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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. SharkyT
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Pound shop defence:

    With CS being hard to come by early on, what about this:
    Foster (4m)
    Francis Hegazi Simpson Mee Hunè
    Willian KDB Cout Alli (4.5m)
    Austin Kaku Kun

    Rotate def as well as poss first 4 weeks and WC once the dusts settled

    1. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      3 of those defenders may not start, which will leave you in a pickle.

      It's a decent tactic but picking £4.5's who at least are nailed on would serve you better.

      1. SharkyT
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Yes I'd have to research the starters amongst the 4.5s if I was to go with this tactic. It certainly leaves plenty money ITB to go top heavy

    2. The Hindu Monkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      defence appalling in the age of the wing back

      Jesus not kun, improve at back

      1. SharkyT
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        We are an all out attacking unit ala Keegans Newcastle

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

      The clean sheets being scarce early theory is a bit of a myth, with the big teams at least. I think I would downgrade a mid and upgrade the defence because hegazi probably won't play and Simpson has awful fixtures.

  2. Jafooli
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Are we, as a community, starting to go firm'ish on a template team.

    Look, we're running out of time and I don't think some of you are taking it seriously at the moment.

    Please can we all focus a bit more and nail this template down soon.

    1. Jazz!
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      😆 🙂

    2. Lawrø
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Lukaku, KdB, 13 more to go...

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

        Kane is obviously essential, and Trippier and Alli are bargains at their price.

    3. ★Kuntheman★
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Foster (Elliot)
      Cedric Trippier ???? ???? Hunemeier
      Alli ???? Willian Carroll Loftus-Cheek
      Lukaku Austin ????

      We're almost there 😉

      1. Whats the Mata?
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Dont think we have 2 4.5m mids 😉
        Add KDB, Kane to the list

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

        Zaha

      3. Jafooli
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Could fill those blanks with:

        Alonso - Bailly
        KdB
        Kane

    4. Whats the Mata?
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Wait for Cresswell to score today and he's in the template xD

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

      Foster 4.0m

      Trippier Cedric Daniels 4.5m 4.0m

      KDB Cout Willian 6.0m TC/RLC

      Kane Luk Austin

      Fairly templatey?

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

        Yeah Halstho, reckon it will be something like that....

      2. Big Sum
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Add Phillips and I think we are ready

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

          Phillips, Mee, Hune, Elliot

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

      Sorry, Jaf. ðŸ™

      I still have 4 squads ... 😆

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

        Four more than Mee 😛

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

      Here follows 4 of your mids. JWP, TC, Milivojevic, Diame/Walters.
      You need to play 2 of them each week to fit a smashing defence and KdB, Lukaku, Kun and Jesus.

      Enjoy!

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

        Actually, you could if need be play one when all 5 defenders have good fixtures

      2. Jafooli
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Oh man, things aren't looking good 😮

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

      Something like...

      Heaton Foster
      Dunk Dawson Mee Daniels Cedric
      Tadic Willian Carroll KDB Pogba
      Kane Jesus Lukaku

      (May have gone a bit over)

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

      Template is this

      Foster
      Cedric Daniels Trippier Lindelof
      KDB Salah Redmond Willian
      Kane Kaku

  3. stepans82gs
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    199033-51797... 7 team draft in 15min.... last spot... will not delete

  4. Lawrø
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Anyone else not signed up for the draft game yet?...

    I'm completely disinterested

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

      o/

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

      I did a draft, found out you can't even trade at all, have now abstained from any drafting activity.

    3. rainy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      o/

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

      I haven't. 🙂

    5. Arn De Gothia
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      o/

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

      Fantasy's time consuming enough without picking a whole new team every week

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

        Good to see I'm not alone in this chaps 😀

    7. KingNidge
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Not even looked at

      Can't imagine anything more head melting

    8. Clifford☯
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      o/

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

      Evening mate, not doing it at all.

  5. Jafooli
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    If Bale goes to Man Utd, will you bother with FPL this season?

    I'm not sure I will, difficult enough as it is ....

    1. The Hindu Monkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      given he isn't going to go this is a bit like saying how much will Messi be at Liverpool.

      1. ONE PUNCH MAN
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        15

    2. Oven Glover
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Quitters never win. Winners never quit. Ask the Busdriver...

