There are currently 83 responses

1. ste23 on 24 April 2008 8:04 pm

   Mark
   Why do you think Shorey wont start after his rest last week. Have a feeling in my waters that game will be a goal fest.

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   Reply by Mark on April 24, 2008 8:07 pm:

   Yeah, I’m torn on Shorey. I’m not 100% certain that Coppell isn’t playing hardball with his contract situation like he did with Sidwell. If that’s the case then he might have played his last Reading game.

   As usual I’ll see what the vibes are tomorrow - he may make it back in my “likely lineup” but he’d still be a risk.

   Should be goals at Wigan - although I’m leaning towards a 1-1. In fact finding cleanies look a nightmare again all over the fixtures this weekend.

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   Reply by CK on April 24, 2008 8:16 pm:

   Yeah find out what ya can on this one mate, I’m banking on Shorey to do something as I am only one who has him in my league and i’m 50 points off 1st. Hope he plays

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2. Alex on 24 April 2008 8:09 pm

   Mark,

   What do I do with this team?

   James
   Hutton Wheater Boyce (Shorey, Anderson…I know…)
   Ronaldo Fabregas Barry Gerrard (Larsson)
   Yakubu Berbatov Ashton

   There are so many doubts where do I start?

   I have a 78 point lead over no.2 in my league, but I want to end the season strongly and his team’s a lot better than mine right now.

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   Reply by Mark on April 24, 2008 8:16 pm:

   Not too many Alex. Ashton should be in contention but might be benched. Same for Gerrard - likely to start on the bench I’d imagine, or at start and be subbed on the hour-mark. Then there’s Shorey who could miss out again. Apart from that you should have the rest start this weekend and it’s not too bad.

   The defence is shaky but there doesn’t appear to be any obvious cleanies about - for some reason I see Fulham scoring at City, Villa at Everton and Rovers are always good for a goal away from home, even at Portsmouth. So it’s difficult to see where you go here. Shorey out for someone like Geremi perhaps?

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   Reply by Alex on April 24, 2008 8:19 pm:

   Hmmm I was actually thinking about ditching Yakubu as no.2 has both Adebayor and Young, who are scoring significantly better. Also think I should get rid of Gerrard (for Bentley/Downing perhaps?) Don’t want him (or Ashton) to come off the bench and get 1 point.
   Then Santa for Ashton next week, I have plenty of money in the bank already to fund that.
   I think I missed the Geremi bandwagon with his not so great upcoming fixtures.

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   Reply by Mark on April 24, 2008 8:25 pm:

   Ah yes, the old “protection move”. There’s nothing like frustrating a chasing rival by duplicating his lineup. Both Young and Adebayor would be a good move. If you went for Young could you swap out Ashton this week and protect Yakubu for the Villa game? He’s out of form but with Arteta and Osman returning and Villa’s clean sheet record, he could break his drought at the weekend. Just yet another dilemma for you to worry over - I’m a great help eh :-)?

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   Reply by Alex on April 24, 2008 8:33 pm:

   No, I hate that strategy and have avoided it all season (yes, I’ve been top for almost the entire season).
   But I’m also not going to avoid bringing in players just because my rival has them, especially if they’re getting very good points, resulting in him outscoring me almost every week.

   Yes, I could get rid of Ashton for anyone this week. I have about as little confidence in him as in Yakubu, so not much difference apart from the fact that Yak’s price is going to drop again and I’ve already lost money on him.
   I take it you would still go for Young over Adebayor?

   And would you do a double transfer and get rid of Gerrard? Bentley would be my top pick, but bringing him in this week doesn’t seem great considering his fixture. But Gerrard won’t be raking in the points either; it looks like either 0 or 1.

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   Reply by John on April 24, 2008 10:27 pm:

   In that case I’d get rid of Yakubu for Adebayor. I think the West Ham - Newcastle game could be a pretty open one, so Ashton could get some points.
   Then Gerrard out for Downing and change Downing to Bentley next week.

