The Promoted

What to expect from Leeds’ defence and attacking full-backs in FPL

Leeds United have the potential to offer some defensive returns upon their return to the Premier League, but much hangs in the balance ahead of 2020/21.

The Whites won promotion with some exciting full-back options and a possession-based game which could favour their centre-backs, but Fantasy managers still have plenty of unanswered questions.

What tactics will Marcelo Bielsa deploy in the top-flight? Which goalkeepers and centre-backs will still be at the club come September 12th?

We spoke to LeedsLive reporter Beren Cross, who has covered the entirety of Bielsa’s reign at Elland Road, to get the inside track and have taken a look at the Whites’ Championship-winning data.

What is Leeds’ clean sheet potential?

Leeds come into the Premier League with some potential for clean sheets in 2020/21, but we may have to wait and see how they adapt to life in the top flight.

That’s because their defensive credentials for the new season are reliant on several variables which are difficult to assess over the summer, specifically relating to the manager’s tactics, the future of key personnel and any transfer window recruitment.

“As with many title winners, United conceded the fewest goals in the Championship. Like Premier League viewers are used to see with Manchester City, the Whites were able to carve out many of their clean sheets from having such high possession numbers and dominating territory.” – Beren Cross

This style of play enabled Leeds to win the Championship with 22 clean sheets, five more than any other side. They also conceded just 35 goals in 2019/20, the lowest total in the league, averaging at 0.8 per game.

Unsurprisingly, it was Elland Road that helped the Whites to most of their defensive returns. They kept 13 of their clean sheets there (59.1%) and were breached just 14 times on their own turf. That’s four better than any other Championship club managed at home, and an average of 0.61 per game.

Naturally, Bielsa’s men weren’t quite as tight away from home but were still one of the second tier’s best defensive sides on the road in 2019/20.

No Championship side kept more away clean sheets than Leeds last season (nine), while only West Bromwich Albion (18) and Brentford (20) conceded fewer times than them on the road (21).

Title WinClubGC (title-winning season)RankingGC (first PL season)% increase
2010-11QPR32166106.3%
2011-12Reading4117378.0%
2012-13Cardiff City4527464.4%
2013-14Leicester City4325527.9%
2014-15Bournemouth4526748.9%
2015-16Burnley3525557.1%
2016-17Newcastle United4014717.5%
2017-18Wolves3914617.9%
2018-19Norwich City5787531.6%
2019-20Leeds United351TBAN/A





AVG = 50%

Furthermore, as you can see from the table above, Leeds come into the top-flight with the best Championship-winning defence since 2010/11, when QPR conceded just 32 goals on their way to the second-tier title.

Of the last 10 sides to win the Championship, only five (including Leeds) have done so with the best defence, so Bielsa’s men are certainly on the right side of history as far as defence is concerned.

Meanwhile, if we were to feed Leeds’ goals conceded tally into the average percentage increase between title-winning seasons and first in the Premier League, it predicts them being breached 52.5 times in 2020/21.

Based on the goals conceded tallies of top-flight sides in 2019/20, that would be a total similar to a mid-table Premier League club, certainly an achievable and realistic total considering how many times Newcastle (47) and Wolves (46) conceded in the first campaign after winning the Championship.

These numbers in isolation suggest that, if the factors mentioned below go in their favour, that Leeds could offer some clean sheet potential in the Premier League, certainly more than former champions Norwich last season.

As you can imagine, the reality is rarely as simple as that. You only have to look at the table above to see that while QPR have the best defence of the last 10 Championship winners, they also posted the worst percentage increase in goals conceded from that campaign to the next.

In Leeds’ case, we must consider the tough tactical decisions Bielsa has to make before the September start-date.

Dominating possession in the Championship is an entirely different ball-game to replicating that in the Premier League but it does sound as if Bielsa will have his players attempt it anyway. According to our Leeds contact, that means we are perhaps unlikely to see too many cagey affairs involving the Whites.

“As a team which likes to attack, United will leave gaps for the world’s best attackers to exploit, though. They will not be a defensively rigid, functional, pragmatic side like Sheffield United. Bielsa does not do ‘set up for a 0-0’.” – Beren Cross

Meanwhile, there remain questions over important individuals in Leeds’ defence, most notably the future of Ben White, who spent 2019/20 on loan from Brighton.

It is also tough to predict which of Kiko Casilla or Illan Meslier will be handed the number one goalkeeper jersey after the former was handed an eight-man batch for racism in February.

“Much depends on whether they get Ben White, star centre-back, back from Brighton & Hove Albion and how young goalkeeper Illan Meslier copes with the step up if experienced stopper Kiko Casilla remains out the picture.” – Beren Cross

Player-by-player

Kiko Casilla | Illan Meslier

  • Position: Goalkeeper
  • Starts: 36 | 10
  • Substitute apps: 0 | 0
  • Goals: 0 | 0
  • Assists: 0 | 0

As already mentioned, the goalkeeper situation at Leeds is a rather uncertain one heading into 2020/21.

It was 33-year-old Kiko Casilla who started the 2019/20 campaign as the first-choice but missed the end of the season due to his racism ban.

Illan Meslier filled in admirably, starting each of the last 10 games of 2019/20 and keeping five clean sheets in the process.

However, given how much Leeds dominated the ball during their Championship title win, it is somewhat difficult to make detailed comparisons between Casilla and Meslier from a shot-stopping perspective.

The Whites faced an average of nine shots per game last season, the best of any team, so neither goalkeeper was called into action particularly often compared to the rest of the division.

Both Casilla and Meslier averaged two saves per match last season, with a staggering 39 goalkeepers producing more than that – such was Leeds’ control of proceedings when in possession.

Whoever gets the number one spot next season is likely to face more goal attempts than that in 2020/21 but it is difficult to determine how either shot-stopper will cope with that.

It is also difficult to separate the two based on what they offer Leeds when they have possession of the ball. Bielsa likes his goalkeeper to join in with that tactic much like Pep Guardiola asks of Ederson.

As a result, both goalkeepers finished the 2019/20 season inside the Championship’s top-three for accurate short passes per match among the division’s shot-stoppers. Casilla was the slightly better option with 19.1 for every 90 minutes he was on the pitch, Meslier just behind him on 18.6.

Therefore, if Leeds can control some games next season, as they have some practice of at a lower level, the role that the goalkeeper plays in making that happen could prove a potential source of bonus points.

Luke Ayling | Stuart Dallas

  • Position: Left-back | Right-back
  • Starts: 45 | 35
  • Substitute apps: 0 | 2
  • Goals: 5 | 4
  • Assists: 3 | 4

“Luke Ayling and Stuart Dallas played as the team’s full-backs for much of the campaign. Theirs will be the first United prices I check when the game launches. While the clean sheets will surely diminish at a higher level, they may deliver the best value across the squad. Ayling has surety of starts at right-back. He delivered four goals and four assists. Whereas Dallas, a makeshift left-back, is likely to start the new campaign there, but may come under threat from more natural options. The Northern Ireland international has spent much of his career as a winger. If the game registers him as a defender, he may well become an out-of-position asset later in the season if Bielsa decides to push him forward.” – Beren Cross

There is a lot to like about the Whites’ full-backs ahead of the 2020/21 season, as you can see from what our Leeds reporter thinks of them.

