Aug
21
Early Weekend Team News
Well earlyish anyway. Apologies for the recent radio silence – I’m tied up at a trade show in Germany and typing this from my hotel. I’ll spare you the details though and inform you that I’ve updated the team news section tonight with the latest rumblings and I’ve also done a first pass over the injuries and bans table to coincide.
Notable team news snippets include another knock for Bosingwa. Song back from Olympics for Arsenal. Sidwell struggling for Villa. Babel a possible return for Liverpool. Johnson still a doubt for Fulham. Scharner should return for Wigan.
There you go. Pop over here for all the team news as it stands. I’m away from keyboard all day tomorrow but will endeavour to update this with the very latest in the early evening.
Just wanted to point out that Scharner didn’t miss the trip to Upton Park, but played 82 mins. Bramble wasn’t on the pitch.
Whatever …
Reply by Jyri on August 22nd, 2008 8:06 am:
Thanks for your insight!
Reply by Tony Hayers on August 22nd, 2008 4:03 pm:
Thanks for your insight Jyri! Not many people expected Scharner to play last week and I’m sure Mark appreciates the attention to detail even though it’s in the past. It’s good to see someone putting something back as opposed to a significant number of people who are apparently too lazy to conduct their own research.
Trade show in Germany?
Games convention Leipzig?
Reply by Guy Incognito on August 22nd, 2008 8:45 am:
Heh heh. Not sure that Mark has time to play games though… unless he doesn’t actually have a job. Which I suppose is kind of what you’re implying…
Reply by waggy on August 22nd, 2008 11:44 am:
Perhaps he works in the press or for a games company.
Reply by Old Gregg on August 22nd, 2008 12:34 pm:
He may be a games developer- could explain the technical website skills?
Maybe he is Shigeru Miyamoto (Nintendo guru and creator of Mario)himself under an alias?
Reply by Old Gregg on August 22nd, 2008 12:36 pm:
.
i just hope that bosingwa starts for chelsea …….
Darn it, I just used my free transfer on Bosingwa. He was technically a “doubt” last week, but he still started. What are the chances he’ll start this weekend?
not sure he came off in the 35th min in the friendly in the week
Mark,
Sorry to be picky but Scharner did play 83 minutes at Upton Park last weekend. I know this to my detriment as he conceded the two early goals!
Looking forward to your comments on the latest transfer activity – e.g. Paim, Silvestre, Cisse, Healy.
Thanks for all your help to date !
Tom
Reply by Guy Incognito on August 22nd, 2008 8:47 am:
Mark. I think he means “hurry up with the transfer activity news”.
Some people have some nerve…
Reply by tom mills on August 22nd, 2008 11:59 am:
Ha Ha. Thanks for your comments Guy ! Let me know your comments on the transfers and we can start a debate from there.
I slammed in Anelka for Tevez. Anelka gonna lead the line and after seeing Chelsea last week they look good for goals.
Hopefully fat frankie has a couple of assists or goals too as I have him as my captain. Reckon I will transfer him out for Alves maybe next week with a view to building that extra cash I will need to get in a one Mr Fabregas in a week or two.
Trying to upgrade Matty Taylor to Fabregas takes some shrewd transfer market action. Almost Wenger like! I like his Silvestre signing for chips he got him. And any clown is better than the most unreliable player in the world aka Senderos. Do people agree on this??
Reply by Dr. Rog on August 22nd, 2008 7:40 am:
agreed… i think it is very shrewd – experienced and inexpensive cover that wont disrupt the team.
RVP has now dropped to 9.4 – might be worth picking him up now given arsenals run of games?
Reply by Guy Incognito on August 22nd, 2008 8:54 am:
Are you saying that at 9.5M RVP is too expensive, but at 9.4M, he might be worth buying?
Reply by Guy Incognito on August 22nd, 2008 8:49 am:
I agree with the bit about Silvestre being a clown.
Mr Chips from catchphrase will be playing for Arsenal!!???!!! Just say what you see folks…’he’s geuud, but he’s naat right!’
Reply by Guy Incognito on August 22nd, 2008 9:32 am:
Jim… is your surname Royle? You sounded just like him when you said that.
The person called ah sang joint first from hong kong has already done 4 transfers
silly person , should go down now to joint 90th haha.
Reply by Guy Incognito on August 22nd, 2008 9:06 am:
How judgemental.
Just because someone, who is no doubt already far ahead of you in the league, has a different strategy to you, you think they’re foolish.
Some people might say that it would be foolish to keep hold of players like Bale, Djourou, Kranjcar and Berbotov, who are likely to get about 3 points BETWEEN THEM this weekend.
Reply by Al on August 22nd, 2008 3:36 pm:
ROFL
looking at my midfield and tempted to use my free transfer on osman this week. what are your thoughts on Dunn (blackburn at home to hull), or alonso (liv vs mid)??
i am also thinking of alonso …. looking good in week in the friendly and scored . but i have a mid of lampard , young , arteta, nashri how do i take out
RVP will score 2 tomorrow and rocket back up 9.5m
Reply by CK on August 22nd, 2008 8:50 am:
No he won’t
Reply by OCD on August 22nd, 2008 8:55 am:
If you bought in RVP at 9.5, and now he’s 9.4, will his price have to rise to 9.6 to be able to sell him at 9.5? Or will you be able to sell at 9.5 if the price goes back to 9.5?
Reply by Guy Incognito on August 22nd, 2008 9:13 am:
The second one.
