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*Key – All categories like Top Earner, Key Player, etc are determined by FM.
This is the 17th season for the Dynasty Liga Championship League.
Season 16 Champions:
Forever silencing the doubters, Southampton held off challenges from nearly half a dozen clubs as the closer-than-ever Championship race went down to the wire and the final day where the Saints were once again crowned Champions. What was once referred to as ‘SNAFL, the throw-away league’ at a time when not every GM even had a team, has transformed into the most competitive league in Dynasty.
Season 17 Teams:
ANDERLECHT (27/3)
Owner: ProPAIN
Assistant Manager: Hansi Flick
Captain: Cristiano Biraghi
Top Earner: Wojciech Szczęsny
Lowest Earner: Marco Carnesecchi
Key Player: Marco Asensio
Hot Prospect: Alexis Mac Alister
Zizou’s Key Player: Alvaro Morata
Oldest Player: Idrissa Gueye, 32
Youngest Player: Callum Hudson-Odoi 21
Average Age: 26Last Season Prediction (FM): 3rd
Last Season Finish: 11th
This Season Predicted Finish (FM): 4th
Odds to win Championship (FM): 5/1Key Categories led: Decisions, Off The Ball, Corners
Zizou’s Thoughts: Before they became the home of the U21 Champions, Flamengo was crowned SNAFL Champions for GM ProPAIN five seasons ago. But since then, no matter the home Championship club, PP has not managed to recreate his success. Perennial title challengers, PP’s Championship clubs have been forced to play the role of also-ran than title challenger in recent seasons leaving you to wonder whether PP could maintain the high expectations PP’s teams demand. After dropping from 6th to 11th on the table last season, PP wasted no time looking for upgrades, dipping into the free agent market and plucking Sofyan Amrabat off the board & Aaron Wan-Bissaka off the waiver wire. They have a look of experience, this lot being the oldest side in the league. But age is what brings that experience and shapes players like blowing sands shape metal. New acquisition Wojciech Szczęsny will surely be the man between the pipes, looking to stem the loss of Mike Maignan. PP brought in three new goalkeepers to compete for the job, leaving Szczęsny with real competition for the job. The same could be said for much of the rest of the team as despite a few call-ups and demotions, this is a similar looking side to last season’s, showing the confidence PP has in his plan and vision. All eyes will be on Álvaro Morata as he seeks to lead the charge offensively for PP’s Anderlecht.
BEŞIKTAŞ (27/3)
Owner: Zooka7
Assistant Manager: Rigobert Song
Captain: Héctor Herrera
Top Earner: Héctor Herrera
Lowest Earner: Fabiano Parisi
Key Player: Héctor Herrera
Hot Prospect: Gabriel Menino
Zizou’s Key Player: Nicolas Pépé
Oldest Player: Héctor Herrera, 32
Youngest Player: Julen Agirrezabala, 21
Average Age: 24Last Season Prediction (FM): 1st
Last Season Finish: 12th
This Season Predicted Finish (FM): 10th
Odds to win Championship (FM): 6/1Key Categories led: None
Zizou’s Thoughts: Unfortunately, teams for new GMs are always judged against their predecessors. Are they better or worse? Can their teams compete better or worse? But that’s the challenge! Everyone who is here inherited teams and did the same to try and be better. And that’s a wonderful thing. Life goes on and every time a new GM enters, change in the air for their inherited teams. The legendary Season 14 champions Parma, the last team to win the title before Southampton, are no more but in their wake enters Beşiktaş with a clean page to write their own story. No one is left from that Parma team so there is no choice but to write their own story. New GM Zooka7 quickly began to put his stamp on the team via trade, bringing in quality depth players in Boulaye Dia, Axel Disasi, Issa Diop and Nicolas Pépé. He also wasted no time making a free agent splash, signing Kaoru Mitoma, Fabiano Parisi and incorporating the veteran Hector Herrera to captain the side. There is a strong balance in the team with many players, comfortably offering multiple options at different positions. The club will definitely benefit from the U21 promotions of Gabriel Menino, Morgan Gibbs-White & Moise Kean. Ultimately, much of the responsibility for the goal scoring will fall on the shoulders of Kean, Dia and Lorenzo Lucca.
