Members

How to use brand new Flat-Track Bully feature in Members area

The brand new Flat-Track Bully feature can help Fantasy Football Scout members conduct research in greater detail this season.

It allows us to apply an opposition filter to their tables and comparisons.

Of course, the addition of this feature will also enhance the research that we can undertake as members of the editorial team.

For that reason, we will be able to produce members articles that go into greater than ever before.

How do I use the Flat-Track Bully feature?

The Flat-Track Bully feature is a drop-down box among the filters in the Members Area

The default setting of this new feature is to have matches against all opposition ticked.

In order to customise this, you click on the drop-down box next to where it says the word “versus:”, which will bring up a list of Premier League teams in two categories.

The ‘top six’ are the clubs which occupied the upper echelons of the table in 2018/19, namely (in alphabetical order) Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.

Below that are the ‘others’, the teams that finished below the top six.

You have the ability to tick or untick each team and create any number of combinations.

What we believe will be the most popular filter applied by the Flat-Track Bully feature is a distinction between the top six and everyone else.

The easiest way to look at matches only against the top six, simply select the ‘unselect all’ option for the ‘others’.

Clicking on ‘unselect all’ under ‘top6’ will remove matches against the big clubs from your data

In order to analyse which players do better against the weaker opposition, remove the top six clubs by clicking on ‘unselect all’ in their section of the drop-down box.

To apply your selection of opposition to the data you wish to view, simply hit the ‘FILTER’ button when done.

In order to leave the top six sides in and remove the weaker ones, simply reverse the process above and click ‘FILTER’.

The configuration for viewing only matches against the top six Premier League sides

How can this new feature help my research?

We have provided a few examples of how can be used by Fantasy managers in 2019/20.

Firstly, we have opened up a table on the distribution among defenders this season, to analyse their assist potential (see below).

Defenders sorted by big chances in 2018/19

As you can see, we currently have the table sorted by big chances created in all matches of 2018/19.

However, we are now removing games against the top six sides from the data.

We are now removing matches against the top six from our table

Once that is complete, you can see that we have now a slightly different picture.

Defenders sorted by big chances in 2018/19, with the Flat-Track Bully feature applied

Trent AlexanderArnold was joint-third on 11 big chances created in all matches, but once we looked at ones against only against the bottom 14, he rose to joint-second on 10.

Furthermore, Matt Doherty, who was previously seventh on nine big chances created in 2018/19, drops out of the top 10.

Among those who came into the conversation were Seamus Coleman and Patrick van Aanholt, who both created six big chances in matches against teams outside the top six.

Now, we are going to apply a different filter, this time asking the members area to show us data only from matches against the top six.

We are now asking the Members Area to show us data only matches against the top six

Once again, this has given us another varied set of numbers, as you can see below.

Our new set of data with the Flat-Track Bully recalibrated

We can now see that Doherty and Leicester’s Ricardo Pereira are among the top three defenders when it comes to creativity against the bigger teams.

Also, we see that in matches against the other bigger clubs, Andrew Robertson created three big chances, while Alexander-Arnold fashioned just one.

As the data builds from each Gameweek in 2019/20, Members can use this feature to keep track of how players are developing based on the opposition.

These sorts of key pieces of information could prove invaluable when making transfer or benching decisions ahead of upcoming tough fixtures on the Season Ticker.

How do I combine the feature with the comparison tool?

The filter can also be applied to the comparison tool, which can also be very handy when making a decision about whether to keep or sell a player depending on upcoming fixtures.

The Flat-Track Bully feature can also be applied to the Comparison Tool

As you can see from the picture, in this example we have run a comparison between Bournemouth’s Ryan Fraser in 2018/19 matches against the top six with the same player’s outings against everyone else.

This shows us just how big an impact there is on his performances depending on the opposition.

Fraser’s distribution against the top six (left) and everyone else (right) in 2018/19

We found that Fraser created an average of 1.8 chance per game against the top six in 2018/19, compared to 2.7 per game against everyone else.

Crucially, he fashioned just 0.5 big chance per game versus the top sides, compared to 0.8 big chances against everyone else.

We also ran a comparison on Wolves striker Raúl Jiménez, who was notorious for his exploits against the top sides last season.

For this comparison, we customised the Flat-Track Bully feature further by custom selecting matches against the sides that finished in the bottom six of the Premier League in 2018/19

The most pertinent piece of information from this comparison was Jiménez’s expected goals (xG) shot map. xG shot maps show higher quality chances as bigger circles and ones of a lower quality are smaller ones.

A comparison of Jiménez’s xG shot maps against the top six (left) and the bottom six (right) in 2018/19

As you can see from the two xG shot heat-maps, Jiménez’s chances against the better sides in the league were of a higher quality.

