Player Watchlist

roryc

Think it might be a good idea to have a watchlist of 'unknown' players ahead of GW1. Some of these are likely to warm the bench for most of the season but it's important to put a bit of time into these players, as they will likely be called up on a few occasions throughout the season and you need to ensure that they at least bag you 2 points. It helps if they have the ability to bang in goals/assists, like Sterling last season.

Defenders

Ben Turner (Cardiff - £4m)
My pick of the £4m defenders. I think Cardiff have a strong defence and Turner played more games than the other £4m options (McNaughton + Nugent). Well capable of getting forward too with 8 goals/5 assists over the previous three seasons.

Matthew Connolly/Mark Hudson (Cardiff - £4.5m)
Connolly hit the ground running in his first season with Cardiff notching up 5 goals last season, a cracking return for a defender. I don't know much else about him but definitely one to watch. Same goes for his teammate Mark Hudson, who at 31 is 6 years older but still managed 4 goals/2 assists last season. This followed his 5 goals/3 assists from the previous season, definitely well able to pick up points these two.

Micky Turner/Martin Olssen (Norwich - £4.5m)
Fan favourite from last year with 3 goals, although he only played 25 games. Team-mate Olssen is also a good shout with 3 assists last year, although he too only played about 25 games and is not guaranteed a place right from the start.

Seamus Coleman (Everton - £5m)
Most people have already spotted Coleman. £5m for a player who should essentially be a winger, and if he repeats the 10/11 he should be good for some goals/assists this year. A steal at £5m (he was £7m in 10/11)

Per Mertesacker (Arsenal - £5.5m)
There's a lot of value in the Arsenal defence this year, they had 14 clean sheets last and have a good start this year. With Sebastien Squillaci released, Johan Djourou off on a season-long loan to Hamburg and club captain Thomas Vermaelen out for three months with a back injury, Per Mertesacker is the only experienced centre-half at manager Wenger’s disposal. And with Koscielny now injured and possibly out for the start of the season Mertesacker becomes the best option if you want an Arsenal defender. 3 goals last year from the big man are an added bonus.

John Terry (Chelsea - £6m)
Not exactly 'unknown' but possibly overlooked. 10 goals in the last two seasons, despite only playing 40-ish games. His return is far better than that of any defender, including Baines. The only question is whether he will tie down a spot. I'm hoping Mourinho has faith in him and gives him his spot back, if he does I think he is the best value player in the game this year.


Midfielders

Kagisho Dikgacoi (Crystal Palace - £4.5m)
My third bench spot will be taken up by the cheapest midfielder I can find, and in the £4.5m range one of the best options I can find is Dikgacoi. Seems to play every game for Palace and was good for 5 goals and 2 assists last season. While it's unlikely I'll start him all too often. he should be reliable to at least pull in 2 points and if he does bang in a goal or assist in the first few weeks expect his price to rise.

Stephen Quinn (Hull - £4.5m)
Another one that I haven't heard anyone mention is Irishman Stephen Quinn. 3 goals/6 assists last season for Hull and seems to play every game. He was a regular in the side playing every game in 12/13, and seems to do well with getting forward - the previous season at Sheff Utd he picked up 3 goals/13 assists.

Pete Whittingham/Aron Gunnarsson (Cardiff - £5m)
Whittingham has gone under a lot of people's radars when they look at Cardiff. He had a cracking season in 09/10 banging in 25 goals/13 assists. He moved into a more central role after the arrival of Bellamy, but has a keen eye for goal and can play as a second striker if needed. Even in the central role he's still managed 8 goals/7 assists last season, and 13 goals/13 assists the season before. If Bellamy doesn't play as much, he could end up moving back into a more attacking position. He also takes penalties and free kicks. Unfortunately he's fallen out of favour a bit and hasn't scored since October 2012. Aron Gunnarsson seems to be more favoured than Whittingham, but currently out of action with a dislocated shoulder. Unsure if he'll make the start of the season but with 8 goals/5 assists last year we'll have to see if he slips in ahead of Whittingham.