FREIBURG (26/3)
Owner: BLAUGRANA
Assistant Manager: Leonardo Jardim
Captain: Iago Aspas
Top Earner: Domenico Berardi
Lowest Earner: Adem Zorgane
Key Player: Jordi Alba
Hot Prospect: Salvatore Esposito
Zizou’s Key Player:
Oldest Player: Iago Aspas, 34
Youngest Player: Salvatore Esposito, 21
Average Age: 25Last Season Prediction (FM): 2nd
Last Season Finish: 9th
This Season Predicted Finish (FM): 1st
Odds to win Championship (FM): 7/2Key Categories led: Leadership, Determination, Vision, Free Kick Taking
Zizou’s Thoughts: In his second season at the helm, Freiburg have been transformed into a legit heavyweight. Benefiting from the demotions of Jordi Alba & Julián Álvarez, the club from Freiburg im Breisgau are seeking to become GM Blaugrana’s first league title. Lisandro Martínez & Iñigo Martínez present a great wall in defense for Freiburg while the talisman Iago Aspas and Dani Olmo will be tasked with providing the majority of goals scored. Despite the slew of changes, still there are six players from Freiburg’s first lineup eligible to start for Freiburg still. So, there’s certainly a vision for Freiburg and their future. Vision is an attribute that the playmakers on Freiburg lead the league in with set pieces drawing a clear benefit from. The underrated free agent signings of French dynamo Benjamin Bourigeaud & Belgian attacker Mike Trésor also add to the contingent of talent available for selection at Freiburg. Surely, they will be looking to improve from 9th on the table and Football Manager is picking them to finish as Champions and it’s very evident why. There is a glaring lack of depth on right defense that could have been addressed especially with the additional roster spot available but perhaps that will be addressed come the mid-season transfer window.
KR REYKJAVIK (27/3)
Owner: Ramer
Assistant Manager: Ralph Hassenhüttl
Captain: Julian Weigl
Top Earner: Talisca
Lowest Earner: Artur
Key Player: Wenderson Galeno
Hot Prospect: David Zima
Zizou’s Key Player: Talisca
Oldest Player: Diego Alves, 37
Youngest Player: Jesus Ferreira, 21
Average Age: 25Last Season Prediction (FM): 13th
Last Season Finish: 7th
This Season Predicted Finish (FM): 6th
Odds to win Championship (FM): 11/2Key Categories led: None
Zizou’s Thoughts: Changes were in the offing when Roberdino bid adieu. The mighty Grasshopper lived no more. The Arctic fox from Iceland now hunts in its place. Much of the side is now changed. Only 4 of its final Starting XI remain with the club now. New GM Ramer made a few moves to sharpen the edges for KR. A brilliant fifth-day free agency coup in Wenderson Galeno gave KR an immediate spark with his signing. This after already having signed Calvin Bassey a few days earlier. Shrewd trade acquisitions for Talisca & Viktor Tsygankov showed there was an instant plan in place from the new GM looking to create his legacy in Dynasty. There’s a common element among the majority of KR’s players that give a sense as to their style of play. The dynamism in their creative play and their work in the final third especially from KR’s playmakers give Ramer plenty of options and the flexibility positionally that will only benefit a manager looking to take his chances in trying to create 3 points out of 1. It’s anyone’s guess as to exact style of play Ramer will employ. We will have to wait until the season starts. I wouldn’t be surprised to see this team earn a streak of results to get in the hunt, where the fox is in command. But that’s the thing about results… they create expectations. And a fox needs to eat.
