Saturday’s Friendly Round Up
It was a day littered with draws as Premiership sides ended their pre-season programmes with their final friendly matches. Highlights included a triumphant return to Eastlands for Bojinov and a last minute victory for Keegan’s men, while Hull struggled once again. God help ‘em.
Here’s the notes and teams…
Man City 1 AC Milan 0
Valeri Bojinov made his first home appearance since his injury last August and capped his return with the winning goal.
Boijinov scored the goal in the 37th minute after an entertaining first half that had seen City keeper Hart in fine form to keep AC at bay. But the Bulgarian sent City in at half-time with the lead, slamming home a left-foot striker in off the woodwork. That was his third goal of the pre-season. Sturridge replaced the goalscorer at half-time as City saw out the rest of the game to seal the win.
Hughes had Thursday’s UEFA Cup tie in mind when it came to his selection. He rested Petrov altogether and Dunne to the bench. This gave him the opportunity to try out the Richards/Ben Haim partnership that will start the first two games of the season due to Dunne’s suspension.
The City boss will have some injury concerns after this match. Garrido appeared to injure his shoulder while Richards was clutching his knee when subbed on 66 minutes. Vassell also picked up a knock and limped off after 75 minutes.
They will all be a concern going into Thursday’s game but that game should give us strong indication on the side that Hughes will take to Villa next weekend. Bojinov’s goal here may well have sealed him a starting role and he could yet emerge as a decent mid-price fantasy purchase when City’s fixtures are right.
Man City vs AC Milan:
Hart, Richards (Hamann 66), Ball (Dunne 63), Onuoha, Ben Haim, Garrido (Etuhu 63), Fernandes, Johnson, Elano (Ireland 86), Vassell (Evans 75), Bojinov (Sturridge 45)
Newcastle 2 Valencia 1
Keegan’s side came from behind to snatch a victory in the final minutes as Milner smashed home a winner to follow on from Duff’s equaliser.
Newcastle went into the break trailing to Joaquin’s goal, despite having the better of things with Milner in particular, causing problems for the Spaniards.
Duff finally got Newcastle back on terms after 70 minutes, heading in a Guthrie corner. It was left to Milner to win it, drilling home after Taylor’s header had struck a post from a Gutierrez cross.
Keegan welcomed back Martins to his lineup. The Nigerian striker has played just 45 minutes pre-season after being handed compassionate leave. N’Zogbia took the left back berth from Enrique who dropped to the bench while Butt returned in central midfield which allowed Cacapa to shift to centre back. Bassong was rested to the bench along with Geremi and Smith.
Bassong should push for a start at Old Trafford next weekend after a strong pre-season while Geremi’s experience may also be called upon, although Guthrie should keep his place alongside Butt in central midfield. Much will depend on Keegan’s formation. He could go with two up top, with Owen possibly available to partner Martins. It seems unlikely however and tonight’s lineup could well be very close to the team that takes to the pitch against United.
Duff came in for more praise from Keegan. He has been played up front at times in pre-season and was once again employed in that role here. That, plus his form (this was his fourth goal of the summer) certainly makes him one to consider if you’re looking to gamble on a Newcastle player despite their horrible early fixtures.
Newcastle vs Valencia:
Given, Beye (Bassong 85), N’Zogbia, Cacapa (Edgar 85), Taylor, Butt, Guthrie, Milner, Gutierrez, Duff, Martins (Smith 60)
Everton 1 PSV 1
Everton finished a patchy pre-season with a draw against PSV - Arteta salvaging the game with a penalty late one.
The home side fell behind after 13 minutes courtesy of a fine strike from Amranat. Everton pushed and had a number of corners but aside from that, created very little.
With resources stretched, Moyes again blooded youngsters with Rodwell and Gosling again getting starts in midfield. As the game wore on, Everton brought on further new faces from their youth side and although Everton had a few sights of goal, an equaliser looked unlikely.
It arrived though, via an Arteta spot kick after Yobo was brought down. It’s interesting that Arteta got the kick over Yakubu in this instance, highlighting that he will perhaps be the designated penalty taker over the season which will increase his potential as a mid-price midfield option.
Looking at Everton’s lineup it appears that unless Moyes can seal a transfer in the next week, that Rodwell will start against Blackburn next weekend. The introduction Lescott at half-time is of interest as it saw Jagielka pushed into midfield and given some freedom to get forward with Rodwell still in the holding role. It could be that Moyes will opt for that next weekend, with Yobo starting alongside Lescott and Baines keeping his place at left-back. That would make Jagielka an interesting purchase and make Baines a viable option.
