Moving Target

Can Robert Snodgrass’ set pieces turn him into a viable FPL asset for West Brom?

Robert Snodgrass (£5.7m) became Sam Allardyce’s first signing as West Bromwich Albion manager last week, signing on an 18-month deal.

Will he help transform his new team’s fortunes and become a viable Fantasy Premier League asset in the process?

We’ve run the rule over the former Norwich City and Hull man to find out.

The midfielder had been largely frozen out of the team at West Ham this season, making four substitute appearances in the Premier League for a grand total of four minutes.

Snodgrass, 33, had been an important part of the Hammers’ side before struggling with a back disk injury, which kept him out of the second half of last season.

The former Scotland international is expected to go straight into the team at the Hawthorns, giving the Baggies some much needed Premier League experience.

“I’m absolutely delighted he has chosen to take up the challenge with us. He’ll add Premier League experience and quality to our side.”

Sam Allardyce

There’s currently no sign of Fantasy Premier League managers being tempted to bring Snodgrass in ahead of Double Gameweek 19, but should he be considered?

VETERAN

Allardyce made a name for himself at Bolton for taking experienced players thought to be over the hill and bringing out some of the best football of their careers.

The careers of Jay-Jay Okocha, Fernando Hierro and Gary Speed all experienced and Indian Summer thanks to their time at The Reebok.

And Allardyce is clearly hoping to get the same from Snodgrass, comparing him to Premier League legend Speed.

“He might be getting on but in his mind he still thinks he’s 20. Snodgrass runs all day, he’s got great quality and a huge amount of experience. He never gives up. Hopefully that will rub off on some of these players who will look at him and say, ‘My word’. Lifting the spirits and lifting the standards is very important at a professional football club. It’s even more important at a Premier League club.”

Sam Allardyce

Despite Allardyce’s comments, Snodgrass’ FPL returns have not dropped considerably as he has entered his mid 30s.

Last season he delivered a decent 10 goal contributions, scoring five goals and chipping in with five assists.

Despite playing fewer minutes, that was actually an improvement on the season before, suggesting Snodgrass could still have plenty to offer at Premier League level.

SWEET LEFT FOOT

Big Sam was keen to highlight Snodgrass’ left foot and how it would bring balance to his side, hinting at a role down the left hand side of midfield.

“He’s left-footed. We all look for balance. When you get the right balance in the team with left-footed players, they can really produce for you down that left side. I’ve heard from many, many people that he is exceptional in the dressing room which is a great bonus on top of his abilities.”

Sam Allardyce

West Brom’s two most effective attacking players of last season, Matheus Pereira (£5.6m) and Grady Diangana (£5.1m), who are both left footed, have struggled to replicate the form they showed in the Championship.

(Pereira left, Diangana right)

Allardyce even singled out Pereira for criticism, asking for more from the West Brom playmaker.

“It’s very simple. This is the Premier League and he needs to do it (play) quickly – much quicker than he did in the Championship. Then he will show his very skilful qualities. But if he chooses to do it at his pace in the Premier League, then he will not be successful.”

Sam Allardyce

Reading into these quotes, it is telling Allardyce has only started Pereira once in the Premier League since arriving at the Hawthorns.

And he appears to be equally unimpressed with Diangana, hauling him off at half-time in their 4-0 thrashing by Arsenal.

In the case of Snodgrass, it could be that Big Sam is looking for the midfielder to offer a greater balance in the middle of the park, with most of West Brom’s centre midfielders predominantly being right footers.

He would also add some much needed creativity, where other than Conor Gallagher (£5.5m), they are severely lacking.

But with both Pereira and Diangana struggling this season, it could be that Snodgrass finds himself playing out on the left flank.

SET PIECES

Throughout his career, Snodgrass has offered huge threat from set pieces, particularly from corners, as shown in his best 2016/2017 season.

With Allardyce setting up the Baggies in a defensive formation, they will need to make the most of set pieces if they are to pull off a miraculous survival.

Sam Inkersole, who covered West Ham for Football.London during Snodgrass’ spell, outlined the Scot’s quality delivery and what else he could bring to his new team.

“His qualities were obvious. Set piece delivery was impressive and vastly improved from what the Hammers had previously and simply, his work rate. Too many West Ham players that season (when he arrived) were passengers so it was no surprise they struggled.”

Sam Inkersole

Set pieces have already played a big part of the West Brom attack since Allardyce joined.

