World Cup

World Cup 2018 – Team Analysis – Panama

One of two teams who will be making their World Cup debut this summer, Panama sealed qualification in the most dramatic of styles to exorcise the ghosts of their near-miss four years ago.

A late win over Costa Rica – featuring a hugely controversial “ghost goal” – sealed third spot in the fifth round of CONCACAF qualifying and ensured Panama’s passage to Russia at the expense of the United States, who had denied the Canal Men an inter-confederation play-off spot in 2013.

Success for Panama is simply reaching a World Cup tournament and little is expected of the Central American country in Russia, particularly given their difficult group draw.

Panama’s opening match is against Belgium on Monday 18 June in Sochi, which is followed by an encounter with England in Nizhny Novgorod on Sunday 24 June. Hernan Dario Gomez’s side could feasibly already be eliminated by the time they face Tunisia in Saransk on Thursday 28 June.

Rank outsiders with the bookmakers, Panama only need to look to the performances of Costa Rica – who were widely written off before the tournament had begun – in 2014 for inspiration.

An ageing squad, an unconvincing qualification campaign and some disappointing pre-World Cup friendly results, however, suggest Fantasy managers ought to be giving the Panama squad a wide berth.

Road to Qualification

Panama entered CONCACAF qualification at the fourth-round stage, qualifying from the four-team group with a game to spare and finishing runners-up to Costa Rica, who beat them twice en route to the “Hexagonal”.

Luis Tejada was the only Panama player to register more than one goal in this stage, with one of his two strikes coming from the penalty spot.

The “Hex” began in positive fashion for Panama, who emerged from their tricky opening-day encounter in Honduras with all three points thanks to Fidel Escobar’s superb free-kick.

A subsequent six-match winless run, featuring four draws and 1-0 defeats to Trinidad and Tobago and Mexico, would surely have put paid to Panama’s automatic qualification hopes had the US and Honduras not also been in middling form.

A 3-0 home win over Trinidad and Tobago preceded a morale-sapping 4-0 defeat to the US in Panama’s penultimate fixture, which looked to have scuppered Los Canaleros’ chances for good.

That now infamous last-gasp win over Costa Rica, coupled with the USA’s surprise 2-1 defeat in Trinidad, sealed the third CONCACAF qualifying place in memorable fashion and condemned Honduras to a play-off against Australia, which they subsequently lost. The US meanwhile failed to qualify for a World Cup for the first time since 1986.

Coach Gomez largely favoured a 4-4-2 during the qualification campaign, although a more defensive 5-4-1/4-5-1 has been preferred in recent friendlies.

Whichever formation is decided upon, there is no doubt that Panama will be content to sit back and defend against their World Cup group opponents and try to attack on the break.

Two of Panama’s goals in the 3-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago came from swift counter-attacks, with Gabriel Torres’ opener a stunning 80-yard solo run that stemmed from an opposition corner.

Panama scored at a rate of 0.9 goals per match in the “Hex” (only bottom side Trinidad and Tobago scored fewer goals) and their limited attack is not one that will particularly appeal to Fantasy managers.

The World Cup debutants were, in fact, the only nation to qualify for this summer’s tournament to finish with a negative goal difference in their group campaign.

The heavy defeat to the US and a 6-0 thrashing by Switzerland in March suggests that Panama’s defence is far from watertight, either.

CONCACAF Fifth Round

Most starts: Luis Ovalle, Anibal Godoy (9), Jaime Penedo, Gabriel Gomez, Roman Torres (8), Adolfo Machado, Edgar Barcenas (7), Fidel Escobar, Armando Cooper, Blas Perez, Gabriel Torres (6)

Most goals: Blas Perez, Roman Torres (2)

Most assists: Anibal Godoy (2)

Star player Alberto Quintero, who made nine appearances and recorded two assists in qualification, has been forced to pull out of Panama’s 23-man squad after suffering a foot injury in the 6 June friendly against Norway.

Panama haven’t won any of their six friendlies contested in the three most recent international breaks, losing to Iran, Denmark, Switzerland and Norway and drawing with Wales and Northern Ireland.

