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. b91jh
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Obviously too much money on the back after the mighty 8-pointer bench boost.. how would u manage this team?

    Martinez
    Dallas Dias Cresswell Cancelo
    Salah Bruno(c) Grealish
    Antonio Bamford Kane

    Johnstone Soucek RJames Raphinha

    1.1itb

    James/Raphinha/Salah the potential exits?

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

    Not sure if posted, Rodgers:

    “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."

    If he does go with Perez up top (where I think he's always been best) I think he's well worth a punt

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

      I've had very bad Perez experiences in the past...

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

    Any one considering Iheanacho for next week if he fills in for Vardy and looks good?

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

      Problem is he never looks good.

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

      He won't look good. Perez might though.

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

        Hahaha yeah Perez can play well up top for sure. I think he's better there anyway.

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

    Anyone with Bruno not capping next GW?

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

      Gundo (C)

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

        Not a bad shout

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

        This is tempting as well

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

      I like pain, going with Rashford.

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

      Doubt it now.

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

      Seems the standout option. Don't mind a sneaky DCL for a huge differential

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

        Leicester look good at the back

    5. Joey Tribbiani
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I dont see many other options, who you thinking off captaining?

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

        Toying with the idea of Cancelo captain

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

          Currently on him, but only 1 attacking return in 14 makes me want to think with my head. Feeling to go differential this week, so either Cancelo, Gundo or Bamford for me.

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

      Me, not really convinced by any of my options though, tempted by Kane though, I think Liverpool will have a proper go at Spurs which will naturally leave them a bit open

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

      Only other player I'd consider is Cancelo or Son. Still even with Pogba, it's Bruno vs the worst side in the league now without another key defender. Simple decision to cap.

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

      Currently on Bruno but might get convinced to go with Cancelo instead

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

      On Bruno for now but considering Cavani(C).

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

    How’s this for a plan?

    Gw20 - kdb soucek > rashford gundo -4
    Gw21 - vardy > Kane

    Salah kdb Bruno saka soucek
    Vardy bamford Brewster

  6. Boz
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Gundogan feels like a trap the same way Yaya always used to

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

      Was Yaya a trap?

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

        When he playing more as a DM but then come up with a thunderbolt

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

      you mean the 241 points Yaya season?

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

    Of course Vardy is announced injured after I take out Wood and KDB for Kane and Gundo. Not sure whether to bench Vardy and make a transfer next week or to take a -4 for someone else. I never seem to learn the lesson of holding fire on transfers until deadline - trigger fingers.

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

      A lot of people here seemed set on taking a hit this week with the KDB injury and this complicates things further, you won't be alone if you go down that route. Heck I'm contemplating a -8 at this stage due to KDB and Vardy

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

      If you haven't learnt to wait this season with everything that's been happening, you're never going to.

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

      When did you make the move, Today? If so, why would you have at least not waited for all the press conferences?

      And preferable after the FA cups game.

      What happens if Kane and Gundo both get crocked in the cup?

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

        This season has been one of chaotic choices I'll be honest, really not sure how I'm still hovering around 100k with some of the decisions I've made. Having said that, Wood has annoyed me enough, him not taking the penalty yesterday was the final straw, so he was never seeing the starting XI either way. If Kane/Gundo get injured then that's just my luck, so let's hope not haha!

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

          Ah - so a classic rage transfer!

          Your still well ahead of me, so maybe its working out for you.

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

            You got a solid team going forward - who're you thinking to replace KDB with?

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

              Few choices!
              Gundo and invest elsewhere.

              Sterling as a gamble.

              Maddison.

              I'm feeling maybe Gundo, and upgrade Wilson to Cavani sooner rather than later.

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

                Getting Gundo in will definitely give you more flexibility I think - will be a great differential in the form he's in.

                Sterling would appear to be the more obvious replacement, but he's been so underwhelming this season, but he may very well pop up with one of those hattricks of his.

                Not sold on Maddison, seems like a bit of a purple patch, but a decent option with the fixtures coming up - though not sure how that affects things with Vardy being out.

                Cavani is an interesting option, considered him myself - will keep tabs on him in the next two and decide between him and Ings as the Vardy replacement. I think Ings might be a good shout especially if they get a double in GW23 too, but if you're looking for an immediate replacement for Wilson then you're best of gambling on Cavani.

  8. GS456
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Transfers last week: Son & Kane > KDB & Vardy (-4)

    This week likely to be the reverse.

    love this game!

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

      hard to predict injuries, just bad luck but it seems this is not a season to try to play maverick

      1. GS456
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah i'm 500k but thought why not. May as well go back to the comfort blanket of Kane & Son as isn't a lot else

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

      D'oh!!

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

    Main benefit of getting Sterling is the prospect of capping him GW21 vs Sheff Utd. Could be a fantastic differential cap and his returns have been decent for the past few weeks. Difficult, however, to get over the fact that this a different, more conservative City side from previous years and his explosive hat-tricks could be stuff of the past

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

      This is why I'll go Sterling and hope I don't fall foul of Pep roulette.