A towering header from Semi Ajayi (£4.8m) gave the Baggies an unlikely point against champions Liverpool.

And the big centre half netted again in the FA Cup against Blackpool, before they lost on penalties.

With a 6ft 3ins defender who can aggressively attack a ball in the other team’s penalty area, Snodgrass’ quality set piece deliveries may well find their target more often than not.

Should the pair be able to strike up a good understanding, then they could both turn into assets worth having in the second half of the season.

THE PROSPECTS

In a system that will suit his style of play, Robert Snodgrass could well deliver some good FPL returns for his new club.

His assist potential could also be bolstered by a new striker, one Allardyce is actively searching for.

“I am looking for a frontman, hopefully he’ll be coming through the door as quickly as possible. That’ll be from abroad, rather than from this country.”

Sam Allardyce

However, the main issue with bringing him into our teams is his price point.

Still priced up at £5.7m, he finds himself in the same bracket as former teammate Tomas Soucek (£5.3m), who has delivered consistent returns all season, and Raphinha (£5.5m), the dynamic Leeds winger who is starting to deliver goals and assists.

West Brom also face a torrid run of games in the next few weeks.

In their next seven the Baggies will face off against Manchester City, Manchester United, Spurs and Wolves, with returns looking few and far between.

Kinder fixtures against Fulham and Sheffield United in Gameweeks 21 and 22 will give us a realistic idea about what to expect from their attack.

Ultimately, Snodgrass appears to be priced just a bit too highly to be considered for a budget midfielder role.

But those looking for a punt on a differential midfielder, with the Scot currently sitting at 0.1% ownership, could be hugely rewarded when fixtures turn in Gameweek 25.

1,216 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Mattymo23
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Foden going to play both games in DGW?

    1. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      what do you think ? if we knew the answer we would all own him 😉

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

      Could depend on how well he plays in the first game.

    3. altan8797
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      pep roulette

    4. Homer21
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Pep???

    5. Right In The Stanchion
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      What If Villa pull out of the second game??

    6. claretparrot
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      If he plays well in the first, then I reckon so. Pep almost said as much last night (cue evil laugh from Pep)

      I was just digging into the stats though as I need to choose between him and KDB (have double defence). Foden has outperformed his XG over the last two quite considerably. That said, I'd back him to score those two chances again so who knows!?

  2. JELLYFISH
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    1.3 itb and no FT and considering the following for a hit

    A) Ctaylor > Cancelo (or Dias) for -4 and revert to 442 (dropping Bamford to the bench)
    B) Robbo > Cancelo/Dias & Son > KDB for a -8 (not keen in dropping Robbo on a DGW)
    C) Biss > Gundo for a -4 and go 451 (means dropping Kane which seems daft!)
    D) Son > Rash for -4
    E) None of the above

    Current team:

    Mendy
    Zouma Robbo Stones
    Salah Bruno Son Soucek
    Kane Bamford Antonio

    (Johnstone Biss Kilman Taylor)

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

      A

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

    Martial could be alright according to reports so thoughts on this team of 10 DGWs and a TC?

    Areola
    Cancelo Stones Coufal
    KDB (TC) Bruno Rashford Son Soucek
    Martial Antonio

    Martinez Wilson Holding Mitchell

    Could even switch Son (shu) to Wilson (ars, avl) if that DGW for Newcastle gets confirmed?

    1. JELLYFISH
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Looks nice. I would keep as is and play Son over Wilson

  4. Muscout
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    McCarthy
    Cancelo Chilwell Coufal
    Salah (TC) KDB Bruno JWP Soucek
    Kane Bamford

    With the Leeds SOU changes I’m thinking:
    JWP and Bamford to Barnes/Mount and Antonio?

  5. BeWater
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone else out here going without KDB for GW19?

    My big hitters are Salah, Bruno, Vardy and Son. Going to captain Salah.

    1. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Doubt it - Son to KDB for me

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

      I am going with all 5.

    3. Pegboy
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Think I'm going without. Would require Salah > KDB or shipping Kane, but I'm already trying to offload DCL and Bamford.

    4. DonBenzema
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      In the exact same conundrum as you - not willing to sacrifice either of those. I'm actually leaning towards Salah TC at the moment.

  6. Shark Team
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Since gw10 my rank was stuck on 250k - 350k. Now i understand why this was not a bad thing actually.

  7. Right In The Stanchion
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    I'm doing -12 to get Salah and a few more DGW players. BB should easily cover that.

