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28 July 2017 2089 comments
Paul Paul
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Mark Hughes’ Stoke City are the next team to come under the microscope in our series of pre-season analysis articles for members.

We start by assessing the performance levels at the team level to look for any trends of improvement, before checking out their standout individuals ahead of the 2017/18 season. This includes an in-depth look at their likely key attacking target for the new campaign – Joe Allen.

Although they mirrored a total of 41 goals from the 2015/16 campaign last time out, Hughes’ men were hardly prolific – only the bottom five sides found the net on fewer occasions.

The Potters’ fell from ninth spot to thirteenth over the two seasons, though as the underlying numbers highlight, their threat inside the box was on the rise.

Paul Is certain he won't make the same mistakes next season. Follow them on Twitter

  1. Stimps
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    A) DDG, Dawson

    B) Foster, Bailly

    1. Carlton P
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      A. Had the same discussion with my rival lastnight

    2. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGeniusâ…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      B), imo.

    3. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      I'm in a similar situation and am edging towards B

    4. greghammer95
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      I don't like either in all honesty.

    5. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      A for me. De gea more clean sheets and Dawson more goal threat

    6. The Tinkerman
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      A, just. Same number of clean sheets, Dawson has more attacking threat than Bailly, save points narrow it.

    7. enrico.palazzo
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      B, not sure of baily

    8. halstho
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Definitely B.

    9. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Both are decent... A with Cedric instead

  2. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGeniusâ…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    I now have 4 squads. All bases covered. 😆

    1. Davido989
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      I like the way you operate. 😉

      1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGeniusâ…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        😀

        334, Sánchez, Big 6, Balanced.

        'Cept I'm now a bit unhinged!!! 😆

        1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGeniusâ…
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          - that should have been 343, see? 😆

          1. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            And you are ready for Sanchez exit too I am sure... well planned

  3. THFC4LIFE
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Bottomed! This is my current team.... but I really want Alonso and KDB any ideas?

    De gea Elliot
    Trippier Cedric Daniels Mee Hunemeier
    Alli Salah Zaha Willian T.Carrol
    Kun Lukaku Austin

    1. The Tinkerman
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Downgrade DDG and Kun to Jesus and a 4.5 to save 2m.

      1. THFC4LIFE
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Then do Tripper > Alonso and Alli > KDB leaving no Spurs cover?

    2. Stimps
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      You'll basically have to rip your whole team apart if you want them in

      1. THFC4LIFE
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        I know isit worth it?

        1. Stimps
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          You've an OK squad right there. But you could do Kun to Jesus, Austin to fodder, Zaha to KDB? might have cash left over for Alonso

    3. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      I have KDB and Alonso (see previous page debate)
      The price is losing Alli and Zaha and Willian for KDB, RLC, Cork and playing a 4-3-3; Alonso is a mid with better points so it is all good

  4. Supersonic
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Advice for this lot please guys? - thanks

    Foster (Elliott)
    Trippier Monreal Cedric (Mee Hün)
    Coutinho kdb Willian Ritchie (cheek)
    Luk Kane Austin

    1. ajones1608
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Monreal & Austin not guranteed game time, like the rest a lot though! Not keen on the subs but who cares ey

  5. klopp it guys
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Please gave my team a rating. Feel free to tell me if m mad or not!

    Foster

    Cedric, daniels, dawson

    Mane, pogba, de bruyne, willian

    Morata, kane, chico

    Bench: elliot, rangel, carroll, hunemeier

    1. greghammer95
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      You're bench is a bit, useless. Good team though.

    2. Emiliano Sala
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Pogba out.

    3. ajones1608
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Mane is injured, swap him for a more budget midfielder & strengthen the subs? Also bare in mind that chico has tough games, but who doesn't love the little p!

    4. onionbarje
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Don't like Pogs, monitor Mane could be rotated

  6. hogree
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    What's the current verdict on Cedric and Austin? How likely to consistently start the season?

