Wednesday’s Carling Cup Notes
Spurs dish out a beating to Rafa’s reserves. Drogba returns but can’t save Scolari from tasting defeat at the hands of Burnley and Santa bears gifts for Ince as Rovers edge past Sunderland. Here’s the notes on last gulp from the Carling Cup…
Scolari made a raft of changes to his lineup but still fielded a side that looked more than capable of seeing off Championship Burnley. There were starts for Cudicini, Ivanovic, Ferreira and Mineiro but alongside them were experienced first choice players such as Malouda, Kalou and surprisingly, Deco. Drogba also got a first start up front after recovering from injury, while Lampard replaced the injured Belletti early on. Despite the star names, Chelsea could not find a way past Burnley and were taken to the lottery of penalty kicks.
The Chelsea side that takes the field at West Brom is likely to be a very different one. Drogba looked impressive enough but seems likely to find himself starting on the bench as the red-hot Anelka returns to the starting lineup. Terry will come back in alongside Alex, while Cech, Bosingwa and Mikel will surely return to the eleven. Long-term, the alleged Drogba coin throw could be an issue. The FA are reportedly looking at the incident and there could be disrepute charge. A ban seems unlikely but we’ll need to monitor that.
At the Lane, Redknapp also put out a weakened side but included regular first choice players including Zokora, Huddlestone, Hutton, Corluka and Bale. Pavlyuchenko also got a start up front, partnered by Campbell in a 4-4-2. The two strikers took their opportunity with aplomb - handing Redknapp headache and Darren Bent all the motivation he needs to maintain his current form in front of goal.
Frazier Campbell could yet be an option worth consideration. He’s firmly in the budget bracket and will bring in points if selected - that’s a big “if” however. The Carling Cup could well be his platform, whilst in the Premiership he could be restricted to cameo appearances. If Harry goes with 4-4-2 and Bent and Pavlyuchenko fail to click however, he could get some joy and offer excellent value.
Harry has options then, which will be a slight concern for the many new Bent owners. This shouldn’t be a factor come the weekend though and the shift to 4-4-2 last night is further proof that Redknapp is considering pairing Bent with Pavlyuchenko in the long term. That would be good news for Bent owners - not so good news for those who have pounced on Modric. His role just behind a lone striker has seen him thrive of late and his potential returns may well be reduced if Harry reverts to 4-4-2. We’ll need to monitor this.
While Spurs continue to look a force going forward, there will be few takers for their defensive players while Gomes stands between their posts. He put up a dreadful showing once again, and despite being stretchered off for a brave challenge in the second half, it will be his two hapless flaps at the Liverpool corners that lead to their two goals that will live in memory after the game. Redknapp remarked that Gomes should be fit for the trip to Fulham this weekend. That’s only good news for Hodgson’s mob on this showing. While a clean sheet looks unlikely for Hangeland - he will doubtless cause major problems at set plays this weekend; Tottenham looked vulnerable to say the least here.
While Redknapp and Scolari made selective changes, Rafa went crazy with his rotation policy and fielded a second string side at White Hart Lane: He paid the price. Torres made a return up front but only lasted the hour before being replaced with Liverpool 4-1 down at the time. He was surely be saved for the trip to Bolton this weekend. He was starved of service as a result of Liverpool’s abject performance - even so, he looked jaded and well short of his best - understandably perhaps.
Agger and Degen were the only players on show who are likely to be in the frame for the weekend. Agger should start alongside Carragher, although Rafa could think about using Hyypia’s aerial dominance against Bolton. He was hardly convincing in this one however. Degen is set to start at right back once again with Arbeloa suspended. Aureillio will surely replace the dreadful Dossena. As far as I could see, he was caught out for at least two of the Spurs goals here and looks well short of the standard you would expect from a Liverpool full-back. Aurellio is beginning to look very secure as a fantasy option.
