Fantasy Premier League Up and Running
Brace yourselves - the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) game has swung open its doors for the new season.
While this site is not affiliated to any particular game, I’ve found it hard to recommend any other game over the FPL in recent seasons and this season it already looks unlikely it will be surpassed. The game is still free to play, the rules have remained the same, but now the game boasts an array of new features, including a head to head league.
This new feature will place teams registered before the first gameweek of the season into a public league with 20 other random teams. Your team is then paired off week by week against another team in the league with three points awarded to the team who gains the most fantasy points in that gameweek.
It will be interesting to see how this new dimension influences things. I’m already wondering if there will be a conflict of interests week by week, as you look to differentiate your team from your gameweek opponent in the head to head league, whilst managing your squad in your regular private league. Certainly it offers further incentive should you find yourself falling behind in your private league.
As for the player list, I’ll give this a good going over very soon and come back to you with some early thoughts on the any valuations that stand out. Straight away though, as some of you have already noticed, Ronaldo has come in at 14.0 while Ashley Young looks incredibly tempting at 8.5 with a new classification as a midfielder. Interestingly Kuyt, Babel and Kalou also get midfield classifications. Up front meanwhile, I already like the look of Alves up front for 7.5.
Much much more later.
Just picked my first team (included Young and Alves), is it just me or is it harder to pick a strong team as players seem more expensive?
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Reply by puffinboy on July 4, 2008 10:12 pm:
The harder the better, Ollie. I got sick of how easy it (the FPL) got for people last season, especially the Ron situation. I wish he’d started off at 15m this time, but not as much as I wish he fucks off to Spain pronto.
Yeah yeah, of course I’m a Liverpool fan…
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Reply by Rocked Out on July 5, 2008 12:14 am:
Even the Man U fans want him to fuck off.
Anyway, I won my European head to head league a few weeks ago and I’m really looking forward to the FPL one.
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Reply by PakHawk on July 5, 2008 11:22 am:
The squad would be bloody easier to pick without C-Ron playing in the UK - but it also would make picking a captain more of a lottery
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Modric looks good at 7.5 mill and Captain Fab at 10 mill - a bargain!
I’m in a random league with a bunch of Spurs supporters. How random is that!
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I prefer the Yahoo game, more skillful, but this one’s a lot of fun.
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Reply by Brad on July 5, 2008 2:50 am:
Keith, re Yahoo being more skillful… how so?
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Reply by keith jenks on July 5, 2008 11:04 am:
Pick 11 players each week rather than make a couple of changes, and more stats means player scores better reflect real life performance.
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who is this Alves fellow that you speak of? Im probably sounds silly saying that but ive done the FPL for the past 2 years and dont know of him
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Reply by Mark on July 5, 2008 1:21 am:
Brazilian Boro striker, ended with a flurry last season after taking a good while to settle in. Looked sharp once he’d found his feet and finished with a hat-trick against 10-man City.
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Reply by Brad on July 5, 2008 2:22 am:
…who i am planning to included in my team from the get-go. As Mark said, he did finish well last season and i am expecting him to kick on this season and be central to Boro’s success this year (hopefully he won’t take as long to get started this year). At 7.5 i’d have to agree with the view that he is a good buy.
The other one that caught my eye is Bolton’s bank-breaking new signing of Elmander at 7.0. If the team slots him in up front and he finds some form this price may begin to rise and give a handy return for later season investment.
Apart from that, concur with the A Young pick, am planning to build my team around the ElNino/Gerrard combination, think that the Modric bandwagon is being jumped on way too early before it can be seen how he actually slots into the new Spurs team (especially if there are new forwards in the team come Aug also trying to get settled), and will be keeping a close eye on the new team ‘go-to’ guys such as Windass, Phillips and Moore who are all floating at around the 5.0/5.5 mark and therefore could be great picks if they find form early.
Q: Who do you think will be the new ‘Derby’ whipping boys? (in terms of lack of scoring threat coupled with complete disinterest in defending for the full 90 mins)? on last season’s form i am thinking Hull. Thoughts?
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Reply by Ollie on July 5, 2008 10:26 am:
Phillips is leaving to Birmingham.
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Reply by Bedknobs and Boomsticks on July 5, 2008 11:12 am:
Has anyone else noticed that Obafemi Martins is available for a mere £7M?
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Long time visitor of this site, but first time poster.
This season seems like is going to be a lot harder considering the high increase in the prices of the last season’s high scorers.
Evan, Alves is Boro’s record signing (striker) which they made in the January transfer window.
Seems Mark beat me to the Alves explanation.
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Reply by PakHawk on July 5, 2008 11:26 am:
The one thing i noticed is that the top defenders (Rio, Lescott etc) all scored similar totals for the season to the top ranked forwards - i’m going to have a change of strategy and pick a keeper and three or four defenders from the Big 4 - and pick similarly priced forwards, and bank on Cesc et al to go bananas. In the past i’ve chosen cheaper defenders from mid ranked sides, and loaded up up-front.
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I’ve gone with Alves and Santa up front, thinking of dropping Barry for Young now. Barry is consistently solid but hopefully Young will play up front with Karew and bang in some goals.
I reckon Hull will be the whipping boys this season, in fact I can’t see any other result than all three new boys staying in the bottom 3 for most of the season, especially now Fulham and Bolton have new managers and a couple of decent purchases. I think Sunderland should continue to improve also.
