Chi Returns & GW11 Side

It’s no surprise that I’ve had a tough start, my team has been struggling.

Since GW2 I’m at my highest rank (which is still awful) but my team is gathering momentum.

I scored 13 more than the average after my points hit in GW10, Aguero not playing meant Vardy as vice got some returns and I wa helped by the double Foxes clean sheet and Azpi’s haul. Sometimes hits work and sometimes they don’t, but I’ve been so far behind I needed to take risks.

Having players early on that didn’t start well and then sparked in to life hurt, but I have learned from those mistakes. This week my priority was trying to somehow get Sane into my team, despite being a rotation risk he is in the form of his life and he was phenomenal in person during the two games I’ve recently seen him in. However, getting him in was an issue due to needing a lot of free money or downgrading a big player. I didn’t want to lose any of my front 3 or Salah just yet, which meant Azpi was the casualty despite their fixtures due to their defensive woes. His replacement was an old favourite in the form of Charlie Daniels, and then Sane came in for Fabregas (-4).

My team selection was pretty straight forward but I’m opting for De Gea over Elliot and if needed Kiko. Captaincy has to go to the returning Harry Kane.

@FPLCHI

My Gameweek 7 Team

Last week I scored 69, 9 more than the average which was pleasing. Morata hit 3 and captain Kane 2. The only disappointment was Alonso again who scored 0.

I don’t want to do anything drastic and I’ve done a bit of a sideways move; out goes Alonso and in comes Azpi (due to form and it keeps Chelsea cover at the back) while freeing up funds.

Captain Kane for me again this week, good luck all!

@FPLCHI

My GW6 Team

Well, the wildcard didn’t go as planned. The less said about it the better.

When I played my wildcard I planned on Jay Rodriguez being a punt which didn’t work so he’s replaced by Bony. The Swans man seems eager to impress and the manager has said he could start this week. Let’s be honest, we all love the song “come on Wilfred Bony, score some goals for Swansea, we go wild, wild, wild”.

The team pretty much picks itself with Dawson over Mbemba due to the goal threat and captaincy goes to Kane despite Morata being a tempting pick. 

 

@FPLCHI

My GW4 Team *WC Played*

This gameweek I had to play my wildcard, something I wanted to save for later in the season. I believe you should play the game as it adapts and even though I’d planned to play it in gameweek eight, a few situations played my hand. Firstly my scores; 73 week one was amazing, 34 week two was awful but acceptable and week three was 33 (-4) which was devastating. Secondly the game has changed when looking at total scores at price points per position. Unfortunately for me I invested heavily in premium players that failed to warrant their respective prices.

So first let me review my wildcard, I made 8 changes to my starting 11 and 10 changes to my squad of 15. I set my team up with a change in distribution of funds and I have changed formation and tactics. When I began constructing my team I started my looking at the fixtures and a core group of players; there was inevitably players I couldn’t include such as Alexis, Lukaku and Hazard but you can’t have them all. The biggest call was dropping the games most owned player in Lukaku but for me and balancing my squad I couldn’t have him, Kane and Morata. 

This is the team, a one week punt means Kane out for Lacazette who is my captain this week. Next week with those fixtures Kane is back in my team and there is enough money in the bank to facilitate that move. I’ve put plans in place if any of those players I listed hit form and become essential but for now I’m happy with it as is! 

@FPLCHI

My #GW3 Team

Well last week was probably one of the worst weeks I’ve ever had as a fantasy football manager. I scored 34 in a week that averaged 44;  Phillips had the only assist, Foster had the only clean sheet and Lukaku scored the only goal. This meant that three of my core four players valued at £34m (Kane, Aguero and De Bruyne) all blanked.

I had planned on banking the transfer and in all fairness I wasn’t prepared to let a bad week make me throw all of my plans out of the window but I was tempted to use the wildcard. I do think that’s better suited for another week with the return of big hitters such as Hazard, Alexis and Ibrahimovic. In addition to this the transfer window may throw up some big surprises and further bandwagons will appear. I’m usually impatient and play it within a few weeks, I’m aiming to at least wait for another week with the hopes of holding on even longer.

