The Surgeon - The Richmonds

Source: Yusni Blog

The Father-and-son radio DJ team Brian and Mark Richmond will test their managerial mettle in the TODAY Fantasy League. Let's see how does the Singapore's resident football experts team selection fare under the diagnosis of the Surgeon?

Brian Richmond's Richmond Rovers

Note: I'm unable to find the team's ID, hence I'm analysing the team that was published on 7th Sep.

Brian Richmond employs a 4-4-2 formation for his team, utilizing only £52.8mil and leaving £2.2mil on the table.

The Diagnosis

• I have no issues with the Midfield nor Attack. Fletcher is capable to ending with 15 goals this season, and Sunderland will have a double-game gameweek soon, due to the postponed game against Reading. The rest of the attackers are pretty self-explanatory.


• Brian Richmond has chosen to double-up on Arsenal defence by picking Vermaelen & Gibbs. Vermaelen has more attacking potential among the duo, based on his scoring records in the past few season.


• Aaron Hughes' scoring record of 1 goal in 161 games meant that Brian Richmond will only be selecting him based on Fulham's clean sheet capabilities.


• Having £2.2mil on the table is pretty hefty. I usually recommend leaving only £0.5mil, unless there is an absolute need of funds for future usage.

The Treatment

If a team needs to make 5 or more changes, I'll recommend the manager to revamp the entire team instead.

Richmond Rovers is pretty solid in the attacking departments, hence I'll be making recommendations on defence instead:

• Transfer out Michael Vorm, Kieran Gibbs & Aaron Hughes, leaving the team with (2.2+3.2+3.5+4.2) =  £13.1m

• I'm assuming he chose Hughes for Fulham's defensive capabilities, hence I'll swap him for another Fulham's centreback, Brede Hangeland (3.7), who possess better attacking capability.


• With 9.4mil to spare, there's plenty of cash left for a top-notch keeper [Joe Hart (4.8m)] and fullback [Leighton Baines (4.5)]

Summary: M.Vorm, K.Gibbs, A.Hughes OUT -> J.Hart, L.Baines, B.Hangeland IN

Formation (4-4-2): Hart, Ivanovic, Baines, Vermaelen, Hangeland, Michu, Y.Toure, Ben Arfa, Bale, RVP, Fletcher.

Mark Richmond's PR4ThisLot

Despite what the papers said, Mark Richmond chose a 4-3-3 formation (In TFL, Hazard is set as a STRIKER..see, even the reporters are confused on about Hazard's position. :P). £54.1mil was spent on the team, leaving £0.9mil on the table.

The Diagnosis

• The (new) holy trinity of RVP, Tevez & Hazard has been selected by Mark Richmond. Dammit, thought I was the only one who thought of this...looks like Mark really does know his Fantasy Football.


• No issues with Midfielders either, though Mark should take note of Moyes' tactics: if Naismith starts, Fellaini might be pushed into a deeper role.


• Guy Demel sustained a knock in the 3-0 win over Fulham which saw him replaced on 78 minutes, while Liam Ridgewell could shift to centreback with the arrival of Goran Popov, hence negating his attacking potential.

The Treatment

Despite leaving £0.9mil on the table. I can see that Mark really knows his Fantasy Football. Demel & Ridgewell are chosen likely due to the easy fixtures ahead, and the remaining cash will be utilized once West Ham & WBA fixtures becomes tougher.

Hence, I have no recommendations to make, and barring any injuries, suspensions or loss of form, he is likely to be one of the top managers of the season.

Good luck to both Brian and Mark Richmond!

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