Though Panama have won two other friendly internationals against Grenada and Trinidad and Tobago since October, their squads in both these matches were made up of second-string players.

The Key Targets

To be brutally honest: none. All of the below should effectively be reclassified as “long shots”, as the inclusion of any Panama player in our Fantasy teams would be a speculative punt at best.

Blas Perez (£5.3m on Fantasy iTeam | £5.0m on McDonald’s FIFA) is perhaps favourite to get the nod up front if Gomez persists with a 4-5-1 or 5-4-1, having started Panama’s last three qualification matches and his country’s 6 June friendly against Norway.

The 37-year-old striker is Panama’s joint-top scorer (with 43 goals) of all time, along with Luis Tejada (£5.6m on Fantasy iTeam | £5.0m on McDonald’s FIFA).

Neither Perez or Tejada, who is a veteran himself at 36 years old, have scored since Panama secured World Cup qualification.

Gabriel Torres (£5.5m on Fantasy iTeam | £6.0m on McDonald’s FIFA), who scored a penalty in the 1-1 draw with Wales last November, seems to be the sacrificial lamb in Gomez’s switch from 4-4-2 to a more defensive shape. Torres’ speed could be useful on the counter, however: witness his incredible breakaway goal in the 3-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago last September.

Roman Torres (£5.4m on Fantasy iTeam | £5.0m on McDonald’s FIFA) has ten goals in 111 appearances for the national side and represents Panama’s main goal threat from defence.

Torres scored the winner in that crucial victory over Costa Rica and was also on target late on in the 2-2 draw with Honduras earlier in the qualification campaign.

With goalkeepers receiving save points in both Fantasy iTeam and McDonald’s FIFA, veteran custodian Jaime Penedo (£5.3m on Fantasy iTeam | £4.5m on McDonald’s FIFA) could be a cheap source of points – particularly if deploying the Bench Boost chip in McDonald’s FIFA – in fixtures against Belgium and England.

Areas to Avoid

Penedo and any bench-filling fodder aside, there will likely be little investment in Panama assets for their opening two group encounters with Belgium and England.

Though we’ve name-dropped three Panama forwards (Perez, Gabriel Torres and Tejada) in the Key Targets section, the Canal Men’s attack looks particularly anaemic.

Panama scored less than a goal per game during the “Hex” and haven’t found the net in their four international friendlies against European opposition in 2018.

A 6-0 defeat against Switzerland in March is also enough to deter serious investment in Panama’s defence, despite budget-friendly Fantasy options such as the shot-happy Fidel Escobar (£5.3m on Fantasy iTeam | £4.0m on McDonald’s FIFA) and long throw specialist Adolfo Machado (£5.3m on Fantasy iTeam | £4.5m on McDonald’s FIFA) to be found in their squad.

Expect plenty of yellow and possibly red cards too: the Panamanians are fond of a tackle or two.

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

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World Cup Data
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We’ve secured Opta data, not only for the tournament itself, which begins on June 14 but also from the Qualifying Rounds for Europe and South America and for international friendlies involving the participating nations. This includes all the matches played right up to the tournament kick-off.

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Check out this new trailer previewing the World Cup content below…

1,240 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Grand Thibauto
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Uzoho Kajoui
    Danilo Godin Sidibe Tagliafico Meunier
    Isco Mueller Rodrigues Sanchez Sane
    Griezmann Lukaku Smolov

    Ideas?

    1. Grand Thibauto
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      James* Rodriguez, Kajoui Moroccan Keeper

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

      If it were me, I'd go Eriksen and Mbappe/Werner ahead of Isco and Griezmann. Also think Mendy is more attacking/nailed-on than Sidibe.

      Use the extra money to upgrade one of Sanchez/Sane.

      1. Grand Thibauto
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Cheers! Will look onto the Mbappe suggestion, I am betting on Spain to rip their group, so keeping Isco.

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

          I expect Spain to do well too, but kinda not 100% sure how Isco is central to the team...

          I mean he's obviously great and all, but in the 4-3-3 of Spain, he gets shafted to the left, which I dont think is his ideal position.

          Personally, this is how they should line up to get the most out of Isco.

