Scout Scribbles – Who Loves You Bebe?
Filed under: Scout Notes - Posted by: Paul
Bebe emerges from the background to notch for United as Sir Alex Ferguson’s men battle for a draw. Brendan Rodgers is also held in his first game in charge of Liverpool, with another unlikely source, academy graduate Adam Morgan, sparing the blushes with an equalising strike against Toronto. The Hammers return to winning ways, Swansea hit five, while Fulham’s Mladen Petric continues to edge his way onto our pre-season watchlist with a brace as the Cottagers are held to a 2-2 with Kaiserslautern. There were eleven pre-season matches played out on Saturday, read on for the notes…
Ajax Cape Town 1 Man United 1
Sir Alex Ferguson fielded a mixture of youth and experience for yesterday’s draw in South Africa. With Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling both sidelined and Nemanja Vidic still building up his fitness, Scott Wootton continued alongside Rio Ferdinand in the heart of the back-four, though there were plenty of familiar names further up the field. Intriguingly, Anderson was handed a role on the left flank, with Antonio Valencia on the right, while Shinji Kagawa – in his first start for the club – tucked in behind Javier Hernandez in a 4-4-1-1.
Hernandez was unlucky not to give his side the lead on 34 minutes after his header from Wootton’s cross was palmed away by the home side’s keeper and the Mexican also set up Kagawa on the hour mark, only for the latter to miss from six yards out. Valencia tormented the hosts on the right before making way on 68 minutes as Ferguson made four changes, with new boy Nick Powell coming on for his debut and the much-maligned Bebe afforded his first United start for 17 months. Indeed, it was the latter who saved his side’s blushes with a late, late equaliser, slotting home a cross from right-back Marnick Vermijl after United had gone behind with just four minutes remaining on the clock.
Post-match, Ferguson was full of praise for the two summer signings, going on to say:
Shinji was very good. He’s an intelligent footballer, quick and has his head up all the time. He knows when a pass has to be made and I’m pleased. Nick Powell is a talented boy. He missed some training and 30 minutes was just stretching him a bit in terms of sharpness but the boy is a very good talent.
United Starting XI: Amos; Vermijl, Wootton, Ferdinand, Blackett; Valencia (Tunnicliffe 68), Carrick, Scholes (Powell 68) Anderson (Lingard 68); Kagawa (Berbatov 77); Hernandez (Bebe 68)
Motherwell 1 Everton 1
David Moyes’ side continued their unbeaten pre-season run with a competitive draw in Steven Hammell’s testimonial. The Toffees boss fielded a strong starting XI for the clash, as Everton lined up in a 4-4-2 in the first half with Victor Anichebe and Apostolos Vellios up front and the former played a part in his side’s opener, after Shane Duffy nodded home his cross to give the visitors the lead at the break. Moyes then handed second-half roles for the likes of Nikica Jelavic and Darron Gibson as the Toffees reverted to their usual 4-5-1, while new boy Steven Naismith was given his debut with 20 minutes left of the match. Tucked in just behind the Croatian, Naismith’s up front understanding with Jelavic – continuing on from their days together at Glasgow Rangers – was all too apparent and his impressive showing hinted at the pair’s potential in the season ahead.
Everton Starting XI: Howard; Hibbert, Duffy, Distin (Heitinga 70), Neville; Coleman, Fellaini (Naismith 70), Cahill (Rodwell 46), Osman (Junior 46); Vellios (Gibson 46), Anichebe (Jelavic 46).
Colchester 1 West Ham 2
Sam Allardyce rolled out a front three for the trip to Colchester, with triallist Colin Kazim Richards handed a starting role alongside Nicky Maynard and Carlton Cole up top. Guy Demel – at 4.0 and 3.6 in FPL and the Sky Sports game respectively – continued at right-back, while Matt Taylor started at left-back, though the former Bolton man moved into midfield with just four minutes on the clock after Kevin Nolan was subbed off due to a foot problem. Nicky Maynard gave the Hammers the lead on 16 minutes after volleying home a Carlton Cole knock-down and was also involved in his side’s second; Mark Noble slotted home from the spot after Maynard was brought down in the box, with the midfielder again serving a reminder of his cut-price potential at 5.0 in FPL and 4.7 in the Sky Sports game. Allardyce saw his side concede just before the break but made only three changes in the second half, choosing instead to give many of his first-team regulars 90 minutes under their belts as the Hammers picked up their second victory from five pre-season games so far.
