World Cup

World Cup 2018 – Team Analysis – Nigeria

A talented attacking side featuring several names recognisable to Fantasy Premier League managers, Nigeria will be hopeful of progressing beyond the round of 16 for the first time in this their sixth World Cup appearance.

The Super Eagles will face Argentina in the group stage for the fifth time and will be buoyed by their 4-2 international friendly win over Jorge Sampaoli’s side in November 2017.

Nigeria’s opening Group D fixture is against Croatia in Kaliningrad on Saturday 16 June, with Iceland to follow in Volgograd six days later. Their old foes, Argentina, are last up in Saint Petersburg on Tuesday 26 June.

Road to Qualification

Nigeria was the first African country to qualify for the 2018 World Cup and might have boasted an unbeaten record, had FIFA not retrospectively awarded their final opponents Algeria a 3-0 win as a result of the Super Eagles fielding an ineligible player.

Swaziland, then ranked 138th in the world, were Nigeria’s first obstacle to World Cup qualification in the two-legged second round.

After a goalless draw in Lobamba, Nigeria had to wait until the 51st minute of their home tie to breach the Swaziland defence: a Moses Simon free-kick breaking the deadlock before Efe Ambrose sealed a 2-0 aggregate win late on.

Nigeria’s third round group looked like the toughest in CAF qualification, with top seeds Algeria the highest-ranked African nation in the world at that point.

The Super Eagles, having recently appointed current coach Gernot Rohr, made light of their difficult draw with victories in their first three fixtures: a 2-1 win in Zambia was followed by 3-1 and 4-0 home successes over Algeria and Cameroon respectively.

A 1-1 draw against Cameroon in Yaounde briefly halted Nigeria’s procession through the group, before Rohr’s side saw off nearest challengers Zambia 1-0 in their penultimate match to book their ticket to Russia.

A dead rubber with Algeria ended 1-1, though FIFA’s intervention and the subsequent retroactive 3-0 defeat somewhat spoiled Nigeria’s otherwise impressive qualifying record.

Only DR Congo (14) scored more third-round qualifying goals than Nigeria (11), and while no African side who qualified for the 2018 World Cup conceded more than the Super Eagles, it should be noted that three of the six strikes in their goals against column came in that “defeat” to Algeria.

Rohr consistently favoured a 4-2-3-1 formation in qualifying, though has experimented with a 3-5-2 in subsequent friendlies: Nigeria defeated Argentina with this set-up in November and looked more cohesive after switching to this shape in the 2-1 loss to England at Wembley on 2 June.

Most starts: Ogenyi Onazi (7), Shehu Abdullahi, Elderson Echiejile, John Obi Mikel, William Troost-Ekong (6), Leon Balogun, Wilfred Ndidi, Odion Ighalo (5), Victor Moses, Ikechukwu Ezenwa (4), Kelechi Iheanacho, Alex Iwobi (3)

Most goals: Victor Moses (3), John Obi Mikel, Kelechi Iheanacho, Alex Iwobi (2)

Most assists: Ogenyi Onazi, Shehu Abdullahi, John Obi Mikel, Ahmed Musa, Odion Ighalo, Victor Moses, Oghenekaro Etebo (1)

International friendly victories over Argentina and Poland have been followed by defeats to Serbia and England, with DR Congo holding the Super Eagles to a 1-1 draw five days before the trip to Wembley.

The Key Targets

Usually deployed as a wing-back by Chelsea, Victor Moses (£5.8m on Fantasy iTeam | £7.0m on McDonald’s FIFA) is afforded more attacking freedom as a winger in Rohr’s usual 4-2-3-1, though could once again find himself in a more withdrawn role if his coach decides to proceed with a three-man central defence.

Moses top-scored for Nigeria in qualification with three goals and is usefully listed as a defender by Fantasy iTeam, meaning that any attacking returns would be all the greater for Fantasy managers. There is no such luck for players of McDonald’s FIFA: Moses is classified as a forward on this game.

The former Crystal Palace and Wigan Athletic star may also be on spot-kick duties, having scored a penalty in Nigeria’s 1-0 win over Poland in March.

