Weekend Scout Picks
My picks come early this week as I’m about to cut myself off from all things electronic whilst I camp in a festival field in Dorset for a couple of days. I’ll be dividing my prayers between the weather keeping dry, and my picks not flopping flat on their face for another week.
For those who still maintain a slither of faith in my dubious opinion, you’ll find that I’ve updated the picks in the right hand menu and if you read on, you’ll find my analysis of another tricky week and my chosen team lineup.
The team news and injuries have also had a full update with all today’s murmurings taken into account. Good luck for the weekend folks.
On electronic paper, this looks another tricky week with a fair splattering of hard-to-call encounters and countless unknown variables knocking about.
West Ham and Newcastle have had backroom upheavals that could influence what otherwise appear to be kind fixtures at West Brom and at home to Hull respectively. The Baggies are struggling for goals and Hull will be short on confidence after the 5-0 mauling by Wigan. Victories for West Ham and Newcastle look on the cards then but the events leading up to these games do cast some uncertainty on the outcomes.
The dependable, ruthless efficiency of Chelsea was slightly undermined at home to Spurs last weekend. This time around they visit a City side swimming in a dreamland of cash who will be spurred on by fanatic, ecstatic support and buoyed by the presence of a world class player in Robinho. Any other scenario and that’s a 1-0 to Chelsea – with these factors circling around the fixture, I’m not so sure. Tough to call, best avoided I would say.
Then we have United at Liverpool – always unpredictable given the rivalry between the sides, although we could have some clarity to this game if both Torres and Gerrard fail to make it. That looks to be the case at this point in time and without them, Liverpool would appear to be up against it, particularly with United boosted by returns from injuries and a likely cameo role from debutant Berbatov.
Arsenal’s annual trip to Ewood Park is never comfortable and while Ince’s side look likely to concede goals to the Gunners, they’re unlikely to concede too much ground. I can see Wenger having another uncomfortable experience this weekend. Arsenal should still come out of with three points. A clean sheet could be another matter though with both Roberts and Santa Cruz looking lively right now. Again, a tough one to call with conviction - I’m steering clear here too.
I can also see Everton getting a thorough examination at Stoke. Pulis has got his side contesting every ball and, while Everton should prevail, again I can see this being a struggle.
Thankfully there are some fixtures that appear to afford us some confidence in our predictions. Wigan are buoyant right now and should have too much for Keane’s Sunderland. A goal or two from Zaki and a clean sheet could well be on the menu at the JJB.
Bolton meanwhile, could find themselves in trouble at Fulham. Hodgson’s side have shown sides that they are an improved outfit, while Bolton are missing Cahill, Taylor and Elmander at the Cottage which is sure to hurt them at both ends of the pitch. A win for Fulham, paired with a clean sheet looks a pretty decent call.
Portsmouth also look good for a home win over Boro. Redknapp has stumbled on a winning formula with his 3-5-2 utilised so effectively at Goodison, that and Defoe’s sharpness, should be too much for a Boro side who are playing okay but always seem to struggle for consistency.
The Spurs vs Villa encounter is tough to call in terms of results but we it should guarantee some goals – it was 4-4 last season. Defensively both faired well last time out but I’m struggling to see defences coming out on top here. Villa travel well and seem likely to score, particularly with Spurs looking vulnerable at set-plays – remember the havoc Wheater caused on the opening day. On the flipside, Spurs will have gained confidence from their performance at Stamford Bridge and seem set to start with Pavlychenko up front. There should be goals here.
Having summed up the background for the weekend games, lets go over the picks I’ve finally settled on.
In goal I’ve gone for United’s van der Sar. I can see United keeping Liverpool out given the injuries that Rafa has going into the game – van der Sar will be called on to make saves but without Gerrard and Torres, Liverpool could lack a cutting edge. I see some saves and a possible clean sheet coming the way of the United keeper.
There are strong alternatives but in most cases the defenders in front of the likes of James, Schwarzer and Given appear to offer better value. Let’s move on to the defence next then.
N’Zogbia is the first selected, with Newcastle looking strong for a clean sheet, despite the Keegan shenanigans. There’s a good chance that N’Zogbia be employed on the left wing against Hull.
Next up, Portsmouth’s Armand Traore is set to keep his place in the left wingback position and offers great value at the back for a Pompey side who look fairly good bets for a home clean sheet.
