World Cup

World Cup 2018 – Team Analysis – Australia

World Cup Fantasy managers are urged to look at the set-piece takers in Australia’s squad in a relatively favourable Group C draw.

With manager Bert van Marwijk only in the job since January, captain Mile Jedinak and corner-taker Aaron Mooy seem the most likely to continue their Socceroos form.

But Australia also hold some interesting differentials who could do well as Mathew Leckie assumes Tim Cahill’s mantle as the key target.

READ MORE: Russia and Japan falter in World Cup Fantasy auditions

ROAD TO QUALIFICATION

Unbeknown to most, the Asian route to the World Cup can be just as gruelling as the lengthy South American qualification process. Australia, several years on from their golden generation, arrive in Russia after a relentless 22-match campaign finally ended with play-off victory in November.

The first eight matches of qualifying, against lesser nations such as Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Bangladesh, were significantly easier than what was to come for manager Ange Postecoglou’s men. Their third round group was fiercely contested with Australia, Japan and Saudi Arabia all vying for two qualification slots. Despite avoiding defeat until the penultimate round of fixtures (a 2-0 reverse in Saitama), a frustratingly high number of draws and a win for Saudi Arabia in their final match, consigned Australia to the play-offs on goal difference.

In order to make it to an intercontinental play-off against a CONCACAF nation, they had to see off an up and coming Syria side. The first leg, staged in Malaysia, ended in a 1-1 draw five days before the two teams played out the same result in Sydney forcing extra time. Tim Cahill, now a sparingly used veteran, got both the goals to push Australia through another round.

A month later Mile Jedinak’s hat-trick secured a 3-1 aggregate win over Honduras. However, the nation’s relief at reaching the World Cup for a fourth successive time was short-lived as Postecoglou left his position almost as soon as the Socceroos had dragged themselves over the line. He was replaced by the man who booked Saudi Arabia’s place in Russia: Bert van Marwijk.

Whether Australia can emerge from a favourable draw to reach the knockout stages for the first time since 2006 is hard to predict. Not only has van Marwijk had very little time to work with his team, the Dutchman is just a temporary appointment before Graham Arnold takes over after the World Cup. In two friendlies, a 4-1 defeat in Norway and a 0-0 draw in Colombia, Australia have looked unconvincing too. However, in their first warm-up game, they thrashed Czech Republic 4-0.

AFC QUALIFYING + PLAY-OFFS:

Most starts: Mat Ryan (13), Mathew Leckie, Trent Sainsbury (both 12), Aaron Mooy (11), Tomi Juric, Mark Milligan, Tom Rogic (all 10).

Most goals: Mile Jedinak (6), Juric (5), Tim Cahill, Leckie (both 3).

Most assists: Leckie, Mooy (both five), Robbie Kruse (3).

THE KEY TARGETS

Versatile attacker Mathew Leckie (£6.0m in McDonald’s FIFA World Cup Fantasy) is the headline Fantasy asset in Australia’s ranks after involving himself in more international goals (ten) than any of his compatriots since September 2016. In 15 starts the Hertha Berlin man scored five times himself while also laying on five assists. Despite his ability to score Fantasy points from multiple avenues, he is still priced him up at £1.0m cheaper than bit-part player Tim Cahill (£7.0m). They have classified the pacy Leckie as a forward but in reality he is a right-winger, potentially offering even more points if he is put down as a midfielder on FIFA’s official game.

While less impressive in terms of goal-threat, Aaron Mooy (£7.0m) can offer a similar level of creativity as Leckie. As the corner-taker for his country, he has provided six assists for his team-mates since September 2016. Five of those came in regular third round matches of Asian qualifying (two of Leckie’s were in the play-offs), which meant no other player on the continent had more than the Huddersfield Town man during that stage of the competition.

Top of Australia’s goal-chart in preparation for the World Cup is striker Tomi Juric (£6.5m) and captain Mile Jedinak (£6.0m), both with six. The former struck five times during third round qualifying (no Asian player topped his numbers) adding another in the Socceroos appearance at last year’s Confederation Cup in Russia. Not a prolific forward, Juric is a tall and powerful target man who links the side’s play together well. His importance to the side has helped him make more starts than all but three of his compatriots since September 2016. He is sure to feature from the beginning in all three of the Aussies’ World Cup Group Stage matches.

