Great blog Steve.

I don't actually think Pekin need to recruit a 5* RS this season. I've only stayed in because I'm going to end the season at over 2500 RPs anyway, so I'm happy to waste 50 to ensure Roy pays a decent price for Plummer.  Of course, I'd rather he paid an indecent price, but not sure my long terms plans will survive an accidental pick up at too high a price.

With Nashville topping the T7 stats and already signing two 5* players (one at a ridiculously low price), I wondered what was in store this week, specifically the players Nashville (with loads of RP) could recruit. Be afraid...

1. Luca Casoli 5* OH: 4 teams are involved but Portland are out having already recruited four. Fortunately for us Nashville already has their OH so I doubt Roy will risk winning Casoli and wreck his future bids. This leaves Merritt and Starkville who also have secured OHs. Mark paid 801 for a 4* for session 10 and could have backed out here. Eduard paid just 450 for his 5* last session and this was probably a just in case continuation. Eduard could try a minimum bid spending 900 RP total to have a choice but I did a similar thing with walkons a few seasons ago and it didn't work out. If Mark went for him it effectively means a 5* for 1251 RP. Both have plenty of RP however and Merritt could even get capped a few RP. I think he'll be left at home. I expect quite a few coaches are wishing they were in witrh a chance. With just 21 4* and 5* OHs on offer there's not enough to go round.

2. TJ Plummer 5* RS max ATK: Of the 4 teams involved only Santa Clara must recruit a RS and they haven't recruited anybody yet. They have 1636 RP and Martyn needs to be brave. Pekin have a little more and really need a good RS. Nashville have a lot more and also need a good RS. The staff at Columbia are rooting for the Chihuahuas to get him because we don't want either of the top two teams getting even stronger (especially our new rivals). Even if Roy wins and his forced to pay over the odds he will still have enough for his 4th player later.

3. Bruno Pereira 4* S: 5 teams interested so we'll start with Nashville. Roy needs a Setter, which is why he won't risk winning Casoli cheaply (he would have to forego on Plummer). Even if he wins Plummer it's likely he'll have 800-1000 RP left. Others involved are Albuquerque, who could do with him and have 1248 RP. Andy at Denali might bid all his 733 RP to add him to his two 5* recruits but I don't think it will be enough. Arlington with 862 RP and who must recruit a Setter will probably only help rise the price. The 5th team is Baton Rouge who have their setter and not enough RP anyway. If Roy is forced to pay a premium for Plummer then Randy can get Pereira if he's willing to go large.

5. Christophe N'Gapeth 4* RS: for Nashville this is a backup. Albuquerque are involved but will drop out if they win Pereira. Portland are in here but have 4 players already. The final team is Alton who must get a RS and have 1026 RP. If Nashville wins Plummer and Albuquerque wins Pereira it's a nice minimum bid win for James. If Roy doesn't get Plummer I expect him to win here.

If coaches are too cautious then Roy could finish with three 5* and a 4*. Or they could end up paying too much.

That is one thing I'd like to see changed - if you win a match 3:0, you should get an extra bonus set for your players. Even if this would really have helped Steve this year...