The Promoted

What to expect from West Bromwich Albion manager Slaven Bilic in FPL

West Bromwich Albion have returned to the Premier League after a two-year absence, with the Baggies having sealed promotion to the top tier after finishing runners-up behind Championship title winners Leeds United.

Also back in the big time is Slaven Bilic, who steered Albion to second spot in his first season in charge at the Hawthorns.

The 51-year-old Croatian had previously spent 29 months as head coach of West Ham United between 2015 and 2017.

What can Fantasy managers expect from Bilic and the Baggies in 2020/21, then?

Our three-part series on West Brom will feature an in-depth examination of their defence and attack but we begin with a closer look at the man in the dugout.

To aid our analysis, we spoke to the former assistant sports editor at the Express and Star and authority on all things Albion, Matt Wilson.

What is Bilic’s background?

Bilic’s playing career, which featured spells at West Ham and Everton, wound down at the turn of the millennium and his first stint in management – albeit as an interim boss – came a year later with hometown club Hajduk Split.

A period in joint-charge of the Croatian under-21 team preceded a six-year term at the helm of the senior national side, the high point of which was a quarter-final appearance at Euro 2008.

Returning to club management in 2012, Bilic’s ill-fated stay with Lokomotiv Moscow was followed by two years in charge of Besiktas and a run to the last 16 of the Europa League with the Turkish giants.

West Ham came calling in the summer of 2015, with Bilic leading the Hammers to finishes of seventh and 11th in his two full seasons in charge.

Here’s how the London club fared compared to the rest of the Premier League in those two campaigns (for the defensive stats, 1st means the tightest backline and 20th the leakiest):

Attacking Stats
2015/162016/17
Goals scored65 (4th=)47 (11th)
Shots558 (5th)499 (9th)
Shots in the box329 (7th)270 (10th)
Shots on target180 (5th)134 (13th)
Big chances67 (7th)54 (12th)

Defensive Stats
2015/162016/17
Goals conceded51 (10th=)64 (15th)
Clean sheets11 (7th=)10 (11th=)
Shots conceded521 (13th=)505 (9th)
Shots in the box conceded305 (12th)329 (15th)
Shots on target conceded159 (10th)179 (13th)
Big chances conceded69 (17th)75 (18th)

Bilic was sacked after only 11 matches of the 2017/18 campaign, with the Hammers sitting in 18th place.

Despite the inglorious end to his tenure in east London, he still left with the best points-per-match record (1.33) of any permanent West Ham manager in the Premier League era.

Bilic was dismissed after just five months of a spell with Saudi club Al-Ittihad in February last year, having won only four of the 17 games he took charge of.

Appointed West Brom manager in June 2019, the Croatian steered the Baggies to automatic promotion at the first attempt.

Top of the Championship at Christmas and 12 points clear of third place, the second half of the campaign was a more jittery affair as Brentford steadily narrowed the gap.

Only on the final day did Albion seal the runners-up spot, a 2-2 draw with QPR proving to be enough as their nearest challenges for promotion faltered at the last.

WHAT STYLE OF FOOTBALL DOES BILIC USE?

Bilic’s time in east London was characterised by some erratic team selections and formation choices, particularly towards the end of his tenure.

In the most successful of his seasons with the Hammers, a 4-2-3-1 was initially preferred before the adoption of a 4-1-4-1 and 4-3-3.

There are parallels with Bilic’s debut seasons at West Ham and West Brom, tactics-wise.

Our WBA correspondent, Matt Wilson, told us:

He played 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 for pretty much most of the season. It was built on one solid central striker laying the ball back to the ‘second row’ of attackers, as he called them.

I wouldn’t recommend having two Albion strikers in your Fantasy team, as it’s focused on wingers.

He doesn’t normally deviate away from those two systems, and I can’t recall any run of games when a back three or back five was used. It may have been trialled once or twice but last season he found a system that worked pretty early on and stayed with it, until it needed a minor tweak to 4-3-3 towards the end of the season.

Romaine Sawyers, Jake Livermore and Matheus Pereira have been the mainstays of the midfield all season, with the latter playing as a number 10 in the 4-2-3-1 ahead of his two more withdrawn teammates.

A change to a 4-3-3 in the spring saw Pereira switch to the right flank (although still drifting infield) and both player and team saw some success in that new system following their post-Christmas wobble.

Sawyers, who registered one goal and one assist last season, isn’t likely to be much of a Fantasy asset himself but his contribution is key to the Baggies’ play, according to Matt Wilson:

Much of the play goes through Romaine Sawyers, who sits at the base of midfield alongside Jake Livermore and dictates play. Whether Sawyers, who came through Albion’s academy before leaving and then returning, will be allowed to do that in the Premier League remains to be seen. 

While Pereira shone in the 4-3-3, Sawyers was perhaps not as influential at the base of the three-man midfield as he was in a double-pivot – so Bilic still has much to ponder on as Albion prepare for their top-flight return.

At the back, Kyle Bartley and Semi Ajayi have been the main centre-half pairing in 2019/20 (although Ahmed Hegazi challenged the former towards the end of the campaign) but there has been a changing cast of characters in the full-back positions.

