Scout Reports

What FPL managers can expect from Watford boss Quique Sanchez Flores

The first managerial casualty of the 2019/20 Premier League season came on Saturday, as bottom-of-the-table Watford parted ways with Javi Gracia.

Gracia’s dismissal was swiftly followed by the appointment of Quique Sanchez Flores as head coach, with the 54-year-old Spaniard rejoining the club he had left in May 2016.

Upon his unveiling, Gracia said:

It was a very easy decision [to rejoin]. I’ve been a coach for 16 years and the time I spent in Watford, I was really happy. It was a good experience and this experience was amazing. I loved the way the fans love football in England, the way they support and the way they respect rules in England and everything. The moment I left I was waiting for the moment to come back to England. I feel Watford is my home.

In this article, we look back at Flores’ previous spell at Vicarage Road and analyse his managerial style to see what Fantasy managers can expect from the Hornets’ returning head coach.

Long-time site user Bøwstring The Carp has beaten us to the punch with a study of Flores and we can wholeheartedly recommend his excellent Community piece, which can be read here.

What Has Flores Said About His Managerial Style?

Speaking to the club website following his appointment, Flores said of his defence-first policy:

It’s important. Defence is the most important thing in all the collective sports. Defence is the key for everything. If you want to attack well it is necessary to defend well.

I follow a lot NBA and when Toronto Raptors won the NBA, some journalist goes to the coach and asked what is the key. He said the key was the passion and the defence. This is the base for everything. It could be good for Watford.

Talking about his goals for the season:

The priority is results. We know the schedule is really bad now, but everything is possible with a positive mentality of the players, with the fans supporting us, with the passion, everything is possible.

We need to be realistic. Now we are bottom, but the first mentality is we don’t want to go back. We don’t want relegation. We need to put the team in the condition to keep growing. We need to be humble and the first thing is to save the situation, establish the team in a different position. Once we are established in a different position, we can talk about the next goal for this year.

Flores’ comments, then, suggest that he will be placing a lot of emphasis on improving Watford’s main Achilles heel for much of 2019: their defence.

The Hornets are without a league clean sheet since February, a barren run that stretches back 16 top-flight matches.

No other Premier League club has conceded as many ‘big chances’ (70) as Watford this calendar year.

Asked about the wealth of attacking options he now has at his disposal in relation to his defensive mindset, Sanchez said:

We have young players, very fast in attack. This is interesting. We have more than we had four years ago. We had two main, Deeney and Ighalo, but… now we have more and we have different qualities and skills. We need to guess how they are working together and need to know as soon as possible how they mix in the match.

Which Players Has Flores Worked With at Watford Before?

Flores’ one season in charge of the Hornets came in 2015/16, when he steered Watford to a 13th-place finish in their first season back in the top flight.

Six of the squad he worked with in that campaign remain at the club: Heurelho Gomes (£4.5m), Sebastian Prodl (£4.0m), Jose Holebas (£4.8m), Craig Cathcart (£4.4m), Etienne Capoue (£4.9m) and Troy Deeney (£6.3m).

Gomes, Cathcart, Capoue and Deeney were regulars under their returning boss, with each starting at least 33 Premier League games in that campaign.

Prodl began the season as a first-choice at centre-back, making nine successive starting XIs at the beginning of the campaign, but was then in and out of the side for the remainder of 2015/16 and didn’t string together more than two consecutive starts beyond this point.

Holebas was not favoured by Flores for much of the season, making only 11 starts in the top flight.

Interestingly, Deeney’s best single-season goal haul in the Premier League came under Flores: the Watford club captain, who is currently out for two months with a knee injury, scored on 13 occasions in 38 appearances.

Strike partner Odion Ighalo notched 15 goals in that campaign.

What Formation Did Flores Use at Watford?

On the face of it, there aren’t too many dissimilarities with Gracia’s set-up over the past year.

Flores favoured a back four for pretty much his entire season in charge of the Hornets, either using a standard 4-4-2 or tweaking the system slightly to a 4-3-1-2.

Capoue was, as he is now, one of the two combative players in the double-pivot, while Cathcart was a near-permanent fixture in a two-man central defence.

Deeney played with Gerard Deulofeu (£6.3m) alongside him for much of last season but Flores favoured another physical forward alongside the club captain in his tenure, in the form of Ighalo – although the Nigerian was no slouch on the ball.

Holebas and the pacy Ikechi Anya were occasionally deployed at left-back but Flores settled on a physical full-back pairing of Allan Nyom and Nathan Ake for much of the second half of the campaign, which perhaps opens up the possibility of the Craig Dawson (£4.9m) being moved over to right-back – as he was at West Brom under Tony Pulis – should Flores opt to ditch the attack-minded Daryl Janmaat/Kiko Femenia (£4.4m) in favour of a more defensively sound option.

