Scout Reports

FPL new signings: Can Erling Haaland be a success at Man City?

FBL Thinker is a regular Fantasy Bundesliga player, finishing fourth overall in 2021/22.

As a result, he has watched Haaland closely during his time at Borussia Dortmund, and here, shares his thoughts on the Norwegian and what his involvement at Manchester City might mean for Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers.


EARLY BACKGROUND

Few players burst onto the scene like Erling Haaland, and he has since gone on to become one of the rising stars in world football. 

Haaland first came into prominence when he scored nine goals against Honduras in the 2019 FIFA U20 World Cup, but it was his performances for RB Salzburg in the Champions League that put him on the map on a world stage. The Norwegian international was able to contribute to nine goals in the group stage against the likes of Napoli and then-defending champions Liverpool.

His exceptional numbers in the Austrian Bundesliga (22 goals and assists in 14 games) alongside his record in the Champions League forced Salzburg to part ways for a measly £18m in January 2020. The striker has gone on to hit even bigger heights scoring 62 goals and producing 16 assists in 67 games for Borussia Dortmund.

2021/22 SEASON

Haaland made a spectacular start to the 2021/22 season, scoring twice and providing three assists to thrash Europa League winners Eintracht Frankfurt. However, following a run of braces in successive matches, he then got sidelined with a muscular injury. This injury kept plaguing him throughout the season and he wasn’t able to complete a run of 10 matches back-to-back. Despite that, whenever he played, he made an impact and led Dortmund to victory from the jaws of defeat. He finished on 22 goals for the season, in second behind Robert Lewandowski, whilst playing fewer games than the Polish striker.

HAALAND’S STYLE OF PLAY

Haaland’s game is built on his two greatest strengths: movement and finishing which helps him to be a top-class goalscorer. His off the ball work is phenomenal, while he is also involved in Dortmund’s build-up play, holding the ball and setting up runners from midfield with accurate passes.

His trademark position is parking himself between two opposition defenders and being on their shoulder. This allows him to run into the box by making a blindside run into the channel – usually on the left. He happily comes deep to collect the ball to help his team build play, often looking to spread the ball wide for a teammate, before turning and sprinting towards goal.

HOW HAALAND WILL FIT IN AT CITY

Man City generally line up in a 4-3-3 formation, with a back-four of Kyle Walker, Ruben Dias, Aymeric Laporte and Joao Cancelo, a three-man midfield of Rodri, Bernardo Silva and Kevin De Bruyne, with Phil Foden, Gabriel Jesus and Riyad Mahrez up front. Haaland will come into the team as the central focal point and would help City in breaking down opposition defences. 

In games where the opposition employs a high press, Haaland will drop deep thereby creating space behind the opponents’ defence. The inverted full-backs will move into the midfield which would open up spaces for creative players like De Bruyne to play a through pass behind the defensive line. Haaland with his exceptional speed and ability to time the run would be able to latch on to the through ball and finish effectively. Haaland’s height and physique will also allow Ederson to play long balls out of defence which he can hold up and then bring midfielders and wingers into play which is absent with City’s current false nine formation.

THE IMPACT OF HAALAND ON CITY’S OTHER ASSETS

Who are the best FPL captain options for Gameweek 10? 5

Pep Guardiola hasn’t had the best of times playing a target man in his team as was the case with Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Edin Dzeko to name a few. However, his most successful spell came when he worked with Lewandowski in Bayern Munich. So that provides a reference on how he could set the team up. In his three seasons Bayern scored 94, 80 and 80 goals respectively. Muller playing behind the target man scored 13 goals and provided 10 assists, while Robben scored 17 goals playing from the right-wing. 

Most of Haaland’s goals and shots have come from the left in Dortmund and we know most of City’s attacking play arrives down that side which indicates that assets like Cancelo and Foden could benefit. City are one of the cross-heavy teams in the league and players like De Bruyne, Mahrez and Cancelo who provide the crosses would be able to supply the Norwegian.

