Team Guides

Fulham’s defence assessed ahead of FPL return in 2022/23

Having provided the lowdown on Fulham manager Marco Silva, our series on the newly-promoted Premier League sides continues with this look at the Cottagers’ defence.

We will discuss the London side’s midfielders and forwards in our third and final piece.

In this article, we will assess the Championship title winners’ overall clean sheet potential and then have a look at some of the key Fantasy Premier League (FPL) players in their backline.

We’ve again roped in the help of Brandon Kelley, Fulham fan and co-host of the excellent Always Cheating podcast, for this feature.

WHAT IS FULHAM’S CLEAN SHEET POTENTIAL?

Fulham had the third-best defensive record in the Championship last season, conceding 43 goals in 46 matches, only trailing Bournemouth (39) and Nottingham Forest (40).

They kept 17 clean sheets, a respectable return but some way short of Bournemouth’s 21, with nine of those shut-outs arriving on home turf.

The Cottagers’ overall home and away record in 2021/22 was as follows:

PWDLFAGDPTSCS
Total462791010643+639017
Home2314455620+36469
Away2313555023+27448

The underlying numbers are generally encouraging, as they allowed the fewest shots per game and expected goals (xG) in the division, but they will have a lot more defensive work to do in the Premier League and it will be interesting to see how Silva adapts his approach.

Brandon Kelley told us:

“17 clean sheets is OK for the Championship, but Fulham still don’t have a reputation for being defensively stout. The keeper position was in doubt for long stretches of last season, with Spurs’ former backup Paulo Gazzaniga ultimately losing the starting role to Marek Rodak. Rodak saw the Cottagers through the home stretch, but had his share of wobbles, too. Many Fulham supporters will worry for the defense unless a new ‘keeper is signed, as well as a Tim Ream replacement. Ream has been the epitome of consistency and leadership in the Championship, but has also consistently failed in the Premier League. Tosin Adarabioyo continued his decent Premier League form into the 21/22 season (complete with 2 goals), but he’ll require a solid CB partnership if we’re to consider him as an FPL option.” – Brandon Kelley

A new first-choice goalkeeper and centre-back seem like necessary additions to give them a better chance of surviving, then.

DEFENSIVE STATS 2021/22
TotalRank v other Championship clubs
Goals conceded433rd
Clean sheets176th=
Shots conceded per game8.81st
xGC44.01st

THE GOALKEEPER OPTIONS

Goalkeeper Marek Rodak kept his place in the starting XI for all but two of Fulham’s Championship matches from mid-October onwards, and largely performed well.

The Slovakian shot-stopper managed 14 clean sheets in 33 outings, conceding only 26 goals in that time, with a save percentage of 72.9%.

That meant Paolo Gazzaniga had to settle for a place on the bench. The former Tottenham Hotspur man signed in the summer of 2021 and immediately came into the side, but was dropped after just 11 starts with mistakes creeping into his game.

Rodak, however, has struggled for game time in Fulham’s previous Premier League campaigns and lacks top-flight experience, and it remains to be seen if Silva plans on recruiting a new ‘keeper in the summer.

THE CENTRE-BACK OPTIONS

Tosin Adarabioyo and Tim Ream had outstanding campaigns for Fulham, with the pair keeping 17 clean sheets and chipping in with four and two attacking returns respectively.

They were both in the top three in the squad for starts and minutes played, while Adarabioyo earned a spot in the EFL Championship Team of the Season.

In terms of Fulham’s playing style, the duo are key to the way the Cottagers progress the ball up the pitch.

“Tosin (Adarabioyo) and Tim (Ream), they are really important in the way we attack. Tosin has this quality, definitely. He is a central defender with really good quality on the ball. For him, it was not so easy to step in and to drive the ball, now I can see him every time he has a space. I want him to step in, I want him to attack, to provoke the opposition and it’s a really good feeling for me to see him playing with much more courage. It is not easy to find a central defender with (such) good quality on the ball like he has.” – Marco Silva

Adarabioyo’s ball-playing skills could lend itself to bonus, although it’s largely dependent on Fulham’s ability to keep clean sheets, which is still up for debate.

However, one of the positions Silva may look to improve this summer is his backline.

During the 2020/21 campaign, neither Adarabioyo or Ream were particularly reliable, while the latter is 35-years-old in October and there are doubts over his capabilities in the Premier League.

As a result, Ream looks the more likely of the two to drop out if a new defender arrives.

Both backup centre-halves – Michael Hector and Alfie Mawson – were released by the club following promotion, suggesting further defensive reinforcements are on the way.

THE FULL-BACK OPTIONS

Antonee Robinson and the on-loan Neco Williams ended the season as Fulham’s first-choice full-backs.

Williams enjoyed a productive loan spell after swapping Liverpool for the Cottagers in the January transfer window, offering plenty of attacking quality with two goals and two assists in 14 starts for the club.

