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. arkom
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    1. Vokes + Gündogan

    or

    2. Austin + Allen?

    I think that I'll go with no. 1.

    1. Christina.
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Good luck then.

      1. Jazz!
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Lol

    2. Delhidynamo
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      2

    3. Eze Really?
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Sterling Silva gundogan Kdb Nolito Navas Sane Kun
      8 names for 5 spots.
      I have no clue what Pep will do next and although these players have the potential to hurt no owners how can we even think of tying up funds into them when others are just as good choices and liable to play.
      A long reply to the Gundogen question.

      1. DantheManinaPan
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Not really... Silva, KDB and Kun are all nailed. The wide players are the ones under pressure: Sterling, Sane, Nolito, Navas.

    4. Live Lad
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      I would choose 2. Players in 1 nailed?

  2. Jayben23
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Advice please?

    Foster, Boruc
    Friend, Smith(suspended), Clyne, Holebas(suspendid) \ Amat
    Özil, Firmino, Coutinho, Allen \ Fletcher
    Costa, Agüero, Lukaku

    Is it Worth taking a -8 hit to take out

    Aguero, Allen, and Smith

    for

    Austin, hazard, and Alonso

    or should i leave it as is?

    1. karvs155
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      leave imo

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

      You are thinking of taking a HIT to take out AGUERO?

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

      step away from the computer

  3. Christina.
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Last 4 weeks:

    KP/GA/touches in the box...

    Alexis: 6/11/22
    Ozil: 14/9/24
    Walcott*: 2/10/19

    *=Walcott played 100 min less than the other two.

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

      Walcott has good stats..

    2. Delhidynamo
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      For some people he will never be nailed though..

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

      This seasons Wally is a new man. What if that shot he leathered off the bar had gone in....

  4. Scotty B
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Pickford
    Evans Vertonghen Pieters
    Firmino Capoue Gundogan Coutinho
    Ibrahimovic Lukaku Aguero

    Heaton Antonio Clyne Amat

    Which option is better?
    A Ibra > Kane for free
    B Antonio & Ibra > Hazard & Austin for -4

    1. Jayben23
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      B

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

      B

    3. dhamphiir
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      B

    4. karvs155
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      B, easy!

  5. Delhidynamo
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    3-4-3 vs 3-5-2 comes down to

    A)Benteke vs Wally

    B)Sanchez vs KDB

    C)Walker/Kos vs Stones

    Who wins?

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

      Austin
      Sanchez
      Stones

      1. Delhidynamo
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Austin is second striker already

        Benteke vs Wally is the question

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

          Wally

  6. bigbudgie
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Heaton / Jaku
    Kos Lovren Holebas Pieters Amat
    Haz Cout Firm Wally Fletcher
    Kun Lukaku Austin

    1.2ITB

    Which direction would you take this team in the coming weeks?

    A) Go Lovren to Alonso and have two premium defenders, 1 Arse 1 Chelski but no money to upgrade elsewhere
    B) Go Lukaku > Costa and Kos > Alonso (currently have 0.3 leeway for that)
    C) Downgrade Wally and look to get Sanchez back in (not sold on any of the cheaper 4th mid options)
    D) Consider a Lukaku downgrade for more cash ITB
    E) Something else

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

      Lovren to Alonso makes a lot of sense, especially since Liverpool are not keeping CS.
      Next week you can probably remove Lukaku for someone..but for this week...Lovren to Alonso makes sense.

      1. bigbudgie
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Yeah, if it prices me out of a Lukaku upgrade in future tho? Wouldn't be able to get Costa/Kane without then downgrading Kos or Wally

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

          True, that call you will have to take.

          1. bigbudgie
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 3 months ago

            It would look tasty Kos and Alonso next to each other.
            But a lot of funds in D

            1. mcrayeps
              • 9 Years
              9 years, 3 months ago

              not so tasty, planning to change kosc to upgrade my 4th mid maybe several next week

              heaton
              kosc alonso pieters
              haz firm cout allen
              costa lukaku kun

              lol

    2. Arn De Gothia
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      b

  7. Jam0sh
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Which one would you play:

    A) Evans (BUR)
    B) Pieters (BOU)

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

      A

    2. bigbudgie
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Evans for sure

  8. Twelve years a slave
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago


    We’re well and truly sold on the Jermain Defoe option.

    is there some kind of group huddle where the scouts decide who they are going to ramp for the week? Seems so, the Barkley wagon felt very like that, it was almost as if he was pushed on the community

    1. Delhidynamo
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      I wish you would have spoken up then

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

        I did, i bought Bolasie that week, turned out quite well.

