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28 July 2017 2089 comments
Paul Paul
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Mark Hughes’ Stoke City are the next team to come under the microscope in our series of pre-season analysis articles for members.

We start by assessing the performance levels at the team level to look for any trends of improvement, before checking out their standout individuals ahead of the 2017/18 season. This includes an in-depth look at their likely key attacking target for the new campaign – Joe Allen.

Although they mirrored a total of 41 goals from the 2015/16 campaign last time out, Hughes’ men were hardly prolific – only the bottom five sides found the net on fewer occasions.

The Potters’ fell from ninth spot to thirteenth over the two seasons, though as the underlying numbers highlight, their threat inside the box was on the rise.

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

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  1. Dont Shoot
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Forster/Fabianski
    Alonso/Cedric/Ake (Goldson/Hunemeier)
    Salah Pogba Eriksen Redmond Townsend
    Lacazette Lukaku (Quaner)

    For now based mainly on fixtures

    Thoughts (about the team, of course) - not funny stuff 🙂

  2. Gunners.The.Best
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Guys I need help on this one,

    A) Zaha and De Bryune

    B) Coutinho and Sane

    1. The Royal Robin
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      A

    2. Doctor Zhivago
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Same doubt making me going crazy... Cout and KDB are set piece takers, Sané a very good gamble (can be a train full of goals and assists on the left flank), Zaha more a gamble than Sané in my opinion (new manager, great responsibility, a bit overrated maybe)
      I'd go B and finger crossed!

    3. Top 210 Club
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      A

    4. One Man
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Definitely A.

  3. The Royal Robin
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    My favourite 343 that I've done.

    DDG
    Trippier Dawson Bertie
    Willian KDB Pogba Phillips
    Kaku Austin Kane

    (Elliot Dunk TC £4m)

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

      And let's face it mate you've done plenty 😀

      It's firm all over and lovely up top. Reasonable at the back too.

  4. bojack
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    How to have fun on a rainy afternoon: make your own jokes up about Matip.

  5. The Big Fella
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Second attempt for some feedback on this lot:
    Forster Elliot
    Alonso, Kompany, Cedric, Francis, 4.0m
    KDB, Alli, Willian, RLC, Carroll
    Lukaku, Jesus, Chicharito

    1. Gunners.The.Best
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Decent

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

      I'd want a better 4th mid with only 2 elite forwards

      1. The Big Fella
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        I'd love to upgrade RLC as I am not even sure he will play. How would you propose I do it? I have 2 expensive players in every position.

      2. Virgil Hilts
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        He;a got one ..... Alonso 🙂

    3. One Man
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Good team.

  6. Bambi
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Fraser (5.5) and Ayew (5.0) form a strong rotation attack pair. Fixtures:

    wba, WAT, pal, NEW, BRI, WAT, LEI, HUD, LEI/stoke

    1. Davido989
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Thanks for this. Hm.

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

      Can I just saw your grav is lovely.

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

        Say.

      2. Bambi
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        thank you, put a smile on my face, hope it does for everyone else!

    3. GuyIncognito
      • 17 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Forget rotation and play Fraser every week.

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

    Good day.

    Anyone consider having RLC and mcarthur as for 4th and 5th spot to do the following:

    Selecting 1 of them in a 3-4-3 and auto sub in case the one you selected doesnt play.... and it also frees up cash to make sure the other 10 players on your squad are solid.

    Of course theres always the chance they both play....as im not sure what the midfield partnership for crystal palace will be.

    1. GuyIncognito
      • 17 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Am I missing something with Palace?
      GK, CB, CB, CB, Schlupp/PvA, Townsend/New Player, Mili, Cabaye, Sako/Townsend, Zaha, Benteke. Where do McArthur and RLC play? Is Cabaye not a thing anymore?

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

        Good point. Does anyone know if any of mcarthur and RLC are starters ahead of cabaye and mili?

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

          Expect Mili to play.

        2. GuyIncognito
          • 17 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          Mili is 100% nailed, Cabaye is the one I'm not sure about.

  8. bojack
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    If Sané, Fraser, and Austin don't play on the opening weekend I'll need to make Special Brew & Frosty Jack's snakebites to get through Match of the Day.

    1. Davido989
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Got those 3 too. Might make Austin to Hernandez with the spare cash.