    Should we avoid City players now their second game against Villa could be called off as well

    1. Gudjohnsen
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Ouch triple City here.

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

      Villa training ground set to reopen on Saturday so I think they’ll be forced to play City on Weds

  8. altan8797
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    which one?

    a) soucek
    b) gundogan

    already own kdb-stones from city and antonio-coufal from whu

    cheers

    1. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A

    2. BeWater
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Surely this is the week for Soucek!

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

      A

  9. Shark Team
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    If only the Burnley game was before the ManU game for Liverpool

    1. BeWater
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      As a Trent and Salah owner this would have been great 🙂

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

      Why does that matter?

      1. BeWater
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Because the United game will be tougher. Could be an injury to Salah etc and they end up not even playing the Burnley game.

    3. Shark Team
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      He plays Burnley on Thursday and then ManUtd again for the FA Cup 3 days later. He could play limited mins.

  10. Pacer.
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Meetings set up between PL officials and managers and captains to explain, again, for the third time, their responsibilities. Which were explained to them most recently, yesterday, in picture form. This is presumably in anticipation of further review by ministers of previous informal warnings about failure to adhere and the inevitable images they will have to review, again, following last night's round

    1. turd ferguson
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      it's a joke

      1. Pacer.
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Not only do they continue in failing to recognise the very clear message from ministers that the public is starting to take note and ask questions about why they are being forced to comply with strict rules that everyone involved in the game are not, but it continues to be worrying re containing further outbreaks in coming weeks. Which as we have seen, testing will not prevent, just identity more quickly.

      2. Pacer.
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Also of concern, several managers have foolishly suggested that it will be not possible, or difficult at best for game players and staff'to follow these rules.

        Not really what you want to hear them say to appease those with the power to pull the plug.

  11. waltzingmatildas
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    A) Son and Robbo - KDB and Stones (-4)
    B) Son and Firmino - KDB and Antonio (-4)
    If B, would you also do:
    C) Raphina to Foden (-4)

    McCarthy Johnstone
    Robbo Cancelo Coufal Dallas Taylor
    Salah Bruno Son Raphina Soucek
    Firmino Bamford Wood

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Prefer the upside of KDB, Foden and City def rather than KDB and 2 def. C is probably worth the risk

      1. waltzingmatildas
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        So B and C? Plus I get to keep robbo 🙂

    2. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      B but not sure about C as Foden could easily be benched for a game.

    3. Pegboy
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      B

    4. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Thanks all

  12. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Now I'm thinking I'll just get BB out of the way

    Would you take a hit for Riedewald to Soucek to get this bench and BB?

    Forster,Soucek, Rodrigo and Holding

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Not for me - McCarthy back training as well

    2. Trovsmash
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Decent bench for a BB can't see anything wrong with it

    3. BeWater
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I could BB with McCarthy, Raphinha, Dallas and Lowton but I'm not going to. Going to keep a decent bench this year so a better chance may come along.

    4. claretparrot
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I'm not sure I'd do that, but can defo see the attraction of getting it over and done with. Allows proper planning for the rest of the season without ripping things apart for one GW

    5. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Forster won't play as McCarthy is back in training.

  13. turd ferguson
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    a - Soucek
    b - snodgrass

    ?

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A

    2. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A

    3. Chazz69
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A

  14. Trovsmash
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Thoughts on Son & Robbo to KDB (TC) & AWB? -4

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Not sure on the Robbo downgrade to Utd def

    2. SHOOTER MCGINN
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Looks tempting. Thinking about selling Robbo too but feels wrong going into a double...

      1. Trovsmash
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        thats the feeling i cant shake, offloading two good players for a -4, feels criminal.

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

    Should I do Coleman to Coufal for a (-4) and bench Holding?

    Will have the below team -

    Martinez (Forster)
    Stones Dallas Coufal (Holding Mitchell)
    Salah KDB Bruno Grealish Soucek
    Kane Ings (Davis)

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      yes

  16. Karan14
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Martinez
    Robbo Cancelo Dias
    Salah Mane Bruno Grealish Raphinha
    DCL Bamford

    (Steer Kilman Brewster Mitchell)
    1FT & 0.3m

    Doing Mane ➡️ KDB(c) for sure.

    DCL ➡️ Antonio for a hit too considering Villa vs Everton is also 99% off.

