Updated Monthly Picks
The monthly rankings have had their weekly cuddle and have been freshly updated to sum up my current thoughts for each position over the next five games.
Anyone who has been studying my less that explosive performance from the weekly picks, will know just how much faith to put in my opinion but you may want to live dangerously. Click here if you want an explanation on how these monthly picks work.
Amongst them you should be able to decipher my current faith for Hull’s attacking instincts in my budget options (Shawcross, Geovanni, King), and my dangerous faith in Tottenham within my mid-price options (Belhadj, Modric, Bent) for the next five games. What’s more, I’ve summed up some of the logic behind the placings in the many words that follow…
There are few changes in the goalkeeping category. Both Cech and Reina continue to extend their lead in terms of clean sheets and with strong fixtures for both, particularly for Reina, they remain firmly ensconced at the top of the rankings.
United’s Van der Sar drops with difficult fixtures on the horizon against Villa, City and Spurs – all away from home. Howard sits still just behind him as Everton’s fixtures stiffen a little over the next five;Spurs and City lie in wait for them.
Turnbull and Myhill continue to rise as budget options - Sorensen is a new name to add to that list. Both have strong fixtures with just one difficult opponent in the next five in gameweek 17. Jaaskelainen rises with strong form, although his approaching fixtures with three “red games” on the season ticker in the next five.
In defence the dominance of Liverpool and Chelsea is mirrored by the ranking of Carragher, Bosingwa and Agger who occupy the top three slots. Portsmouth’s Belhadj follows that trio. In form and in favour at Portsmouth, he has very strong fixtures over the next five to score defensive and offensive points from his left midfield position.
Vidic, Turner and Laursen all drop with form and fixtures all against them. Alex sits still as his place will soon be under threat from Carvalho. Jagielka and Lescott are new entries as Everton continue to find form. Tough fixtures against Spurs and City keep them from ranking higher.
Stoke’s recent defensive strength is represented here by Shawcross who rises up the rankings with form and decent fixtures. Stoke have United next, but after that have a run of strong home games which should see a few clean sheets and even assists and goals via Delap’s long throws. If Shawcross can keep his place under threat from Sonko and Cort, then he’s my budget tip in defence for the coming month.
Lower down, both Hangeland and Steinsson have strong form but their forthcoming fixtures look tough. Fulham and two “red games” against Liverpool and Villa away, while Bolton face three in the next five against Liverpool this weekend, followed by Chelsea and Villa in gameweeks 16 and 17.
There are few surprises at the top of the rankings in midfield with Ronaldo and Lampard holding firm. Geovanni is a big climber in third with continued form (he was unlucky not to score against Bolton) and strong fixtures against mid-table opposition over the next four games. Hull struggled defensively but I see them scoring goals to counter this over the coming games.
The Liverpool pair of Kuyt and Gerrard hold firm below him but beneath them we have bevy of mid-price options that are new entries or climbers. The upsurge in Tottenham’s form sees Modric come in as an new entry, with Bentley just behind. Right now I’m preferring the gamble on Modric in his role behind the single striker, over Bentley’s right wing role. Bentley has set-pieces but hasn’t had the influence on games that Modric has had over the last two-to-three wins. Bonus points is a consideration here – I see Modric as a potential FPL darling over the next month.
Below the Spurs pairing, Nasri is a re-entry into the rankings off the back of his outstanding contribution to the win over United. There’s still a slight threat of rest hanging over him, although if Wenger keeps the 4-5-1, he could flourish further.
Stoke’s Delap climbs just behind the Arsenal man with his strong fixtures once the trip to Old Trafford is out of the way. Below this we have Everton’s Cahill and Chelsea’s Maloudo holding ground. There’s a slight threat to the latter should Scolari look to incorporate Anelka and Drogba in this formation this month.
Arteta, Ireland and Villa’s Ashley Young all drop with poor form over recent weeks. Arteta looks the most likely to recover with better fixtures over the next two gameweeks.
Arsenal’s Diaby is a good budget option while Wenger keeps faith with a 4-5-1. He is trailed by Bolton’s Taylor who climbs with his form shown by his goal at Hull last time out. His tough fixtures restrict his climb up the rankings somewhat.
Moving on to the strikers, and Defoe sits on top with very strong fixtures over the next five games. Mid and low table opposition with three in five at Fratton Park should bring him consistent returns. Bent is a big climber in second with outstanding form and strong fixtures over the next four gameweeks.
Liverpool’s Torres climbs slightly and will threaten the top two should he display any degree of sharpness in the Carling Cup or at Bolton at the weekend. Liverpool’s fixtures are ridiculously strong and profits look inevitable if the Spaniard can regain match fitness.
