Pro Pundits

Why I’m looking at Mason Greenwood and Ricardo Pereira as FPL differentials

FPL BlackBox co-host Az discusses two players who could help propel him into the top 100k in the run-in.


It was quite painful being mocked by Mark on FPL BlackBox for my Gameweek 31 “Mildcard”. The pain was eased a bit by a good score and a ninth green arrow in 11 weeks to propel me up to just outside the top 100k at the time of writing.

In truth, I didn’t want to build a team of players that I knew most in my situation would be turning to, but I found it very difficult to look elsewhere given the form and future potential of players such as Kelechi Iheanacho (£6.1m), Diogo Jota (£7.0m) and Jesse Lingard (£6.6m). 

In the same way that I don’t advocate using Effective Ownership to ignore differential options, I’m also not a fan of using it to try and be too “clever” and avoid players who are undoubtedly strong options, just to be a bit different.

With the template in place, my attention between now and the end of the season will be to try and identify which players in my team are not pulling their weight and if better options can emerge that may not have seemed so credible a week ago.

The big question marks for me are with Bruno Fernandes (£11.6m) and, of course, Sergio Reguilón (£5.6m). With two free transfers, I am considering my options. With the news that José Mourinho has departed Tottenham Hotspur, it will be very interesting to see how Spurs will adapt and see out the season. It’s hard to comment on potential replacements for Harry Kane (£11.4m) at the moment without knowing the severity of his injury, though, so I will not be focusing too much on that until I hear more.

If Kane is out for a while with yet another ankle injury, Son Heung-min (£9.5m) may be asked to lead the line – which means I’m slightly less keen to lose him now. Fernandes, with just two attacking returns in his last seven games, is becoming more and more of an issue – and a potential way to roll the dice and back against a very highly owned player (57.2%).

Regulión can be a good option on his day and Spurs do have some attractive-looking fixtures after the break, but I wouldn’t have thought that they would suddenly become a more defensively solid unit with Mourinho departing. He remains first on my chopping block.

Below I’ve explored the players that are currently top of my “wish list” to replace Regulion and Fernandes.

Ricardo Pereira (£5.9m, 0.9% ownership)

My Double Gameweek plans and why the Wildcard/Bench Boost tactic has its downside

Az <p>One half of the FPL BlackBox YouTube series with Mark Sutherns.</p><p>Former Membership Strategy Manager for FFS&nbsp;</p> Follow them on Twitter

456 Comments Post a Comment
  1. jtreble
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 hours ago

    Article: “Why I’m looking at Mason Greenwood and Ricardo Pereira as FPL differentials” fails to mention that both players would potentially blank in BGW36. GL.

    1. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 hours ago

      How likely is a BGW36 though and when would the double be if it happens?

  2. Neo-Viper
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 hours ago

    AWB to TAA for a straight swap

    1. Neo-Viper
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 hours ago

      I have Kane to ponder over too!

  3. OLD Rafiki
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 8 hours ago

    have Penandes, Bam bam, jota, Dallas, Son,Salah and no Kane and Lingz .Lol should just quit fpl and wait for ESL.

  4. Ha.
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 hours ago

    On paper my midfield was huge

    Bruno, Salah, Jota and Son on par with TAA

    Funny how things work

  5. Andy_Social
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 8 hours ago

    You heard it here first:

    If this ESL: nonsense goes through, I'm tipping Klopp to be manager of Bayern Munich next season.

    1. Goro Majima
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 7 hours ago

      This thought occurred to me too, though he has said he won't resign.

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 hours ago

      Melbourne Victory after him apparently.

      1. Thomas Magnum
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 hours ago

        He'd be a downgrade from Grant Brebner

  6. ESL: more support outside the UK?
    Eze Really?
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 hours ago

    Hi Huys,
    I would love to know the viewpoint of those who live outside the UK and support the big 6, if they would want the ESL to arrive?

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 hours ago

      For me CL has less appeal than PL. It seems most years it's the same big clubs in CL anyway.

      CL or ESL feels the same. Having no relegation for the big 15 is not a problem as they will be playing for legacy of winning it. Managers will be sacked as per usual and they will still go for the big players paying big bucks.

      CL will still be there (I assume) as well for the clubs not involved in ESL (maybe even the 15 + 5 in time). A culling of.cups.will have to happen. Also CL is a European thing anyways, so I can't see players being banned from playing for their country.

      Why am I thinking like this? I follow rugby union in NZ. When rugby went professional super rugby franchises were created on top of the traditional clubs. There is no relegation but the support for the teams is there and who has won the most is very important. Also the A League in Aus has no relegation yet is fought hard for. So relegation is not a big thing imo.

      Soz just my ramblings.

