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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. Dont Shoot
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Forster/Fabianski
    Alonso/Cedric/Ake (Goldson/Hunemeier)
    Salah Pogba Eriksen Redmond Townsend
    Lacazette Lukaku (Quaner)

    For now based mainly on fixtures

    Thoughts (about the team, of course) - not funny stuff 🙂

  2. Gunners.The.Best
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Guys I need help on this one,

    A) Zaha and De Bryune

    B) Coutinho and Sane

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

      A

    2. Doctor Zhivago
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Same doubt making me going crazy... Cout and KDB are set piece takers, Sané a very good gamble (can be a train full of goals and assists on the left flank), Zaha more a gamble than Sané in my opinion (new manager, great responsibility, a bit overrated maybe)
      I'd go B and finger crossed!

    3. Top 210 Club
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      A

    4. One Man
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Definitely A.

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

    My favourite 343 that I've done.

    DDG
    Trippier Dawson Bertie
    Willian KDB Pogba Phillips
    Kaku Austin Kane

    (Elliot Dunk TC £4m)

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

      And let's face it mate you've done plenty 😀

      It's firm all over and lovely up top. Reasonable at the back too.

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

    How to have fun on a rainy afternoon: make your own jokes up about Matip.

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

    Second attempt for some feedback on this lot:
    Forster Elliot
    Alonso, Kompany, Cedric, Francis, 4.0m
    KDB, Alli, Willian, RLC, Carroll
    Lukaku, Jesus, Chicharito

    1. Gunners.The.Best
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Decent

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

      I'd want a better 4th mid with only 2 elite forwards

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

        I'd love to upgrade RLC as I am not even sure he will play. How would you propose I do it? I have 2 expensive players in every position.

      2. Virgil Hilts
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        He;a got one ..... Alonso 🙂

    3. One Man
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Good team.

  6. Bambi
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Fraser (5.5) and Ayew (5.0) form a strong rotation attack pair. Fixtures:

    wba, WAT, pal, NEW, BRI, WAT, LEI, HUD, LEI/stoke

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

      Thanks for this. Hm.

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

      Can I just saw your grav is lovely.

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

        Say.

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

        thank you, put a smile on my face, hope it does for everyone else!

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

      Forget rotation and play Fraser every week.

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

    Good day.

    Anyone consider having RLC and mcarthur as for 4th and 5th spot to do the following:

    Selecting 1 of them in a 3-4-3 and auto sub in case the one you selected doesnt play.... and it also frees up cash to make sure the other 10 players on your squad are solid.

    Of course theres always the chance they both play....as im not sure what the midfield partnership for crystal palace will be.

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

      Am I missing something with Palace?
      GK, CB, CB, CB, Schlupp/PvA, Townsend/New Player, Mili, Cabaye, Sako/Townsend, Zaha, Benteke. Where do McArthur and RLC play? Is Cabaye not a thing anymore?

      1. Crinix
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Good point. Does anyone know if any of mcarthur and RLC are starters ahead of cabaye and mili?

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 16 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          Expect Mili to play.

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

          Mili is 100% nailed, Cabaye is the one I'm not sure about.

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

    If Sané, Fraser, and Austin don't play on the opening weekend I'll need to make Special Brew & Frosty Jack's snakebites to get through Match of the Day.

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

      Got those 3 too. Might make Austin to Hernandez with the spare cash.

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

        I've go no spare cash 🙂

        Wondering whether having Alonso is a step too far, especially given his mixed opening fixtures.

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

          i have a strange feeling that not including Alonso may be quite bad for people here. He really is one of those players that is fixture proof and you may have to reshuffle your entire team to accommodate him

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

    Tom Carroll really could be this season's bargain.

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

      RLC looking less nailed
      But I do hope he gets some good gametime there

      1. @FPL_Chess
          8 years, 4 months ago

          With high ownership, if he doesn't get the game-time his price may tumble quickly.