West Ham Starting XI: Jaaskelainen; Demel (Spence 76), Reid, McCartney, Taylor; Noble, O’Neil, Nolan (Potts 4); Kazim Richards (Vaz Te 46), Cole (Mohsni 62), Maynard
Kaiserslautern 2 Fulham 2
Martin Jol’s side went two goals behind early on in their match against the former Bundesliga outfit but, in a game interrupted by lightning, it was one of their summer signings who made the biggest impact. The Cottagers continued in a 4-4-2, with Marcello Trotta partnering Mladen Petric up front and it was the latter who maintained his strong pre-season form with a double to save his side’s unbeaten pre-season run. Trotta – who bagged a brace in the previous match – and Alex Kacaniklic provided the assists as the Croatian took his tally to three goals in two starts since joining from Hamburg in the summer. Priced at 6.0 in FPL and 6.8 in the Sky Sports game, Petric is clearly one to watch ahead of an opening schedule that includes (NOR, whm, WBA, wig) in the first five Gameweeks of the upcoming campaign.
Fulham Starting XI: Schwarzer; Riether, Hughes, Hangeland, Riise (Briggs 69); Kacaniklic (Davies 69), Diarra (Sidwell 46), Etuhu (Baird 69), Ruiz (Frei 52); Trotta (Mesca 46), Petric.
Port Talbot 0 Swansea 5
Michael Laudrup kicked off his career as Swansea boss in style as the Premier League club swept aside fellow Welsh club Port Talbot. The Dane handed the vast majority of his fringe players a chance to impress and Steven Dobbie was the main protagonist for the Swans, firing home a first-half hat-trick courtesy of a couple of converted spot-kicks. Leroy Lita was also on the scoresheet but a host of changes after the break killed the game’s momentum, before youngster Henry Jones – on for Dobbie on the hour mark – fired home the fifth to seal an emphatic victory ahead of the club’s US tour next week.
Swansea First Half: Cornell; Obeng, Tancock, Situ, Alfei; Agustien, Gower, Orlandi, Dobbie, Lita, Moore.
Swansea Second Half: Cornell, Alfei,Tancock, Davies, Richards, Situ, Lucas, Dobbie (Jones 60), Loveridge, Donnelly, Edwards.
Norwich 2 Hertha Berlin 3
Chris Hughton’s first match as Norwich boss ended in defeat thanks to a hat-trick from the visitors’ forward Elias Kachunga. The Canaries manager fielded a different XI for each half and began the match with a 4-4-2 formation, with Grant Holt partnered by Simeon Jackson up front and Elliot Bennett and Andrew Surman on the flanks. Bennett, in particular, was highly praised by the club’s official website and was involved in most of his side’s attacking forays, setting up chances for Holt and Jonny Howson but despite their endeavours, the home side went in at the break two goals down.
The second half saw Steven Whittaker handed his Norwich debut at right-back, with Marc Tierney on the opposite flank and the likes of Wes Hoolahan and Anthony Pilkington in midfield. With Chris Martin and James Vaughan leading the line, Norwich took the game to their opponents and Vaughan notched just four minutes after coming on, slotting home a Pilkington assist. Hertha extended their lead before Daniel Ayala teed up Vaughan for another goal and the forward was unlucky not to grab a hat-trick after some good work by Hoolahan near the end.
Norwich First Half: Ruddy, R. Martin, R. Bennett, Ward, Lappin, Howson, Johnson, E. Bennett, Surman, Jackson, Holt
Norwich Second Half: Rudd, Whittaker, Barnett, Ayala, Tierney, Crofts, Hoolahan, Smith, Pilkington, C. Martin, Vaughan
Evian TG 0 Southampton 1
Nigel Adkins once again rolled out a 4-3-2-1 formation, with Adam Lallana continuing as part of the midfield three. The midfielder excelled on the left flank last season in the Championship with 11 goals and 10 assists; priced at 6.0 in FPL and 4.9 in the Sky Sports game, he’s on the radar of many Fantasy managers but a deeper, central role is worrying. Jason Puncheon and Jay Rodriguez were handed the wing roles with Rickie Lambert playing as a lone forward and the wide boys were the main goal threat in the first half. Both had a couple of chances to find the net, with Puncheon giving his side the lead after receiving a pass from Morgan Schneiderlin.
Adkins made 11 changes at half-time and kept the same formation, though new signing Nathaniel Clyne replaced Luke Shaw midway through the second half. The former Crystal Palace man made an instant impact, with his pace and trickery out wide causing the hosts problems aplenty; intriguingly, he was handed a role on the right flank for the Saints – priced at 4.0 in FPL and 3.7 in the Sky Sports game and classified as a defender in both, his Fantasy potential out of position prospect would be considerably boosted if Adkins continues along the same line of thinking in the season ahead.
