Members

The Numbers Game- Bale Deconstructed

1 October 2010 1425 comments
Paul Paul
Share:

Since Harry Redknapp acquired Rafael Van der Vaart from Real Madrid on the last day of the August transfer window, there has been a nagging doubt in the back of many a Fantasy Manager’s mind regarding a certain Tottenham-owned Welsh wing wonder. Opinion is pretty much split as to whether Spurs’ multitude of creative midfield options means Gareth Bale will predominantly take his place in the starting XI as a full-back or a flying winger.

Owned by an incredible 50% of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) bosses, Bale is the most popular player in the game, thanks, in part, to his performances in the latter stages of last season and a relatively cheap starting price this time round.

Redknapp has always stated he sees Bale’s long term future as a full-back and the young Welshman definitely offers Spurs more dynamism and creativity from deep than Benoit Assou-Ekotto. So far this league season, Bale has played three full games in midfield, two in defence, and one -against Wigan- where he started in midfield before moving back in the second-half.

So the key question is, how does the shift in position affect Bale’s performance and Fantasy potential? Let’s delve into the the Members’ Opta stats for further analysis.

Paul Is certain he won't make the same mistakes next season. Follow them on Twitter

1,425 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Night Stalker
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 4 months ago

    Keep the team, aint bad dude....

    Open Controls
  2. megatronaldinho
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 4 months ago

    Squillaci to be red-carded, the crystal ball has foreseen it 🙂

    Open Controls
  3. Nomad
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 4 months ago

    Lazy question. Hart/Tevez/Gerard/Nani/VdV/Etherington/etc

    Open Controls
    1. Nomad
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 4 months ago

      ~ Reply to tbhogal

      Open Controls
    2. RoysBrotherJohnson- Irish p…
      • 16 Years
      15 years, 4 months ago

      what are you on about...

      Open Controls
      1. Nomad
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        15 years, 4 months ago

        Misplaced reply to tbhogal asking on the last page what transfers he should make this week. Admittedly, it just makes me look stupid now

        Open Controls
  4. RoysBrotherJohnson- Irish p…
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 4 months ago

    u guys know milner didnt have ONE shot versus bburn!

    Open Controls
    1. Nomad
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 4 months ago

      no surprise, Mancini has a v defensive set up

      Open Controls
  5. CPG
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 4 months ago

    foster or carson? :S
    my defence is oshea, alex, faye, (williamson, konchesky)
    so i don't have birmingham def or west brom's.

    Open Controls
    1. Nomad
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 4 months ago

      50-50, with carson just edging it 🙂

      Open Controls
  6. NotoriousDRE
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 4 months ago

    Hahn or Foster in goal? Plz help

    Open Controls
    1. Barks
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 4 months ago

      The way I see it, Birmingham at home vs Wolves away.

      I'm sure most of the FFS community would agree that this is a no-brainer

      Nice team btw, if you had a slightly better bench, that would be as close to as solid a squad as you could get IMO

      Open Controls
      1. NotoriousDRE
        • 16 Years
        15 years, 4 months ago

        Cheers. My team is in a period of flux as I'm waitinf gor Cesc to return to fitness.

        I acknowledge the homs vs away arguement, but I feel you have to watch the opponents also.

        I'm going with Foster - but the Wigan/Wolves looks 0-0 to me. Just can't shake that feeling.

        Open Controls
        1. Barks
          • 15 Years
          15 years, 4 months ago

          Go with it

          Whenever I get the 0-0 feeling, 1/3 of the time it's on.

          What's your plan to get Fabs in? Mine's a simple SG>Fabs but will wait as long as possible due to the international break / price rises / falls

          Open Controls
          1. NotoriousDRE
            • 16 Years
            15 years, 4 months ago

            I'm looking to move Arshavin and downgrade Bale (or downgrade one of my pricey defos for a 4.5 player)

            I'll probably wait a couple gameweeks to get him in.

            Open Controls
    2. boofstein
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 4 months ago

      Fosta! Betweedn everton's inability to score and brum's capacity for cleanies, could be grandaranda!

      Open Controls
    3. PM
      • 16 Years
      15 years, 4 months ago

      Foster. BIR at home are tough to unlock.

      Open Controls
  7. Kagawaaaaaaw
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 4 months ago

    Play Jones(blkburn) or Adam?

    Open Controls
  8. Nomad
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 4 months ago

    Back the home keeper in tight calls. You're doing quite well, go with your instincts

    Open Controls
    1. Nomad
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 4 months ago

      ~ for NotoriousDRE

      Open Controls
      1. NotoriousDRE
        • 16 Years
        15 years, 4 months ago

        Cheers. Good luck this game week.

