Scout Reports

Ceballos could offer value when Arsenal’s fixtures turn

New Arsenal midfielder Dani Ceballos (£5.5m) has the potential to be an exciting budget asset in Fantasy Premier League this season.

The Spaniard has joined the ranks at the Emirates Stadium on loan from Real Madrid, arriving with domestic and international acclaim.

Since signing for Real Madrid at 17, he has 35 senior appearances as well as six caps with the Spanish international team.

The midfielder has taken the number eight shirt at the Emirates, vacated by Aaron Ramsey following his departure to Juventus, and Unai Emery will be hoping that this exciting, attacking prospect can replicate his promising form in the Premier League.

Ceballos is likely to feature in a centrally-orientated attacking position for the Gunners, combining with the squad’s frontline including Alexandre Lacazette (£9.5m), Pierre-Emerick Aubeyamang (£11.0m) and the club-record £72m signing Nicolas Pepe to provide incisive runs and potential assists for Arsenal’s attacking options. 

Despite having huge boots to fill in taking Ramsey’s number eight shirt, if Ceballos can deliver on the hype that has surrounded his arrival at the Emirates then Fantasy managers could be looking at a real asset this season.

Head coach Unai Emery praised Ceballos’ attacking abilities upon signing: 

“We’re excited to see Dani join us. He is a talented player with big technical ability, creativity and precision.”

Ceballos also spoke of his delight at having Emery’s backing: 

“I knew I had the confidence of the coach, which was very important for me from the start. I was aware of the responsibility that wearing this shirt entails and it was a tremendously proud moment when I decided to join Arsenal”

The History and Statistics

Ceballos’ arrival in the Premier League with Arsenal marks a new chapter of considerable excitement in the 22-year-old’s career, yet the expectation and scrutiny he is likely to face this season will be unlike anything he has experienced before.

After rising through the youth ranks with Sevilla and Utrera in Spain, Ceballos moved to Real Betis in the concluding stages of his development as a youth prospect, arriving at the club in 2011 and making his senior debut just three years later. 

The midfielder made a total of 98 appearances for Betis across three years at senior level, scoring seven goals alongside working his way into the Spanish set-up with the Under-19 and Under-21 squads. 

This promising form from a young Spanish attacker attracted the interest of Zinedine Zidane at Real Madrid under the management, who made their move and secured the signing of Ceballos on a six-year contract after agreeing a £16m fee with Betis. 

Ceballos’ arrival at Madrid made Spanish national manager Luis Enrique sit up and take note, with a call-up to the senior side following as his ascent went one step further at just 20 years of age. 

Ceballos in action for Real Madrid last season

In his most recent season in La Liga, Ceballos made 13 starts for Los Blancos as the club faltered to their worst domestic season for over 20 years.

For a club who are unquestionably in a stage of transition following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo to Juventus, the Bernabéu does not currently represent an ideal destination for player development with a prospect such as Ceballos, with the instantaneous requirement for results meaning blooding youth prospects does not rank highly on the list of priorities. 

Combining the situation at Madrid with Arsenal’s reported lack of financial flexibility means this loan makes perfect sense for all concerned – Madrid, Arsenal and Ceballos himself – especially considering the departure of Ramsey to Juventus. 

If Ceballos is able to gain a consistent stream of minutes and, consequently some form, there is no reason that this 22-year-old prospect cannot establish himself in Arsenal’s starting XI.

Yet there will understandably be a sense of cautious optimism following the disappointing loan spell from another La Liga prospect, Denis Suárez, in the most recent 2018/19 campaign. 

Comparisons


Minutes per shotMinutes per shot in the boxMinutes per shot on targetMinutes per key pass
Ceballos 47.3111.4157.846.2
Aubameyang29.147.168.382.8
Lacazette3147.383.680.9
Mkhitaryan33.6 65.8117.456.7
Pepe28.24954.647.6
Ramsey 4072.8106.751.6
Özil 158.4193.6290.338.7

The Prospects 

Whilst Ceballos does not necessarily represent a marquee attacking signing for Arsenal, this is certainly a player with the potential to contribute to their attacking efforts in qualifying for the Champions League in 2019/20. 