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

      My first RMT... What do you say? 🙂

      Foster, Elliot
      Kolasinac, Baily, Trippier, Cedric, Hunemeier
      KDB, Fabs, Tadic, Philips, Carrol
      Lukaku, Kane, Chicharito

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

        Too balanced.

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

          Not sure what to make of that comment 😀

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

          That's also a problem now? 😛

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

        Nicely balanced

      3. el polako
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Like it, Tadic may be tad frustraiting though.

      4. One Man
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        I like this team a lot. But i keep asking myself will fabs start ?

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

      right, after much tinkering i think i am settled... for now

      Begovic Elliot
      Alonso Bailly Trippier Cedric (long)
      KDB Coutinho Willian Fraser (Carroll)
      Kane Jesus Ayew

      Fraser/Ayew rotation, 442 or 433.

      Hows taht?

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

        Like the rotation..Ayew to Tammy perhaps?

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

        Jesus-> Kaku
        Downgrade Bailly/Alonso

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

      Foster (Elliot)
      Kolasinac Tripper Cedric (Dunk Long)
      KDB Alli Willian Tadic (RLC)
      Luka Laca Chicha
      0 ITB

      Basically I've one player in each price bracket so as to make the team flexible and jump on to any early bandwagons without much fuss
      Thoughts and advices appreciated
      Cheers 🙂

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

        Anyone? 😀

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

          No replies! I'm just gonna assume I texted my crush..doesn't hurt that way

      2. The one who has a knock
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        I like the approach, just be nervous about tadic, rlc, cedric (gw1). Also would question arsenal def over manu, not sure about chic with awful fixtures.

    5. BobB
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Don't get Tom Carroll....cheap, yes, but 1 goal in 30 appearances for Swans over 2 seasons not great

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

        1 goal, 2 assists a couple of CS and no us into 1389 mins for 4.5. What's not to like?!

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

          * and some bonus in 1389 mins.

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

          Capoue gave us a lot more for our money at that price

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

            He's 5.5 now.

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

              Exactly. If Carroll replicates his efforts I'd say he was well worth the pick. Prefer RLC.

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

                Why do you prefer RLC? Carroll does what is needed of a 4.5 mid.

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

        siggy factor

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

        He wasn't on much set pieces back then..was he
        Only other decent 4.5 is RLC

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

        what do you mean 2 seasons ... Spurs sold him in January, I would only judge him over the 2nd half of last season

        The boy is only going to get better

      5. the snazzy viking
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        what do you expect for 4.5?

      6. Freshy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        IFFFF siggy is gone than get em in

    6. PhattyPatty
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      RMT Please

      Foster / Fabianski
      Trippier Daniels Cédric / Dunk Mee
      KDB Willian Coutinho Milivojevic / Carroll
      Kane Chicharito Lukaku

      Too light on defense?

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

        Nice one, I would keep it that way. Very similar to mine..

    7. HashAttack
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Hi everyone, looking forward to a new season
      I've usually used my w/c at after the first or second week, maybe not the best tactic, but allows me to take a few risks

      Current team is:

      Forster / Elliot
      Bailly / Kompany / Schlupp / Trippier / Ake
      KDB / Mkhi / Sane / Iwobi / Murphy
      Lukaku / Batshuayi / JRod

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

        Like the Batshuayi pick..he may well start that match

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

          thanks ... I'm picking on pre-season form and hope for the best ... Batty only needs a few minutes to score 🙂

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

            Cheers GL mate

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

      Saints question on previous page asking if Austin is nailed. Saints Forums seem about 75% yes. Troubling me more is that Tadic is 50/50. Seems like of Tadic Redmond and Gabbi, one wont start if Austin starts.

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

        Tadic ain't nailed???

      2. One Man
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks for the update, I have Austin, can always transfer him out for Gayle, etc..... after gw1 if he doesn't start.