The application of the Flat-Track Bully feature allows us to split off Jiménez’s shots from last season into two categories, the first (left) ones against the top six, and the second (right) ones against the bottom six.

Fraser and Jiménez were two players whose fortunes in 2018/19 were very much linked to the playing styles of their opponents, either for better or for worse.

Having the Flat-Track Bully feature for 2019/20 should help us identify these sorts of players sooner than usual.

If you’d like to sign up for a Fantasy Football Scout Membership, read the information below.

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159 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Captain Kakaroto (I blame R…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    This feature looks very handy. Will sign up later on.

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

      It should be a really nice boost. Easy to use too

      1. FPL Virgin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Geoff - is flat track bully available for team stats as well as player stats?

        1. FPL Virgin
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          Is it available in custom stats tables?

  2. Je suis le chat
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Nice article. Digne looks mint if Everton can start how the finished last season.

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

      What do you think he's priced at?

      1. Je suis le chat
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Hopefully 5.5m. Possibly more.

      2. FPL Pillars
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Probably 6, hopefully 5.5

    2. Lovren an elevator
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      This exactly. I'm just scared about the spurs rumours. He needs to stay at Everton to get the value out of him imo

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

    I swear this article has been put up because FPL Virgin couldn't find the Flat Track Bully feature

    1. DavidMunday815
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Haha no I actually wrote it on Monday. Wanted to make sure everyone knew how to use it - handy way to advertise the members area to newcomers too

    2. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      This new feature is incredible! I actually asked for this 2 seasons ago - I had no idea it was in development! 😯

  4. diesel001
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Round 3 of Fantasy Cricket World Cup starts today. There are 5 fixtures in total and each team only has one fixture (no DGWs).
    In this Round you only get 5 free transfers with each additional transfer above this costing 10 points. The transfer deadline is 10.30 am UK time. The weather is likely to have an impact with SL vs PAK expected to be interrupted by rain.

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

      I think this is trickier than Round 2 because it is unlikely that most teams will load up on SL and PAK players. This means you can't see the line ups before the transfer deadline (unlike ENG vs PAK in Round 2), don't know who is bowling first and nor can you see the latest weather conditions.

      There are also two tricky games - IND v AUS and SA v WI. So the strategy is probably to focus on ENG and NZ players with a captain in one of the other games.

      1. VanDijksToWatchOutFor
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Do we have a league, diesel?

        Yeah, I wish we got an India match first up so I could actually look at their bowlers. Caught out by shami this last week. Speculatively sold him for yadav this week.

        My team looking a little dependent on two games:

        Mushfiqur
        Root, Roy, Guptill
        Shakib, Stokes
        Bumrah, Chahal, Yadav, Cummins, Starc

        Think my chip use is pretty clear :p.

        1. Chucky
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          Team looking good.

          SL4DYNFE2SXCLM

          This is the code to join FFS league... I am in 2nd spot with 1273.5 points 😉

          1. VanDijksToWatchOutFor
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 9 months ago

            Oh thank you! I'm all about the bowling.

            Thanks, chucky. All joined up. Top, woohoo! Won't last though, I assure you.

    2. Chucky
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Yes.match between pak and Sri likely to be washed out... Loading up on aus players as they are having a DGW in round 4 😀

      1. VanDijksToWatchOutFor
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        For sure. Think I'm set on six for their double but would be interested in your opinions on whether hits are worth it. Will probably go Cummins, starc, zampa, Warner, finch, Smith. Don't really see a seventh I want.

        1. Chucky
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          There is rain prediction on 12th as well in pakvsaus match as well so could be a single game for aus in round 4. will take hits in upcoming rounds as -10 points deduction is not a big deal.

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

      Highly owned players involved in today's match:

      PAK: Azam (20%)

      1. VanDijksToWatchOutFor
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Minimal concern then. Got battered yesterday with only Warner. Over tripled my rank.

    4. Vobinho
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      This is me this round :

      Carey
      Sharma - Kohli - Smith - Root(TC)
      Stokes
      Chahal Henry Boult Cummins Archer (VC)

      Batting - Ind v Aus
      Bowling - NZ

      Made one mistake, should have put VC on Boult/Henry.

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

      PAK vs SL: The cut-off time is 16.19 UK time for the game to go ahead.

    6. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      PAK vs SL: Match abandoned

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

        Looks like those 20% of players with Babar Azam have lost out today.

        1. Nightcrawler
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          Was hoping for more. Big day tomorrow. Weather also looks fine

  5. Lovren an elevator
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    If Joao Cancelo does arrive, is that bad news for Walker?

    1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      I think Walker will get the majority of starts, but it's clear he needs to be rotated during the season he got burned out this season.