The Spaniard’s minutes per key pass (46.2) was beaten only by Mesut Özil (£7.5m) from the 2018/19 season, with his central attacking role for both Madrid and the Spanish national team helping him contribute assists and linkup play in the final third.

The disparity in Ceballos’ minutes per shot in the box and shot on target with Arsenal’s main attacking options (Aubameyang & Lacazette) suggest that Ceballos is a player less likely to score than to help his team-mates do so, although it is worth pointing out that he still shot considerably more often than Özil.

Given the friction between the German and Emery last season, it remains unclear whether the manager views the former World Cup winner as a central part of his plans for the upcoming season. 

If this instability in Ozil and Emery’s working relationship is to continue, there would certainly be scope for a player such as Ceballos to play a central role for Arsenal in the upcoming Premier League season, but this will have to be a situation that is monitored by Fantasy managers in the opening Gameweeks of 2019/20. 

A potentially influential factor in Ceballos’ playing time will be who Emery decides to play in the absence of Ramsey following his transfer to Juventus. The Welshman made just 14 league appearances in his final season at the club, but his departure combined with Ozil’s unquestionable inconsistency means there is a central attacking dilemma for Emery, and presently this dilemma remains unsolved. 

Ceballos in action for Arsenal during pre-season

Whether a 22-year-old loanee is an answer to Arsenal’s midfield problems is something that will only become clear in the opening stages of the 2019/20 season, especially as he does have Henrikh Mkhitaryan (£7.0m) available to him.

Last season, the former Manchester United player recorded an inferior figure for minutes per chance created compared to Ceballos, but as you can see from the table above, he definitely offers more goal threat in and around the penalty box than the new loan signing.

However, with international experience and domestic exposure at one of Europe’s biggest clubs, Ceballos certainly has the ability, coupled with the potential opportunity to excel for the Gunners in the upcoming campaign. 

Arsenal’s fixtures present a difficult decision for managers, with the selection of their assets hugely based in the short-term vs medium-term comparison. The Gunners face Newcastle (away) and Burnley (home) in their first two games – attractive attacking fixtures on paper – but then face Liverpool (away) and Tottenham (home) by the start of September. 

There is certainly potential for Arsenal’s attacking options to score well against the likes of Newcastle and Burnley, but whether these same assets remain viable options for testing games against Liverpool and Spurs is hard to judge.

This difficult dilemma with regards to fixtures, combined with Ceballos remaining a relatively unknown quantity in relation to Emery’s preference for selection means justifying his inclusion from the outset is tricky for Fantasy managers. 

Priced at £5.5m, if Ceballos was to be starting games for Emery alongside the Gunners hitting a strong patch of form, then the 22-year-old potentially represents a value-for-money option for Arsenal coverage. 

Yet at this stage of pre-season without seeing Emery’s preferred starting XI in a league fixture, Ceballos’ inclusion as an attacking Arsenal asset would represent a high-risk gamble for managers.

The Spaniard could emerge as a strong differential when Arsenal’s fixtures improve from Gameweek 8, facing none of last season’s top-six until Gameweek 17, but for now, Ceballos is likely to feature on our radars rather than our drafts.

1,644 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    That Ceballos fella looks like the real play-making type according to football manager/Championship Manager stats

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

    Once I saw Ramsey replacement mentioned - in the article my next thought was has he been injured much?

    The answer is no he was injured a total of 33 days in career so far according to transfermarkt

    https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/dani-ceballos/verletzungen/spieler/319745

    Only sprained ankle/ankle injury.

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

      His stats to date aren't great - but I think for 5.5 he could be worth a shout. Personally, think he'll play the most advanced of a 3 man midfield. Expect him to play on Sunday in last friendly vs Barca so will be watching closely

      1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        I was immediately tempted to get him in as a gamble at that price instead of Sigurdsson and spread the funds.
        Those first two fixtures look OK - then maybe switch to perez

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

          For a 4th mid (or 5th in a 352) I don't see why not. I think I am.

          A few others from the promoted teams could be good for that price too so not totally locked in

    2. el polako
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      All he got to do for me is outscore Gudmundson 🙂

      1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        😀 well said!

    3. noquarternt
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Beautiful skin, takes me back

  2. Aims for the season
    slove
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    What is everyone's aim for the new season ? I personally feel I'm at a crossroads where I probably can't keep up my form from last season so a top 25K finish is my target! How about you?

