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Eliteserien Runde 12 – Looking forward to the Double Gameweek

In my last couple of articles, I’ve focused on the top defensive and midfield Fantasy assets so it only follows that this week’s focus will be on the top-scoring forwards in the game. As Gameweek 12 is the first double-gameweek of the season, I’ll also include how I’m going to approach this Fantasy milestone.

88 games in and we’ve had 261 goals. That’s three away from exactly three goals a game. To compare, the Premier League season ended with 1,034 goals over 380 games, or 2.72 goals per game. That’s pretty high, but we’d need another 106 goals to match the lust for goals that has been quite prevalent in Norwegian’s highest footballing tier.

The top 10 goal-scoring forwards in ESF have scored 53 goals between them, or 20.31% of the entire goals scored in the league. Again, to compare with the Premier League that would be like the top 10 point-scoring forwards ending the season on almost 24 goals each. In case you’re wondering if that’s impressive or not, I’d say it probably is.

Of course, the top 3 forwards (Junker 10, Borven 8, Fridjonsson 8) do skew our numbers somewhat (they contribute for just under 50% of our 53 goals) but still, we do have other players who are performing well enough to be considered alternative Fantasy options.

After looking at our Top Ten forwards, I’ll address the elephant in the room that is the first double gameweek of the season and how I will be approaching it. I’m not against taking a hit but just because we are entering a DGW doesn’t mean I think spending points to make transfers is always necessary. As ever I encourage debate on the subject, so please comment below with your own strategy.

The top 10 forwards we’ll be looking at are as follows:

1. Kasper Junker (86pts)

2. Torgeir Borven (64pts)

3. Holmbert Fridjonsson (50pts)

4. Daouda Bamba (46pts)

5. Lars Jorgen Salvesen (46pts)

6. Leke James (44pts)

7. Ohikhuame Omoijunafo (40pts)

8. Veton Berisha (40pts)

9. Moses Mawa (38pts)

10. Matthias Vilhjalmsson (38pts)

We’ll be looking at the following 10 categories:

1. Goals Scored

2. Assists

3. Total Shots/Shots on Target/% Conversion Rate

4. Big Chances Missed

5. Penalty Goals

6. Bonus Points

1) Goals Scored

Unsurprisingly Kasper Junker leads the way with 10 goals scored after just 770 minutes. Or, 1.17 goals a game. What’s even more impressive is that he’s not even made 60 minutes on two separate occasions (one game he scored 10pts with a goal and an assist, the other he blanked) and he missed another altogether. He’s in a league of his own right now and given the way both he and Glimt are playing, I can’t see him being caught any time soon.

Last season’s top goal-scorer Torgeir Borven is joint second with 8 goals, but 6 of those came in the first four games of the season when he was still at Odd. He’s since scored just twice for new club Rosenborg (in 549 minutes, or 6.1 games) which suggests he’s going through something of a transitional period which would make sense as Rosenborg themselves are certainly far from the finished article they aspire to be.

Holmbert Fridjonsson also has 8 goals after bagging a hat-trick against IK Start on Wednesday evening. He has one of the best goals per game ratio in the league (1.09 goals/game) which is even better than it first sounds when taking the club he plays for into consideration. Only four teams have scored more than Aalesunds, but they are rock bottom of the league and already look to be the whipping boys of the division.

Molde duo Leke James and Ohikhuame Omoijuanfo have scored 6 and 4 goals respectively but seem to be sharing minutes, meaning we have two premium forwards who are not guaranteed game time. At the same time, their attacking potential (AP) is quite formidable. James is averaging 1.04 goals every game, while Ohi is a bit behind on 0.85 goals per game. However, a mere four points separate the two and Fridjonsson is just 10pts ahead of Ohi, despite having played 240 minutes more than him.

Ibrahim Shuaibu and Mathias Bringaker have both scored the same amount of goals as Ohi (4) pushing Salvesen and Berisha out of the top ten for goals scored. Tobias Lauritsen has scored three times (as much as Mawa and Vilhjalmsson) but will be out for at least three months due to his shocking injury at the hands of Aalesunds goalkeeper Gudmund Kongshavn.

Lars Jorgen Salvesen hasn’t missed a minute up to this point but has only scored twice. While he may be struggling to get goals, he’s one of the most nailed forwards in the league so if he picks up a bit of form it’s hard to see him not starting/being hooked early. Along with Veton Berisha (2 goals) he drops out of the top ten goal scorers despite his points tally.

Moses Mawa and Matthias Vilhjalmsson (3 goals) have as many goals as Daouda Bamba who since scoring three goals in his first three games has really seemed to struggle up front of late. The Brann forward has cut a frustrated figure since being substituted early against Rosenborg – it seems as though something is not right there.

Right now it looks like Junker is the must-have forward based solely on goal involvement, with Fridjonsson just behind. As they’re both relatively cheap, they offer great value for money, allowing funds to be thrown around the rest of the team without too much issue.

(Goals Scored: Junker 10, Borven 8, Fridjonsson 8, Bamba 3, Salvesen 2, James 6, Ohi 4, Berisha 2, Mawa 3, Vilhjalmsson 3).

2) Assists

While more associated with midfielders, assists provide another route into scoring Fantasy points and while the leading forwards may be out-and-out goal-scorers, some of the chasing pack will usually have a couple more strings to their bows and not only be able to score a good amount of goals, they’ll also offer AP in assists.

This is most certainly the case for Junker. He’s got 4 real-world (RW) and 2 Fantasy assists to give him the most out of any forward in the league. In fact, only Magnus Wolff Eikrem 7, Jens Petter Hauge 7 and Philip Zinckernagel 9 have more than him. He started the season at 8mNOK so it should be no surprise that on the cusp of Runde 12, he’s now worth an astonishing 8.9m.

