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Technical Area – Budget Midfield Options

One key to a successful Fantasy season has always been the early discovery of a midfield gem.

The 2015/16 season saw Riyad Mahrez rise from relative obscurity to the heights of a 240-point season, while last campaign, Josh King’s 16 goals powered many Fantasy line-ups to the top of their respective mini-leagues.

After seven Gameweeks, we are beginning to accumulate sufficient data to begin making more confident assertions regarding a player’s underlying performance metrics.

This international break is, therefore, an ideal time to evaluate the potential candidates for the title of must-have budget midfielder this time around.

It also gives us the chance to roll out – for the first time in Technical Area – data on expected goals (xG) and assists (xA), a new source of information which will soon be available to our members.

1,891 Comments Post a Comment
  1. The Royal Robin
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Would you sell Chicharito > Rashford for -4?

    1. We Will Klopp you
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      No

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

      Not sure I'd even bring Rashford in for free.

    3. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGeniusâ…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I would! Well, I have him, anyway. 😉

    4. Nascimento
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I wouldn't transfer my dog, Polly, to Rashford for -4.

      1. La Roja
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        So you’d give your dog away for free?

        1. Nascimento
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          She's so yappy I would consider it (jokes, would defend with my life)

          1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGeniusâ…
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Play her Captain Beefheart. That will shut her up. 😉

            1. Nascimento
              • 8 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              Lol!! I fear she would be petrified! She is a rescue dog and not made for spaces larger than my garden!

              1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGeniusâ…
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 14 Years
                6 years, 8 months ago

                😀

      2. Fantasy Gold
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        😆

    5. Yozzer
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Rather have Abraham or Joselu over Rashford and share the wealth

    6. VFORVANDETA
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      No.

  2. Ohhh Shola Ameobi
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Anyone looking at Luiz? 5.9 in that Chelsea defence seems like potential gold.

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

      If he plays in midfield during Kante's absence, could be a good option...

    2. Nascimento
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Yeah, getting him

    3. choppers13
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Alot of competition in Chelsea defence.

      Also think chelsea defence is overpriced and over rated. Utd, Spurs and City have out performed them in 2017

      1. Ohhh Shola Ameobi
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        I'm thinking about going to a 4-3-3, so ideally I'd have defensive representation from both Manchester clubs, Spurs and Chelsea.

        1. bojack
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Be easier in a 442 as mids are cheaper than forwards.

        2. choppers13
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Fair enough. Personally think alonso and azpi are the best cheslsea options but are very expensive.

          1. Ohhh Shola Ameobi
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            I prefer Azpi, but that .7 makes the rest of my team look miles better. Something to ponder.

            1. choppers13
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              Yes its hard making a decision in isolation.

              Could be a decent way into chelsea defence

    4. choppers13
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Would be great option if played in midfield

    5. bojack
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I'm planning on having him from GW9.

    6. Team Bobcat
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I could afford luiz on a tranfer for hegazi but.....

      Luiz is like the player I never want. A problem child of sorts. A ticking timebomb. You have to weigh that.

      Couple that with his price tag. Some very decent options in the 6m bracket. If you are sorely looking for cover which I have seen players quote then courtois surely a better option and cheaper.

      Luiz is a no no for me anyway. At least thats how i feel now.

  3. ooooo
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Repost
    A) Use 0.3mil to upgrade Azpi to Alonso if Cedric drops
    B) Use 0.3mil in GW12 to do Cedric to Jones

    Which one?

    1. VFORVANDETA
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      B

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

      You don't waste a transfer just because he might drop 0.1. Saints have amazing fixtures and VvD is back

      1. ooooo
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        on a WC

  4. choppers13
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Final wc decision:

    A) Lukaku Abraham Sterling

    B) Jesus Vardy Richarlison

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      B

      1. choppers13
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks

        It looks better on paper but main concern is losing lukaku

        1. La Roja
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          There is a easy solution for that, which is fairly common knowledge here;

          Get a bigass sofa and hide when he plays

          1. choppers13
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Haha.

            Although read some stats today about Lukakus record against the top 6 is 5 goals in 26 games

            1. La Roja
              • 12 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              This is what happens to you too if you are an Everton striker

    2. VFORVANDETA
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      B

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

      B

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

      B

  5. SADIO SANÉ
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Bavies owners planning on playing him vs. LIV (GW9), mun (GW10) & ars (GW12)?

    1. choppers13
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Yes will play every week

    2. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I think if you own him you should play him. He is essentially a midfielder.

    3. We Will Klopp you
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Yes, and hope for attacking returns

    4. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I paid 5.5m for a Spurs attacking midfielder who is getting clean sheets too

      Yes please

    5. Duffy Dunk
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Sure. I had 2 friends in my ML who had Alonso benched when he scored 2 goals at Tottenham..
      I don't think players like these should be benched.

