The Promoted

Assessing Matheus Pereira and West Brom’s attacking assets ahead of FPL return

Our series of articles on the promoted sides continues with a look at West Bromwich Albion’s midfielders and forwards.

We have already assessed the Baggies’ manager and defence, with focus now switching to the exciting Matheus Pereira and the supporting cast.

WHAT IS WEST BROMWICH ALBION’S GOAL-SCORING POTENTIAL?

West Brom were promoted from the Championship with the joint-second-best attacking record, having scored 77 goals – the same as champions Leeds United – in their 46 league fixtures.

That was three short of Brentford’s total and 16 fewer than Norwich City had managed in 2018/19.

No side from the English second tier plundered more goals than the Baggies on their own turf (44) but four clubs scored on more occasions than Slaven Bilic’s troops on the road (33).

Albion were second behind Leeds for attempts on goal (676) and shots in the box (418) in 2019/20.

That they sealed automatic promotion with a limited strike force (not one of their players was in the top 30 for Championship goals scored) was some achievement but their overreliance on Pereira and lack of a top-class striker is something that needs addressing this summer, as Albion fan and ex-sports journalist Matt Wilson told us:

At the moment, a lot is reliant on how Pereira plays.

Albion need to sign a first-choice striker this summer because Hal Robson-Kanu and Kenneth Zohore are probably not Premier League quality, even though Robson-Kanu’s just had the best season of his career, and while Charlie Austin knows where the net is, he’s got a lot of miles in his legs now.

Grady Diangana provided a real threat on loan from West Ham last season, and would have scored more if he hadn’t been injured, but whether we can re-sign him either on loan or permanently remains to be seen.

In my opinion, Albion need to sign a striker and a winger this summer or they could struggle to score.

PLAYER-BY-PLAYER

MATHEUS PEREIRA

Attacking Midfielder

Starts: 38 | Substitute appearances: 4 | Goals: 8 | Assists: 16

The stand-out Fantasy option from the West Brom attack, and perhaps the only convincing one at present, is Mateus Pereira.

The Brazilian was signed on a season-long loan deal from Sporting CP last summer, with the move set to become permanent imminently.

After a handful of substitute appearances, his full Albion debut came in the Championship equivalent of Gameweek 6 and he went on to start 38 of the Baggies’ remaining 41 games, missing two of them through suspension.

Featuring chiefly in ‘the hole’ in Bilic’s 4-2-3-1, Pereira was moved to a right-wing role upon the switch to a 4-3-3 earlier this calendar year, with the absence of a number ten in that system still allowing the Brazilian to drift infield into dangerous possessions on his favoured left foot.

Wherever he plays, he is key to Albion’s attack.

A total of 16 assists (and that’s discounting ‘Fantasy assists’) and 116 chances created were not only highs in the West Brom squad but the best in the entire division.

No Albion player could match Pereira’s shot count (111), either, with only eight Championship players – many of them bona fide strikers – beating that tally.

His total of 20 big chances created was another figure that was unsurpassed in the English second tier in 2019/20.

On a share of corner-taking duties and first in line for direct free-kicks, Pereira may offer multiple routes to Fantasy points next season.

The problem with that, of course, is that FPL Towers are likely to have already taken notice.

We can cite the cases of Mario Vrancic and Ryan Sessegnon in previous seasons, with both players coming up from the Championship off the back of excellent campaigns and slapped with prohibitive £6.5m price tags.

He is unlikely to be anything less than £6.0m based on past evidence but he was the first name that former Express and Star reporter Matt Wilson picked out when we spoke last week:

The obvious attacking candidate [for FPL managers] is Matheus Pereira, who was Albion’s creative spark last season. Not only did he contribute 16 assists, the most by any player in a single Championship season for five years, he also scored eight goals. He takes free-kicks and corners, and Slaven Bilic is expected to build his attack around him.

HAL ROBSON-KANU

Forward

Starts: 24 | Substitute appearances: 15 | Goals: 10 | Assists: 1

Whether West Brom adopt a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-3-3, there is only room for one striker in Bilic’s set-up.

Hal Robson-Kanu was the go-to striker from November onwards, with 22 of his 24 starts coming from the Championship equivalent of Gameweeks 16-39.

The Wales international was the Baggies’ joint-top scorer on 10 goals, his best-ever tally in 11 seasons of professional football.

That perhaps tells FPL managers all they need to know and, as we discussed earlier, there are obvious reservations about whether the 31-year-old forward can belatedly make the step up to the Premier League.

