Podcast
24 October 2018 1031 comments
J0E J0E
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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. Ruinenlust
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Will Mane drop once more before the deadline

    1. Holmes
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      unlikely

      getting transfer IN now

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

      no

    3. NATSTER
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Too bad 🙁

  2. Roy Rovers
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Who would you fill the 4.4 mid slot with?

    Stephens or Gunnarsson or Anyone else?

    Pat / Hamer
    Alonso / Robertson / Mendy / Doherty / Balbuena
    Salah / Hazard Maddison / Fraser / 4.4?
    Aguero / Mitro / Ings

    1. Holmes
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      obiang is popular

    2. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Kayal for me.Nice bench option

    3. Roy Rovers
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Cheers

  3. Holmes
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    I have 2 choices for this week

    1) Drop Richarlison for Maddison or someone around 7.1m price range and save 1FT

    2) Drop Richarlison for cheapo and upgrade Wan Bissaka to Robertson with 2FTs

    Basically, would you prefer Maddison plus 1FT or Robertson?

    1. Jinswick
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      1 for me

      1. Holmes
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        cheers

        just feeling itchy since Robertson is in my long term plan 😛

    2. KUNingas
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      1, WB is the best bench fodder

    3. Slaps
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Keep WB, but I do also think that you should find another way to get Robbo in.

  4. ColdRainyNIght
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    About to tinker my defence, need to get a defender and a keeper
    A) Chilwell, Perreira, Duffy or Yedlin/Lascelles
    B) Lossl, Fabianski, Ryan or Dubravka?

    1. Holmes
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Yedlin
      Fabianski

    2. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Chills fabs

  5. john25
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Repost.

    Hey guys, really stuck on who I should remove between Richarlison or Maddison to get Salah this week?

    Cheers

    1. Angin out the Begović
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      maddi

    2. Kanga roo
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Community looks to be divided on this one. Personally i'd take out Rich.

    3. Klein
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Rich. Maddi has fixtures and form. Rich not so much

  6. Nice to Finally Michu
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Who would you rather have?
    A) Vardy and Lovren/Gomez/TAA
    B) Mitrovic and Robertson

    1. Nice to Finally Michu
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      A) could have Vardy or Firmino

    2. Holmes
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      B because of gametime

    3. KUNingas
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      A if you know who will be playing

  7. Angin out the Begović
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    everyone still holding for KDB ?

    1. tucaoneo
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      I am tempted but I already have Sterling + Aguero.

    2. KUNingas
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Tempted as I don't have any City attack

  8. tucaoneo
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Does Tripier > Mendy make sense?
    Tripper got me 28pts in 4 games. The fixtures in the next three are OK except the Man City game. And Spurs are basically out of Champions League, so he will have some mid-week rest.
    Mendy is also good, with some not-so-easy fixtures (admittedly, all fixtures are easy for Man City).
    My back line: Alonso, Robertson, Trippier, WB, Bennett.

    1. Kanga roo
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Mendy is a must.

    2. KUNingas
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Yes

  9. KUNingas
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Is this worth a hit?

    Kane + Zaha + Richarlison/Maddison -> Laca + Arnie + KDB

    1. tucaoneo
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Probably

      1. KUNingas
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Surely Rich out and not Mads?

        1. tucaoneo
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          I think Maddison is more consistent (very unlucky to blank against Arsenal) and has better fixtures.

          1. KUNingas
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 1 month ago

            Thanks!

  10. Your Mum Zohore
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Is it madness to do Kun => Salah for a hit?

    1. Whazza
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Not only mad, it's impossible.

      1. Your Mum Zohore
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Let me reword it then: Madness to get Salah in the team by sacrificing Kun?

        Better?

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

          Might get away with it this week but long term, probably not.

  11. Taegugk Warrior
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    A. AWB > Yedlin
    B. AWB+ Kane > Pereira+Lacazete (-4)
    C. Peltier > Yedlin
    D. Peltier + Kane > Pereira+Lacazete (-4)

    Note : Peltier is Bench Fodder (5th Sub) all this time, never play. Want to sell him to avoid price drop.

