The Burning Question: Surely Everton Can’t Start Badly Again?
Filed under: Feature - Posted by: Jonty
The 2012/13 Premier League campaign may be about to get underway but with the transfer window still open and players still trickling back from the golf course and international duty, a number of unanswered questions have mounted up. In the first of a series of pre-season articles, we identify these “Burning Questions” and fire them at our resident contributors, in the hope that somewhere amongst their rambling, there’s a source of enlightenment.
We begin by examining that now familiar phenomenon, asssessing Everton’s chances of avoiding a false start.
Last season was a perfect example of Everton’s problematic start to a campaign; with the spectre of the transfer window once again leaving the cash strapped side unable to land the players it so desperately needed, whilst exposing them to the advances of wealthier suitors. The departure of Spanish playmaker Mikel Arteta to Arsenal in the summer transfer window was particularly costly, as Everton notched up seven defeats by Christmas. Come 2012 the wind of change blew strongly across Merseyside, with the January window ushering in former player Steven Pienaar on loan and Croatian striker Nikica Jelavic from Rangers on a permanent basis. The new additions helped Everton achieve a nine–match unbeaten run and finish a very respectable seventh.
So far this season’s preparation is going far better. Pienaar has returned to the club and in Jelevic they have a settled and proven goalscorer, who has been joined by fellow former Rangers forward Steven Naismith. The ageing legs of Tim Cahill’s have departed to the New York Red Bulls and that may have opened the door for Everton’s other midfield talent to shine: Marouane Fellaini and Darron Gibson look set to profit. Despite being handed an opener against United, the fixture computer has also been reasonably kind to them with their first six games (MUN, avl, wba, NEW, swa, SOT). But will this be enough for Everton to tear up their dire early season form book?
Big Dunc says…
You have to go back to 2004-05 season for the last time Everton had a really strong start – they were sat in third place at Christmas and their eventual fourth place saw them qualify for the Champions League for the first time (only to be knocked out ahead of the group stages). Every year since, Moyes has been desperately trying to recreate that early season form and has failed miserably almost every time. As an Everton fan, I’ve got to be realistic and I believe that we’ve started badly because we just haven’t had the team to really challenge – the fact that Moyes has been able to get the very best out of his players as the season goes on and consistently finish strongly, is a testament to just how incredible a manager he really is.
This season feels different though. Previous seasons have seen us dogged by long drawn out transfer sagas, and the loss of Pienaar and Arteta last summer had a catastrophic effect on the structure of the team. The additions of Jelavic and Gibson in January, and then Pienaar and Naismith early in the summer window, however, means we will be starting with the strongest team we’ve had in years – there’s a natural balance to the side now and only the potential loss of Leighton Baines, who has been linked with Manchester United, could disrupt that. I’ll be backing Jelavic in a big way this season – I can see the vast majority of play coming through the Croatian, and he’s more than capable of over 20 goals this term – including his time at Rangers, he’s done it three years in a row now. If you’re looking for an early season differential then Fellaini could be well worth a punt – with Naismith likely to be used sparingly at first, I can see the big man pushed forwards and he should provide strong value across the games.
Mark says…
Is this bad start business merely a myth? This season should certainly test it to the full. Arguably Everton go into their opening game against United with one of the most settled squads, while David Moyes will have confidence in his tactics and personnel. The signing of Pienaar is, of course, absolutely key and with Nikaca Jelavic available from the get-go, I’d personally be very surprised if we didn’t see Everton destroy the hoodoo and be amongst the leading pack after the first couple of months. Will I back that view with some Fantasy investment? I’m still not sure. This time last year I was strongly considering Leighton Baines at 8.0, so why am I currently overlooking him at just 7.0? I’m still trying to work that one out – perhaps it’s the talk of a move to Old Trafford. Along with Thomas Vermaelen, Baines is the defensive wildcard who could rip it up and prove an outstanding differential.
Darron Gibson also deserves a mention – if Pienaar is too rich for you, Gibson, in the budget bracket looks an assured starter and has promised more goals. With Cahill now departed, we might even see Moyes release the shackles and give him licence to get within range with that howitzer shot of his.