LEEDS UNITED (27/3)
Owner: Kawai
Assistant Manager: Graham Potter
Captain: Tyrone Mings
Top Earner: Danny Ings
Lowest Earner: Brandon Williams
Key Player: Donny van de Beek
Hot Prospect: Illan Meslier
Zizou’s Key Player: Abdoulaye Doucouré
Oldest Player: Andrej Kramarić, 31
Youngest Player: Tariq Lamptey, 21
Average Age: 26Last Season Prediction (FM): 14th
Last Season Finish: 13th
This Season Predicted Finish (FM): 14th
Odds to win Championship (FM): 10/1Key Categories led: Fitness
Zizou’s Thoughts: For one reason or another, this offseason saw many teams completely turn over from what they were the previous season. Leeds were no different as due to releases and promotions, only 3 of their last Starting XI still with Leeds to start the season. 3 U21 Promotions, 10 trade acquisitions and 2 free agent signings later, Leeds continue to search for the perfect combination in a league more competitive than ever. Danny Ings, the Leeds United talisman, is the lone player left from Leeds’ first lineup with GM Kawai behind the wheel. He joins a versatile attacking front that also features Che Adams and Wout Weghorst, two players traded for in the off-season. Tyrone Mings leads the defense with new boy Nayef Aguerd joining the accomplished Victor Lindelof and Ezri Konsa on the backline. Arguably the most important contributions for Leeds will have to come from the players demoted and promoted throughout their system. Illan Meslier joins to likely be the man in the gloves, replacing Jordan Pickford, arguably Leeds United’s best player last season. Also joining via promotion and demotion, Mikkel Damsgaard, Tariq Lamptey, Ismaïla Sarr and Andrej Kramarić will all be hoping to feature and try to make a difference in place of Ollie Watkins, Kieran Trippier and Aleksandar Mitrović who were called up by parent club Spurs.
LENS (26/2)
Owner: evilo
Assistant Manager: Antonio Conte
Captain: Iker Muniain
Top Earner: Thomas Lemar
Lowest Earner: Youssouf Fofana
Key Player: Darwin Núñez
Hot Prospect: Mohamed Simakan
Zizou’s Key Player: Naby Keïta
Oldest Player: David Silva, 36
Youngest Player: Wesley Fofana, 21
Average Age: 24Last Season Prediction (FM): 4th
Last Season Finish: 4th
This Season Predicted Finish (FM): 2nd
Odds to win Championship (FM): 4/1Key Categories led: First Touch, Passing, Agility, Balance, Pace, Stamina, Anticipation, Composure, Concentration, Flair, Dribbling, Penalties, Technique
Zizou’s Thoughts: The only team from last season’s finalists that didn’t get to lead the table, Lens will be looking to improve from their 4th place finish, amassing 45 points. Just a season prior, GM evilo’s Real Sociedad team pushed Southampton to the wire but fell short with a 2nd place finish, with 47 points. Coming into the off-season, evilo was going to have to contend with a number of U21 promotions with 9 players earning the call-up. For the players that stayed with the organization, they were met with an ever-changing roster but a few familiar faces in David Silva, Boubacar Kamara, Teun Koopmeiners and Thomas Lemar – the only returning players from Lens’ last lineup. evilo was quick off the mark, pulling off a coup for Darwin Núñez, and bringing aboard Naby Keïta, Hirving Lozano, Anthony Martial, as well as completing the free agent signing of Marcus Edwards. Leading in a number of categories, Lens must truly see no rival that is equal to them at the moment. And certainly, you’d have to think this is evilo’s best crack, or cloes to, at a league title this season or you might say in recent seasons. I mean, at some point the pendulum has to swing back, right? evilo has given his Lens club his best in order to improve the talent on the field. A few of the Lens players are rated just low enough to make the team and are with Lens instead of their parent club, in an effort to increase Lens’ profile that much more and vie for the title. And what better time than now for Lens to go for it. Battre le fer quand il est chaud.
NEWCASTLE UNITED (27/3)
Owner: Santiger Munez
Assistant Manager: Eddie Howe
Captain: Ivan Toney
Top Earner: Nick Pope
Lowest Earner: Dávid Hancko
Key Player: Weston McKennie
Hot Prospect: Ryan Sessegnon
Zizou’s Key Player: Ivan Toney
Oldest Player: David Ospina, 33
Youngest Player: Giorgi Mamardashvili,21
Average Age: 24Last Season Prediction (FM): 9th
Last Season Finish: 8th
This Season Predicted Finish (FM): 12th
Odds to win Championship (FM): 8/1Key Categories led: None
Zizou’s Thoughts: After finishing in the cellar position two seasons ago, Newcastle recovered with a much better follow-up, finishing 9th a season ago. With plenty of change afoot, GM Santiger Munez has reshaped the Magpies into something more befitting a contender. Santi was busy in the off-season, acquiring Nick Pope and David Ospina via trade to battle for the #1 jersey. Meanwhile, Santi was busy in free agency, taking David Hancko off the market. Add that to the call-ups Ryan Sessegnon, Arthur Theate and Jesper Lindstrom and Newcastle’s revolution continues at Dynasty. Positionally, there’s great balance within the team. The only question will be whether they can find the harmony to go along with the balance in order to compete for a spot in the top half of the table. In recent seasons, the manager has opted to let the men figure it out. This season, I think it will take much more. The manager will need to inspire his club as Newcastle ranks in the bottom third in the league in terms of work rate. Despite the competition, one would favor Ivan Toney to be the man to lead the frontline for Newcastle. With the right support, one could see Toney being a potential Golden Boot candidate, which would bode well for the Geordies’ chances at returning the club to glory. As above, so below.
