Trends From The Top Gameweek 8
Welcome to this week’s edition of Trends From the Top. It’s always fascinating to see the ways in which the leader board changes as well as the trends that evolve just over the course of a couple of weeks! Did you know for example that for GW 7, only two of the top 10 players had Aguero on their team? So… what trends did we see this week? What are the leaders doing and will they continue to maintain their leads?
Who was the most captained player by the top ten for Gameweek 8?
This week, 100% of the top ten managers selected… AGUERO! As many of you know, captaining him would have brought you 50 points but for the three top managers who decided to play their triple captain chip, kudos to you! At the time of writing only 33.9% of managers have been able to bring Aguero onboard as he carries a very heavy price tag of £13.2m but if this week’s performance is indicative of what’s to come, Aguero may be the one man up front to permanently invest your money in. (Next three matches are BOU (H), MUN (A) and NOR (H)).
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What recent trend have most of the top managers been deploying?
In researching this week’s leaders, it was interesting to see that once again, most managers have used many if not all of their chips! What’s even more fascinating, however, is the fact that Struthious D, currently holding position #2 has neither used a chip nor a wild card! His game play therefore may be more ‘credible’ and reflective of good managerial skills than others. (Struthious D has played for 10 seasons and his highest rank was 39,890). And, as the week’s progress, I do believe we will see the downfall of those who were eagerly ambitious to deploy and exhaust their chips within the first few weeks of the season.
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What are some other interesting findings regarding the leaders?
– NONE of the top 10 for this week were in the top 10 last week! This may be the new norm with all the new additions and modifications to the game but it is indeed very interesting to me as last year’s leader, stayed at the top for the last 15-20 weeks.
– Our leader brought in 145 points (ranked 72nd for GW 8) and was savvy enough to use his triple captain chip. While I do suggest above that they deployment of all your chips so early in the season may not be wise, the use of the triple captain chip for this week was clearly most fortuitous.
– Our leader also ranked 1,505,612 in GW 2! (There’s hope for us all?)
– Our leader went from 896th to 1st in one GW.
– Our current leader finished 408,298 for the 2014/2015 season.
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Goalkeepers: For this past gameweek 50% of the top managers selected Cech while 20% had Hart and 10% had Boruc and Butland.
Defenders: This week we saw 19 defenders make the cut for top managers. Interestingly enough, Kolarov (70%) was the only defender with an ownership rate of over 50%. Azpilicueta came in at 40% while Alderweireld was the next most popular pick with 40% ownership followed by Bellerin with 30%, Dann, Souare and Darmian with 20% and Hangeland, Morgan, Clyne, Williams, Mertesacker, Cedric, Cresswell, Skrtel, Fonte, Gabriel, Walker and Reid each with 10%.
Midfielders: When you look at midfielders, the top 10 managers had 20 different picks with several getting only 10% of the vote such as Morrison, Walcott, Mata, Sinclair, Countinho, Silva, Navas, Bolasie, Wanyama, Hazard, Eriksen, Puncheon, Barkley, Matic and Ozil. Payet was the most popular pick with 90% ownership followed by Sanchez at 40%, De Bruyne, Ayew and Cabaye at 30%. On a personal note, this is the most variety I have ever seen for midfielders while doing this piece over the past 3 years. The fact that only one player has an ownership of 50% or higher suggests that the midfield is ever evolving and/or has yet to plant stable and reliable choices.
Forwards: This week, the front line consisted of a 8 picks among the top managers which again seems to indicate that such spots are not yet solidified. Aguero came in with 100% while Vardy was the next popular pick as he received 70%. Ighalo was selected by 40% of the top managers with Pelle receiving 20% and Jerome, Sakho, Lukaku and Martial each receiving 10% a piece.
In summation, the Must-Haves for top managers for Gameweek 8 were not many. They were Cech, Kolarov, Payet, Vardy and Aguero as they all had an ownership rate of 50% or higher.
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Other interesting facts:
Other interesting facts:
– The average score for Gameweek 8 among the top 10 was an insane 123.5 points which is 68.5 points above average for the week. Yes, that’s 68.5 points above the average!