Aston Villa midfielder Jedinak’s Fantasy appeal stems directly from his role as Australia’s free-kick and penalty taker. Five of his last six international goals have come from the spot while the the other was a direct free-kick. The 33-year-old skipper is a man who shines in the big games too, netting a hat-trick in the decisive play-off victory over Honduras in November.

THE LONG SHOTS

In years gone by Tim Cahill (£7.0m) would have been sat in the key targets section of an article like this, but at 38-years-old his game-time at international level has dwindled. The former Everton man, who returned to Millwall in January, has started just four matches for Australia since September 2016, three times in World Cup qualifying and once at last year’s Confederations Cup. That said, in his rare appearances, Cahill does have three goals to his name. It was his brace which saw Australia past Syria in the Asian play-off and he also netted against the UAE in the earlier third round. So, given his pedigree and goals per minute ration, he could be a decent long shot to have in your Fantasy squad, although he hasn’t started any of the Socceroos recent friendlies.

At the opposite end of international experience for Australia is winger Dimitri Petratos (£6.0m), who arrives in Russia fresh from a breakthrough season with Newcastle Jets. The 25-year-old scored ten times and assisted another nine goals as his side made it to the A-League Grand Final. That impressive form earned Petratos his first cap in April when he made his debut in the 4-1 defeat in Norway. The starting berths in wide midfield are held down fairly well by Leckie and Kruse, but Petratos is also capable of playing number 10 or as a striker. His versatility might see him used as an impact sub or van Marwijk may well hand him starts to ride the momentum of his club form.

AREAS TO AVOID

Regular rotation in defensive personnel and tactics during qualifying make Australia’s back-line difficult to trust either for starts or clean sheets. The Socceroos have not been particularly adept at keeping clean sheets over the last two years, registering just five of them in nineteen matches. Three of those were all recorded over 15 months ago and were against lowly opposition in Iraq and the United Arab Emirates (twice). With a free-scoring France side up first in Russia and Denmark and Peru to come after (who offered two and 1.45 goals per match in qualifying respectively), chances of any shut-outs are slim, even if Australia manage to get results.

After offering great value on FPL this season, Brighton goalkeeper Mat Ryan (£4.5m) is one of just few ever-presents defensive assets in the squad and may earn himself some ownership on the various World Cup Fantasy games. However, he should probably be avoided even if he is priced relatively generously. Trent Sainsbury (4.5m) and Mark Milligan (£5.0m) are the only established names in an unsettled defensive system and only the latter offers any real Fantasy potential. 32-year-old Milligan is a ball-playing centre-back with six international goals to his name and penalty duties when Jedinak and Cahill are absent. Meanwhile, Sainsbury was a regular during qualifying but hasn’t played double-figures in a club season since 2016.

UPCOMING FRIENDLIES

June 9: Hungary v Australia (Budapest)

Further Analysis

Our comprehensive World Cup guide can be found here.

Group A Egypt, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay

Group BIran, Morocco, Portugal, Spain

Group CAustralia, Peru, France, Denmark

Group DArgentina, Iceland, Croatia, Nigeria

Group EBrazil, Costa Rica, Switzerland, Serbia

Group FMexico, Germany, Sweden, South Korea

Group GBelgium, Panama, Tunisia, England

Group HSenegal, Japan, Poland, Colombia

Our editor’s Fantasy World Cup tips as told to Proper Sport

FANTASY ITEAM

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Click here for details and here to sign up.

Our League name is Fantasy Football Scout and the pin is 1887.

Please note, users must be over 18 and based in the UK to join our league.

148 Comments Post a Comment
  1. CloudSky
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    Thanks for everything Zizou! :'(

  2. goriuanx
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    Zidane resigning from Madrid apparently. Hopefully we can keep Sean Dyche in our league.

  3. Botman and Robben
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    Yusuf Sheikh's season history...https://fantasy.premierleague.com/a/entry/101046/history. One win is all that counts I guess.

  4. noquarternt
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    Win 3 CLs in 2.5 years and still not be 'safe'. Good to leave on his own terms.

  5. Team Cruel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    Flo Perez looks devastated. Poor guy didn't have the chance to stick the knife in this time.

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

    Will Firmino ever get that ban for what he did vs Holgate?