Stationed on the opposite flank in a 4-2-3-1 or playing as an offensive central midfielder/striker in a 3-5-2, Alex Iwobi (£6.2m on Fantasy iTeam | £6.0m on McDonald’s FIFA) is Nigeria’s form player in attack. The Arsenal youngster grabbed his country’s consolation in the 2-1 defeat to England and scored twice while playing up front alongside Kelechi Iheanacho (£6.3m on Fantasy iTeam | £7.0m on McDonald’s FIFA) in Nigeria’s impressive 4-2 win over Argentina last November.

An upcoming friendly against the Czech Republic should provide some clues as to how Iwobi and Moses will be ultimately deployed in the World Cup, with Nigeria’s second group match against Iceland (who conceded three goals at home to Norway last weekend) perhaps the fixture that Fantasy managers should particularly consider these two Premier League-based assets.

Like Iwobi, Iheanacho only started three of Nigeria’s eight qualification fixtures but scored once (a spectacular free-kick) and claimed two assists in that encounter with the Argentineans.

The Leicester City forward could find himself playing just off Odion Ighalo (£6.2m on Fantasy iTeam | £6.0m on McDonald’s FIFA), the former Watford striker who started the match at Wembley as Nigeria’s sole target-man. Ighalo scored on only one occasion in qualification, however, and hasn’t been on the scoresheet since his goal in the 1-0 win over Cameroon last September.

The Long Shots

No Nigerian midfielder is cheaper on Fantasy iTeam than John Obi Mikel (£5.4m), who has featured as an attacking midfielder in both a 4-2-3-1 and a 3-5-2 during qualification and in Nigeria’s recent friendlies.

With only four league goals in his 14-year professional career, Mikel would appear to be an unlikely source of attacking returns, but the former Chelsea midfielder scored twice and claimed one assist in six qualification appearances.

Rohr may decide to play with three central midfielders in tough fixtures against Croatia and Argentina, meaning that Mikel could once again benefit from being the most advanced player in that midfield trio. Mikel is priced up at £6.5m on McDonald’s FIFA.

Moses apart, Nigeria’s defenders would appear to offer Fantasy managers little in either defensive solidity or attacking threat. Bryan Idowu (£5.4m on Fantasy iTeam | £4.0m on McDonald’s FIFA) is a relative newcomer to the national team, having not featured at all during qualification. The left-back spot appears to be his to lose, however, with Idowu having made four appearances in Nigeria’s friendlies since November.

Should Rohr adopt a 3-5-2/5-3-2 formation as he did in the Super Eagles’ 4-2 win over Nigeria, then Idowu could be set for a more advanced role further up the left flank. Idowu indeed scored from that position in his country’s previous meeting with Argentina.

Upcoming Friendlies

June 6: Czech Republic (n)

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

FANTASY ITEAM

Fantasy Football Scout is supporting Fantasy iTeam, a free World Cup game available on a number of mobile devices, including iPhone, iPad, iPodTouch and Android. We have an official Fantasy Football Scout League open to UK users only, with a £1000 of Amazon vouchers to give out, split between the top three performers. There’s also the small matter of £10k worth of prizes available in the main competitions: Overall World Championship and Manager of the Gameround.

Click here for details and here to sign up.

Our League name is Fantasy Football Scout and the pin is 1887.

Please note, users must be over 18 and based in the UK to join our league.

170 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Revival
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Anyone got a link to where one can see possible/likely team line-ups now the squads have been confirmed?

    1. Funkyav
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      havent seen one, would hope this site would do something pre the first game

      1. Pegboy
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        That's the a list of the full squads, but predicted line-ups seem hard to come by.

  2. Team Cruel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Yaya's agent:

    “God sees everything. As a man who acted with Yaya, the legend of the club, which under different pretexts did not give the opportunity to go on the field," he said.

    "He turned all Africa against himself, many African fans turned away from Manchester City. And I’m sure that many African shamans in the future will not allow Guardiola to win the Champions League."

    “Yaya always played as number 42. We chose this number as the age in which he will finish with football. After Guardiola in the next two or three years will not win the Champions League with Manchester City he will be kicked out, perhaps Yaya will return to the club, and in any capacity."

    “The fact that Guardiola ended Yaya’s career in Manchester City is not even a mistake, but a crime. But the boomerang will return, Pep. You will still see what the African shamans are. Remember this always."

