Dugout Discussion

Rotation fears spark mass sale of England and Belgium’s Fantasy assets

The penultimate match of the 2018 World Cup takes place on Saturday at 3pm as England and Belgium meet for the second time in the tournament.

Much like in their Group G encounter at the end of June, managers Gareth Southgate and Roberto Martinez have given a number of their fringe squad players a run-out in this effectively meaningless fixture.

Harry Kane (£11.2m) is the leading points scorer in both the Fantasy iTeam and the McDonald’s FIFA World Cup games but is the most-sold player of this round in the latter.

Romelu Lukaku (£10.0m), who trails Kane by two goals in the race for the Golden Boot, is the next-most transferred out player at the time of writing.

Fears that their respective managers would choose to rest the premium forwards for this third-place play-off has no doubt contributed to the hundreds of thousands of sales, but there will also be a small proportion of Fantasy managers out there who, perhaps, don’t realise that Saturday afternoon’s match still counts towards their scores.

Jesse Lingard (£7.5m) and Kevin De Bruyne (£9.8m) are among the other players to have been widely ditched by those who are playing McDonald’s FIFA.

Hopes will be high for a high-scoring fixture, particularly as Belgium (18) and England (15) have had more big chances this summer than the other 30 nations taking part. Martinez’s side have also allowed more shots on goal (91) than any other side in Russia, which bodes well for an open game.

Only Brazil (81) have carved out more chances than Belgium (70) in this tournament, meanwhile.

England’s total number of attempts from set plays (37) is by far the highest figure of any nation at this World Cup, with nine of their 12 goals coming from dead-ball situations or penalty kicks.

Adnan Januzaj (£5.0m) scored the only goal of the game when the two sides last met in Kaliningrad.

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We’ve secured Opta data, not only for the tournament itself, 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.

Just to stress, this World Cup offering comes packaged with the regular Fantasy Football Scout membership.

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1,112 Comments Post a Comment
  1. SEXY SOLO SAUCE
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Finally settled.

    DDG
    TAA | Kolasinac | Cedric
    Salah | Hazard | Hoilett | McArthur | Cairney
    Kane | Aguero

    4m | Dunk | Quaner | Peltier

    0ITB

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

      Start again.

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

        TAA and Kola rotation risks.
        Hazard probably off but at any rate back late from wc.
        Weak midfield.
        Kane in awful form, late back from wc, doesn't score in August.

        1. SEXY SOLO SAUCE
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          Hazard off?

      2. SEXY SOLO SAUCE
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Lol 🙁

    2. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Are TAA, Kola, Cedric nailed? Even Aguero may not be nailed.

      1. SEXY SOLO SAUCE
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Cedric should be, was last season.
        In my opinion it's TAA's position to lose after last season.
        Kolasinac I think will be under new manager.
        Aguero yes will be rotated but I feel is to good to miss out on and not only that with their midfield talent now, that will be been more of a minefield than striker.

    3. Costa Nostra
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Why would you take Kane and Hazard? Neither will play week 1 and more than likely week 2.

      1. SEXY SOLO SAUCE
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Why? They have 3 weeks until the season starts

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

          They won’t play week1. They have to have 3 weeks vacation mandatory. Then will be eased back to fitness.

          1. SEXY SOLO SAUCE
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 9 months ago

            Ok thanks

    4. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      One of the worst I've seen

      1. SEXY SOLO SAUCE
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Thanks for the honesty, where am I going wrong?

        1. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          Missing value in so many price brackets. Defence consists of not-necessarily nailed players TAA and Kola. Hoilett and the 4.5s probably net you less than 3ppg each.

          You have to get over fear of missing out on big hauls and not cram in so many highly priced players.

        2. diesel001
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          Rule No.1 of FPL. Have players who will play.

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

      2/15

      1. SEXY SOLO SAUCE
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Kane and Salah?

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

          Salah and Cedric I reckon.

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

    Few years age Eng had great mid but ni good GK or striker...now they have GK and quality striker but no midfield.

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

      No central defenders
      No player that is comfortable on the ball in midfield
      Inexperienced kid for a GK

      Sort those things out and they might have a team to reckon with.

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

        *Pickford is one of the best GK at this WC imo

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

          Schmeichel says hi. Don't think Pickford has done much special...saved what you'd expect and shipped a few en route.

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

            I didnt said "the best" but hey, everyone can have his own opinion. I see him as one of 3-4 best GK at this WC

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

          Even though England played some of the worst teams at the WC he only managed one clean sheet against Sweden.

          In the game against Croatia i thought the two goals he conceded may have been saved by a world class keeper.

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

            if no Pickford Eng would have lost plenty more goals.

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

            Definitely the second one.

    2. Emiliano Sala
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Average gk

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

        You think he didn't play well at this WC?

