Moving Target

Moving Target – Nemanja Matic

Manchester United made their third acquisition of the summer yesterday, by completing the signing of Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic for a reported fee of £40 million.

The Serbia international, who turned 29 this week, put pen to paper on a three-year deal at Old Trafford, with the option to extend for a further year. According to United boss Jose Mourinho, the new arrival boasts the traits that both he and the club look for in a player:

“Nemanja is a Manchester United player and a Jose Mourinho player. He represents everything we want in a footballer; loyalty, consistency, ambition, team player.”

The History

Matic began his senior career at FK Kolubara in his native Serbia in 2005 before joining Slovakian side FC VSS Košice two years later.

After playing more than 50 matches over the following two seasons, he earned a move to Chelsea in August 2009.

He failed to make the grade in his first stint at Stamford Bridge, though, and following a loan spell at Dutch side Vitesse Arnhem, joined Benfica in January 2011 as part of the deal that took David Luiz to west London.

The midfielder enjoyed a successful spell in Portugal, registering nine goals and one assist in 97 appearances in all competitions, and performed well enough to convince Chelsea to re-sign him for £21 million in January 2014.

Matic instantly made an impact in the Chelsea midfield and was a key member of their 2014/15 title winning side.

He won a second Premier League winners medal last season and has, over the last three seasons, produced four goals and 14 assists in 104 league outings.

Capped 11 times at U21 level, Matic made his senior debut for Serbia in a 1-0 friendly defeat to Poland in December 2008.

He has made 32 appearances for his country, with his only goal coming against Portugal in March 2015.

The Prospects

While Matic is himself unlikely to be much of a factor in Fantasy Premier League (FPL), his arrival at Old Trafford could well boost the stock of a number of United assets.

The Serbian is available at 5.0 in FPL, and although he did finish with a respectable 105 points last season, it’s unlikely you’ll want to use one of your three United slots on a defensive midfielder.

He’s priced at 8.3 in Sky Sports and while he may benefit from completed passes and tackles-made bonus points, appears unlikely to offer great value.

Matic only averaged a shot every 134.85 minutes last term and despite the eight assists, he only produced a key pass 103.73 minutes, which was, for example, far inferior to new United team-mate Ander Herrera (68.53).

The Spaniard, along with Paul Pogba, shared responsibilities in United’s midfield for much of last season, but with neither player particularly defensively-minded, the addition of Matic should allow the pair to focus on what they do best.

Matic looks set to start as the holding midfielder for United, perhaps most often in a 4-1-4-1 formation, although Mourinho could equally roll out a 4-2-3-1 and even a 3-5-2, which was used in the 3-0 friendly win over Valerenga, among other systems, with relative ease.

Standing six foot four inches tall, Matic offers plenty of physicality in the middle of the park and is positionally very disciplined, while he is also under-rated as a passer of the ball.

The 28-year-old thrived in his final full season under Mourinho in 2014/15. Indeed, he was ranked top for attempted tackles (207), successful tackles (129), recoveries (312) and Clearances, Blocks and Interceptions (198) among FPL midfielders.

In that Chelsea side, Matic benefitted from players like Willian and Oscar pressing high up the pitch, meaning his lack of pace and mobility was rarely exposed.

Herrera and perhaps Henrikh Mkhitaryan could occupy similar roles in this United side, with Pogba assigned to the “Fabregas role” as the roaming playmaker with few defensive responsibilities.

Matic was somewhat reinvented last season, with his ability to create from deep and to drive at the opposition defence coming to the fore as N’Golo Kante filled the spaces vacated by the Serbian in Antonio Conte’s 3-4-2-1 formation.

But it’s unlikely we’ll see this version of Matic too often this season, given the presence of Herrera and Pogba, although in certain matches he could operate alongside Michael Carrick and be given slightly more freedom to push forward.

Comparing Matic and Pogba’s heatmaps from last season, the similarities are striking. We can surely expect to see a major difference between the pair as the new season develops.

Paul Pogba vs Nemanja Matic – Touches Heatmap – 2016/17 Season

members

While Pogba operated in both a two and three-man midfield in 2016/17, Matic almost exclusively played in a two alongside Kante once Conte switched to a three-man backline during the 3-0 defeat to Arsenal last September.