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

        I've go no spare cash 🙂

        Wondering whether having Alonso is a step too far, especially given his mixed opening fixtures.

        1. Bambi
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          i have a strange feeling that not including Alonso may be quite bad for people here. He really is one of those players that is fixture proof and you may have to reshuffle your entire team to accommodate him

  9. The Royal Robin
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Tom Carroll really could be this season's bargain.

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

      RLC looking less nailed
      But I do hope he gets some good gametime there

      1. @FPL_Chess
        9 years, 1 month ago

        With high ownership, if he doesn't get the game-time his price may tumble quickly.

  10. stachman
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    My first RMT... What do you say? 🙂

    Foster, Elliot
    Kolasinac, Baily, Trippier, Cedric, Hunemeier
    KDB, Fabs, Tadic, Philips, Carrol
    Lukaku, Kane, Chicharito

    1. The Royal Robin
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Too balanced.

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

        Not sure what to make of that comment 😀

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

        That's also a problem now? 😛

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

      Nicely balanced

    3. el polako
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Like it, Tadic may be tad frustraiting though.

    4. One Man
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      I like this team a lot. But i keep asking myself will fabs start ?

  11. Bambi
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    right, after much tinkering i think i am settled... for now

    Begovic Elliot
    Alonso Bailly Trippier Cedric (long)
    KDB Coutinho Willian Fraser (Carroll)
    Kane Jesus Ayew

    Fraser/Ayew rotation, 442 or 433.

    Hows taht?

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

      Like the rotation..Ayew to Tammy perhaps?

    2. Oven Glover
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Jesus-> Kaku
      Downgrade Bailly/Alonso

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

    Foster (Elliot)
    Kolasinac Tripper Cedric (Dunk Long)
    KDB Alli Willian Tadic (RLC)
    Luka Laca Chicha
    0 ITB

    Basically I've one player in each price bracket so as to make the team flexible and jump on to any early bandwagons without much fuss
    Thoughts and advices appreciated
    Cheers 🙂

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

      Anyone? 😀

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

        No replies! I'm just gonna assume I texted my crush..doesn't hurt that way

    2. The one who has a knock
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      I like the approach, just be nervous about tadic, rlc, cedric (gw1). Also would question arsenal def over manu, not sure about chic with awful fixtures.

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

    Don't get Tom Carroll....cheap, yes, but 1 goal in 30 appearances for Swans over 2 seasons not great

    1. Oven Glover
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      1 goal, 2 assists a couple of CS and no us into 1389 mins for 4.5. What's not to like?!

      1. Oven Glover
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        * and some bonus in 1389 mins.

      2. BobB
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 17 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Capoue gave us a lot more for our money at that price

        1. Oven Glover
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          He's 5.5 now.

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

            Exactly. If Carroll replicates his efforts I'd say he was well worth the pick. Prefer RLC.

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

              Why do you prefer RLC? Carroll does what is needed of a 4.5 mid.

    2. MEGPAL
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      siggy factor

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

      He wasn't on much set pieces back then..was he
      Only other decent 4.5 is RLC

    4. HashAttack
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      what do you mean 2 seasons ... Spurs sold him in January, I would only judge him over the 2nd half of last season

      The boy is only going to get better

    5. the snazzy viking
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      what do you expect for 4.5?

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

      IFFFF siggy is gone than get em in

  14. PhattyPatty
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    RMT Please

    Foster / Fabianski
    Trippier Daniels Cédric / Dunk Mee
    KDB Willian Coutinho Milivojevic / Carroll
    Kane Chicharito Lukaku

    Too light on defense?

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

      Nice one, I would keep it that way. Very similar to mine..

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

    Hi everyone, looking forward to a new season
    I've usually used my w/c at after the first or second week, maybe not the best tactic, but allows me to take a few risks

    Current team is:

    Forster / Elliot
    Bailly / Kompany / Schlupp / Trippier / Ake
    KDB / Mkhi / Sane / Iwobi / Murphy
    Lukaku / Batshuayi / JRod

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

      Like the Batshuayi pick..he may well start that match

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

        thanks ... I'm picking on pre-season form and hope for the best ... Batty only needs a few minutes to score 🙂

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

          Cheers GL mate

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

    Saints question on previous page asking if Austin is nailed. Saints Forums seem about 75% yes. Troubling me more is that Tadic is 50/50. Seems like of Tadic Redmond and Gabbi, one wont start if Austin starts.