    Season Pts OR
    2016/17 2108 220293
    2017/18 2321 8045
    2018/19 2430 2880

    1. Free Hat
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Under 10k! Last year 16k

    2. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      My aim is to try and get a really good start - a jump on the 'fpl community' for a change.
      Bit of a gamble though could backfire treble liverpool defence TAA captain.

      1. i am jose mourinho
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Last year was my first seson. Made some huge mistakes with my chips but still managed to finish 45 k.Aiming top 10. Hope you guys help me.

        1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          The secret to it is get a good mixture, rough planning, and a team structure.
          A portion of players that most people have on here, mixed with a portion that you feel people on here are overlooking.
          That way you might get ahead of the pack

      2. bencaraway
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Me too - equally "all in" on triple Liverpool defence. Nothing ventured, nothing gained!

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

      I want to win it

      1. Free Hat
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Thats the spirit

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

      To have fun and slaughter my friends in our mini league (which isn't too hard - they're bad)

      Spent a few years steadily improving OR but then went to uni and don't have the time to give anymore and my OR is dropping again

    5. Oooof
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Win mini leagues and get an OR under 50k if possible

    6. Carlton_Goal
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Win mini league and top 50k. Best finish last season at 52k

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

      Top 10 in my money league and top 50k overall shouldn't be impossible

    8. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Anything less than OR 1 will be considered a failure

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

      Fun actually

      I had a blast last time crawling up from over 1 mill in GW24 to under 100k.

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

      To beat my finish of 8th in the world two seasons ago to prove to everyone (including myself) it wasn’t a fluke

      1. IRBOX ⚽
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Update your link

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

          Updated

      2. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        I was OR2 after 31 weeks once, so my goal is to get to OR1 before that time period.

        Then I intend to try something easier like a solo flight to Mars....

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

        That season really is the odd one out, but great effort none the less.

    11. FPLMartial
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      My aim is to win the whole thing out...

      ...and I will.

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

      Making the top 10k would be great. A 92nd minute consolation goal for Norwich would NOT be a good start!

    13. jia you
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Like the OP, Ive had a top 5k, top 10k, and one poor finish in the past three seasons. Interestingly my best season was the OPs worst.
      My aim will be to play similarly to last season, go with my gut and not be put off by naysayers on here. Enjoy the banter of the DZ and have fun trying to finish as high as possible playing my own style!
      I had 19 different captains and was Salahless all season last year and finished top 10k so who knows with a bit of luck...

    14. Liber
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Top 1k.

    15. Annie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Win work ML primary aim, bragging rights over OR

    16. Party time
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Just be number 1

      • Markus
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        To avoid doing a Jay egersdorff

      • Óró Sé…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        To maintain working relationships with non-fpl obsessed “normals”.

        Oh, and to discover one day that nobody but me has ever heard of the Beatles and Anthony Martial

      • KickIt
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Would be pleased with top 1K but want to win it of course! 🙂

      • william prunier
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Top 10k
        More importantly reclaim the Fenland mini league

      • L S P
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Bounce back from my worst finish in 5 years and crack the top 10k

      • RedLightning
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        It would be great to win the whole thing, but more realistically my aim at the beginning of every season is to finish in the top thousand for the first time.

        I'd probably settle for a third top 10k finish though. Haven't had one of those for a while.

      • arndff_
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Top 1K

      • Dušan Citizen
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Aiming for my first top 1k finish

      • G-Whizz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Last year finished inside the top 10k and would love for that to happen again!

        1. PDM TOP 1,000 any Season Le…
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Top 1k ...... it’s been over a decade since the last time 🙁

      • Society
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        2229 last season for my best season from 4 attempts.
        Self improvement the aim.
        Think I've isolated some potential improvers including 4 differentials.
        Hoping that my first use of forward planning makes the difference ..... but hard to see it happening, was chuffed just to be in the top 200K last season.

      • Third Eye Vision
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        It’s always to try and beat my personal best finish. I’d love to finish in the top 1k.

      • Alchim1sT
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Top 10k as every year ... missed it due to a nightmare spring last season 🙁

      • shirtless
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        20k & 25k last two seasons. Top 10k would be great. Think I was 37 points off last year.