Pogba’s tendency to vacate his starting position in central midfield often caused United problems last season.

The Frenchman would drift forward when starting in the double-pivot in a 4-2-3-1, leaving the remaining central midfielder extremely isolated.

But with Matic now expected to operate in front of the back four, flanked by Pogba (left) and Herrera (right) slightly further up the pitch, the former Juventus player should be handed more freedom to roam in those inside left channels.

Pogba tallied just five goal and four assists in FPL last season, but the arrival of Matic could prove to be the catalyst for a far more productive campaign this time around, with the France international also in contention to play in a central support role in the 4-2-3-1.

It was in a three-man midfield in Italy where Pogba was able to total eight goals and three assists in 2014/15, and eight goals and 12 assists the following season.

In 2015/16, Pogba averaged a shot every 24.35 minutes for Juventus, which fell to 28.37 at Old Trafford last season.

So should he be handed more freedom to push forward, there’s every chance he can post similar numbers to those he achieved during his time in Italy.

The 24-year-old hit the woodwork six times last term. With a bit more luck, he should be able to near the 10-goal mark, particularly if he is handed penalty duties ahead of Romelu Lukaku.

Priced at 8.0 in FPL, Pogba certainly looks set to be far more prominent in our FPL seasons.

But it isn’t just Pogba who could benefit from the arrival of Matic.

The Serbian’s presence in front of the defence should also boost the prospects of the United rearguard.

As already stated, he was a huge part of the Chelsea side that dominated in 2014/15, when the Blues kept an eye-catching 17 clean sheets – one more than they managed last season.

With Herrera able to cover large distances, and wide players such as Mkhitaryan, Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard particularly diligent in their defensive duties, the United backline should be well protected.

Although many Fantasy managers had earmarked Victor Lindelof as the cheap route into the United defence, doubts over whether the Swede will start the season as Eric Bailly’s partner may mean we have to look elsewhere.

Phil Jones has been paired with Bailly throughout pre-season, and with Mourinho stating Lindelof “needs time” to adjust to his new surroundings, opting for the former Benfica defender in our Gameweek 1 squads looks a risky proposition.

But United’s hugely promising opening schedule (WHM swa LEI sto EVE sot CPL) certainly warrants investment in Mourinho’s backline.

Bailly himself is available at 6.0 in FPL, but despite his reasonable BPS numbers, a lack of goal threat hinders his appeal.

Antonio Valencia, meanwhile, sets us back 6.5. Given his return of one goal and three assists last season, that may deter potential suitors.

Goalkeeper David de Gea has emerged as a popular option. Sitting in 27.9% of FPL squads, despite making just 74 saves last season, his greater security of starts may yet see him begin the campaign as the safest option.

Owned by 5.5% of FPL managers, Matic will also provide Mourinho with the tactical flexibility he craves in order to negate the strengths of the opposition.

Although Matic may take some time to get up to speed given that he hasn’t featured for Chelsea during pre-season, his influence should be crucial as the campaign develops.

Following a season where United players generally struggled for Fantasy relevance, Matic’s arrival, along with that of Lukaku, should mean their assets feature far more prominently this time around.

Further Reference

Nemanja Matic Wikipedia

Nemanja Matic Transfer Markt Page

Nemanja Matic You Tube Highlights

2,540 Comments Post a Comment
  1. The Architect of Anarchy
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    RMT please.

    Foster
    Daniels-Alonso-kolasinac
    Mane-willian-milvojevic-eriksen-ritchie
    Jesus(VC)-lukaku(c).

    Elliot-ayew-naughton-mee

    With .5 ITB

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

    https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/892376229365645312

    Already back on the training pitch after just a couple of hours since he returned to London. This man is a machine. I wouldn't be surprised if he starts against Chelsea even though it may not be smart to risk him after just a few training sessions.

    Can't wait to see trio Sanchzilette in action 🙂

    1. Make Arrows Green Again
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      So soon after definitely having flu. He is the messiah!

      1. Better Call Paul
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Hahaha so true

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

    The Indian league is down. Doesn't match with the Indian guidelines. I have returned all the entry fee, a (@SPEEDYYBOYZZ and @KARAN14 reply to email to provide number.)

