Scout Reports

Moving Target – Kurt Zouma

With Crystal Palace appearing to have stolen a march on Stoke City in the race to sign Bruno Martins Indi, the Potters have bolstered their centre-back options by signing Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma on a season-long loan.

Stoke manager Mark Hughes revealed the Potters fought off interest from a number of clubs from across Europe to secure the services of Zouma, who is looking for regular first-team football following a serious knee injury:

“We have prioritised adding further strength in depth to defensive positions this summer, and we have certainly done that by fending off any number of clubs who were all interested in taking Kurt on loan… On his day he is one of the most impressive defenders in the league, and while injury unfortunately hampered his progress at Chelsea last season, we are certain that we can give him the platform to recapture the form he showed prior to his setback.”

The History

Zouma linked up with Ligue 1 side Saint-Etienne at the age of 15  and made his professional debut in a cup match against Bordeaux in August 2011, aged 16.

He made 22 league appearances during the 2011/12 season, scoring twice, and was part of the side that lifted the Coupe de la Ligue in 2012/13.

In total, Zouma played 74 times for Saint-Etienne in all competitions, producing four goals and two assists.

In January 2014, Zouma joined Chelsea in a deal believed to be worth around £12 million, though he only linked up with the Blues ahead of the 2014/15 campaign.

He made 15 league appearances during his first season at Stamford Bridge and was part of the squad that won the Premier League title.

It was during the following season that Zouma really established himself in the Chelsea side, starting 21 of the first 25 matches before rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament.

That injury, along with the form of the Chelsea defence last season, meant Zouma has made just nine league appearances since.

Zouma represented France at all levels from U16s to U21s, before making his senior debut against Denmark in March 2015 – one of just two appearances he has made for the national team.

The Prospects

Zouma is priced at 5.5 in Fantasy Premier League (FPL), so it’s unlikely the Frenchman will feature prominently in our seasons.

The 22-year-old does offer a set-piece threat – during the 2015/16 season he averaged a shot every 112.8 minutes.

But his goalscoring record, just seven goals in his career so far, doesn’t appear to justify the outlay, particularly bearing mind the Potters only kept 11 clean sheets last term.

Value can certainly be found elsewhere in the Stoke defence, though.

Glen Johnson, Phil Bardsley and Geoff Cameron are available at 4.5, while Jack Butland, Erik Pieters and Ryan Shawcross come in at 5.0.

Much will depend on what formation Hughes opts for.

The Potters’ boss generally favoured a four-man backline last term, but he did at times experiment with a three-man defence.

In a back four, Zouma and Shawcross look the favourites to start in central defence if Martins Indi doesn’t end up at the bet365 Stadium, with Cameron and perhaps Marc Muniesa options in a three-man backline.

Cameron is certainly an interesting prospect as he is also in the running to start in a defensive midfield role, although new signing Darren Fletcher is expected to be a starter in the middle of the park.

In terms of Zouma’s defensive numbers, he impressively won all eight of his tackles last season, and 81% during the 2015/16 campaign.

By comparison, Shawcross only won 75% of his tackles last time out.

Looking at Zouma’s bonus point potential, he averaged a clearance, block or interception (CBI) every 11.42 minutes in 2015/16, which was inferior to Shawcross (9.91) last term.

However, Zouma earned Baseline Bonus System Points (BPS) – that is BPS without goals, assists and clean sheets – at a rate of a point every 3.7 minutes. An outstanding return which easily bettered Shawcross (7.6 minutes).

Looking back a season, Zouma – who made 23 appearances for Chelsea – earned Baseline BPS every 6.5 minutes compared with Shawcross’ 7.2.

That would indicate that the new loanee will have a say when it comes to BPS and bonus points in a Stoke clean sheet scenario.

However, even that data does little to justify the extra spend on Zouma, with Butland and Shawcross, providing he shakes off a back problem, likely to offer stronger value.

