Scout Notes

Latest defeat eases sale of Everton assets for Blank Gameweek 27

Another defeat for Everton has made preparation for Blank Gameweek 27 a little easier for Fantasy Premier League managers.

The Toffees do not have a league fixture until Gameweek 28 now, but their rotten run of form has dramatically reduced interest in their assets for the long-term.

Meanwhile, Southampton suffered their third league defeat under new manager Ralph Hasenhüttl against Cardiff.

Watford 1-0 Everton

Goals: Andre Gray (£5.9m)

Assists: Will Hughes (£4.9m)

Richarlison (£6.7m) and his Everton colleagues ensured they would be ditched en masse ahead of Gameweek 27 after a 1-0 defeat at Watford on Saturday. For the third match in a row, the Brazilian did not register a single shot, despite operating in his preferred position on the left flank of attacking midfield again. With no fixture in the next Gameweek, and Liverpool and Chelsea to come soon afterwards, it does look as if the time is up for Everton assets.

The Toffees continue to slump down the attacking charts in the Premier League, no team creating few big chances than them across their last four matches. Meanwhile, just three teams recorded fewer shots inside the box than them over that period. Cenk Tosun (£6.5m) has recently been recalled to the side as Marco Silva tries to find a new formula for attacking play, but his shot-shy nature has only contributed to the Toffees problems in front of goal. The Turkish international has mustered just four shots since Gameweek 23, although three of those did come against Watford on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Gylfi Sigurdsson (£7.3m) continues to be Everton’s primary goal threat with 12 shots on goal in the last five matches. However, his chance creation has dropped off massively, playing just two key passes in that time.

“I knew before I came in that this team has problems creating chances. We changed it in the first months of the season but now we are having problems to create again and it is up to us to find ways to change.” – Marco Silva

There might be a case for holding onto Lucas Digne (£5.3m) as he finished the trip to Watford as the most creative player on the pitch and still managed an effort on goal. His price makes him a little more benchable than his other colleagues, while he could be rotated on and off the bench with Cardiff (away) and Newcastle (away) awaiting Everton in Gameweeks 28 and 30 respectively.

However, defensive returns are hard to predict in those fixtures, with just two clean sheets in 14 matches. The Toffees have won just three times in that run, with only Fulham and Huddersfield, the Premier League’s bottom two, picking up fewer points since the start of December. Furthermore, in their last four, Everton have shipped the third-worst number of big chances.

To make matters worse, they will also be without Kurt Zouma (£5.0m) for their next Premier League fixture in Gameweek 28, against Cardiff on February 26. He was shown two yellow cards after the full-time whistle at Vicarage Road for complaining about a refereeing decision in the build-up to Watford’s goal.

That was scored by Andre Gray (£5.9m), finding the net for the first time since Gameweek 6. The centre-forward was making just his second appearance since Gameweek 15 when he came on for Ken Sema (£4.6m) at half-time, in a move which could facilitate a change of shape in future from Javi Gracia.

“In that moment we decided to change the shape because playing with Troy and Gerard we didn’t find the way to attack well. I prefer in that moment to play with Troy and Andre, and with Gerard on the left because we weren’t precise. I think the way to attack was directly and be ready for the second balls.” – Javi Gracia

Gray has not had much of a look-in since Gerard Deulofeu (£5.5m) began to play as a second striker alongside Troy Deeney (£5.9m) back in the autumn, but against Everton, Gracia made the decision to push the midfielder onto the left flank and allow the former Burnley man to play up front. He played well and found himself in the right place at the right time to convert Will Hughes‘ (£4.9m) cross.

“I was very pleased for him. He deserved his reward today. I think he helped the team a lot in the second half and when he scored, I was very, very happy for him.” – Javi Gracia

Watford’s recent upturn in defensive returns is worthy of note for Fantasy managers. The Hornets now have clean sheets in three of their last four outings and back-to-back shutouts at home. That has put Ben Foster (£4.6m) in a position to average seven points per game in that time, mainly because Watford are still allowing a high number of chances. Just four teams have conceded more shots in the box since Gameweek 23 than the Hornets, which could indicate the clean sheets will dry up soon, with Liverpool and Manchester City two of their next four opponents, but it has meant Foster has been able to secure additional points. In the selected period, he has made 15 saves, earning points for them in each of the last four and bonus in three matches.

“I think the team is defending a high level. Not only the defensive line and not only the goalkeeper, but all of them have played really well, defending well as a team. It was very demanding, but they did it.” – Javi Gracia

These defensive returns have also benefited Jose Holebas (£4.8m), but the full-back should be avoided for at least the next couple of Gameweeks. After picking up his 10th yellow card of the season against Everton on Saturday, Holebas is now suspended for two league matches. One of those will be Watford’s trip to Cardiff City in Gameweek 27 and the other will be the away match at Liverpool’s Anfield in Gameweek 28, where Mohamed Salah (£13.6m) scored four times against Watford last season. He will return for the home match against Leicester in Gameweek 29.

