Great Expectations

FPL 2022/23 ones to watch: Can Bruno Guimaraes build on a solid start?

Kicking off our pre-season ‘Great Expectations’ series is an assessment of Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes.

In these articles, we look at players who have shown glimpses of promise and are potentially on the cusp of a breakout Fantasy Premier League (FPL) campaign.

Most of the stats and graphics used in this piece are taken from our Premium Members Area here.

2021/22 FPL REVIEW

As the first big signing of the Magpies’ new ownership, there was already an expectation on the 24-year-old to justify his £40m price tag. Yet it didn’t take long for him to do so.

Five cameo appearances began life on Tyneside, with his arrival happening to coincide with Joe Willock finally hitting some goal-scoring form.

Guimaraes’ full debut at Southampton was memorable for his casual back-heeled volley to win the game.

Newcastle's Bruno Guimaraes scores back-heeled stunner vs Southampton

The addition of both Eddie Howe and five winter signings caused a dramatic shift in Newcastle’s form. No Premier League team had ever escaped relegation having not won in their first 14 attempts.

However, not only did they survive, it was a comfortable mid-table finish on 49 points. Since January 1, only Liverpool, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur have better records.

Five Bruno Guimaraes goals from 11 starts helped with this, with the Brazilian bagging a brace against Leicester City in Gameweek 33 before notching strikes that defeated both Norwich City and Arsenal.

SeasonTeamAppsGoals
2021/22Newcastle United175
2021/22Lyon200
2020/21Lyon333
2019/20Lyon30
2019Athletico Paranaense252
2018Athletico Paranaense321
2017Athletico Paranaense40

Above: Bruno Guimaraes’ career playing statistics


The truth is that this run of goals is a purple patch for his career so far – only six had arrived in 117 league games for Lyon and Athletico Paranaense.

When comparing his heat maps of recent seasons, there seems to be no great change from ‘box-to-box midfielder’.

Heat maps of (left to right) Newcastle 2021/22, Lyon 2021/22 and Lyon 2020/21, according to SofaScore

His all-round qualities have already been displayed in the Premier League, alongside the goals. Since his first start in Gameweek 28, Guimaraes ranks as Newcastle’s best outfield player for shots (20), expected goal involvement (3.79), tackles (60) and recoveries (74).

However, in a wider context, his attacking statistics aren’t particularly impressive when compared to other FPL midfielders. In the same period, these goal attempts rank in 25th place, also coming 63rd for penalty area touches (19).

Above: Over the course of the season, Bruno Guimaraes was ranked only 43rd among midfielders for minutes per expected goal involvement (xGI).

THE 2022/23 FPL PROSPECTS

FPLMarc Newcastle fan that spends far too much time thinking about FPL.

185 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Camzy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 9 months ago

    FanTeam have released their first PL game with the new prices.

    They seem to have priced the players well overall although I'm extremely sad that they have no fodder forwards (cheapest is 5.0m which is awful). I like their pricing overall. Salah at 12.5m not 13m is a shoo-in. The rest of the prices seem good overall. Couldn't spot anyone that was humongous value. Ronaldo is 10m which is quite appealing.

    Here's my first draft:

    Dubravka (4.5), Rodak (4.0)
    Cancelo (7.5), Robbo (7.5), Chilwell (6.5), Doherty (5.0), Salisu (4.0)
    Salah (12.5), Saka (8.0), Coutinho (6.5), Wissa (5.5), KDH (4.5)
    Haaland (12.0), Mitrovic (7.0), Davis (5.0)

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

      Aren't Newcastle signing Pope?

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

        Well if they do I'd just pivot to another 4.5m keeper. There are quite a few to choose from.

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

        https://mobile.twitter.com/David_Ornstein/status/1539273743134081025

        Fee agreed and medical due, looks like it's happening

    2. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Perisic a 6.5m MID too

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

        Pretty dumb of fanteam. He's been a wingback for 2 years now and will play there for Spurs as well.

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

      Haaland £1m more than Kane seems wrong, Kane is proven but Haaland has been given a ‘hype’ price tag. I would have Kane 0.5 more than him.