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

      The only problem I see with Sunderland at this time is that till GW 27, they have difficult games every alternate week

    3. Christina.
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      My guess is Mark is driving the bus.

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

        Great pick by him, and to hold him too, hats off was good work.
        Was just wondering who the "We" were

        1. Christina.
          • 16 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          Spelling error.

          "Me''

          😉

        2. Ruth_NZ
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          "We" is all of us. Mark is kindly summarising what we think.

          I didn't know I thought all that before but now I do. 😉

        3. Fitzy.
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          The same 'We' that the article is named for?

    4. pompeyfan
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      tin hat time.

    5. PurpleCobras
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      I think there's just a lot of like minded people in the scout team. That's why Granville is so necessary on Scoutcast - he looks at things differently from the rest.

  9. MrMaverick
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Pulled the trigger to get Hazard last night -4

    Sterling > Haz

    Walcott > Snodgrass

    Leaves me with a front 7 of Hazard-Mane-Coutinho-Firmino-Snodgrass

    Will I regret it?

    1. bigbudgie
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      ppl are gonna say no Arsenal. You planning on Mane > Sanchez somehow later on?

      1. MrMaverick
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        When AFCON comes around, Mane will be out but it would take a few moves to get Sanchez

        Possibly though

    2. Shifty
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      nope.

      1. MrMaverick
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        cheers

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

      Looks good, won't regret it.

      1. MrMaverick
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        cheers

    4. PurpleCobras
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Your front 7 is 2 men short.

  10. Christina.
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    ...now the alternatives....

    Last 4 weeks:

    KP/GA/touches in the box...

    Hazard: 8/15/26
    Firmino: 9/14/35
    Coutinho: 11/17/27

    Differentials...

    Eriksen 11/17/12
    Siggurdson 10/12/11

    1. dhamphiir
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      What is full form KP and GA?

      1. Syd.
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Key passes & goal attempts

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

      Siggy could be a good option GW15 Onwards

      1. Christina.
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Yeah, pity Swansea are so dismal. They went tits up when Gomis lost the plot and Ayew moved on.

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

          Yeah, and even Routledge has not found form this season..

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

            Have a feeling Eriksen is going to explode soon, he has been pretty danfpgerous lately without reward, and he and Tottenham have been missing Kane. There some nice fixtures on the horizon and he is one player am keen on

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

              Has been in my thoughts too.

              Could easily outscore Haz over next three.

              WHU/che/SWA

              vs

              mid/TOT/mci

            2. Smurf
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 16 Years
              9 years, 3 months ago

              I agree. He's looking good. Returns are imminent but trying to find a place for him with all the other mids about is near impossible.

              1. Christina.
                • 16 Years
                9 years, 3 months ago

                Gru getting gametime would solve so many problems....

    3. J0E
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Eriksen and Sigurdsson both on goals imminent table.

      Both are going to score well soon.

      I'm looking to get Sigurdsson in GWK 15....looks like he's about to drop in price too this week 🙂

      Eriksen is a tough one due to his price and other options in that general price area.

      But having said that a sure fire indicator that Eriksen will do well is that I'll be getting him in Sky. will regularly pick him in FanDuel and already have him in Dugout. I'm doing well in all three of those btw.

      Actually think I may have talked myself into getting Eriksen in FPL.

      1. Christina.
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        I thought of you when I posted and watched the Siggy/Eriksen highlights this morning.

        1. J0E
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 16 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          Two of my favourites. With Sigurdsson's price and fixtures he looks too good to miss out on for me. Eriksen in FPL is annoying due to limited transfers, perhaps a five man mid needed. Think that's why I'm preferring other formats this year as I have more freedom to get the team I want.

          1. Christina.
            • 16 Years
            9 years, 3 months ago

            My problem is what to do with the 3.4 itb...

            Unless Lukaku turns into Giroud I won't have any Arsenal attacking cover. So it's a straight shoot out between Siggy/Eriksen and Walcott...

            1. J0E
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 16 Years
              9 years, 3 months ago

              Eriksen v Walcott/Ozil for me.

              1. Christina.
                • 16 Years
                9 years, 3 months ago

                Siggy just so cheap, good fixtures, good pedigree...

                The price difference between Ozil & Walcott is a killer.

      2. Dino
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        I was looking at siggy but I don't think left wing in a 442 suits him and Bob seems to be setting up that way the last couple of games.

        1. Hurricane Gilbert
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          I think Bob will realize that Siggy in the hole with Montero and Barrow on the flanks is the way to go. Team looked much better second half when he changed tactics and players.