Chelsea’s Anelka follows him with superb form – restricted a little by the threat of Drogba who is set for a run-out this evening in the Carling Cup.
Beneath the Chelsea man we have the likes of Berbatov, Zaki, Agbonlahor and Rooney all dropping with form and fixtures against them. Robinho holds steady beneath them, with risers to follow in the shape of mid-price options – Saha, Cisse and Fulham’s Johnson and strong budget options – King and Ameobi. Yakubu and Carew have slight injury doubts below them, with Newcastle’s Martins a climber with decent form and fixtures, although the Owen threat is a factor with him.
first!
[Reply]
Reply by Fiji on November 12 9:31 pm:
Carlos Villanueva… Remember the name!!!
[Reply]
second!!!
[Reply]
Thanks Mark - Spurs, Chelski and Liverpool’s line-ups this evening will hopefully answer a few questions. If Hyypia, Drogba and Pavulychenko play then it’s good news for Agger, Anelka and Bent owners. I don’t think I’ll make any changes until after tonight.
[Reply]
is traore for belhaji worth doing now or should i give it another week or 2 to see how things stablise?
the change almost definately wont be my free transfer as i have more pressing issues elsewhere (have i just answered my own question?!)
[Reply]
Reply by Steve on November 12 2:16 pm:
I’m waiting to see what happens. Although it looks like Belhadj is favoured at the moment. If you can put a good team out this week, i’d wait and see.
[Reply]
I think Barbitov will do well over the next 5 games. Ok, MAN U have 3 away games but they are all against leaky defences and those home games against Stoke and Sundrland have goals all over them
As an aside and an interesting stat. I read that there are more goals per game this Premiership than almost all of the previous seasons. So 3 at the back looks the way forward! Play either 3-5-2 or 3-4-3
Probably best to have Cech, Bosingwa, Agger with Belhadj in defence for many weeks
[Reply]
Reply by Granville on November 12 8:53 pm:
The way things are going for United I expect to see Tevez back in the side. Fergie had nothing but praise for him last night and I’m not sure the Berbatov experiment is working, certainly not for the team.
[Reply]
I for one hope Berba starts banging in a few. It has to happen soon! Currently have Berba, Agbon & Zaki up front and considering a bit of an overhaul for the distance. Would obviously love to have Berba and Torres but thought perhaps Torres, Zaki and C.Cole could be a decent change. Agbon has to go purely based on fixtures and make way for C.Cole. Zaki will have to produce in the next 2-3 games or he gets the chop for someone such as Bent (should he prove consistent). Much the same for Berba, I feel there is still loads of points to come from this man and therefore I’m fairly tentative but nobody should miss Liverpool’s fixtures with an in-form Torres!!
[Reply]
Instead of getting C Cole, why not take a risk on Bendtner?
[Reply]
Reply by TJmoray on November 12 2:32 pm:
C.Cole is more likely to start than Bendtner in my opinion.
[Reply]
ive got c cole, I think he’ll score well
[Reply]
and was very surprised not to see him in the scout picks
[Reply]
11th
[Reply]
Reply by TJmoray on November 12 2:36 pm:
Hate to burst your bubble Doc but you seem to be 12th. I know this may come as a dissapointment and I truely hope in all future posts you manange to obtain the number you desire
[Reply]
Reply by llama on November 12 4:13 pm:
He was 11th until some bastard hit the reply button above him.
[Reply]
Hey Mark, De Ridder looked super-good yesterday - do you think there’s a chance he might be made a first pick?
Him and Zaki together would be tremendous.
[Reply]
12th
[Reply]
surely west ham away has to be considered a favourable fixture now?
[Reply]
Defoe seems to be dropping in value as people take a punt on Bent, personally I’d still take Defoe over Bent in the short term:).
[Reply]
I reckon this year is deffinatley a 3 at the back year for a few reasons.
There are so many budget to mid price mids at the moment they are hard to ignore, and there are quite a few quality budget/mid forwards as well.
Last year with lescott,laursen ect scoring freely it was a bargain to have a 6mil defender who scored every second week so 4 or 5 at the back was working, this year there is no really dominant goal scoring defender/s.
Other than pool and chelsea clean sheets have been rare and they are unpredictable where they will come, too risky to bank on getting one.
I reckon a 5 man mid and 3 forwards is the way to go, at least until we find a goal scoring defender or some defences tighten up a bit.
[Reply]
Reply by CK on November 12 4:35 pm:
Saying that this year is a 3 at the back year is a bit of a sweeping statement mate. I personally believe we are presently moving from 3 at the back to at least 4 ie: As defences settle, as teams close things down and are harder to break down. IMO goals will dry up and there will be more clean sheets.