Almen Abdi, a central midfielder by trade, was shunted out to the right flank for much of the 2015/16 season, with Flores deprived of too many natural wingers in his newly promoted squad.

Whether the pragmatic Flores would have opted for a flair player out wide had more been available is another question, though: Nordin Amrabat was brought in during the January transfer window but was handed only four starts and was used mostly as an impact substitute.

With the likes of Ismaila Sarr (£6.4m) and Roberto Pereyra (£5.8m) now at his disposal, it will be interesting to see how much trust Flores places in attack-minded assets who are perhaps not renowned for their defensive aptitude.

This excellent video from The Coaches Voice sees Flores talking through his tactics in the 3-0 win over Liverpool in December 2015:

Watford: 2015/16 v 2018/19 – Basic Stats

SeasonPWDLFAPTSCS
2015/16381291740504511
2018/1938148165259507

Comparing Watford’s record under Flores in 2015/16 to Gracia’s last full season in charge perhaps sums up the two managers.

Flores’ approach garnered four more clean sheets and saw nine fewer goals conceded but that came at the expense of productivity at the other end of the pitch.

Of the 40 goals that the Hornets recorded in 2015/16, 28 were scored by Ighalo and Deeney. Not one other Watford player scored more than two league goals that season.

Watford: 2015/16 v 2018/19 – Underlying Stats

For the below comparisons, we will detail where Watford ranked among Premier League clubs for key underlying stats (1st being the best possible figure, 20th the worst).

Defensive
SeasonShots concededShots in the box concededShots on target concededBig chances concededChances from set plays conceded
2015/1610th10th13th=14th7th=
2018/199th12th14th19th15th=
Attacking
SeasonShotsShots in the boxShots on targetBig chancesChances from set plays
2015/1612th13th=15th13th17th
2018/1916th12th12th8th18th

Again, the key numbers (shots in the box, efforts on target and big chances) suggest Watford were more solid defensively under Flores but less of an attacking threat.

The Hornets created 51 big chances in 2015/16 compared to 81 last season but they conceded 32 fewer gilt-edged chances under Flores (66) than they did in Gracia’s final full season in charge (98).

Flores’ other managerial work

Since his departure from Watford, Flores has spent almost two years at Espanyol and then seven months at Chinese club Shanghai Greenland Shenhua FC.

Espanyol kept 11 clean sheets in 2016/17 and had banked nine shut-outs when Flores was dismissed ahead of Gameweek 34 of the following campaign.

That last season in charge of the La Liga club saw Espanyol really struggle for goals, scoring just 26 in the 33 matches that Flores oversaw.

Flores used a 4-4-2 for a large chunk of his time in Spain but we also saw a 4-2-3-1 used on several occasions: a system Flores had a reputation of playing before he first arrived in the Premier League in June 2015.

The Watford boss didn’t have much time to settle in China, lasting just 17 league and cup games before departing.

Flores lost nine of his 15 league games in charge, experimenting with wing-back systems and back fours before his departure in July of this year.

Final Thoughts

Watford sit bottom of our Season Ticker for both attack and defence over the next five Gameweeks, which perhaps gives Fantasy managers a nice audition period before the fixtures turn favourable in Gameweek 10.

We’ll be paying particular attention to what effect Flores can have on the Hornets’ porous backline, not just in relation to Watford’s own budget defensive assets (all of whom now cost less than £5.0m in FPL) but also how any improvement might affect Manchester City and Spurs’ attacking options in Gameweeks 6 and 9.

Flores’ reputation for pragmatic football would perhaps not bode well for Watford’s offensive assets but Deeney proved in 2015/16 that individual FPL players can still prosper in the Spaniard’s set-up, regardless of the approach.

Goals haven’t flowed from midfield in the past under Watford’s new head coach, so we will be keeping an eye on the underlying stats over the coming weeks to see if Pereyra et al are suffering in that regard: regular wide midfielders Abdi and Jose Manuel Jurado had just one big chance between them in the whole of 2015/16.

Flores has, arguably, a more talented squad at his disposal than he did in 2015/16, however, so will perhaps show a tad more ambition with his tactics.



939 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Respect My Authoritah
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    A couple of things worth bearing in mind with the whole Sterling rest discussion:

    - Norwich are pretty good going forward
    - City are 2 points behind Liverpool

    Although we would still expect a rotated City XI to outscore them, I'm not sure Pep will be arrogant about it, especially as it's an away game.