    3. LSK
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Similarly we had a lot of quality but not much pace/athleticism. Now that’s all we have

  3. Emiliano Sala
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Penalty for arsenal

    1. Emiliano Sala
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Auba

      1. Emiliano Sala
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        3x

    2. Emiliano Sala
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      What a shot

    3. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Said before - they are playing Boreham Wood. Good for them to start getting their match fitness back, but nothing more than that.

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

        By that thought we can eliminate lacazette.
        These games are important to see who's inform. Not necessarily if he going to hatty every game

        1. diesel001
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          Tom Ince, Nathan Redmond etc. Every year there are 'in form' players in pre-season. Pre-season is for match fitness and to try things.

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

            Hope salah doesn't fire in preseason...just for match fitness and try things.
            Different players, different aproach/mindset

            1. diesel001
              • 7 Years
              5 years, 9 months ago

              I wouldn't be worried if Salah went goalless in pre-season. As long as he stays fit. When it gets competitive he will turn it on.

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

                Not wishing, or being worried. Just sayin IF salah goes berserk people will NOT say "it's just a friendly".

                1. diesel001
                  • 7 Years
                  5 years, 9 months ago

                  Overreacting to an event is not good for FPL IMO.

    4. Costa Nostra
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Who’s on penalties settled?

  4. Peace-o
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    16 mins in Auba hatrick against "Boreham Wood". ESSENTIAL.

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

      As essential as any striker in the game, I'd say.

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

    Auba hatty.

  6. Eden Wizard
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Wowbameyang

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

    I love RLC

  8. Piggs Boson
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Auba is on pens over Lacazette now?

    1. Dr Van Nostrand
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Yes he was last year too

      1. Piggs Boson
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Apparently Lacazette took them when both were on the pitch. So I was told.

        1. Konig Luther
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          was to boost lacazette confidence

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

            This. That "incident" has been over-interpreted. Both could take pens, but no good reason to think Laca is preferred imo

        2. Dr Van Nostrand
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          No Auba took them he let Laca take one after he had already scored a pen in the same game believe it was Stoke.

          1. Piggs Boson
            • 12 Years
            5 years, 9 months ago

            Ah, okay. Thanks 🙂

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

            Auba even said after the game that he gave Laca the pen because he hadnt scored in a while and he wanted to build his confidence ahead of the important EL game or something.

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

              This...

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

      Lovely

    3. Konig Luther
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      i think he was on pens already

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

      In a friendly chances are anyone on a hat trick could get it

      1. Piggs Boson
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Yeah, probably...

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

    Rate my Aubameyang?

    1. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      TBD

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

      😆

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

    Missed the deadline for this round wasted 5 FT
    Still have Lingard not playing
    Vertongon on the bench
    Lucy i have
    Pickford Kane Trippier Maguire
    Kdb Lukaku playing
    Gutted lol @ me Kane captain

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

    Sanchez or Martial?

    1. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Neither

    2. salazar1963
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Is he nailed?

    3. FFSbet.com
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Have both,dont know how i ended with double Mou attack.

  12. Emiliano Sala
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Auba started LW and laca CF
    Now laca is at LW and auba CF
    They change their positions

    1. Eden Wizard
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Who is right? 4-3-3 or?

      1. Emiliano Sala
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Nelson most of the time

  13. Sim Simma
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    WHAT A MISS HARRY

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

      Woeful

  14. Peace-o
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Ainsley Maitland-Niles got both the assists for goals in open play.
    Reiss Nelson won the penalty.

  15. Dr Van Nostrand
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    FFS Kane perfectly teed up by Sterling. That's what Sterling brings stretches defences

    1. Eden Wizard
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Hardly. Quarter back passes do that.

    2. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Vardy stretches defences - put the ball over the top and see what happens. He works the channels too. Plus he is dirty and can win penalties.

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

        Yeah should have played Vardy with Shelvey and Rooney in midfield to supply the long balls

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

      On his usual hiatus till September

  16. Eden Wizard
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Sterling is the worst footballer. Special school for Sterling.

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

      He always looks like he's about to take off the way his hands flap about.

    2. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Nah if Kane had buried that there’d have been talk about how well Sterling stretches defences and what a nicely weighted lay off it was

  17. Piggs Boson
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    We have no movement off the ball...

    Need JLingz

  18. LSK
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Auba is too good to be true. Might have to sacrifice my 4 City plan and transfer him in.

    1. salazar1963
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Yes, a superb finisher

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

      Don't have to sacrifice my 4 City to get him 😎

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

        Damn it. You win. I want him and 4 City now

    3. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      I could score a hattrick against Boreham Wood.

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

        But you’re not available in the game

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

        You must be better than everyone else on Arsenal besides Auba then. That’s impressive!

