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. Lucas World Conquest
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Got TC on KDB, fixtures look lot more favourable than Salah’s fixtures.

    I’ve got soucek on the bench, worth starting over bamford?

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

      100% I would

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

      Start Soucek

  2. drughi
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    I was looking at getting in the top 1k with FH 18 andBB19 now with leeds postponement and villa double I will struggle to stay in the top 10k. Season defining

    1. jammie26
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Lol at the drama in this post.

      1. George Sillett
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Attention seeking brag post.

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

      Ha not even close to season defining, ridiculous post

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

    KDB (C) just become more nailed IMO now, I can't see the PL calling off the City v Villa game if they're just rescheduled Newcy for 23rd Jan, that's my thinking anyways.

    1. Rains of Castamere
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yeah that's true. Villa training ground reopens Saturday so the City fixture looks secure.

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

      Need to see if the Villa training ground opens by the deadline.

  4. built_this_city
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    well.... Dallas and DCL to Watkins and Dias will be the easiest 4 point hit i take this season

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

      Watkins over Antonio?

    2. The Hunt
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      DGW or not, I'm getting shot of Watkins.

  5. Rains of Castamere
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Wilson or Watkins in DGW19?

    No Villa or New players except Martinez.

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

      Watkins if you have Antonio otherwise him,

      1. TomSaints
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I’m tempted by Antonio just wish he had another 90 mins under his belt

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

      Wilson just as I can't see Watkins scoring against City but could see Wilson nicking a goal against Arsenal.

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

    And Villa defense + Grealish + Watkins owners thinking BB again?

  7. Chilli Heatwave
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Will villa Newcastle fall on this game week? If so planned transfer of Wilson to Antonio looks off the cards...

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

      Yes and would not do Wilson to Antonio.

  8. Sif
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Salah, Bruno, Grealish, Son, KDB

    No room for Soucek 🙁

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

      Same mid here, get Antonio to cover him

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

        More worried about Wilson's ownership.
        Can Antonion be relied on to play 150mins over both games?

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

    What's the consensus, are people BBing this week or TCing?

    1. FPL.team
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Not sure there is a consensus as it's team dependant. I will be BBing but others will TC, some will FH and others will do nothing.

    2. Chris_H
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Depends on your squad really - I was TC but now on a BB as I can use two frees to get a DGW GK and striker to BB with Saka and Holding

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

      Saving the BB for later when I can WC into it and potentially have better assets.
      In my case would require too many hits to get a 2nd keeper and remove bench fodder like Brewster.

      Tempted to TC KDB.

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

        Mc carthy fabianski,
        Dier, bailly, stones, dias, KWP
        Bruno, grealish, KDB, son, saka
        Kane, antonio, bamford

        Thoughts? I had planned a BB until the saints v leeds got pulled. I'm thinking I could still use it now as I'd still have 8 players on DGW. I'm just trying to weigh up would I be better using a free hit but I can only really see having no liverpool assets as the reason to use it. Keeping FH might be beneficial with there certain to be more cancellations of games leading to future DGW.

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

        Not sure FH is warranted as you've got tons of good assets you'd want to keep.
        And while you lack Liverpool assets, its only Salah you're missing who isn't on top form. And most people with Salah won't have all of Kane, Son, KDB, Grealish & double city defense due to funds. I'd be quite happy.

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

          Yeah that's what I was thinking. I think it would be wise to keep the FH for upcoming dgw. Salah could punish me though .... hopefully not

  10. umerlfc
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    El Ghazi is a tasty differential now

    1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I have him but can't say I'm not a little worried that Barkley might displace him although with him being on pens he should hopefully be fine

  11. Oggle22
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    1ft 0.6itb and wildcard available

    Martinez
    Konsa Mari Holding
    Salah Son Bruno Soucek
    Firmino Bamford Kane

    Steele Saka Mitchell Kilman

    Take hits and possibly bench boost just take hits or wildcard?

    Cheers

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

    Play:

    A) Areola (CHE, MAN)
    B) Martinez (mci, NEW)

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

      Martinez without a doubt

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

        I think that there certainly is a doubt. Fulham have improved radically at the back.

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

          Martinez is a great keeper, wouldn’t matter what fixtures he faced for me. I would pick him every time

    2. Chrisitis
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Same dilemma. Martinez because of Nufc?

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

        That seems the more likely clean sheet of the four games in question but Fulham are a very different beast and who knows how badly ravaged by Covid Villa will be.

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

          this

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

          I'm confident every key player will be back by the City game for Villa.

          1. Chrisitis
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Back to play 6 games in 17 days after covid?

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

      Martinez has been brilliant this season

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

    I currently play Soucek every week which has been ok so far, but I will need to downgrade him to Smith-Rowe. Can I play Samith-Rowe evey week do you think? He looks great, just concerned if he is nailed or not

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

      If he plays every week then why not - I will. In reality he'll get some rests so your other 7 need to be first teamers.

