Football Index

How upcoming European fixtures will impact Football Index players


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The new year is now in full swing and there are some indicators that it might be an improvement on the previous wretched edition.

But one thing is currently remaining resolutely 2020 – the chaotic fixture list.

That does at least provide certain opportunities, whether you’re a Fantasy Premier League (FPL) manager or a Football Index (FI) trader.

Football Index is the ‘football stockmarket’, a real-money betting platform where you can buy and sell footballers.

You buy shares in individual players whose value can rise or fall depending on their performance both on and off the field.

I’m actively using FI this season with more than a nod to FPL, seeing which aspects of each game marry up, and which don’t.

‘The more the merrier’, in terms of fixtures, applies to both games.

But it is especially true on FI because more club fixtures are relevant, with the game covering all of the major continental leagues and the pan-European Champions and Europa leagues.

That means there’s an incredibly busy few weeks coming up for the English teams involved in Europe.

Those still playing Champions League football – Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea – have eight fixtures covered by FI’s Match Day Dividends to come between now and the end of February.

The four sides in the Europa League’s Round of 32 – Arsenal, Leicester, Manchester United and Spurs – have nine.

All of that doesn’t factor in FA Cup duties either, which won’t figure in FI business, but will ramp up the rotation risks.

So while it’s highly unlikely that any player will feature across all of those matches, picking out a few who will play a major part could prove lucrative, particularly when FI’s In-Play Dividends come to an end early next month and longer-term considerations begin to inform market moves more prominently again.

Of the seven teams mentioned, Man United look to have one of the best schedules, with Sheffield United, Arsenal, Southampton, Everton, West Brom, Newcastle and Chelsea in the league, and two Europa League games against Real Sociedad.

Bruno Fernandes, available around the £7.00 mark, remains the most expensive player on FI, although his current share price is a good deal down from a recent peak of £8.93 in late November last year.

A rather less pricey purchase involves Marcus Rashford (£2.72). In FPL, the England international is second only to Fernandes in terms of points (92 v 135) and he’s been in decent form, with two goals and an assist from the four matches leading up to Sunday’s 0-0 draw with Liverpool.

Cross town rivals City are in a good place.

Unbeaten in their last 10 league starts, their schedule isn’t as kind as United’s, but a Champions League match-up with Borussia Monchengladbach suggests the strong possibility of advancement to the quarter finals and across those last 10 league games, they’ve scored 21 goals and conceded just two.

John Stones (£0.91) has been the talk of FPL’s Double Gameweek 19 thanks to a 21-point haul against Crystal Palace, but for the same price you could try a punt on one Sergio Aguero.

Is he in Pep Guardiola’s plans? Here’s what the City boss said on Tuesday:

“We need Aguero. Sergio is a player who can create for himself and win a game by himself, but he has not been with us for a long time. We want him back as soon as possible.”

With such a congested fixture list, fresh players are gold dust. When that player is the club’s record goal scorer, £0.91 a share could be a steal.

Lastly, Leicester.

Brendan Rodgers’ side are in form – unbeaten in six league matches and with back-to-back 2-0 victories under their belt – and while their schedule is a mixed affair ( Everton, Leeds, Fulham, Wolves, Liverpool, Aston Villa and Arsenal), they have two Europa League games with Slavia Prague to sweeten the deal.

The Foxes have also found a way to win with reduced input from Jamie Vardy, which is just as well while Rodgers continues to manage the talisman’s ongoing hip issues.

The striker has just the one goal (albeit three assists) over that recent fine run.

Instead, midfielders James Maddison (£1.30) and Harvey Barnes (£0.84) have picked up the goalscoring slack, with three apiece and six each for the season as a whole.

But if he did reach his FI potential as a Chelsea and England regular I don’t think he’d have any problem clearing £4. So a good balance of risk reward here in my view.


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634 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Tango74
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Kevin de Bruyne: Manchester City midfielder out for four to six weeks

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

      Internet Explorer?

    2. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      We’ve read previous comments so know that

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

      Whaaaaaaaat? You'll be suggesting I captain Gundogan next 😉

    4. Tango74
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Oops sorry

      What now ?

      Kane or gundogan or Sterling??

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

    If Fernandes gets 90 minutes on Sunday he could get a rest vs SUtd.

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

      What I'm afraid of as well.

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

      Real chance to win the league, I think he’ll be rested in the cup or not at all.

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

      Good point - moves armband to Cancelo

    4. Threat Level Midnight
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Very very slim. The league is priority and the PE teacher has made that clear previously.

  3. Pukki Blinders
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Gundogan is a trap.

    Thank you

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

      A trap with some fantastic stars of late to back him.

      But yeah, maybe. Yet to see what KDB being out does to him positionally.

    2. Yankee Toffee
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      KDB was a trap this time around.

      You're welcome.

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

        This, not worth the price this season.