    1. RedLightning
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      * Will Holgate ever get that ban for what he did to Firmino?

      1. Majestic Chanka
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 10 months ago

        Snap!

    2. Majestic Chanka
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      *Will Holgate ever get that ban for what he did vs Firmino?

      Fixed it for you!

      There is undisputable television proof of violent conduct by Holgate, can’t believe he got away with it!

  7. Eden Wizard
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    Wenger > Madrid illuminati

  8. Astronautovic
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    When will the official world cup fantasy launch?

    1. sttewwizza
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      +1

  9. CloudSky
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    List of likeliest Zizou successors: Löw, Guti, Conte, Wenger, Pochettino.

  10. Ógie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    It turns out that Poch has a Real Madrid release clause in his contract.

    http://sportwitness.co.uk/spain-pochettino-real-madrid-release-clause-new-tottenham-contract/

    1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Surely Levy would never be that full on idiotic

    2. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Yup, disaster for Spurs, but Poch is by far and away the most obvious choice for Real. Will he take Harry with him?

      1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 10 months ago

        The article did mention that its source wasn't reliable tbf. Something along the lines of Mundo Deportivo relishing a chaotic window of links

        1. Ógie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 10 months ago

          Maybe it is just some click bait but Poch would have been a fool if he did not build in such a clause into his contract and he aint that.

      2. Ógie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 10 months ago

        And maybe even Christian Eriksen as a long term replacement for Luka Modric.

        This could be end of the road for that great Spurs team.

      3. Team Cruel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 10 months ago

        Harry can't even take a joke on twitter, I can't even bear to imagine how he will react when he gets booed for not scoring a hat-trick every game.

    3. Niemi
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Would be surprised if this was true. Doesn't sound like something Levy would do at all.

  11. FFFrog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    Has there been any indication of what Zidane is going to do next - gracefully bow out of management or go elsewhere (Chelsea?)?

    1. Ógie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      It is hard to know he is a hard man to read.

      Maybe he just wants to step away and spent time with the family or maybe he has got a feeling that a vacancy will be coming up shortly for the French national team.

      If he comes to the PL he will be a nice addition to the star studded manager talent that is in England at the moment.

    2. Meinhoff
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      My guess would be he'll be coaching France national team soon enough. They have a talented squad that in 2-4 years time will be ready for some silverware.

    3. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      I can see him doing a Pep. A few months out to recharge his batteries, then contemplate his next move. Which will be to take France to the 2022 World Cup!

    4. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Has never struck me as someone who enjoys being a manager - wouldn't be surprised if he does something else now.

      1. JustPark
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 10 months ago

        McDonalds?

        1. Now I'm Panicking
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 10 months ago

          If you're buying

    5. CloudSky
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      He said he wont coach next year. After that, anyones guess.

  12. Give The Todd Some Love
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    Any of you guys on Football Index?

    Discovered it a few weeks ago, already hooked, find myself checking it a thousand times a day.

    1. Ógie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Looks like fun if i was residing in the UK i probably would give it a whirl.

      1. Give The Todd Some Love
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 10 months ago

        Yeah, arguably still in an embryonic stage considering it's only live here and in Canada and Sweden.

        Think it's completely revolutionary and will eventually take off everywhere

        1. Ógie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 10 months ago

          I like some of the strict market rules like rule No.18,i know it will never happen but something like this could be used to stamp out multi team merchants in fpl.

          18. BetIndex may at any point before, during or after the promotion, ask for verification documents such as passport or ID to verify your identity, age and residency. If you are unable to produce such documents you will automatically be excluded from the promotion and will forfeit any prizes that have already been allocated or awarded to you, without compensation.

    2. noquarternt
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      How does it work?

      'When you place a bet (what we call a share)'... can see how this could fall into some regulatory trouble...

  13. Grounderz
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    France will suit Zizou perfectly.

  14. Dreams
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    Swansea are yet to appoint a manager, aren't they? #zidane.

    1. le flem
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      And Moyes is available #moyestomadrid

      1. Dreams
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 10 months ago

        Don't be ridiculous. It's Sam's job to lose now.

    2. Midlands Saint73
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Hughes assistant at St Mary's ;-). Seriously though this could create an interesting little merry go round of manager movement.