      1. The FPL Units
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 8 hours ago

        Also the ESL clubs will still be in the PL and the other domestic comps as they need those clubs for their leagues to still be appealing globally imo.

        1. Andy_Social
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 8 hours ago

          Not if they're kicked out and left to rot as they should be. You don't get to 'need' the other clubs and stab them in the back.

          1. The FPL Units
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 8 hours ago

            I reckon they won't be. PL has too much to loose. And fundamentally what is the difference if PL clubs are in CL or ESL? PL will still get a slice of the pie for either comp.

            1. Andy_Social
              • 11 Years
              3 years, 8 hours ago

              I'll tell you the difference. The ESL clubs will prioritise ESL over PL as the bigger money is there. With a crowded fixture list involving ESL, CL, PL and cups, key players will be rested for 'lesser' PL games as they are for FA and Carabao cup games now. The Merseyside derby will be Everton v Liverpool U23s. The integrity of the PL will be degraded. If the clubs don't rest players, world class players will be fatigued, injured, broken and therefore useless for internationals. In short, it just won't work.

              1. The FPL Units
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 14 Years
                3 years, 8 hours ago

                I think all that will depend on the negotiations to come.

              2. 2EyedTurk
                • 8 Years
                3 years, 2 hours ago

                Yep, it'll follow Leinster's (and other Pro14 teams to be fair) example of resting marquee players time and again in the league to concentrate on the Heineken etc. Especially for away league matches, thus making it less appealing to go and watch your team when the Big6 come into town.

        2. Eze Really?
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 8 hours ago

          It will end up like professional wrestling. False rubbish that gets onto a sports channel.

      2. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 8 hours ago

        Tnk for the reply. As an Everton supporter I feel for Liverpool. In the UK I am sure it must be like a stab in the back. My concern is the big 6 leave so do the sponsors. Sky have already done a deal with ESL so they are as bad as everyone else. Will the TV stations expect reparations for losing the market? Will players supported by media payments have to get a pay cut? Will German football take over as the No1 national league if the don't join the ESL? Make no mistake, these clubs are ready for the fight and all will ultimately suffer.

        1. The FPL Units
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 8 hours ago

          Good points which is why I think the clubs will end up staying in their domestic comps and the negotiation is to come.

          1. Eze Really?
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 5 hours ago

            Let us hope so but it I am not sure EUFA will allow it. Then English football is in deep dung. It is what the other big leagues wanted for years. Jealousy!

        2. Andy_Social
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 8 hours ago

          I found the post-match rants by Neville and Carragher fascinating. Theyu pulled no punches. And they seem to have panicked Sky into releasing a statement saying they were not part of any discussions over the ESL. Interesting if true - did these CEOs make this decision without having lucrative TV contracts guaranteed?

          1. Eze Really?
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 7 hours ago

            Sky are worried about the likes of Amazon. It obviously hurts them so they have to move to ESL. I just wonder if the PL market is strong enough to deal with it by using the romantic aspects of their brand.

      3. waldo666
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 7 hours ago

        The A-League is sinking into obscurity and imo the lack of a relegation system hurts the competition and the wider game.

        1. Thomas Magnum
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 7 hours ago

          Agree to an extent, A-League has been sinking into obscurity ever since active supporters were pushed out of the game with Victory & WSW support especially has not been the same since.
          Victory have been far and away the worst time in the competition this season but should they be relegated the A-League loses it's most popular team and Victory will most likely not recover. Relegation whilst is still a few years away for sure, will be necessary. Can't have the most played grassroots sport in the country having such dire attendances and TV ratings, it's not sustainable

          1. RichardNixon
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 24 mins ago

            There's no relegation or promotion in the A-league cos there isn't a second division! Who is to be promoted?? And let's not compare the A-league to the highest echelons of the game that will form ESL.

        2. Eze Really?
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 5 hours ago

          Can we compare the A league with this financial monster though. What frightens me is the up front money they will get. This has been planned for a long time. It will tear apart football for a long time.

    2. KING KOUNDER
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 hours ago

      Am following football for the past 16 years from India, ESL will kill football, football is about drama, am from a country where cricket is the religion and I shifted to football because of how often the small teams beat the big teams.

      Football will be dead if this thing goes through, I hope England have it in them to stop these Americans from taking away their livelihood. If not, need something else to get hooked to.

      1. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 8 hours ago

        There are only 2 things that can stop it. The players refuse to play which I doubt because they are mostly money grabbers with a short career. Secondly, government, who can stop it through unfair trading. The second one is more likely if the politicians get cojones.