I made two transfers this week for a four point hit, out went De Bruyne because of his lack of returns and Ward-Prowse due to seemingly losing his starting position. I think De Bruyne will come good but at the minute after watching his last two games I’ve noticed he is playing far too deep and not taking as many shots on goal as I had hoped. The replacements are both in form players that have impressed in the opening two games and will hopefully continue to do so for at least the next five game weeks; Paul Pogba and Henrikh Mkhitaryan. The duo mean that I have tripled up on Man Utd cover which is a daunting prospect but after the games I’ve seen so far there should be plenty of points for them all.

Stats wise Kane is looking good and is bound to break his August hoo-doo so I’m backing him against Burnley. Aguero at Bournemouth was tempting but after the last game I don’t want to back him again, Lukaku was also tempting but after my triple coverage I don’t want to put even more eggs in that close to overflowing basket. Atsu starts ahead of Carroll due to attacking stats so far and the fact West Ham are struggling st the back. Manquillo starts over Arnold-Alexander because the latter isn’t nailed and has the much tougher game this week.

@FPLCHI

My #GW2 Team

In the opening week my team performed well in most aspects and scored a total of 73 in a week that averaged 58. My captain Lukaku scored 26 and was my highest scoring team player which means it was the right call. This week as I pre-planned my transfer and team I’m happy with it and I’ve been locked in since Monday. My free transfer was used to sell my one week failed punt in the form of £5.5m Moussa Sissoko, his replacement was the £5.0 bargain basement Atsu from Newcastle. Captaincy has switched from Lukaku to Aguero, because of ‘Monday Night Football’ and the fact Everton play a few days before. Also Manquillo comes in for Ward-Prowse. It was originally Alexander-Arnold because despite his free kick in their European game, Liverpool struggled defensively against Watford really badly but with Zaha out and his added threat it could be a good call. Ward-Prowse could be at risk of rotation and only played 70 minutes in the last game so that’s why I’ve made this change and this week I’m playing 4-3-3, I’ve also got £1m in the bank and will more than likely roll next weeks transfer if possible.

@FPLCHI

My #GW1 team

When selecting my team I opted for four core players and built around them, they are all captaincy options. My midfield are all on set pieces besides one that’s my differential for the opening week and defence is filled players with good games that can get attacking returns. Lastly my keeper a non rotating option. All of these players have good opening games and are in my team for the reasons below:

Ben Foster (£4.5m) with an ownership of 15.5%
Ben is my keeper because of his underlying stats from last season. Despite the lack of clean sheets last season he was usually in the top 5 for most categories. In addition to this he is a bargain at his price and is a mainstay in goal.

Ben Davies (£5.5m) with an ownership of 3.1%

The other Ben is in because of the recent ‘Rose scandal’, as well the thought that when he played last season he impressed. He’s an attacking full back who likes a shot on goal.

John Stones (£5.5m) with an ownership of 4.9%

Last season Man City were awful at the back, but they have invested heavily. I expect them to be more stable and return more clean sheets (especially with their run of games). Stones has also scored a few in preseason and presents a goal threat.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (£4.5m) with an ownership of 2.2%

The Liverpool young ester has flourished in the absence of Clyne and will start against Watford. After playing so well against Munich it wouldn’t surprise me if he does well again. Depending upon Clyne and rotation he might not be in the team for long but the first week doesn’t present many teams which look like they will be keeping clean sheets, he is one of the safer bets.

Moussa Sissoko (£5.5m) with an ownership of 0.03%

Moussa is my uber differential and potential single game punt. Despite links elsewhere, she did well in their last game and with Son and Lamela not ready to start, he could have his chance. Having famously wanting out from Newcastle he will want to impress and could have a huge game. 

Kevin De Bruyne (£10.0m) with an ownership of 30.8%

The first of my core four; he was in my team since the game came back. Probably the only nailed on player for Pep and with the players behind him improving I think this will give him freedom and he will only get more assists and goals.

