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. Qaiss
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Are you concerned about KDB captaincy for the DGW due to Villa postponements? Probably him or Salah for the armband.

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

      It’s always been Bruno for me

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

        Bruno has 4YCs

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

        Bruno?? Interestin

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

        Oh didn’t know about the yellows but don’t think that changes my decision. I chose Bruno ages ago when it was announced, two away games

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

    Is this a strong enough team to BB this week?

    Martinez
    Stones - Dier - Holding
    Salah - KDB - Bruno - Soucek
    Antonio - Kane - Bamford

    Bench: Meslier - Dallas - Coufal - Anguissa

    (would have had a full team of DGWers pretty much if Leeds hadn't been rescheduled)

    1. LE CHARO
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Meslier, Dallas and Coufal could all do well, so if you're confident on a Leeds cleanie go for it.

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

        Hmm yeah okay! It's probably the best opportunity im gonna have to BB.

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

    Didn't plan for it, but I'm considering BB just to save a benching headache this week. Worth considering on a -4?

    Fabianski
    Coufal Dias Dallas
    Salah KDB Bruno Son
    Watkins Bamford Antonio

    Martinez (city NEW)
    Holding (NEW)
    KWP (lei)
    Neto (WBA)

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

      I'm doing something similar now with SGWers of Saka/Holding/Neto/Dallas (as well as Son/Kane) - seems worth it to me

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

    Am I good to go? It might be crazy to go without KDB, but can't see how I would fit him in.

    Mendy
    Zouma, Dias, Coufal
    Salah(C), Bruno, Rashford, Son
    Vardy, Antonio, Bamford

    Forster, Dallas, Holding, Bissouma

    Might be tempted to TC Salah - your input would be greatly appreciated

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

    Anyone know what’s happened to Balbuena?

  6. 1895Reds
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone brave enough to captain Grealish with his 4 yellows?

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

      Nope haha

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

    Not doing it this week but I can wc to this (a means to get KDB as currently don’t have)
    McCarthy (Forster)
    Stones - Tierney - Dallas (Mitchell, Struijk)
    Son - KDB - Bruno - Salah - Smith-Rowe
    Kane - Bamford (Brewster)

    I can have them all 🙂

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

      Wow, good team. I'm over 1m short of that, you must have good TV.

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

        If I x everyone out I have 102.5 which I thought was low but a few people now said they couldn’t afford my team. Maybe my money isn’t low, one thing though is I jumped on a lot of popular players very early in the season, and still have those players. They all went up in value considerably so I guess it’s money I’m making selling some and not having to buy at high prices.
        Smith-Rowe is a downside but if he is nailed I’ll be happy, currently got Soucek instead but need that money to get this team.

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

    Villa DGW! Love to see it

  9. Totalfootball
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Is Hudson-odoi a good option for DGW ?

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

    Can't keep up Villa v Everton postponed, now Villa v Newcastle arranged for 23rd. So Villa & Newcy have a double now. I don't like Newcy fixtures and they've been poor, and Villa assets risky as to who's had Covid or not, so can't be sure if to include anyone. What is everyone else doing/thinking?

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

      Newcastle are literally the last team in FPL I would want to own an asset from. I've had Grealish and Martinez since the very beginning in GW2 though so I'll be keeping.

      1. 1314
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        not fond of Newcastle too but surely they are more worthy than Fulham or Sheffield players

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

    DCL ownership to drop considerably with no game in 19

  12. The 12th Man
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Nice rest for Everton.

  13. estheblessed
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    What is the news on the Villa game? Is the Everton game off? How about their game with City?

    1. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      City already play twice in 19.

    2. aleksaa2
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Eve off, City on

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

        Any now they have Newcastle also?

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

    I should be happy with Grealish and Watkins in my side but I hate to give up my FH19 side for this ffs

    1. Sarri-ball
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Im same i loved my freehit team.

      But i can get 9 plus banford/son for gw so think il hold it couñd become handy later in season

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

        yes i have 8 dgwers now and have to hold it now

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

        True, probably sensible but the starry lights tempt

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

      yesss i loved my FH team so much

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

        Same man it's gutting. Might still go through with it, my FH side is so phenomenal but I guess there's no need idk :(((

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

      Give it up! You'll be grateful come GW29.

