Scout Reports

Fornals must strive to compete with key West Ham midfielders

Pablo Fornals may have to up his game in order to provide Fantasy appeal in 2019/20.

The Spanish midfielder arrives at West Ham heralded as a promising creator with experience in his country’s top division with Villarreal.

However, with a total of just three La Liga assists last season, it would appear that he may not offer much more than either of his new colleagues Felipe Anderson or Robert Snodgrass.

On top of that, Fornals scored just two league goals in 2018/19 ahead of an inevitable increase in opposition difficulty when he starts life in the Premier League.

We’ve looked at his history and underlying data to see how he will fit in at the London Stadium this season.

The History and Statistics

Fornals in action for Villarreal in the Europa League

Fornals arrives at West Ham as the second-most expensive signing in the history of the club, behind only new team-mate Anderson.

The Spaniard is considered one of La Liga’s highly promising young midfielders having impressed both at Malaga and Villarreal in the last four years.

After three years in the Malaga youth academy, Fornals’ league debut was something of a baptism of fire.

His first senior appearance in La Liga came at the age of 19 and took place away at Real Madrid’s Bernabeu Stadium.

During his time at Estadio La Rosaleda, Fornals worked with director of football Mario Husillos, who since June 2018, has fulfilled that role with West Ham.

The former Malaga coach referenced their time together as one of the influences on the Hammers signing the player this summer.

“He is a player we have monitored closely for some time, having seen him make excellent progress as a young midfielder in one of the best leagues in the world. I personally have followed his career since he was a youth player with me at Malaga, and I know we have signed an incredible professional and an incredible character. This is something that is very important for us at West Ham United now – not only a very good player but also a very good person with a good mentality. To represent Spain as a full international at the age of 20, and then to have made over 150 appearances in La Liga by the age of 23, is a sign of great quality and character. He joins us a young player still with many years ahead of him, yet with strong experience and already proven at the very highest level.” – Mario Husillos

“I have worked with Mario before – I know him from when I was in Malaga. With Manuel, only when I saw him and admired him on TV. Of course, Manuel was a big influence because in the end he is one of the best coaches in the world and who doesn’t want to work with people like that?!” – Pablo Fornals

Since 2016, Fornals has earned two call-ups for the senior international Spain team.

In 2017, Fornals moved to boyhood club Villarreal where his stock would only increase.

While not on the scoresheet too often, he continued to earn his reputation as a crafty number 10.

Over the last 12 months, he has had the opportunity to play alongside a resurgent Santi Cazorla, who he has often been compared with.

In total, he registered five goals and 15 assists in 70 La Liga appearances for Villarreal across two seasons.

However, it is worth pointing out that Fornals’ by-far best season with the Yellow Submarine was 2017/18, not the most recent one.

12 of his 15 league assists for Villarreal came in that campaign, and he provided just three this time around.

The underlying statistics showed that Fornals was perhaps a little unlucky not to register more goal involvements in 2018/19 but they by no means indicate he set the world on fire either.

In 2018/19, just two of Fornals’ Villarreal colleagues registered a better shots-per-game figure than his 1.7.

They were forward Gerard Moreno (2.0) and attacking midfielder Samuel Chukwueze (2.2).

It is worth pointing out that Fornals was one of the more speculative players in the Villarreal squad with just 44.8% of his efforts coming from inside the penalty box.

That said, just three of his colleagues registered more than his 0.7 shots in the box per La Liga game in 2018/19.

Two of those were centre-forwards Moreno (1.4) and Karl Toko Ekambi (1.1), while Chukwueze (1.3) was also ahead.

These same three players (all 0.9) were also the only ones ahead of Fornals for shots on target per game (0.5).

Despite his reputation as a creator, Fornals actually compared less favourably for assist potential than goal threat in 2018/19.

Ten Villarreal players managed more passes than his 32.3 per game in La Liga over the last 12 months.

Fornals ranked higher when it came to chance creation as he played 1.3 key passes per game.

Wing-back Miguel Layún and playmaker Cazorla were the only Villarreal players to create more chances per game in 2018/19 (1.5 and 2.1 respectively).

However, 40 La Liga players managed more than this per game in the whole season.

The Prospects

Fornals arrival at West Ham creates some congestion in attacking midfield for new manager Manuel Pellegrini

As already mentioned, it may be some time before we can fully tout Fornals as a Fantasy option.

