Team News
13 September 2016 1540 comments
James H James H
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Having assessed the team sheets and tactics from the first 10 sides yesterday, we now turn our attentions to the remaining half for signs of lessons learned.

Everton

Starting XI: Stekelenburg, Coleman, Ashley Williams, Jagielka, Baines, Gueye, Barry, Mirallas, Barkley (Deulofeu 46), Bolasie (Davies 75), Lukaku (Kone 88).

  • Ronald Koeman made one change from the team that beat Stoke 1-0 for the trip to Sunderland, with the fit-again Seamus Coleman coming in for Mason Holgate.
  • Coleman slotted in at right-back for the Toffees, in what was once again a 4-2-3-1 formation used by the Dutch boss.
  • After lacking a cutting edge in the first half, Koeman made a change at the break, with Gerard Deulofeu coming on for Ross Barkley. The Spaniard played on the right wing, with Yannick Bolasie switching over to the opposite flank. Kevin Mirallas slotted into the number ten role. Then, after appearing to suffer from cramp, Bolasie made way for Tom Davies in a straight swap with 15 minutes left on the clock. After scoring an 11-minute hat-trick, Romelu Lukaku was replaced by Arouna Kone with two minutes remaining.
  • With Everton scoring all of their goals following the half-time substitution, Barkley’s starting spot may be in doubt ahead of Saturday’s home clash against Middlesbrough. Deulofeu could come into contention to earn a recall, whilst Aaron Lennon is the other option Koeman could turn to in the attacking midfield areas.

Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Flanks, Attacking Midfield


Middlesbrough

Starting XI: Valdes; Barragan, Ayala, Gibson, Friend; Clayton (De Roon 57), Forshaw; Stuani (Traore 81), Downing, Fischer (Ramirez 57); Negredo.

  • Aitor Karanka made three alterations for the home clash against Crystal Palace, with the fit-again Victor Valdes and George Friend replacing Brad Guzan and Emilio Nsue, while Viktor Fischer was handed his first league start for the club in place of Gaston Ramirez.
  • Fischer was stationed in the number ten role in Karanka’s standard 4-2-3-1 formation. Friend returned in his usual position at left-back, with Antonio Barragan moving to the opposite side of defence, ousting Nsue from the XI.
  • After falling 2-1 behind, Karanka made a double substitution before the hour mark, with Marten de Roon and Ramirez coming on in place of Adam Clayton and Fischer in straight swaps. With nine minutes remaining, Karanka turned to Adama Traore in the hope of finding a late equaliser, with the former Aston Villa man taking over from Cristhian Stuani on the right wing.
  • De Roon returned from injury to get 33 minutes under his belt against Palace, and may be recalled when ‘Boro travel to Everton on Saturday. Adam Forshaw has played well in his absence, though, so he or Clayton could make way for the Dutchman. Ramirez featured for Uruguay over the international break, which explains why he was dropped to the bench – he is expected start at the expense of Fischer at Goodison Park.

Current Status: Fairly Settled
Risk Areas: Central Midfield, Attacking Midfield


Southampton

Starting XI: Forster; Cedric Soares, Fonte, Van Dijk, Bertrand; Romeu, Clasie (Hojbjerg 64), Davis; Tadic (Ward-Prowse 80), Rodriguez (Long 46), Redmond.

  • Southampton manager Claude Puel made three changes for the trip to the Emirates, with the fit-again Ryan Bertrand starting in place of Matt Targett, while Jordy Clasie and Jay Rodriguez replaced Pierre Emile-Hojbjerg and Charlie Austin.
  • Rodriguez started up front as Puel moved to a 4-3-3 formation, while Clasie started next to Steven Davis, with Oriol Romeu once again stationed in front of the back four. Bertrand slotted into his usual position at left-back.
  • Rodriguez’s afternoon was cut short, though, with Puel withdrawing him at half-time, with Shane Long coming on in a straight swap. Hojbjerg then took over from Clasie in central midfield shortly after the hour mark, with Puel’s final change seeing James Ward-Prowse replace Dusan Tadic.
  • Hojbjerg was somewhat surprisingly left out against Arsenal having impressed in his previous two starts, so he may come into contention to return against Swansea on Sunday. Ward-Prowse offers another option in midfield, but he may have to remain patient for a chance to return to the starting XI. Long missed some glorious chances after entering the fray on Saturday, so Austin may have a slightly better chance of earning a recall in place of Rodriguez in attack. Tadic and Redmond should keep their places in the side.

Current Status: Slightly Unsettled
Risk Areas: Central Midfield, Strikers


Stoke

Starting XI: Given; Cameron, Shawcross, Martins Indi, Pieters; Walters, Allen, Whelan (Bojan 67), Imbula (Adam 71), Arnautovic; Bony.

