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. Advice Mallard
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    .

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

      Good advice. Cheers Advice Mallard.

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

        With one week to go, keep your cards close to your chest and say as little as possible.

        Remember, we are all in direct competition with each other here.

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

        Succinct and to the point.

        Solved all my squad selection dilemmas to boot.

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

          #ReplyFail

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

      Don't tell everyone, keep it on the down low.

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

        Precisely.

        Listening to the advice of all water-dwelling creatures is a sound starting point.

        Open Controls
  2. For Fuchs Sake
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Yaya essential?

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

      If he repeats last year... YES!

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

    Best defender to cover for Ward? will be playing Wardinho most weeks but want someone to cover GWs 1, 8, 11 and 12, and possibly 5.

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

      Rio?

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

        that's what i've gone with anyway.

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

        Wouldn't touch rio.
        Sick note. Steer clear

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

          disagree, looks good to start. could always rotate him out if need be later on. he's cheap, nailed on, and rotates well with Ward. What alternative would you suggest?

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

            Chester perhaps ?

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

              hmm. but not nailed on it seems.

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

    2 quick questions:

    1. What do people reckon Mangala will be priced at?

    2. Does City having a reliable CB-partnership provide an alternative route for those who want guaranteed 12+ CS from their defenders? Can see City defense being a rival/alternative to Chelsea's.

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

      6.0.

      I would wait and see regarding there defense

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

    Can somebody talk me into why I should get Sterling over Coutinho? If Coutinho is going to play in the hole now isn't he going to be in the center of things? Didn't he lead the midfielders in shots last season? Maybe more of them will go in this year?

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

      this has been entering my mind in the last few days.... but i'm blocking it out just because it's already hard enough ):

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

        funny

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

      Sterling's more clinical in front of goal? Also draws a considerable number of fouls ---will be encouraged to get forward more now Nibbles is gone and should have a decent double-digit assist numbers come the end of the season.

      The Brazilian is just not converting those shots into goals.

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

        Could very much prove my assessment wrong but it's very much the case proven potential vs. hopeful potential I guess.

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

          Good point. The known quantity versus the hope...

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

      Sterling is better at scoring points in fantasy football.

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

    Oh, the dilemma...

    a) Eriksen and Hazard

    or

    b) Sterling and Fabregas

    thoughts?

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

      a

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

        thanks, that's what i currently have

        Open Controls
    2. Abusive_Sgt_Daelrhos
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Come on... Option A. Sterling got some tough fixtures, Hazard is proven fpl player. Not saying Fab ain't but he did play few years in primera

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

        it's eriksen i am a bit concerned about. amazing player but wonder if he will play out wide initially and thus not maximise his potential. i suppose he has FKs though, which would help get some points

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

          He'll do great , u'll see:)

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

      b

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

      Hazard wont play as not long back in training fabregas has been there all preseason

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

        so B

        Open Controls
      2. finkfankfunk
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        nonsense, Hazard will surely play.

        Open Controls
  7. jonny77
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    How's this?

    Begovic, Gilks

    Koscielny, Evans, Van Aanholt, Coloccini, Wisdom

    Mata, Fab, Erik, Siggy, Isgrove

    Rooney, Sturridge, Jovetic

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

      no.

      Defence is too 'not quite'

      Jovetic is 8m too much for a man not nailed on.

      Open Controls
    2. finkfankfunk
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      looks pretty good to me.

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

    Most disastrous player in PL history?

    Anyone beat Senderos?
    gunners called it "The Phil Effect" when he would come on, score an OG, get sent off

    Open Controls
  9. Chu Young Ping Pong
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Stoke's back four?

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

      Cameron/ Shawcross/ Huth/ Pieters

      Many think Bardsley will play RB but I don't buy it. And I think Muniesa is in competition with Pieters

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

        Wilson likely to start ahead of Huth

        Open Controls
      2. Chu Young Ping Pong
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        Ty Bow!

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

    RMT please

    Begovic (Myhill)
    Pieters, Coloccini, Chester (Bruce, Duff)
    Mata, Ramsey, Sterling, Hazard, Sigguardson
    Costa, Rooney, (Bojan)

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

    I am thinking as LuKaka not fit Dzeko for first 3 weeks then switch to either Costa or Lukaka in GW4

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

    good evening all

    am i missing something obvious on wanting bony over giroud or dzeko as my mid range striker? just think he will score heavy in first 3 games at least

    Open Controls
    1. Geoff
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      i think giroud will outscore both them

      Open Controls
      1. Salah’s Sonnet
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        me too

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

        easily

        Open Controls
        1. Geoff
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 4 months ago

          So im looking at giroud and hendo over bojan and fab.. good call? gives me flexibility to transfer giroud out if someone else starts well.. pelle 😉

          Open Controls
      3. GENERATION X
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        is he not being eased back in? he did well for me early last season but just have a feeling about the swans man.

        Open Controls
        1. Geoff
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 4 months ago

          could well. games 1 and 4 look very poor butt 2 and 3 look stellar

          Open Controls
        2. Salah’s Sonnet
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 4 months ago

          Giroud is a cert

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

    I'm inclined to just punt on D this season...

    DDG Gilks

    Ward Cameron Chambers Wisdom Moore

    Seriously thinking about it.

    lol

    Open Controls
    1. LeedsUnited21
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      will backfire

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

        Almost certainly. The front seven ahead of it however will not.

        Open Controls
    2. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      why not, i am, i'm all for rotation and picking a nice defence and such, but why not just start off cheap and then jump on the reliable 4.5's that emerge, makes perfect sense to me.

