Competitions

World Cup of FPL – Group A

Fantasy Football Scout is delighted to announce that the World Cup of FPL has begun.

After a brutal and gruelling qualification round, the real tournament kicks off today with the first group stage clashes.

You can now vote in Group A below or using the sidebar of our website.

Earlier this week we asked you to nominate the players you believed deserved the chance to compete for the title of greatest FPL asset of all time.

We were faced with a deluge of players, which made the process of choosing just 32 to compete at the finals an incredibly difficult one.

After aggregating that large number of players based on your nominations, we were left with the following groups.

Group AGroup BGroup CGroup D
Branislav IvanovicCarlos TevezDidier DrogbaAndrew Robertson
Frank LampardGareth BaleGylfi SigurdssonCristiano Ronaldo
Patrice EvraSteven GerrardHarry KaneEden Hazard
Robin van PersieThierry HenryRomelu LukakuTrent Alexander-Arnold
Group EGroup FGroup GGroup H
Marcos AlonsoClint DempseyCesc FabregasAlexis Sánchez
Nemanja VidicGareth McAuleyJamie VardyMohamed Salah
Raheem SterlingJohn TerryKevin De BruynePetr Cech
Wayne RooneyLuis SuarezLeighton BainesSergio Aguero

That meant it was so close and yet so far for those who missed out on the tournament, which included Aleksandar Kolarov, Dimitar Berbatov, Christian Eriksen, Joe Hart, Raúl Jiménez, Joleon Lescott, John Lundstram, Riyad Mahrez, Florent Maloud, Michu, Morten-Gamst Pedersen, Yaya Touré and Patrick van Aanholt.

Today marks the opening of the first vote, which pits Branislav Ivanovic, Frank Lampard, Patrice Evra and Robin van Persie against each other.

All you need to do is vote for your two favourite options from this group and when the voting concludes, the top two will advance to the knockout rounds.

Let’s take a look at Group A’s competitors and make sure you cast your vote in the footer.

BRANISLAV IVANOVIC

Before wing-backs truly dominated the defensive department of the Fantasy scene as they do now, Branislav Ivanović was there to provide a bit of everything.

In a Chelsea defence that conceded fewer than 35 goals five times between 2008/09 and 2014/15, the Serbian international played an important role.

On top of a strong defensive foundation, Ivanović, capable of playing at right-back or in the middle of the defence, was capable of attacking returns with satisfying regularity.

2009/10 was his break-out season, as he scored once and assisted five times and he went to even better heights the following campaign with four goals and four assists.

2012/13 produced his first appearance in the end-of-season Dream Team as Chelsea kept 14 clean sheets and Ivanović, benefitting from 12 of those, added five goals and an assist.

2014/15 will be remembered as his most impressive season though, as his four goals and five assists, added to Chelsea’s 16 clean sheets secured a second Dream Team call-up in three years.

FRANK LAMPARD

No player in FPL history has been earned a place in the end-of-season Dream Team more times than Frank Lampard.

The Chelsea midfield achieved that feat a staggering seven times between 2002 and 2015.

Lampard was one of the original ‘essentials’ of FPL, and in this case, there is no argument that the all-hallowed E-word applied to him in his prime.

His ability to score goals and set them up with frightening regularity ensured that Lampard made the Dream Team for five years running between the 2002/03 season and 2006/07.

Again, no other player has strung five consecutive appearances together, with only two other assets finding a place in an end-of-season team that many times in their entire FPL career.

But it was the longevity of Lampard’s value to Fantasy managers that also props up his case here.

Even after dominating the midfield for the best part of the so-called ‘noughties’ decade, he was an important cog in our teams during the early years of the ‘teens’ too.

In the 2009/10 campaign, Lampard scored a staggering 22 goals and providing a further 14 assists and between 2010 and 2013, he continued to score at least 10 times per season.

Such credentials mean that Lampard is not only the favourite to win Group A, but he is also tipped as a hot contender to go the distance and win this World Cup too.

PATRICE EVRA

Patrice Evra was something of a slow-burner at the beginning of his FPL legacy but he went on to become an important part of teams at the turn of the decade.