    1. Pap Le Cissier
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      He should be a comedian

    2. mad_beer ✅
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      The shamans are for realz!

    3. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      nutter

    4. fclackless [Brazil Nuts]
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Nice to see the shamans in Africa have their priorities right ... at least according to this nutter.

      Reports Yaya has a planet size ego is hardly surprising with this idiot stroking it.

  3. Zambian FPL Addict
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    not saying this because they beat us in the World cup qualifiers but, Nigeria suck, they just physical wouldnt put any money on them, if you looking for an African team put your money on Senegal.

    1. Team Cruel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      I have mine on Ivory Coast. The shamans have decided it's their year.

      1. Zambian FPL Addict
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        theres no Ivory Coast

        1. Team Cruel
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          Are you trying to go against the shamans?

          1. Zambian FPL Addict
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 9 months ago

            haha no Ivory coast will win for sure.

    2. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      I fancy Nigeria to do well as they came through a hard group. The midfield is rock solid and they play direct attacking football. Yes the defence is suspect but they are capable of surprising one of Croatia or Argentina and emerging out of the group.

      1. Zambian FPL Addict
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        will see

    3. Jebiga
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      I fancy Nigeria to be 2nd in their group...realy like that team. Sunday Oliseh and Okocha making nice memories from France 98 🙂

  4. World Cup GoalScorer Challenge
    Geoff
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    How many of you are playing World Cup GSC?

    http://goalscorerchallenge.co.uk

    What's your strategy? Are you saving big players from big teams until after the group stage, or are you using them to make sure you get a game from them?

    1. Jebiga
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      there are nice statistics bdw

      1. Geoff
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Yeah, really helpful. I'm really looking forward to this game

    2. GreenWindmill
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Definitely - have played it for the last couple of seasons and really enjoy the simplicity. Should work great for the World Cup with each game counting as a round.

      As for strategy, I'll be trying to get some goals under my belt early on I think - they're worth as much as goals in the later stages 🙂

      1. Geoff
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        I haven't played it before but it looks great. Very simple too which is good.

        I agree, big players in the easiest group stage game makes sense. The games to target for the big players could also be the ones where a team that needs to win is playing against a team that is already eliminated

      2. Boris Bodega
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        I always thought that the first games in each group are cagey affairs with lots of low scoring games. Group stage hots up towards the end when there's more at stake.

        1. GreenWindmill
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          I guess I'll be looking to the big guns for the games against the (theoretically) weakest opponents in the group whichever round of fixtures that falls in. Good to see you boss 🙂

    3. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      My expectation is there will be lots of goals in the group stages and that the knock-out games will be tighter with some matches finishing 0-0 and decided by penalties. Using stats from last world cup there where an average of 2.8 goals in group stage games and 2.1 goals in the knockouts ( This is including the 7-1 win for Germany over Brazil). Therefore I would go all out and just pick the inform goalscorers/ top picks for the group stages. Also Injuries need to be considered. You might not pick Ronaldo in the group stages so as to save him for later but find that come the knockout stages he picks up a injury so you miss out on his hattie against Iran for example.

      1. Geoff
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        That stat is convincing on it's own, great stuff

    4. Spencer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Lovely, jubbley. This is actually the only fantasy game I'll be playing this WC.

      Strategy wise, I think I'm going to just go for goals from the off and not try and be too clever. Trying to be too clever has always been my downfall!

      1. Geoff
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        I was going to avoid all WC games but I'm quickly being sucked in 😀

    5. Goalscorer Challenge
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Great game IMO.

    6. Hazari300
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Is it only for UK citizens?

      1. GreenWindmill
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Nope - anyone can sign up and get involved 🙂

    7. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      How about a FFS league?

      1. Geoff
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Done

        League Name: Fantasy Football Scout
        Password: 2552fadb

        1. Epic Fail
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          Excellent job sir.

        2. Debauchy
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          Cheers Geoff

        3. Goalscorer Challenge
          • 10 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          Thanks Geoff - if you could do another FF Scout tweet with the passcode in a couple of days that would be amazing.

          1. Geoff
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 11 Years
            5 years, 9 months ago

            Are you associated with GoalScorer Challenge?

