Hamstring Hands Cole Watching Brief
Ashley Cole has been ruled out of England’s qualifier with Belarus on Wednesday, joining team mate John Terry on the sidelines.
A hamstring problem has put Cole out of action, although he’ll also be nursing a wounded ego after the rather harsh reaction of the England fans to his “defensive lapse” against Kazakhstan. Terry meanwhile, is still nursing a problem with his lower back that kept him out of Saturday’s 5-1 win. Upson is set to continue alongside Ferdinand on Wednesday, while Chelsea team mate, Bridge will likely come in for Cole.
There’s no word from Chelsea as yet as to the extent of the injury but, like Terry, although he’ll be a doubt for next weekend, I expect him to be fit enough to take his place in the Chelsea side for the trip to Boro. Their fantasy owners have no need to fret just yet then, although I’ll obviously bring you news on these two injuries as the week progresses.
Panda Bear
darcy
TorresMagic
masafi
Yes, I heard what happened to A cole on TV - sad considering all the booing he got the other day by mindless fans. With all these players away injured from Chelsea at the back they may concede more goals. They do have good replacements though.
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Reply by will on October 13 1:56 pm:
1
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Reply by Fran on October 13 2:05 pm:
Thanks!
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Reply by Akers on October 13 3:32 pm:
2
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Reply by Fruit Flan on October 14 3:43 am:
Thanks!
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What injury kept JT out for quite a few games last season?
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Reply by Andy_P on October 13 1:35 pm:
Eboue stamped on him and broke something in his foot I think.
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Reply by Old Gregg on October 13 2:03 pm:
Couldn’t have happened to a nicer geezer!
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After England lost 2-3 to Wembley against craotia, like numerous no-shows for England, Terry managed to recover a few days later to play for Chelsea. Unless Terry has a second degree injury my money is on him to play at the weekend. Shame he doesn’t put himself on the line like he does for his club.
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Reply by Kenncam on October 13 4:08 pm:
Absolutely right - a vital qualifier that cost us a place at the Euros, Terry claimed injury yet played for Chelsea days later. These guys should be desperate to play for England but are more bothered about raking in vast amounts of money (like they need any more!) at the expense of fans who can’t afford it.
I was amazed Capello made Terry captain when he obviously isn’t too fussed about playing for England.
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I’m firmly in the camp that Mr Cole shouldn’t have got booed but he’s certainly not gonna win any popularity contests with his ref abusing, extremely fit wife cheating, money grabbing and general annoying demeanour antics… I think most fans are just looking for an excuse to boo him!
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He’s synonymous with all the other objectionable runts in the England team who have no passion or desire for anything other than their weekly wages.
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A Cole is an absolute to$$er. He is up there with A Shearer and Paul Ince on my list of all time most hated players!
Its Sheryl I feel sorry for. Ill be there for her if things go awry…
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Reply by SL8 on October 13 3:14 pm:
He’s still the best choice for Englands left-back and i thought he had an ok game before making that one mistake - still we won 5-1 so who cares and as for so-called ‘fans’ paying to see your team and then booing a player - ridiculous!
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I have revised the Fran-ometer.
Key;
10 Rock-bottom in terms of stupidity.
9 Utter rubbish.
8
7 Gibberish.
6 Typical Fran nonsense.
5
4 Possibly a reasonable point, but made with several ridiculous remarks.
3
2
1 A fair point made.
0 A factual, and incisive post.
Also included is a special * symbol, meant to go alongside a numerical rating, if there has been an overuse of exclamation marks.
Gaps are for a sliding scale in between two other ratings.
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Reply by Fran on October 13 3:51 pm:
Akers - I give you a 1 for your post in accordance to your rating system.
I might use it too in future for mails received especially from the anti-fran comments which are often VERY stupid?
Though, I get the feeling people will probably have quite a difference in scoring depending upon preference and understanding my my or your comments.