        1. Piggs Boson
          • 12 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          😎

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

            What price do you think you’d come into the game at?

            1. Piggs Boson
              • 12 Years
              5 years, 9 months ago

              £13.5m

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

                Forward or mid ???

                1. Piggs Boson
                  • 12 Years
                  5 years, 9 months ago

                  Defender.

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

                    That’s a bit high for a sweeper. Think I’ll pass;)

    4. Fred54
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      '4 City plan.' Sarcastic heh.

  19. Patch
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Who are we thinking will be the first Belgium sub?

    Any love for Fellani???

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

      Someone who hasn't had much, if any, game time.

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

        Can't believe vermalen came on before side show Bob...really need Fellani to come on

  20. LanMi
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Which CRY goalie starts has high chances of starting the season?

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

      Guaita.

  21. FER FUSCH AKE
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    what is a 4 city plan? Can we now get 4 players from one team in FPL?

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

      No but some of us put Mahrez in before he joined. Can’t make any transfer now though so I can’t transfer Auba in without getting rid of one of my City players

    2. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Not anymore. If you bought Mahrez before the transfer you could have. But your next transfer would have to be a City player out.

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

      Not any more. You put a player in your team who is due to move to a new club. You also get three other players from that "new" club. When the player moves you have 4 players from that team, and your next transfer is restricted to removing one of those players, be it before or after the beginning of the season.

  22. socho
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Ok my turn, what about this guys? Any clear lacks?

    -------------- DE GEA-----------------
    ---Baines----VVD--------Douglas
    -Mili-Salah--Sessegnon-Sanchez-Siggy
    --=====Perez----------Firmino------

    Boruc, Kamara, Morrisson, WanBissaka

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

      Early WC

    2. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Baines not nailed and old. Coleman is better IMO. Sessegnon overpriced - Cairney a better option. Perez is crap. Wan Bissaka not guaranteed to start.

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

        thanks! i am on Baines until Everton signs a left back. Perez had a nice second half of season...

    3. thekingiii
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Look at Newcastle's fixtures to start the season. Even as a diehard fan I will not be going anywhere near Perez, even in that price bracket

  23. Dr Van Nostrand
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    The amount of hate Sterling gets is beyond the pale. He's England's most talented footballer and Pep recognises that. You lot don't even deserve him rather have a team of slabheads and penalty merchants.

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

      I like sterling. So pipe down whoever you are.

    2. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      RLC and Kane are more talented IMO. Pep recognises that Sterling has pace and will finish off some chances (not as many as he should) so tells him to get in the box. Pep doesn't get Sterling to do intelligent things - no slick passing, no dribbling etc, because he knows Sterling is not 'football intelligent'.

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

        RLC is more talented than Sterling?'Jesus wept.

        1. diesel001
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          RLC is a better passer, has more creativity, is a better tackler. Sterling is quicker, but so what?

          Phil Foden also very talented.

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

        He has great qualities - quick, moves well. It's just his decision-making for the final ball always seems off.

        1. Dr Van Nostrand
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          Doesn't seem to be for City

          1. diesel001
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 9 months ago

            Have you seen the sitters he has missed for City?

            1. *Reformed-Character*
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 6 Years
              5 years, 9 months ago

              18 goals last season....yeah he’s terrible mate....

                1. *Reformed-Character*
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 6 Years
                  5 years, 9 months ago

                  Absolutely clueless

    3. *Reformed-Character*
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      It’s just the bandwagon sheep who know nothing about football who say sterling is bad, that’s what is annoying about world cups, people who know nothing suddenly become experts...

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

        This...

    4. Fantastisk
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Agreed.

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

      I just always assume it's salty Liverpool fans.

      1. Dr Van Nostrand
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        I'm an LFC fan not salty about his move I recognise that fool Bodgers drove him away. Reckon it's Daily Mail morons leading the charges

  24. Richd
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    John Stones will be the best defender in the world within 2 years.

    1. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Nope. Likes attacking too much.

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

      What are you planning to do to all the other poor defenders?

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

      Until then can we carry on expecting at least one mistake or lapse of concentration per game?

  25. Emiliano Sala
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Sokratis worst signing ever
    Aweful to watch

  26. Sim Simma
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Chadli felt a twang

  27. #FPLBhuna
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Chadli crocked

  28. LSK
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    This is like watching dogs against rats. No chance.

  29. Piggs Boson
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    England are so sluggish and static. Treating it like a friendly match.

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

      Not intentionally. They're being badly outclassed here. England beat 4 teams who were very poor on their day. Up against quality and the limitations show. Lot of work to be done!

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

    Tielemans is getting in some good balls into the box i was not expecting much but after watching the first half i would be disappointment if i did not get points from him now.