Whether they can offer value to Fantasy managers will, of course, depend on how the pair are priced and, in Dallas’ case, whether he is classed as a defender or not.

In terms of separating the two from a Fantasy perspective, they represent the age-old dilemma for picking between two players.

Ayling is the much more nailed-on option in terms of starts, considering he is a natural right-back and the fact that Bielsa is unlikely to change things too much next season.

That may, of course, be something Dallas can boast as well, although he is not a recognised full-back based on his career thus far. Despite being slightly less certain of consistent starts for the whole campaign, the underlying data suggests Dallas can offer much more than Ayling going forward, which could be especially exciting if he were to play in a more advanced position later in the campaign.

The Northern Ireland international may have registered the same number of assists as Ayling in 2019/20 but he outperformed his full-back colleague when it came to key passes.

Dallas created 43 chances in last season, more than any other Leeds defender, even ahead of Ayling when we consider the slight disparity in game-time. It made for a key pass every 91.4 minutes compared to one every 109.5 for Ayling.

The quality of Dallas’ delivery is also worth noting. In 2019/20, he produced 11 big chances for his team-mates, only attacking midfielders Pablo Hernández (13) and Jack Harrison (17) managing to create more across the season.

The makeshift left-back also offered a greater goal threat when compared with Ayling. His total of 32 shots in the box was the most of any Leeds defender last season, 12 more than his right-back colleague.

Crucially, 10 of these were considered to be big chances by Opta, the joint-third highest total in the whole squad. Only Harrison and leading goal-scorer Patrick Bamford were afforded more high-quality opportunities.

Finally, Dallas was incredibly accurate in the shot too. He registered a total of 26 shots on target in 2019/20, the second-best tally in the whole squad, bested only by Bamford (56).

That’s the dilemma that faces anyone considering a Leeds full-back. Ayling is more assured of his place while Dallas carries slightly more risk with potentially greater rewards, considering his attacking credentials and experience playing further up the field.

Ben White | Liam Cooper

  • Position: Centre-back
  • Starts: 46 | 36
  • Substitute apps: 0 | 2
  • Goals: 1 | 2
  • Assists: 2 | 0

The centre-back position is another department of Leeds’ defence that hangs in the balance ahead of the new season.

The future of Ben White is likely to dictate whether or not the Whites can offer clean sheets in 2019/20, the Brighton loanee top for clearances (122), blocks (25), interceptions (118) and recoveries (301) among Leeds players last season.

But the centre-back also played a crucial role in Leeds’ domination of possession, as did nailed-on colleague Liam Cooper.

Both players were top for passes and accurate passes among Bielsa’s squad in 2019/20. It was White at the summit of both charts, attempting 2,582 passes with 2,184 of them reaching their intended target.

Cooper was in second place for both statistics, 1,940 of his 2,367 attempted passes finding their way to a Leeds team-mate.

Somewhat similar to the goalkeepers mentioned above, such impressive passing statistics could be an important factor in bonus points if Leeds were able to control some games and keep clean sheets next season, although they will still have to compete for those with the very capable full-backs and attackers, of course.

Out of the two centre-backs who helped Leeds to the title, it is
Cooper who offers the slightly greater threat in the box. He registered 21 shots there compared to White’s 15, despite playing fewer minutes. That meant a goal attempt in the area every 148.9 minutes for Cooper and one every 276 there for White, while neither played more than nine key passes.

Brighton have been rather bullish over White’s status during the summer though, and it is likely to be a saga that winds on for the duration of the transfer window.

Manager Graham Potter has insisted the centre-back is one of their players, that he is ready for Premier League football and will be competing for a place in the Seagulls’ squad in 2020/21. Meanwhile, the club’s CEO Paul Barber recently issued a ‘not for sale’ statement on the player. Perhaps then, Leeds’ best chances of securing White’s services for the new season lie in the loan market.

“He’s contracted with us and he’s on loan at Leeds. He’s our player. It’s fantastic he’s had this year with Leeds. I think everybody won. Ben got some great experience, Leeds achieved their goal of promotion. But we rate him highly. I followed his career personally when he was at Newport and Peterborough. As I’ve said before, we were aware of him at Swansea, we were probably trying to sign him ourselves if we were still there. We like him a lot. He’s a really good player and thankfully he’s our player. (Next season) he’ll be competing for a place like everyone else.” – Graham Potter, speaking in July

Best players by position:

725 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Fred54
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Never a betting man, but D SIlva bound to score in this game.

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Lucky for you that you are not

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

        OMG Bemba

        1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          😆

          On a serious note It’s true. Seen some people chase and get caught up in gambling the what they thought were “obvious” bets. They then end up trying to make the money back betting on other “obvious” bets and it goes downhill fast

          Count yourself lucky you are not a betting man

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

            Ironically, if i were lucky, id be a betting man

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

            Yeah I remember betting £4,000 on a Barca win during their prime. Best team of all time, playing a minnow in the UCL, free money right? 93rd minute, Barca were drawing... fortunately, they scored a last minute winner. Learned my lesson and never betted again...

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

              I did matched betting for about a year (only took about a year to get banned from almost every worthwhile online bookie for it lol)

              It’s risk free as you back and lay the same selection to lock in profit - but the amount of ridiculously odds on favourites I saw lose in that time period was terrifying, genuinely jaw dropping - more in horse racing, but also in football

              Madrid losing at home to the Eastern European outfit in the champions league a couple of years ago springs to mind

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

                Sounds like what I've been doing...

                I've written a program that finds guaranteed wins. It places a Team 1 victory with one company, a draw with another, and a team 2 victory with another. Betting companies set different odds so sometimes there is a certain ratio that makes you profit, no matter what the result is.

                I use it now and again but the margins aren't great. It's like £2000 for £20 profit. It's guaranteed though... From the betting company's perspective I place single bets, sometimes I win, sometimes I lose, but from my perspective I always win because I use separate companies. Want to expand it into other sports and live betting, maybe automate it too...

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

                  Check out Odds monkey or profit accumulator - they have great resource libraries/forums & very sophisticated software that will identify odds matches for you quickly & calculators to extract maximum value from the big offers at the tier 1 bookies (2up with bet365 is a goldmine when you get into the swing of it)

                  (Casino offers are even more lucrative again than sports book offers)

                  They Both have large online communities of folks who are all at different stages on theor matched betting journeies - but it always ends the same way - in getting banned from the bookies

                  Winners (I.e. those who can spot value - which is exactly what your algorithm is doing) aren’t welcome with bookies, and matched bettors don’t lose

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

                    Interesting.

                    How do bookies even know what you're doing if you split the bet amongst different companies? Do they communicate with each other?

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

                      They know when they’re offering best price on a selection and when they see a pattern emerge (particularly with single bets) on a particular account that has a high concentration of bets on those best prices, they are ruthless & take no chances - account gets banned double quick

                      Win, lose or draw isn’t really a concern - its more the ability to identify value that scares them - as they know your not the type of customer they want (I.e, a ‘mug’)!