  7. Stimps
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    How's she looking?

    DDG
    Cedric Alonso Dawson Trippier
    Coutinho Alli Tadic Willian
    Aguero Lukaku

    Elliott, Carroll, Long, McBurnie

    1. Splatter\\\'s Omerta
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      cout going to barce?

  8. GE
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    1) Alonso + Zaha/Willian
    2) Max 5.5 + Alli/Eriksen
    (already have Trippier and Kane)

    1. Emiliano Sala
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Alonso willian
      Forget zaha. Overpriced

    2. enrico.palazzo
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      2)

    3. IRBOX âš½
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      1 with Zaha

    4. jiGGidyJ1
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      1 + Zaha

  9. klopp it guys
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Morata or lukaku???

    1. enrico.palazzo
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      The Kak

    2. IRBOX âš½
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Big ROM

    3. ajones1608
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Stormzy

    4. LosBlancos
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Both

    5. halstho
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Lukaku is a proven premier league goalscording, explosive, powerful striker. To cover united without him, you would have to draw one of their midfielders out of a hat and hope you got lucky.

      Morata is not premier league proven and at this time we expect his points will be covered off by Willian in the short term and Hazard later down the line.

      The choice is obvious.

  10. enrico.palazzo
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    How am I looking

    0.5 still to spend

    Foster (Elliot)

    Cedric - trippier - Francis
    Eriksen - Willian - Phillips - KDB
    Kane - lukaku - Austin

    RBC, Hunemeier, Mee

    Any suggestions for that extra 0.5?

    1. Emiliano Sala
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Great. Sell francis and use 0.5 for another defender

    2. Wings Fan
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Upgrade Francis to Daniels.

      I think he'll be battling for the RB slot with Adam Smith. Not quite nailed.

    3. enrico.palazzo
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Thanks guys!

  11. awgJose
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Do you see Kun as better captain material over Jesus in the beginning of the season?

    1. IRBOX âš½
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      100%

    2. Wings Fan
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      I see him as better captain material at any stage of the season.

    3. Emiliano Sala
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      It seems. Only problem is pep

    4. CloudSky
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Nope. At least for now. Playing behind him in the preseason.

  12. Wings Fan
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    If you had to double up on defence, who would you prefer from Southampton and WBA?

    1. IRBOX âš½
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Sou

      1. IRBOX âš½
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Bertrand and Cedric. Yoshida if you want to save 0.5. West Brom you would do Foster and Dawson

    2. Emiliano Sala
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Saints
      Wba is a very average team and fletcher has gone

  13. Boris Bodega
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Sané tattoo. If I could do the facepalm emoji I would ðŸ™

    http://www.90min.com/fr/posts/5321686-l-incroyable-tatouage-de-leroy-sane?a_aid=41396

    1. Agger
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Could be worse.

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

        Aye, could have been shrek! Sorry i meant Rooney

    2. makaveli123
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Terrible

    3. Somalion
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      At least he has the money to laser it off.

  14. Agger
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    If Pogba plays to his full potential, does anyone rate him as an FPL asset? (8m)

    1. Emiliano Sala
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      If utd signs a DM. For now no

    2. Boris Bodega
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Yes, but I wouldn't start with him.

    3. halstho
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      If we are looking at FPL prospects, you are better off hoping Mkhi plays to his full potential. He is an absolute beast.

  15. ajones1608
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    has anyone found Rubens cheek?

    1. sumatera
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      I think it's in the loftus

      1. ajones1608
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Everyone keeps telling me Ruben lost his cheek, poor lad. Hope he tries there

      2. Podorsky
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        That was funny.

  16. Athletic Nasherbo
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Rate this team. Quickly threw it together...

    Forster
    Trippier Daniels Dawson
    De Bruyne Coutinho Willian Zaha Fletcher
    Kane Lukaku

    Elliot Crouch Dunk Rangel

    1. Emiliano Sala
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Fletcher? Really?
      Others are good.

      1. Athletic Nasherbo
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Who else could I get?

        1. Emiliano Sala
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          Tom carroll. RLC
          Even delph if he goes to stoke

          1. Emiliano Sala
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            Also look puncheon. He was crystal's captain in preseason and played in AM

            1. Athletic Nasherbo
              • 8 Years
              8 years, 4 months ago

              Brady could be one? Been scoring a lot and is on set pieces...

