Podcast

Meet the Manager #6 – Adam Hopcroft (Choppers13)

Over his eight campaigns, Adam Hopcroft has finely tuned a bespoke management style that pays close attention to underlying statistics, the Season Ticker and the good old-fashioned eye test.

With five top 10,000 finishes, including two within the top 1,000, it’s a strategy that has clearly paid off.

Adam looks on course for another strong finish this time out too, with a current placing in the top 30,000.

Here he discusses in detail the key statistics he pays particular attention to and why medium, not short-term, upcoming fixtures guide his Season Ticker.

Each year he also gathers more information about players, which helps decide whether strong underlying statistics herald a point blitz or disappointment.

Adam then applies his tailor-made statistics and fixture analysis to the current campaign to reveal the players he is looking to ditch and those he is keen to bring in.

The chat with Adam is available to view on Youtube here and in the embedded video below.

Previous Meet the Manager interviews:

Matthew Jones

Richard Clarke

Will Thomas

Philman

Triggerlips

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1,031 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Legomané
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Any suggestions, or G2G?
    1FT 0.6 ITB. Cheers 🙂

    Foster
    Alonso Robertson Mendy Pereira
    Salah(c) Hazard(v) Fraser
    Aguero Mitrovic Jiménez

    (Patrício Kenedy H.Costa AWB)

    1. panda07
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Team looks good mate. If Mitro doesn't produce in the next 2 GW's I'd look at moving him to Arnie

      1. Legomané
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        Yup, looking at that for sure and wishing I’d not knee jerked Arnie > Mitro a couple of weeks ago when Arnie was a doubt

    2. Stat Sloth
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Go!

  2. panda07
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Not too sure who to bench this week, any ideas?

    Hart
    Robertson Alonso Doherty TAA
    Salah Hazard Fraser
    Aguero Mitro Ings

    Hamer Mendy Rich Hojbjerg

    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Salah.

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

      I'd be tempted to play 5-2-3

      1. Legomané
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        Or 532 🙂
        Mendy over Doherty another option, but it’s a tight call.

    3. Team Bobcat
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Play Mendy instead of doherty

    4. KneejerkJoe
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Doherty

    5. Dr Robotnik
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Mendy in, Ings out!

      1. Stat Sloth
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        Dis.

  3. Arctic monkeys
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    So a goal each for Mané and Salah, good news for Mané owners

    1. fclackless [Brazil Nuts]
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      errr

    2. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      errr

    3. Goat
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      errr

    4. Arctic monkeys
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      errr

    5. Stat Sloth
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      errr

  4. Tickle Me Enzo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Murphy, Camarasa or Kennedy and why?

    1. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      kenedy. better team better fixtures

    2. Stat Sloth
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Camarasa if you need the do' elsewhere. Kenedy or Murphy if you want to play them as rotation players. Neither if you want a regular for your team.

  5. KneejerkJoe
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Who's with me om Robertson (C) ?

    1. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      tempting, (C) mendy earlier in the season was fun. monitor if he got knocked or something though, and salah prob a safer bet

      1. KneejerkJoe
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        Yes but dont have Salah. Robby looked si threatening could have had a hattrick. Think be just got some rest but who knows

        1. StayoutheSpiceZone
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 5 months ago

          No injury at all

  6. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Interesting MTM, we have quite a different approach which I like. I use stats far less I think, or just give cursory glances to backup my decisions. Also I don't watch much football.

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

      If you don’t use stats and don’t watch much football, what do you base your decisions on?

      1. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        Concepts, stats help inform

  7. Touré De Force
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    R.Firmino surely a top option for one of the striker spots now?

    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Why what's happened?

      1. Touré De Force
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        He scored a goal in the opposition net

    2. Arctic monkeys
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Him instead of Kane is one of my transfers

    3. Bruin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      In a match against a terrible team he had only 1 shot and it deflected off a defender into the net. Ya essential

    4. Stat Sloth
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Go Vardy instead.

  8. Jay_
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Always liked 'Chopper Read'

      1. fclackless [Brazil Nuts]
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        Very informative and an open and helpful interview ... good stuff

        1. Jay_
            5 years, 5 months ago

            Sure was. These are a fantastic addition to FFS.