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

        Haaland best price 9/2 for the golden boot, Kane 7/1. Haaland probably more likely to bomb, though I would still expect Haaland to cost more in FPL. At the end of the day though it doesn't matter what I/we think, its what FPL Towers think.

      2. Sun Jihai
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Hard to avoid FOMO with Haaland but does raise serious questions if Kane is cheaper and has xMins of 90 vs. say 70

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

          I'd have to go Kane over Haaland then probably if he's cheaper.

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

    Henderson to be 4.5?

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

      If he moves to Nottingham before the game releases

      1. @persecuted_by_mods
          1 year, 9 months ago

          Yup, otherwise he's 5.0 because he's at man utd and then if he moves he's a non option

          This is the reason they can't release the game too early, but surely they can drop the nailed on prices (son, kdb etc) asap

      2. jay01
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Would love if he is, id pick him over Raya

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

      I'm still keeping an eye on him but I expect Newcastle will be active in the market and will sign an attacking midfielder which will mean Guimaraes will revert to being an 8 with less attacking intent. His purple patch coincided with Willock getting injured and then also being out of form on his return before getting injured again, so unless no midfield signings are made or it looks like Willock will be out of favour then I doubt he'll be worth looking at

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

        More likely to sign a winger I think. Can’t have Almiron playing each week on the right, even though he does work hard.

    3. jay01
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Nick Pope looks to be signing for Newcastle.. would be a great signing IMO.. will his price most likely be 5 million?

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

        Most likely

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

        I might just go for him at 5. Save point legend in a better team like Newcastle. Might end up being the best value goalkeeper

        1. jay01
          • 9 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          Im tempted but thinking maybe hetting dean henderson at 4.5, and Trippier at 5 (if these are their prices)

        2. mox81
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 4 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          Could be interesting, although the way Burley play (allow low XG shots from distance) was a big part of save pts. Also a bonus pt magnet when few goals are being scored. Not sure either are the Eddie Howe way.

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

        No way he goes for 4.5M.

    4. el polako
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      We need next Lundstram or Dallas - that's what we need.

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

        Forest's 3-5-2 and Spence's transfer, plus Colback's WB role suggests something could be lingering under the surface

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

      On this at the moment. Something different.
      Meslier
      Trent, Robertson, Van Dijk, Cancelo
      Saka, Kulusevski, Maddison
      C.Wilson, Watkins, Johnson
      (Henderson, Ait-Nouri, Neto, Wissa)

      This season will likely have more 7.5m strikers scoring more. Wilson, Bamford & DCL were injured for most of last season.

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

        Who will u captain?

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

          Kulusevski GW1, then Cancelo/Trent for a while

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

            Risky very risky.

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

              It is, but got to do something out of the ordinary to beat FPL

    6. Lovren an elevator
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Has there been an article on Forest and their best players yet?

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

        No, but that's coming very soon! Was haggling with Mark to see how much of it he could contribute.

        1. Lovren an elevator
          • 8 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          Fantastic, seriously looking forward to that one. The most exciting of the 3 promoted teams imo

        2. Wild Rover
          • 13 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          He’s an Arsenal fan

          1. Wild Rover
            • 13 Years
            1 year, 9 months ago

            Where did my winky emoji go?

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

              I haven't seen your winky

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

      U think there's a chance Jesus is classified as a mid? He played a majority on the RW

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

        Discussed it briefly here:

        https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2022/06/07/the-fpl-players-who-could-change-position-in-2022-23/

        I think probably not given that it was a roughly equal spread between ST and RW, and he finished the season through the middle.

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

          I'd like to think FPL are capable of common sense too... hopefully.

          Seems clear he'll play central given the dearth of options there, and that Saka looks pretty nailed on the right. Dunno where Raphinha will play...

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

            U never know. People who run fpl make a lot of mistakes 😆

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

          Yeah wishful thinking. Just love an OOP player 🙂

      2. Lovren an elevator
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        I'd say no, especially if he signs for Arsenal (or someone else) before the game launches

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

        Hopefully he'll be a FOR.
        They'll be far too many options in MID.

