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

    Vardy and kdb owner

    I really hate the thought of bringing in kane and son

    feels like if I do it's not fun because everyone owns them and If I don't there is a high chance I'll be heavily punished when they haul

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

      I wanted to bring in Kane but not like this. Could be a messy few weeks

    2. Stormbringer22
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Exactly what I said on the previous page. Boring transfers but needed as a shield. Otherwise, every G+A combo they rack up you will see your rank plummet by 100K a piece

    3. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Why don’t you go for one and take a punt elsewhere then?

      Kane+Maddison/Barnes/Grealish/Rashford

    4. MIDIMAN2010
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Same boat. Took out Son for KDB for DGW.. so it sucks!

      Not panicking is key.

      We could either bring back Son or Gundo or Maddison next GW. Which frees up funds for Kane for Vardy the following GW.

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

        Thinking of this and benching vardy for coufal, holding or esr

        1. MIDIMAN2010
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          I’ll be putting Coufal in for Vardy.

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

    I am cursed with Vardy I'm sure

    1. Stormbringer22
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Vardy has been a troll for me too. I think this will be the last time I have him in my FPL team. Too old now and next season will not be worth it I think

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

        yep 100% cutting my losses with him!

    2. Mr. O'Connell
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I literally tossed a coin on whether to do Vardy in for Kane for a hit last week. 9 points down on the deal currently and will have to take another hit to remove. Last time I owned him this season I wildcarded him out before the City hattrick. Absolute troll. Also how did he not score from 7 shots against Southampton either!?

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

        Don't think I've had a decent run of returns from him since 2015/16! I always have him in and out but I never reap the rewards like everyone else seems to

        1. Mr. O'Connell
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Yeah he's made the list for sure. Horrific player to watch when you're cheering him on as well. I wouldn't mind taking hits if I'd banked some points already this week, but I only got 57 of them.

  3. Michelle Davin
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Probabky not a good idea to wildcard?

  4. merin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Best use of the FT? KDB -> Gundogan?

    Martinez Steer
    Chilwell Cancelo Coufal Dallas KWP
    Salah KDB Bruno Son Soucek
    Antonio Bamford Watkins

    1 FT, 0 ITB

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

    Vardy out but think i'll ride it out a week and then get DCL.

    Who to start in his place?

    A) Coufal (cpa)
    B) Dallas (new)

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

      I was going to post the same question. I’m actually leading towards Dallas based off a gut feeling, but I reckon most will say Coufal

  6. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    DCL 😎

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

      Here we go 😉

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

      Didn't realise he'd fallen as low as 7.6, very nice indeed.

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

      Lets ride

  7. Siva Mohan
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Cavani nailed?

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

      No - but should keep starting for a while

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

    So, lads, who should I replace KDB with considering the following lot?

    Martínez / McCarthy
    Dias / Stones / Cresswell / Saïss / Dallas
    Salah / KDB / Bruno / Grealish / Soucek
    Antonio / Watkins / Bamford

    Rash? Maddison? Gündogan? Foden? Any one of these stand out or is it pretty much a toss-up?

    Cheers!

  9. McSauce
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Arsenal taking Mat Ryan! Interesting one.....

  10. Jealous Viper
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Kdb out pushes me in a corner. Don't really feel keen on doubling up on Spurs since I already have Kane. Will shift him out for either Salah or Sterling, probably Salah but he doesn't excite me either

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Definitely Salah over Sterling

      1. Jealous Viper
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Tough one tbh. Both not on great form. Fixtures push me to Sterling but rotation risk pushes me back to Salah. Might double up on Rashford

    2. MIDIMAN2010
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I’m tempered by KDB>Sterling Punt. I know he hasn’t been a great form but he capable of haul on the next 3 GW easily

  11. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Best move?

    A. KDB >> Son
    B. KDB >> Gundog (money for Kane or Son next week).

    McCarthy
    Robbo, Dias, Coufal
    Salah, Bruno, KDB*, Raphina
    Antonio, Bamford, DCL
    (Johnstone, Lowton, Soucek, Dallas)

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

      B

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Problem then is which of that front 3 do I sell for Kane?

        I guess I just go Soucek >> Son.
        Hmm

    2. Jealous Viper
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      B

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks. Who would you then sell for Kane? Or upgrade Soucek to Son?

        1. Jealous Viper
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Bamford maybe if you really want Kane but I prefer Soucek to Son

    3. Stormbringer22
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      B

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers. Who to then get in out of Spurs?

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

    Second thoughts on Gundo. I may go for the City back 3 triple up and get another mid for KDB.

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

      Agree, don’t Think Gundogan is worth it, can’t see him continue to score

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

        5.5 on pens, advanced, and in form with good fixtures. Just based off all that alone he is worth it. Can't really debate it IMO

      2. boc610
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        really ?he is first choice pen taker now

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

    With all this extra cash people will start bringing Auba in, he'll probably haul too. Casuals win again!