Wigan’s Figueroa earns a spot with Bruce’s side looking a confident pick for a cleanie at the JJB against Sunderland. The final spot goes to Fulham’s Hangeland – if Hodgeson’s side can keep Arsenal at bay, they should be okay at home to a Bolton outfit lacking firepower. Hangeland also has the goal threat to get on the end of Bullard’s deliveries, as we’ve already seen against the Gunners.
For alternatives, there’s always the Chelsea defence of course, while I also like the attacking threat of Bale for Spurs at home to Villa – although he’s likely to be employed at left back rather than in midfield. Laursen is the chief goal threat from set plays for Villa and he could profit from the Spurs defence – a clean sheet looks unlikely though. I’ve also like a quick word on Kaboul – he can be a bit on the ropey side defensively but he’s a goal threat, is cheaper than Distin and Campbell and a regular starter in this new Pompey formation. A decent shout if you’re worried about Traore’s rotation.
Moving to midfield, this certainly appears to be the toughest area of the pitch to call this week. Ashley Young’s threat and delivery from set play is enough for me to keep faith with him, while Bentley for Spus in the same game gets the nod. It’s always dangerous to put too much faith in one particular fixture but I’ve decided to back a hunch with this one.
Fulham’s Bullard will be keen to show his worth having failed to see action for England, despite his call up. Bolton at home could well provide the ideal platform for him to boost he reputation so I’m handing him his first selection of the season.
I’ve gone for Arteta for the final spot – his class could be the difference in the game against Stoke. This will be a tight affair but the Spaniard’s delivery could be the key factor – he should be back on penalties after Yakubu’s miss last time out too.
Elsewhere, Lampard will be buoyant after the England game and is certainly worth keeping faith with if he’s in your side. Valenica offers strong value if you back another goal glut from Wigan, and Stoke’s Lawrence is sure to be Everton’s chief tormentor.
I’ve also got a good feeling about Diarra in Portsmouth’s new system – he looked dominant in midfield against Everton and may get forward at Fratton Park in the same formation. Then there’s Fabregas at Blackburn of course, and Wright-Phillips for Man City against his former club. In short then, a lot of options – none of which look cast iron certainties. The midfield is a minefield of opportunity and frustration this week – I can only wish you good luck finding your way through it.
Up front it’s looking a lot clearer. It’s hard to ignore Zaki given his current form and this week’s opposition. I’ve partnered him with Defoe who has a strong home scoring record for Portsmouth, and has the form and confidence going into the game with Boro.
Other options include Yakubu at Stoke, Ashton at West Brom and Zamora at home to Bolton. All look decent alternatives who could be in for profitable weeks. I’ve also a strong feeling that Tevez will have a blinder to overshadow Berbatov’s likely debut at Anfield. Just a hunch.
That’s about it for the picks – if you’re looking for an FPL captain you’re facing a difficult choice yet again. Zaki stands out if you’ve jumped on that particular bandwagon, while Bentley and Bullard offer tempting alternatives, and if you really want a gamble - how about N’Zogbia - ouch, that could go very wrong.
http://en.uclfantasy.uefa.com/
Up and running.
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Reply by Yogesh on September 11, 2008 10:55 pm:
hi Akers, I played UCL FF last year. Are you gonna play it this time around? If we get any of our friends from this site, we can start our league.
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Reply by Barkerov on September 12, 2008 6:15 am:
Id be in that
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Reply by Jimi on September 12, 2008 9:17 am:
can you link me too, got no friends who wanna play in two fantasy leagues, weekends and wednesdays!
i’ve got a european manager’s outlook! haha
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Reply by Akers on September 12, 2008 12:26 pm:
FFS Euro League — Code to join this league: 57-1532
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Reply by joe on September 12, 2008 9:37 am:
thanks!
know hardly anything about european football past england.. so any input into my team is much appreciated
casillas
sergio ramos - abidal - clichy
xavi (c) - deco - quaresma - babel
van persie - podolski - guiza
these are just pretty much players that impressed me during euro
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Reply by Brad © (Fußball spielen) on September 12, 2008 12:26 pm:
Don’t pick french players
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Reply by higgo on September 12, 2008 8:55 pm:
from what i see, midfielders are the way to go in the champions league
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Reply by Barkerov on September 15, 2008 12:43 am:
First of all try to pick the winners in each group.
