost 0.2 SV but was able to captain him for his brace. I know I will have an average or slightly better TV when DGW season wildcard comes around and that will be plenty.

      It's just not that big of a deal. Don't be driven by it.

      1. Dino
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        I agree Ruth, but in certain circumstances players you have had for months have risen soo much in value and are soo highly owned you know you will want them again at some point and selling for 4 or 5 weeks (maybe less even) just doesn't make sense so we get kind of stuck.

        1. tisza
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          Vardy & Mahrez last year.
          Had them for about 30GWs then got rid on DGW wildcard. Mistake.
          Became obsessed with having 15 DGwers - ironically ended up with 14 only player I kept was a Leicester defender.
          But was left with a mess and it was too expensive to get them back in after DGW.

  14. Dr Mantis Toboggan
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Both priced at exactly 10.7, who would you rather have in your team from gw14-17?

    Kane (SWA, mun, HUL, BUR)
    KDB (CHE, lei, WAT, ARS)

    Can't help but think Kane's irresistible home fixtures and lack of rotation risk could make him a better option over that period

    1. Ginola14
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Tough, if Kane looks sharp I'd have to go with him

  15. lahi
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    I'm new to the members area. There's no option to filter by price when creating a stat table right? Or am I blind?

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

      No prices like RMT.

      1. lahi
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks. But it sure would be useful if there was a column for that.

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

          Not an OPTA stat and they change often enough.

          1. lahi
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            9 years, 1 month ago

            Ahh right. I was trying to get a budget forward table done and realized prices are not included. Anyway, thanks. But could a price column be suggested? I think it would be an improvement.

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

              I think it has been. Easy enough to know who is cheap from a table.

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

          You can use the projections if you want the prices.

    2. Cheeseoid
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      I don't think there is no.

      1. lahi
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks. Would've been cool if it had one.

  16. Mini Mane Mo
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Many have gone Austin as their 2nd striker to fit in Haz and Kun plus Pool mids...wouldn't it be better to have a combination of Costa/Lukaku/Kane. Austin hasn't shown the consistency yet. arguable 3 of his 5 goals came from penalties?

    1. Ginola14
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      He allows firm and Sanchez who are effectively strikers for their clubs

      1. Ginola14
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        I see your point but kun and Austin is still cheaper too

      2. Mini Mane Mo
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        my front 7 looks like this without Kun. Luk and Costa more consistently goalscorers this year than Kun and Austin.

        Haz/Firm/Cout/Sanchez/Allen
        Lukaku/Costa

    2. Diva
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      I prefer Austin as a third striker. It is possible to fit Sanchez, Hazard, Aguero, Costa, Austin and one of the pricier Liverpool mids in a team together. A second Liverpool mid is a bit of a stretch then though...

      1. Mini Mane Mo
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        that would mean cheap 4th and 5th mids?

        1. Diva
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          Yeah, it would require a cheapish fourth mid. It depends how much you want to spend on defence.

    3. Cheeseoid
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Kane hasn't shown anything either this season. He didn't score for the first month of the season got injured and then scored one penalty. Not saying he can't he has shown in the past he definitely can I just think it is too early for him.

      1. Mini Mane Mo
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        True to that...monitoring his form for England if he starts

        1. Cheeseoid
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          No Alli will not help him either

          1. 42towels
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 1 month ago

            This. Spurs look short of ideas.

  17. mranonymous
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Curent team. Should I remove Benteke? His inclusion allows a strong midfield.

    Foster-Pickford

    Stones-Lovren-Williams-McAuley-Evans

    Hazard-DeBruyne-Firmino-Walcott-Capoue

    Aguero-Benteke-Austin

    1. fedolefan
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Could stick. GW13-15 are very good fixture wise.

  18. davies
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Arnautovic > Walcott for me next week.

    Hopefully he starts vs United - and hopefully people keep selling.

