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Eliteserien Runde 9 – Midfield Madness

One of the many peculiar aspects of Fantasy Football is where the lines between fantasy and reality merge. This what I call the Modric-Bohinen Void. (I’ll explain about Bohinen later). Modric has always been a world-class player, has been for as long as I can remember, but he was never going to be a good Fantasy pick. He’s the guy who would get a move going, pass it around a bit, then either assist the assister or the guy before that. But he was always heavily involved in a team’s success. Kind of like a better version of Jordan Henderson/Gini Wijnaldum who have both undisputedly been integral to Liverpool’s phenomenal title charge this season. Even if it has gone a bit rubbish lately.

For Norwegian football, for at least this season, I think of Emil Bohinen (5.9m). If he’s still at Stabaek next season it’ll be a tragedy. There’s quite a few people raging on about Anton Saletros (4.9m) – and not without good reason – but Emil Bohinen has been insanely good. His heatmap covers pretty much the entire pitch, excluding penalty areas. He has run his legs into the ground for his team, allowing players such as Hugo Vetlesen (5.6m), Oliver Valaker Edvardsen (6.5m) and the very much in-form Kornelius Normann Hansen (5.1m) to prosper ahead of him. He has less points than all of them – bar Edvardsen – but eight of his 31pts have come in the form of bonus points (the exact total bonus points of his teammates).

While he has not had an awful start to this campaign by any means, there’s simply not much reason to own him in Fantasy Football. He has a goal and an assist and even though he’s scored thirteen points in the last two games, there are undoubtedly better options out there. Six players who are cheaper than him have scored more points than him, as well as there being a handful of other players who play in more advanced positions who should return more over the course of the season. Of course, this is just my opinion, based on what I’ve seen so far. He could be given more set-piece duties, be pushed higher up the pitch and start contributing more directly to attacks, at which point you’d have to be very stubborn to ignore him from a Fantasy point of view. For now, at least, he looks set to remain a pass or two away from acceptable points.

As it stands, it’s fairly obvious who the best players to own are. I’m focusing primarily on midfielders in this article as that’s where the biggest points spread seems to be. The go-to defenders are pretty self-explanatory at this point, and only three forwards have scored more than 35 points. So for now at least, I’ll be focusing on the players in the middle of the pitch and usually right in the thick of it.

Exactly ten midfielders have scored 40pts or more. That’s an average points return of at least five a game. Regarding ignored, overlooked potential, we’d probably be better off looking those players dragging behind the leading pack, but for now, I want to see how well or elite group are actually performing in real life, no just in the world of Fantasy Football.

The 10 midfielders we’ll be focusing on are the highest scoring midfielders in the game:

1. Philip Zinckernagel (73pts)

2. Jens Hauge (66pts)

3. Amahl Pellegrino (64pts)

4. Ulrik Saltnes (56pts)

5. Magnus Wolf Eikrem (52pts)

6. Gilbert Koomson (49pts)

7. Etzaz Hussain (44pts)

8. Niklas Sandberg (43pts)

9. Patrik Berg (40pts)

10. Mikkel Maigaard (40pts)

I’ll be focusing on the following categories:

1. Goals

2. Assists (Total)

3. Shots/Shots on Target

4. Passing Accuracy

5. Accurate Opposition Half Passes/Final Third

6. Key Chances and Big Chances Created

1) Goals

Six of our top ten feature in the ‘Top 10 Goal Scorers’ in the league with Eikrem, Berg, Sandberg and Maigaard all missing out. This is quite conclusive that real-world exploits of scoring goals leads to very real fantasy points. The four goal scorers to replace them are Kasper Junker (66pts), Torgeir Borven (54pts), Leke James (33pts) Holmbert Fridjonsson (31pts). This strong correlation between goals and Fantasy points makes sense – forwards get 4pts per goal, and midfielders 5pts. Not much insight to be gained from this other than pick the players who are scoring the goals, dummy.

When we take minutes played into consideration, it’s clear that a couple of players are pushing the boat much farther out than others. Pellegrino is averaging 1.5 goals every 90 minutes played. That’s pretty insane. He’s not even played 500 minutes this season. To contrast, Borven is currently on a goal a game and Junker is slightly over, on 1.2. Somewhat surprisingly, Fridjonsson matches Junker for efficiency and he’s only one behind Zinckernagel for total goals scored. If he keeps getting starts for Aalesunds, he could very quickly become a lot of people’s go to third striker.

(Goals: Zinckernagel 6, Hauge 4, Pellegrino 8, Saltnes 4, Eikrem 2, Koomson 5, Hussain 4, Sandberg 3, Berg 2, Maigaard 3).

2) Assists (Fantasy and Actual)

I was going to focus on just actual assists but I think it serves us more to take both real and Fantasy assists into consideration. Zinckernagel doesn’t need any help here, all seven of his assists being very real indeed. That’s almost one a game and puts his direct goal contribution to 13 in just 8 games. Hauge benefits by another two to match his flying teammate while Saltnes lags a bit behind on 5(3). Eikrem also sits on 5 but has played over 200 minutes less than Saltnes, showing that while some may see him as being a bit too expensive (even though he is one of the best, if not the best player in the league) he is still incredibly efficient when on the pitch.

