Scout Notes

Bamford and Dallas all at sea as Brighton keep another clean sheet

BRIGHTON 2-0 LEEDS

  • Goals: Pascal Gross (£5.8m) | Danny Welbeck (£5.5m)
  • Assists: Danny Welbeck
  • Bonus points: Welbeck x3, Lewis Dunk (£4.9m) x2, Gross x1

THEY DON’T LIKE TO BE BESIDE THE SEASIDE

A hugely disappointing afternoon for Leeds United, the latest of five visits to Brighton without scoring a goal or winning a point, led to meagre returns for two of the most highly owned assets in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) as both Patrick Bamford (£6.5m) and Stuart Dallas (£5.3m) each finished the defeat at Brighton and Hove Albion with a dreaded one-pointer.

The two goals conceded by Leeds meant their only defender to escape with both his appearance points intact was Diego Llorente (£4.4m) who was withdrawn for Pablo Hernández (£5.7m) moments before Danny Welbeck (£5.5m) scored Brighton’s second goal. Goalkeeper Illan Meslier (£4.7m) also came away with two points thanks to a trio of saves.

Dallas did manage his regulation 20-yard shot in the second half, but the volley looped harmlessly over the bar while Bamford, not for the first time in recent matches, was almost completely starved of service, as was Rodrigo (£5.7m) who, to the dismay of half the managers in FPL, replaced him seconds before the 14-goal striker would have received his own second appearance point.

The absence of Raphinha (£5.4m), still sidelined with a thigh injury, and, unexpectedly, Kalvin Phillips (£4.9m), who is dealing with a knee issue, hampers Leeds in several ways. Phillips provides the tempo and the leadership that binds individual performances together, Raphinha destabilises opposition defences and creates key chances while both of them are reliable set-piece takers. Against Brighton, Jack Harrison‘s (£5.4m) deliveries were always a few yards beyond their targets.

“Kalvin received a knock which created a hematoma behind his knee. And Helder had a knock in his spine and it left him out of the game. It was a knock that he received in the game against Manchester United which forced him off in that game.” – Marcelo Bielsa

Until Raphinha returns it may be prudent for FPL managers to sideline Bamford and other Leeds attackers. Draws against Liverpool and Manchester United showed the team can hold their own without the Brazilian winger, but if Phillips remains in the treatment room it could even make sense to take a raincheck on their defensive assets, too.

MOVING ON UP

Brighton, in contrast, looked as good as they have done all season as they finally erased any serious lingering doubts that they will not retain their Premier League status. Moving up to 14th place overnight, manager Graham Potter was delighted with their performance and keen that this should not lead to any thoughts of relaxing on the beach:

“It was one of our best performances. You have to match Leeds for their effort and honesty and I felt we did that really well. There are still a lot of points to play for and we want to get more points as well.” – Graham Potter

Welbeck was a constant threat throughout, pressuring Ezgjan Alioski (£4.3m) into fouling him for the penalty and sweeping a haphazard clearance from Pascal Struijk (£4.0m) majestically across his body before immediately despatching it beyond Meslier with his left for the clinching goal.

Brighton were lively and pushing forward from the first whistle, but both their successful efforts on goal stemmed directly from Leeds failing to deal with a long ball into their area.

The hosts were certainly not lacking creativity. Pascal Gross (£5.8m) led the way with four chances created out of an impressive team total of 13 with Leandro Trossard‘s (£5.7m) three also noteworthy.

As so often this season, it was Brighton’s inability to put any of these away that kept Leeds in the game for so long. Welbeck robbed Llorente early on, but Trossard could only fire over an open goal. Another Welbeck cross from a second-half long ball was only diverted from danger by Meslier’s fingertips and Dan Burn (£4.2m) got in a couple of flying crosses from the byline.

Joel Veltman (£4.4m) blasted the first of these over and later slammed another penalty area chance against a nearby Leeds defender while Neil Maupay (£6.0m), who had a fairly quiet afternoon, contrived to place an excellent lay-off from Trossard wide from ten yards.

