Chief's #FPL Team - Gameweek 21

Latest Rank: 14,527 (3k fall)
 

  Transfers:

None*

  

Bank Balance: £1.0M 

*Could have bought Kane, Heaton or even Giroud! But erred towards patience.

Zero cover from MUFC, LFC, Arsenal, Soton or W'ham (to be addressed).

Why have I captained Hazard?

He has scored 28% of CFC's  home goals in the PL thus far.

Non-stop fantasy returns at home since GW7 (5th October).

Hazard is the top FPL points scorer & bags baps at home.

Scored a hat-trick against NUFC in the PL last season.

Also...

Best "Points Per Million" CFC attacker at home - bang-for-the-buck-ability:

Hazard is CFC's highest  points scorer at home:

  Source: Asliga

Chief's #FPL Team - Gameweek 20

Latest Rank: 11,393 (4k rise)
 

  Transfers:

  *Clyne (OUT)

  Trippier (IN)
New Bank Balance: £1.0M 

*Trippier is a cheaper version of Clyne & has better upcoming games.

Why have I bought Trippier?

The stats don't lie...

2nd highest outfield FPL points scorer for Burnley this season.

Good run of games: NEW (A), QPR (H), CRY (H), SUN (A),  WBA (H).

Prowess: Apparently made 19 assists in the Championship last season.

I think he is under-the-radar and in many respects a "Moneyball" buy!

Trippier's recent final third passes, key passes & shots are compelling:

 Why captain Austin (again)?

Swansea have one of the worst away records in the PL this season.

They have conceded on average 1.78 goals per away game.

Austin hasn't blanked 2 weeks in a row at home since 19th Oct.

QPR want to avoid a relegation dog fight & seem to only win at home.

Austin has the highest number of shots on target at home in 14/15.

  Source: Asliga

 

On a side note, I WON Fan Feud's Boxing Day Game for CFC v W'Ham:

 Can you outdo me on their game-by-game platform?

Feel free to sign up and try to beat me next time?

Chief's #FPL Team - Gameweek 19

Latest Rank: 15,016 (9k fall)
 

  Transfers:

  Giroud* (OUT)

  Benteke (IN)
New Bank Balance: £0.4M

*Giroud was a spectacular fail & Benteke is a viable replacement.

Why have I bought Benteke?

The stats don't lie...

Benteke has viable fantasy returns in his last 2 home games.

Has registered 4 shots on target at home in his last 2 home games.

Benteke's home ALI (potency) is higher than Austin's since GW15.

Has a pedigree of scoring in the PL. I think he is due to score more.

Villa have a good run of upcoming games: SUN (H), CRY (H), LEI (A)

 

 Why did I captain Austin?

Joint top goalscorer at home in the PL this season (9).

Joint best "fantasy returns at home of any player in the PL (7).

  Most shots on target at home of any player in the PL (20).

Best player for shots on target at home since GW 16 (6).

QPR (17) have scored more goals at home than Man City (15).

Palace are manager-less and concede 1.78 goals when away in 14/15. 

In addition...

 

If QPR score, it's almost safe to say that Austin has scored:

Austin takes more shots on target at home than any of his teammates:

In summary, Austin has been formidable when playing at home in the PL:

 

 

  Source: Asliga

 

On a side note, I WON Fan Feud's Boxing Day Game for CFC v W'Ham:

 Can you outdo me on their game-by-game platform?

Feel free to sign up and try to beat me next time?

Fantasy Premier League Gameweek 18: Boxing Day Actions

It’s always exciting to witness all Premier League clubs facing off each other on the same day, moreover being a festive yet compacted period. For football fans it was the finest game day which embraced power-packed actions, hard earned victories, horrid fouls and couple of records accomplished. If you’ve missed the appealing matchups, don’t worry, just drill down:

Strikers

Raheem Sterling – The winger was monotonous in the opening half in an unfamiliar role, yet scored the winning goal by rounding the goalkeeper using his pace.

Diego Costa – The powerhouse forward assisted John Terry with a flick of his head, and then went on arrowing a grounder that sealed a comfortable 2-0 triumph over West Ham United.