When we compare what he achieved in 2018/19 against his new colleagues, it’s hard to see where he stands out.

Player Mins per shotMins per shot in the boxMins per shot on targetMins per chance created
Pablo Fornals 42.8 95.5 146.1 55.2
Felipe Anderson 52.6 98.4 127.1 47.7
Michail Antonio 32.3 52.5 84 91.3
Manuel Lanzini 62.6 137.8 172.3 137.8
Robert Snodgrass 74 170.8 317.3 37.6
Jack Wilshere 194.5 389 389 77.8
Andriy Yarmolenko 51.1 76.7 153.3 92

As you can see, both Anderson and Snodgrass averaged better minutes per chance created than Fornals in 2018/19.

The new signing was at least performing better than Michail Antonio, Jack Wilshere, Andriy Yarmolenko and Manuel Lanzini in this area – although the latter was recovering after an extended period on the sidelines last season.

As for goal threat, only Antonio shot more often than Fornals in 2018/19, and he and Anderson were both ahead for shots on target.

However, we have to remember that Fornals still only managed two league goals.

“Pablo is a young, hungry and talented player who has already proven his ability at the highest level in Spain, and we believe he will bring a different dimension and a strong mentality to the team.” – Manuel Pellegrini

The local press predicts that Manuel Pellegrini will try to use him on the right of attacking midfield in a 4-2-3-1 system.

Anderson and Lanzini would most likely occupy the slots on the left and in the middle, but the Brazilian and Fornals himself are both capable of playing anywhere within the trio.

That could see Snodgrass and Yarmolenko struggle to get into the side, but referring back to the comparison we already undertook, it’s worth pointing out that the Scottish international arguably performed better as a creator than Fornals last season.

“He has made a big impact in his time with Villarreal and we look forward to seeing him continue his progress here. His signing means that we now have very good midfield options in the squad. With players coming back from injury and ready to begin pre-season training with the rest of the squad, we have a very good balance and mix of styles.” – Manuel Pellegrini

Either way, Pellegrini does now have quite a wealth of options available to him in attacking midfield, many of whom are particularly versatile.

That competition for places could push some West Ham midfielders on to higher levels in 2019/20, although at the beginning of the season, it might be hard to predict the starting XI.

Chances are, Fornals will come in priced closer to Snodgrass than Anderson, so if he does hit the ground running, he could potentially be a cheaper alternative into West Ham’s attacking midfield.

146 Comments Post a Comment
    1. Individual
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      As an impartial observer, I'd say both are good - one is looking at the football side of things, the other ties it more into the game. Complementary rather than competing.

  1. noquarternt
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Always feel like West Ham could be good. Not sure why.

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

      They need to get a solid first team going and give them experience playing together consistently instead of the current mish mash of random attacking players rotating every game.

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

      The entire team feels like raw talent... Every damn season

      Feels like what happens when Liverpool plucks a So'ton player... Or some seasons back, with Spurs from Ajax

      Good scouts. Recruiting nice talents. Team somehow falls flat

      I feel Everton just pulled out of that at the tail end of last season. Would be nice to see where they finish this season, if they don't sell important players though (hello, Gueye) and make the right purchases

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

        I think Fornals may be interesting in terms of knitting the team together - they had Lanzini (who is very closely aligned to Fornals in terms of the stat profile) injured last season too.

        What it might do is make Felipe a very interesting proposition if he's just there to finish chances as an inside forward; when Yarmo is back too a front line of

        [Striker - maybe Arnie?]
        Fando Fornals Yarmo

        Could definitely be up there. With the backline now looking quite settled too they could well dark horse it

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

          The verb "to dark horse". Mmm, innovative. 🙂

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

            Wgta is all about innovation

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

    Will you pick jota or wolves' fixtures puts you off?

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

      Ruled Wolves out of my GW1 squad once Chelsea beat Arsenal at Europa and confirmed that Wolves would play Europa qualifiers like Burnley did last season

      They don't have the depth

      And even if they go on a spending spree to get the depth... It would disrupt the team's flow for the first few GWs

      I'd like to be proven wrong, though. Then I'd probably get Jota instead of Jimenez some GWs in, if that happens. Both should be forwards and Jota would be cheaper

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

        Depends if they buy buy buy that depth as you say - what differentiates them from a Burnley is that they have the resources, but they haven't moved yet and Nuno did like a small squad last season which may be his MO.

