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22 July 2015 2453 comments
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Following a successful first season at the Britannia for Mark Hughes, in which he guided Stoke to a ninth-place finish, expectations were high as the Potters headed into the 2014/15 campaign. The former Blackburn boss continued his side’s evolution, bringing in the likes of Bojan Krkic from Barcelona and Victor Moses on a season-long loan from Chelsea, while Phil Bardsley and Mame Biram Diouf added physicality at both ends of the pitch. That balance of style and substance ultimately proved successful, with Stoke finishing in ninth place once again.

In this members article, we will take an in-depth look at Hughes’ second season in charge, analysing the main goal threats and creators and comparing the numbers from the 2013/14 and 2014/15 campaigns under the Welshman.

  1. Claudio With A Chance Of Me…
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    I have a draft for an attack for the first 4 gameweeks, this will take me up to gameweek 5, where I will ideally wildcard before those fixtures, when I know which players will be nailed on.

    Let me know what you think of this please.

    Pantillimon 4.0

    Ivanovic Azpilicueta Cedric 4.0 4.0

    Sterling Fabregas Ozil Mane Henderson

    Rooney Sakho Wilson

    I will be playing 3-5-2 with the same top 3 defenders, all 5 midfielders and rotating strikers (Sakho & Wilson) to give these attacking fixtures

    AVL, LEI, BOU, LEI

    RMT over 4 weeks gives 214.25 and that is without Cedric's spot nailed on (or so I think)

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

      Not bad, a bit different... Who will you captain, Rooney every week?

      1. Claudio With A Chance Of Me…
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 5 months ago

        Just having a quick look at the fixtures, yeah probably. I don't see where I would get bigger scores each week apart from maybe a gamble on Sterling against Watford in gameweek 4.

        Somehow the RMT tool is throwing up Henderson for captain week 2 against Bournemouth, but I'm not so sure I can trust that

    2. Mav3rick
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      In all honesty, I think the defence is too expensive, and a couple of 4.0 defenders is looking unlikely right now. Wilson is a bit expensive to be permanently benched? And going without either Hazard or Costa seems like suicide...

      https://ratemyteam.uk - Please Rate Responsibly!

      1. Claudio With A Chance Of Me…
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 5 months ago

        I'm hoping those 3 defenders (Ivan, Azpi and Cedric) are in line to play 90 mins for the first 4 weeks, I wouldn't be bothering with the others.

        I know the risk of one of them missing a week or two.

        I also have 1.0m left in the bank for any changes

        1. Mav3rick
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 5 months ago

          I guess you could use your all out attack chip if one of them were injured? Especially as you'd have a decent attacker on the bench with some good fixtures.

          https://ratemyteam.uk - Please Rate Responsibly!

    3. Bedknobs and Boomsticks
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      You do know you can make one transfer for free each week don't you? Its lovely when you make yourself a fab team with everything planned out, right up until reality intervenes. Its a nice starting squad, with a lot of players similar to mine, but try not to get too attached. 😉

      1. Claudio With A Chance Of Me…
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 5 months ago

        Yes, it is just a draft at the moment, when the time comes and if all the players are nailed/fit then I may gamble I may not. I may have more trouble than I anticipated though, trying to get Aguero in may be tricky using only 2 FTs

  2. FPL Maldini
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    Is Ogbonna nailed?

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

      Who?

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

      Jenkinson/O'Brien/Burke, Ogbonna/Reid, Tomkins/Ogbonna/(Collins), Cresswell

    3. Lallana's Bananas
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Yes

  3. Jafooli
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    Do you reckon FPL price changes will have the same thresholds as season past? Or will there be another change like start of last season.

    I reckon they'll tinker and try to get somewhere between to the two. 13/14 was too fast, 14/15 was too slow.

    Might be worth bearing that in mind.....

    1. Rasping Drive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Hope so. Although last year meant I could leave my team and not worry about price changes during the week. I actually got a life. Well, half of one, at least:

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

        So true, season before I was checking TotalFPL five times a day, was crazy.

        But last year was far too slow.

  4. Flynny
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    How r we looking with this lot?
    schmeichal. Hennessey (hopefully wba)
    azpi Merresacker. Oshea. 4.5 Saylor
    hazard Walcott depay mane Wanyama
    Rooney Benteke sakho

    Kun to come in somehow gw3
    Any advice on who spare 4.5shd be....currently on collocini
    Thoughts?

  5. CelticBhoy1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    Bolasie or Cabaye??

    1. Harvey 1950
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      I think Bolasie will be more fun to own!

  6. AriseSirGiggsy
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    A) Walters
    B) Bolasie (5th mid Ibe > Behrami to afford)
    C) Chadli (1st def Ivanovic > Azpillicueta to afford)
    D) Bolasie+Vorm (with Schmeichel) (1st def Ivanovic > Azpillicueta to afford

    Which is best?

