Scout Reports

Attractive price boosts Tielemans’ appeal

Leicester City’s permanent signing of Youri Tielemans (£6.5m) continues to boost interest in their assets for the start of the 2019/20 season.

Fantasy Premier League managers had already been considering Jamie Vardy (£9.0m) and James Maddison (£7.0m) so far in the summer, but the cheaper Tielemans will now rival those two – as well as new singing Ayoze Perez (£6.5m) – for inclusion in our squads.

In this latest Scout Report article, we will analyse the Belgian’s exploits during his loan spell at Leicester last season and assess his potential for the 2019/20 campaign.

Later today, we will have a more in-depth look at Tielemans’ numbers and how they stand up to Maddison’s in particular in an article for Fantasy Football Scout members.

The History and Statistics

Tielemans has been the subject of interest from Europe’s top clubs for some years

Tielemans has been one of the most promising midfield prospects of European football in recent years.

Still only 22-years-old, the Belgian has already made over 250 senior appearances across his country’s top flight as well as Ligue 1 and, as of February 2019, the Premier League too.

Between 2013 and 2017, Tielemans was at Anderlecht, where he scored 35 goals in 185 appearances in all competitions.

His last campaign in Belgium saw him net five times in 15 European appearances.

That’s what drew attention to him from the bigger clubs on the continent and earned him a move to AS Monaco.

Tielemans did not have quite so much success in Ligue 1, scoring just five times in 47 league matches for Monaco.

However, that didn’t stop him hitting the ground running when he arrived in Leicester back in January of this year.

It took Tielemans just three games to get his first attacking return for the Foxes, providing an assist in a 2-1 win over Brighton in Gameweek 28.

That started an incredible run of reliability for the Belgian international as he went on to involve himself in eight goals in the next nine Gameweeks.

In fact, between his debut in Gameweek 26 and the end of the campaign, only Vardy (12) secured more attacking returns than Tielemans (eight).

Three of those were his own goals, with a further five coming from four regular assists and one of the Fantasy variety, a deflected cross to Wes Morgan (£4.5m) against Burnley in Gameweek 31.

During that time, Maddison was the next most central figure to Leicester’s FPL developments, scoring twice and assisting three times (five goal involvements).

That was three fewer than Tielemans despite playing 27 more minutes than him between Gameweeks 26 and 38.

So the question moving forward into the new campaign is whether or not the Belgian can continue to outperform Maddison, given that he already offers a £0.5m saving.

A closer inspection of the underlying statistics shows an interesting story, revealing that it’s not an open and shut case when we compare Tielemans against his now-permanent colleagues towards the back end of last season.

Player Mins per shot Mins per shot in the box Mins per shot on target Mins per chance created
James Maddison 31.9 124.2 111.8 26
Harvey Barnes 25.8 34.8 114.4 57.2
Jamie Vardy 29.8 33.4 64.8 64.8
Youri Tielemans 35.2 155.9 90.9 68.2

We discuss Perez’s underlying numbers, meanwhile, in a piece written shortly after his move from Newcastle.

The Prospects

Tielemans’ underlying statistics compared to his Leicester colleagues were not quite as impressive as first expected

As you can see from the table above, Tielemans did not come out on top for any of the attacking statistics we used to compare him against his key team-mates.

Maddison created more chances than any Leicester player between Gameweeks 26 and 38, averaging one every 26 minutes.

The fact that he has almost complete control of corners and free-kicks will have played a big part in this.

Next up was Harvey Barnes (£6.0m), who fashioned one every 57.2 minutes.

Even centre-forward Vardy averaged a better minutes per chance created than Tielemans’ 68.2.

That’s not to say that the Belgian was not an important part of the team though. In fact, no Leicester player created more big chances than Tielemans during his time at the club last season.

Recording a total of six, the same number as Ricardo Pereira (£6.0m), meant that the Belgian averaged a big chance created every 181 minutes.

When studying the goal threat, we can see again that Maddison was shooting more often than Tielemans too, as was Barnes and, not surprisingly, Vardy.

The Foxes’ talismanic striker was obviously top for minutes per shot in the box (33.4) too and, out of these four key team-mates, Tielemans actually came out worse in that department, averaging a shot in the box every 155.9 minutes.