Paul says…
With Steven Pienaar back in the fold on a permanent basis and Nikica Jelavic installed up top as the lone frontman, I don’t anticipate Everton will start quite so badly as they have done in recent seasons but I expect David Moyes’ men, as always, to have their customary strong finish. I feel that the reason as to why the Toffees continually do better in the final few months of each campaign is mainly down to one issue – fitness. There must be some explanation for the pattern; it’s not as if Moyes only manages to rally his troops with a few months of each term remaining. With Everton’s budget nowhere near many of their Premier League counterparts, Moyes is canny enough to gain an advantage over his rivals in every possible way and while many teams fail to maintain their results as the months go by and begin to flounder, the Goodison outfit are able to go from strength to strength in comparison. Consistency should be better, then, and with Jelavic’s deadly eye for goal up front, Baines could well return to the Fantasy form of 2010/11, with the Croatian and Pienaar looking strong value for their prices – the Sky Sports game also looks ideal for the South African in particular, with Marouane Fellaini a good bet here, too.
New boy Steven Naismith – if he can stay clear of injury – could also be a decent punt; reasonably priced across the Fantasy games, his previous partnership with Jelavic at Glasgow Rangers could come to fruition in the Premier League if he’s handed a regular role in “the hole” as a result of Tim Cahill’s departure to New York Red Bulls.
Anorak says…
Why not? It’s become a tradition in the last few years, so much so that questions about Moyes’ inability to construct that perfect pre-season and motivate his charges to begin with a bang have been heard loud and clear. However, this year things are slightly different in the build up, with the unfamiliar sights of both a settled squad and a couple of first team signings in the shape of Steven Pienaar and Steven Naismith sure to lift spirits of both the team and fans alike. Add to that the return of Jack Rodwell, and the potential form of Nikica Jelavić and Everton could even be a team to be reckoned with in early season.
My pick of the Toffees though would be the big Belgian, Marouane Fellaini – with Tim Cahill now plying his trade in the US, Fellaini will again be asked to push on this season and as he has already shown in the past, he’s a consistent danger against even the best sides, including their first opponents of the campaign Manchester United.
Stilicho says…
They can and they will. Various theories have been postulated to explain Everton’s perennially pedestrian starts: unusual training methods, a government conspiracy, a gypsy curse. Compelling as these explanations are, the truth is simple – Moyes does it deliberately for dramatic effect.
Justly commended for punching above their weight in recent years, the Toffees’ boss has taken to basing his entire strategy around the narrative structure of the Rocky films. First he raises the humble expectations of his squad with a grueling, montage-ridden training camp. Next he raises the tension by insisting they spend the first few months of the season staggering limply around Goodison and enduring a remorselessly pummeling at the hands of whoever happens to show up. Before Christmas, when all hope seems lost, he pulls a lopsided grimace and lets loose an incoherent exclamation – the signal for the Toffees’ triumphant fight back to upper-mid-table redemption. The music plays, everybody exclaims what a wonderful manager he is, and still nobody offers him a better job.
About The Author
“Fantasy Football Scout community manager and podcaster.”
Jonty @newsandfeatures
1,841 Responses to “The Burning Question: Surely Everton Can’t Start Badly Again?”
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Why don't you just Turan round and get outta here :P » -
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He needs his most famous quiz answer, Turan babyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy! http://www.boluhavadis.net/images/news/2012-09-05-… » -
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you should check the dictionary :) » -
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desailly »
“I love to attack and I love to go up front...It is a little more difficult than when you are playing centre-back. If you play the way that I want to play, I think my influence is better as a left-back. For the team, it is best that I play as a centre-back. I like to bring the ball out. You need to move the game quickly, and that is one of my qualities as well.”