Fantasy managers will hope pre-season provides some clues as to who will be the first-choice right-back between Johnson and Bardsley, although Mame Biram Diouf’s ability to operate at right wing-back is a worry should Hughes adopt a three-man defence.

There could also be some uncertainty on the opposite flank, with summer signing Josh Tymon set to put pressure on Pieters for the left-back berth.

In any case, Stoke’s opening fixtures (eve, ARS, wba, MUN, new, CHE) mean Potters assets are unlikely to be in demand.

Those early matches should provide us with the chance to assess how Stoke will line up this season, with investment likelier when Hughes’ men embark on a more favourable run from Gameweek 9 onwards.

As for Chelsea, new signing Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen look to be the rotation options in central defence for Antonio Conte, with John Terry and Nathan Ake having departed this summer.

It has also been mooted that Conte could be open to changing to a four-man defence on occasion this season, something that will certainly need to be monitored.

But in terms of Stoke, the power and athleticism of Zouma should certainly complement the experience of Shawcross. And once the Chelsea loanee gets a run of matches under his belt, his presence could boost the appeal of the entire backline.

But until the schedule eases, and we see how the Potters line up, Fantasy managers are likely to take a watching brief before pinpointing the optimum route into the Stoke rearguard.

Further Reference

Kurt Zouma Wikipedia

Kurt Zouma Transfer Markt Page

Kurt Zouma You Tube Highlights

2,595 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Lebowski85
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    What do you reckon gangsters?

    A) Lindelof / Cedric / 4.0
    B) Bertrand / 2x 4.5 rotation

    Alonso & Bellerin are my other 2. I've got Kaku and Mhiktaryan for utd cover

    1. Drip Doctor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      A playaa

    2. DantheManinaPan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      A with Trippier

    3. mattk lfc
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      I'm on Bertrand atm, think he's worth the extra 0.5m -more attacking returns and there is doubts over Cedric starting the season
      Burnley/Palace are a good 4.5 rotation

      1. Geriatric Unathletic
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Who is 4.5 at Palace and nailed ????

  2. OldBenKenobi
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    A) KdB Ramsey and Tadic
    or
    B) Sane Ozil and 5.5 or below MID

    1. Lebowski85
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      A. All day long

      1. OldBenKenobi
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        ta

      2. DantheManinaPan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Sane + Ramsey + upgrade elsewhere?

  3. andy85wsm
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Anyone not going Lukaku (c) for GW1?

    1. OldBenKenobi
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Vice on Kaku and Capt on Kane

    2. PvA
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Most are probably as he is at home

      Although Kane is a quality shout both home and away

      Have a feeling Newcastle vs Spurs could be a goalfest

      1. OldBenKenobi
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        me too

      2. andy85wsm
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Another 5-1 to Newcastle?

        1. PvA
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Ahaha, Spurs would want to return the favor this time

    3. pokern1nja09
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Kane for me

    4. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      City forward likely for me.

      1. andy85wsm
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Could be a differential that!

    5. ★Kuntheman★
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Not tossing away my season that early

      1. andy85wsm
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        As if a season is lost based on one captaincy pick 😆

        1. ★Kuntheman★
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Joking 😆 but no, definitely playing it safe GW1

          1. andy85wsm
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 13 Years
            6 years, 10 months ago

            Can't be much safer than Lukaku that week

    6. Sánchez
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      I'd assume these are popular options too

      Laca (LEI)
      Morata (BUR)
      Kun (bha)
      Kane (new)

    7. bojack
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Morata tempts me.

      There is not much that pleases me more than seeing Sean Dyche lose other than when Sean Dyche loses and my captain scores a hattrick in sealing his demise.

      1. andy85wsm
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Feel like Morata is underpriced but not sure I can fit him in. Kane and Lukaku is calling to me and I dont think Ill stick with 3-4-3 and 3 heavy hitters up top

        1. bojack
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          I think he is .5 underpriced. It's weird because Lacazette has come from a worse league and will be playing for a worse side. Morata is playing for the champions.

