Fixtures

2016/17 Fixture Analysis – A Guide to Rotation

With just over five weeks remaining until the 2016/17 Premier League season kicks off, we’re stepping up our preparations ahead of the new domestic campaign.

First up, our coverage gets underway by looking at the basic principles involved in fixture rotation. In particular, we assess those sides that are likely to supply us with budget-friendly options for our 15-man squads before delving into last year’s data for examples.

The Concept

Essentially, the concept of fixture rotation only applies to squad-based Fantasy games and is utilised best with keepers and defenders. The idea is to simply find a couple of budget players whose home and away matches dovetail perfectly, allowing us to select the home option each time and bench the other player. Our rotation policies normally have us seeking out cut-price pairings – mainly because most will baulk at the idea of benching an asset in or above the mid-price value bracket.

Those playing games limited to just a starting XI or a smaller squad, such as Sky Sports or DraftKings, won’t need to worry about such strategies. But for Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers, rotation can be a significant element of our preparation and provide one of the keys to success. Shuffling resources at the back and selecting cut-price regulars with guaranteed pitch time allows us to free up funds for heavy investment further up the field.

Last term, Swansea offered a fine example of the benefits of a rotation pairing, with eight of their nine clean sheets arriving at the Liberty. The Welsh outfit conceded just 20 times in front of their own fans – only five teams shipped fewer home goals – though on the road it was a different story altogether. Swansea mustered just a single shut-out away from home (the joint-worst record along with relegated Norwich) and were breached 32 times – only the bottom four and Bournemouth were more porous.

On the other hand, Everton and West Brom bucked the trend. The Toffees managed just three of their ten clean sheets at Goodison, whilst the Baggies were surprisingly less resilient than many expected from a Tony Pulis team at home, with just five of their 11 shut-outs harvested at the Hawthorns.

Those statistics highlight some of the frustration involved in sticking rigidly to home and away rotation. While we endeavour to find budget options with friendly home fixtures, it is worth remembering that some sides fare better defensively away from home, particularly those who like to get men behind the ball and counter-attack – a tactic that could be more prominent in the forthcoming campaign.

Indeed, the defensive data reveals a definite trend developed last term. In 2014/15, as many as 17 teams conceded more goals away than at home but in 2015/16, just 12 sides were more porous on the road.

Somewhat surprisingly, this affected five of the top ten – champions Leicester conceded 18 times home and away, whilst Man City (21 home goals against to 20 away), West Ham (26 to 25), Southampton (22 to 19) and Chelsea (30 to 23) were also more culpable in front of their own supporters.

This pattern occurred less often in the bottom half of the table, with Everton (30 home goals against to 25 away), West Brom (26 to 22) and Bournemouth (34 to 33) the three teams in question.

Despite this recent pattern, then, it seems that the budget teams are still more likely to be relied upon in front of their own fans, suggesting that backing home defences will remain the default stance. Developing on from that, though, assessing the fixture difficulty of our pairings in any given Gameweek is likely to make our rotation pairings more robust.

Home and Away Rotation

The most obvious rotation pairings are created as a result of geographical proximity and the need to spread police resourcing.

Arsenal/Tottenham, Everton/Liverpool and Man United/Man City are examples of neighbours who rotate perfectly home and away over any given season, though the relegation of Newcastle and Aston Villa means that traditional rotation pairs of Villa/West Brom and Newcastle/Sunderland are no longer in play this year.

The other pairings – as mentioned in a hot topic by Balders – are sometimes less obvious. We’ve listed these and this season’s “couples”, in the table below:

Team 1Team 2
ArsenalTottenham
BournemouthWatford
BurnleyWest Brom
ChelseaSunderland
Crystal PalaceSwansea
EvertonLiverpool
HullStoke
LeicesterMiddlesbrough
LiverpoolEverton
Manchester CityManchester United
Manchester UnitedManchester City
MiddlesbroughLeicester
SouthamptonWest Ham
StokeHull
SunderlandChelsea
SwanseaCrystal Palace
TottenhamArsenal
WatfordBournemouth
West BromBurnley
West HamSouthampton

These relationships can provide the foundation for any rotation strategy, although, as we’ve mentioned, it pays to look beyond the simple concept of home and away rotation and start considering fixture difficulty to see whether even stronger rotation pairings begin to present themselves.