Reply by JimNastics on August 22nd, 2008 9:15 am:
No you’ll be fine, he’ll go straight back to 9.5 in you time when he goes back to 9.5 overall. It’s only when you’re talking about price rises over the value you paid that the step system comes into play. He was my first player to drop in price, I think Tevez might follow tonight as well
What with Everton looking shaky and villas defence also leaky i used my transfer this week on Cech….
Figured Chelski are going to be solid at the start of the season and when Everton get their act together i will plump for Howard and use that extra .5 mill elsewhere…
Still undecided on my captain though
Lamps away at Wigan – he played very well against Portsmouth but i fancy the Wigan team will be alot harder to beat that previos seasons
Ashley Young away at Stoke seems obvious but Stoke are playing their first home game in the Premiership and you know that will not be as easy as it sounds
Then i have Adebayour – I was debating all week whether or not to transfer him completly out of my team – Fulham looking shocking in that first game and Arsenal might just do the number on them – Adebayour has just signed his new contract and i cna see some potential badge kissing from him perhaps
oh decisions decisions
Reply by Dr. Rog on August 22nd, 2008 8:09 am:
same dilemma for me but you can add bentley into the mix as well
right now im going with ashley young (as i did last week)
Reply by CK on August 22nd, 2008 8:53 am:
I agree, I really do think this weeks captaincy is between these 3 guys. I really tempted to stick with Adebayor though. Risky I know but..
Reply by patser on August 22nd, 2008 12:40 pm:
Captain has to be torres for me. hat trick in this fixture last season, so i reckon more goals to come
i have a feeling on tevez as well we all know what manutd does when they did bad the week before …..
Its a huge game for Aston Villa
a nice easy away win here and they will be genuinely a top 4 contender
Reply by Guy Incognito on August 22nd, 2008 9:16 am:
It’s just one game.
It’s only the second game of the season.
It’s against Stoke City.
Are you taking the *iss? If you are, it’s more fun targetting over-optimistic Spurs fans.
Its a huge game for Aston Villa
an away win here and they will be genuinely a thret to that 4th place this year
guys if u had a team of cech , clichy , bosingwa, evra , a young , arteta , lampard , nashri , van persie , fagan , agbonlahor ….
who would u change for this week
Reply by Maureenho on August 22nd, 2008 8:25 am:
No one. Transfers aren’t compulsory.
Reply by Dudee on August 22nd, 2008 8:25 am:
Patrice Evra. No game next week and trips to Anfield and Stamford Bridge in their next games.
Reply by Dr. Rog on August 22nd, 2008 8:39 am:
fagan
Reply by Guy Incognito on August 22nd, 2008 9:23 am:
Evra. Could get in a Liverpool defender, Dossena or Carragher? Or you could get Sagna in addition to Clichy, Arsenal have a good run?
How can you call Villa a genuine Threat to the top 4 based on a win against a very weak and poor manchester city side, and perhaps an easy win against a promoted stoke side ?
They have to travel to Stamford Bridge, Anfield, Old trafford, Emirates, White Hart Lane, even Goodison wont be easy. Few good results here and i might agree.
i think villa has a better chance than tottenham to make top 4 , they have made very good signings to improve there team …… but thats just me
any takers on captain for the week guys
Reply by The Littlest Hobo on August 22nd, 2008 10:49 am:
Dudee didnt say that Villa do not have a good chance of breaking into the top for. He correctly challenged Brendan’s logic. You definately cannot say that Villa need to win the next game in order to break into the top four. Consistent results are the only way to break into the top four and even top four teams have one-off bad performances.
As for Villa, I like the look of them this year and with O’Neil I see them as a serious threat this year. I have the max 3 players in my FPL team.
(….then again I thought the same about Spurs last year! LOL)
Can’t bloody decide whether to stick with Tevez and sub him out next week or sub him now for Anelka or RS Cruz? Tevez will be Man U’s key player if they are to do anything against Pompey.
Other Striker is Adebayor and do fancy him to score a brace against Fulham.
I’m going with A Young for captain.
What i am saying is for Villa to be a contender this year they must beat rthe stokes of this division away from home easily enough
they are far from a top 4 and it is too early to say but if they want to push on they need ot beat Stoke tomorrow
what do u guys think of vincent kompany that city got now from hamburg
Reply by Guy Incognito on August 22nd, 2008 9:28 am:
*Paul Daniels voice*
Not a lot
no love for Bent or Bentley for captain this week i see…ppl keep forgetting only Man Utd outscored Spurs at home last season. Find this all funny how quick ppl panic, guys here already looking to take Bentley out and what not after one game…hilarious!
any update on bosingwa …..
Gents, what is the code for the Fantasy Football Scout League please?
Reply by Guy Incognito on August 22nd, 2008 9:29 am:
It’s on the main page…
20529-12043
Ashley young, gabby agbonlahor, torres or deco as captain????????
impossible choice.
Reply by Burton on August 22nd, 2008 9:41 am:
HJ-
Not so impossible- Santa Cruz….
Reply by Dr. Rog on August 22nd, 2008 9:42 am:
Roy Keane
Reply by Pippa on August 22nd, 2008 9:58 am:
I’ve been torn between Torres & A Young. Gone for Torres, but think I may be being swayed by the fact that he costs so much I want to get my moneys worth!
Reply by Scepobashingpom on August 22nd, 2008 10:02 am:
Santa Cruz struggled to score goals at home! I’d go for A Young as he’ll get at least an assist, man of the match, play 60+mins and will probably get a clean sheet bonus.