Full of endeavour and decent at holding the ball up, Robson-Kanu is nevertheless not a natural goal-getter and Bilic will surely look to bolster his striking options over the summer.

‘Impact substitute’ or willing runner in the trickier away games may well be the Welshman’s remit in 2020/21, then.

CHARLIE AUSTIN

Forward

Starts: 18 | Substitute appearances: 16 | Goals: 10 | Assists: 2

While Robson-Kanu isn’t an instinctive goalscorer, Charlie Austin very much is.

The former Southampton man recorded almost twice as many big chances (22) as any other Albion player despite starting just 18 games, with all but seven of his 54 shots coming from inside the opposition area.

Only the sparingly used Kenneth Zohore had better accuracy than Austin among West Brom’s attacking options, with 44.4% of the latter’s shots landing on target.

Austin took four of West Brom’s seven penalties in 2019/20, with Zohore (two) and Robson-Kanu (one) responsible for the others.

While he may be adept at finding the opposition net, his lack of mobility and that poacher’s mindset arguably means that he is not a natural fit for Bilic’s system, where the lone frontman is required to put in the graft.

Indeed, Austin was benched in 26 of the 44 Championship matches he was available for last season.

Given the step up in class in the Premier League, the 31-year-old striker may see pitch-time even more restricted next season.

MATT PHILLIPS

Winger

Starts: 30 | Substitute appearances: 9 | Goals: 7 | Assists: 6

FPL managers may remember Matt Phillips‘ previous contributions as a budget midfielder for Albion, QPR and Blackpool and he will return for a fifth season as a Premier League player in 2019/20.

How prominent a role he will play is another question.

Phillips made more Championship starts (30) than all of the Baggies’ attacking midfielders bar Pereira last season but only three of them arrived in the final 16 matches, with indifferent form, a change of shape and the arrival of some January window signings shunting him down the pecking order.

Although an inconsistent performer, seven goals in his first 18 starts of the season did underscore what he is capable of on his day.

Operating almost exclusively on the right flank in a 4-2-3-1, he was the sacrificial lamb when Bilic moved Pereira out wide from a number ten role upon the change to a 4-3-3.

Up until that point, Phillips had been responsible for a large chunk of the Baggies’ set plays and indeed none of his teammates took more corners than the winger (120) over the whole of 2019/20.

Pereira (20) was the only Albion player who created more big chances (14) than Phillips last season.

FILIP KROVINOVIC, GRADY DIANGANA AND CALLUM ROBINSON

Attacking Midfielder/Wingers

Krovinovic

Starts: 24 | Substitute appearances: 16 | Goals: 3 | Assists: 2

Diangana

Starts: 23 | Substitute appearances: 7 | Goals: 8 | Assists: 6

Robinson

Starts: 10 | Substitute appearances: 6 | Goals: 3 | Assists: 2

These three players all made key contributions to the promotion push but all were loanees and it’s by no means certain that they will be back at The Hawthorns in 2020/21.

Krovinovic perhaps looks the likeliest to return, with West Brom reportedly in discussions over a second loan from Benfica.

He appeared in 40 of Albion’s 46 league matches last season but 16 of those came as a substitute and there would have to be concerns about security of starts should he rejoin the Baggies this summer.

Having ceded control of the number ten slot to Pereira early in the season, the Croat started just four games between Gameweeks 6 and 23 of the Championship campaign.

A change of system after Christmas saw Krovinovic return to the fold and it may be that his chances of starts in the top flight hinge on Albion’s formation.

With Bilic using a 4-3-3 more and more in the second half of the campaign, Krovinovic was deployed in a three-man central midfield with Romaine Sawyers and Jake Livermore.

Three goals and two assists doesn’t scream huge Fantasy potential, however.

Grady Diangana and Callum Robinson would be slightly more attractive picks, should they return to the West Midlands.

Both players we know about from their stints in the Premier League and Robinson was briefly an ‘out of position’ FPL midfielder to consider in 2019/20, before temporarily departing from Sheffield United in January.

Both loanees spent most of their time on the left flank under Bilic.

Robinson was thrust straight into the starting XI upon his move but, after nine successive starts, was dropped to the bench in the next seven games and only returned on the final day – surprisingly as a central striker – against QPR.

Two of his five attacking returns indeed came in that 2-2 draw with the Rs.

Muscle problems in December and January disrupted Diangana’s season but he was a regular in the first half of the campaign, starting 12 straight games from Gameweeks 9-20.

Returning from injury after lockdown, he was mostly the preferred option down the left flank in the run-in – but ‘mostly’ is the operative word there and, unlike Pereira, was still prone to rotation amid the fixture pile-up.