  15. FFFrog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    Guerrero cleared to play for Peru in the World Cup after his drugs ban.

    1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Yay 🙂 Great for Peru

    2. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Is he a good pick for fantasy?

      1. FFFrog
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 10 months ago

        Potentially, he's their main source of goals but they don't score a huge amount. From a fantasy point of view I was a bit annoyed by the news because Farfan had been playing OOP as a striker and had scored a few recently and looked dangerous against Scotland.

      2. DavidMunday815
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 10 months ago

        Have been researching and writing the article on Peru today. You can be sure there's plenty of it dedicated to Guerrero.

  16. Random Name
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    Hopefully David Moyes comes back into management in the premier league.

    Narrows it down to 19 teams to pick from

    1. Ógie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Only 18 teams in the PL btw who are the 19th?

      1. Ógie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 10 months ago

        Sorry there is 20 what was i thinking silly me.

      2. Fantastisk
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 10 months ago

        Lol

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

      Arnie wasn't a good option under Moyes was he?

  17. Marco Silva and Everton's transfer needs
    FFFrog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    Marco Silva confirmed as Everton boss

    1. Zilla
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Good manager. Everton needs some transfers to strengthen this team though.

      1. A.T
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 10 months ago

        I doubt there'll be too many coming in. A couple of centre backs and left back are needed. Another striker and a central midfielder, maybe a winger too. Just half a team then 😀

    2. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Will be interesting to see who he buys in the transfer window but I think Tosun & Siggy could be good value. Should be priced around 7.5m.

      1. FFFrog
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 10 months ago

        I'm hoping so - if Tosun starts putting up second striker numbers (15/20 goals a season) for 7.5m then that's going to free up a lot of money.

        1. Karan14
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 10 months ago

          Yup after the eye test I feel he has the quality to deliver if given the chances to score and that was never going to happen under Sam but Marco Silva is tottally opposite.

          Quite fancy a punt on an Everton asset if their opening run of fixtures is good!

        2. noquarternt
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 10 months ago

          20 goals Tosun...seriously?

          1. FFFrog
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 10 months ago

            I said if - but he's a classic PL striker and a Kaku-esque flat track bully, so getting 15 in a season with a creative force like Siggy behind him is not unfathomable

            1. FFFrog
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 8 Years
              5 years, 10 months ago

              He got 5 goals in 10 PL starts and 2 subs appearances for a poor big Sam side this year - under an attacking manager like Silva who's had all summer with them he should be an option.

    3. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Worked out nicely for him.

      Big pay-off from Watford and a holiday.
      Chance to prepare a pre-season rather than coming in and firefighting.
      Follows Allardyce.

      win-win-win!

      1. A.T
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 10 months ago

        Following Alladyce hasn't worked out well for most managers tbf.

  18. FFFrog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44317148

    Also, Neuer has been guaranteed Germany's No1 spot, provided he makes the final 23 squad.

  19. Woy_is_back
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    Is mcdonalds open yet 🙂

    1. FFFrog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      I imagine so it's 4 in the afternoon

    2. Fantasy Gold
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      If you do go in, grab me a Big Mac meal with a strawberry milkshake. Cheers fella.

  20. Siva Mohan
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    BREAKING: Thibault Courtois is likely to leave Chelsea this summer, after the Blues decided to end contract talks with the goalkeeper. (Source: SkySports)

  21. Bury94
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    Chelsea are likely to sell Thibaut Courtois and are considering entering the race for Roma goalkeeper Alisson, according to Sky in Italy.

  22. SW6
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    Stamford Bridge expansion plans put on hold, an unwanted manager, an owner not allowed to work in the UK, players wanting to leave. Is there a Chelsea implosion imminent..? It would be so sweet to stand back and watch that club crumble 😈

    1. Siva Mohan
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Fulham are going down next season..

      1. SW6
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 10 months ago

        We may well do

    2. Geoff
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      I wonder if Abramovitch is taking a real step away from the club

      1. Now I'm Panicking
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 10 months ago

        If he does, won't be short of new buyers

        1. Ógie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 10 months ago

          I do not know about that Jarvish with Mr. Abramovich being owed £1billion by Chelsea that he could call in at any.

          Finding a buyer might not be that straight forward.