Liverpool fan btw
Reply by HJ on August 22nd, 2008 10:01 pm:
yeah me two haha thats why its mostly a torres A young toss up haha just due to the love of FT haha but yeah probs ash young
WHO IS LEADING THE LEAGUE
Reply by Guy Incognito on August 22nd, 2008 11:21 am:
I do believe it’s Chelsea my man.
in the long term surely lampard will be a better choice than deco. Right ?? so why have 57,000 people transfered in deco compared to the 8,000 people that have transfered lampard in. Those 8,000 are clever. Shows what 4 extra points can do. It can influence and extra 49,000 people to chose deco !!!!!!
Reply by Scepobashingpom on August 22nd, 2008 9:56 am:
I’m waiting for Nani to come back. Reckon he’s going to pick up a lot of points. Agree with Dudee as Lampard takes penalties and looked like he was playing more of a forward role than Anelka against pompey. Would like to put in myteam, but would have to use wildcard and don’t know if that would be wise at this moment in time?!?!
Reply by Dr. Rog on August 22nd, 2008 10:00 am:
depends what your team is like but to get any expensive player in should cost 2 transfers.
e.g. if you have torres or ade you would need to sell them to fund lampard
dont see the point of using a wildcard after week 1
Reply by Dan on August 22nd, 2008 11:50 am:
i completely agree about both nani and lamps. ive already made plans to get nani in when he returns. according to sky sports news, ronaldo is already a week into his 4 week rehab programme and was training with the first team this morning
Reply by Al on August 22nd, 2008 3:41 pm:
Man i misread that and thought you said he was into a ‘4 week kebab programme’.. that’s some good training method!
that do u guys think the chaces are that martins will score tomorrow
Reply by Dr. Rog on August 22nd, 2008 10:08 am:
probably 4-1
Nah to early, use it the week AFTER ronaldo returns .
Reply by Scepobashingpom on August 22nd, 2008 10:05 am:
Excellent point Dudee.
Can see a bore score draw at St james park
I was intending on going with Gerrard as el capitan this week, however i have noticed no-one seems to have mentioned him as a potential candidate – i also have A Young but think away at Stoke isn’t the easiest…
Anyone have any thoughts on this??
Reply by Scepobashingpom on August 22nd, 2008 10:13 am:
Are you a Pinnoy Phil Pino? I’m a liverpool fan and expect them to be disappointing tomorrow (though still win). Gerrard is looking out of sorts where as A Young is on fire
Reply by Phil Pino on August 22nd, 2008 10:28 am:
Well technically i’m a half-Pinoy, but yes…
I see what you’re saying about LIV but generally they pick themselves up at home and as poor as the performance was, Gerrard was one of the better players in the ENG game. I kinda need a “left-field” selection to catch up after a poor opening GW.
Reply by Beeeez Dad on August 22nd, 2008 1:02 pm:
It’s too early in the season to be making “left-field” selections to catch up. If that’s what you feel your doing, resist the urge! More likely it will only leave further behind and then more desperate. A very dangerous cycle. Slow and steady. It’s a long season.
Of course, given his price tag, Gerrard shouldn’t feel like such a “left-field” selection. But I’m a little worried about his fantasy value this year. He’s going to get his bonus points and pick up some goals, but he seemed to be very withdrawn from the attack. In comparison to last year when he was often effectively a deep forward (or to how involved Lampard appeared for Chelsea), it looked like Gerrard was almost playing as a second d-mid for much of the game. He’ll still get some either way, but frustrating from a fantasy perspective to see him playing so deep. He’s definitely in the wait and see category for me.
Got any TOT players? Can see them scoring goals and not letting any in too. Bentley or Bent might be a good choice.
Friedel
Laursen Clichy Baines
Young Lampard(c) Downing Taylor
Anelka RVP Bent
Subs: Schwarzer, Cahill, Figueroa, De Ridder
Thats how it is folks. I am happy. Downing will prob make way next wk maybe or Anelka as Fab will be slotting in in a few wks and freeing up cash. RVP’s price will come back up from 9.4 soon i am guessin
Love the site.
Hi Guys, I have no idea and can’t think for myself. Please tell me what to do. Who should i sub? Should i use my waynecard? Will person X score? Am i making the right decisions? What do you think? Would it help your assessment if i repeatedly published every little iteration of my team list? Boxers or briefs? Does my mum love me?
Reply by hoho on August 22nd, 2008 10:47 am:
No. Your mum hates you.
She loves me though.
Reply by Rob on August 22nd, 2008 4:25 pm:
LMFAO
Reply by puffinboy on August 22nd, 2008 10:48 am:
Ashton. No. Maybe. Yes. Therefore I am. No. Y-fronts. Very much, snookums.
Always glad to be of service.
Reply by waggy on August 22nd, 2008 11:53 am:
Where did waynecard come from?
Reply by Dr. Rog on August 22nd, 2008 11:58 am:
i made it up in homage to wayne’s wilcard fiasco
I’ve currently got Ashton on my bench with Guthrie starting. Explain, with referenced examples, how much I’m going to regret this on Monday morning.
Seriously though, I can see Newcastle bagging a few at home to Bolton, whilst City can only improve at home to the hammers. Can’t they?
Reply by themoz on August 22nd, 2008 2:38 pm:
With any dilemma with two players , confuscius says play both and leave someone else out…………….