    1. KDB4PREZ
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I agree with this. That being said if the games won after 60 mins he’ll prob get hooked 1st

      1. Respect My Authoritah
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Agreed. If I knew this was the case before the game, I'd be pretty happy captaining Sterling 🙂

        1. KDB4PREZ
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Haha true that buddy

    2. HurriKane
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      The guy is in only 24 and in the peak of his physical conditions

      If it was someone like aguero (31) who played two international matches id be worried about him starting. But Sterling i have no fears

      1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        I like the way you think

      2. Rhinos
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        no one doubts he's fit enough it's just all those games in a short time increases risk of muscle injury and city have a ridiculous squad

        1. Krionos
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          He can be rested in cup games. The league is always top priority. I doubt he will rest his star player this early in the season.

    3. Rhinos
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I think he'll start too but wouldn't be surprised if he didnt. Shakthar the more important game imo

      1. HurriKane
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        pep could take him of at 60 mins mark if leading comfortably.

      2. St Pauli Walnuts
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Pretty easy Chimps league group, don’t think Pep will be that worried on that front yet

      3. Krionos
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        You can risk more in the group stages of the CL though. A loss in the premier league arguably has a greater effect.

        If you make it through the grp stages with 2 losses they mean nothing in the end!

    4. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Trying to predict what Pep is going to do is a fools errand.

    5. Shineonme
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I see sterling . Agureo and KDB starting against Norwich

  2. have you seen cyan
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Assuming Trossard is still crocked come the deadline, would you:
    A. Bench for Cantwell (city)
    B. Bench for Ake (everton)
    C. -4 him out? If so who for? Got 6.4mil to spend

    Thanks in adavance

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

      B.

    2. KDB4PREZ
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Tempted to hold for a week and c as really like him. If I was you I’d maybe get him out as no bench player great and other good options at his price range

      1. KDB4PREZ
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Oooo not for a minus 4 my bad

        1. KDB4PREZ
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          B then outa these options

    3. tucaoneo
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      B. If C I'd go for Ceballos over Mount due to fixtures.

    4. have you seen cyan
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Thanks guys, surprised you all went b. I was actually leaning towards playing Cantwell. I think Cantwell has maybe a ten/fifteen percent chance he could get an attacking return. Where as Ake I believe he has a -20% chance of keeping a cs, I guess are could get a goal tho.

  3. aleksios
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    On WC 1.0itb.What would you change?

    -Pope
    -TAA-Zinch-Lund-Digne
    -Salah-Sterl-KDB-Mount
    -Barnes-Pukki

    --Stekel--Pieters--Cantwell--Green.

    Thanks all.

    1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Squeeze Haller in instead of Mount is what I would do

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

        How?

        1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          What your sell price for Mount?

    2. Jolly Good
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Otamendi over Zinchenko?

      Mount to Cabellos, Barnes to Haller

    3. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Mount -> Guendouzi
      Zinchenko -> Otamendi
      Pieters -> Lowton
      Greenwood -> Haller

    4. RIDZ
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Barnes to Abraham. Are you sure with 3 Burnley?

    5. Shineonme
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I'd prefer Abrahams over Barnes

  4. tibollom
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Team not in great shape but dont want to WC just yet.. 1 FT and 1.3ITB

    What should I do as a priority? 

    Heaton Button
    VVD AWB zouma Rico Lunds
    Salah martial sterling KDB Dedoncker
    Haller King Greenwood

    1. the vanisher
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Really depends on Martial/AwB news...

    2. RIDZ
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Martial to Mount or AWB to Ota

    3. Shineonme
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      That team needs WC soon

  5. the vanisher
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    who is the best defender up to 5.0? (no BUR please)

    a. Ake 4.9
    b. Mings 4.5
    c. Coady 5.0
    d. Sokratis 5.0
    e. Masuaku/Diop 4.5
    f. Other?

    1. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      All defenders in this range need to be part of a rotation I think, hard to pick a best one on his own.

    2. the vanisher
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      i agree not very good options in this bracket, but need to get rid of AwB and need the 0.5 to upgrade elsewhere so I'm looking at fixtures to get the best possible option

      1. Respect My Authoritah
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        If you have Cantwell, get Soyuncu. They rotate like a dream from GW7

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

      Ake I suspect

      Allergic to Bournemouth defence generally but they did surprisingly ok last time and he’s defo got goal threat.

      I’m looking at Boly or Schar but can afford to wait a few weeks for my 5.0 type.