Tielemans may have to work hard to sustain his form from the end of 2018/19 in the new campaign

Perhaps it’s possible then that such a run as he produced at the end of last season, in which he secured eight attacking returns in nine Gameweeks, is somewhat unsustainable at the start of 2019/20.

What these pieces of information mean for Tielemans’ expected goals (xG) is something we will have to save for our upcoming Members-only article.

How his underlying translates into xG, and those of his colleagues will give us the full picture of what use Tielemans will be to Fantasy managers this season.

As that data is a big part of our Membership package, only those signed up for the 2019/20 campaign will be able to read our analysis of it, coming later today.

While Tielemans doesn’t hold up as favourably as we’d hoped when it comes to the raw underlying statistics, there are, of course, plenty of positives about the player.

In particular, he seems to have advantages over Maddison and Barnes in terms of security of place in the team.

For the majority of Tielemans’ time at Leicester, he was stationed in a central midfield pairing of a four-man bank, enjoying consistent time in the same role.

However, while he was in that role, Brendan Rodgers experimented with different roles for the fifth midfield man.

Sometimes Maddison was deployed as a number 10 behind Vardy in a 4-4-1-1, while at others, Wilfried Ndidi sat behind the midfield in a 4-1-4-1.

Furthermore, Maddison was also moved into several positions within the midfield four at times, either in the middle with Tielemans, or in the place of Barnes on the left flank of it.

Either way, compared to those two midfield team-mates, Tielemans held his position while the others shifted around him.

That is certainly to his credit as it would have almost certainly contributed to his consistent return of FPL points compared to Maddison and Barnes.

Crucially, the £6.5m price-tag is the key appeal of Tielemans though.

The £0.5m over Barnes is worth paying given that he is considerably more assured of a start than the Englishman, while he still offers a £0.5m saving against Maddison, who he outscored in his time at Leicester in 2018/19.

602 Comments Post a Comment
  1. jtreble
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Any truth to the rumour that Rhian Brewster will start the season for LIV in place of Mane and/or Firmino?

    1. Andy'81
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I doubt Brewster's ahead of Origi just yet.

      1. jtreble
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        It sounds like Brewster is going to play on LIV’s US tour. Always nice to see rookies get a chance.

    2. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Klopp's said he won't buy an expensive covering striker so that Brewster gets some minutes. That's all.

  2. Pukki Party
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Thoughts?

    Ryan
    TAA Robertson Digne
    Salah Sterling Siggy Tielemans Groß
    King Jota

    Button Kiko Kelly 4.5

    Going VvD over Robbo and 4.5 def if no 4.0 defender look like starting.

    Cheers

    1. bhh
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I've rated this team so many times I've forgotten what I think about it

    2. ROLLING THE DICE
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Not a fan of King or Jota, good aside from that.

  3. Christina.
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Should not take any longer than 5 mins to slap a team together.

    4.5m
    4.5m - Robbo-Digne-VvD
    Salah-Sterling-Moura-Siggy-Tielemans
    Wilson

    1. bhh
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Yes, that is good team

    2. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      If Pope is number 1 then he’s a no brainer

    3. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Wilson->King...gives you Ederson

    4. BoomXhakaLaca1
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Tielemans and Wilson? Unsure

      1. ROLLING THE DICE
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Wilson close to signing a new deal - when fit he's great.

        1. BoomXhakaLaca1
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Good player, would prefer a more premium player though for a forward

          1. Christina.
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            does it matter? as long as he scores pts.

            1. Christina.
              • 14 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              of all the forwards only Auba, Vardy, kun and Jimmy scored more than him last yr.

              1. Christina.
                • 14 Years
                4 years, 8 months ago

                Tielemand scored same PPG as Fraser & Siggy last season. More than both Silvas from City, Richarlison and Eriksen.

                1. BoomXhakaLaca1
                  • 11 Years
                  4 years, 8 months ago

                  Would rather maddison or Perez over him anyway

                2. Majestic Chanka
                  • 7 Years
                  4 years, 8 months ago

                  It’s not sustainable though. He’s not getting 30+ returns in a season.