Defensively, Lewis Dunk (£4.9m) capped another commanding performance with a pair of bonus points having finished 7 BPS ahead of his nearest rival in the Brighton backline. The fact that goalkeeper Robert Sánchez (£4.6m) did not achieve a save point tells you how effectively the whole defence kept Leeds away from threatening the home goal.

Over the final few matches Brighton’s defence is sound enough to give even prolific scorers West Ham United (Gameweek 36) and Manchester City (Gameweek 37) a difficult afternoon, though Wolves next week and Arsenal on the last day may offer more of a chance of further defensive returns.

Brighton and Hove Albion XI (3-4-1-2): R Sánchez; White, Dunk, Webster; Burn, Bissouma (MacAllister 90+2), Groß, Veltman; Trossard (Jahanbakhsh 81); Welbeck (Moder 90), Maupay.

Leeds United XI (4-1-4-1): Meslier; Alioski (Poveda-Ocampo 45), Struijk, Llorente (Hernández 79), Ayling; Koch; Harrison, Roberts, Klich, Dallas; Bamford (Rodrigo 59).

Gameweek 34 so far…

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635 Comments Post a Comment
  1. fr3d
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    If home crowds happen in GW37-38 should we pay a bit more attention to the home teams? You'd assume the players will be hungry to perform in front of their fans again.

    I'm looking at

    Everton at home to Wolves
    Man Utd at home to Fulham
    Spurs at home to Villa
    Liverpool at home to Palace
    Man City at home to Everton
    West Ham at home to Southampton

    1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Agüero(C)

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Yeah nice idea. I did that with Silva last year, didn’t work but glad I did it.

    2. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Yep worth noticing

    3. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      FH in last week could be handy

    4. drughi
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      city home to everton looks juicy for a KDB/Mahrez/aguero captain

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        If any of them play. Doubt they will.

        1. pingissimus
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Kun will get the last home match if he's fit without question

          1. Rupert The Horse
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            I hope so. Maybe play him for a few minutes and save him for the final if they get through.

    5. circusmonkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Partly but having something to play for is also a factor.

    6. Die Hard
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Yes, good idea, the players have missed the fans

  2. merin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Any early thoughts on how to use these FTs?

    Martinez Areola
    TAA Azpi Saiss Dallas Targett
    Salah Bruno Greenwood Lingard Raphinha
    Kane Iheanacho Bamford

    2 FT, 0 ITB, No chips left

    1. Purse83
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Can you afford Bamford and Ralph to Watkins and JWP?

      Gives you 2 more players with DGW who also play in GW36.

      1. merin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        I'm 0.5 short of those moves, unfortunately 🙁
        Strugling to find any other moves that is worth it for the run in

  3. drughi
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    How do I look for dgw 35 ? Think I will do Vardy and Son > Watkins/DCL and Bruno -4. Any of the doublers on the bench you would start and if so for who ?

    Mendy*
    TAA Digne* Shaw*
    Salah Son Lingard Jota
    Vardy* Nacho(C)* Kane

    forster esr*konsa*holding*

    1. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      DCL Bruno worth it I think

      1. drughi
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Yeah I feel it is plus DCL have Sheffield at home in gw 36 while vardy blanks

    2. Jam0sh
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      DCL and Bruno sounds decent

      1. drughi
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        cheers

  4. jbenny1107
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Help Needed: Need to use FT. Have 2 FT

    Mendy (Leno)
    TAA Shaw Holding (Reguilon Veltman)
    Salah Fernandes Son Lingard (Jota)
    Kane Watkins Nacho

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Mendy out

      1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Why?

    2. Rocky FPL
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Jota to greenwood for the double. save the other FT.

  5. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    How would this do for a hit.
    Mendy
    Shaw Holding Trent Digne
    Bruno Zaha Jwp
    Kane Vardy Nacho

    Lingard Jota Veltman
    Thoughts.