    4. Jolly Good
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      F. Boly

      1. KDB4PREZ
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        yeah F for me also

        1. the vanisher
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          he is suspended.

    5. AndyCook
        4 years, 6 months ago

        If I had to pick for the whole season - Zouma

      • Nesvy
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        F - Pieters/Lowton

      • Murder On Zidanesfloor
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Schar for me

        1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Unless we are talking about only 1 Gw

          1. KDB4PREZ
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Problem is he plays for Newcastle lol such an unattractive kit on my teams sheet lol

            1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              10 goals in 59 games for Newcastle

      • RIDZ
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        I'm on Sokratis/Zouma for fixtures, still can't decide between them but more on Sokratis

      • Stokelona
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        I think Sakho and Zouma are the best apart from Burnley.

    6. Benster
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Good points, well made.

      Still would take a brave person to Cap him over Salah or Aguero though. His minutes will be managed, for sure...

      1. Benster
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Replyfail. Top post

      2. Respect My Authoritah
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        I'm still undecided on Sterling v Salah, but currently favouring Sterling. I can see myself switching back to Salah just before the deadline though as I'll be watching that game live

        1. Peter Ouch
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Are you going to Anfield?

          1. Respect My Authoritah
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Nope, just on the telly 🙂

            1. Peter Ouch
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              Haha fair enough mate!

              I thought you'll captain him cause you'll be there!

              Nice early game to watch as a pool fan!

        2. Eze Really?
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          The easiest C decision of the season.
          Salah at home. Sterling away and played 180 minutes. Not saying KDB and Sterling will be rotated but it could happen. Salah won't be

          1. DantheManinaPan
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Your logic is reasonable but claiming it to be the easiest decision of the season is codswallop.

            1. Eze Really?
              • 9 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              Maybe presumptuous. Not meant to offend. But it would be for me.

          2. Cok3y5murf
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Home and away largely irrelevant. Sterling comfortably outscored Salah away from home in GW1. He has the easier fixture this week. And he played 160 minutes, not 180.

            1. Eze Really?
              • 9 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              The comparison needs to be Sterling away vs Salah at home. Easier fixture is questionable. 160 minutes sorry and has 20 minutes worth of additional decision making.

              1. Cok3y5murf
                • 7 Years
                4 years, 6 months ago

                Why though? Like I said, he comfortably outscored him away from home. Do you actually believe players playing at home always score higher? Easier fixture isn't questionable, it's definitely easier. Norwich only know to attack and will get hit on the counter, Newcastle have shown that they can competently sit back and defend.

              2. Cok3y5murf
                • 7 Years
                4 years, 6 months ago

                The comparison was exactly that, by the way. Salah at home and Sterling away in GW1.

                1. Eze Really?
                  • 9 Years
                  4 years, 6 months ago

                  I am saying look over a longer period than 1 GW.

                  1. Cok3y5murf
                    • 7 Years
                    4 years, 6 months ago

                    It's not that deep. Overthinking. It depends on who they're facing. City will smash Norwich whether it's home, away, or neutral.

        3. Krionos
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Well what should tip it on favor of Sterling is Norwich's attacking mindset and the issues they have in defense, whilst Newcastle are throwing everything they got in defense, as witnessed vs Tottenham.

          Any City player is well worth the risk this week I think.

          1. Eze Really?
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Valid points but International playing time would be my main factor under consideration

    7. The Yorkshire Pirlo
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Scared of not owning Aguero. ML rival has him and will definitely captain him, so do I;

      A) Sterling (C)

      B) Salah (C)

      1. the vanisher
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        B

      2. Rhinos
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        what your mate is doing is utterly irrelevant. Just decide who'll score more points, it's the funnest part of decision making

        1. Christina.
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          *funniest

          1. Soto Ayam
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Most fun

      3. Cok3y5murf
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        What does that have to do with Sterling and Salah? You don't own Aguero anyway lol

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

      Play Lund over Guilbert right? Reckon shutting out WHU is a lot to ask.

      1. Respect My Authoritah
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Yes

      2. DantheManinaPan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        The better defence with the better fixture, with so far a better attacking contribution.

        No brainer

    9. Stormbringer22
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Who else reckons that even if Martial is fit, he would not start the game and instead will come on as a sub and net 1 point and upset everyone that still have him in their squad?

      1. Christina.
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        I cant be bothered. He is overrated.

        1. Stormbringer22
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          I am inclined to agree. I brought him early on when he was still £7.5 since he was playing OOP and I was a bit more optimistic about Man Utd (Liverpool fan btw). Since then though, I can see that it was the wrong call. James is the only Man Utd asset I would consider if he keeps it up.