There’s been talk about him staying on next season, which is one to monitor in the summer, but if a move doesn’t materialise and they don’t sign a replacement, Kenny Tete will probably step in. The Dutch right-back is more than capable going forward and has a decent cross on him, too.

“Neco impressed when he came to West London in January. In 14 appearances, he logged two goals and two assists, though it could’ve been much more. A loan from Liverpool, there are rumours that Neco could sign with Fulham permanently, but a £15m price-tag—and few other interested clubs—cast doubt. Having said that, should the Fulham deal happen, Neco will be a bargain full-back to start the season.” – Brandon Kelley

On the left, Robinson was one of Fulham’s key players in 2021/22, with Joe Bryan as his back-up.

The 24-year-old was named in the EFL Championship Team of the Season, contributing two goals and four assists in 33 starts. It’s also worth noting that he performed well in his previous stint in the Premier League: only 12 other defenders created more chances than Robinson in 2020/21, an impressive feat given that his team often played with the handbrake on under Scott Parker.

Above: only 12 other defenders created more chances than Antonee Robinson in 2020/21


The duo’s 2021/22 touch heatmaps are captured below, with a basic stats comparison displayed underneath.

Above: Neco Williams (left) and Antonee Robinson’s (right) touch heatmaps in 2021/22, via Sofa Score

WILLIAMS V ROBINSON PER GAME 2021/22
WilliamsRobinson
Shots1.40.3
Key passes1.01.1
Crosses1.21.2
Dribbles1.41.0
Tackles2.61.3
Interceptions1.31.7
Clearances1.61.5
Blocks0.30.2

Our huge thanks again go to Brandon for his time and insight.

184 Comments Post a Comment
  1. el polako
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Aaron Ramsdale - England's no.1 in Qatar !

    1. Sagnik Sadhukhan
      • 4 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Lol no

    2. DBW - Slug's Mortgage …
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Pickford has been a revelation for England in last two tournaments.

      Great at pen saves too. Ramsdale no 2

    3. Lovren an elevator
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Definitely the better keeper. But I imagine Gareth will be loyal to Jordan, he doesn't put a foot wrong for England

    4. Old Man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Bring back Shilton

    5. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Easily Pope for me, but I'm expecting Southgate to stick with Pickford.

    6. Babit1967
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Joe Hart - incredible season for us.

  2. Lovren an elevator
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    The right team promoted today. There are fpl prospects all over the pitch.
    1. Samba is a penalty saving specialist.
    2. Colback is a really interesting option if he is (likely to be) listed as a defender.
    3. Yates is a real aerial threat, completely nailed and scored 8 goals last season.
    4. Brennan Johnson, striker or even better if comes in as a mid, scores loads of goals and is improving rapidly. Plays very well on the counter, which will suit how forest are likely to set up next season

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      SOLD - Forrest triple up it is!

    2. Freshy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Brennan Johnson > Pukki?

      1. Freshy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Would Lewandowski be a fit for MU.
        Just guessing they would prolly pay the most for him.

        1. FPL price manipulators are …
          • 10 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          Would Ronaldo allow it?

          1. R.C
            • 6 Years
            1 year, 10 months ago

            There's talks of switching formation and playing two up top

            Lewa x Ronnie

            1. The FPL Units
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 14 Years
              1 year, 10 months ago

              25% of budget gone for FPL

        2. el polako
          • 6 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          Lewandowski is a top player, if he leaves Bayern he will join CL club which is fighting for titles(both home and Europe) not a mid table, Europe League pile of mess that United is.

        3. Grande Tubarão
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 2 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          Think he’d have to be willing to take a significant pay cut to force that move through. Could work.

      2. Lovren an elevator
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        A higher ceiling for sure. And dare i say, playing for a better team! Different player though, could easily be classified as a mid

    3. fplgaruda
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Imagine Fulham, Bournemouth and Huddersfield the promoted trio.
      I'll put my money for them as a package for going down immediately. Lol

      1. Lovren an elevator
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Good news for Leeds haha

        1. Andy_Social
          • 11 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          I can't separate my bottom 4 - the 3 promos and Leeds will be neck-and-neck.

      2. Bavarian
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Isn't Nottingham Forest and not Huddersfield who will join Fulham and Bournemouth to the premier league?

        1. Andy_Social
          • 11 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          Yeh. At least Terriers fans can look forward to challenging at the right end of the table next season.

        2. fplgaruda
          • 2 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          Thats why I said "imagine"

  3. The FPL Units
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Pages flying atm

    1. fplgaruda
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      The question keep coming!

  4. fplgaruda
    • 2 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Keinan Davis is coming back!

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      He was my 4.5 padding season before last. Never go back, they say.

    2. el polako
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      He got me unexpected return (5 or 6 points) off the bench once.

  5. The Knights Template
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    I don’t think I’ll be owning a single Fulham player next FPL season.