Diangana and Robinson both bested Pereira for ‘big chances’ last season despite playing far fewer minutes (nine each v five for Pereira), with Robinson in particular posting some eye-catching numbers.


PlayerMins per shotMins per shot in boxMins per shot on targetMins per chance created
Pereira30.460.396.429.1
Krovinovic41.0109.2134.951.0
Phillips39.281.0142.944.2
Diangana39.764.493.445.5
Robinson21.429.456.947.4

ROMAINE SAWYERS

Central Midfielder

Starts: 42 | Goals: 1 | Assists: 1

Unless Bilic reinforces his options in the middle of the park this summer, Romaine Sawyers is destined to be one of the £4.5m FPL midfielders we can count on for starts and little else next season.

The Saints Kitts and Nevis international joined from Brentford last summer and started 42 of Albion’s 46 league fixtures, with three of his no-shows enforced by suspension.

A Bilic signing, he is clearly a big favourite of his manager’s and has been hailed as “instrumental” by the Albion head coach.

The midfield metronome played in the double-pivot of a 4-2-3-1 with Jake Livermore for much of the campaign and, when Bilic switched to a 4-3-3, was the deepest-lying player in that central midfield trio.

Six shots in the box and one goal in 42 appearances highlights his lack of Fantasy appeal and, while one assist undersells his overall contribution the team, a minutes-per-chance-created average of 97.9 cements his status as FPL bench fodder.

JAKE LIVERMORE

Central Midfielder

Starts: 43 | Substitute appearances: 2 | Goals: 3 | Assists: 4

Sawyers’ partner in crime for much of 2019/20, Jake Livermore at least chipped in with a few more attacking returns than his aforementioned teammate.

A workhorse, aggressive presser and perhaps more renowned for his defensive contributions (he made more successful tackles than any of his teammates last season), Livermore has nevertheless had more license to get forward than Sawyers, registering almost three times as many shots as his midfield colleague (55 v 19).

The ex-Spurs and Hull player was particularly ‘box to box’ when Bilic switched to a 4-3-3 after Christmas, with the Albion manager discussing his tactical tweak :

To be fair Jake has been up there the whole season, no matter which position. Whether he’s playing deeper, or like recently further up the pitch.

It gives Jake, not a free license, but a license to press them higher and to join them up in the box, to be more free, which is good.

Livermore created even fewer chances than Sawyers last season (36 v 38) and seems pretty much guaranteed to be in the £4.5m-£5.0m bracket when FPL relaunches.

THE REST

Signed from Cardiff City for a reported £8m last summer, Kenneth Zohore started only five Championship matches for Albion and racked up fewer minutes of pitch-time than 19 of his teammates in 2019/20.

The striker scored on just three occasions – twice from the penalty spot – and only made Bilic’s starting XI once after August, failing to even make the matchday squad in over half of his side’s fixtures.

Reports suggest the Baggies will be prepared to listen to offers for the Dane this summer.

Such is the state of flux that Albion find themselves in at present that wingers Kamil Grosicki and Kyle Edwards could be either surplus to requirements or in line for a start in Gameweek 1.

Attacking midfielders Pereira, Krovinovic, Diangana and Robinson played prominent roles for Bilic in the promotion-winning campaign but all will need replacing if their moves aren’t made permanent or another loan deal is not agreed upon.

Grosicki was signed from Hull City in January but had to wait until July for his full Albion debut, having only seen action off the bench before that.

The Poland international then started four games in a row on the left flank but was back among the substitutes by the season’s end, having contributed one goal and three assists in his 492 minutes of game-time.

Inclined to cut inside and shoot on his favoured right foot, Grosicki averaged a goal attempt every 30.8 minutes for Albion in 2019/20.

He also scored four direct free-kick goals for Hull in league and cup last season but faces a tough task in ousting Pereira from dead-ball duties with the Baggies.

Edwards, who progressed through Albion’s academy system before making his club debut in 2018/19, started the season out as first choice down the left flank but the arrivals of Diangana, Robinson and Grosicki ate into his pitch-time and he didn’t make a single Championship start from February onwards.

Almost two-thirds (17 of 26) of his appearances came as a substitute, with the 22-year-old scoring twice but failing to register a single assist.

Squad player status looks likely at best, along with a cheap FPL price tag.

That may well also be the case for Rekeem Harper although, following the rise to prominence of John Lundstram (who barely featured in Sheffield United’s promotion-winning campaign), never say never.

