We delve into the data over the past four rounds of fixtures this evening and roll out the first in a three-part series looking at the players by position. First up, then, it’s the defenders, with West Ham, Bournemouth, Liverpool, Spurs and Watford’s left-backs all catching the eye, whilst Palace’s goal-getting centre-half and Everton’s lack of resilience are also amongst our Wednesday night analysis.
Please anyone who does not like stats , please see this -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BhYRtQf_rBoIs that you?
No 😆
Good. I don't like him
Why is that? Are you a Geordie?
No , no...you support Oxford right?
That is correct. Born in Oxford lived around Oxfordshire before moving to Scotland. He just has one of those faces.
"He just has one of those faces."
OMG , you sound like Rupert 😳As in the bear from Family Guy?
😆
The horse who cant control his caps lockI have no idea what you are talking about.
Are you sure you aren't that guy?Yes , I am sure that I am not Messiseconds....
I'm sure MessiSeconds is just an upset Bournemouth fan 😆
😕
Only joking - great video. You are absolutely right, anyone that doesn't like stats should definitely give it a watch. 🙂
Just the repetition of that Newcastle/Bournemouth game at the beginning was a little bit… repetitive 😕Probably p1ssed at Shearer , not many have the balls to respond to Alan like he did
True. He must be what, 16? 17? That's also saying something...
He's in college I'm pretty sure, either 19 or 20 forget which, said it in his other video I think.
Oh well, guessing someone's age has never been my strong suit 😆
Just try not guessing women's age 😉
Well if he is under-guessing , why not? 😉
+1
Anyone who hates stats & finds them redundant should read these articles from bullshi*e merchant, Rory Smith -
http://www.espnfc.com/blog/espn-fc-united/68/post/2626868/football-coverage-is-more-intellectual
http://thesetpieces.com/features/the-long-read-footballs-new-holy-war/+1
I have read the second one - but I though a video might be better for the reluctant FFS CommunityAye, the first piece was the one that sparked a lot of debate in the analytics vs 'old football men' argument. Great writer, but extremely naive articles.
nyom vs manu or
alder vs hamAlder.
I feel WHU will struggle without Payet.Alder
Tough one.
It's very close but I would go with Toby, mostly due to Payet's absence.+Super Sunday
triple threat cheers guys
Toby
- The case for Bolasie
There's been a little bit of chatter about Bolasie around these parts, so I thought I'd summarise as to why he could turn out to be a decent option. I do think Ozil is the best replacement for Payet but if you fancy a Aguero, Lukaku, Kane frontline then Bolasie instead of, say, KDB could help you achieve that plus a few nice defenders, e.g. VDV, Smalling/Rojo/DDG, Arsenal defence etc.
- Bolasie actually went under the radar last season in FPL with 4 goals and 12 assists. 12 assists was the second most of any player in the league behind Cesc Fabregas. Yes, 3 of those goals scored were in one game but I'll get to that later.
- Bolasie has not yet registered an assist this season despite getting 12 last season. This seems to be due to the fact that he has often been playing up top, e.g. in the liv, WHU (after Gayle's sending off), tot and MCI
- Bolasie's father passed away prior to Palace's GW3 clash with Villa. This took a toll on some of his performances and he was eased back in by Pardew as a result.
- Bolasie has himself stated that he has worked on his finishing in the off-season and after his goal against Liverpool last weekend, has claimed that he now feels back in form after a slow start to the season.
- That's now two goals in five games with SUN and NEW his next two. He also scored for DR Congo this morning
Now he's not the flashiest option about but I think there is certainly some merit to him at a kind price of 6.1m.Thanks, Nick
I would rather Wijnaldum..... 3rd highest SoT in the last 4
Yeah he does seem a decent buy but his fixtures after this week are a little bit 'meh'. Newcastle also seem a bit of an unknown quantity to me at the moment 🙂
Nice post, includes some very interesting points! 🙂
Wijnaldum and Bolasie tempt me greatly at that price range.