      • Dr. Rog
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        To try to have a season with less than 50 transfers

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

          Beat 780 OR from last season.
          Have a feeling it won't be done.

    17. drinkup245
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      If anyone is interested in a cash league, we can use some fresh blood. Been running for about 7 years now. Typically around 30-40 entrants. Top 3 win cash. Also prizes for monthly winners. drinkup245@gmail.com for info.

      1. Pieterke30
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        How much is each paying?

        1. drinkup245
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          $50 usd...open worldwide though.

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

        What is the entrance fee and is it available to people in Australia?

    18. kime67
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Announce pepe!

    19. Leeds2116
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Can everyone please rate the following for me in order of preference..

      Barkley
      Norwood
      McGinn
      Grealish
      Neves

      1. Shankly611
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        I have to choose between the same pool of players, considering price and everything else I would put it like this:
        1. Barkley
        2. McGinn
        3. Grealish
        4. Norwood
        5. Neves

        1. Shankly611
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Also, keep an eye on Ceballos. I'm not a fan because of poor attacking returns earlier, but he could play in a more advanced role at Arsenal

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

        Barkley, Grealish, McGinn, Norwood, Neves, IMO.

      3. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        McGinn
        Grealish
        (good fixtures after the first one - mcginn better value)

        Barkley great fixures after gw 3 doubts about starting

        Norwood fulcrum of the sheff untied team attacking

        Neves - you are only hoping for those long range shots again in his mixed bag of fixtures

    20. Fnug
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I’m neglecting strikers this year, as I feel there’s much more value in defense and midfield. How’s this team looking?

      Pope (Button)
      TAA, VVD, Walker, Coleman (Rico)
      Salah, Sterling, Siggy, Frasier, Perez
      King (Greenwood, Wickham)

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

        Is that Frasier from the American 80’s sit com Cheers?

      2. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Looks decent at that structure.
        Your other alternative is going another 4.0 for a coleman and getting wesley instead of Greenwood
        Good value in Perez

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

        Teams rotate more then ever now, I think you're going to need a little more on your bench then Rico - Greenwood - Wickham, Walker to Stones/Zinchenko would free up a little cash to boost Rico to someone more nailed.

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

        I'm with you re defence and midfield. Re Siggy, however well he plays, if the Everton strikers can't hit a barn door, is he worth it?

    21. semiconductor
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Which team looks better
      3-4-3
      Heaton
      Robertson-TAA-Zinchenko
      Salah-Sterling-Moura-zaha2
      Wilson-Deulofeu-Wesley

      4-3-3
      VVD-TAA-Zinchenko-cathcart/Dunk
      Salah-Sterling-Zaha
      Kane-King-Wesley

      1. Klopp's Kids
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        433 but I'd do Zaha>Barkley and Dunk>Coleman

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

          I wouldn't be comfortable with Barkley as my 3rd mid

          1. Shankly611
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Zaha>Perez maybe, and one of the 4.5def>4.0. Then you have the funds to upgrade the other 4.5 to a 5.5

    22. Klopp's Kids
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Bottomed. How is this? Feel like I want one Tottenham asset with their fixtures being hot/cold. Eriksen will have more attacking returns I feel this year with Ndombele.

      Heaton
      TAA VVD Zinchenko Coleman
      Salah (C) Sterling (v) Eriksen Barkley Perez
      Wilson

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

        I like it, subs?

        1. Klopp's Kids
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Typical lowest you can get 🙁

          Kelly, Greenwood, etc.

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

            It's risky, if Wilson were to miss a game you're relying on Greenwood getting minutes, else you're down to 10 men.

            1. Klopp's Kids
              • 10 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              Cheers, yeah, I'll reassess for sure. I think I need one substitute for sure.

      2. semiconductor
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        I like your team but wouldn't go with a single striker

        1. Klopp's Kids
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Yeah, I don't like that either. You need flexibility in case someone hits form quick.

      3. EMBOLOFAN
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        great

    23. WorldCupDanB
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I was thinking of doing some analysis trying to see if there is any correlation between the line-up a manager uses in their last friendly match compared to what he starts with on the first game of the season. Does anybody know if this has been done before?