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      It has Zaha

      1. DA Minnion (Former great)
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Bad pick?

        1. The Knights Template
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          You've never been trolled by Zaha? It's something you don't forget.

  6. notlob legin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    I you are / were on a FH this week what single game week players would you consider?

    Salah, Kane, TAA etc

    1. drughi
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Only Salah I think, on FH you gotta go for it.

      1. notlob legin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        I'm also currently on Salah only, but slightly worried!!!

    2. thegaffer82
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I'm on FH, but haven't put a squad together as yet.

      But, you have named the 3 SGWers that I am considering.

      A lot will depend on Spurs performance tonight - if Kane has a stinker, I'll have a punt on Vardy or Cavani instead.

      1. notlob legin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        I'm currently on Vardy over Kane - but might change back yet

    3. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Yes. Salah and Trent.

      Don't like DGW fixtures/teams to go all out.

  7. bitm2007
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    So far this season Trent only has half the number of goals (down from 4 to 2) and a third of the assists (down from 15 to 5) that he got last season, and there are six defenders with a higher overall score. He started this season at 7.5m, do you think there is a realistic chance that his starting price will be under 7 next season ?

    1. thegaffer82
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      He won't be 7.5 next season. But his fairly strong finish to the season I think will make him 7.0 - and 6.5 absolute minimum (and unlikely)

    2. Rasping Drive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Probably not. 7 minimum I’d say.

    3. JabariParkersEyelid
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Reckon he will be 7.0

    4. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Based on his performance, he should be below 7 but FPL will price based on potential, so 7 looks likely.

    5. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Yeah should be 6.5

    6. drughi
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      We gotta factor in all the injuries liverpool has had this season so if he is 6.5 I expect a 90% ownership from the start

    7. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I think he will be 6.5M

    8. RichardNixon
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Liverpool clean sheets numbers are also well down on last wo seasons. TAA and Robertson will both will be 6.5 I reckon.

    9. FeverPitch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I reckon Trent 7, Robbo maybe 6.5

    10. Do I Not Like Orange
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I'd guess 7 exactly.

  8. Botman and Robben
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    How many looking to get a Palace defender for the double?

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Not a defender but probably going for Guaita.

    2. drughi
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      cant be many

    3. bigwig
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Propbably Ward to fund a Vydra > DCL

  9. grumpyman
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    My rank the last 9 game weeks -

    14k, 17k, 14k, 14k, 13k, 16k, 15k, 15k, 15k

    Anyone else ever been as ‘stuck’ as this?

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Yeah about 6 years ago. Was at 2.2-2.8k for 3 months.

      1. grumpyman
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Weird feeling isn’t it? It’s like my season is on hold. Been playing aggressively as well, lots of hits. I imagine the double will shake things up, in one direction or another.

    2. Sgt Frank Drebin
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Yeah. I've been 200k from GW9 to GW31

  10. Rocky FPL
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Watkins or DCL for the run in?

    1. JabariParkersEyelid
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      DCL has far better fixtures and more to play for.

      Watkins better form.

      Depends which you value.

      1. pingissimus
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Fixtures more even than that actually if you look carefully at Watkins fixtures.

        Everton and Spurs are among the leakiest defences in the league right now. Spurs are conceding at around the same rate as SHU in the last stretch - I'd want him for that one for sure. There's likely not very much between Palace and SHU in 36 either.

        That leaves United and Chelsea as poor ones to City for DCL.

        1. Rocky FPL
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Both are an easy to Wood (SHU) for GW38.

  11. Karan14
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Best GK for BB alongside Martinez?

    A) Leno
    B) Guaita
    C) Pickford
    D) McCarthy

    1. notlob legin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      B

      1. Karan14
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Cheers mate!

    2. bigwig
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Id probably go Guaita, they've the best 2 fixtures and I see the sou game possibly being 0-0

      1. Karan14
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Yeah I'm leaning towards him the other 3 keepers seem to miss to out on random games too.