“Yes, [it’s a shame to have Holebas suspended] but I prefer not to complain about the players I don’t have. In this case, we have other players like Adam Masina who are ready. We will have to do something different, but we didn’t have Kiko [Femenía], Roberto Pereyra, Sebastian Prödl and Isaac Success and the team keeps going.” – Javi Gracia

Kiko Femenía (£4.2m) was due to play in Gameweek 26 but was not risked in the end with a hamstring injury. Gracia provided an update on him after the win over Everton, as well as on Roberto Pereyra (£6.1m), who has missed the last two with the same problem as Femenía.

“Yesterday before training, I thought Kiko was ready but after that, we decided it was better to wait,” said Gracia. “Pereyra is in his process, he’s improving. I’m not sure if he will be ready for the next game or whether we will wait.” – Javi Gracia

Watford XI (4-4-2): Foster; Holebas, Cathcart, Mariappa, Janmaat; Sema (A Gray 45′), Capoue, Doucouré, Hughes (Chalobah 90′); Deeney, Deulofeu (Cleverley 81′).

Everton XI (4-2-3-1): Pickford; Digne, Zouma, Keane, Kenny; A Gomes (Walcott 63′), Gueye; Sigurdsson (Calvert-Lewin 74′), Davies, Richarlison (Bernard 66′); Tosun.

Southampton 1-2 Cardiff City

Goals: Jack Stephens (£4.2m) | Sol Bamba (£4.6m), Kenneth Zohorè (£4.6m)

Assists: Charlie Austin (£5.5m) | Callum Paterson (£5.0m), Víctor Camarasa (£4.6m)

It was the second blank in a row for James Ward-Prowse (£5.1m) on Saturday as Cardiff snatched a late victory at Southampton. However, the midfielder continues to be the Saints’ most appealing player as he finished the game with more key passes than any other player. Having played nine of them in the last four matches, Ward-Prowse, back in a central role against Cardiff, could still offer potential as a fourth or fifth midfielder.

Also re-announcing himself to the Fantasy world was Charlie Austin (£5.5m), who arrived on the pitch all guns blazing as a second-half substitute. With Danny Ings (£5.4m) still out injured, the former QPR man replaced Shane Long (£4.7m) in the 72nd minute but finished the match with more than double the shots in the box of any other player. His energetic 18-minute display earned him the assist for Jack Stephens’ (£4.2m) dramatic equaliser. If Austin can work his way back into the side and keep up that level of goal threat, he would be worth considering.

However, the fixtures now turn for Southampton with Arsenal (away), Man United (away) and Spurs (home) three of their next four opponents, likely to reduce any interest in their assets for some time. The Gameweek 31 trip to Watford is also still up in the air, potentially set for a postponement if the Hornets beat QPR in the FA Cup.

Interestingly, it might actually be the case that Ralph Hasenhüttl and Southampton might actually prefer those tougher fixtures compared to their recent so-called ‘six-pointers’. With just two points from a possible nine against other sides in the bottom eight in the last three Gameweeks, it is possible that the Saints are struggling to come to terms with being the dominant team in a fixture.

Under Hasenhüttl, Southampton have become big on high pressure on their opponents and hitting them on the counter-attack. That type of tactic is not quite as effective against sides like Cardiff, who allowed their hosts to have a greater share of possession on Saturday. Neil Etheridge (£4.7m) was the busier of the two goalkeepers at the St Mary’s Stadium, but the Saints were largely restricted to long-distance shots as the Bluebirds sat back. Conversely, in three matches played against top-six sides so far this season, Hasenhüttl has four points from a possible nine, suggesting there will be more space to exploit against Arsenal, Man United and Spurs.

“Dominance is not interesting because it is not the way we want to play but against this opponent, you have more ball possession than normal. It is not what counts in the end. In the end, they scored twice and we scored once so it is not enough.” – Ralph Hasenhüttl

Also, it should be noted that Southampton continue to struggle defensively. They have recorded just one clean sheet since Hasenhüttl took over, averaging 1.4 goals conceded per game. Cardiff came to the south coast with just seven goals in 12 away matches but left having found the net twice. For those reasons, budget enabler Jan Bednarek (£4.0m) is likely to remain on our benches for some time.

Meanwhile, Neil Warnock’s team selections get harder to predict with each passing week. Against Southampton, he opted for a three-man defence featuring Sol Bamba (£4.6m), Bruno Ecuélé Manga (£4.4m) and Lee Peltier (£3.9m). Joe Bennett (£4.4m) and Callum Paterson (£5.0m) were the wing-backs in a 3-4-1-2 system.

There was a return for Víctor Camarasa (£4.6m) from injury as he replaced Oumar Niasse (£5.0m) in the 83rd minute. He provided the assist for the winning goal. That was scored by fellow substitute Kenneth Zohoré (£4.6m), who until Saturday was yet to score a Premier League goal this season.