Start With the Stoppers

The goalkeepers are the obvious starting point for Fantasy managers considering rotation. This is mainly due to the fact that many tend to overlook the option of the expensive “one-stop shop” option in goal, seeking out mid-price and budget solutions that can work in tandem.

The FPL scoring system fuels this tactic. While clean sheets are the bread and butter of goalkeepers in most Fantasy games, the FPL’s decision to award an extra point for every three saves is crucial to our thinking when assessing our preferred stoppers. Watford number one Heurelho Gomes, for example, earned a total of 30 extra points from saves alone (outwith penalty stops) and delivered at least one save point on 27 occasions last term.

Assured pitch time is another factor that promotes the use of rotation options in goal: barring unfortunate injuries, there is every chance of forming a rotation pairing that can see us through a long period of the season; that’s not necessarily true elsewhere in our squads.

Immediately, FPL managers will be considering a budget rotation pairing that could exploit the Hull/Middlesbrough home and away relationship listed in our table above. Both teams should offer up 4.5 first choice options and both will surely guarantee ample save point returns to compensate for the perceived lack of clean sheets.

While we’ve talked up the strategy of rotating keepers, it’s worth noting that there is an alternative approach that has proved fruitful in recent seasons: the option of selecting a single team and backing both first choice and reserve stoppers.

This can work when either injury or lack of form plays a part in the respective team’s number one. Last season, for example, West Brom deputy Boaz Myhill started the season before Ben Foster recovered from injury, whilst Sunderland’s Costel Pantilimon began as first-choice before making way for Vito Mannone between the posts.

The Case for the Defence

Whether it’s a change of manager, a late move in the transfer window, an unfortunate injury to a first-team rival or a shift in the pecking order, there are nearly always one or two budget defensive options that take us by surprise and emerge as favourites to disrupt our starting squads.

Leicester’s entire defence are a perfect case in point under Claudio Ranieri. Three of the Italian’s first-choice back-four – Danny Simpson, Robert Huth and Wes Morgan – began last season in the budget bracket, with Simpson the cheapest of the lot at 4.0. Along with Christian Fuchs – who opened the season at 5.0 – that quartet were top for value amongst defenders in FPL.

Toby Alderweireld started the season at just 5.0 after moving to Spurs but, thanks to four goals and three assists, the Belgian rose as high as 6.5 in price after establishing himself as a mainstay in Mauricio Pochettino’s back-four. Keeping an eye on Tottenham’s defence could again be a worthwhile tactic at the beginning of the season – if Jan Vertonghen is ruled out for the first few matches due to his ankle ligament injury, Kevin Wimmer could prove a handy temporary replacement.

Before deciding on goalkeeper pairings, it is vital to also consider what’s on offer from their respective defences. While you may decide that budget and mid-price keepers is the way to go, there may be defensive options in those defences that have stronger appeal, offering a semblance of attacking threat for a similar price point.

For example, although Mannone will clearly be one to watch after earning 19 save points in as many matches for Sunderland, Patrick van Aanholt could be the one to pinpoint from the Wearsiders’ defensive regulars. From the point of Sam Allardyce’s arrival last year, the Dutchman racked up six goals, four assists, 11 bonus points and six clean sheets in 25 appearances – that’s 4.6 points per game under the new manager.

In many ways, it’s best to settle on your defensive selections first: find those who can fit a rotation strategy who may also offer up the potential of attacking returns. At that point, revisit the goalkeeping spots and scan the coverage options that remain.

Using the Fixture Ticker

To construct truly robust rotation pairings, though, we must strive to look beyond simple home and away rotation and delve into the midst of fixture difficulty.

As mentioned late last month, we’ve added a new feature for Members to our Fixture Ticker that should aid your quest.

By selecting any team on the and hitting “Sort by Rotation”, the ticker now ranks those teams most appropriate for rotation with the highlighted team over the Gameweek range you choose to display. You can apply this using both the attacking and defence filters to analyse rotation pairings in attack and defence. Be sure to check out this chapter of our recent preview movie to see the rotation feature in action.

The first five fixtures for all clubs are listed in the sidebar, though members can expand or restrict this by using the plus or minus buttons at the bottom right of the ticker. They can also view this in accordance with each team’s overall potential as well as by clean sheet and attacking prospects, sorting by difficulty as they go along.