          ------------------Busquets------------------Koke
          ---DSilva----------------------Isco---------------------Iniesta

          but it would be more like.

          -----Koke/Thiago------------Busquets---------------Iniesta
          ------DSilva----------------Aspas/Costa-----------------Isco

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

            Isco always has kind of a free role in Spain though, I'm sure he'll get lots of chances.

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

      Sane didnt make the team.

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

        Its a different Sane. The 4.5 one from Senegal I presume.

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

    Is there a Scout McDonald’s league ?

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

      Right hand side somewhere.

    2. Grand Thibauto
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      HEWJPVYR

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

        Ta

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

    What about be your XI of players not going to the World Cup? Let me go first.

    ------------------------------Oblak
    --Alves------Bonucci----------------Chiellini-------Alaba
    ----------Ramsey--------------------Nainggolan
    -----Bale--------------------Alexis--------------------Sane
    ----------------------------Benzema.

    Bench- Buffon, Valencia, van Dijk, Vidal, Pjanic, Robben, Aubameyang.

    Think I might have missed on some big names, but there are so many...

    1. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      -------------------------Zlatan--------------
      ----------Zlatan----Zlatan----Zlatan----------
      Zlatan---Zlatan---Zlatan---Zlatan---Zlatan
      -----------------Zlatan-----Zlatan---------------

      Bench: Zlatan---Zlatan---Zlatan---Zlatan

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

        I guess I might have missed someone... 😀

        1. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
          • 10 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          😉

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

      Can't really argue with that

  4. UNDERSCORE
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Any thoughts? any way to balance this further?

    griezmann cavani jesus
    isco, meuller, carrasco
    kimmich, meunier, danilo, mojica
    navas

    bench: uzoho (gk), hegazy, aldawsari, cueva

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

      What do you mean by balance it further?

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

        let me reword - anyway to make me get more points

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

          i want to replace cavani with hazard...short by 0.5...ideas?

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

            Replace Griezmann instead.

            I like the team

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

    For round 1 select

    A Mbappe v Australia or
    B Jesus v Switzerland

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

      I have a front three of Lukaku, Mbappe and Jesus. If I had to really choose between the two, would probably go Jesus as Brazil look a far better team.

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

        I had the same front three but then I dropped Jesus for Cavani because of Firmino.

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

          Really don't think Firmino is much of a threat. Jesus has been really clinical for Brazil - and as I see more of Tite, I feel he cares more about performances in yellow than club colours - and Jesus didn't even have a bad season.

          Anyway, he's starting in GW1 for sure.

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

            I think he's starting too, what I meant is that it's likely he will be subbed off. But I guess he same goes for Mbappe...

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

              Think only Griezmann and Cavani are sub-proof...

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

                Neymar and Messi too, if you can afford that

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

        Thanks. I have Lukaku and Cavani as other 2 strikers.

  6. 420king
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    What happens when Renato Augusto is fit? He started 15/16 in QF.

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

      It is surely Coutinho, Casemiro and Paulinho in GW1... Unless one of them plays really bad, dont think Augusto comes straight in... even Fernandinho has a shout in that case.

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

        At whose expense was he starting in QF? Noticed Coutinho only has 8/13 starts.

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

          I think Coutinho played some of those in the front three, so did Paulinho.

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

            Who is most likely to drop out if Renato starts in GW2?

    2. Nailed Jesus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Willian makes way. Coutinho switches to the right.

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

        Thanks

  7. Hairy Potter
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Initial draft, any thoughts?

    Muslera, Uzoho
    Marcelo, Danilo, Mendy, Meunier, Kjær
    Di Maria, Eriksen, Carrasco, Bentankur, Al-Dawsari
    Cavani, Jesus, Mbappe

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

      u have al-dawsari...covered for today 🙂

      1. Hairy Potter
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        He’s my captain

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

          mojica is a favourite today...4.5...can give u some money back to buy anyone who might have really wanted

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

            who u might*

  8. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    What game's everyone playing? There's loads! Haven't been following any of it!

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

      official one obviously

      1. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Well, it isn't obvious. What's with the attitude? Scout are promoting an 'i' game, but I can only select 11 players. Do you have a link?