“I thought we were super after that. I’m really pleased for Ken and Victor [Camarasa] – both the subs helped for the winning goal.” – Neil Warnock

“Scoring the goal felt good. Everybody knows that I’ve had a tough year with injuries and not playing so much, so for me to come on and get the winner was a big thing for me and the team.” – Kenneth Zohoré

Southampton XI (3-5-2): McCarthy; Vestergaard (Elyounoussi 72′), Stephens, Bednarek; Bertrand, Ward-Prowse, Romeu, Højbjerg, Valery (Gallagher 83′); Long (Austin 72′), Redmond.

Cardiff City XI (3-4-1-2): Etheridge; Bamba, Ecuélé Manga, Peltier; Bennett, Ralls, Gunnarsson (Bacuna 62′), Paterson; Arter; Niasse (Camarasa 83′), Reid (Zohoré 62′).

501 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Bury94
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Manchester United's ex-manager José Mourinho is to host his own show on Russian TV channel RT, formerly known as Russia Today, the station says.

    Mourinho, 56, will provide analysis of Champions League games in the fortnightly football programme.

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

      Champions League analysis? Damn - was hoping for some stand-up and some comedy sketches.

    2. Majestic Chanka
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I’m picturing “I’m on Setanta Sports”/“Special One TV”

      Wayne Rooney to co-host?

    3. tisza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      after this only markets left for him will be China or Christmas island

  2. Piggs Boson
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    That cover photo is perfect.

  3. SOTHPAW
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    I know its a way off and things can change but is this looking ok for Week 27?

    Guaita

    TAA Pereira Trippier Shaw

    Salah Pogba Son (C) Anderson (V)

    Rashford Jiminez

    Boruc Aguero* Richarlison* Luiz*

    0 FT 0 ITB

    1. The 5% Team
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Looks decent. Still have doubt about Trippier, misses the odd game here and there....and Spurs play Chelsea a few days after the Burnley match.

    2. Kuzser
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Yes

    3. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      You can't move out Trippier now so:
      Look to move one of the subs.
      Probably Richa for money.
      My side is same mids and forwards

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

    Rich looks like a 16 year old who's just been on the spice up the local rec.

    1. De Gea Van Dijk. 10
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Why are the kids putting spice in the rectum.

  5. tattywelshie
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Speak to me about Harvey Barnes from Leicester, really good stats recently, is the fella nailed? Anyone else looking at him?

    1. V-2 Schneiderlin
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      like their fixtures but not one of their players is returning decent points as far as I can see. Even Vardy not interesting me

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      end product looks like an issue at the moment, other than that he looks good...

    3. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Apparently someone on here on Sunday said he looked like a Sunday League player

      1. tattywelshie
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Oh poo, might stay away then!

      2. RealSocialDads
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        That's rubbish he's actually quality and a great prospect, he got into a lot of good positions and the finishing will come with confidence, he was banging them in at west brom

      3. #FPLBhuna
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        that's bullshit, he's going to be the next big thing imo

        class class player, watched him throughout his loan at wba

        looks a great talent

    4. BigBillyBass
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      He couldn't hit a barn door with a shovel

  6. MTPockets
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Are you sure that one of Holebas' suspension will be in the Cup?

      It's not clear from the new competition-specific rules whether they mean specific in terms of accumulation and/or suspension
      http://www.thefa.com/football-rules-governance/discipline/suspensions

        1. MTPockets
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Would be helpful if someone could clarify.
            Rule could matter for other players in future

            1. DavidMunday815
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 5 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Hey MTPockets, thanks for touching base on this one. It's a confusing subject as the rule change wasn't explained in that much detail over the summer! As you know, players have been banned from cup matches because of suspensions picked up in the Premier League fairly regularly all season. However, in light of the article you've spotted (thanks for posting it here btw!) we've done the necessary digging with the relevant parties and confirmed that the Watford Observer journalist is correct. Yellow card bans are tournament specific, whereas reds can affect multiple domestic competitions. My original understanding was that it only meant bookings in the cups weren't added to a player's season total for accumulation, but in clarifying things I've learned it also means Premier League accumulation bans cannot affect the cups either. So, Holebas will indeed be available for the FA Cup match this weekend and will miss Gameweeks 27 and 28 instead. Will sort that in the article now!

              1. MTPockets
                  5 years, 1 month ago

                  Thanks for that David. Had a look through the FA site but couldn't find a non-confusing outline of the rule (lots of articles but no source). Appreciate you taking the time to dig and clarify.

        2. Kuzser
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          What option looks better here guys?
          1) Hazard, Kamara, Digne-> Auba, Hayden, Lejeune for -4.
          Gw28: son->sterling
          2) digne-> Lejeune
          Gw28: hazard kamara-> Kun, hayden

          Current line up for 27:
          FAB
          Robbo awb Pereira Schindler
          Son Salah Anderson pogba
          Rashford Jimenez

          Hazard** Digne** kamara

        3. All For One
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          A)
          Salah
          Aguero
          Pogba
          Felipe Anderson

          B)
          Sterling
          Aguero
          Pogba
          Mane

          A or B?