In terms of defence, you can immediately see that Championship winners Burnley dovetail best with West Ham over the first eight Gameweeks, giving you seven very favourable fixtures (SWA, BOU, HUL, wba, WAT, MID, cpl). Elsewhere, a Crystal Palace/West Ham partnership over the opening nine Gameweeks (WBA, BOU, BOU, WAT, STO, SOT, MID, cpl, SUN) would hand you eight favourable home matches and a trip to Palace.

These are just a couple of very brief examples – over the next few weeks we’re going to present our guides to some of the strongest rotation pairings on offer, discussing the potential assets available when considering the keeper slots, defensive set-up and options in the final third.

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988 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Bøwstring The Carp
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Deadzone is great for topics of conversation that you wouldn't normally have when the league resumes.

    Just so few around at these times 😡

    1. Cheeseoid
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Yes, when else can you talk about the local wildlife

      1. Bøwstring The Carp
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Would've given a lot to see a partridge and a weasel today

        Went out with the camera today. The deer were nowhere to be found, had to settle for a butterfly and a ladybug .... nearly snapped a heron with a fish in his mouth but he flew off 😡

        1. Cheeseoid
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          Where were you.

          Both my sightings vanished before I could get my camera.

          The partridge was in my garden. We normally only get a pheasant

          1. Old Man
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            7 years, 8 months ago

            Must be nice and rural where you are, like us. We have seen 52 different species of birds in our garden over the past 34 years, with at least a dozen more overhead.

    2. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      I will have to put a stop to that 🙂 . I am watching Chuck on Netflix at the min . Seen it ?

    3. The Nuttman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Ahoy hoy 🙂

    4. Zasa
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Most of the regular DZers from past seasons are barely post now 🙁

  2. Every Dog Has Its Day
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Off to Cuba now lads, take care!

    1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Enjoy 🙂 and rate my team before you leave 😉

      1. Every Dog Has Its Day
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        All done. 😉

    2. Cheeseoid
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Can you get me the latest Gloria Estefan LP please

      1. Wild Rover
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        It's a dive bar in Grimsby 😉

      2. Every Dog Has Its Day
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        No idea what that is... 😆

    3. The Nuttman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Have a lovely time 🙂

      1. Every Dog Has Its Day
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Thank you, I just don't like planes 🙁

        1. The Nuttman
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          The likelihood of anything happens is so low, more people are killed putting on jeans than in a flight.

          1. ★Kuntheman★
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 8 months ago

            Interested to know how they manage to that

        2. JÆKS ⭐
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          Was watching air crash investigation earlier today.....

          Haha no you'll be fine, have fun there!

    4. Zasa
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Have fun, man. Make sure to try some good boliche!

    5. Ayew Serious
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Find a woman and have filthy intercourse

      Ly

      1. Cheeseoid
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Yes. If it is clean you are doing it wrong

        1. Ayew Serious
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          Exactly

  3. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    It seems to be quiet so thoughts ?
    Neuer , Adam West
    Cedric , Fonte , Hector , Rami
    Kroos, Ozil , Sanches , Pogba , Payet
    Muller , Ronaldo , Bale
    Should I bring in another defender for a - 4 ? Juanfran isn't going to play again . I have 6.3 itb

    1. Dr Dream
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      I would for certain. This game to me is all about having players on the pitch when I watch a match...for good or bad. I don't give a monkey's about the (-4)

      1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        It's a shame all of the good attacking full backs are out of the tournament . I will probably go with Boateng he seems to like a shot so at least it will be entertaining if he concedes . Thanks Wakey

    2. Every Dog Has Its Day
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      I thin you should sell Müller, other than that it looks very nice! Take a hit and replace Juanfran. 🙂

      1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        I honestly did not think you would reply 🙂 I was messing . I don't think selling Muller is worth a - 4 . Cheers 🙂

    3. JÆKS ⭐
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Depends? Playing in any ML?

      1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Nope

        1. JÆKS ⭐
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          THen I'd take the -4 😀

  4. Cheeseoid
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    I heard that there were only going to be 500,000 people allowed into FPL this year as that is all the licences for the app they had.

    1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Source : Optimus

      1. The Nuttman
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Prime?

        1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          Ah 🙂 how's the craic ? . Where have you been all summer ?

          1. The Nuttman
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            7 years, 8 months ago

            Average, been busy sorting out housing as previous rented place was going to be student accommodation. All is sorted now thankfully.