    1. Haa-lala-land
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Captaining Mitrotic in a Fulham DGW confirmed.

      1. The Knights Template
        • 10 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        He will quickly be dubbed Shitrovic! In fact, I’m calling it now.

        1. DBW - Slug's Mortgage …
          • 3 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          Shitrovic is a good player. Put him in a top 6 team and he'd get 20 goals a season in the prem.

          1. The Knights Template
            • 10 Years
            1 year, 10 months ago

            I still have the bad memories of previous ownership. I wonder which top 6 club he’ll go to. Man U might pay overs to get him.

            1. DBW - Slug's Mortgage …
              • 3 Years
              1 year, 10 months ago

              I have good and bad memories of owning Shitro.

              He got me a brace in that last season back if I remember correctly. Give him some good service and he'd bully teams.

              1. The Knights Template
                • 10 Years
                1 year, 10 months ago

                Is he being served? Is he free?

                1. Fulchester's New Centr…
                  • 6 Years
                  1 year, 10 months ago

                  FFS Filter didn't like Mrs Slocombe's cat related content at all.

      2. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Did you do that last time he was in FPL? Nah.

        1. Andy_Social
          • 11 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          * to 'Ooh Ah', there

          1. Haa-lala-land
            • 3 Years
            1 year, 10 months ago

            I can proudly say I've never owned him! I think he lost his place in the 11 for most of the second season in Fulham's latest stint

  6. How can forwards be made better options?
    Camzy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    We all know that forwards have been the biggest disappointment of the 21/22 season. If you were FPL towers and could make a change to the current system what would you do?

    A) Make forwards have 5 points for a goal
    B) Make forwards get clean sheet points
    C) Convert inside forwards like Salah and Son to forwards
    D) Slash the prices of forwards by ~1M across the board

    Personally, I think I'd like forwards to get clean sheet points. Centre forwards nowadays have to contribute defensively and are often deeper than the wingers. It also promotes the idea that football is becoming more of a team oriented game and you win and lose clean sheets together.

    If not any of the above options, what would you do?

    1. Babit1967
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      I would say 5 for a goal, I think it’s unfair that the likes of Son, Salah & Mane can get 5 points compared to the likes of Kane who only gets 4 and they are pretty much playing as forwards anyway.

    2. Jeremy Corbyn
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      There is a simple solution which I haven't seen discussed elsewhere.

      Players can play different roles.

      Attacking midfielders, e.g., Salah, are BOTH midfielder and forward. You can choose where you play them. When you play them as forward, they behave as forward, otherwise they behave as midfielders.

      Some players will only be forwards (e.g., Mitrovic) or midfielders (e.g., Rice) or defenders (e.g., Coady).
      Some others have more flexible positioning.

      This solution does not involve much game alteration and should be fairly easy to implement.

      Pricing is of course key, as I expect flexible players to cost slightly more.

      1. DBW - Slug's Mortgage …
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Oh Jeremy Corbyn

        What could have been if our country wasn't so silly.

      2. Deulofail
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        I agree that something like this would be a great way forward. Though I think it would be best if all outfield players can be played anywhere, but then maybe restrict what they can get points for in line with how you've suggested. This would make autosubs more fluid and frequent and less frustrating than if only certain special players can come on but not others.

        If you play a defender in an attacking role, you miss out on some clean sheet points. I don't see an issue with that.

        If you play an attacking player in defence, their points are restricted somehow. Maybe you just get the appearance/card points. Or you don't get the attacking returns. Or they are just scored like a midfielder (opening up a potential strategy to spread the cash a bit more maybe).

        I wouldn't mind it if we also got an extra sub so we have 5 in total like the PL! Lots more strategy options in that case I think.

      3. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        This is not simple. It fundamentally changes the game. And I don't think they're gonna do that.

        Personally, I'd like to see them have an 'attackers' category that includes forwards and wingers. 5-4-4 in terms of slots.

    3. WHUFCSmith23
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      In my opinion the extra point for a goal would bring forwards back in from the cold on FPL.

    4. King Kohli
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Both A & D.
      The idea is to make them more relevant fpl options

    5. Waddlinho
      • 4 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      D

      If players don't deliver as much points as they are expected to, their prices get slashed. That's how it goes.

    6. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      The game was designed with a 442 in mind, hence the squad size being a 553.

      So I think the game needs to reflect the tactical shift to a 433, and give us a squad size of 544. Then you can put all the wide forwards like Salah, Son, Bowen, Mane etc as forwards, and the midfielders would be filled by players like KDB, Bruno, Mount, Maddison, JWP, Coutinho, Gallagher etc. It think it would create a lot of variation between teams.

      1. Piggs Boson
        • 12 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        You could also classify DMs as defenders, and wingbacks as midfielders. That should enrich the midfield choices, filling the midfield void left by the departing wide forwards, and also give DMs a role in the game.

        1. Fish up a tree
          • 2 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          Yeah something should be done with DMs maybe they get 3 for a CS so it brings them into the game?