Zinckernagel, Hauge, Eikrem, Saltnes and Maigaard make the Top Ten for both lists – Real and Real plus Fantasy – and are joined by a few well-known names as well as a surprise or two. Junker makes both lists with 4(3) along with Pal Andre ‘I Wish I Was Eden Hazard’ Helland 3. What’s quite interesting is that while Erling Knudtzon doesn’t have an actual assist, he has three fantasy assists. Make what you will of that. He’s played just ten minutes less than Helland this season which makes them pretty even for usefulness. It also shows that while Helland commands a heftier price tag, Knudtzon offers much better value for money. (They’re both on 29pts).

Hussain is the biggest winner from our Top Scorers, gaining two assists from the land of Fantasy to bring him up to, two… Pellegrino is all about the goals and not much else to be honest but at least a real assist whereas Berg and Koomson don’t have either. At least half our group are the top providers in the league and it makes sense much like in the same sense for those players who score more goals to end up being the highest points scorers in the league. It’s also worth mentioning another Aalesunds player when talking about assists: Simen Bolkan Nordli. He got four attacking returns in his first five games but has blanked in his last three. Still, he sits just inside our top ten for total assists. At 7.0m he may be seen as slightly overpriced by some, a shrewd investment by others.

Players like Helland and Kristoffer Tokstad and Knudtzon might do well for assists, but if that’s genuinely all they’re doing, they’re never going to be scoring highly. Three assists at this stage is clearly not bad going but it’s not a direct reflection of game involvement and potentially only indicative of a game or two’s performance. I’d be wary of chasing players on the back of their Fantasy assist potential alone, as we all know far too well not every Fantasy assist means much more than points. And if you want a consistent, go-to kind of a player, a fluky one is far from a solid choice.

(Total assists: Zinckernagel 7, Hauge 7, Saltnes 5, Eikrem 5, Junker 4, Knudtzon 3, Helland 3, Tokstad 3, Nordlii 3, Maigaard 2).

3) Shots/Shots on Target

This is where the true nature of things starts to be seen. He tops the charts for both total shots and shots on target, yes, it’s him again, Philip Zinckernagel. The man is a machine. With 22 shots (14 on target) he’s joined by Lars Jorgen Salvesen, also on 22, at the top of our mini-table. Maigaard (16) and Pellegrino (15) are the two other players to make the top ten for most shots, with the former being replaced in the ‘shots on target’ table by Hauge 13(9). There’s certainly some correlation between shots and points – only Patrik Berg has averaged less than one shot a game, and 6/10 of the top scorers registered more than 2/3’s of their shots on target.

Two names stick out from these tables and they are Tobias Lauritsen of Odd, and FK Haugesund’s Kristoffer Velde. Velde is experiencing a brilliant start to 2020, earning himself 27pts thus far, while Lauritsen – Odd’s replacement for recently-departed Borven – is a mere 8pts behind James despite having played only forty minutes more. They both scream potential and are being given the chance to make a name for themselves. While their contribution hasn’t gone unnoticed, they are not reaching the loftier heights of their peers even though they are clearly having similar, if not more opportunities to do so.

There’s less correlation in this area and it probably shouldn’t be too surprising. These are midfielders we’re focusing on and so they’re less likely to find themselves in the area, waiting to pounce on a striker’s dinner. Still, efficiency is king, and it’s clear that our elite don’t let too many chances go begging. Maigaard’s poor conversion rate is a cause for concern. Is he missing easy chances or simply taking too many shots? Does he not have the ability to see a better alternative, or has he been unfortunate in not being able to find the back of the net? He’s a player that goes down on my list of one’s to watch, though I’m far from convinced he’s worth the outlay right now.

(Shots/on target: Zinckernagel 22(14), Hauge 13(9), Pellegrino 15(10), Saltnes 12(8), Eikrem 12(8), Koomson 10(8), Hussain 9(5), Sandberg 12(5), Berg 6(3), Maigaard 16(7)).

4) Passing Accuracy

I’m running out of ways to say the words Philip and Zinckernagel. If you hadn’t worked it out, yes he is the best passer in the league. He’s not even in the top ten for most passes played but he doesn’t need to play 400 pointless passes – pretty much everyone one of them is incredibly important. When we look at accurate passes in the opposition half it’ll all become much clearer. Only Berg (674) Hussain (458) and Maigaard (404) make the top ten for overall passes (excluding defenders) in the league. All three are truly part of the passing elite as they all make the top ten most accurate passers list too.

Berg has played more passes than anyone else – defenders included – and a whopping 606 of his 674 attempted passes have been on target. That’s almost 90% success rate. Ridiculous. That will become a synonym for Bodo/Glimt come the end of the season I’m sure. Hussain has is fourth for both passes and completed passes, with an accuracy rating of 82.5% and Maigaard is some way off with just under 77% of his passes find their intended target.

Only Koomson, Sandberg (surprisingly) and Pellegrino have less than 81% passing accuracy from the remainder of our top ten and while Saltnes (339), Zinckernagel (222), Hauge (357) and Eikrem (296) might not be up there with the likes of Fredrik Aursnes, Martin Ellingsen or Saletros for passes played, it’s the kind of passes they play that is what really matters and how many of those important passes they send out. We’ll get to that in just a minute.

