Opinion
10 August 2017 2682 comments
davidwardale davidwardale
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In the words of Cockney prophets Chas & Dave: ‘Spurs are on their way to Wembley, Tottenham’s going to do it again’.

This season, in a move that even a dreaming Ossie Ardiles might tire of, they’ll be on their way to Wembley many more times than usual to fulfil 19 Premier League home fixtures while their new stadium is being built.

And the fear is that what Tottenham’s going to be doing again is struggle.

The precedents are not good – West Ham suffered when they moved into their new home last season, while Spurs lost two and drew one of their four European matches at Wembley in 2016/17.

A strong second-place finish last campaign, fuelled by key assets Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen, would usually demand our Fantasy attention.

But will the move to Wembley change all that? Will it prompt a right old Knees Up or a case of Ain’t No Pleasing You?

We canvas the opinion of some leading Fantasy Premier League managers and Fantasy Football Scout staff to ask for their verdict on the fourth of this season’s Burning Questions: Is the Wembley factor really a concern when considering Spurs’ assets?

Peter Kouwenberg (Hall of Fame #1) Says…

A confession: I was one who skippered Kane for the Hull City and Burnley blanks last December before a rare rage-transfer out – just in time to ‘enjoy’ his festive haul of six goals in four matches.

I also became something of an expert throughout the season at swapping Eriksen in and out for Alli, just in time to miss each other’s goals and assists, before finally admitting defeat and bringing in all three players.

As a result, I am the last person qualified to comment on Spurs.

Much has been written about why they do, and may continue to, struggle at Wembley and if I was a Spurs fan, I probably would be a little bit nervous about this.

However, I would be far more fearful of not having Kane in my team, with a match away at newly promoted Newcastle and a home fixture against Burnley sandwiching the Chelsea clash.

I agree that there are viable alternatives – the Manchester City strikers and new boys Alvaro Morata and Alexandre Lacazette could all justify excluding Kane – but I’ll be riding out the first three games at least, after which the fixtures suggest it would be a brave or foolish player not to have at least one Spurs attacker.

Where I think the Wembley wariness will influence me is in not trebling up from the off. Alli was the first name on my first draft team sheet and I still think he (and Eriksen) could continue where they left off last season.

However, wagering over a quarter of my £100m budget on Spurs (including the injured Kieran Trippier) to beat their Wembley hoodoo may be a gamble too far.

Uwais Ahmed (FPL Runner-Up 2016/17) Says…

I believe that playing at Wembley for 19 home matches will make a difference, but how much this will affect the Spurs players is impossible to tell.

We simply don’t have a decent sample size of data to confirm how much of a factor Wembley will be. What we do know is that Spurs won 21 of 23 matches played at White Hart Lane last season across all competitions, and you would expect this will be difficult to match this time around.

Given Harry Kane is the most expensive player in FPL, at £12.5m, you have to take into account all factors when fielding a player who uses up such a significant portion of our budget. Playing at Wembley is one such factor.

Kane is England’s number one striker. He’s played at Wembley on a number of occasions, so we’re not talking about a novice with a complete unfamiliarity of his surroundings. What also works in Kane’s favour is that he is a nailed-on starter for Spurs so there is no rotation risk around him.

I believe that in considering Spurs’ assets, you have to play it by ear. What you can hang your hat on is that last season in the Premier League, Spurs had the joint-best goal difference at home and the best goal difference away. This tells you that they’re a very well-balanced team with FPL options across all positions.

They’ve earned the right for us to ignore the Wembley aspect to begin with, particularly with their favourable opening schedule.

But we might need to re-visit the issue once we have more evidence and information.

Ben Crabtree (Reigning FPL Champion) Says…

Stadium moves generally negatively affect performance.

Couple this with Spurs, and Kane in particular, being slow starters and there should be caution around their prized assets.

The 6-1 and 7-1 maulings they handed out in the spring were nearly three months ago. Their form – and that of all the other teams – is re-set for the new season and no-one has half an eye on the beach anymore.

I feel Spurs are less likely to win the title this season. Today’s Danny Rose story is symptomatic of the frustration at the club, with some players concerned that rivals have strengthened so much while their only business has made them weaker, ie losing Kyle Walker.

Then again, I’m open to the possibility of my thoughts deriving from confirmation bias.