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Reply by Brad on July 5, 2008 3:06 am:
I think Fulham are safe and likely to improve this year now that they have picked up the Socceroo’s secret weapon for WC 2010 qualification - the Schwarz!
Biased? Yes.. yes i am.
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Reply by Bedknobs and Boomsticks on July 5, 2008 10:58 am:
The Schwarz and Tim Howard. My goal will be unassailable!
Seriously though, I really think those two stand out, especially as Everton’s defender’s are all a touch expensive (and what’s with the Blackburn defenders at 5.5m again?).
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Hull only have one player who is not the cheapest possible. A defender worth 4.5, the FPL think Hull will be the new Derby! If not there may be a few bargins.
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Pieenaar at £5.5m is a good low cost buy, he’ll be an important part of a slowly improving Everton squad. Even Baines looks tempting at £5m. He had a bitty season last time around & Moyes sees him as integral to his first team plans. Yak Attack? :-O
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Reply by Phil Pino on July 5, 2008 1:05 pm:
Roberto, i’ve had exactly the same thoughts! I’ve gone for Howard (has anyone not got him and Schwarzer?!), Baines and Pienaar from EVE. I recall last season Lescott saying he wanted to play CB so if that happens then Baines is in for sure…
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Reply by Roberto on July 5, 2008 1:48 pm:
My mate’s a Blue Nose. I think he said that Moyes maybe even moving Jags/Neville to midfield with Yobo & Lescott CB…Leaving the LB spot for Baines/Valente. Probably a load of Bu11$h*t but Baines will get a look in…I think, somewhere!
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Bendtner for 5.5?
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Reply by Roberto on July 5, 2008 1:57 pm:
Surely not for you first XI? Maybe a good second/third striker (depending how you line up)…Van Persie will do a lot better this year if he stays fit & with Walcott & Eduardo’s new bionic ankle Arsenal will have plenty of options, even if Adebayor leaves.
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Anyone up for a Scout Picks league?
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Reply by Phil Pino on July 5, 2008 2:16 pm:
I’d hold your horses inshaman, i believe Mark is gonna set up an official FFS league - there may be further bootleg versions cropping up though if you’re desperate!
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Reply by Inshaman on July 5, 2008 5:56 pm:
I’ll just wait for the real one then =)
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Ronaldo…Or no Ronaldo
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Surely the big question : Ronaldo or not to Ronaldo ?
I’ve swerved him but i can still see a lot of managers going for him just out of habit ,even given his uncertain future.
I also need some advice on the cheaper end of the midfield. Guaranteed place an the odd goal /assist would be nice .
cheers .
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no ronaldo for me , 14 million…too much especially with doubt over his future.
ashley young. Consistant scorer/assists and is always handy for a few bonus points. I also see arteta getting a few points in the early season.
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Reply by Brad on July 6, 2008 1:14 am:
No Ronaldo for me.. 14 is way too high. I am having enough trouble fitting in everyone else i want under the price cap let alone try and squirrel him in somewhere. Apart from the risk of moving i am thinking his phantom injury / potential operation may cause him to have a softly-softly start to the season.
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Any ideas how Downing and Petrov will change from last season? If Alves and Jo take free kicks away from them, how much value do they lose? Or will they gain from having decent target men?
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Also - Deco or Essien ?
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Reply by Alan on July 5, 2008 9:33 pm:
Ballack?
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Reply by Bedknobs and Boomsticks on July 6, 2008 1:37 pm:
If Lampard goes he’s an absolute bargin…
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Reply by Mark on July 7, 2008 10:53 pm:
Essien looks cheap to me. I can see him and Ballack getting more Prem starts than Deco. Essien is worth a punt if he starts hoovering up bonus as in previous seasons.
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Deco , More likely to get assists and be involved in attacking play.
iv left downing out and got alves in , and as for Jo. I think it will take time for him to adapt to the prem. Gives him about 10 games before deciding on him.
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5828-3901 , anyone fancy joining this league your all welcome
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Reply by Evan on July 8, 2008 2:14 am:
says your league is not valid
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Any Man city fans out there? sad to lose Geovanni?, I didnt think he looked too bad last season, he’s sure of a start for Hull every game and should be cheap, could be worth a look? Any thoughts?
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any hull player…just no.
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Hey, everyone knows about the big names. Is there any solid info on some bench players who are certain to be part of some of the promoted teams sitting at cheap cheap cheap. And I dont understand why they put you into a league so early, I’ll be in a league filled with FPL addicts like myself! I need to win.
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De Ridder , L.Moore , L.Young , they are my 3. I think they will all play and only young is over the minimum spend.
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Everybody’s buying Meite - do they know something I don’t - will he play every week?
I am going with Luke moore as well but I suppose we’ll have to wait till the friendlies to start 1st……
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Reply by Brad on July 6, 2008 1:26 am:
Moz, I guess Meite being a likely starter but priced at 4.0 is something that is too hard to ignore. The other low price player who i would have thought is a good chance to be in first 11 is City’s Hamann at 4.5.
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Reply by Phil Pino on July 6, 2008 8:40 am:
Sorry Brad but i have to disagree on both of those. I think people picking up Meite is a poor choice. Look at last season where Megson preferred partnering Cahill and O’Brien. Doubt Meite will get start. And also Gelson Fernandes started being groomed as Hamann’s replacement - i reckon he’ll play much more this season.