            If you are, send me an email geoff@fantasyfootballscout.co.uk 🙂

            1. Goalscorer Challenge
              • 10 Years
              5 years, 9 months ago

              Done.

              1. GreenWindmill
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 12 Years
                5 years, 9 months ago

                Nice 🙂

        4. Kane Toads
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          Cheers Geoff

        5. Hamstergod
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          Great, joined. I love their format, been playing the FPL version for some time now.

          1. Geoff
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 11 Years
            5 years, 9 months ago

            It'll be my first time playing, really looking forward to it

            1. Hamstergod
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              5 years, 9 months ago

              It's fun and a bit less stressful than playing FPL 😀

              In FPL the biggest issue is that you run out of good players with certain teams, I guess it can happen here as well, but less likely.

  5. RUUD!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    How’s this looking, think I’ve covered all bases. It’s the Sun game which most want play but feedback appreciated.

    Pickford
    Sidibe Meunier Vertonghen Silva
    Eriksen Hazard Isco
    Messi Neymar Lukaku

  6. Jebiga
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Midfielders / forwards with most caps without scoring:
    Sánchez 85
    Aquino 53
    Tejeda 49
    Guzmán 41
    Koke 39
    Henderson 38
    Al-Khaibri 36
    Ekdal 33
    J. Dos Santos 32
    Ebrahimi 29
    Bárcenas 28
    Casemiro 23
    Hamed 20

    1. Geoff
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Removed your reply fail.. is this another one?

      1. Jebiga
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        nope, thats the statistic 🙂

  7. Bury94
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Moses OOP and potentially on penalties could be a decent punt

    1. Reedy
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      If he comes in as a defender in the McDonalds game he could be, yes. Unfortunately he's a mid in Telegraph.

    2. Norman Conquest
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      he is a forward in mc donalds

      1. UshFPL
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        How do you know?

        1. 420king
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          he's assuming because he is listed as forward on the official play list
          https://img.fifa.com/image/upload/qcuxk3y7c1ezwo5yylnn.pdf

  8. Bushiosboys
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Hi all,
    What is the craic with the Mcdonalds FF game? I just registered and tried to make a team but it seems like it has data in from the last WC? It seems to be at round 3?
    Am I doing something wrong or is it not ready yet?

    1. Bury94
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Check back on Thursday

    2. Geoff
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Opens on the 7th

    3. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      7th

  9. Cheeseoid
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    I have been a FFS member for years. But this season I was thinking of looking elsewhere.

    Would someone FFS like to sell the qualities of their members area over thestatszone.com

    Thanks

    1. Fantasy Gold
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Jonty’s goals imminent stats tables.

      Comparison tool.

      Nuff said.

      1. Epic Fail
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        If you're comparing tools, who's the other one?

    2. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      If you have been a member previously it's an easy decision. I am not sure what convincing you need as you saw what was available to you last season?

      1. Fantasy Gold
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        OMG

      2. Cheeseoid
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Maybe others do it better? I know what is available here but I am open to new experiences. No word from FFS by the look of things

        1. Geoff
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          Thought I'd let members do the talking 🙂

          But check out the new promo video if you'd like a full rundown:
          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ObepRk_pAcE

      3. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        May be this season there is an "OMG" filter. That's worth the 12 quid alone

  10. Pras (FPL)
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Membership badge check

    1. Geoff
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Nailed it

    2. Make Arrows Green Again
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      £12.50, made payable to "Mark".

  11. CloudSky
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Welcome to Arsenal, @LichtsteinerSte

    1. CloudSky
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Emojis -.- delet.

    2. Fantasy Gold
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      What a weird signing.

      Isn’t he 33 years old?

      1. Geoff
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        34! must be backup for Bellerin a bit and dressing room experience

        1. chilli con kone
          • 10 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          For that reason its a good singing. Gets a leader into that dressing room

  12. CloudSky
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Welcome to Arsenal, @LichtsteinerSte

    #WillkommenStephan https://t.co/31jZP73Jgb

    Official. Decent squad player on a free and some competition for Bellers.

    1. CloudSky
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      @FG: 34. He is basically just a squad player that can provide a bit of depth. Played quite a lot for Juve this year. Can also stretch to RWB and RW.

