World Cup

World Cup 2018 – Team Analysis – Egypt

Egypt’s hopes of success at the 2018 World Cup have been potentially devastated by events the Champions League final.

The shoulder injury sustained by Mohamed Salah which saw him depart on just 30 minutes against Real Madrid could rule the Liverpool midfielder out of the tournament – although the Egyptian FA have opted to take him to Russia.

That at least offers hope, with Salah undoubtedly vital to Egypt’s prospects.

The Liverpool winger is considered as the talisman in the Pharaohs’ squad and, from a Fantasy perspective, he would be their obvious target for attacking points in World Cup Fantasy.

Elswhere, manager Hector Cuper’s preference for a defensive set-up, even against other African nations, could provide us with an outside chance of clean sheets in Russia.

Road to Qualification

As the most successful nation in African football history, it was about time that Egypt made it to a World Cup for the first time since 1990.

Despite missing out on the tournament for the last six editions, they have won the African Cup of Nations more times than any other side (seven), most recently in 2010. And they came close to winning an eighth title last year as they were narrowly beaten in the 2017 final by Cameroon, knocking out Ghana, Morocco and Burkina Faso along the way. It served as good tournament experience and largely demonstrated the mental and defensive strength of this group of players.

That AFCON campaign took place in the middle of a World Cup qualifying programme in which Egypt, again, got the best of Ghana, who have been one of the continent’s best performers over the last decade.

The only nation to defeat Egypt in the six matches played in Group E of the third round was an emerging Uganda side. Without particularly entertaining, the Pharaohs had qualification wrapped up with one game to spare. Inevitably, it was sealed by Salah and his brace in a 2-1 win over Congo in Alexandria.

Since booking their place in Russia, Egypt have been somewhat unconvincing in two March friendly defeats to Portugal and Greece, both in Switzerland.

The former was the only one in which the vast majority of regulars were involved. Salah gave Egypt the lead before Cristiano Ronaldo struck twice late on to win it. A more experimental side was downed by a solitary Nikolaos Karelis goal a few days later.

Salah’s importance to Egypt was demonstrated in two World Cup warm-up games. In a 0-0 draw with Colombia and a 3-0 defeat to Belgium they looked decidedly average without the Liverpool man in their side.

AFC World Cup Qualifying Third round
Most starts: Mohamed Elneny (6), Mohamed Abdel-Shafy, Essam El-Hadary, Tarek Hamed, Mohamed Salah (all 5)
Most goals: Mohamed Salah (5), Abdallah El-Said (2).
Most assists: Trezeguet (3), Mohamed Salah (2).

African Cup of Nations 2017
Most starts: Mohamed Elneny, Tarek Hamed, Mohamed Salah, Ahmed Fathy, Ali Gabr, Ahmed Hegazi (all 6), Trezeguet, Essam Al-Hadary (both 5).
Most goals: Mohamed Salah (2).
Most assists: Mohamed Salah (2).

The Key Targets

Mohamed Salah (£7.3m in Fantasy iTeam) is the obvious candidate among Egypt’s ranks. The Liverpool winger can often operate as an out-and-out centre-forward for his national side, which is why McDonald’s FIFA World Cup Fantasy has classifiied him as a forward, at a price of £8.5m). He heads into this summer’s finals as the Premier League’s Golden Boot winner and Fantasy Premier League record-breaker. It’s 12 goal involvements in as many international appearances (qualifiers, African Cup of Nations and recent friendlies combined) since October 2016 for Salah, thanks to eight goals and four assists.

However, without both Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino alongside him, even if Salah recovers to make the finals, he perhaps seems unlikely to reach the dizzy heights of his domestic club campaign. Indeed, Egypt’s unhealthy dependence on the Reds’ man could lead to opposition defences doubling up to restrict his impact.

Attacking midfielder Abdallah El-Said (£6.0m) could offer the best alternative route for attacking returns should Salah be ruled out.

He is still a long way off the Liverpool man for goal involvement (three goals, two assists) in the build-up to the World Cup. However, El-Said’s role in the national set-up is in the No 10 position, and he seems the most likely to provide assists for Salah, or the creative spark in his absence.

Fantasy managers could also look to take advantage of Cuper’s defensive mindset. Indeed, it should be noted that Egypt have conceded more than one goal just once in all their competitive matches under Cuper since 2015.