Pretending Spurs have no options saves a lot of money and makes picking a team easier. There is a stadium move, but they’ve played there before so it’s not completely new. Kane hasn’t scored in August before, but that could mean he’ll score three months worth of goals this August to average it out.

Then there’s Eriksen and Alli who, as a rule, score more points each year. Even if they get ‘only’ this season, I don’t want to be missing out on that.

At the start you can only have so many top players. The tactic I generally use is to see what factors rule players out rather than in. I think Wembley is a big enough concern to put Spurs on hold for now.

Simon March (FPL Champion 2014/15) Says…

My theory when it comes to Spurs and the ‘Wembley factor’ is that their recent malaise there has less to do with the size of the pitch or the unfamiliar surroundings and much more to do with the fact that it is simply ‘Wembley’.

The venue is synonymous with ‘an occasion’ and, for the visiting teams and their fans, fixtures there take on a cup final atmosphere, irrespective of their actual significance. As a result, Spurs’ opponents typically bring along a larger, louder following and their players raise their game accordingly.

If this is true, then Spurs may have 19 ‘cup finals’ on their hands next season and this could, of course, impact on their players’ performances.

Though I expect Spurs to eventually adapt to their new surroundings and the greater pressure that comes with them, I might be concerned about their results early on in the season.

I’m less concerned, however, with the impact on Spurs as an attacking force.

Even if the results aren’t going their way, I think their usual suspects of Kane, Alli and Eriksen will still find opportunities to score.

The atmosphere might even work in their favour at times, with opposing teams less inclined to ‘park the bus’ in front of a more vociferous than usual away following.

So, while I might avoid their defence for a few Gameweeks at least, I’ll still be backing their attacking assets.

Jonty Says…

Spurs were an unstoppable force at White Hart Lane last season, racking up more shots than any home side and scoring 47 times – a tally only bettered by Chelsea.

In defence, they conceded just nine times in front of their own fans and kept 12 clean sheets – another two records for their 2016/17 stats cabinet.

Given that they effectively play 38 away matches this season, due to Wembley being their temporary home, the theory is that this fine record will suffer.

Leading the charge in pushing this theory are those that study pitch sizes. They will point out that, at 100 x 67 metres, White Hart Lane had the second smallest Premier League pitch last season and Spurs players may struggle to adjust to the extra space afforded by Wembley’s gigantic 105 x 69 metres (7,245 ) of turf.

West Ham’s travails after their move to a larger pitch at the London Stadium last season further strengthen this ‘groundsman’s argument’.

Then there’s Spurs’ track record at Wembley – a stadium where last season they were beaten by Monaco, Bayer Leverkusen and Chelsea and could only secure a draw against Belgian team KAA Gent. In fact, CSKA Moscow were the only side they managed to beat at the home of English football last season.

But I’m still not buying into the Wembley effect.

The key is that, in Kane, they have a player looking to win the Golden Boot for the third consecutive season and who still scored 12 goals on the road last season – with only Alexis Sanchez and Sergio Aguero scoring more.

In addition, their away record was superb – suggesting the tight White Hart Lane pitch is not needed for success. On the road they conceded a mere 16 times- another record – and scored 39, which was only bettered by Manchester City.

If Spurs fail to replicate 2016/17’s form, it won’t be due to playing at Wembley. It will arguably be more to do with their failure to impress in the transfer market, where they have lost one of their best players in full-back Walker and have been forced to watch in envy as their rivals strengthen.

Paul Says…

Due to Spurs’ tactics under Mauricio Pochettino, I don’t think you can rule out the Wembley issue altogether, or at least in the very early stages.

Spurs play such a high-pressing game that, with more ground and space to cover in their new home, there’s a possibility that energy levels could drop later in matches and they might not be able to close down opponents quite so effectively.

That’s essentially a fitness factor and one that their manager will presumably address by ensuring that Spurs’ levels are even greater than before. It could initially have an impact but, as the season unfolds and the players up their match fitness and become more accustomed to Wembley, I can’t see it being an issue.

Kane’s minutes per away goal last season – which was almost identical to Romelu Lukaku’s at home – underlines that he’s far from reliant on White Hart Lane. At present, he’s the only Spurs player I own as I feel he’s unparalleled as a captaincy pick.