      1. Fantasy Gold
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Yeah, squad player I guess.

  13. Now I'm Panicking
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Got Croatia in the work sweepstake - FML

    1. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Great pick Jarv

  14. Bury94
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Arsenal's back 4 next season:

    Lichtsteiner, Papastathopoulos, Mavropanos, Kolasinac

    Bit of a mouthful!

    1. POKE JOHN BALLS THE SECOND
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Great! Now I have the movie Troy stuck in my head

  15. Fantastisk
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Spent a few days on it but I'm finally happy with my McDonald's FIFA World Cup Fantasy team! Anyone else on here playing and want to share teams?

    1. Cheeseoid
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Why would you share with the competition?

    2. Geoff
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      The game is released on the 7th. Let's talk then 😉

  16. chilli con kone
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    If it were to be a Spain v Germany semi-final who do you think goes through?

    1. Fantastisk
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Germany

    2. FFFrog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      It almost definitely won’t be because of how the bracket works

      1. chilli con kone
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Are you sure?

        I looked at it the tournament table and thought that the groups ABCD and EFGH meet eachother in the semi's?

        1. FFFrog
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          Yeah - if they both win their group and following games they will play in the semis

          1. FFFrog
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 9 months ago

            This is a good way to work through it https://bracketchallenge.fifa.com/

            1. chilli con kone
              • 10 Years
              5 years, 9 months ago

              Thanks mate thats really useful. Have a tournament table predictor at work

          2. chilli con kone
            • 10 Years
            5 years, 9 months ago

            Germany will almost definitely win their group, so guess it will come down to whether Spain finish above Portugal

            1. FFFrog
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 8 Years
              5 years, 9 months ago

              Agreed - but if they're going to make it to the semis/ final then you assume they'll be good enough to beat this distinctly average and defensively weak Portugal side.

    3. andy85wsm
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Germany

    4. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Ask me again after they've both played 5 games in the tournament 😉

    5. chilli con kone
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Not a lot of love for Spain then despite their mini-renaissance

    6. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Germany , but see a Germany Argentina semi final so Argentina

      1. sunzip14
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        I am predicting this as well

  17. rdamjan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Who`s playing TFF WC? First playing TFF fantasy.

    Is this team any good?

    Muslera
    Meunier - Marcelo - Godin - Gimenez
    Hazard - KDB - Coutihno - Eriksen - Golovin
    Cavani

    Hard to fit 2 or 3 attackers, because they`re not so cheap as mid`s.

    1. FFFrog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      I've gone for 5 - 3 -2 so you've got more room for a defensive block/ premium defenders but plenty of manoeuverability in the mids and fwds for transfers

      1. FFFrog
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        But yeah they're good players

    2. noquarternt
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      What are your transfers?

      1. rdamjan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Transfers? Should I plan transfers upfront?

        1. Old Man Willow
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          You get 26 transfers in the group stage. And transfers are immediate. So you don't have the deadline system like in FPL, it's more about using lots of transfers in a clever way to get maximum points.

          1. ihateramsey2
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 9 months ago

            so we can a transfer almost after every game?

            1. FFFrog
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 8 Years
              5 years, 9 months ago

              Every other game - 48 games in the groups, 26 transfers

          2. rdamjan
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            5 years, 9 months ago

            What do you mean with immediate? You can make transfer in GW 1 (between day 1 and 2) or between GW1 and GW2?

            1. 420king
              • 9 Years
              5 years, 9 months ago

              telegraph? between day 1 and 2, how else you gonna use 26 transfers in group stage

              1. 420king
                • 9 Years
                5 years, 9 months ago

                probably within the same day too, as long as the match hasn't started yet of course

                1. G-Whizz
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • Has Moderation Rights
                  • 6 Years
                  5 years, 9 months ago

                  I believe as long as it's an hour before kick off then you're fine...

                  1. rdamjan
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 9 Years
                    5 years, 9 months ago

                    Sounds like a lot of planning.

                    1. Old Man Willow
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 7 Years
                      5 years, 9 months ago

                      Yeah a lot of planning. I'm going with choosing solid defenders/keeper that will stay the same, then rotating attacking players to try and cover as many of the goals as possible.

  18. NorwichCityLad
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Is ffs getting any new tools in the members area or anything new at all?