    3. balint84
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      C

  12. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    GtG?

    Martinez
    TAA, Castagne, Rudiger
    Salah, Saka, Jota, Bruno (VC)
    Ihenacho (c), Kane, DCL

    Subs: Pope, Lingard, Coufal, Dunk

  13. balint84
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Getting a Palace defender for
    A) Dunk (bad fixture, save from relegation)
    B) Andersen (good fix, but relegated)

    1. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      How are you seeing Wolves as a bad fixture for Brighton defence? Likewise Burnley have scored more goals away than just about any team in the last stretch.

      1. balint84
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        After this week. CP also have good fixtures

        1. pingissimus
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Villa is medium and Arsenal and Liverpool are poor and appalling. I wouldn't play Palace against either of them

          My point was though that Dunk has a better fixture than Andersen if you're looking at next week. Anything can happen of course but there's no way I'd personally hold Andersen over Dunk on form or fixture.

    2. Effe
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I would keep Dunk

  14. balint84
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    A) Guaita+Coleman
    B) Pickford+Ward

  15. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Mendy
    TAA Shaw Rudiger
    Salah Son Fernandes Lingard Greenwood
    Kane Iheanacho

    Forster Vydra Holding Kilman

    2FT, 0.0itb

    Forster Kilman Son >> Guaita Godfrey Zaha (-4) [BB DGW35]

    On the right track or something else??

    Thanks

  16. Klip Klopp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Best striker under 4.5 for the double game week?

    1. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Davis 2pts?!?

  17. gooberman
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Huge day of games today. Praying the Utd Liverpool game isnt the anticipated damp squid!

    1. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I want this to be 0-0 or 4-4...........

      1. gooberman
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        I have Shaw, Salah, Bruno and Greenwood so 4-4 would be my preference!

    2. Herman Toothrot
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Need a TAA and Greenwood haul

      1. Big_Andy_GAWA
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        There have been a fair few low-scoring ones in recent times - even 0-0's, but I've a feeling that this one might be different...

    3. cheekumz
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      not to be that guy but... the saying is 'damp squib' not squid lol ... I'd imagine most squids are quite damp 😉

      1. gooberman
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

      2. gooberman
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        haha

  18. g40steve
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Can I get away with this team for next week or do I need another DGW?

    Martinez
    Trent, Shaw, Castagne, Rüdiger,
    Bruno, Son, Salah
    Nacho, Kane, Watkins,

    Button, Lingz, Jota, Veltman,

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Looks fine, I would probably start Lingard over Rudiger

      1. g40steve
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Cheers

    2. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      What do you mean by 'or do I need another DGW'. It highly unlikely there is going to be another one this season.

      1. g40steve
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        This team no hits, with the following blank some players blank following week!

    3. grumpyman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Solid, I'd roll.

      1. g40steve
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Ta

  19. Salah_Fingers
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    How's my WC

    Guiata
    Digna - Trent - Castagna
    Greenwood - Salah - JWP - Bruno
    Kane - Nacho - Watkins

    (Mccarthy - Lingard - Coufal - Struijk)

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      What's the plan for next week?

      1. Salah_Fingers
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        I'd probably swap Castagna to get a starting 11

  20. Daghe Munegu
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    IS this ok to bb or any player at risk ?

    Leno Guaita
    TAA Digne Rudiger Fofana Shaw
    Bruno Salah Greenwood Jota Son
    DCL Nacho Vydra

  21. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Villa sitting comfortably in 9th despite missing their best player for so much of the season now... Smith has done some job there from being in the championship 23 months ago

    1. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Having spent way more in the past 2 seasons than pretty all the teams below him its would be a catastrophic failure if he wasn't safe mid table.

      Extremely poor record when Grealish is out shows his limitations as a manager. 230 million spent. He inherited Grealish.