Everton vs PSV:
Howard, Neville (Wallace 65), Baines (Valente 65), Jagielka, Yobo, Rodwell (Jutkiewicz 65), Gosling (Lescott 45), Arteta, Pienaar (Baxter 65), Osman, Yakubu.
West Brom 1 Real Mallorca 1
A second half goal from Roman Bednar earned the Baggies a draw against their Spanish opponents.
Mallorca took the lead after 26 minutes, giving Scott Carson little chance with his finish. West Brom struggled throughout the first 45 minutes, which prompted manager Mowbray to make changes and switch to 4-4-2 in the second half. That saw Bednar introduced for Kim.
The Czech striker made an immediate impact, rounding the keeper to finish after Miller’s shot was spilled. The game ended with West Brom on top, with Bednar and Miller combining well as a pair.
Mowbray was without Koren and Moore for this one through injury but did have Miller back fit and he started as the lone striker as the Baggies went with 4-5-1 once again. That meant the Cech was employed in midfield yet again - even though he is classified as a defender across the fantasy games.
The Baggies boss confirmed after the game that he aimed to have some new faces in the squad within the next week but could make no guarantees. Meite remains a prime target and it is believed that the Bolton defender is currently in negotations with both Hull and the Baggies.
Clement will be a doubt for the trip to the Emirates after picking up a knee injury in this one. He was subbed after 13 minutes but Mowbray is hopeful that he’ll be fit for the Emirates.
West Brom vs Mallorca:
Carson (Kiely 45); Hoefkens, Barnett, Clement (Pele 13), Robinson; Brunt (Beattie 76), Morrison (Hodgkiss 83), Greening, Kim (Bednar 45), Cech (MacDonald 71); Miller (Dorrans 76)
Fulham 2 Torino 2
Hodgson’s side surrendered a two goal lead in their final pre-season game after first half goals from new signings Gera and Zamora gave them the advantage.
Zamora opened the scoring, firing home after good work by Seol on the right. The Korean also earned the assist for Fulham’s second goal, putting in a fine cross for Gera to finish calmly - his second goal of the pre-season.
The second half was far more open and Torino pegged Fulham back in the final ten minutes, scoring the equaliser with two minutes left on the clock.
Hodgson once more went with a 4-4-2 with Seol up front with Zamora for the second game running. His place must surely be under threat though, given that Andy Johnson was paraded before the crowd before the game. The rest of the Fulham lineup looks settled and I expect today’s team to be the eleven that takes the field at Hull with the possible exception of Seol.
Zamora and Gera, the scorers today have emerged as decent low-to-mid price signings. Zamora has notched 4 pre-season goals in the pre-season and has always looked a threat while Gera has contributed goals and assists over the summer. Pantsil meanwhile, appears to have nudged in front of new signing Stoor, for the right back spot.
Fulham vs Torino:
Schwarzer, Pantsil (Stoor 45), Konchesky, Hughes, Hangeland, Gera, Murphy, Bullard, Davies (Davis 75), Seol (Dempsey 75), Zamora.
Hull City 0 Osasuna 1
Hull once again struggled in front of goal as they drew a blank and slipped to defeat in their final pre-season game.
Osasuna took the lead on 20 minutes and were only really threatened by Geovanni who, once again, provided Hull’s chief attacking threat.
Hull boss Phil Brown is another Premiership boss who has employed 4-5-1 in pre-season and he opted for this again in this game. Geovanni was once again employed just off the front man Windass, with Folan rested.
You’ve got to fear from Hull going into the season proper. They’ve hardly sparkled in pre-season and carry a very limited goal threat. Brown desperately needs to bring in a striker, otherwise fantasy managers can confidently draft in opposition defenders knowing there’s a very strong chance of a clean sheet. That might well start with the Fulham defence next weekend.
Hull City vs Osasuna:
Myhill (Warner 61), Ricketts (France 79), Turner, Gardner (Cooper 87), Dawson (Doyle 79), Fagan (Garcia 61), Ashbee (Hughes 81), Boateng, Marney (Halmosi 54), Geovanni (Featherstone 70), Windass (Barmby 54)
West Ham 1 Villarreal 1
The Hammers took the lead as early as the first minute in this one but were pegged back by their Spanish opponents in a keenly contested friendly at Upton Park.
