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

    Any changes here in this defence?

    Saiss Ake C Taylor Lewis Targett.

    Options

    A) Bertrand
    B) Dann
    C) O'Connell
    D) Rudiger
    E) Sanchez

    1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Would Ake play every week?

    2. St Pauli Walnuts
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Ake isn't a great pick, City will sign another CB so unless he starts playing at LB he's far from nailed. Not a great fan of the options you're suggest though

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

    Aubameyang being hype up like Kane vs Cardiff 2 years agi

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

      Disaster that

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

      That's what everyone said when he was facing Norwich at home last season cause they didn't own him, look how that turned out

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

      Arsenal under Arteta are no Spurs/Old Arsenal

  3. Rinseboy
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    who scores more this week.?

    Havertz +4
    Rashford?

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

      Rash

    2. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Is Rash fully fit?

      1. Rinseboy
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        hmm not sure he played friendly ok at weekend I believe but that is a concern. If he sounds OK what you recon Bubz? take the hit or keep Kai one more week?

        1. Bubz
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          If Rash is fit I love him as an option

          1. Rinseboy
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            yeah agree if he fully fit could easily go big this year

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

      Hold Havertz. It's not just about this week. It's also about the fixtures afterwards.

      1. Rinseboy
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        true. Am pretty set on WC week 3 as need to sort out Vinagre Adams Davies Mccarty Dier and my whol structure really!

    4. Limbo
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Chelsea need to get Werner, Ziyech, Pulisic fit to make it happen for Havertz (IMO). I’d wait on the press conference (assuming Franks is on Friday). Chelsea MF with RCL/CHO/Barkley will get battered.

      1. Limbo
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        (I’d still prolly hold)

    5. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Havertz

  4. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Play Taylor or Davies?

    1. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Davies

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

      Davies

    3. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Davies

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

    Really struggling with this one:

    Harrison, Klich or Podence?

    I'm leaning towards Harrsion for now and see how Podence fares over the coming weeks, although Klich might be on pens?

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

      Podence - great fixtures.

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

      Have to admit I know very little about Podence but from GW3 Wolves do have some nice fixtures.

      Harrison or Klich - Harrison gets my vote.

    3. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Klich

  6. Alberto Tomba
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Not a fan of Football Index, seen it advertised on telly too - seems a short term ponzi scheme to go bust and someone runs away with a comfy Swiss bank account..

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

    New here.
    Do the pro pundits update their teams every week, or is it a one off in GW1?

    Thanks.

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

      Everyone is a pro pundit here, you too. Welcome aboard.

      1. Foresting
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Thank you 🙂

        But was just wondering. My Other half has chosen the same team as Mark and I have a sneaky bet with her that I can win.
        So do they show the team every week prior to deadline?

        There is money and favours in this, understand :-0

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

    Are we overlooking Trossard?

    Plays in the front two. OOP. Brighton create more now with Lamptey in the team. Good link up play among the front line.

    1. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Yeah he could be a bargain imo, although Potter does like to rotate

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

        Who will he get rotated with?

        1. Limbo
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          I can’t see it. Gross, Propper, Lallana all second to him.

    2. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Been on my radar ever since the restart last season. He looks a good fpl player

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

      Great price point if he can keep getting 70+ mins

    4. Limbo
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Considered starting him until Soucek was passed fit. Great option. Maybe most consistent set and forget type player at £6m (Eze more potential).

    5. Flaming Flamingo
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Was in my team for GW1, but am getting rid on wildcard. A bit of a rotation risk, but I think he's great value still

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

      I'm keeping an eye on him, could be gold. Even Maupay isn't such a bad option.

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

    Doesnt look like I'm going to get any double rises out of anyone with my wildcard to make a bit of cash. Bit annoying really. I don't place too much importance on team value but the wildcard is a free opportunity to do so providing players go up in value by 0.2.

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

      GW3WC planners are the really winners

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

      4 teams out has screwed up the numbers.

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

        How so?

        1. Limbo
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          It looks like they’ve been price locked. If they’d played (and scored) last week, the GW1 WC would see more rises.

