Team Guides

What can we expect from Scott Parker’s Bournemouth in FPL?

Our series on the newly-promoted Premier League sides continues with this look at Bournemouth’s manager, Scott Parker.

We will assess his management style, preferred tactics, predilection for rotation and openness with the press ahead of the Cherries’ Fantasy Premier League (FPL) return, as well as looking at areas of his squad he might strengthen in.

We’ve asked Bournemouth supporters and Fantasy Football Scout users PaulRUK3 and FPLScofield for their input here, to provide a fan’s view.

An article on the Cherries’ attack will follow, while you can read up on a guide to their defenders here.

Everything you need to know about Fulham can be found via the links below:


READ MOREWhat to expect from Fulham manager Marco Silva in FPL
READ MOREFulham’s defence assessed ahead of FPL return in 2022/23
READ MORE: What can we expect from Aleksandar Mitrovic and Fulham’s midfielders in FPL?


WHAT TACTICS DO BOURNEMOUTH PLAY UNDER PARKER?

What can we expect from Scott Parker's Bournemouth in FPL?

A 4-3-3 was by some distance Bournemouth’s most-used set-up in 2021/22, with that system sometimes resembling a 4-2-3-1 due to central midfielder Philip Billing‘s advanced role in support of lone striker Dominic Solanke.

“Generally we’ve gone with a 4-3-3 in attack.

“The midfield three is led by Philip Billing, who plays off the striker. The wingers get high up the pitch, with Ryan Christie being the provider on the right and Jaidon Anthony sometimes tucking in with more of a goal threat.

“The other two midfielders – Jefferson Lerma and Lewis Cook – are fairly defensive and will offer little to nothing in attacking FPL returns. The full-backs/wing-backs try to get forward but not to the extent of your Alexander-Arnolds or Cancelos.” – FPLScofield

As is true of a lot of managers, Parker will change approach during matches depending on the score.

Stopper Chris Mepham and defensive midfielder Ben Pearson would occasionally be thrown on if narrow leads were being defended, while a second striker – latterly Kieffer Moore – would be introduced if games were being chased.

Perhaps we might see more of the defensive 3-5-2/3-4-3 in the Premier League, as it was a system Parker turned to when managing Fulham in the top flight.

“Generally we didn’t have to change formation all year. We played three at the back in some games this year but that was rare. I suppose that could be the case more often in tougher Premier League games, though.

“Occasionally we’d switch in game when we were chasing. This would often mean someone like Kiefer Moore coming on up front with Solanke, so we’d play two up front.” – FPLScofield

WHAT STYLE OF FOOTBALL DOES PARKER FAVOUR?

Should we now be looking at Fulham's defence rather than teams playing it? 14

“Boring, boring Parker?”

The ‘mundane’ reputation has followed the Bournemouth head coach around ever since he first took charge of Fulham in 2019, with some cynics suggesting that his crab-like qualities as a player are now apparent in the teams he manages.

Cherries games would follow a similar pattern for much of the season: a frenetic, high-pressing, ball-hogging start would soon give way to a gradual retreat, with Parker apparently content to rest on narrow advantages or his young side seemingly losing confidence if they hadn’t pinched an early goal.

Ahmed Shooble wrote in the Athletic in May:

“As impressive as Bournemouth’s unbeaten start looks on paper, the majority of their wins were fought within fine margins, with the team occasionally riding their luck. Six games were won by a margin of one goal and only two were won by more than two goals. Four of those 15 games were draws while six of those matches also saw Bournemouth record an inferior expected goals (xG) total to their opponents. The only positive constant to come from this was Mark Travers’ sustained goalkeeping heroics to keep Bournemouth afloat in games they looked certain to spurn — helping the club to reach 19 clean sheets and concede just 39 goals.

“They were getting points on the board but some of the performances were much nervier than the five-point buffer they had opened up between themselves and the rest of the league suggested. Centre-back Chris Mepham and defensive midfielder Ben Pearson were often both called upon as defensive finishers to consolidate Bournemouth’s narrow leads, which saw the team drop into a deep-sitting five-man defence.

“Unsurprisingly, this caused opposition pressure to grow and resulted in some nail-biting finishes, leading some supporters to question why Parker refused to build on leads and when Bournemouth’s good fortunes would run dry.  

“Parker continued to toil in the fine margins, causing Bournemouth to drop to third in the table by the end of January and 10 points adrift of Fulham, who had already almost doubled their goal tally.

“It almost seemed like Bournemouth were trying too hard to score at times and were so deeply wedded to Parker’s drilled movements in the final third that they began to lose touch with their own attacking instincts. Throughout the season, Parker repeatedly referenced the importance of high-quality shooting opportunities — essentially taking shots in the box with a higher chance of resulting in a goal.”