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

                        Ugh they deserve everything they get... Perhaps I can write a disguise program that can places crappy bets now and again with minimal losses to throw their algorithm. Keep the bets in multiples of £5 too so it doesn't look suspicious. I'm convinced I can get this to work...

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

                      They can’t communicate each other though - GDPR prevents that - even between those owned by the same company (Paddy Power & Betfair example)

                      But it’s still wise to never lay a paddy power bet with betfair just in case, smarkets is the way to go from an exchange perspective - you can get 0% commmsision with them too which really helps & adds up over thousands & thousands of bets

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

                        *they can communicate obviously, just not share peoples personal details I.e. their accounts etc

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

                        Thanks, noted...

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

                        Won't be using those big matched betting companies though, especially if it results in a banned account. Prefer to do it all with my own unique program. A herd of sheep is easier to spot than a lone wolf.

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

                        You would think that - but for example what you are doing is called “dutching” which is where you’re finding the best price for the win with bookie A, draw with bookie B, other win with bookie C etc

                        Both Matched betting guide sites have their own “dutching calculator” software which will show exactly the same opportunities as your algorithm, along with all of the other dutching matches that exist - so whilst you think you’re a lone wolf, if it’s a good Dutch, there’ll be thousands of folks on it alongside you

                        The other technique you’re referring to there (the disguise program) is called “mug betting” something the bookies are also very wise to - there are great sections in those sites about how to keep your account healthy for as long as possible with effective mug betting strategies

                        But at the end of the day, if you’re regularly finding value (which is he aim of the game) you’re on borrowed time with any bookmaker unfortunately!

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

                        Damn it! They really do always win don't they...

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

                        They are a nightmare - there is a special circle of hell reserved for their customer service departments too - some of them will do anything to avoid paying out if they can

                      7. wh05nxt
                        • 8 Years
                        3 years, 7 months ago

                        This isn't really how it works. You'll get banned from the bookie you win money from first as the first indicator is your individual p&l, which they'll try and figure out how that's working then ban you. Then you'll have fewer bookies to offset.

                        True arbitrage is also so infrequent it's almost ot worth chasing really.

                        Poster is right about global.binus abuse though, and there's still some odds boosts that are value to the punter and are always abused by huge firms of bettors at a large scale. The trick with these (allowing you not to get banned) is to take the other side of them, e.g. backing when / where people lay them off on an exchange. Then you're just taking a smart bet for value and not abusing, so will go unnoticed.

                        Free advice, but not betting is always the smartest play.

                      8. Old Man
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 12 Years
                        3 years, 7 months ago

                        MPB & GB: Gentlemen, all I can say is "Is it worth the bother?" You're both intellegent blokes - do something more worthy of you.

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

                        Without having the programming and data scraping expertise, I looked at whether I could back with bookie A and lay off on Betfair. It was pretty much impossible. What other platforms can you lay bets on?

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

                        They’re actually totally fine with you wining money though, as long as it’s from the “right” kind of bets that mark you out as a mug punter

                        If your Hail Mary 100/1 football accumulator comes in and they have to pay out a grand or two, or even ten, they won’t sweat that even though your individual PnL will look dangerous - they’ll know that in the long run if you keep doing those bets, they’ll eventually get you

                        Reason being, the more selections your add to your bet, the less value you’re taking from them and the more you’re penalising yourself (their odds are generally so bad that accumulators are ridiculously poor value - multiplying those odds just makes it worse)

                        Start taking arbs, or even just decent value singles, where the odds are close to the exchanges, and win, lose or draw - you can kiss goodbye to your account - heavy use of free bets & promotions (bonus abuse) e.g. 2ups with 365 or Paddypower, Golden Goal with William Hill, the first 10 mins payout with Sportnation etc will get you banned even quicker

                        Winners are not welcome!

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

                        The year I got out of it was fantastic fun & very lucrative - but matched betting isn’t gambling

                        Gambling is a different story

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

                        Smarkets & BetDaq are the other two big exchanges

                        Smarkets was the only gig in town when it came to profitable laying - decent odds and crucially 0% commission if you had a sub with one of the sites above - (Betfair was 5% commission, BetDaq was 2%)

                  2. Hedge
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 12 Years
                    3 years, 7 months ago

                    Your best bet for arb bets is horse racing 10-20mins before the off. Some of the big bookies will guarantee bets that win up to £500 so you can still make some money even when you get banner, just Google "minimum bet guarantee".

                    Matched betting is the easiest to get started with. Put in enough time and you can easily clear £1k a month

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

                      *banned

            2. Our Tiny Windows
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              What were the odds?

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

                Long time ago now so can't remember, but I won a couple of hundred pounds. Was ecstatic.

                But given how close it was I learnt my lesson...

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

              OK, I know gambling addiction is a serious problem (not that I'm implying you were an addict, I don't know your situation), but why on earth would you bet £4000 on anything?!

              I find it so weird that people are replying to this as if it's a normal thing to do! 😀

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

                It was an awful thing to do! I was young and stupid and it felt like a sure thing because Barca were sweeping aside every opponent in the world with ease...

                Never had a problem with gambling before, but at that point a gambling problem was probably starting to develop given the amount I bet... Never gambled again, don't worry 😀

              2. wh05nxt
                • 8 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Because he thought he was getting a free few hundred quid. And did in the end. Not.worth the sweat though in this case probably.

            4. bOttOmEdpOstrEpliEr.
              • 10 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              I am sure that was Barcelona vs Celtic when Alba scored at 94th minute.

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

      you know a bookies in the UK can jsut decide not to pay out a win, and they dont even need to give a reason why. They have done it many a time with large bets they have lost. Seems the postcode snow bets are one of the main ones which dont get paid out.
      Also if their cashier makes a mistake and gives accidental odds or anything like that, they once again do not have to pay out

      If you want to screw a bookies, bet on tennis. Go to live tennis games, you can place bets just before odds get updated. They look for you though and throw you out if they see you on a phone or with a headset

      1. wh05nxt
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        This is a great post. If odds are mispriced then the bookies don't have to pay out, obviously because that's an error. If city were accidentally priced at 1000/1 instead of 1/1000 then there's no chance they'll pay out when people take it. Thats just boring contact offer and acceptance law though.

        Tennis has a lower margin than footy or some other sports, and is similar to e.g. Golf (probably because its the more informed who bet on it), but if you think you're seeing a tennis moment before the bookies get word of it then you're just wrong. Unless it's 3rd division Korean tennis league and you're at the match you won't beat them to the punch.

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

          No it’s true some guys do it, ur just making an assumption without actually knowing. Maybe research it
          Your clearly mis informed by all my points, and sorry closing bets is the better term I should have used

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

      Betting is a trap

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

    Dilva range for a fitting Etihad goodbye.

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

    Whats the highest price you would pay for player who will never be your (C) ?

    Looking at Martial,Werner(probably ~10M) but are they worth it if you never (C)?

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

      Why would you not captain Martial or Werner?

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

        +1.

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

        Salah + KDB,i never (C) forwards

  4. 7shadesofsmoke
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Dave Silva goal incoming

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

    How did this garbage Real side win La Liga. Their defenders and defensive midfield can't handle pressing at all.

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

      Farmers league who show them too much respect.

    2. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      La liga went downhill since Ronaldo I left

    3. Licky
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      This midfield does not look cut out to handle pace at all.