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

      Tadic ain't nailed???

    2. One Man
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Thanks for the update, I have Austin, can always transfer him out for Gayle, etc..... after gw1 if he doesn't start.

  17. CloudSky
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Thoughts:

    A: De Gea, Dawson, Bertrand (442)
    B: Foster, Bertrand, Bailly (442)
    C: Foster, Yoshida, Austin (343)
    D: Foster, Yoshida, Azpi (442)

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

      They all look good - C-D-B-A

    2. One Man
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Probable C.

  18. dan slo
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Hello

    Please rate my team and be honest rather than nice.

    THANK YOU

    deGea
    Trippier-Alonso-Bertrand
    Ramsey-Zacha-Sterling-Fabregas-Eriksen
    Lukaku-Firmino

    Myhill-Daniels-Mee-Fletcher

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

      really wouldn't risk Sterling .... I'm not even sure of Sane myself

      Think Fabergas is certainly worth an early season punt ... can see him getting / making the winner against Burnley

      Really don't like Firmino ... surely he is going to get less points then last season, Mane is still off and Couthinho might not be there ... Watford away first match

      Ramsey? ... I have Iwobi ... someone is going to be disappointed, or is that really where Arse's midfield is at now

      1. dan slo
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        thanx a lo

  19. Deulofail
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Here are some results of a question I asked earlier. Feel free to add your input (ie vote again and discuss). Over the first 8 GWs or so, can you name a:

    A) 6.5 mid who will outscore Kolasinac at LWB

    Tadic: 6 votes
    Redmond: 3 votes
    Mirallas: 1 vote
    Musa (really?): 1 vote
    ...
    None: 1 vote

    B) 6.0 mid who will outscore Bertrand

    Ince: 2 votes
    Capoue: 1 vote
    Shaqiri: 1 vote
    Lingard: 1 vote
    Knockhaert: 1 vote
    Philips: 1 vote
    Chadli: 1 vote
    Ritchie: 1 vote
    ...
    None: 3 votes

    C) 5.5 mid who will outscore Cedric

    Fraser: 1 vote
    Walters: 1 vote
    Allen: 1 vote
    Puncheon: 1 vote
    Capoue: 1 vote
    ...
    None: 3 votes

    Comments: With a thousand grains of salt, it seems as though many are convinced that there are players in midfield worth their price, and worth a place in their team. Nobody agrees on who (besides Tadic), but many believe a 'flexible' strategy is the best apporach, jumping on the obvious emerging picks as they arise (who are also assumed to outscore their defence counterparts).

    It seems clear to me that, if we were set with the team we started with for many weeks, many more people would be choosing the defenders over the midfielders, because they simply don't know who will score enough points in midfield (decisions have to rely much more on form and genuine attacking threat than defenders). To further back this up, many of the answers given came with caveats, such as "they will only outscore the defender if [e.g., they are actually any good]", which suggests that the defenders are the safest options.

    However, transfers do exist, so it's up to us to decide whether 'flexibility' is worth the cost. Are you willing to pay 'secured points' (from defence) as a speculative gamble on emerging attacking threat in the budget mid range? If you plan to WC within the first 8GWs or so, isn't it better to choose the highest scoring options we can using the information we have available to us now, rather than making decisions based on limited incoming infomation when the season starts, and telling ourselves that we're not 'chasing points'? 😉

    As I said, feel free to vote and add comments, as it's a very important question for my team! 😀

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

      Sorry, I obviously don't mean for the same people to vote again haha

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

      A Tadic
      B Stan?
      C None

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

        Cheers Guy! The other thing to note about this question is that the 'None' category is underestimated, since it's a first past the post system. In reality, many people's second choices are 'none' since they only back one mid to beat the defender.

        Likewise, few people are very sure anyway, so 60% certainty = 1 vote, but doesn't count the 40% certainty for 'none', which is relavant here due to your question mark! I will still count it though 🙂

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

      A. Tadic
      B. Walters
      C. Walters

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

        Interesting. Tell me about Walters 🙂

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

          Averaged 4.5 points per start last season. Should be playing second striker this season, been in form pre season.

