Tuesday’s Carling Cup Notes
Wenger’s international bright young things dismantle Wigan. United rely on a late Tevez spot kick to see off QPR, while Stoke’s reserves have too much for Rotherham, even without Delap’s slingshot. Here’s the notes from tonight’s games in the Care Less Cup…
Arsenal’s young guns will steal the headlines off the back of another sparkling display at the Emirates. Steve Bruce made just one change to the side that drew at home to Stoke at the weekend, De Ridder coming in for hamstring victim, Emile Heskey. Despite being the only Premiership boss to name a full strength side, Bruce saw his team outclassed by an Arsenal side with an average age of 19.
A brace from Jay Simpson and another sumptuous goal from Vela sealed the win - the Emirates PA system blasting out Teenage Kicks as Wigan trooped dejectedly off the pitch.
There’s little to take from this as a fantasy managers except the consistent decline of Wigan as a force, and their top scorer Amr Zaki as a form player. The Latics have just one of their last eight games and have scored just 4 goals in that run, conceding 14.
Zaki meanwhile is slipping, slowly but surely, out of favour. He failed to convert a golden opportunity tonight, denied a goal late on by a staggering Fabianski save after the Gunners keeper had palmed De Ridder’s effort into his path. Zaki should have given him no chance. He has now struck just a single goal in the last five games - a cause from concern, particularly as the likes of Bent, Cisse and Andrew Johnson begin to find form and offer fantasy alternatives.
I’m keeping the faith with the Egyptian for now. Wigan need to find some form to prevent a slide into the bottom three and with Newcastle, Everton and West Brom to come over the next three, Wigan and Zaki have the opponents to help get their season back on track. Form and confidence must be low however, and the trip to St James’ Park this weekend is a crucial game.
As for Arsenal, it’s baffling why Vela isn’t getting more first team opportunities given his obvious talent and the absence of Adebayor and Van Persie. His time may come this season but Eduardo due for a return in December, it seems unlikely that Vela will get the opportunities to emerge as a fantasy force this season. It’s worth noting that familiar faces in Arsenal’s Carling Cup lineup - Bendtner, Denislon and Diaby were all out of the picture tonight - they are all set to start again at the weekend against Villa then.
While Wenger’s kids dazzled at the Emirates, Ferguson saw his second string struggle to overcome Championship QPR at Old Trafford. Tevez eventually scored the winner from the spot on 72 minutes.
Ferguson’s lineup did boast some experienced players with Neville in central defence, O’Shea at left back and Park, Anderson and Nani in midfield. Tevez got a rare start as a lone figure up front. Does this offer any clues to Ferguson’s likely lineup against Stoke this weekend?
We know that Ferguson is unlikely to hand Neville two starts in the space of a week, so Rafael could well start again at right back as he did tonight, unless Wes Brown is fit to return.
Park started at Arsenal so he will surely be set to make way in midfield, although Nani could well take his place with Ferguson opting for two wingers in Nani and Ronaldo to help stretch what is likely to be a stubborn, defensive Stoke side. Fletcher could be a factor in that, although there’s no news as yet as to his fitness after he missed the Arsenal game.
Anderson is another who could be safe but I wouldn’t be surprised to see him benched with Carrick and Giggs forming the central midfield pairing. As for Tevez, he seems unlikely to get the Premiership start he craves. Berbatov wasn’t even in the squad for this game but it appears that Ferguson is likely to turn to him for the magic to unlock the Stoke rearguard, with Rooney restored alongside him. There’s still a chance that he will turn instead to the industry of a Tevez and Rooney partnership but we’ll have to wait for the reaction from the United camp and the build up to the weekend, to gain clues on that situation. I’ll keep my ear to the ground.
Finally, Tony Pulis kept five first teamers on the bench for Stoke’s tie with Rotheram but saw fit to make an array of changes to his selection. Only Shawcross and Olofinjana started from the side that drew with Wigan and it was goals from Pugh and Whelan that saw them through to the Quarter Finals. Little to worry or consider from this one then. Something tells me that Pulis will make a few changes for the trip to Old Trafford.
FISO top of the mini leagues. Nice one
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Reply by Fiji on November 12 4:15 am:
Carlos Villanueva… Remember the name!!!