        Also favouring Jota over Jimmy - I suspect you're right too on Jota v Jimmy pricing, Jota 7.5m forward, Jimmy maybe 8.5m as the headline player

  3. Individual
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Since it's RIP here, thought I'd venture on to say WGTA is back for another year, fixtures podcast was released just yesterday, available across all good (and some bad) pod sources 🙂

    There's also an intro pod to Nick and I (Tom), who run the pod, which might be a good starting point for those who dk who we are from other online fora: https://whogottheassist.com/intro-to-nick-and-tom/

    Cheers 🙂

  4. avfc82
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    West Ham will continue with their 4-1-4-1 / 4-3-3 system IMO, with Fornals slotting into one of the central midfield positions alongside Noble or Lanzini. Once GW1 is done I really like their fixtures (bha, wat, NOR, avl) so he could be an option depending on price.

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

      Fornals is definitely a no10.
      Agreed on post GW1, Nick said on the pod he was just put off by the City opener and discounted them from that point, but it could be interesting to either wedge a Fando in from the start and see how he does (aware he's on many a sh!t list), or target them alongside Chelsea with the 2FTs in GW3 (I rarely make a transfer btwn 1-2)

      1. avfc82
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        He can absolutely play as an 8 though in a 4-1-4-1 / 4-3-3, with Rice at the base.

        Lanzini and Snodgrass played in that role towards the end of the season, so there is no reason why Fornals can't do it.

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

          I get that too - maybe licence to rove forward from a deeper starting position? 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 I'd imagine, my suggestion might be that they can always evolve and aren't fixed to what they did in the past, but can see where youre coming from.

          Lanzini was fielded at AM last season under MP when fit, though has played a DLP/AP (S) role in the past (source: transfermarkt) - if he's a direct replacement for Lanzini then we might see him occupy that 10 role. But we'll see - either way, he'll probably drift to a similar role (no10, leftward) given the heat maps from his time at Villareal/Malaga

          1. avfc82
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 9 months ago

            I'd be wary of trusting Transfermarkt re formations, they often say my team Villa play a 4-2-3-1 with Grealish as a 10, when in reality he plays much deeper.

            Should be interesting whatever they role with... Yarmolenko, Anderson, Antonio, Snodgrass, Diangana, Lanzini, Wilshere and now Fornals.

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

              I had a look at Wyscout as well for the heat maps, a twitter friend has an account so I ask for a screenie every now and again to double check my assertions - evidence is power!

              Agreed, not sure what they'll do. Preseason may be interesting to see what they're thinking of rolling out

              1. avfc82
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 14 Years
                4 years, 9 months ago

                Can't go wrong with Wyscout, its a fantastic tool.

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

    ENG vs AFG: England win the toss and will bat first

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

      Did not expect that at all

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

        Probably under orders from above, if Afghanistan batted and were all out for 60 if would kill the game too early.

        *This may be a daft conspiracy theory. Maybe 😉

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

          Only maybe. Definitely think they were worried by it being done by lunch.

          Vince very disappointing.

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

        Batting practice for Vince.

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

          Needs it 😉

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

            Don't rate him at all. He's no Geoffrey Boycott.

  6. Ohh1454
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    How much do we expect firmino , arnie and gross to cost next season ?

    1. child of God
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Firming 9.5
      Arnie 7
      Gross 6.5

      1. Ohh1454
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Thanks for that , just looking at a provisional squad at the minute

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

      Firmino to 9.0 I suspect, sub par season
      Arnie 7 feels about right
      Gross may take the full downgrade to 5.5 - would be ideal punt fodder at that price given BHA's ok open

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

        Would love Gross at 5.5, be a great 4th mid.

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

          Aye me too. Gross/Brooks at 5.5 might be a great duo of cheapies to start he season with in the punt bracket

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

            Gross would be unreal at 5.5 - I need a bit of value around that bracket to afford Salah, TAA, Robbo, Laporte Sterling, Vardy!

            1. cravencottage
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              4 years, 9 months ago

              TAA and Robbo may be 8.0 or over - underlying stats support this . I hope not, but it would break up the template.

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

                Tbf the overlying stats of fpl points also support this!