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

        Probably but I was so damn hyped for the team, I mean look at it:

        Fabianski

        Stones - Coufal - Cresswell - Justin

        KDB - Salah - Bruno - Gundo

        Werner - Vardy

        Amazing!

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

        Yeah this, with the way the season has gone there should be no complaints over having more players available for more games! You'll face a week at some point where you'll need that chip

  15. DAZZ
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Would you bench Bamford or Watkins for Antonio?

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

      Villa now have 2 games

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

    Villa Newcastle added to GW19

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

      Just seen that ... interesting and pleasing because I have 2 Villa 😀

  17. Pompel
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Can get this for a -8 :

    Martinez** Areola**
    Cancelo** Stones** Coufal** AWB** Holding*
    Salah** KDB** Bruno** Grealish** Soucek**
    Wilson** Watkins** Bamford**

    Surely worth a BB , provided selected AVL players are tested negative ?

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

      Should be Bamford*

    2. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yeah - amazing BB team!

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

      If i transferred out Kane and Son then we have similar team, don't know it's good for you on not, lol

  18. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Son to KDB or keep Son and do Stephens to Foden?

    1. Kryptonite666
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I'd be tempted by Foden.

  19. Botman and Robben
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Aston Villa vs Newcastle confirmed added to DGW 19?

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

      Yup on FPL twitter

  20. King Kohli
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    This is a better dgw for Villa defensive assets, facing Newcastle instead of Everton.
    Martinez double digits incoming.

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

    Yessss so glad held the Villa assets, even better fixtures now!

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

      9 players out with covid. U think they are all back next wednesday?

  22. Kryptonite666
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Is Grealish a keep or a sell? Son v Grealish who scores more next week ?

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

      Grealish

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

      Keep grealish surely. Been in great form all season and has a double next week.

  23. sthelenslad92
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Do we know if VIlla v Newcastle will be GM19 or GW20 yet?

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

      19 it's already on there.

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

    Bloody Wilson..

    I keep wanting to get rid but hard with a dgw.

    If Martial isn’t injured then a hit gets me to 16 DGW, Son, Bamford and Holding.

    That’s a very tempting bench boost

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

      Apparently Martial injury isn't as bad as first feared. I have a Wilson dilemma too.

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

        That’s good news. Is even take 30 mins v Liverpool and 90 v Fulham.

        Though I was all set to get vardy in depending on fitness report.

        Options, options, options

  25. FlockofSeagulls
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    I don't know if this is a dumb question but I'm struggling to decide who to start out of Bamford or Son? Is Son the obvious answer here??

    My other 10 starters all have a double.

    1. Kryptonite666
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      No question. Son

      Bamford or Wilson ?

      1. FlockofSeagulls
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks. For you I'd say Bamford. Newcastle never convince me and although I think Wilson is the better striker I think Bamford gets better supply and chances.

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

        Bamford or Wilson is tough. I’m leaning Wilson if I don’t bench boost

    2. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Bench boost

      1. FlockofSeagulls
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks but I already used BB. I have FH and WC left.

  26. Gobigorgohome
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Now Villa vs City is a risk

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

      Doubt it considering they're just rescheduled the Newcastle game for 23rd.

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

      Urm, how and why

  27. Sarri-ball
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Now newcastle have a double who better longterm pick

    A) antonio (def better gw19)
    B) Wilson (harder gw19) but prefer longterm

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

      Antonio, Newcy are shocking

  28. Ibra
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    McCarthy*
    Cancelo - Balbuena - Targett
    Salah (C) - Bruno - Mane - Son* - Grealish
    Antonio - Bamford*

    Forster* - Alioski* - Brewster* - Mitchell*

    * single gw players

    Is this good enough for next gw?

  29. A. PRISE
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Would you BB this:

    Johnstones [WOL (A), WHU (A)]
    Dallas [BHA (H)]
    Saka [NEW (H)]
    Rafinha [BHA (H)]

    1. Assisting the assister
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I am similar - but yeah might just do it to get it done as they will all at least play and have good fixtures

  30. Assisting the assister
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Safe to do Adams>Antonio yet?