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

    Lads, how is this team looking? 3 transfers away from it

    Johnstone
    Cancelo, Stones, TAA
    Salah, Bruno, Gundo, Grealish
    Bamford, Kane, Antonio

    Bench: 4m, Justin, Burke, Mitchel
    ITB: 1.7m

    Too less Leicester?

    I'd be getting rid of Dallas, Soucek and Vardy

    1. Threat Level Midnight
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Very much a fan. Rather have Dias than Stones but otherwise its good.

  5. Threat Level Midnight
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Bottomed a few pages back

    Already did Soucek>Gundo due to potential price movement. Is it worth getting KDB out for a hit this week or am I gtg? I feel like I am set but do think a United asset, or even James Rodriguez would be an interesting differential with their fixtures and potentially full health squad. Thoughts?

    McCarthy
    TAA/Robbo/Dias/AWB
    Bruno (C)/ Mane/ Gundo/Saka
    Bamford/Antonio

    Forster/Coufal/Brewster/Kdb

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

    Have Cancelo, Robertson & Taylor.

    Should probably get a 2nd City defender.

    A) Taylor > Dias
    B) Robbo > Dias
    C) Taylor > Stones
    D) Robbo > Stones

    With A/C I'd surely have to play them & bench Raphinha (NEW). Unless I bench one of Salah/Vardy/Robertson..

    1. Threat Level Midnight
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A for me. I feel that Stones will be rotated with Laporte soon. Laporte is just a better defender, simple as that.

    2. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A

  7. Corona is not good 4 U
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    What to do with this horror show? I really do not know?

    Mc. Carthy, Johnstone
    Dias, Stones, Robertson, Coufal, Dallas
    Fernandes, Salah, Foden, Soucek, Raphinha
    Kane, Bamford, Adams

    1 free transfer and 1.3 in the bank.

    Thank you!

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

      How is that a horror show?! Sure, Liverpool struggling by their high standards but that is a good team in the main. Could even save your FT

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

    Vardy injured. Brilliant, now I have absolutely no idea what to do with the extra cash I'm about to get.

    1. Threat Level Midnight
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      What's your team look like?

    2. The Train Driver
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Sometimes having cash ITB is better than being forced to buy expensive underperforming players...

  9. Vardy replacements
    wulfrunian
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Brendan Rodgers: "Jamie Vardy will be out for a few weeks. We’ve been managing him over these number of months and he’s been fantastic but we have a window now that allows him to have an operation on his hernia. Then he’ll be back."

    1. Party time
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Kane straight into my team then

        1. Geoff
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Any thoughts of anyone else? I'm looking at Kane too.

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

            Antonio, DCL or Watkins

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

            Yeah i think Kane is the standout option.Dcl could be a good pick.

          3. Party time
              3 years, 2 months ago

              Just Kane.

              Antonio & Ings are the other 2 to consider imo

        2. Call Me Old Fashioned
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          not sure how I feel now that I rage transferred Zouma and Neto to get Maddison

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

            Gotta love the occasional RT !

        3. The Real Big Vern
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          early transfers done f**k it - Vardy, Soucek and Robbo to Kane Gundog and Digne

      • Top Lad Dakes.
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Would you do KDB to Gundo, or just play Soucek/Dallas this week?

        Tempted by the former

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

          I'm thinking similar.

          I resisted Gundogan 18/19, wanted to see more of him in an advanced role, and I think he's demonstrated his worth. I used to view him as something of a trap but facts change = opinions change.

          KDB > Gundo going to be a very popular move this week, and I might be one of those making it!

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

            But surely KDB being out could tempt Pep into playing Gundo deeper and bringing in one or more of Mahrez/Foden/Bilva

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

              Yes, certainly that risk. Gundo or Maddison for me I think

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

              Possibly, though I would think there's more competition for the front 3 slots than the midfield thre - can't see Rodri and Fernandinho both starting together with next 3 fixtures.

              Plus pens - which is a biggy

      • Mweene
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Zaha being overlooked as a KDB replacement?

        Well up there in terms of points and decent fixtures...

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

          Next please.

      • Sid07
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Kdb to Madison and Brewster to kane (-4)
        1) yes
        2)no

        1. Threat Level Midnight
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          If you can field a starting XI save the Kane move until next week.

      • Tonyawesome69
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        FS Vardy out for a few weeks

        https://twitter.com/BBCRLSport/status/1352616172861218817?s=19

      • Stupendous
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Now Vardy!!!

      • The Mantis
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Vardy and KDB out wow, that'll free up some funds for me - don't need to rush!

      • Party time
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Kdb + Vardy - > Son + Kane.

          Very easy

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

            Yup looks like the move I'll be doing nearer the deadline

            1. Party time
                3 years, 2 months ago

                Done already

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

                  A bit risky when they have the FA Cup game on Monday and deadline is on Tues

                  1. Party time
                      3 years, 2 months ago

                      Wycombe?

                      Not a problem at all. My bench will take care of the rest

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

              Back to my greatest FPL fraud, Raheem Sterling? Damnit, I don't want these thoughts.