    But also thinking that selling a bench fodder is useless. If I sell AWB i get some extra money for the next transfer

  12. jtreble
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Mane is the top transfer out at the moment. Interesting. :).

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

      Not in daily transfers. Most of that damage was on the weekend when he didn't play.

      1. jtreble
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        It will be interesting to see if there are similar Hazard sales if he’s out this weekend.

  13. HD7
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Hazard was bought for 10.6
    Im on WC

    Team is:
    Fab
    Mendy Robbo Duffy Alonso
    Hazard* Richa Maddy Salah (C)
    Aguero Arnie

    Subs: Button, Kenedy, Success,WanB

    Should I make Haz to Mane/ Sterling or anyone and then buy him back next GW? Basically getting some points but losing profit?

    If not who to be first on bench - Kenedy or Success?

    1. KUNingas
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Don't sell. Success

    2. Klein
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Nope. Bad idea. Ken for me

  14. Angin out the Begović
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone considering Alonso --> Mendy ?

    1. gryffsonofarthur
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Not this week

      1. Moosie the Staggie
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        This

    2. Slaps
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Long term yes, this week no, although Alonso fixtures are pretty good

  15. gryffsonofarthur
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Start 2 of these:

    Siggy (@MUN)
    Trippier (MCI)
    Zaha (ARS)
    Van Aanholt (ARS)

    1. Moosie the Staggie
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      SZ

      1. gryffsonofarthur
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Siggy and Zaha would be preferable, however I'm required to start 3 defenders. I've got Robertson, Alonso, Trippier, Wan Bissaka and PVA.

    2. Klein
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Hard
      Siggy and maybe zaha
      Tripp and pva look like bad idea

      1. gryffsonofarthur
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Can't start both soggy and Zaha as need 3 starting defenders

        1. Klein
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          Probably siggy and pva then.

          1. gryffsonofarthur
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 1 month ago

            PVA and Trippier feel like a coin toss against great attacks.

            Feel both will lose clean sheets, but head to head I think Trippier slightly edges it based on possible set peice points.

    3. Moosie the Staggie
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      ST for me then.
      PVA and Trip will more than likely post similar (low) scores but I would always play the premium defender unless the other player has a great fixture.

  16. We ain't got no histor…
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Would you wc this team guys, no hazard and liv attack pushing me do it:

    Kepa Hamer
    Alonso Mendy Robertson AWB Peltier
    Sterling Fraser Richarlison Madison Anguissa
    Aguero Kane Jimenez

    Cheers

    1. Cruyff's Eleven
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Sterling / Kane - > Mané / Mitro?

    2. Klein
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Kane and rich to salah and someone can fix for now. Hazz may or may not play this week. But i would definately want him in soon.

    3. Moosie the Staggie
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      No way.
      It's nothing a minus 4/8 wouldn't fix.

      Hazard may well miss out this week anyway, you could then be in a better position than most other managers.

      1. We ain't got no histor…
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Which transfers would you recommend mate

        1. Moosie the Staggie
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          I would probably move on Kane and Richarlison to Salah and a mid price forward.
          I'm favouring Arnie but Murray(possible injury doubt) King or Wilson could be decent shouts too if you have budget restraints.
          I know many on here are looking to ditch Bournemouth assets but for me their fixtures don't look bad from an attacking perspective.
          I would fancy them to score against United and Arsenal at home.

    4. gryffsonofarthur
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Anguissa?

      1. We ain't got no histor…
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Andre frank Zambo Anguissa plays for fulham

        1. gryffsonofarthur
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          I know who he is. I'll say again, Anguissa?

          1. We ain't got no histor…
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 1 month ago

            Haha guilty as charged mate

          2. gryffsonofarthur
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 1 month ago

            Better enablers available.