Elsewhere, you can also point to the fact that Alli had more big chances away from home than any FPL midfielder last season. Eriksen, meanwhile, sat first for shots and key passes, and his penchant for efforts from distance is unlikely to be quenched.

Defensively, I’m going to steer clear of Spurs for now and see if they can maintain the same levels of resilience as last season.

But with Burnley, Swansea City and Bournemouth three of their first four visitors, the opening schedule should allow them to settle and give us time to assess any possible Wembley impact.

Mark Says…

While they have been conspicuous by their absence in the transfer market, in many ways it was difficult to strengthen Pochettino’s first XI and, under normal circumstances I’d reluctantly be installing Spurs as title favourites.

But the Wembley factor has to be a consideration and, coupled with the sudden unrest in the camp following Rose’s outburst today, I do have escalating concerns about their prospects.

The pitch size and sense of occasion created by the stadium move is less of a factor than the morale issues for me.

I worry that, with a ready-made excuse for a reduced title bid, the mood in the camp could suddenly plummet further.

One of the main reasons for Spurs’ success last season was the fact that they came across as the most unified and spirited of teams.

But cracks are now appearing and I do feel that the re-location will compound matters.

Having said that, I am still struggling to overlook Kane.

Based on last season’s output, he is peerless as a captain option and while there is explosivity and possibly consistency on offer from Romelu Lukaku and Gabriel Jesus, they are for my money still giving chase to Kane for these qualities .

So Kane will likely get the nod for me, regardless of my concerns.

However, I am unlikely to back him with Eriksen or Alli for fear of over-investment in a side perhaps on the verge of a transition – both in terms of venue and, perhaps, mentality and confidence.

    1. Make United Great Again
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      I'm hoping to get past Christmas

    2. Orion
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Go go TM!!!

  1. Make United Great Again
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    UNCLE PAT Fantasy Football Scout Memberjust now
    Thoughts appreciated!

    Foster
    Kola Berty Daniels
    KDB Willian Fraser Salah
    Kane Lukaku J Rod

    Elliot, Carroll, Stuttner, Mee.

    Last try haha

    1. Thomass
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Fraser, not sure he's nailed but otherwise looks good

    2. Darth_Krid
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      I like it, although not sold on Fraser. how about Gross for the same price? Defence looking solid, although I guess you could make Mee into a 4.0 if you need the 0.5 elsewhere or just to bank it for your transfer.

      Good luck for the season!

      1. Make United Great Again
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks mate! I'm quite willing to take a punt on Fraser actually especially with Sanislas out! Who is Gross?

        1. antis0cial
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          Gross looking to be Brightons player maker.

        2. Darth_Krid
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          He's the #10 for Brighton and on all set pieces. Doesn't have the best fixtures but if they score, he'll probably be involved.

  2. Whazza
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    De Boer: TFM will play RCB.

    Last 3 games: Milivojevic RCB. Guy is a midfielder.

    Conclusion: Dann is fine 🙂

    1. Make United Great Again
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Dann likes to score goals too.

    2. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Dann or Daniels for me... leaning Dann

  3. Thomass
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Am I good to go?

    Foster
    Cahill, Bertrand, Davies 4m
    Willian, KdB, Alli
    Kane, Morata, Firmino

    Subs: Myhill, Carroll, Rangel and 4.5

    Thoughts and is 4-3-3 effective or should I get rid of Firmino and get Salah as my lfc attacker?

    Thanks

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Morata will be great or a disaster for you.

      1. Thomass
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Nah he won't be, he'll be great

    2. Darth_Krid
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Is Morata a punt? Could work out really well, or could see you fall behind early. Rest of the team is solid, a little different which is nice.

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

    I'm ignoring Kane. At my own peril.

    1. The Iron Tulip
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Doing the same.

      1. Think
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Was doing so but now bit confused.

        1. The Iron Tulip
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          I think after Newcastle, there is a few tough fixtures, I'd monitor for now.

  5. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    5th in my draft pick :/

  6. Think
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Lost on last article.
    What will you prefer ?
    A) Aguero+Betekent+Alli
    Or
    B) Kane+KDB+Rodriguez

    1. DD
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      B

  7. Shirokov(c)
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Think my team is settled.

    Foster - Elliot
    Kolasinac - Davies - Cedric - Suttner - Long
    KdB - Mane - Fabregas - JWP - Carroll
    Kane - Lukaku - Abraham

    .5m in the bank for any GW1 bandwagons.