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Na - Find it very hard to be critical on an arbitrary metric of last 2 seasons transfer budget... what if you extended the cutoff to money spent over last 3 seasons... or last 4 seasons... or last 5 seasons for example? (i.e. when those clubs below him were in the premier league while Villa were in the championship)

        1. tambourineman
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Last 3 seasons, Villa have 3rd highest net spend in the world. Last 4 seasons, Villa are 8th and last 5 seasons, Villa are 10th.

          You have to go back to the 5 season time-frame to find a club thats (mis)spent more and are currently below Villa which is Arsenal.

          1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
            • 14 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            Still not something to denigrate Smith for imo - he was only appointed in October 2018 & had to start cleaning up the mess left by clowns like Steve Bruce, Roberto Di Matteo, Remi Garde et al

            Yet has managed to take them from Championship to 9th in less than 24 months

            Also - 18/19 their net spend was only 2.6m - it’s 19/20 & 20/21 where they have spent (and they spent less than Leeds in 20/21) - to try compete with the clubs above them who’ve been receiving premier league money for much longer

            1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
              • 14 Years
              2 years, 11 months ago

              If anything - a lot of his transfer activity has highlighted he actually knows his way around the transfer market better than most managers

              60m for Martinez, Watkins & Cash (only 23) has looked money incredibly well spent

              15m for Douglas Luiz (signed at 21) has been brilliant business

              10m for Konsa (signed at 21) - super value

              14m for Target (signed at 23) - excellent signing

              Even 20m for Mings (signed at 26) has looked great value in today’s world - he’s not Franco Baresi, but he’s given plenty of Premier League attacks tough games this season

              Wesley & Samantha were the 2x duds - but every team makes bad signings, Smith’s transfer record overall has been top drawer

              That 120m he’s spent above must be worth 200m+ & these are players of the right age, by & large from the UK etc that have established Villa with a great platform for the future

            2. tambourineman
              • 9 Years
              2 years, 11 months ago

              The fact Villa are so high up over 5 seasons when they were in the Championship for 3 of those, shows just how much they've spent in the last 2.

              The low spend in 18/19 was due to many loan signings, the wage bill in 18/19 was the highest ever seen in EFL and the club only negated FFP by selling the stadium at a profit to a 3rd party.

              Clearly they've made massive progress over the last two seasons but it has to be viewed through the fact they have lived beyond their means financially to achieve it. Perhaps that's why Smith doesn't get more credit.

              1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
                • 14 Years
                2 years, 11 months ago

                Have they lived beyond their means financially though when they’ve kept within FFP regulations overall?

                And with those 7-8 shrewd signings mentioned above who formed the bulk of the transfer outlay (Martinez, Watkins, Konsa, Targett, Cash, Luiz, McGinn, Mings) look fairly stable for a few years to come

                They’ve also actually spent slightly less than Leeds this year for example

                Smith is the manager, and is judged on both recruitment and how they perform on the pitch... and in both of those departments they’ve pretty much exceeded expectations since he’s came in... rather than having done “an ok job, no more” as one poster below frames it

                1. tambourineman
                  • 9 Years
                  2 years, 11 months ago

                  Resorting to selling the stadium to meet FFP rules wouldn't be the sort of responsible financial management I would want from my club, each to their own.

                  1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
                    • 14 Years
                    2 years, 11 months ago

                    They obviously can only do that once - so per FFP they have actually lived within their means financially up to this point...

          2. Eze Really?
            • 9 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            Villa went about business, borrowing on assets, which is dangerous in itself. To add to the problem, their asset was a player, Jack Grealish. Covid happened which stopped them cashing in. This could be a blessing in disguise, due to his meteoric rise in the premiership. Their greatest fear is injury. Grealish is not a property built out of bricks and mortar. A forced sale if they went down would have been calamitous; they dodged a bullet. Signing a new contract has further increased his value but they sit between a rock and a hard place now. Sell him and they are at risk playing wise. Keep him and the bills mount up.