  • Mark Hughes made three changes for the visit of Tottenham to the Bet365 Stadium, with Bruno Martins Indi and Wilfried Bony handed their Stoke debuts in place of Phil Bardsley and Peter Crouch, while Jon Walters came in for the injured Mame Biram Diouf.
  • Martins Indi started alongside Ryan Shawcross at centre-half, with Geoff Cameron moving over to right-back. Walters started on the right of the front three, with Arnautovic on the left and Bony stationed as the lone striker. Joe Allen played as a central attacking midfielder, with Giannelli Imbula in a deeper role alongside Glenn Whelan.
  • With his side trailing 3-0, Hughes brought on Bojan in place of Whelan, with the substitute moving into a number ten role in what was more of a traditional 4-2-3-1, meaning Allen dropped back alongside Imbula at the base of midfield. Imbula himself was replaced four minutes later after Spurs took a 4-0 lead, with Charlie Adam coming on in a straight swap.
  • Following another disappointing performance, Hughes may look to make several changes for Sunday’s trip to Selhurst Park. Glen Johnson has resumed training following a thigh injury, and if he’s passed fit, could replace Cameron at right-back. Cameron and Marc Muniesa offer alternatives in central defence, while both players could also be options to replace Erik Pieters at left-back. The three-man midfield of Whelan, Imbula and Allen hasn’t really fired over the opening four matches, so Hughes could drop one of those players, and look to find a place in the side for Bojan in more of a 4-2-3-1 formation. Bojan is also an option to replace Walters on the right flank, while Hughes will desperately hope Xherdan Shaqiri can recover from a calf injury to face the Eagles.

Current Status: Unsettled
Risk Areas: Full-Backs, Central Defence, Central Midfield, Right Wing


Sunderland

Starting XI: Pickford, Manquillo, Kone, Djilobodji, Van Aanholt, Rodwell, Kirchhoff (Denayer, 75), Januzaj, Gooch (Khazri 56), Watmore (Ndong 72), Defoe.

  • Sunderland boss David Moyes made two changes for the visit of Everton to the Stadium of Light, with Jan Kirchhoff and Duncan Watmore coming in for the injured Steven Pienaar and Fabio Borini.
  • Kirchhoff slotted in alongside Jack Rodwell at the base of midfield in the 4-2-3-1 formation, while Watmore played on the right of the attacking midfield trio, with Adnan Januzaj in the number ten role and Lynden Gooch on the left.
  • Gooch was the first player to be replaced by Moyes, with Wahbi Khazri coming on 11 minutes into the second half in a straight swap. Deadline day signing Didier Ndong then came on in place of Watmore after 72 minutes and, shortly after, Kirchhoff, making his first start of the campaign, was replaced by Jason Denayer, with Moyes switching to a 3-4-3 formation. Patrick van Aanholt and Javier Manquillo played as wing-backs, with Ndong and Rodwell in centre midfield. Khazri and Januzaj flanked central striker Jermain Defoe.
  • While it was a disappointing Sunderland performance, Moyes doesn’t look to have too many options available to him for Sunday’s trip to White Hart Lane. Khazri could replace either Gooch or Watmore, while Ndong is an option in the middle of the park, although he is still lacking match fitness. Moyes could look to change to a more defensive formation against Tottenham, with Paddy McNair or John O’Shea perhaps options to stiffen up the midfield in a 4-5-1 formation.

Current Status: Fairly Settled
Risk Areas: Central Midfield, Flanks


Swansea

Starting XI: Fabianski, Naughton, Fernandez, Amat, Taylor (Barrow 41), Fer, Cork, Ki Sung-yeung, Sigurdsson (Rangel 89), Kingsley, Llorente.

  • Francesco Guidolin made two alterations for the visit of Chelsea to the Liberty Stadium, with Neil Taylor and Ki Sung-yeung handed their first league starts of the season in place of Wayne Routledge and Modou Barrow.
  • Those changes saw the Italian switch from the 4-2-3-1 formation to a 3-5-1-1 system, with Stephen Kingsley joining Jordi Amat and Federico Fernandez in a three-man backline, allowing Kyle Naughton and Taylor to operate as wing-backs. Ki started alongside Jack Cork and Leroy Fer in midfield, with Gylfi Sigurdsson stationed “in the hole” behind lone striker Fernando Llorente.
  • After seeing his side fall a goal behind, Guidolin made a first substitution four minutes before half-time, with Barrow introduced in place of Taylor. That change saw the Swans switch to a 4-3-1-2 system, with Barrow joining Llorente in attack, while Kingsley moved to left-back. With the match level at 2-2 heading into stoppage time, Guidolin brought on Angel Rangel for Sigurdsson in a bid to hold on for a point, with the Spaniard offering extra cover in front of Kingsley at left-back.
  • While the switch to a three-man backline didn’t pay off on Sunday, Guidolin has revealed he is happy to use the system again. Whether he will at Southampton is questionable, though. Having been substituted instead of Kingsley, Taylor may now appear behind the Scot in the pecking order at left-back, although the decision may have been influenced by the Wales international’s comparative lack of match fitness. Ki may lose his place in the side should Guidolin move back to a 4-2-3-1, with Barrow looking certain to return to the starting XI in such a scenario. Jefferson Montero could also push for a starting berth ahead of Routledge in that formation, while the Italian boss will hope club-record signing Borja Baston can train fully this week in order to make his debut off the bench at St Mary’s.