I've been stuck with Barkley since GW6 and of course benched him for his goal @ the Emirates 😕
If Barkley looks like the 'assister of the assister' type in the AVL game again, I'm definitely getting one of those two for him.Yep. Barkley seems a frustrating option, that EVE SUN game must have hurt 😕
But he could still turn out a decent shout with those fixturesBenched him for that 😎
Barkley IS a frustrating option 🙁 but he gets another run out next GW, but it is his last chance.
This^
It's his last for me as well Mike.
Buena weón Nick! I still prefer Deolofeu, but fair points. 🙂
*Barkley 😉
Decent option too, just not sure about an Everton double up. They are so inconsistent and Lukaku clearly seems the better option of the two at the moment
Perhaps, but it isn't so black & white mate 😉 Deulofeu's had 58% goal involvement when he's started, & them being inconsistent is an old notion imo. They have great fixtures, their attack's in good form & Baines is back soon to boost their attack further.
At 6.2m, I can't fault him tbh.Yeah all good points. I think I was saying this the other day though, gametime seems to be a bit of an issue for him, if he does start he usually gets taken off early and due to the large number of wide players at Everton a few bad performances and his place is in doubt.
It also seems he has outperformed relative to his statsBut that's assuming he puts in those bad performances, he's been playing great recently & that's spot as good as his the way Martinez lauded him the other day.
His stats aren't great, no, but his crosses have been quality as is his delivery overall. Class player, whipping crosses in to an in-form Lukaku. I think he'll continue reeling in a healthy score.Fair enough. I haven't really seen him yet so I can't say that his delivery hasn't been good.
I guess we'll find out in due course!For sure Nick, Bolasie has way better underlying stats fwiw. Though I feel more confident chancing on a playmaker from a better attack imo.
Planning onngetting him in on the WC Gw14/15 🙂Sounds like a plan. I might join you with Deulofeu if the Bolasie project goes tits up 😉
Sounds good weón 🙂
I saw somewhere on here that he has created very few chances this season. All the ones he has created have pretty much turned into goals. Also Osman/Mirallas are lurking. And I was all set on Deu earlier this week 🙁
It's true tbf, but he passes the eyeball test for me so I'll make an exception for him.
I won't be surprised to see 'sell Bolasie' in two GWs later after he registered a blank. Typical mentality for Pelle and Mane owners as well.
The main point is, if for those who want to own Bolasie, you have to keep faith in him even if he blanks. That goes the same for any player too.Yeah I see your point. But the next two good hardly be better fixtures
Oh, my comment is not directed at you but to everyone. If you intend to keep Bolasie and rotate with Mahrez, I think this could be a viable option.
Key point: Palace isn't a big scoring team, but punting on Bolasie ain't harmful. If Wickham is back, he could steal the points, or perhaps Cabaye, Puncheon, Zaha, or even Dann.Nah I catch your drift. I will be playing Bolasie and Mahrez every week though 🙂
Good luck! 😀
Cheers buddy 🙂
MNF as well next week. Makes him slightly more appealing 😉
Aye!
What about Puncheon ?
He is 0.3 cheaper, has only made 2 assists only so far while he registered 6 goals, 7 assists last term and nailed, but so is Bolasie, anyways.Puncheon lost the set pieces because of Cabaye's arrival. He's dead in FPL term.
On board. I like what I read
Is Darmian nailed now?
no
On Sanchez..
I can understand Arsene giving him a rest soon, but it makes no sense whatsoever for it to come next weekend vs WBA.
City missed an opportunity to go 2 clear with their squandered sitters vs Villa when Arsenal ended up drawing in the derby. I can't imagine Arsene will squander that same chance next weekend when City have an arguably similar task in Liverpool, especially since City play AFTER Arsenal and Arsene won't know before kick-off what result is enough to keep in stride...layer in the injuries that Arsenal have to Ox, Walcott, Ramsey and Wilshere and it's almost assured that, provided Sanchez escapes internationals unscathed, that he will start vs WBA.