– England dominated the leader board once again as 50% of the top 10 were from England. The remaining three countries were Turkey (currently in 1st), Scotland, Northern Ireland, India and Indonesia.
– The average team value was £102 with £103.3 being the highest team value and £101.1 being the lowest value.
– 19 points separates 1st place from 10th.
– Best of luck in Gameweek 9 and a special birthday shout out to my #1 fan…
Happy Birthday Dad!
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Hey guys,
I finally hit a good score last gw with a 96, nice to see some green arrows at long last.
Just wanted some early opinions on this lot, not planning on moving until after the intl break.
I’m thinking of a couple of moves; Martial > Pelle or Sako > Alli of spurs to save a bit of cash for next week.
I could also do Mata > Mane but i’ve only just brought Mata in so i feel he needs a couple of games, as before the arsenal game his been in great form.
Any other thoughts?
I dont like either of those moves and I think you team is good to go. You just had a good week why change it?
I disagree Captain Dicky – Martial to Pelle spreads the coverage round a bit – both players in form but Saints prob edge it with fixtures and saves some nuch needed cash.
I suppose It just seems crazy to me people who buy Martial then remove him after one gw without a goal. Out of the two I would keep Mata.
Martial to Pelle was my first thought Cookie, he’s in great form, just think Martial still has the potential to score despite the fixtures looking harder, Man U will want to bounce back with a win after their defeat at Arsenal
I agree with you both – my point was I would prefer to broaden the coverage and get a Saint in there. I think Mata, Mane, Tadic, Martial and Pelle will all continue to do well, by my preference for Saint’s fixtures leans me to want some exposure there also.
Thanks guys, i think you’re right Saints coverage would be good with their fixtures and the current form.
I’ll see after how everyone is after the internationals
Ur attacking is perfect..da only things u need to fix is ur defends..martial and mata will give u pts..
Support the Pelle decision since you have Mata already, who is a better cover from United than Martial.
But right now considering 2 of your 3 players on bench are inactive, I think ill prioritize strengthening your bench.
Sancheslz picked up a groin injury, yellow flagged now. More to come. Hoping for yall sakes you kept your ft’s.
I hope everyone uses their FTs and end up taking a million hits.
He came off injured at United, looked minor and has the international break to recover. Doubt he will play for Chile but the fact he even went shows it cant be serious. I had to use my 2 FT’s as it would have cost me loads in value with Pedro and Toure dropping fast.
Shrugs. Losing value on Pedro but I won’t use my ft till as late possible. Anything can and probably will happen. Why use both ft? Value for one, okay, but two? Value ain’t even that important either unless you can’t make the moves at the end of the 2 weeks.
Alright Raz, how you keeping mate? Haven’t spoken for ages.
I’m good. Got a lot of shit on my plate but that’s good. 😉
Usually just here in the weekends, and I bet you’re with the kids at these times. Not just you though.
Glad all good Raz – yeah to be honest I’ve never really be on much at weekends, not even in FFC days.
How’s your season going? Are you all healthy now? Is your cat ok?
That’s what you do when you got a family. 😉
Hip, health is fine, though it has to be monitored this winter period. Starting over with everything is less comfortable. But I guess you just need to get through the first part. Building shit up again. Life stood still for a while which is really frustrating. Everything seems to cost me twice as much energy now, which socks.
Anyway, how are you?
That’s positive then Raz, just need to take it steady and not rush stuff – understandably annoying but you have to do it mate and look after yourself.
Not bad mate, had a rough time of late with one thing and another but that’s life.
Okay how is everyone ignoring the fact that Raz has a cat? I am sure we all thought he was kind of a person who had an iguana for a pet.
Reminds me of the song : “life is life”. Maradona in I think 1986 did some showboating with the ball.
If I recall correctly, Dutch band and song. 
I miss the Maradona type of players, I have no feeling towards either Messi or Ronaldo. They’re a bit too perfect for my taste. Want some rough edges on a player.