          1. Ógie
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            5 years, 10 months ago

            *any time

          2. Now I'm Panicking
            • 9 Years
            5 years, 10 months ago

            A big worldwide brand, some Yank or Arab would bail them out.

            1. Ógie
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              5 years, 10 months ago

              Why would an investor bother with Chelsea when there are other brands in the PL without all that dept like Arsenal for instance.

              If i was a Chelsea fan i would be much more worried that Roman would get sick of his plaything and start stripping out its assets to try and recover some of his money before he flips the club.

              1. Bun Rab
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 11 Years
                5 years, 10 months ago

                Any real Chelsea fan wouldn't care what division they played in.

    3. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Standard Chelsea setup that. If you want the crumbled version of the club that was only 18-20 years ago.

    4. noquarternt
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Imagine Abramovic leaving...

      1. Silecro
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 10 months ago

        As a Chelsea fan, imagine that! We would actually have an owner who doesnt fire coaches after winning the cup/league and last longer than 2 years!
        Not to mention bringing "real" reinforcement players, not just "patches"

        1. noquarternt
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 10 months ago

          Haha are you joking? The club would collapse with Abro calling in his debts. Portsmouth/Rangers type fall.

  23. Majestic Chanka
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    Zidane could bring a lot out of Pogba!

    At international or club level....

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Based on what?

      1. SAY MY NAME
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 10 months ago

        not being Jose 'i hate all my players' Mourinho 🙂

      2. Majestic Chanka
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 10 months ago

        Based on Zidane being a French attacking midfield legend that Pogba would surely have looked up to when younger, there is surely a very deep respect there at least!

  24. Railwayman
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    What will happen with Tottenham IF Pochettino really leaves to Real MAdrid ? How would that affect them (in Fantasy terms) and who could be their new manager ?

    1. FFFrog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Depends who the manager is - I think their squad has enough quality to keep performing whoever the manager is, and someone like Conte wouldn't have to change their system that much

    2. Geoff
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      That's one of the big blocks for me, who would the new manager be?

      Not really sure there is one, and if Poch leaves, Eriksen or Alli leaves I think. And Kane will follow next season.

      Poch leaving kills Tottenham

      1. Now I'm Panicking
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 10 months ago

        Bit dramatic

        1. Geoff
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 10 months ago

          I disagree, I think Kane Eriksen and Alli are staying largely because they believe in Poch. I think if Poch leaves it signals to them that there is a bit of a rebuild and those players will want to leave

          1. Now I'm Panicking
            • 9 Years
            5 years, 10 months ago

            lol ok

            1. Geoff
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 11 Years
              5 years, 10 months ago

              What part do you disagree with?

              1. Now I'm Panicking
                • 9 Years
                5 years, 10 months ago

                I don't disagree - I just have no idea what you have based all this on.

          2. SAY MY NAME
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 10 months ago

            i agree, wouldn't be a total collapse, and would depend on who the new manager was, but the likes of alli and eriksen, or others, might be more open to offers (although i think Kane would actually stay, at least for another year, i think it's home for him and he would see how it goes)

      2. SAY MY NAME
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 10 months ago

        can't see him leaving at the moment, having just signed new contract (that would bound to have had some promises from Levy in there regarding player investment)

        also Madrid job is very political and often short-term, think Poch likes the idea of a project over a few years

        but if it did happen.....Wenger to Spurs ?? 😀

    3. Siva Mohan
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      less rotation if Dyche takes over..

    4. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Could they tempt Koeman out of the Dutch NT? ( I think not). Frank De Boer?

      1. FFFrog
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 10 months ago

        Frank '0% win rate' de Boer..... probably not top of their list

        1. Bun Rab
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 10 months ago

          Who would be? Most 'playing nice football' managers want a decent wage. Luis Enrique, Sarri, Allegri, Emery, Ancelotti etc all want a decent salary that Levy wouldn't spend on. Plus most have a new job already. They have to get someone relatively inexpensive and also available. The list will be fairly short i would think.

          1. FFFrog
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 10 months ago

            If Real sniped Poch now, having just signed a massive new contract, Levy would have a huge compensation payment to use to pay any future manager - Conte for example (if he leaves Chelsea) already lives in London and would be perfectly payable. There are plenty of managers that would not want much more than Poch is currently being paid to come to the club - Enrique another example of this.

