634x258 Members
11 August 2014 6408 comments
Paul Paul
Share:

There may be under a week left under the 2014/15 season gets underway but for many Fantasy managers, the midfield dilemma is yet to be resolved. In the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) game, in particular, the player price list has handed us numerous options to consider for our five-man midfields, with ten players coming in at 9.0 or over:

In this, our latest article for members, we take a look at four of the main contenders – Eden Hazard, Aaron Ramsey, Juan Mata and Raheem Sterling – currently on Fantasy radars.

Sterling has netted in two of his last four appearances and, after notching nine times last term, is backed by many to step up for Liverpool after Luis Suarez’ departure. Ramsey’s 10 goals and nine assists in just 23 appearances last season has catapulted the Welshman into the premium bracket at 9.0, with his strike in yesterday’s Community Shield handing us a timely reminder of his talents. Mata (9.0) has been one of Louis van Gaal’s star performers in the role in “the hole” in a new 3-4-1-2 formation, whilst the 10.0-priced Hazard, despite only returning to pre-season action last week, sits in 22% of squads ahead of fixtures against promoted pair Burnley and Leicester in his first two fixtures.

Casting an eye back to last season, then, we delve into the data and compare their respective displays. First up, we assess each player’s creativity and distribution.

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

  1. Sooda
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Ive got Mame Biram Diouf in my team

    Wise or not quite so wise? I think he could be a revelation, Stoke have a good run of fixtures too to start of with

    Open Controls
    1. super zlatan
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Good luck with that.

      Ps. U need a grav

      Open Controls
    2. Reeker
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      He's a good player so wise I guess

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

      If he's a guaranteed starter then its a good pick.
      Everyone needs a couple of 5.5 doing the business, he could be one with the fixtures he has

      Open Controls
  2. Les Bleus
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Look at Sunderland's opening home fixtures. They're horrible!

    Might not be a good idea to get a defender in

    Open Controls
    1. An Púca
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      QPR instead

      Open Controls
  3. Sting
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Anyone like the balance here?

    Krul (Elliot)

    Evans, Caulker, Ward (Wisdom, Moore)

    Hazard, Ramsey, Sterling, Eriksen (Traore)

    Rooney, Lukaku, Dzeko

    Open Controls
    1. Sting
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Repost of a team without Sturridge or Costa

      Open Controls
      1. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        Lukaku and Dzeko will drive you mental, literally

        Open Controls
        1. The Hound
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 4 months ago

          Yup both of them loose cannons a bit much...

          Open Controls
    2. super zlatan
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Yup. Looks nice

      Open Controls
    3. Davido989
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Yes. Would do Evans to Debuchy or someone else. Could take time to implement 3-5-2 for United.

      Open Controls
    4. Trigg ⭐️
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Start with Giroud over Lukaku?

      Open Controls
    5. osceola31909
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Is Lukaku going to play this weekend? I like him for the season as a whole.

      Open Controls
    6. Sting
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      The only problem is the lack of an obvious captain choice some weeks.

      Can do Lukaku > Costa

      And downgrade Caulker, Ward, Evans to 5.0, 4.5, 4.5

      or Eriksen > Barkley

      Open Controls
    7. Spin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Very good starting 11.
      Subs are poor, if you ever need them it'll hurt but the defenders seem to rotate well without needing moore too so its a well decent side

      Open Controls
  4. popcoin
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    A) Felipe Luis /// Sterling /// Diego Costa

    B) Evans(or Jones) /// Eriksen /// Sturridge

    notes: have got hazard. worried about Luis not starting but really want Chelsea clean sheets.
    really can't decide between sturridge and costa.

    Open Controls
    1. Konig Luther
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      a

      Open Controls
  5. MooseKens
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Is Gilks likely to get any playtime?

    I'm just not sure why so many ppl have him on their team.

    Open Controls
  6. CCaddy
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    A) Austin
    B) Bojan
    C) Fletcher
    D) F Campbell

    Open Controls
    1. Trigg ⭐️
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Incorrect, the answer to C was Campbell. C is for Campbell.

      You got the first two right.

      Open Controls
  7. Butthead
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    I had Sanchez, Tadic, Hazard, Sturridge & Rooney

    I now have Ramsey, Sterling, Hazard, Sturridge & Rooney

    The latter is so clearly better, so why do I feel such a pull to go back to the former?

    Open Controls
    1. super zlatan
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      The latter is much nicer on the eye.
      Stick IMO

      Open Controls
    2. Trigg ⭐️
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      3 are the same anyway.

      Rambo is miles better value.

      Open Controls
      1. Butthead
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        Yeah, I know, it's just Sanchez felt so right...

        Open Controls
        1. popcoin
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 4 months ago

          nah, go with ramsey, being an arsenal fan i've watched them very closely and Sachez is taking time to be "selfish" and take chances himself, whereas Ramsey is sky high with confidence

          Open Controls
          1. Butthead
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 4 months ago

            Cheers

            Open Controls
    3. Mull
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Because Sanchez and Tadic is the flair option.

      Open Controls
  8. super zlatan
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Coleman haul gw1 incoming.