Robert Koren/Robbie Brady (Hull - £5m)
A lot of people are looking at Robbie Brady as their £5m option but I think his teammate Robert Koren could actually be a better shout. 9 goals/5 assists last season and 10 goals/7 assists the previous one. It's a close call between the two though. Brady scored less goals last season (4), but managed 13 assists. I'm not sure which of them will be on penalties and free kicks though, maybe a Hull fan can clear this up? Might be the deciding factor.

Victor Wanyama (Southampton - £5m)
I'm not sure what the hype is about Wanyama, over 10% ownership. 6 goals/3 assists last season for Celtic, and didn't even play every game. Whittingham or one of the Hull duo are much better choices imo.


Strikers

Wilfried Bony (Swansea £8m)
I hadn't actually heard much about him before last week, but one look at his stats says it all. 31 goals in 24 league games last season, including a spell where he banged in 15 goals in 10 games, including 2 hat-tricks. Definitely one to watch, but I'm wary of whether he will hit the ground running in the opening game for a new club, against champions United. I have a feeling he could arrive with a bang, just like Cisse in 11/12. Will keep a close eye on Swansea's pre-season friendlies, it's a toss up between Bony, Rooney and Negredo who gets my last spot.

Ricky Van Wolfswinkle (Norwich - £7m)
A lot of people are going for him due to his 'cheap' price-tag but I'm not fully convinced yet. He scores on average just under 1 goal in every 2 games which isn't an amazing return for a striker but would be about the same as Berbatov or Lambert. He's joining Norwich who aren't known for their attacking potential, but there's a lot of hype about him so definitely need to keep an eye on him over the next few weeks.

Dimitar Berbatov (Fulham - £7.5m)
Can't see how I can avoid him at this price. Not much needs to be said about him - lethal when on form and should be good for 15 goals a season.

Alvaro Negredo (Man City - £?)
Will be interesting to see what price he comes in at, I expect him to start as a lone striker ahead of Aguero. 32 goals in all comps for Seville last year, he could run riot over the first few games for City. If he's priced £10m or lower he will be snapped up.


If anyone has any players to add, post below. You can enjoy the glory when they bang in a hat-trick in GW1 (or delete your post when they don't even make the squad). Same goes if you have anything to add on my picks, I don't pretend to know about some of these players in huge detail.

bodking

Craig Noone ( Cardiff - 5m ) 7 goals last season and I believe a few assists as well

Mr.Prodston

I have to throw in Kevin Mirallas (Everton 7.5) who's playing "midfield" when in fact he's really a "second striker". He was injured for a long spell mid-season last year but when fit, he played, scored goals and looked a genuine threat. At 7.5 he's at an awkward price but if somebody didn't fancy either Walcott or Hazard and wanted an extra 2.0 to play with he's a serious candidate.

He is one of my dead-certs right now.

Jax Teller

Zaha at 6.5m is definitely on my watchlist , he's been brilliant so far in pre season . With Valencia out of form & Nani's future uncertain he could nail down the right wing spot for United.

Paully D

Nacir Chadli might be one to consider for those without Bale. I'd imagine he has been signed to replace Lennon, and he has 26 goals in 49 games over the last two seasons from the right hand side of a 4-3-3.

NN215

Arouna Kone (Everton - 7M) ?

moreau

Jay Rodriguez 6M

I think this is a great price, 1-1.5 million less than players I have in the same category.

I watched two Sthm games on tv towards the end of last season and think this guy has great potential, and with this price and nice fixtures I am putting him in starting 11.

swoody

Gino Peruzzi is going into my team if he's 4.5M - 5M for Sunderland. he's shares Argentina's right back/ wing back position with Zabaleta and is really good on the ball. he also can slot in at left back if needed. definite starter!

roryc

They need to put Negredo in already! Really hoping he's below £10m.

MagicIRL

If Negredo comes in under 10m I'll have to redo my whole team! :P Debating Wanyama or one of the Hull boys now after reading this thread. Stupid decisions.

roryc

I think he might come in at £9.5m

Dubliner28

Will Zaha start for United?

