NRL SuperCoach Round 11 Captains Picks

Anthony Milford (v Tigers - Home)

1 try and 4 effective offloads in round 10, Milford was instrumental in the Broncos getting over a tough Manly outfit. Picking up 94 SC points, Milford has increased his seasonal average by 15 points (50.3>65.5) in the last 4 games. Expect another big performance to add to his 3 tries and 4 try assists this season as he looks to impress selectors for an origin call-up.

Billy Slater (v Rabbitohs - Away)

Simply superb again in round 10 in a losing side, Slater kept to the form guide, producing points SC managers dream of. 1 try, 1 try assist, 3 offloads, 2 line breaks and 5 tackle breaks, gave Slater another big return of 119 points. With Origin just around the corner a one game captain pick-up on Slater could benefit squads before many a short-handed on players.

Ryan James (v Manly - Home)

Picking up his 3^rd try of the year in round 10, assisting the Titans to beat front runners Melbourne, James continued to do what he does best. James handled the ball 20 times for 133 metres gained and made 26 effective tackles, while being tidy with his possession, only making 1 error. The big forward has fantastic base potential with a 94% tackle efficiency rewarding owners with 4 consecutive games above his seasonal scoring average.





By Luke Scali (Twitter - @WFC_LS_Potzi)

NRL SuperCoach Round 10 Captains Picks

Player Name	Reason
Jordan Rapana (v Knights – away)	Although dropping off in points recently - 8 tries and two Game week scores over 130 in the opening 9 rounds is still formidable. Next up is a leaky Newcastle defence, with Rapana averaging 7.3 tackle breaks per game. Last time the raiders faced a team weak in defence he grabbed a hat trick along with a season record 19 tackle breaks.
Billy Slater (v Titans – home)	Scoring 2 tries and grabbing 2 try assists in round 9, Slater has a total of 6 try assists this season. Averaging 4.4 tackle breaks in the last 5 games and 1.7 effective offloads. If these stats continue Slater will score big again after receiving a 104 and 99 score in the last 3 games.
Martin Taupau (v Broncos – home)	7 effective offloads in round 9 with 229 metres ranks Taupau in the very top tier of forwards. No tries or try assists yet this season, but he sets up others to get SC points while still scoring himself. 3.7 tackle breaks and an astronomical 4.8 effective offloads per game.
Suliasi Vunivalu (v Titans – home)	A try scoring machine on the wing with 8 tries this season. Vunivalu is relatively safe with the ball as well, only averaging 1 error per game. The minus points for errors is majorly cancelled out though by his line breaks (1.1) and tackles breaks (4) per game points.
Clinton Gutherson (v Roosters - away)	7 try involvements in his 9 games played this season. Gutherson has been a rock for the Eels side. He has increased his run metres to 150+ per game over the last 3 rounds. 80+ more metres than his opening 6 games. Along with his reliable goal kicking and a decrease in error rate over the same period, Gutherson is poised to continue his SuperCoach scoring from.

By Luke Scali (Twitter - @WFC_LS_Potzi)

How To Pick The Best Captain in NRL SuperCoach

NRL SuperCoach is a highly touted fantasy sports game that many Australian and international people participate in. Many SuperCoach Squads have totally different make-ups, with the vast spread of playing talent in the National Rugby League. For SuperCoach managers, selecting a captain that provides good points returns is a hard decision that all participants must face each week. Many managers opt for the method of captaining the player in their squad that has the highest and best seasonal average, but is this really the best method to gain an advantage on other players?

Three promising approaches to the decision of the captaincy dilemma include,

Ø  Form

Ø  Player base points

Ø  Team fixture difficulty

All three methods intertwine with each other and we at WFC believe that using these methods provide a more solid approach to continually gaining big captaincy returns throughout the season.

FORM

More important than any other factor when selecting a captain in NRL SuperCoach. Form plays a huge role in players giving points returns. This seems like a no brainer to SuperCoach managers, but form is a component of the game that is commonly misunderstood. Regularly relied upon is players seasonal averages, with the higher the score believed to be the smarter captaincy pick. However, seasonal averages can be skewed by one-off monumental games. Granted, towards the end of the NRL season these averages give a good indication of player returns. However, it is the start of the season when league leads and overall rank is achieved, as teams are being sorted out and hidden gems are being discovered before other managers can capitalise. The best form guides to utilise are the 3 and 5 game averages, given in the statistical player tracking tables. This provides fantastic insights into which players are hot, and which are not. Historically SuperCoach players have form spells that correspond with this statistic. Players generally have 5 top quality games consecutively before dropping back into the pack for their respective positions. Finding players and captaining them while they are on a 2 or 3 game form streak is a wise decision, as statistically it is expected that you can get another 2-3 games of high points returns out of them. Using this tactic can prove fruitful as many managers change captain’s each and every week. Sticking strong and focussing on form guides can gain the edge on other managers. 

BASE POINTS

The SuperCoach points system is a technical dilemma when attempting to predict the returns when placing the captaincy on certain players in the league. In order to more accurately identify who to captain, managers should look at player base points. These include skills and match statistics that a player is almost 100% certain to attain each week, though matter who the opposition that they are playing. Statistical analysis of high work rate players who make significant tackle counts, offloads and hit-ups are good captaincy choices week in, week out in SuperCoach, as managers are given a base of points to stabilise their team each match-day. These base points are virtually guaranteed for your team, and very often are boosted with a potential extra return of a try, try assist or line break. Base points apply to both forwards and backs as they excel in different areas of the scoring system. Forwards return more tackle and hit-up points, while backs return the lustre of line-breaks and try’s. When initially building a SuperCoach team, managers should consider base points as their priority. Forwards and hookers, the likes of Elijah Taylor, Andrew McCullough, Martin Taupau and Cameron Smith have huge match workloads that majorly benefit SuperCoach managers. Along with these stats, attaining and captaining players in your SuperCoach team that are high conversion rate goal kickers can make the difference in league and rank achievements. For every goal converted the player is awarded a hefty 4 points. For high scoring teams such as the Canberra Raiders, Jarrod Croker becomes an excellent regular captain choice as he is awarded many additional points for his goal kicking prowess (82%).

FIXTURE DIFFICULTY

Opposition quality is necessary to take into account when choosing captains in SuperCoach. Captaining efficient scoring players when they are playing at home has historically proven a good decision. Players are more than likely to better their average scoring output when playing weaker opposition as the point scoring system can be exploited. Players can make more hit-ups in total, with more being over 8 metres (2 points). Additionally more tackle breaks are made which in turn leads to line-breaks and ultimately try’s and goals. Captaining goal kicking backline players is a must when fixtures are considered easier than usual. Players like Clinton Gutherson, Jarrod Croker and Dylan Walker become enticing captain prospects when home fixtures against teams like the Newcastle Knights, Wests Tigers and Gold Coast Titans roll around. However, due to the spread of playing talent in the NRL, more than any other sporting league in Australia, upset losses do occur and your captain doesn’t return anything to be desired. However, following a process will provide better differential returns across the season as a whole.        

Written by Luke Scali (Twitter - @WFC_LS_Potzi)

DGW36 and DGW37 FPL Captains Picks, Triple Captain (TC) Possibilities and Bench Boost (BB) Must Haves

With the FPL season drawing to a conclusion, many managers have their overall and league ranks set in place. However, for those fighting to the very end to gain pride, satisfaction and bragging rights there are still many opportunities to make one final push for victory, with the summation of the league heating up with back-to-back DGW’s in rounds 36 and 37. What comes with the multitude of games in the penultimate round, is that anything can happen points returns wise. To add in another incentive and possible rescuer for some or heartbreaker for others, is the use of either a Triple Captain or Bench Boost chip for those who have been saving them. Gone are the days of seeing a DGW scheduled and slapping the TC armband on Agüero. There are many more options available to managers in the current FPL landscape.

So, with the season rounding out, now is the time to extinguish those chips for a glorious weekly points haul.

For those without either chip the top captains pick is the best choice to maximise points, but for those who held onto TC, BB or both - here is some planning that can boost you potential.

ü  If TC is the only chip in possession, the best bet is to apply it to the top captain pick of choice in DGW37.

ü  If BB is the only chip in possession, GW37 is the go ahead as well to apply it to your squad to maximise returns due to the quantity of matches.

ü  If both chips are still in play, TC should be applied in GW36 and BB used in GW37 as the match day schedule and game spread benefits bigger returns for managers.

Triple Captain (TC) Possibilities

GW36:

Ø  Alexis Sánchez – Easily Arsenal's best player this season registering 19 goals and 10 assists makes Sánchez always a threat when in the starting side. In GW36, Sánchez could spring back to life after a string of blanks in recent times. Registering 3.5 shots on target and 2.5 shot assists per game, Sánchez has a good chance of picking up a goal, assist or both in DGW36.

   

Ø  Mesut Özil - With games against Manchester United and Southampton, Özil’s potential for point’s returns is already at a boosted level. Although the German’s form isn’t that good at the current time he has performed well against both opponents in past meetings. Registering 2 goals, 2 assists and 24 shot assists in total in his last 3 encounters with either side. Look for Özil to receive a hefty points tally GW36.

Ø  Manolo Gabbiadini - Having a shot every 17.3 minutes has made Gabbiadini an excellent FPL prospect since joining Southampton. With the team as a whole registering 10+ shots each game, Gabbiadini should retake control of scoring duties. Liverpool and Arsenal have been leaky in defence throughout the season meaning a big FPL return from the Italian is easily a possibility. 

GW37:

Ø  Eden Hazard - Two simple fixtures for Chelsea in GW37. West Brom and Watford could find themselves in trouble facing the form Belgian. Only blanking once in his last 8 starts, Hazard has registered double figure point hauls 3 times over the same period. Having a shot every 40.9 minutes, Hazard is on track for another double figure return, and with 2 games in one GW he could be the prized choice for FPL managers to captain who could see a 40+ points return for one player.

Ø  Gabriel Jesus - The electric youngster is again amongst the first team after returning from injury. Having scored 4 goals and grabbing 1 assist in his meagre 4 starts in the Premier League, Jesus could provide FPL managers with a good points return over the DGW. At a 3.8%TSB and a shot frequency of 1 every 40.9 minutes – the same as FPL gun Eden Hazard, Jesus is a prime differential pick. With teammate Aguero under an injury cloud, the goal scoring torch could be passed from one South American to another in GW37, with Jesus owners cashing in.

Ø  Alexis Sánchez - Yet again a respectable choice to put the armband on, Sánchez faces two weak sides in GW37 in Stoke, and an already relegated Sunderland. With both sides struggling to defend soundly, conceding 50 and 60 goals each, Sánchez’s 2.7 successful take-ons per game could cause havoc for defenders but joy for FPL managers.

Ø  Dele Alli - PFA young player of the year Alli has nothing left to prove for himself this season but eagerly wants to get his first and Spurs’ first Premier League title, snatching it away from Chelsea. This desire should be enough to determine Alli to improve on his outstanding 17 goals and 9 assists this season. Having only received less than 3 FPL points once since GW15, Alli is reaching a similar form category a Luis Suarez had a few years back. Almost guaranteed points from a scoring involvement each match-day, FPL managers could turn to Alli as the TC choice in GW37. Blanking against both GW37 opponents earlier in the season, Alli will be looking to force himself on the game and prove to FPL managers he is the best buy in the competition at a very under-priced of £9.2, more than £1.0 cheaper than top midfield rivals Hazard, Sánchez and De Bruyne.

Ø  Cesc Fábrègas - One of the very best creative maestros in the Premier League, Fábrègas has averaged a key pass every 51 minutes this season, with 11 assists to his name and also chipping in 4 goals. Playing limited starting minutes, resigned to an off the bench player for most of the season, the Spaniard has peaked at the right time and with fixtures against strugglers West Brom and Watford and a price of just £6.9, he could excel in the DGW and help clinch the league title for Chelsea.

   

Ø  Nathan Redmond - The livewire that is Nathan Redmond has been superb for Southampton this season. 6 goals puts him among the clubs top goal scorers for this term. With games against Middlesbrough away and Man Utd at home, the DGW schedule doesn’t scream out as Redmond being a top captain’s pick. However, Southampton beat Middlesbrough in their previous meeting this season and always seem to get on the score sheet against Man Utd. With his 2.3 shots and 2 successful take-ons per game, Redmond could cause both defence and goalkeepers trouble.

Bench Boost (BB) must have players should you not be activating TC

GW37:

Other than the top captains picks for GW37, there are many other options that could and should make it into FPL manager’s squads, should you be using your BB chip rather than TC. Although players with a DGW seem to be the best option, it is not a guarantee that they will outscore single GW players just because they have an additional fixture. The last two options have a very good chance, along with others, of producing point’s returns for FPL managers to be delighted about.

Player	Fixtures	Reason
Manolo Gabbiadini	Middlesbrough (Away) Man Utd (Home)	A shot every 17.3 minutes equating to 4 goals in 7 Southampton appearances.
Mesut Özil	Stoke (Away) Sunderland (Home)	A total of a goal and assist along with 3 bonus in the previous meetings with each side this season.
Pedro	West Brom (Away) Watford (Home)	8 goals and 8 assists this season with 2.4 successful take-ons per 90mins.
Kevin De Bruyne	Leicester (Home) West Brom (Home)	16 assists, 2.7 shots per game and 4 goals this season to be Man City’s top FPL point scorer. Ranks 2nd in creativity and 5th in bonus points production.
Jamie Vardy	Man City (Away) Spurs (Home)	7 goals and 3 assists and 15 bonus in 9 games from GW26-GW35. The end of season X-factor player.
Jermain Defoe	Swansea (Home) Arsenal (Away)	A notoriously brilliant back end of season player. 2.7 shots per game providing 14 goals. Sunderland already relegated so no pressure, only the ability to deny old rival Arsenal top 4.
Josh King	Burnley (Home)	15 goals this season. £6.2 price tag and only blanking twice since GW24, while registering 3 double figure returns. In the top 10 FPL points scorers for the season.
Romelu Lukaku	Watford (Home)	The league’s top goal scorer looking to wrap up the golden boot race. Highest TSB%. Top 10 for threat. Top 2 for Influence and equal 1st for bonus points

Written By Luke Scali (Twitter - @WFC_LS_Potzi @WFC_17)

FPL GW36 Preview

Score Predictions

WHU 1 (Lanzini) | TOT 3 (Eriksen x2, Alli)

MCI 3 (Jesus, De Bruyne, Kompany) | CRY 0

BOU 2 (King, Cook) | STK 0

BUR 0 | WBA 0

HUL 4 (Grosicki x2, Niasse, Markovic) | SUN 1 (Defoe)

LEI 1 (Mahrez) | WAT 1 (Niang)

SWA 1 (J.Ayew) | EVE 1 (Baines)

LIV 1 (Sturridge) | SOU 1 (Gabbiadini)

ARS 2 (Özil, Giroud) | MUN 2 (Rashford, Lingard)

CHE 2 (Costa, Pedro) | MID 0

SOU 3 (Gabbiadini, Redmond, Tadic) | ARS 2 (Özil, Walcott)