Salvesen may be something of a goal-shy forward right now, but he’s contributed 5 assists in total (3RW, 2F) putting him one behind Junker. He may not be the most dynamic player going but hasn’t let his lack of goals get in the way of being a team player. Berisha has 3 assists (2RW, 1F) to go with his two goals. Viking don’t seem to be a team full of goals which is a massive concern and Berisha will have to do a lot to convince most managers he’s worth a huge 8.8m especially when Junker is a mere 0.1m more expensive.

Ohi 2, Bamba 2, Vilhjalmsson 2 and Borven 2 (1RW, 1F) occupy the next few places in our list while Lauritsen 2, sneaks in ahead of James 1. Fridjonsson and Mawa are both yet to register a single assist, showing that they are perhaps only to be valued in terms of how many goals they will score, rather than being involved in providing any kind of noticeable service to their teammates.

Overall the correlation is quite high in this category, as only two of our players miss out on the top ten for total assists. It’s a shame Lauritsen has suffered such an awful injury (one that could potentially derail his fledgeling career) as he seemed to be asserting himself as the number striker at Odd since Borven’s departure,

(Assists: Junker 6, Borven 2, Fridjonsson 0, Bamba 2, Salvesen 5, James 1, Ohi 2, Berisha 3, Mawa 0, Vilhjalmsson 2)

3) Shots/Shots on Target/% Conversion Rate

Salvesen (29) leads the way and only Zinckernagel (30) has more shots than him. The issue is that only 9 of those shots have been on target and his conversion rate is 6.9%. That’s shocking if we’re being honest. 14 of Bamba’s 24 shots have been on target and he has a conversion rate of 12.5%. That’s almost double Salvesen’s but it’s still pretty poor. No wonder these two are trailing their peers – they’re being far too wasteful.

Junker, on the other hand, has had 10 fewer shots than Salvesen – 19 – but 12 of them have been on target and his conversion rate is 52.63%. Once again, a Bodo/Glimt player catches the eye and not just because of their bright yellow kit. Quality over quantity has been a concurrent theme in these articles – this is a perfect example.

Fridjonsson’s numbers are equally as impressive. He’s had 18 shots, with 11 being on target and a conversion rate of 44.44%. For someone who is playing for the team rooted to the bottom of the league – that’s good going. Borven has had a total of 17 shots with 9 being on target and a conversion rate of 47.06%. Since joining Rosenborg he’s had just two shots on target in seven games which should be cause for concern for his owners – he’s not playing like he was at Odd.

Vilhjalmsson has had the same amount of shots as Borven, actually being more accurate (11 on target) even though his conversion rate is almost 3 times worse (17.65%). Berisha is in a similar boat (15/7/13.33%) perhaps indicating these guys are not who we should be looking to for goals at this moment in time. Due to Vilhjalmsson’s age and his slightly deeper positioning and Berisha’s lack of instinct, I can’t say I expect to see much difference in this area over the next 5-10 games.

Ohi Omoijuanfo has had 16 shots (8 on target) and a conversion rate of 25%. Not too shabby at all, but his teammate Leke James, while having fewer shots (15), has 11 on target and a far superior conversion rate of 40%. If money is no object and you’re finding it hard to choose between these two, pretty much all the information we have to this point shows that James is the much better option.

Mawa has a respectable 15 shots with 8 on target and a conversion rate of 20%. I feel as though if he was able to produce 29 shots like his partner Salvesen, he’d be scoring a few more goals. He’s capable of getting in good positions and links up well with those around him so potentially if he’s given the chances to get in front of goal a bit more, he may well become a bit more productive.

I’m happy to suggest we should consider how many chances our forwards are getting but judge their accuracy rather than a lust for shots. Sometimes it’s better not to shot, looking to draw a teammate into the next phase of play rather than simply hitting the ball vapidly towards goal. It seems as though Salvesen is trying too hard to impress those around him and needs to focus a bit more on his shooting in training.

(Shots/On Target/% Rate: Junker 19/12/52.63%, Borven 17/9/47.06%, Fridjonsson 18/11/44.44%, Bamba 24/14/12.5%, Salvesen 29/9/6.9%, James 15/11/40%, Ohi 16/8/25%, Berisha 15/7/13.33%, Mawa 15/8/20%, Vilhjalmsson 17/11/17.65%)

4) Big Chances Missed

It’s only natural to be concerned with the form of our players and simply rage-transferring those who are failing to return on our investment can actually do more harm than good. Whether or not our players are taking their big chances is hugely important. We’ve already seen how wasteful the top-scoring forwards in the game have been, but how does that translate into missing big chances?

If a high points-scoring forward with not so many goals is missing a lot of big chances it can be seen as both a positive and a negative thing. They may be missing opportunities to score but, on the other hand, they are being given those chances other forwards may not have the luxury to squander. At this stage of the season, we should be mindful of some players taking their time to find their form. If the chances continue to present themselves, it wouldn’t be the most far-fetched logic to assume our premium forwards will eventually start converting those chances.

Ohi, Bamba, Salvesen and Mawa have all missed 6 big chances – more than anyone else. James has been less wasteful, only missing 2 big chances, while Berisha (4) and Vilhjalmsson (3) once again show they are a yard or two off the pace.

Junker (0), Borven (1) and Fridjonsson (1) are sending a very clear message to Fantasy managers all around the world: We. Do. Not. Miss. Borven is a special case right now as he was far more prolific at Odd, but Junker and Fridjonsson are clearly elite, efficient and effective. Triple E forwards whose value should be quite glaringly obvious.

In terms of correlation this hasn’t been too helpful, other than to show how efficient Junker, Fridjonsson and James are. The rest of our group are slightly more wasteful but it shows they are at least being given the chances to indeed score.