In the all Premiership clash between Sunderland and Blackburn we saw far fewer changes to personnel - anyone would think they were taking the competition seriously. Keane did give a full debut to Henderson in midfield - he replaced a benched Andy Reid. However, this move was countered by the surprise selection of Kenwyne Jones up front, who returned ahead of schedule having seen a specialist for his knee problems.
Jones got the Sunderland goal and gave a typically muscular performance. He looks set to start at Blackburn at the weekend then and could well provide decent cover in the long-term should the Bent situation not work out for us. While he is hardly as prolific as Bent, he piles up assists and stands out in the Sunderland team which helps him haul in decent FPL bonus. We also need to monitor how the return of Jones will affect Cisse up front, both in terms of his starting role and his points output. You would anticipate that Cisse would benefit and, with good fixtures over the next few weeks, it’s worth keeping an eye on.
Ince also made changes to his Blackburn lineup but kept the core of his strongest side. Like Keane, he handed a youngster a start, although Howarth was later replaced by the returning Roque Santa Cruz who duly scored Blackburn’s first goal. He is another favourite of last season who is yet to produce this term - mainly as a result of absence through injury. Like Jones, he suffered a price hike across the games and although is value has fallen in the FPL in recent weeks, Blackburn will need to offer up evidence of a change in fortune and form before many fantasy managers will be turning to Santa.
Cool
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JOHN
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Nice write up Mark. Shock result for Chelsea, and good on Tottenham for giving Liverpool a good beating. Harry Redknapp must be a genius to pull results like he has.
I hope Drogba doesn’t start, I’m expecting to get a few points from Anelka this weekend.
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Reply by Rafa on November 13 9:50 am:
Tottenham is like a whole different team now. Redknapp is a true sorcerer, just look at how quickly he was able to turn things around!
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Reply by Marknlard on November 13 10:12 am:
I think the players should be taking some of the blame for their old performances, but everyone’s happy to have Ramos as the scapegoat.
I know when I play football at my incredibly low level that the difference between me trying and not trying is huge. I can’t begin to imagine what it’s like at PL level if you don’t really try. It’s not fair to the fans that they are suddenly giving a sh*t now when they weren’t a month ago. Whether they like the manager or not, they should always be trying.
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Reply by Rafa on November 13 10:20 am:
You’re right, especially with those wages! But that’s also a part of the manager’s role, to be an authority who can get the best out of the existing squad, right?
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Reply by Dimitrije on November 13 10:26 am:
In any case, I’m 16pounds richer.
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Reply by Rafa on November 13 10:35 am:
Ramos as the first PL manager to be sacked?
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Reply by Dimitrije on November 13 12:41 pm:
Nah, Totenhem to beat Liverpool 10pnds bet at 2.6 quotient.
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Reply by JimNastics on November 13 11:36 am:
I couldn’t believe it when they said on commentary that Ramos didn’t even bother to give squad numbers to some players like Rocha and Boateng, what the hell is that all about? Imagine the affect that had on not only those players but their other teammates. Apparently the first thing Harry did was give squad numbers to all of them. The guy is certainly a magician of some sort, although quite a few people seem to forget that he did take the mighty Saints down not so long ago…
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Reply by Trevor Houllier on November 13 12:46 pm:
All he has done is tell them that they’re good players. Hardly a stroke of managerial genius is it?!
Just a good man-manager who speaks English.
Speaking of which – when’s Allardyce going to be given another chance? What a waste.
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Tottenham midfielder looking necessary. Is Jenas fit Mark?
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Hi Mark, I am from SOuth Africa… been using ur site since last year..
GREAT help with the fantasy game! Finished 65000 odd last year, and am 27000 odd currently. THANKS.
I have noticed the numbers of the ’scout site users increase drastically over the past year, so just curious, do you have any idea of the nationalities that come here?
PS Sadly I dont punt this site to my other mini-league’ers as we are firecely competitive!
Thanks
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Reply by dan on November 13 11:24 am:
hey I’m also from SA….where u from?