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With Hargreaves out for the season (surprise, surprise) do Fletcher, Carrick, or Anderson look set to establish themselves as possible fantasy options? Or is there just too much congestion with Giggs and Scholes there too?
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Reply by Mark on November 11 11:29 pm:
Right now all the United central midfield look nothing more than short-term options on strong fixture or double gameweeks. There are currently too many options in the same price range who offer more security and points potential - Geovanni, Delap, Kranjcar for example.
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Reply by Ibracadabra on November 12 12:01 am:
Exactly. It’s just interesting how United are the only Big 4 side that lack an impact “central midfield Number 10″ fantasy option like Chelsea, Liverpool, and Arsenal since Ronaldo plays on the wing and cuts inside…
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Reply by Alan on November 11 11:34 pm:
Carrick will play the majority of games, the others will be rotated and rested around him i reckon.. Not sure about his fantasy football tho’, with so many attacking players he will sit in a lot of the time.
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Anyone know why Dawson came off for Hull in the 63 minute of last weeks match? He isn’t on any injury list.
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Reply by Mark on November 11 11:25 pm:
No reported injury - Ricketts came on in a straight swap as far as I can tell. Just fresh legs I presume.
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Just so someone doesn’t put that annoyyyyyying “1st” up here….
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Damn, I was beat lol….
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Match report from Hull website said that he limped off and was replaced by Ricketts.
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Reply by Mark on November 11 11:40 pm:
Good spot jms
*slaps wrist for missing this*
http://www.hullcityafc.premium.....22,00.html
No details on the injury. May well be minor and Dawson was booked so that could have been a factor in Brown’s decision.
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Mark, or any one else… I was looking to bring in Agger with his excellent run of games in the coming weeks he could be a points magnet. But does anyone think he will be rested/rotated in the Premier League as Hypia can’t play in Europe?
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Reply by Mark on November 11 11:46 pm:
Yeah, that’s a factor I brought up a while back when Skrtel got his injury…
http://www.fantasyfootballscou.....r-caution/
The Fulham game prior to the tie with Marseille looks particularly dangerous. I’d still say Agger is worth a punt for his current value. You’ll get some clean sheets and the odd assist or even a goal could be on the cards. I also think Agger will keep the spot on Skrtel’s return if he maintain fitness and form.
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Reply by Ibracadabra on November 12 12:06 am:
Agger, at 6.0MM is still worth it, even if rotated for Hyypia one in every five matches. He is the cheapest long term Big 3 (Pool Chels Man U) starting defender.
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I’ve posted this Q a two other times today; I’m just looking for alternative incites. I’m looking to dump Laursen before he drops .1, I can either get Alex, save the money and upgrade to Carvahlo once he is fit or I can downgrade to Dawson or paintsil and than upgrade Marney to Modric. Any input is much welcomed.
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Reply by Ibracadabra on November 12 12:05 am:
I would have said Alex 3 weeks ago, but with only 2 weeks (maybe 3 maximum) until Carvalho gets back, I think option number 2 has a bit more upside. Modric has yet to score in the Prem, but he scored over 30 goals in 112 (better than 1 in 4) at Zagreb and has 6 in 33 (1 in 5) for Croatia… so under Harry, he should come good for about 4-8 goals in the final 24 weeks…
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Any reason why Arbeloa is still listed as playing this week? I would’ve expected the ol’ yellow/red marker against him by now!!
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Reply by LoveMeThatCantona on November 12 12:35 am:
I’m assuming that, as Liverpool play Tot in the CC tomorrow, Arbs isn’t ‘out’ until the 15th - when he serves his suspension for his 5 yellows. I’d expect him to go ‘red’ as of Wed night/Thur morn.
That, or the site is just ****. Tough call (especially this year).
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Reply by TC on November 12 9:50 am:
That makes sense - cheers fella.
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Does anyone thin it a good idea to sack Ireland and bring in Mikel to replace him?
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Reply by Panda Bear on November 12 1:42 am:
I wouldn’t do that, Obi “Chocolate Flavour” Mikel only ever gets bonus points and may ACCIDENTLY get an assist sometime this season. While Stephen “Look at my milky face” Ireland will get assists and goals, I know he is have a bad patch right now but they go to Hull “We are better then people think” City with a point to prove, worth holding him on for one last gameweek I think!