(Big Chances Missed: Junker 0, Borven 1, Fridjonsson 1, Bamba 6, Salvesen 6, James 2, Ohi 6, Berisha 4, Mawa 6, Vilhjalmsson 3)

5) Penalty Goals

What type of forwards do we have on our hands? A really quick look into how many goals our forwards are scoring from penalties is helpful on two levels: 1) Are they the designated penalty taker for their team? (Thus boosting their appeal) and 2) what percentage of their goals are coming from penalties rather than open play.

James, Ohi, Berisha and Fridjonsson have all scored one, Vilhjalmsson two and Borven out in front on 3. All three of Borven’s penalty goals were scored while he was at Odd. If he is not on penalty duty for Rosenborg it wouldn’t be too dramatic to suggest his appeal has severely diminished as over a third of his goals this season have come from the penalty spot.

As they do not take penalties for their clubs, Junker, Bamba, Mawa and Salvesen are all on zero. If you’ve not got Junker in your team yet, I implore you to bring him in. The guy doesn’t need special favours to score goals, he just scores. Simple as that.

Over half our top ten have scored penalties which gives us another reason to have them in our team. It shouldn’t blind us too much though, as Castro is AAFK’s usual penalty-taker and Borven scored his penalties at Odd and if both James and Ohi are playing who takes the penalties?

(Penalty Goals: Junker 0, Borven 3, Fridjonsson 1, Bamba 0, Salvesen 0, James 1, Ohi 1, Berisha 1, Mawa 0, Vilhjalmsson 2)

6) Bonus Points

This is the category in which we find the most correlation. Nine out of our ten players make the actual top ten (Vilhjalmsson unsurprisingly missing out with 0 BFP). All things considered, this shouldn’t be too surprising – if you do well across the board, you’re going to be rewarded for that. Our forwards have been awarded bonus points on 21 separate occasions, 18 of those occasions when at least one goal was scored. From this, it’s quite clear our forwards are being rewarded for scoring with a healthy supply of bonus points.

Only three times have bonus points been awarded to our top ten when they didn’t score. Bamba was awarded 1 BFP for an assist against Sandefjord and Berisha was given 2 BFP for a single assist away to FK Haugesund (ironically only being given a single bonus point when he scored and assisted at home to Sandefjord) while Mawa banked 2 BFP despite failing to either score or get an assist at home to Odd.

The list of BFP awarded to our top players is as follows:

• Junker 10 (3,2,3,2)

• Borven 5 (3,2 – Odd)

• Fridjonsson 5 (2,3)

• Bamba 7 (3,3 – when scored,1 assist)

• Salvesen 3 (1,2)

• James 5 (1,1,3)

• Ohi 4 (1,3)

• Berisha 4 (1,3 assist)

• Mawa 5 (2 no return,3)

• Vilhjalmsson 0

If we use Junker as the benchmark, we can see we’re doing pretty well in this department. BFP is a largely subjective aspect of the game – quite often we’ll see players who didn’t directly contribute as much as other players given more BFP due to their efforts in other areas. I think this system is a good one as we see players who excel in other areas rewarded for their efforts, rather than simply throwing bonus points at reactive goal scorers. Although the man in the stand could do with hanging around a bit longer after the last game of the week – we usually have to wait until the morning after for the game to update…

Conclusion and DGW Approach

At this moment in time, it really does seem like we’re clutching at straws when it comes to forwards. Junker is by far and away the must-have pick up top. Nobody comes close to his numbers and he’s playing for the best team in the league. Statistically speaking and going by any Fantasy metric of your choosing, the guy is basically essential.

Borven was great at Odd. Unrivalled perhaps. At Rosenborg it’s another story. He’s not as good. He’s in a worse team. And he’s often being played out of position. It’s hard to argue he’s worth the money, but he is a player of great quality. It has to be a case of ‘wait and see’, rather than insisting that next week will be his week. He’s scored a couple for Rosenborg but he doesn’t seem the same since moving. It seems like a poor fit to say the very least.

Fridjonsson could be a very cheap second striker. Before his price begins to rocket. I’ve avoided going for him this week as Niklas Castro will miss out due to suspension. Though Simen Nordlii is another competent provider and all-round good Fantasy asset, I feel Fridjonsson’s appeal diminishes somewhat without Castro. When he’s back for Aalesund’s home fixture against Viking, there’s a good chance Fridjonsson will come straight into my team.

Bamba and Salvesen are two heavyweight players with premium price-tags to match; poetically reflecting their own wastefulness up front with their owners’ investment in them. They’re a hard sell but do play for teams that are creating chances on a constant basis. Bamba has the potential to be an explosive player with a much higher points ceiling than he’s displaying this season, and Salvesen is in the path of some of the most creative players in the league – you’d expect in another ten games time for a huge improvement.

James and Ohi will more than likely continue to share game time, playing together on occasion. There will always be a risk attached to choosing one over the other but seeing as both have quite high ceilings, they can definitely reward any investor willing to put up with the odd cameo here and there.

Berisha, Mawa and Vilhjalmsson seem to offer the least out of all our players. If Stromsgodset decided to revert to playing with a single striker up front then Salevesen would without question get the nod ahead of Mawa, either pushing him out on the flank or back towards the bench. Vilhjalmsson is not playing up front for Valerenga and looks for less effective in a deeper role. The fact he is on penalty duty gives him limited appeal – it’s not enough to make up for the lack of goal-threat he offers.

Berisha is perhaps looked at harshly due to his value and the fact he’s not scoring as many goals as most of us thought he would, but he’s also playing for a team near the bottom of the table who often make it look harder than it should be to mount a serious attack. He’s scored as many goals as Viking defender Adrian Pereira, and set up just one more. If I was looking to bring in a Viking asset for their attacking qualities, I’d probably jump at Pereira for almost 3m less.