    Open Controls
  9. Fantasy Gold
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    I'm going to provide a rundown of eligible 5.0 replacements for Wardinho tomorrow.

    Hopefully it gets hulked.

    Night all.

    Open Controls
  10. Poppa
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    How am I looking?

    DDG Hamer

    Luis, Debuchy, Chester, Coloccini, N.Taylor

    Haz, Mata, Ramsey, Snod, Albrighton

    Rooney, Costa, Bojan

    0.5 left in the bank

    Open Controls
    1. Sadio
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Could use a haircut

      Open Controls
      1. Poppa
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        Harsh

        Open Controls
  11. Messi & fabregas
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    A) Mata + Bojan + 4m def (3-5-2)

    or

    B) 4,5 mid + Giroud + Lovren (3-4-3)

    cant decide..

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

      Don't like either to be honest. At a push I would say A.

      Open Controls
  12. White Hart Kane
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    A) Coutinho + Evans

    B) Sterling + 5mil defender

    C) Mata + 4.5mil defender

    Open Controls
    1. awgJose
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      C

      Open Controls
      1. White Hart Kane
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        Which defender is best @ 4.5?

        Open Controls
  13. awgJose
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Clyne or Ward?

    Open Controls
    1. super zlatan
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Ward

      Open Controls
    2. White Hart Kane
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Ward

      Open Controls
    3. Declan-
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Ward

      Open Controls
  14. bthomsen
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    HI everyone, owe you all a big collective thank you. Used the knowledge I've gained here over the past year to write this FPL preview piece for Grantland.com, which is a rather big site in the States. Delighted to be published there!

    http://grantland.com/the-triangle/your-fantasy-premier-league-primer/

    Open Controls
    1. teej
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      You write for Grantland?! Tell Simmons to stop talking about the Harden trade
      (Oh, and good luck)

      Open Controls
      1. bthomsen
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        ha, thanks! Simmons can get a bit excessive at times, to be sure 🙂

        Open Controls
    2. Mata-Is-The-Juan
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Huge fan of the site myself
      --Could do with some more Celtics stories 🙂 .

      Open Controls
      1. bthomsen
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        ha you haven't got enough already?!

        Open Controls
    3. Horlicks esq.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      you're a Norwich fan too i guess?

      Open Controls
      1. bthomsen
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        Yeah, how'd you figure that out?

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

    A) Szczesny Fletcher
    B) Begovic Austin

    Open Controls
    1. moz_1983
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      B

      Open Controls
  16. teej
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Looks like Twitter has caught onto this Ward thing
    http://i.imgur.com/NnrLKXU.png

    Open Controls
    1. Butthead
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Palace fans cry when they see Moxey

      Open Controls
  17. pablo discobar
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Am I the only one interested in Berahino over Bojan. The kid is electric. Brown no where near match fitness and even if he was pretty sure Anichibe would be the fall guy

    Open Controls
  18. Bedciooo
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Hey Lads, is Long first choice for Hull?

    He's my third striker (for the fun of it I have Roo and Sturridge :))

    Open Controls
  19. super zlatan
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    What's better

    A) debuchy and van Aanholt

    B) caulker and ward

    *other defenders are Evans. Wisdom. Hutton

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

      Tough call, I'd probably go B.

      Open Controls
    2. White Hart Kane
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      I'd say B)

      Open Controls
      1. super zlatan
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        Damn. Currently on A

        Open Controls
    3. Hibbo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      How's the draft SZ?

      Open Controls
      1. super zlatan
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        Hi hibbert

        Team is

        Krul. Elliott
        Evans. Debuchy. Van Aanholt. Wisdom. Hutton
        Ramsey. Hazard. Mata. Henderson. Marney
        Rooney. Costa. Dzeko

        Fairly template. May go for giroud over dzeko. But gives me no city. Wise choice?

        Open Controls
        1. Hibbo
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 4 months ago

          Interesting. No Siggy love? Hendo an interesting pic.

          Your set on Hazard I take it been consistent in your drafts.

          You a rotation worked out for the defence?

          Open Controls
          1. super zlatan
            • 14 Years
            11 years, 4 months ago

            Well I originally had Siggy. I may still swap before the deadline.

            My thinking re the defence is that Evans and debuchy play each week. The other 3 can rotate. Heard good things about van Aanholt which is why I went for him.
            If I knew mariappa was nailed I would def have him.

            Open Controls
            1. Hibbo
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              11 years, 4 months ago

              No Chelsea at the back?

              Open Controls
              1. super zlatan
                • 14 Years
                11 years, 4 months ago

                No funds pal. Unless I downgrade my midfield.
                Or go with
                Luiz. Caulker. Van Aanholt. Wisdom. Hutton.

                Thoughts?

                Open Controls
    4. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      I'm getting Ward, just trying to figure out who to pair him with

      Open Controls
    5. Hibbo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      B for me.

      Open Controls
  20. parkerdip
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Hows this for my GW1 team?