   What you reckon Mark, crap advice?

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   Reply by Dave on April 25, 2008 10:08 am:

   Yes, total crap.

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   Reply by Dave on April 26, 2008 2:31 pm:

   Wow…I hope she didn’t take your advice on Ashton, Mark.

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3. danster12 on 24 April 2008 10:57 pm

   have shorey, huddlestone, hleb, dunne and gerrard in my team and there are doubts on all of them. obviously getting hleb out, probably for petrov or barry.but has anyone any advice on a second sub that would be worth the hit? the rest of my team is
   hart/james
   obrien,taylor(newcastle),wheater
   fabregas, ronaldo,
   berbs, young, stokes
   2.7 in the bank
   20 points between the top 4 in my league… squeaky bum time indeed!

   also hart or james this week?

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4. puffinboy on 25 April 2008 7:28 am

   I’m happy enough with my squad for this week, but was wondering who to bench:

   Gallas, Brown, Scharner, Bouma, Jagielka.

   Ron, Fab, Bentley, Barry.

   Jones, Berby, Santa.

   I was thinking of going 4-3-3 and leaving out Bentley and Brown, but can anyone suggest a better option? Jones would seem a weak link on paper but I fancy him to get something at home to Boro.

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   Reply by Leighton on April 25, 2008 8:44 am:

   It doesn’t look like a defenders weekend to me - Arsenal, Spurs and Wigan are my fancies to keep cleansheets.

   I would bench Brown and Jagielka and play 3-4-3.

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   Reply by puffinboy on April 25, 2008 9:01 am:

   Thanks, Leighton. You really think Bouma is a better bet for a clean than Jags, even though Villa are away to Everton?

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   Reply by Leighton on April 25, 2008 10:28 am:

   I’m behind on my response…To be honest I fancy 1-1 in this game, but with Villa creating bundles of chances of late and converting a lot of them, while the total opposite can be said of Everton, I think Villa has the better chance of a cleansheet.

   Your midfield of Barry, Ronnie, Bentley and Fabregas looks very strong so I would not tamper with that.

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5. Untitled on 25 April 2008 8:08 am

   Argh it’s getting really tough.

   Which two out of these three do you think will get most points this week:

   Young, Huddlestone or Ronaldo?

   Yep that means I just might just be thinking about thinking about benching Ronaldo… although I’ll probably get lynched for saying such things in these parts. I’m top but I just know it’s gonna be a 2 pointer from him. I’ll probably just play safe unless I can be convinced otherwise….

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6. Alexi on 25 April 2008 8:23 am

   Thanks for an unbelievable website Mark, discovered it about a month or so ago and must say this is every Fantasy Football managers dream! Selection headache guys some advice would be greatly appreciated Mark and Co.

   Hart (Howard)
   Carvalho-Brown-Geremi (Boyce,Bikey)
   Downing-Ronaldo-Fabregas-Barry-Reid
   Adebayor-Berbatov-Van Persie

   Got a good feeling bout wigan keeping it clean against Reading but who do i bring Boyce in for and which player do i sit between my midfielders and strikers? or maybe summin completely different in your opinions….

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7. puffinboy on 25 April 2008 8:37 am

   This must be that special day when everyone asks for advice and no-one gives any.

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8. CK on 25 April 2008 8:47 am

   Yes indeed puffinboy! It’s that time of year when the panic button has been pressed!
   For what it is worth I reckon fabregas will play 90 mins and score. Surely Wenger can’t sit back and give up on 2nd place??
   Also I think there will be very few clean sheets this week, if any! 3 defenders in FPL should be order of the day. Outside the Man U Chelsea game i can see plenty of goals and big points for attacking players!

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9. Alexi on 25 April 2008 9:36 am

   im with leighton puffin 3-4-3…not sure bout villa keeping it clean tho…id go with brown over those 2…0-0 at stamford bridge although not a great chance of happenin certainly wouldnt suprise me. would rather bet on that than villa/everton.