              1. Emiliano Sala
                • 9 Years
                8 years, 4 months ago

                Burnley is a relegation candidate. I prefer jwp or fraser at 5.5

          2. Athletic Nasherbo
            • 8 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            Fletcher could take pens right? Loftus Cheek may not start. Tom Carroll is one I was also considering. Cheers.

            1. Emiliano Sala
              • 9 Years
              8 years, 4 months ago

              Pens? I don't think. Adam will take them

              1. Athletic Nasherbo
                • 8 Years
                8 years, 4 months ago

                Ah okay I just seen to remember he did at Baggies.

    2. sumatera
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      very similar to mine - nice team!

      1. Athletic Nasherbo
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Cheers bud

  17. Positive vibes
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Hi please rate my team out of 10, almost final:

    Foster,
    Monreal, Trippier, Cedric
    KdB, Eriksen, Willian, Milivojevic
    Kane, Lukaku, Chicharito

    (Elliott, T Caroll, Mee, Hunemeier)

    Will try rotate Mili with Mee.

    Would appreciate thoughts, thx you.

    1. Emiliano Sala
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      If you want arsenal defender with 0.5 more maybe you can have a WB.

    2. Athletic Nasherbo
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      All sorted. Rate that team its slightly different to most I've seen.

  18. ekul the lokonga enthusiast
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Pick one for me quickly pls thnx

    A) Kolasinac & Lindelof

    B) Bailly & Monreal

    1. Emiliano Sala
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      B because bailly has more chance to be nailed in more games with cl banned

  19. A19
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    What do you think of this team?

    Foster
    Trippier Bertrand Daniels
    KDB Alli Willian Ward-Prowse
    Kane Lukaku Gayle

    Elliot Carroll Dunk Mariappa

  20. The Colonel
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Which clubs rotate best with Burnley?

  21. TOBY1
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Your Predicted Top 4 this season?

    Me

    1. City
    2. Chelsea
    3. United
    4. Liverpool

    1. Emiliano Sala
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      City
      Spurs
      Utd
      Chelsea

      1. TOBY1
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        How did I forget spurs!! Spurs 3 for me united 4

    2. Agger
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      1. Liverpool
      Don't care
      Don't care
      Don't care

      19. Man United
      20. Everton

      1. Emiliano Sala
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Lol :)))

    3. The Tinkerman
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      City
      United
      Chelsea
      Arsenal

  22. xtina
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Am i understanding the Free Hit chip correctly...it's like a wildcard but after the game week, your team reverts to how it was before you used the chip?

    1. Emiliano Sala
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Yes

      1. xtina
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        exciting stuff

    2. onionbarje
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Yes, Could be useful later on in the year where big teams have blanks due to FA Cup

  23. moz_1983
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Is anyone else considering JRod as a third striker? Finished last season well, fully fit, looking decent in preseason. Anyone else?

    1. Agger
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Fixtures are good but I'd personally not get a Tony Pulis striker.

      1. moz_1983
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Rondon burned me last season, that's why I'm cautious!

        1. Agger
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          They just seem to have spells when they don't look like scoring..

    2. Reiko
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      With their fixtures, could be an option for the initial games.

    3. Tomerick
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      He's in mine while I monitor West Ham for the first two game weeks. Then might become Hernandez

    4. Chris_H
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      In my team

  24. Hazz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Which would you prefer, and why? I was going to just jot the different players, but I guess context helps.

    A)

    DDG / Elliot
    Trippier / Cedric / Dawson / Dunk / 4.0
    KDB / Eriksen / Willian / Milivojevic / Carroll
    Kane / Lukaku / Austin

    B)

    Foster / Myhill
    Kompany / Trippier / Cedric / Dunk / Mee
    KDB / Willian / Zaha / Ramsey / Carroll
    Kane / Lukaku / Austin

    C)

    Foster / Fabianski
    Bailly / Trippier / Cedric / Dunk / Long
    KDB / Coutinho / Willian / Milivojevic / Carroll
    Kane / Lukaku / Austin

    1. Emiliano Sala
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      C

      1. Emiliano Sala
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        I would do fabianski to 4.0. Mili to carroll and foster to ddg in C

        1. Emiliano Sala
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          Oh you have carroll. So RLC

  25. RomeluStormzy
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Getting very concerned by Cedric not playing and the resurgeance of Pied.