Carlton Cole got the West Ham goal, blasting home from close range after fine work by the lively Etherington. Villarreal got a deserved equaliser on 36 minutes, Santi Cazorla giving Green no chance from 8 yards.
Curbishley took a look at Ben Thatcher in this one, starting him at left back with Behrami shifted into midfield and Neill at right back. Cole partnered Ashton up front with Bellamy sidelined for another month.
West Ham were without McCartney for this game through illness and he’ll remain a doubt for the Wigan game which should see Behrami back at right back and Neill on the left. Davenport has seen a lot of action in pre-season and did well in this one. He looks set to start next weekend alongside Upson. Etherington has also had a good pre-season and should get a start on the left with Faubert on the right.
West Ham vs Villarreal:
Green, Neill, Upson, Davenport, Thatcher (Bowyer 46), Behrami, Noble, Parker, Etherington (Reid 62), Cole (Sears 74), Ashton (Faubert 46)
Blackburn Rovers 1 NAC Breda 1
Rovers came back from a goal down to grab a draw in their final pre-season game at a wet and windy Ewood.
Blackburn fell behind on the stroke of half-time and, despite having plenty of possession, failed to pose too much of a threat until the second half when they went up a gear. The equaliser came from Roberts, heading home a fine Treacy cross from the left and despite several further efforts, Rovers could break down the Dutch side for a winner.
Ince was without Pedersen who was carrying a hamstring strain. Emerton also had a knock while Santa Cruz was nursing his Achilles injury. It meant that the Rovers side had a patched-up look with Dunn and Reid taking the central midfield berths, Derbyshire starting on the right and 19-year-old Treacy on the left. Danny Simpson got a debut at right back after sealing a loan move from United.
Rovers will hope that their injuries will clear in time for the trip to Goodison next weekend with Pedersen, Emerton and Santa Cruz all likely starters if that’s the case.
Blackburn vs NAC Breda:
Robinson, Simpson, Ooijer, Samba, Warnock, Derbyshire (Judge 69), Dunn (Tugay 74), Reid, Treacy, Roberts (Doran 82), McCarthy (Fowler 69).
Arsenal 1 Sevilla 1
Arsenal claimed the silverware in the Amsterdam tournament thanks to a hard-fought draw with Sevilla.
Wenger fielded his young “Carling Cup” side for this one having played his senior eleven against Ajax. He saw his youngsters take the lead early on through a fine Vela individual effort but from that point on Sevilla gave the Gunners a stern test with Fabianski in superb form in goal.
Eventually he was beaten nine minutes from the end and although Sevilla struck a post after that, Arsenal clung on to retain the trophy.
Arsenal vs Sevilla:
Fabianski, J Hoyte, Senderos, Djourou (Denilson 68), Gibbs, Emmanuel-Thomas (Sagna 68), Ramsey, Randall, Wilshere (Walcott 79), Vela, Bendtner.
Luke
Joe
X-Ray Dog
Marknlard
Paicey
simon
Jonny
I quite fancy Zamora as a cheap buy up front but im struggling to judge the potential in this Fulham side, it could just be me but does anyone rate Hogdson as a manager?
Also could people share their thoughts on teams that may struggle this season and why.
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Reply by Dwight K. Schrute III on August 10 2:02 am:
I was impressed with how Fulham finished last season, his purchases have been solid so I’d expect a fairly decent season from them i.e. they shouldn’t go down with the team they have.
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Reply by CK on August 10 2:44 am:
I rate Hodgson very highly!! He took over from Sanchez when Fulham where in free fall. He not only held them but kept them up. He is the real deal and I am expecting a decent season from Fulham this season. Sanchez was a joke!!!!!!!!!!!!
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These pre-season friendlies are leaving me with lots of questions.
Is the Yak up to it at the minute? Doesn’t seem to be setting the world alight. Not sure if they’re feeding him but he doesn’t seem to be scoring.
Duff seems to be in a good way at the minute. I think I’m right in saying this is his first pre-season for several seasons?
Gera at Fulham looks a good prospect from what I’ve been hearing.
Is it fair to assume that Kiely will be the second-choice keeper for West Brom this season?
So many questions, so little time!