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   Reply by puffinboy on April 25, 2008 10:05 am:

   Yes, it’s time Everton woke up at last and Villa always look like conceding. I’ll go for Brown, Scharns and Gallas I reckon.

   If you’re bringing Boyce in I’d drop Geremi - surely Newcastle can’t keep up such a good defensive record under KK?! I’d sit Downing (hey, an almost-pun) and take a chance with both your Arsenal strikers.

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10. Alexi on 25 April 2008 10:14 am

    I feel you bout the newcastle scenario, it would just be scary to rest geremi with all the kicks etc he takes..he has a a really good chance every game to nick an assist or goal..i think sitting downing(nice pun ) is the right move tho..thanks!

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11. shaun on 25 April 2008 10:46 am

    Slight dilemma,
    Hart against Fulham OR
    James against Blackburn ???

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    Reply by CK on April 25, 2008 11:10 am:

    Hart V Fulham for me. Blackburn bigger chance of nickin one!

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    Reply by shaun on April 25, 2008 1:57 pm:

    think i agree
    Thanx CK

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12. Woo on 25 April 2008 10:46 am

    Hey guys,
    I’m 41 points behind in my mini-league and need a bit of captain advice,

    Baerbatov, V.Persie or Fabregas?

    The catch is the leader also has Fabregas (and Adebayor)and is almost certain to put him as el capitan

    Please Help!

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13. ben on 25 April 2008 10:47 am

    mark can you just pick my team for me!!! at the moment its:
    james
    carvalho, nosworthy, skrtel
    ronaldo, gerrard, fabregas (c), huddlestone
    young, defoe, berbatov

    subs: pienaar, knight, brown

    my 2 main doubts are huddlestone (who will probably come on a get 1 point) and carvalho who could well concede. would you play any of my subs instead of them two though? THANKS!

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14. Woo on 25 April 2008 10:47 am

    I have the same problem shaun!

    Hart vs Fulham or
    Friedel vs Portsmouth?

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15. CK on 25 April 2008 11:11 am

    @ Woo
    If I was in your position I would risk Berbatov if the leader doesnt have him. I’m gonna go with Fabregas despite the speculation of him being rested

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    Reply by Woo on April 25, 2008 11:19 am:

    Thanks CK, hoping for another 4-4 thriller like at Chelsea then!

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    Reply by CK on April 25, 2008 11:41 am:

    Yeah I think Berb is due a few goals in one match. he is a decent bet for end of the season. If he bags 2 and fabregas is rested as speculated then you could get v close to your rival! (As long as he captains Fab of course)

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    Reply by puffinboy on April 25, 2008 12:04 pm:

    Do we really think he’ll be rested? With all the problems Arsenal have and the need to try for second place, I just don’t see it. I’m going to captain him and take the risk.

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    Reply by NM on April 25, 2008 1:23 pm:

    Agree there, I cant see him being rested when Arsenal are short of players in midfield this week..Captain he is

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    Reply by CK on April 25, 2008 1:53 pm:

    Agree, I really can’t see it BUT wenger did suggest it yesterday… but yeah I’ll believe it when I see it. Looking forward to Mark’s take on it…. did you have that tea and scone with Wenger yet Mark?

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    Reply by Alex on April 25, 2008 2:43 pm:

    He could do something like this:

    Lehmann

    Hoyte
    Toure
    Gallas
    Clichy

    Eboue
    Song
    Gilberto
    Denilson

    Adebayor
    Walcott

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    Reply by Alex on April 25, 2008 2:56 pm:

    Never mind…Hoyte’s injured and that lineup is weird.
    Too much glue sniffing today.

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    Reply by puffinboy on April 25, 2008 3:31 pm:

    Don’t worry, that smack you ordered is on its way.

    

    Reply by Alex on April 25, 2008 3:37 pm:

    Where would I be without my 9-year-old smack dealer…

    

    Reply by puffinboy on April 25, 2008 3:44 pm:

    I ain’t the dealer Miss, just the go-between innit.