      1. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        This^

      2. Lovren an elevator
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        £50m is a bit steep for a bench warmer though? Or maybe it's not these days.
        Could play LB?

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

          Mahrez was £60m?

          1. Lovren an elevator
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 9 months ago

            Exactly my question, maybe it's just not alot these days, especially at city. I'm certainly not interested in him if he comes, cant hold a first team place down for juve or Portugal so I cant see him being ahead of Laporte et al in fantasy manager's thinking. Just concerned it takes Walker away as a decent pick

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

    Santi Cazorla back in the Spain squad aged 34 - terrific story. Great footballer and seemingly a really nice guy - so just a good news story.

    1. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      A fantastic pro.
      Could have been in the hall of fame if it was not for his injuries.

    2. Conor1
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Started tonight’s game. Some comeback.

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

    Imo you should make a distinction between the top 2 (City and Liverpool) and the next top 4. There was such a massive difference that the top 6 stat made little sense last season. There were for instance constantly people citing stats against top 6 before players were about to face City or Liverpool, and, unsurprisingly, they never lived up to their stats against the top 2.

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

      I still feel there is a gap between the Top 6 and the rest, particularly when you look at teams in the mid to lower half of the table. Everton, Wolves and Leicester look like they can compete against Arsenal, Chelsea, Man Utd and Spurs, but feel as there is a gulf in class when you look below that.

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

        Chelsea dropped 9 pts from 66 pts against teams finishing 10th or lower
        Arsenal dropped 15 pts from 66 pts against teams finishing 10th or lower
        Spurs dropped 15 pts from 66 pts against teams finishing 10th or lower (very impressive home form though against these teams)
        Man Utd dropped 17 pts from 66 pts against teams finishing 10th or lower

        Perhaps the answer is:

        (i) Liverpool and City are fixture proof
        (ii) Chelsea, Arsenal, Spurs, Man Utd are best away from the Top 6 and Everton, Wolves and Leicester.

      2. pingissimus
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        On what basis?

        Leicester and West Ham finished level on points. Watford were 7th before they hit FA cup blues. Palace were top 6 away from home and did as well as any versus top 6

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

          See my second post. In addition:

          Spurs dropped 5 pts from 18 pts against Everton, Wolves and Leicester
          Utd dropped 8 pts from 18 pts against Everton, Wolves and Leicester
          Arsenal dropped 10 pts from 18 pts against Everton, Wolves and Leicester
          Chelsea dropped 15 pts from 18 pts against Everton Wolves and Leicester

          Look at the proportions of points lost. Other than Spurs, these teams are dropping a higher proportion of points against 3 teams than the rest.

          Of course there are shocks (West Ham, Newcastle, Bournemouth, Palace, Watford all caused the odd shock), but there is a consistent theme that Everton, Wolves and Leicester look a class above the rest. Moreso now that Rodgers is in at Leicester and Silva has settled in after a shaky start at Everton.

          1. pingissimus
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 9 months ago

            I was referring to your ranking of Leicester Everton and Wolves. I’d be surprised if they all finished in the top 9. Their status isn’t really at all comparable to the dominance of the top 6.

    2. Je suis le chat
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Very good point, it's a different class top 2 followed by 6 or more fairly equal teams.

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

      With the Flat Track Bully feature you can select which of the top 6 you want the stats for. So it's quite easy to do that now by unticking the other 4 🙂

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

    Why don't create useful feature like the Price Predictor ?

    1. Annie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Predicted price changes once the season is underway? These tools already exist outside of FFS and aren't worth reinventing.

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

        Yeah, not something we're looking at doing. Personally, I think a lot of attention is paid to price rises/falls and that gets in the way of making good picks!

        We're not interested in trying to figure out the algorithm so that won't be a feature next season

  9. mikess
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Any Euro under 21 2019 fantasy football this summer?

    Previously Uefa ran their own and it was excellent. Last year I think a Polish guy ran one which was decent enough

  10. The 12th Man
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    3 weeks away from the site.
    Came back to upgrade account before July.
    Had membership 3 or 4 years ago but didn’t make full use of it. See how it goes this year.

  11. GREEN IS GOOD
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Best defenders for next season?

    TAA
    Robbo
    Laporte
    Pereira?
    Digne?
    PVA could be good value

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

      Liverpool: TAA, Robertson, VVD
      City: Laporte
      Chelsea: Emerson
      Everton: Digne

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

      I hate to say it but for me, with defenders more than anyone else (maybe GKs), it's all about price.

      If there are a few starting 4.0ms that changes the whole equation, or maybe someone at 5.0m is nailed for Arsenal, United, or Chelsea. Maybe a 'backup' LB/RB for Spurs becomes the starter after someone is sold.

      That said, yeah lots of those guys look good options!