Jax Teller

Dubliner28 wrote: »

Will Zaha start for United?

Hard to know . Valencia & Nani aren't on the pre season tour so he's got game time on the right wing but he's been pretty impressive so far .

It's definitely worth keeping an eye on over the next few weeks though .

Hogey007

Dubliner28 wrote: »

Will Zaha start for United?

i'd be surprised if he was a regular to begin with, but worth keeping an eye on at his price.
I think nani and valencia will be first choice for those positions with young to come back too, welbeck an option there too. and if fabregas was to come in it might see kagawa being pushed into a wide position again.

So i wouldn't start with him but keep an eye on him, valencia was shockingly poor last season and we all know hoe inconsistent nani can be despite his obvious talent so it's possible that zaha could impress and start to feature a lot more. United haven't loaned him out again this season so there is some plan for him to get gametime but like i said, i wouldn't start the season with him in your team.

Paully D

swoody wrote: »

Gino Peruzzi is going into my team if he's 4.5M - 5M for Sunderland. he's shares Argentina's right back/ wing back position with Zabaleta and is really good on the ball. he also can slot in at left back if needed. definite starter!

Can't say I've seen too much of him myself, but South American experts say he is absolutely excellent. There's been a problem with his medical though, it picked up a small ligament injury, but hopefully it won't be enough to ruin the deal, as he'd no doubt go elsewhere and become a star.

Just remember Sunderland play 6 of last seasons top 8 in their first 8 home games.

roryc

swoody wrote: »

Gino Peruzzi is going into my team if he's 4.5M - 5M for Sunderland. he's shares Argentina's right back/ wing back position with Zabaleta and is really good on the ball. he also can slot in at left back if needed. definite starter!

Sunderland have a pretty crap start though.

SlickRic

yeah, i'd be inclined to stay away from Swansea and Sunderland to start with.

Mr.Prodston

Hatem Ben Arfa (Newcastle 7.0) is somebody who deserves to be on the radar. He won't be touched by many serious players for GW1, although he's on 6% at the moment which is a little surprising. But like Kagawa and others if he shows signs of being fit and some of the form he showed in the latter half of the season before last he could be another option. Newcastle have a very handy run of fixtures until November after City away first time out.

roryc

Newcastle have been soundly beaten in their pre-season friendlies, not to mention almost getting relegated last year. I wouldn't touch their players yet.

MagicIRL

roryc wrote: »

Newcastle have been soundly beaten in their pre-season friendlies, not to mention almost getting relegated last year. I wouldn't touch their players yet.

And with Cisse basically refusing to play for the team because of the whole 'Wonga sponsorship fiasco', they're going to be massive relegation candidates this year.

Mr.Prodston

Oh yeah I won't be touching him for now but there may be potential a few weeks into the season, then again it is Newcastle :pac:

swoody

Debuchy is rumoured to want out already as well

LostBoy101

I think Kagawa might be worth looking at and even if Rooney decides to leave he will play the CAM just like he dominated at Dortmund.

Backstreet Moyes

Anybody like Natasic for 5.5million. Will be a regular starter for City who will keep clean sheets.

Jimmy Iovine

I think it's worth having a look at Nani over the next few weeks. If he decides to stay and can get back into the team then he is serious value at 7.5 million.

I know I'm using the word 'if' a lot, but he could easily rack up the points if he's playing consistently. He killed it in the '10/11 season and was very good in the season before last.

swoody

Jimmy Iovine wrote: »

I think it's worth having a look at Nani over the next few weeks. If he decides to stay and can get back into the team then he is serious value at 7.5 million.

I know I'm using the word 'if' a lot, but he could easily rack up the points if he's playing consistently. He killed it in the '10/11 season and was very good in the season before last.

united play in the morning and he's not even in the squad

Jimmy Iovine

swoody wrote: »

united play in the morning and he's not even in the squad

I know. He had a nose job or something ridiculous like that done.