Current Status: Slightly Unsettled
Risk Areas: Left-Back, Central Midfield, Flanks


Tottenham

Starting XI: Lloris; Walker, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Davies; Dier, Wanyama (Lamela 55); Eriksen (Sissoko 78), Alli, Heung-Min Son; Kane (Janssen 73).

  • Mauricio Pochettino made three changes for the trip to Stoke, with the fit-again Hugo Lloris replacing Michel Vorm in goal, while Ben Davies came in for the injured Danny Rose. Heung-Min Son made his first start of the campaign, replacing Erik Lamela.
  • Son was stationed on the left of the attacking midfield trio in Pochettino’s standard 4-2-3-1 formation, with Christian Eriksen shifting over to the right, leaving Dele Alli in the number ten role behind lone striker Harry Kane. Davies slotted into his usual position at left-back.
  • Having picked up a yellow card, Wanyama was substituted 10 minutes into the second half, with Lamela taking his place. The Argentine played on the right wing, with Eriksen moving into the number ten position. Alli then dropped back into the double-pivot for a short period, before Moussa Sissoko came on to make his Tottenham debut. The France international played in central midfield next to Dier, allowing Alli to push forward once more behind Vincent Janssen, who had replaced Kane in attack after the England forward had broken his duck for the season.
  • With Tottenham facing Monaco in the Champions League tomorrow night, we may well see Pochettino rotate against Sunderland on Sunday. Kieran Trippier offers an alternative to Kyle Walker at right-back, while Rose will come back into contention at left-back should he recover from the hamstring injury that saw him miss out against Stoke. Mousa Dembele will be available to face the Black Cats after serving his suspension, while Pochettino has a plethora of options for the three advanced midfield positions, with his selection tomorrow night likely to give strong clues at to who will start on Sunday. He could also consider playing both Kane and Janssen, perhaps placing Alli’s starting position in a little doubt.

Current Status: Unsettled
Risk Areas: Full-Backs, Central Midfield, Flanks, Attacking Midfield, Strikers


Watford

Starting XI: Gomes, Cathcart, Kaboul (Prodl 82), Britos; Janmaat, Behrami, Capoue, Pereyra, Holebas; Deeney (Okaka 79), Ighalo (Success 69).

  • Walter Mazzarri made four alterations for the trip to West Ham, with Craig Cathcart and Miguel Britos coming in for Christian Kabasele and Sebastian Prodl, while Roberto Pereyra and Daryl Janmaat were handed their first starts for the club, replacing Nordin Amrabat and Adlene Guedioura.
  • Cathcart and Britos started alongside Younes Kaboul in the three-man backline, while Janmaat came in at right wing-back in the 3-5-2 formation. Pereyra started alongside Etienne Capoue in central midfield, with Valon Behrami sat just in front of the back three.
  • Mazzarri made his first substitution after 69 minutes, with Isaac Success taking over from Odion Ighalo in attack. Fellow summer signing Stefano Okaka was then handed his Hornets bow, replacing Troy Deeney for the final 11 minutes. The Italian’s final change saw Prodl take over from Kaboul in central defence for the final eight minutes.
  • After registering their first win of the season, Mazzarri could name an unchanged side to face Man United on Sunday providing there are no injury concerns. He does have plenty of options in central defence though, with Prodl and Kabasele offering alternatives if he looks to freshen things up.

Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Central Defence


West Brom

Starting XI: Foster; Dawson, McAuley, Evans, Galloway; Yacob (Leko 82); Phillips, Fletcher (Gardner 71), Field, Chadli; Berahino (Rondon 62).