I am personally using 4 at the back and intend to move to 5 soon. Just my opinion of course but I have 711 points in the FPL, am in the top 250 places and like to brag about it! lol
[Reply]
woops typo, 5 mid and 2 forwards!
[Reply]
People seem obsessed with Berba’s goalscoring record. For strikers a goal is 4 points whereas an assist is only 1 point less, and he’s creating many of Man Yoo’s chances.
However if I was a Berba owner I would think Stoke would be the perfect rotation game for Tevez - SAF has said three can’t go into 2, and Berba’s played every game thus far.
[Reply]
Reply by carpyfish on November 12 2:53 pm:
It’s possible but I’d be surprised. Tevez played on his own up front last night. And why would anyone lose money doing a transfer on the off-chance. You’d just lose money.
It’s the clincher for my old Lampard or Berbatov for captain question though.
[Reply]
Reply by the Moz on November 12 3:01 pm:
Tevez played last night so I reckon Barbitov will play at the weekend
[Reply]
Reply by TJmoray on November 12 3:02 pm:
He’s certainly scored some points and is no way a disapointment, however I feel he has even more potential than he’s showing us at present.
[Reply]
Reply by Shower on November 12 4:18 pm:
against a very tall stoke team you cant play rooney and tevez! you are stitching yourself up at corners when berbas hight is necessary!
[Reply]
Meantime I’m still agonising over whether to put in Ronaldo. And have I spelled agonising ( agoniseing no way ) wrong or is the spell-checker rotten ?
[Reply]
Any update on Ashley Cole? Is he expected back for the weekend?
I currently have Bridge but at the whiff of Cole coming back I want to ship him out before I miss out on price increases etc.
As a replacement, I am thinking Belhadj. Is he a guaranteed starter? I haven’ t actually seen the lad playing this year. Anyone care to share what he is like??
[Reply]
Reply by Sojourner on November 12 3:15 pm:
Belhadj is a toss up at the moment. Many people are going on that he is “certian” because he was in over Traore last week however Traore was due a rest (many people had been predicting it for weeks.) I feel that Traore could get a run out this week to see how he does on the opposite flank of Krankjar as they are yet to play on the pitch together.
Bottom line however is no one knows.
[Reply]
Reply by carpyfish on November 12 3:17 pm:
People are flogging him because they think he will be starting on left midfield and Krancjar on the right and because plenty of people have Traore who may be a reserve now. This idea is reinforced because Traore is less likely to sign for Pompey “permanently”. No he is not a “guaranteed” starter. It’s a good-sounding guess imo plus he scored at the weekend. If he scores again watch the bandwagon roll.
I may be wrong but I think Coles price will be protected for 7 days when he comes back from injury.
[Reply]
Reply by nbalive on November 12 4:18 pm:
I do not understand all this debate Belhadj vs Traore.
Niko played on the right which is an amazing news for both players.
IMO it is likely that Pamarot will be out for many games, Belhadj LB and Traore in the midfield.
I clearly will keep Traore until at least next game as the guy has been really good and has perfect fixtures.
[Reply]
Reply by sean on November 12 3:17 pm:
i swapped him in before last weekend and got lucky i feel. he was really good, playing in midfield and going forward a lot. Seemed really confident shooting for goal, probably helped his confidence blasting one in from outside the box. i think it was his first goal in over 2 years in epl
he’s playing in a left-midfield position, i wouldn’t go out and say he’s a guarantee start because there is still that question mark between him and traore. I’m not gonna try and read into adams. either risk putting him in now or wait a week or two and see how adams’ plays him, he could be swapped with traore or he might just keep the position permanently
[Reply]
Mark - Should Bellamy not at least make the forwards list? He has been running the West Ham offensive show in recent weeks, takes set pieces, and has even picked up some bonous points despite not scoring. K. Jones on the other hand, is priced in a similar range but makes the list…
[Reply]
Reply by carpyfish on November 12 3:20 pm:
Sick-note, 10 goals in over 2 years, no goals in 5 games, WH losing every week.
[Reply]
Reply by carpyfish on November 12 3:47 pm:
I just read your blog. I don’t know why but quotes like “…quality side Fulham…” and “…definite favorites to outscore Ireland” are making me lmao.
[Reply]
Reply by Ibracadabra on November 12 4:05 pm:
Carpy -
Glad you checked out our blog - don’t know what’s so funny about predicting players who will outscore Ireland in the future (he is over 30% owned in the game, while Niko, Bullard, and Modric should soon replace him as value midfielders) just trying to give some shouts to players outside of the “bandwagon” community of usual suspects…
Hodgson has a really veteran side at Fulham now that is extremely organized at the back, and has looked very sold in recent weeks. Mid table (10th), with a game in hand, and a better goal differential than Hull, Everton, Portsmouth, Boro, etc. Looks like you are looking at Fulham through last year’s lenses rather than this year’s.