Wayne Rooney – The magician of the red half of Manchester clinched a well-taken brace for himself plus assisted Robin Van Persie for the third goal of the day.

Harry Kane – The dazzling wonder-kid of White Hart Lane opened the scoring at The King Stadium within two minutes of play with a nifty first touch and lashing his strike into the net.

Nikica Jelavic – The former Evertonian fired Hull City’s third goal against The Black Cats with a composed finish.

Radamel Falcao – The Colombian star contributed with a phenomenal assist to Wayne Rooney for the first goal at Old Trafford against Newcastle United.

Charlie Austin – The prodigious forward scored his 12^th goal of the season against The Gunners!

Midfielders

David Silva – The Spain international is on rampage form, netting his fourth goal out of six matches at The Hawtorns.

Philippe Coutinho – The Brazilian produced the classiest moment of the match when his magnificent flick pass found Raheem Steerling who put the ball into the back of the net.

Gylfi Sigurdsson – The Iceland playmaker whipped in a spectacular free-kick that had Brad Guzan no chance of saving. A goal worth watching numerous times!

Gaston Ramirez – The underrated midfielder long strike goal started off Hull City’s much needed comeback victory against Sunderland.

Christian Eriksen – The former Ajax star once again rescued his side with the winning goal in the 72th minute of the match.

Tomas Rosicky – His Premier League start of the season and he contributed with the winning goal of the game.

Alexis Sanchez – The Chilean winger amended his penalty miss with a header opener and assisted Rosicky for the second goal.

Bojan Krkic – The former Barcelona starlet won and converted a controversial spot kick in style at Goodison Park.

Defenders

Mamadou Sakho – The Frenchman’s return to Liverpool’s starting lineup is fantastic. He was robust and organized at the back with 100% tackles won.

Mathieu Debuchy – He was dominant at the back with numerous attacking bursts, whereas was unlucky for conceding the penalty as he clearly got the ball.

John Terry – Chelsea’s leader finished his second goal of the season from close range in the opening minutes at Stamford Bridge.

Ryan Bertrand - A thunderous shot from the former Chelsea full-back for the second goal for The Saints.

Toby Alderweireld – The Belgian center back’s strong header found the back of the net from a resulting corner kick.

Goalkeepers

Lukasz Fabianski – The Poland international was resilient at the back, clinching his 8^th clean sheet of the season. Strong contender for the fantasy premier league!

Thibaut Courtois – The big Belgian has a relaxed afternoon, The Blues 7^th clean sheet this season.

Chief's #FPL Team - Gameweek 18

Latest Rank: 6,872 (10k rise)
 

  Transfers:

  Duff/Rooney OUT (-4*)

  Zabaleta/Giroud IN
New Bank Balance: £0.0M

*The former is injured, whereas the latter is playing as a CM (negative OOP)

Why have I purchased Giroud and captained him?

The stats don't lie...

Giroud has scored the most FWD FPL points since GW16 (19).

Has the 3rd highest number of FWD final third passes since GW 16 (23)

Giroud has scored a goal once  every 51 minutes since GW 16.

QPR have conceded 20 goals in 8 away PL games this season.

Giroud has form on his side and likes scoring at the Emirates.

 

 Why did I buy Zabaleta?

Joint 4th highest potency (ALI rating) of any defender this season.

10th best number of key passes of any defender this season.

 10th best number of final third passes of any defender this season.

7/12 Fantasy returns since Gameweek 1, despite missing some games.

 

 Source: Asliga

 

Coming back to Giroud, he is Arsenal's most in-form FPL forward:

Finally, Arsenal are averaging 2+ goals at home this season and need a win!

 Source: Asliga

 

On a side note, I WON Fan Feud's #MNF game by one point in #GW15 and won their top prize:

 Can you outdo me on their game-by-game platform?

Feel free to sign up and try to beat me this weekend!

Chief's Main Togga Draft Team (Festive Period)

Fan Feud's Fantasy Football Show: "Xmas Special" (18-20)

Please follow FanFeud & Fantasy5Live on Twitter!