            How's you?

            1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
              • 13 Years
              7 years, 8 months ago

              Grand bored trying to do decently at fantasy Euro's 🙂

              1. The Nuttman
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 12 Years
                7 years, 8 months ago

                Ready then for the next fpl season.

  5. Parm
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    I wrote a bitesize article analysing Simon Francis' 2014/15 season to get you excited for next season: https://afantasyfootballlife.wordpress.com/2016/07/04/under-the-microscope-simon-francis/

    1. Bøwstring The Carp
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Wilson is also in my thinking for Bournemouth

      Could be this years cheapie. Francis definitely on the list for me

      1. Parm
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        I think Bournemouth are a lot better than what we saw last season, injuries and inconsistency scuppered them.

    2. Fais
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Nice article, the Bournemouth forums seem pretty confident Francis will be the CB this season unfortunately though...

  6. JÆKS ⭐
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    If you could only have 1:

    A) Pogba (Have Payet + Griezman)
    B) Götze (Have Ozil + Draxler)
    C) Guerreiro (Have Fonte)

    1. Bøwstring The Carp
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Not C

      Close between A and B; if Gotze starts I see him doing better than Pogba. 😕

      1. JÆKS ⭐
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Leaning towards him myself, could be a nice differential, but it's the 2nd game so we won't know this for sure ....

      2. JÆKS ⭐
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Seen these predicted line-up though

        Germany starting XI: Neuer, Kimmich, Boateng, Howedes, Hector, Can, Kroos, Draxler, Ozil, Gotze, Muller

        France starting XI: Lloris, Sagna, Rami, Koscielny, Evra, Matuidi, Kante, Pogba, Griezmann, Giroud, Payet

        1. Klopp's Kids
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          That Germany one looks decent. Could definitely be worth the punt!

    2. Klopp's Kids
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      A

      Gotze might not start?

  7. Dr Dream
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Noticing a distinct lack of Le Donkey in some of the teams posted today. Surely he's the diff for this week as the game loads up with Greasyman.

    1. Dr Dream
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      One game less for Giroud so really not much between them... http://members.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/my-stats-tables/view/14624/

      1. Klopp's Kids
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Got the donkey myself. I like his price and goal threat. No pens on him unfortunately 🙁

    2. juggos
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      I got both and it served me well last match. Hoping to get something out of both again but got double Germany defence as well

  8. Thomass
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Hello

    1. Klopp's Kids
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      It's me...

  9. Klopp's Kids
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Finding it very difficult to find a defender balance. Right now have:

    Rui Patricio
    Chester Pepe Guerreiro (if he starts)

    Lloris, Boateng, Hector

    Do you agree with this selection?

    1. JÆKS ⭐
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      That's the template defence I think: double Portugal and Germany, 1 France, 1 Wales (and most another France defender)

      1. Klopp's Kids
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Nice. Reason I'm not going for double France is because they haven't done well defensively so far. Koscielny/Rami provide a great attacking threat though.

  10. Zasa
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Another cracking from the legend, quality article as always. Cheers, Paul.

    https://media2.giphy.com/media/GA2FNpP1kAQNi/200.gif

  11. Cheeseoid
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Crispy duck in pancakes.

    That sounds nice I think I might make that next time I am off.

    1. Jay_
        7 years, 8 months ago

        My absolute favourite. Hoisin sauce is a must though.

    2. Klopp's Kids
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      My provisional team. Using all 6 transfers.

      Rui Patricio
      Hector, Boateng, Pepe, Guerierro (if he starts), Chester
      Ozil, Kroos, Renato Sanches
      Bale, Giroud, Ronaldo (C)

      Lloris, Payet, Giroud, Pogba

    3. Leaf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Gotze (c) the last hope

      1. Thomass
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        I've gone for Gareth!

    4. Thomass
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      So glad I didn't need to take a hit to do my SF team....!!

    5. RealSocialDads
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Worth a 4 point hit to bring Ronaldo in for Muller?

    6. Ayew Serious
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Benteke at Crystal Palace is an extremely exciting prospect.

      Crystal Palace crossed the ball more than any other Premier league team last season.