    Thoughts?

    1. We Will Klopp you
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Looks good, GTG, nice little cushion with the 0.5m itb

    2. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Foster > Heaton?

  8. We Will Klopp you
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    GTG? Final check in before the season begins, easy rout to Kaku if necessary with Kola to Daniels, plus can do KDB to a Spurs mid if they explode

    Foster (Elliott)
    Kolasinac - Bertrand - Stephens (Suttner, Long)
    KDB - Salah - Zaha - Ritchie (Carroll)
    Kane - Jesus - Gabbi

    1. Coaly
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Yep template

    2. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Very nice! Just no Rom

      1. We Will Klopp you
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers, I feel Jesus can outscore him providing that Jesus doesn't get Pep'd

  9. Darth_Krid
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Bottomed out on the last article.

    Think I'm just about done. Just want the season to start now!

    Foster | Elliot
    Valencia | Bertrand | Dawson | Suttner | Long
    KDB | Willian | Tadic | Gross | Carroll
    Lukaku | Kane | Firmino

    Heavy up top, but none of the more budget-friendly strikers really stood out to me. Can't decide between Tadic and Redmond either; knowing the history I have with those two then whichever one I pick, the other will score a load.

    Good to go?

    Thanks in advance for any advice!

    1. Thomass
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Nice one how's my team looking above?

    2. Whazza
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Would not start with Gross. City then 2 away

      1. We Will Klopp you
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Agreed Gross is one to be monitored, doubt Brighton will get a touch of the ball other than at kick off vs City

        1. We Will Klopp you
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          Jwp/Fraser other options to start the season with

      2. Darth_Krid
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Yeah, the 5.5 position is a lottery. I guess I saw how involved he was on set pieces, and Brighton will have the enthusiasm of being in the top flight for the first time in ages. Already have Tadic so not keen on JWP. Could try and scramble 0.5 somewhere to get Ritchie!

        1. We Will Klopp you
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          Best ways to get ritchie would be imo Valencia to Bailly/Kola/Kompany or Berty to Cedric or Stephens/yoshi if you want the security of a gw1 start

          1. Darth_Krid
            • 8 Years
            8 years, 6 months ago

            Yeah, I'm thinking Valencia > Bailly. Pencilled Bertrand in since the start. Thanks for stopping by to offer advice mate 🙂

            1. We Will Klopp you
              • 9 Years
              8 years, 6 months ago

              Always happy to help 🙂

  10. The Iron Tulip
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Those with both Jesus and KDB, who are you putting the armband on?

    1. Team Cruel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Luka

    2. Whazza
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Kane

    3. We Will Klopp you
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Kane, can explode vs anyone, out of those two probably KDB, central to everything City do

    4. Smoky Johnson
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Kane

    5. Silva’s Left Nut
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Go with Jesus

  11. PvA
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    I think Spurs will struggle in defence, but their attack is still worth investing in

    1. CFC1990
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Reckon they will get top 4?

      1. PvA
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        It depends how long they stay in the CL imo. If they're out in the group stages again then yeah

        But if they advance - they will have to play more games... not sure their quad depth can handle it

        Wbu?

        1. CFC1990
          • 14 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          They have a great side but they haven't strengthened.

          Top 4 for me again though. Maybe 3rd

    2. Feed tha Sheep
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      They had the best defence in the league last year why would they struggle this season?

      1. PvA
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Most of their clean sheets were at home on a more compact pitch. A more open pitch at home will cause them to struggle I think

  12. FPL Virgin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    I have an amazing tip if anyone wants to hear it.

    Not sure if it is worth it though. This post will be two pages back within minutes.

    1. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      I'm intrigued...

      1. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Think I fell for a ruse 🙁

        1. FPL Virgin
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          Okay here goes ...

          1. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
            • 8 Years
            8 years, 6 months ago

            Drum roll

            1. FPL Virgin
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              8 years, 6 months ago

              Burnley are the worst team for conceding attempts from set plays.

              Chelsea scored the most goals from set plays.

              Two words: Gary Cahill.