5 Best Strikers in Fantasy Premier League 2014/15

Every EPL season star players prove their worth by great performances and improve their status and earnings. With new Premier League fantasy football season having started, several strikers are standing out as best strikers in the league. The top five forwards include;

5. Leonardo Ulloa- Leicaster City
A great striker who has the ability to transform the striking force of the club. Composed in front of the goal and brilliant finisher. Fast paced and able to partner well with midfielders. The player has good ball control and ability to create opportunities to score. Brilliant skills that enables him to create chances and score. Strong and able to penetrate opponents defence regularly and keeping opposing defences under pressure throughout the game.

4. Steven Naismith- Everton
A strong pillar in team's striking force. The Scottish national has continued to score crucial goals that has made Everton a strong contender to premier league title. Ability to create scoring chances. Strong aerial attacks and duels and scoring often with a header. An all round player with great tackles and winning most of the tackles. Brilliant strikes and composure in front of the goal. Great dribbling skills and a tough customer to opponents defence. He is strong, fast and powerful with the ball.

3. Stevan Jovetic- Manchester City
A forward with ability to switch roles from a striker to winger and attacking midfielder with ease. Ability to hold on to the ball and creating scoring chances. Good passing and clinical long shots that often get goalkeepers off guard. Brilliant ball dribbling. Great physical structure that make him able to win balls and create scoring chances. A composed team player who relates well with team mates and rivals alike.

2. Saido Berahino- West Brom Albion
A young talent at the heart of WBA's attacking force. Has excellent finishing skills that enables him score spectacular goals. A regular feature in many of his team’s games. Lethal with free kicks and dead ball situations. A great dribbler who is able to hold on the ball and create opportunities. A composed player whose who relates well with team mates and respects opponents. Disciplined and commits minimum fouls during games.

1. Diego Da Silva Costa- Chelsea
A great signing from Atletico Madrid and the striker has already made an impact in the new team by scoring crucial goals at the start of the season. Has great composure in front of the goal and often scores in tight angles and close range. Ability to create chances and scoring regularly with ease. Strong counter attacking abilities and regularly tormenting defences and winning tackles that result in goals. Has huge influence in the pitch and is able to change the pace of the game or win the match. A reliable player whose performance and goals are proof of his status as one of the great strikers in the league

_________________________________________________________________________________

Rachel Lee is a guest blogger. Read her news and views on Fantasy Premier League at http://informer.fanxt.com

Bantasy Football: Looking at United

It’s slim pickings this week – but you knew that already. Assuming you’re without your wildcard and you still have designs on being relevant at the end of the season, it’s time to start thinking hard about double gameweeks.

You would be my first choice... if there were no other choices

Manchester United: A rose by any other name?

The name used to be synonymous with success and dynasty. Now it conjures contemplations of underachievement, questionable management and a disaffected dressing room. When Roy Carroll is taking the piss, you know you’re in trouble. But Man U players could be the inspirational picks that let you waltz to the top of your mini-league and stay there until the final whistle blows on 11^th May.

United have the best remaining schedule of any team – with no fantasy break. Their only tough fixtures are against Liverpool and City. Both are at Old Trafford. Both are also ritual goal fests in which the formbook is shredded, defenestrated and roundhouse kicked in the balls by Chuck Norris. If you’re still worried about the City game, don’t be – they also face Wham three days earlier as part of a double GW. The Hammers top the clean sheet table but tend to concede heavily at Upton Park for some reason – and lost 3-1 to United in the reverse fixture.

RVP (13.6m)

The Dutchman's return from injury hasn't been spectacular but it’s been crucial in United’s quest to obtain a top four berth. He’s scored four in his first five games back from injury – not bad considering how his teammates were getting all up in his area.

RVP's area - stay out

More consistent than a vegan’s stool, more effortlessly reliable than Tom Selleck and more imposing than a topless Putin; RVP is a great buy if you can bear to part with the newly omnipresent SAS pairing (Suarez and Sturridge).  Maybe your budget isn't big enough. Maybe you’re reluctant to gamble on the most injury-prone player since Jaime Redknapp, but he’s only owned by 16.7% of FPL managers compared to Suarez's ownership of 50.3% – now that's what I call butter. 