Ahmed Hegazi (£4.5m) looks to be the most candidate to consider.

One of the ever-presents in Egypt’s journey to the 2017 AFCON final, collecting four clean sheets, the strong and sometimes clumsy centre-back recorded encouraging defensive numbers in FPL with West Bromwich Albion this season. The third top defender for clearances, blocks and interceptions (CBI) this season, his contribution could help defy Saudi Arabia and Russia in the group matches.

We know he can be a threat from set-pieces too; Hegazi (£5.5m in Fantasy iTeam) scored twice this season and was level with Chelsea’s Marcos Alonso for big chances among defenders (four).

The Long Shots

There are a couple of youthful options in Egypt’s attacking midfield who could act as differentials.

Mahmoud Hassan (commonly known as Trezeguet) registered three assists in qualifying, and he could shine in Salah’s potential absence.

At club level Trezeguet (£6.0m) has enjoyed a stunning campaign, scoring 13 times and assisting another six in 31 appearances for Turkish Super Lig outfit Kasimpasa.

Forward Ramadan Sobhi (£5.5m) failed to achieve similar levels as Stoke City were relegated from the Premier League. Nonetheless, the wide man could prove a handy enabler if he can cement regular starts.

In Cuper’s regular 4-2-3-1, Ramadan seemed likely to miss out. He has started just five times for his country since October 2016, often featuring as a substitute. However, should Salah be sidelined, the young Potters winger could now be a more secure starter.

Ramadan, along with Mahmoud Abdel-Moneim (Kahraba) and Amr Warda, could all be trialled in Salah’s role. The forthcoming friendlies will tell us more, with the prognosis on Salah’s shoulder now the most crucial news to come from the Egyptian camp.

Upcoming Friendlies

None.

Further Analysis

Our comprehensive World Cup guide can be found here.

Group A Egypt, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay

Group BIran, Morocco, Portugal, Spain

Group CAustralia, Peru, France, Denmark

Group DArgentina, Iceland, Croatia, Nigeria

Group EBrazil, Costa Rica, Switzerland, Serbia

Group FMexico, Germany, Sweden, South Korea

Group GBelgium, Panama, Tunisia, England

Group HSenegal, Japan, Poland, Colombia

Our editor’s Fantasy World Cup tips as told to Proper Sport

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374 Comments Post a Comment
  1. GreennRed
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    Has anyone played any of the Telegraph fantasy football games before? Wondering about the Key Contribution points. Thinking Modric could get a nice few.

    1. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Yep. KDB a legend in that version of the PL game. It rewards those incisive assisting the assister passes that players like Modric, Kroos and KDB make which are vital to scoring the goal, but which you would not get any points for in FPL.

      1. GreennRed
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 10 months ago

        Cheers. Need to find a few cheaper equivalents from lower seeds.

  2. Dr Dream
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    Looking forward to United's potential line up next season

    McTominay
    Valencia Noidea Noidea McTominay
    Pogba Bale
    Noidea McTominay Noidea
    Lukaku

    Some good picks in there.

    1. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Juan Noidea the Peruvian box-to-box defensive midfielder who loves to get forward? He's quality.

      1. Dr Dream
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 10 months ago

        Good player but it depends if Mourinho thinks he's rubbish at any one time whether he played or not.

        Mourinho only picks players that he didn't slag off in the press, or in full public view, the week before....

        Great way to manage a team and bring out the best in your players....pffft...

        1. diesel001
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 10 months ago

          As I have said before. Mourinho has changed for the worse since he came to the PL in 2004/05. Think those battles with Wenger / Rafa in the PL and Pep in Spain hurt him.

    2. asquishypotato
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      You make it look like United will line up with attacker?

      I’d put Mctominay ahead of noidea, think Jose will prefer the defensive mindset.

    3. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Lukaku in goal? Makes sense, a big improvement on De Gea

  3. asquishypotato
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    Anyone have any under priced gems in the roster for next season?

    Think Mendy at City will be great value.
    Lowton as a way into the Burnley backline.
    Ramsey if he ends up playing further up, such a goal scorer. Will be cheap too because of his managed minutes and overall score.

    1. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Not until I see the prices

      1. asquishypotato
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 10 months ago

        Should have had the caveat of ‘predictions’

    2. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Check the promoted clubs and who their targets are. Transfer window closes before kickoff in August.