In my opinion, the players who will benefit most are as follows:

  • Cancelo
  • De Bruyne
  • Foden
  • Mahrez
  • Sterling

Though most of Haaland’s attributes lend itself to the way City play, he is in the bottom 24% of forwards for pressing in the top five leagues in Europe, whereas City are the second-highest pressers. Haaland’s general passing is low compared to other forwards and especially compared to City’s false nine. These are the attributes Pep will look to improve. 

With age on his side and working with one of the best tactical managers in the game, playing at one of the most attacking teams in Europe, Haaland’s move to City could turn out to be a match made in heaven.

100 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Make Arrows Green Again
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Haaland looks photoshopped above.

    Evening all!

  2. Uncle Baby Billy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    I'm in Germany, was aware of him at Salzburg and watched him regularly during his time at Dortmund. He's an absolute monster, if he can stay reasonably fit for the next four or five years he'll be the successor to Messi & Ronaldo as the game's greatest player.

    FF wise, if position classifications stay the same as last season we're all going to have a few extremely difficult decisions to make, two of Haaland, Salah, KDB and Son will be pretty much standard, more than two will be almost impossible unless you want three from each of Forest, Bournemouth and Fulham, with a smattering of Leeds, making up the numbers.

    TAA, Cancelo, Chillwell, James and Robertson are going to eat further into budgets, everyone will want at least two of them as well...meaning we're going to see some seriously tasty alternatives in all positions with seriously small ownership.

    I'll 100% start with Haaland and take it from there.

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

      Trip planned to Munich for the Octoberfest this year, mate. Looking forward to it!

      1. Uncle Baby Billy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        If you're going to be there over any of the weekends you'd be best reserving a table place in advance. The only tent with standing spaces is the Hofbraü and, believe me, it's mental in there at the best of times. Best times to visit are Monday - Wednesday, you'll usually have no problem finding a table anywhere. Enjoy!

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

          On a bit of a tour, and looking to be in Germany during the fest. Might just plan Mon-Wed to be there if I can or will probably just have to reserve a table otherwise. Appreciate the heads up, mate. Cheers!

  3. EDUARDO DA SILVA
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Perisic will be beast if they put him as defender, best athlete that croatian football ever had, even at 33 year old.
    Very sad day for me as a Arsenal fan, but proud Croat.

  4. diesel001
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Reflecting on Liverpool's season, what stands out to me is how much of an exception VVD is. The guy is unique as a defender. There isn't a better defender in the world. He towers over most players, is quicker than them and his reading of the game is superb. If you are trying to copy Liverpool, then you can't, because you will not find a defender anywhere near as good as VVD.

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

      What about Maguire?

      1. diesel001
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        LOL. Maguire ain't anywhere near as good as VVD. Still think he is a decent defender though. But Man Utd tried to copy Liverpool and look what happened. Should be playing with a deeper defensive line.

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

          Yeah, totally agree. He's never an £80m CB but he's also not as bad as that Man Utd system makes him look.

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

        Inspiration to the masses. What a lad

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

          😆

    2. Stamford B
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Lol he’s not even the best defender in the league.

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

        If you exclude Michael Keane though.

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

          Keane and VvD both know how to score, but Keane is more versatile, he scores at both ends of the pitch?

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

    Think Pep will let one of the young boys backup Erling?

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

      Julian Alvarez?

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

        More McAtte or Delap

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

          I think of anything they go down the pecking order now. They barely got a look in last season when City played without a recognised striker. Now they’ve got two.

        2. St Pauli Walnuts
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          Alvarez definitely ahead in the queue. He's a regular starter for River Plate and scoring for fun. Delap has barely had a look in when fit, I think he will get a loan move now which I'll watch with interest. McAtee is good prospect but is more mid than front man, I don't see him starting at false 9 much or starting at all. Cups and maybe odd PL game on as sub. What happens with Jesus is the big one.

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

      I see Haaland/Alvarez as the new Aguero/Jesus. With the 5 sub rule, the backup will see more minutes.

  6. Matt Sk
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Is it just me or has Varane been weak this season? Like I saw a lot of silly mistakes leading to goals

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

      Yeah, I think it's gone under the radar how bad a signing he's proven to be really - he was injured so much he barely managed half their PL games and really wasn't great when he was playing.