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Reply by Mark on July 7, 2008 10:51 pm:
Yep Meite’s selection is down solely to his club and yet Cahill and O’Brien will surely start again - there’s even talk of Meite moving on. Ricketts, Hoefkins and Kallio look the best of the 4.0 defenders in terms of starts. Griffin and Dawson might be first choice now but I reckon both will be replaced by new buys.
In my mind the 4.5’s look good - O’Brien, Cahill, Shawcross and Turner catch the eye for me. I can see Sawcross get a few goals and bonus but the Bolton pairing look a safer bet.
The Richard Dunne situation is interesting. He has 14% ownership and yet he misses the opening two matches through suspension.
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Reply by Bedknobs and Boomsticks on July 8, 2008 12:29 pm:
He was going to be my first choice until I noticed that. I’ve got Woodgate at the mo’, who I can swap after the first two or three weeks when Dunne’s price will (hopefully) have dropped.
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The West Ham strikers are all quite cheap Ashton and Bellamy only 6.5 and Cole and Zamora 5.5, the rest are 5!
I don’t know how but I have managed to get a decent team including Gerrard, Fabregas, Torres, Carvalho and Carragher.
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Reply by the Moz on July 5, 2008 7:19 pm:
Yeah, I’ve pencilled in Ashton - let’s hope he plays like he did 18 - 24 months ago.
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Reply by Mark on July 7, 2008 10:36 pm:
West Ham have a very decent start to the season. If Bellamy and Ashton click in pre-season then one of them is a very decent bet as a third or even second striker.
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join my Fantasy Premier League if you wanna the code is 114-81
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Ollie - share your team . i’m intrigued .
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ye , as if you can have that team without the rest of it being v.cheap bench warmers
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My team at the moment is below, but it will almost definatey change:
Howard, Schwarzer
Carvalho, Carragher, Johnson, Young, Meite
Gerrard, Fabregas, Young, Pienaar, De Ridder
Torres, Ashton, Moore
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Having been a regular visitor to this site but to date not contributed I thought I might use all of your fantasy expertise…(hoping that doesn’t sound too wrong)..
..in my mind I was thinking those that were not involved in the euros could be good for the start of the season, ie a lot english players, whereby they might and should be eager to prove a point. Particularly so with Gerrard, Young and the main man Rooney…what do you reckon?
PS surely Ballack has got to be the main bargain of the FPL…especially if Lamps is off???
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Reply by Verbal on July 6, 2008 11:03 am:
My thoughts too. Gerrard and Rooney (espacially after his “I want to score more goals” comment), could well get off to a flyer.
Very tough this year, though I’m sure I say that every year.
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5828-3901 <<<<< join
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Torres out - Windass in! Geremi or Valencia/palcios anyone?
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alright thanks Mark and Cesc_God for that. i guess my excuse could be that im American… anyways would you say that Alves is a better choice over the new Man City stiker Jo?
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Reply by Brad on July 6, 2008 1:29 am:
Alves definitely.
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Reply by Mark on July 7, 2008 10:35 pm:
Gotta agree. Alves should signs he’d adjusted. Jo will need time to fit in City’s tactics as, by the sound of things, he enjoys is playing behind a front man. If that’s Benjani it may take him a while to be profitable.
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What do you think of my team ?
Almunia
Clichy(c) Carvalho Rio
A Young Kranjcar Modric Carrick
Van Persie Santa Cruz Ashton
Subs
Gordon L Young Dunne Greening
Arsenal to start off with a couple of clean sheets !
You heard it here 1st .
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Reply by Alan on July 9, 2008 9:46 am:
I like Kranjcar a lot, but in fantasy terms he’s never really delivered for me.. Persevered with him all of last season but might have to omit him from my final 15 this year! Then again he’ll be whipping those bays on to crouches head this year by the looks of things..
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Reply by Harry on July 10, 2008 5:26 pm:
Carrick is never a definite start
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It really hard this year to pick an overall decent team with the price of Ronaldo and Torres. Is Ronaldo really needed in a Fantasy team to win a private league? I dont think so. Would it be better to keep Ronaldo out and make the Team as a whole better?
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Current thoughts…
Schwarzer, Kirkland (sub)
Ferdinand, Laursen, Lescott, Scharner (sub), G Johnson (sub)
Gerrard (c), A Young, Downing, Davies, Lawrence (sub)
Alves, Cole, Santa Cruz
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What are people’s opinions on Stevie Sidwell.Would it be money well spent if he went to either Villa or Newcastle?
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wait and see with sidwell..
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This is definetly harder this season, just been reading through all your thoughts and all have great takes on the season, I agree with bob, ronaldo is out for me, will prob regret it, but theres always the wild card if you have a bumpy start, at the mo i have defoe and little amongst others, will they both start????
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Reply by Mark on July 7, 2008 10:31 pm:
I’ve been looking at Little. I’ve a feeling Harry will give him starts on the right if he’s fit. He never really had balanced the side out with a right-sided player and if Redknapp doesn’t succeed in snatching someone like Benayoun then I can see Little getting games. With Defoe and Crouch up front, that should mean 10+ assists.
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Just seen he has no return date anounced for a month, all drop him like the stone round your necks he is, commence dropping.