          It's like KDB being more than Alli. Not quite right.

        2. Twelve years a slave
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Even in a top heavy front Three i am struggling to fit Morata in. Unless going Kaneless it is tricky

          1. andy85wsm
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 13 Years
            6 years, 10 months ago

            Yup - my midfield doesnt look pretty with 3 heavy hitters - Mkhi, Ramsey, Phillips, Redmond

        3. OldBenKenobi
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Feel 7.0 for Willian is enough for CHE cover (to begin with anyway)

          1. andy85wsm
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 13 Years
            6 years, 10 months ago

            Really good price that

    8. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      If I haven't got Sanchez, then yeah.

      He loves playing against West Ham.

    9. PDM TOP 1,000 any Season Le…
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Chopped and changed (c) formations etc so many times

      Now on

      Morata Lukaku (c) Jesus (cv)

    10. barracuda
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      So are you doubting him Andy? (Kaku) 😉

      1. andy85wsm
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Nope. Only injury will stop me captaining him

        1. barracuda
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Knowing his record against the Hammers plus the chance to show what he is made of at home in his first match...Go for it, I may tailor that C suit from the same fabric too. Only other option for me would be Sergio.

    11. Smoky Johnson
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Kane easy

    12. Fantasy Gold
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Kane (c)

    13. DantheManinaPan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Kane for me

      1. We Will Klopp you
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Kane all the way

  4. Vlekz
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Rmt please
      Foster(myhill)
      Tripper Cedric akele (mee rosenior)
      Salah willian lanzini loftus cheek[rotation with mee] (caroll)
      Kane lukaku aguero

      1. bojack
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Lack of space bar / blank line use.

        Midfield looks iffy but then it would with those three up top 🙂

        6/10.

    • ★Kuntheman★
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Lots of Charlie Austin love today. Is he looking like the starter?

      1. Netley Lucas
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        The brace improves his chances.

      2. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        S7meone said Gabbi had a virus but no clue myself

      3. andy85wsm
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        I really wish he was. Would solve the 3-5-2 v 3-4-3 for me.

      4. PDM TOP 1,000 any Season Le…
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Could end up being the GW1 cheeky punt to get double digits

      5. OldBenKenobi
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        he's threatening to shake my team up

        1. Twelve years a slave
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Many of us are relying on Austin as only have around 6.5M for third striker, and if it not him then not too many alternatives

          1. Sterling is £11Mill..…
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 10 months ago

            Gayle is equal to or a better pick then Austin who will surely be rotated around

            1. andy85wsm
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 13 Years
              6 years, 10 months ago

              If both are nailed I dont think its equal, Austin wins.

              As you say though, Austin not certain to play

          2. OldBenKenobi
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 10 months ago

            Ive managed to squeezed Firmino into the 3rd FW slot so I can easily pick up Austin and upgrade a mid priced MID

      6. barracuda
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        I would imagine Pellegrino liked Chazza's performance today 😉

    • Catastrophe
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Torn between these two, for the first couple of weeks at least..

      A)

      Foster (Elliot)
      LUIZ, Lindelof, Cedric, Ake (4.0)
      KDB, Alli, Willian (Cheek, Carroll)
      Kane, Lukaku, AUSTIN

      B)

      Foster (Elliot)
      YOSHIDA, Lindelof, Cedric, Ake (4.0)
      SANE, Alli, Willian, COUTINHO (Carroll)
      Kane, Lukaku (4.5)

      1. PDM TOP 1,000 any Season Le…
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        If Austin a definite then A) for sure

        1. Catastrophe
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Thanks

      2. COYG
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        A but trippier instead of luiz

        1. Catastrophe
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Thanks. Was thinking Luiz and Ake for Trippier and Monreal, just trying to get a second Chelsea player in for first game..