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

        Slabhead for a partner

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

      There was a good segment I watched earlier on Varane by La Liga journalist/presenter Semra Hunter.

      https://youtu.be/8P_9TEk8LRY
      Varane talk starts at 17:00

      She is in absolute awe of the player, saying he covered for Ramos' mistakes a lot, and made him look a better player than he actually was. They were the perfect partnership.

      She is adament that it's the structure around Varane at United is the problem. The players, the changing room etc, and that we will see the best of him soon.

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

        As long as Maguire is there he’s in trouble.

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

    Sam Lee, the City correspondent for The Athletic, says that Haaland will be adapting to the false 9 position and will coming deep in the build up, similar to how Harry Kane does, and then getting into the box for the final phase.

    So rather than changing the system for Haaland, Pep will try to change Haaland to fit the system.

    https://theathletic.com/3336777/2022/05/30/julian-alvarez-man-city-signing/

    The way he says it seems to imply he knows it for sure.

    Alvarez however already seems well suited to the role. But although he doesn't have to adapt to the system, he will have to adapt culturally, as he's coming from South America.

    Pre-season will be interesting.

  8. Our Tiny Windows
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Money no object what’s the best team next season looking like?

    1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Considering where City are already and having just bought Haaland and their owner saying there will be further additions coming, I think it's quite hard to look elsewhere

      1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        I did not read this question in the FPL context whatsoever. Ignore me, I'm going to bed

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

        Lol I read and it immediately thought ‘that’s just City isn’t it?’ too

    2. panda07
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Friedel (Jaaskelainen)
      Riise Terry Ferdinand (Dunne) (Queudrue)
      Gerrard Lampard Fabregas Gamst-Pedersen Nolan
      Henry van Nistelrooy (Kuqi)

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

    Mason Mount to Man Utd rumours are picking up a lot of traction. Being reported everywhere. Would be interesting for FPL.

    1. panda07
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Sounds like a convenient bargaining chip for Mount in his contract talks!

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

        Yeah, I think so. Seen it so many times before.

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

      Lol

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

    He's the next Tore Andre Flo

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

    Chelsea trying to sign Hakimi again. He'll be a risk for both James and Chilwell right?

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

      Chelsea wingbacks will be a risk regardless due to the 5 subs rule now

    2. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Mostly James you'd imagine, although depending on who they manage to sign / fail to sign it's possible he could end up playing a fair bit at RCB this season

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

    What's the drawback of picking 14 nailed (barring 2nd GK) players v/s 11-12 nailed players?

    Isn't having a bigger pool of players better to choose from? Mainly to target the as many plum fixtures as possible

    1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Most people prefer having the vast majority of funds in their starting XI, they think it's a waste to have money on the bench or benching headaches. I'm more of your opinion, the last few seasons have certainly conditioned players to have stronger benches but whether that's a factor or not going forward, I still prefer to have more choice than less if budget permits and doesn't result in having to make significant downgrades just to achieve that. That being said it can vary from season to season, last season wasn't exactly great for cheap forwards and while there were options in midfield and defence, most were pretty poor apart from specific points of the season where they became viable (Tsimi for the first few games, Johnson while Coufal was injured, etc.).

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

      Did you play FPL last season? A few ended up with strong 15 man squads after all the covid cancellations. Personally I came to like having 1 strong sub (a starting 12 in my squad), but that's partly to cover for a couple of risky (not completely nailed) picks. Also allows you to see through short-term injuries / suspensions without being forced into extra transfers. But 14-15 leaves too much money & too many pts on the bench for me.

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

      I had starting XV (thx to Foster) since my gw 7 WC and it worked well. A lot of benched points but Saka and ESR were both good picks and my tv started to rise very fast. However, it was time when big hitters didn't do well (Kane, CR7 and Lukaku were not options, KdB not free scoring either). Being able to rotate players, avoiding sour fixtures and gaining tv are the positives. But if there is "Holy threemium" for example doing well / hauling regularly, it's totally different story.