        I'm going with a 4-4-2 this week.

        Open Controls
  9. BBB
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 4 months ago

    Guys I'm going with Torres for (c) I've read unsatisfying replys in previews page but "what the heck"...this is the name of the game.

    Good-luck to you all

    Open Controls
    1. Barks
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 4 months ago

      IMO the essential differential this week is either Stevie G or Torres.

      I've gone for Gerrard purely on the basis that as far as strikers go, there are too many potenially similar big hitters i.e. Torres, Grogba, Berba

      Midfield wise, until Fabs & Lamps are fit, it's just Malouda (who I think will be this years FPL Ronaldo - check his stats since xmas) & Nani

      I have a gut feeling that Malouda will come up trumps again, aka vs Blackpool.

      Last 2 GW's, I've changed my skipper at the last minute on a 'It wouldn't surprise me if xxx player scores huge'

      I'm sooooooo tempted to give the armband to Malouda as the attention will be on Drogs, but will probably play it safe with SG.

      Open Controls
    2. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 4 months ago

      If I could choose anyone in the game to captain for this week, it would be Torres.

      This is Blackpool at home we're talking about! I don't care if Fernando Torres has only one leg, he's still going to score!

      Open Controls
      1. Barks
        • 15 Years
        15 years, 4 months ago

        It's a tough one to call IMO

        Torres = 4 pts per goal, 3 pts per assist. Will he play more than 60 mins for the 2 pts?
        Gerrard = 5 pts per goal, 3 pts per assist. Nailed on to play more than 60 mins for the 2 pts, plus logical c/s

        If Torres scores, it's probable that SG will get the assist, so there's only 1pt difference. That should be covered by the c/s, plus the 60 mins pt.

        I wouldn't be surprised if Gerrard gets a hat-trick, but that's probably due to me dreaming of breaking the ton barrier! lol

        Open Controls
    3. bobbydinho - Portland Irons
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 4 months ago

      Thats the spirit 🙂

      bobbydinho

      Open Controls
  10. Ragabolly
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 4 months ago

    I am going for Odemwingie (c) YEAH, that was an easy decision 🙂

    Open Controls
  11. theoldgit
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 4 months ago

    Having BIG problems deciding on my team this week.

    Need to pick 2 out of these 4.

    Jones, Faye, Nolan, Etuhu.

    Opinions appreciated.

    Open Controls
  12. Night Stalker
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 4 months ago

    Mate...been debating this 1 too. I have all week gone him as c, but leaning towards drogba to have a field day against gunners....

    Open Controls
  13. Night Stalker
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 4 months ago

    I ****** hope its 1-1! **** Liverpool bandwagoners!

    Open Controls
  14. Night Stalker
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 4 months ago

    Not this game! Everton are under the pump! Must sneak a win here!

    Open Controls
  15. skully
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 4 months ago

    will mancini play boyata??or boateng??

    Open Controls
    1. BAFX
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 4 months ago

      I am wondering about the citeh midfield as well, want to bring one of them in for the next 2-3 GWs but not sure who with all the rotation risk. I am tempted by Silva cause no one else has him. Milner makes more sense i think though. I have 9.5 to spend.

      Open Controls
    2. BAFX
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 4 months ago

      in response to your question skully....

      "City boss Roberto Mancini may rest Jerome Boateng as he looks to ease him back into action after a knee injury"

      Open Controls
      1. skully
        • 16 Years
        15 years, 4 months ago

        thanxs..is that mean..boyata will play this week...

        Open Controls
        1. BAFX
          • 15 Years
          15 years, 4 months ago

          trying to pick the starting man city midfield is a challenge all in itself. hard to pay toppish dollars for some players with no guaranteed starters, and few 90 minute men.

          Open Controls
  16. NotoriousDRE
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 4 months ago

    Wigan defo or Carroll - to start

    Open Controls
  17. Feanor
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 4 months ago

    Which defender should I bench?

    Jagielka, Cahill, Elmo or Jara?

    Open Controls
    1. FPL Man
      • 16 Years
      15 years, 4 months ago

      Elmo

      Open Controls
  18. Qbotski
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 4 months ago

    Carson or Jassk, gents?