          1. Amey
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            B
            On current form

            1. All For One
              • 5 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              cool

          2. V-2 Schneiderlin
            • 13 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            B

          3. EMBOLOFAN
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            a not even close

          4. TheTinman
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            I think Pogba works better with A than B

        4. Nomar
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          "With just two points from a possible nine against other sides in the bottom eight in the last three Gameweeks, it is possible that the Saints are struggling to come to terms with being the dominant team in a fixture."

          Or it might just be a case that they're struggling because they're crap!

        5. NUFCAndrew
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Use my free hit on Sterling to get someone else in for this GW?

          1. The Wise Owl
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            You want to use a free hit, to get one player in?

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

              Guess he meant FT 🙂

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

                Or at least I hope he did 😉

                1. Amey
                  • 5 Years
                  5 years, 1 month ago

                  😀

          2. Amey
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Nope
            Bench him

          3. altan8797
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            yes and than TC your sub goalkeeper in GW28

        6. Nomar
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Whose going down with The Town (Huddersfield) then, chaps?

          1. De Gea Van Dijk. 10
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Hudds are staying up.

          2. wulfrunian
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Fulham and one of Cardiff,Burnley,Brighton.

            1. Nomar
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 14 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Hudds and Fools are down.

              Think it's between Cardiff and Saints for final Championship place.

              Cardiff are actually good at getting results against the sides around them. That might save them.

              1. wulfrunian
                • 7 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                Brighton's fixtures are tough.But i think they could get 13 points until the end.If they do they'll have 40 points.

          3. Amey
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Fulham for sure. Their defense is awful.
            I hope Cardiff avoid the relegation.

          1. Nomar
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            RIP.

        7. De Gea Van Dijk. 10
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Oblak
          Ram Raph Rug
          Sal Pog San Son
          Firm Mbap

          Or something likes that.

        8. The Left Duke #3
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Danilo -->> Kolasinac done and dusted.

          0FT left but still have 1.2m ITB. Anything worth a hit?

          Fabianksi (Patricio)
          Robbo Kolasinac Doherty AWB (Digne)
          Salah Son Pogba (Gudmundsson Richarlison)
          Aubameyang Jimenez Rashford

          A) Digne -->> Pereira (-4)
          B) Richarlison -->> Maddison (-4)
          C) Richarlison -->> F.Anderson (-4)
          D) Something else?

          1. De Gea Van Dijk. 10
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Danilo had so much DGW potential.

            1. The Left Duke #3
              • 9 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Stop lad. Wasted 2 FT on bringing in Danilo and Sane (C). No Aguero. OR drop from 2.5 - 13.4 k.

              1. De Gea Van Dijk. 10
                • 5 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                Did the same and had Siggy trips.

                Will take a few seasons to get over this.

          2. Baked baines
            • 9 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Exact same scenario with bringing in Danilo. Hopefully Kol scores no more OG

        9. MysticMac17
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Is it worth bringing in Auba for Firmino for a one week punt for a -4 hit when I'll give him the armband?

          1. De Gea Van Dijk. 10
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            No.

          2. The 5% Team
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            why not for 2 weeks?

            1. MysticMac17
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 5 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Because of Aguero

        10. Atters
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Better Ederson replacement than Dubravka?

          1. wulfrunian
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Etheridge or Ryan next gw.

          2. De Gea Van Dijk. 10
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Heats long term.

          3. Baked baines
            • 9 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Fabianski

        11. OneDennisBergkamp
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Time to ditch Richarlison?

          1. wulfrunian
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Yes

          2. Saïss Doesn't Mat…
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            you are 6 weeks late mate

        12. Captain_Shirokov
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Fabianski
          TAA - Pereira - AWB - Schindler
          Salah - Pogba - Son - Gunarsson
          Rashford - Jimenez

          (Rich, Digne, Aguero)

          1 ft, 2.2m in the bank.

          A) Digne to Kolasinac
          B) Rich to Mane, Digne to Lejeune/Manga (-4)
          C) Save FT, play Gunarsson and Schindler.

          Thoughts?