16. Woo on 25 April 2008 11:18 am

    Hey Ben,

    If you want my advice you should swap Huddlestone for Pienaar. Pienaar should start and I can see Villa conceding, where as you pointed out I can’t see Huddlestone starting, hope that (probably crap) advice is of some use to you!?

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    Reply by ben on April 25, 2008 1:04 pm:

    yeah i was thinking the same thing, thanks

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17. Dave on 25 April 2008 3:08 pm

    Mark,

    Why do you impose the 2-player rule on yourself when making your scout picks?
    Most of us play FFL I reckon, where you can have 3 players per team. It’s confusing sometimes, as it seems you don’t think a player will do well enough to make it to your scout picks, but then it turns out you only didn’t select him because you already had 2 players from his team.

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    Reply by CK on April 25, 2008 3:20 pm:

    I’m sure Mark can defend it but I think it’s a very good self imposed rule - reason being is that it would be easy to have three players from the big teasm each week. By having 2 players max it allows us see more options. He does mention in his scout pics notes other players to watch which is very often as good if not better than the scout pics. soooo for me, it’s a great rule!
    Looking forward to seeing his Arsenal pics tonight!!!

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    Reply by Dave on April 25, 2008 3:22 pm:

    I was actually saying this because I could see Toure and Fabregas turning up in his scout picks, which would still leave me in doubt over bringing in Adebayor or not.

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    Reply by Dastardly on April 25, 2008 3:27 pm:

    Well make your own mind up then. Go on, be a man.

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    Reply by Dave on April 25, 2008 3:38 pm:

    Too late. Marriage has emasculated me.

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    Reply by Dastardly on April 25, 2008 3:42 pm:

    I feel your pain.

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18. Brian on 25 April 2008 3:44 pm

    Major dilemma here and I can’t seem to make a decision, any help is greatly appreciated! I have 1 trade left for the year, looking to use it this game week…Bullard in for Pienaar in the middle or Carew in for K Jones up front? Let me know, thanks!

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    Reply by Arun on April 25, 2008 3:59 pm:

    personally i wouldn’t go with either of those,
    Cant see fulham or villa getting much more than a draw as they are both away against half decent teams. i defo wouldn’t take jones out who is up against a boro defence

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    Reply by Brian on April 25, 2008 5:00 pm:

    it would be for the rest of the year, not just tis game week….who would you recommend? I would only trade Jones out after their game on Saturday, and bring in Carew for Sundays match (I am able to do this in the ESPN League, I know you can’t in many of the others) I need some help, in second and need to make up only 27 points in the next 3 weeks…thanks!

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19. John on 25 April 2008 5:27 pm

    Would it be madness to bench Bentley this week?
    I have a feeling Larsson could get some points…

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    Reply by CK on April 25, 2008 5:38 pm:

    I have same feeling, think he could pull out one of his free kicks!
    Bring Bentley back for next week

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    Reply by Dave on April 25, 2008 5:49 pm:

    I agree.

    Now what about the next one:

    Toure for Shorey and Young for Ashton

    or

    Clichy for Shorey and Adebayor for Yakubu

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    Reply by the Moz on April 25, 2008 8:47 pm:

    I tend to find that if I have a dilemma it’s always worth putting both players in and taking out someone else.
    I feel Bentley will do well at Portsmouth this week.

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20. TheNecromancer on 25 April 2008 5:51 pm

    One option I am considering is a change to a 3-5-2, dropping Rooney and bringing in Fab.

    Makes sense short term, but what about for the balance of the season. What are the latest odds on ManU crashing out of the CL next week?

    Grab your board YerDad, another ripper this a’noon!

    -TheNecromancer

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    Reply by yer dad on April 25, 2008 10:51 pm:

    I have had to give up surfing Necro. I have decided to try Salsa dancing as yer mum has gone all spanishified. I spend too much time down the pit, at the pc and now golf and she is getting a little miffed and swapped my board for tight pants,fluffy shirt and red rose. Sorry.