      1. Ayew Serious
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Also 2nd for Long balls.
        Play style really does suit Big Ben

        1. Zasa
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          Nice find, Ayew! Definitely a good prospect of he's the right price. Palace have had the tools to be an above-average high scoring team for a while now, their wingers & wing-backs all have good a cross in them, are pacey & some are god creators.

          Benteke's just the man to make the most of a target-man centric ball-delivering side.

          1. Ayew Serious
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 8 months ago

            Very true

            Although Townsend could hurt those prospects turning many of those crosses into shots.

            1. Zasa
              • 9 Years
              7 years, 8 months ago

              Oooft, forgot about Townsend. Not ideal that, guess we'll have to find out if he's changed his play at all.

              Wonder what Walsh's though on are these signings

              1. Ayew Serious
                • 8 Years
                7 years, 8 months ago

                Me too. Would love his input

                Well Mandanda and Tomkins(not signed yet) can only be helpful. Both will improve defence, however attacking transfers are always much more debatable.

                Bolasie on his way out probably will hurt.

                1. Zasa
                  • 9 Years
                  7 years, 8 months ago

                  Yup, those too. Very interesting team on both ends that hopefully the casuals will look past in the beginning. I have faith in Benteke, has the tools to shine under this Pardew attacking mentality.

                  1. Ayew Serious
                    • 8 Years
                    7 years, 8 months ago

                    His potential depends whether Pardew will pick midfielders who will create chances for Tekkers (Puncheon, Zaha) or selfish ones who could be good options themselves (Townsend, Sako).

                    Guess we may wait for pre-season

          2. Zasa
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 8 months ago

            *Good creators, not god, I doubt they'd be able to create Zlatan imo.

      2. Cheeseoid
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        I agree. Benteke was a good option at Villa and he can be a good option again.

        Let's hope he isn't priced too highly

        1. Ayew Serious
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          I'd be willing to pay lots, especially with the fixtures Palace have 7.5 or less and I will jump on board.

          1. ★Kuntheman★
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 8 months ago

            Yeah I'd be willing to load out 7.5 on him

            1. Ayew Serious
              • 8 Years
              7 years, 8 months ago

              8.0 just seems so much more than 7.5.

              1. ★Kuntheman★
                • 8 Years
                7 years, 8 months ago

                Everything in the 7.5 bracket is a bargain. 8.0 is when you start loading out 🙂

      3. ★Kuntheman★
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Amazing starting fixtures too

      4. Cheeseoid
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        How expensive was Palace's most expensive forward option last season?

        1. Ayew Serious
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          Wickham, Ade, Gayle. Don't think any were above 6.0/6.5

          1. Cheeseoid
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            7 years, 8 months ago

            I think Benteke would be worth about a million more than them for potential.

            1. Ayew Serious
              • 8 Years
              7 years, 8 months ago

              7.0 would be beautiful

    7. Gooner97
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      BREAKING. Alan Pardew is having a medical at Crystal Palace after bidding £31.5m for Liverpool's Christian Benteke.

      1. Cheeseoid
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        I am sure I heard this one ealier

        1. Gooner97
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          Repetita iuvat

    8. Test Eagles
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      I mean let's be honest, Euro Fantasy is a little bit boring now isn't it.

      Same 10-15 players for everyone, not a lot of (c) differential.

      Wales CS would be amazing, with a Ledley hat-trick!

      1. NABIL - FPL otai
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Agree with you.

        However, I remember playing mcD fantasy world cup in 2014 intensively since I was in the Dutch team with Saniul, HVT, Pompeyfan, etc. (we went all the way to the final and lost) so there's an incentive for staying long in the game.

        With no tourney like that for us this time, I'd understand the 'boringness'

        1. Cheeseoid
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          There is a tourney like that?

          1. NABIL - FPL otai
            • 11 Years
            7 years, 8 months ago

            It was.. just like the recent Five-a-side tourney, or the hockey-based tourney that was open to us FFS users.

            1. Cheeseoid
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              7 years, 8 months ago

              Well there is a 4 a side tournament being run by Fantasy Football Frog.

              We are well in to it now of course

              1. NABIL - FPL otai
                • 11 Years
                7 years, 8 months ago

                Oh really. I've been out of the loop for some time.

                you doing great Cheesy?