  10. sully29
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    I don't actually believe any players are guaranteed to get a lot of points but as far as any of them are....

    Jimenez from GW3 to GW9 is guaranteed to get a lot of points.

    1. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      True

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

      Werner and Martial will get even more 😛

    3. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      He's guaranteed to get a steady stream of points. Whether it will be a lot isn't guaranteed

    4. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Agree

  11. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Some people suggesting that Havertz might not even start vs Liverpool? Do you guys think there's a good chance of that happening?

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

      Doubt it

    2. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I think he'll start.

    3. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I can't see him playing on the wing again. If he's to play he will have to be central without as much running around to do. He looked way off it and Liverpool will absolutely rinse him. Think I am getting rid

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

        Liverpool will rinse them? Likely to score but I don’t think it will be one sided by any means. Leeds put 3 past them, Chelsea will score imo.

        1. Bubz
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Liverpool will rinse Havertz specifically. Brighton were too intense for him nevermind Liverpool

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

            i agree w u, Havartz on the wing is as good as not having any player. He neither attack nor defend in the last game.

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

            Havertz specifically, sorry. Maybe I’m just trying to be optimistic as I own him. Not sure if I should sell yet or not.

            1. Bubz
              • 10 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              I own him too. I usually give players more of a chance but it was one of the worst debut's I've ever seen

    4. Limbo
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Zyiech, Havertz, Pulisic, Mount, Barkley, CHO, RLC. If I was Frank I’d be a fool to bench him. (Kante/Jorginho DMF).

    5. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      He should start. After all the negative press the last thing he needs is a damaging bench presence.

  12. Pukki Party
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Thoughts?

    Johnstone
    TAA Robbo Justin
    Salah Son Pulisic* Greenwood
    Jimenez Richarlison Nketiah*

    Button Mitchell Bissouma Vinagre

    A) Vinagre to Ayling/Taylor
    B) Pulisic, Nketiah to Werner, Soucek -4
    C) Nketiah to Adams/Watkins/Mitro

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

      B

      1. Pukki Party
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Like that option too, could well be worth the hit.

    2. Tinmen
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I done Son and Nketiah to Bruno and Brewster and it feels good

      1. Pukki Party
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Have 3 Liverpool so can't get Brewster until he gets the move and fpl changes team. Also i'd prefer to have one Chelsea player long term.

    3. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B

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

    Pereira -> James Rodriguez a no-brainer?

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

      Yes

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

      Hit? No. FT, yes.

    3. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Yes

  14. Champ
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    So with GW1 over,

    What's your feeling on how you set up your team?

    Did you set it up just right?
    Too conservative?
    Or one punt too many?
    Funds distributed well?

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

      Too many risks taken and wrong setup lol

    2. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Setup fine. Wish I was more of a risktaker and gone for Hot Rod at the start. Genuinely tossed up Hot Rod + Saiss over Alli + KWP and ended up picking the 'safe starters'.

      Look how that played out...

      1. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Basically, going template/high ownership with any of the non-premiums didn't work.

        TAA, Son, ASM, Mitrovic, Ings, Adams, Vinagre were all fails.

        While going differential like Reece, Saiss, Justin, Wilson, DCL all ended up working out really nicely. The only differential options that failed were Saka, Nketiah, Alli and Havertz.

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

      I set up fine, just captained Aubameyang over Salah.

      I didn't adjust my team for the Armstrong injury. Pre-injury, I think Saints will have performed better. Ings, Armstrong & 1 defensive Saints player.

      Post-injury, ASM plugged the gap who I didn't really want to go for in the first place. Double Saints at the back. KWP may have been Lamptey/Ayling & McCarthy may have been Leno/Ryan. (The Martinez uncertainty also affected this.)

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

      My biggest mistake was going with Vinagre despite all the uncertainty. I hate to spend transfers on defenders...

      1. Champ
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Not the biggest crime. I did the same but got 6 off the bench at least. He was my only real punt.

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

    Main CB pairing at Chelsea?

    1. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Atm Zouma Rudiger

  16. Hazz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    People to hold off until Saturday for the Manchester player price changes, only for then to tick over on Friday night.