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

            I thought that too after the game before the utd game but he still went back to it again v utd so I'm worried he is working on it as a way to get llorente and Baston into the team.

            If this is the case then our only hope would be if he employed a diamond as they don't have the cbs for three at the back imo

            1. Hurricane Gilbert
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 3 months ago

              True. Bob doesn't have a clue atm though, changes formation and players from game to game. The experiment will soon be over, and I really hope that he will play with the lone striker.

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

                I'm not as confident as you since Baston doesn't seem perfectly suited to a lone striker system and he is their record signing. We'll see I guess

            2. Christina.
              • 16 Years
              9 years, 3 months ago

              Bob really looks very confused next to the field. Love his facial expression.

              lol

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

                Yeah you kind of feel sorry for him alright. I don't think he's going to do as good as guidolin who I rated very highly as a coach.

                1. Hurricane Gilbert
                  • 10 Years
                  9 years, 3 months ago

                  I have to agree Dino. Any advice to a Siggy owner? Guess I will keep the next few games and monitor Swansea closely...

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

                    Yeah if you have him I'd play it that way but I'm not going to buy him until I see a bit more clarity from bob. I do want him though.

    4. Delhidynamo
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Is the Arnie phase over for you Chris?

      1. Christina.
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Yeah, so get him in with BOURN/watf/BURN....

        😥

        1. Delhidynamo
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          Haha I didn't kick him. DeRoon tagged in well too

    5. Ruth_NZ
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      I had Swansea in mind from GW15 for a long time, they have good fixtures and a comfortable holiday timetable. I wanted a defender and probably an attacker. Borja has the potential to do very well when he starts regularly.

      But I can't even consider a Swansea player until the team settles down. Bradley looks out of his depth, he has never managed a club at anything like PL level before and I'm not sure he knows how to handle the quality of player he has. Did OK as USA manager but that's a different job entirely.

      Until Swansea show some form, even some kind of settled team, they are off limits for me. That includes Sigurdsson, much as I like him as a player.

      1. Christina.
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        I agree.

      2. Hurricane Gilbert
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Wise choice Ruth. I got Siggy in just after Bradley was appointed, didn't know much about him at the time.

        Stuck with Siggy atm, so I guess he keeps his place. Next two games, especially home to Palace in GW13, will be the best eye-test for Swansea and Siggy. If they are worthy of investment...

  11. Ibralicious
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Current defence:
    Williams / Holebas (!!) / Kelly (!) / Kingsley (!!) / Amat (!!)
    1.3 ITB 0 FT (!= tough fixture, not worth keeping) (!!= not starting)

    A) Holebas+Kelly-> Alonso+Nyom for -8 (leaves exactly 0 ITB)
    *I know a massive hit for defenders is unnecessary, but Alonso seems like a season keeper with his attacking threat, would not be able to bring him in later on
    B) Holebas-> Nyom for -4, start Kelly VS Man City

    Cheers!

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

      Keep Holebas and remove Kelly and Amat

  12. nad
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    What should I do?
    1 FT 1.6 ITB
    Foster Jaku
    Walker(d) Holebas (s) Lovren (d) Daniels Amat
    Sanchez Firmino Mata Allen Barry (s)
    Lukaku Aguero Austin

    A) Walker > Alonso
    B) Mata > 9.0M
    C) Sanchez out?
    D) Other

    I'm clueless! Thanks.

    1. makaveli123
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Your defence needs sorting. Walker->Alonso is a good move. I think Lovren will be fit for the next GW, but I wouldn't stick with him in the long run - you'll be very lucky if you get a CS from him.

  13. SLUMVILLAGE1
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Thoughts on this team?

    Heaton(Pickford)
    Alonso-Lovren-Friend(x2Swansea)
    Firminho-Coutinho-Hazard-Wally(Hojbjerg)
    Aguero-Lukaku-Defoe

    Defence is pretty weak and have no real bench.

    What would you change?

    1. makaveli123
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Would prioritize to get a (4th) playing defender. Midfield and attack looks good - I like it.

  14. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Lovren to McAuley
    Yes or no? Would be for -4 as used free to get Hazard

    Backline is
    Heaton Pickford
    Alonso Fuchs Lovren* Holebas* Amat*

    *No guarantees that Lovren or Amat will play and Holebas suspended

    1. makaveli123
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Can you afford Brunt?

  15. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Good morning all.

    What are your thoughts on this WC team?