                1. Cheeseoid
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 11 Years
                  7 years, 8 months ago

                  I am doing OK. I am part of the Slovakian team who have got to the semis and am sitting around 500 OR at the moment. Life is good but tonight has been pretty crazy at work tonight. If only people would stop breaking down or injuring themsleves

                  1. NABIL - FPL otai
                    • 11 Years
                    7 years, 8 months ago

                    Nice.. great work Cheesoid. I wish you a victorious end.

                    That breaking down and injuries - is it real-life work related or still fantasy world? A bit confused here 😆

                    1. Cheeseoid
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 11 Years
                      7 years, 8 months ago

                      That is the real world. I manage a haulage company at nights. Lots of vehicles have broken down tonight and a mechanic went out to work on something on site and has injured himself.

                      Thanks. I have a feeling that the semi will be as far as we go but fingers crossed

      2. Zasa
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        I can imagine 😆 At least these last three matches are shaping up to be pretty good! Especially if Wales win, think that'd be the crowning achievement of club or national level in football this year by far.

        1. NABIL - FPL otai
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          Indeed Zasa. Really wish Wales can go all the way.

          And, with all due respect to Ian Rush and Giggsy, it will settle the debate on who's the best Wlesh player of all time.

          1. Ayew Serious
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 8 months ago

            We've all known it's been Joe for a long time now

            1. NABIL - FPL otai
              • 11 Years
              7 years, 8 months ago

              the Welsh Xavi.

            2. Test Eagles
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              7 years, 8 months ago

              Correct 🙂

          2. Zasa
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 8 months ago

            🙂 Even if they lose in the finals I think it'd surpass what Leicester accomplished imo. Though I do wonder if Wales getting to the finals had similar bookies odds to Leicester winning

            Have to agree with you there, Nabil,

            1. NABIL - FPL otai
              • 11 Years
              7 years, 8 months ago

              Leicester so far is the true underdog story, but then they have a big adavantage with the BPL title to focus unlike their rivals. After the March int break, I agree with most pundits that there's no way teams are going to catch the Fox.

              Wales, otoh is a bit different since everyone's fighting on same ground and they've beaten some so-called more talented teams along the way.

    9. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Mata 101.4% to rise on fplstats.

      Has he found a new club?

      1. Ayew Serious
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Is it weird that I also randomly just visited the site.

        Looks like he's on his way to Everton BTW

        1. NABIL - FPL otai
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          99% will be in my team if that happens after the game open.

          Just like 6.0 Spurs' Siggy to Swansea a few years ago.

    10. Bøwstring The Carp
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Wouldn't mind something like this but without prices, etc we don't know much.

      Mandanda (5.0)/ Heaton (4.5)
      Baines (6.0)/ Azpilicueta (6.0)/ Shaw (5.5)/ WBA (5.0)/ BORO (4.5)
      Sanchez (12.0)/ KDB (11.0)/ Payet (9.5)/ Alli (9.0)/ MID (4.5)
      Aguero (13.0)/ Lukaku (10.0)/ Benteke (7.5)

      Sadly by my count this comes to 104m 😆 dream on carp...

      1. Ayew Serious
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Shaw 6
        Sanchez 11
        Payet 10
        Lukaku 9.5

      2. NABIL - FPL otai
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        No Mata 😯

        On a serious note, Alli might be cheaper, there might be cheaper options from MCI (Silva, Raheem, Nolito, etc.).

        and you might not need both Sanchez and Lukaku from ARS 😉

      3. ★Kuntheman★
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        This makes me happy because I would have Ibra instead of Lukaku, Firmino instead of Alli, and a cheap mid (Snodgrass? Townsend?) for Sanchez. Looks realistic.

      4. Rian23
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        a few of those won't make gw1 cos of the summer tournaments

    11. mikess
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      I own Neuer. I'm torn on how to play two transfers. Which combo below gives me the most scope for additional points?

      Transfer out...
      A) Non playing(NP) Keeper and Ramsey
      B) NP Defender and Ramsey
      C) NP Keeper and NP Defender bench Ramsey

      1. Cheeseoid
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Ramsey is suspended. So if I read this right all of these options are for wholly non playing options?

        1. mikess
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          Ramsey has a chance in featuring in the final. The others are eliminated. Eliminated probably a better word than Non playing

      2. 1NVINCIBLES
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Similar thinking below but would invest more in FRA and WAL for worst case scenario.

        I'd prefer Sanches and Ronaldo to Gomes and Nani.

        1. 1NVINCIBLES
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          RF to MRM. Sorry!