As for Bellamy - you are right about his PAST injury history - but once again, (just as in the Fulham example) it’s a new season. Should Cisse not be owned because he has broken his leg (twice) or how about Cech because he may get a concussion?
Bellamy is cheap, Zola plays an attacking style, and he has picked up 5 bonus points over his last 5 games, just a thought as to why he’s not listed on the forwards list when K Jones (also injury prone!) and more expensive is..
PS Bellamy, when healthy, scores. He put in 13 in 27 Prem games (1 in 2, a great return) for Blackburn only 2 and a half short years ago, and at 29 years old, is far from done.
[Reply]
Reply by carpyfish on November 12 7:38 pm:
Hello Ibra…I think I was probably a bit rude. I apologise for that. I didn’t really intend to do anything other than to tease you a little, but I certainly expressed myself badly. I understand that it’s all about opinions and that my opinions are no more valid than yours.
When I read your blog there were certain things I didn’t agree with. I’m not going to read it again or argue my way through it line by line but I thought that some of your language was overly forthright. Ireland hasn’t done anything for 4 games so people will certainly be looking for replacements. But he has 3 goals and 3 assists. More than Osman for example who has 1 assist in 4 games. However you seemed to say that Osman and others would “definitely” outscore Ireland. Fair enough…but I don’t agree.
Anyway, I enjoy the cut and thrust of football arguments so let’s keep it going !
[Reply]
Reply by Ibracadabra on November 13 3:54 am:
No problem Carpy, but if you read carefully, you will see Osman was never mentioned to outscore Ireland. Osman was only mentioned as a cheaper alternative.
“Krancjar and Bullard look definite bets to outscore Ireland from here on out” is what you are referring to.
I stand behind that. Ireland has 3 goals and 3 assists, sure, but “from here on out” do you really believe he will produce the same returns as Niko - who will pull the strings with Diarra at Portsmouth - or Bullard - who is always central to Fulham’s attack?
Ireland had a great one month run, in form, and in an attacking lineup, but with Robinho, SWP, Jo, and others (Petrov when he returns from injury) clearly more talented players, I’m just not too high on Ireland keeping up a cracking pace…
[Reply]
Reply by Mark on November 12 4:03 pm:
I think I have overlooked Carlton Cole - I might him back in but I’m hesitant on Bellamy. West Ham have horrible form, tough fixtures and Zola is still not playing Bellamy off the shoulder of the centre back.
Jones is shaky in there in the light of noises from Keane that he may miss the weekend game. I’ll leave him in for the time being though as Sunderland’s fixtures look strong.
[Reply]
Reply by Ibracadabra on November 12 4:11 pm:
Fair point. No big worries on the Cole omission - the tough fixtures make sense, and he’s just getting back into the side after his 3 match ban. I’m not advocating Bellamy to be in the top 15 here by any means- just to make the bottom of the list alongside the K Jones, Cousin, Ismael Miller, Zamora, contingent - in the long term he should be better options than most of those. In the “short” term (for the monthly picks) - the fixtures are tough, but even a penalty kick to West Ham (with Noble not on the pitch) gives Bellamy some instant cred..
Don’t know about you guys but here in the US we get tons of “mid table” games on the tele (I guess they can’t afford the expensive Top 4 rights) so seeing the likes of Bellamy week and week out running the show for Zola, despite the losses, makes him a good “against the grain” pick with favorable fixtures. We shall see.
[Reply]
Reply by louie on November 12 4:21 pm:
thanks on the cole front mark, you can leave bellamy out!
[Reply]
Carpy -
PS - Are you a Man City fan or an American journalist? I only ask because you seem to a) take the anti-Ireland post to heart, and also b) take quotes entirely out of context!
Cheers!
-Ibra
[Reply]
This is my team. Swapped OUT A Young brought in Modric for the short term, so I have 2m in the bank… how would you guys lineup the team for the weekend?
Cech Schwarzer
Agger Alex Figueroa A Traore L Young
Modric Ronaldo Lampard Arteta Ireland
Bent Zaki Bendtner
The only debate really (I think) is Bendtner (home v Villa) or Ireland playing for the final time in my team @ Hull - any gut instincts on Ireland v Bendtner for the final starting role?
[Reply]
Reply by Al on November 12 4:42 pm:
I put Bendtner in last week whilst Arsenal have trouble up front.
I’m sure he will start again this week, and I’m hoping a less tense pressured fixture might make the lad relax and get some of those headers in the back of the net.
If you feel like taking a gamble play him.
[Reply]
Reply by carpyfish on November 12 7:44 pm:
Ireland !!!
[Reply]
Man City generally equals goals. Rules are 1) no man city defenders and 2) Man City strikers/midfielders who attack and are often greedy are a good shout. Although not when playing away it seems.