I currently have Junker and Ohi up front with the terribly ‘gambled upon’ Flamur Kastrati. After the double Gameweek I will be bringing in Fridjonsson for Kastrati, deciding what to do with Ohi the following week. If the rest of my team isn’t too badly affected, I may end up deciding to keep Ohi as the other options really aren’t that appealing.

Speaking of the double gameweek, I have decided to triple up on Molde assets despite taking a hit of -8pts. Whilst not being averse to taking hits, I’ve not made this move without quite a lot of consideration. Before bringing in Linde I had Viljar Myhra (in my opinion one of the best-performing keepers in the league) and Kristoffer Klaesson. Myrha is up against Bodo/Glimt and Klaesson against Brann. Both away from home. I fully expect both teams to lose, therefore I’m quite confident neither keeper will amass more than 2 or 3pts. I am confident that Molde will keep at least one clean sheet against either Sandefjord and IK Start in the double. Even if he doesn’t, he should at least halve my deficit in the very worst outcome.

Etzaz Hussain was in my team beforehand, but to be able to bring in Ohi, I had to make an extra transfer. This is where my conflict lay. I knew I wanted one of James or Ohi but would have to take an extra hit to be able to bring either of them in. James is too expensive for me as I don’t want to tear apart my midfield or defence for him. Ohi, however, allowed me to remove my most-recently bought midfielder – the brilliant Mikkel Maigaard – and bring in the ‘alright’ Niklas Sandberg as a replacement. I was happy to make that sacrifice.

Ohi comes in to replace Borven up front and provides me with not only a shield for the DGW but a chance to get some big points. He’s a huge differential compared to James (6.3% ownership – 27.5%) and goes into DGW 12 on the back of two assists and a goal as well as 3 BFP. It’s a high-risk strategy as he’s more than capable of blanking or being outperformed by James, but he’s shown on several occasions he can be just as good. Ohi was also started more last season and in general preferred to James, even if the latter was more efficient at taking his chances and scoring points.

Eikrem is obviously another choice for the DGW that most people will look to. I did say at the start of the season I thought he’d see fewer minutes and while that has been the case, he’s always a lethal player if given the chance to work the ball around. Hussain is on 3 yellow cards, putting him one more booking away from a suspension – an issue that a lot of people are aware of, making him a less attractive choice. Molde are like Manchester City in the sense they have such depth in midfield. It really does feel like a lottery at times. Add to that the fixtures they have this week – Sandefjord away and IK Start at home – they don’t need to put out full-strength sides in both games. Their only concern will be to make sure they do not drop any points at all, as they’d ideally want to be level on points with Glimt come Wednesday evening. I’m not even going to give any advice on this – this is the very definition of ‘Dealer’s Choice.’ The phrase ‘Pep Roulette’ springs to mind.

Jesper Daland is my only IK Start asset and I’m happy with that. Bringaker has become a doubt for their next game and other than Eirik Schulze nobody really stands out for any kind of potential returns. They’ll be lucky to keep a clean sheet in either of their games against Mjondalen and Molde and attacking returns seem quite slim, too.

If I avoided the moves I have made I’d be left with Klaesson in goal against Koomson at home and left to choose between Maigaard being passed out of the game at away to Bodo/Glimt or playing Kastrati (who probably won’t even start the next game) for a Kristiansund team who seem to score more when he’s not playing, away to Viking. With Linde and Ohi both potentially playing two games (at least 3 between them) and Sandberg at home to a Stabaek side who will be without Andreas Hanche-Olsen, I’m confident I’ll make up the eight points I’ve spent to bring them in and then some.

Long-term I’m happy to be stuck with these players as if I need to get rid of them, they’re easily replaced due to how much value I have tied up in each of them. Being ‘stuck with’ three Molde players is a situation I’m happy to be in, and while Sandberg may not be the answer to all my problems for the weeks ahead, he’s probably one of the best choices for this week. As he’s easily replaced by players such as Nordlii, and Stabaek trio Hugo Vetlesen, Kornelius Normann Hansen and Oliver Edvardsen, I’m happy to have him for a couple of weeks knowing I have decent replacements (all cheaper) waiting in the wings.

I wouldn’t let the DGW blind you when making your decisions on who to bring in and how to approach the week, rather let it be a part of the decision-making process you adopt. It is very an issue to be dealt with and needs to be respected as such, as well as the gameweeks that follow. I don’t think a triple up is necessary, I’ve only found myself in this position because I’ve had Hussain since gameweek 9. IK Start assets haven’t been attractive options up until now and just because they’re part of a double gameweek doesn’t suddenly transform them into such.

I’m ultimately left with a team that, if by some cruel twist of fate I’d be unable to change for the rest of the season, I’d not be too concerned about. In my experience that’s usually a good thing. My style of play may differ from yours and you may rationalise hits entirely differently to me – that’s fine – but in my head I’ve considered what I need to and I’m willing to die by the same sword I thrust into each gameweek. I’m not always right and I’m happy to admit when I’m wrong, but sometimes you need to take a little bit of a risk in order to win. Unless we’re talking about roulette, in which case just go home. Seriously, it’s not worth it.

 

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

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

    Cheers for writing RH, good luck in the double!

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

    I’ve done a quick analysis of Molde’s eight main Mids/Forwards and their starts/playing time over the 11 games so far. Didn’t bother with defenders, as their defence has often been makeshift and I suspect people are more interested in attacking players for the DGW.

    Most starts are Hussain (11), Aursnes (10,) Eikrem (10); the latter had been injured and benched, otherwise may have been 11.

    Midfielders’ starts: Hestad, Brynhildsen, Knudzton, (5 each).

    Strikers. Omi not in squad for first game. James starts, gets red card, and misses next 2 matches. In total Omi has started 7 games, James only 4.