    1. The Light Knight
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      A

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

      C

  7. Twelve years a slave
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    Article on Pelle

    http://www.triggerlips.com

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

      before I read it, I think hes great.....now lets go see what they said...

    2. d1sable
      • Has Moderation Rights
      10 years, 5 months ago

      good read

    3. hagop
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      waitin for JRod article 🙂

    4. Ludo
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      He did get 8 goals and 3 assists in the first half of the season, with 4 goals in the second half.

      More interestingly though, at home he managed 11 goals and 1 assist, compared to 1 goal and 1 assist away, which came in GW3 and GW5 respectively.

      He went on long runs of blanks, but was actually still very consistent and predictable - in decent home matches, he almost always scored. Against strong opposition or away from home, he did nothing.

    5. Holy See
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Cheers. Like the Milner bit too.

    6. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      thanks, very good post from one of best posters

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

    Guzan Hennessey
    Iva Kos
    Milner Silva Ozil Fab Mané
    Rooney

    + 2 of Ade + Bertie + Clyne every GW ???

    Top OR Flop

    1. The Hindu Monkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Where are your other strikers? Are they just 4.5 filth
      This seems madness..

      1. Huddersfield
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 5 months ago

        Adebayor & Hooper

  9. Sverdet
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    Azpi/Kosc and 4.5 defender, not oshea
    or
    5.5 def and cedric

  10. passdpuck
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    best 4.5 defender option?

    1. The Hindu Monkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Huth or someone from Sunderland once we know who will start

      1. Huddersfield
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 5 months ago

        Huth Coates for me

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

      Francis, Huth, Coates/Kaboul, Whittaker. Generaly try to rotate NOR-WAT-BOU

  11. The Hindu Monkey
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    People seem to argue over defenders no matter who you pick. As such, please just assume I have Ivan, some filth, and rate this front 8. Ta!

    Theo. Fab. Sterling. Mata. 4.5
    Costa. Benteke. Sakho.

  12. FPL Maldini
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    Anyone bothering with Van Ginkel? Just thinking of a good 5.5 mid

    1. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Stoke do have nice fixtures but I;m not sure how good a record he has

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      No thanks.

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

      Look for an extra 0.5 and go for Ritchie imo

      1. FPL Maldini
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 5 months ago

        I have Ritchie already

    4. Bartowski
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Mahrez

  13. Gazpilicueta
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    Alrighty Roo... which of these options do you prefer?

    A) Mata and Pelle + £2 mil

    B) Rooney and Mané

    1. Daaf
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      I'm very tempted by A. You can't really go wrong with B. Pelle somewhat of a risk, but if he can keep up with Rooney or can get a rotation going you could gain some valuable points and money in the process. Who do you think is on Man U penalty duty? How do you rate Southampon's first fixtures?

      09 Aug 13:30 Gameweek 1 Newcastle (A)
      15 Aug 12:45 Gameweek 2 Everton (H)
      23 Aug 16:00 Gameweek 3 Watford (A)
      30 Aug 13:30 Gameweek 4 Norwich (H)
      12 Sep 15:00 Gameweek 5 West Brom (A)
      20 Sep 16:00 Gameweek 6 Man Utd (H)

  14. Devils Hunter
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    RMT please..

    Keeper:
    Speroni,Hamer

    Defense:
    Clyne,Williams,Morgan,Baker,Steven Taylor

    Midfield:
    Hazard,Henderson,Sterling,Cazorla,Bolasie

    Forward:
    Costa,Rooney,hooper

    Formation:3-5-2

    Any suggestions?

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

      9/10 morgan may not start due to gold cup

      Hugh looks nailed

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

        #huth

        1. Devils Hunter
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 5 months ago

          Got it.. Thanks..

    2. gdog2244
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Not a fan at all, what if someone gets injured or doesn't play?

  15. JK - Cønt ⭐
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    who is your 4th mid?

    so many options in the 7-9m range

    Currently torn between Chadli/Hendo/Milner.Ritchie and between Sakho/Wilson and Tekkers

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

      Ritch

    2. The Light Knight
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Currently my 3/4/5 mids are Payet/Chadli/Cabaye

    3. Rasping Drive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Payet

    4. sully29
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Gonna go with four strong mids (Hazard + 9.0 + 9.0/8.5 + 8.5) and wait to see which of 6m/7m mids are looking good before making a decision. I'll then downgrade someone and free up cash for Aguero that way.

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

      Puncheon

  16. Brian (Not the Messiah)
    • 16 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    For everyone planning an early WC. does it makes sense to get 2 4.0 defenders and make sure the rest of the team is nailed on?

    1. Numb
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Bit too risky imo

    2. Rasping Drive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      If you are planning to WC after GW3, yeah, why not.

  17. Lallana's Bananas
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    Stekelenburg
    Ivanovic / Clyne / Jenkinson
    Hazard / Coutinho / Payet / Mané
    Costa / Gomis / Bamford

    Thoughts on this team?