PANDA BEAR!!!!
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Reply by Blackstar on November 12 2:36 pm:
Ahh well, it’s too late now, having had too much time on my hands, and waiting for a reply, for what seemed like an eternity: my trigger finger got the better of me, and Ireland is now history. However, after a little tinkering, i managed to bring in Malouda to replace him. Do you reckon he’s a good replacement at least ?
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I’ve decided to hold onto Ireland - he’s served me well so far - I’ve been much more disappointed with my other mids in Cahill/Fabergas/Young/Gerrard!
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is arbeloa suspended for bolton game? or is he just ruled out of the c.c game?
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Reply by Panda Bear on November 12 2:57 am:
yes, he is out for Bolton game, the rule is if you get 5 yellow cards then ban takes effect after 7 days, which means he will be banned for this weekend!
PANDA BEAR!!!!
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*you enter a small cave and hear the sounds of an animal inside*
“What is it?” you ask yourself
*A Panda Bear!!*
The Panda Bear offers hints for the upcoming gameweek
1) Bentdner offers a decent ‘under the rader’ striker this week and should capitalise on Villas poor defence
2) People will Laursen in their team…give him at least one more gameweek. He won’t be keep a clean sheet this week but we all know about Arsenals pathetic record at defending set peices. I sense a goal from him.
3) Ronaldo for captain this week, only reason he is above Lampard though is that he will be playing at home with Man Utd due a destructive performance. Although, saying that, I expect Lampard to come away with at least a goal.
4) Keep your Manchester City players for this week, Hull aren’t looking too good at the moment and Mark Hughes needs a win!
5) Don’t expect to much from Tottenham this week, I would be surprised if they lost, but don’t lose faith! After this weekend they will continue their impressive form.
PANDA BEAR!!
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Reply by Panda Poo on November 12 3:34 am:
*you enter a small cave and smell the smells of an animal inside*
“What is it?” you ask yourself
*Panda Poo!!*
The Panda Poo offers hints for the upcoming gameweek
1) Bentdner was spotted on Russian radar and was shot down
2) People with Laursen in their team… get someone else
3) Ronaldo for captain this week, only reason he’s above Lampard is because Lampard is fat
4) Keep your Stroke City players for this week, just because.
5) Don’t get Tottenham defenders!!!
PANDA POO!!
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Reply by Will on November 12 6:08 am:
I know my forum name is one of the most boring and unoriginal on here, so maybe I just don’t get it….
but why sign every post:
PANDA BEAR!!!?
Its as if you’re ending every post by shouting your own name…
WILL!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Reply by Panda Bear on November 12 8:16 am:
cause its to signify the roar of the Panda
PANDA BEAR!!!
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Reply by dan on November 12 8:48 am:
DAN!!!!!!
sorry just began to feel a bit left out!
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torres or bent.torres or bent.torres or bent.torres or bent.
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Bent. In form (as are Tottenham) Torres could be rested and you spend the 5 points on somewhere else and overall you team will be better
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Reply by Alexi on November 12 7:45 am:
You gonna cry mate when Torres starts banging in those hat tricks at home…he has got the best run of fixtures in his season up ahead and i remember very clearly what happenened last season when he hit fire
I reckon he will go past his 24 mark with Pool playing much better this season!
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Reply by Alexi on November 12 7:47 am:
Oh yeah and dunno if anyone else noticed but Ronaldo and Torres are at home at different times from now on…so switching that captaincy between the 2 when they are at home is gonna be special IMO!
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any advise on these trades I am looking at for next week, will take an 8 point hit, plus have $0.0 in bank
Removing Vidic, Delap and Carew
Buying Silvestre, Berbatov and Diao, Diao will be a bench player.
Believe I need Berbatov because it then gives you the option of about 4 or 5 good forwards each week who are all about the same price range,for example you could choice between Anelka, Defoe, Robinho, Van Persie or Berbatov each week only need to use one trade plus dont need to find extra cash, simply add to your team whos playing the weakest defence.
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Reply by Panda Bear on November 12 8:20 am:
don’t get rid of Delap!