Ox seems ok for next game though
would be their first game back from injury though following a decent lay-off, I can see them getting minutes but not enough of a reason to reason your best player (one of if you rate Ozil above)
rest*
I totally agree. I definitely can't see Arsene resting Alexis for this game.
very good point
Also Ox and Ramsey are just coming back from injury , I doubt he will rest Sanchez to play any of them
Yep, and also, who does he play there? I'm not sure they have any options unless one of Walcott, Ox, Ramsey are coming back from injury?
and even if they are back (seems Ox and Ramsey might be), would be their first game back from following a decent lay-off, I can see them getting minutes but not enough of a reason to rest your best player (or one of if you rate Ozil above)
Yeah, I 100% agree with you.
Whatever it is, selling Alexis could bite you in the arse… especially with Arsenal are trying to take that #1 spot away from City; as well as, their fixtures 😮
Myhill
Darmian Alderweireld Bertrand Evans Kolorov
Sanchez Barkley Mahrez KDB Payet*
Pelle Vardy Kane
0.2itb 1ft
My best option is to do Payet > cheap 5th to fund Aguero?If funds are the main concern then yes. If you have some room to move then I'd keep an eye on Aguero for the first GW or 2. Just my thoughts.
I waiting a week or two, but just want to keep my options open.
Don't emergently need to have Kun right out of the chutes, so go ahead with Payet to cheap (probably should have before he dropped price) and then give it another week before getting Kun. Which forward are you going to sacrifice? Will you even be able to make enought money with just a Payet sale to do it?
Not quite enough money, but waiting a week or two. I will look to downgrade one of defense in a GW to get extra funds for him. I just want to make sure I have funds free if needed.
It's a very awkward situation to be in tbh, I see how getting Agüero makes sense considering if you were to only sell Payet this week it'd just be for a fodder milf. Pretty boring move in senseless. That said I'd definitely sell Payet tbh, & I agree with DesertBug that Agüero may be worth waiting on for a week until he's deemed fit to start. No need for a hit tbh.
Decided to downgrade Payet to free up some funds, but wait a week or two to monitor Kun.
That defense is a bit too pricey, me thinks. Downgrading Payet and Darmian might get you the Kun funds you need.
Yeah have a lot of money in that defense, downgraded Payet and holding Darmian this week but downgrade him and/or Kolorov for Aguero.
Michael Owen 😀 🙂 😆 😆 😀 😀 😀 🙂 🙂 🙂
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JA6cxz-n4C4😆
Chadli not too far off returning now; could be interesting
Son and Lamela have been playing very well...cant see Chadli back in the line up personally
suddenly spurs have an abundance of options...
dark horses me thinksfor the title that is! I shall bookmark this 😉
Kelly nailed on?
need cheap defender to get KunIf you haven't already you should read the article!
unfortunately the article only for member
Ward is waiting for a game.
but Ward benched in last game
Which option lads?
A) Get a 4.5 mid, Play Ighalo at home to United. Pelle ----> Aguero next GW
B) Get Bolasie/Barkley/Deulofeu, play them over Ighalo but lose out on a FT. (Would need to make another downgrade somewhere else to do Pelle ----> Aguero)
Currently have 2 FT's.A looks good to me
B with Bolasie for me...
A
A. Definitely A.
Pffft...sleepless night...
Yep
What's wrong che Alfredo?
Dunno...stuff whizzing around my head.
When I have that (which is frequent) I try to fill my head with white noise to stop me thinking about all of the things bothering me.
Cheese whiz?
Try reading a book, does wonders for me when I can't fall asleep 🙂Yes that definitely helps as you are thinking about something else. But if you have a wife lying beside you that can be obtrusive for her.
Ah true, I'd go with your idea then. Many good apps out there where you can listen to calming noises to put you to sleep (rainforest, waves, etc).
Thinking about budget replacements for Payet can be quite tedious. Try that!
Just pick Gosling/Surman 😉
I am not going to bore you with solutions....I have tried 'em all.....just go back to bed and try to get 2-3 ours of sleep
*hours
You are around 40 points off the leader in your ML, at what gameweek would you tell yourself you have no chance now?