Saletros’ value speaks for itself. He’s 4.9m, owned by just over 10% of players and is one of his side’s most important players. Sarpsborg love to shoot and he’s more than happy to be feeding his colleagues with as many passes as they want. He offers great value for money as a midfielder who likes to get involved with build-up play both directly and indirectly. Another player that catches the eye in this regard is Johan Hove. He’s a mere 4pts behind teammate Maigaard and he’s played almost 100 minutes less. His passing 383(305) is not to be sniffed at and he’s scored 3 goals already this campaign. He’s just 5.6m and not in even 5% of teams. His passing capability is clearly showing him to be a player who hasn’t fluked his points – it’s just a matter of time before he registers his first assist to go with his overlooked three goals.

(Zinckernagel 180/222(81.1%), Hauge 296/357(82.9%), Pellegrino 73/105(69.5%), Saltnes 285/339(84.1%), Eikrem 240/296(81.1%), Koomson 157/208(75.5%), Hussain 378/458(82.5%), Sandberg 142/228(62.3%), Berg 606/674(89.9%), Maigaard 308/404(76.2%).

5) Accurate Opposition Half Passes/Final Third

Zinckernagel clearly is not one of the most indulgent passers in the game. Judging him solely on how many passes he makes, you’d be forgiven for wondering how on Earth he’s made so many assists. This is where we delve deeper into the statistics and find out. The guy is an animal. 179 of his 222 passes – or 80.6% – have been accurate passes made in the opposition half. 102 of those 222 passes have been accurate passes made in the final third. That’s almost 50% of his passes played in the final third, finding their target. That is absolutely outrageous. To put that into perspective, Zinckernagel’s wunderkind teammate Jens Hauge has accurately played 62.7% of his 357 passes in the opposition half. That’s almost 20% less accuracy. Staggering.

While Zinckernagel can’t claim most accurate passes in the opposition half or in the final third, no-one comes close to his accuracy. Whatever this guy does, he does it well. He simply doesn’t need 400 attempts at finding the right ball. He’ll do it in half that number. It may be not too surprising to see more of our ten in these lists as they are predominantly attack-minded midfielder/forward players. Berg tops the list for most accurate passes in the opposition half with 324 (almost 50% of his passes) closely followed by Aursnes (279) and Saletros (234). Hove (205) and Bohinen (177) complete the list. (Pellegrino, Koomson, Saltnes and Sandberg missing out).

At this point, I’d like to apologise for the expression of all this data. Tables were one way to go but I simply didn’t have the time. I’m hoping brackets with a short explanation are adequate but my apologies if it’s beginning to get a little bit confusing/muddled!

To fully appreciate how efficient Zinckernagel is, we can even look at how many accurate opposition half passes and final third passes he plays per 90 minutes. At 23.7 and 13.5 respectively, his numbers are less than Bohinen, Hove, Saletros. Which begs the question, how? The answer, however, is incredibly simple. The man is a genius. He provides less service but the quality of his service is quite literally twice as good as anyone else around. It really is that simple.

Hove’s numbers really are impressive. If he was playing for a better team, he’d have more Fantasy points and more direct goal involvements. I’m 100% sure of it. He’s playing almost 30 accurate passes in the opposition half every game as well as 17 in the final third. Only a handful of players beat him in both these categories – he’s got points in him. After looking into this information myself, I am starting to think whether or not I’m missing a very plain and simple, very obvious-looking trick by not having him in my team. I’m convinced it’s only a matter of time before he becomes my 5th midfielder.

We shouldn’t leave out Patrik Berg when we discuss these things. He might only have one goal but it should become very clear why he’s amassed such an array of bonus points this season. His passing is exceptional. Most passes, most accurate passes, most accurate passes in opposition half, second most accurate passes in final third. It’s almost mind-boggling how he is still yet to register a single assist. He’s 4.6m. RIDICULOUS. No wonder he’s in 30.2% of all teams. He could be a very cheap enabler to fill a Hauge-shaped void in the Bodo/Glimt team in just a matter of weeks if indeed the move is still on.

(Zinckernagel 179(102), Hauge 224(156), Pellegrino 58(35), Saltnes 155(96), Eikrem 177(110), Koomson 111(70), Hussain 188(93), Sandberg 127(89), Berg 324(138), Maigaard 227(134).

6) Key Chances/Big Chances Created

Can anyone confirm if Philip Zinckernagel’s middle name is Ridiculous or some variation on that? Because that’s exactly what he is. You can stick an ‘utterly’ in front of that if you want. With 30 key passes, he’s played 6 more than anyone else (Eikrem – 24) and not only that, but it means 13.5% of all of his passes have been understood to be classified as ‘key.’ Eikrem has an exceptional rate of playing key passes himself, but only racks up 8.1% conversion rate. These are both crazy numbers and show how the best of the best approach the game. Quality over quantity. Efficiency over running around like a headless chicken. Playing the best pass rather than the backwards one, or the sideward ones or, well, the wrong ones.