        2. Eze Really?
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          He is. Looking at his career for both club and country, he is very "in and out"
          The other side of it is the position he plays though. poor or not his points per minute remain high. Like him or not he offers good returns for the price.

      2. Rhinos
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        if Martial fit he plays. Man u attack was woeful

      3. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        It is a concern. The presser should indicate when and if he started training.

      4. Murder On Zidanesfloor
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        1 pointer on the cards. You will be lucky if he is still iniured

        1. Stormbringer22
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          The more I think about it, the more I am leaning towards either

          A) Martial and Pickford --> KDB and Pope (-4)
          B) Martial and AWB --> KDB and Pieters (-4)

          Was going to wait and see if both AWB and Martial would be fit, but even if they are I can see a flop happening.

          1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Both are very good moves. I would go for B with Lowton

            1. Stormbringer22
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 4 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              Any particular reason for Lowton over Pieters other than being 0.1 cheaper? Both look identical to me so maybe not a bad shout to go for Lowton instead

              1. CL4PTRAP
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 9 Years
                4 years, 6 months ago

                If you have the 0.1mil Pieters edges it for xGI. Good for assists. 2nd most successful tackles in the league behind AWB. Looking like a rise ahead of this run. Otherwise cover the CS with Lowton.

                1. Stormbringer22
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 4 Years
                  4 years, 6 months ago

                  I do have the funds and could even stretch to Tarkowski, but would rather save as much as possible to do King to Haller in the coming weeks.

                  1. CL4PTRAP
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 9 Years
                    4 years, 6 months ago

                    Good to go on Lowton

                    1. Stormbringer22
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 4 Years
                      4 years, 6 months ago

                      Thank you both for the suggestion 🙂

      5. Now I'm Panicking
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        If this happens then meh, marathon not a sprint.

        1. grumpyman
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Yep. Martial sales making me happy. Now I've got the Man Utd striker for 7.5 million as a differential. No way I'm selling.

      6. KDB4PREZ
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        I don’t get the no love for a 7.5 striker with a great GPM record and cool as you like in front of goal and plays for united (albeit they suck now)
        Yet ppl go mad over Burnley strikers etc.. it really is a subjective sport

        1. KDB4PREZ
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Playing oop I ment to add

        2. Stormbringer22
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          It is not that I don't have the love for a 7.5 Man Utd striker, it is just that I can easily fit KDB instead in the squad since I have money in the bank. Further down the line, I am considering bringing in James who is 6.1 Man Utd attacking player (probably by that stage he would be more like 6.2-6.3, but still)

          1. KDB4PREZ
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Seems fair but the James bandwagon will end once martial back and he shifts to the right wing where his output diminishes

      7. Stokelona
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        I transferred him out for James and used the money for an upgrade. Still think he’s a good option though playing up front.

        1. KDB4PREZ
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Gl bud

      8. Licious Lizard
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        There is definitely a risk he won’t start after being out, but we don’t really know anything at this point.

        Either way, I think he is/will be excellent value at that price with those fixtures, but I decided to jump ship to get in KDB.

    10. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Anyway of finding out the highest ranked team without any transfers?
      Reason I ask is when dead teams start to show.
      cannot believe some of the high owned players would be around without a lot of dead sides.

    11. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Watford will be a tastier side with Quiche for sure

      1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Gray the new Igahlo?

      2. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Very nervous this week as a Gooner

      3. KDB4PREZ
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Deulofeu band wagon once he scores?

    12. fuzzymike
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Barnes or Pukki this weekend??
      After this week both have good runs coming up.

      1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Pukki is the most in form striker in the world. 5 in 4 in the PL and 2 in 2 in the IB. Defences include liverpool, greece and Italy

        1. MTPockets
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Righto

        2. Lingard’s Shin Guards
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Pukki

        3. Eat my goal!
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          I currently have Pukki but can’t help but feel he may struggle for returns over the next 3

          MCI bur cry

          City will be a tough game despite it being at home

          Burnley and Palace away are tough games

          I’m in two minds over switching to Barnes

        4. RIDZ
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Pukki plays home. Even though Barnes plays home, still Pukki for me.

        5. Emiliano Sala
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Barnes 100%

        6. MTPockets
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Barnes

          • Peter Ouch
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Barnes

          • fuzzymike
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            It seems a toss of the coin between the two...

        7. RIDZ
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          a) Otamendi+Kelly (worry with returning injury player)
          b) 5.0+4.5 def

          Digne, Pieters, Lunds for the rest

          1. KDB4PREZ
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Can you do A and play 3 at the back? What’s rest of team

            1. RIDZ
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              already in A, but Kelly will become deadwood by return of Sakho.