Matt Phillips (£6.0m) with an ownership of 2.9%

This position was for Chadli until this week, he is someone who has linked well with Rodriguez in pre season and is one of Albions’ most exciting players to watch. But with rumours of Swansea turning his head and an injury knock I’m not sure if he will start or stay. That means Phillips comes in and before his injury he did look very good and he does take set pieces. Also has a favourable run of games.

James Ward-Prowse (£5.5m) with an ownership of 2.9%

The youngster has looked good for England in the summer and since returning back to the Saints. Takes set pieces and plays wide as well as central. With their games and his price, he is a cheap and able player for my team.

Harry Kane (£12.5m) with an ownership of 37.8%

Harry was the first name on my team sheet this season after what he did last season but was out for Alexis in my team. With the news of the Chilean missing two games; Harry comes back in. He has favourable games and plays the first three games on Sundays and is the first of my premium strike force.

Sergio Aguero (£11.5m) with an ownership of 11.1%

When he plays he scores, despite the potential of rotation if he plays he will do well. Man City have good opening games and Aguero is the cheapest he has been for a while which makes him so appealing. He also has relatively low ownership and provides a potential for big points.

Romelu Lukaku (£11.5m) with an ownership of 48.9% & CAPTAIN FOR GW1

Rom has an unbelievable ownership and is a must have. His stats were close to Kane and was competing till the end for the golden boot. You’d assume with a better class of players around him this season as the focul point he should at least replicate last seasons figures. He also has the best opening fixtures of pretty much any team. He is my captain for the opening week because Aguero potentially not starting and Kane being away from home in August which historically hasn’t been the best month for the forward. The Belgian also has a great record against the Hammers.

Boaz Myhill (£4.0m) with an ownership of 4.8%

Boaz won’t start but is in so that if anything does happen to Foster I have a replacement keeper that will start.

Tom Carroll (£4.5m) with an ownership of 6.7%

The in form Swans man impressed last season and if Siggy goes will be on set pieces. At his price point the best midfielder available and if needed a great option from the bench.

Javier Manquillo (£4.5m) with an ownership of 1.5%

The former Sunderland man got an assist in his last game and looked good. He is in for rotation with Trent and has besides the opener some great games initially.

Chancel Mbemba (£4.0m) with an ownership of 2.1%

As Chancel was introduced late to the game he has low ownership and besides Long is the closest thing to a starter even though I don’t expect him to. A bench player only.

*all percentages correct as if 13:40 

@FPLCHI

West Bromwich Albion; An FPL Perspective.

West Brom have been on the minds of fantasy football managers because of their fixtures at the start of the season. However pre season has changed plenty of managers minds on inclusion; below I’ll be addressing those points.

To start with the obvious; fixtures are very favourable. In the opening five they play Bournemouth, Stoke and West Ham at home while visiting Burnley and Brighton away. On paper everything seems great but there are three things that are causing reconsideration;
1. They haven’t recruited enough.

2. Pre season form has been awful.

3. Last season they disappointed from a points perspective.

The first point is valid and I can’t defend this, especially when promoted clubs such as Brighton and Huddersfield have done so well in getting players in. But we have signed two players; Rodriguez and Hegazi. Both improve the squad; Rodriguez can play up top or in any of the three positions behind and Hegazi fits the Pulis centre back mould and comes with plaudits from the media in his previous leagues country. I expect us to sign more and for now while most fans won’t be happy with that I am. The reason for this is that Odemwingie and Chadli both came late in their respective windows and improved us greatly. In addition to this other teams in the league haven’t strengthened much also; just look at Swansea and even Spurs.

The second point is an area of concern. They haven’t scored much and have conceded a whole lot. But there have been positives to take: Chadli looks good when he plays; Phillips is fit again; Hegazi adds youth; Rodriguez has been scoring and well; Brunt when playing still looks good and some of our football has be3 good to watch.