    Sorry

  4. crease123
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    RMT please. No Spurs, as I think their early fixtures can be tricky. And of course the Wembley effect. Will do w wildcard after GW4 if they are performing. Also, no Chelsea.

    Otherwise, I went for cheap defensive options that I think will still be starters.

    Ryan (Elliott)
    Yoshida // Hegazi // Lejeune (Long Mariappa)
    KDB // Mane // Ramsey // Chadli (Carroll)
    Lukaku // Lacazette // Jesus

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

    A. Alonso Tadic Firmino
    B. Kolasinic Ramsay Salah

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

      A

    2. Make Arrows Green Again
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      OOOh

      B. Tadic is too flaky and Firminho didn't impress when getting midfielder points.

    3. The Polymath
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      A

    4. UshFPL
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      B

  6. milanista10
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    A) Defoe and Milivojevic (play 3-4-3)
    B) Zaha and Bertrand (play 4-4-2)

    A or B lads? 🙂

    1. Y26 Royal
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      B
      Hasn't Milovojevic been dropped into def a few times?

    2. Leafy
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      B

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

    I'm struggling to let go of Aguero... Jesus is just not the same 🙁

    1. Bambi
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      nostalgia is a killer

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

        I got rid of of my ex wives easily enough 😛

        1. La Roja
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          😀

    2. Better Call Paul
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Until aguero is benched and Jesus brace first GW lol

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

        They both start in a 3-5-2 GW1 imo

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

      Stuck in the past?

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

      Same WR 🙁

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

      I'd happily captain Agüero but I'd always be reluctant to captain Jesus

    6. Chris_White
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Who are you going without - Kane or Luk?

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

        Kane but will likely wc in Int break

    7. Slartibartfast
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Agreed, just can't see him as a reliable captaincy option week in/week out like ol' Kun.

    8. b✪mber
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      pretty much the same...

    9. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Aguero (c) here

      Never in doubt

  8. The Polymath
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    DDG [Elliot]
    Alonso, Trippier, Ake [Targett, Rangel]
    Eriksen Willian, TCaroll, McArthur [RLC]
    Lukaku, Kane, Jesus

    RMT

    1. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      since when can we play 3-2-3?

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

        Going for Quality up front from the off means my Midfield is probably weaker.

        1. Salah’s Sonnet
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          probably?
          yeah that midfield needs a complete overhaul in my opinion, its not worth the front line.

        2. In FPHell
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Probably? As in the earth probably orbits the sun?

  9. Scheister
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Planning to double up on WBA and SOU with a strong backline to start off the first few GWs.
    Could rotate Stephens and Gayle, with decent bench of Milivojevic and Carroll.
    What do you think?

    Foster (Myhill)
    Dawson Stephens Yoshida Trippier Bailly
    KDB Pogba Willian (Mili) (Carroll)
    Kane Lukaku (Gayle)

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

    RMT. My first attempt
    Foster
    Mee/Yoshida/Trippier
    Pogba/Zaha/KdB/Eriksen
    Lukaku/Jesus/Gabbiadini
    bench Elliot/Dunk/Carrol/Long
    I'm aware that Gabbiadini is not nailed, however something telling me that he will start.

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      nice

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

      9/10 from me, as you say there's doubt over Gabbi. Nice 🙂

  11. Chazzwozza
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Rate my team and tell me how I can improve it.

    I have 0.5 remaining.

    Foster
    Mee, Trippier, Bertrand
    Alli, Willian, Lanzini, KDB
    Chica, Lacazette, Lukaku

    (Elliot, Loftus-Cheek, Dunk, Rangel)

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

      9/10. RLC a bit risky in terms of starts and pricefalls. Lanzini was in my team, but with injury hasn't played much and so again there is a doubt about him for GW1. Rest looks good.