          1. Rassi
            • 9 Years
            1 year, 10 months ago

            I like to have those cheap bench fodder mids. Making more points available for DMs would probably erase the 4.5M mid bracket entirely.

            1. RedLightning
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 13 Years
              1 year, 10 months ago

              It would be nice to have a few cheap bench fodder forwards too, who would be expected to play but not to score score more than about two points a game.

        2. Camzy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          Contrary to popular opinion, I don't think every player needs to be viable in FPL.

          I don't really like creating a new category for DMs as a solution. I think a better balance between who's a forward and who's a mid will be enough. And making the scoring more balanced.

          It's very heavily in favor of mids at the moment.

    7. Baines on Toast...
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      I think D is the way to go of those options. Everything else just feels a little murky.

    8. Drexl Spivey
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      5 points for open play goals and 4 points for penalties, for both strikers and mids. Attribute 2 clean sheet points to defensive mids and 0 to others, to bring them back into the game beyond serving as just fodder. Balance restored.

    9. Rassi
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Perhaps forwards could get one point for every shot on target? Not sure this is a good idea or not, just throwing it out there.

      1. Rassi
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Top 3 sogs for forwards:

        Kane 55
        Ronaldo 43
        Watkins 32

        So a point per sog probably a bit too much.

        1. Camzy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          It's way too much. FanTeam gives 0.4 points per shot on target. It's a pretty good system.

          1. WALOR
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            1 year, 10 months ago

            1 pt for every 3 shots on goal, mirror of goalkeepers getting 1 pt for every 3 saves.

        2. Rassi
          • 9 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          Yes. Maybe 1 point / 2 sogs (in the same game) might work? Average gain would probably be less than 0.4 / sog.

          1. Rassi
            • 9 Years
            1 year, 10 months ago

            But then again, it would feel a bit arbitrary to award those for forwards only.

            1. WALOR
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 14 Years
              1 year, 10 months ago

              Should be for anyone.
              Cancelo etc. should benefit even without CS.

    10. fplgaruda
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Disagree
      If forward got 1 CS point. Thats mean all players got CS point tho?
      Why dont just scrap all the current CS point by 1 point?
      Defender and keeper get 3 pts, Mid none, fw none.
      In this case, the suggestion is so absurd.

      1. bombonera
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        It's not absurd because the team still has to get the cleansheet.
        By your reasoning just scrap assist points as all positions are equal

      2. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Yes, all players get clean sheet points. I think that's completely fair.

        The guy above me is right. Your suggestion makes no sense since they still have to keep the clean sheet.

      3. Deulofail
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Although I disagree with the rationale, I do agree that forwards shouldn't get clean sheet points. I don't really want to be factoring that into any of my main attackers tbh. It doesn't feel so fun or fantasy-y. Besides, the whole team contributes to goals scored but they don't all get rewarded when one goes in (not even the assister of the assister, though that might be a nice 1pter to add). Would be nice to have mids get 2 pts for CS, and push the goal scorers into forward slots. (Plus other changes)

    11. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      I'd personally like the idea of CS point added with price drop. But tbh, I just can't see that happening. I expect us just to see little cheaper forwards next season. This season may have been an anomaly since a lot of mid priced forwards were injured a lot of the time and Kane did nothing during first half of the season. Had likes of Bamford, Wilson, Ings, Watkins and DCL(?) been fit and firing like Antonio in the start of the season, we might not have this discussion. However, Son and Salah winning golden boot underlines the fact, that the current system is simply flawed. If mids are scoring more goals than forwards, why are they getting that extra point from goal. There is no reasoning for it.

    12. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      - No CS points for mids
      - 4pts for goals scored by both, forwards and mids.

      as far as classification is concerned, its fine as it is but they could do:

      - Players like Salah to FWDs
      - WBs to MIDs
      - DMs to DEFs

      This should keep things in balance I guess but obviously issue will remain with who are DMs/WBs/IFs

      1. Rassi
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        BPS aside, there would be no difference between mids and fwds if mids get no cs points and also just 4 points per goal.

        1. Holmes
          • 10 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          Thats the main reason to make the changes. MIDs and FWDs should be on same base level, difference in them should be based on how many goals and assists they score rather than CS points and 1 extra point for a goal.

          1. Rassi
            • 9 Years
            1 year, 10 months ago

            In that case we could just have 8 attacker slots, IMO.

    13. FPLzebub
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Introduce a 'Best Forward' bonus where the top BPS scoring forward in each match gets a 2pt bonus (in addition to any other bonus pts).

      This would make forwards more attractive without the need to make major changes to the game.

      1. Baps hunter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Every team doesn't even have a forward. 2 pts for 1 minute cameo and/or doing nothing seems flawed. That would also basically destroy bonus point system.

    14. FPL Theorist
      • 4 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      A and B. And D if that's still necessary.

