Football Index

Football Index: Can form and fixtures make new-look Everton a good bet?


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Into week two of my adventures in the land of Football Index (FI) and I’m learning some lessons already.

Just as a reminder, FI is, in essence, a stockmarket where people use real money to bet on footballers, with the value of these shares then going up or down based on market forces.

Players can also win money on these shares through a series of dividends, which are individual pay-outs based on match day performances, positive coverage in the media and consistent excellence across each month of action.

And the shares I’ve bought in the last week or so have certainly been on a few… journeys recently.

My pick for last week, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, is a great case in point. The Arsenal man enjoyed a decent Gameweek 1 at Fulham, scoring his first goal of the season in a 3-0 win.

That was particularly pleasing for his massive Fantasy Premier League (FPL) ownership – close to 50% now – as he was the captaincy choice of many, so brought in double points.

Over on FI, his performance score of 127 – based on a wide range of metrics, including goals scored, chances missed etc – was well above his average of the past few months, but not good enough to win extra cash from a match day dividend when the likes of Mohamed Salah are hitting hat-tricks and recording a performance score of 358.

Not that dividends and Aubameyang haven’t been a success for me so far. Ongoing contract talks and his solid performance at Craven Cottage have meant he’s been in the news consistently, thus winning me media dividend pay-outs.

I mentioned last week that the Arsenal man was going to be a longer-term bet, and that’s just as well based on his yo-yoing share price.

I bought into him at £2.22 a share. That peaked at £2.53 the day before the season started, and at the time of writing, he’s trading at £2.27. One to hold, especially with the dividend opportunities that await in the Europa League.
To add to a positive week, Aubameyang has just signed his new three-year contract, so was able to win media dividends through this breaking news.

As for my other two bets, Callum Wilson’s share price is (currently) plenty higher than when I bought in and he’s also won me the most in dividends, while Leeds man Rodrigo’s key moment in the 4-3 madness at Anfield was to give away the penalty that won Liverpool the match.

So well done Rodrigo, you mugged me off there. But he’s another one I’ve bet on for the long term, so I’m maintaining a Zen-like calm. For now.

Overall my portfolio is up, so Gameweek 1 has been a qualified success.

This Week I Am Mostly Buying Into… Everton.

One game does not a season make, but the world and their life partner were left very impressed by the Toffees’ away win at Spurs.

James Rodriguez’s debut was a belter and, at the time of writing, he leads the way for Gameweek 1 chances created (five), although it was Lucas Digne who ended up with the assist for Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s winner.

I’m tempted by all of Everton’s attackers, and new man Abdoulaye Doucoure shouldn’t be ignored either – he created four chances against Tottenham, although he had no attempts on goal, whereas James managed three.

The jury is, therefore, out on exactly which Everton player I’ll bet on, but it will definitely be one of them, especially as they’ll be entertaining West Brom next; a team that allowed a Gameweek-high four big chances at the weekend.

Carlo Ancelotti’s men have a great schedule from now through to the middle of December, with their two trickiest matches – a Merseyside derby and Manchester United – both taking place at Goodison Park.

The blessed union of form and fixtures is a beautiful thing in FPL. It’s time to see if the same applies to FI.


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969 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Miguel Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Two week punt:

    A) Grealish (SHU, ful)
    B) Foden (wol, LEI) - have KDB
    C) Greenwood (CPA, bha) - have Bruno and Martial

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

      Grealish

    2. ppv
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Grealish

    3. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Grealish

    4. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I like A - gut mostly but nice fixtures in there esp for 2 weeks. Have been eying him up myself

      C gives you really high GI in 2 good fixtures and guarantees Rash hauls but it looks poor after that.

    5. The Sarjeant
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Grealish!

    6. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Cheers all - unanimous despite my slight gerrymandering

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

        Foden

    7. Greasy Grealish Gang
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      The Villa skipper.

  2. Miguel Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Just four goals in the last 6 PL matches between Brighton and Newcastle with 3x 0-0s

  3. gooberman
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Anybody else finding the FFS site not working? Nothing is opening for me from the main menu, team news etc. I'm on mobile.

    1. Seanigula
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I can’t get on the site at all

  4. jay01
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Avoided a kneejerk reaction but after thinking about it this wwek i feel Kai Havertz to James Rodriguez is a good move for now.

    Would love kai in the future but i think he will take time to settle

    1. The Sarjeant
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I’m holding until the West Brom game at least.

      1. jay01
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Feel like it will be every year where i hold on to a player who blanks then i sell too late and miss out on good bandwagons. Although not scoring i feel Hames passed the eye test for me.. thinking of either Kai or Son to him (funds would also be useful for other transfers later)

        1. The Sarjeant
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          I did Alli to Rodriguez. I think it would be wise to give Havertz and Chelsea a few more weeks still. They’ll be different with their players fit. Tottenham could be a mess for a while.