After Man Utd, Stoke have two easy home games! and we all know how good his long throws are
PANDA BEAR!!!
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Reply by Marknlard on November 12 9:41 am:
As their prices rise, you’ll soon be unable to transfer between them.
Don’t do it!
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Bad strategy mate, that gives you too much cash left on the bench each week. Go maybe 3 good attacking players and two that you can rotate, kinda like defence? That way you don’t get that much of a headache benching a decent player every week…
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Good young Arsenal.
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Reply by Dimitrije on November 12 9:36 am:
Was for aa second thinking of swapping Zaki for Bent, if for no other reason then to differentiate myself from rest of my league, but then I realized i would only get like 6.7mil for Zaki, and I would need 7.3mil to get him back once it proves that Bents form is as passing as Zakis fall from form.
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Reply by Dimitrije on November 12 9:37 am:
Although I am contemplating Defoe for Bent any thoughts, I mean I would even free up some funds?
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Reply by Panda Bear on November 12 9:44 am:
look at Defoes fixtures though!
whm (worse defence in the league)
HUL (doing ok, but still a promoted team)
BLA (home game against a team who doesn’t travel well)
wba (WBA always seem to concede, another promoted team)
NEW (another team with a pathetic defence)
I’m expecting 3 clean sheets for Portsmouth and at least 4-5 goals from defoe
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Reply by Qubit on November 12 9:42 am:
I thought long and hard about this, as getting zaki back would prove difficult. But, Im fairly confident that even if bents electric form doesnt continue (to be honest he’s not going to continue averaging over a goal a game) he will be the better value longer term as he plays for a better side.
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Reply by Marknlard on November 12 10:07 am:
I’m with Quibit!
Also thinking of swapping Ireland for Kranjcar to take advantage of Pomp’s fixtures. I think he’ll be continue to be an integral part of their attack.
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best defender for 4.5?
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Reply by GinjaWhinja on November 12 10:02 am:
Belhadj if he plays week in week out for Pompey!
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Reply by Sat on November 12 10:04 am:
Belhadj for Portsmouth given their fixtures…Looks like Adams doesn’t like A.Traore with Kranjear back
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Reply by Jimi on November 12 10:24 am:
Good job i brought him in for traore already this gameweek! cheers
Also next week i’m going to get read of garrido.
have 4.4 to spend, i’m looking at dawson for hull as he takes corners?
thoughts?
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Reply by IanDowieLoveChild on November 12 10:28 am:
Dawson went off injured last week. Options include Paramot, Zayette, Gardner,
See if Garrido plays this week!
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Bent has undoubtedly had a good couple of games. In my opinion it’s a bit of a bandwagon. His price is still decent but getting rid of Zaki or Defoe maybe a mistake. Zaki has had a bad run but he looked like a classy player at the start of the season, I’m going to give him at least a couple more games. Defoe has a proven track record of scoring goals. Portsmouth also have a decent run of games and when he has a good run he generally bangs them in all day long.
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Reply by Qubit on November 12 10:03 am:
A lot of people seem very down on Bent’s ability. Not really too sure why, sure he’s no Shearer, but he was a good fantasy bet when he was at Charlton and if given a decent supply can certainly put them away.
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Reply by TJmoray on November 12 10:13 am:
Theres no denying he can score but getting rid of Zaki or Defoe isn’t something I’d personally do at this point in time. If Zaki and Wigan continue on a decline then I could be tempted but also remember that after Christmas Zaki could quite easily end up with a far better club and as you mentioned you will end up forking out a fair bit more to get him back in your squad.
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Reply by Qubit on November 12 10:28 am:
Yep he may well do. But then if he’s at a better team id be willing to pay the extra!
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Reply by TJmoray on November 12 10:39 am:
I can see your reasoning and maybe I’m perhaps a little blindsighted by Zaki. Just watching him early in the season he looked like a different player to what we see now. That skill, strength and eye for goal couldn’t have disappeared forever so I’m keeping the faith for at least 2-3 more weeks. Wigan have a couple of games coming up that could be very influential in Zaki’s future. I reckon he has an odds on chance of putting at least a couple away and thats all it takes for all the doubters to make a complete U-turn.