      1. Chandler Bing
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Don't think so. Do it.

      2. Markus
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        That would be a great community article. Even just a blanket % starters vs gw1 for last season would be interesting. Other seasons less predictable with later transfer deadline

    24. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Why don’t I like my team in a 4-4-2? Just a mental thing? 🙂 not as exciting perhaps?

      1. Klopp's Kids
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        442 is really nice flexibility wise.

      2. The Ejiptian King
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        At least it's not 5 at the back.

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

        I don't like 4-4-2 as it usually means you have 1 x 4.0m defender, and 1 x 4.5m forward, neither of which will play.

        I always play with 3 strikers.

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

          This

        2. Pompel
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          I'm currently on 4-4-2, but still seeing this as main problem. Therefore considering going for a £4.5 5th defender

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

            I would be happier with that, but then the 0.5m is taken away from the first eleven....depends how you use it I suppose.

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

        442 is the new 343

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

        Get Luiz and Holebas in for excitement value?

      6. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        I blame the start of the use of the phrase 'flat back four' as if it was built from IKEA.

      7. Offside
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        We’re attaching value to TAA based on his value as 5.0. That 5.0 released money for more in attack.

        Now all the money is on him and he’s a good alt mid value wise.

        I keep reverting back to 5s and 4.5s in def to get Kane up front. If TAA etc blank we all in wc week 2-3.

        The real problem is there’s very few like for like 7s in def to switch to. Laporte’s pts came from goals. He might not score as often.

        So are the high price defenders an illusion. I will put my faith in Kane and Vardy in the end.

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

          "So are the high price defenders an illusion"

          This is literally not backed up with any facts at all. Premium defenders are consistently the most reliable and best value players in the game.

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

            Are they worse value than last season?

    25. Firmino
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      What do you think of this team?

      Ryan
      TAA van Dijk Coleman Zinchenko
      Salah Sterling Perez Robinson
      Kane King

      Button Dendoncker Kelly Greenwood

      1. Klopp's Kids
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Really good team!

      2. Pieterke30
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Coleman and Kelly out for two rotating 4.5s, Perez Dendoncker King out for Fraser Barkley 4.5 striker and it’s very close to mine 🙂

        1. Gabbiadini
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          I could say 5 differentials any team and it would also be close to mine

      3. El Matador
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Captain headache. Rather have Son instead of Kane and keep SS

      4. MPC
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah, really like it. I’m trying to get KDB and that weakens a lot of what you have. Tricky.

      5. My neck my back my Saed Kol…
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Very similar to mine, currently have walker peeters, Barkley and auba instead of Zinchenko, Robinson and Kane.

    26. Gabbiadini
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Consider both Rico and another 4.0 defender start

      King, Emerson, Barkley
      Wilson, Rico, Barkley
      Fraser, King, Rico

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

        I think I’d go B

    27. Roy Rovers
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      All those with SSK teams how will you bring Son in??

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

        It won't be possible, without losing one of Salah or Sterling...and if they blank in the first two that might be a good excuse, and then spread the funds over the next few weeks.

      2. Pieterke30
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Kane out for Vardy, Fraser out for Son.

        That, or I wont bring in Son.

        1. Roy Rovers
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          You will want Son.

      3. Shankly611
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        If he matches Kane, then by downgrading him. 🙂

        1. Shankly611
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          If Son wasn't suspended, I probably wouldn't even consider Kane. Now it's a wait and see, but I think Tottenham assets are a must have, and nobody except Kane and Son are worth it imo.

          1. Pieterke30
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Exactly. If Son wasnt suspended we would all go for Salah sterling son

      4. Yome
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Kane is a keeper

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

          Come on now he plays deep but not that deep

          1. Yome
            • 12 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            haha 🙂

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

          Expensive for a goalie

      5. MPC
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        I’m getting to a point where I just think you need to pick the team you think will do best for the first couple
        of weeks. There are so many possibilities. The bottom line is that, at least the way I am, something will happen in week 1 which will mess up any plans so make around transfers...

        1. Roy Rovers
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Son will outscore Kane.....and he’s already played 2 games less.

          1. El Matador
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            I second this.

            Having watched Spurs in pre season, it's clear Kane drops deep and Son is further up.