          1. jay01
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            This is true. I am a chelsea fan so have the slight bias in my picks. I feel Son is a hot and cold player. His value going down faster on that price changes website. Kai also stated his best position is number 10 in his interview day or two after the game so may play there

          2. fordy
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            I'm keeping Havertz for a few games and then see

    2. Boly Would
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I'm holding. I don't think it will take Havertz too long to get up to speed. That Brighton game was on the back of just a few days training probably with only half the squad, so he'll now have another week under his belt.

      1. tokara
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        and u think Hames and Allan had weeks of training? they probably had lesser training than Havartz

        1. Boly Would
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Obviously not, but perhaps as older and more experienced players who have moved club and country before, they adapted quicker than a young lad moving countries for the first time. My point is that in my opinion he will be up to speed and much improved relatively quickly, and so I'm happy to hold.

          1. tokara
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Good point and i wish u all the best.

            I was pissing watching that game, so much hype about him lol

      2. jay01
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        this is true.. i think i need a longer think about this hahah

    3. tokara
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      go for it i am doing the same

      Kai was totally CLUELESS in the last game, he was simply INVISIBLE. i would have rate him NA. not even 1.

  5. davies
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Which scores more?

    A) Mitchell (mun/EVE) + 4 points
    B) Saiss (MCI/whu)
    C) Mitchell/Saiss (mun/whu)*

    *Vinagre > Saiss next week instead of now

  6. ace3.1415
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Barnes > Rashford this week or next week?

    1. The Sarjeant
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Barnes looked good and Leicester have decent fixtures. I’d keep him.

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

    Will Reguilon stert this week?

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Prob not given it has been completed yet and Spurs squad are now travelling so he won't have an opportunity to train with them

  8. jay01
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Thoughts on Son? Spurs dont look to great right now.. unsure of keeping him

    1. Seanigula
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      It was 1 game, keep him

      1. jay01
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Really have a gut feeling hames will haul. Only way i can bring him with no hit is taking Son or Kai out

        1. Seanigula
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Havertz might not even start regularly until he’s up to speed

    2. tokara
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      i am keeping Son. So many chances in that game didnt u watch? He was their sharpest player.

  9. FPL_Crisis
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Thiago in on 4 year deal, taking no.6 shirt from Lovren

    https://mobile.twitter.com/JamesPearceLFC/status/1306528798171631617

  10. hustler7
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Good article on spurs if they get Reguilon & Bale. Switching to a back 3. Might work well for Son too, not sure I agree with the Alli comments though.

    https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11675/12073455/gareth-bale-and-sergio-reguilon-could-change-tottenhams-system

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Seen it mooted elsewhere and would make Davies a keep for a bit longer, but has Jose regulalrly played 3 at the back before anywhere?

    2. tokara
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Bale and Reguilon in means Kane is now droppable which is a good thing. Son or Bale can play upfront.

  11. Pukkipartyy
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Who is the best 4.0m def?

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Mitchell cause he is playing but Ferguson perhaps longer term

  12. Emery thing I do
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Awful first week guys - WC already played but can still amend. Would love thoughts!

    McCarthy,
    TAA,Justin,KWP,Gabriel
    Auba, Salah, Bruno
    Wilson, Martial, Mitro

    Button, ASM, Mitchell, Bissouma

    All thoughts welcome, thank you

    1. soup natsi
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      If I played mine I would replace McCarthy and KWP, Soton not in great shape.

      1. The Sarjeant
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I agree.

      2. R.C
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Yeah go for Ryan and Lamptey

    2. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Or Martinez

  13. Miguel Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Careful to those who bring in Reguilon early if he doesn't start first game. You don't want to be in the corner, you don't want to be in the spotlight...

    1. soup natsi
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Thought he was injured anyway?

  14. Slurpy
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Ramsdale (BPF)
    Digne TAA Justin Dallas (Ferguson)
    Auba (C) Salah Son ASM (Soucek)
    Adams Werner (Davies)

    1ITB

    A) Hold 2FT ( Auba and Son to City and United Mids next week)
    B) Son to Rashford
    C) Salah to Fernandes ( Salah back GW4)
    D) Other (your opinion)

    1. soup natsi
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I'd hold

  15. Fulchester's New Centr…
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Fraizer Campbell is 33 years old. How did that happen?
    Next thing you know somebody will be telling me young Lingard is 27 or something.