Per 90 minutes these two are in a league of their own. Zinckernagel provides 4 and Eikrem 4.2 every ‘game.’ Quite surprisingly, Maigaard is third for key passes made with 23, just one short of Magnificent Magnus. He clocks up almost 3 per 90 minutes for a total of 5.7% of his total passes. This is a stat I was totally unaware of coming into this research. That’s phenomenal. And I think this is another stat we can use to point towards Stromsgodset massively, massively underperforming. With Hove and Maigaard providing such incredible service, it’s worrying how they are not higher up the table with more goals scored and games won.

Budget midfield option Saletros is here once more. In amongst the big boys. 21 key passes played – 2.8 every 90 minutes. That’s as much creativity as a player over 3m more expensive than him. He’s certainly shaping up to be one of the best bench options available. At least, at this point it doesn’t seem like a fluke he’s so involved. Although he has just half of Pellegrino’s points, Kristiansund midfielder Liridon Kalludra seems to be massively overlooked this season. He’s played 20 key passes in not even 450 minutes and already has 4 attacking Fantasy returns. He looks a cheap way into a potentially high-scoring side at just 6.1m and owned by 4.4% of managers.

Sandefjord’s William Kurtovic has been surprisingly creative, playing a 2.4 key passes every 90 minutes to sit in 8th place for total key passes played ahead of both Jens Hauge and Kasper Junker. That’s no mean feat especially when you consider the difference in style of play and quality in both sides. He’s not returned since his opening day assist, but he can’t be accused of not putting in the legwork. I wouldn’t expect too much from him as Sandefjord are particularly goal-shy, but he could very well be one to watch for 5.0m.

Before we get on to big chances created I want to quickly talk about Amahl Pellegrino. I’m struggling to understand how this guy plays football. As we’ve seen from his figures – even taking his shortened playing time into consideration – he doesn’t do passing. To his credit, he has played 9 key passes (a huge 8.6% of his total passes) but the fact he’s played so few passes is cause for concern. He’s not the same type of player as Zinckernagel. While he has a mean right foot and is capable of scoring great goals, he’s much less involved in the game than his peers. I’m not sure whether this means he’s just brilliantly talented and will continue scoring, or whether this is nothing more than a purple patch and will fade away. He’s one of the most talented players in Norwegian football – but does he need to get a bit more involved with moving the ball around? Maybe, maybe not.

While Berg is a phenomenal and dangerous passer, he’s yet to get an assist and it shouldn’t be too much of a surprise after being told he’s played just 7 key passes – just 1% of his total passes – which means he’s averaged less than 1 a game. He’ll no doubt earn bonus points for moving the ball around more effectively and dangerously than most, but he seems to fall into our Bohinen-Modric Void, where he’s destined to assist the assister or not even that. This also seems to be the case for Etzaz Hussain. I am a big fan of his but with just 4 key passes in 582 minutes, he needs to be far more decisive if he’s to be considered a great ESN asset.

Finally we come to big chances created. We are nearly done – stay with me. Eikrem leads the way with 7 (1.2 a game – crazy), Maigaard in second with 5 (0.6 a game) and Zinckernagel, Hauge and Pellegrino make up the top 5, all with 4. Salvesen 4, Junker, Niklas Castro, Tokstad and the severely underrated Markus Kaasa complete our list, having all provided 3 big chances.

Eikrem is way out ahead in this category and it’s potentially one of the most important categories in the game. This is why he is priced so highly. As good as Zinckernagel has been (for me he’s the best player in the league to this point) Eikrem has almost double the number of big chances created and in 164 minutes less football let’s not forget. The guy is all about getting plates, throwing them in front of his teammates and putting the ball on it. It’s what he does. Is it enough to justify his price tag? Do big chances created mean as much as we think it does? Maigaard has just two less – an entirely credible figure. The difference is, he is part of a much weaker, less attacking, less efficient team. It’s not just about the individual. A good provider needs those ahead of them to finish what they start. Not every creative, hardworking, talented player has the luxury of being blessed with equally talented co-workers.

(Zinckernagel 30KP/4BCC, Hauge 14/4, Pellegrino 9/4, Saltnes 17/2, Eikrem 24/7, Koomson 6/1, Hussain 4/0, Sandberg 17/2, Berg 7/1, Maigaard 23/5).

Conclusion

Zinckernagel is having a laugh. Hauge is exceptional. Eikrem is a beautiful player. Saltnes is somewhat flying under the radar. Pellegrino is a goal-machine. Koomson will score you a few goals but don’t expect too many assists. Sandberg is massively underperforming. Berg loves to pass but will he forever remain in the Modric-Bohinen Void? Hussain has benefitted from being in such a good side – he’ll need to add more to his game going forward. And Maigaard… He should have more points. It’s surely a matter of time. Though, how many times have we said that about other players?

Players to watch: Hove, Velde, Lauritsen, Saletros, Kaasa, Kalludra and Fridjonsson. And Maigaard. If he can start turning his maybes into definites, he could become unstoppable.

 

ReindeerHotdog ESF: https://en.fantasy.eliteserien.no/entry/12433/event/17 Follow me on Twitter: @ReindeerHotdog

150 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Rotation's Alter Ego
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Apologies - wasn't sure when the deadline was so just tried to get it up as quickly as possible. Hopefully I didn't miss it!