  4. AJ24
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    RMT Please

    Begovic, Heaton

    TAA, Laporte, Duffy, Kelly, Targett

    Salah, B Silva, Sigurdson, Tielemans, Hayden

    Kane, King, Jimenez

    Thanks!

    1. CROCosta
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Begovic not nailed and even if nailed I would not go near BOU defense except for 4.5 bench fodder - 11th rotating player.
      Would downgrade Jimenez and upgrade GK and 1 defender

      1. It's his Job.
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Jimenez-Jota
        Heaton-Pickford

      2. AJ24
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Thank you - will rework
        I did think Begovic wasnt ideal!

    2. Bocaginge
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I think Brighton will be decent for going forward next season but I'd expect their defence to suffer as a result. With that in mind I'd say that Duffy is a punt that might not work out. Is your plan to play a 3 man defence with Duffy/Kelly/Targett rotating depending on promising fixtures?
      As mentioned above, Begovic isn't nailed on and even if he is Bournemouth aren't known for their clean sheet potential (despite their favourable early fixtures). Heaton isn't nailed on either, plus Bournemouth and Burnley don't really have a favourable rotation in terms of fixtures.
      Midfield looks alright and forward line is decent although I'd expect Jimenez to be rested for first week or two (plus Wolves don't really have a good opening schedule)

      1. AJ24
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks for this - will get rid of Beg and rethink GKs and Jimenez
        Yes thr thought would be the play TAA and Laporte and chose the 3rd def between the rest!

  5. It's his Job.
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Can i get a rating on my team so far?

    Ryan
    Vvd Taa Coleman Mendy
    Salah Kante Richarlison Sterling
    King Vardy
    Button A Smith Long Dendonker

    1. It's his Job.
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Cheers!
      Some great early teams on here but also a lot of early field fodder too, im hoping im not n the latter.

    2. Bartowski
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      No to Mendy and Kante. Other than that its good although I don't understand everyones obsession with Ryan...

      1. It's his Job.
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Many thanks!
        I dont think there is much out tbere in midfield for 5.0 and Kante just ticks that box.And this afgorded me Stetling rather than Bilva.
        Ryan-Price and early fixtures are the appeal for myself as around gw3 i normally activate early wc

        1. It's his Job.
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Excuse the spelling mitsakes \○/

        2. Bartowski
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          True but if Zinch looks like nailing the left spot you can get him for 5.5 and upgrade Kante a smidge.

          1. It's his Job.
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            It was only last season and maybe even still that Barca and Real Madrid showed the intetest in Kante as their holding Midfielder!
            He is most owened atm in that price category
            Yet when he is in any team everyone suggests swapping him out.
            Im confused.com

            1. Bartowski
              • 13 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              He will be back to his deep holding role this season where he doesn't get any points,

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

                Agree . Sarri was wrong to expect him to perform a different role.

                1. Ask Yourself
                  • 7 Years
                  4 years, 8 months ago

                  Yeah he’ll be back but harsh to say he was wrong considering he played a big part in helping Chelsea come 3rd in the league and winning europa league. He really couldn’t have done much more than that surely

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

                    I just don't think that Sarri utilised the players at his disposal b6 playing to their relative strengths. RLC and CHO would have added a lot more in my opinion.

                    1. Ask Yourself
                      • 7 Years
                      4 years, 8 months ago

                      I see what u mean but he is a very particular manager and it may seem weird but it is undeniably effective

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

                        True he probably got more out of the squad than expected . It was a strange atmosphere at The Bridge last season and with the transfer situation this one will not be easy.

    3. UptheBlues
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      0.5 over budget

  6. The Overthinker
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    CONTRACT OFFERED:
    Today Newcastle have offered a contract to former Arsenal and Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck. Being told talks will continue with a meeting planned in coming days #NUFC https://t.co/VdNv7rarhS

    1. El-Kloppico
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      They should have gotten Studge also.. and try to rotate their injuries off-time.

      1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        😆

    2. Differential C (Mark)
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Magpies going from a duo of Rondon-Ayoze to Muto-Welbeck.

      Rafa has well and truly left the building.

    3. Andy'81
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Most likely BS, we still don't have a manager and I'm not so sure that we'd be offering the wages Welbeck would like.