Our Baggies expert, Matt Wilson, said:

Bilic also normally only likes to play with one attacking full-back so as not to unbalance the team, but quite often will throw on an attacking full-back onto the other side if we’re chasing the game. They have license to get up the pitch and support the wingers.

With Albion’s wide players sometimes playing more narrow rather than hugging the touchline, there has been scope for the full-backs to get forward.

Right-back Darnell Furlong, for example, registered 126 crosses from open play last season, just one fewer than winger Matt Phillips managed – and that was despite making eight fewer starts and losing his place in the second half of the campaign.

In terms of rotation, Bilic isn’t at the Graham Potter end of the scale: six of his regulars – Pereira, Livermore, Sawyers, Bartley, Ajayi and goalkeeper Sam Johnstone – made 37 or more league starts in 2019/20, with injury or suspension accounting for a number of the absences amongst that sextet.

The wide areas look the least secure, however.

Not one of Albion’s full-backs made more than 22 starts, while there was plenty of chopping and changing further forward, too: 16 of Filip Krovonic‘s 40 appearances, for example, came as a substitute.

Matt Wilson told us:

If the team is winning he’ll usually reward them with a settled side. In the Championship, you do sometimes have to rotate because of the number of games, so it was striking how often he named a very similar line-up when things were going well. But that doesn’t mean he sticks with teams that aren’t working.

Towards the end of the season, when we were struggling to get over the line, Bilic changed it up regularly, and on the last day, he played Callum Robinson up front for the first time (having only previously used him on the wing). He scored one and assisted another.

HOW DOES BILIC HANDLE THE PRESS?

An intelligent speaker and forthright with his opinions, Bilic has arguably been one of the stand-out pundits of the last decade in his sporadic stints on television, mostly at international tournaments.

That candidness has been a recurring theme throughout his managerial career, too, which bodes well for us Fantasy managers who like our head coaches to be open and honest – particularly when it comes to team news.

Matt Wilson explains:

Bilic is a journalist’s dream, a charismatic and passionate manager who has time for everyone. He wears his heart on his sleeve and often calls games correctly. 

He’s usually pretty honest [with team news] actually! And happy to tell you if someone is unfit. Although that may change in the Premier League when every little detail is scrutinised by the opposition, so perhaps he’ll be a bit more closeted in order to try and gain some kind of advantage.

WHERE MIGHT BILIC STRENGTHEN IN THE SUMMER AND WHICH PLAYERS ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING THEIR PLACE?

We can likely expect the Baggies to be busy in the transfer market this summer.

For kick-off, there is the question over which and how many of their key four loanees – all of them attacking players – makes a permanent move to The Hawthorns.

Pereira, Krovinovic, Grady Diangana and Callum Robinson all made crucial contributions at various points of the season, with Pereira set to rejoin after a buyout clause was triggered.

The former Express and Star journalist, Matt Wilson, reckons Bilic will look to strengthen in various positions and most notably up front, with Kenneth Zohore flopping and the likes of Hal Robson-Kanu perhaps not quite up to Premier League standard:

I think he’ll definitely look for a striker and winger, maybe a full-back and also a defensive central midfielder.

The strikers are probably most vulnerable to be honest, so Hal Robson-Kanu and Charlie Austin.

A new winger could shunt Kamil Grosicki or Kyle Edwards down the pecking order, even though both of those players are capable of threatening on their day.


Our thanks again to Matt Wilson for his time and insight. Keep your eyes peeled for two more West Brom articles in The Promoted series, which will be landing over the next week.

Best players by position:

640 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Ci Siamo
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    If Coutinho goes to Arsenal what price do you reckon he is?

    9m?

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

      Sounds about right.

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

      Naa 9 too much. Probably 8 or 8.5

    3. Bank$y
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      8.5 would be fair

    4. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      9m on pure reputation.

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

        Prob 9m, possibly 9.5. Not less though.

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

          On the other hand, Ozil started at only 7.5 (just checked), so 8-8.5m is plausible - and tempting if priced in same bracket as Mahrez, Pulisic.

          1. Goonsquad245
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            Ozil was 10m when he first joined the game...

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

              Okay, cheers. Would expect Couts to be nearer that that last season's Ozil.

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

                On his pedigree and history. You’d say 9.5 I think.

  2. goriuanx
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Reliable outlets in French media reporting that Gabriel, CB from Lille, has chosen to sign for Arsenal

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

      They certainly need one so I wouldn’t be surprised if they pay top dollar for him.

    2. UnitedFan
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      What are the outlets?

      1. goriuanx
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        GFFN via La Voix du Nord

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

          How reliable are they usually?

          1. goriuanx
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            Apparently good

    3. Amey
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Over ?

      1. goriuanx
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        The report mentions United and Everton, but also mentions United haven't given up

        1. Amey
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Thank you

  3. FOO FIGHTER
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    So I have drafted a squad with no City or UTD just in case GW1 is a blank for them.