Harper started only four Championship matches last season, barely featuring in the first half of 2019/20 before twice deputising for the unavailable Sawyers in February.

A central midfielder by trade, he isn’t likely to appeal even if he is given game-time: he managed only one shot in the box and two key passes in his ten run-outs in the season just gone.

Chris Brunt departed last month after 13 years with the Baggies, while 39-year-old Gareth Barry also becomes a free agent this summer.

Oliver Burke is at the opposite end of his career but has spent the last 18 months out on loan at Celtic and Alaves and is thought to be on his way out of The Hawthorns.

Best players by position:

1,125 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Ginkapo FPL
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Mitro AK47 HRK

    My attack picks itself

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

    So not much to write home about then.

    1. Skonto Rigga
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Yip, Pereira and little much else from the current crop. And even then, you'd think he'd be handed a unfavourable price tag based on last season's numbers.

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

    Looks like Sancho deal is off (Fabrizio Romano/Skysports)

    Greenwood nailed on in my team. 7.5m will be a steal.

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

      Michael Zorc, Borussia Dortmund director: “We plan with Jadon Sancho. He will play with us next season. I think that answers all the questions”.

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

        "He will play with us next season."

        I'm pretty sure BVB have used this 3 times before with Lewa, Auba and Dembele.

        Lewa and Auba stayed for an extra season but Dembele was sold - he refused to go training etc. and forced a move through.

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

          Can't see Sancho forcing a move. I actually want United to miss out on him somewhere in my heart. 120m€ is a huge sum & hopefully they will utilize it to buy 3 players. RW CDM & CB.

          Fingers crossed

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

            No. my guess is the club was dead straight with him: If United meet our valuation by this deadline, you can go. If they don't, you stay. All fair, honest and above board. Sancho would have no grounds to agitate. It's not like Real double-crossing Bale.

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

              Not sure any team can afford to folk out hefty 120m in current financial situation

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

                That was the price. If you can't afford it, don't bid. Like literally every other club in the world.

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

              Agree

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

            You won't be signing anyone else with Sancho at that fee.

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

              Someone at CDM/CB still would be possible tbh mate

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

                You guys are better off spending on a quality CB and a backup RW tbh.

                The other problem with spending that much money one one player is that other clubs will take advantage of prices, see UTD coming when you want to add others.

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

                  That is what happening right now. Maybe United can make a statement by avoiding him now that they won't throw mad money ta players....
                  I want another CDM ! Matic is old now

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

      Alphonso Davies, Bayern Munich LWB: "... he was out of shape and slow ...". Or so the rumours go ...

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

      Hopefully United now move on to other targets if there are any.

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

      Man U needs to offer the price (or close to it) asked by Dortmund then the deal will go through. But United are reluctant to spend over £100m. Dortmund are usually tough to deal with, I remember Arsenal were locked during weeks of negotiations for Aubameyang.

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

        Michael Zorc: "... the decision is final."

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

          Never say never !
          (In WWE & United splashing cash after reports of a fallout)
          😉

    5. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Best thing ive heard since the restart and wise if he wants to make a career for himself. Too good for them

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

        🙂
        Now i want him to sign !!

        1. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Haha. Can't bully teams the way they used to Amey lad .

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

            If anyone is getting bullied in transfer market now adays it's United mate 😀

            I'm ashamed of incompetency of the recruitment department ....

            1. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
              • 14 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              You could kidnapp him Berbatoss style ? Get Bacon face out of retirement 😉

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

                That must be one of the reason for hatred i see 🙂

                Not happening. I'm not 1% hopeful about the move now!

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

              I wouldn't call that "bullied" though. Everyone sees Woodward coming and think, 'What a sucker'. Clubs like Liverpool, City and Spurs are never treated like that.

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

                One comment got modded 😀
                He's an incompetent #@#@#¥$$ !!

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

              Another view would be that if you specialise in trying to sign English players who are on the radar of everyone what can you expect?

              Bruno - not English and off the radar - was a brilliant deal. AWB Maguire and Sancho were all necessarily going to be overpriced. Lay the blame on OGS perhaps?

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

                That must be the plan of OGS + SAf + board to go after young British blood.

                Maybe because they have resale value too. I don't think board would blindly trust Only OGS's methods yet

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

                Should add the rider Sancho AWB and Maguire all had/have just signed long term contracts - not much bargaining power there. Unsettle the player in the old school way and that’s it

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

                  We're stupid in the Market. 🙂
                  No other way to put it

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

                    Dear Football Club Chairman

                    Please hand over your crown jewel. I know you have just contracted him on excellent terms. However, we can pay him more. By the way we aren’t nearly as rich as we claim to be so we expect to pay almost nothing at all. 🙂

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

      Yep, if Sancho doesn't join then Greenwood will be near essential

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

        I mean, he really won’t.