              Pope
              Digne Pieters Ota
              Salah Sterling KDB Eriksen
              Pukki Abraham

              Button Lunds Kelly Guendo

              1. KDB4PREZ
                • 4 Years
                4 years, 6 months ago

                Ah yes I c the problem. Team Looks good and I wouldn’t worry to much about about kelly atm as you have Lundy back up anyway. But I’m a gambler haha gl bud

                1. RIDZ
                  • 7 Years
                  4 years, 6 months ago

                  thanks mate

        8. Lev Yashin
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Current midfield:

          Salah, Sterling, Cantwell, Martial, Trossard

          Best Trossard replacement for 6.0m?

          Or keep, hope he’s back soon and let Lundstram and Mings come off the bench this week?

          1. Stokelona
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Bournemouth have some tasty fixtures so I’d consider Harry Wilson. But starting Lundy at home to Southampton is okay too.

          2. Miguel Sanchez
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            If you can't stretch to 6.1 (James) I would hold.

            1. KDB4PREZ
              • 4 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              James will be on the left wing soon and far less effective imo

              1. KDB4PREZ
                • 4 Years
                4 years, 6 months ago

                Right wind sorry

                1. KDB4PREZ
                  • 4 Years
                  4 years, 6 months ago

                  Oh dear

                  1. Miguel Sanchez
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 7 Years
                    4 years, 6 months ago

                    Could it not be James (left) Martial (centre) Rashford (right) - James' form from the left may dictate the positional switch with Rashford.

                    1. KDB4PREZ
                      • 4 Years
                      4 years, 6 months ago

                      Can’t c it mate ole loves rashy and he wants to be striker nvm right ring so old won’t wanna ship him to left I’m sure of it

                      1. KDB4PREZ
                        • 4 Years
                        4 years, 6 months ago

                        Geez my typing awful today. Hope you get what I ment lol

                        1. Miguel Sanchez
                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                          • 7 Years
                          4 years, 6 months ago

                          Yup. avoid James

          3. KDB4PREZ
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            I’m keeping FT and playing Lundy, don’t love any replacements (Ceballos maybe) will re evaluate next week I suggest you do the same man as trossard will deliver I’m sure of it

          4. RIDZ
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            why don't Martial+Trossard for KDB?

            1. Lev Yashin
              • 11 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              Looked at that but leaves me with KdB + 3.8m so no go.

        9. Ask Yourself
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Firmino Ederson and richarlison all played a match that kicked off at 4am this morning UK time. How soon will it take them to recover ?

          1. Stokelona
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            I think they should be used to the travelling by now, Firmino and ederson anyway.

          2. ameenkw
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Chances are firmino cud be rested due to Napoli game midweek and the fact that Salah/mane had no international duty ..

          3. Peter Ouch
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Bobby is a beast, he doesn't need any rest

          4. Zimo
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Goalkeepers dont really need to rest

        10. St Pauli Walnuts
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Presuming KWP declared fit in press conf, play him or Lund? Currently on Lund for OOP factor but considering KWP because similar clean sheet potential for the fixtures and he has decent assist potential.

        11. some witty pun
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          I currently have KDB, Sterling and Aguero.
          Would you swap any of them out for Salah or Kane anytime soon?

          1. RIDZ
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            How come you go without Salah/Mane who is on the top of the table? Kane still a big no for now.

          2. DantheManinaPan
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            On current form, no. But things could change.

            Just stay flexible and don't make any silly sweeping statements that you're never going to bring them in because the City boys are better and you'll be fine.

          3. Shineonme
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            No

        12. Starlydon
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          What do we think of this wc guys...have another draft done too but leaning towards thus one....thoughts much appreciated!!

          Pope (button)
          Trent otamendi lund pieters (montoya)
          Mane sterling lanzini cantwell (guendouzi)
          Aguero Wilson Barnes

          1. ameenkw
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Why wud you not fit Kdb? He’s the best value player in the game .. I wud seriously consider him in and aguero out .. pukki + Kdb in for aguero + Cantwell makes perfect sense for me ..

            1. Starlydon
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              Trying to go a little but away from template. Just over 1mil at the mo and would like a couple of gambles in there...also I think pukki is going to level out a bit...granted i know it's a risk with his massive ownership!!

              1. Soto Ayam
                • 4 Years
                4 years, 6 months ago

                Lanzini not due back from international duty till Friday night, luckily they play villa away on Monday night, so I hope he'll be okay to play.