    Have picked 2 Wolves though. Used max pricing from many suggestions on here so may not even have to make any tweaks. Obviously fixtures could change things.

    Can the bloody team selections start already!

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

      I agree. Thee are so many permutations even at this stage. If sancho goes to utd I’d love to know how much he will start. Maybe £10m but like you said utd will likely strut later than others so a gamble but they look good on paper

    2. The Ejiptian King
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      How are you that bored?!

      1. FOO FIGHTER
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Kids keeping me busy mate. Gotta have me time as well.

    3. Amey
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      You will burn out !

  4. FOO FIGHTER
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    LASK need to be really bad when they have not scored vs this UTD lineup.

    Europa league will never be at the level the UEFA Cup was.

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

      Still only the round of 16. Gonna be some shite teams left.

  5. Zimo
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Lingard made a pretty pass :O

    1. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Played a lovely long diagonal to Mata earlier too.

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

      Mata Ighalo looks like doing anything. Other's are pathetic

  6. Piggs Boson
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Lukaku scored btw.

    Inter 1-0 Getafe

    1. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Classic catenaccio goal: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IwU0DIiKMs

      1. Amey
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        30th goal of the season.
        😮
        Sanchez deal happening tomorrow bdw. Commentators on my stream said that 🙂

        1. Greek Freak
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Lukaku is a good player - you don't score 25 goals in a Premier League season by accident. I miss him from FPL.

          1. Amey
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            Hmmm
            Didn't fit OGS style

          2. noquarternt
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            This, Lukaku has always been quality. His record at different clubs speaks for itself.

            Man U just a bad club for the last few years.

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

              Naah, Lukaku needed a different style of play. He would probably fail at Barcelona as well

  7. Amey
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Haven't seen drinks break if I'm not wrong in first half.
    Is that the way now ??

  8. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Evening everyone!! Sorry if it’s been asked a million times, but do we have any inclined when the game will be reopened?? My fingers are itching to tinker!!!!

    1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      *incling

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

      No information mate.
      Game is said to be under maintenance for those who have logged out.

      Fixtures are said to be out on 21st August. No confirmed source though

      1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Nice one cheers mate, yeah mine says that they are making necessary changes/updates for the 20/21 season... blimey 21st August seems so far away!! Haha, they wouldn’t reopen without fixtures first I’d imagine

        1. Amey
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          I also think the same.
          But they can throw some prices at us to keep people busy

          1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            Yeah cors that would cure the itch for a while!! Will be interesting to see some of the position changes for certain players, Rashford for example.... I’ve said before if they reclassify Rashford to midfield then surely Greenwood has to be too, same position just opposing flanks!!

            1. Amey
              • 5 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              It might well happen. Auba too maybe

              1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 6 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Yeah cors Auba too mate didn’t think about him actually

    3. Bielsa's Bucket
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      I'd expect it soon, before the fixtures released most definitely. Maybe even in a weeks time if we're lucky.

      1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        That would be absolutely delicious mate!!! Hope so

  9. Zimo
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Lingard essential

  10. Gringo Kid
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Lingard is hot as a pistol 🙂

    1. Bielsa's Bucket
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Straight into my team

  11. Piggs Boson
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Fred/Lingard ➡ Pogba/Andreas

    Lingard not happy.

    1. Zimo
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      He was doing well. I don't understand why he was subbed especially when pgba should be resting

      1. Piggs Boson
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Lingard may be starting next game.

        Pogba's been out for a long time, probably needs a few minutes here and there.

        1. Zimo
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Hmm i guess that makes sense. I didn't think ole would play Lingard again

          1. Piggs Boson
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            Copenhagen up next, shouldn't need the full first XI.

            1. Zimo
              • 5 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              Hopefully

  12. Zimo
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Yes ole why don't u bring pogba on with a 5 goal aggregate lead

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

      Fred off for Pereira too. The former was playing well. Not sure I understand.

      1. Zimo
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Yeah. Dan james should have been off instead of lingard. He isn't playing well

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

          Dan James has a lot to work on.

          1. Zimo
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            Yeah 🙁

        2. Piggs Boson
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          I see it as the opposite. If they play poorly they should stay on. They don't deserve to start the next game, so don't need to be rested.

          1. Zimo
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            Yeah true

  13. Lovren an elevator
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Is Yan Couto likely to feature for city this season?

    1. Nimby
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Nah. At least Walker and Cancelo ahead of him.

    2. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Can't see an 18 year old with little senior experience starting over Walker or Cancelo.

  14. Zimo
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Alexis Sanchez finally off the wages 🙂

    1. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      And frees the no. 7 shirt!

      One of Sancho's youth coaches says he wants the number 7 shirt. It's a special number for him. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnX_jb5Qza4

      1. Zimo
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        I wait eagerly for his signing. Really want him at the club.

      2. Greek Freak
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Good thing Sancho already has the no. 7 shirt at Dortmund then! 😉

  15. Zimo
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Damn what's happening. Pereira and Lingard have played well today. Never thought I'd ever say that ._.