          1. Eleven Hag
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            keep digne and do richa to fanderson

          2. RealSocialDads
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Schindler and Gunnarson both have okay fixtures, so it's not worth taking a hit imo but definitely use your FT. Either Digne to Kola or Rich to Felipe

          3. Captain_Shirokov
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Thanks guys

        13. TheTinman
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Ings to Rondon looks a no brainer

        14. The Gambler.
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Holebas ban is annoying.

          Only have 9 players for this GW.

          a) Take a hit to play 11 (after all the hits are only 2 points lol)
          b) Just use one TF and pray that all 10 play
          c) Free hit
          d) Wildcard

          Fabs
          Robbo - WanB - Doherty
          Salah - Pogba
          Jiminez - Rashford - Aubameyang

          (Guita - *Holebas - *Sterling - *Richarlison - * Danilo - **Ward)

          1. RealSocialDads
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Take Richarlison out for sure and Danilo needs to go too, may be worth taking the hits for them since you otherwise wouldn't have players playing

        15. Krafty Werks
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Here's my UCL team for anyone playing? How we looking? Any thoughts much appreciated, thanks.

          Ederson / 3.7 fodder
          Guerreiro / Militiao / Laporte / Marcelo / Santon
          Pogba / Salah / Sterling / Rakitic / Sancho
          Rashford / Messi / Benzema

          1. Zladan
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Ramos a better option than Marcelo given VAR and on penalties.

            Rakitic could be upgraded/downgraded as an enabler.

            Who are your captain picks?

            1. Krafty Werks
              • 9 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Captains :

              1 - Pogba
              2 - Benzema
              3 - Messi
              4 - Sterling

              1. Zladan
                • 6 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                Same 4 as me.

                Not predicting to change from Messi.

        16. RealSocialDads
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          My team for 27:

          1FT 0.0 ITB

          Fab
          Robbo Pereira Doherty Bednarek
          Salah Pogba Moutinho Gunnarson
          Rashford Jiminez

          Button Aguero* Sterling* Holebas*

          A. Sterling -> Son (c) then Son -> Sterling next week
          B. Save, play Bednarek (ars)

        17. MINUS FOUR
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          The latest defeat doesn't ease the sale of Everton assets, it hastens the sale of Everton assets. It does however ease doubt and/or regret over the sale of Everton assets. Just saying.

        18. LewanGOALski
          • 12 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Jota or FAnderson?

          1. Eleven Hag
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            jota who has three good fixtures comig up and wolves are a team who does well in away games too

          2. RealSocialDads
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Jota

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

            I went Anderson and Fraser over Jota...

        19. Eleven Hag
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Please suggest a good midfield option for gw27 who gonna play in BGWs for price upto 5.5

          is snodgrass a starter for whole season?
          someone from leics?
          cardiff and newcastle?

          1. RealSocialDads
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Brooks? Not sure about his BGW situation though

            1. Eleven Hag
              • 6 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              he is currently injured and not gonna play in gw27?

              want to replace richa before he goes under 6.5s

        20. UCL Fantasy Matchday 7 - Overhaul Thoughts?
          Zladan
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          UCL Fantasy Matchday 7 - Overhaul.

          The overhaul (unlimited transfers) is currently active and we have hours left until the deadline.

          Which teams will you be loading up on?

          Who are the best enablers?

          Who are your 4 captain choices?

          1. Give The Todd Some Love
            • 12 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            My team atm is

            Ederson, Olsen
            Ramos, Lenglet, Walker, Hakimi, Militao
            Mane, Pogba, Sancho, Sterling, Eriksen
            Messi, Aguero, Vinicius

            Gone surprisingly heavy on PL teams, didn't really expect that

            1. Zladan
              • 6 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Olsen injured and will fall in price for next week.

              Bale back could mean Vasquez/Vinicius will be fighting for place.

              Nice City quad. They are bookies faves to progress. Maybe better options than Walker though?

          2. Zladan
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            With VAR now being used, penalty takers could dominate our teams. Here’s the list of pen takers:

            Man City: Aguero
            Schalke: Bentaleb
            Juventus: Ronaldo
            Atletico: Griezmann
            Barca: Messi
            Lyon: Fekir
            Ajax: Tadic
            Real Madrid: Ramos
            Liverpool: Milner
            Bayern: Lewandowski
            Dortmund: Reus*
            Spurs: Kane*
            Porto: Marega*
            Roma: Perotti*
            Man United: Pogba
            PSG: Neymar*/Cavani*

            * injured/suspended

            1. Pierce34
              • 8 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              What's wrong with Marega? He was immense for my team in the group stages!

              1. Zladan
                • 6 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                He got injured v Guimares and is out for 2 months.

                1. Pierce34
                  • 8 Years
                  5 years, 1 month ago

                  🙁

                  Thanks, that changes plans. Might go big up front with Messi, Aguero and Dzeko and see who I can fit in elsewhere.

                  1. Zladan
                    • 6 Years
                    5 years, 1 month ago

                    I’m on the following at the moment.

                    Ederson Mirante
                    Kimmich Alba Ramos Guerreiro Kolarov
                    Sterling Pogba Son Zaniolo Sancho
                    Messi Benzema Rashford

                    £1.3m itb.

                    1. Pierce34
                      • 8 Years
                      5 years, 1 month ago

                      That looks really good. Annoying that United and Roma play on the same day because I really want Dzeko in my team but that messes up captaincy options.