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

          He probably will. Only by sheer stupidity can fpl make him a mid which is why I'm hopeful 😆

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

      4th highest pts tally since Jan 1st is an incredible stat. Newcastle will surely be at least a top half team this season.

      But awkward fixtures for them unfortunately. Will have to jump on the likes of Wilson, Trippier and Hazard GW6 onwards.

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

        Hazard? They're signing a Hazard?

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

          Probably not. Just a placeholder for whatever mad signing they may end up pulling off 😆

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

            Thorgan Hazard is rumoured.

      2. Moxon
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Very impressive. I think Wilson will be a great option this year

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

        could see Wilson being an early bandwagon.

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

          Just in time for the City and Pool matches?

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

          Brace against Forest, can see if now. By gameweek 4 he’s injured for 10 weeks.

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

          Always starts well

    9. Leeroy357
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Any predictions on when the game will launch?

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

        If we don’t see prices tomorrow, I think more likely next week.

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

      Arsenal signing Viera and possibly Raphinha, whilst also having Saka.
      All 3 players suited to playing right side of midfield.

      Not sure how they'll accommodate all them.

        1. 1justlookin
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          Odegaard and ESR may struggle for game time then. 🙂

          1. Milk, 1 Šuker
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            1 year, 9 months ago

            I think so. We'll see

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

              No chance is Odegaard struggling for game time. People love a shiny new toy. Viera is not displacing Odegaard. You have to remember they are now in Europe, whilst still wanting Champions League. Their squad isn’t big enough right now.

          2. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
            • 7 Years
            1 year, 9 months ago

            Odegaard will be the new Arsenal Captain, he’ll be nailed on

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

        I really don't get the Raphinha signing when their best player plays in his position

        1. 1justlookin
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          Agreed

        2. Milk, 1 Šuker
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          This. I'd no sooner spend the quoted £50m on a DMC and left back as back up for Tierney. Nuno Tavares hasn't proved himself in England (yet).

          1. mox81
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 4 Years
            1 year, 9 months ago

            Looks like Arsenal are setting up for control rather than chasing/ being reliant on DMC

        3. mox81
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 4 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          If Pep has taught the FPL community anything, it's that you can't count on a fixed starting 11, or attacking players sticking to one position.

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

        Yeah not sure. Most useful part of pre-season is seeing how the new players slot in imo. Results and form pretty meaningless.

      3. Qaiss
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        To be a top team, we need depth. Saka can play on the left and Raphinha on the right.

        1. 1justlookin
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          True. Martinelli might see his minutes managed as well.

        2. @persecuted_by_mods
            1 year, 9 months ago

            This. Big clubs don't worry about having too many good players in the same position, and Saka is super versatile

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

              I would think positions they're weak in should be targeted first. Then the excess.

              1. mox81
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 4 Years
                1 year, 9 months ago

                I'd suggest having to risk Saka in every minute is a big weakness. We saw as they dominated Man City last season that Arsenal have a strong first 11, then we saw later in the season that they have terrible squad depth and Southgate found out recently that even Saka gets knackered eventually.

        3. Fish up a tree
          • 2 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          Dream formation

          Ramsdale
          Tomi Saliba Gabriel Tierney
          Partey
          Ode Vieira
          Raphinha Jesus Saka

          1. 1justlookin
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            1 year, 9 months ago

            Great going forward and probably weak at the back, then. If Partey gets injured you'll be very light in DM.

            ESR, and Martinelli and Nketiah will probably struggle for game time

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

            are you in the market for a CB?

            1. Fish up a tree
              • 2 Years
              1 year, 9 months ago

              Talk of the versatile Martinez of Ajax as LCB & LB plus DM competition for Gabriel, Tierney, Partey

              Will believe it when I see it as this window has us linked with every man & his dog!

        4. lugs
          • 6 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          i wonder if the Arsenal pursuit of Raphina means Saka could be going to City, Saka & Jesus in a swap deal + 25m to Arsenal would be about right

          1. Fish up a tree
            • 2 Years
            1 year, 9 months ago

            No chance Saka goes. Raphinha will come as competition. Saka can also play left & won’t play every week as he was burnt out come the end of last season.