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

                He’s looked poor but his points total is similar to KDB and these are the types of teams he can tap a few in against. Could work.

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

                I can see the appeal but fool me twice etc...

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

              Trying not to get blinded by money in the bank...

              Current squad:

              GK: Mccarthay, (Button)
              DEF: Cancelo, Stones, Coufal, Dallas, (Bednarek)
              MID: Saka, Fernandes, Salah, Raphina, (De Bruyne)
              ATK: Antonio, Kane, (Brewster)

              Subbing De Bruyne for Gundogan will leave me with 7m itb... do you think there is a better move? Barnes?

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

              Back to everyone having Kane then! Sub

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

                Had him all along.. he's going nowhere in my team.

            5. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
              • 10 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              Kane and Son ownership going to get even more stupid

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

              Would you start
              1) DDG home to SHU
              2) Martinez away to Burn..

              Close call i reckon!

              1. @persecuted_by_mods
                  3 years, 2 months ago

                  1 otherwise why have him imo

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

                    Well exactly!

                    I did only just bring him in for 18 and dbl, plan will be longer go back to set and forget in martinez, and bank the cash.

              2. Steve The Spud
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 4 Years
                3 years, 2 months ago

                vardy and kdb both MAN DOWN

                my team = in tatters

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

                Vardy out massively hinder Barnes or Maddison as options?

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

                  It won't help them, that's for sure. Been playing a crucial role as a facilitator in recent weeks and Iheanacho is a significant downgrade. Whether that's enough to put you off them is another question...

                2. Tango74
                  • 3 Years
                  3 years, 2 months ago

                  Won’t it help as he won’t play , penalties ?

                  1. No Professionals
                    • 6 Years
                    3 years, 2 months ago

                    no, it will make leicester much less effective as an attacking force. Their back up striker is awful.

                3. No Professionals
                  • 6 Years
                  3 years, 2 months ago

                  yes for me. he is such a focal point and pain in the backside for defenders.

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

                  Maddison assist potential definitely takes a dent here.

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

                  I think Barnes might play up top.

                  1. No Professionals
                    • 6 Years
                    3 years, 2 months ago

                    well they're screwed then

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

                    “We’ve played without Jamie before and won. It’s not overly concerning. It’s our best chance of getting him back. Ayoze Perez is a natural striker. He doesn’t threaten the backline as quickly as Vardy, but he’s a great finisher. I‘ve got [Iheanacho] who can offer a threat too."
                    It seems that Rodgers is thinking Perez up front.

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

                      Oh interesting! Thanks. Great record against smaller teams as a flat track bully.

              4. The Train Driver
                • 8 Years
                3 years, 2 months ago

                DCL in after the Leicester game looks a must, question is who for, Bamford, Cavani or Kane.

                Bamford looks like the best bet but he might have a dgw soon.

                Cavani is a nice differential who I think will score good.

                Kane is consistent but have Son as well.

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

                  Yep, DCL now my #1 priority. Differentials in attack are even more crucial with how highly owned the main players will be.

                2. Call Me Old Fashioned
                  • 13 Years
                  3 years, 2 months ago

                  News of the Leeds DGW is only thing keeping Bamford in my team, been looking to get rid but not many options inspire me

              5. No Professionals
                • 6 Years
                3 years, 2 months ago

                well, everyone's team is going to be the same at this rate isn't it.

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

                  Gundo makes all the big boys worth having affordable

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

                  It'll be an enjoyable challenge trying to find ways to get ahead, differentials more crucial than ever.

              6. Yankee Toffee
                • 9 Years
                3 years, 2 months ago

                Who's on pens for LEI w/Vards out?

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

                  For their sake, I hope not Iheanacho.

                2. No Professionals
                  • 6 Years
                  3 years, 2 months ago

                  maddison has taken some in the past i think. it's whether no vardy reduces their chances of winning them.

                3. Party time
                    3 years, 2 months ago

                    Maddison

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

                    Tielemans always takes them when Vardy is subbed off. could be a legit option now.

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

                      Tbf though given Mad's recent comments about numbers I expect he'll throw his hat in. Never gets 90 though.

                  • Yankee Toffee
                    • 9 Years
                    3 years, 2 months ago

                    FFS saying: Vardy, Ayoze Pérez, Tielemans, Maddison, Iheanacho

                  • dunas_dog
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 8 Years
                    3 years, 2 months ago

                    Tielemans I think

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

                  Will u start barnes or dcl?

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

                  Do u think you could conceivably WC next week and set for GW26 and BB? I’m just not a fan of my team

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

                  If anyone wants an extra 7mil I don't need all my budget.

                  1. No Professionals
                    • 6 Years
                    3 years, 2 months ago

                    i'll just give you my bank details yeah?

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

                      Yes please, just along with your mother's maiden name.

                7. Tsparkes10
                  • 5 Years
                  3 years, 2 months ago

                  Vardy out... Was gonna save :/