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

      I'm also wondering same. Not that City were at their free flowing best either

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

      Because barcelona is even worse. And not having Ramos unsettled the defense. Two individual mistakes by varane

    6. Bada Bing
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      They got all the big decisions go their way in La Liga like in the dark Franco days.

  6. 7shadesofsmoke
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    I don't like the design on that CL football

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

    Has anyone worked out how many goals a forward needs to score in a season to be worth 10m+? Is it 25?

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

      Hard to know... when you have 8m & below players hitting close to 200 points... then to justify the extra 2m they probably need an extra 50-60 points...

      So say 250 less 70 appearance points = 180 points of attacking returns

      Say average of 5 points per attacking return after baps - that’s 35+ attacking returns territory

      So 25G/10A, 30G/5A, something in that range?

      Just back of an envelope style

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

        Yeah Kane a few years ago barely broke 200 with crap loads iirmc

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

      Thinking about value over the whole season is wrong way to look at it imo. Assists and bonus aside, which are important too, you want to catch good goal runs at the right time by hitting good fixtures imo.

      Even Kane and Aubameyang could be good value over a good run of fixtures! Maybe...

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

        If I could pick players for their goal runs and miss their draughts I'd win the whole thing 😀

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

        Yes, players in the premium bracket really have to be good captain options, and that's really hard for a forward with the way the current scoring system favours midfielders.

        For example, I captained Vardy 6 times and got no outright blanks, but only averaged 15.3 points each time. I did roughly as well with Salah despite 3 blanks from him in 7 attempts. (I got an average of 19.1 points from Salah, although admittedly that included a TC in a DGW.)

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

      Played Auba Kun Kane Vardy (think he counts here) for 32 matches last season for 188 points - that wasn’t especially optimal either. Never hit with Kun and Auba was very so so

      That’s around 6 base points a match - 21 goals I think.

      Think Vardy counts as I was able to hop on him early as I had Kun - much harder if there wasn’t a premium there in first place

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

        Pukki was my best forward by average 😀

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

          Likewise

          Also did really well with Ings who I hit very early as I did Jim the season before. But I’ve had too many failures in swapping in and out budget forwards in costly transfers.

          The trouble I have with budget forwards is that I’m not patient enough to leave them alone and a run of blanks followed by a transfer ends up costing me. Think Mitro 🙂

          Ideal I guess is to hit a budget Jim and Ings simultaneously- but how often will that happen? I get drawn back to the relative predictability of a premium who I can downgrade as and when. Probably been lucky but my premium forward combos have fairly closely matched mids in the two seasons I’ve played

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

    So Italian, Spanish and English champions knocked out of CL. Only the French and German champions left.

    Will Chelsea knock Bayern out? Improbable

  9. Fred54
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    No D Silva goal. £0 in betting losses.

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

    KDB captain fail 🙁

  11. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Ronaldout!

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

    Sarri out.

  13. 7shadesofsmoke
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Zidane Out!

    champions league choke artist

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

      No Bale no party.

    2. Klaren
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Considering he won this 3 times back to back before, I doubt he cares about it nearly as much as he did about the La Liga title.

  14. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Pep’s City won’t get a better chance to lift the UCL.

    No disadvantage of having to play home & away from here on in.

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

      Don't see them beating Bayern

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

        I think they can do it. One game playoff. With a team like City's they can absolutely do it.

    2. Klaren
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Bayern is still in it and with the football they’ve been playing under Flick, they are an extremely difficult team to beat with no apparent weaknesses.

  15. SHOOTER MCGINN
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Looks like the app is allowing team creation with prices from the end of last season?

    Bu actually can't save it...

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

      Must be close then

    2. Jimmers
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      It's always the same at the end of the season.....

      nothing going to happen until the fixtures are released

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

    City play Lyon on 15th August

    If City lose, they could still squeeze a game into GW1 by playing on Weds 16th Sept

    If City win, they'll be blanking in GW1

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

      Odds are its a blank unfortunately. For United too probably. Hopefully not wolves

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

        If it was 2 legs, I'd say City were almost certain to go through. Only 90 mins and Lyon have caused City big problems before, albeit with Nabil Fekir.

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

          Then here's hoping they lose

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

        But every blank is a double and more chaos too - more blanks the merrier for me

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

          Imagine if there is a DGW2 for City while United still have a blank, followed by a DGW3 for United. Noobs might have already burned their WC and FH in the first 3 GW.

      3. The Polymath
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Always nice to have other fans backing your team. 😉

    2. Je suis le chat
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      We'll all be loading on Liv assets gw1 with Mo captain. Great chance for Liv to establish early supremacy in the league.

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

        If City reach CL final, Liverpool could be 9-12pts ahead before City even kick a ball. Playing catchup that early is nasty, they'll never feel like they're leading.

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

          Good point

          I suspect too that the DGWs would be almost instant to avoid a backlog - that’s hardly ideal either. Double whammy - chasing a lead and much worse schedule

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

      Meh they'll write it off as them having had a break over quarantine. Let's see what happens though.

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

    The rest of the CL is one legged knockout?

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

      Yep, completely different system

      One leg, neutral stadium

  18. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Every season I say I'm going to start of with 352 but it never happens.....

    Would anyone consider this for this season? Or is it best to start with regular 343 and see how things develop

    With solid 4th and 5th bench defenders and a fodder 4.5m forward?

    Maybe even kamara at fulham 4.5m?? Thanks

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

      4 at the back 4 me

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

      I did last season. Worked great. Managed to get KdB that way.

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

        Just think there is a stigma with starting off with a 4.4m forward...

        Guess a lot depends on finding a decent 5th mid for about 5.5m. ,

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

          Magnus started with a 4.5m forward and finished 11th. So seems solid to me.

          But it was Greenwood, and it is unlikely we get a 4.5m forward getting regular minutes again.

          I'm tempted to have a non-playing 4.5m striker, but Carlsen does seem to like having a full playing bench, although cheap, and will make moves to switch out his cheap bench players as soon as they stop playing games, even when there's seemingly more important things to do. He seems to like everyone playing at all costs. If there is no 4.5m forward likely to get minutes, not sure what I'll do myself... maybe go for a 4.5m dud, or maybe just play with 3 starting strikers instead... not sure yet...

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

            Magnus's way isn't necessarily right. Worked great for him last season, but might not hold this time around. I don't like forwards right now. I don't think they're worth their slot. As long as you have 2 decent defender subs, I don't see why having a 4.5m non-playing forward is a problem.

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

              Yeah, but this guy isn't just a genius, he outsmarts other genius' for a living. His level of intellect doesn't come around often, and we're fortunate he plays FPL. I know I'm no where near his level of intelligence, so if I can understand the way he plays, and why, then it will surely be of benefit... He wasn't flawless, and there was some luck (though not as much as some program would suggest imo), but I can think of no one better to learn from.

              I do tend to think a 4.5m dud is the way to go though. I need to go back and see how often that third bench player is used, and if the difference in pts is worth the change in system. One thing he has said outright in an interview is "Get as much data as you can". I intend to.