Conclusion: only Robinho and SWP (if he takes his finger out are worth considering). Ireland WAS worth it but doubts linger
[Reply]
Reply by carpyfish on November 12 7:45 pm:
Exactly
[Reply]
Robinho or Berbatov long term? Any ideas
[Reply]
mark i actually agree with your scout picks i have decided on
gw13 bent4zaki
gw14 kranjar4ireland
gw15 Belhadj4alex (this last pick was infuenced by you mark)
But why do i feel worried?
[Reply]
Reply by CK on November 12 6:05 pm:
Mate I would give Zaki two or three more weeks if I was you!
[Reply]
Reply by Stion on November 12 6:42 pm:
Yes I seem to remember Mr Santa Cruz went through some lean spells last year but still ended up getting a pretty large points tally in the end.
[Reply]
Reply by Kerria on November 12 11:05 pm:
Speaking of Santa Cruz, he came on to score tonight, is down to costing 8.5 and bar a home game against Liverpool next month, Blackburn don’t play a top 4 team until end of February - count be worth a punt.
[Reply]
Reply by Kerria on November 12 11:05 pm:
could be worth a punt even!
[Reply]
i think its worth weaking a team to fit in lamps, ronaldo and torres. They are all fantasy legends.
[Reply]
46th!
[Reply]
Hi Mark, Didn’t Martins and Owen used to play as strikers last season? I might be wrong here but there were some fixtures where these 2 played with Viduka upfront with Owen slightly behind them. I think Martins place is secured , its Ameobi who most probably will be benched.
I have Martins in my team so please help me out here.
[Reply]
Reply by carpyfish on November 12 7:51 pm:
You are correct that Owen started playing off the front last season. Martins is probably not too likely to be holding the ball up the way Viduka does though, so although I fancy Martins myself I’m also not too sure about his position as a regular starter.
Does Ameobi play a Viduka-style game ? It’s years since I’ve seen him properly.
[Reply]
Reply by Yogesh on November 12 8:10 pm:
Thanks for answering carpyfish. That helps. I have 1.9 M in the bank so might upgrade him to someone else in long run. I have no idea how Ameobi plays..sorry about that. I just watched martins play a good game against Villa and transferred him in.
Can you please comment on my team? The link is in my name.
[Reply]
Reply by holmesy on November 12 8:21 pm:
How do you link your team to your name?
Am I stupid (don’t answer that)?
[Reply]
Reply by Yogesh on November 12 9:08 pm:
hi holmesy, thats a good question ! You log in to your team on FPL. In Points/Rankings column hon right hand side, clik on history link. Thats your team link. You can then paste that into Website field when you post a message on this website. Hope this helps.
[Reply]
Reply by carpyfish on November 13 9:02 am:
Well I would put in Arbeloa ( or Agger ) for Evra. Bentley ( or Modric ) for Young. Then use the cash to improve Zamora ( maybe Bent ) and possibly improve Mullins ( maybe Geovanni ). I haven’t done the maths btw and I’m not suggesting you take a points hit.
[Reply]
For those interested in Dawson’s fitness from Hull (I was yesterday) Here is an update.
http://www.4thegame.com/club/h.....gress.html
[Reply]
Strikers are C Cole,Zaki and Bent with 5.7m to spend on upgrading them
What would you do?
[Reply]
Reply by IanDowieLoveChild on November 12 6:18 pm:
you could have cashed in on Cole a few weeks back, I think his price has dropped 0.2 in the last few weeks. I’d swap him for Berbatov this week. I’d keep Zaki and use the other striker berth to make cash and swap in a ‘form’ striker every few weeks.
If you sell Cole and he scores a hatrick and hits form you could easily bring him back in, with Zaki its not so easy and he has shown he can score well against big teams.
[Reply]
Reply by carpyfish on November 12 7:53 pm:
Berbatov, Robinho or Anelka.
[Reply]
I have already used my free sub this week. Is it worth four points?
[Reply]
To those of you saying that three defenders is the way to go this season. I agree but only so far as I think around Christmas time there will start to be more clean sheets and a four man deffence might start to look more promising. That certainly seems to be the pattern each year. Discuss ?
[Reply]
Reply by Croublade on November 13 2:04 am:
weird proposition, considering how we’ve been encouraged to hang on lots of attacking players who are supposed to hit form around Christmas too.
[Reply]
No-That is a dull discussion
[Reply]
Reply by Panda Bear on November 13 1:14 am:
lol!
PANDA BEAR!!!
[Reply]
Too many similar priced attackers to choose from
Robinho,Berbatov,Anelka,Defoe
Which to buy?????
[Reply]
Don’t know if i should swap Traore for Belhadj this week?