    Ill founded?

    1. Reiko
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Having doubts so planning to go for Yoshida myself.

    2. Netley Lucas
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Been here before with Cedric disappointments, observe events for now.

    3. Agger
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      I've not gone near Cedric. It's been pretty obvious for weeks that he's a risk for GW1.
      It happens every season when there's a major summer competition. Players who reach the final/3rd place play off, always seem to be rested.

  26. makaveli123
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    I can't decide if I should go with Firmino as my third striker or a cheaper alternative.

    1. Parm
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      What about a more expensive alternative?

    2. TheSteel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      I wouldnt go for him. Not an out and out striker. More of a false 9

    3. Agger
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Liverpool play champions league after GW1 and GW2. Big chance Firmino doesn't play or lacks minutes.

  27. Deulofail
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    -1.0m. What to do? I want all of these players sooooo much! (Aside from the dodgy midfield slot, but forget about that please haha)

    Fabianski
    Alonso, Kolasinac, Trippier, Bertrand, Cedric
    De Bruyne, Redmond
    Kane, Jesus, Lacazette

    Elliot | T. Carroll, RLC, Cork

    1. Gooner Kebab
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      drop Kolasinac

      1. Deulofail
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        For Kompany? 😀

    2. Netley Lucas
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Kola is a tank, Daniels is yer man.

      1. Deulofail
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        We had this conversation yesterday. Obviously I think Kola has attacking returns in him. Tanks are good at shooting after all

    3. I Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Redmond to JWP? Or a couple possible 0.5 downgrades like Kolasinac to Mustafi/Monreal, Bertrand to Daniels, Alonso to Azpilicueta.

      1. Deulofail
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Really not keep on JWP. I would rather go to a 4.5 and rotate four 4.5 mids and use the money elsewhere.

    4. TheSteel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Way too much money in defence

      1. Deulofail
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Makes no sense as a statement since they are playing players in my starting XI. I see value in those individual players more than value elsewhere. How can balance get me more points if the players are going to score fewer points individually? The only merit in balance is this 'flexibility' thing, which I think is given more credence than is necessary.

    5. Emiliano Sala
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      What do you want now if you can't ditch any of them?

    6. makaveli123
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Interesting! Not a big fan of the Southampton double up, but it might pay off. How much do you think Kolasinac will outscore Monreal /Mustafi? I would like a Liverpool midfielder, but that is just a personal preference.

      1. Deulofail
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        I'm guessing by a lot. He's a real attacking asset.

        Could do KDB > Salah/Coutinho. I like pool mids, but I love KDB!

    7. Parm
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Fab to 4.0, start Elliot.

      Only 0.5m left.

      1. Emiliano Sala
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Risky

      2. Deulofail
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Yeah it's a possibility, then Alonso to milner or KDB to Mane or something, but I really like KDB and Alonso haha.

    8. Nathan20
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Why are man u all of a sudden gonna score loads more goals? They've signed lukaku and lindelof and lost Ibra. Lukaku may well get 25 goals but why do people believe Mourinho is gonna change his happy with 1-0 tactics.

      1. Emiliano Sala
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        This

        1. Nathan20
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          oops didnt mean to reply. 🙂

      2. Deulofail
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        And my team brought up this anger in you? Haha

  28. nad
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Could I get a link to the defensive rotation list please? Tried searching for it but had no luck 🙂

      1. nad
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Thank you 🙂

  29. Moore FPL
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Foster Fabianski
    Trippier Dawson Cedric Mee Tomkins
    KDB Willian Redmond Phillips Carroll
    Kane Kaku Defoe

    .5 ITB

    1. Parm
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Solid side, with a strong-ish backline would you be tempted to drop one of Mee/Tomkins to a £4.0m and use the £1m ITB to upgrade a player elsewhere?

    2. Mr Q
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Tekkers over defoe maybe?

    3. Lovren an elevator
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Is Redmond nailed?!