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

        The chances of threemiums thriving week in and week out are low though right?

  13. Botman and Robben
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Do you think managers will still get TAA if he is 8.0M+?

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

      They’ll think twice.

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

      Yes

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

      Depends on Robertson price.

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

      8 maybe, anything more & I would probably start with Robbo instead

    5. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Certainly. But his form in the second half of last season should make it a tougher decision. Interestingly over the last couple of seasons, TAA and Robbo have generally opposed each other for form. In 20/21, Robbo started off quite well while TAA laboured a little in comparison, but in the second half of the season TAA picked up his form impressively while Robbo dropped off. This continued into this season where TAA had a superb start, but in the second half Robbo had an incredible run of form and consistent returns while TAA's returns disappeared. Needless to say I'll be starting with Robbo.

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

        My thoughts exactly

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

        TAA has regressed in spring also before, but woke up when he was dropped from England squad.

        1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
          • 3 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          Yeah it's a good point. I guess I'm mostly worried by his performances in recent games, although he may be a little burned out. Will have to see how things in preseason look but if there's a gap of 1m or more between them then I'd say I'll stick with Robbo (although I doubt that will be the case)

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

        Trent's xGI was still well ahead of Robbo's in the second half (gw20-38 6.36 vs 3.54). He was just a bit unlucky not to get more returns while Robbo overperformed.

        1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
          • 3 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          True, but on the eye test he's not looked good for a while. I think he had a fair few poor performances at the tail end of last season.

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

            All I am saying it's fine margins. Two assists more for TAA and one or two fewer returns for Robbo and we wouldn't be having this conversation. 🙂

            Also I nearly always rely on stats over eye test.

            1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
              • 3 Years
              1 year, 10 months ago

              While I agree margins can be small, since GW22 Robbo had 8 returns versus 2 for TAA, with Robbo accumulating 15 bonus while TAA got 5, even with that swing Robbo is still comfortably ahead (although naturally bonus would be more evenly spread). I'm afraid I differ quite a bit and the eye test did me well this season (like punting on Kane and Son before they and Spurs kicked into their best form, as well as moving Salah on for KDB relatively early), but all different and useful ways to play for different people

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

                TAA had 3 in that time period. I firmly believe if he had 5 and Robbo had 6 (along with the inevitable change in bonus points) there would be no conversation. And Robbo would still be overperforming his xGI - and TAA underperforming. 🙂

                Btw I went early with Son and Kane too, fwiw.

                1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
                  • 3 Years
                  1 year, 10 months ago

                  Oops apologies, thanks for that. I'd still disagree though as I'd still favour Robbo given price differences but I suppose it's hard to be fully sure.

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

                    Yes, it is hard. My thinking is if TAA costs just 0.5 more, he will almost certainly be my choice. Difference of 1.5 or more (won't happen, ofc) means definitely Robbo. With 1.0 difference I will give it a serious thought.

                    In any case I might still go with both, depending on fixtures etc. 🙂

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

                      I basically agree here. With only 1 million difference I prefer Robbo who underperformed (do check!) early in the season. Did he play more for Scotland than TAA for England? Then there is also question of Diaz and possibly Jota with C Salah. Money is also always tight.

      4. Botman and Robben
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        TAA's lack of attacking form coincided with Diaz hitting the ground running. Could be something there...

        1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
          • 3 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          That's true, also coincided with Salah's dip in form. As I posted below it doesn't seem like Salah's contract situation is any closer to a resolution, supposedly there hasn't been a formal in-person meeting on it since December (although it has been a busy season particularly for Liverpool and Salah of course), so that could possibly linger on a bit

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

      The more I think about it, the more likely I might avoid TAA and go for Robbo as a season keeper.

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

      Depends on price of Matip

    8. Tic Tacs
      • 4 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      I can see myself still going with both TAA and Robbo!

      1. Botman and Robben
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Potential 8.0 + 7.5 will be tricky.

        1. Tic Tacs
          • 4 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          Yeah will depend on getting value picks elsewhere, probably midfielders, but these two are so consistent and play every week. Can always downgrade if needed.