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hi all this is my team so far:
Gk: jaasi (schwarzer) - alternating
Def: Clichy Cahill P.Neville (Figueroa, pantsil)
Mid: Fab, A.Young, Bentley, M.Taylor (Hamann)
Forw: Adebayor, Torres, Ashton
Plan is to make a decision out of adebayor an torres, also, make a decision out of fab, gerrard and lamps, furthermore, switch in bosingwa for neville if need be.
N.B if i take adebayor or torres out, replace them with bent or alves, i am able to switch neville with carvalho and have 3 or so mil remaining which i can then replace bentley with Lamps or Gerrard!
so any comments/ suggestions are deeply appreciated cheers!
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Reply by Will on August 10 1:22 am:
oh and my previous team was this
Gk: Jaask (schwarzer)
Def: Clichy Cahill Carv (pantsil, figueroa)
Mid: Fab, A Young, bentley, taylor (hamann)
Forw: Bent Torres Ashton
with 3 mil in the bank so can strengthen anywhere
so which one is better do you think?
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Reply by longjohn on August 10 9:33 am:
will i would take out torres and leave in adebayor who i think will be more of a threat early on. i would then try and bring lamps in as he looks great in preseason and usually always gets off to a flyer
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I think that your second team is a all over better team. Carvalho better option in defense, or so it seems over the last couple of years.
After weeks of changing my team think I have had enough of it now. Want the season to start now. Thoughts of my team please.
Cech (Schwarzer)
Arbeloa,Cahill,Alex,Wheater (Pantsil)
Downing,Lampard,Gerrard,Taylor (Hamann)
Alves,Adebayor (Bendtner)
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Reply by Christian on August 10 6:23 am:
Doesn’t matter who you put in your team bro, 2nd place this season is the best you can hope for…
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Reply by longjohn on August 10 9:35 am:
not sure alex is a great choice Manuel. i doubt he’ll start with big phills fav carvalho and captain terry around. other than that your squad looks good
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Adebayor is causing me a head ache now.
He looks to be eager to win the fans back and could have a field day against West Brom
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Howard
Laursen Terry Cahill Baines
Young A Bullard Lampard Taylor Arteta
Adebayor
Subs Jaaskelainen Ashton Zamora Young L
What do you guys think of my team? I had Fab and RVP in originaly but decided to upgrade to Adebayor and ten swap Fab for Arteta.
At the momentI’m going for the 4 5 1 formation but still that may change as Aston and Zamora have had good preseasons.
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its interesting to see arteta take a penalty, and with reports that everton are after vagner love, i think this may be a sign that yak might be dropped for much of the season as moyes likes to play 4-5-1. doe anyone agree? I also think adebayor is a must have at the start of the season but his potential may be reduced as wenger will use bedtner and vela more this season. does anyone think benayoun might be good value at 7 mil until babel returns from the olympics? also, with the signings of coloccini and bassong, does anyone think newcastle defenders could be a cheaper alternative?
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Dan, I have dropped Yakubu for Elmander and will keep the £1m in cash for flexibility after week 1. I am staying clear of Liverpool apart from the stalwart’s such as Carragher and Gerrard. Any opinions on my team please, good or bad welcomed!
Jaaskelainen, (Hart) - two best cheap options for season according to Fantascene.
Clichy, Carvalho, Carragher (L Young, Figueroa)
Lampard, Faubert, M Taylor, Fabregas (Routledge)
Elmander, Ashton, Adebayor(c)
+£1m in bank.
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I would stay clear of Liverpool players in general apart from Reina, Carragher, Gerrard or Torres, Benitez is far too unpredictale plus they are in Europe this week.
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gordon, i like the look of your team but i would consider changing routledge. that apart your team looks quite handy. ive gone for sagna instead of clichy as well but that was a tough decision. i have the same keepers too. definitely best for value
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A few questions:
1. Is Bale likely to be a more or less guaranteed starter?
2. And Johnson for Man City?
These are not FPL related questions by the way.
My FPL team (for today) is…
Howard (Schwarzer)
Carvalho Clichy Cahill (Young Figueroa)
Lampard Fabregas Petrov Taylor (Kim Do Heon)
Adebyor(c) Ashton Bent
Keeping an eye on the Cahill and Berbatov situations, will replace Bent if Berbs doesn’t leave in the next week.
I think RVP is great but have swapped him for Adebeyor. Besides, he’ll get crocked in the first couple of games…
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I think I am going to stick with Van Persie over Adebayor because when fit his scoring and assists are good and they have a good opening so he could well have a good start.