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

              13, 7.5, 8, 7, 12, 9 = 6 players asking for over £56m.
              I'd like to the rest of your 9 players sharing £44m.

            3. Individual
              • 10 Years
              4 years, 9 months ago

              All about that Brooks

  7. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Is it common knowledge that the set of Fixtures repeat themselves (just switch home and away)?

    GW1:

    newcastle vs arsenal
    spurs vs aston villa
    liverpool vs norwich
    west ham vs man city

    GW26:

    arsenal vs newcastle
    aston villa vs spurs
    norwich vs liverpool
    man city vs west ham

    Happens with every set of Fixtures from GW1-GW19, they just repeat themselves at some point between GW20-GW38, am I just late to realise? (did realise at the end of last season)

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

      Yeah mate, try making 38 fixtures fit in without doing that, serious maths equations!

  8. Chockky
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Does anyone know when the new season of Fantasy Prem is open.
    I want to start tinkering with my team ASAP

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

      Tends to be first week of July, was July 5th last year iirc

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

        thank you very much

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

      You've got a hood few weeks to wait yet . Forget about it and enjoy the summer.

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

        its England, Summer ended after the 2 weeks of sun in April 😛

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

          I have every confidence . ☺

  9. child of God
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Can't believe Afcon 2019 fantasy still isn't out yet with two days to go
    What a shame for African football

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

      Yes a fantasy game has a huge impact on African football.

      1. child of God
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Fan engagement is very key if you want to grow footballwise.

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

      Very true but in this instance only a small number of fantasy game regulars would be interested in this anyway . Can't see how it can possibly engage any new fans.

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

      Cwc didn't release theirs until the day before. Had to make a wc available for week 2!

    4. Astronautovic
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      You can try the one of RealFevr.

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

        Is Africa online? Not enough the poor people due to EU tariff wall. Realise this, the EU is a racist trade block against Africa.

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

    Can’t help thinking about Super Mario when watching Afghanistan 😀

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

    Root accumulates runs at a deceptively high rate. Not a big hitter but just a very fine classical barsmen

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

      Excellent strike rotation. So hard for the bowling side to build any pressure when they're up against players like him Williamson Smith kohli

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

      All the best teams have a highly technical batsman who accumulates quickly. Root (Eng), Kohli (Ind), Smith (Aus), Williamson (NZ) and Shakib (Ban) fit that bill.

      SA have struggled with the loss of de Villiers and Amla getting old - Du Plessis doesn't cut it. Sri Lanka have noone in that role. West Indies are hoping that Shai Hope becomes that player for them. Ditto Pakistan with Babar Azam.

  12. Fpl Richie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Seems to me a good place to carry on with the team by team transfer hot topics (in my humble opinion), this time for West Ham.

    Goalkeeping has been sorted with Fabianski the obvious first choice and two back up's (Roberto and Martin) brought in on frees and the highly rated Nathan Trott going out on loan in all likelihood. Fabs again a good option for fpl assuming he's still cheaply priced.
    Defence. A few young cbs have been linked, though Maripan from Alaves the most referenced - a fellow Chilean to Pellegrini. One would assume it might see Ogbonna leave, and the noises suggest they will keep Diop despite interest. Full backs are still a minor concern but no great transfer noises there.
    Midfield. Fornals looks an excellent prospect and fits with Pellegrini's style. My guess is that they will still look for someone to provide Rice cover or a box to box player to give competition to Noble/Obiang. Nasri has left of course and I can see Obiang leaving, possibly Sanchez too (I hope). A lot of attackers and not enough steel currently.
    Forwards: Carroll and Perez have gone, with Hernandez likely to follow. Arnie still first choice but he could easily go too. Gomez at Celta the most linked. Clearly there will be in's and out's here.

    So - any thoughts? What do West Ham need? What should they do and how do you rate them as an fpl option based on what we know?

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

      1) A first choice striker and a solid defensive central midfielder
      2) Get rid of players like Carroll, Perez, Hernandez, Wilshere, Nasri, Sanchez, Obiang, Byram and Hugill

      GK: Fabianski, Roberto, Martin
      LB: Cresswell, Masuaku
      RB: Fredericks, Zabaleta
      CB: Balbuena, Diop, Reid, Ogbonna
      DM: Rice, Noble, ?????
      AM: Fornals, Lanzini
      RM: Yarmolenko, Antonio
      LM: Anderson, Snodgrass
      FW: ?????, Arnautovic, Silva

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

        Good shout on the outs - except wilshere who I think will feature a bit more now injury permitting.