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Reply by comfycoxy on November 12 10:43 am:
The Zaki situation is an interesting one. I am definitely thinking about scrapping him for someone more on form and a more on form team as well. It’s just the money aspect is hard. It’s going to be a big jump up price wise to get him back in the team.
Although the majority of peoples teams in mini leagues has Zaki, so getting rid of him for someone else may get you the extra points boost whilst they hang onto him.
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Reply by Marknlard on November 12 10:41 am:
Zaki’s going nowhere in January.
My understanding is…the Egyptian club can’t cancel the loan deal, but Wigan can. The chances of Wigan doing this knowing that a rival will collect him is unlikely, unless they’re compensated wekk. That would have to come out of any transfer fee, so the Egyptian club are better off waiting til the summer. Very unlikely he’ll be moving.
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Reply by TJmoray on November 12 10:46 am:
Is this definitely the case Mark? I’m sure Hughes could be offered a figure that would tempt him to let Zaki go enabling the Egyptian club to sell him on?
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Reply by Marknlard on November 12 10:51 am:
I’m pretty sure it is. This is the closest I’ve been able to find referring to it, if I had more time to google it then I think I could find my original source. But this will have to do!
http://www.wigantoday.net/lati.....4621376.jp
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Reply by TJmoray on November 12 10:58 am:
Nice find. It’s certainly worth remembering. However with a club with revenue such as City chasing, anything could be possible. I reckon Hughes would be stupid to say anything other than what he’s said. City have deep pockets and I’m sure Hughes wants to see how far they go!
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Reply by Marknlard on November 12 11:03 am:
Yeah, anything can happen. I was thinking that it wouldn’t be worthwhile to Egyptian club when if they hung on a few months they’d keep the whole fee.
But I see what you’re saying- if Man City put in a big take-it-or-leave-it offer for january only, maybe that will be enough to tempt them.
My transfers so far, not sure I have regretted any yet, still holding onto Arteta and Traore until Sat, shame Everton play on Sunday though, wanted to get on the Sat night bandwagon
Out In
Agbonlah (8.2) Bent (7.0)
Wheater (5.0) Agger (5.9)
Alonso (6.0) Delap (4.8)
Ameobi (5.3) Agbonlahor (8.1)
Wright-Phi (8.3)Alonso (6.0)
Cole (5.6) Ameobi (5.3)
Denilson (6.4) Wright-Phillips (8.3)
Yakubu (8.0) Cole (5.6)
Young L (4.5) Traore A (4.5)
Fabregas (9.9) Ronaldo (14.0)
Young A (8.5) Denilson (6.2)
Santa Cruz(9.0) Defoe (8.0)
Ashton (6.6) Zaki (6.1)
Petrov (7.4) Fabregas (9.9)
Clichy (6.5) Figueroa (4.0)
Tevez (10.0) Santa Cruz (9.0)
Adebayor (11.0) Ashton (6.5)
De Ridder (4.5) Arteta (7.6)
Taylor (6.0) Geovanni (5.1)
Baines (5.0) Clichy (6.5)
Paintsil (4.0) Bosingwa (6.0)
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hey guys. first time writer long time fan
my team is
Turnbull shwarzer
bosingwa agger traore (figueroa dawson)
Ronaldo A.young Lampard Ireland Geovanni
Robinho zaki (miller)
thinkin of makin these changes over the next 3 weeks
traore- Belhadj
figueroa- carvalho
young- barmby
robinho- torres
gonna play 4 4 2
turnbull
bosingwa agger carvalho belhadj
ronaldo lampard ireland geoavanni
torres zaki
what do u’ll think. ok idea? will plan it for when carvalho fit, belhadj traore situation settled n torres back in form
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Reply by Panda Poo on November 12 11:07 am:
Looks good to me! Also, I is pleased to see that you’re a “first time writer long time fran”
PANDA POO!!
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Reply by Marknlard on November 12 11:09 am:
Deep down, there’s a Fran in all of us
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Reply by malcolm on November 12 11:18 am:
just frantastic!! help on my team pls. any suggestions. was thinkin silvestre- carvalho n modric- ireland. silvestre looks a sure starter n arsenal’s defense bound to improve with arsene’s 4 5 1 formation for the next couple of weeks
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Reply by Qubit on November 12 11:31 am:
Very similar (almost identical in fact!) to an idea i was toying with. I still quite like it even though im probably not going down that route.