Yeah, true. Tnx for asking. Fpl certainly helped with my recovery.
Distraction is good. Anyway, about that for now. 
How does your team look? Doing well in fpl? Got ft’s left? Transfers planned?
Lol B, the cat was a gift and well a troublesome one but I love the geezer. Only problem now is that I can’t have a dog with him around. Which would be awesome for exercise.
Would never let go of the little one though, he’s awesome.
On that note, I really didn’t consider having a cat or pet for that matter would be such a big responsibility. It sort of limits you in many ways. Never had a pet before, so I didn’t know. Zomg, I could never handle the responsibility of having a kid. *shakes head* Don’t know how you guys do it. Haha.
haha do you mean, “Life, oh life” ? Oh I dunno, me and music are not a good combo.
A dog would be great Raz, if you’re even luckier it would eat the cat then you can go on your long walks together!!
FPL has been rubbish for me so far, though Kun certainly helped last weekend. Used my FT already – you know me, no patience. Sold Wilson and bought Pelle. Can’t stand the bloke but he seems to be doing well so happy to be proved wrong – and if I’m right, then I’ve jinxed him for everyone else!!
Cookie, not funny. My uncle has wild cat hunters for dovs, rips those apart. Mine is too freaking cool. Also, I have seen the damage he can do on both human and animals. Not an easy prey. Certain dogs in the neighbourhood actually fear him. Bwahaha. Boss.
Anyway, would never want anything bad to happen to the geezer, you do grow attached to them.
Ps. If a dog or anyone would attack him, I’d jump in if present. Gives me a good reason to asswoop someone. ^o^
Kool Kats!!
Yeah you do get attached Raz, I had 2 growing up, loved them to bits – but looking back I wished we had a dog – less selfish and more affectionate.
Depends on the dog, the cat and /or owner.
Dogs are more domesticated than cats, you can make them do anything and it won’t survive without you. Cats go their own path, more self centered and well less of a responsibility, I guess. One you can mold into something you like, the other takes way more patience, lol. I like both trademarks to be honest. Completely different animals.
Like I said, both have pros and cons. Like both animals.
Raz, Opus are Austrian apparently. Close enough 😉
Na na na na na!
Lol. Tnx mate. Nananananaa.
AAAAH I SEE NOW. 2 unlimited were Dutch. Haha. Also bad. 😉
Haha. He’s fine. If anything it means he won’t be risked for friendlies which is actually better.
Or not.
Why? Less chance of getting an actual injury that will cause him to miss time!
Shrugs, not being fit and still travelling with your country can go either way. I’d rather he stayed in England.
Traveling means he pretty close to fully fit and the injury if anything is minor.
Plus they’re only playing friendlies right?
Somehow half fit players travelling doesn’t sit well with me. Goes wrong more often than not. Knowing Alexis he’ll want to play even when not 100 percent. That’s always a danger. But we’ll see. Not like I want anything to happen, he’s also in my team.
Wtf? Is he backup for Begovic or will replace him till Courtois is back? Idk abt this Guy has anyone seen him play?
Marco Amelia’s agent has confirmed the goalkeeper has joined Chelsea after signing a contract with the Premier League champions.
The 33-year-old is set to challenge both Asmir Begovic and Thibaut Courtois for the No.1 jersey, with the former currently deputising after the Belgian damaged ligaments in his right knee in early September.
Amelia, who has nine Italy caps to his name but has been out of football since a brief spell with Perugia in early 2015, underwent a successful trial at the club and has been rewarded with professional terms.
Chelsea have struggled so far this season, languishing to 16th place after conceding 17 goals in their opening eight games, with the former AC Milan keeper signed as emergency back-up.
After penning the terms Amelia, and representative Federico Pastorello, dined out in London to celebrate.
Dinner with #marcoamelia to celebrate the contract with @chelseafc !!! Good luck !!
Definatly back up and 3rd choice overall. He’s a free agent, wanted by nobody except Chelsea. He’ll play in the FA and Captial One cup unless Bego is injured.