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Reply by SL8 on October 13 3:55 pm:
1
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Reply by Dilzy on October 13 4:06 pm:
3
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Reply by Raf on October 13 4:08 pm:
4
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Reply by Luke on October 13 8:23 pm:
4
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Reply by Fran on October 13 4:22 pm:
Actually Akers, I think the problem with your rating system is:
1) For every comment You or I make we could get 10 or more replies with just numbers going down the screen - this is a waste of space and footballing time.
2) You should have more respect for Mark’s website here and not make your own rules when you don’t have the right to. Have you notice Akers Mark does not make anti fran comments or such like - this makes me believe he is an adult and not a child playing childish games.
3) Personally Akers I give your idea of a rating system 7 Gibberish. It not workable and wastes comments spaces. It was a nice idea but wouldn’t it be better if we stick to football related subjects as this site is set up for. I could encourage you to use your rating system if I was egoistic in nature and simply love people thinking and speaking about me. But in reality this website should be football focused not Fran focused, This is why people come here generally. I think i’m getting too famous as it is!
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Reply by Raf on October 13 4:36 pm:
10
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Reply by Akers on October 13 4:38 pm:
6.
I think the rating system could work very well with you Fran. It gives you an idea of how your often out-spoken comments are being gauged. It’s this reason (the out-spoken commments part) that I thought it’d be a good idea.
I am not inflicting any rules on this site and agree that the posts regarding non-fantasy football topics take away from the site. However, my hope is that after your posts, there will be 3-4 posts from people indicating their thoughts on your comments.
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Reply by Fran on October 13 4:46 pm:
4
Well Akers, I hope there will not be any long line of numbers and people would write down their replies too unlike Raf?
I have become very famous on this website and have gotten in the imagination of hundreds. But I didn’t really want to be that famous!
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Reply by Raf on October 13 4:50 pm:
7…….how very dare u fran! i thought we were friends!
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Reply by Dan on October 13 4:56 pm:
10 - shut up Fran - you’re wrecking the site
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Reply by Niall Quinn's Disco Pants on October 13 5:21 pm:
10
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Reply by Akers on October 13 6:49 pm:
10
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Reply by Fran on October 13 6:56 pm:
Akers 8 - Too many numbers here as predicted without comments!
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Reply by will on October 13 7:03 pm:
“I have become very famous on this website and have gotten in the imagination of hundreds. But I didn’t really want to be that famous!”
Too true Fran, could I get your autograph perhaps?
10 with added ego btw.
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Reply by Luke on October 13 8:24 pm:
7
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Reply by Murt on October 14 7:36 pm:
4
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Is fran alan shearer in disguise? has the same dashing punditry skills that made him eh famous..
Anyway does anyone think use of a wild card for 4 transfers is a waste?
Fran/alan shearer or anyone welcome to comment!
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Reply by bob on October 13 4:29 pm:
a 12 point hit isnt too drastic, i think you would be better off leaving the wild card option for later in the season
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Reply by Fran on October 13 4:29 pm:
Hi gormdubhgorm
Using your wildcard to make four transfer is fine. However you need to check that the players you are getting have a number of weeks that they have good fixtures, Many people use their wildcard and only have one gameweek in mind. Therefore when the following GW’s come they have to make many changes, thus losing more points. Players you decide to get should be ones you know you are going to use for a long time, preferably most of the season unless they are injured, suspended etc. Also, ask yourself sincerely do you need to make such changes in one week? Tough Decisions!
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Reply by kopthislot on October 13 4:47 pm:
0
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Reply by kopthislot on October 13 4:52 pm:
Wildcard can destroy a team and patience is often a suitable and more appropriate alternative. Maybe once the league settles then a wildcard may be used to better effect: will Tottenham’s luck change, thus become a baragain basement; will Hull’s form dip and alternatives to be had elsewhere; will Man City be a consistent performer? How will the winter effect players and injuries? Who will come in the january transfer system and oust concrete starters?
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Reply by Fran on October 13 5:01 pm:
0 - Kopthislot
I have you mentioned January transfers sales as often many people are waiting for this. However sometimes things don’t always work out as planned. Last season in our league we were waiting for the January sales and found out it was a waste of time as there was not many big transfer requests. Anelka was the only big major signing but as we found out to our disgust he was not worth the time of day. January seems to be a sparse time to use your transfer card. Though this year might be differnet with Man City wanting more players, but usually the better players are cup tied etc by then. What do you think? Comments please!