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

        Exactly my logic.

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

    Breaking news:

    Bowstring the Trout's team is officially finished. Bring on the new season 😎

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

      Perhaps a preview or any tips?

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

      Until tomorrow, that is... 😉

      Open Controls
  15. LeedsUnited21
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    bruce hutton or wisdom. if u needed 2?

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

      hutton wisdom

      Open Controls
      1. LeedsUnited21
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        play hutton first week?

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

    PREDICTIONS?:

    Top 4 in order?

    Relegation 3?

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

      Chelsea
      City
      Arsenal
      Man U

      QPR
      Aston Villa
      Burnley

      Open Controls
      1. Salah’s Sonnet
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        i dont think QPR will be bottom 3 this season.

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

      Chelsea
      Arsenal
      Man City
      Man United

      Burnley
      Southampton
      Leicester

      Open Controls
      1. Salah’s Sonnet
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        yep, agree.

        Open Controls
  17. jordinho23
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    RMT please rate, not sure what team to go for?

    DDG

    Vlarr
    Debuchy
    Coloccini

    Hazard
    Silva
    Mata
    Eriksen

    Rooney
    Giroud
    Dzeko

    Bench, Given, Wisdom, Albrighton, Targett

    DDG

    Debuchy
    Lovren
    Luis
    Kompany

    Eriksen
    Herrera
    Fabregas
    Nasri

    Rooney
    Dzeko

    Bench, Guzan, Gayle, Delph, Bruce

    Open Controls
    1. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      1st team.

      change you're formatting

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

      First one

      Open Controls
  18. Geoff
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    my team seems set, but for this..

    1. Bojan Fab/9.0
    2. Hendo Giroud/8.5

    Finish my team for me please

    Open Controls
    1. For Fuchs Sake
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      1

      Open Controls
    2. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      defo 2

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

    Hi Guys - just a quick question:

    1) Nasri + 5.5 mid
    2) Coutinho + Siggy

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

      2

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

    1.Evans and Mata
    or
    2.4.5 and Hazard

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

      I have gone for 1

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

      Any other United or Chelsea players in your squad? If the former--- Adding Evans & Mata might be overkill. If you have Costa or Cesc, you could justify leaving Hazard out of your team.

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

        i have rooney and costa as well!

        Open Controls
    3. Geoff
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      i think you need three manu

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

    Which 4.5 mid are you going for then?

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

      atm, Marney, I would be very happy to see Jesse Lingard go out on loan somewhere

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

        On Marney myself at the moment. Not entirely sure why though. Guess there's just no better option out there. Had considered Isgrove though

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

          I'm tempted by Traore

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

          I've got 0.5 spare, am almost tempted to get a 5.,0 in, except i know I'll want that 0,5 for Sturridge

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

      Isgrove maybe

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

        Thought about him, I fear he might do a Ward Prowse and play a couple of games, then be doomed to the bench

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

      Hi Bubz.
      Currently on marney. Not a great choice but slim pickings with Albrighton injured.

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

        Aye

        Open Controls
      2. finkfankfunk
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        depends how bad albrighton's injury is...and if you only have him as 5th mid could be ok

        otherwise, 5.0 options are Davis or Hoilett

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

      Albrighton or Marney.

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

      Marney. Not much in it.

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

    Hazard Costa Tadic to Much

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

      He is only 5.5

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

    Set my team up a little late this season. This is what i ended up with without any research or posting here. Tell me how rubbish it is.

    Foster, Krul
    Terry, Shaw, Caulker, Clyne, Moore
    Mata, Fabregas, Sterling, Siggurdson, Albrighton
    Rooney, Giroud, Dzeko

    Cheers guys.

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

      Why are people so keen on a rubbish Manu defense....AGAINST ANY TEAM......their philosophy has always been to score more goals

      Open Controls
    2. I Am ToTo
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      i'd rather have better GK
      downgrade Terry or Shaw to a 5.5 and Clyne to 5.5 i think
      overall it is a template of what we have seen over and over
      decent

      Open Controls
  24. I Am ToTo
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Rate this team with 0 in the bank

    Myhill De Gea

    Sagna Jones Debuchy Jones / Bruce

    Ramsey Barkley Sterling Fábregas / Albrighton

    Diego Costa Roone / Bojan

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

      Sagna? Will he start?
      Rest iod it seems ok. Barkley an interesting choice. Could do well

      Open Controls
      1. I Am ToTo
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        selected by 28%
        good enough

        Open Controls
  25. jwaltz86
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    A. Mata
    B. Silva
    C. Fab

    Got Costa Rooney Dzeko up top

    Open Controls
  26. Abusive_Sgt_Daelrhos
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    If I take Bojan do I have to play 3-5-2 or I can go 3-4-3 with Rooney, Costa and Bojan? Got Hazard, Mata, Ramsey, Eriksen and 4.5 mid.

    Open Controls
  27. KingsKnee
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Following Pulis' comments regarding Marriappa is it fair to say he is a better option than Ward if planning to bench palace defender for gw1 anyway?

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

      Link?

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

    With Vertonghen and Walker possibly injured, and the whole Davies / Rose conundrum, who is the likeliest Spurs defender to start?

    Open Controls
  29. ManUtdFan_UK
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    A) Hazard & Siggy

    B) Eriksen & Sterling

    Rest of midfield and attack is Ramsey - Mata - Rooney - Costa - Austin

    Open Controls
  30. jordinho23
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Can't see Sagna getting many games ahead of zab

    Open Controls