    15. lugs
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      B and D, really dislike C as Sky do that and that makes most of the best players forwards, Liverpool for example had only one attacking mid this year with Diaz who will likely be a forward next year, going by that precedent the likes of Bowen & Saka will be forwards next year too as Martinelli is already one, 3 slots to squeeze in that many players, no thanks

    16. Waddlinho
      • 4 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Doherty at 6.0 is simply too much. Last season 67 pts, the one before that 47 pts.

      Started last season at 5.0, finished at 4.5. I would say 5.0 this season and 5.5 at absolute max.

    17. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      I like the idea of an extra point for consecutive goals in a game.

      So if Kane scores a hatrick in a match:

      1st goal = 4 points
      2nd goal = 5 points
      3rd goal = 6 points

      1. Deulofail
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Why?

        1. FPL Virgin
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          People love points and this rewards an explosive performance.

    18. circusmonkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Option C for me and throw in Sterling. I also think they should do something with the clean sheet points, either add one to for the forwards or remove it for mids.

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        5 points for a non-penalty goal keeps it simple. It's elegant.

        I'm not in favour of CSD points for a striker. Not all do a defensive shift, eg Ronaldo.

        But has anyone crunched the numbers and produced a list of points for forwards this last season if they had got 5 points per goal? How would it shape up in terms of points-per-million?

        Another factor to consider is the new 5 subs rule. Forwards tend to get subbed more often than defenders, making their average points totals possibly even lower next season if nothing else is changed.

    19. ritzyd
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Seems fairly simple to fix:
      - DMs are listed as defenders and score as such
      - mids get no CS points
      - fw's get 1pt for each 2x SOT in a game

      That should make things much more interesting and open up the player pool a little more.

    20. Yank Revolution
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      B, C and D are the best methods, in that order..if those fail, include A.

    21. Fred54
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Make the goals bigger.

    22. Dr. Rog
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Any player that plays as an inside forward should be listed as such - Salah, Diaz, Son, Sterling, Foden, Martinelli, Saka etc etc

      Thats all the need to do.

      And probably change the slots to 5-4-4 and change the 1-3-0-1 rule to be 1-3-1-1

  7. DBW - Slug's Mortgage …
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Rudigar to Madrid looks odd now.

    Just won the UCL and league with Militao and Alaba. Where does he fit in? Surely on the bench.

    1. WHUFCSmith23
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Certainly does, according to most he can't play in a 2. But Madrid can't play with 3 at the back otherwise they are taking away Vinicius Jnrs attacking threat. Its not like he will play wing back.

      Even more odd when once again he struggled to play right side of a 3. But with Alaba being left footed surely he has to play there over Rudiger.

      1. DBW - Slug's Mortgage …
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        He's on £400k a week too. Crazy club. They should cancel that right away if they can.

        1. Black Knights
          • 12 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          And they have the gall to say that PSG are ruining football, just because they couldn't sign Mbappe.

          1. Dr Van Nostrand
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            1 year, 10 months ago

            They aren't be funded by a despotic petrostate with limitless wealth

    2. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Great for the player, not looking like good business from Madrid's side.

      I think he'll just be a super expensive back-up.

  8. Scots Gooner
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Denis Undav - Brighton striker.

    38 G+A in the Belgian league last season.

    Could be a nice budget option.

    1. DBW - Slug's Mortgage …
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Great find. Could be a great differential at the start of the season.

      Let's not mention him again on here.

    2. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Yeah, I'll be monitoring him in pre-season. But players who dominated other leagues have often struggled in the Premier League, so I'll probably wait regardless, but he has potential to be a solid option.

    3. WHUFCSmith23
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Let's hope for a 4.5m price tag.

      1. Piggs Boson
        • 12 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Getting cheap gifts from FPL sounds like fun until the top million players all have the same team and you're frustrated at not being able to move through the ranks. It wouldn't take long for social influencers to tell everyone to get him...

        I want competitive prices and difficult decisions. That's how obsessives like us get an edge.

        1. Baps hunter
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          At least during last season it was possible to climb ranks. Often the template has been strong and performing well.

    4. el polako
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Belgian league...

  9. King Kohli
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Thoughts on a gw 1 BB?

    Got burnt by BB last season and setting it up without a wc cost lots of unnecessary hits. It also meant due to worrying about the bench, I could not have all the funds in the starting 11.

    Think it makes sense to "get it out of the way" even if gets you about 12 points.

    1. Drexl Spivey
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      I'm all on board for this if the fixtures add up.

    2. Haa-lala-land
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      I like just keeping and not thinking about BB, and relying on one of the 38 weeks to be a "benching dilemma" and I'll be like "oooh bench boost!"

    3. WHUFCSmith23
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      I quite liked the idea of using a bench boost to offset some minor surgery. I might play it that way this season.

      It does make sense to take a minus 12, paid for by bench boost that will set you up for multiple weeks rather than just an immediate gain in 1 game week.