            1. lugs
              • 6 Years
              1 year, 9 months ago

              it does seem unlikely that Arsenal would sell their prized asset, but he only has 2 years left on his contract and as far as i know no new deal in the offing, so it really depends on Saka if his head can be turned by instant success and a shed load of money at City, Arsenal getting Jesus & Raph to replace him would not be a bad deal imo

      4. Milk, 1 Šuker
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Must say I do like the look of this lad Fabio Vieira on paper. The Portuguese tend to do well when they come over to England. Predicted price? 6.5m for me.

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

          I don’t get the hype personally.

        2. diesel001
          • 7 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          Arsenal looking to buy a new spine it seems:

          Ramsdale
          Tomiyasu White Martinez* Tierney
          Partey Vieira*
          Raphinha* Odegaard Saka
          Jesus*

          Turner*
          Soares Holding Gabriel Tavares
          Lokonga Xhaka
          Pepe Smith-Rowe Martinelli
          Nketiah

        3. lugs
          • 6 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          i was watching his club interview on Youtube earlier and i was getting Rosicky vibes of him, especially as as he was saying his strengths are his passing and playing between the lines, just like Rosicky

      5. dunas_dog
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Based on live fpl prices come up with this draft which I think looking ok. Martinez at 5m price point hopefully will be Pope or Henderson. Spurs player only miss. If Perisic is 6/6.5 mid could probably squeeze in over Neto. Gelhardt will probably not be 4.5 so likely need another 4.5.

        Martinez
        TAA James Tomiyasu Cancelo
        Salah Saka Neto Harrison
        Haaland Johnson

        Ward Coady Norgaard Gelhardt

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

          I’d be surprised if Harrison is 5.5, and Tomiyasu could easily be 5.0.

          It’s standard. Which is good. Very similar structure to me - formations and price points.

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

            They put Harrison at 6.0 even after an excellent season, so quite possible a price drop is in order given last season

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

              Could well be, just I think they’ll play it safe with 6.0m.

            2. Old Man
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              1 year, 9 months ago

              But he finished in style - will linger in their memories

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

                He's not worth it at 6. At 5.5 he's in my mind.

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

        FOR Henderson 4.5
        NEW Pope 5.0
        AVL Martinez 5.0

        Potentially a very tough call. If Ramsdale and/or Sa is/are 5.0 too

        Puts to bed my annual flirtation with Ederson

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

          No one fancy Dubravka if he keeps his spot.

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

            at 4.5? Would be excellent

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

            fixtures are horrible from a defensive pov and too much uncertainty if Pope comes in.

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

              I think we get a bit fixated on fixtures and overthink.

              I'm willing to bet a nailed 4.5 NEW GK would be likely the best option we have at that bracket/range and if so, probably just set and forget

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

        Could Haaland's relative FPL success depend on his assist potential do we think?

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

          I genuinely think he will score a lot in a dominant, creative city team. Nobody questioned Aguero’s creativity at the time and he was an excellent fpl option

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

            Very true and he wasn't renowned for his assisting

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

          I'm hoping he's like Aguero or Suarez and gets 250+ points at least. Otherwise I'll regret getting him over Son

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

            You'll he allowed to swap

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

              *be

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

              Well I won't know until the end of the year who was the better option. Its not like I'm expecting Haaland to flop. He could just be a little bit lower in total points but since he's higher priced probably I'll regret it.

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

                What were Aguero's point totals in the end?

                1. Sheffield Wednesday
                  • 3 Years
                  1 year, 9 months ago

                  Aguero's FPL history
                  https://i.redd.it/n1mmnffh7nb41.png

      8. lilmessipran
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        There was some chatter on twitter regarding fanteam and them not being able to payout their affiliates. There has been some news about them changing all their CXOs in the past one month. Personally, I played last year and my experience was fine but am a little skeptical with the news. Anyone else has any credible information regarding this?

        1. Joey Jo-Jo Junior Shabadoo
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 3 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          It was simply one affiliate who didn't get paid as much as they wanted/expected (Draftgym) and then filled their diaper on Twitter. They haven't tweeted in the two weeks since, with any luck because they are being sued for encouraging a run on accounts - their business relationship with FT is in the toilet in any case.