    3. Give The Todd Some Love
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Mendy will be 6.5 again surely

    4. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Yes, but I'm waiting until after prices are out to mention them. Be quiet or FPL towers will make sure your budget friendly boys will not be all that budget friendly 😉

  4. barracuda
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    Just woke up. Did Liverpool win?

    1. Fantastisk
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      I think so, I read that Karius got two assists?

  5. Fuchs Mane Kante
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    City midfield may be a no go zone next season unless triple up.

    1. FFFrog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Surely KDB is nailed on - 36 apps in each of his last two seasons?

      1. Fuchs Mane Kante
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 10 months ago

        Unless someone leaves maybe plus Kun will be back.

        1. FFFrog
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 10 months ago

          Potentially the 30-year-old, injury prone Kun will be saved for the CL, leaving Jesus to be the main man in the PL - if Pep doesn't really compete in the CL this season then however well he does domestically he's going to be out

    2. Fantastisk
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      I might just do that:

      Salah-Sterling-Sané-Mahrez-cheap

      1. Kun Tozser
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 10 months ago

        Could be 4 10m+ players right there

        1. Fantastisk
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 10 months ago

          I think I'll go cheap upfront in one heavy hitter

    3. 1justlookin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      David Silva the go to player, I reckon.

  6. ★Kuntheman★
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    I was just able to get into the McDonalds fantasy game, but it looks glitches. All the players are 9.0 and they’re only from a select few teams...

    1. FFFrog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      That's still the remnants of the Confed cup game

    2. Fantastisk
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Quickly buy the big names.

    3. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Need to wait until it launches officially - this is the old site that is being updated.

  7. Tommo1888
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    Got lost on new page :

    Signed up for the McDonald’s fantasy football. Bit confused . It says round 2 commences 25th May and I can’t build a team for round 1 . Anyone been on ?

    1. FFFrog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      See above

      1. Tommo1888
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 10 months ago

        Cheers . Thanks . Thought I’d missed a deadline !!

    2. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      See the post above....

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

    "Mourinho targets Joe Hart to replace Romero as cover for De Gea"

    Please no. Hart would drag DDG down to his level and then beat him with experience.

    1. FPL price manipulators are …
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      This would be great. Major lols @ United

  9. FPL price manipulators are …
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    Have United had a better season than Liverpool? Neither team won any silverware and United finished above Liverpool

    1. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Liverpool got as close to the Champions League as Arsenal this season. Long Live Wenger

      1. RedLightning
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 10 months ago

        Liverpool are in next season's Champions League, Arsenal aren't.

        And Arsenal didn't even get to the final of the Europa Cup.

        1. Ginkapo FPL
          • 12 Years
          5 years, 10 months ago

          If you aint First, you Last

          1. RedLightning
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 13 Years
            5 years, 10 months ago

            So Arsenal and United were no better than West Brom? I don't think so!

            1. Ginkapo FPL
              • 12 Years
              5 years, 10 months ago

              Well were they? What did they achieve that West Brom didnt?

              1. RedLightning
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 13 Years
                5 years, 10 months ago

                They avoided relegation.

    2. The Nuttman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Not really, no.

    3. Team Cruel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      No. United are expected to win things which they didn't achieve this season. Liverpool are only expected to play good football which they've achieved. So Liverpool quite comfortably had the better season.

    4. WesMantooth
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      No...
      most utd fans will be dissapointed due to players not playing as well as they could, team not entertaining, and overall finishing well below their expactations.

      Mot LFC-fans will, after the dust has settled, look at the season as an overall success where players have played well beyond expectations, and it will all feel as a huge improvement and a step in the righ direction.

      thats the key difference.

    5. Roosta
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Football is a continuous ongoing process, judging one season on arbitrary targets seems slightly disingenuous.

      Youd look a fool if you tried to argue that 4th was better than 2nd, but there's no doubt the underlying metrics of both sides looks very promising for Liverpool, and massively concerning for Utd.

  10. Emiliano Sala
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    Who do you think is a better GK?
    Butland or leno?
    Butland for me.
    I think leno gives too much rebound chances to opponent on saves. Don't know exact word in english for that type of saves

    1. The Nuttman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      It's close, I know what you mean, it's one thing to make the save but if you can't guarantee it goes to safety then you create even more work for yourself.