    Heaton
    Holebas / Brunt / Pieters
    Hazard / Firmino / Courtino / DeBruyne
    Costa / Austin / Lukaku

    Pickford / DeRoon / Friend / Kinglsey

    1. McQueen
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Holebas out for one game. So playing Friend / Kinglsley I reckon. Looking great of course (with no Kun). I wouldn't lose Kun though. Your choice and you're aware of it, I'm sure.

      Good luck!

    2. Blue Gaffer
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Holebas suspensed

    3. Sjaugen
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      No Kun is just a recipe for disaster.
      No Chelsea defense could work, but I'm very happy with my new Alonso.
      No whispers of trying to take advantage of some sort of fixture shift. Siggy, Eriksen, Kane, prolly should be some more names on that list.
      No Arsenal cover is a gamble, but a fair one

      1. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        No Kun could be a recipe for success also. Most of the people in top 100 FPL don't have him. I feel like he is over priced with so much on offer in the mids.
        Defense is all over the shop this season so I am spending as little as possible down back.
        I'd have to drop one of the big hitting mids to get Siggy/Erikson which isn't going to happen. I could use the money to beef up def but then it's a 50/50.
        So hard to get any arsenal in tbh.

        1. Sjaugen
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          The top 100 argument is a bit weak, as it's pretty much luck that gets people there. I recon few there has previous top 10k finishes, Also top 100 is probably really packed with dudes who have spent chips, and/or really weighted with top performers (players) last two weeks.
          This no CS trend is puzzling. It will regress. Remember last year how away teams had the most victories in the start? It evened out over the course of the season. I'd be a bit cautious to double down on CS's being a rarity going forward

  16. McQueen
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Hi guys, would appreciate a little help!

    Foster
    Koscielny - Alonso - Walker
    Hazard - Coutinho - Firmino - Allen
    Kun - Lukaku - Benteke

    Pickford / Capoue - Holebas - Amat

    That's me after the free transfers. Hoping Walker plays GW12.

    Still have some luggage in my team. So still not where I wanna be.
    (Capoue / Benteke (I know he scored, but somehow never gets more than 7 points, better options outhere))

    Happy with Allen for now, but planning to upgrade him for Walcot / Eriksen / Lallana / Siggy in the near future, while downgrading Walker possibly.

    Benteke to Austin also frees some money. Capoue to De Roon also.

    Which 4th mid should be my priority? Am I missing anyone?

    Who should I go for?

    Thanks all.

    1. Sjaugen
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      As you remark, Stoke fixtures takes a nose dive after gw14/BUR
      Austin is the obvious improvement for Benteke. But I'd avoid the hit
      So something like save, Austin, save, expensive def + Allen to whomever in form then for gw 15

      1. McQueen
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks mate, I was thinking of something like that. Benteke to Austin priority then. Until I can still make some profit of him. And by the GW14,15 we'll know better who's our guy for that 4th mid spot.

        Thanks again. Appreciate it. Cheers.

  17. Blue Gaffer
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Got Mane. 1FT 0.2 itb

    1. Sterling & Stones-----Coutinho & Bardsley -4
    2. Wait until after internationals and take any price rises/falls?

  18. Iceball
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Pickford Jak
    Koscielny Lovren Smith Walker Amat
    Sanchez Sterling Coutinho Firmino Allen
    Kun Lukaku Diomande
    1ft 0.1m itb.
    Decided I had to give Sterling next 2 games (CRY, BUR) and load up on Chelsea GW15 instead. And dont wanna lose Sanchez. And 4 out of 5 defenders are in trouble.
    Where to start fixing this defense?
    Who to lose first? Smith to Evans? Amat useless also and Lovren and Walker doubtful.

    1. The Fantastic Mr Fox
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Walker out first, although toby returning might get the cs going again. But they will be playing chelsea, so its unlikely

    2. buffrey
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Surely Amat out fist if you can as Walker has a game whilst Smith demo doesn't and Lovren may also not.

      However if Lovren fit then Walker looks fine to remove.

      Else its not too bad. Depends if you want to subscribe to the Hazard hype or not. He will be 0.3-8 more expensive come GW25 (pending performance)

  19. AZERTY
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Time to bring Arnautovic?

    1. Sjaugen
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      He got me one assist over 3 stellar fixtures. I'm burned. Also, better options around. And not the best fixtures towards Christmas

      1. AZERTY
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        You only take players with good fixtures towards Christmas? Not that many options than 😉

  20. Shirokov(c)
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Benteke & Walcott > Austin & Coutinho (-4)

    Thoughts? I desperately need that Liverpool double up.