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Reply by johannl on November 13 11:28 am:
I AM IN MIDRAND JHB AND U
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Reply by dan on November 13 12:04 pm:
durban
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I think De Ridder is a prety cool guy. He scores goals and doesn’t afraid of anything.
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Reply by Al on November 13 10:24 am:
I hear he runs cluckling like a chicken if he finds a large spider in the bath.
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Reply by Soop on November 13 10:26 am:
That’s to celebrate
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Reply by Al on November 13 12:27 pm:
Lol!
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ManU Argentina RSA Fan , i am from south africa as well
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Go Australia………..Go Crystal Palace
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Reply by Phil Pino on November 13 11:29 am:
YES!! Come on you Eagles!
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Carragher got a 3 match ban for throwing a coin back into the crowd a few years ago. Drogba should expect something similar.
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Reply by Dimitrije on November 13 10:30 am:
Yeah, but Cara got sent off, Drogba only got Yellow
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Reply by Marknlard on November 13 10:46 am:
Good point. They can’t upgrade yellows to reds, can they?
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I’ve avoided the Bent bandwagon for now for the Pavlyuchenko/Campbell reason. Harry will still be trying to find his best 11 and all 3 front men look likely to push for a starting role.
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Reply by Jono on November 13 10:38 am:
Same here, based on lastnights performance any (or indeed as B&B said all 3) could well play, although Harry is a fan of 4-4-2 so I think best to leave the bandwagon jump for a couple of weeks at least and let things settle.
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Reply by IanDowieLoveChild on November 13 10:50 am:
I got on the Bent bandwagon, simply as I had made 0.1 on Agbonlahor and his matches were against Arsenal and Man Utd, so sold him and got Bent in as my one and only transfer and have already made 0.1, only making sure I am not missing out and making a bit of cash. Its easy to transfer him out next week….However he clearly will start at the weekend, takes pens and its fulham.
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Reply by Verbal on November 13 11:00 am:
Fulham at home though. They’re decent defensively at home. I think there will be better options this weekend than Bent up front; Defoe, King, Cisse, Yakubu and Zaki to name a few.
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Reply by IanDowieLoveChild on November 13 11:05 am:
I have Zaki, Defoe as well as Bent!
Do you think Yak will start?
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Reply by Rafa on November 13 11:00 am:
…and it’s fulham.
Yes Fulham, which has conceded 10 goals (same amount as ManU), making it the 3rd best defence so far?
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Reply by IanDowieLoveChild on November 13 11:04 am:
Fulham have played West Ham, West Brom, Sunderland, Portsmouth, Newcastle, Wigan and Everton….!!
Man Utd have played Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea.
I rest my case.
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Reply by Verbal on November 13 11:11 am:
Fulham have only conceeded more than 1 goal in a game once this season. You also seem to have neglected to mention that they beat Arsenal 1-0 (clean sheet) this season….
The point is, they are not a “leaky” defence….
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Reply by IanDowieLoveChild on November 13 11:16 am:
Ah yes I forget the Arsenal game - my apologies.
I just think Fulham have had some easy games and have not come up against a ‘form’ team. Peronnally I hope they beat spurs!
However Would you rather have Andy Johnson or Darren Bent this week?
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Reply by Verbal on November 13 11:26 am:
Although I hate to say it (the lad just above me in the league has Johnson), out of the 2 I’d sway towards him. Home game, on form and against a goalkeeper that can’t hold onto his own gloves. He’s a poacher and can see him prospering against Spurs.
Reply by Rafa on November 13 11:27 am:
Johnson or Bent, that’s a though one. Tottenham’s defence is not the tightest, but Bent is apparently on fire as well. Either or, both are good choices!
Why no Jenas even on the bench last night?
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Reply by Qubit on November 13 10:38 am:
King,Woodgate,Bentley,Jenas,Modric and Bent all didnt start last night. Jenas had a recent toe injury so is likely being rested along with the other in favour of giving the likes of Lennon and Campbell a start.
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Reply by keith on November 13 10:57 am:
Thanks for the info. All the hype seems to be for Modric or Bentley. Jenas was out-scoring them do you think this will change with new Tottenham?
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Reply by Qubit on November 13 11:03 am:
Remains to be seen, a lot depends on how Redknapp chooses to play, with Modric in behind a single striker, in which case i think he’d be a good bet. Or with 2 up front, in which case I might favour Bentley. Jenas isn’t a bad option for 0.4 less and does seem to be doing OK under harry so far.
Basically no one really knows at the moment. I think a lot will depend on whether Harry can get a strike partnership working together well out of the strikers he has.
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Reply by Phil Pino on November 13 11:00 am:
They covered it in gruesome gory detail in the Guardian this morning. Apparently he has a toe injury and has had a hole drilled through his nail to relieve the swelling pressure. Apparently he had to have an injection before the Liverpool game and then two more at half time. Should be fit for Fulham though…
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Reply by keith on November 13 11:06 am:
He may be fit but must still be sore! If he plays Bent and Pav up front is Bentley best option for assist potential?
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1st
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I took a chance and jumped on the Bent bandwagon (that sounds a bit homer sexual btw) at 6.9, only because I knew loads of other people would do the same. Best case scenario - the goals continue to flow. Worst case scenario - he hits a rough patch and gets transferred on for a profit.
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Excellent write up, Mark
I’ll be keeping an eye on Kenwyne Jones esp with all those home games coming up.
I see Zaki’s price has dropped for the 1st time. I’ll keep him for a few more games as I’m sure he’ll have another good spell soon.
And I can’t see Hypia playing at the weekend. What did Rafa say last year? Hypia takes 4-5 days to recover!
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Hope that Harry doesn’t sacrifice Modric’s position in the hole behind the striker for 4-4-2, i’ve just subbed him in….
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guys, really feel like bringing in Torres for Alves (4 point hit) - thoughts?
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Reply by Alexi on November 13 11:47 am:
do it!
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Reply by Rafa on November 13 11:49 am:
Generally don’t support taking points reductions for additional trades, but I reckon it would probably be worth it.
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Do you think Torres will have two goals or at least 1 goal+ 1 assist against Bolton AWAY who has not conceded last 2 games???
1 goal is only 4 points, same amount as point deduction for one extra transfer!!
What about if Alonso scores against Everton??
I don’t think it would be worthwhile..
Also, may be having rested Riera, Gerrard, Keane and Kuyt against Tottenham, they will definitely play against Bolton.. So may be also Torres could be on bench or playing only 60 minutes..
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Reply by keith on November 13 12:51 pm:
I agree tough defence at home and Rafa only likely to give him 60 mins max given history of hamstring problems. But difficult to pick with your head not your heart!!
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anyone else betting on Bendtner this week if he scores and I think he will if not twice, I’ll be laughing ‘couse I’m the only one in my league with him in team, although, he didn’t do me any good last week, I think it’s only a matter of time he plays a forward in one of the best scoring teams.
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Reply by keith on November 13 12:53 pm:
Was shocking last week I think you are brave….
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Reply by Rafa on November 13 1:01 pm:
Bendtner is low on confidence, denfinitely. His ball control has to be among the worst in the whole league!
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Reply by Dimitrije on November 13 1:04 pm:
well I did use the term betting
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Reply by Phil Pino on November 13 1:08 pm:
I don’t think his lack of ball control is due to him having low confidence. I just think he has a rubbish first touch! Saw him at Stoke and thought he was awful! Whinges a lot too. At more senior, talented players, like Sagna, Silvestre and Adebayor. Not impressed.
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Reply by Fran on November 13 1:13 pm:
Bendtner has not impressed me one bit. Why Carlos Vela is not playing in the first team is beyond me! Arsenal have no excuse now when they complain about fixture list pile up as they have 2 premier league quality teams. Any opinions on how well the Arsenal kids would do if they played in the league considering they beat a full Wigan team quite easily 3-0. They might even do better than the first team - Joking!
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Reply by Rollo on November 13 1:09 pm:
I cant see Bendtner getting much this weekend.
From his 5 starts this season (West Brom, Bolton, West Ham, Stoke & Man Utd) he has only managed one goal and arguably only Man Utd were tough opponents.
One of his few strengths is his heading ability and he will be up against Laursen who is one of the best attackers of a ball in the league.
I do see Arsenal winning but just aint sure that Bendtner can contribute much to it.
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Reply by dadoune on November 13 1:43 pm:
Well, no one knows!!!! Who says at the end of the Villa match, he has not scored a hat-trick???
We are only supposing things and one thing I am sure is that if he plays as striker for Denmark, it’s only because he is a very good player!!
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Also, I really skipped the boat at selling Etherington, the miserable twat is now 5.3 from 5.6, that really doesn’t help me, hope he scores like a hat-trick, everybody starts buying him and I get to sell him at 5.6 (what am I not allowed to dream?)
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Reply by keith on November 13 1:10 pm:
“He might do something next week” should be on all FFL managers graves! I am learning the trick is to sell as soon as anyones form dips .. just crap at it!
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Reply by Rafa on November 13 1:20 pm:
Good one, keith! “I’m keeping him, though he has done nothing so far, because I’m certain he will flourish next week!”
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Reply by Marknlard on November 13 1:22 pm:
“He got 17 assists last season!”
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Reply by Fran on November 13 1:29 pm:
Think they are talking about this season not last season?
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Reply by Marknlard on November 13 1:34 pm:
You’re missing the point, I can’t be bothered to explain it.
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Reply by Dan on November 13 3:19 pm:
haha classic
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Reply by llama on November 13 3:57 pm:
lol
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bendtner will score this weekend and diaby will get a minimum of 2 assists! He who dares….He who dares,Bloody Sheep ba ba ba Nasri or Bent ba ba !!!!
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Reply by carpyfish on November 13 2:13 pm:
lol-I bet you’ve got Ronaldo though…baaaah
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Does anyone know what has happened to David Wheater please??
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Reply by Joe on November 13 2:15 pm:
hi,
This may help you.
joe.
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Reply by Joe on November 13 2:20 pm:
Sorry, forgot link. here it is.
http://www.skysports.com/story.....45,00.html
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Hmm, think I’ll maybe get Bentley instead of Modric this week then, as its a much safer option, and he’ll probably do well anyway.
So that basically means Modric will be outstanding, due to my history (check previous posts):
GW before last I was weighing up Alves against Anelka, and went for Alves.
Last GW I was deciding between Keane and Robinho, and went for Robinho.
This week I’m deciding between Bentley and Modric.
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Reply by Tresco on November 13 2:31 pm:
Can you decide between Jaaska and Schwarzer, and then pick Schwarzer because I want to put in Jaaska. Appreciate it.
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Silvestre and Bentley
or Agger and Modric.
Opinions valued.
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Reply by carpyfish on November 13 2:21 pm:
Even though I prefer Bentley over Modric the second option must be superior.
Silvestre has played 5 straight games I think, but Toure has been injured and might still have been injured at the weekend despite the press saying he wasn’t. I think Agger is more secure and you can swop in Skrtel ( or even Silvestre ) at some point if you need to. Going down to a 5.5m defender restricts your options in the future.
I would seriously consider Modric if he stuck the ball in the net a couple of times.
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Reply by dadoune on November 13 2:58 pm:
Silvestre has had 7 straight games since starting after injury.. I think 3 or 4 of them, Toure was on the bench!!
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Reply by carpyfish on November 13 3:55 pm:
my bad
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hey all….this is going to sound extremely random but i was wondering if someone would be prepared to look after my fantasy team for me while i go away for about 4 weeks….anyone i can trust?
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Reply by Qubit on November 13 2:17 pm:
Sure, I will if you like, but im sure you’ll get other offers. Im guessing you’d only want stuff like subbing out any injuries etc?