    1. Cheeseoid
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Next week I think that will be a good move

      1. davies
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Thank you - Arsenal midfield a must after this week imo

    2. Dino
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Arnie has a few bumper fixtures left in him yet.

      It wouldn't kill me to see wally taken off the fpl board as he is too not to own when he is playing and yet I have to much money in midfield already with double pool and hazard.

      1. davies
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Walcott (BOU)
        Arnie (wat)

        Better fix for Arsenal too..

  19. Rolls-Royce
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Hi

    1. waldo666
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      G'day

  20. Slam
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    I am officially 1 million pounds richer than I started this season, in FPL of course.

    1. Cheeseoid
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Boom!

  21. Kiwivillan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Tied at top of my cash ML but 3.0m TV advantage. How much of an advantage do we think this is?

    1. Swan - Villa Proud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      I have a similar advantage (3.2M) on the leader of my league, trail by 9 pts. It's can be a massive advantage in the DGW's of the big hitters are involved.

    2. 42towels
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      I dont think we can ever answer that accurately. It will give you a psychological edge, and possibly a real edge towards end of the season if the mid-range players dont perform as well as the expensive ones.

  22. Sanchit
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Thoughts on this. Is not having Kun really a big risk?
    My overall rank is around 500

    Heaton/Robinson
    Holebas Smith Naughton Lowton Pieters

    Sanchez Hazard Coutinho Firmino Walcott

    Costa Lukaku 4.5

    1. Swan - Villa Proud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Not crazy but at that high a rank, a Kun brace will really hurt. Great teams thought

    2. Mini Mane Mo
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Great front 7...Sanchez and Kun seems to have become the differential these couple of days

    3. blizzle
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Nice rank. Seems a lot up there don't have Kun. I ditched him a week after you it seems and went from 233k to 50k. It's a great enabler.

  23. Swan - Villa Proud
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Heaton Jaku
    Walker Holebas Fuchs Evans Amat
    Sanchez Walcott Firmino Coutinho Allen
    Kun Lukaku Austin
    1FT 0.0 ITB

    Any thoughts here? Honestly, I may save the FT barring injury. Not selling Lukaku til after Swansea and I like my fixtures for next week. Hazard in the team GW13

    1. davies
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Sanchez > Hazard or save.

    2. Rolls-Royce
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Sanchez-> Haz?

    3. Swan - Villa Proud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Not losing Sanchez atm

    4. Mini Mane Mo
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Walker should be fit even though having a knock?

      1. Swan - Villa Proud
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        I hope so. If not, will ship for Alonso

  24. Shifty
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Am I the only one who willingly let Hazard's price rise just to avoid making an early transfer?

    Yes, I can afford it and completely understand if you had just enough cash to make the move. But there's every chance of some significant injuries given it's competitive fixtures...

    1. Rolls-Royce
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Nope, Ville Ronka is with you.

    2. badgerboy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Same here. Might even save FT if i can. Once bitten by early international break transfers twice shy.

      1. badgerboy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        There's something really satisfying about saving a FT whilst there are hits flying around everywhere.

      2. Shifty
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        depends if you already have Hazard 🙂 still getting him in this GW but would rather wait til the pressers if possible.

        Bitten too many times! Just playing it by experience...could easily have no injuries, which would be great - but i'd happily let 0.1 slide to avoid possibility of being forced into a penalty.

        1. Diva
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          If you can afford to let 0.2 slide I guess you can afford to let another 0.1 go too.

          1. Shifty
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 1 month ago

            true, why stop there, right? I should let 0.6 slide! strive for greatness!

            1. Diva
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 1 month ago

              Exactly! 😀

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

      I'd be 0.4 poorer if I waited. Love Saturday morning transfers but in this case, the wagon is too strong.

      1. Swan - Villa Proud
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        how many hits to get him in?

        I'm kicking myself for not pulling the trigger on Walker->Alonso on Saturday night. The Walker knock and Holebas ban hurts and now I can't do a straight swap.