SALFORD CITY (27/2)
Owner: JR
Assistant Manager: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
Captain: Scott McTominay
Top Earner: Mauro Icardi
Lowest Earner: Tajon Buchanan
Key Player: Mauro Icardi
Hot Prospect: Brendan Aaronson
Zizou’s Key Player: Jadon Sancho
Oldest Player: Oscar, 30
Youngest Player: Sergiño Dest, 21
Average Age: 25Last Season Prediction (FM): 10th
Last Season Finish: 5th
This Season Predicted Finish (FM): 11th
Odds to win Championship (FM): 6/1Key Categories led: Teamwork, Crossing, Long Shots
Zizou’s Thoughts: Salford, the city whose name originates from Old English, meaning a ford by the willow trees, is located on a big island in the middle of the world. No man is an island, no man lives alone. Despite those words, Salford and GM JR continue to go it largely alone, trusting the process underway. Salford followed up a terrific Season 15 campaign where they finished 4th with a disappointing campaign last season, tumbling from first all the way to fifth in the dying stages. Salford nearly went all the way, taking the lead in the table in the 11th round of fixtures and not being toppled until Round 22 where it was ultimately curtains for Salford’s chances. Much has changed heading into this season. Many of the faces are new. JR was forced to call-up 9 players from U21, most of whom joined Salford, most notably Americans Timothy Weah and Brenden Aaronson. But the biggest moves for JR were undoubtedly his demotions with Mauro Icardi, Jadon Sancho and Dani Ceballos joining the club and will surely be expected to contribute a lot in order for Salford to wash the taste of their mouths for how last season ended. Lucas Paquetá and Alfonso Pedraza, two big contibutors for Salford last season, were promoted. Positionally, their replacements in Luis Alberto and Jonny Otto respectively can be considered equally good statistically but they will need to be as good as their predecessors if Salford’s to have any chance.
SCHALKE (27/3)
Owner: LITN
Assistant Manager: Gian Piero Gasperini
Captain: Hugo Lloris
Top Earner: Cody Gakpo
Lowest Earner: Gustavo Assunção
Key Player: Pierre-Emile Højbjerg
Hot Prospect: Hamed Traorè
Zizou’s Key Player: Cody Gakpo
Oldest Player: Hugo Lloris, 35
Youngest Player: Loïc Badé, 22
Average Age: 26Last Season Prediction (FM): 11th
Last Season Finish: 14th
This Season Predicted Finish (FM): 9th
Odds to win Championship (FM): 6/1Key Categories led: None
Zizou’s Thoughts: Second-year GM LITN in his second stint as GM keyed in on Schalke when trying to rebuild the last-place club. It was clear early on when Liverpool GM LITN made a few player-heavy transactions to try and shake the cobwebs loose for Schalke. In came Nelson Semedo, Jonathan Tah and Youssef En-Nesyri all via trade. Vitaly Janelt was picked up off the waiver wire. But perhaps, their smartest piece of business was the trade and demotion of Hugo Lloris. Though not guaranteed to start in goal, his presence in the club will certainly rub off positively for the younger goalkeepers Caoimhin Kelleher and Justin Bijlow. It must be said that with the reshape underway for Schalke, LITN has gone with a slightly older yet pacier group of players to wipe the slate clean after last season. From Joël Veltman to Tah, Ramy Bensebaïni and Nico Elvedi, the strength of this club is certainly defense. And although LITN’s championship club Heerenveen was not a sieve last season, a sound defense-first mentality will go a long way to getting Schalke out of the cellar and into top half. IF they find the scoring. Which makes their acquisition of En-Nesyri one of the underrated “gets” of the off-season”. LITN is still flying just under-the-radar, at least for now. And you can say the same for Schalke. At least for now.