        1. Andy_Social
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 8 hours ago

          The third - is the people. I'm astonished at the force and unanimity of the resistance. If only there was such passion over racism in football. It seems to be the CEOs are utterly out of touch with the fans and have been caught short. If all of us - fans, players, managers, non-6 clubs shout loud enough, I think the plan will collapse. Klopp was clearly deeply hurt yesterday - he and his players don't want to be villains on Merseyside - he understands the bond with the community that a TV franchise will destroy. I reckon Rashford will step up and speak for the players. They don't have to break contract and refuse to play - it is enough that players and managers state loud and clear that they stand with the fans. Enough noise globally will spook the TV companies and sponsors who won't commit to a toxic project if it is made clear that that is what it will be.

          1. Eze Really?
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 7 hours ago

            I hope you are right but my pessimism remains. They have 2 years funding up front. They have thought this through and have the financial cushion. They are playing the the fans being fickle and putting up with it when the storm subsides.

    3. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 hours ago

      I'm not from the UK and only care for my local club. In saying that, I used to be big into the EPL and UCL etc. But Covid lockdown taught me there's more important things to invest my time in then watching sport teams and athletes that couldn't care less about me and the majority of their supporters. I won't bother to stay up late and watch a 90 minute EPL match anymore when I can wake up the next morning and watch a 25 minute mini match if the score line is interesting. This will be the same for me when it comes to the ESL. I am neither for nor against it, as it does not effect me.
      In saying that, I really do feel for the fans of these 6 clubs, those who have been with their team through thick and thin, those who have been putting time and money into them, and those in the future generations who will not be able to experience what we have taken for granted.
      Soon the ESL will be the norm and the kids of the future will say Ronaldo/Messi weren't that great because they didn't prove themselves in the ESL, or something along those lines.
      I hope this somehow will mean that the English FA return to to their roots and give back the power to the fans, something which they seem to not have had for years, but I do not have confidence in that, football has been on a downward spiral for years imo and this is just another chapter in a dark period...

      1. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 7 hours ago

        I take all your points and agree, Who are the bad guys here? The FA, FIFA and EUFA are as bad as the clubs. Everyone has been greedy money grabbing bastards. The one difference is, they kept football localised.

        1. Andy_Social
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 7 hours ago

          They're all bad guys - money corrupts everything. But that doesn't make them all equal. They've kept the game competitive and gives at least the fantasy of a local club rising through the ranks to glory. Who the hell dreams of being a future Spurs supporter, perennially 15th in the ESL?

          1. Eze Really?
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 6 hours ago

            Agreed

        2. Thomas Magnum
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 7 hours ago

          In my opinion I think that they're all basically as bad as each other. They've all been corrupted by all this new wealth. I wouldn't even have been surprised that if in the future owners would try to relocate their clubs if the price was right (but not sure if there's rules/laws prohibiting that). Yes, they keep football local although I'm sure if they had the chance they wouldn't

          1. Eze Really?
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 6 hours ago

            Nice to see everyone on the same page.

            1. Andy_Social
              • 11 Years
              3 years, 5 hours ago

              What odd about this is the sheer unanimity against the proposal. I saw a survey saying 76% are against - but I've not one of the alleged 14% pro it. Not even the most bone-headed neoliberal football fan is coming out in favour.

              1. Eze Really?
                • 9 Years
                3 years, 5 hours ago

                It feels like 99.9%. I honestly have not seen anyone embrace it yet.

              2. RedLightning
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 13 Years
                3 years, 2 hours ago

                The FFS Poll currently shows 83% against it (1,712 votes),
                5% in favour (103 votes)
                and 12% undecided (248 votes).
                But the small minority who like the idea are keeping very quiet!

                1. AuFeld
                  • 7 Years
                  3 years, 1 hour ago

                  5% here - i'm embracing the inevitable change

        3. ted mcnure
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 7 hours ago

          You make some excellent points- thank you.
          While this ESL project stinks, it is the logical next step of commercialism destroying integrity in sport.
          I am deeply concerned about the upcoming World Cup in Qatar too, as it whitewashes massive human rights abuses. Over 6000 migrant construction workers have died constructing stadiums there. It has always been my intention to boycott this competition.
          I guess I will have to find an alternative to follow. I hope lower league and grass roots football enjoys our increased support, along with women´s football.
          The only power we have is with our wallets as consumers.

          1. Eze Really?
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 6 hours ago

            Yep. Clever move the 15 starting women's football in tandem.

            1. 2EyedTurk
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 2 hours ago

              Makes you think again about Man U's sudden "embracement" of women's football after so long without a team.

    4. Wrench
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 7 hours ago

      I've been a plastic Liverpool fan from Western Australia since 1978. Totally disgusted by the ESL plan, and the way they're trying to force it through, and dismayed that Liverpool have signed up for it. Corporate interests have done enough to ruin the genuine competitive character of football already.

      1. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 hours ago

        You are not plastic for sure. Simply because you care.