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21. Alex on 25 April 2008 5:51 pm

    Oh no…James is out with a calf strain. You have got to be kidding me…

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    Reply by puffinboy on April 25, 2008 5:59 pm:

    Is that definite? (link?, not that I’d doubt my fiancee, of course). I know he was in trouble during the Man C game last week. Kirkland it is, then.

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    Reply by Alex on April 25, 2008 6:17 pm:

    My legal team advises you not to call me that in public until we get the age thing sorted out.

    This is the only link so far:

    http://www.squadgod.com/statistics/injuries

    So it could be nothing.

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    Reply by puffinboy on April 25, 2008 6:19 pm:

    Legal team? You sure your real name’s not Heather?

    James is a ’slight doubt’ on physioroom at present.

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    Reply by Alex on April 25, 2008 6:22 pm:

    The other way ’round actually. I have my own fortune to protect.

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    Reply by Craig Johnson on April 25, 2008 6:17 pm:

    Really?! Or are you just pullin my chain?! That’d be great.. I had Hart in goal anyway and dropped Jamo to the bench, even though he is a legend. And all others above me have James in goal and I know they won’t ‘rotate’. Some even have keepers that wont play on the bench which isnt that clever but there you go. Im making a final push on the others above me.. Ive got 2083points already but am toying with cesc or berbatov as captain. Ive gonna go go with berba. Finsihed 705th in FPL last year with 2087pts. Currently on 2083pts in 2377 position.. £ rounds left. Just shows how much of agood season ronaldo has had really!

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    Reply by Alex on April 25, 2008 6:33 pm:

    No, do you know what’s not clever?
    Gloating about my goalie misfortunes, then bragging about your points total. I shall have my legal team look into eliminating you.

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22. puffinboy on 25 April 2008 6:00 pm

    How’s the coffee this mornin’, Necky?

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    Reply by TheNecromancer on April 25, 2008 6:24 pm:

    Strong and dark, like my women.

    Awaiting Mark’s starting XI, listening to the Red Hot Chili Peppers, wrapping up another less-than-stellar work week, heading for the coast in a few hours. All in all not a bad way to ease into the weekend.

    BTW, and Welshmen here? Was at the Calzaghe v Hopkins fight in Vegas last w’end and the decision was just; also won me $$$$$.

    Salute,
    TheNecromancer

    PS: Where’s Yer Dad???

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    Reply by puffinboy on April 25, 2008 6:31 pm:

    He’s still in the bunker, like Homer Simpson after he tripped on Guatemalan insanity peppers and met a coyote called Johnny Cash.

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    Reply by TheNecromancer on April 25, 2008 6:37 pm:

    Now THAT is funny! Good knowledge on your part.

    Considering his Northern roots, methinks Pops’ bunker is an old coal mine. Poor WiFi service in such places.

    What do you think of dropping Rooney for Fabs, short term and for the rest of the season???

    Rippin’,
    -TheNecromancer

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    Reply by puffinboy on April 25, 2008 6:49 pm:

    The rest of my season revolves around Fabs, to be honest, so I’d nod like a Churchillian dog to that suggestion.

    I need Wenger to start acting all weird and pretending to be Rafa like I need a hole in the head.

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    Reply by Leighton on April 25, 2008 7:11 pm:

    I’m bloody jealous you were at the Calzaghe fight - I understand about 10,000 Welshmen made the journey to Vegas - I was about the only one left here!

    I have to say I was ready to switch off after the early knockdown, but fair play to Calzaghe he showed great character to get back into the fight, particularly towards the end when he needed a couple of good rounds to win…

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23. Mojo on 25 April 2008 6:06 pm

    Hi,

    I am in great need of advice. I am 8 points ahead but I think no2 has a better squad.