  7. Tcheco
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    A. KDB & Vardy

    B. Sterling & Tielemans

    1. Differential C (Mark)
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      B, I'd really want Sterling if I didn't have to sacrifice other things.

    2. SoccerBoi69
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      A, mostly because I like the value (and risk) of KDB.

    3. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      A

  8. Differential C (Mark)
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    How's this effort?

    Lloris
    TAA Walker Digne Holebas
    Salah DeBruyne Sigurdsson Tielemans
    Aubameyang Adams

    Button Dendoncker Kelly Greenwood

    0.0m ITB

    Thoughts?

    1. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I started with Auba last year and he was really frustrating, interesting to see how Adams does.. Lloris was epic for me last year manage to have him during the 2 own saves vs Leicester and Arsenal

      1. Warby84
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Pen saves I mean

        1. Differential C (Mark)
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          I really wanted Pickford, but the EVE double defense didn't seem worth it, so had to go for either DDG or LLoris. Could swing either way, really, depends on whether David gets back in form.
          Auba, well, it was between Kane and Auba, really. Decided to get Auba for GW1 and 2 and switch to Kane in GW3. That way I avoid the Spurs game with City. Captaincy should be something like this . .

          GW1 Salah
          GW2 Auba
          GW3 Kane
          GW4 Salah

          1. Warby84
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Newcastle in disarray think Arsenal could batter them, what about Laca instead, save 1.5m? Although I suppose you can’t revert back to another premium..

            1. Differential C (Mark)
              • 8 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              Its the price point, I'd have the option to revert to a 9,5 if the premiums fail early on. If I pick Laca i could be potentially stuck with him if he flops and need to use 2 FTs to get to that 11.0 price point.

              Cheers, mate. Yeah, Magpies in disarray is what does it for me, and Kane's GW2 fixture.

          2. Andy_Social
            • 11 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Overthinking? One reason I lost Sterling for KdB is because I realised I should perma-cap Salah.

            1. Differential C (Mark)
              • 8 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              Could very much end up keeping Auba if Kane looks off and the August curse rears its head again. Nah, I think Auba vs Burnley is a good fixture, and I'd cap him over Salah vs Saints.

    2. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I forgot about auba. Makes that captaincy rotation great

      1. Differential C (Mark)
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Seems very underrated here at FFS, but actually is just a mere 5.0% off Kane in the overall game.
        Auba - 16%
        Kane - 21%

  9. Warby84
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Pope |Button
    Trent Robertson Digne Cathcart |Fredericks
    Salah Sterling Tielemans Zaha |Dendoncker
    Vardy King |Greenwood

    Current squad, would like Wilson instead of King.. any thoughts on this?

    1. Tommyg
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Almost exactly the same as mine. So I like it.

    2. Differential C (Mark)
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Looks alright. I'm team "premium striker" at the moment, but hey, could switch to Vardy as the expensive striker.
      Overall a good team.

  10. Kimmich
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Aguero / Salah / KdB team opinions?

    Ryan
    VVD - Coleman - Zinchenko
    Salah - KdB - Zaha - Perez - Yarmolenko
    Aguero - Jiménez.

    (Button - Balbuena - Kelly - Wickham)

    1. Lingard’s Shin Guards
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Quite like it. Would personally downgrade Jimenez to a ~6.5 and invest that money elsewhere, wolves are a wait and see with their busier schedule and thin depth

      1. Kimmich
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah I can agree with this, would free up a mil, could do Yarmo > Brooks and Coleman > Digne.

      2. Warby84
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Yep you could get Trent or Robertson or even both of you downgrade Jimi

        1. Kimmich
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          I’m not keen on many of the 6.5 or lower options at the minute, weird one but probably have to gamble.

      3. Kimmich
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        How about Digne - Brooks and Deeney instead of Coleman, Yarmo, Jimenez?

        1. Lingard’s Shin Guards
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Yeah that looks nice. Any reason for going Deeney over Deu?

          1. Kimmich
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Pens and Deulofeu’s position change probably swing it.

  11. Bartowski
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Am I the only one waiting for FPL to pick up their arse and add Tammy Abraham to the game so I can do my team properly?!