Southampton Starting XI: Davis (Gazzaniga 46); Butterfield (Richardson 46), Stephens (Fonte 46), Hooiveld (Seaborne 46), Fox (Harding 46); Ward-Prowse (Chambers 46), Schneiderlin (Hammond 46), Lallana (Chaplow 46); Puncheon (Guly 46), Rodriguez (Shaw 46 (Clyne 69)); Lambert (Sharp 46).
Fenerbahce 1 Newcastle 1
Alan Pardew rolled out a 4-2-3-1 formation for yesterday evening’s draw in Austria. Ryan Taylor and Danny Simpson started as the full-backs, with Gabriel Obertan and Sylvain Marveaux further ahead on the flanks and Demba Ba in the lone forward role. Taylor almost found the net after just two minutes, forcing a save from the Fenerbahce keeper from a direct free-kick and came close again on 24 minutes, when a cross from deep almost sneaked in at the far post; Dan Gosling also had a couple of unsuccessful chances as the first-half finished goalless. Pardew rang the changes after the break, with fit-again Sylvain Marveaux impressing before making way for Jonas Gutierrez just before the hour mark. Mehdi Abeid opening the scoring just three minutes after climbing off the bench and Papiss Cisse – having recovered from illness – almost found the net with a chipped 30-yard effort but the Magpies were denied victory when the Turkish side notched a last-minute equaliser.
Newcastle Starting XI: Elliot; Simpson (Santon 68), Tavernier, Coloccini, R Taylor; Tiote (Bigirimana 59), Gosling (Abeid 73); Obertan (Shola Ameobi 75), Vuckic (Sammy Ameobi 46), Marveaux (Gutierrez 59); Ba (Cisse 68)
CDRQ 1 Reading 1
Brian McDermott’s side followed up the 7-0 drubbing of AFC Wimbledon with a low-key draw in Portugal. A typical Ian Harte free-kick handed newly promoted Reading the lead and offered an immediate reminder as to his Fantasy appeal. He emerged as a part of a fully changed second-half lineup as McDermott gave almost his entire squad a run-out. This included a first glimpse of Adrian Mariappa in a Reading shirt.
Jimmy Kebe and Mikkel Andersen returned from knocks to figure, but Chris Gunter missed out with a training ground injury – as did Simon Church and Jem Karacan. We’re still waiting for the first sighting of Pavel Pogrebnyak in the Royals’ colours; he wasn’t considered in this one after just three days of training with his new team-mates. McDermott’s lineup saw a few players out of position, with Michail Antonio taking a striker’s role in the first half, while Brynjar Gunnarsson occupied the right-back position.
There were few clues for Fantasy managers here then: McDermott’s first choice back four, in particular, remains of interest but it will likely take several more friendlies before we see a pattern of selection emerge.
Reading First Half: Andersen; Cummings, Shorey, Mariappa, Pearce; Guthrie, Leigertwood, Kebe (Obita 17), Robson-Kanu; Antonio, Roberts
Reading Second Half: Andersen; Gunnarsson, Harte, Gorkss, Morrison; McAnuff, Tabb; McCleary, Obita; Hunt, Le Fondre
Toronto FC 1 Liverpool 1
Brendan Rodgers began his tenure as Liverpool boss with a hard fought 1-1 draw in Toronto, with 18-year old Adam Morgan the unlikely goalscoring hero.
The academy graduate’s goal owed a big debt to the trickery of Raheem Sterling; the winger mesmirising the Toronto defence before firing in an effort that fell into the path of the gleeful Morgan.
Sterling’s eye-catching performance comes shortly after Rodgers stated that he could look to loan out the 17-year old. Rodgers was, however, keen to heap praise on the winger in his post-match comments…
“Raheem is very persistent. He doesn’t get knocked over easily, he shows great courage and bravery on the ball. His strength for the goal was impressive – that was the thing that surprised me for such a slight guy.”
Rodgers was without the likes of Steven Gerrard, Andy Carroll, Stewart Downing, Glen Johnson, Jordan Henderson and Martin Kelly after their Euro 2012 exertions. New signing Fabio Borini was also absent – he’s expected to figure in Wednesday clash with Roma. Dan Agger is another who is being lined up for an early return in that one following his summer campaign with Denmark.
The Liverpool lineup still included a host of familiar names, with Charlie Adam and Alberto Aquilani given central midfield starting berths in the first-half and Joe Cole looking spritely in the second period. Lucas also made a return to action from the bench late on, following months on the sidelines with cruciate ligament injury suffered last November.
Liverpool First Half: Jones: Wisdom, Sama, Carragher, Enrique: Aquilani, Spearing, Adam: Ibe, Ecclestone, Pacheco.
Liverpool Second Half: Gulacsi: Flanagan, Skrtel, Wilson, Robinson: Adorjan (Lucas 74), Shelvey, Suso: Cole, Morgan, Sterling.