    1. Amey
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Lingard okay
      Pereira ??
      He can't complete a 15 yard pass. 3rd choice squad player

      1. Zimo
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        I mean he played better than he usually does :p which is utter shite XD

        1. Zimo
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Obviously i would never want Pereira in the first team or subs ever but for the first time he didn't make me verbally abuse him through the t.v. and i count that as an improvement 😀

  16. Piggs Boson
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Tony Martial scores again.

    Didn't take long. What a difference in quality.

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

      Scholes talking about going for Kane......

      1. Piggs Boson
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        I'm not against having two quality strikers, but I'd worry about him blocking Greenwood. Bigger gaps in the squad need addressing first...

      2. goriuanx
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Always finds Scholes' opinions bland and basic.

        Martial has developed in to a fantastic #9, and Greenwood will most probably become a top #9. Why block both their paths for a player who;

        1) Will cost a lot.
        2) Will demand to play every game.
        3) Has regressed significantly.
        4) Changes the style of football United play.

        Baffling from Scholes tbh.

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

      He looks like a United #9 now 🙂

      1. Zimo
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Yeah he's improved so much since the restart

        1. Amey
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Yes

  17. @persecuted_by_mods
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Mata/Siggy- players who are talented (Mata more so obviously) but don't have legs to begin with REALLY deteriorate when their non existent legs go

      1. Amey
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        He's a master of finding spaces though.
        Amazing player 🙂

    • Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      https://www.westlondonsport.com/qpr/qpr-ebere-eze-arsenal-mikel-arteta-040820?utm_campaign=shareaholic&utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=socialnetwork
      Would love this to be true. He’d be great at Arsenal and the fans would love him. Absolute entertainer.

      1. Piggs Boson
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Better than Taarabt?

        1. cravencottage
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          What a FPL legend

        2. Nomar
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Not yet.

          But he's not far off, is a better team player, works hard, tracks back and has the right attitude.

          He's the best player we've had since Taarabt

    • Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      I guess that Lingard goal softens the blow for that guy who bet on him not scoring or assisting the whole season and lost in the last prem game lol

      1. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        That was a premier league related bet. The bookies paid out in goodwill anyway as it was only £135

    • Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Will Ake be nailed at City? Could be an interesting option assuming he stays at 5.0

      1. Amey
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        No.
        No

        1. FOO FIGHTER
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          This

      2. Greek Freak
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        He was 5.0 at Bournemouth, why would he be the same at City? 😀

        5.5 for a City rotation threat if you're lucky.

        1. Big boy Bowen
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Will they up his price because he’s at City? Thought be based on previous performance

          1. Greek Freak
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            They would - if they thought someone has a decent chance of being a starting defender for a title contender there's no way they'd price him at 5. I guess only hope is they assume he'd be down the pecking order for some reason.

          2. Nimby
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            I'd imagine they run it all through some algorithm and perhaps make tweeks afterwards. Wan Bissaka went from 4.0 to 5.5 so 5 to 5.5 wouldn't be a shock considering the team he's at and their lack of other decent defenders.

            1. Big boy Bowen
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              True, wonder what AWB price would have been had he stayed at Palace

              1. Nimby
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 5 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                I reckon 5 tops. That move made all the difference.

                1. pingissimus
                  • 5 Years
                  3 years, 7 months ago

                  Certainly 5.0 anyway - rest of first choice defence was 5-.5 5.0 5.0

                  1. Nimby
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 5 Years
                    3 years, 7 months ago

                    Yeah I just can't remember if he was scoring as highly as PVA, but I don't think so.

          3. UnitedFan
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            They definitely would. It's always been the way and rightfully so.

    • jason_ni
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Arsenal making 55 staff redundant.. its a hard pill to swallow, sacking off people probably on between 20k and 60k a year, when you are shelling out 350k a week on ozil.. amongst all the others.

      1. Nimby
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Needs must, I guess.

      2. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Yes, why not just release deadwood like ozil

        1. Nimby
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Because you'd have to pay the same money either way.

      3. Brosstan
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Ozil also one of the players who vocally refused to reduce his wages during Corona. And supports a literal dictator. Absolute cretin of the highest order.

        1. goriuanx
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Yet speaks up and takes a stand against the oppressed Uighurs in China who are shackled and beaten daily (when most of the world stay quiet, I wonder why..), yet pledges a significant % of his weekly wages to to those in need, pays for life saving operations and many, many more things.

          Balance needed. Ozil isn't a cretin.

          1. Brosstan
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            Does he speak up against Turkish treatment of the Kurds?

    • pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Yay good news

      They've solves VAR - simple solutions are best. Just stop showing why they are making the decisions se we don't get cross. Sorted.

      https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/premier-league-propose-var-change-22476290

      1. goriuanx
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Mic up the refs and VAR room while we're at it. We need total transparency.

    • Nimby
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Salah came in at 9.0 when he joined Liverpool off the back of a great spell at Roma. Sancho to be the same. That's my prediction!