      1. Baps hunter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        I actually used it that way this season. Even if BB was problematic chip this season for many, using it well helped good managers to get gains. And next season is probably more normal season anyway. I don't understand why so many decent managers hate it because of one season only. Casuals like it and use it when they have too strong bench. Probably that is not as bad idea as we have previously thought 😉 BB is nice chip and helps good managers to get gains over mediocre ones.

    4. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      I'd be surprised if we still had a bench boost chip next season.

      1. Zimo
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        I hope it goes away

    5. sttewwizza
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      It would be nice to have Rich Uncle chip this season...

      1. el polako
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Nigerian Prince chip.

    6. circusmonkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      I did it last year because there were those cheap nailed options like Tsimikas. I got 7 points. I didn't get the full benefit as I needed a bigger bench when covid returned but I don't regret it. Might do it again.

  10. Tomsk
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Should the cost of a penalty miss be slightly more than -2?
    Just thinking might make people think twice before picking Haaland just because on pens for Man City and might make players like Mane more viable in comparison to Salah?

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Chances of scoring a goal from penalty is more than missing it, so PK takers would still be preferred. Reducing points for PK goals is an option.

      1. Philosopher's Stones
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Been my thinking for quite some time as well. 2/3 points for a pen goal would be better imo.

    2. Bavarian
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      I would consider some points (2 pts let's say) for the penalty taker if he's the reason behind the penalty kick itself

    3. bombonera
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      I'd keep the miss at -2, but have penalties scored at 4 points for all positions

      1. Rassi
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        How many pks Salah scored this season? 5-ish?

        Would 5 less points make any difference?

    4. theplayer
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      I'd like to see less bps for a scored penalty than a goal from open play. 24 bps for a forward for example just seems too much to me

      1. theplayer
        • 10 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        In fact now that I think about it why should the bps be different for a scored pen whether it's a defender, midfielder or forward.

        1. Rassi
          • 9 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          Why should the bps be different for any scored goal?

    5. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Nah. You just dock the points for penalties. 3 points for a penalty.

      1. theplayer
        • 10 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Seems fair

  11. Camzy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    I've done my player price prediction sheet for this upcoming year. It includes all expected starters and players of fantasy interest (DMs and subs are mostly left out).

    Obviously it's subject to change depending on signings/transfers but as of right now, this is what I feel the players are worth:

    https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1tOXOHLkK5PaJPke_a7o4uQT707lDpKWAlr5y6VmcXU4/edit?usp=sharing

    Premiums (all players over 9.5m):
    Salah - 13.0m
    KdB - 12.0m
    Son - 11.5m
    Fernandes - 11.0m
    Sterling - 10.5m
    Diaz - 9.5m
    --
    Haaland - 12.0m
    Kane - 12.0m
    Ronaldo - 11.5m
    Lukaku - 10.5m
    Vardy - 9.5m

    I don't think FPL towers will price the players like this exactly but if they do price players above the values I've put down I consider them overpriced. And if they're lower then I consider them good value.

    For anyone that has some time, really recommend doing the exercise for yourself for all the players. Save the sheet. And then when the prices come out, compare your sheet to the prices given and look for value.

    1. Rassi
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      I would make Haaland 12.5 and Saka 8.0 but mostly agree on your estimates.

      Newcastle defenders will be a big pre season hype.

      1. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        The thing is, I can't see Haaland being priced higher than Kane. He's new to the league and still young. He could absolutely be worth Salah money this season but as an entry price to the game, and given the malaise of forwards, I think 12m is a fair starting price for him.

        1. Baps hunter
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          I think Haaland has been mentioned to be injury prone and his minutes could be managed. I think that is one of the reasons he chose MCI. Depending on fixtures big decision to start with or without him.

      2. Piggs Boson
        • 12 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Yeah Newcastle in general are of interest. Their points tally since January was insane. 4th highest in the league.

        Can't see Trippier coming in at 5.0m, but might be still be a good option at 5.5m depending on fixtures/prices...

        1. Camzy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          I think 5.5m is a bit steep for Trippier. He's getting on a bit. I think 5m is fair.

        2. Baps hunter
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          Dubravka at 4.5 could be a steal, but I expect him to be 5.0.

          1. Baps hunter
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 6 Years
            1 year, 10 months ago

            Sorry, just noticed your spreadsheet. Thx 🙂 Quality work. I agree with it mostly, but expect the most expensive premium defs to be 0.5 million cheaper, even though they are worth the prices you have estimated.

    2. Stimps
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Fernandes 11m? Cmon....

      1. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Could be 10.5m but any less would be very underpriced considering his past record. If Ronaldo leaves as well, he becomes more valuable.

    3. The Mentaculus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Thanks for sharing this. Interesting that you've reclassified a couple of forwards as mids but none the other way around, although seems fair in specific cases I guess. Elanga from 4.5 to 7 seems outrageous to me. Carvalho 7.5, hmm, do you see him starting a good few games then? Might expect Jota to come in a little over 8. And maybe Chilwell slightly cheaper than James?