  21. PurpleCobras
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Trying to convince myself that Hazard isn't as essential as everyone would have us believe...

    "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."

    Not sure I agree that he has fixtures - mid TOT mci for the next three.

    It'd take a massive squad overhaul to get him in for me AND I've already missed 2 price rises this week and that's before the internationals - who knows whether he'll come out of those unscathed.

    1. Iceball
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Lets get him GW15

      1. PurpleCobras
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        I want to, but it's going to be tough to hold my nerve

    2. The Fantastic Mr Fox
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      My advice, wait till the end of the break. Its unlikely that he'll get the third rise in 7 days

      1. PurpleCobras
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks man

    3. pompeyfan
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      yeah just wait. I'd rather buy him more expensive than risk buying him and him getting injured for a few weeks

      1. PurpleCobras
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Cool will do. Good to hear there's a few people thinking this way as it seemed like everyone's going crazy for him at the minute.

        1. pompeyfan
          • 16 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          so much could still happen. Even if I did want to straight swap Hazard in for Sanchez, if Coutinho or Firmino end up getting injured this week then that would be the better options to make weigh for him!

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

      As a Spurs supporter I can only remember Hazard scoring a good goal against us at the end of last season to end our premiership hopes, even though he had a terrible season and its a fixture Chelsea always turn up for. Also firm believer of form over fixture, learnt that the hard way last season.

      1. PurpleCobras
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Good point

  22. SwissGuinness
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Sterling has already gone down from £8.3 to 8.1 this gameweek. He can't go lower than 8.0 until next gameweek, right ?

    1. Shirokov(c)
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Right

  23. Steevo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Back to back hits to get my team in order, hovering around the 200k mark.

    Cech
    Evans Brunt Kingsley
    Sanchez Firmino Hazard Redmond
    Austin Aguero Costa

    Jako Allen Holebas Amat

    Medium term, would you prefer:
    A) Cech, Redmond
    B) 4.5 keeper, Lallana (-4)

    Thanks all!

    1. buffrey
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      I like the team... Double WBA defence is a gamble, but I think a fine one to punt all he money in top 7.

      You sort of fly your flag on Redmond and if you've had him for a while his good fixtures are soo close.

      If you could get Coutinho I'd say switch as he's looking like the main man, I do like Lallana a lot but its a coin flip.. saying all this I'm not sure cech is worth the extra outlay with no CS anywhere to be found

  24. CloudSky
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Would you rather have KDB + Allen or Walcott + Siggy/Eriksen from GW13 on?

    1. CloudSky
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Ozil + Chadli is the third option.

    2. The Fantastic Mr Fox
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      A

      But siggy is an option from gw15

  25. Clifford☯
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Anything worth a hit?

    Heaton Pickford
    Koscielny Alonso Fuchs Holebas Amat
    Hazard Coutinho Firmino Redmond Fletcher
    Aguero Costa Austin

    0.2 ITB

    Planning to downgrade Koscielny to VVD / Cedric after Liverpool match.

    1. Werkself
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      GTG

  26. Postbox12
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Given Liverpool's fixtures is it madness to consider a midfield triple up?

    Option after this game week would be Lukaku + Allen ---> Defoe + Firminho

    Already have Lallana and Coutinho in mid alongside Haz and Alexis

  27. The Fantastic Mr Fox
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    A word of advice to those promoting Hazard in order to create a price rise. If you do it to much, he'll get the 3rd rise too quickly this week, and the rest of the Transfers In will be a waste in terms of price change

    1. Gooner Kebab
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      To be fair he sells himself.

  28. Weasel51
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Pickford Heaton
    Bellerin Amat Marraipa Evans Fuchs
    Sanchez Firmino Lallana Leko Gundogan
    Aguero Defoe lukaku

    Have 0.5 in the bank and 1 FT

    Any ideas or save?

    1. The Fantastic Mr Fox
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Save. But try to get Mariappa out of there asap

  29. boc610
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    anyone hear charlie adam list the players on his fantasy team on 5 live?

    team name: Benchwarmer

    (apologies for a non-Hazard related post)

    1. The Fantastic Mr Fox
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      You can find his team using this. Search for team name. But there r too many of them. So maybe u can compare lineups with the players he listed

      http://anewpla.net/fpl/league/

    2. Sjaugen
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      The Stoke h2h league was linked on here earlier 🙂

  30. Gloria Leicesterfan
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Does anyone know when the draw for FFS cup will be?
    and to see if I've made the cut?

    1. Sjaugen
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Article over the IB. No news, and those ITK aren't telling