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August 8 at 6:49 pm
ninja says:
any opinions on this new team, can you give me your score out of 10
begovic / cerny
cole / lescott / cuellar / mcCartney / kelly
lampard / pienaar / yaya / larsson / frei
torres / tevez / rooney
August 8 at 6:51 pm
Mid-Table Obscurity says:
i’d take another look at your keepers
August 8 at 6:52 pm
Cooper123 says:
Not liking Frei or the keepers.
August 8 at 6:52 pm
King Nemanja says:
Needs better keepers. Id downgrade your attack and upgrade them plus Frei
August 8 at 6:49 pm
LeBron says:
Nitin?
August 8 at 6:52 pm
Nitin Nagaraja - Checked into Hotel Tassel! says:
Yo.
August 8 at 6:54 pm
LeBron says:
What’s the news on Sinclair and Kacaniklic?
August 8 at 6:55 pm
Nitin Nagaraja - Checked into Hotel Tassel! says:
Sinclair might feck off to City. Didn’t play yesterday.
No news on Dempsey/Kacaniklic/Rodallega.
August 8 at 6:56 pm
LeBron says:
I c. Pienaar does look like an alternative then. Thoughts on Michu?(I am tempted)
Is getting Graham+Michu and ditching Petric a bit of an overkill?
August 8 at 6:59 pm
Nitin Nagaraja - Checked into Hotel Tassel! says:
I’m not convinced about Michu personally, plus you have Graham for Swans cover. Should be sufficient.
Pienaar would be a good pick, imo. See his fixtures from Gw 2-13
avl, wba, NEW, swa, SOT, wig, qpr, LIV, ful, SUN, rea, NOR
August 8 at 7:02 pm
LeBron says:
True, if Siclair goes to City I will get rid of Petric and get Graham, furthermore I will get Pienaar probably as his fixtures are really good
Please keep me informed on Kacaniklic situation as well
August 8 at 7:01 pm
Nitin Nagaraja - Checked into Hotel Tassel! says:
Okie.
August 8 at 7:05 pm
LeBron says:
Thanks, when are you getting rid of Lampard? I also have Torres, Aguero as my big guns upfront. What is your take on Torres?
August 8 at 6:58 pm
Ginkapo-Rule No.1: wwkd? says:
Can you let me know if anything changes with respect to Kacaniklic please?
August 8 at 6:59 pm
Doosra - "A Liberty is both Universal and Indivisible. Anything else is just an excuse for bad behaviour by the rich." - A Noble quote. says:
How’s your day?
August 8 at 6:59 pm
LeBron says:
Well ‘ello there
August 8 at 7:10 pm
Doosra - "A Liberty is both Universal and Indivisible. Anything else is just an excuse for bad behaviour by the rich." - A Noble quote. says:
‘Ello, LeBron!
August 8 at 7:01 pm
Ginkapo-Rule No.1: wwkd? says:
My day was good. Went on a site visit for work and now I actually understand what we are supposed to be doing.
August 8 at 7:04 pm
Doosra - "A Liberty is both Universal and Indivisible. Anything else is just an excuse for bad behaviour by the rich." - A Noble quote. says:
Great stuff! You will really enjoy this – and they will really enjoy you!!!
August 8 at 7:02 pm
Nitin Nagaraja - Checked into Hotel Tassel! says:
SportingABG is back!
August 8 at 7:03 pm
Ginkapo-Rule No.1: wwkd? says:
OMG!!!!!!!!
August 8 at 7:04 pm
Ginkapo-Rule No.1: wwkd? says:
And hes joined the league already
August 8 at 7:05 pm
Doosra - "A Liberty is both Universal and Indivisible. Anything else is just an excuse for bad behaviour by the rich." - A Noble quote. says:
He’s only fecking entered everything. But I will have to give him a disciplinary for lurking …
August 8 at 7:00 pm
LeBron says:
You like him as well I c
August 8 at 7:02 pm
Ginkapo-Rule No.1: wwkd? says:
Hes 4.5………….
August 8 at 7:03 pm
Nitin Nagaraja - Checked into Hotel Tassel! says:
So is HRK
August 8 at 7:04 pm
Ginkapo-Rule No.1: wwkd? says:
Yeah but I already have him……..