            1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
              • 14 Years
              2 years, 11 months ago

              To be honest, their overall 230m investment in the transfer market has been a resounding success

              They got Watkins, Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Luiz, Target, & Mings for 120m - all young players with plenty of years left in the

              Throw in McGinn for 1m (!) from Hibs and that’s easily 200- 250m of talent for less than 125m invested

              Traore has looked good at times this year & could yet be a steal at 15m if he keeps developing... Samson is very new, but again could be a good investment of 18m...

              They took a hit on Wesley & Samatta - but that’s the risk when taking this kind of approach

              An incredibly successful transfer strategy thus far, and that’s not even counting Grealish’s value

              1. Eze Really?
                • 9 Years
                2 years, 11 months ago

                You make good points. However, my point is any transfer strategy, borrowing on an asset that is player is dangerous. Yes, they came good (but the potential of better performances could materialize without Smith). Everton, with a lot more money has shown how NOT to go about the transfer market.

                1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
                  • 14 Years
                  2 years, 11 months ago

                  The Everton example is good - you have Smith right up alongside an all time legend of management in Carlo Ancellotti - it really illustrates their meteoric rise under Smith

                  If Grealish hadn’t gotten injured it’s hard to think they wouldn’t have a few extra points for their troubles too, possibly knocking on the door of Europe - summer will be interesting though, if they try to hold onto Grealish, or will he get the big money move to City or Utd etc

                  1. Eze Really?
                    • 9 Years
                    2 years, 11 months ago

                    I am not a great lover of Smith you might notice. However I do recognise Villa transitional play to have improved considerably. Ancelotti's value is player attraction; His son takes the coaching with big Dunk. All 3 struggle past 4 4 2 formation

      2. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        And “catastrophic failure” is a quite frankly ridiculous judgement - most of the clubs below him have been getting premier league money for donkeys years, yet a season of transfer spending to try boost a championship club means “catastrophic failure” if he doesn’t finish up with the big boys... talk about hyperbole

        1. pingissimus
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          🙂

          You are the one who introduced the 23 month metric are a significant criterion for success so perhaps it's relevant to look at how much money he has spent in that time. And of course you're right there is absolutely no correspondence between money spent in the premier league and livelihood of success 🙂

          Your point about 3/4/5 years is an odd one given that Villa only spent a couple of seasons in the Champo and still had parachute payments. But then again you need to take an interest in Champo football to understand that point fully.

          You are of course right too that the Championship is an absolute football wilderness and it is an amazing achievement to take a club from there to safe mid table. You might care to do some research on this point to see what an unusual feat it is.

          Smith has done an okay job no more. As good argument if not better for Dyche and Hodgson.

          I would ask you to actually read what I said what failure would have been but really no point is there?

          1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
            • 14 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            “Smith has done an ok job, no more” I just find that bizarre tbh - To ignore him taking Villa from championship in October 2018 to where they are now less Han 24 months later (and the highs they hit in the first third of he season - some of their football was incredible)

            As well as *criticising* his transfer dealings rather than recognising hem as incredibly shrewd & well planned transfers overall...

            60m for Martinez, Watkins & Cash (only 23) has looked money incredibly well spent

            15m for Douglas Luiz (signed at 21) has been brilliant business

            10m for Konsa (signed at 21) - super value

            14m for Target (signed at 23) - excellent signing

            Even 20m for Mings (signed at 26) has looked great value in today’s world - he’s not Franco Baresi, but he’s given plenty of Premier League attacks tough games this season

            Wesley & Samatta were the 2x duds - but every team makes bad signings, Smith’s transfer record overall has been top drawer

            That 120m he’s spent above must be worth 200m+ & these are players of the right age, by & large from the UK etc that have established Villa with a great platform for the future

            And then to sell it all under the banner of “Jack Grealish”...