  11. FPL price manipulators are …
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    What happened to the quizzes?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Is this the first question?

    2. Team Cruel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Where do I send the answer?

    3. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      I havent seen TheFantasyFreak in a long time

      1. JÆKS ⭐
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 10 months ago

        TheFantasyFraud*

      2. BigManBakar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 10 months ago

        Speak of the devil... 😀

        1. Ginkapo FPL
          • 12 Years
          5 years, 10 months ago

          Virg is offline at the moment...

          1. BigManBakar
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            5 years, 10 months ago

            Hahaha...

            Been a long time pal. How have you been? Do you still visit these shores as frequently as you used to?

            1. Ginkapo FPL
              • 12 Years
              5 years, 10 months ago

              Nope...

              1. BigManBakar
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 10 Years
                5 years, 10 months ago

                Haha kinda the same. I run a WhatsApp group of FFS posters so ever since that has happened, all I need to do is access the members area.

    4. BigManBakar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Hi mate, hope you've been well. I've been busy with exams this month. I shall be more active on these shores next month and will hopefully be hosting the quizzes if enough people seem keen to participate.

  12. boc610
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    Those mistakes are not your average mistakes, people seem to be missing this...it's not being beaten at your near post or giving away a pen or he could have done better with that..these are unprecedented.ive not seen mistakes that bad at this level.that second one beggars belief. It's like he had a complete loss of motor function. He should have been subbed. Keepers never are and I never understand why when outfield players are.who would be able to recover from that first one??

  13. wycombewanderers
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    Does anyone know of any fantasy world cup games out/due to come out that don't have transfers in rounds? E.g. you pick a team, they play the first round of group games and then you have a transfer or two before the next one. Feel like it's unfair depending on people's schedules with the games where you can constantly chop and change. Ta!

    1. FFFrog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Mcdonalds and Superbru

      1. wycombewanderers
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 10 months ago

        Ta

  14. FFFrog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    I've been playing with some potential team structures for next year, and I have boiled Salah at 13m midfielder down to this:

    Salah, 9.5m Fwd (Firmino?), 9.5m Fwd (Vardy?), 5m def (Douglas?) vs 10.5m mid (potentially Sterling/ KDB?) ,10.5m fwd (Auba?), 9.5m fwd (Firmino/ Vardy), 6.5m def (Otamendi/ Valencia/ Azpi?)

    Having Salah would mean avoiding Man City, the likely champions, and also avoiding all premium fwds and defenders, just to accomodate Salah - would that be worth it?

    1. HALFSPACE
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Yes it would

      I've done similar with Salah at 13.0 too, come up with this

      Ryan / £4.0M
      £4.5M £4.0M

      DFs Fredericks / Douglas /4.5M/ 4.5M /4.0M
      £4.5M £4.5M - -

      MFs Salah / Hazard / Sterling / 9.0 mid /4.5

      £13.0M £10.0M £9.0M £9.5M

      STs Kane / WOL or FUL ST / £4.5M £12.5M £6.5M £4.5M

      352, with a 4.5 enabler, hopefully we get a tom carroll

      1. FFFrog
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 10 months ago

        That defense and goalie will cause you big problems as far as I can see

        1. FFFrog
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 10 months ago

          And there's very rarely been a Mid worth having at 4.5m

          1. HALFSPACE
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 10 months ago

            Its a sacrifice.

        2. HALFSPACE
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 10 months ago

          Agreed, I'm under no illusions. Just how I've always played the game

          1. FFFrog
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 10 months ago

            Then now might be a good time to take some advice

      2. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 10 months ago

        Won't crack 500K with that.

    2. HALFSPACE
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Premium defenders completely off the table IMO

      1. FFFrog
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 10 months ago

        Why - they've now been repeatedly proven to be very good consistent value, much more so than strikers and a lot of mids?

      2. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 10 months ago

        Why though. Is it worth having five big names if you can only captain one.

        1. HALFSPACE
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 10 months ago

          Void logic

          1. FFFrog
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 10 months ago

            No its not - all the recent value studies have suggested 2 big hitters should be the max you have to captain, to allow you to exploit the value from premium defenders and 8.5m-9.5m mids

          2. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 10 months ago

            How is that void logic in any way
            You need all 5 of your big 10 mil plus players to do well consistently over a period of time, which doesn't happen all that often. Captaincy is the only thing that gives expensive players value and brings up their points per million. When you can only get better value out of 1 in 5 captaincy options than, say, 1 in 3, what is the point of bloating your squad with expensive players.