I had Ashton on my bench last week and won’t be making that mistake again. As long as he is fit he will be in my starting line up unless they are playing a top 4 defence.
Should I transfer Tevez out for Yakubu? Everton are playing West Brom but Tevez has been on form in pre-season..
I will def be transferring in Yakubu after the weekend cos man u dont have a match next week and Everton have an easy run. However I can’t make my mind up whether I should make the transfer for this weekend..any opinions would be beneficial!
Thanks
Reply by Rob on August 22nd, 2008 4:30 pm:
I did it. Took out Tev and Bullard for Arteta and Yak, will take Yak out again in week 8, prob for Bent depending on his form and minutes.
Question: “How much do you think an additional 0.1m is worth to the team in terms of points sacrificed at this stage of the season?” (assuming your goal is to maximise points, not team value….)
Its my 1st FPL season and I assume that there is a swing in priorities, where early in the season money gains are more valuable than later in the season when the points are everything and extra money not so much….
How many points would YOU trade for a guaranteed 0.1m at this point in time?
Reply by Verbal on August 22nd, 2008 11:26 am:
Nothing, but for a guaranteed 0.2m I’d trade 4pts for sure.
Reply by Guy Incognito on August 22nd, 2008 11:34 am:
An interesting/ridiculous question.
Not many. 0.1M is a paltry amount. 5 points for a cool million, so 0.5 points, at the most.
Are you going to present your findings in graphical format?
Reply by Schwing on August 22nd, 2008 11:41 am:
Is there less transfer activity as the season goes on (as more teams fall by the wayside/lose interest, teams stabilize)?
Reply by Guy Incognito on August 22nd, 2008 11:49 am:
There’s probably not much of a schwing in the amount ot transfer activity between the start and the end of the season, as I don’t think many people pay too much attention.
Reply by The Littlest Hobo on August 22nd, 2008 12:51 pm:
I think the question IS relevant because you have to make transfer decisions based on the dual aim of winning points and making money. I dont think you understood my thinking that early in the season, making money will benefit you more because that extra cash will be available to you for the rest of the full season, whereas making a huge killing in the last week wont really do much to boost your points……
Example – this week I decided to bring in Bosingwa for Richards early in the week, expecting (correctly) that his price would move upwards. Now he has a high risk of missing the next game and I may lose points as a result. So I have to question my decision-making when trying to accumilate funds. You get what I’m saying?
Just looking for advice so thanks for your contribution BTW.
Reply by Guy Incognito on August 22nd, 2008 2:16 pm:
(My opening statement was supposed to be light-hearted, sometimes that doesn’t come across well on here).
Uh, no need to patronise me, I understand, I *get* what you’re saying.
That’s how many points I would be prepared to sacrifice at THIS stage of the season, as you asked in your last paragraph. Obviously this would go down as the season progresses. Pretty low, I know.
You’ve obviously got the impression that I don’t take price changes in to account very much. I do, and I’ve made exactly the same mistake (if you can call it a mistake – more accurately it’s just a gamble that didn’t come off) with Bosingwa. I have also finished my mini-league with the most valuable team in the last three seasons. But I also think that, as the season goes on, good value players come to the surface and also high value players, who would normally be untouchable, get rested before big CL games.
Many people on this site seem to either:
1. Believe that people who make more than one transfer, or even just use a free transfer after the first gamesweek, are wasting points/are impatient idiots or…
2. Get over-excited about a £0.1M price rise, or the exact moment that such a price change may occur (trying to convince, for instance, people to tell everyone to sell Fabregas to enable him to be bought at a reduced price).
I find the first of these two groups the most annoying.
But it’s a close call.
Reply by The Littlest Hobo on August 22nd, 2008 3:45 pm:
Sorry for being patronising.
I agree with what you are saying and understand your logic. However, maybe I’m missing something but there is just one point I still dont understand. How come you would only value a ‘cool’ million at only 5 points? Surely an extra million quid at this point would help you to accrue much more than five points before the season ends?
Reply by Guy Incognito on August 22nd, 2008 4:32 pm:
Ok, you’re right. I went with gut instinct, but if you look at the maths:
Starting budget £100M.
Target points say 2000.
Therefore proportionly, £1M = approx 20 points at the start of the season. So I was some way off.
i think tevez is going to have a very very good game , as i said before manutd always come back with force once they lost points …
Keeping the Everton theme going…
Last weekend saw a grand total of 5 Everton Defenders playing the full 90. They were Lescott, Jagielka, Yobo, Neville and Baines. Valente also played 77 mins.
I currently have Jagielka (6.0) in my team but am tempted to bring in either Valente (4.5) or Baines (5.0) to free up some cash.
Problem is, looking at the stats from last season, it seems like the back 4 of Neville, Yobo, Jagielka and Lescott are still preferred in the overall scheme of things.
Are Valente and Baines just fillers until Hibbert returns to challenge the preferred back 4 and / or guys like Pienaar and Cahill return to strengthen the midfield?
Reply by Scepobashingpom on August 22nd, 2008 11:54 am:
Moyes has been looking to offload Baines as he’s been less than impressed. He won’t be in the starting line up for much longer.
What do you guys think of Dossena? I reasonably priced defender in a solid defensively team…
Im thinking of swapping out Evra and just looking at my options. Who else could i consider?
I already have Carvalho, L Young, Clichy and Jusi Jask in goal.
Cheers guys.