There was a bit more tactical ingenuity and attacking ambition from Parker in the closing stages of 2021/22 (Solanke as a number 10 in the win over Coventry, for example) but in general, our Bournemouth correspondents are in agreement about the conservative nature of their manager.

“He loves passing football. Wouldn’t say it’s alikened to walking the ball into the net but he certainly likes pretty football. However, we may have to get more ugly this year in order to stay up.” – FPLScofield

“We’re possession based, primarily, but hard working out of possession. We’ll be hard to beat if not the most entertaining. Expect low-scoring matches.” – PaulRUK3 on Bournemouth’s playing style

During Parker’s last stint as a Premier League manager, there was a familiar tale.

If we take the liberty of ignoring a madcap first three Gameweeks in which Fulham struggled to get to grips with top-flight football and conceded on 10 occasions, the Cottagers actually didn’t do all too badly from a defensive perspective while struggling at the other end: from Gameweeks 4-38, they ranked eighth for fewest goals conceded (43) and 19th for most goals scored (24).

So, then, expect fewer goals at either end of the pitch than what we witnessed from the more gung-ho Eddie Howe incarnation of the Cherries.

We’ll delve into more of the underlying statistics from the 2021/22 Championship in our bespoke pieces on the Bournemouth defence and attack.

DOES PARKER LIKE A SETTLED SIDE OR WILL HE ROTATE?


177 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Gazwaz80
    • 4 Years
    1 year, 9 months ago

    Good evening everybody, I managed to stay away for Four days 😀

  2. Piggs Boson
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 9 months ago

    I like the sound of Travers.

    1. Skonto Rigga
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Sort of lost their way a bit after The Invisible Band but a solid first three albums, for sure

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Why does it always rain on me? Quite marvellous.

    2. Skonto Rigga
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Yeah he's on a watchlist for me, GB, I'm guessing there'll be someone else I will end up preferring in the £4.5m bracket but he's a shot-saving GK playing under a conservative manager and there's often at least one promoted goalie who ends up doing alright (Raya, Henderson, Etheridge etc)

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Same. There will be better, established PL defences with a 4.5 keeper.

    3. DBW - Slug's Mortgage …
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Why does it always rain on me?

    4. Athletic Nasherbo
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Hopefully Raya is 4.5. I like Samba too, mainly because I think Steve Cooper is excellent and Forest will have to rely on clean sheets that goals for sure.

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Raya is my first choice. Hopefully he will be 4.5 because his final points tally was low. But that's because he was injured for a long time. Points per match wise he was up with the FPL darling Ramsdale.

        1. Athletic Nasherbo
          • 7 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          Fernandez didn’t score loads, though. Probably contributed to their bad form but it’s not right if they put Raya at 5.0m. It just isn’t warranted.

          1. Ser Davos
            • 8 Years
            1 year, 9 months ago

            Agree with you regarding Forest. Not going to hype them up, but I think under Cooper there'll be some FPL value for sure

            1. Andy_Social
              • 11 Years
              1 year, 9 months ago

              Agree. The,most viable of the promoted clubs for me. Not a Brentford, but could be a source of bench material.

              1. Ser Davos
                • 8 Years
                1 year, 9 months ago

                I'm more interested in Cooper's back 6 far more than I was intrigued by Brentford (Toney the exception)

                1. Andy_Social
                  • 11 Years
                  1 year, 9 months ago

                  Yeah, I mean in retrospect. I didn't consider Brentford apart from Toney early doors. I could cite first season back Shefield and Leeds Uniteds. I'm not expecting a repeat next season.

                  1. Ser Davos
                    • 8 Years
                    1 year, 9 months ago

                    I suppose that due to FPL being from an era of 4-4-2, when a side plays with 3-5-2 etc. it offers lots of scope for value and points.

                    eg Wolves and Sheff Utd's 3 atb systems offered lots of defensive entries (though Wolves' mids have always been underwhelming)

                    Sa/Henderson

                    WBs: Doherty, Jonny / Stevens, Baldock

                    CBs: Boly, Coady, Bennett, Saiss / Basham, Egan, O'Connell

                    WC: Lundstram - Sheff Utd had ***7!*** entries during 19-20

  3. Athletic Nasherbo
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 9 months ago

    Cucurella moving to city and at 5.5m would be excellent. Oh, for Bournemouth, Solanke will be good I think. Confidence striker. Started to look ok when Bournemouth were relegated in the prem a few years back. Parker is decent too. At 6.0m I imagine only Welbeck and a Forest striker will be competition.

    1. Skonto Rigga
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Yeah, Solanke is an interesting one. Not expecting fireworks but a nailed starter (I assume that will still be the case, Parker seems to be suggesting so) and takes penalties. The concern would be his manager's conservative mindset but then again we've just seen a penalty-taking Pukki hit 11 goals in a side that didn't create much, either. Could see a similar tally come the end of 2022/23.