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

          The official game will always get the most players.

          1. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
            • 12 Years
            5 years, 9 months ago

            I get that. I just want to know which it is. There are a few that's all

            1. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
              • 12 Years
              5 years, 9 months ago

              As in, which game is FFS communitybgenerally playing

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

                Probably Fifa, for me at least. The iGame is crap.

                1. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
                  • 12 Years
                  5 years, 9 months ago

                  My thoughts exactly. Seems very fussy! Have signed up anyway, and joined the FFS league. In the bag!

        2. 420king
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          fantasy.fifa.com

          1. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
            • 12 Years
            5 years, 9 months ago

            Cheers bud

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

      McDonald's official one, which actually looks more standard than the 2014 hotchpotch.

      1. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Cheers mate. Will have a gander

    3. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      McDonalds official FIFA game but as office doing Telegraph one got team for that- more active management required for that one but quite like it.

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

        I need a team for this too. I understand the idea of maximising each position to get 57 played games but who you thinking of starting?

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

          26 transfers in group stages so playing French and Uruguay defence for rounds 1 and 2 and then transfer to Spain and Brazil for their better rounds 2 and 3 ( gets 8 games for defence that way)

          Leaves 22 transfers so starting team below with players early in week and will go something like Pogba to Eriksen to Muller to JRod and Mbappe to Messi to Neymar to Lukaku to Kane to Lewondowski in round 1 leaving further 14 transfers for attacking players in rounds 2 and 3.

          Muslera
          Mendy Varane Godin Gimenez
          Ziyach Pogba Isco
          Smolov Mbappe Suarez

    4. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Norwegian broadcaster game is the best. I feel bad for all of you who cant play it.

      1. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        I may move to Norway then

  9. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Dream team draft

    Lloris
    Otamendi Kimmich Godin Meunier
    JRod Hazard Eriksen
    Suarez Neymar Mbappe

    Limited to 20 transfers with no captains in this format.

    Any key players/ teams that I need to look at more?

    Plan is to get in some Spanish players after they've played Portugal and maybe get in Kane for the panama game, otherwise will be saving transfers for the knockout phase.

    Anyone else got a dream team?

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

      Disappointingly found out my football team are using Dream Team instead of the official one.

      Personally think it's way too easy to pick a good squad so I've challenged myself to use 40mil instead of 50mil.

      Here it is:

      Muslera
      Kimmich,, Meunier, Danilo
      Isco, James, Paulinho, Muller
      Jesus, Werner, Mbappe

      I must say, being able to get that team using only 80% of the budget means the game must be badly designed

      1. Alex_thekid
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Have you downloaded the 60 page WC stats guide etc they sent on an email it's really useful lots of information stats a must read for any fantasy games your playing

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

          No I haven't... what was the address/subject?

          1. Alex_thekid
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 9 months ago

            Hi Alex,

            Thanks for pre-registering for the 2018 World Cup game, we have put together a downloadable PDF guide for you to use.



            The 60 page guide has a country-by-country low down, fixtures preview and all kinds of info to give you that edge.

          2. Alex_thekid
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 9 months ago

            Dream Team Your WC stats guide is here
            That's the email

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

              I haven't got it 🙁

              1. Alex_thekid
                • 6 Years
                5 years, 9 months ago

                Email address and I'll send you a copy

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

          How do I get that?

          1. Alex_thekid
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 9 months ago

            What's your email address and I'll send you a copy

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

              dan@byroms.net please

              Thanks!

              1. Alex_thekid
                • 6 Years
                5 years, 9 months ago

                Check if you got it sent

              2. Alex_thekid
                • 6 Years
                5 years, 9 months ago

                Did you get it let me know

    2. AndyCook
        5 years, 9 months ago

        You need to plan all your transfers to maximise matches as you can swap between matches. I would use 10 transfer in the group stage and save 10 for later. It’s a game all about planning right from the start

      • dan_247
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Currently on this:

        Lorris
        Giminez
        Mendy
        Meunier
        Marcelo
        Isco
        Cout
        Di Maria
        Messi
        Griez
        Suarez

        Remember you have a max of three transfers per March phase so you can't use all 20 in the kock out phase.