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What about Theo Walcott? Will he (start and) play midfield this year? If so, he may be a real bargain at 7.
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Reply by PakHawk on July 8, 2008 2:26 am:
Unless Theo has changed his nationality i can’t see him playing much again!!!!!!!!!
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depends on what transfers go through with arsenal, it’s a possibility. he’s classed as a striker though, so not necessarily a bargain when you consider he’s not yet performed consistently. again; wait and see.
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What about zuiverloon as a bargain at 4.5m DEF at WBA?
Also, surprised nobody has mentioned Beattie at only 5m he scored plenty of goals in the championship last season.
Found it harder to choose my strikers this season, gone with Alves as he finished strongly and seems to be adjusted to the prem now. A good pre-season will do him the world of good. For my second striker thinking crouch, bargain at 8.0m if he ends up at Pompei, should get plenty of goals and assists with Defoe. In fact Pompei should be awesome next season.
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Reply by Brad on July 8, 2008 10:33 am:
True re Crouch. Even though a L’pool fan i’d love to see him do really well just to stick it to Rafa.
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Reply by ooh danny mayfair on July 8, 2008 10:44 am:
not trying to be clever but its craig beattie not james he never played many games what about harewood 5 he didnt play much but can and has scored goals in premiership also might get a few more starts this year think hell be pushing carew unless villa sign someone else
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Just to expand on PakHawk above, if you are looking by ‘value’ then not a single forward comes into the top 25 and only two score above 20 (compared to 22 defenders)
All in all, cannot invisage playing more than 2 up front and perhaps only 1 until a proven goalstreak is happening.
Schwarzer
Ferdinand, Hutton, Alex, Yobo
Fabregas, Young (c), Bentley, Bullard
Alves, Santa
+2MM to reallocate…any ideas?
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reina in for schwarzer? fancying a gamble on the spurs defence eh? you’re braver than me
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Reply by Phill on July 8, 2008 11:59 am:
My stategy is usually to pick players rather than players at clubs (if that makes sense), so I think Hutton is a fair shout, esp. at 5.5.
I was considering Rooney for Santa, as other posts have said I think he’ll start with a bang, but I’d quite like the cash to play with if Ronnie/Gerrard etc start firing and I need to keep up with the Joneses.
Keeper upgrade is not a bad shout mind you
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I was very keen on Young a little while back for the start of the season but im a little worried about him now that Barry is on the move..very intrigued to hear what you guys and Mark think about the whole situation..Congrats and thank you wiht the new look site Mark..just makes me itch even more to get started!?
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Is anyone else tempted by Jo? Comes with a pretty decent record 30 in 53 for CSKA. Also 14 goals in his first 18 for CSKA shows that he can hit the ground running.
Also unlike ed last season he’ll be heading straight in to the first team, couple that with an opening game against villa, a team who struggled all last season to get a clean sheet and are now missing Carson, Melberg, Davies through injury and the enivitable departure of barry and he’s got to be worth a gamble for an early run.
Plus with city’s uefa cup games pre-season he’ll get a semi-competitive run out before the season starts (no disrespect to the faroe islands intended).
Oh and awsome job with site Mark. Many thanks.
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isnt Jo going to the olympics with brazil? any idea when that starts? i would wait on him personally although he does look good!
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Reply by Goat on July 8, 2008 12:20 pm:
Ah thanks i’d missed that, just saved me 8Mill. think i’ll wait and see then.
Though now I’m tempted by the potential bargain of Bojinov at 6, i think he’s still alive lol
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Yes, Jo will be off to the Olympics (as well as Anderson at utd and the Liverpool midfielder), and will miss the start of the season, think its the first 3 games, but guess itl depend on how well they do.
He will play in the UEFA b4 he goes though, so that will be good to have a look at him, i think he’ll be a good shout for the season, if he adapts.
Assuming both will be at Pompy, Crouch or Defoe the bigger points earner?
im thinking crouch as he’ll get a few more assists etc, but not sure harry will play both of them every game as he favored one up front at times last yr?? thoughts?
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Reply by Mark on July 8, 2008 12:26 pm:
Crouch for me Tim. Like you say, Harry could play one up front away from home and I don’t think he fancies Defoe in this role. Crouch would seem better suited so could get more games. Crouch will trail Defoe on goals but I think 10+ assists and better FPL bonus will make up for that.
Story on its way on the Olympic squads.
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Reply by Tim on July 8, 2008 12:49 pm:
Thanks Mark, plus great site updates, can’t wait for the new season!
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Reply by PakHawk on July 9, 2008 2:32 am:
What do you think of Yakubu’s prospects Mark? Everton have a pretty easy start to the season (in theory) with plenty of goals on offer. Is he worth a bet early on??
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Reply by Brad on July 9, 2008 4:03 am:
I am assuming your question to Mark also by default includes responses from us lesser beings. If so… I have the Yak in my side at the moment but more so for early fixtures reasons than form. Last year i would describe his performance as very hot and cold. Great to have in the team when he is firing but went ice cold for stretches.
Although i have been bagging his propensity for injuries, I am starting to think RVP is a good bet early on. From memory he knocked them in all over the place early on last season.
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Reply by PakHawk on July 10, 2008 9:36 am:
RVP also went bonkers the year before. I’ll be having a look at his form first.