      1. Athletic Nasherbo
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Yeah penalties is key. Parker wasn’t that bad with Fulham. Think he’s adaptable to what he has. Expect nothing major though, I think they’ll go straight down.

    2. St Pauli Walnuts
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Won't be nailed though. Him playing means one of Cancelo or Walker misses out and they are both excellent players. I see him getting plenty of minutes but not about an FPL option yet unless one of the two mentioned injured.

      1. Ser Davos
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Cancelo will be intriguing this year. Big price hike and will he be nailed as last?

        1. St Pauli Walnuts
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          He was nailed season just gone. If anything Cucurella (presuming it happens) makes PL rotation more likely for him so with the likely price hike like you say, I think I might go without without so many other premiums to try and squeeze in.

          1. Ser Davos
            • 8 Years
            1 year, 9 months ago

            Dias, Laporte and Ederson are ones to watch I think, though they won't be fashionable on here

            Just this second watching Ralph Cifaretto prank calling Pauli's mum funnily enough!

            1. St Pauli Walnuts
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 5 Years
              1 year, 9 months ago

              Laporte has so much goal threat. Stones is a danger but feel Dias and Laporte are the clear first choices.

              Great scene. Reckless old Ralphy eh!

        2. Andy_Social
          • 11 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          Pep tends to take his time introducing new players while they're learning his system, so like Ake I'd expect to see Cucurella get quite short minutes (won't apply to Haaland - he'll learn to drop deeper on the job!)

          Cancelo - yeh, a dilemma. Do I fork out for him or go cheaper with Dias or Laporte? Was last season's low goal tally an outlier? Will be score a bunch in addition to his CS next season? I think he'll be nailed enough, maybe going off in one of 5 sub changes after he bags a 60m CS. Whether I start with him might boil down to whether he fits into the 100m budget.

  4. im1974
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 9 months ago

    If Solanke is 5.5 could be an option but FPL will probably make him redundant at 6.0/6.5

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      He should be priced closer to a last season Watford striker than a Pukki. 5.5m would be bang on for me.

    2. DBW - Slug's Mortgage …
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      He was an absolute flop in the prem before. Championship might be his level.

      1. Philosopher's Stones
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Yeah, him and Mitro both. Too good for the Championship, not good enough for the top flight.

      2. zes
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Sometimes players improve though. I held off getting Bamford for ages two seasons ago based on this logic - I was sure he was just going through a lucky streak when actually he'd just gotten much better.

        1. Andy_Social
          • 11 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          Bamford is a good example of how you can never be sure. Actually, he should be underpriced given his lack of games last season!

        2. Drexl Spivey
          • 5 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          Do you rank anyone straight in up our neck of the woods yet?

          Think we'll answer for some absolute bargains this year, personally.

          1. Andy_Social
            • 11 Years
            1 year, 9 months ago

            Newcastle? Absolutely, but I suspect they'll get a bit of a price hike. Any 4.5 starting defender will be in my team, for example, and Bruno at 6m, but I fear they'll be more expensive than that.

            1. Drexl Spivey
              • 5 Years
              1 year, 9 months ago

              Yeah, I've clocked Bruno in at £6m myself. Long summer though.

    3. Athletic Nasherbo
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Mitrovic 6.5
      Solanke 6.0

      Anything else is a mistake I feel.

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        I see Bournemouth and Fulham as next seasons Norwich and Watford. Just as it was worth having Dennis and Pukki for short phases, those two will have their moments. But I wouldn't start with them at those prices,. 5.5 would be fine as first bench; for 6m or more, you're looking to start them. I'd rather spend the equivalent on a defender or midfielder.

        1. Athletic Nasherbo
          • 7 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          Got to be careful not to compare so arbitrarily, but I see the comparison.

          Toney was 6.5. Pukki was 6.0. You aren’t getting any of them for 5.5 because quite frankly that’s ridiculous. I think they’re fine prices especially considering there aren’t loads of reliable striker options - anymore - Bamford, DCL, Jimenez, Wilson - all have had their injuries and are not guarantees. Plus, Richarlison should be a mid again, thank god.

          1. zes
            • 8 Years
            1 year, 9 months ago

            I think Dennis, Ighalo and Bamford were all 5.5 (off the top of my head)

            1. Ser Davos
              • 8 Years
              1 year, 9 months ago

              Dennis and Ighalo were 5.0

              Remember Capoue at 4.5 who started the 16-17 electric and on our benches?

            2. Athletic Nasherbo
              • 7 Years
              1 year, 9 months ago

              Pricing has changed in the last few years. Dennis didn’t score 42 and 29 goals respectively in the championship. He was an unknown quantity.