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

      Thoughts:

      A: De Gea, Dawson, Bertrand (442)
      B: Foster, Bertrand, Bailly (442)
      C: Foster, Yoshida, Austin (343)
      D: Foster, Yoshida, Azpi (442)

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

        They all look good - C-D-B-A

      2. One Man
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Probable C.

    10. dan slo
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Hello

      Please rate my team and be honest rather than nice.

      THANK YOU

      deGea
      Trippier-Alonso-Bertrand
      Ramsey-Zacha-Sterling-Fabregas-Eriksen
      Lukaku-Firmino

      Myhill-Daniels-Mee-Fletcher

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

        really wouldn't risk Sterling .... I'm not even sure of Sane myself

        Think Fabergas is certainly worth an early season punt ... can see him getting / making the winner against Burnley

        Really don't like Firmino ... surely he is going to get less points then last season, Mane is still off and Couthinho might not be there ... Watford away first match

        Ramsey? ... I have Iwobi ... someone is going to be disappointed, or is that really where Arse's midfield is at now

        1. dan slo
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          thanx a lo

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

      Here are some results of a question I asked earlier. Feel free to add your input (ie vote again and discuss). Over the first 8 GWs or so, can you name a:

      A) 6.5 mid who will outscore Kolasinac at LWB

      Tadic: 6 votes
      Redmond: 3 votes
      Mirallas: 1 vote
      Musa (really?): 1 vote
      ...
      None: 1 vote

      B) 6.0 mid who will outscore Bertrand

      Ince: 2 votes
      Capoue: 1 vote
      Shaqiri: 1 vote
      Lingard: 1 vote
      Knockhaert: 1 vote
      Philips: 1 vote
      Chadli: 1 vote
      Ritchie: 1 vote
      ...
      None: 3 votes

      C) 5.5 mid who will outscore Cedric

      Fraser: 1 vote
      Walters: 1 vote
      Allen: 1 vote
      Puncheon: 1 vote
      Capoue: 1 vote
      ...
      None: 3 votes

      Comments: With a thousand grains of salt, it seems as though many are convinced that there are players in midfield worth their price, and worth a place in their team. Nobody agrees on who (besides Tadic), but many believe a 'flexible' strategy is the best apporach, jumping on the obvious emerging picks as they arise (who are also assumed to outscore their defence counterparts).

      It seems clear to me that, if we were set with the team we started with for many weeks, many more people would be choosing the defenders over the midfielders, because they simply don't know who will score enough points in midfield (decisions have to rely much more on form and genuine attacking threat than defenders). To further back this up, many of the answers given came with caveats, such as "they will only outscore the defender if [e.g., they are actually any good]", which suggests that the defenders are the safest options.

      However, transfers do exist, so it's up to us to decide whether 'flexibility' is worth the cost. Are you willing to pay 'secured points' (from defence) as a speculative gamble on emerging attacking threat in the budget mid range? If you plan to WC within the first 8GWs or so, isn't it better to choose the highest scoring options we can using the information we have available to us now, rather than making decisions based on limited incoming infomation when the season starts, and telling ourselves that we're not 'chasing points'? 😉

      As I said, feel free to vote and add comments, as it's a very important question for my team! 😀

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

        Sorry, I obviously don't mean for the same people to vote again haha

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

        A Tadic
        B Stan?
        C None

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

          Cheers Guy! The other thing to note about this question is that the 'None' category is underestimated, since it's a first past the post system. In reality, many people's second choices are 'none' since they only back one mid to beat the defender.

          Likewise, few people are very sure anyway, so 60% certainty = 1 vote, but doesn't count the 40% certainty for 'none', which is relavant here due to your question mark! I will still count it though 🙂

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

        A. Tadic
        B. Walters
        C. Walters

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

          Interesting. Tell me about Walters 🙂

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

            Averaged 4.5 points per start last season. Should be playing second striker this season, been in form pre season.

