Phase 1 | 8 Things We've Learned
- fantasyfitba
- Oct 16, 2018
- 3 min read
With the transfer window open ahead of Phase 2 kicking off this weekend, we look back at Phase 1 and how it's shaped the season so far.
Managers will now have an email with a link to pick their new squad. No sign? Get in touch with us via email or social media.
Wel-Kamb back
Flo Kamberi was a hugely popular pick first time round both as a forward and captain. But injury had many Fantasy Fitba managers transfer him out in the mid-Phase window. He’s bounced back and with 32 points in the last four gameweeks alone he’s now the third top-scoring forward. He'll be in the reckoning for many an armband once again.
Doing the talking off the pitch
Kris Boyd was another favourite up front and with good reason given last season’s exploits. But the form of teammates Eamonn Brophy and Greg Stewart mean it’s a long way back for the veteran. Brophy and Stewart have combined for 62 points and both provide good options for Phase 2, while Boyd’s been noising it up in the press instead.
Tough call to make at Tynecastle...
In Peter Haring and Steven Naismith, league leaders Hearts boast the two top-scoring players with 61 and 52 points respectively. Signed and registered as a defender, Haring has taken very well to a midfield role while Jimmy Dunne and John Souttar, in particular, take care of business at the back.
Haring’s also finding the net, as is Naismith. Also listed as a midfielder and often playing in a very advanced role, Naismith has been key to Hearts’ success in the final third. Who fills the Hearts hole in your squad could be a tricky decision, and make all the difference.
And Easter Road
Hibs also boast a formidable duo in midfield with Stevie Mallan and Martin Boyle. Mallan has been excellent since signing in the summer, offering a threat from set pieces and open play, particularly from distance. Boyle’s pace remains difficult for Premiership full backs to handle, though, so the Aberdonian Aussie has consistently scored well. The two, along with Kamberi, are the likely contenders for that Hibs jersey for Phase 2.
Livi's Fab Four
There's nothing between Livi's 'back four' in the scoring. Keeper Liam Kelly is on 38 and the joint top-scoring in his position with Celtic's Craig Gordon. Centre back Declan Gallagher on 39, and his defensive colleagues Craig Halkett and Alan Lithgow both on 40. They've been the surprise package, built on this rock solid defence. Can it continue? And who do you pick?
Old firm favourites
Over in Glasgow, the reliable full back duo of James Tavernier and Kieran Tierney remain safe bets for your Celtic and Rangers places. Discounting James Forrest’s incredible Perth performance they are their respective sides’ top point scorers. But if Forrest can find consistency he could make a difference in Phase 2.
Just one point behind (41-40) Tavernier in the Rangers scoring is the all-action Alfredo Morelos, the top-scoring forward. Rangers seem to have found their rhythm going forward. Morelos may be the man you can’t leave out of your squad.
Struggling for points...
The bottom five – St Johnstone, Hamilton, Motherwell, St Mirren and Dundee – have found themselves cut adrift from the rest of the league and it shows in the scoring, especially outfield. From the five, Calvin Miller of Dundee is the top scoring defender (28th overall) and Gael Bigirimana of Motherwell the top midfielder (22nd overall).
But up front provides a few more options with Mikel Miller of Hamilton and St Johnstone’s David McMillan and Tony Watt all in the overall top 10. Dundee’s Elliot Parish has also scored relatively well in goal despite limited game time. It’ll be tough, but choosing wisely from the bottom five could be where Phase 2 is won and lost.
Not so Dandy
Let’s also say a word for seventh-placed Aberdeen. They’ve yet to find their stride and the scoring of favourites Joe Lewis, Niall McGinn and Graeme Shinnie show just that. But apart from Stephen Gleeson they looked sharp in the Gameweek 8 win over St Mirren. Sam Cosgrove is off the mark, but it’s likely that Gary Mackay-Steven will be the top Don as he finds consistency in a red shirt.
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