GW 38....40 points is nothing at this stage...
Probably within the last two gameweeks, assuming neither of them is a DGW. 40 points is nothing at this stage
way way way way way down the road
Am I set for next GW?
Hennessey
Kolarov l Bertrand l Souare
Sanchez l KDB l Tadic l Marhez
Vardy l Kane l Lukaku
Bench: Butland l Dawson l Moreno l GoslingYup.
Not too sure if it is right to play both Hennessey and Souare...
Don't have much of an alternative though. I think Southampton will score against Stoke.
Yes that's what I think so. It could be jackpot if they keep a CS 🙂
oh aye....What's your Aguero plan?..or are you not?
I have money in the bank to do Kane --> Kun. If I want to keep Kane, i'll have to downgrade KDB
I wouldn't sell Kane...
Yeah I know, but can't have them all. I will see in 2 GWs how it goes.
Aguero does my head in sometimes...We'll all be off onto the look a likee train again.
I definitely wouldn't sell our Lord Kane imo http://cdn.meme.am/instances2/500x/2867117.jpg
You're g2g imo, I think the route to Ägüero may be easier by selling Kolarov or KdB/Sánchez imo.Now I feel stupid 🙁
http://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/comment/11833040
GTG ...who are captaining?
Starting to look like a creep with this mustache growing out...
DZ has been poor this fine day.....maybe because we have not been able to see one of Zasa's gifs 😉
(I just want to see a Zasa gif)
Everybody just conserving energy.
No action.
No deadlines.Problem solved 😉
http://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/comment/11833041
Good one Jape 😀
I stupidly fell for clicking on your comments 🙁
?
The one posted above to Desert Elephant Bug and the one on the last post to Zasa, When I click the link it takes me to the same comment lol
I think my gifs only deter from the DZ experience.
Zasa's gifs are a trademark of DZ 🙂
...must.resist.temptation......must.not.gif.
I am quite busy at work. So sorry for minimal posting. I did have a challenge planned but I will do it another night
Aye mate
FWIW , DZ is the best! And I just wanted one last Zasa gif before I go back to workI got a box of stuff from my folks house and I came accross an official guide to an international tournament. i was going to take a series of bits from it and see if people can guess the tournament. Another night will have to do
Next Monday would be apt.....The International Break would really start to wear on us by then
I will be on a mini holiday from work next week so non drop zone. I might do it on Saturday night.
@Eden
Keen for your grav change mate?Not at all.....would you be interested in a double or nothing?
Double - I change my display nameMaybe, what's the bet this time?
Belgium vs Chile side bet?
What say?Hmm, as in whoever goes furthest in the tournament?
OK....but the bet will be finalized after we know the s=exact rules of the competions , seems fair?
Okay sounds good. For now though, the current bet holds until we find out more info 🙂
Remember the grav change is FIFFSA related
the name change you mean?
Was it grav or name for Lingard?
Grav
And what is the duration that I have to keep my grav changed? 1 week? 2 or 3? We never decided it
1 week is fine 🙂
Ill-advised move. I've just gone Bony (before his price drops) to Aguero for a hit just so I have enough money next GW to go Moreno to Mertesacker. Comments.
Too late now. Friday weeks pressers will tell more.
No point in kicking 'em while they're down is my view 😉 I would definitely not sell Moreno tbh. Great defensive fixtures after the ManCity game & he's extremely attacking. Sakho may be a big blow to the defense, but I think with (SWA, new, WBA, wat, LEI, sun, whm,) there's reason to be optimistic.
Don't sell Moreno imo, surely you have more expendable defenders, no?Luckily I took a breath before actually confirming those transfers 😉 thanks
Aha, good luck then 😉
Am I GTG??
DDG
Alderweirld / Williams / VVD
Ayew / Wijnaldum / Sanchez / KDB / Bolaise
Vardy / Lukaku
McCarthy / Pelle / Moreno / Browning
2.0 ITB
I already transferred in Payet to Bolaise
Should I transfer in Kane for Pelle (-4 hit) or leave as is?