Earning what you would describe as a regular starting berth on the left side of Manchester United’s defence in 2006/07, Evra came into his own in 2009/10 when he made the first of three Dream Team appearances.

2012/13 was the Frenchman’s most memorable. Having never been much of a goal-scorer until that point, Evra found the net four times and assisted another five goals, only Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie creating more for their colleagues that year. Throw 10 clean sheets into the mix and it was enough for Evra’s third Dream Team call-up in four seasons.

ROBIN VAN PERSIE

The aforementioned van Persie rounds off our Group A competitors having proved to be a crucial Fantasy asset at two different clubs.

The Dutch striker moved to Arsenal in 2004/05 and took some time to prove his worth with several injury problems holding him back.

It wasn’t until 2010 that van Persie really started to trouble the Fantasy radar as he ended the 2009/10 campaign with nine goals and seven assists.

2010/11 saw further improvement as he netted 18 goals and assisted seven more and it was 2011/12 that saw van Persie truly etch his name into the FPL halls of fame.

The ‘always captain van Persie season’ featured a 30-goal campaign from Arsenal’s star man and nine assists.

Switching clubs the following year hardly curtailed van Persie either, as he scored 26 times and assisted nine goals in his first campaign at Manchester United, earning himself back-to-back Dream Team appearances.

296 Comments Post a Comment
  1. gooberman
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 1 day ago

    Jesus how the hell is Gareth McCauley in this competition? And no Charlie Adam (Blackpool) or Michu? Those 2 players have probably been the best value for money players in the history of FPL. Barmy

    1. Nightcrawler
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 day ago

      Adams and michu were only good for one season

      1. gooberman
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 1 day ago

        Yeah I guess so but Gareth McCauley?

        1. FPL Pillars
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 1 day ago

          Gareth McCauley is a budget legend!

        2. Nightcrawler
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 1 day ago

          I wouldnt have mcauley in that list either

    2. KingoftheRunts
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 1 day ago

      Macauley is a legend, gotta have some budget/cult gems for the sake of diversity anyway. I would've liked to have seen more like Jonathan Walters, Ian Harte etc.

  2. fc_skrald
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 1 day ago

    a. Alonso + Cantwell -> Lundstram + Fernandes, 0.5 million in the bank
    b. Cantwell + Auba -> Fernandes + DCL, 3.7 million in the bank
    c. just leave it as it is, easy to navigate if the season will continue

    McCarthy
    TAA, Alonso, Doherty, Lascelles
    Salah, KDB, Grealish
    Ings, Jiménez, Aubameyang

    Button, Williams, Cantwell, Hayden
    2 FT, 2,9 million in the bank

  3. Grounderz
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 1 day ago

    Off-topic, anyone here knows how to recover deleted WhatsApp messages? On iPhone here. Need to recover some data. =(

    1. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 1 day ago

      No. You deleted them

    2. The Polymath
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 day ago

      Don't do it, it'll only hurt you if you read them. 😉

      1. Grounderz
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 1 day ago

        😆 No, not about that. Need to retrieve some family photos that was shared with me lost them in an incident previously.

    3. the Penman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 1 day ago

      On the list of chats, pull down to reveal Archived Chats above your active ones? Is it in there?

  4. Amey
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 1 day ago

    In India, we have lockdown till 15tg April.
    But every government facility/rules are showing something else, subsidiary things/loan EMI suspensions/giving away pension for 3 months early.

    I have a feeling that unless a miraculous vaccine gets found, the lockdown here looks like will be increased. Scary times 😕

    Take care all !! Stay home whenever possible. Wash those hands...

    1. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 1 day ago

      Were likely locked down for 12 weeks here

      1. Amey
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 1 day ago

        It looks like the only choice we have sadly. Not spreading it = VICTORY atm .....

      2. Grounderz
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 1 day ago

        Good for you.

        1. Ginkapo FPL
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 1 day ago

          ? Whats with the aggression?

      3. HamezMace
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 1 day ago

        Where’s here?

    2. The Polymath
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 day ago

      Isn't the hot weather about to return to India in the next few weeks and start slowing down the virus Amey?

      1. Ginkapo FPL
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 1 day ago

        There is limited evidence that that does anything sadly.