                      1. Zladan
                        • 6 Years
                        5 years, 1 month ago

                        Even having 3 captaincy options is enough. Especially if they’re as solid as Messi.

                    2. Winter_is_coming
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 10 Years
                      5 years, 1 month ago

                      Almost same team, my thoughts:
                      - don`t trust Bayern (no Kimmich), Laporte instead
                      - Braimi instead of Pogba
                      - Dzeko instead of Rashford

                      1. Zladan
                        • 6 Years
                        5 years, 1 month ago

                        Laporte over Kimmich could be my move.

                        Kimmich can be OOP and I fancy Bayern to go through. He has a lot of attacking threat.

                        Pogba on penalties and on form was a must for me.

                        1. CROCosta
                          • 5 Years
                          5 years, 1 month ago

                          pogba is the best option for today's captain and i would not dare going without him
                          kimmich is too expensive, he is dangerous in attack but bayern concede a lot, for a visit to liverpool i would go without him and maybe consider him for second leg, honestly only premium (6.0+) defender i consider worth the buck is jordi alba

                          1. Zladan
                            • 6 Years
                            5 years, 1 month ago

                            Not even Ramos for 6.4m?

                        2. Winter_is_coming
                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                          • 10 Years
                          5 years, 1 month ago

                          You just make me rethink better and I buy Pogba and Pique over Alba and Brahimi. Looks like not so much team value as you, because also have Carvajal instead of Ramos.

            2. CROCosta
              • 5 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              also in place of injured/suspended players the following should be on pens:
              dortmund: 3 regular takers out so most likely who earns it will take it
              spurs: eriksen
              porto: alex telles
              roma: kolarov or de rossi if playing
              psg: mbappe

          3. CROCosta
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            1) Which teams will you be loading up on?
            - city 4x and bvb 2x, all rest spread out
            2)Who are the best enablers?
            - gk: any 3.7 eliminated, mirante 4.0
            - def: kehrer 4.2, militao 4.5, hakimi 4.7, tagliafico 4.7
            - mid: zaniolo 4.7, larsen 4.9, mckennie 4.9, sancho 5.0, cristante 5.3, milner 5.4, gnabry 5.4
            - fwd: dolberg 4.7, vinicius jr 5.8, rashford 6.8
            3) Who are your 4 captain choices?
            pogba, benzema, messi/salah, sterling

            1. Zladan
              • 6 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Great budget picks there. Would recommend people view that. Zaniolo Rashford Vinicius Hakimi. Mirante at 4.0 will start this week. Milner for pens.

              Surely Messi over Salah (c).

          4. CROCosta
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            current team:
            ederson - 3.7 fodder
            guerreiro - kolarov - walker - zinchenko - militao
            salah - sterling - pogba - son - sancho
            messi - benz - tadic
            0.0 itb
            current ranking 407th

            which option would you prefer:
            a) tadic, son, salah, militao
            b) ronaldo, di maria, cristante, hakimi

            leaning towards a for this leg then switch to b for second leg (without militao-hakimi swap)

            1. Zladan
              • 6 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              B probably.

              Ronaldo > Salah (premium options)
              Di Maria = Son
              Hakimi > Militão

              Then will Ajax get anything from Madrid to justify Tadic (on pens)? I don’t think so. I would swing toward B.

              1. CROCosta
                • 5 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                i think ajax will score 2-3 goals at home, madrid rarely keeps cs and ajax has been on fire this season i would not even be surpirsed if they eliminate real, that is mostly the reason i went with tadic instead of rashford (penalties are just icing on the cake). ziyech was another one i considered but found extra cash from laporte to zinchenko and went with son instead

                1. Zladan
                  • 6 Years
                  5 years, 1 month ago

                  Fair. Madrid have found their form now after impressive results at Barca and Atleti. I feel they have turned a corner... but as you say, they’re prone to conceding.

                  Bale now back too.

                  1. Dammed Utd
                    • 11 Years
                    5 years, 1 month ago

                    Think Ajax will do well to get a draw in there game against Madrid. But Ajax do have some great young players and have a great tradition in the European cup

            2. Zladan
              • 6 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              407 rank is very good. Well played. I’m back at 2088 with 388 points.

              I think you’re 4th in a league I am 16th in, judging by the name.

              1. CROCosta
                • 5 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                yep 🙂 thanks, yea lost a couple of points on forgetting to sub my bench players but still doing good, my goal is top10 home country, currently 13th

            3. Rihanovic
              • 6 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              I think Real will beat Ajax, plus UEFA has flagged Tagliafico as a doubt.