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Reply by kopthislot on October 13 5:32 pm:
I think Man City players are definitely most vulnerable, particularly at LB and Hughes will be looking to get in a quality CM and a ‘bullish’ striker. For me the january transfer won’t be an issue of who might I pick, rather the vulnerability of some of the players I have in an increasing trend of player rotation.
Don’t think cup tied players will effect Hughes’s transfer policy as he will be concentrating more on a top 6 finish rather than hoping for European football by winning the UEFA cup.
My point was to encourage gormdubhgorm not to make a rash decision with the wildcard, but maybe that it may pay off to wait… wish I had!!! Same with some of the players he’s thinking about transferring out.
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Reply by Luke on October 13 8:26 pm:
1
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Reply by Akers on October 13 6:51 pm:
1
I would think long and hard about whether you really need to make so many transfers in one week.
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Reply by Fran on October 13 6:57 pm:
Agreed 0
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Reply by Team d2b. on October 13 8:37 pm:
Agreed. The best team for a certain GW on paper isn’t always the team that picks up the most points. Only take hit’s/or use wildcard if you really need to.
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Any suggestions on how i could improve my team?
Reina (Schwarzer)
Evra Bosingwa Kompany (Figeruoa olsson)
Ronaldo(C) SWP Denilson Marney (kim do hoen)
Zaki Berbatov Defoe
3.8 mil in the bank
I was thinking about changing denilson to A.Young and Kompany to either carvalho(when hes fit) or carrager. What do you think?
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Reply by Ricky on October 13 4:45 pm:
get A Young!
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So it looks like Carrick, Hargreaves or both could be fit for the weekend…having bought Fletcher recently I’m none too happy about this news!
I notice that Mark’s predicted line-up for the West Brom game has Anderson in over Fletcher. I would have thought that based on form so far this season Fletcher has a good case for a place, but who knows what Sir Alex will decide.
Either way Fletcher’s place looks in serious jeopardy now, so is it time to get rid?
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Hi Bob!
You have a very strong term there and I like your forwards very much.
Personally, I would consider getting Young in midfield once Arsenal easy games are over and when I see Denilson clearly not going upfield to help in Arsenal’s attacks. Alternatively, you could upgrade Marney after the West Brom match in GW 9 as they would have Chelsea in GW 10. Another ‘nice’ problem you might have is who to captain of either Ronaldo or Barbatov once Berba starts scoring regularly. Wait and see I say!
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Reply by will on October 13 4:42 pm:
2
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Reply by bob on October 13 4:46 pm:
cheers fran. I agree with you about berba, its only a matter of time before he starts raking in the points! after transfering in young do you think its wise to use the extra money to upgrade kompany or strengthen my midfield by upgrading marney/kim do hoen?
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Reply by Fran on October 13 4:53 pm:
My Opinion is to strengthen up your midfield as this is where most the points are gained. So far this season getting points from defensive play is not too common, though this could change as Mark says that normally in October defensive play counts. However, I think this season seems different as the so-called weaker clubs can challenge more higher placed teams in the league than previous seasons.
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Reply by bob on October 13 5:05 pm:
which midfield sounds best:
Ronaldo - SWP - Marney - A.Young - Etherington
or
Ronaldo - SWP - Marney - Arteta - Denilson
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Reply by Fran on October 13 5:13 pm:
Personally Bob, I prefer your first option including Young and Etherington. However Arteta has a blinder of a game about one in three matches. Young is consistent throughout the season though. I am not sure if Etherington is a flash in the pan or the genuine article. Denilson is very good for points when he is playing up field. There is a growing debate on this website whether Lampard or Ronaldo will be the midfield star this season. Though both players points percentage will be affected by Deco and Berbatov resprectively - but we don’t know by how much? Therefore many players including myself have got both of them!