When not strutting stuff, Jaime ponders how good he could have been, had he ever played 3 games in a row

Rooney (11.1m)

The £85m man costs a mere £11.1m in the fantasy world. That’s a snip when you consider he’s bagged 8 or more points 11 times this season, making him excellent skipper material. His goal against Palace ended a 9 game baron spell but, much like Leonardo Di Caprio, he will inevitably rise from the ashes of shame and show us what he’s made of. It’s worth remembering that you won’t have to pay him £300,000 a week, and if he’s awful you can just blame Moyes like everyone else does.

Best Before: 2014

Januzaj (4.8m)

It’s staggering how many people neglect the first rule of fantasy football – No Man Utd midfielders. It’s as apt under Moyes as it was in the Fergie era; there’s just no way of knowing who’ll play. If you’d only ever met United fans, you’d think Januzaj had scored 20 goals this season. He's scored 3. He’s still owned by 10% because he’s cheaper than chips and had been playing pretty well for a young’un (even though it wasn’t really translating into consistent points) but his playing time has been slashed dramatically since RVP’s return and, well, see rule 1.

Defenders/De Gea

Vidic is off to Inter in the summer. Rio will probably be hanging up his boots (if not he should be) and United conceded two goals (real life goals, not dodgy penalties or nothin’) at home to Fulham. That’s all you need to know really.

All right so they’ve made back to back clean sheets at Arsenal and Palace but whom are you going to put in? Evra? He costs more than the sun (£6.5m). Vidic (£5.8m)? He’s also spenny, has his mind set on Italy and hasn’t scored once this season.

Smalling (£5.1m) is the only decent option but when Evans and Jones return, Moyes could revert to rotation at the back. Steer well clear. Old Trafford just ain’t the fortress it used to be.

For more Bantasy Football, go to: http://bantasyfootball.blogspot.co.uk/ or follow us @BantasyFootball 

How Do You Solve A Problem Like Barkley?

This is the conundrum faced by many of us at the moment. Wonderkid Ross Barkley of Everton was considered to be a "must-have" for the first quarter of the season.

An opening day goal, combined with 3 bonus points firmly put this boy on the radar for FPL managers looking for a bargain. And what a price! £4.5 million made his purchase affordable with no need for sacrificial lambs! We could all afford to take a punt at that price. Over the coming weeks his stock rose steadily, despite poor points returns until GW's 5 and 6.

The amount of managers transferring him in saw his price rise dramatically, peaking at £5.7 million after GW 8. But after boom inevitably comes bust. A steadily decreasing amount of game time has seen his price (and his points return) fall sharply. As managers bomb him out of their squads, it appears his star - that once shone so brightly - is fading rapidly.

Despite the rush to sell him, at the time of writing Barkley is still owned by a staggering 32.3% of you. But why? He's not completing matches, his points return has been poor for a while now, and Everton have some shocking fixtures coming up. GW 13 sees them take on Stoke at Goodison, but the following weeks see them play Man Utd and Arsenal away! Surely his value is only going to plummet further if his game time and form stay the same? He'll get dumped quicker than the jumper your aunt will no doubt buy you for Christmas.
 

I know what you may be thinking, keep the faith with Barkley, he's been given International recognition and he plays that Number 10 role behind the striker that can reap dividends if he gets it right.

Actually to be honest you're probably still thinking about those upcoming fixtures for Everton and ditching Baines/ Jagielka/ Coleman or Distin right about now aren't you...

He may be worth keeping as an option on your bench, but risking him in your starting XI may cause you more harm than good. Do you sell now while you can still get a tidy sum for him? Personally, I transferred him out for GW12 and checking back now I wish I'd done it earlier as I had him permanently benched since GW 6. Still, his price continued to rise so no real harm done.

I don't see him recapturing the form that saw him rise to the top of the points table for midfielders (he is currently down in 14th and falling). Does this justify his selection as the third most owned midfielder in the game behind Aaron Ramsey and Yaya Toure? I guess - as they say - the decision is yours...

Fly

@Meet_The_Gadfly

(Please be gentle; first ever Blog post!)