          3 C-level employees did get moved on in one month, and any capital-driven business in this economy will face a risk, so you have to decide what risk is ok for you - your money is infinitely safer in a bank account than on FT but the rumours are basically all just from one wetwipe.

        2. glennbet
          • 9 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          There share price has been a disaster so it doesn't look good. I wonder whether consumer funds are cordoned off, or in the event of bankruptcy, these would be taken

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

          Don't wish to be a killjoy and each to their own, but investing/betting in these types of schemes seems very flakey... Football Index was popular here at one point

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

            As much as we chastise ourselves on our interest in FPL, it is ultimately a free game and even a hellish rank doesn't affect the bank account

            I appreciate some are participating in some handsome cash mini-leagues

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

        If Son is made a FWD will anyone even pick him over Kane? He'll become obsolete. I sure hope they don't make Salah, Son, Bowen etc. into forwards.

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

          There is literally an official fpl tweet that asks which fpl midfielder will score the most points in 22/23. And photos of son, Salah, Kdb and Bowen below it.

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

            Yes but when u read fpl articles u realise the ones writing them do not know classification of players as can be seen by the Perisic related articles.

        2. lugs
          • 6 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          it depends how much cheaper Son would be, 0.5 cheaper and i wouldn't go near him, 1 or 2m cheaper and that would give me something to think about

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

            Son will be more expensive imo

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

          I just don't see it happening. If wingers / WFs are to be reclassified as Forwards then there will be a large batch of players being reclassified and midfield options will dry up. The only way I can see such a change being justified is if instead the game moves away from Mids and Forwards and just has 8 Attackers or something similar.

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

          If cheaper - defo.
          Remember more BAPs as a striker if goals

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

            But he’ll be a mid - nobody is ruining my Salah, Son, Haaland, Robertson and Cancelo draft!

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

              Other than you 😉

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

            He already gets all the bonus when he scores.

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

              Needs a brace, especially if the Kaptain chips in/clean sheets

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

        There is literally an official fpl tweet that asks which fpl midfielder will score the most points in 22/23. And photos of son, Salah, Kdb and Bowen below it.

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

          First reply said error, annoying

          1. Fulchester's New Centr…
            • 6 Years
            1 year, 9 months ago

            Just happened to me too. Something afoot.

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

        I'm looking at what the City midfield and forward line will look like if all strongly-rumoured comings and goings occur.

        Haaland
        Alvarez
        Grealish
        Foden
        Mahrez
        KDB
        Rodri
        Phillips
        Gundogan*

        9 players for 6 positions, it's not exactly a plethora of options. It was suggested Gundogan may leave this summer after the season ended, but with Fernandinho gone and the possibility of Bernardo moving to Barcelona growing, I don't think they could afford to lose him. Realistically I think City's first choice midfield-attack may end up looking like this:

        Grealish Haaland Foden
        Rodri Phillips KDB

        Some say Pep won't play with a double-pivot with Rodri and Phillips, however I disagree that he won't play both together. Rodri gets on the ball so much for City and is great at playing slide-rule passes through to advancing WBs/WFs and generally has outstanding passing range that I think he could comfortably play a CM role. Phillips similarly is a decent passer and could be blooded to play the role. Having a CF will mean City lose a bit of control in midfield compared to last season so I don't see why Pep would think having more than one player on the pitch that's capable of playing the DM role is a bad thing, the rest of his side changed positions so regularly on the pitch last season so why not them?

        With Sterling, Mahrez and Bernardo gone there would only really be Grealish, Foden and Mahrez to occupy the wide forward roles (along with Alvarez who is capable of playing across the line but I imagine ideally will be used at CF). Grealish had much more of an impact in the last few weeks of last season than he did for arguably the rest of it and I think he will make that position his, they didn't spend £100m on him for nothing. Foden can of course be a challenger there but according to The Athletic, he wants to play on the right. Whether Pep goes along with that is another question, but we've seen in recent seasons that he just doesn't seem to trust Mahrez as a permanent option at RW in the league. Even when they had limited options due to injuries and other issues, he often went with Torres, and then proceeded to move Jesus to RW instead of playing Mahrez.