    1. Kimmich
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Nope, if Tammy looks like starting I’ll be interested.

  12. Bobby Reds
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    a) Brooks & Wesley
    or
    b) Grealish & King

    I'm leaning towards a) tbh, what you chaps reckon?

    1. Kimmich
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      A if I had to pick, not keen on King when Wilson is fit however Wesley is a complete unknown to me.

      1. Bobby Reds
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Cheers, I'm not keen on King full stop tbh

  13. Boris Bodega
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    First draft, feel free to give it a good kicking.

    Ryan - (Button)
    Robertson - Digne - Coleman - (Dunk - Kelly)
    Mané - Fraser - Zaha - Kanté - (Dendoncker)
    Auba - Kane - Deulofeu

    Captains armband to switch between Auba and Kane depending on home games is the plan.

    1. Kimmich
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Wouldn’t pick Kante, likely to return even deeper under Lamps.

      1. Boris Bodega
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah that's the only weak link. I have got an extra 0.5 so can replace hom with a 5.5m MF. Any suggestions?

        1. Kimmich
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Probably try and stretch to 6.0 there’s Yarmo, JWP, Trossard, Grealish who look okay. At 5.5 it looks a bit slim. Djenepo or El Ghazi probably. Even Norwood at 5.0 would be better than Kante imo.

    2. El-Kloppico
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Kane is a diesel man, will take some 5-6gws to find his feet.
      Cap on Mané I guess. But will need to see when he is released from African Cup

      1. Boris Bodega
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Ahh bugger forgot about that.

    3. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Why would you go Kante?
      No City is interesting.

      1. Boris Bodega
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        I had KDB in place of Mané at first, but prefer to go without City rather than Liverpool.

        1. Rupert The Horse
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Maybe down grade Auba.
          Team is too light.

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

      no salah and no sterling is extremely bold, possibly reckless

  14. El-Kloppico
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Finding it difficult to line up 2 star players in a team this year..

    Ederson
    Robbo - Digne - Azpi - Kiko - Diop
    Salah - FAnderson - Pedro - Richa - Dendonker
    Wilson - Rash - Sharp

    Is that ok to start with?

    1. Lingard’s Shin Guards
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      One of those where you wonder where all the money went

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

        It went on trashford

    2. The 5% Team
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      lots of (imo) overpriced players like Wilson, Rash, Pedro, Richa

    3. scubasmithy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Wilson to king
      I'd avoid United
      FAnderson not worth it
      Richarlison - better off with Siggy I thinkj

    4. Krafty Werks
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      3/10...rip it up and start again!!

  15. Warby84
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Perez was booed by his own fans at the start of last season! Any magpies she’s a light on this? I’m going to avoid to begin with as I’m unsure, tielemans even though never owned him was epic last season, so think I’m leaning towards Youri..

    1. Tommyg
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Yeah not a got a good record of starting seasons well. I'm gonna have a watching brief on him.

  16. CROCosta
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    I see a lot of teams with Vardy/LEI mids and I keep wondering why?
    - Only 3/8 good fixtures at the start of the season
    - Great team with plenty attack minded players = sharing points for goals and assist, anyone of Vardy/Maddison/Perez/Tielmans/Barnes/Pereira/Chilwell are capable of scoring/assisting and I hate investing in team when goals are spread out between players (except in Man City as they ship 4+ goals with ease each gw)
    - Even though mids are priced nicely (all in 6-7 range) I would rather go for someone like Zaha, Felipe Anderson, or maybe even Redmond who are key players for their clubs and will certainly be included in higher % of goals their teams score then either one of Leicester players (at least for start of season)
    - If one of the players proves to be best of the bunch/ most attacking / in form etc by gw8 only then I will start considering them but until that point whole team is a big NO for me even though I think LEI could finish top6 or even top4 this year.

    What are your thoughts and reasoning behind picking LEI mids at the start of season?

    1. Bartowski
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Form at the end of last season is a factor.

    2. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      The so-called 'bad fixtures' include Chelsea and Man United. I wouldn't be surprised if Leicester finish above them.