If Kane comes in who do I bench??Don't all comment at the same time!!!
It's the quietest time on the forum...
Keep Pelle for this week, then get Kun or Kane in
I'd hold fine with that Pelle transfer for now imo, reassess your forward slots next GW with Agüero in the mix. Solid midfield there for sure, I'd be keen on playing all of them tbh.
G2g. Solid team, Browning's a slight worry, but he's bench fodder so a minimal concern for now.Leave it. Pelle isn't that bad this week hopefully
Leave. Once Kun return, Sanchez to cheapie and Pelle to Kun will do the trick.
Morning/afternoon/evening DZ, how's the craic?
Craic is delicious today, just makin' a https://media.giphy.com/media/sUFNBs65WVF6M/giphy.gif
😆 We're talking about two very different types of craic here
*snifs heavily*
*itches nose profusely*
So you're telling me this whole time people were just asking for gossip? & not for some crack? Well https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOU7MdkwyOk
That is tasty alright 😉
Chile
I'm only smoking it
Kolorov + Payet to Ozil + Dann for exact $ and a -4? (Have Sanchez)
Then KDB + Costa to Yaya + Kun -4 next week?
... should've held onto the kun cashWhat about just Payet to Özil this week, & Costa & Kolarov out next week?
Can't afford it no cash itb, Payet selling at 8 🙁
What's the rest of the team?
Why not drop Sanchez instead of KDB, no cash issues in that case
He's one of those we don't know is out next match. Most of us have more clear NON starters than Vardy at the moment
Morning DZ,
How come there's no 'panic' re the Vardy injury? Even the casuals aren't selling him after his flag.. are we assuming he's gonna be fit for their next EPL game?Because I dont have him 😛
Most are probably waiting for pressersNight Zophar,
I'm not sure anything's confirmed it's too serious.nite zasa,good result vs columbia
Cheers! 🙂 Tough match, but we squeaked by in the end.
Thoughts on my team?
What to do with this shite?
Begovic / McCarthy
Kolarov / Bellerin / Rojo / Francis / Huth
Sanchez / Sterling / Yaya / Mane / Sako
Pelle / Vardy / Ighalo
1 FT , 3.1m ITBWC?
What! Is it that bad?
Begovic, McCarthy, Francis, Huth, Sanchez, Sterling, Sako. Need some serious work for sure. Save FT this week.
Remember, you have to use WC soon anyway.Sanchez and Sterling are fine IMO...rest are fodder atm
If Bellerin is out then Huth -> Dann. I'd be tempted with Yaya -> Ozil also.
Thanks!
Pelle -> Kane/Lukaku
Hmm...maybe
I was thinking this .....save this week ,
Kolarov + Sako + Pelle > Moreno + 4.5+ AgueroFair enough, can I just say, your midfield is really expensive.
I love a pricey midfield personally but a Yaya/Sterling downgrade is on the cards
We have Begovic issues. Varying reports on his return - most sites are speculating the UCL tie with Porto on Dec 9, so that gives us another 2-3 GW to get rid tops, so that has to be on your radar
Also with Kun back yaya goes off pens so I think this week do Yaya to Ozil.. then the week after you can do begovic to hennessey and use the cash to upgrade pelle to kunThanks!
I'd hold a steady ship there unless Bellerin's confirmed out, then I'd take out Huth imo. Depending on the Agüero situation, I think 2 FT's may be better used to get Agüero in with ease for Gw14 (assuming he starts). Other move could be YYT to Özil, unless you're planning on taking out Kolarov & going triple ManCity attack.
I was planning the latter as I want Walcott instead of Ozil
I see, I'm assuming Sako goes next week?
I was thinking
Sako + Kolarov + Pelle > 4.5 + Moreno + Kun?Yeah, I'd do that, Pellè, Sako, Kolarov & YYT (Begovic soon) all weak points there.
Thanks!
When Walcott is back ,
YYT/Sterling > Walcott depennding on form
Save FT, bench Ighalo.