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People should keep an eye on players injured for long periods last season eg gary neville faubert van persie they will be raring to go all on my team and cheaper then normal. I was thinking of alves myself but if i remember rightly they have tough enough opening fixtures same for martins (but if he goes to arsenal then he is in my team!) i learnt form this in previous seasons that a goood start is all important! By the way when is the fantasty football scout league bieng set up on fpl?
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Reply by Al on July 9, 2008 10:26 am:
Sorry mate I don’t think Van Persie is good value at 9.5m! He may end up doing well if Adebayor goes but there must be better options out there. I’d prefer Santa or Keane at only 9m, or Crouch at 8m should complete his transfer this week.
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Reply by Phil Pino on July 9, 2008 10:43 am:
Gotta disagree with you Al, RVP (if he stays fit) is a perfect foil to sit behind Adebayor (like Hleb was doing) and link up the play. He also takes direct free-kicks and played a blinder in the Euros.
Santa = no Bentley next season
Keane = unsettled
Crouch = i bloody love him and hope he does amazingly well with Defoe (future Eng partnership?) I will sign him when POR’s fixtures pick up
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Anyone recommend a decent 3rd striker for 5m other than harewood? One of the new clubs?
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Reply by Phil Pino on July 9, 2008 8:29 am:
To be honest Al, there’s not a lot of quality for £5m with strikers. I don’t think Harewood will get near the starting line-up and Moore is returning from injury so might not walk straight into the WBA team. I’d recommend:
Guaranteed starts: Fagan, Cresswell
Possible points scorers: Folan, Miller (WBA), Moore, Johnson (FUL), Sidibe
These players are likely to come off the bench but generally are impact players. Hope that’s of some help.
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Reply by Al on July 9, 2008 10:24 am:
Awesome thanks Phil. Did a bit of research and Bednar and Miller both got 16 goals last season, how about Bednar?
Cresswell got 12 and if he’s going to start more often I’m going to take him as my 3rd striker.
As a 4.5m midfield benchwarmer, how about pedro mendes? Not a regular starter but got 6 assists from very few starts.
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Reply by Phil Pino on July 9, 2008 10:41 am:
Well you stipulated £5m and i believe Bednar is £5.5m so i didn’t mention him but if possible i’d sign him. I reckon he’ll adapt best to the Premiership.
Only problem with Cresswell (and hence why he starts) is he plays LM for Stoke. WBA strikers are good as they play very offensive football, although whether Mowbray will stick with this in the top division is debatable…
I think there are much better options than Mendes. He’s unlikely to play. You’re better off picking a player who may not score well but will definitely start. There’s plenty of options.
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Hey fellas, I was hoping someone could share their pearls of wisdom and offer some advice on this starting FPL team line up that I’m currently decided on. Cheers in advance.
Reina
Bosingwa - Lescott - Taylor - Meite
Fabregas (C) - Taylor - Downing - Young
Crouch - Rooney
Subs: Schwarzer, Alves, Little, Johnson
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Reply by PakHawk on July 10, 2008 9:39 am:
What’s the story with Bosingwa???? I noticed 17% of FPL managers had him in their team- making him the most popular Chelski player?? Woulda thought other than Terry the other back four spots would be rotated at Chelski??? I haven’t heard much of him, so i’m keen to find out more.
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Reply by Bedknobs and Boomsticks on July 10, 2008 9:54 am:
He was awsome going forwards for Portugal in the Euros (goal and assist potential), where he was first choice at RB ahead of Ferraira, as picked by Scolari. QED; he’ll be first choice for Chelsea.
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Reply by Phil Pino on July 10, 2008 11:03 am:
Agree with B&B! He looked awesome in the Euros, bombed on and so quick that even if he doesn’t get picked at RB he’s got a shout for being a winger. Plus Big Phil clearly thinks he’s up to it at national level so i expect he’s a guaranteed start for now. Plus you don’t leave your £16.3m new signing on the bench…
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Reply by Al on July 10, 2008 1:11 pm:
I reckon you’re right Phil, Bosingwa should fit right in. It don’t matter how much you cost though anyone can be benched a chelsea, just look at shev!
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Reply by PakHawk on July 11, 2008 2:33 am:
Thank you all… i figured those who see a bit more action than me would be up to speed.
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Reply by Jono on July 10, 2008 1:39 pm:
Like the others said mate, Bosingwa really caught the eye in the Euros. Immense pace up the right flank, definite potential for a tonne of assists perhaps some goals too. He was also first choice for Big Phil in the national team ahead of Ferreira so I can see that carrying on for Chelsea with Essien moving back to midfield.. I was shocked to see him priced so low to be honest given the amount the club paid for him 6.0 is a steal!
Does anyone have any comment on that line up the only ones that are irking me somewhat are Ryan Taylor is he even fit to play and will he be first choice for Wigan and Meite as a bench warmer. I was thinking of swapping R Taylor and Rooney for Carvalho and Santa.. what do you think? The first run of Chelsea fixtures look enticing.
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What do u think of this team guys? It’s my first crack at fantasy premier league.
Howard (schwarzer)
Scharner Bosingwa o’brien (Turner,McShane)
Gerrard Fabregas(C) Lawrence young (Hamann)
Torres van persie (windass)
Any advice would be good. Cheers!