I did say to wait a few weeks. It all depends on a few variables but if he gets past those he could be a brilliant pick.

dahat

Nuts102 wrote: »

Anybody like Natasic for 5.5million. Will be a regular starter for City who will keep clean sheets.

Sounds silly but does nothing but defend,no gaols,no assits so on that at 5.5 i would class him expensive,other defenders give more at cheaper like Turner

moreau

Jimmy Iovine wrote: »

I know. He had a nose job or something ridiculous like that done.

I did say to wait a few weeks. It all depends on a few variables but if he gets past those he could be a brilliant pick.

+1 First 11 evidence certainly needed in case of Nani

I agree on potential though a few seasons ago he was unreal and greedy as hell, which was great for FF!

Newgrange Warrior

Lampard anybody at 8m?

Jax Teller

Newgrange Warrior wrote: »

Lampard anybody at 8m?

He's Injured at the moment
http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11668/8832695/chelsea-midfielder-frank-lampard-struggling-with-achilles-injury

Hogey007

Ravel Morrison - possible cheap mid option at 4.5

worth keeping an eye on this guy, as a united fan i'd be hearing about his talent for years in the underage teams. he has the talent but his off the field problems saw united lose patience with him, west ham loaned him to birmingham and again a poor attitude almost seen birmingham terminate the loan, but he seemed to knuckle down then and get on with things.

He's scored twice already for west ham in pre season, albeit it against poor opposition, like i said, he has the talent, whether or not he can do something with that remains to be seen but as i have a 4.5 mil spot up for grabs i'll be keeping an eye on him.

http://hereisthecity.com/2013/07/11/ex-manchester-united-starlet-strikes-again-could-ravel-morrison/

MagicIRL

This is my first 90mins watching Zaha play for United. He is definitely worth that 6.5m tag if he starts for them, which I think he will. Putting both Young and Valencia to shame in all of his preseason games, and again today.

TVSAdamwest

Kevin De Bruyne at 7million? If he goes out on loan which i suspect he will given the size of chelseas team. He will be a bargain wherever he goes.

markcahill1985

Cornelius at cardiff could be a dark horse, very cheap for a striker at 5.5m and Cardiff have spent a lot of money on him. Top scorer in Denmark last year. Im going to take a punt on him anyway alongside Bony and V persie

Boots234

What do people think of Giaccherini? I know Sunderland have a tough start but he was very impressive in the Confederations cup

kevinroche3333

With the bale RVP conundrum i think some of us need a cheap mid or maybe even 2 of them and im not sure there are many standout candidates but i think Darren Gibson at 5.0 should be considered.
Evertons midfield is without P Neville and possibly without Fellaini, Gibson could cement a starting role in a top half team at 5.0, he can pick up some assists, good long range shot and the odd clean sheet point for 5.0 i can see him being good value with very low ownership for possible early profit.

Mr.Prodston

kevinroche3333 wrote: »

With the bale RVP conundrum i think some of us need a cheap mid or maybe even 2 of them and im not sure there are many standout candidates but i think Darren Gibson at 5.0 should be considered.
Evertons midfield is without P Neville and possibly without Fellaini, Gibson could cement a starting role in a top half team at 5.0, he can pick up some assists, good long range shot and the odd clean sheet point for 5.0 i can see him being good value with very low ownership for possible early profit.

This is true, especially as BPs may now suit CM's and Gibbo's passing should be slick enough. If I didn't have Mirallas in my midfield he'd be an option to consider

markcahill1985

Boots234 wrote: »

What do people think of Giaccherini? I know Sunderland have a tough start but he was very impressive in the Confederations cup

Yeah think he could be a good one and for 7m also, def in my team anyway

roryc

dahat wrote: »

Sounds silly but does nothing but defend,no gaols,no assits so on that at 5.5 i would class him expensive,other defenders give more at cheaper like Turner

Nastasic will outscore Turner if he plays the same number of games. I may end up with both and if Nastasic has an 'easy' fixture he'll get the nod ahead of Turner. Don't discount the value of clean sheets, City will be favourites to top this list again this season lie they have for the last three. And he's not incapable of scoring, he banged in two in 21 games for Fiorentina the season before joining City, when he was 18. He's only 20, but with the ability to be the next Vidic he will probably concentrate on solidifying his position in the squad before looking to score. Doesn't mean it's an impossibility, but I'm basing my decision on him getting clean sheets.