    5. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 7 hours ago

      United supporter from Australia and I absolutely hate the idea, I remember reading murmurs some time back thinking no way it would ever happen, the announcement yesterday was a punch in the guts.

      1. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 hours ago

        It was always going to be unfortunately. They chose a perfect time to do it also. Covid= no fans= increased profits for TV.
        FIFA and EUFA both stink so the big 6 can throw it back at them. Big 6 American owners are in financial crap. Spurs have to buy a stadium. Spanish and Italian clubs have been run by idiots financially.

    6. Silver_and_Gold
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 7 hours ago

      Hello, I’m from Poland, supporting Liverpool for 20+ years. For me PL is the best what could happen to football in Europe. Competition, unusual winners, 130 years of tradition. It has all been attacked by big 6 owners who seemingly don’t understand the spirit behind.
      I’m 100% confident, I wont’t watch ESL. I know, I can do it as well as I’m boycotting Polish politicized public TV for 6 years now. Because of that, I haven’t seen national team games, world cup etc. Will manage. The problem is, that 95% won’t give a s... and will be watching ESL. As a result, broadcasting rights will fuel the project with loads of money... As a huge football community we won’t have enough resolve to show them the middle finger. But we can!

      1. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 hours ago

        Good for you mate. The world cup is a case in point, the hierarchy in football are as bad as the owners. But the drama of the PL will never be equaled. The end of an era I feel. Fans will forget very quickly. (TV fans I talk about)

    7. Werkself
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 hours ago

      My perspective (from the US) on this is the same as the vast majority of fans, and I support UEFA, FIFA and national football federations (or governments) in the banning theses teams from all UEFA and FIFA competitions, effective immediately. The linked article here does a nice job of expressing the reasons for my sentiments. https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/soccer-uefa-holds-crisis-meeting-after-breakaway-super-league-launched-2021-04-19/
      And just to be clear, opposing the creation of this league is not an endorsement of of how UEFA and FIFA operate. But a cartel of 15 self-appointed "permanent members" controlling European football would be much worse.

      1. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 hours ago

        Could not agree more. But in the courts, the 15 will be confident to throw corruption at FIFA. They lacked backbone with Man City in FFP too. Not that I agree with FFP. It protects the established. Everton have an owner that cannot throw money at them but he cannot like the old days of Chelsea. Hell know what we will do now building a new stadium.

        1. Werkself
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 5 hours ago

          Well, the one thing that's absolutely certain in this battle is that the biggest winners in this battle, at least in the short term, will be the lawyers.

          1. Eze Really?
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 5 hours ago

            No doubt mate!

    8. jia you
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 hours ago

      Irishman living in Asia and a Manchester United supporter for the past 35 years:
      No
      It's absolutely disgusting

      1. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 5 hours ago

        Could tell by your user name you are Irish (smile) Tnks for the reply

      2. lilmessipran
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 5 hours ago

        My personal opinion on ESL- All the 12 clubs involved are businesses and owners have every right to maximise revenue. IT is reasonable enough that they want to make money and cannot be classified as "greed". UEFA has handled UCL poorly over the years, corrupt organization with no moral integrity, threatening to ban footballers who actually have little say in the matter is preposterous.

        The biggest "negative" against ESL in the format proposed is obviously a lack of fair competition with no promotion and relegation which is a threat to the very fabric of the game in terms of competition and quality of product as a whole. Overall the integrity of domestic leagues would be compromised and UCL will become less relevant.

        Possible Solution -ESL with annual promotion and relegation. The fundamental concept of ESL is refreshing and can be a mobilizing change if implemented correctly. Productive dialogue between ECA and ESL owners is required

    9. Bobby's Teeth
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 hours ago

      I am almost at the verge of quitting watching the sport and the team that I have loved for the last 18-19 years of my life. For me, there is a marked difference between ESL and UCL owing to this 'founding member' bullshit and the fact that they would have permanent status. Think of it even from a PL perspective - even if they don't get banned (though I wish that they do!), until my club has a shot at winning the title, why even bother with the matches - because the competition for top 4 would mean squat as we would still be in ESL.

      The quality of PL would degrade significantly if they allow this to go ahead, I really hope that the other 14 clubs pass a resolution to ban them and if the big six are fine with that, I am done with football.

      1. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 5 hours ago

        You echoe the thoughts of many including me. But it is a bit like an alcoholic saying I am giving up drinking. I think this forum has made it clear but we have other vested interests.

        1. theoldgit
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 4 hours ago

          English, living in Thailand. Been a Chelsea fan since seeing them play in 65.
          Absolutely gutted. Feel as though my life long allegiance has been thrown in the dustbin. Couldn't care less if they have the book thrown at them.
          The good news is, I won't have to get up in the middle of the night to watch them.