    Great work as always RH, thank you very much for pumping these out during these busy weeks

    1. ReindeerHotdog
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Cheers for throwing it up in time. Wasn't sure if it would make it but got it there in the end.

      You'll have a few days till I throw you another one..

  2. Hotdogs for Tea
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    cheers RHD

  3. The FPL Units
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Great article. Thanks RH!

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

    Any news on Hauge and Pedersen? Both yellow flagged

    1. Eytexi
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      See the comment below re. Hauge. Jotjar implies he's back but wait for early team news.

    2. Team Cruel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Hauge expected to be back. Team will be out before the deadline.

  5. Team Cruel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    https://twitter.com/Jotjar/status/1284476986820370432

    Apparently two changes in the Glimt attack. One you'd assume is Hauge returning. The other is Junker out?

    Also says he expects James to retain his place.

    And most importantly, the mighty Stølås finally back in the starting XI? 😯

    1. Eytexi
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      He also says he's betting on Boniface as his goalscorer tonight, further suggesting Junker out/benched. I doubt I'd sell Junker regardless though.

      1. Paul Psychic Octopus
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Or rested. Games have been coming thick and fast and there has been surprisingly little rotation of key players so far.

        1. Eytexi
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          That's what I meant by out/benched, yeah, not necessarily injured. Probably just rested.

    2. Paul Psychic Octopus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Hopefully Berg pushed forward into an advanced role.

      Seriously though, this is a bit of a concern to triple Glimt owners (which I assume is everyone).

      1. Eytexi
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        If Hauge & Zinck start it's hardly a concern tbh. I can see Junker returning off the bench or, if he doesn't even make the bench, I'd definitely hold him for a week & let my subs do the work.

        1. Paul Psychic Octopus
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Me too. Hove and Nasberg.

  6. Eytexi
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Zinck & Hauge start. Junker not in the squad.

  7. Team Cruel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Mjøndalen
    1 Sousha Makani
    2 Quint Arie Jansen
    3 Vetle Winger Dragsnes
    5 Alexander Betten Hansen
    12 Markus Lund Nakkim
    23 Sondre Solholm Johansen
    7 Lars Olden Larsen
    8 Fredrik Neerland Brustad
    10 Tonny Brochmann ChristiansenKAPTEIN
    16 Dagur Dan Thorhallsson
    22 Shuaibu Lalle Ibrahim

  8. Team Cruel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Bodø/Glimt
    1 Joshua Gerardus Petrus Wilhelmus Smits
    2 Marius Lode
    3 Alfons Sampsted
    4 Marius Christopher Høibråten
    5 Fredrik André Bjørkan
    7 Patrick BergKAPTEIN
    14 Ulrik Saltnes
    19 Sondre Brunstad Fet
    8 Victor Okoh Boniface
    10 Philip Aksel Frigast Zinckernagel
    11 Jens Petter Hauge

  9. Eytexi
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    1FT: Gregersen to Sørmo. OR: 316.

    Initially planned on waiting for Aasbak but Sørmo's positioning & couple moments of real quality against B/G have convinced me otherwise. Junker on my bench - a waste to sell for one GW. Deumeland comes in - double IK Start defence vs. Brann.

    Deumeland;
    Sørmo, Foss, Daland, Solheim;
    Zinck, Hauge, Pelle, Eikrem (K), Edvardsen;
    Børven.

    Have been unimpressed by SIF defensively so far this season so Eikrem takes the armband from Zinckernagel. Although I reckon Glimt will win, a strong Mjøndalen defence could certainly limit their opportunities. Zinckernagel (V).

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

    Great article again RH!

    Made a mistake that might cost me badly but lets hope it goes well in the end!

    Zachariassen & Greg out... In comes Normann Hansen & Stolas for -4. At least thats what I thought. But then I realised it was a -8. I already used my FT after the last GW (Näsberg to Sormo). Amateur mistake...

    With Junker out I thought I had to get rid of someone from my non-playing bench, even for a hit. Stolas (The lord himself) is back and against Viking. Also Haugesund has good fixtures moving forward... To afford that, I wanted to get rid of Rosenborg attacker. So Zach instead of Borven as he has been playing deep after I bought him. Normann Hansen has decent few fixtures and is good for both assists and goals. Still just a dumb move...

    Good luck all!

    1. ReindeerHotdog
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Cheers bud. I definitely won't be able to churn out an article every single GW if this fixture congestion continues - takes me quite the amount of time already to make sure my stats are up to date. Quite a lot going on!

      -8 could bite you. Could play out well though.

      I kept Zachariassen for this week and brought in Hedenstad last GW. Sandefjord are playing better than people think, and I know Rosenborg are scoring when they are more likely not to, but sometimes you have to go with form and quality over anything else. I've actually captained Zach this week... but bringing in Normann Hansen (pretty much the in-form player right now excluding any Glimt players) is never a bad shout. Could potentially question the timing but meh, gotta catch a purple patch when it's there.

      Stolaas is always a good shout. I still think it's maybe a bit early to rely on him for many points right now and even though Haugesund have some high-scoring defenders, I think that's more of an indictment on the rest of the defenders rather than how well they're playing. They look leaky. But if he can flip the switch and fly into TAA mode then he's worth the outlay.