          2. HashAttack
            • 8 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            Definitely fancy Walters myself - a history of goals. multiple goals on occasions - 72 points from 1300 min last season

            He's going to be a lot more involved this season with Burnley ... but I think they have a tough start to the season
            I ended up swapping him out for Murphy ... all those lovely green fixtures

      4. the snazzy viking
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        1. Tadic
        2. Ince
        3. Mooy

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

          Any more? I may have influenced the vote by seemingly asking for one, but I really want the full amount you think for each category, from 0 to as many as you think there are.

          1. the snazzy viking
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            Oh you said 'a' so I was presuming only one from each...

            Add Phillips then

      5. The one who has a knock
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        A none
        B ince
        C none

        1. The one who has a knock
          • 15 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          Now that I have read your recent comment, I'll add to b shaq,Philips

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

        haven't seen Snodgrass mentioned yet ... 6M, 133 points last year and would expect to improve this year?

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

          So what do you think? Would you bet on him or Bertrand?

    12. PepSala
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      G2G?

      Foster
      Trippier Cedric D.luiz Daniels
      KDB Coutinho Willian
      Kane(c) Lukaku Chicha

      Myhill RCL Romeu Rangel

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

      Austin and Bailly

      Or

      Chicharito and Yoshida?

    14. jp1719
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      RMT please - thank you!

      Foster Elliot
      Dawson Cedric Kompany Dunk Rangel
      KDB Willian Coutinho RLC Carroll
      Benteke Lukaku Kane

    15. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      This place is desperate for a new article. Let's hope it is a good one.

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

        The player list analysis is the best FFS article but the series should be released much quicker IMO. They need to come out closer to the opening of the game when excitement is much high.

      2. the snazzy viking
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Anything but the next numbers game article on Swansea

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

          Lol

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

      Hey guys whats this looking like?
      Any idea on missing 5.0?

      Foster (Myhill)
      Trippier, Bertrand, Daniels (Mee, Rangel)
      KDB, Cout, Willian, 5.0? (T.Carrol)
      Kane, Lukaku, Rooney

      Cheers

      1. Top 210 Club
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Rooney to Austin or Gayle, then 6m of Ince or Phillips

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

          Nice thanks

    17. Top 210 Club
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      1st to 3! Go go go!?

      A. Kun + Phillips
      B. Jesus + Zaha

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

        A

      2. Man Getting Hit By Football
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        B

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

      Second attempt:
      A) Capoue to Carroll then Rangel to 5m
      B) Capoue to Carroll then Rangel and Hunemeier to 4.5m and Dunk
      C) no change
      D) suggest a change

      Courtois (Speroni)
      Daniels Trippier Cedric (Hunemeier Rangel)
      KDB LC Coutinho Alli (Capoue)
      Lukaku(vc) Lacazette (c) Austin

    19. T
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Who's the preferred Brighton defender and why?

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

        Having no Brighton defender is the preferred option imo

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

          This!

      2. Top 210 Club
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Dunki Kong

      3. the snazzy viking
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Suttner

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

        Bit of a buzz around Suttner? Seems to be on some sp's and has a good record of assists and goals I think?

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

          Think Dunk has better goal threat but is reportedly a card magnet
          Could be the new Cholevas

      5. Top 210 Club
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Suttner also a cross beast and set piece taker

    20. Az
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      I'm on a train on my way to London to get smaaaashed.
      Bored though.

      What you lot up to tonight?

    21. Kolarov Fpl Legend
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      First Rmt this se....
      Foster
      Kompany, Alonso, Tripp, Cedric
      Kdb, Zaha, Wilian, Fraser
      Lukaku, Kane

      Bench: Elli, Ayew, Tc, Rosenior.
      1 mil itb...Where would you spend here in defence that lovely 1 mil?

      1. Kolarov Fpl Legend
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Oops...

      2. Silva’s Left Nut
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Alonso to your fav 6m defender. Then Willian to coutinho

        1. Kolarov Fpl Legend
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          No, thanks. I wrote; in defence.

        2. One Man
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          That's only 1m. But willian to Coutinho is 2m ?