Current team:
Reina (Schwarzer)
Clichy Carragher Bosingwa (Traore Figueroa)
Lampard(C) Young Arteta Geovanni (Delap)
Zaki Robinho Defoe
0.4 in bank don’t know where to improve?????
[Reply]
Reply by CK on November 12 7:20 pm:
Get rid of Young and take in Kuyt.
[Reply]
Reply by JWF on November 12 7:25 pm:
Ditch Clichy and take another Chelsea defender or one from Man U. CK is right though… not having Ronaldo really lets you have a sweet team… it also means you don’t get Rons 30pts(c) weeks!
[Reply]
Reply by Leighton on November 12 7:28 pm:
Ollie - I would be looking at replacing either Young or Arteta - Villa are blowing hot and cold and Young hasn’t been that pivotal when they have done well. Villa’s upcoming fixtures are also unfavourable.
Arteta also had a good start to the season and whilst Everton have come back into form since the United game, I would have expected a bit more from him by now.
Replacements? I’m looking to replace SWP this week so I’m in the same boat. Nasri? Bentley? Modric? Surely Spurs has to play some part in your team given the form they are in?
[Reply]
Reply by JWF on November 12 7:33 pm:
I’m hanging on to Arteta for a couple more weeks but he’s getting close to being shown the door. Young was dropped from my team a few weeks ago and the guys here are right to suggest that you should consider the same. Kuyt is very tempting as are Bentley/Modric.
[Reply]
Reply by carpyfish on November 12 8:02 pm:
I really don’t fancy Kuyt. I know he’s done well but he’s not cheap and Liverpool can be very stodgy. Torres is, and Gerard can be, fabulous players ( grammar alert sorry ) but I just feel that Kuyt is way off that standard. I know he’s cheaper before somebody says.
I say pick a Spurs player like Bentley or Modric and use the cash elsewhere.
[Reply]
Reply by CK on November 12 10:06 pm:
There is a clear difference in Modric/Bentley and Kuyt… Liverpool are top of the league, look set to continue their form given their fixtures and Kuyt is playing an integral role.
Modric/Bentley are at the other end of the table with spurs. Although they have shown promise and flashes or potential, they are not their for me yet. For what it’s worth I intend to take one of them in if form continues but not just yet. Kuyt a better option for me, in the short time at least!
[Reply]
how did u manage to afford such a sublime line-up man
[Reply]
Reply by CK on November 12 7:15 pm:
That’s what you can get when you don’t have Ronaldo!
[Reply]
Think long and hard about dropping Traore as no one knows what Adams is thinking yet.
4 defenders for me with a fifth when the fixtures look good as good defenders are more consistant.
[Reply]
Reply by Chook on November 12 8:11 pm:
And less expensive. Plus, I find it easier to predict when a team will keep a clean sheet than when a striker will score. Hence I’ve gone for two Chelsea, two Liverpool, one Man U and a budget option in defence. It’s a lot of eggs in one basket, but I reckon Chelsea and Liverpool (avg defender cost 6) will keep more cleanies than strikers in that price bracket will score goals. Or these could just be misplaced self-assurances that help me sleep at night.
———–Reina——–Turnbull———-
Alex—-Agger—-Bosingwa—Evra—Zayette
Ronaldo–Lampard–Bentley–Geovanni–Delap
—–Bent——Zaki——Miller———–
Oh, and there’s enough in the bank to swap Alex for Carvalho when he comes back.
[Reply]
Reply by nesta on November 13 3:48 am:
But now you have strikers in that price bracket as well. the question is if cheap defenders and expensive strikers will score more than expensive defenders and cheaper strikers.
at the moment i have
turnbull, schwarzer
traore, bosingwa, piantsil, cahill and figuero at the back..
and i rotate these depending on fixtures. i might upgrade one of the defenders shortly, so that i have one that will figure more regularly.
you always have to have some weak spots in your team and i have opted to let the defence suffer since i normally play 3 at the back and therefore 2 of them aren’t playing each game.
i guess everyone has their own strategy.
[Reply]
Reply by joe on November 13 8:10 am:
i wish i had that team chook
how?
how?
[Reply]
Righto. Would appreciate a little bit of help guys.
A) Current Team:
Reina - Jaaskelinen
Carragher - A.Cole - Distin - Figueroa - Garrido
Ronaldo - Modric - Barton - Delap - Richardson
Berbatov - Defoe - Zaki
With £1.6M in the bank.
But I fancy a bit of a change, I wanna either get a beefy defence or try and get Ron, Lamps and Torres all in.