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bale will start but his place in the team may depend on his early performances. johnson will definitely start at man city if he is still there by the end of the transfer window with arsenal sniffing around. im with you on van persie. ive swapped him for adebayor because he will be the main man for arsenal this year
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Guy, I think Johnson is a starter for city this season although think there are midfielders with better fixtures early on, also i would like to see if transfer specualtion comes to anything. I’m a Spurs supporter and think Bale is an excellent player but I am staying clear of him until Ramos shows his hand and i can be assured he will bag 30+ starts; i think his advantage lies in potentially being used as a winger and his set pieces. with the new signings however i can see more competition for set pieces and if he is assigned as a defender even my love for spurs doesn’t mean i am willing to buy their defense in the FPL game!! With Bale i am happy to pay more to know more. Same with Bent; Elmander better fixtures and guaranteed starter early on.
I have £1m in the bank, any suggestions for a starting sub other than Routledge (£4.5m)? thought he was starting at villa in preseason? (my full team shown a few conversations above) - £5.5m for the sub or is cash king early on for flexibilty?
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Reply by Guy Incognito on August 10 11:04 am:
Thanks. As I said, my queries aren’t FPL related and they are long term, not short-term, questions.
Like you, I’m struggling for a decent £4.5M midfielder.
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Reply by Rex Everything on August 10 4:54 pm:
Maybe Dean Marney from Hull?
Last year 7 goals and 6 assists from 35 games. Potential benchwarmer!
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Is Simpson going to be first choice RB for Rovers? He’s only 4.5m.
I’m looking for a 6m ‘big 4′ defender, and Dossena at Liverpool looks tempting. He’s the obvious choice for the LB slot. Degen and Arbeloa (and maybe Aurelio, although he’s always injured and more like a midfielder) could fill in there, but if Dossena starts the season well enough, he’s going to play nearly all the matches, surely? There is far too much competition for RB, with Arbeloa, Finnan, Degen, even Carragher. Does anyone else think he could be great value?
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Gordon, I would consider going with a $4.5m def and keeping the extra mill for a cheeky sub first couple of weeks. I’m looking at Stoke’s shawcross after recent performances. I know theree’s a risk they could haemmorage - but he got a fair few goals last season and as mark says can see them relying on set pieces for their goals.
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Gordon, I’m looking at De Ridder or Kim Do-Heon for my 4.5m mid. Although they’re not exactly guaranteed their spots, I think they’re a better option than Routledge. If anyone else has any ideas for a starting mid of that value I’d love to hear them too. I think you really have to look at the bottom/promoted teams to find a starting one.
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Reply by Dwight K. Schrute III on August 10 11:45 am:
Mendes is another option at 4.5m, he’s a great player and should get plenty of starts especially if SWP stays at Chelsea.
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Reply by Bedknobs and Boomsticks on August 10 6:19 pm:
As someone said above, Marney for Hull. I’m going to go with Guthrie for £5M to start with and rotate him with Matt Taylor.
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I’ve gone for a fairly strong defence with mid priced options elsewhere and one expensive player to serve as captain.
Friedel, (Schwarzer)
Bosingwa, Carvalho, Clichy, Shorey, (McShane)
Young A, Fabregas, Petrov, Downing, (Mendes - Cheers Dwight K.)
Anelka, Van Persie, (Miller)
Taking a chance on RVP keeping fit, Bosingwa to be fit and a regular starter, Villa to be stronger at the back than they were last season and Anelka not to be shit. Still theres Robinho yet to arrive (Chelski to end up with drogba and robinho up front with Anelka a sub?) and Berbatov to go to man utd, who I think would be a good choice at 9.5 in a man utd shirt.
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Guys,
Need advice. I have a pretty tonked up defence, but was wondering whether to include reina who will guarantee cleen sheets or swap between two cheapo keepers like schwarzer/turnbull or jussi. And then get in Jagielka who would bring in about 120 points (reina probably bring in around 150) and rotate my keeper between the cheapos and who has easier fixtures. My thinking being jag and a cheapo keeper will combine to bring in better points tally overall than reina no matter what.
WHAT DO YOU ALL THINK?
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What do guys think is better choice?