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Wilshere is 28

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

        Wait what how

      2. The Knights Template
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Vardy 48

        1. Miguel Sanchez
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Red Bull keeps you young

    2. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Also 33: Aaron Lennon; Joe Hart, John Ruddy and Jamie Vardy.
      Ryan Shawcross 33 on day before transfer deadline day.

      1. The Knights Template
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Vardy only tells people he is 33, actually 48

    3. Pariße
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Walcott is now 31

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

    Bale incoming, a true golfer should always have more than one club

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

      4/5 stars

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      You're late for the Dad Jokes Anonomous meeting!

    3. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Excited for his return. The only thing I like about Spurs this season!

    4. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Should have joined Palace (the Eagles)
      Should have joined West Ham (the Irons)
      etc...

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

      Can I chip in?

    6. Puntillimon
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      He’ll get you in the green

    7. 2999 - Lady of Legend
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Had it rough at Madrid though.

  17. One Man
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Pickford
    VVD, Digne, Laporte, Dier, Wan B,
    Salah, DeBrunyne, Fernandes
    DLC, Wilson
    Bench: Steel, Podence, Bissouma, Davis

    Is this WC team okay ? Thanks for any help in advance.

    1. R.C
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Too much money at the back

    2. FPL Blow-In
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Wealth of good options in all positions this year. People on here probably won’t like that much money in defence but I think it is a very solid team. Would change Dier to Saiss personally, fixtures are great gw3 onwards and he was a beast in gw1. Brewster over Davis if his move to the blades goes through.

      1. One Man
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks. Coincidentally planned to move Dier or Wan B to Saiss or next week.

        Brewster is one that I missed.

  18. R.C
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Anyone has Chris McGowan's team link?

  19. BEEZUS
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Happy with my team but have no City or United.

    Sensible to roll the FT and have 2 for next week to see how City and Utd do?

    1. Mr.K
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I probably would.

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      My plan and I'm a knight

  20. The Tinkerman
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Tempted by Son, Trent > Bruno, Digne (-4)

    Talk me out of it?

    1. Jam0sh
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Don't do it

    2. Mr.K
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      You think Bruno and Digne will score 4+ points more than Son and Trent?

    3. LSK
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Son will be dangerous this week. Palace are tight at the back.

  21. FPL Bond @ Twitter
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Is the Clyne news true? Is he signing for Palace?

  22. 03farmboy
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Transfering Davies out a good move now they signed a new leftback?

    Holding or lamptey?

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Probably still play this weekend. Keane?

  23. Dynamic Duos
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Hello

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      ...darkness my old friend

    2. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      hello, it's good to be back.

  24. RamaJama
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    GW 3 only big hittersplaying H is City (lei) and Pool (ARS), not really good home fixtures.

    Manu (vei), Eve (CRP), CHE (WBA) away fixtures look more tempting.

    Planning future transfers in/out, who do you Think you’ll c GW 3?

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Bruno or Martial vs bha or KDB vs LEI

  25. waltzingmatildas
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Lampard isn't going to give anything definitive on Pulisic, is he?
    So, it comes down to:
    A) Play Bissouma
    B) Transfer in Jamez
    C) Transfer in Martial and Jamez (-4)

  26. mr messi
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Should I lose Ings for DCL or Wilson? Or hold this week and do 2 changes next week for free to bring in Martial? I’ve no money in the bank to do it this week without taking a hit..

    1. tokara
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      next week for JIM

  27. Dynamic Duos
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Thoughts on this draft league team, did i do well in the 1st draft? any major issues I need to try and trade out?

    Schmeichel
    Targett Ake Lewis
    Bruno Son Hames Barnes Podence
    Wilson Watkins

    Patricio C Taylor Siass Iheanacho

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Who is left in the pool of unpicked players?

      1. Miguel Sanchez
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Your forwards are very 50/50 - could be great or could really be an issue. Forwards are so few and far between in draft that the likes of Vardy/Jimenez are really as important as the premium mids.

      2. Dynamic Duos
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        For which position mate, who needs changing?

        1. Miguel Sanchez
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Forwards mostly

    2. Party time
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Vardy & Kdb

    3. tokara
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Not surprise if Bale can stay injury free. Like he did for Wales.

    4. Party time
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Thiago would be a great addition for Liverpool. Their attack will flourish. No perma captain, not a bad strategy tbh

        1. Party time
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Mo*

        2. Teror
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Play Kyle Wenker-Peters or Bissouma?

          1. Party time
              3 years, 6 months ago

              It doesn’t really matter. Play either, they are both pants

            • European Bob
              • 11 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              Wenker

            • Chandler Bing
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              Despite being a wenker, I'd play the Southampton man.