        13. ameenkw
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Best midfielder below 5.7?
          I’m seriously considering cebaellos .. don’t want Cantwell as already have pukki .. mcginn stats aren’t impressive too .. any other options?

          1. KujaliaFC
            • 11 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            I have Ceballos, and am eyeing Guendouzi for a double up.

            Caveat emptor: I'm an Arsenal fan.

            1. Peter Ouch
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              Leave your feelings apart
              I think this double up is dreadful

              1. KujaliaFC
                • 11 Years
                4 years, 6 months ago

                I might not get him. He did make an assist in the last game though, and he does shoot from range like Xhaka. He's 4.5 though, so will probably be on my bench anyway. If he gives more assists and scores a few, he might get price rises.

          2. Daniel Exeter
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            I have Ceballos - I still think he looks great. Hoping now with easier fixtures he'll be starting.

            They look much more dangerous when he's on the pitch in my view.

            1. grumpyman
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 8 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              We all see that. I just don't trust Emery, he seems clueless.

        14. Fernando Torres
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Am I right in saying Mané hasn't played any games this international break?

          1. ameenkw
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Yes both him and salah

          2. MTPockets
              4 years, 6 months ago

              yes

            • RIDZ
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              yes, so captaining Liverpool should be better than City this week due to freshness

              1. Peter Ouch
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 5 Years
                4 years, 6 months ago

                That's the only good reason

          3. Daniel Exeter
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            With my free transfer who would you transfer out for Wickham

            A) Barnes
            B) Abraham

            Barnes has better fixtures for the next two, and then fixtures are great for both
            Abraham in a team gunning for top 6, so more attacking.

            1. MTPockets
                4 years, 6 months ago

                Assume you mean transfer in? Barnes (fixtures and no Europe)

              • RIDZ
                • 7 Years
                4 years, 6 months ago

                Abraham in a good run, I pick him on WC

              • Shineonme
                • 7 Years
                4 years, 6 months ago

                Easy B

                1. Daniel Exeter
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 11 Years
                  4 years, 6 months ago

                  Even tho Abrham has wol and LIV first?

                  Where Barnes plays bha and NOR

            2. Starlydon
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              Trying to settle wc. Getting nervy at this stage with time running out!! What ye think of this one??

              Pope (button)
              Trent otamendi pieters lund (montoya)
              Mane sterling ceballos (cantwell) (dendonk)
              Aguero haller wilson

              1. Rhinos
                • 10 Years
                4 years, 6 months ago

                I'm all for being different but owning kdb makes the game a lot easier

                1. Starlydon
                  • 5 Years
                  4 years, 6 months ago

                  Do we think my strikers will cover kdb overall though??

              2. MTPockets
                  4 years, 6 months ago

                  Mane/Wilson to KDB/Firmino?

                  1. Starlydon
                    • 5 Years
                    4 years, 6 months ago

                    That's a really good option mate thanks! Little bit dangerous going without mane/salah

                    1. MTPockets
                        4 years, 6 months ago

                        You'd also need to replace Otamendi (too many mci) so depends on your view

                        1. Starlydon
                          • 5 Years
                          4 years, 6 months ago

                          Ya I realised that after. Don't fancy it so much now I'm afraid!!

                • PascalCygan
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 6 Years
                  4 years, 6 months ago

                  Missed a few price rises earlier this IB as I opted against a wildcard but I’m now wondering if I made a mistake.

                  Would you WC to make these changes?
                  Moura > KdB
                  VVD > Otamendi
                  Ederson > Pope
                  Robbo > TAA
                  Greenwood > Nketiah

                  Currently 1FT 0.0ITB
                  Ederson
                  Robbo VVD Digne Lundstram
                  Salah Sterling Moura McGinn
                  Vardy Pukki

                  McGovern Rico Dendoncker Greenwood

                  Thanks!

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

                    Other option is hold and do Robbo + Moura to 4.5 (Lowton?) and KdB

                    Cheers

                    1. MTPockets
                        4 years, 6 months ago

                        Would certainly do that before wildcarding for just those moves, as looks very KDB focused

                      • grumpyman
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 8 Years
                        4 years, 6 months ago

                        Yeah I'd save the wildcard.

                      • xHaTr
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 6 Years
                        4 years, 6 months ago

                        Those two move look good to me

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

                          Thanks, everyone. That’s my hunch too.

                    2. RIDZ
                      • 7 Years
                      4 years, 6 months ago

                      You keep Robbo rather than VVD? I wouldn't use WC when there's no one injured. How many points did you get last gameweek?

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

                        I’d be doing Robbo to TAA in the WC but keeping VVD otherwise. Got 58 last gameweek. Worried about my rubbish team value and ruing not getting TAA and KdB earlier.