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

          I’d be very very surprised that City don’t replace Jesus. Many rumours that they’re after Leao.

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

            After the season he's had I'd imagine Milan would be looking for close to €100m for Leao, not sure City would pay it (not that they don't have it). It would make sense if they were to sell all of Jesus, Sterling and Bernardo that they'd have to sign at least one player but at the same time it seems like they've been expecting a fair few departures this summer

        2. Fulchester's New Centr…
          • 6 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          Schrödinger's Mahrez?

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

          Man city are too good to waste time with a double pivot. Level best defence in the league playing de bruyne and Bernardo Silva in a 3, why would they change that style?

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

            I don't think they will play with a double-pivot, but I think both Rodri and Phillips could play together with one playing as DM and the other as CM. But in certain circumstances within a game they may revert to playing with a double pivot if needed, much like last season if they needed to create an overload in midfield for a period the false 9 would drop back while the wingers press high

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

        Would anyone consider going with Haaland and Kane over Salah and Son?

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

          I like the 1 mid and 1 fwd option for flexibility personally

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

            this is likely to be the sensible play and two premiums seems the right balance. Three is too prohibitive

        2. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
          • 7 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          Have them two in my current draft:

          Alisson(6.0m) 4.0m
          Laporte(6.5m) Dier(5.0m Dunk(5.0m) Kilman(4.5m) 4.0m
          Luis Diaz(9.0m) Maddison(8.0m) Odegaard(6.5m) Neto(6.0m) 4.5m
          Kane(12.0m) Haaland(12.0m) Wilson(7.0m)

          Opting for CB’s due to expecting full-backs to be rotated more often

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

            Very intriguing team

            Are you a fanatical 3-4-3er?

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

              I'm leaning toward latching onto Diaz and Kulu early then having two premium slots and then one cheap attacker with the rest of the funds concentrated on the back 5

              1. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
                • 7 Years
                1 year, 9 months ago

                Do like the look of back 5 drafts, certainly a lot of value in premium DF’s

        3. Indpush
          • 6 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          I'm aiming to start with all four.

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

          So that’s why they bought Nunez!

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

        Do we think Digne will be 5.0m and Cash 5.5m, or both 5.5m.

        Digne doesn’t warrant 5.5, considering he started 5.5 this year and finished on 80-89 points.

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

          That would be my prediction

          Remember when they made Leicester's Pereira 6.0 for the 19-20 season?

        2. Chilli Heatwave
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          Yes think digne 5.0, Cash still far more the attacking threat, but you never know!

          1. Chilli Heatwave
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            1 year, 9 months ago

            Though points lower due to injuries, changing teams and falling out with Rafa so not necessarily the telling sign to go by

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

              They ought to be same price. Digger just underperformed last season because he was in a Rafa funk then got injured.

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

        Ah poop Minamino going to Monaco. There goes a bargain.

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

          Would he have got many minutes anyway with Jota, Nunez, Diaz and Firmino around?

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

            Think a few were hoping he might stick in the PL, we're rumours a couple of teams like Leeds were looking at him

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

              Ah I see!

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

              *were

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

        https://mobile.twitter.com/David_Ornstein/status/1539349986755981314

        Arsenal have formally submitted an offer for Raphinha tonight, but it is expected to be rejected immediately as it is well below Leeds' valuation

        1. lugs
          • 6 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          they should throw in Pepe as part of the deal, 6.5m Pepe at Leeds next season and i'd be massively tempted 😆

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

          If we pull off Raphinha and Jesus, the disgraceful ending of last season, might, just might be forgiven. We will have a serious team if they sign for us.

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

            If you pull off Raphinha and Jesus - that in itself is disgusting and not befitting of a family friendly club.

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

              I don't see why Arsenal would want him given Saka plays in his position. Mind you, if Barca are now going for Bernardo S, they won't need Raphinha - or afford him. The other interested party is Spurs who also are strong in that position - altough as they've dropped their interested in Eriksen, that could have legs.

      16. Lovren an elevator
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Anyone think Alvarez could actually end up playing quite a lot this season? Especially if Jesus and Sterling leave, and no replacements?