    Open Controls
    1. FPL Man
      • 16 Years
      15 years, 4 months ago

      Carson

      Open Controls
  19. Clintymints
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 4 months ago

    who do i captain gerrard, drogs or tevez???

    anyone got some facts or issues i shud know??? i cant choose

    Open Controls
    1. BBB
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 4 months ago

      the Good, The Bad and The Ugly 🙂

      Open Controls
      1. FPL Man
        • 16 Years
        15 years, 4 months ago

        Gerrard = like a diamond in the mud. The problem is u can't see it's diamond yet.
        Drogs = delicious fresh meat
        Tevez = beaten beacon but might come good

        Open Controls
        1. Clintymints
          • 16 Years
          15 years, 4 months ago

          i spent -16 this week?

          im thinkin ca[taoin gerrard but only cause im -16! gota risk it

          or just stick with drogssssssssss

          Open Controls
          1. BBB
            • 15 Years
            15 years, 4 months ago

            FAR-OUT!!! 5 transfers! Why? your team looks fine as it is. IMO I see Galas and Chamakh could be priority to transfer.

            Open Controls
            1. BBB
              • 15 Years
              15 years, 4 months ago

              *Gallas

              Open Controls
      2. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        15 years, 4 months ago

        LOL

        Great comment.

        Be Bad, Be Drogba!

        Open Controls
  20. skully
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 4 months ago

    how bout gohouri for wigan def??

    Open Controls
    1. FPL Man
      • 16 Years
      15 years, 4 months ago

      alcaraz

      Open Controls
      1. skully
        • 16 Years
        15 years, 4 months ago

        how bout phil jones(bla)??

        Open Controls
  21. China Mag
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 4 months ago

    When is the best time to use the wild card? Should I make it after todays games to take advantage of price rises and cover myself for injuries in international week, or hold onto it until my team needs major surgery? Any advice appreciated. I haven’t been able to think of anything else all week!

    Open Controls
    1. China Mag
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 4 months ago

      My wild card transfers would probably be:
      Hahnemann > Krul
      Enrique > Gohouri
      Konchesky > Boateng (with a view to getting Kolarov or bosingwa when fit)
      Albighton > N’zogbia
      Then Gerrard > Fabregas in GW10

      What do yous reckon? Stick or twist?

      Cheers

      Open Controls
  22. Jinswick
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 4 months ago

    May be a stupid question, but is anyone thinking about ditching Drogba at any stage this season?

    I quite like this forward line, which is just doable without him (once all are fit)

    Fabs, Malouda, Nani, Arteta
    Tevez, RVP, Berbatov

    Open Controls
    1. Feanor
      • 16 Years
      15 years, 4 months ago

      RVP will get injured again... not worth bothering with him.

      Open Controls
  23. nedfoo
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 4 months ago

    Hey guys,

    For next gameweek should I:

    1) Scholes, Richards > Nani, cheap defender for 4.3
    2) Keep Scholes and Richards
    Thanks

    Open Controls
  24. BBB
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 4 months ago

    This one may left up some spirit for FPL Managers:

    Liverpool Home games season 09/10
    months Sep/ Oct

    Stoke City 4 0
    Burnley 4 0
    Hull 6 1
    Man United 2 0

    Open Controls
  25. Hektik
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 4 months ago

    HI Guys
    really having trouble choosing three def out of:

    Samba,O'SHea,Faye,Jara

    thinking Jara O'Shea Samba??

    Open Controls
    1. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 4 months ago

      Yeah I reckon that's right.

      Faye or Samba is a bit of a toss up, but I think Samba is just slightly more dangerous, and I think Rovers will get a CS even when playing away.

      Open Controls
  26. Hektik
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 4 months ago

    thanks thats it then and drogs capt!!

    Open Controls
  27. Jinswick
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 4 months ago

    Which 3 Defenders to play out of

    Alex, Jara, Williamson, Foley, P Jones

    I'm thinking Alex, Jara, Foley?

    Open Controls
  28. Denis Tueart on the wing
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 4 months ago

    Anybody think Anelka won't start??

    Open Controls
  29. Jinswick
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 4 months ago

    without going into detail, was the upshot from the opta stats that Bale is worth keeping if playing left back?

    Open Controls
  30. HellasLEAF
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 4 months ago

    I think a really tough captain pick this week. One of these 3 guys are gonna have a blinder.

    Tevez, Drogba or Gerrard?

    Open Controls
    1. Jinswick
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 4 months ago

      I'm struggling - i think all of them will score at the w/e. All are on set pieces, but swaying with the 2 that have relatively easier opponents (Tevez and Gerrard). Really tough call but am going to go with Tevez due to Gerrard playing a bit deeper this season.

      Open Controls

You need to be logged in to post a comment.