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Reply by Akers on October 13 6:54 pm:
1
I much prefer the 1st one, seeing as after I use my free on Valencia -> SWP, my midfield will be exactly the same.
It’s nice to see that people are seeing it as an attractive midfield.
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Reply by Luke on October 13 8:28 pm:
its nice to see that everyone is heading towards the same players and I have some ingenuity
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2.
Would have been a 1, but for the overuse of exclamation marks.
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Reply by Fran on October 13 5:05 pm:
Dave Boozle 5
I will still use exclamination marks - it my style and should not be determined by other people mind set- everyone is an individual - would you agree?
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to change the subject from Fran to football;
is the general consensus that Brown is now starting at right back for Manyoo, or is it still up in the air? He’d a good game for Ingerland the other night too- not tested much, but alright nonetheless
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Reply by The Littlest Hobo on October 13 5:35 pm:
Up in the air.
Should be a no-brainer really. Neville doesnt come close to Brown. Having said that I was disappointed that Chelsea beat ManUtd to the signing of Bosingwa because I think we lack a truly world class right full back.
However, Browns inclusion in the team is certainly not guaranteed. It seems that Brown is not in SAFs good books so his selection is not a certainty. SAF has also made statements about the regular inclusion of Neville.
A risky signing if you ask me but bargain material if he gets the nod even 3 out of 4 games. Keep watching closely as I am.
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nope, far from it, I think the right back is completely undecided at this point.
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well Fran, now that we have a 2 week break, I can hear a lot from u.. Ur so precious advices!!!! But as soon as the match are played, cant see u koz ur so precious advices were so rubbish!!! LOL
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Reply by will on October 13 6:37 pm:
11/10 (for FranTheExpert!!Haha)
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I agree with Will. For a small fortune more, you can have Evra, with no competition instead of 3 fighting for the spot. There is no value in the Mancs right back spot.
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delap for captain this week
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anyone know if alex will play thie weekend
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Reply by CK on October 13 6:35 pm:
Wondering same myself mate. I think he probably will. I have him too… kinda thought he was a great bargain and would rise in price but not exectly going according to plan
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Reply by kopthislot on October 13 6:39 pm:
I thought Ivanovic had done enough to retain his place in the side above Alex?
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Reply by will on October 13 6:43 pm:
who knows, either way Carv will be back in a couple of weeks
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Reply by CK on October 13 6:51 pm:
We await Mark’s team news…
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this
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or worse still you could put the armband on bentley
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Reply by Akers on October 13 6:55 pm:
suicide
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Reply by Fran on October 13 6:59 pm:
1 - Agreed with Akers
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fran do you thnink berbs is better than drogba
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Reply by Fran on October 13 7:35 pm:
Certainly Berbatov is better than Drogba, Drogba is very much injured now!
However, if they were both fully fit I would say Berbatov as he can do things others players can’t. His main asset is his coolness under pressure and his ability to find and create space. Zidane and other real greats of football had that aura and skills. Most (if not all) the other players in the premier league just seem like they are rushing around at 100MPH.
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IMO berbs will defs outscore the drog this season
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oh fran. i warned you last week before the blackburn game that rooney would be a better pick than lazy berbs. i think rooney will outscore him again this week.
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Reply by Fran on October 13 7:40 pm:
Well you made a good prediction then - well done. I could try to upgrade Berba to Rooney if the England star continues to score. But I have a feeling that the goals will be shared around mostly between Barbatov, Rooney and Ronaldo. Well, Berba is a cheaper option than Roo and he can do a lot of assists too. I’m not too worry at the moment just waiting to see Berbatov hit some more form, which he will do soon!
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Reply by dunk on October 13 11:20 pm:
Also Rooney gets too many cards. That’s why I dropped him.
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i should think so as drog is currently injured but if they were both fit for the whole season i would have to go for drog as he is not so lazy!
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also berbs is a flash in the pan. at least ronaldo makes it pay off on most occasions.
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i would be worried if i had berbs in my team for fear of rotation with tevez or even rooney.