        I plan to use up to 9 pre knock out and the rest in the knock out phase. For example, use messi and di Maria for the Iceland game before replacing with hazard and lukaku for the panama game.

        Hope this helps

    3. Leaf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      I’ve got Messi

      Nice to see him in my team

      1. The Royal Robin
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        How's the rest of your team Leaf?

    4. The Yorkshire Pirlo
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      How’s this attempt look?

      El Kajoui/Uzoho
      Meunier/Godin/Danilo/Advincula/Sabaly
      Coutinho/Rodriguez/Ziyach/Al-Dawsari/Kvist
      Messi/Cavani/Lukaku

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

        Fairly ok

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

      James or Eriksen?

      1. rjcv177
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        James as last chance of C

      2. AndyCook
          5 years, 9 months ago

          So unlikely you haven’t had a decent captain already he’s not that useful for that. Regardless James

        1. Pierce34
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          It is indeed, I read it earlier. I always thought the Drogba-led Ivory Coast team underperformed, interesting to shed some light on that, among other things.

        2. Brosstan
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          Not surprising, sadly. Organization is still a huge problem in general in sub-Saharan Africa.

        3. Pariße
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          Yep, there's much more to football than just talent and they're lagging behind in every aspect but that.

      3. Robbie Slater
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        How is this looking?

        Muslera
        Meunier Danilo Trippier
        DiMaria Isco Paulinho Carrasco
        Werner Mbappe Cavani

        Uzoho CSanchez (COL) Varela Idowu

        Thanks in advance 🙂

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

          Bench too week.

          You're much better off thinking of it as a squad of 15 rather than 11 starters and 4 on the bench

      4. Super Silva Haze
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Pickford
        Kimmich Mendy Varela
        JRod Eriksen Carassco Isco
        Griezmann Lukaku Mitrovic

        Uzuho Ndiaye Kudriashova Hakimi

        Many Thanks.

      5. Super Silva Haze
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Lewandowski or Cavani ? And why!

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

          Cavani.

          Lewa plays for a team that might not even get through the group stages.

        2. Tempestic
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          I've currently got an attack with both in, front 3 being Lukaku, Cavani, Lewandoski. If I had to pick I would probably go for Cavani due to the team he plays in.

      6. Gringo Kid
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        What do you think about this one

        Akinfeev
        Hakimi, Varela, Danilo, Meunier
        Rodriguez, Coutinho, Mueller
        Griezmann, Cavani, Lukaku

        and shitty bench 🙂

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

          The first 11 is beautiful. Id want some bench if you are playing the official one though.

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

          need a bench though 😆

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

        How is this GW1 only team? I am WC-ing for GW2.

        Muslera - Uzoho
        Marcelo - Boateng - Meunier - Sidibe - Kjaer
        Samedov - Carrasco - Ljajic - Kvist - C.Sanchez
        Neymar - Lukaku - Griezmann

        1. rjcv177
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          IMO if WC for GW2 go for Lewa/Kane/Messi instead of Neymar

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

        Pick two from:
        A) Isco
        B) Coutinho
        C) James Rodríguez

        1. rjcv177
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          B and C

        2. Drexl Spivey
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          c)

        3. Union_Jacks
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          BC

        4. DantheManinaPan
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          AC

      9. rjcv177
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Evening Scouts.
        Major flaws on this team for the first 2 GW?

        Muslera, Uzoho
        Meunier, Godin, Ignashevitich, Dalsgard, Milenkovic
        James, Coutinho, Ljajic, Belhanda, C.Sanchez
        Suarez, Griezman, Lukaku

        Not sold on Griezman, but no other option (Payet was my target) on France team.
        Jesus doubling with Coutinho might be an option if Griezman fail
        At the back Igna for day1, Dalsgard cheap nailed against Peru and Australia, and Milenkovic hold C.Rica might be a CS.

        GL all

        1. Alex_thekid
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          Mbappe instead of Greizman

          1. Pierce34
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 9 months ago

            Why do you prefer Mbappe?