B) Beefy Defence Option:
Reina - Turnbull
Carragher - A.Cole - Carvalho - Evra - Belhadj
Ronaldo - Modric - Barton - Delap - Nicky frigin’ Barmby
Berbatov - Defoe - Zaki
C) Ron, Lamps & Torres Option:
Turnbull - Jaaskelinen
Agger - A.Cole - Belhadj - Figueroa - Pantsil
Ronaldo - Lampard - Modric - Barton - Delap
Torres - Cole - Zaki
So basically which do you think is best? A, B or C? Vote now! (Or any other comments/opinions on the 3 teams) Cheers.
[Reply]
Reply by Leighton on November 12 8:01 pm:
Option C for me definitely - though I’d get shot of Barton.
Midfield of Option B looks weak beyond Ronny, Modric and Delap.
[Reply]
Reply by carpyfish on November 12 8:09 pm:
I actually like Option A with maybe Geovanni for Barton and the rest of the cash spent on a better third defender or upgrading Zaki.
[Reply]
Reply by Steve on November 12 8:14 pm:
C is my kind of team, but i couldn’t be having Barton out of principle. If you swapped him for someone cheaper could you upgrade somewhere else? If you needed a bit more to upgrade you could swap Jaskelinen for Schwarzer too? If you go with B ahev Filipe Texeria instead of Barmby (or is Barmby 4.2M now?)
[Reply]
Reply by Mr. Harry on November 12 10:16 pm:
Aye Barmby is 4.2 now, cheers for the input!
[Reply]
Reply by Bedknobs and Boomsticks on November 12 8:11 pm:
Nick “frigin” Barmby? I take it he’s quiet the man with the ladies!
Option C of the two, though I’d be tempted to stick with you’re current forward line and drop the 1.6 m into your midfield. Then again, no-one ever won by playing it safe!
[Reply]
Reply by Steve on November 12 8:18 pm:
B&B might be on to something there. Why not swap Distin for Belhadj, Garrido for Gardner, Barton for Geovanni add all the cash from that to your 1.6 and swap Richardson for a decent midfielder would you have enough for Kuyt? Liverpools up coming fixtures look good.
[Reply]
Reply by Mr. Harry on November 12 10:20 pm:
I’ll have a look into that cheers, although I don’t think I’d want Kuyt. When Torres is back he’ll be pushed out wide and go back to his old work horse but no scoring malarkey.
[Reply]
Does anyone know why the info button hasn’t gone yellow on Arbeloa yet? Do the FPL wait until the end of the week to update?
[Reply]
What are people’s thoughts on the lack of originality of the teams being posted? Is it a case of the best managers not posting their teams, or is it just a case of everyone following Mark’s lead (doing a brilliant job with the site by the way)? Seems like almost every team is
Cech (Schwarzer)
Agger Bosingwa Figueroa (Paintsil Traore)
Lampard Ronaldo Delap Geovanni Ireland
Zaki Berbatov (cheap striker)
In fairness, that is a solid team, but the lack of variation is getting a bit ridiculous. It seems that anytime someone scores a goal or two, everyone gets on a bandwagon and rides it into the ground. Wright Phillips, Ireland, Zamora, Carew, Agbonlahor, etc. This site needs more posters who recommend players before or as they get hot, rather than simply stating they are essential after they’ve already passed their form’s peak.
[Reply]
Reply by JWF on November 12 8:05 pm:
Some players are just must have so most teams, particularly the better ones, have them. Likewise most good teams are going to have defenders from Chelsea, Liverpool, Man U.
Happy to post mine - currently on 652pts (not one of the best managers by any stretch!) - slightly different to the one above:
Schwarzer/Turnball
Evra Agger Alex (Fig, Barnett)
Lamps Ron Arteta Giovanni (Garcia)
Bent Defoe Zaki
2.4m in bank to upgrade Alex to Carvalho, improve bench etc.
[Reply]
Reply by Steve on November 12 8:10 pm:
I have 9 of those 15 and I’m sure others have a similar amount, but isn’t that because certain players are either essential (Lamps, Ronnie,Zaki,Bosingwa), likely to get you a good return on your investment over the season (Cech,Berbatov), good value for money (Delap,Geovanni,Figgy,Pantsil) or the best you can afford if you’ve bought lots of expensive players?
[Reply]
Reply by Pack The Ripper on November 12 8:11 pm:
Think its more a case of great minds think alike. Thing is, most of the teams that are pushing to win leagues will be similar to this layout as it is a proven formula. You get 7, maybe 8 core players (obvious choices) then the next 3-4 players will be the budget choices that you think will do alright. Funny old game hey!
Im considering swapping SWP for Kuyt, what do we think? Of course, its made easier if Torres was to get injured (Kuyt may be pushed up front then - he is a much better striker than a midfielder).