    • cdfcdevils
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Thoughts out of 10 please and any suggestions

      Foster

      Alonso, Trippier, Cedric

      de Bruyne, Alli, Willian, Redmond

      Lukaku, Firminio, Benteke

      Myhill
      Mee
      Rangel
      Carroll

      1. COYG
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        7

    • COYG
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      rmt : opinions would be super! not to sure about bailly and morata will be one to watch for me. should I go with a 5.0 forward on the bench or save the .5?

      foster
      bailly trippier cedric daniels
      alli sane willian ramsey
      kane lukaku

      elliot mee carroll ayew/solanke

      1. Smoky Johnson
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        save .5 you have mee + carroll

      2. chilli con kone
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Save the 0.5

        Bailly is nailed so a decent starting option.

        Good team

      3. Heytch
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        ITs a nice 4-4-2 team but unless you are wildcarding early, you are just a few weeks away from having 3/4 of your mids being a risk of rotation. For that reason I'd want a little more cover on the bench at striker and try and stretch to a JRod or Chaz both with good fixtures

    • chilli con kone
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      I really like this.

      Foster / (Myhill)

      Alonso / Kompany / Trippier / Bellerin / (Long)

      Eriksen / Sane / Willian / Zaha (Carroll)

      Lukaku / Laca / (Fletcher)

      Agree or disagree?

      Leaves the bench a bit w*nk

      1. Sánchez
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        I agree ... You really like it

        1. chilli con kone
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Love at first sight.

        2. Sánchez
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          (not bad, prefer alli over eriksen but both good. Would maybe downgrade 1 defender too)

          1. chilli con kone
            • 10 Years
            6 years, 10 months ago

            Much appreciated

      2. COYG
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Backs are way too expensive! Get a southhampton defender in there with those fixtures, get kane in for lacazette

        1. chilli con kone
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          I think the backs are much better value than similarly priced mids. All have good attacking potential.

          May do Kompany to Cedric to get Kane

      3. Sterling is £11Mill..…
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        You need three strikers or if you dont have three you should at least have KDB and alli or eriksen

        1. chilli con kone
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          I'm sure you'll end up being right but I just don't fancy any of the budget strikers and big bun defenders could be fun!

          I think Sane won't be too far behind KDB. The defenders I have get much more attacking potential than cheaper downgrades to fund that transfer.

          1. chilli con kone
            • 10 Years
            6 years, 10 months ago

            *bun > gun

      4. Jake.l_8
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        No liverpool attackers I was thinking of doing the same because of rotation, right now I have Coutinho but have been thinking of swapping him out

        1. chilli con kone
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          That is the biggest flaw. Think I might wildcard after international break and then pick the best looking Liv option and drop a defender

    • ★Kuntheman★
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Berbs (or anyone who has an idea), likelihood of Robertson getting the starting spot?

      1. andy85wsm
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        High while Milner is injured 🙂

      2. Epic Fail
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Berbs got inside info?

      3. chilli con kone
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Short term no, long term 50/50

        1. chilli con kone
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Depends how bad Milner injury is

      4. Spencer
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        I doubt it very much.

      5. barracuda
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Roberston at his price is irrelevant as a FPL prospect for the whole season..

      6. mattk lfc
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Hope it doesn't take him long. Can't bear to watch another season of Milner there

    • FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      How much merit is there in having 1 attacking player from each of the top 6?

      1. Fantasy Gold
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Not that important, focus on getting the right ones regardless of team 😉

        1. Epic Fail
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Very much this.

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

        If you can make a good case on individual merit, and not just coverage, yeah, why not?

        1. FPL Virgin
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          I like this. It's not the obvious answer.

      3. bojack
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        I prefer to get players from lower sides who are central to their team such as Siggy, rather than the players on the periphery at a big club.

      4. Heskey Time
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        I think they're will be a larger gap between top 6 and rest of the league this year. I feel it's very possible at the start of this year with Willian and Ramsey both being cheap options. A lot on here dislike Rambo but I feel he'll be a solid pick and he is definitely not much of a rotation risk as others say. If he's fit he plays, simple.