    2. Joey Tribbiani
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Didnt even think about that, im sold.

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

        So damn enticing

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

      Spurs away to brighton is strong alternative.

      But yeah, Raheem does look a good gamble.

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

      I hope you get your Sterling pen assists so I can get my Gundo pen goals 🙂

  10. dshv
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    1. Vardy for who (-4)
    2. Play soucek

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

      1. Kane

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

      2. Can't see Kane getting more than a goal vs L'Pool, so even with 3 BPS that's a net of 5 points. Even if Soucek blanks that will be at most 3 points more, so there's no real big gain from bringing in Kane this week.

  11. AC/DC AFC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    KDB out for 4 to 6 weeks and up to 10 games.

    Does that give Manchester United, Spurs or even Leicester a better chance at title glory?

    And Liverpool too.

    https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/de-bruyne-injury-city-liverpool-19681430#source=push

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

      Liverpool are sh*te so no, Spurs and United need to use this to get ahead. Especially now with KDB out as well.

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

      He's their best player so it weakens them. I know they won the title in the year he missed loads of games but that was a different City team. Aguero, Kompany and David Silva were all there. Fernandinho was younger then and Sterling way more productive.

      I really think Pogba and Bruno could push United very close now.

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

    Vardy came in on my WC in 16. Since then 1, 5, 2, 2, injured. It's boring but going to have to bring Kane in. Such a lack of convincing premium options in the game.

    I was thinking about getting Sterling but 11.4 is too much for a punt on him when you have the likes of Maddison and Grealish who are 4M cheaper.

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Kane is great.

      Vardy away except for the exception against Brighton I think!

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

        I'm a Spurs fan and I love to have Kane in my team. Took him out a few weeks back for Kev when our fixtures looked bad. I'm actually relieved I can bring him back quite easily now. Trent and Vardy to Stones and Kane is too good to turn down.

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

      Atleast I got vardys good weeks also but kept mostly for the dgw and then 2 blanks and now this

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

        I was really looking forward to having Vardy for this upcoming run of fixtures. Ah well.

  13. AC/DC AFC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    I think the best plan is not to plan and enjoy the FA Cup and have a relaxing weekend off ffs!!

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Anyone advocating less planning?

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

    As third Manc player, have Diaz and stones

    A) Robertson to cancelo
    B) soucek to gundogan for -4 (need downgrading someone else)
    C) salah to Sterling
    D) none

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

      Dont think you need three

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

    Sterling worth it with KdB been out? Might just double up on ManU with Bruno and Rashford

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

    Gundo or Rashford as a KDB replacement?
    I have a slight rotation concern with Gundogan, and also whether he continues his output with no KDB

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

      I really like Rashford next GW as a potential captain
      2G, 2A in last 2 games vs. Sheff Utd
      Key defender Egan suspended
      Has been rested vs. no rest yet for Bruno
      But Gundo has better combined fixtures over the next 3 (WBA + BUR vs. ARS + SOU) and there is a huge differential in price that allows an upgrade elsewhere
      Gundo will be deeper without KDB and we have to bear in mind KDB has created over a third of Man City's big chances this season - so it's a bit of an unknown if they'll be as strong going forward

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

    Who the hell is left to buy? Now Vardy is out... what kind of disaster is this

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

      I think I'm getting Sterling so he can let me down again

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

        Don't forget his partners Foden and Rashford

  18. Tshelby
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    KdB and Soucek to Rashford and Maddison (-4) seems like something

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

      Thinking the same but with gundogan instead of Maddison.

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

        Don't understand the Gundogan love to be honest surely not with KdB out

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

          Pens

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

    The guy who's 8th in the world says he going to 'Deal with vardy next week'

  20. Danno - Emre Canada
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Haha this season keeps on giving. What’s wrong with Vardy now? Just got him in for a hit, so now out for a hit eh?

    1. Danno - Emre Canada
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      No chance to make up any ground at all now

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

      Had an operation, out for a few weeks.

      1. Danno - Emre Canada
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Arrr thanks, just read, hernia op pah I had one of them played gold the next day and went to a Pantera concert that night hahaah

        1. Danno - Emre Canada
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          But helps the Bees game at least

  21. The Big Fella
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    I brought in Dias for Taylor a couple of days ago to avoid the price fall/rise. I am now debating a -4 for KDB to Gundogan. Is it worth taking a hit for?

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

    Save FT? 1.8m in the bank

    Martinez
    Konsa Holding Stones
    Son Salah Bruno Foden
    Kane Antonio Bamford

    Steele Soucek Mitchell Kilman

    Cheers

    1. JoeJitzu +42
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Looks good, maybe Kilman to Cancelo or Dias but that gives a benching headache perhaps

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

    Start barnes or dcl?

    1. JoeJitzu +42
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Toss a coin there?!

  24. JoeJitzu +42
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Who exits to get Kane?

    A. Bamford (will leafs return to form)
    B. Antonio (seems most in form but is injury prone) or
    C. Watkins (probably most likely to give way but has many games in hand)

    1. JoeJitzu +42
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      ffs...*Leeds
      My apologies!!!