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

        The London Bus Driver’s Prayer

        Our Driver, who art in Hendon -
        Harrow Road be thy aim.
        Thy Kingston come; thy Wimbledon,
        In Erith as it is in Hendon.
        Give us this day our Berkhampstead,
        And forgive us our Westminster -
        As we forgive those who Westminster against us;
        But, lead us not into Temple Station,
        And deliver us from Ewell.
        For Thine is the Kingston, the Purley, and the Crawley!
        For Iver and Iver,
        Crouch End.

        With thanks to Ian Dury and others ...

        1. Oven Glover
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          Wimbledon. Kingsmeadow. Pure football.

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

            😀

  6. Robbie Slater
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Thought on this team?

    Foster Elliot
    Blind Cedric Trippier Naughton Suttner
    Zaha KdB Ramsey Willian Phillips
    Lukaku Aguero Austin

    Also thinking of Jesus, Daniels, Bailly for Aguero, Blind, Naughton.

    Thanks in advance!

    1. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Big fan! I'm the same in the way that I've got no players who are not gonna get any points & have spread the cash

    2. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      So similar it's scary

      Foster Elliott
      Bailly Daniels Cedric Lascalles Tomkins
      KDB Zaha Ramsey Willian Fraser
      Aguero Lukaku Austin

      0.5m ITB

      1. Robbie Slater
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Nice, very similar! Reassures me I'm not going completely down the wrong track 🙂

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

      I'd personally drop ramsey for tadic or redmond and save 0.5m. Southampton have a good start

      1. Robbie Slater
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Cool, thanks. I get your point and it's definitely worth considering, cheers. Arsenal don't have the worst start though and keen to have some Arsenal cover

        1. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          Same with me, I don't want 3 players from any team

  7. Luis Suarez Ate My Homework
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    8 player draft league starting at 18:30 GMT.

    199652-51924

  8. kirwy
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Quite like this:

    DDG
    Alonso, Bertrand, Dawson
    KdB, Willian, Zaha, Fraser
    Kane, Lukaku, Rodriguez

    4.0 4.5 4.5 4.5

    1. GuyIncognito
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Jay Rod is yesterday's player, seems good otherwise.

      1. kirwy
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Hard to find decent replacement for JRod. Thoughts?

    2. Oven Glover
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Same as me except I have Austin and Trippier over Bertrand and JRod

      1. kirwy
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        How did u manage that extra 0.5 for Austin?

        1. Oven Glover
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          Ah, a 4.0 def. You have a 4.5.

          1. kirwy
            • 11 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            Of course. 🙂 Any suggestions?

            1. Oven Glover
              • 10 Years
              8 years, 4 months ago

              Lowest ownership imo

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

    Fantasy Draft - Atm I have Lallana and Mane
    Should I swap one of them out for Lamela or Capoue - don't have Chelsea, Spurs or United midfield or attack...

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

    Any more replies?

    A) Mane and Alli
    B) Sanchez and Willian

    I know there's speculation about Sanchez but also concerned about Klopp rotating Mane with the champions league. What are people's opinions?

  11. Jafooli
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Where's all this KdB stuff come from? Did he score a couple last night?

    Or Pep said he's nailed?

    1. Luis Suarez Ate My Homework
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Of course he's nailed. He was their best performing player last year, and he's flying in offseason

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

        Ah right cheers Moin.....how on earth to squeeze him in....

    2. El Tel
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Ended last season very well

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

      Pep said he's stuck down, tied up, nailed and bound.

      Quite what their sordid affair has to do with the public I don't know.

  12. troller
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    mkhitaryan/kane/bailly or lukaku/alli/lindelof

    1. El Tel
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Kane

      1. SharkyT
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        B

  13. The Royal Robin
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Can't see me not starting with DDG. High ownership and he's guaranteed BAPS and plenty of CS's to start with. The Utd defence otherwise is a bit meh.

  14. El Tel
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Thoughts, please? 🙂

    Fabianski
    Trippier Ota Bertrand Alonso
    Phillips KDB Willian
    Austin Kane Lukaku

    Bench: Nordfeldt, Cedric, Carroll, Cook

  15. Luis Suarez Ate My Homework
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Draft league starting at 6:30 UK time.

    199652-51924

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

      says closed

  16. The Royal Robin
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Where has all this love for Fraser come from? Is he nailed on?

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

      Me. 😉

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

        That wouldn't surprise me in the slightest....

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

        You know not the power of your words 🙂

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

      It was a good show but I preferred Cheers.

