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31 July 2018 2563 comments
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With just over a week to go until the 2018/19 season begins, Watford players aren’t proving to be popular purchases in the Fantasy Premier League community.

The Hornets are one of only two clubs – the other being newly promoted Cardiff City – who don’t have a single player with an FPL ownership of 5% or more.

This isn’t a huge shock, looking at last season’s figures: the Hertfordshire club had the third-worst defensive record in the top flight and only one of their players – central midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure (£6.0m) – scored more than five league goals. Richarlison, meanwhile, departed for Everton last week.

Javi Gracia’s side are third-favourites for relegation with some bookmakers and their form from Gameweek 14 onwards last season – the Hornets won more matches (six) before this point than they did in their remaining 25 games (five) – was that of a team fighting the drop.

Watford’s opening three fixtures this season are enticing, however: home matches against Brighton and Hove Albion and Crystal Palace sandwich the Hornets’ trip to Burnley, who could be in UEFA Europa League action either side of that encounter.

Encouraging underlying defensive statistics, the pre-season form of Andre Gray (£6.0m) and a tactical system that encourages their full-backs to attack are worthy of note, too – all of which we will expand on in the article below.

In-depth data on Watford’s season is available in the Members’ Area, while Fantasy Football Scout members can also read our detailed analysis of the key statistics in the article below.

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  1. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 16 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Should be 2-2

    1. GianniBanani
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      It was Darmian's side again, right?

      1. Rainer
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Matic sized hole the bigger issue.

  2. willl
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    How is this?

    Patricio (4.0) Azpi Mendy Robertson PVA (AWB)
    Sanchez KDB Mane (Stephens Masuaku)
    Auba Zaha Wood

    KDB is assuming he is back, if he is not I will figure something else out

    1. Scheister
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      I like it very much indeed.
      Mine is similar, just trying to figure out how to get Eriksen or some Spurs cover in

      1. willl
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Sanchez is my flexible mid, will be looking at Hazard and Eriksen as possible replacements

        1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
          • 16 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          I have the same thoughts as you about sanchez he is there until something better comes along.
          Man City mid/ Chelsea mid/Arsenal mid

          I had sane but there seem to be doubts about him.
          My logic is if by some miracle man united do score a goal.
          It will probably involve Sanchez in some form.

          1. willl
            • 10 Years
            7 years, 4 months ago

            He should be up front to start with as well, first few fixtures are good too

      2. Spoox777
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        EXACTLY the same problem i'm having.

    2. MarkoSD
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      don't like sanchez zaha wood and that there is no salah

      1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
        • 16 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Wood is a great pick look at his stats and fixtures!
        Everything at palace goes through Zaha, bar the liverpool game gw 2 they have great opening fixtures.

      2. Spoox777
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Zaha will score 15+ goals this season.

  3. Fantasynørden
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Why have some of you started putting KDB into your squads already? Do you know something I don’t?

    1. willl
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      yes, you can take him out if he looks like not starting

  4. Ninjaa
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    What 5 players will be season keepers this season?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Hopefully 5 I pick in GW1 🙂

    2. Je suis le chat
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Mo, Robbo, Arnie, Neves, Aub.

    3. FPL Footy Show Pod
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Salah, Auba, Ederson or DDG, Arnie & Kane at some point.

      Not withstanding injuries

      1. willl
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        'at some point', so not a season keeper?

        1. FPL Footy Show Pod
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          No you’re right he’s rubbish

    4. Andy_Social
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      The usual suspects - Salah, Kevin dB, Azpi, maybe Auba and Robbo.

      Or, more literally, DDG, Ederson, Alisson, Leno, Fabianski? 😉

    5. MarkoSD
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      ederson, pogba(I hope), salah, kane, lee peltier 🙂

    6. Sting in the Tail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Patricio

  5. Scapegoat Salah
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Wow just seen some clips of this James Maddison, I know highlights are always flattering but dare I say it....hint of CR7 in there in his playstyle?

    1. Rainer
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      I thought the same when I saw a Bebe compilation a few years back.

      1. Scapegoat Salah
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Good point!

    2. It’s a Knockaert
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Leicester just aren’t a good enough team for him to be a good fantasy asset imo

      1. Scapegoat Salah
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Hmm you say that but out of the 6.5 'popular' options he arguably plays for the best side.

        1. It’s a Knockaert
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          Richarlison is the best choice at that price for me though-if Leicester look good it could very quickly change of course

      2. badgerboy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Even poor teams have good FPL assets. OK they had a bad season last time out and have lost Mahrez, but Puel has made a couple of good signings. It's a wait and see imo and with their starting fixtures you can do just that.

      3. Peace-o
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        I think a team won the league a few years with players worse than they have now.