    2. Andy'81
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Jonjo Shelvey might still be on their watch list, can see NUFC selling him this window.

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

        I can speak for all WH fans and say... No thanks.

  13. Captain Kakaroto (I blame R…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Africa cup:
    Wrote this on previous page. I know that Egypt and Senegal are the 2 favourites but who do you think can step up? Morocco - good players that plays in europe, Ziach, Benatia, Saiss, Hackimi I was really impressed by them at the world cup. Cote deviore--Zaha, Aurier. Maybe Nigeria? With Iwobi, Musa etc can be also challenging the title.
    What do you think?

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

      yeah Nigeria's squad looks decent, hopefully Onuachu gets a chance

    2. Tasty Jerk
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Looking forward to it actually. Will of course be following Zaha for Ivory Coast, but not sure if they will trouble the favourites overall. I agree that Nigeria could be a good bet though.

    3. Ragabolly
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Morocco and Tunisia are contenders too imo. Then comes Nigeria

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

    England collapsing. Afghanistan got them on the ropes at 362-5

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Username tells the story.

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

        Look at you with that big 10 year badge. What a legend.

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

            Can’t call me a brown noser when you’ve got lads like Daniel (no hate, man) loving off Mark! Juuhuuu!

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

    I'm a few days behind on email responses; I'll try to get back to people before the end of Wednesday

    1. FPL price manipulators are …
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Thanks

  16. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    If you are too lazy like me to read the above article probably this is the much quicker way.

    This is how the updated version of championship manager 01/02 rates Fornals' football attributes.

    https://i.imgur.com/GnvoEWV.png

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

      Decent. Passes the YouTube test too 😉

      1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        I assume Fornals will be phased in and will need time to settle, language, culture etc.
        He will be more one for the second part of the season?

  17. Emiliano Sala
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Spurs opening 9 games:

    Aston Villa H - Man City A - Necastle H - Arsenal A - Palace H - Leicester A - Saints H - Brighton A - Watford H
    5 decent home games for captaincy. Kane or no kane?

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

      Good luck affording him with 3 City and 3 Liverpool

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

      A hard no.

    3. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Moura/Son much better value?

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

      Too expensive for a defensive Midfielder 😛
      (I'm going to avoid him unless he starts scoring huge points regularly)

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

      I think the theory that he is a slow starter still holds

    6. Grand Maester Juan
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Harry Kane is a strict No Go in August !!

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

      No Kane. No Spurs. There are better teams with better players for better value.

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

        I’m actually eyeing up Eriksen this year (if trip leaves and he stays). Should be fantastic value if he gets a slight price drop. He’s shown he’s consistent year in and year out (less so last season).Hoping son isn’t too overpriced. Have to look at players/teams that had a mediocre previous season but will likely bounce back. Pretty much all of last seasons top scorers will be too overpriced for value

        1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          Eriksen loses out on set pieces if Moura plays which is annoying.

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

      Anyone want to confirm how many points Kane had before his big injury in 21 (?). Memory says he scored around 130 points at that point - not too shabby if you got him after the World Cup in about GW3

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        132 after GW22.

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

          Ty. What I remembered pretty much. Switched to Kun at that point - didn’t feel like bad value.

          I wonder where everyone was during the Hokey Cokey era when Auba too was the rage. I simply don’t recall anyone much insisting that premium forwards were a waste then

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

    Are ffs members any good at fantasy cricket you ask. 5 in the top 40.

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

      That's awesome but this has been the most frustrating match of the entire tourney so far with the bowling chip active .

      Afg gave up halfway through Morgan's innings

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

        I was very frustrated with it on India Pakistan getting rained off with ten overs to come and plenty of wickets left for my bowlers to take at the death. Chahal and bumrah vc on bowling chip combined for 5 points!

        Could still come very good for you though here.

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

          Not to mention early bhuvi injury

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

          Bumrah very unlucky not to get the pak openers

          Done with this crap eng bowling for the world cup now. Much better options elsewhere

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

            So tough to call where wickets will fall isn't it. Too many bowlers for England for me. Think I'll try my luck on Australia Bangladesh next week.