    In terms of total minutes played and (average minutes per game, if in squad and available):

    Hussain: 921 (84)
    Aursnes: 903 (82)
    Eikrem: 734 (67)
    Knudtzon: 553 (50)
    Hestad: 541 (60)
    Brynhildsen: 421 (38)
    Omi: 556 (62)
    James: 391 (43)
    Of course, the two forwards’ minutes were affected by James’ stupid red card.

    The final measure is minutes per point, including BAPs. i.e. how long a player needs on the pitch to accumulate one point – the lower the figure, the more productive, obviously:

    James: 8.9
    Eikrem: 11.5
    Knudtzon: 13.8
    Omi: 13.9
    Hussain: 14.6
    Hestad: 15.0
    Aursnes: 21.0
    Brynhildsen: 28.1

    Make of this what you will. The only other, slightly subjective, observations I might make are:

    Eikrem, Hussain and Aursnes are the most-nailed starters, even when there are only 3 days between games. As is Linde, obviously.

    James outscores Omi when he’s on the pitch, by a factor of 1.5:1.

    Since 28 June, Hestad has started 5/7 games (and was unavailable for FKH and not in squad, I can’t remember why) So 6/7 he was available for. He started both games where there was a one-week break between nd less need for rotation, i.e. SIF and Glimt.

    Hussain is on three Yellow cards going into the DGW; Eikrem, Hestad and Aursnes all on 2.

    For my plans for the DGW, I have Eikrem and an injured Bringaker (of course, just transferred him in for Lauritsen). Contemplating:

    A. Hove and Borven > Hussain and Omi.
    B. An uninspiring Lund and Aursnes > Linde and Hove.
    C. With Henche-Olsen and Bringaker out, lose 0.3m TV on H-O, downgrade to Daland, Fredriksen or Borchgrevink, and do Hove, Lund and OH > Hussain, Linde, 5.2m Def for -4 and keep Borven.

    Bringaker and H-O would be benched so far, and still have Vogt, so need a decent 12th man.

    Needless to say, I haven't decided.

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

      The timing was impeccable 🙂

      Some good stats to consider. C seems a little too risky, losing 0.3m TV, the top scoring defender and -4. A looks good if Ohi starts

      The only other player of interest to me is Kitolano. He has picked up a couple of assists, but he may not be guaranteed the minutes like Linde. What are your thoughts on him as an option?

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

        Ramboros is your man for Molde information and insights.

        I would expect James to start the first game tomorrow v Sandefjord, as Ohi started the last game just 3 days ago and James only got a few minutes. Expect that to be reversed for the second fixture vs. IK Start. Both IK Start and Sandefjord have similar goals records - 10/19 and 9/19 respectively. Start have yet to win a game but have had a lot more draws.

        Kitolona started against Valerenga, but is second choice to Haugen. In the tougher game before against Bodo/Glint, Haugen started at left back; Kitolano stayed on the bench. Both DGW games are easier fixtures so I would expect Kitolano to get some game time as Haugen has his minutes managed.

        Bjornbak is the defender who is the sure starter and gets more minutes (882 vs. 582). Yet Kitolano has outscored him 42 v 34 in his reduced game time!

        So the answer is Linde.

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

          Thankyou. Something to think about. Will have a look at Linde and a different defender.

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

        I'm now on D - Lund and Borven to Linde and James. Unless Omi starts instead.

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

    Lovely article again!

    Fridjonsson is a man on my watchlist for sure.

    Atm I feel like I’m going to the double with only 2 Molde assets, Linde & James. I would like to get Eikrem but that simply isn’t possible without making a lot of moves -> hits. I thought about RU but most of the players I’d like for this week I already own. Maybe if Eikrem starts, James is benched and somebody else from my team is missing, I might consider it. Sometimes in Fantasy its better to do nothing, and I totally agree with that. I could go and take hits and get Molde attackers/defenders but is it worth it? I don’t want them long term and they probably won’t play both games. Bjornbak & Hussain also one yellow away from suspension. Kinda ignoring this double... Might even roll the FT.

    Armband will be on James but if he won’t start, Zinck is ready to come in. Might even go with him anyway as I feel like he’s due to haul Strömsgodset have conceded 2 or more goals in each of their away games.

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

      I would guess it's James' 90 minutes vs. Eikrem's 130-140 minutes over both games.

      If Eikrem starts vs. Sandefjord, he gets the armband.

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

        Eikrem (K) for sure, sadly I don’t own him...

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

    Any merit in playing RU or even the 1st wc now?

  5. leo_messi
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Is IK Start first choice goalkeeper available for selection??

  6. FPL Pillars
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Hedenstad been proper red flagged now. He was on 25%, anyone know the latest with him?

    I am still holding in hope but if he’s out for a long time it’ll be good to know so I can get rid.

    Cheers!

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

    https://twitter.com/ESF_Snowman/status/1289282870989774849?s=19

    He was correct last week & the depth of this 'prediction' suggests to me that he'll be correct again. Eikrem not in the squad is the huge surprise assuming he is right.

    Not sure why I assume the snowman to be a "he".

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

      I thought he was a troll initially, but his lineup was spot on last week.
      Will be interesting to see if this is correct. Doesn't affect our plans anyway, as we will have the actual lineup pre deadline.

    2. MTPockets
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Ah sh*t. This dgw just gets better and better

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

        Bloody hell I hope he’s right as a Linde, Hussain and james (c) owner!

    3. FPL Bielsa
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      It looks to me like Molde with such a strong squad will probably play almost two different elevens, if I’m the manager I’d have James first game and Ohi second and keep them fresh, anyone else who’s played a lot of minutes like Hussain maybe just gets one game.

      Conclusion for us, don’t rip your squad up for this week, maybe Linde is the best bet and only certain 2 gamer.

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

        Agree. This double is starting look more and more like a trap.

        I think I won’t bring any more Molde assets, Linde & James enough for me.

        Might even go with Zinck (K)!