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

        Zero chance 🙂

        1. Nimby
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Fernandes was 8.0 despite scoring loads of goals for Sporting. I think their might be a foreign league bias towards giving prices in the algorithm. Could be talking balls of course, but I don't think players typically come in at top premium prices if they haven't done it in the PL before.

          1. Nimby
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            *there

          2. FOO FIGHTER
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            So Werner at 7.5 seems like a good deal seeing that he cost less than half of Sancho.

            1. Nimby
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 5 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              It's not really about the actual cost of the player though. I'd expect Werner to be about 9 as well.

              1. FOO FIGHTER
                • 4 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                At 9m Werner straight into my team.

                1. Nimby
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 5 Years
                  3 years, 7 months ago

                  Yep. I think they might offset the absolute boat load of premium midfielders by throwing us a bone with the forwards.

          3. UnitedFan
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            We were a poor team before Bruno came. Plenty of PL debutants have been priced highly.

            1. Nimby
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 5 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              I can't think of any. Could you name some?

              1. Camzy
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 13 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Pepe came in at 9.5m from the French league.

                1. Nimby
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 5 Years
                  3 years, 7 months ago

                  Yeah that's a fair point. They were wrong to do that though! Same as De Bruyne? You're having a laugh.

                2. Nimby
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 5 Years
                  3 years, 7 months ago

                  Also, 9.5 isn't absolute premium. I was more looking at someone coming in priced at about 12?

                  1. Camzy
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 13 Years
                    3 years, 7 months ago

                    Nobody comes in at 12.0. Aguero came in at 11.0 though. And that's a big indicator. Would absolutely expect Sancho to be 10-11m price.

                    1. Nimby
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 5 Years
                      3 years, 7 months ago

                      Starting to doubt myself now! You could well be right. It looks fair on paper.

                  2. Pinturicchio10
                      3 years, 7 months ago

                      Sanchez

                  3. FOO FIGHTER
                    • 4 Years
                    3 years, 7 months ago

                    Jesus came in at 9. Obviously was not ripping up as many trees as Werner but we can take some comfort in that.

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

                      But they knew he wouldn't be first-choice with Aguero there. Werner is a starter.

                      1. FOO FIGHTER
                        • 4 Years
                        3 years, 7 months ago

                        Giroud came in at 9 as well.

                        1. Nimby
                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                          • 5 Years
                          3 years, 7 months ago

                          Sorry guys but I was more asking about absolute premium, like somewhere between 11 and 14m. Bank breakers.

                        2. UnitedFan
                          • 8 Years
                          3 years, 7 months ago

                          Giroud was never a 20+ goal a season striker.

                3. FPL Theorist
                  • 4 Years
                  3 years, 7 months ago

                  Pepe 9.5 for one.

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

                  Morata and Auba are two strikers in recent times. Thing about Bruno is he played in the Portuguese league and wasn't known by many.

                  1. Nimby
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 5 Years
                    3 years, 7 months ago

                    Yeah Auba is a good shout. 10.5 for someone absolutely proven as world class. I think morata was about 9?

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

                      Was Morata not 10.5?

                      1. FOO FIGHTER
                        • 4 Years
                        3 years, 7 months ago

                        10.0

                      2. Nimby
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 5 Years
                        3 years, 7 months ago

                        He might have been. My memory is shite.

                    2. Nimby
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 5 Years
                      3 years, 7 months ago

                      Also it took a while before Mane broke the £10m mark. This season he rose from 9 to 11.5. he was just scraping double figures for goals. 9 is reasonable for a young player new to the league, even if they look world class already.

                5. Greek Freak
                  • 8 Years
                  3 years, 7 months ago

                  Auba came in at 11.0, Ibrahimovic at 11.5. Alexis Sanchez at 10.5.

                  1. Greek Freak
                    • 8 Years
                    3 years, 7 months ago

                    Morata at 10.0. Just a few examples of players from foreign leagues coming in at double digits.

                    1. Nimby
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 5 Years
                      3 years, 7 months ago

                      Fair enough, though Auba was 10.5 😉

                      1. Greek Freak
                        • 8 Years
                        3 years, 7 months ago

                        Indeed, 10.5. And Aguero came in at 11.0 way back in 2011 as was mentioned above. Can't think of any other double-digit new arrivals.

        2. noquarternt
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          It’s difficult but from what I find each season is we all expect massive price hikes, but in reality they’re much more muted.

          You’ll always be able to have 3 ‘whatever the price’ type players and still make a team. Think there will be obvious changes but I can’t see every Man U player coming in at 10+ like a lot of people are suggesting.

          1. Nimby
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            Have an upvote. Totally agree.

          2. Greek Freak
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            Maybe one of their stars will be 9.5 if they're feeling generous, but I doubt anyone other than Greenwood is under that.

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

              But look at the evidence: Man City’s pricing for example. You’d have to have Aguero Jesus Sterling KDB Sané Mahrez all being 10+. That never happened.

              Man U only really came alive at the end of the season, don’t have the pedigree and stats of the above players during their centurion season etc.

              1. Greek Freak
                • 8 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                If City didn't have rotation (i.e. they didn't have two of the players you mentioned) they would've easily been more expensive.