Option 1: The Gun midfield
Jussi (Turnball)
Gallas|P.Neville|Bale|L.Young (Figureoa)
Gerrard|Lamps|Fabregas|Young|M.Taylor
Ashton (Bentner Zamora/Bednar/Kitson)
Option 2: Balanced team
Jussi (Turnball)
Gallas|P.Neville|Bale (L.Young Figureoa)
Gerrard|Fabregas|Young|M.Taylor (Faubert)
RVP|Elmander|Ashton
Essentially a choice between
Lamps + Zamora + Bentner
vs
RVP + Elamnder + Faubert
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And another choice:
Adebayor + Zamora
vs
RVP + Elmander
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Reply by Richard on August 10 12:19 pm:
Adebayor and Zamora hands down…big hands down…RVP has to prove he can stay fit for a full season first and it is Elmander’s first season in the premiership…I wouldn’t expect too many great things from him this year…Easily the former..Just my opinion
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X-Ray Dog, I have gone for a dual cheapo goal keeping strategy. If you use the Fantascene website goalkeeper tool and search for best combo over the season the ‘best’ cheapest option seems to be Juski and Hart. Saves £0.5m v Reina/Schwarzer option which could be used to good effect outfield.
Dr Rog, If you are playing a loan striker I would go with the Adebayor and Zamora sub option. If playing two upfront I would go with VP and Elmander. Although I would try to squeeze Adebayor and Elmander together if poss looking at form. Noting fixtures also, maybe another option other than Zamora/Fulham as a sub is best such as Bednar??
Anyone considered Beattie at West Brom? Only £5m. Could be a good cheap sub if a starter??
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I’ve gone big on midfield:
Jask | Schwarzer
Brown | Carvalho | L Young | Bale (Figueora)
Petrov | Bentley | Fabregas | Lampard | A Young
RVP (Stokes, Beattie)
What does everyone think?
Had Modric and Kirkland for a while but swapped them out for Bentley & Schwarzer. Prob do a little more tinkering before we get underway but happy for now..
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hey guys, just a few quick ones, im in australia so its a bit hard to keep up…. just a few defensive things, mines a shambles right now!
whos likley to play rb for man u -brown or neville?, or will it be a 60 minute sub thing every week?
do you think dossena will get the lb spot at pool, i know rafa rotates like crazy but who else would get it?
do you think ferreria or beletti will cover for bosingwa while he is injured?
is bale going to start left mid for spurs or is it a 50/50 thing that he starts?
will zamora still start and get good mins with johnson now playing at fulham?, would they make a good partnership in a 4-4-2?
fabregas might be underdone after not even playing a full game in pre season yet…is it crazy to leave him out for a few weeks?
i know the answers to all are these are what most people probably want to know anyway , just keen to see your thoughts
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Reply by CK on August 10 2:36 pm:
It’s looking like Neville at this stage as he is Captain for the charity shield today.
You are right, Rafa will rotate like there is no tomorrow, steer clear!
I think Beletti.
I don’t think Bale is an automatic starter although most people on here say he is.
Zamora is 1st choice striker at Fulham and I think Johnston will join him.
Crazy? Yes!
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Will Deco be a big point scorer this season? I currently have him in my team but am not sure whether he will get enough assists/bonus/goals to keep his value of 9 million . Do you think Downing would be better value at 7.5 million ?
any thoughts?
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The only midfielder i would hold of Chelsea’s is Lampard until we can see the likely starting eleven every weekend. Downing is assured a starting role but looking at the fixtures early doors i would look at Faubert, Osman, Arteta or M Taylor first. Keep Downing on the watch list until fixtures look favourable.
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Reply by kev on August 10 3:08 pm:
hmmm ,i was thinking about arteta but i dont fancy everton to do well this season and therefore cant see him being in the points much. Same with Osman.
Im thinknin stick Downing in now and i can upgrade a sub to play in his hard games. What you think ?
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Reply by Gordon on August 10 3:52 pm:
I see what you mean but I like to play the fixtures. I agree that Everton may not have the best of seasons but Im happy to hold Osman (playing just behind Yakubu) or Arteta ahead of Downing at present. I may bring in Alvez for the Gameweek 3 fixture against Stoke and wouldn’t want to be over exposed to Middlesboro with Downing too; Alvez would go in the next week in favour of Yakubu (v STK) or Ashton (v WBA). IMO Bolton, Arsenal and Everton (also WHM??) have too good early fixtures to miss; i am chasing a do or die in my league early on, im therefore making sure i have good exposure to all three/four teams.