      1. CROCosta
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        If they were playing at home sure but away I do not see them scoring more then 1 goal in either of those games

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

          Under this manager they will attack . Man Utd defence is cack , Chelsea with no Rudiger and potentially weak LHS defensively.

    3. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Good point made
      Vardy is there due to 2 mil cheaper than big hitter.
      Perez Tiel wait and see

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

      They will be a very attacking team and look full of goals. For the prices they represent exceptional value for money . Vardy has proved himself in the past to be pretty fixture proof. The others you mention are in teams which are likely to create far fewer chances and therefore I believe that their points ceilings are lower. I am happy to gamble on Vardy plus one other.

      1. CROCosta
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Agree on Vardy, he is the best option. I would say he is a premium player priced cheaper then other premiums and has proven his consistency for the last couple of years and is least succeptable to rotation, if I was going for any LEI players my first 2 picks would be Vardy and Chilwell

    5. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Puel was sacked on the 24th Feb

      Vardy scored 10 and setup 1 in the following 11 premier league games (that spell included games against Spurs, Arsenal, Man City, Chelsea)

      For context - he scored 8 and setup 1 in the prior 23 appearances under Puel lol

      He’s in full on beast mode under Brodge - Rodger’s equivalent of Suarez from the Liverpool days

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Some proper sense.

      2. avfc82
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        His creativity massively upped once Rodgers was appointed too.

        1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Yep - he was one of the first names on my teamsheet even pre-prices - sometimes you just “know” when a player, a system, and a manager all dovetail to create an extremely lethal FPL asset (think CR7, Sanchez, Suarez, Salah, Sterling etc)

          I’m not saying Vardy is going to score 250 points, or possibly even 200 depending on how many games he gets - but I think he’s in that bucket of extreme potential this year

          He’s older now so fitness will be his main enemy i’d Imagine - if he gets games he’ll get points imo

    6. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Brendon's found the key to bring out the best in Vardy (a player I dislike) I really can't find a better striker atm and his understanding with Maddie is flourishing.
      Made some shrewd moves too, I can't convince myself on any downside either, though I've tried hard.

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

        I think Mrs Vardy likes him.

        1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          £££ 🙂

          1. toerag
            • 13 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            hahahahh just about to do this 😆

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

            Don't think it's for his looks. ☺

              1. toerag
                • 13 Years
                4 years, 8 months ago

                😆 😆

              2. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
                • 6 Years
                4 years, 8 months ago

                Hehehe! Bloody loved Steptoe me.

    7. CROCosta
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I understand all the love for Vardy and would like to get him in my team but that would require a downgrade from Sterling to KDB. But what about Tielmans/Mads/Perez whats with them? Why are people considering them over other mid tier midfield options like Anderson/Zaha/Siggy/Fraser/Mili/Redmond/Brooks.

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        To be honest I think (imo) the ideal FPL attacking unit for this season starts with Salah, Sterling, Vardy, then you work backwards... you don’t try to crowbar Vardy in at the end

        1. CROCosta
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          I have one 4-4-2 draft for this:
          Pope
          Robbo-VVD-Digne-Coleman
          Salah-Sterling-Zaha-FAnderson
          Vardy-DCL
          4.0-Kelly-Dendocker-4.5

          I don't like that it has no BOU players and the flexibility is much worse then with my 4-5-1 team due to 2x7.0mids and my back 4 is pretty much nailed in all of my drafts.
          Current draft for reference:
          Pope
          Robbo-VVD-Digne-Coleman
          Salah-Sterling-Siggy-Fraser-Zaha
          King
          4.0-Kelly-4.5-4.5

          So basically the trade of is:
          A) Vardy, DCL and FAnderson + better first 4.5 sub
          B) Siggy, Fraser and King

  17. Cojones of Destiny
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Hey lads which one :
    a. DCL-Perez-Digne
    b. KDB-Hayden-Coleman

    thx

    1. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I like B.

    2. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      b

    3. Differential C (Mark)
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      B

  18. SADIO SANÉ
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    I'd be surprised if Mane doesn't make the AFCON final, wonder if that will leave him short for GW1 ... would Shaqiri or Origi be more likely to get that spot?