      2. AzzaroMax99
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        What to do here? Who for (C)?

        GKP: Foster (Patrício)
        DEF: Alonso, Doherty, Robertson (Pereira) (Wan-Bissaka)
        MID: Maddison, Mané, Hazard, Richarlison (Højbjerg)
        FWD: Wilson, Lacazette, Agüero

        2FT, 0.5 IDB

        1. Epic Fail
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          5 years, 5 months ago

          Hazard

          1. AzzaroMax99
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 5 months ago

            And if injured? Laca or Mane?

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

          Did you WC this team in this week?

          Otherwise I don't see how you aren't winning the whole thing!

          1. AzzaroMax99
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 5 months ago

            Used WC in gw4.
            Fell from top 3k to 8k this week. Hoping for better week 😀

        3. panda07
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 5 months ago

          Mane

        4. Stat Sloth
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 5 months ago

          Wilson.

      3. meksss
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        Hi lads!

        I got offered Moura/Richarlison for my Pedro/Maddison in a draft league. Should I take it? 

        Pedro hasnt been playing much lately which is swaying me towards accepting but not sure...

        Help?

        1. Touré De Force
          • 13 Years
          5 years, 5 months ago

          Accept for sure

        2. Arctic monkeys
          • 10 Years
          5 years, 5 months ago

          Moura will become like Pedro when Alli's back. It's Madi Vs Rich

          1. meksss
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 5 months ago

            Thats my worry. Moura has blanked for like 5 or 6 weeks. I haven't watched their games so not sure if hes actually playing shite or just unlucky

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

              No way would I change. Pedro will come back in. Chelsea fans were a bit miffed he didn't start against Manchester United. Maddison will tick over nicely as Leicester's creator-in-chief whereas Richarlison is a rotation waiting to happen.

              1. meksss
                • 7 Years
                5 years, 5 months ago

                Thank you. I just read up on fans wanting him in for willian. Ill hold for a few weeks.

      4. oggyninho
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        RMT please. 2 FT & 0.4 ITB

        Foster (Patrício)

        TAA Mendy Alonso (Bennet AWB)

        Hazard Richarlison Mané Fraser Maddison

        Aguero Lacazette (Jiménez)

        Really want Robertson in for TAA and need to free up some funds therfore. What about TAA -> Robertson and Richarlison -> Billing this week and next week do Fraser -> De Bruyne and Lacazette -> Arnautovic for a hit?

        Opinions on these moves and do you guys reckon De Bruyne will rise before deadline? In that case I would need to find 0.1M more and might make Billing to Stephens(4.4) or just go Stephens straight away to be safe..?

        1. Stat Sloth
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 5 months ago

          Not bad. I give it a 6.7

      5. Alexis Nonsense
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        Pardon my ignorance, but is Lei away a good fixture for Arnie?

        Looking at Success --> Arnie for -4

        If not I'll have to play Bennett (Prob 2pts)

        So if Arnie get 6+ I'll make up for it

        Or if Murray is out, then Bennett might be a decent pick after all?

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

          You can never know with Arnie, he is fixture proof which means he can blank agains hudd & cardiff and score against liv & chelsea in succession, and vice versa of course...but yeah, im bringing him in this week

      6. Bruno Bruno!!
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        What moves would you make to this team ?

        Foster
        Doherty Azpilicueta Robertson
        Maddison Hazard Mane Richarlison
        Mitrovic King Aguero

        Patricio B.Silva Tomkins Wan-Bissaka

        2FT 0.6m ITB

        * Would depend on Hazard injury news

        1. Bialystrzelec
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 5 months ago

          BSilva/Richarlison, Tomkins > Mendy, bench fodder

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

        is robertson ok or injured ?

        1. AzzaroMax99
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 5 months ago

          Never better 🙂

        2. panda07
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 5 months ago

          Watched the game and don't think he's injured

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

          This feels like a trick question

        4. StayoutheSpiceZone
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 5 months ago

          He was defo not injured

      8. Yome
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        Mane to Salah sideways? It would be for a hit.

        1. Collie01
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 5 months ago

          Im considering the same

          1. Yome
            • 12 Years
            5 years, 5 months ago

            I will captain Salah for Cardiff and Fulham.
            Mane is dropping and I bought him at 9.5. Long term Salah is better I think.

            1. Collie01
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 6 Years
              5 years, 5 months ago

              He's better than Mane sure, but Id have to drop Kun to Arnie to free up the funds. So for me is basically: Mane+Kun or Salah(c)+Arnie (-4)

              1. _Ninja_
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 13 Years
                5 years, 5 months ago

                Nah keep then. Would rather Mane Kun if that's the option.