      1. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Greenwood went from 4.5m > 7.5m. All United mids tbh are quite hard to price. I took the conservative option but you could realistically bump all of them down 0.5m. I just applied the 'United tax' as they call it. And there is a chance that Ten Hag comes in and they play like a proper top 4 side.

        Pricing players like Carvalho is very difficult. He either doesn't start often in which case he's barely worth 5.5m. Or he starts regularly for Liverpool and is worth 10m.

        If he's a forward, Jota at 8m. If he's a mid, probably 9m.

        Chilwell and James should be the same price imo. Chilwell's PPG was the highest in the league. Higher than Salah's. If he's less than 6.5m he's a snip.

        1. Herogrows
          • 2 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          Right the team is coming together nicely now, chillwell, perisic, couple of Newcastle defenders, 4.0 plus diaz, Erickson and raphinio, whoever united pick up and haaland, Wilson and Nikitia oh and 4.5 keeper, not too shabby

          1. Jock Grealish
            • 2 Years
            1 year, 10 months ago

            chilwell is injured ravaged

        2. FPL Theorist
          • 4 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          Totally agree Chilwell is a bargain even at 6.5. Double Chelsea WBs could be a huge differential to start the season.

          1. The Mentaculus
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 2 Years
            1 year, 10 months ago

            Had both for a few beautiful weeks this season. Its more hope than expectation for me tbh to see Chilwell at 6

    4. DelPiero10
        1 year, 10 months ago

        The value players will stand out either way and dictate what is likely to be the strongest team structure. Creating a massive sheet with price predictions would be time consuming and of no real benefit.

        1. Camzy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          I did my sheet in about 2 hours. It takes less time than you think. And I found pricing everyone quite useful. I also tried to list all the FPL options off the top of my head and it was interesting to see who I missed off. It's the process that was important to me.

          I know the pricing isn't gonna be 100% right but it's my personal valuation and that's what I'll be leaning on when making a GW1 team anyway.

      • circusmonkey
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        There should be something coming out on the site that you'll like soon. Perisic as a defender would be interesting.

    5. Herogrows
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      I think if this scopes out , I’ll be starting the season with Haaland, nkitiah and my all time troll Wilson!

      I can’t see son being cheaper than KDB and I’m all in on perisic at 6, welcome in Diaz too

      1. Herogrows
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Reply fail to Camzy sorry!

      2. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        I think Diaz has the potential to be the most underpriced player even at 9.5m.

        He's already in the first team and with Mane leaving, would be even more nailed. I think 9.5m is a good price to give him some room to run. If he lives up to expectation he'll be 10.5 or 11m next season. If not, goes down to 9m or 8.5m.

        Son at 11.5m is the price that I am most confident in. KdB being given player of the season, his big returns at the end of the season and Haaland joining means he'll probably keep his 12m tag. I don't think he's 'good' value there but as an explosive premium, we saw what damage he's capable of.

        1. Herogrows
          • 2 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          9.5 is an absolute steal but unfortunately I think he’d be in every team at that price so I think he may be 10/10.5

          1. Camzy
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            1 year, 10 months ago

            I wouldn't buy him at 10m+ to start the season. Despite his promise his actual attacking returns/start are not premium level yet hence why I think 9.5m is a good price for him. He has the upside to be 10-11m but also has downside to be 8.5-9m.

        2. Baps hunter
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          We cannot talk about Diaz and forget Jota. If there wasn't captaincy issue, having Jota and Diaz might be good idea. TAA has regressed in spring also earlier, so I think I'll be ready to pay 0.5 million over Robbo, but 1 million would be too much. Depending on fixtures and form, swapping between Son and KdB could become an option, at least later in the season.

          1. Camzy
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            1 year, 10 months ago

            I think 1m will be the difference this year. Look at their ending prices.

            I agree though, if they price TAA at 8.5m and Robbo at 7.5m as predicted, I take Robbo all day.

            1. Baps hunter
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 6 Years
              1 year, 10 months ago

              I am not certain about that. Robbo did so well in the end of the season. I think prices shouldn't have that 0.5 million "ladder" or minimum difference (if there is to be any). Would be much more interesting if their price difference could be .7 or .8 million.

          2. The Mentaculus
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 2 Years
            1 year, 10 months ago

            Jota as 8m forward would definitely interest me

            1. The Mentaculus
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 2 Years
              1 year, 10 months ago

              Would probably have to extend my no Salah streak if we can pick up Diaz & Jota for 17.5

              1. Baps hunter
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 6 Years
                1 year, 10 months ago

                Captaincy could become an issue supposing Salah finds his form.

                1. The Mentaculus
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • Has Moderation Rights
                  • 2 Years
                  1 year, 10 months ago

                  True. I would expect that to happen & captaincy is the main reason I was inclined to start with Salah & Son (maybe no Håland)

            2. Camzy
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              1 year, 10 months ago

              Yeah I made my first tweak. Jota at 8m is a bit too nice. 8.5m now.