Reply by Leighton on August 22nd, 2008 12:12 pm:
Evra is going out of my team also, but I can see goals on both sides in the Pool/Boro game and over a longer term period Dossena is vulnerable to rotation. Wheater is a good alternative for the price as he can grab you a goal.
I can only see clean sheets as far as Arsenal and Chelsea this weekend so the accent is on the midfield/forward area. Captain’s choice this week is dicey – Adebayor or Lampard are in the frame for me. Based on last season’s exploits (Ronaldo excepted) it was a case of picking a dud captain and the same one flourishing the following week (when i changed it). On that basis Adebayor looks the pick…
I think Dossena’s a good choice, I’ve got him in my team. He was very attacking in pre season and made some good assists. However, I think Bossingwa’s going to be a more regular starter and seems to be just as offensive. I might change them over.
dossena was sent off 3 times last season in a physical italian league and he got quite a lot of yellows
got my team all but sorted this week, except one decision still to make.
Do I either put Baines (Everton) in defence, or Miller (WBA) up front? Whoever doesnt make the team will be my first sub. My thinking is that Everton are unlikely to keep a clean sheet, so not clean sheet points, but at the same time Baines has been playing in midfield so the chance of other points is decent. Miller had a good game last week so should start.
Any thoughts? Im completely stuck
Reply by The Littlest Hobo on August 22nd, 2008 1:03 pm:
Tough choice but I’d go for Baines. Even though Everton are playing crap this year, they are still the more seasoned team and they will want to bounce back from last week.
WBA are still finding their feet in the Prem.
When will Mark show his squad ?
We all are anticipating!
Reply by Old Gregg on August 22nd, 2008 12:39 pm:
He’ll show us his as soon as we show him ours.
Me? I’m playing the long game. I won’t show you mine now but give it ten weeks and I will (I have a package arriving from Sweden).
howye lads.
just want your opinion on a cheaper midfielder. i have kranjcar but want to get him out using my free transfer. stephen reid was good midweek and blackburn have a few decent fixtures. also looking at gutierrez who was good last week and newcastle fixturs are ok. what you guys think> any suggestions around the 6m mark?
Hi guys,
D. Bent (FW) + A. Dossena(Def)
or
Yakubu + A.Mokoena
in this week
which you will recommend? THX!!!!
what is the name of your teams in the fantasy league guys
Reply by Guys on August 22nd, 2008 1:05 pm:
Thanks for your question, Johann. It’s not often someone takes an interest in me.
Unfortunately If I told you, the name of my team, I’d have to kill you.
Reply by Guy Incognito on August 22nd, 2008 2:23 pm:
Guys, I think he was talking to me.
Johann, my real name is Aran Barker, and my team is called “Hokey Pokey”. *Waits for applause*
Hi , Which defender worth 5.5m would be worth considering? Are Newcastle defenders any good against Bolton? or do you think Baines will get clean sheet against West Brom?
Also who is best choice for captaincy out of ; Lamps, A.Young, p.cech,torres, clichy or anelka.
Reply by Scouts on August 22nd, 2008 1:07 pm:
Thanks for your question, Sam. It’s not often someone takes an interest in me.
Unfortunately If I told you, my choice of a 5.5m defender, I’d have to kill you.
Reply by Dr. Rog on August 22nd, 2008 1:30 pm:
tell me which defender you chose goddamit
i cant wait all day
Reply by Bedknobs and Boomsticks on August 22nd, 2008 1:51 pm:
Hey doc, if those posts annoy you so much, just skim over them.
Anyhow, I’ve just realised what’s missing; Mark’s captaincy pole. Would have made interesting reading this week.
1 vote for Bentley.
Reply by Dr. Rog on August 22nd, 2008 1:53 pm:
was exercising sarcasm
Reply by Stion - (Strathcarnage) on August 22nd, 2008 5:39 pm:
Lampard, long term. Ronaldo and Fabregas will take a while to get going imho.
Reply by Jono on August 22nd, 2008 3:08 pm:
What about Hyypiä? He’s 5.5 could be good for a clean sheet too.
When is Mark updating his team!???????? I am anxiously waiting and Im not going to wait all day. Please Mark update now even if its not a long article
Reply by ??? on August 22nd, 2008 1:16 pm:
>>>”Im not going to wait all day”
I think you’ll find Mark does this as a hobby. I doubt treating him as your bitch will get you anywhere. Remember: He does this in his free time and doesn’t own you anything.
Reply by Brad on August 22nd, 2008 1:16 pm:
Dude seriously. Take a chill pill. He said he was busy already. Although god-like, he is still just a mere mortal like you and me.
Reply by Dr. Rog on August 22nd, 2008 1:16 pm:
you dont need to rely on Mark to finalise your team.
be patient, the guy is clearly busy and does a wonderful job with this site. give him a break!
Reply by Stion - (Strathcarnage) on August 22nd, 2008 5:37 pm:
What he said!
Reply by Mike D on August 22nd, 2008 7:43 pm:
Spot on
Did anyone see how MG Pedersen performed last weekend? Did he look sharp? Was he taking the corners / free’s? Any reason to be concerned about relating to the fact that he was subbed?
Reply by Jyri on August 22nd, 2008 1:51 pm:
Pedersen took all the set-pieces and got one assist. I’d guess he was subbed because he doesn’t do much defending.
just heard that cahill is probably out for another month. ive got him in my squad and am considering sacrificing 4pts to transfer him as ive already used my free transfer. is it worthwhile or should i wait for nani to return and get him (hes definitely a player i want for the whole season)??? its 8 mil tied up in a player that isnt playing!
ive already got young, downing and bentley so my transfer options would be limited but am thinking maybe barry or essien at a knock down price. any thoughts?