            1. Bun Rab
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              5 years, 10 months ago

              I have no doubts there would be people happy to go but when has Levy ever spent out? Look through their history of managers. Where's the big names? I was under the impression (from lots of Chelsea rumours) that Enrique wanted a large wage packet and that is counter to what Levy has previously done. Poch came after a year and a half at Southampton. Enrique will come from Barca where he was winning big trophies. That's why he would want more. Conte is on 6m (apparently) and again i think that's too much for Levy. At least until the income comes from a new stadium.

              1. FFFrog
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 8 Years
                5 years, 10 months ago

                I fundamentally don't think Levy will let Poch go and I don't think he wants to go, but if he did because Poch decided he wanted to go, then Levy would know that he had very little choice to bring in a top level manager, otherwise the megabucks he's just spent on a new stadium would be wasted stuck in 7th or worse. Kane, Eriksen or Alli, along with Dier and Alderweireld to name a few, would all want to go to teams that can compete and unless he made a statement with their manager, then he would lose any hope of winning a trophy and cementing Spurs place as a top 4 team. It would be a case of bring in a big manager or go into freefall, and of all the things you can say about Levy I don't think he's stupid.

                1. Bun Rab
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 11 Years
                  5 years, 10 months ago

                  Oh i don't think he will go but IF he does i think that will leave them in an awkward position. Levy is very smart. He has his ways and is adamant about them. Bale, Modric etc That's how he's got to place he and Spurs have. By not splashing out on transfer fees and wages. He would have to change his whole working model to bring in a big name boss, because they will want big name signings. They would want large wages. That would cause problems for other players not on as much.

    5. noquarternt
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Poch won't go. He likes having time to build his own team.

  25. goriuanx
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    The Courtois story needing to go back to Madrid falls in to Liverpool's favour.

    Scenario 1:

    Courtois to Real Madrid
    Alisson and Oblak are available.

    Scenario 2:

    Alisson to Real Madrid
    Courtois to Atletico Madrid
    Oblak is available.

    Scenes when we end up with Jack Butland. 😀

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

      Please not Butland... Please.

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

        Like the chap and hope he has a good career, but not what we need right now.

    2. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      If T-bo goes to Real won't that leave Keylor Navas fairly available too?

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

        Yeah, true.

    3. SAY MY NAME
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Grobelar was on the radio earlier saying Karius should be given another chance and the club should have faith in him - it's a nice view to support him but still reckon Liverpool will be wise to invest in that area

      Oblak is obviously a good keeper, but to what extent do you think this might be due to playing a well drilled defensive Atletico Madrid team? do you have a preferred option out of Alisson and Oblak?

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

        I hope the club gives Karius the supports he needs if any. But that doesn't mean we should keep him number 1 when clear upgrades are available. No point signing VVD, Fabinho, Keita and having that front 3 if our GK isn't improved upon. I would love for Karius to do well but that CL final is just unforgivable.

        Oblak is an insane shot stopper, Alisson is quicker off his line and better with his feet. I would love either, both top quality. Oblak is close to DDG probably.

        1. SAY MY NAME
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 10 months ago

          i think with the ball distribution in mind Alisson sounds like the better fit for Liverpool's style of player, building a pretty awesome team now! (i say that as a Gooner)

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

        It's one thing to keep faith in Karius and I believe that's fair enough. We should support him and try to develop him at the club as a viable number #2. But with the options available I think we must strengthen. It's really something we should have done last season imo. Oblak I really like but Alisson's ball distribution especially makes him the preferred option I think.

        1. SAY MY NAME
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 10 months ago

          i concur, he doesn't need to be put out in the cold, but definitely better options out there

    4. Azathoth
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      I don't think AM will let Oblak leave.

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

        Me neither but apparently release clause is still active as he hasn't signed a contract. Don't know if that's just paper talk though.

    5. Zilla
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Butland is better than Karius. Yes, he is definitely an upgrade over him.

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

        How many more points does Butland give us over Karius? Not enough in my opinion.

        Look at how many points DDG won for United, Ederson for City. That's the level we need to be at if we want to win. Our front 3 are amazing, it's time others step up as well.

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

          ^ This is correct.

        2. Zilla
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 10 months ago

          You're talking sense, Butland is an upgrade but isn't what Liverpool should be looking for to be competitive. Someone with the calibre of Alisson is where Liverpool should be looking.