      2. Ser Davos
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Two simple changes to FPL this year:

        replace bench boost with an "unlimited" chip. Think it's in UCL FF. Unlimited budget for 15 players, with 11 playing

        +

        Give forwards a real bargain bucket discount. Have Mitro at 5.5-6.0 max, Solanke should be 5.5. It's the only way to tempt people or you may as well go for an equivalent defender at 5.5-6.5 if Mitro is at 6.5

  5. Ser Davos
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 9 months ago

    Maloney at 5.0 during the 12-13 season. Pretty sure he was part of an FFS 5.0 midfield double act, but I can't recall the other cog... was it Mark Noble (Doosra) as new promoted Hammer's penalty taker?

  6. Ser Davos
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 9 months ago

    Bargain bucket cheap strikers to keep an eye on:

    Worrall
    Johnson
    Keinan Davis

    Kieffer Moore

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Right you are. I'll be looking for a couple of benchies to accompany my premium forward.

    2. Athletic Nasherbo
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Davis will be decent I feel. Providing the signing happens, of course. Imagine 5.5 for him.

      1. Ser Davos
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        If he's nailed at 5.5 I may play him as the only forward and load up on mids and defenders.

        Haaland the only forward to make me concerned with that setup

        1. Drexl Spivey
          • 5 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          Plenty to match him in midfield.

          1. Ser Davos
            • 8 Years
            1 year, 9 months ago

            That's what I'm pondering.

            Something along 2 of Salah/KDB/Son (Bruno/Sterling within reach) plus a Diaz

        2. Athletic Nasherbo
          • 7 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          Nah that’s really inflexible, and no need to be.

          1. Ser Davos
            • 8 Years
            1 year, 9 months ago

            Yeah, that's true of course

            Davis could be come a cheap forward reasonably easy

            Pivot a premium mid to Haaland/Kane/Vardy a bit of surgery

          2. Andy_Social
            • 11 Years
            1 year, 9 months ago

            I'm minded to go with a default 451 with the occasional 541, Haaland up top (transferable to Kañe/Ronaldo/Vardy if he disappoints). My two reserve forwards want to be players though. With the 5 subs, backup young forwards for midtable sides come into play now.

            1. Ser Davos
              • 8 Years
              1 year, 9 months ago

              Excellent point about 5 subs and possibly needing a better bench (just as we're getting beyond covid!)

  7. BrockLanders
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 9 months ago

    The fixtures for the new PL season will be announced at 9am on Thursday 16th June & the first games will start weekend commencing 5th-8th August.

    @SpionKop

    1. BrockLanders
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      You'd assume the FPL will be back up not long after that date..

      1. Ser Davos
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Mad to think we waited on tenterhooks for the game to open 11-12. Think it was in and around the last week of July by the time it emerged

        Now it opens well before June has passed

        1. RedLightning
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 13 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          It used to wait till after the Sky and Telegraph games had launched, and they didn't release any prices in advance.
          Now it's one of the first, and we know it's getting close when they start releasing prices.
          In 11/12 it opened on 20th July.
          12/13: 19 July
          13/14: 15 July
          14/15: 18 July
          15/16: 9 July
          16/17: 19 July (25 days before start of season)
          17/18: 12 July (30 days before)
          18/19: 5 July (36 days before)
          19/20: 27 June (43 days before)
          20/21: 15 August (28 days before)
          21/22: 23 June (51 days before)
          22/23: 14-22 June (45-53 days before)?
          Seems to get earlier each year!

          1. circusmonkey
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            1 year, 9 months ago

            Now that they have stakeholders, ie people whose livelihoods depend on fpl, they could show some consideration and announce an intended launch date. The current trend of earlier launches is unnecessary. Three weeks before is ample.

  8. Athletic Nasherbo
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 9 months ago

    I haven’t played this game fully in two years, so I’m itching to get started again. Fresh perspective and a happier life. Here’s the safe draft (the 4 main big hitters), and excuse the price guessing but I’m usually decent at predicting. I think it’s wise to get your head cleared on who you like before outside influences such as fixtures and pricing.

    Raya (4.5)

    TAA (8.0) Cancelo (7.5) Fofana (4.5)

    Salah (13.0) Kulu (8.5) Odegaard (6.5) Harrison (6.0) TBC (5.5)

    Haaland (12.0) Watkins (7.5)

    4.0 DEF (4.5) DEF (4.0) FWD (4.5)

    1. BrockLanders
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Decent template to start with..

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Looks good. Fofana and Harrison won't be template.

        1. Athletic Nasherbo
          • 7 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          Cheers. Crazy to think Fofana was last summer from what I saw before I committed to not playing, and of course, the injury. He’s excellent. Harrison has been great under Marsch.

          1. Athletic Nasherbo
            • 7 Years
            1 year, 9 months ago

            Harrison could be Bruno G, likewise the 5.5 if he’s priced that (doubt it) or a 4.0 playing defender is clear.

      2. Athletic Nasherbo
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Yeah it’s the safe option. Salah > Diaz Kulu > Son the other big one but deffo the latter will be the minority.