        What price are you expecting?

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

          7.5
          If Sancho really doesn't sign he's a no brainer !
          Hopefully United get a RW though. He's still a kid and can't play whole season (shouldn't)

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

            Donny van de beek will be perfect utility man.

            Ive heard he can play any where in the midfeild and is quality

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

            I'm kinda unhappy about that. He's absolutely nailed into my squad, but with no Sancho, his ownership will likely be three times higher.

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

              Agreed completely

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

          At 7.5 and possibly classified as a MID he'd be an amazing option

          Maybe "near essential" is an exaggeration but equally if Sancho doesn't join I can't see a scenario in which I don't have Greenwood

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

            If sancho doesn’t join you have a nailed man united attacking player in a team that’s scoring for fun, finished the season really strong and are expected to do very well next season.

            He’ll be 8.5m as a mid, 8m as a striker. FPL have had a shocker if he’s anything less, given that you’d expect Rashford to be 9.5m. Mahrez was 8.5m this season with nowhere near the predicted minutes of greenwood next season.

    7. Cak Juris
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      If Sancho not coming, Greenwood will 8.0 at least

      Note: Sterling priced 8.5 from 5.5 after good season

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

        At 8.5 for Greenwood too much IMO. Rashford at 9.5 as a mid would make more sense to me.

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

          Sterling was a starter; Greenwood is still not there yet. I think 8.0 would be the top end of fair, but 7.5m would be fairest, imo. Foden might be 0.5m more, or the same.

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

            Greenwood started basically every game after the restart. Hes replaced James and if United doesnt buy someone else then yes, hes a starter.

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

            He’d be nailed into your squad at 7.5m if he’s not a starter?

      2. DantheManinaPan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Fanteam has him at 8.5 - I wouldn't be surprised if he was priced as high as that

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

    FPL likely to re-start this week? We are nearly 1 month away from the start of the new season

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

      I think we may get some prices this week.

      This is surely going to be the shortest turnaround between fixture releases, game going live and the season starting.

      1. Yome
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Oh true, FPL towers must wait for the fixtures to be released first before the game goes live.

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

          Don't see why. No reason they can't release the prices for us to toy with before fixtures are out.

          1. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            Me neither. Makes sense from an advertising point of view.

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

              More clicks/visits ....
              Maybe they are waiting for teams finishing European campaigns just like pl ?

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

                They should just feccking open already

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

                  😀

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

    “Gareth Barry also becomes a free agent this summer”

    Well I suppose the good news there is that there never was any pace in the Palace midfield and he already has a good working relationship with McCarthy (under all known radars but a great buy)

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

      You guys definitely need some pace in the side. With all the signings Chelsea are making, maybe RLC on loan again could be a decent shout?

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

        Would absolutely love that

        I’d also just really like to see RLC get a decent run anywhere. Don’t see how that can happen at Chelsea while Frank is there. Think he’s class but right now his limited time at Palace is - guessing here - about half his senior career if you discount sub minutes and cups. Just wrong that

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

      Signed ?
      Are palace trying to emulate Juventus ??

      😉

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

        We do have history in successfully emulating the big boys but so far it’s been restricted to taking red and blue from Barcelona and white from Real Madrid 🙂

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

          🙂
          Hopefully all your signings are under 26)27 now ! Need to bring the average down

    3. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Looks like he prefers living north east or midlands

    4. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Surprised there is no interest from Palace in Nathaniel Clyne. Would be an upgrade on Ward if he could get fully fit. Assuming Guaita will leave so Hennessey is number one. Benteke either needs to hit form or one of him and Wickham needs to go and a striker signed.

      Hennessey
      ????? Tomkins Cahill PVA
      McCarthy Kouyate Milivojevic
      Townsend Benteke Zaha

      Henderson
      Ward Kelly Sakho Mitchell
      McArthur Riedewald Schlupp
      Meyer Wickham Ayew

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

        The return of Clyne has been mentioned but we just got a young prospect from West Brom who could play there. Possibly interesting 4.0 prospect later in the season

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

          I would not resign Clyne if I were you guys. He is done.

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

            I think it was only ever on the agenda on fan forums tbh. The Ferguson deal was a long time in the making and would - very Palace this - have happened in January but he picked up a serious injury.