    Mannone
    Lovren, Terry, Shaw
    Eriksen, Ramsey, Silva, Henderson
    Bojan, Rooney, Costa

    SUBS: Krul, Caulker, Ward, Albrighton

    Open Controls
    1. CTID_
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      decent but would upgrade gk

      Open Controls
      1. parkerdip
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        I just made a change and downgraded Caulker to Wisdom and upgraded Mannone to Howard with the cash

        Open Controls
    2. Hibbo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      With solid starting defenders do you need 5m Caulker and Ward?

      Open Controls
      1. parkerdip
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        well i'm thinking that I wont start Bojan every game being stoke so Caulker or Ward (mainly) would be a good sub to put on

        Open Controls
        1. Hibbo
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 4 months ago

          If it was me I'd just buy a better player than Bojan.

          Open Controls
  21. Starvaiger
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    If you had to pick one:

    A) Gerrard + Puncheon

    B) Ozil + Henderson

    Open Controls
    1. Journeyguy
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      A

      Open Controls
  22. Babbals
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    RMT please

    Begovic (Myhill)
    Caulker, Coloccini, O'shea (Bruce, Duff)
    Mata, Ramsey, Sterling, Hazard, Sigguardson
    Costa, Rooney, (Bojan)

    Would love feedback on what to do to improve the lineup. Playing a 3-5-2 but with Bojan, I could play 3-4-3

    Thanks in advance

    Open Controls
  23. sneaky16
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Who do we like more?

    A - hazard and siggurdson
    B- coutinho and eriksen

    Open Controls
    1. Hibbo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Jesus are you being serious here?

      Open Controls
    2. funny money
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      A

      Open Controls
  24. funny money
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Hi folks - please help out with the dilemma below

    A. Davis/Mata

    or

    B. Young/Sterling

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

      A A A A A
      definitely A 🙂

      Open Controls
      1. funny money
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        really??? I was leaning towards B

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

          Davis will likely start every game and has very kind fixtures whereas nobody knows with Young, I'm not sure he'll start.
          Even if he DOES start I think Mata will outscore Sterling so I dont see it worth the risk.
          But I've been wrong before! 🙂

          Open Controls
          1. funny money
            • 16 Years
            11 years, 4 months ago

            ok, thanks - mulling

            Open Controls
  25. JK - Cønt ⭐
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    I am loathe to pay 5.0 for a QPR defender

    Open Controls
    1. super zlatan
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      I know what u mean. They ship goals.

      Open Controls
    2. Hibbo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      This. Its madness. 5.0m for a defender from any ropey side is ridiculous. I don't even want to pay 5.0m for a Palace defender.

      Open Controls
      1. JK - Cønt ⭐
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        Palace are not exactly ropey at the back

        Open Controls
        1. Hibbo
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 4 months ago

          I didn't say they were.

          Open Controls
    3. Chris_White
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Madness. Much better options in for that price.

      Open Controls
    4. Walsh
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      5.0 is really not a whole lot the way that they sort of shifted the pricing of defensive players this year.

      Open Controls
    5. Not Irish
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Just. Can't. Do. It.

      Open Controls
    6. Spin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      There arent many 5.0 defenders with the attacking threat of Caulker.
      And who says they will ship goals snyway?
      Ferdinand, Dunne, Caulker, Onohua, Simpson and Isla are hardly shite players.
      Barton not a bad Defensive mid either, this 3-5-2 formation will work for them i think

      Open Controls
  26. Horlicks esq.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Just threw the whole thing in the air.

    If I have:

    Sturridge, Rooney, Diego Costa, Ramsey, De Gea, Coutinho, and Sigurdson.

    Does it matter who else I have really\?

    Open Controls
    1. Bubz
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Yeah

      Open Controls
    2. Hibbo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      It does if City win the league and Hazard has a cracking season.

      Open Controls
  27. Bøwstring The Carp
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Sunderland's defenders looked a lot better last season, what the hell happened this year?

    Open Controls
  28. Hampe
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Do I have anyone with me on Gerrard over Ramsey?

    Open Controls
      1. Open Controls
      2. Hampe
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        Haha, but why not? Gerrard scored the second most points last season and have nice opening fixtures.

        Open Controls
        1. Arse Craic
          • 16 Years
          11 years, 4 months ago

          Nice opening fixtures???

          Open Controls
          1. Hampe
            • 13 Years
            11 years, 4 months ago

            Well, apart from city and spurs away, the first 10 is decent at least. Not worse than Arsenal's.

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

          Suarez aint there to win 10 penos this year

          Open Controls
    1. Barmak
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      no

      Open Controls
  29. Lizard-fantasy
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    any 4.0 mil keeper who plays??

    Open Controls
    1. Arse Craic
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      No. Don't think so.

      Open Controls
  30. YayaTeke
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    A. Mata and Evans
    or
    B. Hazard and 4.5

    Open Controls
    1. funny money
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      A imo - please help me with mine above

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

      Theres some good 4.5s like Naughton, VanAnholt, Wilson etc but I think Evans and Mata will score more than Haz and any of these over the first 10 games...
      With Fabregas providing ammunition I think Haz is a must this season tho

      Open Controls