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Reply by malcolm on November 12 11:51 am:
what’s ur reason for not tryin out this team qubit. u may change my mind too
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Reply by Qubit on November 12 12:18 pm:
Im still considering it, ill be keeping a close eye on Torres.
Also i can’t shake the feeling that having 3 players taking up over 1/3 the value of my team might not be such a great idea,and possibly leaves me slightly dependent on budget players in those gameweeks where none of those 3 scores well.
However, i still think it looks a good side and its unlikely to score poorly!
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As Tottenham players are now back under the spotlight: who does the light shine more favourably upon out of Bentley and Modric?
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just frantastic!! help on my team pls. any suggestions. was thinkin silvestre- carvalho n modric- ireland. silvestre looks a sure starter n arsenal’s defense bound to improve with arsene’s 4 5 1 formation for the next couple of weeks
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looking for some concensus advice on who gets my third defender slot this week:
Traore - away to West Ham
Painstil - home to Spurs
Figs - away to Newcastle
I would like to go for Traore but thats a gamble on whether he plays (worst case scenario he only plays one half and gets 1pt)
Paintsil - I cant see spurs not scoring even if fulham are tight, but i have modric and bent so might be a nice hedge
Figs - wigan got a clean sheet last week - can they do it again?
Thoughts appreciated
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Reply by Freddy on November 12 11:25 am:
I’d probably go for Traore, then Figs, then Pantsil
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Reply by AndyC on November 12 11:49 am:
Id go with Traore.
Although he didnt play last week, Ive got a sneaking suspicion that he was just rested rather than dropped. I think there’s a reasonable chance he’ll get a run-out this weekend.
But you’re right, it could just be for 45 mins, so its a gamble.
Cant see either Fulham or Wigan keeping a clean sheet, mind, so I still think he’s your best bet.
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Reply by Jimi on November 12 11:54 am:
can’t see troare starting anymore.
belhadj is clearly prefered on the left, and kranjar is back to full fitness, and they won, so doubt adams will change a winning team.
i’d got for figs then painsil
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Reply by Dr. Rog on November 12 11:57 am:
well seems the consensus is figs is 3rd in the pecking order at least…
so i’m just going to wait for more colour on traore starting or not and make a decision based on that
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Reply by CK on November 12 2:34 pm:
Definetly Figs IMO! Traore was dropped last week and taken off the 3 games before that. Tony is clearly not a fan. Most people want rid of Traore now so to take him in could be silly. Figs will play
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Hey guys, thinking of doing 5 or so transfers over the next few weeks, so what you think of the team:
Jaaskelinen - Turnbull
A.Cole - Agger - Belhadj - Pantsil - Figueroa
Ronaldo - Modric - Barton - Richardson - Delap
Torres - Berbatov - Defoe
Will play either 4-3-3 or 3-4-3, any thoughts please?
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Reply by Dr. Rog on November 12 11:33 am:
i would say ditch one of your strikers and invest in your midfield a bit more for better balance
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Reply by IanDowieLoveChild on November 12 11:44 am:
try and get fatty Lamps
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Does anyone have any news on Ashley Cole? Is he likely to play on Saturday? I can’t make my transfers until I know…thanks.
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Reply by Joe Bloggs on November 12 11:35 am:
Should be back, I hope! Was due to be out for 7-10 days, but on sat it will’ve been 14. Anybody know about Joe Cole’s injury?
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Reply by Jimi on November 12 11:56 am:
Reckon Coley is faking injury so he can watch his missy on the tele?
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Reply by Jimi on November 12 11:56 am:
just realised i could have been talking about ashley or joe! haha
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is miller gonna be a regular from now on for wba. cause goin in for a strike force of torres zaki and miller. n incase torres is rested(as i’m sure he will be time and again) i may have to bank on miller
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is anyone struggling to pick captain this week? obviously those with ronaldo will back him but i am one of the few ignoring him this year, im torn between lamps and berbs. what do we reckon?
also, on the zaki debate, i am giving him 3 more weeks and then hope to cash in. think he may have dropped in value a bit by then but i got him for 6 mil so i should make half a mil hopefully. is this the best idea?