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

          I’d be very surprised if he didn’t play a lot

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

          He'll be gradually integrated with frequent sub appearances, I'd wager. I don't agree with posters saying City need to replace Jesus - they already have.

      17. lugs
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        oh just noticed today is the 22nd, exactly 1 month since the final gw of the season. so hopefully today is the day we start getting some price reveals in preparation for the game launching at the weekend or possibly Friday as that will be exactly 6 weeks before the season starts 🙂

        1. Darwin von Humboldt
          • 6 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          I really hope so. It's an earlier start to the league this year - I need the tinker-time!

      18. Thug
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        There were 434 million transfers on FPL last season... that is approx. 48 per FL player.

        So finally i'm twice as good as the average at something (I really must tinker less this season).

        But this 434 million number must help calculate how many active players there are?

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

          Does this number include WC & FHs, as would skew numbers to make it look like more active players than there really are.

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

            Good question

          2. Wild Card this!
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            1 year, 9 months ago

            Not just that, it also includes all those bogus/weird teams, that were competing only for team value and not points...they were making hundreds of transfers...and not to forget those "highest GW points" teams...loads of transfers.

            1. Sheffield Wednesday
              • 3 Years
              1 year, 9 months ago

              ... and some accounts got hacked with something like a thousand transfers, so I don't know if allowances were made for that. It might be more informative if the number of transfers for the top 1M OR were averaged, or if the median number of transfers was published alongside the averages.

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

                Wild card and Free hit tfrs also?

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

            See below

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

        Chelsea's transfers lady is offski - I wonder if this could be a serious problem, timingwise. They need a new defence, the midfield is getting geriatric and incomings are needed at the top end. I wouldn't be surprised if the new season opens with Arsenal's squad in a better shape than Chelsea's.

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

          Judging from everything I've read about her and her significance since she joined the club, it has to be a big blow, especially in what is a crucial window for Chelsea. The Kounde chase has already been going on for a year now and doesn't seem like it's any closer, and with the very close attention she gave all transfers and potential new players and that job now moving to a new owner (who naturally has a lot of other things occupying his time), it doesn't exactly look promising.

      20. el polako
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        With Raphinia and Jesus, Arsenal might our "cheaper yet scoring" go to alternative for us.

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

          If they're bought early enough and integrated pre-season, they will appeal for those first 8 GWs.

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

            Supposedly Raphinha has told his agent to tell suitors that whoever he ends up going to he wants the move done before preseason begins as he wants a full preseason to settle in and ready himself for the new season

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

          If they sign both I feel like it'll be a bit of a quandary trying to figure out who to get! Raphinha is very talented but we've only seen him at RW, but Saka has been so good there that you wonder if he would be played at LW for Arsenal. Jesus you'd have to think slots straight in at CF but Nketiah just signed a new deal and has to have been given a promise over minutes, and Martinelli is waiting in the wings too and had a decent season. No idea who would take penalties either, shouldn't be Jesus with his awful record but any of Saka, Martinelli or Raphinha would be candidates.

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

            I know, for those first 8 fixtures, I'm leaning towards Ramsdale and Tierney for 2 spots, and one further up - Jesus, Saka, Odegaard, Raphinha - would depend on prices and pre-season I guess.

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

        I think Pep wishes he never signed Grealish.

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

          Why?

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

            Party Animal

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

              Well it's not like that wasn't known

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

                Escalating

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

                  Pep probs thought he could control.the animal

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

                  Klopp regretting the Robbo transfer too?

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

          I don't really get this huge fuss over Grealish's love of nightlife. Lots of players do, heck it was way, way worse going back 15-20+ years where players in the middle of the season would be doing what Grealish is now doing in his off-season / holidays, people just didn't care about it as much nor was there social media to constantly monitor it. As long as he's not doing it during preseason up until the end of the season and he turns up fit and focused what's the issue?

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

            Agree, for me it's not relevant. What is relevant is that he didn't appear to fully gel with Pep's system last season. Will he integrate better in the second season? Will he be best used as an impact dub, drawing penalties against tired legs?

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

            Today's players are totally different type of animal and rewarded for it. With all the top choices on offer I would be inclined to choose a fitness robot with a settled boring life. That's all.