            More full backs are very unlikely imo

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

        I'd be very surprised if Clyne finds another PL club if what is rumoured is true

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

    Start of the season song for last season 😀
    Nice ...
    https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=2068100306656210&id=1399426170288866

  7. Cak Juris
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Che Adams priced 5.5, next season?

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

      I think so, and I'd be likely to have him at that price.

    2. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Hopefully 6.0m to make him a difficult choice.

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

      6.0 hopefully

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

    Transfermarkt says 20 assists for Matheus?

    https://www.transfermarkt.co.za/matheus-pereira/leistungsdaten/spieler/225984

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

      And 42 appearances

      1. Skonto Rigga
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        There'll be a few Fantasy assists in that Transfermarkt figure (winning a penalty etc). We get the data sent over to us directly from Opta so, as I mention above, 16 is his total number of orthodox assists. We agree on 42 appearances though!

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

          Never new they included fantasy assists. But good to know, thanks.

  9. Ginkapo FPL
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Anyone else finding the colour changing article pics disconcerting? Is this a cost saving measure?

  10. ritzyd
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    It's odd - i actually prefer the old school black and white

  11. Marmalade Forest
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Lovely that you spend the time on this, but let’s be honest, unless a promoted club player is priced £1m or less than they should, appear OOP, or are a minimum price player, their appeal is limit, no matter how good.

    If say the consensus is Pereira “seems pretty good value” at 6m, I’d still stay well clear for the first few weeks.

    If Austin is 4.5m, a starting defender is 4.0, or Pereira is 5.5m and should be 6.5m, let me know.

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

      agreed. Too many mids that are more of a sure thing, and especially for 6.5
      In a draft league though, pereira would be an excellent 5th mid!

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

        Instead of chopping and changing them we'd be better off keeping those premium Defenders ....

        Maybe time to look at defenders differently now (talking about myself)

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

      It was very much like Trossard. I started with him and ditched him after GW3. I won't be getting him this season unless he morphs into Messi.

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

        The issue with Trossard were mainly injuries and rotation though. I’ll stay away from any Brighton player as long as Potter is there but I think Brighton is an exceptional case in terms of rotation and early subs.

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

          Not worth it.
          No point in repeating mistakes. Unless he starts 4/5 in a row I won't touch him maybe. (See him in my draft now 😛 )

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

            Ha ha. We never learn!

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

          Dunk the only Brighton player I would consider. The rest are roulette.

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

          A Ryan/Button combo will probably be the same price and bag the same points as last season.

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

            Yes and Ryan also a good option at 4.5.

          2. Marmalade Forest
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            On one hand, I really hope they’re priced properly this year at a combined £9m. Made them far too popular.

            On the other, I hope not, as I don’t want or rate them.

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

      Or they are Wolves or they are Pukki/Cantwell ...
      😉

      I agree with you in general though. Don't follow championship so hardly know any players apart from fulham as they were in PL recently anyways. So will pick one if he seems to be in many teams (fodder 😛 )

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

    Anyone know when Aguero and Maddison are likely to be fit again? Only articles I've seen have said general stuff like hoping for start of the season...

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

      I didn’t watch it but I thought I read Kun made a 20mon appearance on CL?
      It’s highly possible I’m chatting crap tho

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

        Yea i was dreaming

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

          haha yes afraid so

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

      Kun was part of the squad vs Madrid is what I read before the match. Did not make the bench. Probably is back in training though.

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

        He'll be green on the fpl website by start of the season then?

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

          Will have to wait for Pep I guess. Could also see what happens in the rest of the CL.

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

          Depends upon his minutes in CL games i guess as Pep rarely gives away anything
          And of course if he stays away from the driving wheel 😉

    3. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Pep on Sergio "He's getting better, but I don't know when he will join up with us. Hopefully he will be in Portugal with us but tomorrow is tomorrow. We will speak with the doctors. That's when we will see what the situation is."

      https://www.si.com/soccer/manchestercity/news/we-will-speak-with-the-doctors-thats-when-we-will-see-what-the-situation-is-pep-guardiola-gives-a-key-injury-update

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

        Sergio Aguero will miss the UCL quarter-final clash with Lyon on August 15th.

        Meniscus injuries can be a problem, never mind just for the next few weeks but possibly longer. It’s the issue Mendy had - he’d recover, feel fine, then get swelling out of nowhere. There’s more friction in the knee after an op like that, which means problems keep cropping up https://t.co/ZhJ4MYAdHw
        — Sam Lee (@SamLee) August 8, 2020

        https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com/2020/8/9/21359894/sergio-aguero-will-miss-lyon-ucl-match

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

          Aguero's contract also ends this coming season so it is likely Jesus will get the red carpet and Aguero much more reduced playing time.