          1. Eze Really?
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 3 hours ago

            You ,must be as old as me bud. Agree 100%

          2. Bobby's Teeth
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 2 hours ago

            Exactly my thoughts. I have lived the last two decades of my life accommodating the game's schedule. My loyalty, my allegiance mean nothing and I am glad I understood it sooner rather than later. I would be the happiest if they get banned from PL

    10. Miniboss
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 hours ago

      Living in Finland and supporting a big club. PL is the only league I have interest in novadays. ESL is terrible idea, bin that.

      Also bring back the real CHAMPIONS league, it was more fun with fewer teams who had actually won something the previous year.

      1. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 3 hours ago

        Its all about the Maaarney mate. You so right about CL too.

    11. popey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 hour ago

      Has any seen any data on viewing figures, subscription revenues etc by territory etc, would assume it exists as this is being led by an investment bank. The audacity of the owners to claim this is for the good of the football pyramid is beyond comprehension.

      The phrase that sums it up is that the owners "don't want any more Leicester citys". This year its possible that 4 of the greedy fcks will miss out on the CL and due to financial negligence the clubs will be unsustainable without qualification.

      All this so Man Utd can continue paying their second choice keper £300k pw to sit on the bench.

      Shame on the 12 owners.

    12. Honker Muddlefoot
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 45 mins ago

      I’ve been a Liverpool supporter since we started getting EPL matches televised in the States about 20 years ago, and yesterday was the first time I’ve watched a match and felt numb. All the stakes attached to a top-4 race felt wiped away. I’ve heard talk about the ESL resembling the NFL, NBA, or MLB, but to me, it looks far closer to what happened here with conference realignment in college sports recently (College football and basketball predate the NFL and NBA by decades, so they still carry very large followings, especially in smaller states that don’t have any sports teams beyond the university level.) It’s been horribly destabilizing to century-old leagues and rivalries and taken some of the soul out of the games and left sports that shared the type of tribalism and passion among American fans that football has in the UK feeling more hollow and corporatized.

      1. Honker Muddlefoot
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 39 mins ago

        When I see the proposal for the ESL, it triggered all those warning bells in my head of conference realignment, and I worry about football heading down that same path. The passion is such a huge part of the game, and I worry about it being stripped away for meaningless matches and a big payday in the ESL.

      2. CBonci
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 31 mins ago

        I agree with your point about the college conference re-alignment. All about the money, and this case with the ESL is no different. I’m a Spurs fan in the US and this league would be detrimental to the whole concept of fairness and competition. And what merit do my Spurs have to be in such a league? And no penalty for doing poorly? It’s a sell-out with no regard for what should be important.

    13. Railwayman
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      I'm not from the UK and only care for my local club. I'll I can see that the English clubs are the most greedy ones together with Real, Barca and Juventus. Hope nothing happens, otherwise, I would love to see all of them banned from domestic FA-s, UEFA nad FIFA and the players too, no exception whatsoever. If you love money and The Florentino Perez World Cup (hahahahahahahahahahahahahaa) then go ahead and play for the rich US banks and "ultras" from China and India LOL.

  7. Sz21
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 hours ago

    Any ideas here?
    Martinez.
    Shaw, Rudiger, Burn, Dallas.
    Jota, Salah, Bruno, Lingard.
    Iheanacho, Watkins.
    Steer, Stones, Kane, Son.
    0ft, 0.4m ITB, No more chips.

    Need to make some decent ground in rank but think my team is too template right now.

    1. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 7 hours ago

      Not sure how much you can do without any chips other than ace your C picks, maybe wait until you get 2ft's then look to sell Son and use the funds and have a mini WC, make 2/3 transfers, possibly in conjunction with double gw picks and hope it works out

  8. OLD Rafiki
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 8 hours ago

    created by the poor stolen by the rich.

  9. VincentVega
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 hours ago

    Firstly, no relegation cant be right, that doesn't sit with the whole idea of the sport.

    Personally I like the current set up, I like the CL, its an addition not a replacement.

    I wouldn't swap watching Leeds v Liverpool for more Man Utd v Real Madrid.

    Totally money driven.

    I would have more acceptance if there was promotion / relegation.

    Would I play SL FPL or EPL FPL or both or neither?

    In truth i think neither is more likely for me.

    Change happens, the CL is nothing like the original concept, change isn't inherently bad but NO RELEGATION is anti sport so whatever happens the SL can stuff off as a matter of principle for sure if that stays in place.

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 hours ago

      Plenty of comps have no relegation for all different sports and it hasn't ruined it.

      1. VincentVega
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 8 hours ago

        Doesn't make it right though.

        1. The FPL Units
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 8 hours ago

          I think 'right is a point of view in this discussion.

      2. Wrench
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 7 hours ago

        Usually when the market can only support a limited number of teams.
        AFL and NFL have such competitions without relegation and are only kept relatively balanced (and hence entertaining) by having strict draft and salary cap systems in place. Can't see that happening with football.