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

                Eh FPL is a lot of variance. If he can continuously get top 1K than yeah maybe he knows something we don't. But one season doing great doesn't mean he's infallible or his strategies are the best.

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

                  Sure. It remains to be seen.

                  But if I were to place chips down on my own opinions, or his, I'd place them on his. Nothing is certain, we just have to play the odds.

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

                “ if I can understand the way he plays, and why, then it will surely be of benefit...”

                The way he plays led to finishing outside the top 10k in 3 of the 4 seasons before this (4 of 5 if you count his first season but that’s probably unfair)

                When it comes to FPL He’s human just like the rest of us - same as Ronka, Sutherns, General etc - he just hit a few good veins of form with players this year & fair play to him

                (When it comes to chess, it’s probably fair to say he’s *not* like the rest of us though 🙂 )

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

            why are you so obsessed with Magnus. He had 99.8% luck this season...

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

              The fact that he captained a benched Salah in GW38 confirmed he was a casual...

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

                he had a chess tournmanet during the GW38 games

                1. Annie
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 11 Years
                  3 years, 7 months ago

                  I had work too, explains my crap finish

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

                I am surprised he didn't pull rank and get his chess game held back for 30 minutes whilst he checked the line ups.

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

              A program is only as good as the programmer who wrote it 😀

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

                Its not a program its a stats based algorithm

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

                  Programs are algorithms translated into computer language.

                  How are the stats processed? Who decides which stats represent luck? The programmer.

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

                    I have seen a lot of people on here saying "its not luck its skill and that site doesnt prove otherwise" but not a single good argument to back up that statement. If the algorithm is supposedly biased by whoever made it, it shouldnt be too hard to point out how.. Yet no one is doing that.

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

                      We don't know how the algorithm works under the hood, so it's impossible to criticise it.

                      But yeah, this game may well be mostly luck... but we might as well start with the assumption it's not completely luck, or what's the point in playing!

                      Also, I will say there's not much point playing if you're just copying someone else, that's not what I'm advocating here. You have to think for yourself, but if you can amend your way of thinking to suit that of more intelligent people, then your future decisions you make for yourself should be more competent.

                      Just one bloke's humble opinion. We all have our own ways we enjoy playing 🙂

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

                        I think the game is about 90% luck. That is between the actual informed managers who try their best and make informed decisions every week, don't take rage hits etc. Against casuals who don't even look at stats or read articles there's a lot higher margin of course, but we are already beating those players so that's irrelevant.

                        That doesn't make the game any less enjoyable for me, but it does make worship of managers with insignificant samples of good finishes a bit pointless.

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

      I hate having a 4.5 non-playing forward when I could have my non-playing outfield slot only taking up 4.0, were it a defender.

      That’s my biggest issue with two up front early on. Feels like funds wasted.

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

        Could also argue that a 6.5 fwd is funds wasted compared to a 6.0 defender(at least sometimes). Because defenders are better value than forwards.

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

          In general I agree with those who say a player's true price is how much they cost over the minimum for their position. So a 6.0 defender should be thought of as being the same price as a 6.5 mid/fwd.

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

          My point is narrowly about the non-playing slot in my team, though. A non-playing 4.0 defender is always better value than a non-playing 4.5 forward. Playing defenders and forwards are another matter of course!

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

      I think I only started with a 3-4-3 on my very first year of playing FPL. 3-5-2 has perhaps been my most common formation, but my best season by far happened when I started with a 4-4-2, with which I persisted until the DGWs.

      Last season was pretty bad and I started with 4-5-1, but might do that again.

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

        I do like the idea of starting with 4-4-2 better than 4-5-1. There is usually a 4.5 DM who is a reliable starter, whereas for forwards you only had Greenwood at 4.5 last year, who was only coming off the bench at first.

        Then I figure you switch to 3-4-3 or 3-5-2 once you are rich enough to afford 7 decent attackers. By December last season I was able to just laugh when managers asked "who is the best 5.5 mid?" as if you had asked a billionaire whether they prefer to drive a Chevy or a Hyundai.

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

          That's a good argument for 4-4-2 vs. 4-5-1. I think I would've definitely gone 4-5-1 if they'd kept the 5 subs rule (which significantly increases 1 point cameos and thus negates the need for a playing bench), but I may rethink.

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

      4-4-2

    6. I Must Break You
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Forwards are not good value for the money. The fewer you have money sunk into, the better.

    7. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      The 3rd sub-7 forward spot can yield around 200pts over the season Flynny with a few trannies so it's not quite the value destroyer these folks reckon, gl bud.

    8. Arn De Gothia
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Never 3 up top for me

  19. The Red Devil
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Top 5k in UCL fantasy, hoping to crack top 1k

    1. Lucky Z
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Keep us updated plz

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

      Nice.
      Good luck mate !

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

    Suprised it’s only Chelsea being linked with Declan Rice, and not Man Utd

    He kind of fits the profile Utd have been targeting more the last few windows in terms of age etc

    Would be a decent long term addition to their squad alongside McTominay, Matic won’t be around forever, Pogba probably won’t either & whilst Fred has improved a lot he’s not exactly prime Roy Keane

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

      (Longer term) Something like

      —-——-Greenwood————
      —-Rashford, Bruno, Sancho-
      ———McTominay, Rice——-
      -Williams, Maguire, ____, AWB-
      ————Henderson———

      Obviously no need to kick Martial & Pogba out straight away, for a few seasons even - but it’s quite a solid looking spine there

      Mahuire’s long term partner at CB will be crucial though

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

        Probably never happen but I always reckoned AWB had a future at CB - his attributes would work better there than at RB imo

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

          I think he dives in too much to be a centre half.

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

            Was thinking the exact same earlier - he goes to ground more times in one game than Rio did in his entire career

            He’s also improved his crossing so much since Christmas - the assist for martial in the Chelsea game was beautiful, and he got another 3 afte rit - had the most assists of any defender in the league bar TAA at one point not too long ago

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

        Having nurtured Tony for so long I don't see any reason to kick him out when he's about to enter his prime years unless something drastic happens. Greenwood can wait for his opportunities.

        Look at Rashford. He seems like being around for so long but still very young. Same can happen with Greenwood.

        1. Pieterke30
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Greenwood is already a better number 9 than Martial imho. And if not, will be soon.

          That kid is seriously good.

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

            Don't doubt that. He's best finisher in United squad. Speaks volumes. Hopefully they tie him up with 5/6 years contract now

    2. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      They would probably have to move 2 of those on 1st

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

        I don't think so tbh.
        United only have 5 senior CM.

        Fred McTomnay Matic Pogba Bruno. Need 6th one.
        Garner is one yes but raw.

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

      He's an average player. If he wasn't English we wouldn't even be talking about him tbh.

      I agree United need a good CDM. But I'd prefer Doucoure Ndidi to him anyday.

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

        I thought he was very good in the game at old Trafford tbh - was an absolute nightmare - always seems to give a decent account of himself for such a young player

        Ndidi was no trouble in either of the Leciester games, & same with Doucoure when they lost 3-0 at old Trafford (think he was booked & subbed off for Chalobah when watford won earlier in the season)

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

          Ndidi is best we can get from realistic point of view. Kante would be a dream 😛 not happening though

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

        Rice is one of the few English talents in a while that I think lives up to the hype. He does a very good job in central midfield considering his age. Very mature already.