            Each to their own I spose

            1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
              • 14 Years
              2 years, 11 months ago

              And a team has to win the league every year - it doesn’t mean it isn’t any less of an achievement

              Same as a former championship club finishing mid table isn’t unheard of - but it doesn’t make it any less of an achievement from Smith

              1. Eze Really?
                • 9 Years
                2 years, 11 months ago

                Learn from Leeds mistake in the past.

                1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
                  • 14 Years
                  2 years, 11 months ago

                  Leeds in their pomp were apparently spending 30k/year on maintenance of the aquariums in the boardroom..l and made Seth Johnson one of the highest paid players in the World... it’s not quite that bad at Villa 🙂

                  But interestingly, Villa did spend less than Leeds this year for example

                  1. Eze Really?
                    • 9 Years
                    2 years, 11 months ago

                    Maybe not a perfect analogy (smile)

                    1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
                      • 14 Years
                      2 years, 11 months ago

                      There are some interesting permutations that could arise in the summer too - if they sell Grealish it’ll be all about how well can they replace him

                      If they got 100m for example - and maybe re-invested that into Tammy Abraham for 30/40 and gamble on someone like Delle Alli who might want to re-invigorate his career & could be available for cut price and still have a few Bob spare out of 100m but with the squad overall being another level up etc

                      There are possibilities there

  22. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Best keeper for the double?

    A) Mendy
    B) Henderson
    C) Pickford
    D) Guaita

    1. Rocky FPL
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      A easily

      1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Cheers

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

        Not sold on Che’s fixtures in the dgw

    2. Bavarian
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      D

  23. XX SMICER XX
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Hi All - I have bench boost remaining. Issue is my bench is awful! I have 2 free transfers

    Forster, Jota, Holding, Phillips

    What shall I do? Forster & Holding to Guaita & Mitchell? Then hope Jota starts and Phillips is fit

    1. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Mitchell is a trap?

      1. XX SMICER XX
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Could well be.
        Need someone cheap as they will be benched for GW37/38

  24. The Polymath
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    How may hits are you taking to set your team up for the double?

    1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Zero

    2. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Zero needed, saved my WC for this occasion 🙂

    3. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Don't think we'll see too many with good fixtures for most of the highly owned SGW players. 36 may be different though.

    4. Igz08
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      1 max

    5. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Zero and can still get 10 DGWers.

    6. Indpush
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      None. Two frees enough. Possible hit for the blank.

      1. Nomar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        This.

  25. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Lloris, Lingard ->
    Mendy(or any other up to 5.2), Siggy?

    Mendy*
    TAA Digne* Targett*
    Salah Son Greenwood* Siggy*
    Kane Vardy* Nacho*

    (Sanchez ESR* Dunk Dallas)

    Would give me 7 DGW players and 10 for BGW36

  26. LewanGOALski
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    for DGW BB:

    A) Pickford
    or
    B) Guaita
    ..?

    1. Bavarian
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      B

  27. Saka Rice
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    A) Can Rashford cover for Bruno?
    B) Do we really think Man U attackers won't get rotated having so many games in a short period?

    1. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Rashford is carrying an injury, Greenwood perhaps better option.

  28. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Good morning everyone!!! Think I’m getting somewhere for next week with my two frees, which is the best looking scenario from these to options here for me?? Thoughts welcomed!!

    A- Watkins, Shaw and Azpilicueta(own Azpilicueta already)
    Or
    B- DCL, Shaw and Ward

    Cheers!!!

  29. Baps hunter
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    I was considering Mendy, but I do fear Kepa getting one or two starts. Currently on Guaita/Meslier rotation. But please, if anyone has better ideas, do tell!

    1. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Reply fail to SaneKevin

      1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Cheers mate 🙂

  30. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Another day, another blank for Rodrigo... 27m for 3 goals in 22 league appearances from a club record transfer... will be 31 on his next birthday too

    Must be in the conversation for worst signing of the season?