The third point hasn’t been mentioned much in the fantasy football community but it is still a concern for many. Clean sheets were hard to come by which is shocking when considering it’s a Pulis team and one that had done so well the season before. They also lacked goals and this is highlighted by McAuley being the second highest scorer for last season on 7 goals; just a single one behind Rondon. The club has only really lost Darren Fletcher who despite playing well looked fiery tired towards the end. As it stands if all the players stay fit I do expect more goals and assists from all of the expected front four of Chadli, Phillips, Rodriguez and Rondon. I think they are all worth investment for their own reasons and I believe Chadli will stay and be a key man for Albion this season. From a defensive point of view Megson coming back to the club and the return of Yacob to the team, means that I think they will keep more clean sheets.

Taking all of this in to account I do think for different reasons all of the below players are worth considering for your teams. However I would only advise a single player from the list, with two at the very latest. The best part is that all of these besides one all have ownership of under 5% and could be great differentials:

Rondon (£6.5m) ownership is 2.2%

Rodriguez (£6.0m) ownership is 3.2%

Chadli (£6.0m) ownership is 1.9%

Phillips (£6.0m) ownership is 2.6%

Evans (£5.0m) ownership is 1.4%

Dawson (£5.0m) ownership is 4.9%

Hegazi (£4.5m) ownership is 2.4%

Foster (£4.5m) ownership is 16.1%

*all correct as of 8/8/17 @ 17:00 

@FPLCHI

Cash League Details

After the game was launched and details of a few things now confirmed, I’m ready to tell you about the exact details for my cash league.

• The entry fee will remain at £20 (payment via bank transfer)
• There are only 25 spots available (I’ll be asking last years 15 participants if they want to play again before releasing their spaces), with 10 new spots.
• Entrants from the UK & Ireland only (sorry)

A breakdown of prizes are below;

1. First prize is £300
2. Second prize is £100
3. Third prize is £50
4. Fourth prize is £20
5. Highest single GW score will win £15
6. The number one team at Christmas will win £15 (end of GW20 which falls on Boxing Day)

*All prizes will be paid out via bank transfer within a week of GW38 coming to the end, I will contact you and arrange this. 

Last year Fly stormed to a well deserved victory. This year there is around a 1/4 chance of taking away a prize; with the chance to win up to three prizes in total.

Get in touch if you want in (it will be first come first serve), but I do need to entry fee to secure a spot.

All the best, 

@FPLCHI

What To Expect From Chi

Today feels like Christmas Eve; it feels like the game ended so long ago but knowing it’s back this week (and hopefully today) gives me butterflies. I can’t wait to register and look at those prices; get a pen and paper (old school style), start planning while making a million draft teams and continually overthinking things.

I’ve always adapted the content that I produce and the way that I interact with the FPL community and this season that will continue to be the case. The plan is to adapt those captain graphics and blog posts in order to produce something that is more interactive and even more unique. I’m working out the details but I’ll give you more on that as soon as I have it (which should be in about two weeks).

I’ll still be running my free to enter league and a newly formed cash league (codes and league details will be out on launch date). The free league saw some stiff competition and massive numbers enter which made me so proud and as for the cash league; I’ve never seen the standings change so much throughout a season. In the cash league at times different players took the lead and from nowhere Fly with a colossal swoop dominated and won the cash prize.

The format of the free league will stay the same but the cash league will be changing. Entry fee for the 17/18 season will remain at £20 and numbers will be capped again; this time at 25 people to keep things simple (an increase of 10). But the new prize breakdown will see more than just number one take it all (requested by many), it’s as follows;

1st prize : £300

2nd prize : £100

3rd prize : £50

4th prize : £20 

* The team that scores the most points in a single GW will get £15

* The team that is top by the GW before Christmas (19 I think TBC) will get £15

It’s for participants in the U.K. only (sorry), entry fee and prizes rewards will all be by bank transfer, I will DM details to participants. This will be first come first serve and I expect places to fly (see what I did then?! LOL) and like last season I can guarantee a fun league and because numbers are limited, there will be 6 prizes as above everyone will have around a 1/4 chance of walking away with a prize.

I will confirm all these details in a separate post when the game launches.

All the best, @FPLCHI