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Reply by kev on August 10 4:34 pm:
well i am also playing the fixtures by having a decent back up man on the bench who can come on to replace the player who has the weakest fixtures in my team.
I don’t want to rely too much on fixtures as injuries/fixture change can ruin any plans you have made according to the fixtures. I currently have downing bench as all my players have great fixtures , i have shittu playing but who ever has the weakest fixtures will be benched , therefore leading to an allround decent starting 11.
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What do you guys think about this team.
Jaaska, (Schwarzer)
Clichy, Laursen, scharner, Brown (Figueroa)
Young A, Fabregas, Petrov ( Geovanni, McCann)
Van Persie, Keane, Tevez
Let Me know what you guys think about this set up, plan to transfer one of my forwards as need, to make up for transfer money.
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Do people think it’s a good FPL tactic to have a really cheap, rubbish midfielder/defender whose job it is to be the 15th man/benchwarmer for the whole season, freeing up cash for the rest of the team? De Ridder did a good job in that position for me last year; my team always came out of the other 14 and I never found it necessary to replace him.
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yeah i do that most seasons , there is no need to have 3 good subs , most of the time i only use 2 anyway , i rarely need 3. And most of the time there is a cheap mid who plays all games anyway , e.g pearson for derby last season , he got 2 every gameweek but its better than nothing
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Kev, Everton will be a top 6 team again this season and Arteta is the heart beat of the team. He’ll be on fire this season. He takes penalties, freekicks, corners and is always in with the bonus points.
£7.5 mil will be a steel for a player who will be in the top 8 of point scorers for midfielders come the end of the season!!
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well id call that matter of opinion, i can’t see everton being a top 6 club. They have made no signings and hardly have the amount of flair and goalscoring ability to be a top 6 club. I just feel that at the minute the two main scorers for middlesborough will be alves and downing , which could prove lucrative especially if downing is chipping in with assists aswell.
to open up a new topic , Anyone fancy shittu as a decent bench option early on ?
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anyone let me know any major problems with this lineup? (thought i had it sorted but just changed after all your comments, adebayor and arteta especially rather than keane and osman
Cech
Jagielka Shorey Lescott Laursen
Fabregas Arteta Lampard
Bent Zamora Adebayor
subs schwarzer, routledge, deridder, figeuroa
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Reply by Akers on August 10 5:00 pm:
I think you main concern should be that you have 2 Everton defenders and 2 Villa defenders (including another midfielder from each club). I would try and have my 5 defenders spread over at least 4 clubs, including 1 or 2 defenders from the big 4.
With your budget I’d change;
Jagielka Shorey Lescott Laursen Figeuroa
to something like
Bale Sagna Wheater Agger Cahill
then maybe switch to Figeuroa after Bolton’s favourable fixtures.
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maybe a little bit too over reliant on everton , could also save money by not having lescott and having howard and carvalho rather than lescott and cech. Then swap shorey for l.young. that gives you 2.0 million i think to upgrade zamora to a 7.5 forward…alfonso alves maybe ?
only other thing is 2 villa and 2 everton defenders doesn’t give you much room when they have tough fixtures to get them out. May cost points making a double transfer.
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Ashley Young Or David Bentley ????
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on current form bentley
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May be a bit of a gamble, but I really fancy A. Johnson upfront for Fulham, at least for matchday 1 (transfer out for GW2 - possibly for Yak)
It’s his debut (we know what that often means), playing against Hull (arguably the worst of the 3 promoted teams, and off the back of a terrible pre-season), decent strike partner in Zamora, and I would guess 1st choice penalty taker (terrific record in this respect).
I know he is not in the monthly picks because its over 5 weeks, and Fulham have no game W3 and poor fixtures aside from GW1, but I think Johnson may make a sneaky appearance in the Weekly Picks for GW1…
Comments?
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thanks kev and akkers - taken advice and changed back 5 to reina (would have gone v de sar), lescott (daren’t not have him after last year), carvalho, laursen (likewise for goals) and wheater (probably weakest link). Did have Alves but think zamora will do well. Will do for now….
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Which team??
kirkland schwarzer
boswinga Huth Figueroa Steinsson L.Young
Lampard Gerrard Fabregas A.Young Guthrie
Adebayor Kitson C.Cole
orrr
Friedel Schwarzer
Boswinga Figueroa Steinsson L.Young P.Neville or Jagielka
Fabregas A.Young Arteta Petrov Taylor
Adebayor Walcott Ashton
The second team has 2 million in the bank. Since it is influenced by the fixture list thought id need a lot more flexibility… Any ideas on how i can improve either side??