SOUTHAMPTON (27/3)
Owner: Gooner
Assistant Manager: Mikel Arteta
Captain: Granit Xhaka
Top Earner: Leandro Trossard
Lowest Earner: Iliman N’Diaye
Key Player: Gabriel
Hot Prospect: Eberechi Eze
Zizou’s Key Player: Granit Xhaka
Oldest Player: Kasper Schmeichel, 35
Youngest Player: Jeremie Frimpong, 21
Average Age: 25Last Season Prediction (FM): 7th
Last Season Finish: 1st
This Season Predicted Finish (FM): 3rd
Odds to win Championship (FM): 9/2Key Categories led: Work Rate, Finishing
Zizou’s Thoughts: The defending Champions did what few thought was possible, go back-to-back in the most competitive league in Dynasty Liga. Southampton shared in the spoils of their victory, adding a double, winning the Dynasty Cup in the process. And just like that, in the off-season, they were gutted. Gone is James Ward-Prowse, who Captained Southampton to back-to-back Championship titles, promoted by parent club Arsenal. Gone are Álexis Sanchez, Aaron Ramsey and Alexandre Lacazette, released in the off-season. Gone are Jack Harrison, Thomas Partey and Emiliano Buendia – trade victims in the wake of sales. But GM Gooner made a few key acquisitions along the way. Leandro Trossard, Pablo Fornals, Granit Xhaka, Eljif Elmas, Aleksandr Golovin and Robin Gosens were brought onboard via trade and Gooner made various pickups from the waiver wire, signing Alex Moreno and Jakub Kiwior to contracts. So, the model was created by the Saints. And now they are trying to replicate it in order to make it three in a row. If there is a weakness anywhere in the club, it is weak depth at right-back, likely created by the late release of trade acquisition Aaron Wan-Bissaka. AWB would’ve certainly solved Southampton’s dilemma at RB but I’m sure it’s needs must as Southampton are once again rolling all of the chips to the center of the table.
FC ST PAULI (27/3)
Owner: Zizou
Assistant Manager: Zinedine Zidane
Captain: William Carvalho
Top Earner: Adrien Rabiot
Lowest Earner: Wilfried Singo
Key Player: Adrien Rabiot
Hot Prospect: Tetê
Zizou’s Key Player: Marcel Sabitzer
Oldest Player: Marcos Alonso, 31
Youngest Player: Wilfried Singo, 21
Average Age: 25Last Season Prediction (FM): 8th
Last Season Finish: 3rd
This Season Predicted Finish (FM): 5th
Odds to win Championship (FM): 11/2Key Categories led: Strength, Positioning, Heading, Tackling
Zizou’s Thoughts: If there is an island, the Senior clubs for GM Zizou are Fort Sumter. The only trades that Zizou agreed to were sales and/or loans of players. And the only free agency action the club saw was a waiver pickup of Michele Di Gregorio, now their backup goalkeeper. So, what’s a team to do when it finishes third, 4 points back of first and the belief and confidence remains the same? Do Nothing. Stay the course. (A thousand points of light.) But much like the teams that like to go it alone, it’s been a while since Zizou tasted Championship glory. A five-time champion (Seasons 5, 6, 7, 9 & 11) with three clubs, Zizou hasn’t celebrate a title win since Season 11 with El Más Grande, CA River Plate. That’s not to say there isn’t plenty of optimism heading into this season. FC St Pauli hasn’t been reshaped as much as retooled. Returning are two of their best performers from last season – Richarlison and Adrien Rabiot. But joining are new call-ups and players demoted from Inter such as Marcel Sabitzer, André Silva, Manuel Locatelli & Dominik Szoboszlai. As one of three teams to win at least 14 games last season, all FC all St. Pauli needed to do in the off-season was to match if not improve the same standard as their rivals and it’s hard to say that they haven’t achieved their goal heading into the new season.