      Only move I did this week was to bring in Hussain for Edvardsen. I know the stats don't show Hussain to be someone you can expect a lot of creativity from, but he's got the ball quite a bit more than I think people realise and he's benefitting so much from being in a team with so many quality players. If you put the guy in any other team he'd have half his points. Ideally I'll be keeping him until after the DGW but let's see how his form dips now that I've jumped on him hah.

      I think if you're happy with your transfers long term, then hits are justified even if you lose out initially. I like to keep track of the points won/lost over the weeks to make sure I break even/end up in credit. Last GW I brought in Hedenstad but it was 50/50 between him and Kitolano. That kind of thing is annoying - only reason I didn't is because of the Glimt away game. If they had any other fixture, I would've brought him in. That's where thinking too far ahead can bite you in the proverbial. It's hard to get the balance right.

      1. Eytexi
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Brave to sell Edvardsen before Aalesund & IK Start mate, I'd wish you luck with it if I hadn't held him myself!

        1. ReindeerHotdog
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Loads of way to approach the game. Constant battle between form, fixture, strength of team playing for. I've held good players in good teams for good fixtures and not had any returns.

          I wanted Hussain to be honest. I like the rest of my midfield. Edvardsen has looked a bit off the pace compared to his teammates. Stabaek have suffered with a few more injuries lately too. Could be a poor decision but meh, I'm trying not to be too blinded by one aspect. But hey, could go horribly wrong!

          1. Eytexi
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Of course! There's rarely an objectively "good" or "bad" move to be made, all arguments are fair providing one can back them.

            I've watched a fair few of Stabaek's games recently and have been very impressed by him, especially when allowed to drift into the centre. Had two great chances last game, one of which he was unlucky to see blocked off the line by a late-arriving defender. I reckon we'll see some returns sooner rather than later but nothing is ever a certainty.

            His next 4 fixtures particularly appeal to me. Both AAFK & FKH struggle to defend down the flanks when playing a system with wing-backs from what I've seen: twice today FKH conceded to a wide Viking counter attack. IK Start & B/G defences both concede their fare share of chances, so those fixtures aren't too tough on the eyes either. We shall see.

            Good luck for the GW!

            1. ReindeerHotdog
              • 3 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              Yup, for sure.

              Part of the reason I brought him in was because he's being pushed up front. So he's in a very forward position and offers OOP return potential.

              Vetlesen and Bohinen are both quite important players for Stabaek and I guess I'm a bit put off investing in one of their mids when two of their most important players are potentially injured. If they cope/they come back and they look good, I've got options in Vetlesen/Hansen/Edvardsen. For now I just felt a change was right.

              It's definitely something I'll be paying close attention to. As you say, those teams are vulnerable and Stabaek could open them up. It might cost me some points in this game, you're right. AAFK are a team you play thinking you'll score, that's for sure.

      2. El Puqi
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah but the problem I’m not sure if I’m with the moves long term. My last hits have been good and well thought and by that the players that I’ve bought have already paid their hits. Hauge, Pelle and Zach for example. But this hit was a mistake. I panicked because Junker wasn’t playing and I saw Stolas starting... What I shoul have done is go with just Kitolano for -4.

        Now I just hope and pray that Stolas gets back to his best as quickly as possible...

  11. Team Cruel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Damn, Zink monster haul already. Eikrem has a mountain to climb tomorrow...

  12. Hotdogs for Tea
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    of course I captained Zinc last week but not this

  13. Paul Psychic Octopus
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    And I kept toggling between Zinck and Eikrem just before deadline, to the extent that I cannot remember who I settled on! Now hiding behind sofa. Because I know, really, it will be Eikrem.

  14. Ramboros
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Bit disappointing ending to that game. Zinkernagel(C) with a penalty miss. Hauge missed out on assist for the penalty and received a yellow. Makani on my bench with a penalty save, although Mbaye has been benched earlier this season so you never know.

    It was an interesting match. Mjøndalen created a lot of good chances. Glimt completely lost control of the game with 20 minutes to go. Their usual counter attacks were dreadful towards the end. They had 4-5 great opportunities to counter, but couldn't even make the initial pass properly.

    I found Brunstad Fet to be Glimt's best player in the first half and he got subbed off at HT. The idea was to improve the defending on set pieces. Can't say it worked too well.

    1. Sebinhooooo
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Unlucky mate, Zinck could’ve easily had a monster return

  15. Team Cruel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Makani and Linde owners are such casuals, getting pen saves every week. Meanwhile my goalie collects 5 points in 6 GWs, gets sent off, I have to sell for a hit because of the suspension and his team keeps a cleanie in both those games

  16. Sgt Frank Drebin
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Can you find xG statistics for Eliteserien somewhere?

    1. Ramboros
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Not consistently. You have to fish for articles from different outlets.

      Team wide after 8 games:

      https://www.nordicbet.com/no/blogg/fotball/analyse/sa-forferdelig-er-rbk-statistikken/

      Glimt specific after 6 games:

      https://www.nordicbet.com/no/blogg/fotball/eliteserien/tallene-bak-bgs-suksess-en-gul-flodbolge/

  17. Sgt Frank Drebin
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    I see, thanks! I just created my team but don't know where to start really. From players I only know Wolf Eikrem from Cardiff. Would be nice to have a site like understat.com for FPL.