            1. We ain't got no histor…
              • 9 Years
              7 years, 1 month ago

              Got him in the first gw and after that it was a waste of transfer to change him

              1. gryffsonofarthur
                • 7 Years
                7 years, 1 month ago

                Getting rid of Kane would help balance your team.

            2. Moosie the Staggie
              • 13 Years
              7 years, 1 month ago

              For sure, but they are not worth a free transfer though, unless you are in the perfect position of 2 free transfers and nothing to fix with your team.

  17. gryffsonofarthur
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Start:

    Ryan (WOL)
    OR
    Begovic (@FUL)

    1. Klein
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      I would go ryan

    2. Moosie the Staggie
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Ryan for me

    3. Slaps
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Ryan

    4. Dream Killers 2.0
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Ryan

  18. KUNingas
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Laca or Vardy? Vardy have better fixtures but Arsenal is doing well. I also have Maddison.

    A) Laca (cry, LIV, WOL, bou)
    B) Vardy (WHU, car, BUR, bha)

    1. gryffsonofarthur
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Arnautovic

      1. KUNingas
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Already have him

        1. gryffsonofarthur
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          Vardy, as I have him and he's on pens.

          Also the 1st place player in my league (I'm 2nd) has Lacazette and captained him last week. So hoping for more future failure and Aubameyang to keep stealing his thunder (and take pens).

    2. Slaps
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Vardy

      1. gryffsonofarthur
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Summed up my week when Vardy was my last hope for attacking returns and just buggered off down the tunnel with about 10 minutes to go, leaving Leicester with 10 men.

        Was it a stomach bug?

  19. grayedog
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    2.2 ITB, 2 FT

    Rui Hamer
    Alonso Robbo Laporte Chilwell AWB
    Hazard Mane Rich Fraser DStephens
    Aguero Mitro Wilson

    A) Mane + Alonso -> Salah + Doherty (rotate Doherty/Chilwell)
    B) Mane + Laporte -> Salah + Doherty (rotate Doherty/Chilwell)
    C) Mane + Alonso -> Salah + VVD
    D) Rich -> Maddison
    E) Hamer -> Fab (if I keep my team otherwise, so I don’t lose a FT — rotate w Rui)

    1. KUNingas
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      D

      1. grayedog
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Would you also do Alonso or Laporte -> Mendy?

  20. Demel
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Ryan
    Alonso - Mendy - Robertson
    Hazard - Maddison - Salah - Fraser
    Aguero - Jimenez- Arnie

    Button - Doherty- AWB - Ward

    Looking early at next week's transfers. How does this sound?

    Alonso/Fraser > 3.9m/KDB -4 (play AWB/Doherty each week).

    1. Holmes
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      i feel Alonso can outscore KDB in next 3-4 weeks

      1. subhojit123
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        chelsea have next 3 against burnley, palace and Everton. I don't think apart from burnley, it won't be clean sheets for them.

      2. Demel
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        The next 3 games may also be the wrong time to play Doherty/AWB.

  21. Slaps
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    WC next week with 2 FT's, which two forwards would you go with this week, budget of 15.8? Currently thinking Vardy and Wilson

    1. Holmes
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      yeah, that looks fine.

      Firmino and Ings/Deeney is also an option

      1. Slaps
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks but 3 pool already

    2. Moosie the Staggie
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Probably Arnie and King/Wilson

  22. pjanns
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Ryan
    TAA - Tripp - Alonso
    Hazard - Fraser - Maddison - Mane
    Firmino - Aguero - Mitro
    (Hamer - AWB - Bennett - Højbjerg)

    2,2 ITB - 2 FT.

    Should I just let my transfer roll? or any suggestions?

    1. subhojit123
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Get lovren instead of taa

  23. subhojit123
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Which pair scores more over next few gameweeks -
    1. Salah, lovren
    2. Sterling, alonso

    1. gryffsonofarthur
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Salah, Alonso

      1. subhojit123
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks. But liverpool have kept clean sheets in most matches till now. Lovren looks nailed. Is Alonso raiding the box like he did in first few weeks?