        1. Andy_Social
          • 11 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          Mine looks like this:
          Raya,, 4m
          City def, Chilwell, Matip, Spurs def, 4.5 (Guehi?)
          Son, Kulu, Diaz, Barnes, Rodri
          Haaland, 2xbenchies

          1. Athletic Nasherbo
            • 7 Years
            1 year, 9 months ago

            You won’t stick with that, and trust me I love differential. I never start with Trent, and barely go Salah usually. Chilwell too risky I think, although I’ll have him on first WC I can imagine. Konate will be ahead of Matip I feel. Rodri is a no. Rest all lovely.

            1. Andy_Social
              • 11 Years
              1 year, 9 months ago

              Oh I'll tweak it 100 times. I'm assuming Chilwell will be cheaper than James. Matip is provisional on him being a sure starter. I'll prolly take Laporte over Rodri if they're priced the same. My City defender is ideally Cancelo if he's not priced out. Bruno G could be my 4th/5th mid if affordable.

    2. Ser Davos
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Looks excellent

      A break always does a manager good in FPL. We become too swamped by info I think. Lateriser had a break and then stormed it the year after iirc

    3. circusmonkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Have you entered the price prediction game? An article a few days ago.

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        I did. Didn't note down my decisions though so no idea what I put!

  9. Andy_Social
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 9 months ago

    It's 3am here in Cambodia and I'm awaiting the imminent news of Boris' fate with baited breath.

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      It's in. He's won but with a huge 148 votes against him. If he doesn't resign there'll be a year of civil war in the party. You love to see it.

      1. im1974
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Love to see it for what reason? Do you want the Labour morons in govt or any Tory but Boris?

        1. Limbo
          • 13 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          Cos the Conservative party has no morons at all... (yes Dories, I am looking at you).

          I'd rather the best of the rest got together and formed a proper alliance based on solid long term principles of Education, Employment, Health, Infrastructure, Environment, Truth and Justice. And the total irradication of (partially) legal bribes in the form cronyism, corporate lobbying and campaign "contributions".

          But, you know, actually wanting positive change at this point is just bonkers left wing idealism.

          1. Andy_Social
            • 11 Years
            1 year, 9 months ago

            It's a good result for Labour. Tories will be trounced in the upcoming pair of by-elections, then there'll be blood. The longer he draws this out with the electorate hating him, the better Labour's chances in the next GE.

          2. Ser Davos
            • 8 Years
            1 year, 9 months ago

            Difficult to gauge but I sense there are going to be significant, eventual changes due to the vast differences in generational outlook and experience.

            ie Putin grew up in the shadow of the Second World War, whilst the adults that are emerging now and will emerge have had an infinite, vast and dramatically different experience in growing up in recent eras

    2. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Looks like he survived.

      1. The FPL Units
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Party time!

    3. Ser Davos
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Hope you're not suffering from insomnia

  10. OverTinker
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 9 months ago

    Why are you in Cambodia? Job?

    1. OverTinker
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Reply fail to andy

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Originally, but lived here since 2005 and am retired now. Settled due to wife running a successful business here.

        1. OverTinker
          • 5 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          Good luck

  11. Ser Davos
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 9 months ago

    Thinking to try and squeeze Diaz and Kulu in and just sit on them. Auxiliary type forwards for top 4 teams at 8.5-9.5 tend to be those players that break into the premium heavy hitter area....

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Right. They're nailed into my draft. I'd like 9 from the top 3 but even foregoing Salah, Mane, TAA, KDB, I can't squeeze 9 in (see my draft above).

    2. Zimo
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      They will be the most popular players imo. Will be hard to go without

  12. Zimo
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 9 months ago

    I might go Haaland permacaptain and forego Salah, Son, KDB till he gets injured or it seems like he's gonna be rotated.

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Not for me off the bat. Its Citeh so I expect Haaland will be part of Pep roulette, looking to go with nailed player for that sort of cash - Kane, Son, Salah, Kulu, Diaz(?) etc. Flick to Haaland if he is nailed and scoring.

      1. Zimo
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Kulu, Diaz won't be double digit or at least they shouldn't. They're both gonna be in my team.

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Thinking the same but will go with Gelhart.

      1. Zimo
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Lovely stuff

  13. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 9 months ago

    Didn't realise until now from warning SSN Mane scored 16 goals. How many pens did Salah score?

    1. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      *watching

    2. The Mentaculus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      5. So 18 non-pen league goals

  14. Nate(U)dog(ie)
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 9 months ago

    According to team news and ticks (Twitter account that was pretty good for team leaks last season), Man Utd, Spurs and West Ham all had representatives at the Austria v Denmark game tonight to watch Eriksen. Funnily enough was just thinking a few days ago that he could suit that West Ham team well

    1. RogDog_jimmy
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      As a WH fan I would love him.
      Think Soucek regressed a little last season - an Eriksen & Rice midfield is legit good. That extra creativity would be super welcome. Then we have the depth to move him around other places...could sit in front of Rice & Soucek too - rely on wingers for goals.