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Reply by Evan on July 10, 2008 1:39 pm:
As MArk stated in one of his posts with the new site, he wrote of how injury prone Van Persie could be in refernce to have a good bench. the past few years he has been in and out due to injuries but then again, last years opening day VP scored on a PK in Arsenal”s first match….i had him on my team ans set as captain. and Arsenals season seems to have an easy start so keep that in consideration
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This my squad(3-4-3)! how do you think? THX!
D. James
J.Bosingwa R.Shawcross M.Upson
Deco L.Lawrence L.Modric M. Noble
F. Torres R. Santa Cruz Yakubu
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Reply by Andy on July 24, 2008 9:46 am:
My first picks this year are bosingwa, ashley young, afonso alves, gerrard, fabregas, have built the team around them pretty much.
I’d say you should drop modric, tottenham are going to change quite a bit before the season starts and I don’t think modric will get off to a good start. Other than that it seems pretty decent, three good strikers, maybe think about a Portsmouth midfielder ie Krancjar as he’ll be getting a lot of asissts with crouchy up front.
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Reply by Alex on July 24, 2008 11:07 am:
Hi Andy,I want to ask in your first pick squad,except afonso alves,which forward do you like second? Thank you!
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Here’s a challenge for y’all. Got it off listening to talkSport yesterday. If there was a premier league all star squad to play a friendly against anyone who would make up the team?
Sounds easy but there are rules. You can only pick one player per team for a squad of 20. This means that if you want Peter Cech in nets, you can’t have Lampard, Terry etc.
Therefore you will need to assess which players are the best in their team in their own position. Another example is that if you pick Rio Ferdinand or Rooney, you cannot pick Ronaldo.
Reply to this with your squad of 20, and who would be in the starting 11.
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Reply by Mark on July 24, 2008 10:29 am:
I’ll play this…
James (Por), Carson (WBA), Terry (CHE), Laursen (AVL), Richards (MCY), Scharner (WIG), Neville (EVE), Behrami (WHM), Ronaldo (MUN), Gerrard (LIV), Fabregas (ARS), Bullard (FUL), Geovanni (HUL), Laurence (STK), Downing (MID), Santa Cruz (BLA), Elmander (BOL), Martins (NEW), Jones (SUN), Berbatov (TOT).
First 11: James, Richards, Neville, Terry, Laursen, Ronaldo, Gerrard, Fabregas, Downing, Berbatov, Santa Cruz.
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Reply by Verbal on July 24, 2008 12:11 pm:
First 11: Green (WHM), Johnson (POR), Terry (CHE), Richards (MCY), Hutton (TOT), Ronaldo (MUN), Fabregas (ARS), Barry (AVL), Arteta (EVE), Torres (LIV), Owen (NEW)
Subs; Kirkland (WIG), Cahill (BOL), Greening (WBA), Lawrence (STK), Bullard (FUL), Geovanni (HUL), Downing (MID), Jones (SUN), Santa Cruz (BLA)
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Reply by Andy P on July 24, 2008 12:11 pm:
Fabregas, Laursen, Cahil, Bentley, Cech, Lescott, Bullard, Boateng, Torres, Richards, Ronaldo, Downing, Owen, Diarra, Kitson, Reid, Berbatov, Carson, Behrami, Scharner
Cech
Behrami
Richards
Laursen
Lescott
Ronaldo
Diarra
Fabregas
Downing
Torres
Berbatov
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Dear Andy,
Would you show your “finally squad” every week before the match for us ,your website fan and supporter ??
I think your squad will help us play this game very well!
Thank you!
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So Mark do u fancy Laursen still that much this season even ahead of Young, wow and Neville ahead of Lescott thats interesting? just wondering cos im inbetween Bale and him and i obviously value ur opinion!? thanks again for this site..its incredible!
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Reply by Mark on July 24, 2008 11:07 am:
I’ve only selected Laursen here over Young because that was the rules of Andy’s game. The same goes for Neville. That squad has nothing to do with my would-be fantasy selections.
Young is almost certain to be in my side and heavily tipped by me this year. Lescott too is strong although Neville does offer some decent value as an alternative while Everton are light in midfield.
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Reply by Alexi on July 24, 2008 11:31 am:
thank you for your words of wisdom as always
what are your thoughts on Bale if King and Woodgate stay fit for spurs…would you consider him over Laursen? sorry for all the questions would appreciate your view on Bale..
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Reply by Mat R on August 6, 2008 4:47 pm:
Ummm about Young… im constantly finding myself putting him into my team and then dropping him. Just cant help thinking that Middlesbrough are lacking a decent goalie and clean sheets may not come so easily??? or am i being silly?? :s
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Reply by Mat R on August 6, 2008 5:48 pm:
sorry wrong young lol
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I had a go but my picks were scarily close to Mark’s line up. I really need to start reading more widely in my research. *ahem*
Starting 11:
James (Carson)
Lescott, Laursen, Dunne, Scharner (McCartney)
Ronaldo, Fabregas, Lampard, Gerrard (Lawrence) (Geovanni) (Davies) (Downing)
Berbatov, Santa Cruz (Elmander) (Owen) (Jones)
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Bosingwa injure!!
Will he start at first week? If not,i think a lot of people will drop him temporary
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any worries regarding my team lads??
howard
agger/bosingwa/taylor(wigan)
fabregas/lennon/gerrard/geovanni
torres/van persie/zamora
subs:
schwarzer
mendy
hammann
cahill
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damn..Behrami is a midfielder in FPL priced at 5.5! what is every1s thoughts now?