          I'd choose B, by the way. 🙂

          1. mikess
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            7 years, 8 months ago

            thanks ha

    12. Mrm9m
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      https://s31.postimg.org/h8qk8cmy3/image.jpg

      Would appreciate your help guys ..
      16 points behind the 1st ..
      8m at the bank ..

      1. mikess
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Bold I wouldn't worry about extra cash. Boateng and Pogba look better options if you wanna splash it. On WC?

        1. Mrm9m
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          Yes my friend, using my WC ..
          So you think Boateng and Pogba will score again ?

          1. mikess
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            7 years, 8 months ago

            Just think they have more threat, stats seem to back it up too.

            Would make this game easy if I was certain they would both score!

      2. 1NVINCIBLES
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Similar thinking below but would invest more in FRA and WAL for worst case scenario.

        I'd prefer Sanches and Ronaldo to Gomes and Nani.

    13. FPL price manipulators are …
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      33 mins left

      1. Mrm9m
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        On what

        1. Grounderz
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          Apparently the 'alleged' launch of the new FPL.

    14. 1NVINCIBLES
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Suppose you're chasing a lot (30 points) and on a wildcard, would you get these players?

      6 x GER
      4 x POR
      3 x FRA
      2 x WAL

      Let's say something along the lines of:

      Neuer Patricio
      Hector Boateng Guerreiro Koscielny Taylor
      Ozil Kroos Draxler Sanches Payet
      Ronaldo Griezmann Bale

      1. mikess
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        I'm not a wc and am going something similar. Worth a risk, go big or go home

        1. 1NVINCIBLES
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          Thanks mate. Let's do this!

      2. EmreCan Hustle
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Yes. That similar to what I have. Very similar.

        1. 1NVINCIBLES
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          Cheers Can. Here's hoping you'll have a solid game alongside Kroos tomorrow. 😀

    15. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Good morning DZ.

      WC active.

      Rui Patricio Neuer
      Hector Howedes Fonte Koscielny Naylor
      Pogba Payet Ozil Draxler Sanches
      Ronaldo Bale Griezmann

      Have I missed anything? Any obvious flaws?

      Thanks.

      1. mikess
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Spot on

        1. EmreCan Hustle
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          Cheers Mikess.

      2. mikess
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Think Boateng offers more attacking threat over Howedes

        1. 1NVINCIBLES
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          Oh, and perhaps Guerreiro over Fonte.

          1. mikess
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            7 years, 8 months ago

            Guerreiro is attacking. Assist potential vs Fonte at corners I guess

      3. 1NVINCIBLES
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Looks good to me, good luck mate.

        1. EmreCan Hustle
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          Cheers. You too 🙂

    16. mikess
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Muller or Bale?

      I know Muller is yet to score but France look weak at the back

      1. 1NVINCIBLES
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Muller for me. Likely to lead the line this time.

        1. mikess
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          Eventually

      2. EmreCan Hustle
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        I think Muller is a big game player. But Bale on set plays is crucial. Had Muller all tournament.

    17. Cheeseoid
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      So I have been taking a look at transfers and seem to have a bit of money left over. Who do you think is the best Portugese midfielder and is Guerreiro fit now?

      1. mikess
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        I'm hanging on with Guerreiro, if he starts he's a shoe in. Midfield has to be Sanches imo. He's got such an engine I doubt he will be sacrificed. The other 3 attacking ones are a bit dodgey

        1. Cheeseoid
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          That was my feeling as well. I am going to end up with quite a bit of money in the bank though

          1. mikess
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            7 years, 8 months ago

            Yeah me too. Will invest next round, might not even have too

            1. Cheeseoid
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              7 years, 8 months ago

              Well one of Bale or Ronaldo will be leaving so that is more free money.

              1. mikess
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 13 Years
                7 years, 8 months ago

                Yep crazy plus French or German cover

            2. mikess
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              7 years, 8 months ago

              I think if say Spain, Belgium or England had got to that side of the draw then the budget would be needed but as things are there is plenty to go around

              1. Cheeseoid
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 11 Years
                7 years, 8 months ago

                That is true I guess. Most Welsh and Portugese players are just so cheap

    18. Zasa
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      It's here!!!!! I can't believe it1

      1. Zasa
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        The pizza, took them like 45 minutes

        1. Cheeseoid
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          LOL!