[Reply]
Reply by carpyfish on November 12 8:17 pm:
I wrote something about him just above
[Reply]
Reply by Granville on November 12 9:20 pm:
If you check out people’s posts you will see recommendations. Now I’m not always bang on, course not, but I recommended Cisse and Richardson before the Newcastle game, and a few weeks early Geovanni, Cole and Zamora. I got rid of Cole at the right time having got all his goals, and got Zamora’s only goal, bit of a waste of space since however.
If you want a tip that hasn’t hitched a ride on the bandwagon just yet, take a look at Louis Saha. Plays for a side who are really coming into form, easy looking fixtures, boro at the weekend. Everton are a sure fire bet to finish top 6 and as long as he keeps fit is a great foil to that other big lump Yak.
[Reply]
Reply by Christo on November 13 5:41 am:
Would be better if this site gave the Lotto numbers in advance too. However nobody can REALLY predict the future. If they could every team WOULD be the same. Would be nice to open up this page and get all the future point scorers but……..Best thing to do is take a punt on an unpopular player and see what happens. If it works out you are a legend, if it doesn’t you try again. Biggest problem is the reluctance to put in cheaper players. Team envy is a serious problem for many people. Better not to read forums if you are afflicted.
[Reply]
Think its worth keeping onto Tim Cahill? can’t figure out if he’ll play 90? with Fellaini back after suspension and Saha looks like he’s due a start? - another problem is I’ve stephen Pienaar so need to shift him too I’m thinking? mins
[Reply]
Reply by carpyfish on November 12 8:15 pm:
One thing with Cahill is that if Saha is fit it’s possible that Moyes will give him less time on the pitch or sometimes play him deeper. Maybe Saha on the bench for away games and 4-4-2 for some home games but with Cahill deeper.
Personally I would get Cahill like a shot if he and Everton came onto some form. But will that happen ?
[Reply]
Reply by Steve on November 12 8:21 pm:
I think Cahill is too good to be left on the bench, however Moyes must be looking to keep things tight at the moment so maybe the way Everton are going to play won’t suit Cahill. That said if Moyes wants to keep things tight won’t he play 4-5-1? I’ve probably not helped much there have I?
[Reply]
Reply by Alan on November 12 8:38 pm:
I hoped it would work the other way, with Cahill playing behind the Yak somewhere between the mid and attack in a 4-5-1 system.. I wouldn’t worry to much about Saha either, the guy has a glass knee. Come on Cahill!
[Reply]
Taxi for A Young
Options:
Kuyt straight swop
Jenas/Bentley/Modric/Malouda + Marney-> Geovani
Modric + Turnbull-> Reina
Comments please
[Reply]
Reply by JWF on November 12 8:27 pm:
Can’t be totally sure without knowing the rest of your team
[Reply]
Yeh Cahill served me well before that sending off against liverpool 12 and 7pts in 2 gameweeks, Guess I’ll keep him another week see how that pans out? what do ppl think the chances of the Yak being dropped?
[Reply]
Get Pavylechenko he’s just scored!
[Reply]
Reply by Kerria on November 12 8:35 pm:
[Reply]
Reply by Steve on November 12 8:36 pm:
top news, Bent to start at the weekend then.
[Reply]
Reply by JWF on November 12 8:35 pm:
Get Campbell - he’s just scored two! Hopefully the fact that Bent is being rested tonight means he’ll start this weekend.
[Reply]
Reply by Jono on November 12 8:39 pm:
Pav has scored 1 and F.Campbell 2 surely that could be a threat to Bent starting at the weekend, Harry perhaps to got 4-5-1 with Pav leading the line Bent as sub?
[Reply]
Reply by JWF on November 12 8:49 pm:
Nah, I think he’ll play Bent. He’s rested Modric and Bentley tonight too and Jenas isn’t even on the bench (probably not being risked due to his toe injury but I can only hope Harry’s realised what a waste of space Jenas is!).
[Reply]
Reply by Qubit on November 12 10:23 pm:
King,Woodgate,Bentley,Jenas,Modric all didnt start tonight. I wouldnt call him a waste of space even if he isnt a Modric though.
He scored a cracking goal recently and according to his recent FPL stats he’s notched up 1 goal, 2 assists and 4 bonus points in his last 5 games. Terrible that.
[Reply]
Reply by Croublade on November 13 11:00 am:
I think all the Jenas-hate is misguided. He’s an integral player, although not spectacular, still vital for Tottenham’s midfield structure. He may not be a big name but he doesn’t play badly.
[Reply]
well I’ve came to the conclusion if Cahill doesn’t start then Pienaar won’t so he’s the first one going out this week for me! any good replacements for the same,ish price? 5.1 I think?
[Reply]
Is silvestre likely to keep toure out the team all season now?
[Reply]
Reply by Steve on November 12 8:37 pm: