The Midweek Meander
Arriving dangerously close to the end of the week, here is my usual midweek waltz across the weekend fixture list where I attempt to target the best options for cleanies, goals and instant nausea…
Best For Clean Sheets…
Once again, clean sheet hunting looks tricky outside of the big teams. The two powerhouse defences are normally reliable and although they have away games (Liverpool at Bolton and Chelsea at West Brom) both look decent prospects, particularly Chelsea who face a side who have claimed just three goals at the Hawthorns. Beyond these two, we have United at home to Stoke – the visitors have scored just three goals on their travels, although the Delap throw is the unknown factor here. Vidic and Ferdinand should cope though.
Mid-price and budget defensive points look thin on the ground. The usual home bankers – Bolton and Fulham face games against Liverpool and Spurs respectively and it’s difficult to see home shut-outs in those games. Everton look a fairly decent bet at home to Boro but Southgate’s side are on a high after the win at Villa and notoriously unpredictable. West Ham’s defence is leaking right now, as is Hull’s who face a City side who will be looking to get things back on track after a miserable run. Defensively City are fragile but going forward they can still hurt teams. This game looks to have goals in it.
The darkhorses for clean sheets aren’t exactly fillies worth backing. Newcastle will fancy their chances at home to a Wigan side that is smarting after the beating at the Emirates. Bruce’s side are decent on the road however, so they could easily breach the home defence that has conceded seven in six at St James’.
Blackburn have the worst home record in the division and have conceded 10 goals at Ewood but they are up against a Sunderland side who have hardly been firing away from the Stadium of Light . Four goals in six away games suggests that Rovers could have a chance of just their third clean sheet of the season.
For once, it could be Arsenal’s turn with a home clean sheet. Wenger could employ a 4-5-1 against a Villa side who score goals but just aren’t flowing. The 2-0 defeat at Newcastle on Villa’s last away trip suggests that patient Clichy owners could be rewarded at last.
Best For Goals…
Goals look easier to come by. As I’ve mentioned, Hull vs Man City should bring some attacking points for both sides with Geovanni readying himself for his former club and Robinho still in the mood to score goals.
I also fancy a good few goals in the West Ham vs Pompey encounter with Zola’s side welcoming Carlton Cole back into their lineup and Portsmouth still finding their feet under Adams. This could be a high scoring draw if Adams goes with two up front.
It goes without saying that both United and Chelsea should earn plenty of attacking points in their games. As for Liverpool, I’m expecting more modest returns from a tight game. Arsenal could cut loose against a demoralised Villa outfit and Everton vs Boro looks likely to have 3-4 goals in it.
Best For Frustration…
It would be nice to think that Bent, Modric and Bentley will offer instant rewards for investors from their clash with Fulham but I can see a possible afternoon of frustration for all concerned. Fulham are a well organised side at the Cottage and although Spurs have the form, Hodgson’s men won’t roll over after their win over Newcastle. A narrow win or worse still, a 1-1 scoreline looks on the cards in my opinion.
Elsewhere, as I’ve mentioned I’m not expecting too much from Liverpool at the Reebok so early investors in a fit-again Torres might have to wait for some return. Those with stock in the other big sides – United, Chelsea and Arsenal should all end the weekend with decent profits however.
al...
dadoune
Chook
Panda Bear
TorresMagic
masafi
darcy
x
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Thats confused me, was gonna bring in Bentley for Arteta!
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Reply by Ade on November 13 4:11 pm:
Stu was going to make same move going to still do it!
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word
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thats it, i resisted the change for so long, but in the end had to go for it….
yep, i bought Ronaldo!!!
14.5million, almost killed me finding the money, but got rid of Adebayor & put King (Hull) in his place.
then swapped Arteta for Ronaldo.
this is the big gamble, i’m 3rd in my league, and the two people above me DON’T have Ronaldo in their team. but they have a much stronger attack & defence than me.
time wil tell if i’ve done the right thing….
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Reply by phil on November 13 4:20 pm:
3 teams at the top of a mini league without Ron?!
How many points does the top team currently have?
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Reply by Bagpuss on November 13 4:28 pm:
top team in my mini league doesn’t have ronaldo either - 621 points
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Reply by maniso on November 14 2:24 pm:
top two in my league don’t have Ronaldo 667 and 649 points.. only two of us in the top 10 actually have Ronaldo
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You can still bring in Bentley for Arteta you know? These are all opinions. Nobody knows what is going to happen in a gameweek.
Mark simply gives some of the most knowledgeable guesstimates as to how things would appear to be shaping up. But nobody knows! If that was the case, we would all be very rich people
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any word on Pinaar?
was looking to bring him in soon, but looks like not this week. im actually going to struggle to use my free transfer!
may have to do shawcross a week early and bench him, although with question marks over Traore i may need my sub defender!