    1. Sgt Frank Drebin
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Reply fail to Ramboros... Btw, looks like this Junkier guy is quite outperforming his xG!

    2. ffs casual
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      A couple of hints that may help you. Bodo Glimt are storming the league and free scoring. Zinkernagel, Junker and Hauge are the main three, but Saltness and Berg are good options too. They aren't keeping many clean sheets though so.

      Rosenborg and Molde are generally the best defensively. Rosenborg are strugging for goals so whilst Borven may look like good pick, most of his points were from in the first four games when he was at Odd before his transfer to Rosenborg. He may still be a good pick, but hasn't had much service at Rosenborg.

      Molde are second to Bodo Glimt. Eikrem is one of the best if not the best player in the league and he and James are the top two picks for Modle, but both expensive.They have a double game week in week 12 against two poor teams so an Eikrem / James double captain may end up in a big haul of points.

      In general don't rely too much on defenders getting clean sheets. If you ever watch a game you will see why. Too many simple errors lead to goals.

      Stolas of Haugesund is the equivalent of TAA in the premier league. He has only just come back from injury, but one to watch.

      Also have a read of Reindeerhotdogs excellent articles. Lots of information in all of them. Good luck with your selection.

      1. Sgt Frank Drebin
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Thank you very much! This is really helpful!

      2. ReindeerHotdog
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Cheer for the compliment. Much appreciated.
        Just glad to see the stat diving helps.

  18. bigdip
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Chasing to close ML gap so need to go hard or go home:
    DDG (Martin)
    Bardsley VVD Saiss (Kiko, Lascelles)
    Mane KDB (TC) WILLIAN Bruno
    Jesus Greenwood KANE

    (ML competitors dont have Mane or Kane)
    (1FT, 0.1TB)
    A) Saiss & Willian -> Pieters & Dilva (-4 hit)
    B) Saiss, Willian & Kane -> Pieters, Dilva & Auba (-8hit)
    C) Saiss, Willian & Kane -> Pieters, Sterling & Wood (-8 hit)

    1. Sgt Frank Drebin
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Wrong article mate!

  19. El Puqi
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Stølas had 6 key passes in his first game back...

    If he keeps this up I might just keep him.

    Also, Haugesunds main striker is back next week!

    1. Team Cruel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      His crosses were so good. Should have had at least a couple of assists if his teammates could finish. On all corners and most FKs. Only a matter of time before he's essential again imo

      1. El Puqi
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Agree. And its only his first game back...

    2. ReindeerHotdog
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      My word. He looked good, didn't he?

      2 clearances, 1 block, 2 interceptions, 2 tackles
      (High BFP potential for defensive involvement).
      83 touches, 1 shot (off target), 1/1 dribbles.
      25/36 passes, 6 key passes, 6/16 crosses, 1/4 long balls.

      Just a shame Haugesund look leaky and inconsistent.
      Wadji comes back at a good time. VERY tempted to throw him in for the Rosenborg fixture especially as Hedenstad might be out.

      Am considering a potential Stolas/Wadji double up - could be genius or fail drastically. Not even confident of Wadji being guaranteed a start/not sure if Hedenstad will miss out. Definitely one to leave for a bit nearer to deadline.

  20. ReindeerHotdog
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Hedenstad subbed off with an injury. Reitan replacing him.

    He'll have to go out my team now unless it's confirmed it's nothing serious. The flags in Fantasy are dreadful for ESN. Might as well not have them. So that's an unnecessary headache. Great to get the assist but my word he could've got a double digit haul.

    Asen looks like the guy nobody wants to pass the ball to but the coach makes them. He's squandered so many attacking moves by being about 3 yards off the pass and playing in awful passes.

    Borven looks absolutely wasted in this team. Raises the question as to whether he's worth it. Really doesn't look it.

    Zachariassen churning out another goal is lovely stuff but Rosenborg still not looking like a formidable opponent yet.

    With the clean sheets evaporating I'm also considering just how essential Hanche-Olsen. He's far too expensive to be grinding out 2/3 points every week. A dive into stats is probably going to be needed before making any rash decisions but I am questioning his worth.

    1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Defence is the one area I just cannot get right this year.

      Anyone I buy ends up injured or rested, so frustrating.

      1. ReindeerHotdog
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        You're not alone. Defenders are difficult to gauge in this league.

        There's a lot less clean sheet potential - any CS you get will more than likely be a bit more to do with luck than judgement. Though there's more reason to keep a defender for the entire season than in FPL. You play the long game for CS whereas others you might rotate in and out for attacking return potential.

        It's a pain in the proverbial. Definitely. I'm stressing over what I'm going to do for the next few weeks especially if Hedenstad misses out next week.

    2. El Puqi
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Thats unfortunate... Im personally glad to see Valsvik starting and Reg getting the rest instead, just like I thought.

      Borven to James is a move waiting to happen, just not sure when.

      Defenders are so hard to call in this game. For me, expensive defenders have to play for a solid team and have a big attacking upside. Almost 6.0 for HO is not worth it imo. Stabaek doesnt look THAT solid defensively and yeah he is a bonusmagnet and a threat from set-pieces but for 6.0? So many other better defenders out there. Solheim was decent but is having to play in the middle atm and that’s not good for his attacking potential.