    You've been playing FPL long enough, you know the deal! 😆

    1. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Agreed. Friday night makes more sense because there has been no official announcement as to whether players from clubs who have yet to play are price locked or not.

      1. St Pauli Walnuts
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Out of interest, do you know if they have ever made announcements about price locks before?

  17. chelseabrad
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Mccarthy Steer
    TAA Bavies Dier Justin Mitchell
    Salah Auba Son ASM Soucek
    Werner Adams Mitro

    Ideas this week? Looking at possibly TAA & ASM > Digne & Greenwood

    1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      TAA for me is a set and forget

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

    As tempting as Havertz and Dier to James Rod and Digne -4 is, I think I’m going to save ft.

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

      Yep save and reassess next GW

  19. spamking
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Who's the best option in midfield at 5.0/4.5
    A. Hendrick
    B. Jorginho
    C. Elneny (4.5)
    D. Phillips
    E. Ndidi
    F. Mendi (4.5
    G. Someone else?

    I'd prefer a 4.5, ideally needs to starts most games

    1. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Soucek

      1. Pukki Party
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Bissouma at 4.5

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

      Bissouma

  20. Scotty Dog
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    When would you expect a price increase with man utd assets? Can't decide between martial and bruno at this stage, so looking to tidy up my team elsewhere then take a -4 hit to bring in one of the mentioned along with KDB

    1. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      They could be price locked, if not I expect the popular options from United and City to rise before the GW deadline.

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

    I think if you're WCing with Martinez in the team is a high risk.

    He's not a proven keeper over a long term (played only 10ish games)

    Few mistakes and Heaton could start playing again.

    Ryan a much more solid pick.

    Thoughts?

    1. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Ryan’s back up isn’t fully settled yet so no keeper is perfect just now

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

        What do you mean back up?

        1. Ask Yourself
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Walton (4m), ryan’s intended back up Got injured. The current one, Steele (4m) is terrible. They wanted to sign Martínez too, I wouldn’t be surprised if they go for a Ryan replacement/competition

          1. Flaming Flamingo
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Them wanting to sign Martinez was a false rumour I'm pretty sure

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

      Well he joined them because he will be guaranteed first choice and is 6 years younger than Heaton who just came back from a big injury.

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

        GK is a spot where you need experience innit.

        Heaton is a top GK

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

          Let's not start saying Heaton is better than Martinez, Martinez has always been decent but just not first choice, he was prepared to step up when Leno got injured because he was waiting for his moment. He left us to go to Villa to be first choice, otherwise he would have stayed with us. Heaton could be sold in January.

    3. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I do like how Brighton looked in general vs Chelsea so Ryan could be a great option

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

      Martinez spot to lose really.

    5. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Pick Ryan

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

    Any chance DCL rises again before deadline? He's at 5% with 3 bars up.

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

      unlikely

    2. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Nah

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

      No

  23. Bubz
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    I'd like to kindly request that all Vinagre owners stop selling him until next week please. Thank you

    1. St Pauli Walnuts
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Hey Bub, kicked the habit yet mate?

  24. El-Kloppico
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Don't we have any presser today?

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

    Fernandes and Martial I’m struggling to decide,

    Martial/Rodriguez
    Wilson/Fernandes

    I think edging to the first as Everton fixtures are so good

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

      Would have to lose 1m to get Calvert-Lewin

    2. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      First option

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

    New article

  27. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    I think I'm going to go for Podence over Leeds midfielders! I've a good feeling about him since the restart! If he fails hard luck, but at least I listened to my instincts! But a lot depends on tonight's cup game! If he is rested, I'm surely getting him!

  28. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    I'm now considering to keep Justin on my wildcard until he is ditched. Plan is to rotate him with Ayling.
    When Justin is dropped, Leeds have a good run of fixtures. Thoughts?

  29. gomez123
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Did Ali to Bruno before price rise...team G2G?
    McCarthy
    TAA/Eagan/Taylor
    Auba(c) Salah (vc) Bruno/ Soucek
    Mitro/Ings/DCL
    Bench Button/Bissouma/Davies/Mitchell

  30. chelseabrad
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    To start McCarthy or Steer this week?