    1. Drop Dead Tsimikas
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Why Steke?
      Forwards punty apart from Costa

      What's the bench like?

      1. Lallana's Bananas
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 5 months ago

        Fantasy iteam = no bench.
        Southampton usually have good defence and especially with their opening fixtures.

  18. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 16 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    434 entered in LMS so far.
    Doubt I'll make it to Xmas.

    1. Numb
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Make that 435

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

        Forgot how good your history is dude, nice one.

        1. Numb
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 5 months ago

          Cheers!

  19. Beavis
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    Something (slightly) different, not necessarily my own team but what do you think?

    Panti / 4.0
    Azpi, Cedric, Williams, Huth, Targett
    Cesc, Walcott, Mata, Chadli, 4.5
    Costa, Giroud, Benteke

    1. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Bar Targett I quite like it.

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

        Don't really think a full bench is that important bearing in mind a WC is (let's be honest) probably gonna happen by GW 6-7 at the very latest.

    2. Tommytour
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Similar set up to mine

      1. Tommytour
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 5 months ago

        Schmeichel Hennesey
        Azpi Kos Cedric Huth 4
        Depay Walcott Mane Ritchie 4.5
        Costa Rooney Tekkers

    3. Ludo
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Cedric and Targett? Think I'd prefer another rotating pair of 4.5s.

      I like it otherwise. Think that Giroud is a better bet than any Arsenal mid if he's starting, but we'll have to be on Theo watch for that... Still, if Walcott is supposed to be nailed on to play from the left with Sanchez out, you could argue that means Giroud is guaranteed to start up front.

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

        Just threw some defenders in there. Could do Mertesacker and 2 rotating 4.5s with Targett maybe starting GW2 if Berty is still out.

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

        BOU/NOR, LEI/STO, NOR/STO, BOU/WAT

        avoid Targett

        1. Tommytour
          • 15 Years
          10 years, 5 months ago

          Im doing the same because I think Cedric is a bargain

  20. Reus Crispies
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    What do you think of this?

    Schmeichel/Ruddy
    Ivan Huth Darmian Alderweireld Turner
    Haz Theo Mane Cabaye Behrami
    Rooney Lukaku Deeney

    1.5 itb for post gw1 bandwagons! Thx !

  21. Debauchy
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    @ Ludo , have always appreciated your posts, amongst others . Now I look at your history , and even more impressed. First time in FPL and a 556 or so finish . Will not invite you into any MLs though

    1. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      was very happy he came into Team Bangladesh, though oddly his worst run of the season co-incided with the tournament.

      His input was much appreciated regardless.

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

        7 red arrows in 8, I think it was!

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

      One of my fave posters as well

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

        Take yours and JK;s on board also Beavis, But Ludo a great read

    3. Ludo
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Haha, cheers. I found this place very early in pre-season last year, when my friends were talking about the game - think it was so early that the World Cup was still on! Certainly couldn't have got off to such a good start otherwise.

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

        Selling yourself short Ludo. Dont let me down , Nah , just appreciate your posts , cheers

  22. FPL Maldini
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    Is Ritchie and Wilson actually nailed?

    1. Jazz!
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Yes, easily

    2. Tommytour
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      LOL Yes

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

    A) Lukaku Sterling
    B) Costa Ritchie

  24. CelticBhoy1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    Schwein or Bolasie/Cabaye?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Palace mid for now.

    2. Tommytour
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Yannick, he tempts me

    3. sully29
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Not Schweinsteiger.

  25. Jazz!
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    Ozil / Fabregas / Sterling / Wally / Mata
    Rooney / Sakho / Wilson

    How's that for a front 8? If Aguero is fit: Sterling/Wally + Rooney for Milner + Aguero 🙂

  26. Bartowski
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    Which player, in their first season in the PL, do you think could have the biggest impact this year?

    For me I think it might be Payet.

  27. FPL Maldini
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    Any 4m defenders revealed yet?

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

    what would you give this Midfield out of 10?

    Mata, Fabregas, Cazorla, Yaya, Mane

    clearly it has 5 people, so it would be an abnormal team, but what do you think?

    1. Mav3rick
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Depends why you're going with Fabregas - if it's "cover" for Hazard/Costa then I'd say it needs a rethink...

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

        I like Fabregas for what he does, and the points he gives for his price. I also have costa

  29. Mav3rick
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    Who would you pick at 7.0 - A Milner/Henderson type midfielder or JRod (assuming he starts)?

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

      Milner for me, J Rod will play 60-70 minutes max to start the season

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Depends on what formation you play. Getting the form 3rd forward may be better.

  30. Jonny Sutt
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    Pantili Myhill
    azpili mert shaw bacuna targett
    Hazard ozil mane cabaye fletcher
    Rooney benteke sakho