  • Tony Pulis made two changes for the trip to Bournemouth, with Nacer Chadli handed his first start for the club in place of James McClean, while Saido Berahino earned a recall, replacing Salomon Rondon.
  • Pulis used more of a 4-1-4-1 system at the Vitality Stadium, with Chadli stationed on the left of midfield, with Matt Phillips on the opposite flank. Berahino operated as the lone striker, while Claudio Yacob played as the holding midfielder.
  • Berahino was the first player to be substituted by Pulis, with Rondon coming on in a straight swap shortly after the hour mark. The Baggies boss then turned to Craig Gardner, who replaced Darren Fletcher in the middle of the park. After falling a goal behind, Jonathan Leko was introduced for Yacob, with the substitute playing on the right wing, with Phillips shifting over to the left flank. Chadli moved into the number ten role in what was more of a 4-2-3-1 system.
  • Rondon was left out of the starting XI following his exploits for Venezuela over the international break, but should return to the starting XI against West Ham on Saturday. Berahino could drop back into the number ten role should Pulis start with the 4-2-3-1 formation, with Sam Field perhaps missing out. But if he sticks with the 4-1-4-1 system, Berahino may have to settle for a place on the bench, with Phillips and Chadli likely to keep their starting spots out wide.

Current Status: Fairly Settled
Risk Areas: Attacking Midfield, Lone Striker


West Ham

Starting XI: Adrian; Byram (Tore 85), Reid, Collins, Masuaku; Kouyate, Noble (Calleri 69); Antonio, Lanzini, Payet; Zaza (Fletcher 77).

  • Slaven Bilic made four changes for the home encounter against Watford, with Dimitri Payet and Manuel Lanzini handed their first starts of the season in place of Gokhan Tore and Ashley Fletcher, while Simone Zaza was handed his Hammers debut in place of the departed Enner Valencia. The other change saw Sam Byram come in for Angelo Ogbonna.
  • Having started with a 3-5-2 formation against Man City before the international break, Bilic reverted back to his favoured 4-2-3-1 system, with Payet, Lanzini and Michail Antonio forming the attacking midfield trio behind lone striker Zaza. Byram slotted in at right-back, with James Collins partnering Winston Reid in central defence.
  • With his side trailing 4-2, Bilic turned to Jonathan Calleri off the bench, with the striker replacing Mark Noble. He joined Zaza in attack, with Lanzini dropping into central midfield, forming more of a 4-4-2 formation. Fletcher then entered the fray with 13 minutes left, taking over from Zaza in attack. As a final roll of the dice, Bilic turned to Tore, who combined with Antonio down the right flank for the final five minutes.
  • After such a poor performance, particularly defensively, Bilic could make several changes ahead of the trip to West Brom. Adrian, Byram and Collins all struggled against the Hornets, and while Adrian should keep his place in the side, Darren Randolph does provide a strong alternative in goal. Alvaro Arbeloa is lacking match fitness, so Byram may get the nod for another week at right-back, but Ogbonna now looks set to put serious pressure on Collins’ place in the starting XI. Zaza is likely to be handed another start to help improve his match sharpness, particularly given neither Calleri or Fletcher having overly impressed in their appearances so far this season.

Current Status: Unsettled
Risk Areas: Goalkeeper, Right-Back, Central Defence, Lone Striker


  1. Costa's Counsellor
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Is Amat's place under any pressure?

    1. Pasqualinho
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Alfie Mawson (L2 player of the year 2014/15) is waiting in the wings. But I don't think he's ready yet.

    2. jia you
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      The way he's playing lately it seems only a matter of time before he's sent off, then that could be the end of him I guess...

      1. @persecuted_by_mods
          9 years, 4 months ago

          This. I know Swansea fans see him as nailed but having owned him from week 1 and kept an eye on him everything points to him behind dropped sooner rather than later. He's been piss poor, rash, given away penalties.

          1. Costa's Counsellor
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            Yeah, but he's really cheap!

            1. @persecuted_by_mods
                9 years, 4 months ago

                Should be cheaper!

            2. Carpe Diem
              • 9 Years
              9 years, 4 months ago

              He's not given away a single penalty?

              1. Carpe Diem
                • 9 Years
                9 years, 4 months ago

                oh he has given away one, still not "penalties"

                1. @persecuted_by_mods
                    9 years, 4 months ago

                    True, did do another foul in the box though just wasn't penalised can't remember vs who or when

          2. Stats Don\'t Lie
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            Definitely, very poor player

          3. Carpe Diem
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            Fernandez has been worse so far, so not particularly.

          4. Jersey
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            for sure his place in under pressure . . . van der Hoorn, Mawson.

            so is Kingsley's.

            i have seen teams with both in them. that is dangerous. you could
            wake up one Saturday to an injury elsewhere and have 2 playing defenders.

        • jia you
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          Foster / Heaton
          Seems extremely popular on here but I find it bizarre. Why would you give yourself the headache of going with this double act. I mean how many times are you going to bench the wrong one, my guess, several.
          Why not just choose one and play every week, adding 0.5 to your bankroll?