      1. GREEN IS GOOD
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Yeah a cheap 4th/5th defender at 4.0/4.5 is usually needed for budgetary reasons.

        3 or 4 premiums/sub-premium offer good value tho.

    3. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      7
      7.
      6.5
      5
      6
      Expected prices
      Pool Defender Laporte Digne obvious but can they take the place of similar priced mids?

      1. GREEN IS GOOD
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        I think TAA, Robbo and Laporte would easily match similar priced mids.

        1. Eze Really?
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          5 3 2 might be popular in FPL next season.

          1. Wild Rover
            • 13 Years
            4 years, 9 months ago

            Not for long, once mids and strikers start getting smashing it there will be wildcards flying

            1. Wild Rover
              • 13 Years
              4 years, 9 months ago

              getting? 😕

            2. GREEN IS GOOD
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 9 months ago

              True. It all comes down to stick or twist.

            3. Eze Really?
              • 9 Years
              4 years, 9 months ago

              If you put in Robbo/TAA Laporte and Digne they can be set and forget.
              6 to 7 mil midfield players are rare to do the same. You might find 1 from 3 straight away but surgery required for all 3 and that is what you want to avoid.

              1. Wild Rover
                • 13 Years
                4 years, 9 months ago

                I agree with 3 set and forget but my comment was in relation to those starting with 5 defs. Too many mids and fwds will be raking in the points for people to stick with strategy

                1. Eze Really?
                  • 9 Years
                  4 years, 9 months ago

                  I agree but rather than scratch around for minds early on it could work

          2. GREEN IS GOOD
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 9 months ago

            Tempting. I won the Daily Telegraph Chelsea starting XI league with 5-3-2.

            No bench in the DT tho.

            In FPL your bench would be utter junk.

    4. Lovren an elevator
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      I think Pereira too. Agree with all the others but they're all obvious. Apart from PvA hes questionable. I think Emerson could be a real steal if hes first team, which one would assume he is now

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

      If there are some tasty 4.0/4.5's I'm tempted with TAA/Robbo/Digne with Ederson in goal with a 4.5 and a 4.0 or 2 x 4.5.

      1. GREEN IS GOOD
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Similar here. But possibly Laporte over Ederson, and Pickford or cheaper.

    6. FPL Blow-In
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      If AWB ends up at Utd he could be good.

      1. Poseidon.
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Hes not Utd quality. We’re Utd at the end of the day

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

          Meatpie knows..

        2. FPL Blow-In
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          Yeah and Ashley Young is currently our captain and playing in that position. Would certainly be an upgrade IMO and we wouldn’t have to pay a fortune.

          1. Poseidon.
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 9 months ago

            We’re Utd though. We shouldn’t be looking for ‘upgrades’. We should be aiming for the best in their positions. Cheeky little bid for Trippier/Meunier. Get our winning mentality back

            1. FPL Blow-In
              • 11 Years
              4 years, 9 months ago

              I hear you. Trippier would be good also. I do think we need to get back to basics though. Try and form a young and extremely fit squad firstly who will run all day even against the likes of city and pool, that won’t have egos for the manager to deal with and will just do what their told out of respect. The marquee signing we’ve made since Fergus left have not done anything for us. Could make more signings this way too.

              1. FPL Blow-In
                • 11 Years
                4 years, 9 months ago

                😆 Fergie

            2. pingissimus
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 9 months ago

              You honestly rate Trippier over AWB? The Spurs fans I know don’t

              1. FPL Blow-In
                • 11 Years
                4 years, 9 months ago

                Trippier suits spurs though with Kane/Son/Llorente because his right boot is class with his deliveries. If United sell big Rom though then they don’t have a target like that. Rashford would prefer balls to feet in behind the defence etc. obviously Tripp can do this too but he will be a lot more expensive.

                1. pingissimus
                  • 5 Years
                  4 years, 9 months ago

                  If Rom goes the scenario changes you’re right - but there again you’d have to wonder how nailed he is anyway.

                  The interesting bit about AWB for me is to what extent he has untapped attacking potential. 18 months or so ago he was a winger after all. The Palace structure with Townsend in front of him isn’t really geared to make most of that potential.

                  I’m hoping and expecting he’ll be at Palace next season but once he does get a top 6 gig I can see him being much more of a force going forward.

        3. GREEN IS GOOD
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          Maybe you could raid the Cardiff team for players.

          1. Poseidon.
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 9 months ago

            Maybe you should. We’re Utd

      2. George Sillett
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Highly unlikely unless Man U replace the rest of their dreadful back 4.

    7. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Regardless of price, I think Robertson and TAA will be good value. FPL won't price them anywhere near the 10.0m price they deserve.

      For all the others it will depend on price, and the price of all the other players in the game. Value is relative.