    2. noquarternt
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      With the 5 subs rule I think any team bar the top two would be mad not to try and get him.

  15. noquarternt
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 9 months ago

    Already seeing some 'I'm going without Salah posts'... hard to believe how short people's memories are.

    On the other hand, when he leaves it'll be nice and refreshing for FPL.

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      My thinking is that Haaland and Son are my first 2 names on the teamsheet. That puts Salah out of reach. I'm willing to gamble Salah starts with the form he showed second half of the season, not first half.

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      I don’t think you should pick on short people.

    3. Scots Gooner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Many ways to skin a cat. If he keeps his end of season form into next season, he won’t be worth the 13m price tag he’ll likely have.

    4. Ser Davos
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Seemingly has a pattern of starting well, but then fading in the latter phase(s)

  16. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 9 months ago

    Just checking in to make sure everybody is OK and looking after themselves properly.
    Whatever battles you are struggling with, I want you to know I am always with you and I always will be.
    Stay strong, stay awake, but most of all embrace all the love that you receive with a Captains armband and give it back double.
    Peace. x

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Is this how you lull all your sheep before converting them to mutton chops?

  17. R.C
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 9 months ago

    8 days to go

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Release the hounds!

    2. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      1st price reveal before then, Jota forward - 9.0M.

      1. The Mentaculus
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Was that legit?

        1. Botman and Robben
          • 7 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          No, just my giesswork. 🙂

          1. The Mentaculus
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 2 Years
            1 year, 9 months ago

            I can't find it now, but Jota price reveal 9m fwd was posted on twitter a couple weeks ago. Guess it wasnt official / legit leak

            1. Andy_Social
              • 11 Years
              1 year, 9 months ago

              Has to be a guess, but certainly in the ballpark. I'm hoping to go for Diaz, but he needs to be no more than that.

      2. Ser Davos
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Honestly, any mid that is reclassified as forward ends up faltering. Firmino as an 8.5 FWD 17-18 was decent behind Salah and Antonio was worth it for three weeks at the start last season.

        That's. About. It.

        1. Andy_Social
          • 11 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          My front 3 will be Haaland and a pair of benchies. If midfielders I like are reclassified as forwards, they're likely off my radar. That could be Son and Diaz. I hope not.

  18. Deulofail
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 9 months ago

    ESR is so underappreciated, even by Arsenal fans. Talent to rival Saka; just couldn't show it so much in the second half of the season. No shame in spending some time on the bench for a rapid and promising winger in form like Martinelli. Seems to be more about functionality and tactics than anything else imo. Looks like he has a good mentality to deal with it and contribute in an effective way. If Martinelli was a right forward, we might have seen him take some starts away from Saka (who was overplayed). Arsenal fans don't know how lucky they are to have him!

    Could be a viable option to stick with again next season if he's still cheap, since 5 subs could see him get decent minutes, and particularly if he's coming on for the last 20-45 mins of games as a goal-scorer.

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      I'd say Saka and Odders are all-but nailed, do ESR has to slug it out with Marty for a starting spot. He'll be too expensive for cameos.

      1. Deulofail
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        I think with 5 subs and Jesus (and another forward/striker) potentially arriving, Odegaard and Saka will get fewer minutes. While ESR will get more (than he did in the second half of last season). Jesus could drop in a la Lacazette when Odegaard was dropped last season, and ESR could get some minutes in the creative role too at Ode's expense, with perhaps Tielemans behind him to help moving the ball around.

        I think Saka might transpire to be overpriced unless his goal-contribution explodes. Jesus won't help when he's on the pitch (compared to Nketiah as a finisher), and he could take plenty of starts/minutes away from him as well. Hopefully Scamacca with be the main guy anyway!

      2. The Knights Template
        • 10 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Cameo’s codpiece is almost as impressive as mine!

    2. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      I think he was quite unlucky, he was causing me headache after headache in FPL when he was in great form until he got his first injury, then he kept picking up further niggles and issues really until the end of the season (am I right in thinking he got covid in there somewhere too?). His problem is that Odegaard has been so good and consistent since coming in (to the point where he's been touted as a captain in the near future), while Martinelli ended the season looking pretty good out on the left.

      1. Deulofail
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Yeah, he missed a couple of games in Feb-March due to covid I believe. I agree he's been a bit unlucky. But on the other hand, not really. It's a positive that he is not pressured to be start or the missing link to bring Arsenal back to glory. A lot was made of the turning point last seas when he came into the squad and seemingly transformed Arsenal. Healthy competition is good and he'll keep getting better without being overplayed. Hopefully the same will be of Saka next season with incoming players to ease the load.