          1. teki0s
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            I personally went for Heaton/Pickford and im pretty happy with that. No defence is stable yet and Heaton makes a lot of saves. Pickford was supposedly (and probably still is) under threat of the new signing but yesterday he was again pretty good. His defence let him down. I guess he will be starting in the next GWs too

            1. jia you
              • 9 Years
              9 years, 4 months ago

              Yeh, I really like Heaton. He was brilliant 2 years ago for save points. Went with Foster/Pickford myself but cudda went either way! Think Pickford is decent enough and might keep his place but not worried, one keepers nuff. Cheers & GL

          2. GENERATION X
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            I guess those that do go with best fixture/home advantage in the main

          3. Carpe Diem
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            because why not play the fixtures and increase your odds of more pts if you have 0.5 to spare?

          4. Sebbo29
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            starting to think the same, getting pretty annoyed at always benching the wrong GK week in week out

          5. jia you
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            Fair enough guys...not for me though, it's frustrating enough leaving the Capoue points on the bench 😉

          6. Dedalus1
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            way better to have points on the bench, and at least have the option. The alternative is Pickford, who is on for a hiding every week.

        • somebody
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          UCL Fantasy League Code - 35582PY2

        • Delhidynamo
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          This is the anti season keepers season

        • nobwak
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          If you play AOA and a midfielder or forward doesn't play, does one of your defenders get subbed in? Do you get your AOA back?

          1. Carpe Diem
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            No, it's forfeited.

            1. nobwak
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 4 months ago

              Okay so the chip is forfeited, but do you at least get a defender subbed on?

              1. Carpe Diem
                • 9 Years
                9 years, 4 months ago

                Yep, get the first on the bench in.

          2. mojoindojo
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            Yes
            No

          3. TokyoRisingSun
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            One of them gets subbed in, yes, but you lose your AOA

          4. nobwak
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            Thanks guys.

        • nobwak
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          Play McCauly (WHU) or Capoue (MUN)?
          Playing Capoue would mean using AOA.

          1. @persecuted_by_mods
              9 years, 4 months ago

              McAuley, West Ham are scoring from headers and they're good at defending them

              1. nobwak
                • 10 Years
                9 years, 4 months ago

                I like this point.

            • DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
              • 9 Years
              9 years, 4 months ago

              your other defenders?

              1. nobwak
                • 10 Years
                9 years, 4 months ago

                Amat, Friend. Playing Valencia and Stones.

                1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
                  • 9 Years
                  9 years, 4 months ago

                  You might call me crazy but I personally would go for Valencia, Stones and Amat. WHU and Everton are looking better attacking sides than Southampton at the moment.

                  1. nobwak
                    • 10 Years
                    9 years, 4 months ago

                    Hmmmm... no, I don't think you're crazy. I kind of like that. Will give it some thought.

            • Pegboy
              • 15 Years
              9 years, 4 months ago

              AOA is clearly crap, but I'd still save it.

            • Adz87
              • 9 Years
              9 years, 4 months ago

              McAuley, better opportunities for aoa

          2. KingOllie
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            Cech
            Valencia / Baines / Williams
            Ozil / Firmino / Hazard / Puncheon
            Ibra / Kaku / Zasa

            Pick / Evans / Amat / Hjojberg
            1ft and 0.4itb.

            Gtg? Ft will be handy next week with kun return

          3. twoplustwo
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            Do we think Sterling gets the nod this weekend after a subdued display vs. Utd?

            1. teki0s
              • 9 Years
              9 years, 4 months ago

              I would wait and see the starting XI for the UCL first, and how that match goes.

            2. Pasqualinho
              • 16 Years
              9 years, 4 months ago

              I think so - but chances are he'll be replaced by Sane at some point.

            3. nobwak
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 4 months ago

              No idea, but I think Derby are going to lose and fail to score again tonight. Mind the gap.

            4. jia you
              • 9 Years
              9 years, 4 months ago

              should never get the nod (so overrated), a poor man's Lee Dong-Gook 😉

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

              if you have to question whether or not your 8.2 midfielder will even play
              the next game, then he should not be on your team.

              pick players that are nailed.

              yes, there is rotation risk with Sterling. his brace blinded people to that.

          4. Weeb Kakashi
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            Pick one. Wildcard already used!!

            A Zaha
            B Mirallas
            C Redmond

            When you have Lukaku And Double West ham attack!
            Was thinking Mirallas, but feel Double Eve and Ham Could be overkill!

            1. @persecuted_by_mods
                9 years, 4 months ago

                Townsends gonna have a big week imo, but you'd probably have to take him out immediately

                1. Weeb Kakashi
                  • 9 Years
                  9 years, 4 months ago

                  Mirallas has a long run of nice fixtures!!

