Pre-Season

Experienced Sokratis can bolster Arsenal defence

Arsenal completed their third signing of the summer transfer window last week with the capture of centre-half Sokratis Papastathopoulos from Borussia Dortmund for an undisclosed fee.

The experienced defender has penned what the Gunners say is a “long-term contract” with the club and is new manager Unai Emery’s second defensive signing who is aged 30 or above, after veteran full-back Stephan Lichtsteiner joined the north London side in June.

Sokratis, who is commonly referred to by his forename, has over a decade of first-team experience and joins Arsenal after seven seasons in the Bundesliga with Werder Bremen and then Dortmund.

Arsenal conceded more goals in 2017/18 (51) than in any season since the formation of the Premier League and their new manager is evidently prioritising their backline as he shakes up the squad: goalkeeper Bernd Leno, along with Lichtsteiner, has also been recruited over the summer.

READ MORE: Bernd Leno – Scout Report

Sokratis has been priced up at £5.5m in Fantasy Premier League and costs as much as his new defensive colleagues, Shkodran Mustafi, Laurent Koscielny, Nacho Monreal and Hector Bellerin.

With Koscielny sidelined by an Achilles injury and possibly out until 2019, Sokratis seems certain to be one of Emery’s first-choice picks at centre-back.

Upon signing for the Gunners, the 30-year-old Greek international said:

I’m a normal defender who likes to defend. I like that my team doesn’t concede goals and I like the zero in the defence, of course. I will do everything to help achieve these goals.

I think that a defender first has to defend, to protect the goal, and then after if he can help in front a little bit for the game, then it’s good. But first of all, he has to defend.

Defensive duties, then, are the priority for the stopper that former coach Thomas Tuchel says is “a little bit obsessed with defending”. Having played five seasons with Dortmund, however, Sokratis will be suited to the dynamic, free-flowing brand of football favoured by the Gunners and will indeed be reunited with former BVB team-mates Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

The History

Sokratis began his senior career in his native Greece with AEK Athens, scoring on his first-team debut in a 3-0 Greek Cup win over PAS Giannina in October 2005. Then aged just 17, Sokratis gained further experience with a loan spell at second-tier club Niki Volos, who he appeared for 11 times in the league at the back end of the 2005/06 season.

After returning to his parent club, Sokratis went on to make 38 league appearances for AEK over two seasons, scoring on one occasion. The young stopper also had his first experience of UEFA Champions League football and was part of the AEK side that beat Milan – who then had Clarence Seedorf, Andrea Pirlo, Kaka and Filippo Inzaghi among their ranks – 1-0 in November 2006.

Two seasons and 51 Serie A appearances with Genoa followed before Milan snapped up Sokratis in 2010, although the-then 22-year-old centre-back watched most of the season from the bench as the Rossoneri won their 18th Serie A title.

Sokratis departed for Werder Bremen on a season-long loan deal after just five league appearances for the Italian giants and was to make his move to Germany permanent the following year after an impressive debut Bundesliga campaign.

Jurgen Klopp saw enough in those 59 league appearances for Bremen to persuade Sokratis to join Dortmund in May 2013 – the same summer that Mkhitaryan and Aubameyang signed for the German side.

Sokratis was to soon displace long-serving centre-back Neven Subotic in the Dortmund team and went on to make 130 Bundesliga appearances under Klopp, Tuchel, Peter Bosz and Peter Stoger across five seasons.

The Greek centre-back played either Champions League or Europa League football in each of his five years with the German club and won the DFB-Pokal (the German domestic cup) in 2016/17.

Capped 79 times by his country at the time of writing, Sokratis featured at Euro 2012 and the 2014 World Cup for Greece.

The Prospects

With Koscielny a long-term absentee, Per Mertesacker retiring and Monreal possibly reverting to left-back (given that Emery is fond of a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3), Arsenal looked short of experience at the heart of the defence.

Sokratis’ capture, therefore, looks a sage move by the Gunners, particular with Mustafi struggling for form towards the end of last season and Calum Chambers, Rob Holding and Konstantinos Mavropanos still somewhat green.

Arsenal conceded 70 big chances last season, by far the worst total of the “Big Six” clubs and indeed twice as many as Manchester City allowed. No Premier League team made more errors (15) that led to goals, either.

The Gunners also conceded more shots on target (146), headed chances (83) and attempts from set pieces (122) than any of last season’s top six sides and, while their underlying defensive statistics are by no means the worst in the league, require improvement if Fantasy managers are to invest a sizeable chunk of their defensive budget in a £5.5m-rated asset.