          2. rjcv177
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 9 months ago

            thkx. Afraid Mbappe stays outwide with Giru playing CF (to be honest it was my first name on FWD before that injury)

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

          Only major flaw is Sanchez. He needs replacing asap

      10. barracuda
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Fellas, can you not switch under-performing player between the games on the same day? I am getting confused once again. I thought you could do that.

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

          No

        2. Pierce34
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          If it's like Euro 2016, it will be 1 deadline per day, when the first match of the day starts.

        3. Drexl Spivey
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          Unfortunately no.

        4. rjcv177
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          NO.
          Each deadline (day by day) u can switch bench player to the pitch (losing the points u removing) and also change C to a player that will play that same day.

        5. barracuda
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          THANKS, right, need to re-do this team again 😀

      11. The Yorkshire Pirlo
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        A, B or C?

        A/ Carrasco, Godin, Kimmich

        B/ Coutinho, Godin, Sabaly

        C/ Coutinho, Varela, Mojica

        1. Alex_thekid
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          C

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

          C

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

            (but make sure to keep an eye on news about Varela. If he's not starting, then get Paulinho, Godin, Mojica

      12. deyell
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        What do you guys think about my team?

        Muslera
        Meunier, Godin, Granquist, Mojica
        Isco, Mueller, Carrasco
        Neymar, Cavani, Lukaku

        subs: Uzoho, Dalsgaard, C. Sanchez, Kvist

        1. Drexl Spivey
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          I think the mids look decidedly desperate and the defs spoilt.

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

          As I've said to other people, you want 15 good players, not 11 good players and a bench.

          The way the benching system works means that there's a high chance you'll end up with all of them on the pitch at some point.

          Your bench is weak, hence your team needs fixing.

          (think I might copy and paste this coment so I don't have to keep typing it on every other RMT I see.)

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

            My team is similar to this - What does yours look like?

          2. deyell
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 9 months ago

            Alright, thank you guys! I will replace Neymar with G. Jesus and use that €3 million to make my bench better.

      13. cniami
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Rmt (Going for a balanced team as I'm doing the fifa game)
        Griezmann/Jesus/Mitrovic or Guerrero
        Muller/Isco/J Rodriguez/Cueva/Al Dawsari
        Meunier/Danilo/Hegazi/Godin/Kjaer
        Schmeicel/Uzoho
        Any feedback would be highly appreciated

        1. rjcv177
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          Great Mitro punt.
          that first game has to get them rolling...otherwise they're crashing hard on WC.
          Just dont like Isco and Mueller

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

            which expensive mids do you favor over them?

            1. rjcv177
              • 8 Years
              5 years, 9 months ago

              Coutinho
              KDB

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

          Strong team. Nice one

      14. the snazzy viking
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        FUT FIFA 18 question.

        would you rather have Pogba or IF Fernandinho at CM?

        1. Super Silva Haze
          • 10 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          IF Fernandhino is a Don. His Tots card is a cheap alternative to Patrick Vieira icon.

        2. Grand Thibauto
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          Pogba for height

        3. the snazzy viking
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          cheers both

      15. Union_Jacks
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        This is me now

        El Kajoui, Uzoho
        Kimmich, Meunier, Trippier, Danilo, Varela
        Coutinho, J. Rodriguez, Carrasco, Cueva, Al-Dawsari
        Lukaku, Jesus, Mbappe

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

          Really nice

      16. The Overthinker
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        What are your views about coutinho ?

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

          Looks a good 9.0m option, I very much want Brazil players.

          1. The Overthinker
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 9 months ago

            Cheers

        2. the snazzy viking
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          seems like a nice bloke

          on a serious note, yes he's a good option for sure as I expect Brazil to score lots of goals v Switzerland, Costa Rica and Serbia

          1. The Overthinker
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 9 months ago

            Yeah. I am going Jesus less and hope that coutinho 'covers' his points.

            Aaah good old coverage... Missed IT

            1. the snazzy viking
              • 7 Years
              5 years, 9 months ago

              living the dream

        3. Drexl Spivey
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          I think he's an egotistical, overrated centre-mid that will ultimately place himself before the rest of the team and lose others the chance of scoring.