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

        My sub attacker would be Brewster and I guess failing that I can always fall back on my two defenders.

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

      I'd say nailed at the moment. But if Arsenal lose a couple in a row again Arteta won't hesitate to replace with Pepe/ Willian.

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

        Thanks, hopefully he stays!

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

      he'll stay nailed until arsenal sign another attacking midfielder. Right now hes on form and without a doubt going to play game in game out

  14. Phil's Stamps
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Bugger, going to have to bench Bamford now with Grealish's double surviving. Or start ahead of Coufal or a City defender?

    1. Letsgo!
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Bam vs brighton why bench him. Grealish one of the game vs city dont think he gonna do anything

      1. jammie26
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        But the other game is newcastle at home, would want grealish for that one imo.

    2. Phil's Stamps
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      After that Brighton performance last night have to say I feel better about benching Bam Bam.

      1. Baines on Toast...
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Leeds are much better attacking side than Man City

        1. Phil's Stamps
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          That is a fair point.

  15. TomSaints
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Ok I’m stepping away from bench boost.

    Thoughts ok:
    A) keep Martial and Son
    B) transfer to Vardy and 8.4 midfield (maybe Foden / Pogba)

  16. Von Lipwig
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    A) DCL > Antonio will leave me with a decent DGW team, but no city at all.
    B) Zouma > Dias
    C) At least -8 to bring KDB + Stones in

  17. hueycho
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    I ve got Leno left to play and my rival in ML has Saka left to play...who will come out top?!

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

      Very close one - I would rather have Saka as I can see Palace scoring

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

        Damn

  18. _Ninja_
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Somehow still have Taylor and James. Either likely to play gw19? Who to keep and who to sell if any

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

      I'm selling Taylor

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

      Unknown at the moment. Haven't heard anything on James, but Taylor isn't far away

      1. _Ninja_
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Ah ok cheers wait for presses I guess.

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

      Think Jame is training again bu yeah wait for pressers

  19. WVA
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    So if Villa do have a DGW I have to start Martinez over Johnstone right?

    1. TomSaints
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Definitely

    2. Rains of Castamere
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yep, hope for save points vs City and to keep the score down, and then CS vs Toon.

    3. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yeah with City's poor finishing he's bound to at least get a few save points out of that game and Newcastle have been pretty dire

  20. Malinwa
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    DCL + Oriol > Soucek + Antonio(-4) ?? Best possible option?

    Meslier
    Justin - Dallas - Cresswell
    Salah - Rashford - Son - Fernandez
    Bamford - DCL - Wilson

    McCarthy- DCL* - KWP - Oriol Romeu*

    1 FT
    0.2 ITB

    DCL + Oriol > Soucek + Antonio(-4) ?? Best possible option?

  21. Roy Rovers
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Ok as a BB?… 11 DGW and this as the bench…

    McCarthy Son Bamford Dallas

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

      Go!

  22. fpork
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Will Vardy be ready for Saturday?
    I am considering Kane, Grealish->KDB, Watkins (-4), but only if Vardy will play.

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

      I think Vardy is just being managed carefully because of his hip. He's been playing with this issue and he missed the cup game so I expect him to play on Saturday.

    2. jammie26
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Wouldn't want to sell Kane or Grealish.

      1. fpork
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        The only way I can get KDB, as I see it. Another option is to drop Salah/Fernandes, but it feels wrong.

  23. thepuntmaster
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone tempted by Newcastle double options or are they just dire?

    1. jammie26
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      100% no from me.

  24. Rinseboy
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Thoughts on this for a -4 this week. God these constant changes are a nightmare!

    Johnstone
    Justin TAA Maguire Dias Coufal
    Sterling Salah Bruno Soucek
    Vardy
    Meslier Bamford Raphinha Brewster

  25. fpork
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Is Dallas->Stones (-4) worth it?

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

      I think Dallas is a keeper

  26. NotsoSpursy
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Does anyone know if McCarthy is still sick?

    1. My neck my back my Saed Kol…
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Nah was pictured back in training

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

      Thanks

  27. Letsgo!
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Mahrez asm kane to kdb foden antonio for -8?

    Is aston vs city match going on?

  28. Von Lipwig
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Repost sorry. Anyone have a gut feeling to help me make a decision?

    A) DCL > Antonio will leave me with a decent DGW team, but no city at all.
    B) Zouma > Dias
    C) At least -8 to bring KDB + Stones in

    Current team:
    Martinez
    Zouma Dallas Cresswell
    Salah Bruno Son Soucek Raphinha
    Bamford Vardy
    (Forster DCL Kilman Taylor)

    1. El Lobito 10
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      C or Salah to KdB

  29. fpork
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Play Fabianski over Johnstone?

    1. Letsgo!
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      ?? Lol . Is this a joke

    2. Gemma817
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      ?? Lol . Is this a joke (2)

    3. fpork
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Why not?

      1. fpork
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I would of course start Fabianski if he is fully fit.

  30. My neck my back my Saed Kol…
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Any news on balbuena?