    3. badgerboy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Lovely player to watch. Folk already talking him up as a future England international. Big few months coming up for him lets hope he can make the step up.

      1. Scapegoat Salah
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        I think it was the video you linked Badgerboy that I watched. Yeah looks like he has it all

    4. F4L
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      was he hitting a lot of free kicks over the bar?

      1. Scapegoat Salah
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Haha

    5. Piggs Boson
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      I want to see him doing the same against Premier League level defenders. One to watch, but not start with imo.

      1. Scapegoat Salah
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        True, Richarlison first for fixtures then an easy swap if he hits it off

    6. Jafoole_88
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Just be wary of those players coming from championship. Think Adel Taarabt at QPR

      1. Scapegoat Salah
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Yeah I know

  6. MarkoSD
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    douglas left for leeds? well hellooo extra funds and cheap def

    1. Rainer
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      And he was supposedly the second coming of Alonso, lucky Leeds!

  7. Lone Wolf FPL
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Better combo:

    a) Cedric, Jota, Firmino
    b) Bailly, Ramsey, Zaha

    1. It’s a Knockaert
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      B

    2. Siggy in the Middle
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      A

    3. FantaCity
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      A

    4. Snikii
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      neither but B) if i must

    5. WVA
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Neither

    6. krzys
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      A

      1. Warby84
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Neither

  8. Marmalade Forest
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    To all Salah fans and Salah dodgers, how much would you pay for Salah right now?

    I’d say:

    12 definately
    12.5 maybe
    13 I think is just too much

    1. Syd.
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      14

    2. Greenbackbøøg…
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Who are you calling fat

    3. Lukakwho
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      100

    4. Brosstan
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      13 is definitely not too much. I think 14 would be a better breaking point considering his ownership right now.

    5. Shineonme
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      I don't have salah. The teams I've seen without salah do lol more balanced and overall look better.

    6. One Man
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Salah @ 13 is good enough value considering his Captaincy option. Offload later if he disappoints, but doubt he will disappoint.

  9. Danstoke82
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    How essential is DDG?

    Or is a 4.5 GK the way to go?

    1. Rotation
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      He's either essential or he's not, there's no gradient to it.

      Hint: He's not 😉

      I prefer 4.5s this season, but may move to a 5 if they look good for week in week out performances

    2. Pieterke30
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      He is not essential at all. He is more expensive than last season and this is he season when Mourinho gets sacked.

      Way too expensive. Ederson, Heaton, Patricio, Foster and Fabianski are all better options

      Pickford also

      1. Danstoke82
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Fantastic replies. Many thanks guys

  10. Whazza
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    No love for Ralls? On all set pieces for just 5M

    1. Ostrich Baby
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Yeah good shout. Him, Cairney and Brooks all offer value at 5m imho

    2. Andy_Social
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Had him for a while but Cairney edges it for my 5th midf benchee. I do agree he's under the radar with potential.

    3. Oven Glover
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      This Cardiff team reminds me of M’Boro a couple of years back. Can’t see them scoring much but Ralls doesn’t look like a particularly bad pick in that price range.

    4. nico05
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      I was curious about him too, any input would be appreciated

    5. Rainer
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Wouldn't be too keen on playing him every week, returns solely from set pieces tend to be very random.

      1. Andy_Social
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        You'd leave him on the bench and if he steps up and pops in a goal you got a bonus.

  11. AriseSirGiggsy
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    How do you leave / un-register from a FPL league?

    1. Netley Lucas
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Options > Leave League

      1. AriseSirGiggsy
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Cheers
        Blond moment there

  12. jimmy12
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    De Bruyne likely to start against Arsenal?

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      no, still on hols. Blue Moon fans forum think BSilva and DSilva will play AM roles.

  13. charismasul
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    please advise gents

    A. Kun - Wilson - Eriksen - Tarkowski
    B. Firmino - Morata - Mkhitaryan - VVD

    Was gonna go with B but.. hummm

    1. Random Name
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Looked at A - stopped reading at Wilson.

      Looked at B - stopped reading at Morata.

      Can we get an option C with at least an Arnie, Zaha, or even wood and king?

      1. banskt
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Both Morata and Wilson can be great this year.

        1. charismasul
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          Thought Wilson could be a good differential.

          just don't feel like to take both Arnie and Zaha anyways...

      2. charismasul
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        is wood nailed?
        in either case, Arnie and/or Zaha will be in.

    2. GianniBanani
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Firmino doubt, Morata poor, Mkhi not nailed, VVD > Robbo (assist odds)

  14. Homo Neanderthalensis
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    I hope Sanchez starts the season up front. Screw Lukaku.