Chicago Fire 0 Aston Villa 1
Gabby Agbonlahor took centre stage as Villa continued their US tour with a narrow win over the Fire. The fleet-footed striker headed home from a fine Chris Herd cross to seal the victory, although his evening was bittersweet as an ankle injury saw him stretchered from the field. Early reports indicate that Agbonlahor will now be sidelined for around a fortnight as a result. He joins Darren Bent on the sidelines who missed this game with a thigh strain that will reportedly see him kept out of action for two weeks.
Interestingly, Fabian Delph skippered the Villa side in Bent’s absence, as Paul Lambert shuffled his pack to start with Delph, Gardner, Ireland and N’Zogbia in midfield, benching the likes of El Ahmadi, Bannan and Holman. Herd started at right-back with Matt Lowton emerging as a half-time replacement. Significantly perhaps, James Collins was left out of the starting lineup with Nathan Baker this time partnering Richard Dunne in defence: both Baker and Ciaran Clark are cleary being given every chance to push for starts come the season kick-off with the Villa defence far from decided.
Aston Villa Starting XI: Given (Guzan 81), Herd (Lowton 45), Lichaj (Warnock 57), Baker (Clark 57), Dunne (Collins 45), Gardner (El Ahmadi 67), Delph (Bannan 67), Ireland (Johnson 70), N’Zogbia (Carruthers 70), Agbonlahor (Delfouneso 67), Weimann (Holman 70).
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July 22 at 2:56 pm
hillbillypete says:
is anyone else havin probs with FIFA online for ps3?
games keep messin up
sound goes funny, cant see score/time, power bar isn’t there
July 22 at 2:58 pm
beric says:
Does no-one here play Pro?
July 22 at 3:06 pm
sotothemightygreek says:
Not any more. I didn’t particularly like 2011. Hasn’t really improved imo since PES6.
July 22 at 3:20 pm
Corrigan says:
on the PS2
BTW good point about Wigan defence.
July 22 at 3:11 pm
Mulder says:
I’ve had that problem a few times when it doesn’t show time. Very annoying
July 22 at 2:57 pm
Footballing KZK says:
I wonder will Spurs be less defensively minded this season. Fewer cleanies? Offset by more attack points for defs….? Not sure. Might stick with Bale and hopefully Ade for the first 5/6 games
July 22 at 2:58 pm
EX says:
Ade hasn’t moved to Spurs yet and the deal has stalled currently. Keep a look out for that.
July 22 at 3:08 pm
Gimli son of Gloin says:
Bale and Vertonghen seems to be the perfect Spurs cover, for me anyway.
July 22 at 2:57 pm
BOOM SHAKALAKA says:
Any decent midfielders for 6 mil? Considering Gutierrez, Taarabt and Lucas. Already have Graham up front, so not sure about getting Swansea midfielder.
July 22 at 2:59 pm
EX says:
Wait for Michu’s price and think about getting him in and switching Graham for Petric. Might be madness, but I’m taking the punt this time.
July 22 at 2:59 pm
Beavis says:
Taarabt, Nolan, Pilkington, Maloney/Noble/Dyer/Michu* (for cheaper)
*assuming he’s 6.
July 22 at 3:13 pm
Canada For the World Cup says:
Also Nolan, and possibly De Guzman and Lallana, depending on pre-season results.
July 22 at 3:52 pm
serktheturk says:
taarabt mate it is qpr season init
July 22 at 2:57 pm
EX says:
I feel like the midfield on my team currently is poor. Any thoughts on this messrs.
De Gea / Begovic
Clichy / Cole / Kaboul / Gunter / Demel
Hazard / Kagawa / McClean / Maloney / Noble
Aguero / Torres / Petric.
1.5 mill left over.
GW 3: Cole + Torres > Coloccini + Rooney
Thanks in advance for the insight gentlemen.
July 22 at 3:00 pm
Bit By Bit I'll Get There says:
I have the same midfield except Pienaar instead of McClean
July 22 at 3:08 pm
Billy Gilmore says:
I’ve got the same midfield except for Bale compared to Kagawa.
July 22 at 3:10 pm
Gimli son of Gloin says:
I like it to be honest. Good team.
McClean could be a great selection, Kagawa less so for now.
July 22 at 3:11 pm
manehi says:
Midfield looks pretty good. Not looking to get Ade/Bale in at all?
July 22 at 2:58 pm
Wild Rover says:
Lukaku to Fulham would seem a strange move as they have just got Roddy and Petric.
July 22 at 3:00 pm
beric says:
Yeah, won’t be going near their strikers. Reading and Swansea both offer a more stand out cheap striker spot.
July 22 at 3:01 pm
Beavis says:
Petric will almost certainly start I’d say, Jol has been bigging him up quite a lot.
Even if they do sign Lukaku, I would expect that he would be an impact sub to begin with.
July 22 at 3:02 pm
Nitin Nagaraja: PS3 or Xbox? Need some opinions. says:
But they lost Pog, AJ, and possibly Dempsey too.
July 22 at 3:03 pm
elniñorules: You may suck, but you can still score. says:
Won’t be strange when Romelu’ll get more goals than Rods & Pets put together.
July 22 at 2:59 pm
Beavis says:
Crazy to triple on W Ham defence? Sounds crazy but I am considering:
Juusi Green
McCartney Terry Demel Clyne Williams
GW1: Green, McCartney Terry, Demel
GW2: Green, Clyne, Terry, Williams
GW 3: Juusi, McCartney, Demel, Williams
allows me to have a very strong front 8.
July 22 at 2:59 pm
beric says:
Yes, crazy is the word I would use.
July 22 at 3:01 pm
Running Riot says:
Not crazy if they’re all 4m
July 22 at 3:03 pm
Round and Round says:
Yes. If you want Terry, downgrade willims to cuellar, upgrade mccartney to another 4.5. If you’re not too bothered about Terry, downgrade to Ivanovic/A.Cole and upgrade mccartney to cuellar
July 22 at 3:03 pm
ManofKent says:
Definitely borders on insanity.
July 22 at 3:07 pm
Beavis says:
Surprisingly I am still considering it.
Leaves a front 8 of:
Valencia, Bale, Hazard, Guthrie/Maloney
Rooney Aguero Graham
On the cleansheet prospects you would say:
GW1: 2/5 or 4/5
GW2: 2/4 or 3/4
GW3: 1/4 or 4/4.
It doesn’t look too bad. That said, I will probably change my mind and understand that I am being insane at some point!
July 22 at 3:01 pm
Spoox777 says:
de Gea — Federici
Lescott — Koscielny — Kaboul — Ivanovic — Skrtel
Hazard — Kagawa — YAYA TOURE or NASRI — Beausejour — Noble
P. Cisse — Podolski — Pogrebnyak
Who would you have between Yaya Toure or Nasri & Why?
Any comments on improving my team?
July 22 at 3:02 pm
Running Riot says:
Podolski, exciting
July 22 at 3:03 pm
Nitin Nagaraja: PS3 or Xbox? Need some opinions. says:
WAY TOO much in defence.
Are you planning on playing 5-3-2 every week?
July 22 at 3:04 pm
Bit By Bit I'll Get There says:
Defence is a bit expensive
July 22 at 3:05 pm
Lanley Staurel says:
Errmmmm…..start again? :0
Whilst I love strong defences and respect your differentials I think this team wont be competitive.
July 22 at 3:05 pm
leeroyB says:
Get a couple of cheapie defenders in and then bring in a big gun up front, Aguero or Rooney. Like the Podolski shout.
July 22 at 3:07 pm
socawarrior says:
I like Nasri. Just a hunch he’ll see more game time this season and is the more attacking of the two.
Why so much invested in your defense tho?
July 22 at 3:08 pm
mva5 says:
Trim your defence so you can get another big cannon up front (i.e. rooney or aguero)
I’d chose Toure b/c he gets more games and is simply a better player
July 22 at 3:10 pm
Round and Round says:
Nasri out of the 2. Yaya is nailed on but is well knwon for his consitent 3 points. I would have neither – McClean/Pienaar will get you more points (as will HBA after week 2). Podolski is an intersting punt, but only worth taking if you have at least one of rooney/aguero/tevez. U can just get p.cisse later, why start with him? Not enough chelsea for the dgw. Maloney over beusejour. Koscielney is a waste – better off getting hangeland and saving dough. Skertl isnt worth it until liverpool’s fixtures clear up.
July 22 at 3:34 pm
DanielExeter says:
Can you not get Valencia instead of Yaya or Nasir?
July 22 at 3:03 pm
IshaanManUtd-Do join my FPL leagues 70210-32772 and 70210-32818. says:
Figueroa a feasible choice for fifth defender?
July 22 at 3:04 pm
Beavis says:
Yes but I prefer Alcaraz. More goal threat and more nailed on.
July 22 at 3:05 pm
danapussy says:
Hi all. Great to be back.
What do you think of this heap?
Szczesny / Federici
Lescott / Rafael / Ivanovich / Fabio / Clyne
Hazard / Bale / Ben Arfa / Noble / Maloney
Torres / Tevez / Pog
Roo in for Torres GW2. Wanted Vidic instead of Rafael / Jones but leaves
no dosh for the Roo.
July 22 at 3:09 pm
leeroyB says:
Like it. Tevez a little bit of a risk, but if he starts playing regular, people will jump on him.