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Reply by Qubit on November 13 2:18 pm:
Mind you, thinking about it wouldnt want to incur the wrath of the game admins for having 2 teams…… Hmmmmmm.
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Reply by dan on November 13 2:23 pm:
i doubt they would penalize you…our log in times throughout the season have been completely different (i assume)….if you would just take a 5 min look at my team before each gameweek, make a transfer and sort it out i would greatly appreciate it….
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Reply by carpyfish on November 13 2:25 pm:
I don’t think it would be a problem. I have my wifes password because I set her up a watch list at some point.
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Reply by Qubit on November 13 2:29 pm:
Just checked the rules:
“While there is no limit on the number of entries per household or organisation only one entry in respect of the Game per unique registered user of the Site is permitted (concerning which the decision of The Premier League shall be final). ”
Seems fine then as far as i can see.
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Reply by dan on November 13 2:21 pm:
yes….and if you can see any viable transfers….im gonna go all out and trust you on this one….we’ll keep chatting on the forum but ill let you know my team name and password before i leave…im leaving on 3 December till the 28th December… i think i miss 4 gameweeks if im not mistaken…
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Reply by Qubit on November 13 2:33 pm:
OK sure thing. If you’d like to leave few ideas on what sort of direction you’d like transfers etc etc that would be useful. Ill post up an email address im happy with being public-ish.
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Reply by Tresco on November 13 2:37 pm:
Ok so not that it should really happen and not that I’d ever advise it to Dan but we could make it a fully fledged FFS team, where every player was voted on and transfers and team selection could be held every Thursday and Friday evenings. Mark will obviously Chair the meetings but Fran can be our Key Speaker, providing the material to be included in each discussion. The Ayes and Nays would probably crash the site though. Shame.
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Reply by Roger C on November 13 2:44 pm:
You can always access FPL by using cellphone. Just enter wap.fantasy.premierleague.com
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Reply by dan on November 13 3:07 pm:
was planning on that but im going to be without a place to charge my phone - im going on a 4 week camp… so the battery would probably die before the end of the trip…qubit, my email address is stochy101@hotmail.com…looking forward to hearing from you….by the way, tresco’s suggestion sounds quite cool…if people were to take it seriously, i wouldn’t mind!
Here’s my team by the way:
1: Schwarzer
2: Clichy
3: Bosingwa
4: Turner
5: Carragher
6: Ronaldo
(C)
7: Nasri
8: Geovanni
9: Ireland
10: Zaki
11: Defoe
Subs:
12: Hart
13: Traore A
14: Marney
15: Cole
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Reply by Qubit on November 13 3:13 pm:
email sent to you from my email address of: fantasyfutebal@googlemail.com
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Akers,
Your history is very comparable to mine except I opted for Alves over Tuncay (Slaps forehead). So Bentley v Modric? Alves is out for Keane for me.
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Just a thought regarding zaki and defoe surely they are both dead certs to be transfered in january? If zaki goes to a big club i doubt he will be first choice whereas the immenment transfer of defoe to spurs in january surely makes him one to get rid of for the time bieng?
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Reply by carpyfish on November 13 2:30 pm:
It depends if Wigan want to let him go or if he goes into a major sulk to force the transfer. Heskey’s contract is up in the summer and it’s not impossible he’ll leave at Christmas. How much would you need to let Zaki go if you were Steve Bruce. How would you sign a replacement ? I know he’s on loan but Wigan have him all season.
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Reply by Marknlard on November 13 2:39 pm:
I posted on a previous thread why it is unlikely that Zaki will be moving in Jan. See this as well… http://www.football365.com/sto.....48,00.html
Also, FIFA rules say Defoe can’t move back to the same club within 12 months of leaving it. So he’s probably staying put too.
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Reply by CK on November 13 3:00 pm:
Surely Wigan have first refusal on him anyway? - that is usually a standard clause in any loan agreement. Unless the Egyptian club want hom back just to sell him on again. By the way, he will be going no-where in January!