STANDARD LIÈGE (27/2)
Owner: Xerxes
Assistant Manager: Vincent Kompany
Captain: Orkun Kökçü
Top Earner: Sergio Reguilón
Lowest Earner: Oliver Christensen
Key Player: Ibrahim Sangaré
Hot Prospect: Evan N’Dicka
Zizou’s Key Player: Orkun Kökçü
Oldest Player: Anthony Lopes, 31
Youngest Player: Orkun Kökçü, 21
Average Age: 24Last Season Prediction (FM): 12th
Last Season Finish: 10th
This Season Predicted Finish (FM): 13th
Odds to win Championship (FM): 8/1Key Categories led: Aggression, Bravery, Marking
Zizou’s Thoughts: With the majority of players returning after a mediocre campaign, GM Xerxes identified his first target right away, signing Azzedine Ounahi after a stellar World Cup campaign. Minor trade acquisitions of Yussuf Poulsen, Çağlar Söyüncü and Nikola Vlašić highlighted an underwhelming off-season with the majority of the work for Xerxes taking place via a few promotions from U21, calling up midfield playmaker Orkun Kökçü and trading for Maxence Caqueret to help solidify the middle of the field. And Mitchel Bakker providing additional depth on the left flank. One glaring weakness is in their depth of attacking midfielders/playmakers. Having previously deployed center midfielders in the attacking slot, there seems to have been a lack of a true playmaker for the spot, creating a lack of cohesion, in my opinion. Still, it is a brave and tireless, hard-working squad with plenty of players willing to put in the work, as reflected by their work rate ratings. The question for Standard will be whether they can generate enough offense from their No. 9 position without a definitive game-breaker signed to win enough games in order to break into the top half of the table for the first time in years.
SUNDERLAND (27/3)
Owner: james
Assistant Manager: Massimiliano Allegri
Captain: Bryan Cristante
Top Earner: Jesse Lingard
Lowest Earner: Fran García
Key Player: James Rodríguez
Hot Prospect: Anass Zaroury
Zizou’s Key Player: James Justin
Oldest Player: James Rodríguez, 31
Youngest Player: Anass Zaroury, 21
Average Age: 24Last Season Prediction (FM): 5th
Last Season Finish: 6th
This Season Predicted Finish (FM): 7th
Odds to win Championship (FM): 11/2Key Categories led: Jumping Reach
Zizou’s Thoughts: Belief is the name of the game especially after celebrating one Senior title already. For Sunderland, who improved from a 9th place finish two seasons ago to 6th last season, a slight tinkering of the lineup is what the doctor ordered for the Black Cats. GM james brought Ivan Provedel and Anass Zaroury in off the waiver wire. While Sunderland lost a few key players in Kim Min-Jae and Matteo Politano, called up by their parent club, the demotions of James Rodríguez, Oliver Skipp and Joakim Mæhle to Sunderland should prove key to their chances to improve again this season. Sunderland’s depth and the versatility of their defenders give them plenty of options and looks going into the season. The dilemma for Sunderland is a coach’s dream but it is a difficult predicament regardless. Who starts? There is so much competition for spots and you’d figure only James could likely guarantee a starting spot on most match sheets. So it’s not clear who will feature for the Black Cats. Who will they lean on in the #9 role? Do Sergi Darder and Bryan Cristante start together? How much game time does former Championship star Jesse Lingard play? So many questions for Sunderland and an exciting time as ever to find the answers.