For a rough guide on figures, if City keep an average of 18/38 clean sheets as they have done the last few seasons, this will give him 108 points (18x6). then for the remaining 20 games he would most likely score either 1 or 2 points depending on how many goals City concede, so we'll split it and say half even though City will most likely concede a single goal a lot more often than multiple. so 20x1.5 = 30, add that to 108 to get 138. Giving an average 3.63 PPG, which is definitely on the low side and doesn't even factor in bonus points/goals/assists. I would imagine his real PPG average will be around 4, as it was last season.

He is just as valuable as Mertesacker or anyone in the <£5.5m range. All depends on how much gametime he gets.

Iused2likebusts

Hogey007 wrote: »

Ravel Morrison - possible cheap mid option at 4.5

worth keeping an eye on this guy, as a united fan i'd be hearing about his talent for years in the underage teams. he has the talent but his off the field problems saw united lose patience with him, west ham loaned him to birmingham and again a poor attitude almost seen birmingham terminate the loan, but he seemed to knuckle down then and get on with things.

He's scored twice already for west ham in pre season, albeit it against poor opposition, like i said, he has the talent, whether or not he can do something with that remains to be seen but as i have a 4.5 mil spot up for grabs i'll be keeping an eye on him.

http://hereisthecity.com/2013/07/11/ex-manchester-united-starlet-strikes-again-could-ravel-morrison/

scored again in west hams latest game

v3ttel

roryc wrote: »

Nastasic will outscore Turner if he plays the same number of games. I may end up with both and if Nastasic has an 'easy' fixture he'll get the nod ahead of Turner. Don't discount the value of clean sheets, City will be favourites to top this list again this season lie they have for the last three. And he's not incapable of scoring, he banged in two in 21 games for Fiorentina the season before joining City, when he was 18. He's only 20, but with the ability to be the next Vidic he will probably concentrate on solidifying his position in the squad before looking to score. Doesn't mean it's an impossibility, but I'm basing my decision on him getting clean sheets.

For a rough guide on figures, if City keep an average of 18/38 clean sheets as they have done the last few seasons, this will give him 108 points (18x6). then for the remaining 20 games he would most likely score either 1 or 2 points depending on how many goals City concede, so we'll split it and say half even though City will most likely concede a single goal a lot more often than multiple. so 20x1.5 = 30, add that to 108 to get 138. Giving an average 3.63 PPG, which is definitely on the low side and doesn't even factor in bonus points/goals/assists. I would imagine his real PPG average will be around 4, as it was last season.

He is just as valuable as Mertesacker or anyone in the <£5.5m range. All depends on how much gametime he gets.

I like the reasoning, but the key to it is how much they rotate. Kompany is 100% nailed on every week, but Nastastic will be vying with Lescott. I always prefer to go with a player that is 100% nailed on for a smaller side, than one who is a rotation risk for a top side. I guess it depends on the individual case, but if I was going for City cleansheets, I'd go for Hart who never misses a game.

In his first press conference Pellegrini was talking about playing attacking football:

We are hoping and always going to try to play attractive football. All the other teams I have worked before I have wanted to play attacking football and I want to try that again at Manchester City

It'll be interesting to see how he follows through on this. It could be hard to play attacking football and keep that same defensive stability they've had.

roryc

Yeah I agree, totally depends on Nastasic nailing down a spot. He hasn't started in today's friendly.