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I think bobby zamora is going to bang in the goals now that he has found his feet and fulham are in a rich vain of form.. Ofcoarse carrick will also be one of those to profit heavily, being the only united player who attacks frequently with goals in mind..
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Reply by Marknlard on November 13 4:22 pm:
I’m confused by this post.
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Reply by carpyfish on November 13 4:26 pm:
I suspect you won’t be alone
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Reply by llama on November 13 4:26 pm:
Carrick and zamora are married. Duh.
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Reply by Schwing on November 13 4:53 pm:
Bobby Zamora is dead to me now - as are my chances of winning the league this season.
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Reply by Bruce on November 13 8:50 pm:
I think a real ‘have to’ buy now is definetly jason roberts.. Now that blackburn have hit a rich vain of form and the suspension of benni and introduction back of santa cruz he is definetly a must buy, im taking a 4 point hit for this one, its worth it!
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Reply by Team d2b. on November 13 9:07 pm:
There’s potential, but far from a ‘must’.
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Reply by Guy Incognito on November 13 9:58 pm:
Bruce. You’re funny.
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WHAT ABOUT DE RIDDER!?
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Reply by carpyfish on November 13 4:27 pm:
WHAT ABOUT SHOUTING
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Reply by Soop on November 13 4:31 pm:
Can you hear me? I thought I typed that.
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and as for captain choices, I might as well roll a dice.
Giovanni, Lamps, ron, Defoe, Zaki and Ameboei
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Reply by Will on November 13 4:37 pm:
and have Ronaldo as evens and Lampard as odds?
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Reply by Soop on November 13 4:50 pm:
I actually would consider most of them to have the same chance. Maybe Ron and Lamps are “safer” but even then, stoke can close up, and Anelka will probably do better points wise than Lampard.
I reckon there’s a chance with Wigans defence that Ameobi could score heavily. I also think the reverse is true for Zaki.
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Reply by Will on November 13 5:02 pm:
“Most of them to have the same chance”???
Check out the captaincy poll: Ronaldo and Lampard have 77% of the votes compared to 2% for Gio/Ameobi/Zaki/Defoe combined.
It is of course possible that any of those players could go crazy and put away 15-20 pts. But the chances of Ron or Lampard doing so are waaaaaaaaay higher than the others you mention.
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Reply by Soop on November 13 5:12 pm:
The captaincy poll is not a crystal ball. And what makes the results more skewed is the fact that (I assume) Maore people have Lamps and Ron than the others. If you look at the dream teams (FPL), there will often be a load of people in there you’ve never heard of. Of course one of them was Zaki, but so many people bought him, he’s now well known. Bent is another up and comer. Robino.
Who’s tosay we might not have a new hero this week? I’m just sayin is all
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Reply by Soop on November 13 5:19 pm:
Here are the best stikers going back each week:
Tuscay Keane Saha
Anelka Martins Berbatov
Johnson Van P Adebeyor
Robinho ablongahor King
rooney berbatov
Torres Defoe Rooney
Torres Cousin Zaki
Di Michelle Chopra Bendtner
Adebeyor Defoe King
Zaki Defoe Van P
Carew
Agbonlahor Ashton
Lamps is in there 5 times, Ron is in there 3, and giovanni is in there 3 or 4 times.
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wHo Is ThIs NeW gUy AmEoBoEi???? iS hE gErRaLd’S rOoMaTe?????
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i MeAn AmEbOeI!!!!
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I HAVE BROUGHT IN DI@BY THIS WEEk!!!!!!!
5.3 miLLION
NICe!!
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I’ve got Zaki C.Cole and Davies(Bolton) up front. I’ve held faith with Davies, waiting for a goal or two from him, but am beginning to give up hope. Any advice as to whether I should swap him for Bendtner this week, on the back of all Arsenal’s injuries? If I do make the transfer, I’m guaranteeing a hat-trick from Davies, aren’t I?
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Reply by carpyfish on November 13 5:06 pm:
Trouble with sneaking-in Bentner is that you may have other transfers you want to make when the big guys are fit again. What about King ? Hull have good fixtures.
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Reply by Al on November 13 5:47 pm:
I doubt there’s ever any risk of a hat-trick from Davies!
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probably…
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i think ameobi is a good choice, him and martins play well together. however with owen back he may get subbed off to allow owen to come on for the last 20mins or so.
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Mark do you think there’s any hope for a Laursen headed goal against Arsenal? I think Villa will target set pieces (as would anyone at the emirates.)
Is it worth a 4pt hit to swap him for Agger or Jagielka?
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Reply by Team d2b. on November 13 6:24 pm:
Wouldn’t be getting rid of Liverpool defenders with their run of fixtures coming up.