      6. Oooof
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        KDB to Son

        1. Roy Rovers
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          If you have SSK&K team well done!!

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

            I’ve gone for Salah and Kane

            1. Roy Rovers
              • 9 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              SSK!!

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

                Haha!

    28. The Ejiptian King
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      ffs Roy is gone.

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

        Good stuff 🙂

      2. WorldCupDanB
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Trying to work out which Roy and was wondering if you meant Roy Hodgson. Now I know.

        1. The Ejiptian King
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Nah, that's probably a couple of months away.

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

        Thought you meant Hodgson.

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

        Really is not a test opener at all. Burns isn’t good enough. That opening pair is a real problem

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

        Not sure he has the patience required for a Test Match opener. Would be better suited down at 6 or 7 but obvs we have long since had a problem with openers since Strauss and more recently Cook retired.

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

          I think I love you

        2. Dont_Win_Friends_With_Salah…
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Neither was Warner to begin with, Roy needs a good run to try to adapt to Test cricket

    29. Omartehpwner
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Thoughts On The Team Please Guys

      Alisson
      Wan Bissaka - Digne - AAT - Laporte
      Fraser - Barkley - Salah - Sterling
      Deulofeu - Jimenez

      Greenwood - Dendoncker - Lundstram

      Or shall I swap Wan Bissaka and Barkley Out for Perez and Zouma?

      Thanks Guys

      1. *sigh*
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Nice balanced team.

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

          Thanks was worried about barkley and weather I should get bissaka out and also if its Jota or Jimenez

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

        Isn’t Jimenez injured

    30. Leeds2116
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Would people play barkley if you had him first game vs united?

      1. FPL price manipulators are …
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Man United are not exactly solid at the back

        1. Leeds2116
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Good point lol.

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

        I would, the last time United played at Old Trafford they lost to Cardiff.

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

          This.

          United is no longer the fixture it was.

          No different to the likes of Everton, Leicester away really. Same as Arsenal.

        2. el polako
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Kane couldnt score against them, they beat United away - how the hell did they gone down ? 😉

      3. *sigh*
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Certainly would.

      4. Markus
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        I think so, just. I think if you've got barkley you're valuing him more like a 7.5m player IF he plays given he'll lose some minutes to mount. Given he should start first game, I think it would seem worthwhile. If you bench him and he scores not terrible though as you're early on a bandwagon so save +4 so depends on how you want to manage risk. Most people on here have paper thin squads so not much choice in the matter

      5. bencaraway
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Unclear whether Frank picks Mount over Barkley, so no.

    31. Leeds2116
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      one down come on aussies!

    32. WorldCupDanB
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Please remove this if it's not allowed, I just don't want anybody to miss it.

      We have got our own free to enter FPL prize league with the first prize of £200 -

      https://www.footstockchat.com/post/footstock-chat-fpl-200-prize-league

      and

      We have also created a list of free to enter FPL prize leagues, (run by companies and individuals usually trying to promote something) which currently has over 100 leagues on it with prizes totalling over £27,000.

      https://www.footstockchat.com/post/list-of-free-to-enter-fpl-prize-leagues

      Feel free to check them out. Any questions let me know.

    33. Athletic Nasherbo
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Created a new draft. Thoughts?

      Ryan
      TAA VVD Zinchenko KWP
      Salah KdB Bilva Perez
      Kane King

      Woodman Targett Greenwood Dendoncker

    34. Leeds2116
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Are people chosing Wan-Bissaka...

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

        Lots are. Scored well last year and playing for the most supported club in the world so will always have numbers in Fantasy.

        1. Leeds2116
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Worth it though?

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

            Not sure. Above 5.0 I want a bit of attacking potential and not clear how he scores on that front. Got an assist in preseason though. Would prefer Maguire if he joins.

      2. HamezMace
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        35% of people are.

      3. MPC
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Tough one. For me personally, I just think it’s a step too far. Man U could go either way, especially early on, and I’m not convinced he’ll hit the ground running. He’s one I’ll watch.

      4. Oooof
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        I am so far

      5. Yome
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Yes, he is showing great attacking flair in pre season.

      6. Saxe-Gotha
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        I have him at the moment. He's been getting forward a bit in pre-season and putting in some decent crosses. I think United will be better defensively this year with him and IF they can sign Maguire to give them that bit extra, he'll be nailed for me.