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Reviewing the selection stats for the FPL, I ask:
1. Why is everyone so keen on Meite (BOL)?
2. Is there a list of players lost to the Olympics?
3. Why is everyone so keen on Hamaan (EVE)?
Defensively, I have Howard in goal
Johnson or Distin (thoughts?)
Bale (assuming Gomes arrives in goal)
Clichy
Terry
Laursen
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Following on from all the Arsenal Traore speculation I found this today at arsenal’s website
Gael Clichy believes that Armand Traore could play a key role in Arsenal’s season, proclaiming that the 17-year old is an “amazing” talent.
The praise seems warranted. Traore has all the traits of a modern full-back but, with Clichy seemingly entrenched for the foreseeable future, the fleet-footed Traore has been pushed further up the flank. And the Frenchman wasted little time in showing his prowess on the front foot - who can forget his pin-point cross to Nicklas Bendtner in last season’s League Cup win over Newcastle?
So it sounds as though all the hype is true, anyone actually reckon he’ll start?
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Thinking as follows…
Schwarzer (Howard) - will bring Howard in after W1
Lescott, Laursen, Traore, Scharner (Johnson)
Gerrard, Fabregas, Geovanni, A. Young (Lawrence)
Yakubu, Ashton, Alves
Players to watch: Rooney (reckon 20+ goals this year), Crouch, Elmander, Baines, Bosingwa, Arteta, Modric, Davies (FUL), Neville (MUN), Kalou, Malouda, Nani, Diarra
Any thoughts?
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Reply by Alex on July 24, 2008 5:00 pm:
why you pick 3 forward?
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My team is:
Reina, (schwarzer)
Brown, Laursen, Neville, (Steinssen), (Hoefkens)
Cesc (C), Young, Arteta, Nolan, (Geovanni)
Torres, Yak, Ashton.
Any tips for improvement?
My basis strategy is a balanced team based on easy forthcoming fictures… Bosingwa to replace one of the first choice defenders if he’s fit.
After 2-3 games i’ll look to bring in:
Nani (after suspension) for nolan
can ditch reina to finance it
and agbon/carew to come in for yak
After 5 games or so switch out of eveton players into pompey
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HELLO
PLEASE JOIN MY LEAGE THE CODE IS _ 228064-57140
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Hi all,
This is my first year playing Fantasy Football but I have been an avid watcher of the Prem/Champ for many, many years. My question is this:
Is it possible to win without C. Ronaldo in your team?
My friends who have invited me to play are all telling me it’s stupid not to pick him, but I’m wondering if you have a bigger spread of gun players will this counteract the Ronaldo effect. I would really appreciate your comments. My team at the moment is as follows:
GK: Green, Schwarzer
DEF: Melchiot, Distin, Scharner
Bench: Meite, Turner(Hull City)
MID: Modric, Bentley, Petrov, Fabregas
Bench: Mullins(Westham)
FORWARD: Tevez, Rooney(C), Santa Cruz
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Very nice first try there Michael..here is my advice to you:
1. I wouldnt start with 2 Wigan defenders
2. Portsmouth have a very tough start so id also reconsider Distin. Arsenal, Everton, Chelsea and Bolton have best start fixtures wise so look at them…are you guys allowed to make as many transfers as u want?
3 Midfield looks good but maybe consider Young cos Bentley and Modric will both be at spurs and Modric might need a few games although i think he;’ll do well!
3 Rather bring in geovanni at hull for mullins as hes guarenteed a start and more points in my opinion…
4 Man Utd miss gameweek 3 and have the toughest start by far so i personally would sell Tevez and Rooney perhaps for a Van Persie and Ashton to free up funds for your defence..u must be a utd supporter to have stuck both in?
5 Last year the forwards started very slow while defences a lot stronger so id concentrate on more there for now then lata on strengthen up front…
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Reply by Michael on July 30, 2008 3:35 pm:
Thanks for the advice Alexi.
I took on board what you’ve said and come up with the following:
GK: Green, Schwarzer
DEF: Lescott, Clichy, O’Brien(Bolton)
Bench: Melchiot, Turner(Hull City)
MID: Modric, Essien, Petrov, Fabregas(C)
Bench: Geovanni
FORWARD: Tevez, Berbatov, Ashton
You were spot on cause I’m a die hard Man U supporter, so it’s hard to get rid of Rooney but I might be able to pick him up later. Thanks again and feel free to throw some more advice my way if you think of anything.
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Sorry Alexi, last minute change. I’m thinking Rooney is gonna have a huge season and he works hard all around the ground so I have swapped Turner for Meite and Tevez for Rooney. Man this is already harder than I thought!
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Ok well meite is prob on the move and isnt first choice so rather mendy or a 4m guarenteed to play..and swap o’brien for cahill as he is more likey to get a goal and bonus points…otherwise lookin much better(way more balance)! essien might do well normally in the bonus points just worry bout him goal and assist wise would rather have Young…
Good luck for season and keep lookin and reading up here cos most of the guys here and of course Mark are really clued up bout this stuff…trust me u think you know ball but this is another baby all together!