August 8 at 7:05 pm
Nitin Nagaraja - Checked into Hotel Tassel! says:
Erm .. Ok
August 8 at 7:00 pm
Nitin Nagaraja - Checked into Hotel Tassel! says:
Will do.
August 8 at 6:49 pm
kinksbbx says:
What are people thoughts on hernandez?
August 8 at 6:51 pm
EpicFAIL - AVFC <3 says:
He’s a nice guy.
August 8 at 6:51 pm
LeBron says:
+2
August 8 at 6:51 pm
chazza says:
No-go fantasy-wise.
August 8 at 6:52 pm
Cooper123 says:
+1. First rule is pick regular starters.
August 8 at 6:52 pm
welshyoo says:
dont get him
August 8 at 7:18 pm
Manamongst says:
Cazador=Poacher
August 8 at 6:52 pm
Its gonna get Messi says:
Krul and Mignolet
Or
Krul and Friedel?
August 8 at 6:54 pm
King Nemanja says:
Friedel and Federici, use the rest elsewhere
August 8 at 6:55 pm
Cooper123 says:
The latter is insanely expensive. The rotation of the former can be achieved in defense for 1.0 cheaper. Neither.
August 8 at 6:52 pm
Cooper123 says:
Here’s a burning question for you.
A) Lampard and Rangel
B) Mata and Hughes
The defender would have to play most weeks. Leaning towards A) for Swansea’s fixtures but I want Mata much more than Lampard so I’m struggling.
August 8 at 6:52 pm
welshyoo says:
b
August 8 at 6:55 pm
Cooper123 says:
Why? Hughes has a couple of tough fixtures and Swansea are better defensively than Fulham. Is Mata that much of a better prospect?
August 8 at 7:00 pm
Doosra - "A Liberty is both Universal and Indivisible. Anything else is just an excuse for bad behaviour by the rich." - A Noble quote. says:
A), please.
August 8 at 6:52 pm
Yossi: The Jewish Iniesta I.D=485 says:
Can’t understand the Moses signing myself…. Get us a bloody right back FFS!!!!
August 8 at 6:52 pm
Daniyal says:
ivanovic n youth academy can suffice
August 8 at 6:54 pm
Cooper123 says:
Does seem a little bizarre. Not exactly a position you’re in desperate need of players for
August 8 at 6:54 pm
gdog2244 says:
Who did he sign for???
August 8 at 6:56 pm
Captain Shirokov says:
+1
August 8 at 6:56 pm
JohnOC91 says:
I don’t understand it at all, if I was a Chelsea fan I wouldn’t welcome that signing, seems completely unnecessary to me.
Do you think this could be a case of RDM doing brilliantly with an inherited squad but being a bit clueless when given large sums of money to spend? Or is it Abramovich calling the shots and throwing money about on attacking players without any sort of strategy?
August 8 at 6:57 pm
Cooper123 says:
I would suspect the latter.
August 8 at 6:58 pm
Nick says:
+1 Seriously strange signing.
August 8 at 7:02 pm
Doosra - "A Liberty is both Universal and Indivisible. Anything else is just an excuse for bad behaviour by the rich." - A Noble quote. says:
It is actually very simple. Chelsea’s away form was shit. Moses away form was brilliant. Simples.
August 8 at 7:06 pm
Captain Shirokov says:
Well when you put it like that….
August 8 at 7:07 pm
Doosra - "A Liberty is both Universal and Indivisible. Anything else is just an excuse for bad behaviour by the rich." - A Noble quote. says:
Sos. Hehehe! *sniggers*
August 8 at 7:21 pm
Manamongst says:
He’s the guy you’ll probably want, while everyone else are watching the shiny things…or he probably won’t play.
August 8 at 6:53 pm
Acquafresca says:
Anyone know what time ManU vs Barca kickoff??
August 8 at 6:53 pm
Daniyal says:
in 7 mins i think
August 8 at 6:53 pm
welshyoo says:
7
August 8 at 6:55 pm
Captain Shirokov says:
Is United/Barca being shown on tv?