Arsenal’s rate of headed chances conceded was particularly poor – the eighth-worst in the division – but Sokratis could help address that weakness: the Greek centre-back’s aerial duel success rate of 67.5% was better than all of his new team-mates (Mustafi, Koscielny and Monreal won 62.4%, 56.6% and 50% of their headers respectively).

Sokratis’ tackle success rate of 72.3% was also better than all other Arsenal centre-backs bar Koscielny (75.4%).

It should be noted that Sokratis’ statistics also came in a tumultuous season for Dortmund, who conceded more Bundesliga goals (47) than they have managed in a decade. Despite this, the German giants still recorded 12 clean sheets in their 34 league matches – just one fewer than Arsenal managed in 38 fixtures.

Sokratis’ strength in the air extends to attacking set plays, too. Though he hasn’t scored more than two goals in a single campaign in his career, Sokratis has scored at least one league goal in each of his seven seasons in the Bundesliga (the Greek international scored on two occasions in both 2016/17 and 2017/18). A total of 15 attempts on goal last season – seven of which, curiously, were from outside the box – was more than Mustafi (13) and Koscielny (nine) managed, but fewer than Monreal (22).

With no club scoring more goals from set plays than Arsenal last season (16), Fantasy managers can expert Sokratis to be in the thick of the action in 2018/19.

Should Arsenal improve their defensive record and up their clean sheet count, then Sokratis’ underlying passing statistics means he should fare well on the Bonus Points System. A repeat of his pass success rate of 86.9% for Dortmund last season, while inferior to the rates recorded by Monreal (89.5%) and Koscielny (89%), would give Sokratis an extra four BPS points per match.

One downside to the Greek defender’s game is his ability to accumulate cards: Sokratis amassed 45 cautions and three red cards in 189 Bundesliga appearances.

If Emery is to abandon the three-man defensive system favoured by Arsene Wenger towards the end of the latter’s tenure, then Arsenal’s wing-backs may not be as attractive a Fantasy proposition as before.

Sokratis could, therefore, be a viable candidate for our squads from Gameweek 3 onwards. After the Gunners open their season with fixtures against Manchester City and Chelsea, they then face a run of matches (WHU, cdf, new, EVE, WAT, ful, LEI, cry) that would seem ideal for investment at both ends of the pitch. How steely Arsenal’s defence looks in those two tough opening tests in August could determine whether Sokratis plays a part in many Fantasy managers’ squads.

READ MORE: Our 2017/18 season analysis of Arsenal

World Cup Data

We’re delighted to offer World Cup data as an early addition to our regular season offering to help those playing Fantasy games over the summer.

We’ve secured Opta data, not only for the tournament itself, but also from the Qualifying Rounds for Europe and South America and for international friendlies involving the participating nations. This includes all the matches played right up to the tournament kick-off.

Just to stress, this World Cup offering comes packaged with the regular Fantasy Football Scout membership.

Check out this new trailer detailing the World Cup content below…

McDonald’s FIFA World Cup Fantasy

Join our McDonald’s FIFA World Cup Fantasy league ‘FantasyFootballScout’ using the code: HEWJPVYR

Fantasy iTeam

Fantasy Football Scout is supporting Fantasy iTeam, a free World Cup game available on a number of mobile devices, including iPhone, iPad, iPodTouch and Android. We have an official Fantasy Football Scout League open to UK users only, with a £1000 of Amazon vouchers to give out, split between the top three performers. There’s also the small matter of £10k worth of prizes available in the main competitions: Overall World Championship and Manager of the Gameround.

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.

1,066 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Pringle
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    KDB over Alli if money is no issue?

    1. OldBenKenobi
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Assuming this is for the WC. Try to hold off until line up is revealed. If KDB is being played more advanced I’d get him. Probably would get him regardless.

  2. Smudger’s Dirty Dozen
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    A Tolisso, Alli, Hernadez, trippier, Muslera*
    B Chadli, Alli, Fagner*, Trippier, Lloris
    C KDB, Tolisso, Young, Hernandez, Muslera *

    Rest of team is below (only have five TF this GW)

    Subasic,
    Pavard, Meunier*
    Modric, Lingard, Bentancur*
    Kane, Griez, kaku

  3. Rains of Castamere
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Should I save my BB for the WC final round and benefit from the knowledge of the line-ups for the 3/4 playoff? Might find some additional value there.