      1. SADIO SANÉ
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        yeah I would never bench Alonso, so I guess this isn't too much different

    6. GAMBIT
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Yes

    7. VFORVANDETA
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Yes.

    8. Red Dagger ✪
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Yes.

    9. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      ok cool, sounds good

    10. yakirh
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      LIV yes ARS yes UTD maybe not

  6. bojack
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Great article.

    1. cravencottage
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Shaquiri oddly omitted though

  7. mrpink32
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    A) monreal richarlison
    B) Walker felaini
    C) azpi felaini

    Have courtois

    1. Duffy Dunk
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      A

    2. VFORVANDETA
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      A

    3. GAMBIT
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Fellaini is injured

  8. GAMBIT
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Best mid under 7.7?

    Seriously considering Cesc because Kantes injury should mean he'll get more minutes

    1. Red Dagger ✪
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I think Cesc is a good shout especially after today.

      1. Fantasy Gold
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Yep, Cesc.

  9. kysersosa
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Fabregas to benefit from Kante injury?????

    1. GAMBIT
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Makes sense that it should. They have easy fixtures so Cesc and Bakayoko should start in the pivot. Willian and Pedro as the two number 10s and Hazard as the false 9

    2. Ghost Gooner
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Luiz will play there vs tricky opponents

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

        Luiz in midfield and will keep the impressive Christensen in defence.

  10. Super Silva Haze
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Can I get a Rmt for my WC team..? Pls .;

    Fabianski
    Jones Davies Ward
    Richarlison Silva Coutinho Choupo-Moting
    Kane Lukaku Jesus

    Elliot Carroll Mbemba (4.1 defender )

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Very good

      1. Super Silva Haze
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Thanl you. I am now think8ng of Hazard but will have to destroy the team to get him in. A. Guess this will have to do for the time being.

    2. Ghost Gooner
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Why get a 4.1 def?

      1. Super Silva Haze
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Sacrifice must be made.

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

      Silva to Sterling and get 4.5 defender

      1. Super Silva Haze
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Is sterling nailed for the next few gameweeks ?

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

          With Aguero out I think good chance he will be

  11. lugs
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    interesting reading Richarlison's wiki page lol

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richarlison

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Dafuq

    2. Kavorka
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      haha

    3. Red Dagger ✪
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Hahaha.

  12. Francescoli
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Great article. Now where to find that 0.6 for the Watford man

    1. choppers13
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      He has 2 tough fixtures but has form, stats and eye test in his favour

  13. choppers13
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Maguire a better option than Cedric for next 4 gameweeks?

    On paper Cedrics fixtures are gold. But i think his ceiling us 6 points whereas Maguire has far greatet goal/bonus potential

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

      I’m bringing in both on WC

      1. choppers13
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        I was going to but think i will go with below defence

        Jones stones davies maguire ward

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

          I have gone
          Cedric Maguire Azpilicueta Ward Davies

          1. choppers13
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Great defence

            You playing all 5 gw8

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

              Quite possibly with Coutinho Silva
              Kane Jesus Vardy

  14. milejedinakhighclub
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Wildcard Thoughts #6729

    a) Hazard/Cedric/Calvert-Lewin
    b) Azpi/Choupo-Moting/Vardy

    It's b) - right?

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

      Yes b for me

    2. choppers13
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Definitely B as all players nailed. Also Hazard yet to hit form

  15. CRO KLOPP
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Over 10000 people have bought fellaini lol

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Have another look.

    2. We Will Klopp you
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Most are wildcarders I assume

    3. CRO KLOPP
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Gotta be wildcards then

  16. We Will Klopp you
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Can't get richarlison unless I do something crazy: -12 involving salah to coutinho therefore will have to implement plan B: the man, the myth, the legend El Choupo in for Brady for his brace vs Bournemouth

    1. Fantasy Gold
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Doesn't seem like the most pressing time to get Richarlison with Arsenal and Chelsea up next

      1. We Will Klopp you
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Market forces unfortunately, he goes up I can't get him. Therefore Plan B will need to implemented. Would be crazy to do a -12 involving two attackers in who were playing Arsenal and United anyway, no way that's being done plus I don't want to lose Salah

        1. Fantasy Gold
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Just leave Richarlison and re-assess in a few weeks.

          I'm sure something will pop up to make it easy enough to get him in. Shouldn't rise too much if he is kept quiet in the next two games

          1. We Will Klopp you
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Good point, must have players change weekly too

            1. Fantasy Gold
              • 10 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              Exactly 🙂

  17. You Kanté Touch This
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Was planning on WC this week to do a shuffle and get in Morata, Fellaini, Luiz, but used ft to make the below and now thinking of holding as is...stick or twist?