        1. Deulofail
          • 8 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          Hmm....
          *not pressured to be star
          *last season = the season before last

    3. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      ESR and Martinelli are both good players, which I why I won't be going near either. They seem to be sharing that LW position, with Saka and Odegaard being first choice for RW and AM.

      Saka or no one from that Arsenal attack for me atm, unless they sign a top striker. Don't really rate Odegaard as an FPL pick.

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        For me, Arsenal will probably be a bit meh next season, but their players will be priced quite highly. I'm not expecting to add any to my opening squad.

      2. The Mentaculus
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Seemed to me like Martinelli emerged as 1st choice. Owned him for the last 15ish GWs & every time I thought he might be a problem, he started again & returned. It is hard to call it definitively though since ESR's ongoing/underlying fitness issues weren't entirely transparent. I'm a bit wary of rotation between them once UEL is underway but I'm a big admirer of Martinelli & wouldn't rule out starting with him if the fixtures & his price are kind

    4. DBW - Slug's Mortgage …
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      I love Smith Rowe, if Arteta had played him more Arsenal would have probably got UCL.

      Top goal scorer then dropped for no good reason. No doubt Arteta will sell him to Villa or something in the coming years.

    5. Ser Davos
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Arsenal as option may well have gone with Europa on the table

      Could get overtaken by the likes of Newcastle very quickly

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Right, that's what I mean. Toon players are likely to be cheaper and better value than Arsenal.

    6. SweepaKeepa
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      I’d say ESR poised as first attacking sub for Martinelli or Ødegaard.
      I think Jesus at #9 would be points galore.

      1. Deulofail
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        I'd prefer Nketiah #9 for FPL points, but hoping for another striker to come in as well as/instead of Jesus

  19. Nate(U)dog(ie)
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 9 months ago

    https://mobile.twitter.com/David_Ornstein/status/1534111556362981378

    Everyone planning on getting Samba next season may end up needing to rethink, he's rejected a new contract offer and reluctantly looks like he'll leave this season (or else he'll be gone for free next year)

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      A three line post? Are you ok, Natedog?

      1. The Mentaculus
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        I'm sure he's still poised to answer the next epic, 20-question post from Inazuma in full 😉

      2. Nate(U)dog(ie)
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Bad night Knight, might have to wait until tomorrow for my usual novel-length posting

    2. The Mentaculus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Probably means they're going hard for Pope...?

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        That makes sense. If Pope's 4.5 at Forest he'll be popular.

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

      Anyone planning to do anything at the moment is going to need to rethink everything anyway.

      1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        "Bu-bu-bu my RMTs with no defined price points and the transfer window open for another 3 months!"

        1. Andy_Social
          • 11 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          I haven't seen anyone presenting an RMT. Just a handful of us throwing up early drafts for fun.

  20. Drexl Spivey
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 9 months ago

    Guessing the usual post-tournament break doesn't apply so much to World Cup returnees come Boxing Day, unless they reach the final. You can actually prepare a decent team out of non-participants (Haaland, Salah, Mahrez, Robertson, etc), but I wonder if six weeks with their feet up does their fitness more damage than good.

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      I'm very mindful of the way England players are mentally damaged for half a season after going deep in a major tournament and ultimately coming up short, as will happen in Qatar. I'll be looking to shift out any WC England internationals when they return, however well they'll have done in the season pre-WC. The players you mention could be excellent replacements on a post-WC WC.

      1. The Mentaculus
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Ok, so Chilwell had some issues to start, and Kane stretched his August drought a bit longer than usual, but on the other hand Saka & Mount went on to have their best seasons. Maybe I'm overlooking a couple other cases but it didnt seem that bad to me...

        Red flags for me will be any players making a deep run involving 2+ extra time games, since that definitely affected the rest of the season for a fitness monster like Salah

    2. Ser Davos
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Cross that bridge when we get to it

      The other saving grace in addition to the Euros only being a year ago (as mentioned below), is that the players have a summer break and by extension refreshed for FPL

      1. No Professionals
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Refreshed for FPL, that made me chuckle

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

    World Cup should’ve been starting this Friday

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

      Yes.

      Thanks for ruining the summer, thoroughly corrupt FIFA.

      1. Philosopher's Stones
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        *ruining the summer as well as the league season

    2. FPL price manipulators are …
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Move with the times. Everything is in flux.

      I'm not a fan of giving Qatar the WC but I don't mind trying a WC in winter. Something different

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        I doubt this is the start of a new trend. It's a corrupt once-off, never to be repeated.

      2. Thomas Jerome Newton
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Outdoor pub viewing will be rough.
        Plus World Cup bbq's are surely traditional (England)

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

        Don’t agree with this at all. The whole thing stinks of corruption and isn’t in the best interest of football. If that’s what ‘the times’ are now I don’t like it.

        1. DBW - Slug's Mortgage …
          • 3 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          Even after they found Blatter and Platini corrupt and banned them, the World Cup still went to Qatar. Should have been moved.