              2. Yome
                • 12 Years
                5 years, 5 months ago

                I would not drop Kun though. I have Aguero and Kane so it will be Kane to Arnie, Mane to Salah

                1. _Ninja_
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 13 Years
                  5 years, 5 months ago

                  Yeah i'd do that move.

                  1. Yome
                    • 12 Years
                    5 years, 5 months ago

                    Cheers Ninja

          2. davidmcnamara
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 5 months ago

            I wouldn’t

        2. Jimmy Floyd
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 5 months ago

          If for free go for it

        3. AzzaroMax99
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 5 months ago

          For a hit no!

          1. Yome
            • 12 Years
            5 years, 5 months ago

            And what if Salah scores a brace? Mane could easily blank...

            1. _Ninja_
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              5 years, 5 months ago

              He could but remember Mane has a better PPG than Salah this season.

              1. Yome
                • 12 Years
                5 years, 5 months ago

                Slightly over (6.0 vs 5.6)

                1. _Ninja_
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 13 Years
                  5 years, 5 months ago

                  Yeah I think Mane started on form and it's dropped off whereas Salah was off form and is coming into form now. I have neither right now.

        4. jtreble
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 5 months ago

          Salah owner. Not for me.

          1. jtreble
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 5 months ago

            For free, yes.

      9. boogle
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        Laca rising? Should I do Kane to Laca tonight?

      10. pstokes2010
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        How does this team look? Kane and Knockheart > Firminho and Ozil for -4. Or should I be looking at other options?

        Ederson

        Mendy Duffy Van Dijk Alonso

        Hazard Ozil Mane(c)

        Firminho Arnie Mitrovic

        Speroni Fraser Richarlison Bennett

      11. Yankee Toffee
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        Thoughts on what to do with TAA?

        1. Collie01
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 5 months ago

          Dont buy dont sell

        2. Jay_
            5 years, 5 months ago

            Give him a week

          • panda07
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            5 years, 5 months ago

            I'm gonna keep for 1 more week

            1. Yankee Toffee
              • 9 Years
              5 years, 5 months ago

              If he doesn't start this weekend, then I'm selling for sure

        3. davidmcnamara
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 5 months ago

          Who should start?

          A) Richarlison (MUN)
          B) Duffy (WOL)

          1. Collie01
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 5 months ago

            Rich

            1. Bialystrzelec
              • 7 Years
              5 years, 5 months ago

              Same

          2. Jay_
              5 years, 5 months ago

              B

            • panda07
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              5 years, 5 months ago

              Close one but I'd go Duffy

            • 1zverGGadeM
              • 6 Years
              5 years, 5 months ago

              Richarlison

            • Bruin
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              5 years, 5 months ago

              B

          3. Bialystrzelec
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 5 months ago

            1FT / 0.2 ITB

            Patricio Hamer
            Alonso Mendy TAA Doherty AWB
            Salah Hazard Richarlison Fraser Maddison
            Aguero Mitrovic Jimenez

            Thoughts?

            1. Jay_
                5 years, 5 months ago

                Save and bench Rich imo. Start TAA and 4 at back. Rich 1st sub

            2. i am jose mourinho
              • 5 Years
              5 years, 5 months ago

              Raise your hand if you think kane is a piece of

              1. Jay_
                  5 years, 5 months ago

                  😀

              2. Aubamazette
                • 9 Years
                5 years, 5 months ago

                Pat
                Mendy Robbo Doherty
                Salah(c) Hazarf Rich Schurrle
                Aguero Lacazette King

                Button Bennet Wan B Obiang
                1FT 0 ITB
                Gtg??

              3. Scotty B
                • 11 Years
                5 years, 5 months ago

                How long is Hazard out for?

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

                  Wait for presser

                2. jtreble
                  • 7 Years
                  5 years, 5 months ago

                  Waiting for info.

                3. Legomané
                  • Has Moderation Rights
                  • 6 Years
                  5 years, 5 months ago

                  At present, he's Out for Thursday.

                4. AlissonBecker fell alone
                  • 5 Years
                  5 years, 5 months ago

                  He had better not shag anyone this week otherwise could be out for 2-4 weeks.

              4. FPL Maldini
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 9 Years
                5 years, 5 months ago

                Will Mane start this weekend?