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Reply by comfycoxy on October 13 7:47 pm:
I don’t currently have berbatov, but I don’t think he is going to be rotated much at all. SAF doesn’t normally rotate, and when you have just spent £30mil odd on a player, you are unlikely to rotate him frequently. I would be more worried if I had Rooney or Tevez about them being rotated.
Despite berbs cost, he still could get benched if he doesn’t perform though. Regardless of his value.
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Reply by Fran on October 13 7:49 pm:
Thanks Kammy for your replies: I don’t think Berba is a flash in the pan, well not until he plays much more games for United to get a full assessment on his progress or otherwise. Ronaldo misses many chances during his games when you watch the full 90 mins matches; however Ronaldo is brave enough to have another go when his free kicks hits row Z. Yes, Berbatov could be rotated and that applies to all Man Utd players including Ronaldo as seen last season with important internationl or champion league games coming up. Some have suggested here that Ronaldo could play every game so Fergie can get as much out of him before he leaves (IF) to Real Madrid. But would Fergie risk injuring his prize asset (Burnout/injury)? - I think not!
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Quick Q:
Who would you keep - clichy or gallas, and why?
Thanks, great site, and funny (!)
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Clichy as gallas is a serious doubt…however, if fit, gallas clearly owes us a goal in the PL
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Gallas as he scores more. But clichy can get some assists during the season.
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Thanks guys!
Well heres another one, Evra or Ashley Cole?
The league leader in my league has Evra, so im erring on the side of cole, in an effort to be different. But am unsure….
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Reply by nbalive on October 13 8:23 pm:
I would def go for evra just bc he costs 0.1 less and might be slightly less rotated (or at least should eg o’shea vs bridge).
Would see both equal in terms of CS and assists…
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Thanks again - its looking like Gallas and Evra. But over the next 3 days and a few more beers - who knows!
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Last season the comments were funny and clever and I really enjoyed being a part of that. I miss yer Dad and Old Gregg. I dont really want to give you any attention Fran but if you keep this up I’m steering clear of the comments. Nice work Mark, missing the old times
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Reply by Juzzie on October 14 4:21 am:
Fully agreed. I preferred to look through 8-14 comments per entry, with the usual same people (yer Dad, Old Gregg) commenting with true wit, or the occasional useful injury / news report, instead of nowadays’ exclaimation marks and “look at my team, any suggestions guys?” It’s quite scrub behaviour…
I think Mark’s perspectives are enough to make decisions on. We don’t need more cooks. Whyever people can’t make simple choices for themselves I cannot understand.
In the past I could just watch and read and smile away, and went a whole season without having to comment at all. But with Fran around, it takes a whole lot more self-control not to be exasperated.
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Reply by Marc on October 14 4:39 am:
Agreed.
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Reply by Arul on October 14 6:41 am:
I miss Puffinboy and The Nec too..
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Reply by Phil Pino on October 14 8:12 am:
It’s so true. I’ve often found myself wondering where the witty, non-FF banter has gone and Old Gregg and yer Dad really were the true exponents of this quality writing. I’m just not sure it’s truly appreciated here anymore…
At least there’s some semblance of an old-school fan club here. I’m secretly hoping that the inundation will wind down by mid-season and we’ll get the classics back again.
Not nearly enough panache anymore to crack such quality Shorey quips…
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Reply by Dr "Bedknobs and Boomsticks" Sanchez on October 14 8:39 am:
Yeah, what happened to The Nec? He was always a big contributor. Still haven’t managed to sort my toilet cistern out yet either. Its all very autumnal this morning.
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Reply by Phil Pino on October 14 9:10 am:
I think The Nec posted a greeting from across the pond in one of the threads a week ago or so…
Gosh, that cistern is taking it’s time to get sorted! What on earth are you using in the meantime? A bucket? Or are you one of these lavish types with more than one toilet in the household eh?
Q: what did the cistern say to the hippie?
A: i’m not a well man.