                  2. RIDZ
                    • 7 Years
                    4 years, 6 months ago

                    Do you think TAA worth extra 1.1 than Digne?

                    1. Party time
                        4 years, 6 months ago

                        Trent is worth even more than that

                        1. RIDZ
                          • 7 Years
                          4 years, 6 months ago

                          how come? cmiiw, I saw Digne stats has more shots than TAA, even Robbo has more than TAA. But TAA looks luckier made 3 assists

                      • Zimo
                        • 5 Years
                        4 years, 6 months ago

                        Why not have both? There really aren't that many good defensive options

                        1. RIDZ
                          • 7 Years
                          4 years, 6 months ago

                          Too expensive for both. I analyze there's more team with only 1 premium def after WC.

                          1. Zimo
                            • 5 Years
                            4 years, 6 months ago

                            Not really unless u want 4 premium attackers

                            1. Zimo
                              • 5 Years
                              4 years, 6 months ago

                              Or three 11mil plus ones

                            2. RIDZ
                              • 7 Years
                              4 years, 6 months ago

                              I have Salah+Sterling+KDB+Eriksen. If I get TAA, I would have only 6.0 to replace Eriksen and I can't find someone worth in that price.

                    2. Zimo
                      • 5 Years
                      4 years, 6 months ago

                      Mane or Debruyne for captain?

                      1. Miguel Sanchez
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 7 Years
                        4 years, 6 months ago

                        Mané - great home record last year

                      2. Shineonme
                        • 7 Years
                        4 years, 6 months ago

                        Mane I'd say. Well that's hat I'm doing

                      3. Eze Really?
                        • 9 Years
                        4 years, 6 months ago

                        Mane good home record. Mane fresh. KDB played a lot for Belgium. I have Sterling and I still want to captain Mane.

                        1. Zimo
                          • 5 Years
                          4 years, 6 months ago

                          I have sterling too but don't wanna captain him after last gameweeks blank and double 90 minute outings for England

                          1. Eze Really?
                            • 9 Years
                            4 years, 6 months ago

                            This

                    3. bobwils
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 13 Years
                      4 years, 6 months ago

                      So, who comes in for Laporte?

                      1. RIDZ
                        • 7 Years
                        4 years, 6 months ago

                        Ah, now I know why Ota become popular lately

                      2. Miguel Sanchez
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 7 Years
                        4 years, 6 months ago

                        otamendi

                      3. Lingard’s Shin Guards
                        • 5 Years
                        4 years, 6 months ago

                        Ota/Ferna/Walker

                    4. fakelund
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 6 Years
                      4 years, 6 months ago

                      Help welcome...

                      a) AWB > TAA
                      b) Lanzini > D Silva
                      c) AWB > TAA + Lanzini > Mount (-4)

                      1. MTPockets
                          4 years, 6 months ago

                          a

                        • RIDZ
                          • 7 Years
                          4 years, 6 months ago

                          C looks tempting for long term as Chelsea has strong fixtures ahead, but not sure Mount/TAA could pay off that -4 this weekend

                      2. ChrisTalling
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 6 Years
                        4 years, 6 months ago

                        Ryan
                        Lundsrtam Digne Wan B Roberston Zinchenko
                        Sterling KdB Salah(c) Mount
                        Barnes

                        Button Pukki Greenwood Dendoncker

                        Is this GTG? Swapped King for Barnes no FT left. Is anyone else thinking of benching Pukki vs Citeh?

                        No worrying about Roberston's price drop to 6.9...... yet.

                      3. FCSB
                        • 8 Years
                        4 years, 6 months ago

                        Help please?

                        Pope
                        Robertson VVD Digne Montoya
                        Salah Sterling KDB Mount
                        Pukki Jota

                        Button KWP Dendoncker Greenwood

                        2 FT, 0.3 ITB

                        Jota + KWP >>

                        1. Barnes + Soyuncu / Pieters
                        2. Haller + Rico

                        Thanks.

                        1. Shineonme
                          • 7 Years
                          4 years, 6 months ago

                          Abrahams is a better pick than Barnes imo

                      4. willevete
                        • 7 Years
                        4 years, 6 months ago

                        1FT and 0.5M ITB.
                        Should i chill to take out Perez? King have 3 great fixtures up next. Rash i don’t know. Only problem is Perez imo.
                        Thoughts?

                        Zinchenko, Digne, TAA, Robertson

                        Sterling, Perez, Salah

                        King, Barnes, Rashford

                        Bench: Button, Kelly, Dendoncker, Hayden