Then identify the big performers.
I reckon a couple of AS Roma players in matchweek1 are a sure thing as are Werder Bremen playes ESPECIALLY Diego
I reckon
Change abidal for a chelsea defender (Barca leak goals)
quaresma or babel for diego (have him as captian cos Bremen will rape anorthosis)
maybe also Schweinsteiger in midfield
and try to fit Benzema in
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hi tips on line up please…dont know who to leave out from midfield and attack..
team:
cech schwarzer
young cahill figueroa paintsil sagna
lampard young fabregas bullard arteta
ashton zaki yakubu
think i’ll bench cahill, L young and either fabregas or ashton and also put cech in goal
cheers
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Hi Nesta - I reckon you’re on the right track, I’d be doing the same as you with that team, I’d bench Ashton over Fab and I might go with Schwarzer in goal instead of Cech though (can’t see Bolton scoring this week).
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Interesting back four you have chosen there Mark! I agree it could be another tough GW for some managers this week. I’m hoping for another big Wigan win this weekend which would seem me alright, I like you have avoided any Liverpool and United players for the time being. I expect this game to be a comfortable win for united and if Torres doesn’t play it could be a 2-0 or a 3-0 result with both Tevez and berbs likely to feature on the scoresheet. Rooney will also be buoyant after his goal midweek.
Schrute farms is currently a lowly 227th in the scouts league, looking to make some progress up the table this week.
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Thanks Mark for the early picks - I’ll be thinking of you in a Dorset field whilst I’m in Menorca!!
I thought you might have included an United player or two with the strong possibility of Gerrard and Torres not playing. I agree that this a tough week to call.
I fancy Van Persie, Crouch, Rooney and Lampard to score this weekend - only one of these is in my team by the way.
Looking at trends from past corresponding fixtures Fulham, Manchester United, Chelsea, West Ham, Wigan and Spurs should all win, but it’s never that easy.
Just one last pointer (or two) - the last three fixtures between Pompey and Boro have had only 3 goals in total in them (inc. a 0-0); and the Spurs v Villa fixture has had a total of 20 goals in total in the last 5 games at the Lane.
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Hey guys…
Just wondering what you guys think about benching Bosingwa and Clichy in favour of G.Johnson, Steinsson and Figueroa??
Also who would you choose out of Reina and Schwarzer???
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Reply by phil on September 12, 2008 9:01 am:
I’ve made a pretty similar move, benching Bosingwa and Sagna in favour of Traore, Figueroa and Jagielka. And I’m also selecting Schwartzer ahead of Green.
Johnson and Figueroa are solid choices, but I’m not too sure about Steinsson. In your position, I’d maybe be tempted to bench him and play Bosingwa.
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oh and thanx for any help in advance
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Schwarzer for me…i would try play johnson and figueroa but who to sit outta bosingwa/clichy is tough…id try play all 4?
Schwarzer
Clichy, Bosingwa, Johnson, Figueroa
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Reply by Bedknobs and Boomsticks on September 12, 2008 8:27 am:
Schwazer, Bosingwa, Figueroa, Johnson is my backline for this week.
I think Johnson is actually the best bet of the Portsmoth defenders, playing as a wingback, he has a histoy of picking up assists and bonus points, plus he was looking very shot-happy against Andora, so he could be on for another goal.
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Controversial, controversial choices Mark. But I think this week is so difficult to call, results and good point scorers are very hard to predict.
Captain selection could make or break a gameweek here. I think getting the capt right could see a surge up the table.
My head says Zaki but I can’ t do it. Picking a striker as captain is a risky business! Come on Fat Frankie. Have a feeling Chelsea will be out to teach City a lesson. If the Drog plays it will be interesting too. Is he fit???
It is a very exciting week i must say. Man U v Pool, Chel vs City. Both on the box! Zola’s first game and a host of tight tight games. The most exciting weekend in a long time.
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Captain dilemmas:
Zaki or Arteta?
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Is it better to have Faubert in a 3-5-2 or Ashton in a 3-4-3?
Cheers
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Reply by phil on September 12, 2008 9:04 am:
Faubert
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who should i bench jagielka or ashton. i see west ham scoring so im edging that way.
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Zaki…i know it sucks when every is on the bandwagon with some1 but this is similar to the Ronaldo strory at the moment lads..captain some1 else at your own peril! not saying he will perform like this the whole season but certainly at the moment!