    1. Skonto Rigga
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Absolutely - the aim is to make the Members' Area bigger and better every season. We added xG and Heatmaps last year and have got comprehensive World Cup and International Friendly data uploaded to the Members' Area as of this week. There'll be more developments over the summer.

      We always listen to suggestions from the community too (Geoff was actually asking for ideas a few weeks ago: https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2018/05/14/fantasy-football-book-launch/?hc_page=5#hc_comment_18212999) so if there's anything you'd love to see in the Members' Area, just let us know!

      1. Geoff
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Exactly this! I've taken these ideas and we'll be making a plan soon to get some things implemented for next season.
        Suggestions are always welcome 🙂

  19. sunzip14
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    If Argentina top this tough group they will have momentum in their favor and I can see them going all the way to the final again. at QF Spain is beatable with Messi in the side as he knows the Spanish game inside out. Germany won't make it 2 in a row and I see them becoming one dimensional and a bit lack of pace. So Arg win against Germany and Final between Argentina Vs Brazil/France.

    From the very neutral point of view that I have put forward till now, u can easily guess who I predict to be the winner 😛 provided that Arg get out of the group of death with some momentum 😀

    1. FFFrog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      You mean you think Messi can win the WC on his own? They have a very old and out of practise GK, no defensive coherence or any real talent in defense outside of the very questionable Otamendi, a complete lack of any defensive midfield to protect that defence or move the ball forward and a manager who can't decide how he wants the team to play. This is the same side that got whopped 6-1 by Spain 2 months ago and by Nigeria 7 months ago and is the same side that's going to struggle to get out of their group, let alone go any further.

      1. FFFrog
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Even Sampaoli and Messi have said they don't think this team is good enough or deserves to get past a semi-final and the moment they come up against a Spain or Germany they're going to have at least 5 put past them.

        1. Debauchy
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          I go back to the last final again. Most expected Germany to cruise through yet and arguably they were lucky to beat Argentina

          1. FFFrog
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 9 months ago

            But what that Argentina side had was security and a team mindset that this one doesn't have - Mascherano is the important player for me here, he kept that defence safe a lot before, which Lo Celso and Biglia won't be able to do. That was a very defensive side that this one can't really afford to be and the lack of a coherent tactical plan from Sampaoli who changes things drastically from game to game reminds me of France and Deschamps.

            1. FFFrog
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 8 Years
              5 years, 9 months ago

              That was a team that could sit back and let Messi run free up top, this team can't do that against decent opposition - Messi's big performances lately have come against a poor Ecuador side and Haiti.

              1. Debauchy
                • 11 Years
                5 years, 9 months ago

                Don't know enough about the current side to counter Frog. However seen many a team in WCs past that have been written off exceed the expectations.
                Hoping the Argies are such a side. Would love to see Aguero having a good world cup too

                1. FFFrog
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 8 Years
                  5 years, 9 months ago

                  I agree that surprises can come from anywhere in this sort of tournament but when even their talisman and manager have lost hope you have to wonder what’s possible.

            2. sunzip14
              • 7 Years
              5 years, 9 months ago

              Look at the impact players or subs Argentina had last WC: Lavezzi, Perez, Maxi, Biglia, Palacio, Gago etc. they have better players, Dybala, Lanzini, Lo Celso, Meza, Pavon. Sampaoli was mostly trying out trial and error during the friendlies. I am pretty sure he will not tinker much at the WC. So Arg in qualification and at the WC may not be the same animal

        2. sunzip14
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          Just look at the players involved in the friendlies you mentioned my friend. That is not Argentina 1st team. I for one certainly think this Arg team is better than that of 2014. I know that they had a pretty horrible qualification But if this present squad that have spent some time with Sampaoli start the competition on a high, I can see them go far. It wouldn't be a big surprise if they are out of the group stage too. Provided that they have a strong start and momentum was my argument 😀

          1. Debauchy
            • 11 Years
            5 years, 9 months ago

            I'm with you Sunzip, A decent start , gather momentum and a kind ref in the final , get in Argies 🙂

          2. FFFrog
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 9 months ago

            What would you say is their strongest first team out of interest? Or maybe more importantly, their likely first team?