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Reply by Marknlard on November 12 12:06 pm:
I’d take Lampard over Berbatov probably, close one though. Not much between them.
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Reply by fuelled by passion on November 12 12:10 pm:
i think lamps is the safer option because hes in the points every week but berbatov is more capable of a really high scoring week. i might gamble on him - could end up with 2 pts or 20
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Reply by Marknlard on November 12 12:32 pm:
If you’re gonna gamble on Berbatov, Stoke at home is definitely the game to do it in. I think it’ll pay off for you.
I’ve got Ronnie so I’ll go with him. 6 goals in 4 home games so far this season.
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who is your capt marknlard?
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I’m scared of not having Toress now …… Haha alot of dough to risk though ! With Dunne and someone else suspended Garrido must surely play?
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Reply by malcolm on November 12 12:15 pm:
is miller gonna be a regular from now on for wba. cause goin in for a strike force of torres zaki and miller. n incase torres is rested(as i’m sure he will be time and again) i may have to bank on miller.
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Reply by fuelled by passion on November 12 12:23 pm:
should be
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Reply by CK on November 12 2:37 pm:
Yeah I reckon Millar is a decent transfer In
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Hey,
I have no idea if I should use my free transfer this week… Is there any point changing Cech for Jaaskelainen… That would put some money in the bank for next week…
Current team.
Cech ( schwarzer )
Turner Carragher Bosingwa ( Traore Meite )
Ronaldo (C) Geovanni Lampard Ireland Delap
Zaki Defoe ( Miller )
I think I will play 3-5-2
Cheers.
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Reply by tippo on November 12 12:34 pm:
Or if I play 3-4-3
Who should I bench…
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Reply by Marknlard on November 12 12:37 pm:
I’d downgrade Traore for a cheaper defender (maybe Griffin at Stoke?). It won’t free up much, but if you sell Cech now he’s probably risen in price while you’ve had him and you may not be able to get him back.
What’s Cech on, 6 clean sheets from 7 matches? Your keeper is a keeper…
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Reply by Marknlard on November 12 12:38 pm:
And if you go 3-4-3, Delap is the obvious midfielder to lose. I think there’ll be goals in Hull v Man City, so Geo or Ireland could be in the points there.
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Reply by Steve on November 12 12:37 pm:
Tippo, do you want to upgrade any of your other players in following weeks? If so then yes make the change to get the money. If you don’t have an upgrade plan why take out a keeper playing west brom to put in a keeper playing Liverpool? Unless you feel you need to make urgent changes I’d wait at least another week. Also Chelsea’s up coming fixtures look likely to generate more clean sheets than Boltons.
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Reply by jt on November 12 12:45 pm:
if you want to save money, try agger for carragher. much more attack minded imo
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Reply by tippo on November 12 12:57 pm:
Thanks for the replies… all good points… I think I will stick w Cech…
Ive been getting so shitty points from Ireland Zaki and Defoe the past few weeks so was looking for a better striker. I guess ill give them a another week and get rid of Traore for Griffin.
Cheers.
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Reply by Tim on November 12 1:16 pm:
2nd that (carra 4 agger)
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im looking to have the following team in 2 weeks:
jaaskelainen / hart
bosingwa / evra / laursen / gardner / figueroa
lampard / young / cahill / modric / taylor
berbatov / bent / zaki
looks decent but just cant help thinking im going for the squad approach when i should maybe look at a better team and get cheap subs. i will also have difficulty deciding who to bench
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Reply by DK on November 12 12:54 pm:
That team doesn’t exicite me at all. No ronaldo. No pool defenders. Ash young! Laursen?!
Good luck
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Reply by Marknlard on November 12 1:01 pm:
I have Laursen. I’ve kept him with the hope he’ll come good but Villa’s last two results have taught me a lesson.
He’ll be on his way for Carvalho when he’s fit…I’m doubling up on the Chelsea defenders.
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Reply by DK on November 12 12:55 pm:
That team doesn’t excite me at all. No ronaldo. No pool defenders. Ash young! Laursen?!