              1. Baps hunter
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 6 Years
                1 year, 10 months ago

                Yes, I agree with this one. I expect Diaz to be 1 million over Jota. That can be paid, but 1.5 million difference would make Jota to be the pick.

    6. Tomsk
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      If you could back yourself at 4/1 to finish in the top 10000 next season would you place a bet?
      I asked same question before last season and was surprised that most said they would(no way I would btw).

      1. Holmes
        • 10 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        nope, wouldnt back myself to finish even in top 100k

      2. Grande Tubarão
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Yes. Probably anything up to 2/1.

      3. Herogrows
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Not a chance, supposed to be fun, too much pressure when moneys involved

        1. Baps hunter
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          Little money doesn't add pressure.

      4. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Yes at 4/1. But if the odds were lower, probably not.

      5. Fulchester's New Centr…
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        I remember. Would have lost my stake this year, but I'd back myself again.

      6. Baps hunter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        I said year ago I would. I am sorry I couldn't. Would have been "easy" money 😉

        1. Baps hunter
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          I think my odds to finish in top 10k are realistically about 30%

          1. bitm2007
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            1 year, 10 months ago

            How do you come to that conclusion when if your team link is correct you've never managed a top 10k finish before ?

            1. Baps hunter
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 6 Years
              1 year, 10 months ago

              Well... I started as casual and the very first season was just half a season. And losing top 10k with exact one point two years ago was close enough imo.

            2. Baps hunter
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 6 Years
              1 year, 10 months ago

              2018/19 2255 124404
              2019/20 2358 10579
              2020/21 2399 89342
              2021/22 2650 5189

              I was still very much practicing Fpl during first of these seasons. But yes, it is strongly possible that I think that I am better manager than I really am 😉 Sample size is simply too small, there I agree. But during last 3 seasons I have made it to top 10k once and lost it with 1 pt margin once. So I'd expect to be once in top 10k during next 3 seasons. My obvious flaw or mistake has been poor gw1 team every year so far.

      7. Scots Gooner
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Yes, but I’d only put a tenner on

      8. lugs
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        4-1 is not worth it for a small bet, i'd rather enter a league with a few thousand people for a tenner each, whoever gets top 10k gets a share of the money, at least that way the bookies get nothing

      9. Now I'm Panicking
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        I don't think many have a better than 20% chance they finish top 10k, even if they think they do.

        Would be a nice small bet to place though for extra motivation/interest.

        1. Baps hunter
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          I still wouldn't bet against Fabio Borges or Lateriser etc finishing in top 10k 😉 But very difficult to estimate the real chance for every manager. My math isn't good enough for that. And someone could also always buy help from an experienced top manager, so this kind of betting with bigger sums would be too risky for bookies.

          1. Now I'm Panicking
            • 9 Years
            1 year, 10 months ago

            I said many.

            On Nirvana (which is about as good a decent sample size of very good and engaged FPL managers you can get, with no recency bias like using the top of the HoF would give you), less than 20% of managers have finished top 10k every season since 2016/17.

            And I don't think any bookies would offer this either, all hypothetical innit.

            1. Baps hunter
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 6 Years
              1 year, 10 months ago

              "Many" is difficult number, it can be basically anything. Well, not anything, because it naturally has to be smaller number than 50k. My pure guess is that we are talking about hundreds or more likely about a couple of thousand managers. We have to also remember that atm here are only the most fanatic managers. So the percentage of managers whose chances to top 10k are above 20% is atm much higher on this crowd compared to normal times. I certainly would agree for example with Camzy about his personal odds. He may even have slightly underestimated them 😉

              1. NorCal Villan
                • 2 Years
                1 year, 10 months ago

                Many may indeed be a difficult number, but one is the loneliest.

              2. Now I'm Panicking
                • 9 Years
                1 year, 10 months ago

                Well, we are all entitled to our opinion of course and there's nothing wrong with a bit of moderate self-belief. I'd certainly consider the top 100 in the FFS HoF to be fanatic managers. And only 16 of them finished top 10k this season. Similar-ish stats in all so-called "elite" leagues.

                https://mobile.twitter.com/elevenify/status/1529156606105112577

      10. Firminooooo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        4/1 yes. Only 33k this season, but 204, 549 and 4554 in my last 6 seasons. Would even take 2/1!

    7. R.C
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Are we getting closer to the release of next season's FPL?

      1. George Sillett
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        We are a day closer than yesterday.

      2. Grande Tubarão
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Yes, that's how time works.

        1. NorCal Villan
          • 2 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          Time flies like an arrow.
          Fruit flies like a banana.

    8. Sillet Bang
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Mitrovic to be chief troll 22/23

      1. Old Man
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Either that or a very cheap gold mine of FPL points

      2. FPL Pillars
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Wonder what he will be priced at…