Reply by Guy Incognito on August 22nd, 2008 2:34 pm:
Get rid of Cahill. Replace with Arteta. Ignore Nani.
NEXT!
Reply by Dan on August 22nd, 2008 2:41 pm:
thought about arteta too but is it worth losing the points. i might just play different formation as my squad is quite well balanced
Reply by Beeeez Dad on August 22nd, 2008 3:37 pm:
I’d definitely get rid of Cahill at this point; you can always come back to him later when he returns. Hard to know what to expect from that kind of foot injury, but hopefully he’s 100% when he’s back.
As for the 4 points, you haven’t posted your team. If you can field 11 who you think will play this week, and don’t have transfers that you have to make next week already (a ManU player, for example), then wait and make the Cahill move next week for free. If you’re not going to be able to field 11, then it’s probably worth it to do it today and get in the additional points this week.
Reply by peter on August 22nd, 2008 2:42 pm:
Guy Incognito,
is A. Dossena a good choose for long term?(Get Clean sheet in Liv)
he is cheap now
THX!!!
Niko Kranjcar is a major doubt after picking up an injury playing for Croatia
Isn’t it annoying the way people transfer a player in based on 1 performance. Do 35,000 people know that Djourou will get dropped to the bench for Toure, Or do the 62,000 people that transfered in Deco know that he probably wont score for months.
Deco – 62,000
Agbonlahor – 56,000
Geovanni – 44,000
Arteta – 35,000
Nasri – 35,000
That’s around 230,000 transfers based on Performance the week before. I rounded them up by the way.
Reply by James on August 22nd, 2008 2:57 pm:
Why is it annoying?
Reply by Beeeez Dad on August 22nd, 2008 3:44 pm:
Why do you find it annoying?
I find the Djourou moves a little amusing as I agree that it seems very unlikely that he keeps a position. As for the others on the list, it’s hard for me to look at any of them and know with certainty that they’re a flash in the pan. You may well be right that Deco won’t sneak any long range bombs past a bumbling goalie for a while, but by all accounts he had a very solid game, appears to be in good favor for selection, and has as good a shot as many others at racking up points. If someone wants to jump on the bandwagon early, it doesn’t seem unreasonable. And, the reality is that there’s no real penalty for being wrong (as long as you’re limiting yourself to one transfer per week). If it turns out Deco is quiet for the next 2-3 games, then move on to the next.
Seems to me people said the same thing about Adebayor last year. I suppose it’s still great if you finally got on board after his 5th big game, but you missed 2, 3, and 4……
Hi guys,
What do you think of my team:
Hilario (Niemi)
Bouma Primus Hutton (Cuellar) (McCartney)
Cesc Cahill Ronaldo Rosicky (Dyer)
Eduardo Drogba (Bojinov)
I reckon this team is sick, its amazing but i dont understand why i’m last in the league. Who should i transfer… i like the look of bellamy.
Reply by cyberPUNK on August 22nd, 2008 3:32 pm:
this must be a joke from fiso.
Reply by Guy Incognito on August 22nd, 2008 3:37 pm:
I’d say get Drogba out and replace him with Louis Saha as a more long-term option.
Reply by Stion - (Strathcarnage) on August 22nd, 2008 5:28 pm:
Are you Alan Curbishley in disguise ?
Sickboy,
I reckon you should use your wildcard and bring in Jan Molby, Jonny Metgod, John Fasahnu, Tony Knowles and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
Keep an eye on Duncan Edwards too. He’s been a bit of a “sleeper” for a number of years now and could be a real bargain when he returns to full fitness.
Im still gonna kill Dawson…
Just wondering what u guys think on about Assou-Ekotto just for this gameweek. i know that there is the question of if he will play, but just for this gameweek if he does very good chance of keeping clean sheet at home..
Hey im looking to swap out g neville for another 6million defender who do you think is my best bet?
I’m thinking Dossena but do you think he’s likely to be rotated?
(I cant have Laursen as i’v got A young and L young and want to keep my options open to Agbonlahor if he keeps playing well)
Arbeloa
well boswinga is the obvious choice, altho he’s now 6.1mil and neville is 5.9 so you’d have to have a little spare cash. brown is a straight swap for neville, but until its certain he’s unlikely to be rotated i’d stick clear of him.
but isnt bosingwa just as liable to be rotated?
i guess the choices really are brown, bosingwa, arbeloa, degen and dossena with the winner being who ever will be more consistently played, any Liverpool supporters/watchers out there that got an idea?
Reply by themoz on August 22nd, 2008 3:35 pm:
just put Reina in goal – he won’t be rotated! Then Terry/Carvalho for chelsea and Ferdinand/Vidic (after gw5.
Sorted
Reply by patser on August 22nd, 2008 4:06 pm:
i think arbeloa will be more consistent but apparently he’s unsettled in england and wants to leave
Everton have injury doubts over teenage midfielder Dan Gosling (thigh) and skipper Phil Neville (ankle).
Reply by Guy Incognito on August 22nd, 2008 4:01 pm:
*Mass panic ensues*
Ronaldo apparently on target for return late September, slightly ahead of schedule. GW6 = home to Bolton… nice.
Also Boswingwa is likely to play tomorrow.