Lets just say that he has more chances of replacing Ivanovic at right back, than replacing Begovic between the sticks.
Just brought as cover for Begovic.
Thank god! Had already used my ft and have Begovic and a non playing GK so was worried 😛
Back up to Bego. Since Blackman isn’t good enough for that role currently (or likely ever).
Please rate my team as i have 1 FT and whom to captain ??
Too much money in defence maybe downgrad Azpi after this week, also what is Hazard still doing in your team? I would get Silva or Kdb in place of Sterling captain him Or remove Hazard and Ighalo for a hit and get Aguero and other mid as City have good fixtures and you would want to join the train before it’s too far ahead
You must hate cropping.
Perfect vision is required to help the cropping deniers. 😉
lol
Should use Snipping tool provided by Windows
Find a way to get Aguero in.
Blatter & Platini provisionally banned for 90 days – they can appeal, which no doubt they will.
And no doubt they will succeed and continue to bleed football dry.
usually I’d agree, but think for Blatter, they are really keen to be done with him now. Be funny if Platini went the same way!!
Fingers crossed. I think we need a fresh start and someone younger who will embrace technology a bit more.
Certainly someone younger!! The bloke should be sitting in a golf buggy being driven round the course at his age before enjoying a long lunch then having a snooze.
That’s all he does do, that and blocking any positive changes!
Platini is probably worse than Blatter. Dude was gonna vote for USA but changed it to Qatar last minute. Coincidence he met up with the president of France and some Qatar people the week before? PSG suddenly had Qatar owners, his son got a special function and bam the vote goes to Qatar. He’s just as disgusting, if not worse.
Hey guys, how’s it going? Getting ready to head to my brother in law’s wedding this weekend and I just wanted to say hello. I’ve been avoiding looking at the price changes as I’m determined to hold off on any transfers until after the IB, so it’s been a slow week of FPL stuff for me.
Just been hanging about changing nappies and waiting for the announcement that FSG have signed Klopp to awaken the sleeping giant and begin Liverpool’s next decade of domination.
How about you, any big plans for the weekend?
Hey Red,
Just changed a nappy myself…unfortunately I don’t have a wedding to go to this weekend!!
Hey Kop, how are you? I imagine there’s quite a buzz around town while everyone awaits the news. I don’t want to jinx anything but it’s looking pretty good, are you excited?
I’m more hopeful than excited. Ask me again at Christmas
Hey Kop, why were you wearing a nappy?
Hear Klopp’s confirmed… Congratulations!
Why not? It makes life so much easier. You should give it a try Sharmaisms 😉
Considering my team’s been shitting the bed all season, might not be a bad option 😉
Don’t any of you work!
Photek, today is my day at home with the kids. Right now I’d much prefer to be in the office!!!
Mehehe. And PSV will win the Champions league this year. 😉
Klopp only as good as the material he gets and in all honesty, I don’t see all top Dortmund players come to Liverpool. On that note, the Germans are taking over English football. Mwaghaha. 😉
Hey Raz! Klopp had a similar situation when he took over at Dortmund and that tuned out pretty well! If anything it will sure make things more interesting in the league, he’s an exciting and passionate manager.
Like LVG, Mourinho, Pep, Wenger he’s nutts. So yeah, should be fun.
A BBQ at a friend’s place on weekend, which will be nice since we have no FPL.
Nice one B. Hope you have a good time and that we don’t pick up any silly injuries before next weekend!
But why is he crossing out the “E & L” – has he renamed the stadium already – he really is taking over. These Germans eh?
So Red, you’ve mastered the nappies – how’s your breast feeding coming along ? 😉
Hey Cookie! The breast feeding is coming along well, but the boy gets jealous and upset when I steal his food and don’t share the boobs!!
haha that doesn’t make you a bad man!!!
Hey there Red, good to hear the little guy’s doin well. Now that my guy can talk (kind of…) I just ask him who he wants to change his nappy and he says the first name that pops into his head. 99% Mommy.
Hey Colriles! Just got back online and saw this post, that’s brilliant my friend- I’ll have to try that later on!!