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

      Mee to Daniels/Cedric the obvious one

  12. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    2017-18 English Premier League Predictions? Please maintain the format. My predictions below:
    1. Top 4: City, Chelsea, United, Spurs
    2. Player of the season: Kevin De Bruyne
    3. Golden Boot: Harry Kane
    4. Best performance in Europe: City and Chelsea (SF)

    1. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      With RMTtraffic everywhere,Im trying to slow it down 😛

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

      Agree apart from United ahead of Chelsea and Liverpool ahead of Spurs

    3. Agger
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      1. Liverpool, don't care about the rest.
      2. Player of the season: Firmino
      3. Golden Boot: Sturridge
      4. Best performance in Europe: Liverpool Vs Real Madrid (F)

    4. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      City Arsenal Man United Chelsea
      De Bruyne
      Lukaku
      Runners Up: Chelsea

    5. Boris Bodega
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      1. Arsenal, City, United, Spurs.
      2. Aaron Ramsey
      3. Jesus
      4. Man City ftw

    6. Funkyav
      • 15 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      1 TOP 4: City, Chelsea, Utd, Liverpool
      2. Player of the Season: KDB
      3. Golden Boot: Lukaku
      4. Chelsea & City (the final!)
      English teams are back on top of the world

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

    Lol

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

      Do you sometimes just have funny thoughts?

      1. Bungle Machine
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Lol

  14. Waxys
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Here we go new page and as promised here's the perfect team to win FPL ( injuries or suspensions non withstanding) feel free to bookmark it for future reference.

    Hart/Elliot

    Daniels Trippier Kompany (Mee) (Hanley)

    Pogba Alli Fabregas Coutinho (Carrol)

    Lacazette Rooney Jesus

    1. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      So as promised my perfect team is
      Hart/Elliot

      Daniels Trippier Kompany (Mee) (Hanley)

      Pogba Alli Fabregas Coutinho (Carrol)

      Lacazette King Jesus

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

      Where the hell is Henderson?

      Shocking stuff.

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

        Decided Kompany was a safer option then Danilo or Stones so Henderson had to go unfortunately. Carroll is just as good but not second choice for perks

      2. Nice to Finally Michu
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        this, and neither stones nor danilo??

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

          Nope they will start the first few gameweeks but Kompany is much more nailed on.

    3. Slam
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Only 1/15 the same, phew.
      Thank the lord

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

        😆

      2. Make Arrows Green Again
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        XD

    4. Jamie_GAWA
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Coutinho and Fabregas could be subject to rotation

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

        Carrol and Mee get in

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

          Everyone else will have players like Eriksen but you'll have Mee playing

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

            but usually Fabregas and Coutinho who are better players than Eriksen 😉

    5. Make Arrows Green Again
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      What was your rank last season?

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

        -1

        1. Make Arrows Green Again
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          That's a good rank. I'm going to start taking me some heed.

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

        Top 10k in most seasons.

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

      Fabregas won't play. I'm unsure over Pogba and Lacazette. Going without Lukaku and Kane is very risky. Rooney... 5/10

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

        Pogba has matic now and I've looked at the heat maps and stats.

        Fabregas will indeed play look at his stats from this season always assists or scores when coming off the bench.
        He will play more this season and will start every game as matic is out and Bakayoko is injured.

        Don't need those two see below.

        Rooney will be the a goal scoring machine this season don't sweat it

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

          Sorry I didn't know Bakayoko was injued. I still prefer Willin myself.

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

            Hazard will be back around gameweek 2 or 3.

            Willain not worth the transfer to get him out imo

    7. Steve Stiffler
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      decent def and mid, no kane or kaku???

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

        Nah don't need em. Had em both this season served me well but skipping this time around.

        They won't do as well this season I've looked at the sport science.

        Lukaku will share goals with everyone including martial and Rashford. MourInho's defence tactics mean Lukaku won't score more than a brace most games. Even zlatan only got one hat trick this season and hat was
        In Europa league.

        Kane is a slow starter and wemberly factor means I'd rather not lose money on him when everyone transfers
        Him out. May get him later on he's a good player but for 12.5? Nah not yet too risky. Spurs look dreadful pre season too

    8. b✪mber
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      AMAZING! I give it a 10!

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

        Rather nice isn't it 🙂

        1. b✪mber
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          forgot to mention... out of 42...

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

            That was probably how much Mourinho rated KDB and look how he turned out 🙂 this only serves to requests me that I'm doing the right thing.