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Reply by llama on September 12, 2008 10:10 am:
Zaki’s going to be a bonus magnet, picks up assists, and scores…so why not have him as captain :)?
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Clearly were all struggling for a clear captain choice, me included. So here is my ridiculous logic for who i think ill pick. Zaki, while the boy is on form he’s hard to ignor, however (i realise this is tenuous) but at some point he’ll have an average week which i think will be this one. How many players can you think of that have a blinder 4 weeks on the trot apart from ronaldo? Arteta, have a feeling he’ll do well but with new team mates next to him i worry the team will be a tad disjointed. Which leads me to bullard. He’ll be my pick. I can see goals in the match and as mark said will be out with a point to prove. Always a fairly reliable points scorer anyway i can see some assists and maybe a goal coming his way. Am i talking bollocks or does that make any type of sense?
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Reply by Dutchy on September 13, 2008 7:04 am:
Funny, exactly my kind of thinking. It’s hard to ignore Zaki. Especially when I consider the fact that my leaguemates will captain him. But somewhere I got the feeling that he won’t score as much as in the games against West Ham and Hull. So, I go for Bullard hoping for a weak Bolton defence from home and ignore Fabregas, Arteta and Young.
On top of that; I never take a forward as a captain!
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It makes some sense but you have got to remember it is after all…Fulham. So I cannot imagine a goal fest. Bolton, despite not scoring much, they havent really conceded much either.
Zaki is no doubt the bandwagon job, but I aint going to choose him as capt either. Sunderland are no joke this season. Keane will be out to rectify the result from City. And Zaki’s form surely cant continue that much. Early gamble by jumping off the bandwagon!!! GOOOO FAT FRANKIE!!!!!
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yeah u speak sense…i just cant see Zaki performing, Wigan are in excellent form, so is he and they at home against average opponents! i kno u wont bet against him
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yeah u speak sense…i just cant see Zaki not performing, Wigan are in excellent form, so is he and they at home against average opponents! i kno u wont bet against him
im also one to try avoid bandwagons but when its this obvious?
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Reply by Tommy on September 12, 2008 9:18 am:
I hear what ya saying. But if you were megson, who would you be telling ya players to close down quickly? Which is why i think its rare for a player and especially a striker to score big every week. The secret is out that zaki is a good player and in form. If i were a manager playing against wigan zaki would be marked out the game.
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Well thought out picks Mark, thanks.
I am transferring in Paintsil or Traore for the suspended Cahill.
Who woudl you go for? I think both Fulham and Pompey have good chances of clean sheets this week. I’m concerned about Traore playing enough minutes though. Anyone have any feelings as to if he’s going to be a regular for Portsmouth?
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Heres a question for you guy, i know zaki is the man of the moment, but i have had Ashton from the start which means i can can 6.6 for him when he is worth 6.7. Is it worth transfring Ashton out for Zaki or will ashton get more over the cause of the season?????????
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Reply by rafa_rejects on September 12, 2008 9:12 am:
just looked at that and realised the horrible spelling and English, sorry just woke up.
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Crouch for me…
or Robby Inho.
I can see City beating Chelsea.
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Reply by Beeeez Dad on September 13, 2008 4:29 am:
Nice to see some love for Crouch. I’m leaning that way as well. It’s kind of the contrarian pick as everyone’s hopping on the Defoe-wagon between the two of them, but I expect him to score well the rest of the season.
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As an addition to my comment.. it appears Harry may play Belhadj this week. So does that mean no Traore?
Portsmouth defenders seem like a wiser investement long term, but I can only spend 4.5mill max!
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Reply by Phil Pino on September 12, 2008 9:24 am:
Al, i was one of the many looking at investing in A Traore, however have too many doubts about his certainty to play the minutes. As such, and as i’ve got the money, i’ve bottled it and brought in G Johnson.
Personally i think the situation is worth monitoring for a few more weeks. Therefore, i’d hold fire and look elsewhere, perhaps Paintsil is a good short term fix.
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Reply by CK on September 12, 2008 9:31 am:
Traore is only 18, it’s unlikely he will play week in week out IMO
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Reply by Phil Pino on September 12, 2008 9:30 am:
Another potential, slightly left-field, choice would be Davenport. He’s likely to be a certain starter considering their injury crisis and West Ham’s fixtures look very good! Definitely worth considering…
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Reply by Al on September 12, 2008 11:27 am:
Great comments all, thanks.