                Martial, Rashford and Bruno are all totally nailed on, even if Sancho comes. So I don't see any arguments for cheaper prices.

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

                  What about when Liverpool were crushing it years ago with Firmino Coutinho Salah Mane?

                  Really can’t see it, sure they’ll be close but I think the hype of Man U’s uptick in from in the restart (and since Bruno arrived) is getting people carried away.

                  (Although I’m happy as I finished second in my cash mini league due to going no City/Pool since the restart and trebling up on Man U!)

                  Good to debate though.

                  1. Greek Freak
                    • 8 Years
                    3 years, 7 months ago

                    If Firmino was as good at scoring goals as Martial and Rashford then he too would've been 10m+ 😀

                    1. Greek Freak
                      • 8 Years
                      3 years, 7 months ago

                      As I said below, the evidence from City does absolutely point to the top 3 options being above 10.

              2. Greek Freak
                • 8 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Also the evidence from City does point to the three best and most nailed options (KDB, Sterling, Aguero) being above 10. For United, that trio is Bruno, Martial and Rashford.

              3. UnitedFan
                • 8 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                United players will be more nailed than the likes of Sane, Jesus and Mahrez. Aguero, KDB and Sterling are seen as first-choice and they're all above 10.

          3. UnitedFan
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            Any United attacker bar Greenwood being under 10m would seem a bit too easy imo.

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

        How much do you suppose United paid Sanchez to go - 55 million left on his contract apparently. I assume there’s a set off against his new contract but must be a tidy sum

        1. Zimo
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Could be nothing since there was no transfer fee.

          1. pingissimus
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            Sky - fwiw - reporting pay out for his agreeing to cancel his contract. Think Gareth Bale - he won’t be doing this for nothing

        2. Nimby
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Think I heard inter paid for his contract. So weird.

        3. noquarternt
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          I’m sure there’s a subsidy or something in there.

      3. goriuanx
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Unless I'm mistaken, I recall FPL putting out tweets with a poll so Twitter users can decide whose price is revealed.

        I wouldn't be surprised if FPL go one step further and put out tweets with a poll for users to decide specific player positions / prices. FPL are trying to max out on social media exposure and engagement etc.

        Example 1, Anthony Martial

        Option 1: MID
        Option 2: FWD

        Example 2, Nicolas Pepe

        Option 1: 7.5m
        Option 2: 8m

        1. Nimby
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          I would hate that. It's their game and they should make their own decisions.

          1. goriuanx
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            Most of us would. The moves FPL have been making year on year suggest to me something like the above isn't too far fetched.

            1. Nimby
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 5 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              The idea they would ask us what price a player should be is mental. Why would anyone want any player to be more expensive?

              1. Cok3y5murf
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                To make the game more challenging. Unfortunately, a lot of people won't realize that and vote for the cheaper price which will do nothing but create a template. So yeah, FPL shouldn't do this.

              2. goriuanx
                • 13 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                I'd vote the most expensive one on each option.

        2. SADIO SANÉ
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          I'm more likely to win the lottery than that happening, and I never buy a ticket 😀

        3. noquarternt
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          I hope not, but the way the world is going you’re probably on to something.

          1. goriuanx
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            I'd be against it too, but we live in a world of engagement and clicks and this would elevate FPLs appeal further. Other people would start voting and end up registering a team.

      4. Nimby
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        I'm gonna go 11 for KDB as well. He can't be as expensive as Mane, Salah, sterling because he doesn't score as many goals. There is a balance to be struck.

        1. Cok3y5murf
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Lol it's about points. What form they come in doesn't matter. He outscored them all.

          1. Nimby
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            I think 11 is a nice teasing price. He could be your main premium midfielder or you could try for Salah along with him. If he's more expensive than Salah at about 12.5 or 13 you'd only have one of them, probably.

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

              If by ‘teasing’ you mean Lundstram ownership levels then I agree.

            2. Cok3y5murf
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              I don't plan to start with him in my team, but if he's 11, he would be a no-brainer and everyone including me would pick him. That's exactly what FPL would try to avoid.

              1. Nimby
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 5 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                It would have an effect on other decisions, though. If he is cheaper than the other big hitters but not by much a decision would have to be made on sacrifices, but at least it's more doable. He wasn't that far ahead of Salah and came from 9.5.

            3. UnitedFan
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              "You could try for Salah along with him".

              Why would you want the game that easy?

              1. Nimby
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 5 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Well it was that easy this season wasn't it?

                1. Greek Freak
                  • 8 Years
                  3 years, 7 months ago

                  Only because KDB was injured the season before so didn't have to justify a massive price. This season you'll need 24-25m if you want both of them. (and around 35-36 if you want both of them and Bruno)

                2. UnitedFan
                  • 8 Years
                  3 years, 7 months ago

                  Because KDB was a gift at 9.5.

              2. Nimby
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 5 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                If you only quote part of my post it skews it a lot. Especially considering the OP. It's about striking a balance. If his price goes up so much other players must go down a lot otherwise it becomes ridiculous.