      1. ReindeerHotdog
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Just when I was feeling more confident to get rid of HO, he goes and does that. Highly-owned player and value tied up in him. Not sure it's him who gets the boot for me. Start next, too.

        Hedenstad injury is a pain. I don't trust flags in ESN and news is hard to come by. He probably gets the chop but who to bring in? I have a shortlist and I'm pretty sure I know who I'm going to turn to, but I'll be looking into this in my next article. Always gotta check the stats before doing anything!

        Hope your GW went well.

  21. Hotdogs for Tea
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Nightmare, two non starters

    1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      3 here 😆

      1. Hotdogs for Tea
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        *so far 🙁

  22. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Junker out for a while? Or is it just a knock?

    1. Ramboros
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Precautionary. I'm sure he will start the next game without issue.

  23. Eytexi
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    EDVARDSEN FINALLY.

    1. ReindeerHotdog
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Edvardsen 7 - 8 Hussain.

      Before bonus. Not a great move I can admit but it's one eye on the DGW. Can't complain really.

      I've got very lucky this week though I shot myself in the foot by not playing Klaesson. Didn't think Valerenga would keep a clean sheet. Ah well!

      Zach captain paid off and Koomson to go.

      Borven a huge waste of money. Straight swap to James I think.

      Very good week for me so far - could've been better too.

      I finally nail my captaincy. Getting there...

      1. El Puqi
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        I think it was a good move, certainly better than my moves! Still cant believe how stupid I was to make those moves... Really trying my best to drop out of the top 1k, hah!

      2. Eytexi
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Fair play, fair play ahaha. 8-8 pre-Molde BAPS but assume Hussain gets something. We'll see how this goes over the next few.

        1. ReindeerHotdog
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Ended up with no bonus so final score of 8.

          It was a 50/50 I suppose.

          For example, Kristiansund and Valerenga finished 0-0. Didn't see that coming. What can you do huh.

          Need to get Linde in my team ASAP but not RIGHT before Glimt away. Still expecting casuals to bring him in and see his price rise another 0.1m though. Will love to see it, obviously.

  24. Hotdogs for Tea
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Come on Borven you big lump

  25. El Puqi
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    In need of another haul from Koomson.

    Please.

  26. ReindeerHotdog
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Koomson delivers yet again.

  27. ReindeerHotdog
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Note to regulars:

    I am aware I mentioned I would write an article looking solely at Odd. And Rosenborg for that matter. I genuinely believe this kind of article is best left for the mid-season break. We'll have more data to root through and should have a much better grasp of what the teams are looking like with their starting XI's, form, best outlet for points etc... So I'll look to get them done in September (unless anything changes).

    I may be able to produce write ups on all the 16 teams but I'm not committing to that at this juncture - we shall see. It may be I do joint pieces, so perhaps a series of 4 articles (each looking at four teams) or 8x2. Either way, this kind of content will be looked into but a bit further down the line.

    We now have a week until the next deadline. I would normally try to get a couple of articles written up between now and next weekend but I'm going to just do the one and make sure it's relevant and not rushed. I am looking into what I need to do with my defence - I'm sure this is a conundrum a lot of us are having right now - so I'll be focusing on defenders in between now and next weekend. It won't be until after Wednesday, but I'll make sure it's up before next gameweek so we can at least have a more detailed look into who we might have overlooked, value for money, rotation risks, in-form players etc... I've not looked into defensive stats much this season myself, so it'll certainly help me make a more informed choice.

    Hope we all had a good week!

    1. ReindeerHotdog
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      (The comment isn't JUST to regulars, I just mean the people who are in here often enough to perhaps be wondering where my Odd article is, it'll come, just not yet. Everyone is allowed to read and react to the comment, not just the regulars! Thanks).

    2. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      just do what you can, when you can ... we all appreciate your fantastic effort 🙂

      1. Mullered in Maenam
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Second tha,t very much appreciated RH.

  28. Hotdogs for Tea
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Gutted that Bjørnbak didn’t play (started every game so far) even with most of Moldes’ defenders injured and midfielders being played in defence. Missing than clean sheet is tough. BG next week too 🙁

    Does anyone know Bjørnbak is injured or something ?

    1. MTPockets
        3 years, 8 months ago

        On the bench so assume just rotation/rest

        1. Hotdogs for Tea
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          thanks

          It hard enough to get clean sheets and painful to miss out on them, won’t get one next week with him though.

          No need to sell him then it seems, so I think I will sit tight this week and avoid early transfers

          1. MTPockets
              3 years, 8 months ago

              Yeah I've already been trolled several times by Molde defs this season (Haugen, Holmgren) and got rid. I may just pass for the dgw and try midfield pot luck instead.

              Already done Borven to James. 0 left itb so couldn't afford another price change. Could get burnt but so be it.

      • Eytexi
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Small red arrow to 375 OR. Let down by Eikrem (K) yet again, that Koomson goal the difference between a good & bad week for me. An IKS CS would have gone a long way, but not too bad all-in-all. Børven to James done & onto the next one.