    My squad is:

    Howard / Hart
    Wheater, Campbell, Laursen, Shorey, O’Brien
    Ronaldo, Barry, Fabragas, Pinnear, Downing
    Jones, Ashton, Rooney

    My rival has:

    James / Almunia
    Wheater, Melberg, Campbell, Lescott, McCartney
    Ronaldo, Barry, Cole, Larsson, Huddlestone
    Adebayor, Berbatov, Young

    He has made 3 transfers this week so has given me a chance.

    How do I get away? What transfers? What team? What Captain?

    Help !!!!!

    Thanks…
    Mojo

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    Reply by Ollie on April 25, 2008 7:22 pm:

    Your team is better than theirs, but maybe change Ashton for Benjani or Heskey.

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    Reply by Leighton on April 25, 2008 7:54 pm:

    Mojo,

    Comparing your team and his for this week:

    Goalkeeper: Both OK - I am picking Hart over James.
    Defence: Much of a muchness.
    Midfield: You have Fabregas so slightly better.
    Forwards: Your rival looks to have the best trio, particularly as he has Adebayor and Berbatov.

    I think you have to bolster the defence - Gallas offers a signifiant cleansheet potential and goalscoring opportunity.

    I’m not one for copying a rival’s team when it gets close (where’s the fun in that) so you could chance your arm with somebody different. Don’t ask me why but Vassell is on my mind to do well tomorrow against Fulham.

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24. Leighton on 25 April 2008 7:20 pm

    Can I have Mark’s permission to run a personal poll between now and 11.30 tomorrow morning - do I take a 4 point hit and transfer out Barry for Fabregas???

    I’m mindful that Villa have a potential goals haul next week against Wigan and I was going to swap Adebayor or Defoe next week for Ashley Young. I don’t want to bring Barry back in…

    My mini-league leader is 70 points in front but he hardly touches his team nowadays. Ronnie as captain, Gerrard, Torres….etc. Is it worth the gamble??

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    Reply by puffinboy on April 25, 2008 7:25 pm:

    I’d do it, Leighton.

    I don’t want to rain on your parade sir, but NOBODY is going to make up 70 pts in 3 weeks, even if your adversary drops dead or decides he really really likes Derby defenders. I’m 45 off second, 45 ahead of 4th, and have accepted my fate. That’s always the first step, acceptance…

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25. waggy on 25 April 2008 7:23 pm

    Would like to apologise to all the Chelsea fans - now I’ve benched Ronaldo hes likely to score at least a brace. Bring on a Chelsea clean sheet

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    Reply by son on April 25, 2008 7:39 pm:

    Waggy, you must be drunk or just very optimistic if you think they gona keep it clean. 5-0 UTD

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26. Louie B on 25 April 2008 7:38 pm

    Which villa striker would you pick - Agbonlahor or Carew? Feel free to advise on other strikers that may be worth picking up this week.

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27. Ed on 25 April 2008 8:02 pm

    i have ronaldo, fab, reid, bentley, barry, defoe, berbatov, adebayor

    At the moment Im benching Bentley over Reid, maybe even a case for defoe…

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28. steve on 25 April 2008 8:07 pm

    louie, i’ve gone for adebayor, berbatov and agbonlahor. Would swap ags for benjani but already spent a mad 8 point gamble to bring in toure,adebayor and petrov. Can’t see gerrard playing this week so he’s out

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    Reply by Louie B on April 25, 2008 8:20 pm:

    Thanks for the reply but there is no way I’d put Benjani in my team. Every time I have in the past he posts up a stinker…

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29. Oly G on 25 April 2008 8:37 pm

    super advice, i am languishing in 6th, i know no hope what so ever, but could nick 3rd with a well picked captain, berb or fabregas, or food for though gallas????

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30. TheNecromancer on 25 April 2008 9:54 pm

    Ta, all, for now.

    Heading for the surf. Good luck puffin and thanks for the thoughts. I, too, am firmly ensconced in second place (no chance for first, thumbing my considerable nose at third), so this is all enjoying the inevitable. Sorta like life and death…

    Until next time,
    -TheNecromancer

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