    1. Mo Mané Mo Problems
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      If you can get 15 out for semis: now. You will know tonight plus England are unchanged.

      If you can’t get 15 out now, but will be able to for the final/3PPO then use it then.

    2. Norman Conquest
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      if you think you will be able to get more players then yes otherwise do it now

    3. Rains of Castamere
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Thanks both... I can get 13 without hits (leaving Claesson and Inui on bench) so I think I'm best saving it for the final round.

      1. Norman Conquest
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        look at the permutations to see how many players you will be left with you could still end up with less players depending on 3/4 th playoff rotation to be honest unless both your keepers keep clean sheets you wont gain many points from it anyway

  4. burkeyoa
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Anyone still playing WCF?

    5 transfers

    Coutinho > KDB
    Allison > Pickford
    A.Granny > Packard
    Miranda > L Hernandez/A Young
    Quintero > Lingard/Fellani

    Any alternatives I should be considering?

    1. Wetdream
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Who is packard ? I'd go Lingard over Foulaini..

      1. Pierce34
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        I'm assuming Pavard, and I agree. Lingard over Fellaini.

      2. burkeyoa
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Auto correct lol yeah pavard.

    2. PompeyUpNorth!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Looks good. Lingard yes n young or Hernandez - toss a coin? Gut says young

  5. #FPLBhuna
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Robertson mane and firmino enough coverage for no Salah?

    1. Wetdream
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      No

      1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        How can you say that so definitively? It could easily do better over those fixtures depending how they use the extra funds.

        1. MYNAMEISBigtopmark.sman
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 8 months ago

          Captain salah

          1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
            • 14 Years
            5 years, 8 months ago

            There is that but it is high risk high reward if he blanks.

        2. the snazzy viking
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 8 months ago

          yeah but it’s like the same as using Alli as cover for Kane

          1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
            • 14 Years
            5 years, 8 months ago

            A bit of an extreme comparison!
            But I get your point.

    2. MYNAMEISBigtopmark.sman
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Nope

    3. KingOllie
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      No, because Salah will be captained massively

      1. MYNAMEISBigtopmark.sman
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Yip

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

      'Coverage'

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

        *Fires off the First coverage post of the season klaxon!

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

          Haha can't wait for all the to and fro.

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

    Mc'd's Fantasy.Take a -4 to field 11 players or use my wc ? Would my wc be more valuable for 3/4th place playoff ?

    1. Smudger’s Dirty Dozen
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      WC now if you still have it...no point losing points. You have another 5 FT after this round anyway

    2. OldBenKenobi
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Just play 10 and WC for final/play offs (lots of rotation)

      1. Wetdream
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        You think ? Thought about that but thought i'd be daft only playing 10 when i have wc in hand ? Still got bb and max captain too..

  7. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Love that bit 'Sokratis, who is commonly referred to by his forename'
    Thank f00k for that!

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

      Would probably just be shortened to Pasta for us lot

  8. mranonymous
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Tom Ince nailed? I like his underlying stats

    1. MYNAMEISBigtopmark.sman
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Step away from the computer

      1. mranonymous
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        is he nailed though?

        1. the snazzy viking
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 8 months ago

          yes but he is also shite

        2. Wetdream
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 8 months ago

          Couldnt hit a barn door.Trust me.

          1. Deulofail
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 8 months ago

            I don't, sorry.

  9. #FPLBhuna
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    A) aguero fabianski Masuaku
    B) tosun ederson siggy

    ?

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

    With so many players left in the WC my aim is to build a good team for GW 1-4 and WC after international break.

    1. OldBenKenobi
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Popular approach

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

      Like everyone else then

  11. Pierce34
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    These Watford shirts on FPL look great, with their black and yellow vertical stripes. I have to get some Watford players purely because of that.

    1. OldBenKenobi
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      That’s proper FPL strats there...

      1. Pierce34
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Haha, for the same reason I've gone heavy on Croatia for the world cup 😀

    2. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      If you like orange wolves are the team for you!

      1. Pierce34
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah definitely looking at Wolves as well. I'm not exactly tripling up on Watford and Wolves, but I think one of each at least is essential for my team!

      2. the snazzy viking
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        The wolves kit makes me think it’s Halloween again

    3. Ógie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Yeah they do look cool i like them also.

      I always use this color scheme and vertical stripe style when designing the kit for my fpl team.