    3. faver
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Stanislas should miss few games, Fraser looks not only like a natural replacement but as a player who may start in their lineup for whole season (at least from for ending of last season shows that)

  17. saint4life
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Draft league, accepting up to 16 entrants. Will not delete this league. Draft is in 35mins.
    Code
    199773-51959

  18. The Big Fella
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Any opinions or advice welcome
    Forster Elliot
    Alonso, Kompany, Cedric, Francis, 4.0m
    KDB, Alli, Willian, RLC, Carroll
    Lukaku, Jesus, Chicharito

  19. RoyaleBlue
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    What are people's thoughts on Aguero and Mkhi over Lukaku and Sane

    1. Wrong Captain Again
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Not a chance for me

    2. GuyIncognito
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Lukaku's ownership makes it way to risky for me to go without.

      1. Nomar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Do you genuinely believe he's going to massively outscore Kun or Jesus (who have equally good opening fixtures) every GW, though?

    3. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Mikki is a gamble that could well work.

      I prefer City to Utd anyway as City look more likely to score a hatful of goals. I don't trust Utd to lay waste to teams like City, Spurs and Pool do.

  20. QueefParkRangers
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Who are the best 4.0 defs to go for?

    1. nisag17
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      None.

    2. Oven Glover
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      The one with lowest ownership

    3. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Hunemeier and Rangel look most likely to start out of all the 4's.

      Obviously a few 4.0's will emerge over time as injuries start happening, though.

  21. The Royal Robin
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Anyone else considering Jacob Murphy? Signed for £10m. Scored 2 last night vs Bradford. Listed as a midfielder but apparently he's a forward? Would Newcastle pay £10m and bench a player?

    1. Ohhh Shola Ameobi
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Think I'd keep an eye on starting line ups for the next few friendlies. There's quite a bit of competition for that wing spot, especially if Aarons stays fit this season.

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

      Litter.

    3. Pap Le Cissier
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      He's looking good but Rafa picks his team on merit. 10m or not, if he doesn't perform he'll be on the bench sharpish

  22. Luis Suarez Ate My Homework
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Draft starting in a couple minutes. 6:30 uk.

    199652-51924

  23. Kambo
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Foster // Elliot

    Alonso Kompany Yoshida Trippier // 4.0
    Willian De Bruyne Alli // RLC Carroll
    Lacazette Lukaku Austin

    How she looking lads? finally got myself set on a team !!

    1. nisag17
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Good team. And Laca could actually score decent points. No Champions league could actually drive the gunners to do better.

    2. nisag17
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Austin might not start and I don't like the Kompany pick personally but it could work.

  24. The Royal Robin
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    A) DDG - Bertrand - Pogba
    B) Forster - Ake - Coutinho

    1. SharkyT
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      A

    2. Totally !rre!evant
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      A and I would even downgrade Pogba. Willian/Zaha if you haven't already got them

  25. Net Gains
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    In two weeks and 15 minutes the deadline will kick in!

    1. What do you think you will be doing just before the deadline - relaxing or making changes?
    2. What are your plans for the big opening game?

  26. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Kane or Jesus/Aguero?
    Currently have Lukaku and Rooney

    1. william prunier
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Rooney lol

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

      If you have Rooney I'd advise pouring yourself a large Scotch and taking a long, hard look in the mirror.

      1. Nomar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        I don't have Rooney, but can I pour myself a large scotch anyway?

  27. fedolefan
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Anyone tempted to split up the cash Willian uses up?

    7m + 4.5m or 6m + 5.5m

    Could easily be Phillips + 5.5m player and no need to worry about a transfer out.

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

      Any excuse to buy more West Brom ey? 😆

      1. fedolefan
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        All is forgiven with Phillips. Swallowed my ego and swallowed my pride.

  28. QueefParkRangers
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Can't help but think Mark looks like a real scruffy git in those FPL Twitter videos

  29. The Royal Robin
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    This is where I'm at. Marks out of 10?

    DDG
    Trippier Dawson Bertie
    Phillips KDB Pogba Willian
    Lukaku Kane Austin

    (Elliot Dunk Carroll Hudson)

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

      8.5

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

        What would you change? Ideally I'd choose Coutinho over Pogba.

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

          I'd downgrade Philips and play 4-3-3.

  30. n-doggg
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Vardy looks pretty good value. His early fixtures putting people off? I can't see any forward around the same price bracket worth having?

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

      I'd rather buy Defoe and save 0.5m tbh

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

      I think he'll have another great season but fixtures are too bad