      2. Amey
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 1 day ago

        Hey mate.
        Actually the summer in India has started already. There was 1/2 day rain which cooled the climate a bit where i live, but the red hot summer is up now !

        I really hope that the theory of heat stopping the monster is true. I've read somewhere that it's not true.

        The population of India makes me worry though. The government is taking great actions, it's up to us to follow them & try N stay Safe.

        I hope you're doing well

        1. The Polymath
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 1 day ago

          Doing fine Amey, hopefully the hot weather theory turns out to be true, time will tell.

          1. Amey
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 1 day ago

            Yep.
            If we survive, we might tell our kids/their kids that we helped saving World by staying home & working from home 😀

      3. JustPark
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 1 day ago

        It doesn't work like that. Take my country Malaysia, it only took one stupid selfish super spreader to spike our number exponentially.
        Temperature and humidity don't help.
        Reason Italy spreading fast because of their culture. We Asians aren't touchy type(cheek to cheek/kiss).

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

      A strict lockdown could do the trick, China reported earlier this week that the only new cases they had were those that had flown in from elsewhere. South Korea numbers are also encouraging.

      1. Amey
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 1 day ago

        Yes mate
        There are some idiots in our country who are wandering around for no reason though. Hopefully the cops would take care of them.

        The reoccurring thing is the worry though IMO.

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

          Same here in Cornwall, England. the coastal locations are still particularly busy with idiots travelling to them to the surf and do coastal walks. The police are intercepting others on the way to the county to holiday in their caravans and motorhomes despite a ban on travel that isn't absolutely necessary being in place. People are just so selfish.

          1. Amey
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 1 day ago

            They are !
            But they sadly aren't reading the situation correctly this time.

            It can lead to death's of many o fear. 🙁

          2. Old Man
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            4 years, 1 day ago

            Ah beautiful Cornwall - I love it. My favourite area is on the Lizard ..... breathtaking. I have Cornish blood in me too (St. Agnes). Where abouts are you?

            1. HamezMace
              • 9 Years
              4 years, 1 day ago

              Can’t beat a pasty on the seafront at Perranporth

              1. Old Man
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 12 Years
                4 years, 17 hours ago

                Yeah - lovely spot

  5. Ginkapo FPL
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 1 day ago

    I refuse to endorse or participate in any competition which doesnt include Kolarov. This is a horrendous highlight of the lack of cultural understanding in the current mod team.

    1. Grounderz
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 1 day ago

      Then don't.

  6. FPL Pillars
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 day ago

    TAA wins!

    The beast of FPL

  7. JustPark
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 1 day ago

    I knew back then the possibility was high but I just hate the fact it actually happened.

    https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/comment/21800847

    1. UTD - HATED, ADORED, BUT NE…
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 day ago

      Is it a riddle?

    2. Nightcrawler
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 day ago

      Berbinho forhead egg on face

  8. Botman and Robben
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 day ago

    Had not played video games in a while, quite fun actually, and time passes fast.

  9. Countess Weffie von Wobbego…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 1 day ago

    Bollicks, done two transfers because I thought it was deadline day today. Now I've a whole week to go with no transfers.

    1. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 day ago

      I actually started this lockdown with 2 FT.

      I’ve only made 1 transfer each of the last 2 gameweeks, but I’ve lost my 2FTs and only got 1 for this GW now.

      What’s all that about?!?

      1. Countess Weffie von Wobbego…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 1 day ago

        You should have two transfers for w32. Unless you've already made one this week and forgot about it?

  10. FPL Virgin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 day ago

    Has the deadline passed? I'm not seeing my free transfer.

    1. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 day ago

      I’ve actually lost one of my 2 FTs that I’ve been rolling over for weeks now.

      I’m pretty p*ssed off about it actually.

      1. Nomar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 1 day ago

        Oops, just realised, this GW is 2 weeks long so I still have one left after I did one last night (Ings to DCL).

        Panic over.

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

          D'oh! I didn't realise it was a 2 week international break either! What a doofus.

          1. HamezMace
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 1 day ago

            Someone should really have written an article about it 😉

          2. Hotdogs for Tea
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 1 day ago

            casual