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hey my first time doing and any advice would be appreciated my team is as follows
Green (kirkland)
clichy,skirtel,richards,melchiot (traore)
Cecs,young,nolan,petrov (geovanni)
torres,bent (bellamy)
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pretty good team Jimmy
Not sure about Nolan though…I would go for Taylor instead, I expect a good season from him this year
apart from that, your team is pretty good…Skrtel is risky but should start
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thanks mate
whats ur opinions on sidwell, jo cole nani and johnson(man city)
im thinking about throwing one of them in
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Alright lads! is it me or is Mascherano an absolute bargain at 5.5?
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Reply by Goat on August 1, 2008 11:02 pm:
had he only cost liverpool that then i’d have to agree with you.
but on the fpl he’s not all that as he doesn’t score or get assists. though admittedly he gets the odd point for a clean sheet and with his work rate he’s a good shout for bonus points. just a pity that stevie g and torres hog them lol
i’d try looking elsewhere…
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Who do you guys think is a better buy: Yak or Agbonlahor. They are both going for 8m, Agbon finished higher, but it looks like folks here are picking the Yak over him. Am i missin’ something. Your comments please.
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Reply by Mat R on August 6, 2008 5:03 pm:
Ive had similar indecision about these two… everton have an easier fixture list to start with, i guess thats probably a reason the yak is higher.
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Alright guys! So this is my team currently. Am thinking after a few weeks getting Crouchy in depending how he plays out, not too sure about Pienaar either. I’ll prob sub him for someone like Kranjcar once Pompey hit the better fixtures.
Any thoughts regarding my team would be much appreciated as I did rubbish last season and need to gain back some pride! lol
GK: Howard, Schwarzer
DEF: Ferdinand, Laursen, Richards,
Bench: Scharner, Cahill
MID: Fabregas(C), Gerrard, Pienaar, Young
Bench: Geovanni
FORWARD: Alves, Yakubu, Ashton
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Hi guys, I discovered this site last year and it was instrumental in me winning my private league on FPL.
This year I’m going with:
Reina (Schwarzer)
Sagna, Cahill, A Cole (R.Taylor)(Pogatetz)
Giovanni, Young, Gerrard, Fabregas (Ireland)
Van Persie, Yakubu, Zamora
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Alright guys! i have a question: How do you recon Scolari will play Essien next season? I think if he(Essien)plays down the middle, he will undoubtedly amass a nice bundle of points,on fpl.Do you think that the acquisitions of Bosingwa will cement Essien’s position as more of an attacking midfielder? or will he continue to be used around the park? Your views.
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Rooney out for opening game of the season - virus (he has the sh11ts) ……. go on the toon army !!!
Johnny J….. I reckon Scolari will play Essien as attacking midfield and he’ll get loads of FFpoints this year, with Drogba out they’ll need goals from Midfield and will prob get them.
Personally, this year I’m going for a strong defence hoping for clean sheets/goals at the moment I’ve got Gallas, Ferdinand, Vidic and A. Cole , with a decent enough attack with Crouch, Santa Cruz and Walcott (a risk maybe)
as for midfield , bit of a gamble Deco, Pienaar, Bentley, Geovanni and Danny Murphy.
But all of those could change before Kick off…… fingers crossed I’ll be over in Sunderland for the game v Liverpool (working … I work as a photographer)
Anyone got any comments to make on my team (It was selected a couple of weeks ago - needs to be reviewed closer to start of season and gotta pay attention all year around 1000 up for grabs between me and me mates
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Reply by M.D.O. on August 6, 2008 2:41 pm:
Agree with you on Essien, I think he will defo play centre mid this season and is probably the best long term investment if you want a chelsea midfielder. Ballack/Mikel-not gauranteed to start, Lampard-will he be there at end of season? Can he play with Deco. Deco-will he adjust to Premiership pace/remain injury free?
I can see Essien, given his versatility and stamina, playing the most minutes out of all the Chelsea midfielders this season.
Defence looks good Paddy C but would consider replacing Gallas, Arsenal will nt keep many clean sheets as they have no natural defensive midfielder yet.
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I’m going absolutely nuts: i can’t stop changing my bloody team, every day, 3 times a day-Argghhhh! Need sleep. I wish i just had an extra 0.5m, and i would be well happy. Curse you fpl.
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Reply by dave t on August 6, 2008 4:04 pm:
LOL im the same mate,and its got worse since i started browsing this site(in a good way)every day i think thats it-team settled! then you discover another cheap gem and it turns my bloody team upside down
Surprised no ones mentioned anderson,he seems a bargain at 6.
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There are lots of stimulating ideas floats around here, but what do folks think of Kalou? He has slipped under the radar and been reclassified as a midfielder for this season. He wasn’t the most proliferic player last season, only achieving 115 pts. He did however net 7 goals and get 11 assists, which is decent for a midfielder. He may also, now-and-then, get a run as a foward. At 8.5 he is looking like good value to me.
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Reply by Phil Pino on August 6, 2008 2:49 pm:
Agree that Kalou’s re-classification makes him a tempting purchase. Don’t forget he’s away at the Olympics for the first few games. Might have a better idea of the Chelsea line-up by then, plus it might be hard for him to push himself into an already settled side. Worth monitoring though.
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Paddy im not sure Essien will be used as an attacking midfielder - i see him sitting in front of the back four with Deco and Lamps in front of him one up front and two wide men
which is a pity as id personally like to see The Train rampaging through the midfield
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