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

          Okay. Take your word on that. I am not that impressed tbh though.
          Let's see. He'll cost 50m at least to any team.

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

      Rice should play at least one more season at west ham before moving on for the best of his own development

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

        I’d prefer to see verati over all those mentioned, also like to see Sarr coming in

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

          Is Veratti not a bit part player in the biggest team of bottlers Europe has ever seen

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

            Still a great player, just underused and probs available cheap

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

              Fair enough, could be a good squad addition maybe... reckon Rice better fits the profile of what they’re trying to build thouh

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

                I haven’t seen enough of rice to be fair but he reminds me a little of a young promising Phil Jones at Blackburn

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

                  Think there’s an awful lot of “far away fields look green” syndrome with the likes of Veratti though

                  If his name was Mark Vernon instead of Marco Veratti, and he had been born in Plymouth rather than Pescara, I don’t think he’d crop up too much in discussion

                  Then again if he was from Plymouth and playing for PSG....

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

    Tried to log in to the FPL site just now, and when I do, I was sent to "Your Account" where I have to fill in my personal details. The game has not been launched yet, right?

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

      Right.

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

        Then why this "Update your profile" step when I log in? I don't think I've ever got that before, other than when registering the team for the season (after relaunch).

  22. Infamy, Infamy
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Is this 30 day break compulsory, or can a team choose to forgo it? I doubt Pep wants to be 6 points behind Liverpool before they’ve even kicked a ball next season.

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

      No idea

      There are also international games in the week before the 12th September restart date - don’t know how that will work either

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

      Lampard is pushing for Chelsea to get a delayed start even when they lose tonight - can’t imagine Pep thinking any different

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

      Good question. Would make sense if the manager/players just agreed not to take 30 days.
      I am one of those who thinks, that the Covid-19 break was just fine to reload the batteries, but the City players would probably be a bit more tired come cristmas compared to those relaxing these weeks.
      But if they did not lean back and drink beers for 30 days I think they will start off in better shape and that would make their assets more attractive

    4. Je suis le chat
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Strange imo to delay the start of the season, it will only compound fixture problems later. Players did have 3 months break recently.

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

    Really fascinated now how Pep deploys Foden in the remaining CL gane(s). He’s always picked on a horses for courses basis so he might of course get nothing

    The one take away for me is that he’s apparently moved ahead of Bilva in that auxiliary attacker role. If he gets enough starts he could return handily just because he plays for the best attacking side around. But someone who floats between right wing false 9 and central mid is a bit bothersome - cheaper presumably than Bilva 2018/9 but likely to return on the same very irregular basis?

    Is Bilva not Dilva at least short term the right point of comparison?

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

      One to watch for sure

      The good - His age & those performances vs Burnley & (Drunken) Liverpool

      The bad - 3 points per appearance & 18 blanks in 23 apps this season plus those last 6 appearances were a bit concerning

      If he increases from 3 PPA to 4 PPA.... and increases from 23 appearances to 30-ish appearances he should be good for in the 120 region maybe?

      Reckon he might only he 6.5 though to encourage people to sign him

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

        6.5 would be very tempting for me - certainly at some point

        A good few of those were off the bench no? Had a look a while back and both Jesus and Mahrez from memory were very inefficient off the bench too. iirc their returns per minute when starting were fantastic - up there with the best - but minimal from the bench. That if right could of course simply be a factor of starting the gimme type games

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

          Suddenly remembers Mahrez in 38 🙂 I’ll need to look again at my unsupersub theory

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

          That’s probably half the deal with him - you’re going to need to get comfortable with apps from the bench, no?

          His (insane) PP90 is getting skewed by truncated minutes - he’s came off the bench for 15 or less minutes on 8 occasions this season (8 points in those 45 minutes = 16.0 PP90)

          In his other 15 appearances (9 starts/6 subs) he got 61 points (4.0 points per appearance) returning in 5 appearances (5G 2A) & blanking in the other 10 appearances

          With 18 blanks in his 23 appearances he could come in around 6.5, but the city attack factor and Dilva leaving might have them give him an extra 0.5 or 1.0 up to 7.0+

          His season really consisted of 2 games - Burnley & Liverpool (Arsenal was decent too) - and he was actually very disappointing from an FPL perspective either side of those

          The best way to bring some perspective with him (I feel) is to acknowledge the one attacking return from City’s 21 goals during the closing run of blue fixtures below (he appeared in them all):

          sou, NEW, bri, BOU, wat, NOR

          If you’re comfortable with him doing that, then you can go in with eyes wide open & give yourself the chance of hopefully also catching his upside e.g. catching the Burnley & (Drunken 🙂 ) Liverpool hauls

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

            "His season really consisted of 2 games - Burnley & Liverpool (Arsenal was decent too) - and he was actually very disappointing from an FPL perspective either side of those"

            This is oh so Bilva 18/19 - feels like a classic material for haul chasing.

            For me I suspect it comes down to whether he gets regular minutes in the Dilva "inside forward" slot as opposed to being shifted around the attack to places he's less likely to return from.

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

              Yeah that’s my exact worry - see below - there are some worrying hallmarks of what look like vaguely like the dreaded profile of an FPL troll...

              Plus when watching him in games, he never loooks disinterested & always puts a shift in - did seem to be quite profligate with his finishing at times on the eye test though & those off target shots really hurt his baps

              He can work on that & improve it though

              But in fairness to the kid it’s way too early to start labelling him as such and we have to be fair to him & give him a chance to show what he can do, he could be excellent

    2. Our Tiny Windows
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      What I do know about Foden is that he’s going to explode. He’s worked his way into the team and is going to have a game where he smashes in one and bundles a second. Once that happens so many people are going to notice and put him in their team and his value will shoot up. I’d rather have him before the uptrend.

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

        Remember he did that vs both Burnley & Liverpool...

        People jumped on then he got 1 attacking return from his next 6 consecutive appearances during city’s run of 21 goals scored vs sou, NEW, bri, BOU, wat, NOR

        That’s borderline troll behaviour, but the low price tag and tender age excuses him for now - we need to be careful he doesn’t grow in that direction

        Super potential though, no doubt

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

      Bilva instead of Dilva might be a right comparison but they signed Ferran Torres who is also a right winger. So this could mean more minutes for Foden in Dilva instead of Bilva role or maybe even less minutes with the playing time shared between 3 or maybe 4 players for the right wing position (Torres, Foden, Mahrez, Bilva)

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

        Yeah dabbling with any of those 4 looks fraught with roulette headaches tbh, though they’ll all get hauls somewhere, no doubt

        Give me Laporte at 6.5 & I’ll settle for the slow & steady 175 points instead though

        Have to say though - Sterling looks absolutely on it of late

        Him *or* KDB vs. him *and* KDB may be an important call

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

          Budget rules it out from week 1 but I sort of expect to end up with Ederson again next time at some point.

          Laporte + 4.5 as cover is a full million more than the keeper solution

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

            Much prefer Laporte to Ederson personally

            Ederson can be fun in FPL, and actually has a relatively high ceiling with his reputation for penalty saves

            But what often rules him out for me is you can get very similar points from a suite of GK’s a full 1.5m less than him - whereas there aren’t going to be many 4.5 defenders challenging a fully fit Laporte for clean sheets & attacking returns

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

              Yep - Laporte was devastating for me in 18/19 late WC.