    2. Ozzyy
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Sterling can go toe to toe with Salah and Alonso by far, so yea B.. IMO

      1. subhojit123
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        I have B at the moment. Was thinking going for A. Hence posted. May b I would hold on then?

        1. Ozzyy
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          Is Lovren even nailed? With the UCL there is too much rotation in LIV back 4.. so I would hold

          1. subhojit123
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 1 month ago

            Yesterday lovren was rested. So looks like he will start in PL matches

    3. Moosie the Staggie
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      1 imo

      1. Moosie the Staggie
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Not worth the transfers though when it's a 50/50 imo

        1. subhojit123
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          Agreed. Only fact that's itching me is the uncertainty over sterling starts. And Chelsea clean sheets.

  24. RyanMK
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Recommendations for a defender that regularly starts around the $4.5 mark? I'm currently leaning towards Duffy. Anyone else I should be considering?

    1. Holmes
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Yedlin

    2. gryffsonofarthur
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Duffy, Dunk, Yedlin, Balbuena, Diop, Bennett.

    3. Demel
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Doherty.

      1. RyanMK
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Forgot to add, I already have Doherty and AWB.

    4. Moosie the Staggie
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Balbuena

  25. Over Midwicket
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone think Spurs City will be 0-0? Both teams have kept multiple cleanies in a row. Might start Trippiér AND Mendy..

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

      No chance.

    2. Van der Faart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      No chance. Spurs missing Vertonghen. Lloris has been brainless recently with his decision making as well. City will murder us I reckon

    3. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      I think city will thrash spurs.2-0 or 3-0 city imo

    4. Jafalad
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Hard to see given the attacking intentions of both sides.

    5. gryffsonofarthur
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      3-1 Man City

    6. jtreble
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Only question for me: MNC will score but will TOT?

  26. Van der Faart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Do this for a -4?

    Rich to Pereyra and TAA to VVD?

    1. Demel
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Not for me.

    2. gryffsonofarthur
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      You have one free transfer?

      1. Van der Faart
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Yes but can't do the second without the first

    3. gryffsonofarthur
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      I'd hold.

    4. Jafalad
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      I agree with the players being booted but not the intended targets. I don't see many LEI cs despite their fixtures and I would want Robbo ahead of VVD.

      1. Van der Faart
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        It's the Watford midfielder I'm after rather than the Leicester defender.

        1. Jafalad
          • 15 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          Class player but not one I'd want.

    5. Netley Lucas
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      TAA > Lovren for free

    6. Moosie the Staggie
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      No way

  27. Ozzyy
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Just came back to a flagged Haz, how serious is the injury?

    1. Netley Lucas
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Sarri said: "[Thursday] he is out for sure, he has a back problem. We are trying to solve the problem for Sunday. It is not very easy."

      1. Ozzyy
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Don’t sound good, thanks for the update

  28. subhojit123
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    No-Salah owners... Whom are you captaining this week? Assuming Hazard is out...

    1. Ozzyy
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      If they have Aguero, can’t see anyone else they can trust the armband honestly

      1. subhojit123
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        #MeToo

  29. Jafalad
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Interesting interview above with young Chopper. Shots in box, Penalty box touches, big chances seem to be the key indicators of player selection.

    Learn anything else?

  30. HD7
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Would you make any changes to this WC? 🙂

    Foster*
    Mendy Robbo Duffy Alonso
    Salah Maddy Richa Hazard
    Arnie Aguero

    Subs: Button, WanB, Kenedy, Success

    *Becomes Fab after GW10

    Still cant decide Kenedy or Murphy as bench fodder?
    Any better alternatives to Richa around his price?

    1. Jafalad
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Patricio fire and forget gk plus 4.0.
      Doherty for Mendy.
      BOU forward needed ideally King as he is on penalties which is useful when the tougher fixtures occur.