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

            They pkay every week, but with 5 subs I can see Tsimikas getting Robbo's minutes more often. Klopp could easily do that to keep Robbo fresh.

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

        It is possible. Depends on Liverpool fixtures, other premium defenders' prices and fixtures, Jota's and Diaz's prices... So many variables. Can't wait for the fixtures and price reveals.

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

    *unless both are priced equally, which I don't think will happen

  15. Nate(U)dog(ie)
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    https://theathletic.com/3342618/2022/06/01/liverpool-transfers-salah-premier-league/?source=twitteruk

    According to the Athletic:

    - Salah won't go anywhere this summer but wants rise in wages that would make him 6th highest paid player in the world. Wouldn't have a problem going to PL rival for free next season if he's to leave as his family are settled in England
    - Liverpool want £42.5m for Mane
    - Liverpool are actively planning on replacing Mane

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

      'Wouldn't have a problem going to PL rival for free next season'

      Great news for Utd!

      1. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Why would Mane or salah go to United and ruin their careers?

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

          I’m only joking mate

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

        I can see it now... 5-year contract for 600k-a-week for a 30-year old who then sharply declines in form. Meanwhile Liverpool buy a unknown 24-year-old replacement for £15m that bosses the league.

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

          Then Utd can get the 24-year-old in 6 years time too and repeat the cycle 😀

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

      Salah to Newcastle.
      Think about marketing potential in Arabic world.

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

        Good thinking

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

        Why not. I actually can see that happening.

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

    I can see it now. Alvarez is gonna have a better pre-season than Haaland. Will come in at like 8m or so and everyone will buy him as 'City' cover so they can get Salah + Son. Then Haaland will be the one to go off and Alvarez becomes the new Mahrez.

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

      I can't see that happening en masse to be honest. Håland is too big a name to be eclipsed in a few pre-season friendlies

  17. Hiddenpaw
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Has anyone else not received their Season Summary from FPL? I can see lots popping up on Twitter but haven’t got mine yet. And yes emails are switched on on the app.

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

      I haven't.

    2. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Just got mine yesterday evening

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

      Haven't got mine either

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

      Maybe it’s based on rank?

      1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        No wonder mine took so long

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

      Got it

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

    Do you expect Konaté to take over from Matip next season, or some form of rotation to continue?

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

      Think it's quite likely Konate will become first choice sometime later during the season and Matip will play second fiddle. And Konate will still play some games in the early phases as well to accommodate to the league. Can see Matip being a risky option this season.

      1. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Personally I thought matip played better than Konate last season.

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

          Yeah, but Matip will be 31 this season and Konate is coming into age being 24. Not that 31 is too old for a defender, but I feel Konate will push to be the first choice this season.

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

            I thought both did well last season. Konaté should be mature enough & settled enough now to be a regular starter, but then Matip isn't exactly over the hill. Makes it tricky to predict

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

        Yeah, I thought Matip was outstanding. His passing is incredible for a CB. If he had Konate's pace he'd be a lock in that team.

        If I were to guess, I'd say it would depend on the opponent. If Liverpool will have to deal with pace in that area, then Konate might get the nod.

        Either way, both players should probably be avoided from the start.

    2. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      I was just pondering this actually, I feel like we're often on the same wavelength Mentac! I can't really tell. Matip on his day is a superb defender, he mixes with VVD so well, he is excellent at stepping out from the back on the ball while VVD is great at spreading the play with long balls. But, he has had a littered injury history and he does need to be managed. Konate has impressed this season (he was predominantly used in cup games and they won 2 of 3 cups after all), he was bought for a decent fee and won't want to sit on the bench. He's had his bedding-in period so surely he gets more games in the league you'd think. I wonder if it may get to a point where they're both used regularly but more with the opposition in mind given they both offer something fairly different from both a defensive and attacking standpoint, but I do think Matip won't be the safest of choices.

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

        Telepathically bonded since our GW4 Chilwell debacle 🙂

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

    So the highest ever gw score is 226, but has anyone ever calculated the all time highest potential gw score? Should probably be 250+?

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

      And that 226 is with hits and BB.