(Sky)
Reply by The Littlest Hobo on August 22nd, 2008 4:23 pm:
Cool – good news about Bosingwa.
I read a lot on this forum about preparing a strategy for Ronaldo’s return.
Do you think his price will go up a lot when his return date comes close and people start transferring him in like crazy?
Wondering whether to plan for bringing him in slightly before his return to full fitness……
Reply by Phil Pino on August 22nd, 2008 4:25 pm:
I doubt his price will increase much leading up until his return. I think most people will have problems reincorporating him without suffering points penalties or using the Waynecard. I’d expect to see it go up the game after his return though…
You can always just keep an eye using the crackthecode website though, that’s what i’m gonna do.
Reply by Guy Incognito on August 22nd, 2008 4:34 pm:
No way. I’d just buy him as soon as you’re in to the gamesweek for which you think he’ll play.
Reply by Mike D on August 22nd, 2008 7:52 pm:
Okay, pure amateur here, and maybe a little anti-Ronny which hurt me for a couple of weeks the last two years, but I’m always very weary of ANY player just back from injury for the first few weeks until he’s proven (points wise) he’s up to fitness, etc.
Long story short I’ll probably sit on the fence for the first couple of weeks back.
decided to use my one free transfer this week on swapping Shorey out and Wheater in; which gives me an extra (0.5). This may be a mistake though as most people i know have brought Agbonlahor in, and Mid may let in lots of goals. What do you think?
Reply by The Littlest Hobo on August 22nd, 2008 4:32 pm:
I think Agbonlahor is going to get injured.
Reply by Guy Incognito on August 22nd, 2008 4:35 pm:
That sounds almost threatening. Do you know where he lives?
Reply by Raf on August 22nd, 2008 4:38 pm:
why???
Reply by The Littlest Hobo on August 22nd, 2008 4:47 pm:
I’m only joking Raf….
Although I wouldnt wish an injury on anyone, it would give me pleasure to see the faces of all those smug people who had Agbon in their teams in W1, and those people who have jumped on the bandwagon since.
(not that I’m bitter or anything)
Reply by danster12 on August 22nd, 2008 5:04 pm:
Brought in Wheater myself cos he is about to rise in price and Middlesbrough have two promoted teams in the next few weeks. He’s on the bench for me this week tho. Served me well last season too.
Reply by Flash-jim on August 22nd, 2008 7:15 pm:
well that makes me feel a little better. i’m hoping that Wheater is turning into a GOAL machine to cover up for the goals they are going to concede
mmm…. now I have to think who to sub out.
Who would you take out: Baines, Woodgate or L Young?
hmm jus wondering. is it worth a 4 point hit to bring in pederson, n taking out bullard as he will miss GW3
Reply by Stion - (Strathcarnage) on August 22nd, 2008 5:16 pm:
I would say not. I lost so many points last season with double transfers. In the end I put it down to “experimentation”, as it was my first time playing FPL. But I still went from 3rd to 12th in an 18 person League (only started in game week 3 mind). Pederson will have to score or get an assist just to break even. Patience pays off! Why not just wait till next weak to sub out Bullard?
UNOFFICIAL CAPTAIN POLL FOR GAMEWEEK 2
Im going with Lampard
Reply by Dr. Rog on August 22nd, 2008 6:34 pm:
young
Reply by Mike D on August 22nd, 2008 7:58 pm:
Lamps, although the only reason is that Chelski are looking as scary as a Russian Tank Division!!
Reply by danster12 on August 22nd, 2008 8:24 pm:
young for me
Reply by CK on August 22nd, 2008 9:39 pm:
I’m gonna chance Bent!
Bentley- spurs will be too good for sunderland to handle at home so goals galore.
though lamps is close as chelski looked scarily good last week
Reply by Maureenho on August 22nd, 2008 6:31 pm:
2nd for Bentley.
Mark these words.
Adebayor. I’m Keeping Faith in him.
Reply by Verbal on August 22nd, 2008 8:49 pm:
Isn’t anyone considering Arteta for captain?
I would go for Anelka or Torres
Hi thinking of jumping on the Geovanni bandwagon, should i sacrifice johnson or lawrence?
cant you see all of Mark Hughes teams are usesless defensively? now that hes moved to city they have gone crap and blackburn without him have improved! lol i know its too early to say anything. back to your question lawrence is a decent player who chipped in 14 goals and as many assists last season. keep him because blackburn are a good side.
for capaincy who would bet against Deco or Joe Cole or Young?
Reply by Bomber on August 22nd, 2008 5:28 pm:
I’ll take that bet.
Lampard, Anelka, Bent or Bentley for me.
Although I’d go for Young out of those 3.
I just can’t see deco consistently scoring points in the FPL.
I have Young but am reluctant to captain him with Barrys involvement last week and agbonlahors form!He is an “assist” man after all and it looks like Barry and Carew could be the main source of assists at the moment,am still tempted to Captain him just cant see him getting more points than Lamps
Yakubu or Bent for captain?