          5. Rihanovic
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            My team
            Ederson - Mirante
            Young - Alba - Guerreiro - Marcelo (Ramos) - (Melitao or Tagliafico)
            Pogba - Son - Mahrez - Sancho - Coutinho
            Messi - Jesus - Rashford

            Mirante, And the listed defenders are all good enablers.
            Not sure if Zaniolo and Vinicius are nailed.
            Wanna fit Dzeko in some how but can't.
            The plan is to get Reus for Son in the 2nd leg if fit with exact funds in the bank for it.
            I think Jesus and Mahrez will start both legs, it's a relatively easy game and they haven't been involved much lately.
            Captains are Pogba, Son, Messi and Jesus\Mahrez.

            1. Zladan
              • 6 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Zaniolo started the last 4 matches. Best value player in the game imo. Loves a yellow card, but he has a hand in the goals.

              Like the Mahrez pick. Not sure I want to play Pep Roulette though.

              Reus makes a good pick when back. I would look to do the same move.

            2. CROCosta
              • 5 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              solid team, like the jesus pick, not sure about mahrez

            3. Rihanovic
              • 6 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Thanks guys, I'll take my chances with City, VAR will certainly make Ramos more interesting than Marcelo and I will give Zaniolo a thought.

          6. Pierce34
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            So I've ended up with Tagliafico as a budget enabler on defence - anyone at 4.7 or less that has a better chance of points?

            1. Zladan
              • 6 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Hakimi if you don’t mind a BVB double up against a depleted Spurs attack?

              1. Pierce34
                • 8 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                Cheers, already have Guerreiro in my draft so I'm not sure - at the moment it looks like this:

                Alisson - Mirante
                Kolarov - Walker - Guerreiro - Ramos - Tagliafico
                Sterling - Son - Pogba - Di Maria - Sancho
                Messi - Dzeko - Rashford

                I guess lots of things can be improved by downgrading Di Maria but it's just a hunch.

                1. Pierce34
                  • 8 Years
                  5 years, 1 month ago

                  Also Alisson is just a placeholder at the moment - really unsure about my first keeper.

                  1. SuperHam
                    • 7 Years
                    5 years, 1 month ago

                    Lack of real Madrid given their fixture? And Roma too

                    1. Zladan
                      • 6 Years
                      5 years, 1 month ago

                      Ramos and Benzema for me.

                    2. Pierce34
                      • 8 Years
                      5 years, 1 month ago

                      I have Ramos and Dzeko from those teams.

                  2. Zladan
                    • 6 Years
                    5 years, 1 month ago

                    Alisson I would change for sure.

                    Dzeko a nice pick and captain option over United assets.

                    I was talked out of Walker earlier but tapping into City defence is key. I’m tempted to triple up there.

                    1. Pierce34
                      • 8 Years
                      5 years, 1 month ago

                      I think I'm too boring to triple up overall!

                      Would you captain Dzeko over Pogba and Rashford? I think I'm leaning that way at the moment.

                      1. Zladan
                        • 6 Years
                        5 years, 1 month ago

                        I couldn’t find a way to stick Dzeko in as Rashford offered very good value, while I want Messi and Benzema.

                        He is certainly a better captain option than anyone at United v PSG.

                2. SuperHam
                  • 7 Years
                  5 years, 1 month ago

                  Ederson, Olsen
                  Florenzi, Semedo, Ramos, Guerreiro, Laporte
                  Sterling, David Silva, Coutinho, Vazquez, Partey
                  Benzema, Messi, Rashford

                  Olsen is in the squad so has a chance of playing, but I'll see the team sheet beforehand anyway
                  Have 4 good captains (Rashford, Benzema, Messi, Sterling) lined up too.

                  Any issues?

                  1. Zladan
                    • 6 Years
                    5 years, 1 month ago

                    CroCosta raised a good point about Olsen. He will fall in price this week as he isn’t playing. We can get him back cheaper next week.

                    The midfield could be stronger. All City options are nice choices but are they nailed?

                    Is Coutinho nailed?

                    Is Vazquez nailed? I think with Bale back he is most likely to miss out.

                    You need certainty in my opinion and your midfield doesn’t offer that.

                    1. SuperHam
                      • 7 Years
                      5 years, 1 month ago

                      What do you mean re: Olsen? There's a chance he will play tonight given he is in the squad. If he's not in the team I'll just swap him for the backup before the deadline- am I missing something?

                      Seems unwise to avoid city altogether for fear of rotation given the nice fixture- who is safe of all the mids and fwds?

                      I don't know too much regarding Madrid and Barca, I could go for Pogba instead but again I'm steered by fixtures

                      1. CROCosta
                        • 5 Years
                        5 years, 1 month ago

                        nah just wait for the deadline before deciding on olsen, build team in case he plays and upgrade ready in case he does not and you go for mirante if have one in mind

                3. CROCosta
                  • 5 Years
                  5 years, 1 month ago

                  ederson without a doubt best gk to have for this and next leg, if do not like him then sczesny would be my second pick.
                  i do not mind double bvb defense, consider this: either son scores and you get points or he doesnt and you get 2 clean sheets, i do not see a scenario exept maybe 1-0 spurs eriksen goal when you lose points on all 3, besides guerreiro and hakimi are serious attacking threats so might end up in points even if they concede, tagliafico will concede 2 for sure so only points might come from assist/goal.
                  rest of the team looks solid, dzeko has been awful in serie a this year but has been good in ucl so might do well
                  rest of the team really solid

                  1. Pierce34
                    • 8 Years
                    5 years, 1 month ago

                    Thanks, much appreciated. Might go with Szczesny I think.