If his goals dry up as they look like they might, Wigan will most likely try to tie down an early deal.. if he continues to score Wigan will have tough competition. catch 22
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Reply by Marknlard on November 13 3:08 pm:
I think Bruce has said in the past that they have first option…not at all what the Egyptian club is saying in that statement!
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yes i have ronaldo because basically i am not stupid! Jesus Christ is dan going too jail that he does not have access to a computer!! Even in outer mongolia they have broadband,what is he an astronaut..bloody weirdo!
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Reply by carpyfish on November 13 2:35 pm:
baaahhh
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Reply by Marknlard on November 13 2:40 pm:
Sheep or lemming? You decide.
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Reply by dan on November 13 3:10 pm:
haha
ive grown to enjoy your comments ronaldos……league
im actually going camping for about 4 weeks so i really will not have any access to electronic equipment…
to answer your question, no, i am not an astronaut but hope to become one someday ;-)!
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Similar for Portsmouth. Would you rely on Crouch, Kanu and Nugent when you can sell Defoe in the summer?
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top 300 for this sheep bbbbbaaaahhhhh!!!!
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I am Sparta!!!
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Reply by CK on November 13 3:01 pm:
No ur not
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doing 2 transfers next gameweek, and im taking out evra for agger, and i have money then to ditch Ireland and upgrade. Total to spend would be 7.6. of all my options, what yis reckon? have ron,lamps,arteta and nobdy in midfield.
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Reply by Panda Bear on November 13 3:11 pm:
why are you making two trades?
Evra has a 90% chance of a clean sheet against Stoke :/
Liverpool are away to Bolton so Bolton could score + Agger has a slight chance of Rotation…
and Ireland is vsing Hull! In a game Man City really need to win
plus you will be losing 4 points for really no reason
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Reply by RoysbrotherJohnson on November 13 3:33 pm:
was talking for next gameweek panda, not this weekend mate, sorry wasnt clear
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Reply by dan on November 13 3:12 pm:
maybe nasri, bentley or modric - all showing signs of potential?
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I have brought Bendtner in this week, Wenger praised him at the weekend and is right behind him.
For 5.3 it’s worth a go considering I’ve only replaced the 2 point magnet that is Zamora.
Can see Arsenal playing 4-5-1 again due to RVP and Adebayor being out and have a sneaky feeling that he might be on Pens after reading something in the Arsenal mag so there is certainly nothing to lose for me.
Fortune favours the brave.
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Reply by phil on November 13 3:42 pm:
Did Wenger praise him before or after the match? If it was after the match then he clearly wasn’t watching the same match as me. Bentner was awful.
Close call, but I’d almost rather have an out of form Zamora at home to a dodgy Spurs defence than “No touch Nicklas” up against Laursen.
Good luck tho.
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doing 2 transfers next gameweek, and im taking out evra for agger, and i have money then to ditch Ireland and upgrade. Total to spend would be 7.6. of all my options, what yis reckon? have ron,lamps,arteta and nobdy in midfield.So ive either ireland to someone, or 4.5 noone to a 5.9er. Would appreciate suggestions, thanks
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Reply by Ibracadabra on November 13 2:57 pm:
You will get about 75% of replies that say Bentley or Modric in your 7.6 range - I assume you play a 4-4-2?
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Its not brave just common sense Marky boy!
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did zaki’s price rise and drop in the same week?
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yeah,IBRA, not sold on the spurs thing though, specially with 442. personally, i never rigidly stick to a formation, i change it week to week.doin prety good so far. My toher option is for Evra to belhadj and Berbs to Drogba. what you reckon? Will drogba get on the pitch, or would i be better off buying anelka?
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Reply by Ibracadabra on November 13 3:52 pm:
I would wait one more week on both the Belhadj/Traore situation and the Drogba/Anelka situation. Anelka should keep his spot despite Drogba’s goal - and Traore and Belhadj could both be employed - kicking Pamarot to the bench.