You’ve convinced me to hold of on him and play Paintsil instead. Plus, unbelievably, a trasnfer for Cahill will free up another 0.5m. That’s what you call changing one cheap-ass defender for one helluva-cheap-ass defender!
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Reply by The Littlest Hobo on September 12, 2008 12:57 pm:
G Johnson is a bargain
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hi just my opinion but i think u guys are way too optimistic over fulham’s (and bullard’s) chances, just because they won an arsenal side insipid of ideas without fabregas and most of the players being off form.. would u imagine fulham vs the arsenal on show at newcastle? no chance for sure i would predict a 5-0 mauling. Plus even if bolton cant score we cant really bank on fulham’s strikers to score loads against resolute team defending by bolton..
and regarding sunderland, i guess zaki has to be this week’s captain if u were to take into regards sunderlands horrible horrible horrible away form and wigan’s rather decent home form. the previous 2 fixtures against liverpool and spurs made sunderland look good as these 2 teams were way off form and disjointed. Sunderland got caught last week by man city didnt they? With the amount of transfers keano made its quite impossible for sunderland to gel right yet anyway. so smart money shld still be on zaki as capt, rather than bullard.
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Reply by Martin on September 12, 2008 10:28 am:
‘Sunderlands horrible horrible horrible away form’ - does that include their 2-1 win at Tottenham in their only away game this season.
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Reply by a on September 12, 2008 1:59 pm:
I was referring to their away form last season where they were only better than derby if i remember correctly
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Defender David Wheater is suffering with tonsillitis and is a doubt
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Reply by Bedknobs and Boomsticks on September 12, 2008 9:49 am:
I’m leaning towards Defoe for the captaincy over Zaki. Middlesborough are already missing their 1st choice defencive mid and have a potentially dodgey keeper. If they loose Wheater Portsmouth could get a few.
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Reply by Beeeez Dad on September 13, 2008 4:31 am:
I having similar thoughts although opting for Crouch!!! These decisions always make you root against yourself, but I won’t be disappointed if I get a big game out of Zaki and he’s not captain.
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hmm if that is true…must make Defoe look even better as an option for captain? just so hard to move away from Zaki…
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Listen lads, for what it’s worth here is my two pence worth!
Do NOT make Zaki Captain… I had him captain last time and earned 32 lovely points. I am not making him capt this time round cos I honestly believe he is a flash in the pan. Bar Ronaldo, no-one does that 4 weeks in a row. No-one! Jump on the bandwagon if you wish but you are too late IMO.
I very may be very wrong but I honestly just cannot see a Wigan striker doing it 4 weeks in a row. Time will tell of course
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Is it worth losing 4 points to get Ashton in for Adebayor?
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Reply by Cliffard on September 12, 2008 11:28 am:
Scratch that, Arsenal have Bolton and Hull next.
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Reply by gaz on September 13, 2008 9:41 am:
arsenal always struggle against bolton
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my team:
jaaskelainen (schwarzer)
phill nevile, bosingwa, obrianA, (meite, youngL)
lampard, youngA, deco, geovanni (mullins)
torres, santa cruz, ashton
still have my sub to make, i’m likely to change one of my forwards for RVP, who has easy fixtures coming.
any comments?
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Reply by Al on September 12, 2008 11:40 am:
Start Schwarzer over Jaaskelainen this week no? I ahve them both too and think Fulham more likely clean sheat in their game with bolton.
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Reply by Al on September 12, 2008 11:43 am:
Damn my spelling to hell.
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Reply by phil on September 12, 2008 12:47 pm:
RVP for Torres would be the obvious move given that Torres is an injury doubt and overpriced. Also Arsenal’s fixtures after GW4 look more favourable.
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Don’ think Zaki will be that good this week, if his gonna perform again like last week, then Agbonlahor should have scored again in their last game… based on form… Maybe Heskey will steal his thunder this week.. After a decent display in the internationals “shrugs”.
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Who should I captain?
Howard (Jaaskelainen)
Neville/Lescott/Clichy/Carvalho(L.Young)
A.Young/Faubert/Fabregas/Barry (Hamann)
Bent/RVP (Windass)
I’m torn between RVP, Fabregas and A.Young.
Thanks in advance…
Ps. this is my first ever season which explains why I have Dean Windass!
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Reply by Al on September 12, 2008 11:46 am:
I think Spurs V Villa may see GOALS (i.e many of them.)
So Young not a bad choice. You can be sure Fabs will get 3 bonus (after all he is playing) so he might be a safe pick too.
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You think Torres will start?
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Reply by Brad © (Fußball spielen) on September 12, 2008 12:31 pm:
No
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Reply by Jimi on September 12, 2008 1:50 pm:
see bbc team news,
rafa says Gerrard & Torres will start
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my thoughts exactly al, fabregas safe for the bonus, ashley young semi-gamble…
can anyone else offer any help with my dilemma?
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Reply by Al on September 12, 2008 11:54 am:
Maybe it’s a ‘windass-winfall-week!’
Well you never know. If no-one turns up at St.James’ to support then maybe Hull will have a riot?!
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Any thoughts on who to start in my defence this week?
Laursen, Figueroa, Paintsil, Jagielka, Carvalho
I’m only gonna play 3. It’s a touch call as to which 3 though. I don’t see Villa keeping clean, but can I ignore Laursen’s goal threat? Could this be the week Everton bounce back?
Arg.
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zamora or berbatov for this week??
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Reply by Tom on September 12, 2008 11:55 am:
Zamora
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Reply by rafa_rejects on September 12, 2008 12:06 pm:
i agree, easier game and needs a goal
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Ok peeps, I need some advice if you could please. Who do I go for this weekend, monday and tuesday? Theres two choices I could make and Im torn :-S
Adebayor & Zaki, then Yakubu and Pavlyuchenko/Bent.
or
Defoe & Zaki, then Yakubu.
Who do you think will earn the most points this weekend?
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I’d file windass having a windfall under ”extremely unlikely.”
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Reply by Tom on September 12, 2008 11:59 am:
I’d second that!
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I’d go with Carvalho, figueroa and then either Laursen or Paintsil. Paintsil has a much better chance of a clean sheet, but as has been said, there could be goals a plenty in the villa game so Laursen can’t be discounted…
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Reply by will on September 12, 2008 12:07 pm:
That comment was directed at Al btw…
Mark, what happened to being able to edit your posts for 30 minutes after you’d posted them?
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Am I the only person fancing Fat Frankie to get some decent points this week? It seems I am from the above comments. We shall see if my gamble pays off. If you look at Lampards points so far, he is one of the top 10 and he has done nothing. 20goals plus last season and none yet? Its his time to pay me off with something.
I reckon the Zaki bandwagon is falling over its so heavy now. People saying he is a flash in the pan I seriously disagree with. The type of player he is he will always cause trouble. Drogba esque. He is known as the bulldozer in his previous league. Will do well but maintaining the form of the previous weeks will be difficult.
I agree with Jo. I can see Heskey being Wigan’s man this week if anything.
There are a lot of people here who like the Fwd captain option. If i am gambling on fat frankie, u guys are really gambling by picking strikers as regular captains
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Reply by Al on September 12, 2008 12:34 pm:
Heskey’s an old man. I reckon he’ll be knackered after the England game
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Guys, do you reckon its worth taking a 4 point hit to change Downing to Fabregas this weekend, or leave it until the weekend after when they have bolton away?!
My midfield is Downing | Lampard | Young | Bentley
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Reply by cruyff on September 12, 2008 12:57 pm:
I have the same midfield and thinking of changing downing to either bullard or Fab and take a 4 point hit by changing out an expensive defender. Arsenal have good fixtures coming up, so the latter will be my choice.
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Reply by Hman on September 12, 2008 1:24 pm:
so do you think its worth the 4 points, or wait until next week? :p
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Subbing out Adebayor (too expensive - able to use money for in future weeks) - who out of Defoe or RVP?
Also worth the 4 point hit to bring in Zaki for Zamora?
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Reply by Gary on September 12, 2008 1:30 pm:
any help guys - need to make changes before I leave work - thanks!
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Reply by Akers on September 12, 2008 1:45 pm:
I wouldn’t spend 4 points because one of Zamora and Adebayor could do well as it’s not as if they are injured. Tough call as to which transfer to make, and even though I have Zaki AND Van Persie, I’d be tempted to bring Defoe in as I have a feeling Pompey will take full advantage of their favourable upcoming fixtures.
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Reply by Gary on September 12, 2008 1:57 pm:
cheers - I’ve actually decided to keep Ade and Zamora
and used the this week’s trade to bring in Fig
I’ll give Ade and Zamora a few more chances considering their favourable fixture
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Gerrard and Torres passed fit!!!!
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Reply by Akers on September 12, 2008 12:49 pm:
Not surprised at all. I think they were always going to be fit to be honest.
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Yeah I just heard that they are fit on SSN.
Does this mean they will start, or torres on bench?
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Reply by kopthislot on September 12, 2008 12:53 pm:
Benitez has said that as they are fit “then they can play” but did not indicate whether or not they would start… hope they do!
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Personally would not go for Traore.
Just heard Harry Redknapp praising Belhadj who has impressed him this week, describing him as ‘bright as a button’ and ‘ready to play’. I think it’s pretty 50/50 whether Traore or Belhadj starts for the LWB spot on Saturday and can see Belhadj becoming first choice.
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Well after much consideration and tinkering, here goes my effort(!) at GW4. Not an easy week this week whatsoever but hey, here goes nice people.
Schwarzer
Bosingwa Evra Figueroa
Young A Bentley Deco Davies(C)
Alves Defoe Kitson
SUBS:Shorey Carvalho Wright-Phillips.
Really fancy Dave Kitson to get off the mark this week with a return against Everton. While he has failed to score yet this season, I feel he is a decent player at this level after scoring 10 for Reading last season and Stoke will get goals (and conceed a few as well)during the course of this season. In your face player who will give Lescott and co. real problems!Not brave enough to put in as captain.
Davies, captain, suberb against Russia midweek. His retention and distribution of the ball was class above in the Wales team and as normal he will be more advanced back at Fulham, with the very definite chance of bonus points should Fulham succeed in the game, which I strongly believe they will do.
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Reply by Fran on September 13, 2008 9:22 pm:
You did ok Dave with Davis as captain - at least you got some points!
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Using my wildcard in FPL this week, but can’t decide between theese alternatives. Anyone care to help?
Cech/Reina - Schwarzer
Rio/Vidic - Brown - Bosingwa - Figueroa - Paintsil
Lampard - Fabregas/Deco - Arteta/SWP - Valencia/Bullard - Delap
RVP/Berba - Defoe - Zaki
Also considering losing the luxury striker for something less, and playing both Arteta and SWP.
Cheers.
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Reply by will on September 12, 2008 2:25 pm:
Cech/Reina-both pretty similar
Rio/Vidic-ditto
Fabregas rather than Deco
SWP/Arteta-both similar
probably Bullard over Valencia
RVP/Berba-difficult again-I’d prob go for Berba due to RVP constantly picking up injuries.
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Reply by Gazzamania on September 12, 2008 4:05 pm:
Cheers for the feedback.
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Dave,
I am afraid you are crazy. Davies as captain? I think that is a mad choice. Hope it works out well for u and u may prove me wrong but initially i actually thought it was a typo.
Dont fancy Kitson to do anything myself. do you support Stoke by any chance?
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Reply by dave on September 12, 2008 1:22 pm:
Do I support Stoke?….look at my gravatar. You will then understand that I am crazy!!!
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Reply by Phil Pino on September 12, 2008 2:08 pm:
I support Stoke!!
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Reply by dave on September 12, 2008 2:11 pm:
Good on ya my friend.At least your not as crazy as this lad here..mind you been watching em 22 years.
So what are your views on Dave Kitson then, pal. Worth inclusion. Playing well, etc.
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Reply by Phil Pino on September 12, 2008 2:40 pm:
I don’t think he’s got into his stride yet. He doesn’t seem to have got an understanding with the team yet, and with Fuller. He keeps flicking things on when Fuller isn’t there…
But he makes up for it with hard work, despite his reputation as a ‘fox in the box’. Fuller likes more like the one who’s going to put the ball away.
I wouldn’t put Kitson in my FF team, maybe once the team starts playing to his strengths.
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Also,
Why are people using their wildcard so early?? This is nuts!!!!
Fran will support me on that ill bet eh Fran?
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Reply by Gazzamania on September 12, 2008 1:25 pm:
my opening was shit, and all my players were reducing in value. add in bleek prospects, and there you go.
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Reply by Fran on September 12, 2008 4:46 pm:
Using the wildcard when your players are mostly rubbish is a good idea. You can’t afford to fall further behind in your league - “You can’t win the league with only a few games gone, but you can certainly lose it’.
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HI GUYS!!!!
For GK
Schwarzer VS Jaaskelainen (FUL VS BOL)
which one you will choose??
THX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Reply by dave on September 12, 2008 1:25 pm:
The former as home advantage, a major positive.
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Reply by nelson on September 12, 2008 1:33 pm:
If consider next five week
Schwarzer ,Jaaskelainen , Given ,Kirkland
Which one would you guys suggest!!!!???
!!!!!!!!!!!!Double THX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Reply by Brad © (Fußball spielen) on September 12, 2008 1:40 pm:
!
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Reply by Fran on September 12, 2008 4:47 pm:
Schwarzer should get the points this week.
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This captain picking is doing my nut in!!! Got Arteta, Bentley, Young and Zaki, I’m leaning towards Arteta but am sure my faith in Bentley has to be repaid soon?!?! If there is a repeat of last years result between Spurs and Villa then Young would be a strong contender too.
Whatever happens, I will have made the wrong choice and will rue that wonderful thing called hindsight!
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Reply by Akers on September 12, 2008 1:48 pm:
Think I’ve settled on Bullard over Bentley, Young and Zaki. I’m sure this won’t help you, but there is no reason to pick one ahead of others and think its requires a guess.
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Reply by kopthislot on September 12, 2008 1:56 pm:
Might roll a dice as I’ve got no idea. What do you think the score will be on saturday Akers?
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Reply by Akers on September 12, 2008 2:00 pm:
1-0 United of course. Either Rooney’ll get it, or it’ll be Vidic or Ferdinand from a corner.
Suppose you reckon Liverpool will beat the odds and won.
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Reply by kopthislot on September 12, 2008 3:53 pm:
Bore draw I reckon. Never a man filled with confidence when we play you… Dudek saw to that!
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Reply by Fran on September 12, 2008 4:50 pm:
Liverpool’s record against Man United is awful! But if Liverpool want to win the league they have to beat United to prove their intentions and point.
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Reply by Fran on September 12, 2008 4:48 pm:
Pick Zaki for captain - his real name is the new Ronaldo!!!
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Reply by Team d2b. on September 12, 2008 5:05 pm:
‘The new ronaldo’? Get out of here.
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Reply by CK on September 12, 2008 7:40 pm:
My arse!
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Go Schwarzer, Fulham should shut out a mediocre Elmander-less Bolton.
Captain for this week? Bullard, Arteta, or Deco?
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Hmm, I’m not 100% Paintsil will play will he? Also I can see Seoul starting and AJ coming off the bench.
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In this week
=========Schwarzer (FUL VS BOL)==================
==========Given (NEW VS HUL)=====================
Which one would you suggest??!!!
THX!!!!
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Reply by Phil Pino on September 12, 2008 2:41 pm:
Honestly, this is such a no-brainer that it makes me wonder why you bothered to post this? Do you really lack that much in decision-making skills??
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Reply by dave on September 12, 2008 3:33 pm:
Phil should I drink my cider tonight with my left or right hand???
any suggestions…
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Reply by Phil Pino on September 12, 2008 3:57 pm:
Whilst i would traditional suggest that the left-hand is reserved for the drink and the right-hand is reserved for some bar-based snackage (crisps, nuts, general nibbles…) i think the real question is why a Stoke supporter is drinking CIDER??
I would transfer that cider out for a traditional ale. Preferably a Mansfields but i’ll leave that up to you. Whatever you do, don’t take the 4-point hit for a lager…
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Figueroa or carragher?
berbatov or defoe?
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Reply by will on September 12, 2008 2:28 pm:
This week or overall?
If this week, then defoe over berbatov.
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Reply by Gazzamania on September 12, 2008 2:34 pm:
Figueroa (more likely clean sheet)
Defoe (Berbatov might come off the bench?)
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Reply by Fran on September 12, 2008 4:51 pm:
Choose Figueroa and Defoe - Safer chances.
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cheers, what i was thinking too, but wasnt too sure, man utd having a hard time scoring and liverpool good at locking teams down,
but i think wigan is prob safer bet for a clean sheet.
did mean for this week aswell
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a lot of u people are all very indecisive. if u said taibi or Cech in goal this week and sum1 said Taibi, you would do as th