            Much more likely everyone will finish in the bottom 99% than the top 1%

            1. b✪mber
              • 8 Years
              6 years, 10 months ago

              As a multiple top 10K finisher you seem like you know what you're doing, I'll give you that.

              I've only a single Top 10K finish (I'm a filthy casual), so my view is probably not important at all...

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

                1 is better than none. Keep an open mind and you'll have more successful seasons I'm sure

                1. b✪mber
                  • 8 Years
                  6 years, 10 months ago

                  Tnx for the kind thoughts!

  15. Nice to Finally Michu
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    I feel like lost in the whole 7.0 defenders are worth more than 7.0 mids debate is that there is so much more value to be found in cheap defenders than there are in cheap midfielders. 4.5 at a defenders price gets you very solid, nailed choices and 5.0 gets you some bonafide options in reliable teams. 4.5 and 5.0 at a midfielder's price gets you unreliable, bench fodder unless maybe theres a brief spot of form.

    The way I see it midfielders will always be more explosive and reliant on form than defenders which rely on their whole team's effort and thus unless any truly standout premium must-haves emerge i'm fine with a cheap defense to bolster my attack early doors.

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

      Compare Alonso's PPG to 7M mids though

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

      There's only one 7.0 defender, and buying him doesn't mean you can't get a 4.5 defender too. People are judging 4.5 mids based on their price, but some of them may be competing with the best 4.5 mids come Christmas. Granted it's less easy to know which ones now, but there's room on my bench for more than one. There's also room in my team for Cedric. I've seen teams with Alonso, Trippier and the rest are 4.0-5.0 defs.

  16. Bambi
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Recently dropped coutinho in favour for Pogba - is he worth the 1.0M difference? How many goals/assists do you think he can get? double figures for each?

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

      You need a liverpool attacker, they have the ability to put 4 past anyone on their day, i think we'll spank Watford opening day!

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

      Get Coutinho back

  17. DAZZ
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Are people generally avoiding Manchester City defenders due to rotation issues? I was keen on doubling up on City with KDB and Walker/Kompany. But now im starting to sway towards doubling up on Manchester United as i have Lukaku. Bailly should be nailed i suppose, but doesnt really offer much of a threat attacking wise compared to Kompany? But United's fixtures are better, anyone going with Bailly or Kompany? What are you reasons? Would like to hear some opinions.

    1. The Seagulls and the Trawle…
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      The key is for Kompany to stays fit. If he does, the chances of City doing CS improves significantly. I have gone for Valencia, but would go for Kompany over Bailly (and then maybe having DDG as main GK). So Kompany>Bailly but still try and manage a United defensive player, with DDG the safest and cheapest choice.

  18. The Seagulls and the Trawle…
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Hi everyone. So i played with my different options using the Rate my Team calculator and the best team i get from it after 6 GW is the following, what do you guys think?

    Forster (Elliot)
    Bertrand, Valencia, Trippier (Dawson, Rangel)
    Fabregas, Pogba, Alli, Zaha (RLC)
    Lukaku, Jesus, Austin

    Team score: 346,25

    Thoughts?

  19. Make Arrows Green Again
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    5-3-2 Pig potato defence:

    Foster
    Trippier, Daniels, Yoshida, Kolasinac, Alonso
    Alli, De Bruyne, Pogba
    Kaku, Jesus

    Not one, not two, but three left wingbacks for your delectation.

    (Myhill 3x4.5 mids)

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

      Too weak in the balance

      1. Make Arrows Green Again
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Oh, that's OK. I was worried you would notice that I wrote 'pig potato'.

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

          I noticed, but I figured I it was a real thing like pig-ugly or pig-tails or pig-bananas.

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

        In all seriousness, I like it a lot besides Pogba. And if Cedric is fit, I think his value is more delectable than Yoshi's.

        1. Make Arrows Green Again
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Cheers for the thoughts, D. I will probably bottle it. Not sure I have either the Stones or the Cabelleros for 5-2-3. Gets a lot of quality in the starting XI though.

          1. Ser Davos
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 10 months ago

            Don't bottle it due to peer pressure. Sure there's very little chance you'll play this formation for months on end, but to hit the season with a solid start it's a great option. My best starts and/or seasons have come from defender points.