        2. goriuanx
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          He scored more points than all of them. Whether you get the majority of your points from goals or assists, they both count.

          He'll be the most expensive player in the game. Whether anyone else is the same price remains to be seen. Probably Salah.

        3. Greek Freak
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          That would make sense if KDB had scored fewer points or was less explosive than Mane, Salah or Sterling. But last season the opposite was true - he was both more consistent and more explosive than those three, so why shouldn't he be more expensive?

          (My predictions fwiw are 12.5 for KDB, 12 for the two Liverpool guys and 11.5 for Sterling)

          1. Nimby
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            That sounds plausible to be fair.

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

          All about points though.

        5. SADIO SANÉ
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          I was ready to fade him at a bigger price but being on pens too really makes that hard - hopefully they price him at 14m or something ha

          1. Cok3y5murf
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            Has he taken a pen with Aguero on the pitch?

            1. Greek Freak
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              Maybe? Can't honestly remember, although Gundogan (who was later supplanted by KDB as the main penalty taker) has taken one with Aguero on the pitch.

            2. SADIO SANÉ
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              can't remember exactly, didn't someone take them from Aguero (whilst he was on the pitch) and then KDB took them from that player? therefore he now has them ... that could be a load of shite can't remember

              1. SADIO SANÉ
                • 8 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                yeah Gundog as GF just said

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

        When teasing with player prices start,or we get them all at once?

        1. Nimby
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Pretty sure they'll tease it out if history is anything to go by. They'll probably do a couple a day for a week or so before relaunch.

      6. Nimby
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Hey, guys. Are we sad weirdos for obsessing over this so much? Haha

      7. have you seen cyan
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        I havent been following things so much but I saw some of you saying Man U and someone else could miss the first two weeks and have a double in GW3? If thats so
        GW1 > Bench boost
        GW3> Wildcard

        Anyone like that?

        1. Nimby
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Yeah, if I had bench boosted first week before I'd have been sitting pretty. Double gameweeks are overrated.

          1. have you seen cyan
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            If the big teams are blanking in first couple of weeks seems like a good time to pile up with cheapies in for the first two weeks, then wildcard out of it to bring the big teams in after.
            Been tempted for a few season now to boost in GW1 but never did it yet

        2. have you seen cyan
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Ok Ben Crellin said this "I think this means...
          Wolves and Man Utd get a Blank in GW1 if they reach the Europa League Final and a Blank in GW2 if they win it,
          Man City and Chelsea get a Blank in GW1 if they reach the Champions League Semi-finals and a Blank in GW2 if they win it." thats obviously speculation and relys on many factors

          1. Nimby
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            This is why the PL should rig it so that those first couple weeks pit those teams together. So, man utd v Man city and wolves v Chelsea, and man utd v Chelsea and man city v wolves to be in the first double game week for example. They'll complain but it's their just desserts.

            1. FPL Theorist
              • 4 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              Worth noting that Wolves and United will play each other in the semifinal if they both make it there. So they can't both be in the final.

              And Chelsea are already 3-0 down to Bayern after the home leg, so for me they're not worth worrying about.

              1. Nimby
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 5 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Lampard has been saying they deserve the break regardless. So I say give him two horrible fixtures to start with. Cursed monkey paw style.

        3. have you seen cyan
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          This might be a stupid question lol. But could you pick a team for GW1, then before the deadline play freehit and pick another team lol. Then GW2 you get back the first team you picked or woudl you just sitll have the freehit team?
          Is freehit even valid in GW1?

          1. Nimby
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            No free hit in gameweek 1. But maybe they'll make an exception? Who knows?

            1. have you seen cyan
              • 4 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              that would be ultimate shithousery lol

              1. Nimby
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 5 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                They had a lovely 3-month break and their job is to play football. if it helps to make the calendar more manageable then that's what should happen. I should be in charge of the PL with these radical ideas that make total sense.

                1. have you seen cyan
                  • 4 Years
                  3 years, 7 months ago

                  yup, well its looking like the season will start a mess but sure maybe if we are smart we can capitalise on it. Casuals will be in disarray

                  1. FPL Theorist
                    • 4 Years
                    3 years, 7 months ago

                    I feel like if you really want an advantage, it may come from saving the WC while everyone else plays it in GW3. But maybe I'm just being a maverick for no reason.

                    1. Greek Freak
                      • 8 Years
                      3 years, 7 months ago

                      I don't like early wildcards in any case because 3 GWs is not enough for patterns to emerge re. player performance.

                      1. Nimby
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 5 Years
                        3 years, 7 months ago

                        The overall winner played his wildcard in GW2. There is no best time to use your first wildcard.

                        1. Greek Freak
                          • 8 Years
                          3 years, 7 months ago

                          All I said was I don't like early wildcards. The overall winner can do what he wants 😀

                          1. Nimby
                            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                            • 5 Years
                            3 years, 7 months ago

                            Ha fair enough mate. I tend to use them within the first 5 but I'm not exactly an fpl hotshot. It all depends on your needs at the time.