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

            Not happening !
            Aguero with one hammy is better than a fully fitJesus

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

              I actually think Jesus will do well this season with Pep's arm around him and knowing he is no longer 2nd choice.

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

              Would be nice if towers set him at 9.0 😀

              But we know that ain't going to happen. See him as the most nailed attack for City this coming season.

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

                Raz & KDB were are & will be most nailed. Hence priced 11+ IMO

          2. Bun Rab
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            I dont know if Pep is convinced with Jesus. There were plenty of times he didnt play when Aguero was injured. I guess we'll see over the remaining CL games if he starts them.

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

              Obviously since the restart Aguero was injured but Jesus racked up the starts and minutes. Pep could always have gone with Sterling through the middle?

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

                He will be a prominent figure this coming season.

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

                  If he is and under 10 then he is defo worth looking at.

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

    de Gea finally dropped. KO 8pm, one legged tie. United win and they almost certainly miss GW1 at the very least.

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

      1 or 2 hours to KO ?
      I'm not able to find timings for some reason. LOL 😀

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

        Such a stupid question 🙁
        I'm ashamed !

    2. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Isn't Romero their 'cup keeper'?

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

        Hopefully he was in fa cup SF 😕

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

          1 hour to ko now.

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

    Sancho is out, Greenwood welcome to my squad

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

      At 7.0?

  15. UshFPL
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Rumours that Willian will play centrally for Arsenal. Does that make him a more attractive option?

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

      Arteta plays 433 i guess not 4231

      He ain't a CM. Can play LW & Auba moving centrally. Imagine auba listed as MF & playing #9 😀

    2. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      I thought he favoured position was LW and cutting to shoot with his right foot. He never got to do that at Chelsea as Hazard was there and now Pulisic. But no not for me unless he has pens/set pieces.

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

        Pens is impossible of Auba stays

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

    I think if the deal is really off, United should come out and say they backed off due to price!!
    No need to say we never wanted him. at least this would send a message that they're not going to spend mad just because they need that player.

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

      Who else can we get at right wing 🙁 really wanted sancho

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

        I don't know mate.
        Maybe Sarr. Maybe a punt on dembele ?
        Maybe Grealish & changing formation to a diamond when we need to play Pogba Bruno & Grealish together.

        Or maybe no one ... A good CDM & CB and I'd still see this a successful transfer window

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

      I still think United will end up meeting the price given they have a history of doing so.

      Dortmund would get more next season though, so no need to sell.

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

        I think if RM PDG come into play he'd cost 150 😀

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

        It's a double edged sword IMHO berbs.

        He's a word class attacker. Maybe what we need to compete with you guys & the local rivals. But at the same time wages & fee is so huge expectations would be very high and failure would be very very harmful

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

    When will FPL open? Are we there yet?

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

      Almost ...,....

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

      One day soon

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

    Liverpool have announced the signing of LB Kostas Tsimikas.

    I haven't seen him myself but rated highly by others who have. I doubt he'll get many starts in the immediate future given Klopp's tendency to ease new signings in, but much needed competition for Robertson and a deputy who will definitely end up eating into his gametime.

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

      And that's how you do business smoothly and with dignity Ed Woodward.

      Make an offer for Jamal Lewis.
      Club wants double what you offer.
      Move swiftly on to another target that you know you can secure.
      Buy him.

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

        Differing reports from journalists but some say Liverpool bid for Lewis knowing Norwich would reject it, so that Olympiacos accept lower fee for Tsimikas - £11.75m.

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

          Well it was a quick and skillful piece of business whatever the shenanigans. United could learn something.

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

      Taa VVD it is

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

        I doubt Tsimikas will get more gametime at LB than Nico Williams will at RB.

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

          Taa because he's Taa
          VVD because he's nailed as ....
          🙂
          You're right. Trick with VVd would be to stick with him though as his goals are generally 9 pointers

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

          No way, I firmly believe Tsimikas is comfortably getting more mins than Williams.

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

            😮

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

      He has played CL and Europa matches so comes with experience.

      Think this will be a very shrewed signing vs price.

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

        Excellent signing, but strict backup to Robbo, in PL anyway.

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

    Why is Romero starting? Anyone know.

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

      Have you seen DDG brother?

    2. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Cup keeper.