          1. FPL Pillars
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 10 months ago

            Butland not the signing they need right now. Nick Pope perhaps 🙂

  26. HALFSPACE
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    GW3 in world cup fantasy may be a write off unless you own players from teams yet to qualify

    Looking at the chips, max captain in the final, bench boost sometime in the group stages (will look for optimal fixtures in that round GW1/2 - also depends on pricing, who I can get on my bench etc) and WC round of 16

    1. FFFrog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      I'm going to WC GW3 to get hold of players in form that are unlikely to be rotated because they either need to qualify or save pride.

    2. SW6
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      I'm WC-ing GW3, it just makes the most sense.

      With the other chips, I'm considering using them both early on too. The fact that you just get so many transfers and chances to change players if you want to do well it's about getting a fast start because come the QF and SF everyone has the same teams pretty much

      1. FFFrog
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 10 months ago

        I'm tempted to use max C later on, simply because that could give you a differential from the template. If you use it in the group stage, you're almost wasting the opportunity you're given by being able to change the captain every gameday.

      2. SW6
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 10 months ago

        The max captain is the most interesting. Because there is sound logic in using it in SF or Final/3rd play-off because your sample is smaller so picking the right captain is harder.

        But that smaller sample may mean the range of player scores is lower so your highest is also lower. Also in the groups stages you've still got all the awful teams playing who are more liekly to concede 3+ goals. Of course that logic is useless if Brazil get spanked for 7 by Germany in the Semis....

        1. FFFrog
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 10 months ago

          I'm almost tempted to MC in the semis and then Bench boost in the finals. There are two games and you get 6 transfers after both the quarters and semis - you could bring in potential differentials and supersubs on your bench and try and get the next Gotze in your team come the final.

    3. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Can the wildcard & BB/MC played in the same gameweek?

      I’m looking to blow all my chips from GW2-R16.

      1. FFFrog
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 10 months ago

        I can't see any reason to suggest you can't - its not considered to be a chip like in FPL.

        1. Karan14
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 10 months ago

          Would be interesting if we could use wildcard & BB in the same round. Nailed on for GW2 then.

          1. FFFrog
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 10 months ago

            Do you mean before or after GW2 and why?

  27. pakornk
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    would really love RLC to start at the world cup.

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

      I would also.

    2. Je suis le chat
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Its amusing how many acronyms we deal with, suspect it will get worse as fashion for more kids have both parents surnames.

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

        Much easier to type though to be fair.

      2. Bun Rab
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 10 months ago

        Needs to start with CHO (Callum Hudson Odoi) and MM (Mason Mount) @ Chelsea next season.

    3. FPL Pillars
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      same

    4. FC Lackless [BALEGIUM]
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      yep

    5. Majestic Chanka
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      I prefer EUA as my acronym midfield of choice

    6. Siva Mohan
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      good for England & CFC

  28. AMP
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    Hi everybody

    anyone can recommend with some nice World Cup sweepstakes / spreadsheets

    I want to make sort of fun with my friends

    I am sure somebody have a good one

    Thank a lot in advance

    1. AMP
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      tank you anyone for reply as I m on holiday right now and not always online

      cheers

  29. Siva Mohan
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    John Terry to Derby County?

    1. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Nice shout

  30. Isco Disco
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    Just saw the Zidane news. Unbelievable...I'm crying!!!
    Why would he do that? He just won his 3rd consecutive champions league title 4 days ago. This is gonna change everything at Real. not a good sign...I'm really depressed after hearing this news.

    1. noquarternt
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Yeah it must be tough to be a RM fan.

    2. CloudSky
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Its because he won the third that he decided to quit. On top of the world. Feels like he cant motivate them enough and that the lads need new wind. Might be the time of generation change too with Ramos, Modric and Ronaldo going into 32+ and Bale, Isco and others being unhappy. He also said he misses the family and will take some time off.

      I'm sad, but I get why he left. Nothing more to do now than to bow to the legacy he made and hope our paths cross again someday.

    3. le flem
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      He also lost the league at a canter. 3rd place. Had a lot of luck in the Champions League, particularly against Bayern, and if he hadn't had won the CL he'd have been fired anyway. Got out at the right time.