Good luck
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Reply by Qubit on November 12 1:03 pm:
Personally id swap Jaas for Turnbull, as Boltons fixtures look pretty rough for next 10 games and then get in a liverpool defender for Laursen.
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Thanks for the replies… all good points… I think I will stick w Cech…
Ive been getting so shitty points from Ireland Zaki and Defoe the past few weeks so was looking for a better striker. I guess ill give them a another week and get rid of Traore for Griffin.
Cheers.
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need some help
i need two 4.1 defenders to rotate in the third spot, who have home matches at different times.
any suggestions would be appreciated
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need some help
i need two 4.1 defenders to rotate in the third spot, who have home matches at different times(already have dawson).
any suggestions would be appreciated
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Reply by Bedknobs and Boomsticks on November 12 1:12 pm:
Shawcross. Good fixtures and he’s a goal threat. I think there’s a sligt concern over his starting place, but if you fancy a gamble he could pay off big style.
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Not much choice with regards to £4.1m defenders - the two who stick out are Paintsil (Fulham) and Shawcross (Stoke) - both sides have showed improved defensive form at home. The good thing is that their fixtures alternate over the next few weeks but Fulham’s games are away for 3 fixtures in the next 5. They end up playing each other in 5 weeks time.
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Reply by carpyfish on November 12 1:28 pm:
or Dawson if he’s fit but I’m not going to check fixtures for you
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Reply by carpyfish on November 12 1:31 pm:
woops…read posts properly…sorry
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Come on Liverpool! Win the league before this could happen?
http://msn.football365.com/sto.....18,00.html
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Don’t worry - Ronaldo may stay next season?!
http://msnsport.skysports.com/.....31,00.html
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Reply by Marknlard on November 12 1:53 pm:
Fran, you’ve been told not to randomly post links before.
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Can anyone tell me which of these top strikers (in order) will get the highest points totals by the end of the season?
Torres
Anelka
Berbatov
Adebayor
?
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Reply by carpyfish on November 12 1:30 pm:
I’d be down at William Hill’s not telling you
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Reply by Alexi on November 12 1:35 pm:
Torres IMO!
Fran im sure i missed this but are you male or female? If youre a male then whats up with that avatar…
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Reply by Al on November 12 1:42 pm:
Adebayor
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Reply by carpyfish on November 12 1:48 pm:
Well I think you have to think of Torres and Adebayor as one beast and Anelka, Berbatov, and Robinho as another because of the different prices.
I’d prefer Adebayor to Torres when he’s fit because he’s a little cheaper, possibly a little less likely to be rotated and because Arsenal will possibly be a little more attack minded than Liverpool. Not much in it though.
Of the cheaper players I have Berbatov and Robinho ( 7 goals in 9 games ). Anelka is a very strong shout but his place is likely less secure. If he stays as first choice for week after week he’s probably the best bet. Apart from the fact that these players are cheaper they could also be replaced by Defoe and/or Aglonbahor at some point if you wanted a bit more cash elsewhere.
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Reply by Fran on November 12 3:02 pm:
Thanks everyone for your advice!
I have been thinking about good strikers as when they are all fit again the debate will turn to which BIG attackers to get next.
Adebayor seems to be a good choice when fit as Arsenal seem to score many goals and he does get plenty of assists as seen this season. His price is a bit too expensive if you already have Lamps and Ronaldo combination. In some respects the same applies to Torres as he costs too much and can be rotated. Indeed, Anelka sounds like a sound choice at the moment with Chelsea nice fixtures and great players behind him. Drogba - I’m a bit unsure about him and he too is expensive. Any opinions here concerning him? Berbatov seems more concerned in supplying through balls to Rooney, Tevev and Ronaldo.
I think we need to think about this to be able to save money enough to afford one of these great players when the time comes very soon.
PS: What’s happening with Wigan and especially Zaki? He still seems like a good player, but can’t even score without Heskey assists - He could not score against a bunch of kids (great kids) yesterday.
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Reply by Marknlard on November 12 4:23 pm:
Heskey. 1 assist this season.
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Reply by Fran on November 12 6:49 pm:
NB: Assists as in helping Zaki get space as Heskey does for England.
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Reply by Marknlard on November 12 7:05 pm:
Zaki’s