Top 10 Team Power Rankings (Week 29/12/17)

With fewer games of football being played over the past week due to many leagues taking breaks over the Christmas period, teams to rank were scarce. However, from the games that were completed - especially in a jam-packed schedule in England, the WFC World Power Rankings did shuffle around from the previous instalment.

So here is how it looks after the past week,

The top 3 stay as is for a second week in a row as all teams won to continue their dominance in their respective leagues. Despite Manchester City beating lower quality teams recently, including a 1-0 victory over Newcastle, they remain on top above Barcelona in the rankings due to the sheer dominance they express in all facets of every game they play. That being said, Barcelona were also extremely dominant against biggest rival Real Madrid, racking up a 3-0 away win to go 14 points ahead of Real Madrid and 9 points above Atletico Madrid, to seemingly have La Liga wrapped up before the turn of the year.

Juventus and Bayern swap positions due to the Italian club having a dominant spell that has seen them rise up the Serie A table to 2nd, with a win over title contention rivals AS Roma and sit 1 point behind Napoli, after being written off earlier in the season.

As for the rest of the Power Ranking list, 3 English clubs (Chelsea, Tottenham, Liverpool) rise or enter the top 10 after convincing league victories, where goals flowed (12 between the 3 clubs). Something all managers and fans like to see. To add to this, with the multitude of games upcoming in the English top flight, expect these teams to push on.

Real Madrid drop down the rankings from 8th to 10th after their loss to Barcelona. They don't drop out completely from the top 10, as they put in a very strong display in the Clasico, where at times they outplayed, out possessed and camped inside the Barcelona half, with it appearing that they were the team that would come out victors. 

FC Porto remain in the top 10 as they attempt to rekindle and rebuild their winning streak, after recent back-to-back draws, beating 5th placed Maritimo 3-1, controlling 74% of possession and having 21 shots. They remain top of the Primeira Liga with no losses and only 6 goals conceded. Despite this they still see a 2 place drop in the Power rankings as their match dominance hasn't been as great as that of the other clubs above them.

By Luke Scali - Twitter @WFC_LS_Potzi 

English Premier League Team of the Season (So Far)

So far this English Premier League (EPL) season, there have been numerous stand out performers. With half the season now complete, we at WFC have selected the best EPL team of the season to date.

Formation

4-3-3

Starting Line-Up

GK - David de Gea

The Spaniard ranks 1st in the league for clean sheets (10) and 2^nd for saves (71). Undoubtedly the best goalkeeper in the Premier League, and possibly even in the world.

LB - Sead Kolasinac

The summer signing from Schalke 04 has looked like the real deal so far this season. Currently, he ranks 4^th for shots by defenders (15), =2^ndfor big chances created by defenders (5), and =2^nd for assists by defenders (4). Has also been extremely solid in defence, winning 79% of all tackles and 66% of aerial duels.

LCB - Nicolás Otamendi

The big Argentine defender has bossed opposition sides this season. He has won 47 aerial duels, and completed 85% of his attempted tackles. Moreover, he ranks =1^stfor goals scored amongst defenders (4), 2^nd for shots among defenders (21) and tops the league for completed passes per game (89.3).

RCB - Phil Jones

Jones has finally lived up to his potential this season, controlling the Red Devils’ backline with calmness, making crucial interceptions and tackles. The quality he has shown this season is highlighted by the fact that his side only kept 1 clean sheet in 5 games when he was out injured.

RB - César Azpilicueta

In the first half of this season, Azpilicueta has again been one of the best defenders in the league. Currently, he sits 1^st among all defenders for assists and big chances created. His superb all round performances so far this season are evidenced by the fact that he has collected the most bonus points among defenders in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) this season.

  

CDM - Wilfred Ndidi

Ndidi has filled the shoes of Kante brilliantly for Leicester this season, leading the league for attempted tackles (78) and tackles completed (49). Pair that with 3 assists, Ndidi has been a standout performer in central midfield this season. 

LCM - David Silva

With his craft and vision, the Spanish magician does things that no-one else in the world can. He has been absolutely outstanding this season, ranking 3^rdfor passes per game (83), =1^st for assists (8) and also netting 5 goals.

RCM - Kevin De Bruyne

The Belgian wizard has reached another level this season, controlling matches with class and composure. He is =1^st for assists (8), 1^st for chances created (56), and 1^st for big chances created (10). To go with this, he has netted 6 goals from 41 shots and ranks 5^th for passes per game (74.3).

LW - Mohamed Salah

The Egyptian has been unstoppable this season. Currently leading the goal boot race with 15 goals (equal with Harry Kane), as well as providing 5 assists. In terms of shooting, he is ranked 2^nd for shots (71) and 2^nd for shots on target (37). He is also ranked 2^nd for completed take-ons (46). If the PFA Player of the Year award was given out now, Salah would almost definitely win it.

ST - Harry Kane

Sits atop the league for shots (97 @ 6.1 per game) and goals (15). The Englishman is a goal scoring phenomenon, sitting 2^nd behind Messi for goals in a calendar year (53), as well as equal 1^st with Alan Shearer for Premier League goals in a calendar year (36). 

RW - Raheem Sterling

With 12 goals (=2^nd in the league) and 7 assists (2^nd in the league), Sterling has found greater consistency this season. He has used his pace superbly, and defenders have struggled to contain him.

Bench

GK - Nick Pope

Called into action on match day 4 to replace Tom Heaton, and has proven to be a more than capable replacement. With 9 clean sheets in 15 games, averaging 3.5 saves per game, Pope has shone this season.

LWB/LB - Marcos Alonso

Alonso has carried on well from his breakout 2016/17 season. At the halfway point of the season, he ranks =1^st for goals scored by defenders (4) and 1^stfor shots by defenders (34). Whilst attacking strongly, he has also contributed to 8 Chelsea clean sheets so far.

CB - James Tarkowski

Tarkowski has filled the shoes of Keane excellently so far this season. He has been a calm presence in the Burnley backline, keeping 9 clean sheets. Also, he has dominated opposition forwards in the air, currently ranking 1^st in the league for aerial duels won (89).

CDM/CM/CAM - Aaron Mooy

The Australian has controlled the Huddersfield side with composure and skill. At the halfway point of the season, he ranks 3^rd for crosses and 4^thfor tackles. Creating 26 chances, no other defensive midfielder has assisted as many shots as Mooy. He has also popped up with some important goals (4) for his side, contributing greatly to gaining 3 points against Newcastle, Manchester United and Watford. Thus, Mooy has stood out for both his defensive and attacking capabilities. 

CDM/CM/CAM - Aaron Ramsey

The Welshman has re-found his 2013/14 form this season, excelling in numerous areas. On the attacking front, Ramsey has done very well, ranking 10^thamong all midfielders for shots (40), =5^th among all midfielders for shots on target (17), and =1^st among all players for assists (8). He has also completed 85% of his passes. Additionally, on the defensive front, Ramsey has completed 20 tackles, which is  great for someone who has is involved in so much attacking play.

CAM/LW - Philippe Coutinho

The Brazilian is a world class player who is having one of his best seasons yet. In 11 starts, he has netted 6 goals and provided 6 assists, meaning that so far this season, he has directly contributed to a goal per game. He also ranks =1^stfor shot frequency, with 1 every 20.2 minutes.  

LW/RW - Leroy Sané

Sané has been untouchable for the most part of the first half of this Premier League season. Creatively, he has excelled, ranking =1^st for assists (8) and big chances created (10). He has also been a potent goal scoring threat, with 6 goals. Full of confidence, he also ranks 4^th for take-ons completed (37).

ST - Sergio Agüero

Written off at the beginning of the season as being past his peak, the Argentine has proven doubters wrong in the first half of the 2017/18 season. In 12 games where he has played 60+ minutes, Agüero has netted 12 goals and provided 4 assists – more than 1 direct goal contribution per game. Furthermore, he is ranked 2^nd overall for shot frequency, with 1 every 20.3 minutes.

Manager

Pep Guardiola

The Spanish mastermind has transformed Manchester City into arguably the best team in the world.

How the squad looks:

Have any comments to make? Do you agree or disagree with our selections? Let us know by commenting below or tweeting us.

Thanks for reading, and Merry Christmas.

By @WFC_Seb @WFC_17

Top 10 Team Power Rankings (Week 22/12/17)

The WFC World Team Power Rankings is a Top 10 ranking system of teams from across all countries and league's around the footballing world. The list is derived from a collaboration of data of current form, statistical analysis of players, threat and threat potential, team cohesion and competition difficulty, along with opinions of fans and the teams style of play (exciting/tactical/etc). All these factors are taken into account by WFC to form the Top 10 list of World Football.

So with that being said, here is the current list:

Manchester City are atop the power rankings, after continuing their outrageous form, that has seen them extend their current ridiculous winning streak, albeit in a penalty shoot-out in the league cup. Lots of shots, lots of goals and amazing creativity and team-work has made the blue side from Manchester one of, if not, the most watchable teams on the planet at the present time.

As for the rest of the top 10, Barcelona pip PSG to second after some nice performances recently that have them in full control over the Spanish league title with the biggest club match in the world - El Clasico - at the weekend.

Chelsea, at bottom end, just scrape into the top 10 after 3 wins on the bounce, with them looking like they could turn the tide on some inconsistencies, despite recent competitive matches being against lower calibre opposition.



The World Team Power Rankings is continually updated week-to-week so check back regularly on our blog http://worldwidefantasyclub.blogspot.com.au/ or visit the @WFC_17 Twitter account to find out if your favourite team makes the Top 10 each week




By Luke Scali - @WFC_LS_Potzi

GW19 Preview

Top Captain Picks

1. Raheem Sterling vs Bournemouth (home) - £8.6 (TSB 25.4%)

Sterling has been on fire this season, especially at home, where he has 7 goals and 3 assists in 7 games. In form, with 2 goals and 2 assists in the past 2 GWs, Sterling is ready to tear apart the Cherries backline. After all, he does love playing against Bournemouth, with 6 goals and 1 assist in his 4 appearances against them. If you don’t have Sterling though, Agüero, De Bruyne or Sané will be just as good captaincy options. For the purpose of this list though, we try not to make all captain picks from the same team.   

2. Marko Arnautovic vs Newcastle (home) - £6.8 (TSB 1.1%)

After a slow start to the season, the Austrian is hitting form at the right time. With 2 goals and a shot frequency of 1 every 18.15 minutes (4.96 per game) over the past 3 GWs, Arnie is primed to do well against a Magpies defence who have only kept 1 away clean sheet all season and are winless in 9 games.

3. Harry Kane vs Burnley (away) - £12.8 (TSB 38.8%)

Injuries to Tarkowski and Ward have come at the right time for Kane, who will be attacking against a severely weakened Burnley backline. That provides a great chance for Kane to rediscover his best FPL form, and for his side to bounce back from their embarrassing 4-1 defeat to Manchester City in GW18.

Punt Captain Picks

1. Sadio Mané vs Arsenal (away) - £9.3 (TSB 7.3%)

The Senegalese international has a great record against the Gunners, with 4 goals and 2 assists in his past 6 games against them, including 3 in 3 while at his new club Liverpool. He is also fresh, having been rotated heavily lately. This puts Mané in a great position to replicate his average of 11.5 points in his past two away matches.

2. Charlie Austin vs Huddersfield (home) - £6.2 (TSB 5.1%)

Austin has been one of the most dangerous players over the past month or so. Each game, he finds himself in great positions to score and is a constant threat. This has seen him net 4 goals in his past 4 games. Rested in GW18, Austin will return to the Southampton starting line up in GW19. Against a Terriers defence who have conceded on average 3 goals per game in their past 5 away games, expect Austin to return FPL points in GW19.

3. Jesse Lingard vs Leicester (away) - £6.0 (TSB 3.6%)

Over the past 3 away games, Lingard has been unstoppable, averaging 12.33 points per game. In this time, he has scored 4 goals (7 shots on target) and provided 1 assist (7 chances created). Having been rested in the Carabao Cup mid-week, Lingard will most likely be deployed just behind the striker in GW19, and be involved in much of Manchester United’s attacking play. Furthermore, Leicester’s confidence will be low after their 0-3 loss to Crystal Palace at the King Power in GW18.

Score Predictions

ARS 1 (Lacazette) | LIV 3 (Mané, Salah, Can)

EVE 1 (Rooney) | CHE 2 (Hazard, Willian)

BHA 0 | WAT 0

MCI 6 (Sterling x2, Sané, Agüero, De Bruyne, Otamendi) | BOU 0

SOU 2 (Austin x2) | HUD 1 (Depoitre)

STK 2 (Allen, Shaqiri) | WBA 1 (Rondón)

SWA 0 | CRY 0

WHU 4 (Arnautovic x2, Antonio, Chicharito) | NEW 0

BUR 1 (Mee) | TOT 2 (Kane, Son)

LEI 0 | MUN 3 (Lingard, Lukaku, Pogba) 

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

WFC's Guide to the Top Fantasy Big Bash League 2017/18 Players

With the Australian T20 Big Bash League (BBL) about to start, that means that so is BBL Fantasy. 

So, we have prepared a list of the top Fantasy BBL assets for BBL07 to assist you with compiling your teams.

Chris Lynn | Brisbane Heat | BAT | $123,700

With an average of 154.50 and a strike rate of 177.58 last season, Lynn was crowned player of the competition for the second year in a row. He could well make it a three-peat this season.

Aaron Finch | Melbourne Renegades | BAT | $113,600

The second best T20 batsman in the world, Finch managed 4 fifties in 8 innings last season, finishing as the 2^nd leading run scorer.

Brendon McCullum | Brisbane Heat | BAT | $92,600

The Kiwi is one of the most destructive T20 players in the world.

Jason Roy | Sydney Sixers | BAT | $68,000

A strike rate of 161.40 and his ability to consistently make good starts should see the aggressive Englishman secure many points this fantasy BBL season.

Nic Maddinson | Sydney Sixers | BAT | $35,600

Poor last season, but had an excellent tournament in the domestic 50 over cup, finishing 2^nd leading run scorer. Will be looking to continue on this form.

Kevin Pietersen | Melbourne Stars | BAT | $62,800

Very consistent, with an average of over 40 in 25 BBL innings.

Travis Head | Adelaide Strikers | BAT | $59,900

Didn’t do well last season, but will be looking to re-find the form that saw him average 42.71 with a strike rate of 150+ in the 15/16 season in order to secure his place in the Australian one-day international side.

Alex Ross | Brisbane Heat | BAT | $44,200

With a strike rate of 140+ in two out of the past 3 seasons, and an average of nearly 30 last season, Ross has the explosiveness and consistency to excel in fantasy BBL. This boundary hitting ability is evidenced by his form in the domestic one-day competition, where he finished 2^nd overall for 6s hit.

Marcus Harris | Melbourne Renegades | BAT | $71,700

A big hitter with great potential. Inconsistent, but if he is on song, look out in the stands!

Colin Ingram | Adelaide Strikers | BAT | $65,000

The South African is as good as they come in terms of big hitting. Finished the New Zealand T20 competition with the most maximums, and is capable of doing the same in BBL07.

Stephen O’Keefe | Sydney Sixers | BWL | $70,800

Not a massive wicket taker, but is an extremely tight bowler, averaging 9 dot balls per game last season. He has also had an economy rate of under 6 runs per over for the past 2 seasons, which bodes well for his owners. Can also chip in with some handy runs.

Scott Boland | Melbourne Stars | BWL | $70,900

A real strike bowler, taking 14 wickets and bowling 71 dots last season. His slower balls and yorkers are a very dangerous weapon he has in his arsenal that will see him excel this season.

Andrew Tye | Perth Scorchers | BWL | $67,900

A similar bowler to Boland, Tye’s skills make him well suited to T20 cricket. With his variations, he has the ability to deceive any batsman in the world, and that should enable him to pick up wickets, and keep the runs down, in BBL07.

Mitchell Swepson | Brisbane Heat | BWL | $66,900

The young leg spinner shot onto the scene with 12 wickets in BBL06 last summer. Having gained much exposure over the past year, he will only get better in BBL07.

Jason Behrendorff | Perth Scorchers | BWL | $65,000

The West Australian quick is all class, with a superb line and length. Missed last season due to injury, but is a proven wicket taker in the BBL, with 36 wickets in his last 26 games.

Dwayne Bravo | Melbourne Renegades | BAT, BWL | $91,200

Striking at 150+ over the past 2 seasons, the West Indian is a boundary finding master. He is also an experienced bowler who varies his pace brilliantly, which sees him pick up wickets and keep the run rate down.

Glenn Maxwell | Melbourne Stars | BAT, BWL | $93,800

The ‘Big Show’ is in career best form in the domestic 4-day shield competition, averaging 94 with the bat in his past 4 games. Full of confidence, the destructive Maxwell may tear apart bowling attacks in BBL07. His fielding skills and tight bowling adds to his appeal.

Sean Abbott | Sydney Sixers | BAT, BWL | $102,100

Was the leading wicket taker in BBL06 with 20 wickets. Combine this wicket taking ability with his big hitting, and Abbott could be set to outscore his BBL07 average of 67.5 points per game.

Ashton Turner | Perth Scorchers | BAT, BWL | $62,900

Picked up 5 wickets and bowled 33 dot balls in BBL07, as well as striking the ball at 146.43 when batting. A very good all-round player, Turner will be looking to have some big performances in order to break into the Australian limited over sides.

D’Arcy Short | Hobart Hurricanes | BAT, BWL | $67,100

Was a star performer in the domestic one-day competition, picking up regular wickets, performing some crucial run-outs, and scoring an amazing 119 not out against the Cricket Australia XI. Demonstrated his skills in BBL06, and will only improve in BBL07.

Michael Neser | Adelaide Strikers | BAT, BWL | $69, 100

Enjoyed a great domestic one day tournament, winning man of the match in 2/6 games. This was largely due to his tight bowling, which saw him finish with 2/27 off 10 overs against Tasmania, and destructive batting, where he scored 122 off 81 balls against Western Australia.

Jimmy Peirson | Brisbane Heat | WKP, BAT | $41,00

Has much potential, but hasn’t performed at his best over the past few BBL seasons. However, he has played some superb innings lately in both the domestic one-day and 4-day competitions, which will give him confidence to put some runs on the board in BBL07.

Ben Dunk | Melbourne Stars | WKP, BAT | $105,700

One of the best players in BBL history, Dunk has struck at 134 and averaged nearly 30 over 6 years. This highlights that he is not a one season wonder, but a consistent, high scoring batsman who has shown no signs of slowing up any time soon.

Jos Buttler | Sydney Thunder | WKP, BAT | $82,00

The 2^nd best T20 wicketkeeper batsman in the world, Buttler is a big hitter that punish any bowling attack in the world. 

By @WFC_Seb @WFC_17