      3. waldo666
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 7 hours ago

        But most if not all of them never had relegation to begin with.

  10. DavvaMC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 8 hours ago

    Not sure how true this is?

    https://twitter.com/TransferChecker/status/1384300554831032323

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 hours ago

      It makes sense to me. When it was initially announced, it was 5 from England, City not included. It looks like City was panicked into joining so as to not be left out. But think about it - why did UAE invest in Man City? They don't need the money - the need the soft power of a popular global brand. If the world hates it, City lose something more valuable than the extra cash and that sets them apart from the rest of the ESL breakaways.
      I think it's likely that City pulling out will lead to a collapse of the whole farce.

      1. Old Man
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 7 hours ago

        I hope you're right!

      2. Shaw must go on
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 hours ago

        Are not city and psg owned by the same family?

  11. KEN YA DIG IT
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 hours ago

    Uefa is going through what young men go through when a rich man wants your woman

  12. The Final Boss
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 7 hours ago

    So tuchel basically said kepa likely to start against Brighton right? Wc in tears. Forster coming on and no surprise if mcarthy starts.

      1. The Final Boss
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 7 hours ago

        Yeah Mendy won't start imo.

  13. Hangman Page
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 7 hours ago

    I’ve believed for years that a European Super League was inevitable, but I never expected it to have this closed-shop approach where a selection of so-called “big” clubs qualify every year regardless of domestic performance. I think that is the biggest thing annoying most people, along with the undermining of domestic leagues that will result in.

    My dream outcome is for those involved to be cut adrift from the rest of the game and those left to redesign football into a fairer more level playing field. I’d love to see remaining English clubs under more fan ownership, a salary cap and a bigger homegrown player rule. I’d love to see a revival of the FA Cup and a Premier League which was more competitive.

    One thing is for certain I won’t watch the ESL - I don’t watch the CL now anyway.

    1. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 7 hours ago

      Your dream probably won't happen.

      If those clubs are cut adrift, then you just have new powerful clubs in the remnants left behind. Leicester would be in that pool, perhaps Wolves (owned by Fosun) and Everton.

      One of the interesting things is how much power has drifted away from Everton in the last 30 years. The PL discussions began with the Big Five at the time - Man Utd, Liverpool, Spurs, Arsenal and Everton. 30 years later, Everton have been replaced by Chelsea and Man City.

      1. Hangman Page
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 7 hours ago

        I agree. I think this ESL will eventually merge with the CL and the clubs will remain in their domestic leagues and ruin them through half hearted participation.

      2. Hangman Page
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 7 hours ago

        You’re right on the remaining clubs too.

    2. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 7 hours ago

      A salary cap, whilst would be difficult to implement would be great in my opinion

      1. diesel001
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 7 hours ago

        In the PL, the maximum wage cap was removed in the 1960s. The late great Johnny Haynes (a Fulham great and England captain) was the first player in the UK to earn a £100 a week.

        1. diesel001
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 7 hours ago

          And I call it the PL, but really the PL only came into existence in 1992. At that time it was the First Division.

      2. pingissimus
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 5 hours ago

        Some form of salary cap seems very feasible somewhere along the line

        There is is there not something similar in place in the NFL and given the amount of control American owners have in the PL it's no reach that they will attempt to implement something similar in the PL. It's a logical step and far easier to implement than the highly opaque FFP regulations now.

        The escalating costs of football are driven by insane salaries. The calculation will be how to put in place a cap that benefits the big clubs. If they set it too low they will be unable to lock down star performers.

    3. Sgt Frank Drebin
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 hours ago

      But that's basically the point of the Super League - to have stability and be sure that even if you have one bad season you won't miss out on money from the CL. This way the top clubs will cement their position at the top.

  14. rokonto
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 7 hours ago

    This season I have 217 points on the bench up until last week!!!!

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 7 hours ago

      How much did you get for your bench boost?

      1. rokonto
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 7 hours ago

        8 but that's not included in the 217....

        1. AC/DC AFC
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 4 hours ago

          Oh no.

          Wrong week then!

    2. Rassi
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 7 hours ago

      278 here. A grand total of 7 when BB in gw19. 😀

      1. Rassi
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 hours ago

        A minileague rival has 344 benched points.

    3. HashAttack
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 hour ago

      264 total - BB was 16 points (gw19) - Highest bench points 26 (gw31)

  15. Old Gregg
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 7 hours ago

    Morning,

    Are we allowed to talk about fantasy transfers?
    Will wait for the midweek games to play out.

    a) son > Salah
    B) Alonso+Son > Castagne+Salah (-4)
    c) son > Greenwood
    D Alonso + Son > Taa + Greenwood (-4)

    1. Pompel
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 hours ago

      not sure about losing Son long term, but out of those option D. Thinking TAA will continue to rack up assists a+ baps

      1. Old Gregg
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 hours ago

        Thanks.
        Yeah fixtures look too good to lose long term.