              Part of the thought process would be - all very hypothetical of course - is that with a 106-108 budget there's no real need to go fro anything but the best GK option more or less disregarding value. IFF City are on one of their cs rolls I can see myself going for the surety of starts.

              (His figures this season passed were skewed of course by the RC and subsequent blanks - he can be a decent option anyway)

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

              Ederson is such a boring player to own.
              You expect 6 points almost every game which makes you just go 'oh well' when he delivers another 6-pointer at that price.

              And when he concedes you feel like banging your head into a brick wall for not just go with the 4.5 conceding (but safe point scoring) GK from a bottom half club.

              8.5 - 9.0 on GK's

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

                Yeah he's an odd FPL pick generally - can be epic if you manage to spike a pen save or one of those rogue assists he chips in with from time to time

                But the fact that he scored similar to Pope on the run in peeked a few folks interests & created the delusion that he's a good use of goalkeeping budget

                Laporte on the other hand has serious upside versus his cheaper defensive peers (and Ederson!) hopefully the fitness issues don't rear their heads again though

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

                City tend to start gung ho & shut off the shop as season goes on IMO.
                It's not a coincidence that for last 2/3 seasons they went on for a ridiculous CS run for last 10)12 gw's.

        2. Klaren
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Yeah Sterling or KDB or both is likely going to be the decision I struggle most on going into next season.

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

            Just get Kun at 11.0 and be done with it 😉

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

              Poor Kun has gradually evolved into such a nightmare in FPL

              The transaction costs in FTs & hits required to navigate his ever deteriorating physical condition alone just eat into so much of his appeal - then throw in the unexpected blanks like where people lined up to cash in on captaining him vs WHM (2 points from 90 minutes)...

              Father Time catching up to him I fear

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

                Slightly unfair to throw in WH there - he was pretty lethal from the starts he did make overall - his draw to me is that he is so consistent in returning - even if minimally - just about all the time. Not seeing any other unexpected blanks really. He even managed to return in that game against Norwich but I fear you may be in the right of it on age 🙁

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

                  I think folks are overlooking just how much his reliability has declined - there were people shouting from the rafters on here about how it was crazy not to have him for West Ham (the way things lined up he was pretty much Locke din to start) and the blank exploded the myth of his invincibility

                  When you take that away, the constant stream of FTs & hits he necessitates just make him less of a prospect for me - unfortunately too, because he should be locked into all our teams on pure ability

                  But it wasn’t just West Ham...

                  90 minutes home to wolves... 2 points
                  90 minutes home to Southampton... 6 points

                  Plenty of other disappointments too, and more with each passing season

                  We all know about the 20 pointers vs Villa & braces vs Palace, Bournemouth, brighton (his only 4 double figures this season) - they don’t need any more publicity & were phenomenal

                  But there’s an ever growing health warning that just makes him tricky as an FPL pick imo

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

                    That being said if he’s looking fit at 11.0 & say Jesus gets injured, it’s probably worth getting a crowbar out to get him in as well! 🙂

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

                    🙂

                    You taking 6 points as a fail? Really? KdB failed miserably then in home games or soft fixtures against

                    Brighton
                    Leicester - par with Wolves
                    Palace
                    Everton
                    Leicester again
                    Southampton
                    Palace
                    Villa
                    Bournemouth

                    6 points is never a fail. The issue with Kun is not consistency its fitness

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

                      Of course 🙂 If people have used FT's or taken his to get a newly recovered Kun in for a plum home fixture & captained him, safe in the knowledge that more FT's & hits have to be used Again to clean up his inevitable injury /rotation mess - yes 6 points is disappointing 🙂 (extremely disappointing even!)

                      Let alone the 2 pointers in those nice 90 minute home appearances 🙂

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

                        Must remember to count 6 pointers as blanks. Now very worried about how often Bruno blanked - very very frequently on analysis 🙂

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

                        Come on now - don’t sulk - you know it makes total sense 😉

            2. Klaren
              • 6 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              If he was nailed, that’s what I’d do without a doubt 🙂

              He is still always a good option to bring in and captain in home games (or easy away games) where you can predict he’ll very likely start though. He becomes a great differential and can really boost your rank when it works out.

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

                Although it does cost 2 FTs so anything less than a brace ends up being a failure.

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

              Not paying a dime more than 6.5 for any of my strikers this year unless Ings is starting off at 8.0

              1. Bring back Rafa
                • 4 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Given that every formation needs a forward, my strategy is get the cheapest forward that is fixture proof and 2 cheapies....

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

                Did you say the same last season?

                That would have been horrible. Stuck on Pukki all season I guess unless you avoided him.

                Took ages for Ings to become a bandwagon - very few accepted he was a good choice early on in his run.

                You missed Tammy likely too.

                Vardy was evidently a poor choice too 🙂

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

                  Ings & Vardy were up top in my GW1 5-3-2 🙂

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

                    Round of applause - brilliant work

                    Felt proud of myself for identifying them preseason - along with KdB - as most likely value busters. Got them all really quite early but did wait for a couple of games of form first.

                    The beauty of Ings was that so many refused to go there due to injury record even when he began hitting. Always thought the injury thing was slightly misunderstood - two huge injuries doesn’t make an injury prone player

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

                      Yeah I actually had Ings for a fair chunk of he prior season, although it was an injury nightmare

                      But his ability was never in question , he didn’t end up at Liverpool for nothing & even back at Burnley always looked good on the eye test

                      Now in saying that, I chickened out of Pukki as he was 0.5 more than Ings - had I started with Pukki instead, would have landed that GW2 hattrick which would have been huge

                      But generally it’s such a fun little slot to tinker with, trying to get the value forwards as & when they hit veins of form

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

                        Same with Ings the season before - he was pretty fair value when he played.

                        Klopp clearly rated him I thought by the minutes he did get there. Keeping Origi and selling Ings maybe the one transfer clanger he’s dropped

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

            Triple Pool defense & those 2 & Bruno & Doherty.
            I want 10m extra 😛

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

      I don't like Roulette.
      KDB & Raz Only one's I'd like for longer term.

      Foden mahrez bilva all temporary options. I will wait for Foden to see his position. Because i feel that Bilva is Dilva's successor. Not Foden.

      1. Botman and Robben
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Same here, KDB and Sterling only City I am interested in.

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

      Foden was poor again last night. I think he's far off being a first team player.

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

        Aka overrated ??
        Anyone can look good with 70% possession and playing with KDB 😛

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

        Looks like Foden has cemented a spot in the MCI first team imho.

  24. Salarrivederci
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Already plenty debating what would be the smart way to attack the start of the season if ManU and City won't play in GW1 and/or GW2.
    Some folks seems settled to just start without and WC the likes of Bruno/Sterling/Sancho/KDB and so on when they return and maybe have an early DGW.
    Others would start with lets say Bruno and KDB, and bench them for the first week, and make sure to have cheap enablers with decent opening fixtures to avoid using too many hits or the WC when the Manchester clubs starts playing.