        2. HashAttack
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          Definitely fancy Walters myself - a history of goals. multiple goals on occasions - 72 points from 1300 min last season

          He's going to be a lot more involved this season with Burnley ... but I think they have a tough start to the season
          I ended up swapping him out for Murphy ... all those lovely green fixtures

    4. the snazzy viking
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      1. Tadic
      2. Ince
      3. Mooy

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

        Any more? I may have influenced the vote by seemingly asking for one, but I really want the full amount you think for each category, from 0 to as many as you think there are.

        1. the snazzy viking
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          Oh you said 'a' so I was presuming only one from each...

          Add Phillips then

    5. The one who has a knock
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      A none
      B ince
      C none

      1. The one who has a knock
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Now that I have read your recent comment, I'll add to b shaq,Philips

    6. HashAttack
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      haven't seen Snodgrass mentioned yet ... 6M, 133 points last year and would expect to improve this year?

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

        So what do you think? Would you bet on him or Bertrand?

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

    G2G?

    Foster
    Trippier Cedric D.luiz Daniels
    KDB Coutinho Willian
    Kane(c) Lukaku Chicha

    Myhill RCL Romeu Rangel

  21. cklessa
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Austin and Bailly

    Or

    Chicharito and Yoshida?

  22. jp1719
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    RMT please - thank you!

    Foster Elliot
    Dawson Cedric Kompany Dunk Rangel
    KDB Willian Coutinho RLC Carroll
    Benteke Lukaku Kane

  23. FPL Virgin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    This place is desperate for a new article. Let's hope it is a good one.

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

      The player list analysis is the best FFS article but the series should be released much quicker IMO. They need to come out closer to the opening of the game when excitement is much high.

    2. the snazzy viking
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Anything but the next numbers game article on Swansea

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

        Lol

  24. skitsa
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Hey guys whats this looking like?
    Any idea on missing 5.0?

    Foster (Myhill)
    Trippier, Bertrand, Daniels (Mee, Rangel)
    KDB, Cout, Willian, 5.0? (T.Carrol)
    Kane, Lukaku, Rooney

    Cheers

    1. Top 210 Club
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Rooney to Austin or Gayle, then 6m of Ince or Phillips

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

        Nice thanks

  25. Top 210 Club
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    1st to 3! Go go go!?

    A. Kun + Phillips
    B. Jesus + Zaha

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

      A

    2. Man Getting Hit By Football
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      B

  26. Ausiya
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Second attempt:
    A) Capoue to Carroll then Rangel to 5m
    B) Capoue to Carroll then Rangel and Hunemeier to 4.5m and Dunk
    C) no change
    D) suggest a change

    Courtois (Speroni)
    Daniels Trippier Cedric (Hunemeier Rangel)
    KDB LC Coutinho Alli (Capoue)
    Lukaku(vc) Lacazette (c) Austin

  27. T
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Who's the preferred Brighton defender and why?

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

      Having no Brighton defender is the preferred option imo

      1. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        This!

    2. Top 210 Club
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Dunki Kong

    3. the snazzy viking
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Suttner

    4. Netley Lucas
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Bit of a buzz around Suttner? Seems to be on some sp's and has a good record of assists and goals I think?

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

        Think Dunk has better goal threat but is reportedly a card magnet
        Could be the new Cholevas

    5. Top 210 Club
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Suttner also a cross beast and set piece taker

  28. Az
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 17 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    I'm on a train on my way to London to get smaaaashed.
    Bored though.

    What you lot up to tonight?

  29. Kolarov Fpl Legend
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    First Rmt this se....
    Foster
    Kompany, Alonso, Tripp, Cedric
    Kdb, Zaha, Wilian, Fraser
    Lukaku, Kane

    Bench: Elli, Ayew, Tc, Rosenior.
    1 mil itb...Where would you spend here in defence that lovely 1 mil?

    1. Kolarov Fpl Legend
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Oops...

    2. Silva’s Left Nut
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Alonso to your fav 6m defender. Then Willian to coutinho

      1. Kolarov Fpl Legend
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        No, thanks. I wrote; in defence.

      2. One Man
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        That's only 1m. But willian to Coutinho is 2m ?