    1. The 5% Team
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Shaqiri is injured, so Origi then maybe

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

        oop completely missed that

        1. Andy_Social
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Don't forget the Ox

  19. Differential C (Mark)
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Is the Erik Pieters signing a danger to Taylor's spot in the XI at Burnley?

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Backup, I'd have thought. I'm happy to have Taylor in my squad for a few weeks at least.

  20. Boris Bodega
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    a) Salah + 4.5 mid
    b) KDB + F Anderson

    1. bhh
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      B.

  21. BoomXhakaLaca1
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Easily one of the most boring transfer windows ever, sad times

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

      Lol . Weeks to go yet.

      1. BoomXhakaLaca1
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        I know ya but still boring so far nonetheless haha

    2. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Over 4 weeks left and lots of players not returned for pre season yet

      1. BoomXhakaLaca1
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Of course it could get exciting but do clubs really want big names near the end of the window that lack match sharpness and lacking team chdmistry?

        1. THFC4LIFE
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          The managers probably don’t, but the men at the clubs spending the money want the best deals

          1. BoomXhakaLaca1
            • 11 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Well the best deals for the men spending the money realistically is spending no money haha.

    3. The 5% Team
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Doesn't seem we get to see action from Chelsea (obv) and Liverpool this summer

      1. BoomXhakaLaca1
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Ya sadly, not a Liverpool myself but was hoping they'd bring in 1 or 2 players in order to pass City, looking at city's bench is just ridiculous compared to every other teams.

        1. The 5% Team
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          they do have Gomez and Ox coming back from injuries, but I agree

          I guess Arsenal and ManUtd the most likely to see some changes in squads

    4. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Hasn't really started yet.

  22. Fordy40
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Lots of teams, including mine, that have Zaha - but I’m now thinking he won’t be starting the season after Cup of Nations, possibly the same with Mane

    1. bhh
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I think anyone still at AFCON is looking unlikely to be in squads for week 1 and probably 2. I'd avoid them until the first international break. Players coming back from the finals of Copa America may also create a slight issue in their selections

    2. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Correct. I brought Salah into my squad when Egypt went out, but no Mane or Zaha for me for now.

  23. bhh
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Tried to create a team as far from the template as possible (but still create a reasonable team) to try and start more debates and give a bit of food for thought in these threads.
    RIP IT APART!

    Kepa - Pope
    Azpi - Holebas - Koscielny - Tarkowski - Morgan
    Mane - Eriksen - Ozil - Willian - Neves
    Auba - Barnes - Deeney

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      People moan about players/teams being too "template" - but they are template for a reason.

      1. bhh
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        I'm more moaning about the fact everyone posts teams in the comments that, barring one or two, are usually teams that always contain the same players. This team is designed to make people assess the potential merits of other players as well and generally present something different from what everyone else is choosing

        1. Now I'm Panicking
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Agree with that - typical FFS RMT:

          Template Template
          Template Template Template Template Template
          Non-Template Template Template Template Template
          Template Template Template

          All replies: swap Non-Template for Template.

          1. bhh
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Ryan
            Robbo VVD TAA Digne (Fodder)
            Salah Sterling Siggy (Dendocker Fodder)
            Wilson Jimenez King/DCL

            I know the money doesn't add up but still. This is a good team. Most think this is a good team. Now do something else

    2. BoomXhakaLaca1
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Probably start again lad tbh, not really sure where the strength in that team lies... Maybe auba at the minute?

    3. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      rrrrrrrripppppp

      Are you going to rotate Kepa? Save 0.5 on fodder-keeper (doesn't have to be cliche Button)
      Arsenal defence - allergic to clean sheets
      If Maguire goes maybe Evans/Morgan line up - if Brendan doesn't spend the money. Unlikely, imo.
      Mane - will he be ready for GW1 if he plays in the AfCon final?
      Eriksen - wants to leave
      Ozil - manager hates him
      Barnes - JRod just arrived - challenges Barnes and Wood's minutes?

      Apart from that, i don't like it 🙂

      1. bhh
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Great. Thanks for those assessments. Seems like Tarkowski and Deeney are keepers tho!

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

      Revert to template.

      1. bhh
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        I didn't save this team don't worry. My actual team is very template at the moment. Wanted to post this and see if anyone picked out one or two players from this that might be worth including in my actual team. Turns out, that's a no!