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Hey… im really confused on my lineup .. what you guys think
Cech (Schwarzer)
Cahill, Clichy, Kaboul, Neville(E), (McShane)
Fabregas, Downing, Arteta, Young (De Ridder)
Adebayor, Berbatov, (Kitson)
Will kaboul start for tottenham?? or should i replace him?
Anelka or Berbatov
Adebayor or Rooney
Is lescott worth the price?
Will Fabregas perform at the same level, now that flamini isnt around?
ANy ideas on how i can improve my team? Thanks a ton
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Reply by Will on August 10 6:58 pm:
Looks like a good team,
I wouldn’t have Kaboul, he was on the verge of being sold a week or 2 ago, so he’s unlikely to start that much. Luke Young is good value at 4.5 now he’s at villa.
I’d chose berbatov over anelka-especially if he goes to man u in the next week. But even if he doesn’t I think he’ll play more than Anelka.
Adebayor over rooney, particuarly to start with-arsenal have a good run of relatively easy games to start the season.
Not sure about Lescott-depends how many goals he’s gonna get this time round.
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Who do i want in my side?
Walcott/Petrov/Giovani Dos Santos in the telegraph they are all midfielders?
Also i’m unsure about Lescott does anyone think he’s actually worth it? I’ve got him in at the moment but i’d like to free up funds to upgarde from Bent?
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Reply by Swerve on August 12 5:01 am:
Bent’s a must-have for mine and Petrov is behind most of it when City threaten. Dos Santos - huge talent but untested in this league, despite impressing pre-season.
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Im a big believer in having set peice takers in the team. Who do you think will be Bruce’s main man, De Ridder or Taylor??
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Reply by Swerve on August 12 4:58 am:
De Ridder, if pre-season’s anything to go by.
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BTW if anyone’s interested my current team is:
Reina (Schwarzer)
Terry Bosingwa Bale Brown (Taylor)
Gerrard Fabregas Nolan Alonso Modric
Bent (ashton) (harewood)
I also have a plan to get Ronaldo in when fit. Any views??
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Reply by Bernard on August 10 8:23 pm:
I’d stay clear of Bale for a while, I don’t think he’s a first choice at the moment- check Mark’s review of Tot’s game vs Roma. Two chelsea defenders? Swap Terry for Carra or Vidic?
B
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Reply by rafaboy on August 10 8:34 pm:
Yeh i think i may get a better idea about bale after the first few weeks. Think ill stick with to chelsea defenders as i think Terry will have a stormer of a season, i can feel it.
Who recon i should but if for bale then?
Also do you recon i should have Fabubert in for Nolan??
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Reply by Bernard on August 10 8:40 pm:
Shorey?
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Current team:
Schwarzer - Kirkland (juggle/fixtures)
L. Young - Baines - Carragher - Scharner - Clichy
Fabregas - M. Petrov - Bentley - Davies - A. Young
Adebayor - Kitson - Bent
Kitson, Davies, Baines and L. Young will be juggled according to their fixtures.
Question: L. Young and Baines, will they start for their teams and get 30+ games this season? Also, will Simpson start and get 30+ for Blackburn this season? Bringing him in could free up some points.
Also, comments on changes I could bring to the team? Think it’s pretty balanced atm.
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This is my current lineup for FPL. Any thoughts?
Friedel
Ferdinand - Dossena - Jagielka - (L Young)-(Figueroa)
Lampard(C) - A Young - Arteta - Petrov - (Lawrence)
Kitson - Anelka - Bent
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After much swapping around this is my current line up.
Any thoughts please?
Jaaskelainen - Schwarzer
P.Neville-Clichy-Figueroa-Cahill-Young L
Fabregas-Arteta-Young A-Mullins-Geovanni
Bent-Adebayor-Torres
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Reply by Swerve on August 12 4:57 am:
For what it’s worth . . .
I think Jagielka’s a better bet than Neville at that price, CC, especially given it looks like he’ll start at centre-mid. I would bring in Johnson for week 3 in place and pocket half a million. Everton have battled pre-season and once Portsmouth see off the top two, they should be set.
And Mendes or De Ridder look better value to start the season at 4.5 than Mullins.
Will Cahill start alongside Steinsson now with the arrival of Shittu?
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