      3. the snazzy viking
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 10 months ago

        don't make the same mistakes as this season

    3. WesMantooth
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Doubt Auba will start @ 10.5, but outta the 2 scenarios your painting, I'd say the second one looks slightly better, as your able to hedge by selecting top players from more than one of the top teams. What happens if lfc gets off to a lousy start?

      The big fear factor is a 50% selected Salah, with a crazy effective ownership due to captaincy, absolutely decimating your rank the first couple of gw's.

  15. HALFSPACE
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    Decent chance a starting West Ham full-back is £4.5M next season? Thinking more the RB slot, Zaba/new signing

    1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Pellegrini is not the kind of manager you want 4.5 defs from.

      1. HALFSPACE
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 10 months ago

        Attacking full backs, forget clean sheets. Don't want big bulky CBs at Brighton or Palace etc

        1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 10 months ago

          Very, very few 4.5 defs will be worth having if you're relying solely on attacking returns. They're not exactly going to be banging assists every 3 weeks.

          1. HALFSPACE
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 10 months ago

            Pellegrini whu will have as good a chance as a Brighton or Palace of CS returns. Added bonus of an attacking possession game too

            1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
              • 7 Years
              5 years, 10 months ago

              When a mid table club is attacking, it sacrifices their likelihood of clean sheets. Case in point: Leicester this season. Was it worth owning Simpson and Chilwell?

              1. HALFSPACE
                • 6 Years
                5 years, 10 months ago

                They're not a possession based team.

                1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
                  • 7 Years
                  5 years, 10 months ago

                  They have been under Puel.

    2. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      If you don’t fancy any clean sheets. Fredericks was the only link but that is probably finished now Fulham are on the prem

  16. diesel001
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    You could create a decent team with the players available for free or from relegated teams. Not going to challenge the Top 10, but if you are looking for PL survival then some of these would be good additions - particularly for teams like Huddersfield, Brighton, Watford etc:

    Fabianski
    Dawson Evans Mawson Pieters
    Wilshere Livermore Cabaye
    A.Ayew Rodriguez Shaqiri

    1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Evans off to Leicester

      1. diesel001
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 10 months ago

        Good signing for them. Huth and Morgan are showing their age. So Evans and Maguire could be a good combo for them. I would be wary though because they are basically looking to change their back four (except for Maguire) so it will take time for them to settle. The earlier they get them all in the better.

        1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 10 months ago

          Puel may be looking to keep Dragovic as well who has impressed this season when given gametime (before shoulder injury), which could lead to 3 CBS and Chilwell/Pereira as wingbacks
          I don't think Puel will replace Chilwell but we'll see

    2. FFFrog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Fabs, Mawson, Ayew and Shaqiri all deserve to be playing for top 10 PL sides - would love to see Shaqiri come to Chelsea to play opposite Hazard

      1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 10 months ago

        Hazard off to RM though 😉

        1. FFFrog
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 10 months ago

          That's fine - as long as it's in a swap deal with Bale 😉

          1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 10 months ago

            Now that would be fun. What do you think he would be priced at? 11.5? 12.0?

            1. FFFrog
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 8 Years
              5 years, 10 months ago

              Is there a precedent pricing for a name as big as Bale returning to the PL? You've got to think he'd be 11.5 at the absolute least, but coming from another league 12m would probably be a bit steep

              1. le flem
                • 10 Years
                5 years, 10 months ago

                I think he'd come in at around 12.5. Anything less would be a bargain.

                I remember him being 13.0 before he went to RM a couple of seasons ago.

                By the way Frog, how's your Telegraph World Cup team coming on?

  17. Bad Kompany
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    Dont know if anyone saw it but Ramos elbowed Karius in the face intentionally right before Karius’s first mistake. After that Karius looked dazed

    1. Yellin' in my Ear
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Didn't see it at the time. Anything caught on camera?

        1. Yellin' in my Ear
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 10 months ago

          Cheers. Karius seemed to get up quickly from it, but his response to what happened is pretty clear. Interesting that it was Ramos again.