    Elliot

    Bellerin / Jones / Ward / Davies

    D Silva / Eriksen / Couthinio

    Calvert-Lewin / Lukaku / Kane

    Bench: Foster / Atsu / Suttner / T Carrol

    1. Naboo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Hold

  18. Fantasy Gold
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Forgive my ignorance as I wasn't watching the game but Soccerstand live commentary reported that Lacazette couldn't continue due to injury.

    Nobody has mentioned it on here though so just exaggeration from them?

      1. Fantasy Gold
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Not trying to create rumours, just going off what Soccerstand live commentary said

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 15 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Might not be the best site to use.

          1. Fantasy Gold
            • 10 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Well yeah, that's why I asked on here 🙂

    1. Red Dagger ✪
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I was watching he walked off fine. Just a tactical sub I think.

      1. Fantasy Gold
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Brilliant, thanks RD.

  19. Optimus.
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Eubank win

    1. Fantasy Gold
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Really don't like him at all.

      Can't wait for him to get sparked.

  20. Super Silva Haze
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Davies or Kola ?

    On a wildcard. Teams above.

    1. Beavis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      D.

      1. We Will Klopp you
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        D, more attacking, plays in a more defensively solid team, plus no Sanchez to hog up his space (and the ball)

        1. Super Silva Haze
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Thanks guys.

        2. VFORVANDETA
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          D

    2. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Have Both

  21. Franktomet
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    RMWCT:

    Fabianski - Elliot
    Davies - Luiz - Ward - Simpson - Mbemba
    Hazard - D.Silva - Sterling - Fellaini - Surman
    Kane - Jesus - Vardy

    0,0m ITB

    1. shotgunnufc - MANIAC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      fellaini injured, upgrade mbemba to dunk or suttner with the extra .4mil when you drop to a 4.5mid

    2. Flynny
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Practically identical to mine

      But fellaini injured

  22. shotgunnufc - MANIAC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    if you were on a WC would you rather:

    A - Kane, kaku, jesus
    B - 2 of the above with vardy
    C - 2 of the above with a budget

    1. Flynny
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      B

      1. We Will Klopp you
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        B

        1. VFORVANDETA
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          B

    2. Fantasy Gold
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      B

    3. shotgunnufc - MANIAC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      pretty solid answering guys! have to admit my team looks much better with the B set up

  23. MALDINI'S EYES!
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Has anybody seen the film infinity chamber?

  24. Super Silva Haze
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Lossl or Fabianski ?

    1. We Will Klopp you
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Fab, better fixtures

    2. Fantasy Gold
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Fabianski

      1. Super Silva Haze
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks all.

    3. GuyIncognito
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Lossl has been bad the last few games, may get dropped.

    4. Kavorka
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Fab

  25. EL_FENOMENO
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Which are the best mids to get if on wc?

    1. ooooo
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Richarlison Silva

    2. Kavorka
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Silva Shaqiri

    3. choppers13
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Personally think you need a range of prices to make transfers easier.

      Silva, cout, eriksen and sterling all seem to be popular choices

    4. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Read this article

  26. Team Cruel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    With Fellaini out, no one tempted by Herrera? Steps up in the big games, has returns vs Liverpool, Chelsea and Spurs in the last two seasons.

  27. CRO KLOPP
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    If Kante is injured,fabregas gets more minutes?

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Possibly

  28. Kanteisking
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    RMWCT please

    Fabianski
    Ward, Jones, Bavies
    Sterling, Coutinho, Eriksen, Dacoure
    Kane, Lukaku, Vardy

    Ta

    1. MALDINI'S EYES!
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Very nice

    2. choppers13
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Nice

      What does your bench look like

      1. Kanteisking
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Doesn’t make for pleasant viewing but they all play Mariappa, RLC, Elliot and Mbemba - a little bit meh

    3. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Coutinho will blank a lot when his long range shots are missing

  29. Albert_Luque
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    This is my current WC team:

    Krul-Elliot
    Luiz-Davies-Cresswell-Mee-Hunemeier
    Hazard-Silva-Coutinho-Fellaini-Carroll
    Kane-Lukaku-Abraham

    Any advice on what to do about Fellaini? Was thinking Fellaini and Lukaku out for Jesus and Choupo Moting, but any other suggestions welcome.

    1. Kavorka
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      how about Vardy and Sterling

      1. Albert_Luque
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Hmmm, that's a really interesting suggestion, thanks. Wouldn't have thought of it myself, was pretty set on Jesus

  30. EL_FENOMENO
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    If Kante is out, Fabregas a good option ?

    1. Kanteisking
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Looks that way