Hogey007

Iused2likebusts wrote: »

scored again in west hams latest game

def worth keeping an eye on so, i think you're like me and going with both RVP and Bale (as things stand anyway) so we need a 4.5 midfielder. at present i have that dikagoci (spelling?) guy from palace but if Morrison keeps up his good pre season form he may force his way into the west ham team for the opening day fixture, if that looks likely i'll take a punt on him because west ham's opening fixtures are nice. He seems like he may have finally copped on and just knuckled down and got on with his football.

Backstreet Moyes

Hogey007 wrote: »

Ravel Morrison - possible cheap mid option at 4.5

worth keeping an eye on this guy, as a united fan i'd be hearing about his talent for years in the underage teams. he has the talent but his off the field problems saw united lose patience with him, west ham loaned him to birmingham and again a poor attitude almost seen birmingham terminate the loan, but he seemed to knuckle down then and get on with things.

He's scored twice already for west ham in pre season, albeit it against poor opposition, like i said, he has the talent, whether or not he can do something with that remains to be seen but as i have a 4.5 mil spot up for grabs i'll be keeping an eye on him.

http://hereisthecity.com/2013/07/11/ex-manchester-united-starlet-strikes-again-could-ravel-morrison/

The most naturally gifted footballer i have seen coming through the United academy. Including the likes of Rossi and Pogba. He is just a nutcase it is upto him really. If he concentrates on football and becomes a regular he could score very high. But your taking the risk on him not messing things up for himself which will probably happen. He could be a good bench option.

Backstreet Moyes

I watched Natasic last year and he was fantastic probably their best player imo. He should start every game but it's hard to know with a new manager. I want a City defender and he looks the cheapest option.

Iused2likebusts

Hogey007 wrote: »

def worth keeping an eye on so, i think you're like me and going with both RVP and Bale (as things stand anyway) so we need a 4.5 midfielder. at present i have that dikagoci (spelling?) guy from palace but if Morrison keeps up his good pre season form he may force his way into the west ham team for the opening day fixture, if that looks likely i'll take a punt on him because west ham's opening fixtures are nice. He seems like he may have finally copped on and just knuckled down and got on with his football.

as things stand Im going with rvp and bale although if chelsea have a dgw ill probably pick a team for the first 3 weeks and then wildcard .My 4.5 lad will be Morrison or Jerome Thomas i reckon.Palace will be very attacking under holloway .

Hogey007

Iused2likebusts wrote: »

as things stand Im going with rvp and bale although if chelsea have a dgw ill probably pick a team for the first 3 weeks and then wildcard .My 4.5 lad will be Morrison or Jerome Thomas i reckon.Palace will be very attacking under holloway .

does Thomas play much for them? I remember him from his Charlton days.

the thing about a 4.5 player is you can take a risk at the start of the season, most of us use our wildcard early on so if we get it wrong and Morrison isn't playing he's easy to change. my 4.5 mid will probably be 2nd or 3rd sub most weeks, only coming in if he has a good home game (or I get injuries) but that shouldn't happen for the first week, the players I pick should be guaranteed starters (or else I won't be picking them)
as the season progresses and your wildcard is gone what you want from your cheap mid is someone that plays week in week out so that when he's called upon he'll get you a minimum 2 points, you don't want to be wasting a transfer on a cheap mid either.
But yeah for the start of the season, it's no harm taking a risk on someone like Morrison if he looks like he could be involved.

irish son

If Rooney leaves and is not replaced Hernandez is a steal at 7.5m, he could easily start a lot of games with RVP up front. If he was a guaranteed starter he'd be worth 11-12m

Paully D

irish son wrote: »

If Rooney leaves and is not replaced Hernandez is a steal at 7.5m, he could easily start a lot of games with RVP up front. If he was a guaranteed starter he'd be worth 11-12m

I think United will be going 4-4-1-1, with Kagawa (or Rooney if he stays, but that is very unlikely) the main man playing off Van Persie. Hernandez would probably get the majority of his minutes in the early rounds of cup games or as a substitute for Van Persie in league games.

I don't think he'd give anywhere near the required value for that much money.

Tony_Montana

Johnson or Jose Enrique from liverpool?

Also think Milner 6m for City is a steal