              1. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
                • 8 Years
                8 years, 6 months ago

                If only I could afford him... 🙂

    2. _Make
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      XD have +1

  13. Coaly
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    TCarroll Abraham or Atsu Ayew?

    The latter gives better rotation cover but I think Tammy is more of a goal threat than Ayew

  14. _Make
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Agree about the sample size. This is finger in the air stuff.

  15. yer old da
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Last 2 seasons in hibernation. But back. Don't seem to be on the HoF anymore (was in the top 50 at least when I stopped). Anyone have any idea the effect 2 non-playing seasons would have on this record?

    Season history

    Season Points Rank
    2006/07 2,022 3,488
    2007/08 2,284 872
    2008/09 2,140 743
    2009/10 2,422 1,780
    2010/11 2,194 985
    2011/12 2,155 15,024
    2012/13 2,159 26,789
    2013/14 2,449 2,332
    2014/15 2,277 1,536

    1. _Make
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Waxys got your place mate.

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Completely destroy it.

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 16 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        It should still be decent as you have no bad seasons and 2 estimated ranks won't be too bad.

        1. yer old da
          • 16 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          Ah ok, didn't realise non-playing seasons get estimated but makes sense for this exact reason. When will it be updated, once the season gets underway?

          1. TorresMagic™
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 16 Years
            8 years, 6 months ago

            Next week with luck.

    3. PvA
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Nice mate, why did you retire?

      Also, what are your thoughts on ownership?

      1. yer old da
        • 16 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Gave up because it was just taking up too much time. Topped the rankings for Nepal out of about 12,000 teams (we were living there) but spent so much time on it to the detriment of the family. But miss it so playing again with the aspiration of giving it no more than 1 hour a week. So far spent that at least each day this week finalising my squad!

        1. PvA
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          Ahhh fair play, when it impacts real life then I guess it's right to stop for a while. Hopefully you can get that life/game balance back now

          Btw what do you think of ownership?

          1. yer old da
            • 16 Years
            8 years, 6 months ago

            What does ownership mean?

            1. PvA
              • 9 Years
              8 years, 6 months ago

              The ownership of a given player. E.g. Lukaku is nearly at 50% ownership

              1. yer old da
                • 16 Years
                8 years, 6 months ago

                Two thoughts then I suppose. 1. A haul for that player and you lose serious ground so covering off might be good. 2. More downside price change potential if he hits a barren run. At the end of the day comes down to how you think they'll perform, but not a bad idea to cover at least some of the majorly-owned players early on.

    4. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Class! Any help below then expert? 🙂

    5. Smoky Johnson
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Amazing stats. Whats your final draft mate? 😎

      1. yer old da
        • 16 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Went with coverage from the top 6, Zaha, rotating West Brom/Swansea 4th mid, plus mid-priced attacking defenders. Looks decent. Last decision is whether to downgrade Philips to JWP so I can upgrade Cedric to Bertrand. Doing that loses the West Brom/Swansea rotation, but Saints fixtures are good plus Bertrand the premium Saints defender.

        Foster (Elliot)
        Kolasinac, Daniels, Cedric (Mee, Hunemeier)
        KDB, Willian, Zaha, Philips/Carroll
        Kane, Lukaku, Firmino

    6. lilmessipran
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Copied ur final draft mate

    7. G-Whizz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Found this:

      How is my rating calculated?

      The “HoF Rating” is based on your points scores from previous FPL seasons, with the latest season weighted the heaviest and each corresponding season weighted at roughly 80% that of the previous season. So, in other words, those who performed best in 2011/12 will receive a bigger HoF Rating boost from those who did best in 2006/07.

      The “HoF Ranking” even allows for those with missing years, adapting the formula accordingly to allow to rank alongside the veterans of the FPL.

      1. yer old da
        • 16 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers mate

  16. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    A. Bertrand+B.Davies
    B. Kompany+Stephens/Yoshida

    1. Mane+Atsu+Gabbi
    2. Salah+JWP+Chicharito

    😀

  17. klopp it guys
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Need some help. Pick a team. Team A or team B

    team A

    Foster

    Yoshida, ake, kola

    De bruyne, salah. Zaha, ritchie

    Kane, (vc) Gabbiadini, lukaku (c)

    Bench: elliot, rangel, long, carroll

    team B

    Foster

    Ake, Kolasinac, Lejeune

    De bruyne, salah, iwobi, Ritchie

    Lukaku, kane, firmino

    Bench: elliot, mee, rangel, carroll

    1. Turbolag
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      A

  18. Turbolag
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Been sitting on Lacazette for a while now, but I'm starting to have doubts with half of Arsenal missing week 1 and the potential substitution threat of Giroud. If money is no object (I can comfortably find it), which non-Lukaku striker do you prefer to Lacazette and why?