  12. Tim T
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Could Alexis Sanchez be a good choice start of season? With Lukaku and Rashford going deep at the world cup, whilst Sanchez gets a full preseason as Chile didn't qualify, he could potentially play as a centre forward?!

    1. OldBenKenobi
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      There’s always someone that everyone overlooks - could easily be Sanchez...

      1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Very pricey though I think he is 1-1.5 over-priced.
        Sanchez for Man United is not the Arsenal Version

      2. Tim T
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Agreed - I only think it is a possibility cos he will potentially play centre forward which can't harm his goal chances

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

      Did you watch any Man U games last season?

      1. Tim T
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Managed to fail with the reply so it is further down too...

        I'm an arsenal fan so only caught games man u played on TV - I thought he was pretty poor for the most part but that may have been caused a bit by arsenal not selling to city that summer.
        Thing is we know what he can do and this will be first summer in a while he will have had a full preseason.

  13. PompeyUpNorth!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Apologies if this has been asked many times but I ain’t had time to research, so:
    Capt
    A. Griezmann
    B. Hazard
    I’m thinking Griezmann mainly as 3 points behind ML leader and he ain’t got him whereas he has hazard?
    Ta

    1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      You answered your own question!
      A

      1. PompeyUpNorth!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Ha ha! Yes... looking for reassurance I guess? Cheers!

  14. rdamjan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    How far behind are you in your McD ML, and are you looking some differentials?

    I will bring Kompany, and Stones (instead Maguire). Everybody will get KDB probably, maybe Pogba instead?

    Who dare to chose Sterling over Kane?

    1. PompeyUpNorth!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      3 points me. Gone pogba as well plus rival has got mbappe whereas I’ve got Griezmann. It’ll be close for me but nice to still be in there

    2. Yankee Toffee
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Young a better shout than Stones imho. On 50% of corners and some indirects

      1. rdamjan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Check shots on target.

  15. 007 [RoboKlopp]
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Hi, who is better?
    A. Ederson, Cedric/Daniels/Tomkins
    B. Fabianski, Coleman

    1. MYNAMEISBigtopmark.sman
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      A cedric

  16. fenixri
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Who has the most chance to score from Belgium defence?

    Toby, Vertonghen or Kompany?

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

      All about the same I imagine

    2. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Kompany with the big bald head on him, better contact on the ball.

      1. fenixri
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Was thinking the same, have 40 points to chase so today I am going to punt captain on him.

    3. SuperDunny - Used to be goo…
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Toby

  17. Aubamazette
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    If you had to captain one? Hazard Lukaku Mbappe or Kane

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

      Kane. Pens and a theoretically easier fixture.

    2. KingOllie
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Kane

    3. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Mbappe just because I think he is a great player to watch and think France will beat Belgium.

    4. Pierce34
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Kane doesn't get many chances created, unless there's a penalty. One of the other three for me.

  18. Emiliano Sala
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Really hope sarri takes conte's place
    Then I can easily ignore alonso as he chelsea will no longer play at the back
    And Morata will be a steal at 9.0 when there isn't rotation risk for him.

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

      Yeah except they'll still have Giroud and probably sign someone else.

  19. the snazzy viking
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Reid or Deu? (alternatives are Quaner and Masuaku as 4.5s)

    1. Deulofail
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      😮

  20. Buck The Trent
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Which one do u prefer ? (World Cup)

    A) 11 starters + Fellaini
    B) 11 starters + 2nd GK (Courtois day 1, Pickford day 2)

  21. FPL ZB
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Been great fun being a Chelsea fan this window, almost too many signings.

    I'd definitely bet against Hazard being at Chelsea come September too.

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

      I really hope so. Their last great attacker gone.

      Imagine if Roman leaves!

      1. FPL ZB
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        The club would be able to cope, it is entirely self sustaining, hence the fairly prudent transfer strategy the last few seasons.

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

          Are you joking?

          Chelsea FC plc’s ultimate parent company is Fordstam Limited, which boasts a debt of around £1.1bn in the form of an interest-free loan from Abramovich, theoretically repayable on 18 months’ notice.

          Abramovich continues to pump money into the club – £34m in the 12-month period up to June 2017.

          Etc.

          https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/may/21/is-roman-abramovich-rule-at-chelsea-fc-coming-to-an-end?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

          You'd be completely finished.