                1. 1zverGGadeM
                  • 6 Years
                  5 years, 5 months ago

                  Very likely

              5. Bruno Bruno!!
                • 8 Years
                5 years, 5 months ago

                Is it worth bringing in Lovren, or just play it safe and get Duffy

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

                  Would not have guessed it a month ago but Lovren

              6. 1zverGGadeM
                • 6 Years
                5 years, 5 months ago

                Save FT right?

                -----------McCarthy
                ---Robbo Maguire Alonso
                -Salah Siggy Rich'son Mane
                ---Wilson Aguero Mitrovic

                -4.0; AWB Masuaku Bednarek

                1FT 0.7itb

                What's your best move in this setup?
                Thanks!

                1. StayoutheSpiceZone
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 6 Years
                  5 years, 5 months ago

                  This is a great team- maybe one of the Everton boys for Maddison?

                  1. 1zverGGadeM
                    • 6 Years
                    5 years, 5 months ago

                    His minutes are questionable isn't it?

                    1. StayoutheSpiceZone
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 6 Years
                      5 years, 5 months ago

                      I don’t think so, but if u are not convinced just hold. Like I said, nice team

                      1. 1zverGGadeM
                        • 6 Years
                        5 years, 5 months ago

                        Will consider him, thanks!

                2. _Ninja_
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 13 Years
                  5 years, 5 months ago

                  Yeah save unless you want to upgrade 2nd keeper to Ryan / Patricio / Fab

              7. Collie01
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 6 Years
                5 years, 5 months ago

                So is Salah on pens now? Or still Milner of he plays?

                1. jtreble
                  • 7 Years
                  5 years, 5 months ago

                  Both probably.

                2. panda07
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 11 Years
                  5 years, 5 months ago

                  I'd say if Milner is on the pitch he's the peno taker

                3. 1zverGGadeM
                  • 6 Years
                  5 years, 5 months ago

                  For confidence building, I think Klopp will choose Milie for N1 Taker
                  Then - Salah, Firmino, Mane, Fabinho etc.

              8. TLF
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 7 Years
                5 years, 5 months ago

                Evening all, Murphy or Kenedy ? Both have favourable fixtures...

                1. Bruno Bruno!!
                  • 8 Years
                  5 years, 5 months ago

                  Murphy has 4 out of next 6 at home, however Kenedy has the more favorable fixtures

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

                  2 point machines. Go for the cheaper, but hope you are not planning to play them every week.

                  1. TLF
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 7 Years
                    5 years, 5 months ago

                    I think they are 2 budget mids that offer some real potential in the coming weeks and can see both getting some returns.

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

                      Fair enough - good luck 🙂

                      1. TLF
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 7 Years
                        5 years, 5 months ago

                        Thanks, team structure doesn't allow for much more budget wise currently.

              9. i am jose mourinho
                • 5 Years
                5 years, 5 months ago

                Im 40 th in my league. 83 points behind the first place ? Do you think i have any chance to win the league because its the first time im playing fpl and i dont know how things work for sure

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

                  Long season ahead. You've got a chance for sure

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

                  29 weeks to go mate, you could catch that up in a few weeks

                3. Bruin
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 9 Years
                  5 years, 5 months ago

                  83 is nothing

                4. Jay_
                    5 years, 5 months ago

                    Don't take hits, captain the leader of the poll on here (most weeks) get Mendy, Robertson, Salah, Aguero and you might have a chance. Good luck!

                    1. i am jose mourinho
                      • 5 Years
                      5 years, 5 months ago

                      Thnx

                    2. My Name Is Pepu
                      • 7 Years
                      5 years, 5 months ago

                      And not Hazard?

                  • AlissonBecker fell alone
                    • 5 Years
                    5 years, 5 months ago

                    Yes, you can. Believe in yourself. Put in your best effort in analysing and balancing certain aspects in your team. Watch alot of premier league games if you believe in the eye test or follow stats if you believe in statistics.Do not aim to be the top of your league only, aim to be the number one in the world, though that is not easy and use your chips wisely.

                  • Limited & Mediocre Mana…
                    • 7 Years
                    5 years, 5 months ago

                    No because you've got to get past me

                5. altan8797
                  • 7 Years
                  5 years, 5 months ago

                  hi guys, need some help here
                  a. king to firmino (c)
                  b. sterling to salah (c)