Reply by Dr. Rog on August 22nd, 2008 7:16 pm:
young or bentley… having last minute dilemma
going to flip a coin i reckon
Reply by Flash-jim on August 22nd, 2008 7:22 pm:
thought Young did better that Bentley in the last game, thats why i’m going for Young
Reply by Flash-jim on August 22nd, 2008 7:17 pm:
i got both in my team but i wasn’t going to use either for captain. i was thinking of A.Young, the other two are a bit of a gamble
Cisse in at £7m…….worth a punt next week maybe
Reply by Dr. Rog on August 22nd, 2008 7:23 pm:
he wasnt prolific at liverpool… cant see why he would be better in a weaker team
Reply by Flash-jim on August 22nd, 2008 7:33 pm:
and you only have to wink at him for something to break, the man has glass ankles
Reply by S on August 23rd, 2008 3:42 pm:
Hmmmm…..Sunderland have just taken a 2-1 lead and Cisse scored having been on the pitch about 5 mins
Thinking this wasn’t such a silly suggestion after all!
santa cruz, yakubu or agbonlahor.
dropping tevez in advance of no game week 3.
am thinking ag wont have as good a weekend as last so am maybe swaying towards yak, but maybe you guys have other ideas….
Reply by Flash-jim on August 22nd, 2008 7:36 pm:
Nope, Yaks the man
One of the leagues I am in is ranked #9. Impressive given that there are over 250 people in it
Reply by Dr. Rog on August 22nd, 2008 8:14 pm:
does anyone know how leagues are ranked?
it seems the larger leagues have the highest ranking
Reply by CK on August 22nd, 2008 9:41 pm:
It only takes the top 5 in each league mate so doesnt matter the size of league!
Lamps for Captain for me this week. Although seriously considering Young. It’ll probably an 11:30 rush decision tomorrow which will see me picking Adebayor.
Reply by Mike D on August 22nd, 2008 8:03 pm:
Probably a lot better options for captain than Adebayor. Generally prefer midfielders for captain (assists, bonus points and 1 extra for the odd goal) so Lamps definitely of those 2.
I’m torn between transferring in Arteta (for Petrov-MCY) or Alonso (for Bullard)!?!?!
I’m ripping my hair out over this one..all advice appreciated!
Reply by danster12 on August 22nd, 2008 8:21 pm:
is alonso a definite starter? he’s not on the best terms with rafa since the rafinator is so intent on selling him.Would go for him if he went to arsenal tho.
I swapped arteta at the last min last week for our Saviour’s pick of Osman in the scout picks lol
Sticking with Osman though… Everton have a couple of handy matches coming up.
Does anyone rate Lawrence? he let me down last week but if he is fit i reckon he is a decent cheap midfielder
Reply by Brad on August 23rd, 2008 1:29 am:
Lawrence by all reports is very good. The team around him… notsomuch.
Off topic, but someone explain to me who the hell is going to pay £7m for Di Santo of Chelsea?
I find some of the FPL’s pricing for fringe players at the big clubs absurd
Just looking at this Gameweeks transfers out, and 3 people have already picked Cisse and got rid of him on the same day. Not the best tactics.
Reply by Dr. Rog on August 22nd, 2008 8:48 pm:
i guarantee one of them is Wayne!
my defense:
nevile hyypia young L meite obrianA
already spent my weekly free transfer, but hyypia got injured after that.
is it worth it to spend 4 points changing hyypia for, say, everton’s valente? maybe baines?
everton’s fixtures look really nice in the near future..
Reply by Dr. Rog on August 22nd, 2008 9:01 pm:
p or g neville?
if its g neville then he might not play and manu’s fixtures are really tough + they dont play next week
if its p neville then probably best not to overexpose your defence to everton given that they havent looked great so far or in pre season
hyppia – likely to be rotated, prob best to get rid of him
young – at stoke you should play him i think
meite – at home to eveton, again you could play him prob wont score much pts though
o’brien – away to newcastle, half chance of some points
so it looks like you will have to play neville, young, o’brien
if you think that the player you will bring in will beat that combo by > 4pts then you should do it.
as clean sheets = 4pts i dont think you should transfer as your extra gain only pays for the transfer, and theres a good chance you will score more by doing nothing
Reply by tiago on August 22nd, 2008 9:52 pm:
its phil nevile. thanks for your opinion, i’ll probably stick to it and get rid of hyypia next week.
quick vote for captain please : A Young or Lampard ?
cheers
both, with bells on
Most sites (Sky, 365, Telegraph) seem to think Bosingwa will be fit.
Ashley Youing clearly on the fact that Wigan should give Chelsea a real game at home.
RVP now 9.4? Nice. I think i may get him in if he plays 75 minutes or so this weekend. A straight swap with Adebayor might be a good idea. I’ve got Alves already, and i’m keeping Elmander for WK3.
Not that fussed about Bosingwa, although it would be nice if he played and then stayed at 6.1 because i bought him at 6.0. I’m probably going to keep him for most of the season anyway (providing he isn’t rested often or injured every 2 weeks!).
Taking a chance on Pedersen as captain this week. Risssssky.
Just wondered what people think about Wes Brown – will he play the majority of games? Or will there be a lot of rotation? Maybe, with Neville in the picture, it’s a good thing for Brown, in that Neville might come on with 15-20 minutes to go, which means that Brown is more likely to pick up clean sheets as he leaves the field before the match is over? I’m hoping Brown drops to 5.9 as well. I’m tempted to get 2 or 3 ‘big 4′ defenders on the cheap for the long term – Bosingwa, Dossena, (W.Brown).
i notice Tevez has gone down to 9.9 too. Worth a punt if Man U don’t sign anyone before the deadline. Hopefully he’ll stay at that price for a few weeks.
United missing next week with their SuperCup game so that’s probably part of the reason. If they dont bring anyone in then defo worth a shout
daz i think u kno nuffink bout football