          Why on earth it has gone to the USA and Mexico for 2026 stinks too. Mexico have had it twice and USA had it not to long ago.

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

            Completely agree. I thought it was inevitably going to get moved at that point. Can’t believe we’re a few months away and it’s really going to happen.

            1. Andy_Social
              • 11 Years
              1 year, 9 months ago

              Was too late to move it. Qatar had half-built the stadia and would have sued.
              I do think that across the planet, teams will get different results and clubs will win and lose titles based on the disruption the winter WC will cause.

    3. Thomas Jerome Newton
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Maybe need a breakaway 'super' World Cup. Top 8 teams only.
      Quarters, semis, final. Job done.

      1. ZimZalabim
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Wouldn't mind seeing this as a tournament, something like the Champions Trophy in Cricket

        Top 8 seeds in the world or something, much better than all these stupid nations league type tournaments

      2. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Have it in Uruguay, 2030. [Historical reference, there]

    4. Ser Davos
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Wow, that's mad

      The only saving grace is that the Euros were just a year ago

      I'll never forget my disbelief at finding out Qatar had won the bid. 2010 or 2011 and stood next to the photocopier at work

    5. ZimZalabim
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      I dont like the way it went to Qatar and all that

      But Im glad its not starting this week, I think there has been too much football this past year or so

      I think everyone needed and still needs a break to refresh and get back to it with pre season.

      Need some time to build the excitement back up

      1. Ser Davos
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        First conventional summer break since 2019

        2020: covid and Project Restart

        2021: Euros

  22. Sgt Frank Drebin
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 9 months ago

    Real Madrid is making surprisingly good moves in the transfer market. Has Michael Edwards from LFC joined them eventually? That would explain a lot. Rudiger is a great addition and now with a midfield of Camavinga and Tchouameni they will have a world-class midfield for many years.

    1. FPL price manipulators are …
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Barcelona could learn a thing or two from Real Madrid about recruitment

  23. Athletic Nasherbo
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 9 months ago

    Richarlison will be classed as a midfielder this year, surely?

    1. FPL price manipulators are …
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      There should be troll category. FPL managers are given a warning and double authentication before picking players from this category

    2. Ser Davos
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      That would be v interesting if so

      Remember both he and Jota as midfielders 18-19

      Rich started great and then got red carded ala Antonio of last season

  24. Bury94
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 9 months ago

    Really enjoy these promoted clubs articles, pity not many people see them

    1. Skonto Rigga
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Thank you! The FFS die-hards see them, that's the main thing 😉

      1. Brimble82
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Don't consider myself a 'die-hard', but I am here most days - and agree, really enjoying the articles giving the lowdown on the promoted sides (even if there are still a number of unknown permutations re transfers etc)

  25. Riverside Red
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    1 year, 9 months ago

    As a Middlesbrough supporter I have never rated Southgate as a manager ..we were relegated under his leadership (he regularly benched Mendieta).
    His record for England is questionable based on the unbelievable squad he has available to him.
    I am extremely concerned we will fail to impress at the world cup with him in charge.

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

      He took England all the way to the final of the Euros. We’ve seen managers do far less with much better England squads. Only got to look at the ‘Golden Generation’.

      1. Riverside Red
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Who were the Golden Generation that were a vastly superior squad...Lampard, Gerrard...er...

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

          John Terry, Rio Ferdinand, David Beckham, Michael Owen, Michael Owen, Wayne Rooney, Ashley Cole, Paul Scholes, Sol Campbell. They weren’t bad players.

    2. Drexl Spivey
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Training on the job at Middlesbrough, to be fair. Steve Gibson was more to blame for throwing a five year contract at a man with no formal coaching qualifications. I dare say he's learned new chops since then...

      1. Riverside Red
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        A Newcastle fan who suffered Mike Ashley for years criticising Gibson?
        Certainly not a good appointment and I don't see evidence of Southgate improving

  26. Andy_Social
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 9 months ago

    There's no questioning his international chops. Can he do it as a club manager? I'd say he's matured a lot since the Middlesboro days but he's still unproven. Sack Lampard when Qatar's over and give him that gig - can't be much worse!

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

      Spurs is where I see him next.

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Can't see him waltzing into a CL contender. Would have to be lower midtable. United, probably once Ten Hag has failed to produce miracles within 4 months.

    2. Riverside Red
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      What's he won as England manager? First is First and second is nowhere

  27. Drexl Spivey
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 9 months ago

    Training on the job at Middlesbrough, to be fair. Steve Gibson was more to blame for throwing a five year contract at a man with no formal coaching qualifications. I dare say he's learned new chops since then.

    1. Drexl Spivey
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      (Above)

  28. Big boy Bowen
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 9 months ago

    Is there a Nations League Fantasy Football?
    Getting withdrawal symptoms!