VITÓRIA SC (27/3)
Owner: xavi4life
Assistant Manager: Manuel Pellegrini
Captain: Rodrigo De Paul
Top Earner: Emiliano Martínez
Lowest Earner: Matheus
Key Player: Rodrigo De Paul
Hot Prospect: Matheuzinho
Zizou’s Key Player: Emiliano Martínez
Oldest Player: Matheus, 30
Youngest Player: Matheuzinho, 21
Average Age: 24Last Season Prediction (FM): 6th
Last Season Finish: 2nd
This Season Predicted Finish (FM): 8th
Odds to win Championship (FM): 6/1Key Categories led: Acceleration
Zizou’s Thoughts: Gabriel Barbosa fell just short of the Golden Boot, like Vitória fell just short in their chase of Southampton. Following up a hard to swallow third-place finish two seasons ago with a possibly even harder to swallow second-place finish last season, Vitória turned to the off-season full of piss and vigor, intent on breaking through to try and win a third Championship trophy (Seasons 5 & 8). Buoyed by the best goalkeeper in the league, Emi Martínez, Vitória remain ever the threat. Unfortunately, the off-season got off to a sour start for Vitória as they said goodbye to their long-time talisman Rafinha and long-time left back Alex Sandro. GM Xavi4life also had to contend with the losses of Juan Foyth, Rodrigo Bentancur and Pepe but were crucially able to hang on to Giovani Lo Celso, Cristian Romero & Lucas Torreira. The demotions of Rodrigo De Paul and Joaquin Correa should prove to be very benficial to Vitória as both men look to recover their previous red-hot play. Some of the best piece of business that X4L did was in the free agency signings of Igor Paixao, Jeffinho and Carlos Augusto – three underrated players who are destined to be too good for the Championship league in no time. Is this the year for Vitória to get the monkey off their back? How much has X4L learned from failure? What has he taken away from falling just short? We’ll find out soon enough, as it’s nut-cutting time for Vitória and they will sharpen their steel in an attempt to Conquer the Championship once more.
Notes:
• The oldest player in the league is Diego Alves, 37 (KR).
• At 6’7”, Lorenzo Lucca (Beşiktaş) is the tallest player in the league. Tariq Lamptey (Leeds United) is the shortest at 5’5″.
• Wojciech Szczęsny is the highest-earning player in the league.
• Jordi Alba (Freiburg), Iago Aspas (Freiburg), Nabi Keïta (Lens), Darwin Núñez (Lens), Gabriel (Southampton), Marco Asensio (Anderlecht), Alvaro Morata (Anderlecht), Pablo Sarabia (Anderlecht) & Emiliano Martínez (Vitória) are the highest-rated players in the league.
• Leeds United & Standard Liège lead the league with the most internationally capped players, with 18.
• Schalke lead the league with the most number of nationalities represented with an amazing 26.
• Anderlecht is the oldest team in the league.
• Beşiktaş is the youngest team in the league.
• On average, Sunderland is the tallest team in the league.
• Lens has the highest Average Player Transfer Value.
• Anderlecht has the highest Average Player Salary.
FM Predicted XI of the season:
GK: Martínez (Vitória)
RB: Süle (Anderlecht)
CB: Romero (Vitória)
CB: Gabriel (Southampton)
LB: Alba (Freiburg)
RM: Sarabia (Anderlecht)
CM: Keïta (Lens)
CM: De Paul (Vitória)
LM: Brandt (Anderlecht)
ST: Morata (Anderlecht)
ST: Núñez (Lens)FM Golden Boot Predictions:
01. Aspas (Freiburg), 7-2
02. Núñez (Lens), 6-1
03. Berardi (Parma), 9-1
04. Toney (Newcastle), 12-1
05. Scamacca (Sunderland), 13-1
06. Ünal (Standard), 15-1FM Golden Ball Predictions:
01. Núñez (Lens), 8-1
02. Gakpo (Schalke), 10-1
03. Gabriel (Southampton), 12-1
03. Morata (Anderlecht), 12-1
03. Sarabia (Anderlecht), 12-1
03. Keïta (Lens), 12-1Zizou’s Predicted Table:
01. Lens
02. Vitória
03. Freiburg
04. Anderlecht
05. Southampton
06. FC St. Pauli
07. Salford
08. Sunderland
09. Newcastle United
10. Schalke
11. KR
12. Beşiktaş
13. Leeds United
14. Standard LiègeZizou’s Predicted Golden Boot Winner: Darwin Núñez
UPDATE AFTER ROUND 12, MID-SEASON:
One horse leads the pack with a 4-point gap. FC St. Pauli has been brilliant through 12 rounds. With only 9 points separating 3rd through 13th, everything is still left to play for and anything can still happen. Anderlecht’s MVP Alvaro Morata leads the goalscorers chart with a lot of hungry scorers behind.
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