            This is what I've heard/ read it to be

            Caballero
            Mercado Otamendi Fazio Tagliafico
            Biglia Lo Celso
            Lanzini Messi ADM
            Aguero

            Whilst that is undoubtedly a formidable frontline (Messi and Aguero particularly), that defense is really poor and it has just no protection. Sampaoli appears to also like Higuain, despite him being atrocious for the NT.

    2. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Heart is with Argentina , head Brazil.
      Agree with Frog's analysis but weaker teams with momentum will and do triumph over the supposedly stronger teams.
      I watched a replay of the Argentina Germany final last night, nothing in it really and that after the demolition of Brazil

    3. noquarternt
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Messi at one end even messier at the other.

  20. Assisting the assister
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Anyone want to test this WC planner spreadsheet. Let me know if it works ok.

    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jGXCt0XGUyrheXUtP8R9pblQ9-NBog8L/view?usp=sharing

    1. FFFrog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      How's it supposed to work - I can't currently input any players and am stuck on the '66 squad.

    2. Assisting the assister
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Yeah guess you have to download it and then overwrite it yourself. If not working I'll play with the settings 🙂

      1. FFFrog
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Okay I'll have a look - looks a great tool!

    3. Assisting the assister
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Thanks - makes it easier to plan captaincy changes anyway

  21. Karan14
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    #FredisRed

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Off the "meh" scale

      1. Karan14
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Haha :p

    2. Geoff
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Good signing, good start for them

      1. Now I'm Panicking
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Another £200m and they may get within 15 points of City next year.

        1. Geoff
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          How much to win the league?

          1. Now I'm Panicking
            • 9 Years
            5 years, 9 months ago

            Not sure God takes cash 😉

      2. Karan14
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Hopefully Dalot, Alder & LB to follow. Anything above that would be a bonus.

  22. goriuanx
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    United's midfield now that they've signed Fred looks quite good.

    Herrera - Matic - Pogba

    1. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      So does Liverpool’s defence with Lovren & Loris. L’s all the way!

      1. goriuanx
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Haha made me chuckle 😀

    2. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      League Cup squad looks good though.

    3. Geoff
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      You think Herrera is better than Fred?

      1. goriuanx
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Dunno Geoff, just being an arse 🙂

        1. Geoff
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          Had a feeling 😀

          Liverpool fans getting scared 😉

  23. Revival
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Lichtsteiner in, Sokratis Papastathopoulos deal announced tomorrow.
    Already got my Papastathopoulos pronunciation perfected 😀

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dr57XB--iFI&t=90s

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      I'm not watching Sky if Paul Merson is covering an Arsenal match.

      1. Revival
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Be even better when they sign the Turkish player Söyüncü

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

      Sohcrattiess [ səˈk.ra.tiːs / ˈsɒ.krə.tɪs / ˈsʊ.krə.tiːz / etc ]. Not too difficult to find a suitable Anglofication. I have faith in Jonty 😆

    3. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      The board, frugal as always. Don;t hold out much hope for any renaissance. Wait Fellaini , oooh yeah

  24. A.T
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Lascelles to Everton sounds like a done deal. Looked quite a decent player from what little I've seen of him

    1. Pegboy
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Decent signing. I thought he was on his way to Chelsea, but I guess the managerial confusion has scuppered that.

  25. Pegboy
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Surprised more people aren't keen on the 'draft fantasy' world cup game:

    https://wc.draftfantasyfootball.co.uk

    I always find draft games for international tournaments provide a nice break from the FPL grind.

    1. FFFrog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Anyone interested in an FFS draft league??

      1. Pegboy
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        I'd be keen if we can get 5+ players

    2. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      It's good when you are playing with other people who are committed to it. Finding those people is the hard part.

      1. 420king
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Exactly. Did UCL draft on this site and ended up winning the ML by 251 points.

  26. Siva Mohan
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Ryan Fredericks will join West Ham United when his Fulham contract expires at the end of the month.

    - Fulham FC

  27. jimmy.floyd
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Kane or Kaku?

    1. FFFrog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Kaku

  28. timPgoodwin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Any tips for the Sun world cup fantasy football game?

  29. Je suis le chat
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Fred's a Red baby, Fred's a Red. Get on the chopper Jose!

  30. GS456
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Whose favourite morocco or iran?

    Want an attacker from one of them

    Playing TFF incidentally