    2. KingOllie
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Nothing would make me happier than Chelsea falling apart from within

  22. Tim T
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    I'm an arsenal fan so only caught games man u played on TV - I thought he was pretty poor for the most part but that may have been caused a bit by arsenal not selling to city that summer.
    Thing is we know what he can do and this will be first summer in a while he will have had a full preseason.

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

      But he'll be playing for Mourinho. Here's the list you need to worry about.

      Nailed Man U defender/De Gea
      Fellaini

      Everyone else

  23. Yankee Toffee
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    How much longer til lineups? Need to sleep...

    1. Pierce34
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      About 4 hours I'm afraid.

    2. Norman Conquest
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      get a power nap now i'll give you a shout when it's time

  24. Dr. Ante Pavlovic
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Guys, Im first in my mini league, 30k overall

    What do you think about my team for the semis:

    Courtois, Subasic
    Vertonghen, Trippier, Kompany, Lovren, Meunier
    Pogba, Modric, KDB, Lingard, -
    Rebic, Mbappe, Lukaku

    Maximum captain played, do you think it was better to play it now or wait for the finals ?

  25. rdamjan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Who to pick?

    A. LLoris
    B. Courtois
    C. Pickford

    1. Stones
    2. Young

    On A1 for now.

    1. Pierce34
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      I'd go B2 probably but no point copying me if you prefer A1!

    2. AndrewTavey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      A2 but Ederson is better than all them.

  26. Obi-1 Kenobi-0
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Thoughts on my current draft?

    Ederson Fabianski
    Azpi PvA Coleman Daniels Bednarek
    KdB Eriksen Siggy Jota Cairney
    Aguero Firmino Bonatini

    KdB only WC risk, and leaning towards a 3-5-2. No Salah.

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

      Fabianski on bench is a waste, i'd change to 4.0 and use the extra money to upgrade 5th midfielder.

    2. Eden Wizard
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      KDB Eriksen & Siggy is beautiful! All the guys running the show!

  27. Eden Wizard
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Permacaptain Mo

    1. Norman Conquest
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      i would probably not (c) in the tough away games but yea pretty much so

  28. Deulofail
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    This is all on the last page and the page before that, but pages turn (Pleeeaaase we need the tag / filter / etc /etc asap).

    Looking at Wolve's WBs:

    Doherty - 4g & 4a.
    Douglas - 5g & 14a

    Douglas worth the extra on this basis, I think. I'm definitely looking at him, but I'm wary of his probable lack of goals. You gotta think he won't do better than 5 in the prem (1 or 2?), and with goals worth the same as two assists for defenders, it's important not to be carried away by his overall goal involvement.

    Pay a little more for PVA and Coleman, who like to kick the ball at the goal, and you might find better value, though I'm look at potentially getting all three right now. Other goal scorers could emerge too, such as Kolasinac, and many CBs - who were overlooked at the start of last season in search of WB goal involvement.

    1. Deulofail
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      lol at "Wolve's". Who's Wolve?

    2. Eden Wizard
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Set piece duties too big swinger. Wolves love to dominate the ball. Outside the top-7 they will probably be allowed it, leaving WBs to camp in/around the box.

      1. Deulofail
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        What's the point, here? 🙂

        1. Eden Wizard
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 8 months ago

          I expect good defensive returns and, its just whether you value the free kick duties for 0.5ml extra.
          Alonsooooooooooo #2

          1. Deulofail
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 8 months ago

            Free kick duties for assists, almost entirely, right? See my post.

            1. Eden Wizard
              • 5 Years
              5 years, 8 months ago

              and he takes corners!
              No he's a direct free kick taker too mate like Alonso, scored one screamer!

              1. Deulofail
                • 8 Years
                5 years, 8 months ago

                One screamer? I rest my case 🙂

                1. Eden Wizard
                  • 5 Years
                  5 years, 8 months ago

                  Perhaps you're right but nothing better than an Alonso free kick! Those 14 mostly corner assists are golden

    3. Fire Chief Moe
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      You going with Douglas, Coleman and PVA?

      1. Deulofail
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Maybe. Currently on those three and Robertson, with those three (particularly Douglas) "rotating" with Walcott and Deulofeu (and maybe Mkhi in week 1). Just one draft though

      2. Zladan
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Plus Robertson and Alonso for a solid back 5.

  29. Ógie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    What are the best goalkeeper rotations out there?

  30. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Anyone know if Subasic OK to play tomorrow or still a doubt?

    1. FPL ZB
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      He should be fine