      Digne is someone I'm keen to have though. Everton's upturn in clean sheets, combined with his impressive creativity should make him a great pick. I think he'll be priced at 6.0m, which could be a decent. I doubt they'll give him 6.5m like Coleman was in 17/18. 5.5m is fantasy.

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        I’m not ruling out 5ATB for the first time in 10 years because of TAA, Robbo, VVD, Digne & Laporte all being available simultaneously plus whatever other bargain bucket diamond defenders will reveal themselves over the summer

        Digne & TAA in particular have the added allure of being the holy grail of set piece taking defenders

        Especially with Haz leaving and Mane getting a massive price hike

        The mass panic buys of TAA when he scores his first DFK will be a thing of great beauty - and it’s coming sooner rather than later imo

        Timing is important though - if Liverpool don’t keep a CS for their first game or two, we could see mass sales of those 3 and they’d be available for 0.2 - 0.4 cheaper right out the gate.... and vice versa if Liverpool CS and they get an attacking return or two in the first game their price will rise even higher

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

          Depends on fixtures, prices and signings then, as usual 🙂

          But we will need fixed long-term players, as we only have 1 FT a week. If you only plan for the next 6, you'd need 9 fixed players in your team, with 6 variable slots. So playing the fixtures is difficult achieve for the majority of your team. Players like TAA make ideal set and forget players for the season, and help alleviate the FT burden.

          1. Eze Really?
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 9 months ago

            5.5 4.5 =10
            7 7 6 5.5 5.5 = 31
            11 8 8 4.5 4.5 = 36
            11 6.5 5.5 = 23
            An example of how a 5 3 2 formation could work with a decent bencher

            1. GREEN IS GOOD
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 9 months ago

              Good idea.

              Although... Could those defender prices be higher than that?

              And 4.5 mids are usually fringe players, not nailed.

              ie a possible non-playing bench

              1. pingissimus
                • 5 Years
                4 years, 9 months ago

                I’d assume the 5.5 forward was the decent bencher.

                11 in midfield could exclude both Salah and Mane so hardly optimal. It’d also be hard to fit City upfield players in depending on where Kun comes in. That’s enough to rule it out for me.

                But there’s also a distinction between a 100 mill week 1 team and one where you’ve built up 2 mill before WC. That’s when I might look.

            2. POLSKA GOLA
              • 10 Years
              4 years, 9 months ago

              If spending 5.5 on a kreper I’d have 4.0 fodder on bench

              1. POLSKA GOLA
                • 10 Years
                4 years, 9 months ago

                *keeper 🙂

        2. GREEN IS GOOD
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          For once in my FPL life I'm going to try and be patient (with my premium defenders).

          I presume you mean 4 premiums +1 cheapo defender?

          With 5 premium defenders won't that leave us scrambling around the bottom of the bargain bucket for mids and forwards in the 4.5-6m bracket?

          And if so, is that a bad thing? I'm assuming it is.

        3. Eze Really?
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          See my post below. I agree with you

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

      PvA could well be on his way or a reserve next season. Palace would appear to be scouting left backs.

      In real life his defending was a big minus - those benchings weren’t him being rested.

    9. FPL Blow-In
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Wonder if Mendy will get a drop due to all his injuries? Wishful thinking probably...

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        If he’s fit and available for 6.0 that’s another ridiculous points getting machine at the back

  12. General_Zod
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    I think the biggest question here is how it will enhance Joe's Goals Imminent Table.

  13. Eze Really?
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    A lot of that about defenders. There has always been premium picks but with the change in the role in that position, I think value for money is there, even at 7 mil. The fact that they get rotated is a blot on their copybook but rotation is becoming commonplce in most positions. I could easily have a lineup of 5 3 2 and a good player as my first bench. There was no value in forwards apart from the few and we could see the likes of salah, Son and City wingers being reclassified. I for one would love to see this. Your opinions I would like to hear.

    1. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Wouldn’t Salah be 40 points or more a season less valuable as a forward with no cs bonus and loss of extra goal points? His price would need to come right down

      1. Nightcrawler
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        More bonus points though

        1. pingissimus
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          Could that mean fewer for the defence? I suspect he’d still wouldn’t get that many simply because Robbo and TAA wolf them down.

    2. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      every off-season we have a lot of 5 defender posts, but no-one actually ever does it/wins with it because the PPM for defenders isn't as good as it is for midfielders/forwards - especially when you factor opposition quality/fixtures/form etc. 532/541 is probably a decent idea for set and forget dead teams but not one that is actively making transfers

      1. RedLightning
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Fabio Borges has, I think, used it successfully for the past two seasons.