August 8 at 6:56 pm
Gervinho's Forehead says:
Sky channel 914
August 8 at 7:08 pm
Smellbobs says:
tried it but they only give me ten minute previews – that said i’m pertty sure i just saw giggs!
August 8 at 6:55 pm
Joey Barton and Friends says:
that was a great article. liked the views on Fellani
August 8 at 6:57 pm
Daniyal says:
how are Krul and Al-Habsi as GK pair
August 8 at 7:11 pm
Smurf says:
Expesive for their limited returns
August 8 at 6:58 pm
gdog2244 says:
RMT!!!!!
GK:krul, ruddy
DEF:lescott,A. Williams, McCartney, vidic, shorey
MID:bale, marveaux, Dempsey, pienaar, Sinclair
ATT: jelavic pog torres
2.5 in bank for Rooney shorey for shawx
August 8 at 7:15 pm
JohnOC91 says:
I replied on the last page, check your old posts instead of reposting every ten minutes. That desperation is irritating. My previous comment:
I don’t like the idea of Pog at all, and you’ll be stuck with him after the DGW. Will Marveaux be nailed on when Ben Arfa returns? I doubt it, I’ve gone with El Ahmadi myself, although there are invariably no great 4.5m midfield options. I personally wouldn’t be going for Dempsey with his future so uncertain; could be great again if he stays put, but I’d be surprised if he replicated last season’s form.
August 8 at 6:58 pm
Nighthawk says:
Why slug more slug
1. Slug is so much light than snail who have shell to copy slug technology.
2. The snail use the shell because is f*****g faget.
3. Snail got crush so easy, and you can give the slug to ur dog chew and it ll still eat lettuce.
4. Shell is MORE heavy than no shell.
5. Some slug have internal shell because more evolved.
6. Your cousin will not want to stay on your house to play slug.
7. If you trow the slug on the wall, the wall will go up.
8. Trow both on water and watch which will come up first.
9. Slug at mate will make a slimecord. The snail will show dribble.
10. All slug are hermaphrodite. Snail is too but because faget.
11. Slug is the name of a bullet. Snail means it is slow.
12. Slug will eat carrion, slug dont give a f**k.
13. Slug didn’t needed an upgrade. Slug is perfect.
August 8 at 7:00 pm
Captain Shirokov says:
Dafuq did I just read?
August 8 at 7:01 pm
Mid-Table Obscurity says:
jeepers
August 8 at 7:03 pm
★FC Borecelona★ says:
Probably the strangest post I have ever seen
August 8 at 7:05 pm
Doosra - "A Liberty is both Universal and Indivisible. Anything else is just an excuse for bad behaviour by the rich." - A Noble quote. says:
No. A serial offender … -;)
August 8 at 7:14 pm
★FC Borecelona★ says:
August 8 at 7:18 pm
Doosra - "A Liberty is both Universal and Indivisible. Anything else is just an excuse for bad behaviour by the rich." - A Noble quote. says:
August 8 at 7:03 pm
EpicFAIL - AVFC <3 says:
Bookmarked.
August 8 at 7:07 pm
Nitin Nagaraja - Checked into Hotel Tassel! says:
+1?
August 8 at 7:13 pm
Crouch Potato says:
You hit the snail on the head there pal!
August 8 at 6:58 pm
King Cabbage says:
So do you see as the safe City defender picks apart from Kompany, assuming they don’t sign another defender?
As I’m thinking Clichy might be a better cheaper option to Lescott, unless he’s a risk. Won’t Kol play most European games, with Clichy in the Prem?
August 8 at 7:00 pm
Joey Barton and Friends says:
no one knows. kinda the same for chelski, hence i have gone with Cole
August 8 at 7:01 pm
Hanamichi says:
Mancini is trying new 3-5-2 to crack ‘the bus’ weak side. I think Kolarov will start vs Southampton
August 8 at 7:06 pm
thetinkerman says:
Southampton aren’t known for sitting back and parking the bus though, they’re known for having a go, right?