          1. diesel001
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 10 months ago

            Karius should have made more of it. Just pretend to be knocked out. Ref would have stopped the game for a head injury and then the world would have seen the replays.

            1. diesel001
              • 7 Years
              5 years, 10 months ago

              Going to be especially important with VAR at the WC. Got to go down writhing in pain (even if you aren't actually in pain) when tackled, especially off the ball, so that the VAR can pick it up and the ref can send players off.

          2. MTPockets
              5 years, 10 months ago

              Yeah I'm no Liverpool fan but it was dodgy. Especially as the first fluff-up and goal came 2 minutes later.

              1. Bad Kompany
                • 6 Years
                5 years, 10 months ago

                Exactly what I’m saying. Especially since it was Ramos again

                1. MTPockets
                    5 years, 10 months ago

                    Agreed. I don't get how the sport has ever more play acting, yet stuff like this is missed. Karius clearly isn't the world's greatest keeper, but sad if his career goes into freefall if there's any possibility he was affected.

      1. CloudSky
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 10 months ago

        Mohamed Salah is expected to be out for 3 weeks and WILL play a part in the World Cup.

        Some people on twitter with check marks.

        1. Bad Kompany
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 10 months ago

          Wish that Salah was still 6.5

          1. Axle11
            • 11 Years
            5 years, 10 months ago

            Next season it probably will 6.5 but with FPL captained the price so 13.0 😉

        2. Yellin' in my Ear
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 10 months ago

          Nice find

      2. 32chickens
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 10 months ago

        A classic club V country brewing?
        Salah saying he will play WC ,his manager not keen

        1. diesel001
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 10 months ago

          I disagree with Klopp on this one. Playing for your country is the highest honour. The PL and its execs may have tried to kill that in England, but outside of England that is still the case. Let him play and represent his country.

          1. Jimmers
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            5 years, 10 months ago

            ....and playing for your country at a World Cup Finals is the culmination of most players dreams

      3. Kun Tozser
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 10 months ago

        World Cup fantasy...

        Which pair of forwards to you see scoring the most in the groups stages?

        1. diesel001
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 10 months ago

          Neymar and Lukaku.

          1. diesel001
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 10 months ago

            Although don't discount Giroud.

        2. Yellin' in my Ear
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 10 months ago

          Kane and Vardy 😉

        3. CloudSky
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 10 months ago

          Cavani, Suarez or Lukaku

        4. Bad Kompany
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 10 months ago

          Neymar Suarez Werner

        5. Red Dagger ✪
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 10 months ago

          Cavani and Suarez

        6. el polako
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 10 months ago

          Milik and Lukaku

        7. diesel001
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 10 months ago

          Look at the topscorer odds and their overall records:

          Messi (9/1) - 61 goals in 123 appearances (0.50 goals a game)
          Neymar (10/1) - 53 in 83 (0.64)
          Griezmann (12/1) - 19 in 51 (0.37)
          Ronaldo (14/1) - 81 in 149 (0.54)
          Gabriel Jesus (16/1) - 9 in 15 (0.60)
          Kane (16/1) - 12 in 23 (0.50)
          Werner (16/1) - 7 in 12 (0.58)
          Lukaku (18/1) - 33 in 66 (0.50)
          Costa (25/1) - 7 in 18 (0.39)
          Cavani (25/1) - 42 in 100 (0.42)
          Suarez (25/1) - 50 in 97 (0.51)
          Lewandowski (33/1) - 52 in 93 (0.56)
          Giroud (40/1) - 30 in 71 (0.43)

      4. Mr Blonde
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 10 months ago

        With regards Mourinho and Guardiola at the Manchester clubs, it struck me that the main difference coaching wise is that Guardiola can either improve a player or get the best out of them tactically. I don't think there's any doubt he's done wonders for Sterling's career. Mourinho on the other hand seems to buy big or inherit big name players but i'd argue that those players haven't developed significantly - Lukaku, Pogba, Mkhitaryan, Sanchez. Are they better players now than they were at their previous clubs?

        1. diesel001
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 10 months ago

          Mourinho believes in organisation and tactics
          Guardiola believes in philosophy and improvement

      5. New Post
      6. BigManBakar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 10 months ago

        Anyone willing to take part in some football quizzes if I start hosting them as in the yesteryears? Thinking of hosting a new round of quizzes in around 10 days time, but that of course depends if enough people are interested.