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

          1 hit. Got rid of Walker. Still cost me 0.2 more doing it after Sunday games and a better defender replacement.

          1. Swan - Villa Proud
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 1 month ago

            Good moves that. I will get Alonso in for a hit if Walker is ruled out or a doubt for West Ham

      2. Shifty
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Wow that's a compelling reason - Sterling > Hazard?

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

          Yeah. I ended up 0.2 poorer until this morning. Sterling dropping another 0.1 hopefully shows I did something right although Sterling could easily outscore him.

          1. Shifty
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 1 month ago

            yea actually it does depend on who Hazard is replacing I guess. Part of the reason why I'm holding out is because the planned transfer is Mane > Hazard.

            If I get a price rise from Mane, I would be making a 0.1 profit on him which would negate that latest Hazard rise (doubt Mane rises though).

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

              At least you get the option of replaced an injured player or not getting Hazard if injured. My team is down to one sub so need no injuries or else another hit may be needed.

    4. Swan - Villa Proud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      I am letting it rise this week. Can still get the team I want if he's 10.2. It's not worth giving up great fixture for Lukaku (SWA)to get him now imo. Will save the FT (if no injuries from the break) and do 3 moves in GW13.

  25. Jape
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    A)
    Redmond/Gundogan/HAZARD/Firmino/Chadli
    Kun/Kaku/9.1

    B)
    Redmond/Gundogan/COUTINHO/Firmino/Chadli
    Kaku/Kun/COSTA

    1. Jape
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Midfielder giving way is Sanchez

    2. Swan - Villa Proud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      I wouldn't lose Sanchez, but understand some have no choice. I'd say downgrade Kaka (after this week) or shift 9.1 fwd to Austin and keep Sanchez if you can.

      From your choices above, I like A

      1. Jape
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        It's either Sanchez or Hazard and with the form Hazard is in it's hard to go without him.

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

      Coutinho may be rested leaving an easy A this week. Coutinho and Hazard will be in most teams for GW12.

  26. graphene
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    How likely are Walker & Chadli playing next GW do we think?

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

      I think Chadli will start next GW, but the pressers will give a good idea.

  27. Jinswick
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Defoe a viable captaincy pick this week? Currently miles behind in my ML and he's a pretty big differential for me.

    1. thep025
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Differential maybe yes.....But can he get a huge haul?? WIth Sunderland not probably.....I can see at best 2 goals maybe

    2. Ryan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Can't see a big haul either. Should get a goal though.

    3. Shifty
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      keep calm! how far is miles?

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

        100 points!

  28. thep025
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    No need to WC this right? Not doing too badly atm.......Sitting in the top 10k though i did have a bad GW. Lack of Chelsea is worrying me....
    Foster Heaton
    Vertonghen Morgan Holebas Cameron Amat
    Sanchez Firmino Coutinho Redmond Capoue
    Aguero Lukaku Deeney
    Any suggestions.....1 FT and 0.8 itb
    Maybe Sanchez->Hazard and Redmond->Walcott for a hit??

    1. Diva
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      No need to wildcard.

  29. Twelve years a slave
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    PRESIDENT DIVA UNDERWOOD

    What happened to the blog?

    1. Diva
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      I've had a couple of very busy months at work and at home. Work is just starting to settle down (I hope) so I might be able to get back to it soon.

  30. Moin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Cech // Pickford
    Alonso // Stones // Janmaat // Evans // Van Der Hoorn

    Is this defense good?
    Would you prefer Heaton // Forster combo for 9.4m or this combo worth 9.5m?

    1. Cheeseoid
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      I think you could get away with Heaton Pickford tbh.

      1. Diva
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        I agree with the president.

        1. Hy liverpool
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          wow two presidents in the house 😀 ... WB diva

          1. Diva
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 1 month ago

            Thanks HY!

      2. Moin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        I won't feel comfortable with Heaton // Pickford combo

    2. Hy liverpool
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Heaton/karius and pickford
      stones to anyone would be an upgrade