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Reply by Sojourner on November 13 6:42 pm:
Not worth a 4pt swap. I would have made it, still may, if he is set to go down because that .1 is a deal breaker for be to get Carva or Modric. But won’t spend 4 pts unless I HAVE to. I think the odds are decent Laursen could put one in this weekend.
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Need a midfielder and have 9.1 to spend???
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Reply by Croublade on November 13 11:37 pm:
Yes I need a midfielder, but I don’t have 9.1. Can you give me a discount?
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I just heard on Sky Sports News that Adebayor is having a fitness test tomorrow ahead of the weekends game and is rated @ 50-50 2 play
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Reply by Fowla on November 13 6:57 pm:
i thought he was out for 3 weeks? if you are right then maybe i shouldnt be transferring for bendtner right now…
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Reply by Terry on November 13 7:07 pm:
Yeah i was thinking about transfering in bendtner this week also, so i will be looking out 2moro for any news
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Reply by Terry on November 13 7:10 pm:
http://www.skysports.com/story.....66,00.html - Now the info’s on their website
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I chose to shove Denilson in this week, along with Alex. Arsenal appear to be hotting up recently, whereas i can’t see WBA giving Chelsea a hard time.
Ronaldo for captain this week though, although Lamps is hot on his heels for me.
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Any opinion as to whether its worth getting rid of Carew for a 4 point hit. Hes gonna keep dropping in price and he’s done sweet fa since i bought him. Could buy berbatov, got some spare cash, or i’m quite tempted by an everton striker, think they could come good this weekend. Any ideas greatly appreciated.
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Reply by Stion on November 13 7:00 pm:
I would say its worth it then. You don’t want to lose money in this game and its only a four point hit. Also Berbatov or an Everton striker look like good options this weekend.
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Reply by mitchos on November 13 7:12 pm:
good, i just bought saha,its a risky punt but he’s cheaper and all money goes to the lampard fund, even if it does make me sick…
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Just saw on Sky Sports News that Alex is out this week! - is this right? Anyone heard the same?!
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Reply by Sojourner on November 13 6:44 pm:
Give the link.
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Reply by JWF on November 13 6:46 pm:
I’m asking you guys for it! I just saw it on the TV in the Prem League news that runs along the bottom of the screen.
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Reply by Sojourner on November 13 6:49 pm:
Think your having a Giraffe mate! Don’t see any new of it on Newsnow/bbc/sky.
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Reply by JWF on November 13 6:52 pm:
Nope, afraid not! Just saw it again - Alex and Baletti out of West Brom tie due to injury!
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Reply by Sojourner on November 13 7:00 pm:
In that case; fortune smiles upon me. I almost brought Alex in a few days ago but decided to wait for Carva to be fit.
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Reply by Team d2b. on November 13 9:09 pm:
Glad I decided not to back Alex now.
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Reply by Niall Quinn's Disco Pants on November 13 6:47 pm:
hope not
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Reply by JWF on November 13 6:48 pm:
So do I! Think it said Balleti was also out - I’m waiting for it to come around again on the news strip.
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Reply by Phil on November 13 8:04 pm:
I’ve just seen it on the Sky Sports ticker as well - Belletti and Alex both out.
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going to have a miserable defence this week. Anyone know if A Traore is likely to start for portsmouth, and Garrido for Man city?
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If Alex is out does this mean Ivanovic plays ? He was slated by all the pundits last time he played. But I for one thought he played quite well as did Allen Hansen (who knows a thing or two about being a center back). Might be worth a punt.
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Reply by GinjaWhinja on November 13 7:17 pm:
You’re joking me? I just got in Alex this week temporarily before his price went up
so basically to get him out, it will have cost me 8 points? grr
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Reply by Niall Quinn's Disco Pants on November 13 7:26 pm:
anyone have a link for this yet?
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Reply by JWF on November 13 8:05 pm:
Still no link but they’ve now confirmed it verbally on Sky Sports News.
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ffs thats just great, needed a cleanie to maintain 1st spot. darn it
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So who should I play…. Dawson, Figueroa, TYraore or is it woryh taking a 4 point hit for Silvestre or another def < 5.9m?
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can anyone confirm for me whether felliani has finished his suspension for everton?
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Reply by jms on November 13 8:02 pm:
He is available for this weekend’s game.
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Testing my new gravatar icon…
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Reply by JimNastics on November 13 8:25 pm:
Looks great but I’m sure I saw someone else with it?
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Reply by Burt on November 13 8:26 pm:
Not workin - just changed mine too!
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Reply by Steve on November 13 8:31 pm:
it’s worked in the recent comments section of the home page. You’re now Bert from Sesame Street.