        1. SADIO SANÉ
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          does he post on here?

          1. RedLightning
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 13 Years
            4 years, 9 months ago

            I've just checked - he actually started this season with 4 strong defenders plus Wan-Bissaka. So only 4 at the back.
            And he did something similar last season.

            Don't know whether he posts on here, but he's number 3 in our Live Hall of Fame.

  14. Piggs Boson
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Ben Davies had 0 goals, 0 assists last season despite playing a fair number of games. I hope this means Rose is nailed on now, like Trippier was last season. I rate Rose quite highly.

    1. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Rose the best full back at Spurs imo. Davies played a few game as cb in a 5 at the back

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

      Shocking how much worse Davies was an an FPL pick this season. He was a great pick two seasons ago and then suddenly turned into a horrible pick this year.

  15. HashAttack
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Is VAR going to negative impact on defenders e.g. more hand-balls
    I'm expecting more penalties to be given next season

    1. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      I seem to remember an article showing history of very little change in other leagues

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

      I am expecting a few more early in the season (first 4/5 games or so) and then for it to calm down.

  16. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Was going to do this after exams, but there's a big break before my next one so here you go.

    Leicester city’s transfer window

    Leicester finished the season very strongly. The 4-1-4-1 Rodgers settled on had few apparent weaknesses compared to performances from the beginning of the season, and looked very promising. Puel thankfully put us in a good position last summer by getting almost all of our major “rebuild” transfers across the line, (Maddison, Ricardo, Soyuncu and Benkovic) as well as seriously developing our young academy players (Barnes, Chilwell, Choudhury).

    There is still work to be done, however. Lots of deadwood must be cleared and a few key transfers must be made. With Simpson and Okazaki leaving on free transfers, this is Leicester’s squad:

    Vardy Iheanacho Slimani
    Albrighton Gray Diabaté Barnes Maddison Ghezzal Kapustka
    Hamza Ndidi Silva King James Mendy
    Chilwell Fuchs Ricardo Amartey
    Maguire Evans Soyuncu Benkovic Morgan
    Schmeichel Ward Jakupovic

    Leicester tends to keep net spend reasonable, the exception being our window prior to the CL. The signings of the promising Soyuncu and Benkovic last summer point to Maguire being the big fish sold this window to allow us to complete our squad. He is a unique player and I love watching him dribble through Brighton’s whole squad every time we play them, but he’s ultimately a luxury in our squad and will honestly not be too missed defensively. I believe there is strong potential for Man City or Utd to be suckered into spending £50 million+ on him, and this plus the drips and drabs other players would bring in would certainly fund this window.

    Of the squad, only Silva is certain to get sold on, certainly at a loss but it could be at about £15 million if Leicester are likely. Ligue 1 teams such as Bordeaux are reportedly interested in him, and he has not performed in Leicester so they are likely to let him go. Nampalys Mendy has performed well this season but only has a year left on his contract, he could also be flipped for some money. Many others are likely to either be outright sold or loaned on with an eye to selling them on. Members of this group are:

    Slimani Diabaté Kapustka King Jakupovic

    Other players could be loaned out too, not necessarily to sell on later though:

    Iheanacho, Amartey, and Ughelumba and Knight are two promising academy products that should see Championship loans

    Selling James would be a dream but he’s so useless nobody would pay his wages. Gray could potentially leave as well if anyone is dumb enough to bid £15 million+ for him, as Rodgers has stressed that he needs wingers with end product, and Gray has none.

    This brings us on to incoming transfers, in priority order: Tielemans (or Tielemans alternative 🙁 ), a winger with end product, a second striker, and potentially a fullback backup

    These all kind of depend on outgoing transfers, obviously – selling Mendy and Silva could potentially leave us short of actual good midfielders even if we bring in Tielemans, etc. That said, I would like:

    Tielemans: £30-35 million
    Pedro dos Santos: £25 million
    Any winger who can score. Babel would be fine to be honest.
    James Justin: £5 million (promising young fullback that plays well at left and right back)

    With Pedro, who has all the capabilities for a good second striker as well as a single striker, we could play with a fluid front 3 of Barnes, Vardy, and Pedro, with Tielemans, Maddison, and Ndidi/Choudhury behind them, or revert to a 4-1-4-1 with Barnes and Babel on the wings.

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

      Would agree that Tielemans was the main reason you finished the season strongly, and that you're unlikely to have him next season?

      Also, do you think Vardy can keep up his output at 32 given his style of play relies on pace?

      1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Vardy is more than a pace merchant. He is so good at exploiting space left by defenders and has scored a ton this season despite not being so mobile when pressing and stuff, he's a very intelligent player and I think he'll keep banging them in.

        Tielemans I honestly think we have a decent chance of signing. Like if it was a zero sum game, I'd give us a 45% chance of signing him. If we can reach an agreement with Monaco early I don't see a reason why we couldn't sign him - he's second choice for the bigger clubs who have shown interest in him (utd and spurs) and he has always prioritised his development and gametime over big teams which is why he stayed at Anderlecht so long in the first place. I think we can sign him, especially if Utd and Spurs moon over Fernandes and Lo Celso for a long period of time in this window.

        1. pingissimus
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          Hope you do land him - cracking player and it’d be nice to see him as a regular.

          Iheanacho and Slimani off you think? Don’t know enough to comment really but that puts a lot of weight on Pedro. That’s the area I’d worry about most - Barnes is still short of end product after all.

          1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 9 months ago

            Iheanacho seems to need a lot of largely unchallenged gametime, I think ge could really do with a loan to figure himself out. He can still be a great asset to Leicester. Slimani is as good as gone, he's useless and hates Vardy so there's no way he isn't at least loaned somewhere where they'll pay his wages.

            I think Barnes can step up, his finishing and passing accuracy have always been excellent at every other level he's played and its just a matter of time before they catch up in my opinion. We do have a striker problem you're right, but Iheanacho is clearly not the answer right now, and all our other strikers don't score nearly enough goals. If Pedro can score 1 goal every 250 minutes or so he'll have been a decent buy and better than anything else we have right now.

            1. pingissimus
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 9 months ago

              I’d be worried.

              Clearly Vardy is a couple of levels up from Benteke of the last two seasons but Palace have shown the pitfalls of having only one striker in the squad. It doesn’t matter how good the support cast is if that one goes down you’re likely shafted.

    2. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Doubt Justin will be close to 5 mill - imminent bidding war.

      1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Interesting stuff. I'm confident we can land our targets or move on, that was just one of the interesting players we have been linked with

  17. The 12th Man
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Luis Boa Morte appointed assistant manager at Everton.

    Hope he’s resolved his issues with Big Dunc.

  18. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    I'm finding it difficult to get excited about many outfield players this season other than Salah, Sterling (as long as they're not reclassed to forwards) and Vardy - maybe JWP, Tielemans, Maddison & H-Barnes also... possibly Redmond as I think Southampton will be good under Ralphie

    Kane doesn't interest me really at the minute
    Pogba will get a massive price hike
    As will Rashford
    Son & Moura same
    Eriksen probably gone
    Mane's price will rocket
    Haz will be gone
    Richarlison & Siggy big price hikes
    Good luck trying to afford Jiminez
    Same with Jota, who could also be a forward
    Deulofeu big price rise
    Mili will be priced out of it
    Zaha might be good if he gets popped back to midfield & doesnt price rise
    Fraser, Wilson, King, Brooks - need to keep an eye on them
    Mahrez, Dilva, Bilva, Sane - nothing but rotation headaches

    And then we have TAA, Robbo, Digne, VVD, Mendy, Laporte all just sitting waiting ready to make a mockery of the vast majority of these attackers, for much cheaper into the bargain

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

      Daniel James

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

      Sounds good to me. If most players feel slightly overpriced its harder for a template to form.

    3. Old Man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Fingers crossed,that there will be some exciting imports coming in - my optimism tells me that there always are.

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Should have said Pukki - genuinely excited about him - hopefully not more than 6.5

    4. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      I should also add Kun to the list of players I'm not hugely excited about - was he a very high variance player this year?

      50 of his 200 points came in 3 games, if you didnt captain him for those 3 (Hudd, Che, Ars) he didn't justify his value, and his away form was pretty poor generally

      1. GREEN IS GOOD
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Sterling (C) yes, good most weeks.

        Mane I'm still interested in.

        They might be the only 2 worth splashing the big bucks on.

        1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          I'd be very wary of Mane, historically he's been a 150 points a year man, but will likely have an 11.0 price tag this year

          Can see lots being very frustrated with him, especially if Salah starts performing even a little closer to his underlying stats he's going to leave Mane in his dust (he was already 30 points clear of him last year and Mane played an absolute blinder whilst Mo never really got out of third gear for the most part)

          1. GREEN IS GOOD
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 9 months ago

            Good points. Maybe Sterling + Salah then. City and Liverpool score the most goals so I'd want one from each.

            5 premium/sub-premium defenders.

            Then rummage through the bargain bucket for the rest.

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

      You missed being down on about KdB.

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        His Glass knee ligaments seem to be catching up on him

    6. Vobinho
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Only potential value will be a United improvement from a cheaper player/transferred in player or one from Chelsea with the likes of RLC?

      If Martial stays and improves he could be key.

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Yeah to be fair Martial, RLC & CHO are all interesting... but are they going to be that much cheaper than these defenders I wonder... Martial is infuriating - all the ability and none of the fitness/mentality

        1. Vobinho
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          Indeed... priced similarly to Robbo I'd imagine and Robbo wins hands down on overall points.