                          2. Greek Freak
                            • 8 Years
                            3 years, 7 months ago

                            Absolutely - and as you said there is no objective best time, it's whenever your team needs it as the cliche goes.

                            Personally an early wildcard is just asking for the next 10 weeks to transfer out all the bad picks I would've made 😀

                        2. TorresMagic™
                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                          • Has Moderation Rights
                          • 14 Years
                          3 years, 7 months ago

                          Did you see his GW2 rank, score & overall rank change?

                          1. Nimby
                            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                            • 5 Years
                            3 years, 7 months ago

                            I remember he scored over 100 but not sure about his rank change.

                          2. TorresMagic™
                            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                            • Has Moderation Rights
                            • 14 Years
                            3 years, 7 months ago

                            GW GP PB GR TM TC OP OR £ #
                            GW1 68 4 2,382,718 0 0 68 2,382,76
                            GW2 103 3 32 0 0 171 1,718

                          3. Nimby
                            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                            • 5 Years
                            3 years, 7 months ago

                            Season changer right there.

                          4. TorresMagic™
                            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                            • Has Moderation Rights
                            • 14 Years
                            3 years, 7 months ago

                            Crazy, probably won him FPL. Even used the 2nd WC in GW23.

                          5. have you seen cyan
                            • 4 Years
                            3 years, 7 months ago

                            even captained Digne lol wtf

                          6. Nimby
                            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                            • 5 Years
                            3 years, 7 months ago

                            Home against Watford who just got smashed 3-0 at home to Brighton. Separated him from the boys, really. Hats off. I'd never do that.

                          7. have you seen cyan
                            • 4 Years
                            3 years, 7 months ago

                            Dignes stats must have been very good or something I guess

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

                            Ha, yeah. But it was a really dodgy fantasy assist. Long ball to Bernard who ran with it for ages before scoring. Not a typical cross and header deal.

                          9. have you seen cyan
                            • 4 Years
                            3 years, 7 months ago

                            😀

          2. Hy liverpool
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            Wtf i just read?

            1. Nimby
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 5 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              I dunno. What the f have you just read?

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

                I'm not a fan of the WC GW3 plan. The transfer window will still be open, and given the financial constraints around, I can see a number of last-minute TDD deals this time. I'm going to go for a damage-limitation mode over GW1-2 and save my WC for later. Bear in mind after GW4 is an international break in conjunction with the transfer window.

        4. circusmonkey
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          You could always have a few players not playing in GW1 anyway, then bench them if you are confident the rest of your team will start. That will save you transfers and could save you your wildcard. Just depends whether you are prepared to 'waste value' in your GW1 team.

          1. pingissimus
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            This has been one of my plans for a while

            I’m working on the basis that United City Wolves players may be dodgy assets in week 2 anyway. Most seem just to be looking at post lockdown form. I see a bunch of players who’ll just have come off 3 weeks hols and been back in training for a week. I’ll have one or two but don’t see myself basing my team around them

        5. Boywiththesoupdragontattoo
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          It really depends which other teams get a blank alongside them but personally I’m not a fan of the early wildcard. I’d prefer to set up a team with “placeholding” players (at the right prices to minimise transfers) for the ManC/ManU players you want, then FH for any early DGWs.

          That way you have a team with the right number of premiums so don’t destroy your first two GW scores, can transfer in the other assets once they return (for few if any hits) and don’t burn your wildcard in a season which has significant potential. As I say though, really depends on how the fixtures fall.

          If there’s back to back double Gameweeks this might go out the window.

          1. pingissimus
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            The other blanks is the key likely to this strategy

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

            Right, what you and circusmonkey are saying is what I was arguing yesterday. In short, the tactic is to coast, in damage-limitation mode for the first couple of GWs, avoiding using the WC too early. The finer details will have to wait for price list and fixtures.
            As Ping points out, it's inadvisable to base your picks purely on post-lockdown form - quite apart from Liverpool laying out the beach towels, it's normal for GW1 matches in particular to throw up odd results and performances due to lack of match practice. Last night Ole was saying his players were poor due to that reason
            But yeh, what I have in mind is a City/United player on the bench, biding his time, and/or a midfield placeholder like a Son or Coutinho (?!) to start GW1.

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

              That’s an interesting idea. I reckon some combo of the two ideas could be effective, particularly if you’re going 3 premiums. E.g., Mane and Auba as “placeholders” for KDB and Bruno with a third United or City asset benched.

              Or maybe 1 placeholder and 2 United or City assets benched if you’re feeling particularly bold!!!

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

                That's right. It all depends on price and fixtures now.

      8. Siva Mohan
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Southampton have secured a move for Mohammed Salisu from Real Valladolid.

        The Saints are parting with £10.9 million to secure the 21-year-old, according to Sky Sports.

        It is a direct payment of his buy-out clause, which explains the quick nature of the transfer.

        Salisu has reportedly agreed a four-year contract with the Saints.

        The player will quarantine for 14 days after his arrival in the UK, and then join up with his Saints teammates for pre-season training.

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

          Makes a 4.5 McCarthy more attractive.