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

      If Arsenal had slightly better fixtures I might have considered this, although realistically Saka is great value until we see if Auba is going to get back to the form he had for so long

    2. Mika-eel
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      You read my mind :). Just checked his price.

  14. pablo discobar
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Tempted with Rashford for Sheff utd

    1. Jealous Viper
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Same. Other options don't seem to be so much better

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

    Imagine owning Vardy in the first place.

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

      Yep, with 11G 8A this season I can't see why anyone would ever own him 😆

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

        He's been great the last 5. LOL

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

          Yeah, thankfully guys like Salah have been doing much better! LOL

          Also, still think Dias isn't nailed? 😆

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

            Hahaha you remembered! You were spot on mate. Kudos to you, and I brought him in shortly after that back and forth we had. Cheers

            Salah also plays a different position obviously so that doesn't really relate to Vardy.

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

              Cheers mate

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

      imagine taking a hit to get him in for Kane for the DGW....

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

      It's been 50/50 for me.
      He hurted me more when I sold him (GW14) than when I owned him (capped him GW12) so...

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

    May get back onto the Sterling train.

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

      Scary thought. Think I am going Kdb/Bamford>DCL/Son next week

    2. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      It’s more of a sleeper train right now

    3. boc610
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      next stop ...3 points

  17. tafrère
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Since I wilcarded in GW18, I consider that I have a strong bench. My bench order for GW20 is : Coufal, Justin, ESR.
    Would you take a -4 to do Vardy > Kane anyway, or start one of the above ? Not sure about it tbh.

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

      Same situation, think i might do it

  18. RamaJama
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Think kdb out is good or bad for Sterling?

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

      Bad

    2. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Bad

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

      Who cares hes the second most wasteful player in the league behind the Egyptian fraud

  19. Mr. O'Connell
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    So Kane to Vardy for a hit cost 13 points in the end. Good to know.

  20. Quan MisTaka
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Is

    Salah + KDB + Brewster > Son + Maddison + Kane (-8)

    abit too much this week?

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

      Just KDB to Son for free

  21. CABAYE4
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Hi all, no KDB so no forced use of FT this week. Any thoughts on the below?

    McCarthy (Johnstone)
    TAA Coufal Stones (Justin Mitchell)
    Salah Bruno Son Soucek Raphinha
    Kane Bamford (Adams)

    A. Save FT
    B. TAA to Dias
    C. Raphinha to Saka
    D. Other suggestion

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

      B

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

    Best KDB replacement?
    A) Sterling
    B) Son
    C) Gundo

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

      A

    2. Party time
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Son

      • markymark
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        A

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

        B or C. Th funds plus one of them is miles better than Raheem

      • RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        B or C. A is just trying to use the money up for no reason. He’s playing crap and KDB will make it worse.

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

          Yeah thanks for this. I often get sucked into “premium” assets solely due to their price.
          I think Gundogan looks really nice, and thinking about it the only reason I’m not sure is due to his low price?

          1. RAFA THE GAFFA
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Yeah exactly. I think it’s very common tbh. I’m similar. I think you can’t go much wrong with Gundo at that price. Just hope no KDB doesn’t affect his output

    3. Mr. O'Connell
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Wildcard it is!!

    4. Slurpy
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I hate everyone in my team apart from son

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

      I feel bad here having to lose KDB and Vardy but you just know there are some poor suckers out there that did early transfers to bring them in

    6. tafrère
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Too bad. Vardy was a good captain differential for GW21.

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

        Yeah, real shame. Might get Sterling instead to cap next week

    7. Heisenberg W. W.
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Looking to ship Kdb, Adams and Soucek for Gundogan, Kane and Harvey Barnes

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

      Vardy to Kane next week, means I have to start two of

      A) Dallas (NEW a)
      B) Soucek (CRY a)
      C) Raphinha (NEW a)

      or

      D) take a hit and do Soucek > Gundo (WBA a)

      Thoughts?

      1. Heisenberg W. W.
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        The aggressive approach would be to take the hit and get Gundo in. Otherwise, prob Dallas and Raph imo

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

          Thanks. Yeah, that would mean triple leeds, but I can actually see them thrashing Newcastle. But Gundogan could be a keeper...

    9. Slurpy
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Gundogan on pens now?

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

        Yes

      2. boc610
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        yep

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

      Can someone announce there is a round of FA cup games before the next league fixtures.

      PLEASE STOP BUYING PLAYERS!!

      Want gundo - but looks like his price is going up tonight, so frustrating.

      1. Mr. O'Connell
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Lol you're talking to a brick wall

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

        Part of the game. Chose TV or more information.

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

        Oh no I'll never have enough ITB with all those fund tied up in KDB & Vardy... 😐

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

          could be tight - was planning on shipping KDB.

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

        He costs so little if you are chucking KDB...must have a serious reason for buying now before cup games

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

          Thats my point - whats the advantage to getting him in now?

          I can kind of understand early transfers, but when there is a full round of cup games to go - why not wait!