Play Sako?
Yes next two fixtures are juicy for CPL
But he is not nailed.....might take a risk
Thanks!Yes but even if he gets 60 mins or so, better than Ighalo vs. Utd
Sterling to Ozil or save FT and look for getting Aguero for Pelle next week
Can you help with my query below?
Morning DZ, best option here?
A) KDB & Bony -> Bolasie/Deulofeu & Kun
B) KDB & Bony -> Ozil & Kane
C) Kolarov & Bony -> Dann & Kane
DDG
Kolarov, VDV, Bellerin
Sanchez, KDB, Mane, Mahrez
Lukaku, Pelle, Bony
Hennessey, Moreno, Simpson, Surman
Bank 0.5m, 2FTC
Bony clearly needs to go, and I think you need Ozil. So B easily. You can find the kun cash somewhere im sure. Even then Kane is a solid pick for the next 4
B imo
C looks more long term as 1 less headache of rotation risk...
B good in short term
Can you help with my query below?
Argh. Now I want some crack!
Will Kun play on the 21st?
Wait for pressers
what to do with this team anyy suggestions?
Butland/McCarthy
Kompany/Targett/Francis/Dier/Bertrand
kdb/sanchez/cabaye/mahrez/eriksen
lukaku/pelle/vardyLooks good, save FT.
Great..Save FT
Can you help with my query below?Save, imo. Solid team & reassess your way to Agüero next week.
Current front 8
Sanchez Mahrez Mane Ozil Surman
Pelle Vardy Lukaku
2FTs
Worth doing
1)KDB + Payet--> Ozil + 4.3mn Gives extra cash to upgrade Mane--> Erisksen/Coutinho in future alongwith Kun
2) Payet-->4.3mn this week and Mane+ Pelle--> Cabaye + Aguero next weekSo basically would you rather have
Ozil + Mane
oR
KDB + CabayeCabaye looks good for next two weeks. Long-term I would have Ozil and Mane.
Ozil ad Mane
i think arsenal next 4 gameweeks are great keep both sanchez and ozil but if you are thinking of bringing aguero than you should transfer ozil/sanchez(do it at your own risk 😀 no one knows whichh one will fire amoung these two but keeping in mind form of these two sanchez is the one who should be sacked ) and pelle .
so you could do
Sanchez/ozil+pelle -> cabaye(Bolasie) + agueroIt wont give me enough cash for Cabaye unless I remove Sanchie
remove mane for this gameweek (because of his injury) - > cabaye
then you can do ozil + pelle -> aguero + some cheap mid
Sadio Mane injury hyperlink on home page also says Souare injured.
http://africanfootball.com/news/584661/Senegal-star-Mane-a-doubt-for-Madagascar
Mods aware of it or inaccurate info here?Good spot La Roja
They 'injured' for friendlies as they can rest a little during the break
The international breaks are always woeful.
God dammit Mané, each freakin break.
Thanks, La Roja.Got him too, infact ;
Mane
Souare
Bellerin
Vardinho
GulpOh that sucks 🙁 I'm sure it's 50/50's there, nothing has sounded too serious yet.
Has Sanchez still got his head on?
He was awful
Simply because lad is shattered
I expect him to be rested vs West BronHe rojo who you think will be better bet for next week especially?
KDB vs Liv or Ozil vs wbaHey Rojo* 😉
Oh well. Maybe he won't play in next int. game.
Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic may sign pre-contract with Inter Milan in January transfer window admits his agent.
Branislav Ivanovic could be tempted to sign a pre-contract with Inter Milan in the January transfer window.
The Chelsea defender, 31, has yet to sign a new deal at Stamford Bridge with his contract expiring next summer. His poor form so far this season has made his chances of remaining at the club even more unlikely despite the fact that he has given great service during his eight-year stay.
Inter are monitoring the situation with a view to offering Ivanovic a pre-contract in January. Although the Serbian's agent, Zoran Krneta, remains confident of a new deal, he admitted the right-back could be lured away. - [Mirror]