          1. The Overthinker
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 9 months ago

            He's the kind of player that I would want in my team then 😉

            1. Drexl Spivey
              • 5 Years
              5 years, 9 months ago

              I'd have him back at Newcastle, to be fair.

        4. DantheManinaPan
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          A good shout in midfield. Not sure he's worth the extra over Willian/Paulinho.
          One of the three of them would be a good bet

      17. The Overthinker
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Mbappe or Jesus?

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

          Jésus

      18. Aurora Borealis?
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Improved! This is now my team, why isn’t it yours?

        Muslera
        Meunier/Mendy/Trippier/Varela
        Coutinho/Muller/J.Rod
        Lukaku/Cavani/Mbappe

        (Uzoho/Idowu/C.Sanchez/Ndiaye)
        WC in GW3

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

          Why isn't it mine?

          As I've said to other people, you want 15 good players, not 11 good players and a bench.

          The way the benching system works means that there's a high chance you'll end up with all of them on the pitch at some point.

          Your bench is weak, hence your team needs fixing.

        2. 420king
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          It's not mine because it has that bench.

          1. Alex_thekid
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 9 months ago

            This

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

          If you have J.Rod, he must be starting on the bench as he is in the last round of matches!

      19. Cesc's old mullet
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Picking up from Richard Kenny's excellent analysis of the World Cup groups' fixture difficulties (https://infernosix.wordpress.com/2018/06/10/world-cup-group-fixture-difficulty-analysis/), I thought I'd use his ELO ranking method to get a better picture on the teams to invest in during the group stage.

        The key element that was missing for me is that his analysis takes into account all three rounds of the group stage, but didn't give me enough information round per round. And since I'm planning on wildcarding in round 2, I wanted to see the teams with the best fixtures in round 1 and 2 only.

        So I went ahead and created a spreadsheet that gives, for each team, the cumulated fixture difficulty in round 1, rounds 1+2, rounds 1+2+3 : https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/15-CIhQuqKvRNF0bHrO3Rl2RkiROqVBKVCSGVNTZxqMY/edit?usp=sharing

        A quick extract of the first ten teams in terms of fixture difficulty for each round :

        Round 1 :

        Team Fix. Diff. Ranking
        England 291 1
        Colombia 262 2
        Uruguay 248 3
        Brazil 246 4
        France 245 5
        Germany 227 6
        Argentina 222 7
        Belgium 174 8
        Croatia 172 9
        Poland 94 10

        Rounds 1 + 2 :

        Team Fix. Diff. Ranking
        Brazil 632 1
        Uruguay 551 2
        Germany 509 3
        England 480 4
        Belgium 450 5
        Colombia 361 6
        Argentina 355 7
        Spain 329 8
        France 317 9
        Portugal 163 10

        Rounds 1 + 2 + 3 :

        Team Fix. Diff. Ranking
        Brazil 991 1
        Germany 857 2
        Uruguay 767 3
        Argentina 660 4
        Spain 640 5
        Colombia 554 6
        England 495 7
        France 448 8
        Belgium 435 9
        Portugal 344 10

        1. Alex_thekid
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          Cheers for this

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

          Very surprised not to see Belgium higher up for round 1...

          The whole reason I have Lukaku is because Panama are supposed to be whipping boys. Owning Jesus instead could be a very pleasant saving...

          1. Cesc's old mullet
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            5 years, 9 months ago

            There were some surprises in there for me too. Seeing England up top in round 1 was the first one.

            Surprised to see Colombia so high up as well. Might need to go with James after all

        3. Legomané
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          Excellent work - just needs round 2+3 for complete and utter clarity 🙂

          Is there any case for WC outside the group stages? Guessing it makes the most sense as you are very much more limited with 1 FT

          1. Cesc's old mullet
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            5 years, 9 months ago

            Done. Added columns for Rounds 2 + 3.

            I don't think wildcarding outside of the group stages makes much sense, since :
            1. you have more than 1 FT between each round
            2. you don't have the round 3 uncertainty with some teams probably already qualified and rotating their key elements