  20. Bun Rab
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Kostas Tsimikas confirmed to Liverpool Sky sports.

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

      Such good news for LFC!

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

    The only player price I am interested in seeing at the moment is Timo Werner. It will either shred up my plans or revert to Jimenez or Ings. I can't see him flopping like Morata though.

    But at +10m I may walk away. Just too much £ risk for a newbie.

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

      Didn't you get Salah in when he was a newbie?

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

        Salah came in at 9.0. Bargain!

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

          Plus he did play for CHE.

    2. Kante FC
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      I think he will come in at £10M but would be willing to pay £10.5M for him. Will be the focal point for a very attacking team with added creativity in Ziyech

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

      I'd guess 10m, 0.5m more than Jimenez.

    4. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      This i want to know too. It also depends on his starting position. If through the middle and takes pens theen 10 would still be reasonable in my eyes. Plus the guys behind him are more creative and he'll have plaenty of chances. That and Chelsea will prob need to score more with their weak ass defence.

  22. Fire Chief Moe
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Can anyone explain what features have been added to memberships this year to justify the £5/7.50 price increases?

    1. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Do you ask the same question when the price of bread goes up?

      1. The Train Driver
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        That's a stupid comparison

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

          I thought it was quite funny!

      2. Fire Chief Moe
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Bread tends to go up in line with inflation, do I need to show you the maths to point out that this increase does not match inflation?

    1. The Train Driver
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Has there been any successful Greeks in the PL before?

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

        Sokratis
        Mavopronous
        😛
        (Sorry for Spelling mistake *)

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

        If you're old enough, there was Stelios at Bolton!

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

        https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11706/2312360/palace-sign-greek-star

        There must have been one or two more signed around this time - can’t think of any producing - it wasn’t packed with quality that team

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

          1970???? That's not premier League.

          Newcastle had Dabizas.

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

            Hang on, date says 1970 but manager is Ian Dowie. Don't remember him though.

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

              You would remember Ian dowie if you saw him!

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

              2004/5 - peak yo-yo years

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

        Will be our second Greek player after Sotiris Kyrgiakos.

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

        Karagkounis played for Fulham between 2012-14. Scored one amazing goal against Wigan..

        Dabizas at Newcastle was decent.. Probably you remeber how bergkamp humilated him scoring an amazing goal with Arsenal..

        Stelios Giannakopoulos at bolton was alright i guess..

        Probably the most kind of successful was Holebas (Greek-Uruguayan raised in Germany.. doesnt speak a word of Greek).

        In conclusion we suck at football.. There is lack of serious people around greek football organization. Certainly not a coincidence that most of the talented young players in the national team nowadays grew up in Germany, lets hope we can watch some decent football from them.

        I dont watch greek football anymore because is a borefest but i hear positive things for Tsimikas.. My impression is that is mostly an investment for LFC, he will probably help Robertson get some rests in easier matches.

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

          Cheers for the knowledge

      6. The 12th Man
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Samaras.
        Apostos Vellios
        Dimi Konstantopolis

  23. Kante FC
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Do you think the Jonny injury will impact Doherty’s clean sheet chances? Not sure Vinagre can be trusted defensively

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

      Jonny wasn't particularly defensive. Can't see it making much difference in terms of clean sheets, just less service to Jimi.

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

      Wolves power is in their pack !!
      (Playing style 😉 )

    3. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      No but Doherty was never just there for the clean sheets.

  24. Bun Rab
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Is everyone going to be watching Man U v Copenhagen? I can't see anything but a United win.

    Inter v Leverkusen has more of a chance to be close exciting game for me.

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

      I'd watch the Inter game if I was a neutral.

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

      I'll just watch both...

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

        Some deal making with my gf means I get a laptop too. Double up it is!

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

      I'll be scouting my likely United picks for next season - Bruno, Greenwood and possibly a cheap Williams if he's a 4.5 defender.

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

        This is what I wanted to do but not sure they will show much more than we already expect from them.

  25. Evil Greg
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Any rumoured start dates for the game?

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

    Man Utd lineup: Romero; Wan-Bissaka, Bailly, Maguire, Williams; Pogba, Fred; Greenwood, Bruno Fernandes, Rashford; Martial

    Subs: De Gea, Fosu-Mensah, Lindelof, Mengi, Andreas, James, Lingard, Mata, Matic, McTominay, Chong, Ighalo

  27. Qaiss
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Aubameyang will be an Arsenal player next season 🙂

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

    Scandalous

    Maguire refused to knock elbows. It was offered him and he just didn’t do it. Evra Suarez revisited