August 8 at 7:02 pm
ajay_kl says:
Lescott.
Any NO, NOT KOLAROV.
August 8 at 7:20 pm
Corrigan says:
They’re serious about a move for Agger.
City DF doesn’t interest me. Plenty of 5m options, it was crap at the start last year and they’ll be weeks when I go for triple threat.
August 8 at 7:00 pm
The Rock says:
…………..RVP,
Rooney, Kagawa, Valencia
……Carrick, Scholes*
Evra, Vidic, Rio, Rafa/Jones
* Scholes rotated with Anderson/Giggs/Cleverley.
Strong Bench including: Young, Nani, Chico, Welbeck, Probably be Utd’s strongest team for the last number of years.
August 8 at 7:01 pm
Joey Barton and Friends says:
did I miss RVP signing for Utd?
August 8 at 7:05 pm
The Rock says:
Sorry should have stated that’s if he signs for Utd, which is odds on at the minute.
Even without RVP you could still have
………….Rooney
Nani/Young, Kag, Valencia
So still strong!
August 8 at 7:09 pm
Joey Barton and Friends says:
I reckon Kag will flop. I actually dont believe RVP will join Utd. Think he will stay at Arsenal with all the new talent coming in
August 8 at 7:03 pm
Haz to be Eden- Top scoring mid 12/13 Hazard (c) !! says:
Rvp
Nani Rooney Valencia
With Kagawa rotated?
August 8 at 7:00 pm
Giggs Boson - Currently climbing the Victor Horta says:
Moses looks to be signing for Chelsea. Miyaichi anyone?
August 8 at 7:02 pm
ajay_kl says:
August 8 at 7:06 pm
Nitin Nagaraja - Checked into Hotel Tassel! says:
They’re also in talks with Pennant.
August 8 at 7:09 pm
PigeonIslandFC says:
What price is Pennant? He could be an interesting choice.
August 8 at 7:10 pm
Nitin Nagaraja - Checked into Hotel Tassel! says:
5.5
August 8 at 7:13 pm
PigeonIslandFC says:
0.5m away from really interesting me. I think Ireland is a better bet for that price. Pennant always seems to start off on fire at new clubs. It would rule out the Maloney punts IMO as I think his handguns would greatly be reduced.
August 8 at 7:16 pm
Nitin Nagaraja - Checked into Hotel Tassel! says:
Hmm .. Possible. I do have Ireland, though. Pennant would be one punt too many
August 8 at 7:02 pm
Grounderz says:
Anybody watching United vs Barcelona? By the way, where’s Pique and Xavi?
August 8 at 7:04 pm
Haz to be Eden- Top scoring mid 12/13 Hazard (c) !! says:
on the bench
August 8 at 7:04 pm
Smellbobs says:
Just logged in and have to say before I’ve even read this article: Best idea for an article/headline ever!
Bloody Leighton Baines (c) trying to be too clever for my own good. Took months to recover from that.
August 8 at 7:05 pm
Infinite Sheldon says:
Which two Gks from these? Green, Begovic, Federici, Davis. Take into consideration which rotate well together and fixtures obviously.
August 8 at 7:05 pm
LeBron says:
Ginkapo, is HRK nailed on?
August 8 at 7:08 pm
Nitin Nagaraja - Checked into Hotel Tassel! says:
No.
Only playing because Kebe is injured.
August 8 at 7:09 pm
LeBron says:
Yeah but if Kebe won’t be fit HRK is nailed on for the DGW, right?
August 8 at 7:12 pm
Nitin Nagaraja - Checked into Hotel Tassel! says:
Even that is slightly doubtful. He does have McCleary, a new signing, as competition.
August 8 at 7:13 pm
LeBron says:
Ok, I c.
Which forwards do you have in your team at the moment?
August 8 at 7:14 pm
Nitin Nagaraja - Checked into Hotel Tassel! says:
Torres, Aguero and Graham
August 8 at 7:16 pm
LeBron says:
Same as mine. I really hope Torres will deliver and then I can keep him. How about your midfield?
August 8 at 7:18 pm
Nitin Nagaraja - Checked into Hotel Tassel! says:
Nowhere close to being finalized. One Che mid, Bale/Valencia, Gervinho/Yaya, Pienaar/Ireland, 4.5 I think.
August 8 at 7:19 pm
LeBron says:
Ok, no money in the bank I presume? Which Chelsea MFs are you considering to play two games in the DGW?
August 8 at 7:20 pm
Nitin Nagaraja - Checked into Hotel Tassel! says:
Hazard, Lampard, Mata
August 8 at 7:22 pm
Nitin Nagaraja - Checked into Hotel Tassel! says:
One of those.
August 8 at 7:22 pm
LeBron says:
Ok. Ramires a rotation risk then?
August 8 at 7:23 pm
Nitin Nagaraja - Checked into Hotel Tassel! says:
He might get the maximum minutes – but I don’t fancy him.
August 8 at 7:27 pm
LeBron says:
Ok
August 8 at 7:08 pm
Doosra - "A Liberty is both Universal and Indivisible. Anything else is just an excuse for bad behaviour by the rich." - A Noble quote. says:
Who?
August 8 at 7:10 pm
Nitin Nagaraja - Checked into Hotel Tassel! says:
Hal Robson-Kanu (RDG)
August 8 at 7:10 pm
Doosra - "A Liberty is both Universal and Indivisible. Anything else is just an excuse for bad behaviour by the rich." - A Noble quote. says:
Christ-All-Bloody-Mighty!!! Has it come to this??? HICTT!!!
August 8 at 7:11 pm
LeBron says:
Shhhhhhhhhhh…
LOL
August 8 at 7:10 pm
Doosra - "A Liberty is both Universal and Indivisible. Anything else is just an excuse for bad behaviour by the rich." - A Noble quote. says:
He is ALL yours, sunshine!!!
August 8 at 7:12 pm
Nitin Nagaraja - Checked into Hotel Tassel! says:
I have him!
August 8 at 7:15 pm
Doosra - "A Liberty is both Universal and Indivisible. Anything else is just an excuse for bad behaviour by the rich." - A Noble quote. says:
August 8 at 7:12 pm
LeBron says:
I am joking. However, might consider him still as a punt
August 8 at 7:07 pm
PigeonIslandFC says:
In 2 minds whether to go
A) Sinclair & McCartney
B) Michu & Tompkins
If Sinclair was to stay at Swansea and McCartney guaranteed to play regulary for West Ham I would pick A. Michu is a gamble which worries me but I guess he is easier to swap out for another 6.5mil midfielder if he flops than swapping out McCartney for a £4mil defender if he doesn’t start? Hmmm…
August 8 at 7:08 pm
Bow Locks says:
Is this too short at the back?
—— 4.5 —– 4.5 ——-
5.0 — 5.0 — 5.0 — 4.5 — 4.0
August 8 at 7:09 pm
EpicFAIL - AVFC <3 says:
Depends who the players are…
August 8 at 7:11 pm
Bow Locks says:
Oh they’re the right players, all proven,
August 8 at 7:11 pm
Captain Shirokov says:
Yes.
August 8 at 7:12 pm
Doosra - "A Liberty is both Universal and Indivisible. Anything else is just an excuse for bad behaviour by the rich." - A Noble quote. says:
Judging by your name, yes!
August 8 at 7:13 pm
Bow Locks says:
There is a theme.
August 8 at 7:14 pm
Jonah Takalua says:
name em you coward
August 8 at 7:08 pm
RD84 says:
You think if Chelsea gets Moses, they will loan him back out? That’s the only reason I can see for them to buy him.
August 8 at 7:11 pm
Mulder says:
He won’t be loaned out.
Moses Mata Hazard
Torres
This could easily be the line-up or Ramires and Moses rotating. I don’t think we will be seeing Sturridge on the wing anymore
August 8 at 7:30 pm
leeroyB says:
Sturridge is finished as a Chelsea player.
August 8 at 7:11 pm
finnish says:
Is it possible to buy and loan the same player during the same transfer window? I remembered it’s not possible.
August 8 at 7:12 pm
Smellbobs says:
as a chelsea fan and 2011/12 moses bandwagon-er i can’t see the point in us getting him. non-one else is going for him so i reckon he’d still be available in 6 months for the same price. ramires ripped it up in the 4-3-3 advanced Right AM role last season so would rather have him. would rather have sturridge appeased with part time number nine role coupled with part time ramires role.
i see him as bench fodder. would make some sub appearances, league cup as well but not convinced at all.
Would ruin him in FPL terms in my opinion
August 8 at 7:09 pm
Bigo1 says:
Moura in Patis officially, wow
August 8 at 7:11 pm
kinksbbx says:
Britton Petric
or
Graham Kacaniklic
August 8 at 7:11 pm
Gervinho's Forehead says:
Nearly a goal. Come on Barca.
August 8 at 7:12 pm
Doosra - "A Liberty is both Universal and Indivisible. Anything else is just an excuse for bad behaviour by the rich." - A Noble quote. says:
I’m gonna bash you!
August 8 at 7:14 pm
Gervinho's Forehead says:
Hahaha
August 8 at 7:12 pm
Hiphopopotamus says:
Bearing in mind i ALWAYS w/c in the first couple of weeks (i never plan to but it always makes sense after the first week or two) would i be a silly billy to plan my team around the first 3 weeks – wildcarding in the international break (wk 4) if need be?
I can get an awesome team for the first three weeks if i do…
August 8 at 7:15 pm
Doosra - "A Liberty is both Universal and Indivisible. Anything else is just an excuse for bad behaviour by the rich." - A Noble quote. says:
Go for it, imo.
August 8 at 7:19 pm
Smellbobs says:
not at all. using the same logic i’ve got
Ashley Cole, Lampard Torres
Tevez and Aguero
Bale
Sick of jumping on the Boselli, Moses bandwagons etc (through my own gullability) and ending up outside the top 1 million after GW1
August 8 at 7:26 pm
Hiphopopotamus says:
Cheers Doos / Smellbobs. My team would be:
DDG | Fed
Lescott | Rangel | McCartney | Gorkss | Tierney
Bale | Toure | Lampard | SInclair | Noble
Torres | Aguero | Graham
I’d use my two trannies to swap Torres to the Spurs striker (whoever that may be) and Fattie to Siggy/DVD.
If fixtures/form/quality don’t go arse-up it should (being the operative word) give me a good platform…
August 8 at 7:13 pm
Jonah Takalua says:
Ashley young is average
August 8 at 7:15 pm
Count Of Monte Hristo says:
Very
August 8 at 7:15 pm
Gervinho's Forehead says:
More of an Olympic athlete. A diver to be precise.
August 8 at 7:14 pm
King Henry ii says:
Valencia playing RB again for utd
August 8 at 7:16 pm
Nitin Nagaraja - Checked into Hotel Tassel! says:
OMG!
August 8 at 7:15 pm
Acquafresca says:
Welbeck so wasteful on the ball…
August 8 at 7:16 pm
Giggs Boson - Currently climbing the Victor Horta says:
Welbeck is not good enough for United. He loses the ball too often.
August 8 at 7:17 pm
Doosra - "A Liberty is both Universal and Indivisible. Anything else is just an excuse for bad behaviour by the rich." - A Noble quote. says:
I am a great admirer of yours, but you are currently talking shit!
August 8 at 7:18 pm
Acquafresca says:
Its true…
August 8 at 7:21 pm
Giggs Boson - Currently climbing the Victor Horta says:
August 8 at 7:19 pm
King Henry ii says:
I’ve never rated him and I think he has no place in the utd team. very average player
August 8 at 7:23 pm
Doosra - "A Liberty is both Universal and Indivisible. Anything else is just an excuse for bad behaviour by the rich." - A Noble quote. says:
Well, you are a very silly billy, then!