      5. We Will Klopp you
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Well it's at the very least good for captaincy assuming at least 4 of your picks are heavy hitters

      6. Sánchez
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Depends. For example

        Lamela Wijnaldum Iwobi
        Rashford Iheanacho Batshuayi

        Not much good

        Alli Sane Mane
        Lukaku Morata Lacazette

        Maybe not bad

        1. FPL Virgin
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Exactly.

          Coverage can work.

          1. Sánchez
            • 11 Years
            6 years, 10 months ago

            I'm currently with this attack

            Alli Pedro Ramsey Tadic
            Lukaku Aguero Firmino

            Not sure on a few of those but it covers top 6 and 8thvwith good fixtures.

            Considering Kun to Morata to then go KDB instead of Pedro if i can scrape 0.5 elsewhere

    • Heskey Time
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      How dumb would it be to start with Elliot and a 4.0 in goal in order to do j rod to Austin if Austin seems nailed on? I would just hate to downgrade Daniels in order to fund this as I feel Austin and Daniels will be great value this year

      1. Sterling is £11Mill..…
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Dumb if Elliot doesnt start, hero if Elliot starts

      2. OldBenKenobi
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        dumb

      3. barracuda
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Thought about it but there isn't other 4 mil goalie who is granted to be a starter..So no. Don't go there

        1. Heskey Time
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Yeah thought it was a bit crazy thanks for the advice all

      4. Granville
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 15 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Elliott and Darlow. Seems fair enough.

    • barracuda
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      What format to start with-

      A- Lukaku and Kane (KDB)

      B- Lukaku and Aguero (Erik)

    • DantheManinaPan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Anyone got a favorite 4.5 defensive rotation pair?

      1. DantheManinaPan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Ouch, *favourite

      2. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Lei/New

      3. mattk lfc
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Mee / Tomkins
        HUD WBA SWA CRY SOU HUD

        1. DantheManinaPan
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Thanks - not worried about Tomkins' minutes?

          1. mattk lfc
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 10 months ago

            Think he starts atm pending any new signings as they are looking for a CB. One to keep an eye on but could be good value

      4. goriuanx
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Hegazi and Mee is mine atm.

    • andy85wsm
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      With Trippier, Bertrand and Daniels is there more merit to going 5m + 4m instead of 2 x 4.5m for the last 2 spots?

      Likely to want to play those main 3 most weeks anyway

      1. Heskey Time
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Thinking of rotating Daniels around the tricky fixtures myself with someone like dunk. If there were some 4.0 playing defenses I would consider it but there are not :/

      2. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 15 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Depends who the 5m is.

      3. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        I don't believe so.

      4. DantheManinaPan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Go 4.5, 4.0 I think - you only need one backup really if you're playing those three most weeks

      5. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Nah

      6. OldBenKenobi
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        ive same except Cedric. dont feel the need for two 4.5s. just one that rotates decent with Daniels for first few weeks ( i went newcastle df)

      7. Heytch
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        4.5 and 4 even!

        Depth is overrated. We have a free hit chip now too for blank weeks and a first half wildcard! Rather spend one free transfer per week on first 11'and not have a benching dilemma or reverse result on a rotation

        1. barracuda
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Fine but is always good to have some semi-good option on the bench in case of sudden injury...

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

        At the moment my 4th is 5 mil and 5th is Rosenior...Have you considered 4,5 and 4 mil with 3-4-3? Played that last season.

      9. Dušan Citizen
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Dawson and Rangel would suit you.

        But Suttner and Mee could also be great.

    • barracuda
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      10 Vintage Alberta Springs- jolly good pouring!

    • Red Dagger ✪
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Thoughts on this please...

      DeGea (Maenpaa)
      Cedric, Alonzo, Ake, (Rangel, Hunemeier)
      Ali, Mane, Lanzini, Loftus-Cheek (Caroll)
      Kane, Morata, Defoe

      Cheers.