        1. FPL Bielsa
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Yes I’ll probably just have Linde and Hussain think I’ll captain Zinck or Junker. I’m going to punt on Fridge as well after his hat rick.

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

            Fridge a nice pick, just worried about no Castro. If you have a good squad and no major problems, I’d punt on JSL this week and then switch to Fridge. 😉

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

          Yh, With this news looks like I’m going Zinck (K) too. Eikrem was the only one I felt confident enough in getting 2 60 min games. Can see James and Ohi sharing their minutes this GW

        3. ReindeerHotdog
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Yeah I think if I already had Linde and James I'd leave it at that.

          Depends on how much damage to your team bringing someone like Hussain in would do, for instance.

          Defence certainly seems like a trap for sure.

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

        Best way to look at it is a single game week, particularly when deciding on your captain, and you may get lucky with a bit of upside with a Molde player.

        That they are playing two weak sides is a double-edged sword. Players should score good points. Whereas because Molde should win comfortably, there is no need to stretch the top players.

        90 minutes of James/Omi/Eikrem, vs. 90 minutes Zinck, Juncker....
        Stromsgodset have let in more goals than either Sandefjord or Start.

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

          Just what I’m thinking. Edging closer to Zinck (K). Even if James starts the first one.

      3. FPL Pillars
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        If James starts he’s locked in (c) for me

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

          Same here, although I'm thinking of using two captains with Junker.

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

      Can someone please post a link, where you can see starting 11 before deadline?

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

        https://www.fotball.no/turneringer/eliteserien/ 15 mins before deadline

        1. Exxtreme
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Thank you:)

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

      Can't say I disagree with too much of what's been said here at all.

      Linde was someone I've wanted for a while - think he gets two games.
      Already had Hussain - wouldn't have brought him in for the DGW.
      Ohi comes in as I think he gets a start against Start (I think Molde win that game with a lot of goals).
      Only way to bring Ohi in was with another transfer. Not ideal but have a good midfield option in Sandberg rather than Maigaard who, as most of you are alluding to, will be played out of the game by Glimt who will probably score goals for fun.

      -8 far from ideal but I'm actually not too upset about having someone as expensive as Ohi in my team going forward. I can still afford the other players I want in midfield and defence even with him included, so I'm not missing out on anyone at this moment in time.

      I do expect changes from Molde but wouldn't be surprised if I made up most of my points from Linde himself.

      Whatever you all do, good luck for the double.

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

        You could easily get that 8 points back in this week so I don’t think it’s a problem. And shifting players like Maigaard & Kastrati (?) is totally understandable. For me personally, I’d have to move Normann Hansen, Koomson or Pellegrino to get a Molde midfielder who maybe plays about 100 minutes, Not worth it at all. Other option is to get a Molde defender for Solheim or Stolas. Maybe Haugen, Bjornbak? Haugen will probably play one game and there is a big chance Bjornbak does the same. There is still a chance I’ll get one of those for free but I’m that keen on that move.

        Good luck lad, Ohi pick could be gold!

    6. TAT
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Three red flags in my team right now, with Hanche-Olsen, Betten Hansen and Salétros. Hanche-Olsen isn't going anywhere, and Betten Hansen is at a price bracket where I rather just bench him for now.

      Salétros has to go though, and with two FT's, I'm thinking Salétros + Børven > Hussain + Fridjonsson is a no brainer? That leaves me with 1.1 I can spend elsewhere later.

      1. El Puqi
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Sounds like a good move!

        1. TAT
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Salétros won't be an option anyway now, and Børven plays for an out of form Rosenborg, so that makes the move interesting. Hussain has a double too, of course.

      2. MTPockets
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Not sure about aafk this week without Castro and vs s08, but looks ok. Picking from Molde is a headache - rotation, imminent suspensions etc. Same problem for everyone though.

          1. TAT
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            Yes, Castro missing out does make Fridjonsson less appealing. I could get Strand Larsen as a one GW punt, of course.

            Molde is most definitely a headache team. The plan if getting Hussain, is to move him on to Koomson after the double.

            1. MTPockets
                3 years, 7 months ago

                I'm thinking about that punt too. But every time I risk JSL it's a fail, and upcoming fixtures aren't great so would be short-term with no opportunity to pick up recovery pts later.

                1. TAT
                  • 6 Years
                  3 years, 7 months ago

                  Yes, that's the issue bringing in JSL.

                  With Fridjonsson, I'll at least have a player I can have a while longer, and looking at this GW, he's a better option than Hustad and my otherwise non-playing bench.

                  1. MTPockets
                      3 years, 7 months ago

                      Yep longer term Fridjonsson has to be better. Problem is now Pellegrino's flagged again so I have quite a few squad problems if Eikrem's a no-show

                      1. TAT
                        • 6 Years
                        3 years, 7 months ago

                        I have the same issue too. If Pellegrino is out, then I'll have to hope Hustad comes on for a cameo. Eikrem might still play midweek?

                        1. MTPockets
                            3 years, 7 months ago

                            Another option is Wadji. Plays STB, then mif SIF aafk so less of a problem to hold on to.
                            In my case that would mean holding Eikrem or Pellegrino. Probably Eikrem

                            1. TAT
                              • 6 Years
                              3 years, 7 months ago

                              I can just about afford Wadji instead of Fridjonsson. Only leaves me 0.1 to spend though, so it will be either Fridjonsson + 1.1 to spend elsewhere, or Wadji + 0.1. That means I won't be able to do Hussain > Koomson later.

                              Out of Eikrem and Pellegrino, I'm more likely to hold on to Eikrem. You just know he'll get a great gameweek score at some point.