                    1. Zladan
                      • 6 Years
                      5 years, 1 month ago

                      Do you fancy Juve to progress? Keepers aren’t positions I’d like to have to use an xfer on.

                      I’m picking Ederson as I fancy City to go far.

                      1. CROCosta
                        • 5 Years
                        5 years, 1 month ago

                        i fancy juve to win this season

                        1. Zladan
                          • 6 Years
                          5 years, 1 month ago

                          The Ronaldo effect. 4 in a row?

                          1. CROCosta
                            • 5 Years
                            5 years, 1 month ago

                            ronaldo + rock solid defense is all you need, solid midfield and backup players for rotation is helpful as well. rooting for liverpool and bvb but realisticly think juve/barca or maybe city will take it

          7. Pierce34
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Should we drop Sancho from our teams after this?

            https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/47214558

            1. Zladan
              • 6 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              I imagine he arrives in time,

          8. Zladan
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Dani Alves RW is interesting.

            Zaniolos, Kolarov, Mirante, Rashford, Pogba all start.

            Think I will stick with what I have.

          9. Mr. Hindsight
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Bit late to the party but still..
            I've loaded up on Dortmund as enablers, with Guerreiro, Hakimi & Sancho. The way Spurs have been playing in the league for the past 3-4 matches, I think Dortmund should make short work of them. Dortmund have a good defensive record in CL this season (admittedly they faced typically low-scoring teams) & having watched Spurs since Son has come back, most will agree that they have been a bit lucky since.
            Besides that, I've filled all slots for Man City as they have one of the easiest ties, expect them to trounce Schalke over 2 legs. Filled up the rest of the team with some usual prospects in Messi, Pogba (didn't captain him yesterday, so happy about it), Rashford, Salah, Robbo, 1 Juve defender etc.

          10. CROCosta
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            my thoughts and prayers are with comrades who captained pogba, unchangable captain for -2 (effective -10) destroying this matchday. fighting off current depressive mood and hoping to not drop bellow top 5k by the end of the matchday.

        21. El_Gigante
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Team needs some serious repairs. What to prioritize?

          Fab / Pat
          Alonso / TAA / Doherty / S Cook / AWB
          Salah / Son / Pogba / Sane / Billing
          Rashford / Ings / Auba

          1FT, 0.0itb

          Ings > Rondon probably first. Need to free up funds though, so a hit for Alonso > Pereira or Sane > Fanderson ?

          1. Amey
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Sell Sane !!

            1. El_Gigante
              • 7 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Maybe Ings > Jimenez, Sane > Fanderson (if Wolves go out of the FA Cup this weekend) ?

        22. #FPLBhuna
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          repost from previous article

          best combo

          a) fanderson + rondon/king/arnie
          b) fraser + rondon/king/arnie
          c) jota + rondon/king/arnie
          d) maddison + rondon/king/arnie

          1. RealSocialDads
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Jota + King

          2. Tosa86
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            anderson king

          3. Majestic Chanka
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            FAnd + Rondón for GW27 only

            Jota better mid if looking further ahead

            Maybe Arnie as FWD as well actually.

        23. gelisiguzel
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Does it worth getting a hit for Shaw-> Pereira

          Lloris (Speroni)
          Shaw - Doherty - Robbo (AWB, Bednarek)
          Salah - Mane - Son - Pogba - Fanderson
          Rashford - Jimmy (KUN)

          Cheers

          1. Zladan
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            You could wait one week on Shaw to Pereira.

            1. Eleven Hag
              • 6 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              we are starting to look good on the defensive front as well especially in away games...shaw is a keeper for d season now imo as he is close to getting some assists as well

              1. Zladan
                • 6 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                He looks good value. Not sure he is season keeper status.

                Good alternatives such as TAA, Kola, Pereira in and around his price point to switch between.

              2. Eleven Hag
                • 6 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                n it wouldnt surprise me if we manage to keep a CS against liverpool with Degea having one of those games as he did vs spurs

                1. Zladan
                  • 6 Years
                  5 years, 1 month ago

                  LFC can’t keep getting penalties and offside decisions in their favour...

        24. Tosa86
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          I'll play WC in GW28, my idea is below:

          Etherdige - Fabianski
          TAA - WBA - Pereira - Doherty - XXX
          Salah - pogba - sterling - son - Gunnarsson
          Kun - Jimenez - YYY

          10.9 in the bank, who are XXX and YYY, any suggestion?
          the rest of team is good?

          King at third forward and 4.5 defender.???