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Reply by JWF on November 13 8:43 pm:
Take a while to take effect I think
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Who is the best budget striker at the moment
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Reply by JWF on November 13 8:44 pm:
Sorry, did you say something?
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Reply by JimNastics on November 13 9:07 pm:
I bet it turns out to be his arse or something…
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Reply by PakHawk on November 14 1:19 am:
If that’s my wife again… you owe me money for copyright infringment. If it’s my mistress… hands off!
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hubba hubba
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Does anyone have any news on Ashley Cole and if he will be fit for Saturday?
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Reply by Team d2b. on November 13 9:15 pm:
Nothing set in stone, but I think he’s expected to make it, late fitness test perhaps.
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carlton cole is a steal gogo
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Reply by Team d2b. on November 13 9:38 pm:
Far from favourable fixtures though.
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Reply by Team d2b. on November 13 9:39 pm:
Looking at them again, there not terrible, but still hardlies ‘kind’.
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEoRd9AVYyg
In case you haven’t seen this yet.
Which team is Mark’s? Does anyone know his position on the ladder?
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdBuDSEokz0
Jeff Stelling is crazy haha
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http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=Bx7X4cgh3qI
LOL at the gary glitter bit.
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http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=_TiQCJXpbKg
Poor john mccain LOL anyways, enough of the immature videos, as I’ve steared away from the football topic with that last one
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Defender for 6.8 or less, who would you get? Have Agger and after that it’s all budget!
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Anyone help me?
Trying to sell Zaki - the price I paid for him was 6.6, he’s now 7.2 and I have 0.7 in the bank. So when I sell him I thought I would get an extra 0.3 to spend, giving me 7.6 to buy a new striker. Anyone who understands the system better than me know why it’s only giving me 7.3?
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Reply by Sam (Team Sam) on November 13 11:26 pm:
By my calculations, if you bought him for 6.6, you should be selling him for 6.9 (and i’m a maths teacher, so my i hope my calculations are correct!)
you sure that’s what you paid for him? have a look in your transfer history, maybe it went up just before you got him and you didn’t notice?? otherwise, i’m stumped
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Reply by Yankee on November 13 11:34 pm:
Can’t explain that one Ja88mie as I get the same answer as you (7.6 after the sale), can you double-check you post & your initial buy price is correct?
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Reply by Croublade on November 13 11:46 pm:
Most likely you bought him at 6.0, and the number displaying 6.6 is actually telling you your selling price, which you’ve read wrongly to mean buy price.
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Reply by PakHawk on November 14 1:27 am:
The price you see when you are on the transfers page is the players value to you in the transfer market, not the players overall value. If Zaki shows on your screen as 6.6, then that’s what his selling price is. In my team his value shows as 6.7 for example - i bought him at 6.2 points and he’s now worth 7.2 to buy him, but i can sell him for 6.7 points only.
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Reply by Ja88mie on November 14 11:41 am:
I think that makes sense now - cheers guys!!
particularly big up to the maths teacher!
Flipping heck Zaki’s price has gone up a lot.
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Mark, mate absence of Alex in your injuries and bans section is the only thing giving me hope he’ll play, I need those 6pts, and have no money to swap him for someone good… Plus with Zaki worries and Chance of Adebayor starting insead of Bendtber…
Do you think Etherington will start for WHU? I might go with a 3-4-3
Jagelka,Vidic,Ager(Alex,Traore)
Ronaldo,Etherington,Lamps,Marney(Delap)
Zaki,Bendtner,Defoe
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do people think Berbatov will be benched this week? He didn’t put in a good performance at arsenal.
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I have to ask.. what are so many people thinking with Bendtner in their team?? 1 goal this season and a dismal total of 5 last season. He is not first choice. I know he is at the mo cos of ade injury and van persie susp. Even when he is spearheading the arsenal attack, he’s CRAP?! Goals have to come from the midfield when he is playing. I know he’s only 5.3m but come on..
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What do we think of buying Jenas? Not sure where he plays to be honest….
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Reply by Nick on November 14 11:28 am:
he plays as a CM in a sort of box to box role, he still drifts in and out of games too much for my liking and he doesn’t usually take any set pieces either. i would look at bentley or modric rather than jenas
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Reply by Scakes on November 14 11:32 am:
Thanks Nick
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Any tip wich player i should buy before round 14 ?
my team:
Turnbull Sorensen Bosingwa Traore A Arbeloa Hangeland Carragher Ronaldo Geovanni Alonso Delap Hamann Robinho Anelka Fuller
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Reply by Roger on November 14 1:08 pm:
I’d swap Traore for Belhadj (Portsmouth) or Cahill (Bolton), should be more regular starters than him in the future
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Reply by Team d2b. on November 14 2:40 pm:
I just brought in Belhadj, I would avoid Gary Cahill though as Bolton have one of the worst fixture runs going.
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