Boom boom! I like autumnal weather, it’s an excuse to wear fingerless gloves, my one true vice…
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Reply by puffinboy on October 14 10:52 am:
Maybe I’ll drag the old gang out of retirement for a reunion tour of the northern working men’s message boards in 2015, featuring Necky as Bob Hope, Yer Dad as Bernard Manning and Alex as Jo Brand. Sorry, Sarah Silverman.
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Reply by Phil Pino on October 14 10:56 am:
Ace! Do i need to register online to buy tickets??
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Reply by yer dad on October 15 4:51 pm:
Kiwi Luke missing me, I am touched. Since the Santa Cruz incident I was sure I blew Kiwi-English relations. I was right though.
Bernard Manning Puffin, great choice.
A Scouser went to a prostitute. She said, ‘Do you want a b*** job?’ He said, ‘Will it affect me dole money?’
I bought Ronaldo if anyone is interested.
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Totally know what you mean Luke. It’s good that it’s grown but the comments aren’t the same
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Reply by dunk on October 13 11:23 pm:
Why don’t you make some funny and/or clever comments then? Or do you just like to watch?
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Reply by DK on October 14 8:21 am:
kid walks into a sport shop to buy a football but he’s only got a tenner and the ball is 20
kid says, if i can guess the team that’s on any of your balls whilst blindfolded will you give it to me for a tenner? shop keeper agrees, blindfolds him and hands him an arsenal ball.
“i can hear……the sound of cannons!!!! it’s an arsenal ball!”
surprised shop keeper hands him a milwall ball
“i can hear….a lion roaring!!!! it’s a millwall ball!”
shop keeper is amazed and says - get 3 from 3 and al give you a football for free!! hands him a tottenham hotspur ball.
“spurs.” says the kid
“could you hear a cockerel crowing?” shop keeper asks.
“nah.”
“well how did you know?”
“it’s going down.”
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Reply by Phil Pino on October 14 9:03 am:
What’s the difference between Tottenham Hotspur and a vegetable samosa?
A vegetable samosa has 3 points.
I’m not a Spurs-hater, but Radio 2 jokes make me chuckle…
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In a bit of a quandary regarding Glen Johnson (5.4) - tempted to downgrade him to say garrido so I can upgrade a weak sub in midfield (kim for a 5.6 mid??) but he always seems to be a steady scorer throughout the season so thinking he may well be worth keeping…Any views on Johnson v Garrido or indeed Johnson over the season??
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Reply by Leighton on October 14 6:13 am:
Johnson was one of the best defenders in the Premiership last season -he now operates in a wingback position in Harry’s preferred formation so he has genuine assist (& to a lesser extent goalscoring)value. Pompey’s defence looks more exposed this season so cleansheets look less clear-cut.
I would downgrade Johnson for a Bolton defender (who have good upcoming fixtures)and get Geovanni in at £5.2m; he’s a great low budget purchase in a Hull team that is high on confidence.
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hahaha havent been on here for a while so didnt catch the rating system for Fran…nice one lads!
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I’d like to know more about the man that is Fran.
What do you do for a living?
What’s your ride?
Wife/kids?
Still live with your Mum?
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Reply by Marknlard on October 14 11:18 am:
Double science or Art this afternoon?
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Yeah lads thanks I think yer right about the wildcard thing. I will hold on to it until after the January sales February maybe or else with 10 games left in the season where team status counts for little (example sunderland mid table nothing to play for, newcastle already ready relagated, but hull pushing for last champions league spot, and spurs happy with a uefa cup final and fifth from bottom) I have already got in VDS for jones but the three (make or break my seasons ones) I plan on doing are
start gw8 fabregas4ireland????
start gw9 deco4lampard????
start gw10 cahill4arebeloa/agger
The only problem is with price rises/falls I will probably not be able to make one transfer per week. I have no ronaldo and these transfers will either push me into the higher echelons of fantasy football folklore or in the fantasy football has beens. I have no ronaldo too. I have heard from a reliable source (probably fran) that ronaldo will have an accident and he knows where he lives!
haha
I am having nightmares over these three transfers breaking into the fantasy football sweats… a wildcard twitch, a favourable fixture conundrum, and a bargain basement value player vision!
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