          Seriously thinking 5 at the back the more I think about it, Sterling, Mane/Salah, Siggy/Pogba then two cheaper strikers up front I reckon.

          Haven't looked at pricing much, would be ideal for team structure to have one premium striker and one cheaper to make the most of form players, but really want to make a premium backline work. With Hazard probably gone, and city being rotation central, it looks realistic.

          But there's always a load of cheaper alternatives a la Fraser, Wilson that usually pop up once the season starts. Need to keep a look on Newcastle and the possible takeover too if they manage to buy a few.

          1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 9 months ago

            I like the idea of Salah & Sterling being there for captaincy purposes, and Vardy seems to be Rodgers' Suarez/Gerrard figure so there's a good chunk of G & A between those three...

            TAA & Robbo are (Cliche time) basically wingers anyways... Digne is on set pieces... Mendy/Laporte are very productive when fit

            A lot of stars are aligning for a 5ATB season, at least before we;ve seen any fixtures, prices or transfers lol

  19. Godfrey
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    13.0 - Salah
    12.5 - Kane
    12.0 - Sterling
    11.5 - Aubameyang
    11.0 - Aguero
    10.5 - Firmino - KDB - Mane
    10.0 - Lukaku - Eriksen - Lacazette - Pogba

    Hazard would be 11.5/12.0 if he stays I think.

    Missing something?

    1. Poseidon.
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Sky sports reporting Salah’s trying to come to Utd. If he does, he could be more than 13 even

      Otherwise, pretty much agree

      https://www.skysports.com/football/news/12691/11734525/real-madrid-fear-manchester-united-want-mohamed-salah-european-paper-talkh

      1. Poseidon.
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Maybe swap Kane and Sterling’s prices

      2. The Rumour Mill
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Hahahaha that's the most ludicrous transfer rumour I've seen for years! Outrageous.

        1. Poseidon.
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          He might not have achieved the same standards as 17-18 but he’s proven he’s not a one-season wonder tbf. He’d be an upgrade on Rom and probably even on Martial tbf. If he’s that keen, I’d say we should go for it

          1. GREEN IS GOOD
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 9 months ago

            Is it April 1st?

            1. Poseidon.
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 9 months ago

              I think he’s done enough to deserve the move. That’s all im saying.

              1. Supersonic Marv'
                • 7 Years
                4 years, 9 months ago

                It's a bit unkind to suggest he deserves a step down in his career.

                1. Poseidon.
                  • 5 Years
                  4 years, 9 months ago

                  Your dreaming if you think that move is a step down

                  1. Supersonic Marv'
                    • 7 Years
                    4 years, 9 months ago

                    I like this guy. He's good fun.

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

                      Worst troll on the site... just so obvious, stop humoring him.

                      1. Poseidon.
                        • 5 Years
                        4 years, 9 months ago

                        Pretty much based on you tbh. One minute you’re calling Utd ‘we’ the next it’s them. Only reason you start crying about it all the time

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

                        Yea keep making up stuff buddy. Nice of you to have an alt account to upvote your posts too. Pathetic.

                      3. Poseidon.
                        • 5 Years
                        4 years, 9 months ago

                        If you’re getting this upset about people upvoting someone you dislike it might be time to leave the internet.

                        Werent you told to stop stalking me by mods anyway?

                  2. GREEN IS GOOD
                    • 7 Years
                    4 years, 9 months ago

                    Salah must be keen to play in the Europa league then.

                    And under Solskjaer rather than Klopp.

          2. circusmonkey
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            4 years, 9 months ago

            Stupid bitter Manchester United fan.

      3. GREEN IS GOOD
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        And Messi and Ronaldo?

        If they offered Salah £1m a week, I suppose he might be tempted.

      4. I Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Anyone who believes Salah would leave Liverpool for United needs their head checked.

        1. Poseidon.
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          Spot the Liverpool fan...

          1. I Member
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 9 months ago

            I'm not a Liverpool fan...

          2. Saxe-Gotha
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 9 months ago

            I'm a United fan and I can say with 100% certainty that Mo will never move from Pool to United.

            1. Colonial
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 9 months ago

              SORRY MATE you cannot say with 100% certainty!!! It is just what you think!!

    2. I Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Disagree with most of those tbh.

    3. GREEN IS GOOD
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Won't Sterling cost more than Kane?

      And Mane more than KDB and Firmino.

      1. Poseidon.
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Yeah Mane has to be more than Firmino actually

  20. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    So Daniel James to United pretty much confirmed then?

    Is he any good?

    1. Poseidon.
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Absolutely quality tbf

  21. hungngo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    I can not access the Flat-Track Bully features today? Is the system down or something?