      1. socho
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Lanzini --->Willian

        1. Red Dagger ✪
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          sounds good. You think Morata is too risky?

    • socho
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Does that seem balanced? I'm trying to put a saints player but i just can't find where...

      my XI

      Ryan
      Trippier Alonso D.Luiz
      Milinkovic Sane Mkhitaryan Coutinho
      Kane Morata Rooney

      1. Aubaaaaa
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        D.Luiz to Bertrand or Cedric?

    • goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Trippier or Lindelof?

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 15 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Wait 3 hours.

        1. goriuanx
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Might die before that.

          1. Sánchez
            • 11 Years
            6 years, 10 months ago

            Trippier then

      2. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Too expensive, and uses up a Spurs slot. He's not Walker.

        1. goriuanx
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          1 less assist in far fewer minutes. BAPs potential is there too.

          1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            6 years, 10 months ago

            Walker was a machine. He is not the same. 🙂

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

          Much better end product than Walker

          1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            6 years, 10 months ago

            I simply disagree with that. 🙂

      3. chilli con kone
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Tripz

      4. UnitedFan
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Trippier

      5. DantheManinaPan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Trippier by far

        Actually has some attacking threat

      6. firetog
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        If Lindeloff is nailed he has better fixtures to start so more chance of CS, but probably wont score from assists.

        I debating about holding off on Trippier until the fixtures improve (GW5) but concerned about a price hike.

        Plan is to put him in if I WC after GW3

        1. Fantasy Gold
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Trippier

    • Sterling is £11Mill..…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      I think I actually made a 3-4-3 that isnt total cack?
      foster
      yoshi - daniels - cedric
      alli - kdb - willian - tadic
      Aguero - Kane - Gayle

      (bargain bucket bench)

      1. Sterling is £11Mill..…
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Trippier is in it, not Yoshi

        1. COYG
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          That makes the team from a 7 to a 8 🙂

          1. Sterling is £11Mill..…
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 10 months ago

            🙂

      2. Babit1967
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        I like that you have 4 big point scores in KDB/Alli/Aguero and Kane but 3 Southampton players maybe a bit OTT and im not really seeing Gayle hit lots of points.

        I would try to upgrade one of your soton defenders to try and get maybe someone like trippier or lindelof in.

    • Babit1967
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Is there a league code you can join for on the fantasy football scout?. no works mini league this year so looking to join some mini leagues ..

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 15 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        52537-26799

        Home page under captain poll.

    • COYG
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      What is the best formation this year and why?

      1. UnitedFan
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        People will advocate different formations for different reasons and preferences. Personally for me, 442 gives a good balance.

        1. DantheManinaPan
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          I'm also enjoying 4-4-2, but if Austin becomes a very good option then will switch to 3-4-3 and drop Kolasinac probably

      2. Epic Fail
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Not as simple as that. Depends on your players.

    • Dr Dream
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      I may as well make a post for it...

      As discussed throughout last season I have made a "Hit a week" league for all us players who like to change our teams a lot and want to pit our wits against each other. The only rule is that each team takes at least 38 hits for the season in line with the number of GW's.

      Code to join this league: 59228-20789

      A good finish (from experience) is to finish inside the top 10k

      RMT's don't matter because with so many hits each team will have every player they want at some point in the season...and very often more than once.

      TV and SV build very quickly so we end up with a shockingly expensive squad...

      Definitely for those who play for fun...

      59228-20789

      1. andy85wsm
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        I'd probably qualify for this over the course of the season...

        1. Dr Dream
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Just join then Andy. If you're having a bad season then just do the hit a week stuff...or if you are doing ok then I'll boot you off if you don't want to do it..

          1. andy85wsm
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 13 Years
            6 years, 10 months ago

            I lied actually. 96 points hits is only 1 in 24 of 38 weeks!

            Probably not going to beat that 🙂

      2. George Sillett
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Assuming that WC's are excluded . ☺

      3. barracuda
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Kniwing myself, my transfer hand could a tad too itchy...