    1. _Make
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Jesus because he is the only one I believe can tear it up this year. Such talent.

    2. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Kane, Jesus, Firmino. Jesus can be explosive, Firmino will be spearhead of exciting pool attack and Kane is proven FPL gold

      Also I don't like Arsenal

  19. CFC1990
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    What is the latest on Trippier? Is he definitely out?

    1. Turbolag
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Yes

  20. The Royal Robin
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Why is Iwobi in so many teams?

    1. The Iron Tulip
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Cheap and will probabaly play due to injuries

      1. Think
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Can be swapped with emerging options afterwards.

    2. My neck my back my Saed Kol…
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Ramsey and Ozil took part in full training to day so he's not that assured anymore

      1. walkman666
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks, this information certainly impacts any decision to put Iwobi on my initial team.

  21. COYI456
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    what are the chances of fraser starting- if doubtful who else could i put in for 5.5. I know JWP is a shout but I've already got redmond..

    1. walkman666
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      GroB

  22. OptimusBlack
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Can You Rate My Team out of 10?
    https://imgur.com/QP8QcNC

    1. The Iron Tulip
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      8/10. Don't like Foster or Gabbi

    2. _Make
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      9. I'm not Lukaning it because I'm spending Kane money elsewhere, but that's just me.

    3. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      8. Standard but good

    4. SilkySkills
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      1.5

  23. TOBY1
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    3 spaces left For those interested

    FPL DRAFT - TONIGHT at 10pm

    I'd like to do it before it's too late...

    608949-140390

    Classic - 60 second
    Min 4 max 8 entries

  24. Sánchez
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    No team predictions section yet?

    1. kalmoffit
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Some of these questions like "Fraser nailed " can't be answered until team sheets.

    2. G-Whizz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      If you mean team news (?) then that will be updated tomorrow before the deadline.

  25. El Lobito 10
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Speroni to start?

    1. Think
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      50% chance

      1. El Lobito 10
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers

  26. Lecky Legs FC
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    RP choose one

    A) DDG & Cahill

    B) Forster & Alonso

    1. The Iron Tulip
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      B

    2. Twisted Saltergater
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Begovic & Alonso

      1. Lecky Legs FC
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        I already had that but kept flip flopping and changing my mind god deadline can't come quick enough

        1. Twisted Saltergater
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          I know exactly what you mean 🙂

    3. Galza
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      B

  27. Jimbo-Jones
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    A: Salah & Jrod
    B: Tadic & Firmino

    1. The Iron Tulip
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      A

  28. Twisted Saltergater
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    - Wembley 'away' factor
    - Rose outburst
    - Losing Walker and not having Rose and Trippier to start the season
    - Wanyama struggling to make GW1

    All of these factors should be alarm bells for backing Spurs assets from the start.

    1. _Make
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      I'm not interested right now. Kane money gets me Alonso and that interests me more.

    2. owls on the up
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Nah that just sounds like a defensive concern.

      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Rose and Walker in Spurs' 3421 helped press teams into the final third. They also could pick out Eriksen and vice versa. Losing the wingbacks and brining in Sissoko is much more than just a defensive concern.

        http://statsbomb.com/2017/08/tottenham-hotspur-season-preview-2017-18/

        1. owls on the up
          • 12 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          Well I'm not concerned, Kane will still score no matter what, he's class.

          1. Twisted Saltergater
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 16 Years
            8 years, 6 months ago

            I'm not saying ignore him, just might be worth waiting until after the new, CHE games?

            1. owls on the up
              • 12 Years
              8 years, 6 months ago

              I'd rather start with him as I can always downgrade after if need be, don't want to be having to make too many transfers to get him back in if he starts well.

              1. Twisted Saltergater
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 16 Years
                8 years, 6 months ago

                Fair enough, good luck! 🙂

  29. RLukaku
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    If you had Kane and Jesus, in midfield would you go with Alli/ Eriksen or KDB

    1. Game of Stones
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      KDB