                  What say? Though it could be Double Eve and Hammers attack

                  1. @persecuted_by_mods
                      9 years, 4 months ago

                      Already answered below before you asked it, double eve is fine wouldn't fancy double wham myself though

                2. @persecuted_by_mods
                    9 years, 4 months ago

                    Zaha short term move, long term Mirallas

                    1. GENERATION X
                      • 12 Years
                      9 years, 4 months ago

                      Barkley situation has strengthenedd Mirallas

                  • notidaho
                    • 16 Years
                    9 years, 4 months ago

                    I kept Redmond after my WC just cos I couldn't afford to upgrade him... he's fixtures aren't great and I'd prefer Bolasie/Mirallas based on fixtures and form but as say... we shouldn't get carried away- not every team is as bad as Sunderland. Zaha had a good game if you don't have Benteke already... definitely don't double up on CPL though :p

                  • The Kolarov Mane ⚔
                    • 13 Years
                    9 years, 4 months ago

                    Bolasie looked mint last night...6.0

                3. Hurricane Gilbert
                  • 10 Years
                  9 years, 4 months ago

                  A) Gray -> Ihenacho and play Barkley
                  B) Barkley -> Nolito and play Gray

                  1. Pegboy
                    • 15 Years
                    9 years, 4 months ago

                    A) just.

                4. white heart pain
                  • 15 Years
                  9 years, 4 months ago

                  RMT
                  1FT, 0 bank

                  Foster
                  Shaw Stones Evans (Amat Love)
                  Hazard Sanchez Sterling Antonio (Capoue)
                  Costa Ibra Gray

                  Any advice for my team?

                5. DrunkPhilosophy
                  • 11 Years
                  9 years, 4 months ago

                  Heaton Foster
                  Shaw Morgan Stones Amat Friend
                  Firmino Hazard Lamela Redmond Capoue
                  Lukaku Ibra Gray
                  1 FT , 4 itb

                  A) Gray --> Benteke
                  B) Gray + Redmond --> Benteke + Antonio(-4)
                  C) Gray + Lamela --> Benteke + Antonio(-4)

                  1. ANON.
                    • 12 Years
                    9 years, 4 months ago

                    A

                6. Sepp Blattered
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 15 Years
                  9 years, 4 months ago

                  How to fit Aguero back?

                  Foster 4.0
                  Valencia Stones Evans Friend Naughton
                  Hazard Ozil Firmino Tadic Watson
                  Ibra Lukaku Gray

                  Saving FT this week - 0.4 itb

                  1. Sjaugen
                    • 10 Years
                    9 years, 4 months ago

                    With a hit sorry
                    Gray Ozil and Tadic out for Kun Antonio Capoue

                  2. Carpe Diem
                    • 9 Years
                    9 years, 4 months ago

                    Only way to do it in two transfers seems to be Ozil -> 5.5 and Lukaku -> Aguero. If you're willing to take a hit you could do Tadic -> 5.5, Ozil -> 8/5.5 and Gray/Lukaku -> Aguero.

                7. S.Agueroooooo
                  • 10 Years
                  9 years, 4 months ago

                  Only brought lukaku in as a temporary placeholder for Aguero and avoided wildcarding... he's actually caused more (good) problems as I now don't want to get rid of him!

                  How would you get Aguero back (4m itb)

                  Foster, Heaton
                  Valencia, Williams, Morgan, Friend, Amat
                  Hazard, Firmino, Antonio, Redmond, Capoue
                  Ibra, Lukaku, Gray

                  1. Sepp Blattered
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 15 Years
                    9 years, 4 months ago

                    Same situation. Considering getting rid of Ibra

                    1. S.Agueroooooo
                      • 10 Years
                      9 years, 4 months ago

                      I have considered that as well. Frees up a lot of cash elsewhere but I think he will carry on getting goals and the high ownership is a big problem would allow (Redmond>carzola, gray>7.5m or maybe a better def)

                  2. Adz87
                    • 9 Years
                    9 years, 4 months ago

                    I'm doing ibra, obvious ownership problems however I'm happier with my team as a whole with the extra funds and I don't plan on captaining him apart from maybe this weekend

                8. nobwak
                  • 10 Years
                  9 years, 4 months ago

                  Who's got some UCL league codes I can join in with? 🙂

                9. XabiAlonso
                  • 10 Years
                  9 years, 4 months ago

                  I have foster in goal. Who to put in defence McCauley or Collins?

                10. Costa's Counsellor
                  • 10 Years
                  9 years, 4 months ago

                  The big guns are all firing - we need a cheap enabler...

                  Where is this season's Mahrez?!