  15. Maddi Son
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Herrera goal

    1. Maddi Son
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Sanchez assist.

  16. Zilla
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    That was amazing

  17. Rainer
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Alexis essential!

  18. Rainer
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Two great goals, from United 😮

    1. Lukakwho
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      And Sanchez...

  19. Piggs Boson
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Benefit of having two strikers. Wonderful breakaway.

    1. Wilshere Knowledge
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Would be interesting to see how you fair against a team with a goalkeeper though.

  20. Salarrivederci
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    DDG/Bailly/Darmian + Mata/Sanchez.

    Dno if Mou is on some sort of party drug, or if the players simply stopped listen to his 'park the bus- tactics', but Man U is playing great right now!

    1. Maddi Son
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      I know right, this is weird.

  21. RomeluStormzy
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Anyone watching Tottenham?

    1. Cofinho
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Nothing to watch to be honest.

      1. RomeluStormzy
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        No lamela?

        1. Cofinho
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          No Lamela. Moura and Llorente upfront

    2. GianniBanani
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Where is Bavies?

      1. Cofinho
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Bench

        1. GianniBanani
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          ok someone in livescore team is on fire... put there Sean Davis

  22. Total Slotball
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    If there's 1 pick from this United side who will start the season well, it's Sanchez. Short term he's a good option imo, looks sharp.

    1. Ryan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      He already has experience in carrying a team. United will need that in the first few weeks of the season.

    2. The Big Fella
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      When he gets put back on the wing though, you will need 2 transfers to use the funds (unless you just go straight for another premium midfielder like Hazard). I would want that money up front so for me it would be 2 transfers.

      1. Total Slotball
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Right now i'm looking at Sanchez in first 2. Use my 2 FT's in GW3 to get in Auba. Don't tend like to planning transfers ahead but I think it could work

        1. The Big Fella
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          I am starting with Auba

  23. Pellegrini Falcon
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    I know it may sound preposterous, but could Fabianski possibly be second choice? Or even rotated while Pellegrini decides on a number one? Seems like West Ham fans are split on who should be first choice

    1. Bggz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      a better username would be pellegrini falcao

    2. Blue&White85
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Sounds unlikely. Can’t see Adrián being given the spot.

    3. Kippers
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Its a tough one.. Adrian has had a really good pre season and personally a fan favourite. Fab is a good keeper though. Tough!

    4. Amsterhammer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Plausible. Adrian is a good keeper. If he had a bigger rep he would have been our number one last season which would have prevented the Hart debacle. Fans are mostly guess. Wait till pressers and monitor news. I'm 95% sure myself Fab will start GW1.

  24. MarkoSD
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Ralls or Cairney?
    Ralls is on set pieces but Cairney have better conversion rate

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

      Cairney

  25. MarkoSD
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    A. firmino cairney
    B. Sanchez 4.5
    ?

    1. Respect My Authoritah
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      A

  26. Kippers
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Help me out with my front 3 please chaps.

    Currently have Kun, firmino, arnie

    Feel I'm gonna miss out on points without Auba though.

    1. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      same front 3 as mine as of yesterday with me swapping Zaha to Arnie.

    2. Amsterhammer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Strong. Just accept you'll miss some points. It's the nature of the game. Or switch Aguerro to Aub gw3 for the Arsenal fixture shift.

      1. Kippers
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks guys.. keep reading the stories about firm maybe not starting.. worries me. Lol

        1. Amsterhammer
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          Same. If I knew he'd start he's in my team.

    3. Yes Don
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Kun 1st 2 games, then switch

    4. Lord Flashheart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      lacca?

    5. Lone Wolf FPL
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      You could miss Aguero points too.
      Just pick one as both are good options and in case just change later.

    1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      just joined.....i expect another early exit 😉

  27. CloudSky
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Jaf says Kiko.

  28. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Who is Madison who has just signed for Leicester ? At 6.5 he seems pricey..

    1. Peace-o
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      He is mazing. He'll feed Vardy. Sad we haven't seen much of him in pre-season.

    2. Marmalade Forest
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      At Norwich he generally played on the right of a front 3 in a 4-3-3 or right/centre in the 3 of a 4-2-3-1.

      Didn’t really set the Championship on fire in an better than average side. Played most games and got about 12 goals and assists in a 46 game season.

      Only about 20 though so may be better than last year. Shocked we got £20m for him.

  29. Scheister
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    A) KDB & Ralls/Cairney
    B) B Silva & Richarlison

    1. willl
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      A

    2. MarkoSD
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      a

    3. DantheManinaPan
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Of those, I might consider getting Richarlison

      1. DantheManinaPan
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        And maybe Ralls

        1. DantheManinaPan
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          And maybe Cairney

    4. krzys
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      A with Cairney