                              1. MTPockets
                                  3 years, 7 months ago

                                  Think I'm between JSL/Wadji punt and play spissrush, or get another Mol mid for Pellegrino and fix a defender. Probably 2 captains on James + Junker/mol. 2nd option is probably the most sensible as don't really want 3 fwds longer-term. But comes down to how long this Pellegrino injury will keep rolling on for, and how much he keeps playing through it

                                  1. TAT
                                    • 6 Years
                                    3 years, 7 months ago

                                    Spissrush might be a good chip to use this GW, if you can field three decent strikers. As you write though, three strikers might be one too many long term – but that can be solved with transfers or a WC. Two captains is definitely an option, and I'm not ruling out playing that myself – but it will depend on the Molde lineup…

                                  2. MTPockets
                                      3 years, 7 months ago

                                      Yeah my thinking on spissrush is get it out of the way

                                    • TAT
                                      • 6 Years
                                      3 years, 7 months ago

                                      Yeah, it's a chip I've had no luck with personally – just sitting there to be used…

                                    • MTPockets
                                        3 years, 7 months ago

                                        I'm using it. Fingers crossed

                  2. Ramboros
                    • 12 Years
                    3 years, 7 months ago

                    You can find the schedule for GW17+ here: https://www.fotball.no/turneringer/eliteserien/2020/spilleplan-eliteserien-2020/

                    BGW17:
                    Molde - Start
                    Bodø/Glimt - Odd
                    Kristiansund - Viking
                    Stabæk - Haugesund
                    Vålerenga - Brann
                    Strømsgodset - Rosenborg
                    Mjøndalen - Sandefjord
                    Aalesund - Sarpsborg 08

                    GW19:

                    Probably the most appealing GW to use RU based on fixtures.

                    Molde - Sandefjord
                    Bodø/Glimt - Vålerenga
                    Kristiansund - Brann
                    Haugesund - Odd
                    Stabæk - Start
                    Strømsgodset - Sarpsborg 08
                    Mjøndalen - Viking
                    Aalesund - Rosenborg

                    The last two GWs where every game will be played at the same time

                    GW29:
                    Rosenborg - Mjøndalen
                    Odd - Molde
                    Viking - Vålerenga
                    Haugesund - Bodø/Glimt
                    Stabæk - Kristiansund
                    Sarpsborg 08 - Sandefjord
                    Aalesund - Strømsgodset
                    Start - Brann

                    GW30:
                    Molde - Sarpsborg 08
                    Bodø/Glimt - Viking
                    Kristiansund - Haugesund
                    Brann - Odd
                    Vålerenga - Start
                    Strømsgodset - Stabæk
                    Mjøndalen - Aalesund
                    Sandefjord - Rosenborg

                  3. ffs casual
                    • 3 Years
                    3 years, 7 months ago

                    Do they have the GW dates for these fixtures so we can see how Europe will affect the game weeks? The ones on the fantasy eliteserien look to be placeholders unless the game weeks are 4,7,9,13,16,20,23,27 September

                    The europa league have qualifying rounds:
                    27th August (Bodo Glimt and Rosenborg)
                    17th September (Viking)
                    24th September, 1st October
                    Group stages:
                    22nd, 29th October
                    5th, 26th November

                    Champions league
                    18-19th August (Molde)
                    25th-26th August
                    15-16th September
                    Play off 22-23, 29-30 September

                    I assume GW17 will be without the Molde - Start fixture as they play this round.

                    GW24 is set for potentially the highest scoring game with BG home to Aalesund.

                  4. Ramboros
                    • 12 Years
                    3 years, 7 months ago

                    1 Andreas Christopher Linde
                    2 Martin Bjørnbak
                    8 Fredrik Vangstad Sjølstad
                    27 Marcus Holmgren Pedersen
                    28 Kristoffer Haugen
                    15 Tobias Christensen
                    16 Etzaz Muzafar Hussain
                    17 Fredrik Aursnes
                    19 Eirik Hestad
                    22 Ola Brynhildsen
                    10 Leke Samson James

                  5. Mince n Tatties
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 10 Years
                    3 years, 7 months ago

                    Molde

                    1 Andreas Christopher Linde
                    2 Martin Bjørnbak KAPTEIN
                    8 Fredrik Vangstad Sjølstad
                    27 Marcus Holmgren Pedersen
                    28 Kristoffer Haugen
                    15 Tobias Christensen
                    16 Etzaz Muzafar Hussain
                    17 Fredrik Aursnes
                    19 Eirik Hestad
                    22 Ola Brynhildsen
                    10 Leke Samson James

                  6. Mince n Tatties
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 10 Years
                    3 years, 7 months ago

                    Sandefjord Fotball

                    1 Jacob Storevik
                    3 Marcos Vales Gonzalez
                    5 Martin Kreuzriegler
                    13 Lars Markmanrud
                    21 Anton Sebastian Kralj
                    6 Emil Palsson KAPTEIN
                    18 William Albin Kurtovic
                    31 Peder Meen Johansen
                    7 Marcos Celorrio Yecora
                    10 Ruben Herraiz Alcaraz
                    23 Vidar Ari Jonsson

                  7. FPL Pillars
                    • 7 Years
                    3 years, 7 months ago

                    Sandefjord Fotball

                    1 Jacob Storevik
                    3 Marcos Vales Gonzalez
                    5 Martin Kreuzriegler
                    13 Lars Markmanrud
                    21 Anton Sebastian Kralj
                    6 Emil Palsson KAPTEIN
                    18 William Albin Kurtovic
                    31 Peder Meen Johansen
                    7 Marcos Celorrio Yecora
                    10 Ruben Herraiz Alcaraz
                    23 Vidar Ari Jonsson

                    Subs:
                    99 Jesper Granlund
                    2 Lars Grorud
                    9 Sivert Stenseth Gussiås
                    11 Kristoffer Normann Hansen
                    15 Erik Næsbak Brenden
                    16 Sander Risan Mørk
                    17 Sander Moen Foss
                    20 George Nuah Gibson
                    25 Henrik Sælebakke Falchener