July 22 at 3:15 pm
danapussy says:
Aye, wanted citeh attacking cover.
July 22 at 3:15 pm
Round and Round says:
Schez -> De Gea
Rafael -> Hangeland
Why you would want an arsenal GK/defender is beyond me. Good opening fixtures yes but so do fulham and they are better at defending.
July 22 at 3:23 pm
danapussy says:
Nice way of looking at it, that swap could also work well. Noted cheers.
Thought there was possibility DDG may not be nailed on where’s Schez is.
July 22 at 3:05 pm
Corrigan says:
ENR, how’s defence shaping up?
July 22 at 3:08 pm
elniñorules: You may suck, but you can still score. says:
Hey Corrigan! Wrong person to ask for now….haven’t put any thought on my team yet.
One thing I know for sure – I’ll be staying away from Utd defence this season.
July 22 at 3:09 pm
Beavis says:
If I may ask…why?
July 22 at 3:09 pm
elniñorules: You may suck, but you can still score. says:
How’s yours shaping?
July 22 at 3:12 pm
Corrigan says:
very good value I believe. Not full of 4m fillers, but no DDG, Lescott or Cole any more.
There’s good reason too…
July 22 at 3:16 pm
elniñorules: You may suck, but you can still score. says:
Ah very nice.
Good to see the diligent uber-cheap crew led by you & Jafa are at it again
July 22 at 3:10 pm
Scroobius Mac says:
Why? They’ve got their best defender back.
July 22 at 3:15 pm
elniñorules: You may suck, but you can still score. says:
Unless they don’t sign any defensive re-inforcements, I can see them struggling.
- I know Ninja Vidic’s back but if he strings a few consecutive games this season, I’d be surprised.
- Rio, Scholes & Evra are past it and will struggle against attacking teams.
- RBs who can’t defend.
- Leaves them relying (a bit too much) on Carrick & Evans again this season.
July 22 at 3:25 pm
Scroobius Mac says:
- Disagree – he’s not King.
- Was true last year.
- Was true last year
- They have Smalling and Jones as well who will be a year wiser and better.
Despite Evra being poor last year, not having a proper defensive mid, missing Vidic for most games, DDG being awful to being with they still kept the most clean sheets in the league. I just think it’s daft to say you would avoid them.
July 22 at 3:06 pm
Grounderz says:
Argh, now that Lukaku is set to join Fulham on loan, forced me to dip into the market for a 6m forward – Graham possibly?
July 22 at 3:07 pm
Brian (Not the messiah) says:
Going on someone suggestion of a cheaper defense, which do you think would get more points in the first 8 gws?
Saylor, Hangeland, Rangel
Bale(or any other mid)
Or
Cole, Lescott, Hangeland
sinclair
July 22 at 3:12 pm
ChristIna says:
2nd one, but with rangel and not hangland. I don’t get fulham love. Ful are shite away from home and have city as one of their home games in first 8 I think.
July 22 at 3:12 pm
ChristIna says:
That’s assuming you have Ade though.
July 22 at 3:12 pm
Brian (Not the messiah) says:
no ade
July 22 at 3:13 pm
Brian (Not the messiah) says:
Fulham had a bad defensive year last year, makes their defenders under prices this year if they go back to their old antics
July 22 at 3:16 pm
Adz - Mladen Petric is my first punt of the season says:
Saylor 4, Hangeland 7, Rangel 8
Bale 18
= 37
Cole 14, Lescott 12, Hangeland 7
Sinclair 7 (if he plays)
=40
It could swing either way imo
July 22 at 3:17 pm
Brian (Not the messiah) says:
are those your predicted scores for the first 8 gws?
July 22 at 3:18 pm
Brian (Not the messiah) says:
also why wouldn’t sinclair play?
July 22 at 3:19 pm
Adz - Mladen Petric is my first punt of the season says:
Olympics
July 22 at 3:18 pm
Adz - Mladen Petric is my first punt of the season says:
Miss read your question. no they’re for the first 2 gameweeks.
July 22 at 3:09 pm
AriseSirGiggsy says:
A but it’s kinda on Bales back
In picking Cole and subbing him out on GW3
July 22 at 3:10 pm
elniñorules: You may suck, but you can still score. says:
United fans considered a team name of “Giggs Macheda Bebe” ?
July 22 at 3:18 pm
beric says:
Please explain the pun
July 22 at 3:10 pm
BOOM SHAKALAKA says:
Larsson/McClean or Pienaar?
July 22 at 3:11 pm
Adz - Mladen Petric is my first punt of the season says:
McClean
July 22 at 3:12 pm
Beavis says:
McClean
July 22 at 3:15 pm
super zlatan says:
I’m going larrson
July 22 at 3:18 pm
Beavis says:
There’s not much between them + with set pieces on Larsson’s side but McClean was immense under MON and would get BPs without even goals/assists.
July 22 at 3:10 pm
Adz - Mladen Petric is my first punt of the season says:
Guys what rating out of 10 woul you give my team?
Mignolet, Green
Vidic, A.Cole, S.Taylor, Hoovield, Gunter
Bale, Sessegnon, Michu, Ireland, Noble
Aguero, Torres, Petric
2 mill in bank for Torres > Rooney gmwk 2
July 22 at 3:14 pm
super zlatan says:
Only 2 chelski?
July 22 at 3:15 pm
AriseSirGiggsy says:
How do you know Michu’s price?
July 22 at 3:16 pm
Adz - Mladen Petric is my first punt of the season says:
Only a guess, but dont see him being more than 6
July 22 at 3:16 pm
Beavis says:
Vidic -> Terry and switch in GW3?
July 22 at 3:18 pm
Adz - Mladen Petric is my first punt of the season says:
Definatly woth considering.
July 22 at 3:16 pm
manehi says:
8. Liking Vidic and Sess in particular. Not so sure about Ireland.
July 22 at 3:21 pm
Adz - Mladen Petric is my first punt of the season says:
Yeah I know. Something just tells me he’ll flourish under lambert.
July 22 at 3:10 pm
RobinVanParty? says:
What are the best keeper combos?
July 22 at 3:12 pm
super zlatan says:
Friedal. Federici
July 22 at 3:15 pm
Corrigan says:
actually, this one is probably the best in terms of rotation
July 22 at 3:13 pm
Rick -- Founder of a new blog says:
DDG/Federici, Jask/Bego and Friedel Federici seems to be the consensus.
July 22 at 3:13 pm
Corrigan says:
Begovic and Jaask. That 1.5 can be put to precious use.
July 22 at 3:14 pm
RobinVanParty? says:
Cheers guys. Rotate well?
July 22 at 3:11 pm
AriseSirGiggsy says:
http://www.clubcall.com/west-h.....47106.html
Any Noble pickers concerned by this?
Would be sweet if Michu comes in at £5m, but I doubt it
July 22 at 3:13 pm
Rick -- Founder of a new blog says:
Amla 296!!
July 22 at 3:15 pm
Rick -- Founder of a new blog says:
298 now
July 22 at 3:13 pm
IshaanManUtd-Do join my FPL leagues 70210-32772 and 70210-32818. says:
Hows about this everyone?
krul, schwarzer
terry, williams, fabio, cuelllar, alcaraz
kagawa, hazard, noble, guthrie, colback
rooney, torres, tevez
July 22 at 3:15 pm
leeroyB says:
Like the front three. Maybe downgrade Terry to another Chelsea defender and upgrade Guthrie or Colback?
July 22 at 3:20 pm
Rick -- Founder of a new blog says:
Lee, update your link.
July 22 at 3:13 pm
DanielExeter says:
Struggling to understand why the vast majority are including Torres, terrible last season, not a great euros, expensive.
Is it all just on gut feelings?
help
July 22 at 3:14 pm
Beavis says:
Worth a gamble for 1 GW really and lots are just switching to Rooney in GW2.
July 22 at 3:17 pm
super zlatan says:
+1
July 22 at 3:16 pm
AriseSirGiggsy says:
Right now all there is to go kn is fixtures – and he has them
I thought about it, then dropped him and scalded myself for even considering it
July 22 at 3:16 pm
Rick -- Founder of a new blog says:
double week
July 22 at 3:17 pm
Corrigan says:
last DGW he got a hat trick
July 22 at 3:18 pm
elniñorules: You may suck, but you can still score. says:
You better get on Torres quick, if you don’t want to be lagging behind in the ranks.
July 22 at 3:20 pm
leeroyB says:
Loads will captain him GW1, and he’ll either be 10.2 or 9.8 on GW2. I’ve gone Hazard myself, I think this guy will storm the prem
July 22 at 3:21 pm
Somalion - You know what they call the Hunger Games in Paris? Battle Royale with cheese. says:
Hazard could take time to adjust is the issue.
July 22 at 3:20 pm
Rick -- Founder of a new blog says:
300 up for Amla
July 22 at 3:20 pm
Rick -- Founder of a new blog says:
fail
July 22 at 3:20 pm
Mr. Greedy says:
Double gameweek, poor opposition, Euro golden boot left him full of confidence, £2m in the bank for Rooney when it goes tits up.
July 22 at 3:20 pm
Somalion - You know what they call the Hunger Games in Paris? Battle Royale with cheese. says:
Still a quality player in my opinion. Had a decent Euros given the amount of time he was given. One bad season against all the years of good seasons.
July 22 at 3:17 pm
Yes the Sess! says:
Anyone going top heavy trio of aguero torres rooney? Gonna mean unbalance somewhere else in team but looks great on paper!
July 22 at 3:25 pm
Dr D says:
Me think:
Agu | Cisse/Jelavic | Rooney
July 22 at 3:28 pm
MB10 says:
I am but its leaving me short in midfield
July 22 at 3:34 pm
Yes the Sess! says:
Yeah, the midfield is what’s struggling. Hmm, mind you none of the big gun midfielders are jumping out at me?
July 22 at 3:18 pm
MB10 says:
What do you think of this:
Krul
Kompany Vidic Gunter
Kagawa Noble Michu McClean
Aguero Rooney Torres
Begovic Guthrie Clyne Demel
Am I a bit short in midfield?
July 22 at 3:19 pm
Bit By Bit I'll Get There says:
DDG Federici
Lescott Williams Tomkins Cuellar Santon
Hazard Kagawa Maloney Noble Pienaar
Aguero Torres Graham
2.0 left in bank for Torres > Rooney
Couple of questions;
1/ Santon nailed on?
2/ Kagawa or Bale even with Roney coming in in GW 2?
Any advice appreciated
July 22 at 3:23 pm
4vets says:
That’s my front 8 at the mo.
July 22 at 3:25 pm
Beavis says:
I’d prefer to downgrade Tomkins to Demel/McCartney and have Valencia over Kagawa tbh.
July 22 at 3:28 pm
4vets says:
That makes sense. I do have a spare 1.0m so could do Bale instead
July 22 at 3:24 pm
Beavis says:
1) yes
2) Bale
July 22 at 3:25 pm
Bit By Bit I'll Get There says:
thanks
July 22 at 3:20 pm
crouchy089 says:
Seeing as chelsea have a double gameweek, I can see why alot of ppl are picking Torres for a starter but I can guarantee ya’s he won’t score more than 10 PL goals over the whole season, I’d put my house on it and whatever else belongs to me..
July 22 at 3:22 pm
Yes the Sess! says:
Torres > Ade GW3 if things aren’t going to plan.
July 22 at 3:20 pm
IshaanManUtd-Do join my FPL leagues 70210-32772 and 70210-32818. says:
Any FPL leagues I could possibly join?
July 22 at 3:22 pm
elniñorules: You may suck, but you can still score. says:
70210-32818
July 22 at 3:21 pm
BOOM SHAKALAKA says:
A. Cech, Jussi, Kaboul, Harte
B. Friedel, Federici, Ivanovic, Alcaraz
July 22 at 3:22 pm
MB10 says:
B imo
July 22 at 3:22 pm
Beavis says:
B definitely.
July 22 at 3:24 pm
EX says:
Don’t like Alcaraz man. Try Cuellar or even Coloccini over him.
July 22 at 3:22 pm
Somalion - You know what they call the Hunger Games in Paris? Battle Royale with cheese. says:
Someone explain the Federici love here please? I know he’s cheap and is a good rotation with DDG but did he have a very strong season last season? As in, is he a very solid keeper? I haven’t seen much of him so I’m wondering.
July 22 at 3:23 pm
Beavis says:
Reading had the best defensive record in the Championship last season and he has a DGW to begin.
July 22 at 3:32 pm
Somalion - You know what they call the Hunger Games in Paris? Battle Royale with cheese. says:
But we know the Championship and The Prem are very very different. Example, Taarabt.
July 22 at 3:25 pm
beric says:
I’ll only play him a handfull of times, and he has a DGW to begin with.
Will either be Freidel or De Gea to go with him.
July 22 at 3:32 pm
Somalion - You know what they call the Hunger Games in Paris? Battle Royale with cheese. says:
Hmmmm. I’ll have to consider.
July 22 at 3:23 pm
MA says:
Anyone care to rmt?
DDG / jaask
Cole / clichy / Williams / fabio / kaboul
Bale / Valencia / noble / pienaar / beausejour
Aguero / graham / Torres
Pretty concerned about kaboul and beausejour.
July 22 at 3:29 pm
leeroyB says:
Yep ditch Kaboul, JVT and Dawson will be first choice.
July 22 at 3:30 pm
Doosra - A NOBLE HAMMER!!! says:
How on Earth do you know that?
July 22 at 3:37 pm
Yes the Sess! says:
JVT def will be…not sure whether it’ll be kaboul or dawson that partners him
July 22 at 3:23 pm
EX says:
Sinclair or McClean lads?
July 22 at 3:24 pm
MB10 says:
McClean
July 22 at 3:25 pm
Beavis says:
Sinclair. Better fixtures and on pens (in theory).