    2. Ser Davos
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Great team. Got Bailly and Kompany over your Trippier Daniels.

      I like Yoshida's BPS potential and price over Bertrand (there's a goal in him too).

      Can't see anything glaringly bad.

  20. Mateja
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Who is the most nailed of city's midfielders after KDB ?

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      David Silva

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

      Gundogan

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

      Probably David Silva! Little class act, can see pep starting with yaya aswell

  21. The Architect of Anarchy
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Best midfielders for 5 or below?

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Tom Carroll
      Milivojevic
      RLC
      Puncheon

  22. FPL Panda
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    This is a hard one

    Phillips or bertrand or any 5.5 defender ?

    343 v 433

    Thanks

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      433 for me

  23. Miguel Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    What's the thinking on Alli vs Eriksen if you don't have Kane? Personally, I think Eriksen will thrive in the increased space at Wembley. Do people think Eriksen isn't as good a captaincy option as Eriksen. I'm sure I saw plenty of 15-20 point hauls by the Dane last year.

    1. Nice to Finally Michu
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      I've considered having all 3 to start like I did last season but last season it ended up being too early to triple. I think starting with one of the two is almost a must given their value

  24. Malcolm Tucker for England …
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    some RMT advice from Ewan Mcgregor

    Choose a team.
    Choose a 4.0 keeper.
    Choose some bench fodder.
    Choose an OOP defender,
    Choose a f*****g big lad up top
    Choose wingers, wingbacks,
    Compact defensive players, and defense openers.
    Choose good health, low injury risks and bench insurance.
    Choose nailed on creative midfielders.
    Choose a starting striker.
    Choose your faves.
    Choose leisurely playmakers and matching hard men.
    Choose a three man defence on a rotating schedule in a range of promoted teams.
    Choose random punts and wondering who you picked on a Sunday morning.
    Choose sitting on that couch watching mind-numbing
    Sprit-crushing games you’ve 1 player in
    Stuffing f*****g junk players into your squad on a whim.
    Choose rotting away at the end of it all,
    Pishing your last 0.1 mill on Brighton’s new signing
    Nothing more than an embarrassment to the selfish, effed-up brats
    You have selected to crush your mini-league dreams.
    Choose your future. Choose a team.
    But don’t, for the love of God, choose Walcott

    1. Nice to Finally Michu
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Wally in 😎

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

      Very good

    3. Malcolm Tucker for England …
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      thanks gents,
      i've reposted (won't again) as thought the effort wasn't deserving of being bottomed!

      sorry for the spam

  25. DivocksHighSocks
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    RMT: 4-4-2

    De Gea - Elliot

    Bertrand - Cedric - Trippier - Daniels - (Suttner)

    De Bruyne - Alli - Salah - 5.5 - (Carroll)

    Lukaku - Jesus - (Fletcher)

    Do your worst...

    1. soulsaver
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Loving this!
      I think people have been saying Fletcher has gone(check it out)
      Be lucky!

  26. The Overthinker
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    My defence costs 36M

  27. Rash
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Best 4.5 def?

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

      Mee

      1. Ser Davos
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Self promoter

  28. Ode
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    RMT

    Foster
    Trippier, Bertrand, Yoshida
    Ritchie, Özil, Willian, KDB
    J Rod, Lukaku, Kane

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

      Decent

    2. DivocksHighSocks
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Ozil to one of the Liverpool big hitters or Alli/Eriksen. Otherwise nice

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

        Thank you. Being an Arsenal fan, I want to have atleast 1 Ars player in my team and I don't fancy Laca and Alexis too expensive. That's why I have Özil but he could be a good differential

  29. Qaiss
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    A) Sanchez - Jesus - 4.0 defender

    OR

    B) Ozil - Kane - 4.5 defender

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

      A

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

      B

    3. MGMT
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      B

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

      A

  30. EL_FENOMENO
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    If Sanchez is staying are we getting him in ?

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

      Too expensive for me unless something happens to KDB

      1. 1-1 at Newcastle
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        You're right. He only scored 18 more goals.

    2. Make Arrows Green Again
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Nope. Steeper than *insert Chilean mountain for joke purposes*