                  1. FF Dirtbag
                    • 14 Years
                    9 years, 4 months ago

                    Capoue

                  2. @persecuted_by_mods
                      9 years, 4 months ago

                      There is none, but Capoue , Fer, Bolasie, Mirallas, Redmond will offer decent value

                    • nevins84
                      • 13 Years
                      9 years, 4 months ago

                      Capoue seems consistently solid for his price

                      1. Costa's Counsellor
                        • 10 Years
                        9 years, 4 months ago

                        Take some balls to have him as a 4th mid though.

                    • Carpe Diem
                      • 9 Years
                      9 years, 4 months ago

                      There's no this season's Mahrez. Will be very unlikely if we ever see a starting 5.5 produce a 240 pt season.

                  3. nevins84
                    • 13 Years
                    9 years, 4 months ago

                    Anyone know whats happening with Grey..
                    I thought he would have had a ban by now.. Is there one coming atall??

                    1. S.Agueroooooo
                      • 10 Years
                      9 years, 4 months ago

                      he appealed the fine, not much else is known at this point.

                  4. dinvincible
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 12 Years
                    9 years, 4 months ago

                    Why is that no one is talking about Bony?

                    Stoke has great fixtures

                    1. Moin
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 12 Years
                      9 years, 4 months ago

                      They looked really bad against Spurs..

                      1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
                        • 15 Years
                        9 years, 4 months ago

                        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MK6TXMsvgQg . So glad I did not get Pieters on my wildcard .

                        1. Moin
                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                          • 12 Years
                          9 years, 4 months ago

                          Yeah, Good Call

                      2. dinvincible
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 12 Years
                        9 years, 4 months ago

                        Stoke facing probably the bottom 6 teams in coming 9 GWs
                        and that is excluding Swansea home and West Ham away.

                        Bony is surely capable of doing what lukaku did yesterday

                        1. Moin
                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                          • 12 Years
                          9 years, 4 months ago

                          He is...I have him in my team..

                    2. Jersey
                      • 9 Years
                      9 years, 4 months ago

                      his match fitness is still in question.

                      he should not have started the last game. he had not played any pre-season football at all.

                      he needs time to sharpen, but he is in a good situation there. he knows how to score
                      and he has creative players behind him. i think he will come good when he gain full
                      match fitness.

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

                    How's this team for GW6?

                    Heaton / Pickford
                    Valencia / Collins / Pieters / Evans / Amat
                    Ozil / Firmino / Antonio / Snodgrass / Capoue
                    Kun / Ibra / Lukaku

                    Shipping Collins is my next priority, and if Kun drops to 12.9, Collins will become Stones in GW7. Had to sacrifice Hazard to keep that front line, but worth it imo with Chelsea's fixtures

                    1. ANON.
                      • 12 Years
                      9 years, 4 months ago

                      Looks good, I considered this instead since Snodgrass will be benched for Capoue for GW6 + 7:

                      Heaton / Pickford
                      Valencia / Willaims/ Holebas/ Evans / Amat
                      Hazard/ Firmino / Antonio / Capoue / Rodwell
                      Kun / Ibra / Lukaku

                    2. S.Agueroooooo
                      • 10 Years
                      9 years, 4 months ago

                      I think you might regret ditching hazard, especially as getting him back costs more. Could be a season keeper.

                      Especially with Costa likely to face multiple bans this year who is the only other option worth having from Chelsea.

                    3. Jeremiah
                      • 13 Years
                      9 years, 4 months ago

                      Not sure about Ozil but looks solid apart from that.

                  6. Team Cruel
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 10 Years
                    9 years, 4 months ago

                    Any chance Pieters make it to the weekend without falling in price? He has been falling 'Tonight' for two weeks now on FFFix but has survived the fall every time.

                    1. Jersey
                      • 9 Years
                      9 years, 4 months ago

                      imo Pieters should not be under consideration for purchase under any circumstances.
                      Stoke has no PL quality goalkeepers right now, so none of their defenders belong on your team.

                      Butland is out another 10 weeks. stay away.

                  7. YouReds
                    • 11 Years
                    9 years, 4 months ago

                    Foster (Jaku)
                    Shaw Stones Williams (Evans Friend)
                    Hazard Firminio Ozil Redmond (Capoue)
                    Ibra Lukaku Gray

                    I'm thinking Gray to Benteke if I avoid European injuries. Thoughts?!

                    Thanks

                    1. YouReds
                      • 11 Years
                      9 years, 4 months ago

                      1.4 itb

                  8. Abusive_Sgt_Daelrhos
                    • 11 Years
                    9 years, 4 months ago

                    UCL: Would u rather have Modrić or Kroos?