    5. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      not bad, I'd move funds from the bench into the first XI unless you're planning on Bench Boosting early

    6. Krafty Werks
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Yuck!! 2/10

    7. scubasmithy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Wow!

      No City, No Liverpool, No Everton, No Bournemouth......

      Back 5 is about as bad as you can get.
      Mane - poor value
      Eriksen - given the fixtures I think Siggy is better and miles cheaper
      Ozil - well, its Ozil, enough said
      Willian - maybe but huge risk chelsea could be utter garbage without Hazard
      Auba - fair enough
      Barnse - maybe
      Deeney - prefer King etc....

      It's a horror show of a squad

  24. THFC4LIFE
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    How’s this effort fellas?

    Ryan
    TAA Laporte Digne
    Salah KDB Brooks Perez
    Kane King Deulofeu

    Button A.Smith Dendoncker Kelly

    1. BoomXhakaLaca1
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Pretty template so good to go, unless u want to spice it up

    2. Krafty Werks
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Decent but must admit i do prefer Sterling & Vardy over KDB & Kane.

  25. Netters2018
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Almost there now, this feels about ready other than pre season monitoring to decide on Burnley GK nod(think it will be Pope) Chelsea line up and if Zinch can nail down the LB spot early and/who starts out of Gomez/Matip (Remove Trippier)

    Pope or Heaton
    TAA, Digne, Laporte, Trippier, Adam Smith
    Salah, Sterling, Brooks
    Kane, King

    Bench - Pure fodders with Dendonker as 1st.

    What are peoples thoughts?

  26. Ronnies
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Current team:

    Ryan
    Robbo - TAA - Laporte - Digne
    Salah - Sterling - Siggy - Tielemans
    King - Deulofeu

    Button, Kelly, Dendonkey, Nketiah

    Thoughts guys ?
    Thanks.

    1. Krafty Werks
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Identical to my current draft except gone Jota over Deulofeu & Wickham as my 4.5 attacking fodder...so it's a 9/10 from me!!

  27. Rupert The Horse
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Just added it up.
    My back 7 are worth 40.5. Definitely the highest I've ever had.
    Anyone else gone quite big in defence?

    1. bhh
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I've done my usual 2 premium 2 average 1 cheap

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

      I did this intially but didn't like it . Too much cash tied up in a relatively small number of teams. Eggs in one basket.

    3. toerag
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      38.5 atm 🙄

    4. Krafty Werks
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      39 not too far off, suspect you've just gone with a premium keeper to my Ryan/Button?

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Yes, I'm on Ederson and Button.

        1. Krafty Werks
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          There it is then, personally never been a fan of premium keepers but obviously does save headache in that department i guess? It's just the loss of an outfield City/Pool spot i dislike more than anything i suppose?

    5. Sir EFO
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Between 39 and 41.5, difference is Reid to Alonso

  28. Rotation's Alter Ego
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    New player added

    Rodriguez at 6m (FWD)

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Wood and Rod potentially up front for Burnley - too many jokes, so little time.....

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Heheh.

    2. bhh
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      hmmm. I'll pass

    3. The 5% Team
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      decent price I guess

    4. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Add abraham or I will riot

      1. toerag
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        predictable...

      2. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        😆

  29. Tosa86
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    first FPL draft:

    ederson- button
    Digne - robertson- VVD - reid- kelly
    Salah - Siggy - zaha - moutinho - hayden
    king - kun - jota

    ay suggestion?

    Thanks

    1. Fordy40
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Reid won’t be a starter for West Ham

    2. bhh
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I like it. Its a bit different. Jota I think is a solid pick, Moutinho is interesting and Hayden could offer something. May downgrade Digne to Keane and upgrade Reid to Balb/Diop if you want a starting West Ham defender

  30. Fordy40
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Is Kelly likely to start for Palace ?

    1. bhh
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      No

    2. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Would be nice wouldn't it! I don't think we'll know the answer until much nearer the start of the season though.

      1. Fordy40
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        He’s in 23% of squads !

    3. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Don’t understand why people think he will be. Rico has a chance on the other hand