    Kilman ➡️ Coufal worth another hit?
    If Grealish has a DGW then is it worth taking a hit for Coufal (BUR, WBA) to bench Raphinha (BHA)?

    Appreciate your thoughts!

  17. Minion
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Originally I had 14 DGW players with a move from DCL to someone planned to make 15 for my BB.

    I’m now looking at -8 for Salah to KDB, DCL to Watkins (pending news) and Ayling to Cancelo giving me a bench of Johnstone, Dallas, Bamford and Targett.

    Still worth the BB given it’s now -8 and not all players who double? Feels like only -4 as DCL to Watkins will hopefully pay for itself if Villa get their double and Watkins is fit to start both.

  18. Im New Here
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    When I confirm my FH chip, am I still able to make additional transfers after that, up to the deadline?

    1. claretparrot
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yep

    2. Hybrid.power
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yep

  19. JELLYFISH
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Is it fair to assume that Santo will be sticking to his current formation for albion and Kilman won't be starting?

    1. Black Knights
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Kilman is no more. Saiss back first choice, and Boly to return too.

      1. JELLYFISH
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Yes figured - just pondering a hit to ditch him for a DGW player

  20. unclesbasement
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    I want to die...just made a -12

    1. Hybrid.power
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      It's the best week for it, tons of players will be doing the same I'd say

      1. unclesbasement
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        yeah still hurts doing it tho

  21. shirtless
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Wildcarded GW16 and set-up for a Saints/Leeds BB this week. Plan's obviously in tatters. I also switched KdB to Mane to give me an edge on Salah triple cappers, this was also stuffed by the late City fixture change! So now it looks like BB is off. I can't be sure on Konsa playing at all, can we be sure City play Villa mid-week? Do I need KdB back, or shall I keep Mane who should definitely play twice and just deal with DCL if needs be? It's all becoming too much of a headfeck!

    McCarthy
    Coufal Konsa Pieters
    Salah(c) Mane Bruno Soucek
    Kane DCL Bamford

    4.0 Romeu Alioski KWP

    1. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I'm doing Mane & DCL to KDB(c) & Antonio for a hit most likely. If you want to cap Salah then maybe you can ignore KDB but it's not ideal given their fixtures.

      1. shirtless
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I'm thinking DCL>Antonio, then next week bring KdB back for Mane. I'm really not sure if they'll be much in it this week for a -4. City aren't scoring many.

  22. SHOOTER MCGINN
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Robbo, Grealish, DCL -> Cancelo, KDB, Antonio?

    1. Pegboy
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Is it a -4 or -8?

      Don't love losing Robbo, but probably worth it, particularly if you want to TC KdB.

      1. SHOOTER MCGINN
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        It's -8. Same thoughts about Robbo but value probably isn't there at the moment and City fixtures are great. Other option to get the funds would be selling Kane and going 4 at the back, but that has its own problems...

  23. seanmcging
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    I have the following team for DGW19:

    McCarthy
    Stones*/Cancelo*/Coufal*
    Salah*/Bruno*/KDB*/Soucek*
    Kane/Bamford/DCL (replace with Antonio*)
    Nyland/Dallas/Pieters*/Burke

    The plan was to BB, but I think that is out now given the Leeds fixture move. I will keep Kane, but would you replace Bamford with another DGW player?

    1. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Do you want Bamford long term?

  24. JollyGoodYellows
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Worth doing DCL + Anguissa > Antonio + Soucek (-4)?

    1. jtaylor500
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yes

  25. jtaylor500
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    A) Vardy & Soucek
    B) Antonio & Pulisic
    C) Antonio & Ziyech

    1. linkafu
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      C

  26. Kun Tozser
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Leeds Southampton postponed

  27. SomeoneKnows
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Martinez (Forster)
    Cancelo, Stones, Bednark (Dallas,Douglas)
    Salah, Bruno, Son, Grealish, Soucek
    Kane, Bamford (DCL)

    With 1FT and 1.3 itb which should I do?

    A) Bednarek > Cresswell
    B) DCL > Antonio
    C) Son + DCL > KDB + Antonio (-4)

  28. Ozzy smith
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Wolves fans, fellow Neto owners. How did he look against Everton? I'm not sure whether to play, bench or sell him this week! WBA at home obvs looks good on paper....

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

    Can we all write to FPL and ask them to delete the BB chip?

    Ask them to give us another freehit instead

  30. linkafu
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Who will score more:

    A/ Mahrez DGW

    B/ Son vs Sheff