  16. CONNERS
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 hours ago

    Getting Dallas' points off the bench this week!

    Sorry, I mean point.

  17. diesel001
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 hours ago

    Had a look at all CL finalists since 2000.

    Man City, of the 12 current ESL members, are the only one not to have reached a final. Teams missing from the ESL are:

    Valencia, Porto, Bayer Leverkusen, Monaco, Bayern Munich, Dortmund, PSG.

    None of Valencia, Porto, Bayer Leverkusen and Monaco have reached a final since 2004.

    Sevilla apparently rejected the ESL. They would have a claim to be in the ESL given their recent dominance of the EL.

    1. OLD Rafiki
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 hours ago

      seems English teams are the greedy ones.

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 hours ago

        The ones who formed the Premier League, when the real rot began to set in.

    2. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 hours ago

      What is blocking some of these clubs from being in the ESL?

      Dortmund and Bayern - Fan ownership
      PSG - The owners' CL TV rights deal (beIN Sports) would become materially reduced if the ESL happened
      Porto - Fear of reprisal being the only Portuguese club and not having the same level of financial clout of some of the others

      1. pingissimus
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 5 hours ago

        You're making the assumption that the ESL is a tied on success.

        Why should it be? It will essentially be a branding war between the brands of certain big clubs against the PL and Champions league brand. The Champions League and the ESL will be going head to head and for the ESL to be a success it has to expand the market as it will definitely not get 100% of the current market share.

        The success of the ESL is to a fairly large extent dependent on unanimity of the super rich. Should Germany and France stay out then it loses all validity as THE competition.

        Notable that by all accounts there was not universal desire to make this happen among the PL members. It is a very rash assumption that it will of course succeed.

      2. Shaw must go on
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 hours ago

        Porto refused the esl..thank god..but financially would be great for them..completely dominating portuguese league in the future.Porto is also owned by fans,like madrid,barcelona,etc..

  18. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 hours ago

    Should I make any move here?

    Mendy
    TAA/Castagne/Shaw/Rudiger/Holding
    Salah/Bruno/Jota/Lingard
    Nacho

    Forster/Davis/Son/Kane

    1. OLD Rafiki
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 hours ago

      lingz is injured I think

      1. Atimis
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 hours ago

        He should be fine

  19. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 hours ago

    So Porto have won more European cups in the last 20 years than Arsenal, Spurs, Atletico, Man City & Juventus combined?

    1. OLD Rafiki
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 hours ago

      It holds the best International record by a Portuguese team (7 international titles), having won the European Cup and the Intercontinental Cup twice each

    2. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 hours ago

      Yes. If you take the 12 ESL clubs + PSG, Dortmund, Porto, Bayern and take out Man City you basically have the 15 most dominant teams in Europe in the last 20 years.

      1. diesel001
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 hours ago

        The Athletic says Porto were one of the clubs approached to be a founding member of the ESL but Porto said no. See extract from The Athletic below.

        The quote suggests Porto are worried about being kicked out of domestic and UEFA competitions completely which would ruin the club being the only Portuguese participant in the ESL. What would be interesting is if ESL and UEFA went to Courts and ESL won and Porto were able to 'break the rules' per the quote below. Would Porto be interested then?

        ===========================
        Pinto da Costa said Porto would not participate in the Super League because UEFA would not allow a breakaway tournament that would weaken the Champions League.

        “We cannot participate in anything that's against the rules,” he said.

        “We are in the Champions League and we hope to continue to be there for many years”.

        1. Shaw must go on
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 4 hours ago

          funny thing is that Benfica is trying to get in one of those 5 spots availabe 🙂

    3. Nightcrawler
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 hours ago

      Porto last won ucl in 2004 the same season arsenal went unbeaten in the league and we all know u need far more quality to win a big league than ucl where a tremendous amount of kuck is also needed

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 hours ago

        Leciester have as many premier league titles as Spurs, Arsenal, & Liverpool combined in the last 10 years...