                    1. Meinhoff
                      • 13 Years
                      9 years, 4 months ago

                      Modric

                      • 10 Years
                      9 years, 4 months ago

                      Kroos. Madrid have already scored many goals from corners this season, 2 in the last game against Osasuna (Ramos and Pepe). Kroos takes corners.

                  9. Professor Red
                    • 9 Years
                    9 years, 4 months ago

                    To those new to the site. Best strategy below

                    GW6: Wildcard to bring back Aguero and set your self up with Arsenal, Liverpool and Watford players. Not necessariy you cover all the teams but these have good fuxtures gw6 onwards.

                    GW7: save

                    GW8: you have 2ft going into international break.

                    Simple

                    1. Jeremiah
                      • 13 Years
                      9 years, 4 months ago

                      If only it were that simple 😉

                    2. Moin
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 12 Years
                      9 years, 4 months ago

                      Or just play WC in GW8

                      1. Professor Red
                        • 9 Years
                        9 years, 4 months ago

                        Player prices will be out of reach

                  10. Siddos
                    • 9 Years
                    9 years, 4 months ago

                    Should I WC?

                    Foster
                    Stones Shaw Morgan
                    Hazard Sanchez Barkley Redmond
                    Gray Ibra Costa

                    1. Jeremiah
                      • 13 Years
                      9 years, 4 months ago

                      No need.

                    2. VS10_
                      • 10 Years
                      9 years, 4 months ago

                      I would wait a week probably. Barkley and Gray are your concerns this week.

                      1. Siddos
                        • 9 Years
                        9 years, 4 months ago

                        Gray and Barkley to Antonio and Iheanacho?

                        1. Siddos
                          • 9 Years
                          9 years, 4 months ago

                          just for this week as i will wildcard next week

                        2. VS10_
                          • 10 Years
                          9 years, 4 months ago

                          Certainly looks good on paper.

                  11. nevins84
                    • 13 Years
                    9 years, 4 months ago

                    I need lukaku and one of sanchez haz kdb or firms to get an injury so i have an easy route back to aggy...
                    Who get the chop for aggy in your world.

                    1. FF Dirtbag
                      • 14 Years
                      9 years, 4 months ago

                      Lamela might get cut for me

                    2. Jeremiah
                      • 13 Years
                      9 years, 4 months ago

                      Thoughts on this bunch of misfits?

                      Heaton - Jaku
                      Baines - Shaw - Evans - Friend - Amat
                      Hazard - Antonio - Barkley - Tadic - Capoue
                      Ibra - Costa - Gray

                      Worth doing Gray > Lukaku for (-4)? 🙂

                      1. Jeremiah
                        • 13 Years
                        9 years, 4 months ago

                        Post fail 😀

                  12. ANON.
                    • 12 Years
                    9 years, 4 months ago

                    Capoue as 4th mid. Yes or No?

                    1. Jeremiah
                      • 13 Years
                      9 years, 4 months ago

                      Yes.

                    2. Jersey
                      • 9 Years
                      9 years, 4 months ago

                      depends on the team you put around it.

                  13. mikess
                    • 15 Years
                    9 years, 4 months ago

                    Am I good to go?

                    Foster
                    Bellerin, Baines, Valencia, Stones
                    Hazard, Sterling, Antonio, Sanchez
                    Ibrahimovic (c), Benteke

                    Jaku, Snodgrass, Amat, Will Keane

                    1. Jeremiah
                      • 13 Years
                      9 years, 4 months ago

                      Looks good to me 🙂

                      1. mikess
                        • 15 Years
                        9 years, 4 months ago

                        Cheers

                    2. mikess
                      • 15 Years
                      9 years, 4 months ago

                      Current evidence says why not, especially if you invest the funds saved wisely

                      1. mikess
                        • 15 Years
                        9 years, 4 months ago

                        Reply fail to Anon, dope

                        1. ANON.
                          • 12 Years
                          9 years, 4 months ago

                          Thanks

                    3. Hy liverpool
                      • 12 Years
                      9 years, 4 months ago

                      Play snoddy imo

                      1. Sebbo29
                        • 11 Years
                        9 years, 4 months ago

                        this and play 352 --> bench one of Stones, Valencia, Bellerin

                      2. mikess
                        • 15 Years
                        9 years, 4 months ago

                        Over?

                  14. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
                    • 12 Years
                    9 years, 4 months ago

                    This UCL fantasy thingy, is it fixed teams or like the Euros so you can swap out a 2 pointer for a starter on wednesday?

                    1. VS10_
                      • 10 Years
                      9 years, 4 months ago

                      Euros

                      1. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
                        • 12 Years
                        9 years, 4 months ago

                        Thx.
                        Gonna try it then. Nice with a change.