                    Molde:
                    1 Andreas Christopher Linde
                    2 Martin Bjørnbak KAPTEIN
                    8 Fredrik Vangstad Sjølstad
                    27 Marcus Holmgren Pedersen
                    28 Kristoffer Haugen
                    15 Tobias Christensen
                    16 Etzaz Muzafar Hussain
                    17 Fredrik Aursnes
                    19 Eirik Hestad
                    22 Ola Brynhildsen
                    10 Leke Samson James

                    Subs
                    12 Alexandro Marco Craninx
                    5 Sheriff Sinyan
                    9 Mattias Kent Moström
                    14 Erling Knudtzon
                    20 Henry Swenson Wingo
                    23 Eirik Ulland Andersen
                    99 Ohikhuaeme Anthony Omoijuanfo

                  8. Hotdogs for Tea
                    • 8 Years
                    3 years, 7 months ago

                    scenes

                  9. TAT
                    • 6 Years
                    3 years, 7 months ago

                    Might have done something risky/stupid… Last minute two captains on Hussain+ Zinckernagel!

                    1. MTPockets
                        3 years, 7 months ago

                        Probably not as stupid as my attack-attack including JSL, and benching Pellegrino.
                        Good luck

                        1. TAT
                          • 6 Years
                          3 years, 7 months ago

                          But James, Junker + JSL; surely there will be goal points to be had with those three? JSL is risky perhaps, but can work out fine.

                          Good luck to you as well! 🙂

                      • Hotdogs for Tea
                        • 8 Years
                        3 years, 7 months ago

                        Hope Hussain doesn't get booked 🙁

                        1. TAT
                          • 6 Years
                          3 years, 7 months ago

                          I know! Had no way of getting James, and could drop Eikrem, so Hussain it is…

                      • Paul Psychic Octopus
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 13 Years
                        3 years, 7 months ago

                        Two Captains James and Eikrem might have been awesome. But we were denied that opportunity.

                        I'll just be grateful just to field 11 players this GW.

                        1. TAT
                          • 6 Years
                          3 years, 7 months ago

                          Yes, TC on James/Eikrem would have been the ideal move. But as you write, that opportunity wasn't to be.

                          Don't know yet if I'll have 11 players this GW. All comes down to Eikrem on Wednesday and Pellegrino this weekend. I only have Hustad to come on from the bench…

                    2. Eytexi
                      • 5 Years
                      3 years, 7 months ago

                      Two captains played on Zinckernagel & Hauge while lots are distracted by Molde. Although their EO will be high, a home game vs. a rubbish SIF defence for an under 100% EO Zinck & Hauge looks like potential for a huge profit.

                      Linde, Eikrem & James from Molde.

                    3. GertJan
                      • 7 Years
                      3 years, 7 months ago

                      #2 in the world made no transfers with 0 Molde players...

                      https://en.fantasy.eliteserien.no/entry/3855/event/12

                      1. FPL Pillars
                        • 7 Years
                        3 years, 7 months ago

                        Well look at his previous ranks, guys just go lucky so far

                        1. Hotdogs for Tea
                          • 8 Years
                          3 years, 7 months ago

                          not too bad ? 50k played last year

                      2. GertJan
                        • 7 Years
                        3 years, 7 months ago

                        #4 in the world played the wildcard, brought in Christensen AND captained the 0.5% owned midfielder...

                        https://en.fantasy.eliteserien.no/entry/510/event/12

                      3. ffs casual
                        • 3 Years
                        3 years, 7 months ago

                        Looks like a local Kristiansund / Molde rivalry. He has done well to get there with no Molde players.

                    4. FPL Xylophone
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 8 Years
                      3 years, 7 months ago

                      Can anyone recommend a site that i can live stream today's games? Thank you!

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

                      Brynhildsen G, Haugen A

                      1. FPL Xylophone
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 8 Years
                        3 years, 7 months ago

                        Pedersen assist it seems

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

                      Rufo G

                      Molde CS gone. Beautiful

                      1. FPL Pillars
                        • 7 Years
                        3 years, 7 months ago

                        Put it away 😉

                    7. Hotdogs for Tea
                      • 8 Years
                      3 years, 7 months ago

                      oh dear ...

                      1. FPL Pillars
                        • 7 Years
                        3 years, 7 months ago

                        Molde seeing a red... typical 😆

                    8. Ramboros
                      • 12 Years
                      3 years, 7 months ago

                      I can't believe how bad Hestad has become the past 18 months and how stupid I was to bring him in.

                      1. MTPockets
                          3 years, 7 months ago

                          Yeah I thought rusty but not getting better

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

                        James is a massive troll, has more cards than goals for me this season.

                      3. FFSbet.com
                        • 8 Years
                        3 years, 7 months ago

                        Looks like most want new shiny expensive toys and forget about Salah

                        1. Andy_Social
                          • 11 Years
                          3 years, 7 months ago

                          It'll hurt, but for me the 3 premium defenders are better value and there will be a surfeit of primary midfielders to compensate.

                          1. FFSbet.com
                            • 8 Years
                            3 years, 7 months ago

                            Yeah could be nice strategy,they start more fresh so CS could come.

                        2. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
                          • 14 Years
                          3 years, 7 months ago

                          300 -> 260 -> 230 -> ???

                          That puck is going in a certain direction 😉

                          1. FFSbet.com
                            • 8 Years
                            3 years, 7 months ago

                            🙂
                            Expect puck to be 250+ if no injuries and penalties from start

                            1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
                              • 14 Years
                              3 years, 7 months ago

                              Doubt him at your peril for sure

                              That away record with Mané though...

                      4. MTPockets
                          3 years, 7 months ago

                          Bjornbak off injured

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

                          Oh great, Linde about to get his customary pen save