        1. Nightcrawler
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 6 hours ago

          Awesome. How many times have they qualified for ucl in tgat period? One off achievements are not an indicator of future success

          The super league clubs have the best potential to succeeed in the future years even if a few clubs have not been competing that well. Arsenal with all their troubles have 4 fa cups in 7 years and could potentiall win europa league

          1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 6 hours ago

            Awesome. Arsenal are 9th in the league 😆

            1. Nightcrawler
              • 4 Years
              3 years, 6 hours ago

              Arsenal are better placed to challenege big clubs than west ham or leicester. Leicester got knocked out ages ago in europa by slavia prague. Thats as bad as the arsenal league positio

              If the records were reversed we wouldnt be hearing the end of Leicester being more successful with their 4 cups in 7 years vs 1 arsenal trophy in god knows how long

              1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
                • 14 Years
                3 years, 6 hours ago

                Not according to the league table 😆

                1. pingissimus
                  • 5 Years
                  3 years, 5 hours ago

                  Which season's league table are we referring to? 😉

                  1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
                    • 14 Years
                    3 years, 1 hour ago

                    The one that matters 😉

              2. pingissimus
                • 5 Years
                3 years, 5 hours ago

                You might want to run that past some Arsenal fans. Perhaps 2% will agree with you 🙂

              3. popey
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 5 Years
                3 years, 1 hour ago

                At this point in time Arsenal might be, its hardly set in stone if you look at that squad. In 2 years what is to say that Leicester, West Ham, Villa or Everton aren't better placed to go on a succesful run?

                Go back 20 years and Spurs, Chelsea and City weren't even in the equation

                1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
                  • 14 Years
                  3 years, 1 hour ago

                  Parasites by their nature neither understand nor care for that type of fairness

    4. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 hours ago

      How far do you need to go back to include Steaua Bucharesti and others 🙂

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 1 hour ago

        Not as far back as you’d have to go to find even one European cup between Arsenal, Spurs, Atletico & Man City (I.e. nearly half the sUpEr lEaGuE)

        Not a single win between them

        In history

    5. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 hour ago

      What about Ajax as well ... 4 European cups ... as Pep points put ... where was their invite ..... it’s utterly comical listening to the fat pigs trying to justify this ... I wonder what colour the sky is on their planet?

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 1 hour ago

        If they had at least allowed a modicum of competition within the league there wouldn’t be anywhere near the outcry, as joke clubs like Spurs & Arsenal would be gone within a year or two - probably AC Milan too and almost certainly Juve given the state they’re in

        It’s the cunning underhandedness to spring this the way they did, the arrogance to anoint themselves the only clubs that matter, the cowardice to say by the way, no matter how well we perform at the actual sporting competition, we can’t be relegated

        It’s just disgusting all round

  20. SEXY SOLO SAUCE
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 hours ago

    Just Rudiger tonight, more disappointment no doubt

    1. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 hours ago

      Alonso for me, but will he play?

      1. SEXY SOLO SAUCE
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 hours ago

        He’s due a game tbf

  21. Henryyy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 hours ago

    Is Leeds a much better defensive team now than earlier in the season?

    How do you see their game vs United next gw going?

    1. OLD Rafiki
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 hours ago

      they just leave by luck

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 hours ago

      I would not be rushing in their defence. I would be rushing in Greenwood.

      1. Henryyy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 hours ago

        Son to GW my plan, that would give me Shaw GW and Bruno....too much?

        1. Andy_Social
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 6 hours ago

          Possibly not, especially with the prospect of a DGW35.

        2. The Knights Template
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 5 hours ago

          I will have the same.

    3. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 hours ago

      On the basis of last night, I'd say emphatically no.

      1. Henryyy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 hours ago

        Cheers Andy

    4. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 hours ago

      Yes

      There were some rash assumptions being made that this was a good game for Liverpool attack. It was okay and no more.

  22. POKE JOHN BALLS THE SECOND
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 hours ago

    Money called Players, and they responded. We didn’t complain!

    Money called Managers, and they responded. We didn’t complain!

    Money called Clubs, and they responded. We didn’t complain!

    Money calls Football now. Is it his footsteps we hear?

  23. pingissimus
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 hours ago

    Possible that people are looking in the wrong direction in considering the threat of the ESL

    https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1384286331698761728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1384286331698761728%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theguardian.com%2Ffootball%2Flive%2F2021%2Fapr%2F20%2Feuropean-super-league-backlash-builds-against-breakaway-plan-live

    The Americanisation of soccer could lead to the equivalent of T20 football with 20 minute halves to attract younger audiences etc. The product that the ESL would provide right now is remarkably similar to the product that the CL provides. Not saying that this will happen immediately but it is a perfectly feasible next step should ESL begin to operate outside the auspices to UEFA and FIFA.

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 hours ago

      And they'd like to use their USA stadia.

      Stand firm against the sell out.

      Players wages need to be reduced too.

  24. AC/DC AFC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 hours ago

    Callum Robinson
    Cavani
    Vardy

    Or someone else on a wild card?

  25. Assisting the assister
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 hour ago

    'We want to save football'.

    It is in fact........a lie.

  26. Krazle
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Guys does anyone know the user figures for Fantasy football all the way back to 2009?
    So how many users premier league fantasy football had per season all the way back to 2009/10?