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

      Who would you captain out of these two in GW2:

      A) Auba (BUR)
      B) Salah (sot)

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

        Auba >>>>>>>>>

      2. Leeds2116
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Salah

      3. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        A

      4. MPC
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Salah

      5. Prince of Persia
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Salah

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

        I’m on Auba as I see Salah Sterling as a binary choice and going forward prefer Sterling overall as the long term hold for captaincies

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

        Auba.

    36. Omartehpwner
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Jota or Jimenez?

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

        Jim if you can stretch

      2. Leeds2116
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        jota

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

          I literally think it is split so evenly. THoughts on flipping a coin and letting that decide? lol

      3. MPC
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Jim. But depends on team

    37. BigDaveSaves
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Anyone know anything of Philippe Gbamin who's looking likely to be the Gueye replacement at Everton? Tempted to get Digne back in..

      1. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Top top player.....great replacement.....if Everton get this across the line.

      2. Saxe-Gotha
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Big, strong, good pace, can pick a pass. Reminds me of a more physical Ndidi but seems to be a better passer. I think he'll be good assuming he adapts quickly to the league.

    38. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      A Salah/Sterling/Kane team I like! Hmm 🙂

      Pope
      TAA. Digne. KWP. Zinchenko/AWB
      Salah. Sterling. Fraser. Robinson
      Kane. Jota/Deulo
      (Button, Dendoncker, Lundstram, Greenwood)

      Zinchenko or AWB?
      Jota or Deulo?

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

        Looks good. Zinch and Jota for me

      2. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Good team zinc and Del....only cos Wolves have heavy fixtures early doors....I have gone Kaneless

        1. RAFA THE GAFFA
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Thanks mate! Good luck to you boys too! I have 3 drafts now. 3-5-2 and two 4-4-2 teams.

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

      How’s this looking?

      Heaton/Pope
      TAA Robbo Digne Zinchenko
      Salah Sterling Bilva Perez
      Wilson Wesley

      4.0 Dendoncker Greenwood Lundstrum

      Could alternatively have Fraser and Wood over Bilva and Wesley

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

        Like it with Fraser and Wood over Bilva and Wesley. Hard to move Wesley out if he doesn't perform

      2. The Ejiptian King
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Nice, pretty much same as mine if I start with Wilson over Vardy until the last week of transfers shakes things up.

    40. Carlton_Goal
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      A) De Bruyne + Alderweireld
      B) Siggy + Robbo

      Already have Trent, Zinchenko, Sterling and Salah if that helps

    41. JELLYFISH
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Morning all, thoughts on this lot

      Heaton/Button
      VVD Robbo Zinc Coleman
      Salah Sterling Fraser Perez
      Vardy Jota

      Douglas Luiz, Lindstrom, Greenwood

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

        Solid, I like it.

        Re the Villa, you think Heaton goes straight in over Steer? ... and Douglas Luiz is still in Brazil awaiting a work permit isn't he?

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

          I can see Heaton taking the jersey yes.

          Luiz is dependent on the work permit but I reckon he's sure to start. Also interesting to see Marvellous prioced at 4.5m!

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

            Yeah I agree, think Luiz is locked in, just need to get that permit pushed through so he can get up to speed asap.

    42. Emiliano Sala
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Thoughts on doubling barkley + pulisic after utd match?

    43. Leeds2116
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      mmmm need a 5.5 def or less. Not keen on bissaka im going cold

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

        Zinchenko or a spurs defender

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

        Zinchenko or Vertonghen?

    44. Shankly611
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Do you guys think that there is a 6.0 attacker with better value then 6.0 or less midfielders?

      Example, is Wesley a better option than Barkley, McGinn or Robinson?

      I personally like the option because than I can have two 4.5 or 5.0 midfielders on the bench that actually play, unlike with Greenwood who is a price drop threat. The problem could be, of course, getting on those early midfielder bandwagons.

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

        Trouble for me is Wesley has never played in the Premier League or with his teammates before whereas Barkley has.

        Doesn’t automatically make Wesley a bad choice, but like Joelinton at Newcastle he is a punt.