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

              Yeah I might at India next but worried they might give shankar and pandya more overs than usual

              Or even aus vs bang but currently planning on super 4 chip for that one especially if aus bat first

    2. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Not playing this year, those washouts are a real downer for me. Hours of planning to maximize transfers down the drain then they happen.

      They are good news for England however, thanks to all those washouts a win over Sri Lanka should be good enough even if they lose the three difficult games at the end. To get to England's 10 points SA, Pak and WI would need at least 3.5 points from their remaining 4 games, Ban would need to win 3 of their last 4 that included Aus and Ind, and SL would need to win their last three that including India.

  19. WE ARE RANGERS
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Anywhere you can see the points per million from last season?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      FPL site (value season).

      1. WE ARE RANGERS
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        thanks mate 🙂

  20. bitm2007
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Not playing this year, those washouts are a real downer for me. Hours of planning to maximize transfers down the drain then they happen.

    They are good news for England however, thanks to all those washouts a win over Sri Lanka should be good enough even if they lose the three difficult games at the end. To get to England's 10 points SA, Pak and WI would need at least 3.5 points from their remaining 4 games, Ban would need to win 3 of their last 4 that included Aus and Ind, and SL would need to win their last three that including India.

    1. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      reply fail

    2. FPL price manipulators are …
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Imagine England’s games were washed off and it cost them valuable points. There’d be national outcry

  21. Ginkapo FPL
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Is Fornals a Two Ronnies sketch?

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

    Three Leicester players starting for England U21’s tonight plus one on the bench. Future looks good if they can keep them all

  23. pokern1nja09
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    I can’t see many players going for 3 big hitting strikers this season. Most people are looking to invest more in defence and attacking midfielders. What budget options are people considering?

    I was thinking about Deeney. He is on pens with VAR and should be around 6-6.5. He has premier league experience and I don’t trust any of the promoted teams yet.

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

      The likes of Will Hughes, Townsend, Chilwell and JWP are all under consideration for me if reasonably priced.

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

        Add in Henderson (GK) for penalty saves too!

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

      kinda depends what Salah is listed as but yeah, probably - Auba interests me but unlikely to be affordable

      Watford starting fixtures are pretty decent, could Deulo be a forward this year?
      If West Ham sign a new forward I'd strongly consider him, those fixtures are decent too

      Starting with Vardy and King could be pretty good if possible

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

    Henderson saves Dembele pen, watch yer back Dave 😉

  25. Tasty Jerk
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Going by VAR (one in U21 just now) going to be so many pens this season, Luka will be locked in day 1 in my team i think for this reason 🙂

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

      What? The ref gave the pen immediately

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

        maybe he's more confident giving it because he knows he can review it 😉

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

          It never even went to VAR so no idea what OP’s point is

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

            different game 😀

      2. Tasty Jerk
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Eh?

        10' PENALTY! - Filip Benkovic handles the ball in the penalty box! Heavy protests from Filip Benkovic but the ref is uninterested.
        10' Ball possession: Romania U21: 45%, Croatia U21: 55%.
        9' The referee has stopped the game and is going to watch a video review for a situation.
        8' A shot by George Puscas is blocked

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

          Lol, I’m watching England and they had a pen at the same time 😀

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

            *conceded

          2. Tasty Jerk
            • 11 Years
            4 years, 9 months ago

            lol 😀 no worries - watching highlights of earlier game on way home, should catch the second half of England game when im back. Hopefully AWB not playing "too well".

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

              Hope you’re not driving 😉

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

      Double up with Zaha and get the assist for all the penalties too!

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

        Or the cards for simulation

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

      So when the next one is given but then reversed by VAR and your pen taker gets booked for diving?

  26. Syd.
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Ouch.......... No need for VAR to review that one

    1. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Well they did and made another correct decision

      Red Card

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

        Hope he didn't severely damage the France player

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

    FPL wise is that a pk save?

  28. Dammed Utd
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    It’s on bein sports HD1 if anybody wants to watch the last twenty min or so of England v France u21

  29. Thomas Jerome Newton
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Anyone going to brave Mendy or de Bruyne at start of season?

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

      Odd subs for 1 goal up and 1 man down

    2. Flaming Flamingo
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      I think Zinchenko has cemented his spot as first choice LB over Mendy. I like Dr Bruyne as an option, will be interesting to see how he's priced.