    I actually think the best way to go is to load up on playing premium midfielders and just swap into KDB, Bruno and maybe Sterling too for free or for a -4.

    Let's say you start with Salah, Auba and Son. After 2 GW's Salah and Son could become KDB and Bruno for free. With the transfer window prolonged, uncertainty about another Covis-19 outbreak, a tighter fixture schedule and so on I think an early WC could backfire.
    I also think that benching the likes of Bruno and/or KDB in the first GW could cost you more than the -4 or -8 you'll save in transfer costs. I doubt anyone would be able to find 2x 4.5 - 5.5 enablers playing in one or two weeks that could match the likes of Auba and Son even though you got +8 due to saved transfers.

    A premium defender like Azpi could be used the same way. Play him the first 2 weeks and make him into Doherty or Laporte or AWB. I think the -4 would be worth it compared to playing a 4.0 -4.5 defender and benching Doherty/Laporte/AWB.

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

      Auba & Son blank extremely frequently you know - doing without them for a game or two may be better than planning for hits

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

        Son almost never blanks when he plays. What are you talking about?

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

          Son has scored 5 points or less in 17 appearances this season
          He’s scored exactly 6 points in another 3 appearances
          There were a further 8 gameweeks where he didn’t start

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

            Yes he's scored 5 points in a lot of games. Those were assists. He didn't get 6 points because of lack of clean sheets or bonus unfortunately. Doesn't mean he blanks. For first 2 weeks he's not a bad option if fixtures are good. That being said I'll probably get salah and aubameyang instead

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

              I didn’t say he was a bad option though - the OP made the point that it may be better to have Son & a hit rather than Bruno/KDB on the bench for a week....

              There are 28 gameweeks out of 38 above where Son didn’t justify a hit...

              Hence if he’s not part of your longer term plans, doing without for a game or two *may* be better than planning for hits (Same applies to Auba)

              If he’s part of your longer term plans, then by all means, because he’s a fantastic player (as is Auba) but they do blank extremely frequently

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

                Yeah for a hit probably not. But for a free transfer it's a goos option

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

                  Good*

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

                I think Auba + Son would outscore the likes of 2x 5.0 midfielders + 8 points over 2 weeks.
                Ofc you commit to using your FT’s and have to keep faith in those players not starting off well, but it seems better to me than going with alot of 6.5 - 10.0 midfielders and suddently have to use 5-6 transfers to fit ind KDB and Bruno or use the WC

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

            Don't forget to add the explosive scores he's had too. And he still managed 11 goals and 13 assists with a season of turmoil

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

              That’s because he’s a fantastic player - see above

              Being a fantastic player, and potentially not being worth a hit for the vast majority of single Gameweeks aren’t mutually exclusive you know 🙂

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

                Yes i wouldn't get them to removed them for hits either. I was planning on having them first 2 gameweeks and switching them out with the 2 free transfers for KDB and Bruno later.

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

            It's disingenuous to call a 5 pointer a blank

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

              Na when you take it in the context of the discussion here it’s perfectly fine

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

              No i got what he was trying to say. He's saying it's not worth having them just to transfer them out for a hit. And because he gets a lot of 5 or 6 pointers it's risky

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

                Longer term would be okay. But for only 2 weeks it's not a good strategy

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

                  Yup
                  You could of course rearrange things and say he got 4 points or less in 13 of his 30 appearances, exactly 5 points in 4 appearances, exactly 6 points in 3 appearances, didn’t play in 8 game-weeks etc etc but it just becomes too pedantic / analysis paralysis & doesn’t change the point

                  Which was that doing without for a game or two may be better than planning for hits

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

      If you are in a situation no matter the shape or look of your team and you are doing very well without City and UTD then will you just rip up your team to bring in one of KDB and Bruno or both?

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

        For the double gw? Yes

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

          DGW's are 50/50. One can only imagine rotation with City as well.

          If the DGW's are early and my team is in a good spot without blanks to date then I would not be tempted to change anything.

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

            Surely with less congested fixtures than the previous month we can expect KDB to start both. And Bruno will most definitely start both

            1. Baps hunter
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 6 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              TC options both imo.

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

              How will there be less congested fixtures? This coming season will be shorter.

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

                More than normal but less than the restart congestion.

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

                  So more than normal rotation

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

        It's not ripping up your team anyways. It's 2 big hitters for another 2. U can do that for free by gw3

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

          We don't know pricing yet so not as easy as saying you will do it for free.

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

            Yes but i think its likely auba and salah to kdb and bruno will probably be easy to do

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

              But auba could be a fwd again yeah. I guess we'll have to wait and see!

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

              See, I would not make those moves if Salah and Abua were in red hot form.

              It would be sideways AF.

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

                Yes but dgw you know 😛

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

                  Ok, I got burnt heavily in DGW29 due to the whole episode we are living in at the moment and that was the only one we had this past season.

                  Ripped up my team that GW and my rank went to the dogs from there onwards. This time I am going to be very cautious about DGW's.

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

                    Ah yes. Understandable

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

        Yes
        I hate points

    3. The Polymath
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      You writing off Wolves already?

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

        Nah. Hence why Azpi could be a placeholder for Doherty 🙂

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

      Hey mate !
      I have something similar in mind yes.
      Going by price points. Watching those players are place holders.

      Only thing I want is Wolves losing out. Nothing personal. But would be great to start season with Doherty & or Jimenez.

      City & United players can come via FT's if nothing gets up injury wise. Otherwise we'll have a WC anyways

      1. The Polymath
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        I'm hoping our old boss does it over United. Would love to have Bruno, Martial and Greenwood in my team at the start of the season. Nothing personal. 😀

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

          😉
          Was expecting you to bite this !

        2. Baps hunter
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Greenwood is good option only without Sancho. Have I missed the news?!?

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

            Agree, Greenwood would be very tasty as a nailed budget midfielder.

            Sancho in, forget about it.

  25. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Your Account
    Updating your profile

    this appeared?

    is it open?

    oh myyyyyyyyyy

    exciteeeeeed

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      I updated the email preference and some personal details. now i am logged in, it should be close

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

      Calm down ....
      Nothing has changed

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

      Lol? Nothing fancy changed I can still log in and go to transfers.
      I reckon they will release a price today tho :p

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        This is usually the first step towards the new season. They first update in the background, give you new login and start releasing prices. I am psyched.

    4. Fantasy Gold
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Fixtures haven’t even been released yet. Calm down.

  26. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    lads what is the link for saving your season via live fpl? it was in hot topics but not anymore. i can't find it on the site.

    thanks,

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        thanks, mate, greatly appreciated

    1. RedLightning
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      You can find older Hot Topics using View All.

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

    Bandwagon fails in truckloads...

    https://www.premierleague.com/news/1749724

  28. Bring back Rafa
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Anyone know if KdB performs better in games when Dilva didn't play?

  29. LegendMoon
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Which young player do you think may step up this year? I’d love to see Hudson odoi do well or saka to cement his place

  30. Botman and Robben
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Seems we shall see a lot of Salah/Auba/Son/xx/xx midfield in GW1 this season.

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

      Depends on the prices of Vardy, Ings, Kane and Werner IMO.