Top Captain Picks

1. Mesut Özil vs Manchester United (home) & Southampton (away) - £9.4 (TSB 6.8%)

By no means is Özil in scintillating form, but his recent performances promise well for the remainder of the season. In his last 6 games, he has only taken 3 shots, but all of them have been on target from inside the box, and he has scored with 2 of these shots. He has also registered 14 shots assists, picking up 2 assists. This has helped him to 2 double digit scores in his past 6 starts. Furthermore his underlying stats against both of his GW36 opponents are excellent. In his last 3 games against Southampton, he has taken 4 shots, and provided an astonishing 18 shot assists! Also, in his last 3 games against the Red Devils he has scored 2 goals and provided 2 assists, firing 6 shots and creating 8 chances. All of these factors combined with his security of starts make Özil a prime captaincy option in GW36.

2. Manolo Gabbiadini vs Liverpool (away) & Arsenal (home) - £6.5 (TSB 7.6%)

Gabbiadini started life at St Mary's extremely well, with 6 goals in his first 4 games (all competitions), at a shot frequency of 1 every 17.3 minutes. However, injury halted this form. Nevertheless, GW36 provides a perfect opportunity for Gabbiadini to return to scoring ways. Liverpool have only kept 4 home clean sheets this season from 17 games, whilst Arsenal have conceded 2+ goals in 8 out of their last 10 home games. Also, Southampton have managed 10+ shots in 13 out of their last 15 games, which suggests that Gabbiadini should have numerous opportunities to re-find form in GW36.

3. Christian Eriksen vs West Ham (away) - £8.9 (TSB 18.7%)

Eriksen provided yet another assist in GW35 and continued on his superb run of form. Despite only one fixture in GW36, he has to potential to be among the highest scoring players. In his last 3 away games, he has averaged 5 shots and 3 shot assists, picking up 2 double digit hauls. West Ham have kept 2 clean sheets in a row at home, but did concede 11 in their 4 home games prior to this. As Spurs need a victory to keep the pressure on Chelsea, West Ham's home clean sheet run should come to an end, with Eriksen ready to benefit.

Punt Picks


1. Kevin De Bruyne vs Crystal Palace (home) - £10.4 (TSB 7.0%)

KdB has really shown his class in the last 3 GWs. Despite only returning points once in this time, he has registered a shot frequency of 1 every 38.57 mins and created a chance every 20.77 mins. His centrality to City's attacking play is highlighted by his final third passes, having 92 in the last 3 games. This means that over the last 3 games, he has averaged nearly 31 passes in and around the box per game, showcasing how he is always in an excellent position to lay up a teammate or shoot himself. Also, KdB has 1 goal and 2 assists in his only 2 starts against Crystal Palace, demonstrating his liking to the Palace backline.


2. Riyad Mahrez vs Watford (home) - £8.9 (TSB 8.2%)

A shadow of his former self this season, Mahrez has only scored 5 goals, 3 of which have been penalties. However, his recent home form has has been reminiscent of last season. In his last 3 home games, he has registered 6 shots, created 7 chances and netted a goal. Furthermore, Mahrez has scored 2 goals in his past 2 games against Watford. Watford has also conceded 6 goals in their last 2 away games. So, with all this on his side, those brave enough to captain Mahrez could benefit greatly.

3. Kamil Grosicki vs Sunderland (home) - £5.5 (TSB 0.3%)

The biggest punt of the lot this GW is Grosicki. Since GW26, he has averaged a shot frequency of 1 every 28.96 mins and created a chance every 47.06 mins when playing 45+ mins. Also, Hull are playing at home, where they have scored 2+ goals in 9 out of their last 12 games, averaging exactly 2 goals per game over this period. As a result, due to Grosicki's attacking flair as well as Hull's potency at home, he is definitely one to watch in GW36.

Star Picks XI

Have any questions or need some advice? 

Feel free to contact us on twitter or comment in the section below.

By @WFC_Seb @WFC_17