      4. Dr Dream
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Probably worth mentioning I've played it for four seasons and finished...

        18k
        9k
        180k
        7k

        The 180k I didn't complete because I stopped playing in favour of UFPL after about a month or so..

        So a hit a week doesn't mean a rubbish OR...it just means it's hard to get a very good OR...but still decent...

    • Net Gains
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Hey all

      Bojan appears to be nicely priced at 5.0 and playing just behind the striker in Stoke's friendlies. For that price, at the very least he's an enabler, saving 1.0 or more compared to other cheap 4th choice midfielders. In the best case scenario, he actually chips in with a goal or two in the first half a dozen matches. What do you guys think?

      1. UnitedFan
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        He's 5.5. Fixtures are shite anyway.

        1. Net Gains
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Ooops sorry didn't realise that. And yeah, agree about the fixtures!

      2. Granville
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 15 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Tempting but just too injury prone

      3. Ramboros
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        He's actually 5.5. Stoke's fixtures are so bad that we should just give him time to prove himself.

      4. dunas_dog
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Opening fixtures so poor. I think may be early relegation candidates

      5. Totalfootball
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        5.5
        injury prone
        bad fixtures

      6. Fantasy Gold
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        He is way too inconsistent for me, even at that price.

      7. barracuda
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        He needs to go back to Spain or Italy to be effective. Forget about him. And Hello mate 😉

    • Norman Conquest
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      how long is son expected to be out for

      1. Sterling is £11Mill..…
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Until about 5.11 AM

        1. Norman Conquest
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          nice i can wait that long

          1. barracuda
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 10 months ago

            😀 😀 oh stop. Funny that he is not considered. Scored plenty full. Could be given another go this season.

    • Scotty B
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      So after today as missed it...
      Coutinho or Salah?

      1. OldBenKenobi
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Im ponderinh both but CL rotation scares me

      2. dunas_dog
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Coutinho

      3. Norman Conquest
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        toss of a coin

      4. mattk lfc
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        There won't be much to choose between any of our front 4 I don't think, all down to personal preference. Problem is with the rotation that Klopp has said will happen

    • OldBenKenobi
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      KdB and Tadic
      or
      Sane and Mkhitaryan

      1. dunas_dog
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        KDD Redmond (not Tadic)

        1. dunas_dog
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          *KDB

      2. Fantasy Gold
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        A

      3. OldBenKenobi
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        thanks

    • Bilbao Baggins
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      My league from last year has been renewed. How do I find the league code to give to others to join? I cannot find it anywhere! Cheers

      1. Granville
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 15 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Options->Invite Friends

        1. Hooky
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          As if anyone on here has friends

          1. George Sillett
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 10 months ago

            Yes I can vouch for that.

            1. Hooky
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 10 months ago

              Will you be my friend?

              1. George Sillett
                • 8 Years
                6 years, 10 months ago

                Aah go on then . I've just increased my number of friends exponentially

        2. Bilbao Baggins
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Spot on thank you.

    • DantheManinaPan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Who is going to play LB for City?

      1. Fantasy Gold
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Mendy

        1. barracuda
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Mendy

          1. barracuda
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 10 months ago

            Think all is agreed at around 52 mil. something like that.

      2. Granville
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 15 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Mendy or Danilo

        1. Fantasy Gold
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          So they've spunked £50m on Mendy to just sit on the bench?

          1. Granville
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 15 Years
            6 years, 10 months ago

            If it goes through. I'm sure Danilo will cost a bomb too which means that one of Mendy, Walker, Danilo will be benched.

      3. Hooky
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        I'd guess Mendy as they are spending £50m on him

      4. DantheManinaPan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Ok - sadly no chance of him being £5.5 then

    • Emiliano Sala
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Kun scored a great tight angle goal last season. Againts which team it was?

      1. Fantasy Gold
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Burnley home

        1. Emiliano Sala
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Thanks