In that case, it wouldn’t be wise to go - 4 since Portsmouth have some great fixtures coming up.
What is your lineup this week and have you already made any moves?
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Reply by RoysbrotherJohnson on November 13 3:57 pm:
linup for the weekend IBRA-
schwarz
evra,bos, ash cole,
ron lamps arteta marn ireland
berbs zak
very mainstrean, but it has evolved into this. Looking to get keane in for evra, but im falling short by .1 million and its head wrecking!
prob next week, go evra to belhadj and Miller to Jones up front…
what you reckon?
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Reply by Niall Quinn's Disco Pants on November 13 4:00 pm:
keane for evra?!
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Question guys; who is the best 5.5 or less midfielder in the game? Delap? Is Joey Barton worth a punt?! My current backup midfielder isn’t getting a game, and I want to have the option of going 3-5-2
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Reply by GON10 on November 13 3:35 pm:
Bedner for Defoe or Davies for Berbatov for this week
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Hi Guys
Anyone help me with any improvements for this lineup….
Reina
Ferdinand Bosingwa Clichy Carragher
Geovanni A Young S Ireland
Zaki Rooney Agbonlahor
Subs: Schwarzer, Halmosi, Little, Huth
Obviously the midfield needs improving as does the squad in general. I still have my WILDCARD and i still have 1.5 mill in the bank
Was looking at maybe incorporating defoe, kranjcar, belhadj, bent or agger???
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Reply by dadoune on November 13 3:37 pm:
Again u?????? already given u best option
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Reply by IanDowieLoveChild on November 13 4:01 pm:
trade all your bench players for players who play (excluding Schwarzer)
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Joey Barton- pure liability- silly silly buy i think
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Reply by dan on November 13 3:43 pm:
he’s a typical card magnet. it’s just not worth the trouble!
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I’m really not sure where all this talk of Harry playing 2 up front has come from. 24 hours ago we were raving about Modric playing behind a front striker. Harry played Pavulychenko and Campbell v the Scousers IMO because a) they both needed playing time and b) because a side needs flexibility when Harry’s down to his f’ing bare bones again. Why would he neuter Modric’s immense ability by reverting to 4-4-2 in the league. No decision should be made until Saturday, but if I were to bet I’d say it’ll be back to 1 up front.
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Any Boro fans out there? Is David Wheater going to get his place back?
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I was going to swap Ireland for Bentley after this GW, but with 2 home games coming up for Stoke (Hull, WB) I think I may well go with Delap. Hull have conceded 5 goals from corners this season, more than anyone in the league so far. I think that makes Delap a very attractive proposition. Still not sure if I’m ready to jump on the spurs bandwagon and I loathe Bentley as a player - he would be a points magnet if he spent his focus on the game rather than his hair.
City do have Man U and Arsenal coming up so not to happy about holding onto Ireland.
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Reply by Niall Quinn's Disco Pants on November 13 3:59 pm:
actually i believe his girlfriend is a hairdresser and that’s why he looks like that. (serious)
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Reply by Cowboy Outfit on November 13 4:05 pm:
I think he was more productive when he had a skinhead! As Ireland’s beard gets longer his productivity seems to be going down too. I can remember Redondo (ex-Real Madrid) getting into a spot of bother with the national coach for refusing to have his hair cut. Watched something on SSN where they highlighted spurs players playing with their hair after challenges instead of getting up and quickly getting on with it. It’s a part of the game that I don’t like but inevitable with Brylcream ad money up for grabs!
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just done the unthikable! and got rid of berbatov for bent, needed to get some money in the bank so that i can sort my team out before gw18? as i had 3 united players and 3 wigan players? so over the next few weeks i can swap de ridder, figeuroe, zaki,(maybe) and leave ronaldo, and evra on the bench for that game week? i think i might live to regret it but if i had’nt done anything i would of been missing 7(seven) players in gw18, (schwartzer is my back up goal keeper)
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Reply by Will on November 13 4:27 pm: