Technical Area

Technical Area – Taarabt the Main Man for Harry

According to Harry Redknapp, it seems a strop in the Gameweek 16 clash with Wigan could be the turning point in Adel Taarabt’s 2012/13 campaign. While the Moroccan took unkindly to being subbed off during the draw against Roberto Martinez’s outfit, it afforded his new boss the chance to sit Taarabt down and, following an inspired piece of man-management, saw the playmaker lead QPR to their first win of the season with a 2-1 win over Fulham last weekend.

“He can be a bit of a nut at times but his heart’s in the right place. I had a good chat with him after I took him off [against Aston Villa] last week. He wasn’t in the best of moods and he didn’t behave in the best of ways. But I had him in my office on Monday morning and had a good heart-to-heart chat with him and he’s responded to that. I said to him, ‘don’t throw your arms up when you lose the ball, don’t stand with your hands on your head. Just get after the ball if you lose it, otherwise everyone sees you have made a mistake. He’s temperamental, he is the way he is, but he’s an amazing talent.”

With an arm around his shoulder, Taarabt was eased into a central role for Saturday’s London derby as Redknapp tinkered with his attacking options for the visit of Martin Jol’s side. As the maps below highlight, against Wigan (left), the Moroccan mainly received the ball on the right, whereas a weekend license to wander saw him crop up all across the attacking third, affording Taarabt the chance to influence matters from wherever he deemed fit.

Taarabt Wigan
Taarabt Fulham

Looking at Taarabt’s display against Fulham in comparison to his previous performances over the course of the season, it’s clear he’s stepped up another level. While his minutes per touch (1.1 to 1.2) and passed received in the final third (15 to 15.7) were almost identical, the Moroccan was afforded more time and space to affect matters further up the pitch – he had 44 touches in the final third, up considerably from an average 29.3 across his opening 16 Gameweeks.

Mins/TchTchs Final 3rdPass Rcvd Final 3rdDribblesSucc DribblesTchs Pen BoxShotsShots in BoxShot Acc
Taarabt GW 171.144157527042.9%
Taarabt GW 1-161.229.315.75.22.82.73.71.231.8%

Clearly, Redknapp’s words of wisdom seem to have bolstered Tarrabt’s confidence. He attempted seven dribbles against the Cottagers – up on his average of 5.2 – and more significantly, five were successful in the 2-1 win, almost double his previous average of 2.8.

Taarabt’s penchant for a long-range effort also seemed to move up a notch, too. Although he had just two touches in the penalty box last Saturday, he still managed seven attempts on goal; all from outside the area. Again, this was nearly twice his previous average of 3.7 and, filled with self-belief, his accuracy leapt from 31.8% to 42.9% – a clear indication that Redknapp’s words seem to have emboldened the Moroccan. Post-match, the player admitted the new man in charge has made all the difference:

“He is a peerless motivator. You believe you are the best player in the world when he talks to you. Before matches he is very strong. When you go on the pitch you fear nothing. At the end of the match against Fulham, he came to me to say, ‘I told you that you were as good as Berbatov’.”

Season So Far

While a Fantasy Premier League (FPL) haul of 51 points hints at a distinctly underwhelming campaign so far, Taarabt’s Opta stats indicate just how consistent his displays have been. Mark Hughes’ summer of spending may have left the R’s squad bloated and continually prone to rotation but Redknapp already seems to recognise the key to his side’s quest for survival is the man he sold to the Loftus Road outfit back in 2010:

“He can do things that nobody else can do. No one can do what he can do. He’s amazing. He nutmegs people and he goes past two or three and they’re hanging on to him but they can’t get the ball off him. But I never wanted to let him go at Tottenham, I was scared to let him go. I always felt he had a value even if he wasn’t starting. He can be a top, top player. He’s got ability like not many people you’ve ever seen in your life. He’s like Di Canio, who I thought was a fantastic player, one of the all-time greats at West Ham. This boy is the same.”

Creativity
Analysing midfielders who have started at least half of their respective sides’ games so far, Taarabt is fourth in our top five for “Minutes per Chance Created” this season. Only three players – David Silva, Juan Mata and Chris Brunt -have provided a key passes at a quicker rate than Taarabt’s average of 31.7 minutes. The QPR playmaker exceeds the rate of more established Fantasy favourites such as Santi Cazorla (33.5), Gareth Bale (40.1) and Eden Hazard (42.6), yet despite creating a total of 35 goalscoring opportunities for team mates – the sixth highest midfielder – has picked up just two assists.

Mins/ Chance CreatedTotal Chances CreatedAssists
David Silva26.6423
Juan Mata30.8366
Chris Brunt31.2252
Adel Taarabt31.7352
Samir Nasri32.2303

A cause for further optimism can be found in the display of Djibril Cisse against the Cottagers. Having been benched in the previous game, the Frenchman returned to the lone forward role and, while he failed to score, his performance suggests Redknapp’s words have boosted his confidence. Cisse fired eight shots last weekend and managed an attempt on goal with each of his five touches in the box against Fulham – he had previously mustered 21 efforts in the box from 38 touches and is clearly getting his shots away quicker. With Taarabt creating chances aplenty behind him, Cisse could be set for an upturn in fortunes, having found the net just twice this term.

Goal Threat
Once again, by reducing the midfield contenders to those who have started at least half their respective sides’ games, Taarabt is again amongst the most impressive when it comes to threatening the opposition goal. Indeed, he is the only midfielder to feature in the top five for both categories – a clear sign of his Fantasy potential and indicative of the type of talent Redknapp has on his hands.

Mins/ ShotTotal ShotsShots in BoxShots On TargetGoals
Adel Taarabt21.75114174
Gareth Bale24.25325256
Santi Cazorla26.75922227
Marouane Fellaini27.75142208
Jason Puncheon30.23521133

Over his 1109 minutes played so far, Taarabt has averaged an attempt on goal every 21.7 minutes – superior to any other midfield regular, with north London duo Gareth Bale and Santi Cazorla tucked in behind on 24.2 and 26.7 minutes respectively. What’s obvious, though, is his penchant for long-range efforts. While Taarabt has equalled Marouane Fellaini in terms of overall attempts, with 51 apiece, only 14 of his efforts have come from inside the penalty area – compare that to the Everton man’s 42 and it’s clear the Moroccan’s attempts have been more speculative in the main.

Nevertheless, Taarabt has managed only three efforts on target less than Fellaini, highlighting his greater accuracy – indeed, only Bale (25), Cazorla (22) and Michu (21) have registered more shots on target from midfield than Taarabt. When you consider the lofty company the Moroccan keeps across the key attacking statistics, his failure to produce the Fantasy returns is highly frustrating.

With Marouane Fellaini’s three-match ban forcing Fantasy to reassess their midfield options ahead of the weekend deadline, Taarabt has picked up plenty new ownership over the last few days. A kind FPL price tag of 5.6 has persuaded more than 28,000 to draft in the Moroccan, despite the fact he sits on four yellows – a booking in any of his next three will earn him an automatic one-match ban.

Even if he avoids the referee’s wrath, his upcoming African Cup of Nations duties means Taarabt will only be available for the next four (new, WBA, LIV, che) before he heads off to represent his country, though QPR could attempt to seek special dispensation to keep him for the Gameweek 22 showdown with former club Spurs. If he continues in the same vein as last weekend, though, Taarabt’s short-term acquisition could well be worthwhile over the festive period, with a 3% FPL ownership highlighting his differential appeal.

*The Technical Area is put together using the statistics and maps available in our members area. For access to such data and tools on every player, team and match of the 2012/13 season, and for exclusive members articles like this, click here for details.

Paul Is certain he won't make the same mistakes next season. Follow them on Twitter

2,567 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Stupendous
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    How would you feel about playing a team every week in the new year, that has Begovic in net, Enrique in, and a front 7 of........

    Mata Michu Cazorla Bale Fellaini

    Suarez Rooney

    Open Controls
    1. Doctor X
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      depends on the defence really.

      Open Controls
      1. Stupendous
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Well Enrique takes up one spot. I really don't get why people put so much a big weight on defence. How often do you ever play more than 3 defenders?

        With a front 7 like that, Bego in net and Enrique taking up one of the three defender spots, who cares about the other two really? Demel, Davies, Fonte, Baker, Nelson, Shorey, Cameron. Pick two and watch the pts rack up.

        Open Controls
    2. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      No thanks.

      For starters I would want Walcot/Nolan/Ba[Demel/jussi] in the mix for gw 23.

      Open Controls
      1. Stupendous
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Demel and Santi would be in (already said Santi). That's enough for me. Plus, if one drops injured or suspended again, i.e Michu or fellaini, then in comes Nolan.

        Consistency and quality, over quantity. For me.

        This whole Walcott up front doesn't do anything for me. It wont be successful and it wont last. Full stop.

        Open Controls
        1. Christina.
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          As long as the Walcott Experiment lasts for gw 22-25 it's perfect.

          Open Controls
    3. Simon69
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      how sure can you be of Suarez? I honestly don't trust him and after a few weeks of having him I lost my patience and got Tevez in instead. I'd rather have RVP over Rooney because he's far more consistent although Rooney does have purple patches, they're hard to predict and RVP does it so frequently

      Open Controls
    4. Cap'n Crash - Just Fan…
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Sounds awesome. Leaves ya with cheap defenders. Something I've been doing for half the season.

      Open Controls
    5. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      I would feel good but lacking in RVP and Aguero 😉

      Open Controls
      1. Stupendous
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        RVP for Rooney, Tevez/Aguero for Suarez, Cazorla to Walcott,

        Open Controls
  2. Stupendous
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Holy cowwwwwwwwwwwzerbollockballwowzers!! Arsenal have 6 home matches in 7/8 weeks starting GW20, with Southampton away and Sunderland away in there (and a Chelsea derby).

    Triple Arse anyone?

    Open Controls
    1. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Cazorla Walcott Podolski is the way to go

      Open Controls
      1. Christina.
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        +1

        Gibbs/Sagna maybe

        Open Controls
    2. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Exactly. Why do you think I'm getting Walcott.

      Open Controls
    3. tw
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      I think Walcott/caz + gibbs/sagna is plenty

      Open Controls
      1. Ryan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        ^^This

        Open Controls
    4. New Ghost
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      About time we climbed the table.

      Open Controls
    5. Waitakere_
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Walcott, Gibbs, and Cazorla or Podolski.

      Open Controls
    6. Ryan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      I'd double up but I never like to triple up on any one side unless its a DGW.

      Open Controls
      1. Stupendous
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        You mean like GW23, with a home game in 22 and 24 AND 25 to boot????

        Open Controls
        1. Ryan
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          Yeah but I'd WC after the DGW and only go on with two Arsenal players max

          Open Controls
      2. tw
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        still not sure how I've ended up with triple pool 😮

        Open Controls
    7. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      and a DGW in the week they don't/

      Open Controls
  3. tw
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    so how do we think this RM/MUN matchup is going to play out? I'm rather excited for it 😀

    Open Controls
    1. Stupendous
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Simple. Madrid win comfortably over the two legs, making a complete mockery of Uniteds defence and walking into the quarterfinals.

      Madrid 5 United 2 on aggregate.

      Open Controls
      1. Waitakere_
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        That's was I was thinking too. RM to walk over them

        Open Controls
      2. Simon69
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        I'd say City will be well beaten by..... oh wait.... nevermind

        Open Controls
        1. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          😆

          Open Controls
        2. Stupendous
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          Well beaten by Madrid, you mean City who were 7minutes away from winning at the Bernabeu and who drew with Madrid at the Etihad???

          Yea City. Madrid smashed City.

          Open Controls
    2. New Ghost
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      United will beat Madrid imo.

      Open Controls
  4. Waitakere_
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Evening DZ. Was having an argument with a friend, who is/was better. Torres in his prime, or Ibrahimovich???
    I say Torres, he was a f-ucking tank.

    Open Controls
    1. Stupendous
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      You have clearly been smoking ganja preparing for the imminent end of your world. Bad news. The worlds not ending.

      Open Controls
      1. Waitakere_
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Torres in his prime was bloody awesome though!!!
        And you could have told me earlier,I spent all my money on alchohol 🙁

        Open Controls
        1. Stupendous
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          Torres in his prime couldn't even get in the top 25 of the best strikers of all time....if so he'd be 25th.

          Ibra will go down as probably top 10 all time, and top 3 of this generation. There hasn't been a deadlier poacher and genuine striker since Ronaldo and Henry in my opinion.

          Falcao will be better than both of them if he has an injury free, well managed career.

          Open Controls
    2. tw
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      torres didn't demolish England singlehandedly and cap it off with an insane bike!

      torres didn't get 3 (or was it 4) assists in one CL match...

      either way it still surprises me how he could become so poor...

      Open Controls
      1. Waitakere_
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Yes but he was so good. Destoying defences with pace and power.

        Open Controls
      2. Cap'n Crash - Just Fan…
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Back in Blue: Torres, The Second Coming (Early 2013)

        Open Controls
    3. New Ghost
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Ibra.

      Open Controls
  5. tw
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    those of you in the leagues might find this interesting. and those of you who applied for season 2 might be interested to know who you might be replacing. enjoy:

    http://uefacouncil.wordpress.com/2012/12/21/this-much-we-know/

    Open Controls
    1. Billy Gilmore
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Nice article 😉

      Open Controls
    2. Jinswick
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Good work TW. Heavy weight clash this week in ROE for me!

      So what happens after this w/e? All leagues reset and we go again?

      Open Controls
      1. tw
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        thanks mate. Berbilly should receive thanks too as he helped me with it

        after gw 19 you mean? more or less, there's some relegation and such involved. here's the rules:

        http://uefacouncil.wordpress.com/league-rules/

        Open Controls
      2. tw
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        and good luck this week!

        Open Controls
        1. Jinswick
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          Great, cheers. In 3rd at the moment, so hopefully I'll cling on to a top 3 spot this season!!

          Open Controls
  6. kimoo
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    the best week to jan wc before gw 23 (DGW ) ?

    Open Controls
    1. tw
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      either before or after

      Open Controls
    2. Billy Gilmore
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      After the DGW, imo.

      Open Controls
      1. tw
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        why do you think after? I can't decide if before or after will be better

        Open Controls
        1. Christina.
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          I was thinking as soon as gw 21 kicks off(1 jan). Start the new year with a bang!

          I would then dump: gorkks/garrido/Foster(?)/Silva/Suarez and get:Ba/Gibbs/Walcott or Bale...?/Felli

          The thing is with a planning i can get most of those by then anyway so maybe it's better to do it after gw 23 as by then we might have news of Chel/South DGW.

          Open Controls
          1. Jinswick
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            11 years, 3 months ago

            Exactly the same here. Plan was always to WC asap, but the fact WHU and ARS have decent fixtures up to the DGW, I'm now thinking of loading them up slowly annd then WCing in GW24 to remove at least 2 WHU and probably 1-2 ARS.

            Open Controls
            1. Christina.
              • 14 Years
              11 years, 3 months ago

              Yeah, I'm keeping Santi/Nolan next week,even without a fixt. Will sell Demel.

              Open Controls
              1. Christina.
                • 14 Years
                11 years, 3 months ago

                Also 10 days between gw 23 and 24. Makes sense for TV purposes to try and catch price hikes.

                Open Controls
              2. Jinswick
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 13 Years
                11 years, 3 months ago

                Similar. I'll be benching Jaask, McCartney & Walcott next week. A 'wafer thin' squad.

                http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJZPzQESq_0

                Open Controls
        2. Billy Gilmore
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          I think it's easier to ease DGW players into your squad leading up to the DGW than it is to gradually ditch them after it. As you can see with many people being stuck with 2 or even 3 Sun/rdg players even though they don't want them. Also you have the chance to get any deadline day signings etc if you WC in GW25.

          Open Controls
          1. JK - Cønt ⭐
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 3 months ago

            this is my plan and you don't have to carry any excess ARS and WHM players for too long.

            Open Controls
            1. Christina.
              • 14 Years
              11 years, 3 months ago

              Yeah.

              I'm converted.

              Open Controls
  7. Michael
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Is Tevez going to play? worth making the trade to Aguero..

    Open Controls
    1. New Ghost
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      If you have Tevez, stick.

      Open Controls
      1. Christina.
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Do I get him, and give him the armband for -4pts in place of Fletcher though?

        Open Controls
        1. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          Fletcher is struggling with an injury isn't he? Probably worth it

          Open Controls
          1. Christina.
            • 14 Years
            11 years, 3 months ago

            I'm thinking that as well. ML leader will most likely (c) Tevez and I can't afford that all my hard work of the last 4-5 weeks get undone.

            Open Controls
        2. New Ghost
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          I think it's a sound move Tina.

          Open Controls
        3. Paul
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          news says fletcher fit to play....but i'll recommend hav some city cover...not necessarily tevez!..

          Open Controls
  8. PGR
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Any Newcastle fans here?
    Is Marveaux likely to be a starter in Ben Arfa's absence? Need to get him in for Fellaini to afford Fletcher to Aguero.

    Open Controls
  9. tw
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    JK, if you're still around please check your mail

    also is that gw review gunna happen or are you gunna wait and do gw 18?

    Open Controls
  10. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    I've just had a look at the weekend previews on whoscored.com and they're normally pretty accurate for score predictions (in the last few weeks anyway) Thought this might be worth a gander...

    Here's what they've gone for:

    Swansea 1-3 Man Utd
    Liverpool 1-0 Fulham
    Man City 4-0 Reading
    West ham 1-1 Everton
    West brom 1-0 Norwich
    Chelsea 2-1 Villa
    Newcastle 2-2 QPR
    Spurs 1-1 Stoke
    Soton 2-1 Sunderland
    Wigan 1-3 Arsenal

    Open Controls
    1. Buck The Trent
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Look pretty consistent with shortest odds for Correct Score betting

      Swansea 1-2 Man Utd
      Liverpool 1-0 Fulham or 2-0 or 2-1
      Man City 3-0 Reading
      West ham 1-1 Everton
      West brom 1-1 Norwich or 1-0
      Chelsea 2-0 Villa
      Newcastle 1-1 QPR
      Spurs 1-0 Stoke
      Soton 1-1 Sunderland or 1-0
      Wigan 1-2 Arsenal

      Open Controls
  11. Jinswick
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    How many ARS and WHU players are people planning on having for the DGW? I think there's a good chance I'll have 5 or 6, followed by a WC in GW24....

    Open Controls
    1. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      6...maybe even 7 or 8

      Open Controls
      1. Jinswick
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        It actually crossed my mind to keep Ba in case we sign him!! 🙂

        Open Controls
    2. Pinoche
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      6.

      Open Controls
    3. Stupendous
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Like I alluded to before with Arsenal having god knows how many home fixtures in a row, with a double gameweek sandwiched in between........has to be 3.

      With West Hams fixtures and form so far this season, and with many already having Jusski...Demel...OBrien...Noble and Nolan floating around.......most serious boys will have 5-6 guaranteed!!!

      Open Controls
  12. JK - Cønt ⭐
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    hmm, would love to have triple Arsenal for the insane run, but short of selling Baines for Sagna/Gibbs I might just have to go with Theo and Caz.

    Open Controls
    1. tw
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      I think sagna/gibbs + Walcott/caz is the proper ars coverage for their run

      Open Controls
      1. JK - Cønt ⭐
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        well I already have Caz

        Open Controls
        1. tw
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          then keep caz and get one of their defenders?

          btw did you see my post to you above?

          Open Controls
          1. JK - Cønt ⭐
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 3 months ago

            I did, I'm doing it today

            Open Controls
            1. tw
              • 12 Years
              11 years, 3 months ago

              alreet sounds good 😀

              Open Controls
    2. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Baines has got to go

      Open Controls
    3. Billy Gilmore
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      I'm thinking Gibbs, Santi and Theo for the DGW, as well as Demel and Nolan.

      Open Controls
      1. JK - Cønt ⭐
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        yeah might get Nolan instead of Fellaini then wc back to Afroman

        Open Controls
      2. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        No Podolski? Massive differential and he looks quality when he's on form

        Open Controls
        1. Billy Gilmore
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          Potentially. Most likely Theo will no longer be at Arsenal or injured anyway. It depends on their form leading up to the DGW. I'll probably only get the 3rd arsenal player in GW23.

          Open Controls
          1. Christina.
            • 14 Years
            11 years, 3 months ago

            Ba at Ars for gw 23 will be brilliant. No Afrocan.

            Open Controls
        2. Christina.
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          Problem is someone needs to be benched in gw 23 and I want Michu/Santi/Nolan/Rvp/Ba/Felliani...

          Citeh also have nice fixtures so Tevez can also do well. Not to mention that Walcott could go big. Who will my benchable player be? Puncheon or a cheap striker?

          Open Controls
          1. JK - Cønt ⭐
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 3 months ago

            I think I'm holding off on Fellaini until I wc when Nolan can depart.

            Open Controls
            1. Christina.
              • 14 Years
              11 years, 3 months ago

              SWANS/south...

              To risky to not own.

              Open Controls
        3. Billy Gilmore
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          Also, downgrading a forward to Pod would allow me funds to easily get the others in for the DGW...

          Hmmm, tempting.

          Open Controls
      3. tw
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        yeah probably. maybe carroll punt?? I mean they do have qpr afterall

        it's a shame arsenal have Chelsea and not an easier game though... still think they could score well though

        Open Controls
        1. Billy Gilmore
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          Arsenal did win 5-3 last season if you remember. Goals galore hopefully. Carroll seems to not score but helps Nolan to score, but we'll see. It's still a while away.

          Open Controls
          1. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 3 months ago

            They had RVP though...

            Open Controls
            1. Billy Gilmore
              • 11 Years
              11 years, 3 months ago

              But Chelsea still have John Terry... 😉

              Open Controls
              1. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
                • 12 Years
                11 years, 3 months ago

                touche... 😉

                Open Controls
  13. Aosni
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    just bring Torres in, am i crazy to C him?

    Open Controls
    1. Pinoche
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      No.

      6 goals in last 5 games so defo worth a shout IMO.

      Open Controls
    2. tw
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      yeah. it's torres...

      Open Controls
  14. Waitakere_
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Ok so Ibra is/was better than Torres. Same friend (a swede), is tring to tell me that Ibra is better than Gerrard was in his prime. So Gerrard (in his prime), or Ibra???

    Open Controls
    1. GoonSquad
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Ibra

      Open Controls
      1. Just A Hat
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        +1

        Open Controls
  15. Pinoche
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    No City No Chelsea and No Tottenham players in my team for this gw.

    I can see a big red arrow coming.

    Open Controls
    1. Waitakere_
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      No city, chelsea or arsenal for me. Yolo 😉

      Open Controls
      1. BootlegRascal
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        YOLO would be loading up

        Open Controls
      2. Doctor X
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        YOLO would mean stuffing your team with those players. Lol.

        Open Controls
    2. Buck The Trent
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      0 city, 0 chelsea, 1 tot players for me

      hopefully 3 ars players will neutralize the red arrow lol

      Open Controls
  16. Christina.
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Any idea when we would have news on Chel/South DGW?

    Open Controls
    1. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      no

      Just don't sell Mata/Puncheon or Torres/Lambert in the meantime 😉

      Open Controls
      1. Christina.
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        I only own punchyourface.

        LOL

        Open Controls
        1. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          You're screwed....Torres is back and Mata is feeding him

          Open Controls
          1. Doctor X
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 3 months ago

            Like a baby from a spoon. I love Juan Mata.

            Open Controls
            1. Maxi_Mawoofingtons
              • 12 Years
              11 years, 3 months ago

              hahaha

              Open Controls
          2. Christina.
            • 14 Years
            11 years, 3 months ago

            Screwing is nice.

            Open Controls
  17. Acquafresca
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Podcast worth a listen? Been busy as of late, just wondering if theres any valuable info.

    Open Controls
    1. Waitakere_
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Mark's a nutter. That's bout it 😀

      Open Controls
    2. Doctor X
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Nothing spectacular. The usual banter...and Fellaini out, X in analysis

      Open Controls
    3. Just A Hat
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      They also both seem to think Dzeko is 100% nailed on to start this weekend

      Open Controls
      1. Acquafresca
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Hmm. I actually agree.

        Open Controls
  18. Doctor X
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    No one covers Serie A review on the UEFA page anymore 🙁 They were quite nice to read..

    Open Controls
    1. tw
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      you can pick it up :D. if you write reviews, we'll publish em for you

      Open Controls
      1. Doctor X
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        I'd love to. I've got travel plans this weekend, but I'll try and make time and get back to you. 🙂

        I was actually considering it and then found out I'd be flying to the Middle East for XMas.

        Open Controls
      2. Doctor X
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Give me your mail so I can mail the final script to you.

        Open Controls
        1. tw
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          alright no worries. whenever you find time to write a review just send it to us.

          send stuff to ffsuefa@gmail.com and to lletsaw.netsirt@gmail.com

          Open Controls
  19. Billy Gilmore
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    If the CHE-SOT DGW is also in GW23, what would your ideal lineup for that be?

    Open Controls
    1. tw
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      gibbs, caz, Walcott, mata, demel,

      and maybe a Chelsea defender. with a possiblility of Nolan or carroll thrown in there

      Open Controls
      1. Billy Gilmore
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Hmmm...

        Bego
        Terry Gibbs Demel
        Mata Santi Nolan Puncheon/Theo
        RVP Suarez Torres/Pod/Ba/Lambert

        Open Controls
        1. tw
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          terry?? why not go for an outside back?

          looks solid enough. or maybe puncheon and Walcott? what would SOT's other game be?

          Open Controls
          1. Billy Gilmore
            • 11 Years
            11 years, 3 months ago

            Terry has definite goal threat, but maybe Ivan/Cole/Azpi.

            SOT would have EVE, che

            Open Controls
            1. tw
              • 12 Years
              11 years, 3 months ago

              yeah I think i'd prefer one of the others. maybe ivan after his gw 1 heroics? 😀

              :o. sot probably not really necessary then...

              Open Controls
    2. Acquafresca
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      What do you mean also? Has there been one scheduled already?

      Open Controls
      1. Billy Gilmore
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        ARS-WHM

        Open Controls
    3. Jinswick
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Would be tempting to WC before GW23 if that were the case....

      Open Controls
  20. tw
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    what do you guys say we hold a weekly contest to guess what unreal's next name will be? 😀

    Open Controls
    1. Billy Gilmore
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      KUnreal for sure 😀

      Open Controls
      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        +1

        Open Controls
      2. tw
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        😀 yeah probably.

        i'm hoping for kolorovunreal 😉 that would be a quality name 😀

        Open Controls
        1. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          🙂 One can dream...

          of another 20 pointer 😉

          Open Controls
    2. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      🙂 ..

      Open Controls
    3. New Ghost
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      KunUnreal is next.

      Open Controls
  21. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Dear Mr.Caulker and Monsieur Rafael,

    I kindly request that one of you play this weekend lest I have the forbidden fruit that is Gorkss come in and nestle between my other 2 defenders with points of negativity.

    Yours sincerely,

    Jesus at the pentagon

    Open Controls
    1. BootlegRascal
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      BAE (Naughton) Vertonghen Dawson Walker

      This weekend's Tottenham defence

      Open Controls
      1. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        🙁

        Open Controls
      2. BootlegRascal
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Actually I could see a Vertonghen-Caulker-Dawson-Walker.

        My point is I just don't think Gallas will start

        Open Controls
        1. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          Well I can see Gallas being rested too...I just hope Caulks can be squeezed in somewhere. I regret buying him obviously but it'd be nice if he could get me some points before I redeem myself by selling him.

          Open Controls
    2. jimski
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Rafael will likely play, I suspect.

      Open Controls
  22. yanksalot
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Who to captain. Silva or Suarez ?

    Open Controls
    1. Pinoche
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Silva.

      Open Controls
    2. New Ghost
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Suarez

      Open Controls
    3. Maxi_Mawoofingtons
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Silrez

      Open Controls
  23. jimski
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Two unmade decisions for me this week:
    1) Play Cameron at Spurs or Cuellar at Southampton?
    2) Captain Kun or RVP?

    Any thoughts/opinions?

    Open Controls
    1. yanksalot
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Cuellar and Kun

      Open Controls
    2. tw
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Cameron? not sure....
      def go with the argentine!

      Open Controls
    3. Pinoche
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Cameron and RVP.

      Open Controls
    4. New Ghost
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Cuellar and Kun.

      Open Controls
    5. jimski
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Thanks guys - so that's 3-1 to Kun and 2-2 for the defenders. I am currently on Kun and Cuellar - I suspect the defender choice is a bit of a coin toss anyway. If I 100% knew Kun would start, he'd be a no-brainer - it's just that niggling doubt...

      Open Controls
  24. Hello. Yes, This is Dog
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    whats the latest you can use the jan wilcard, does it have to be before gw24? i want to do it late so i dont reveal my team to rivals too early while they still have theirs intact.

    Open Controls
  25. Jinswick
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    How's this for a DGW build up plan? Gets me 6 ARS/WHU for the DGW, and decent coverage of all the big teams except for CHE.

    GW19: Suarez -> Berba
    GW20: Sess -> Bale
    GW21: Yaya -> Nolan
    GW22: Save
    GW23: Hughes & Berba -> Gibbs & Podolski
    GW24: Wildcard

    CURRENT TEAM
    Jaask, Federici
    Enrique, Cuellar, Hughes, Clyne, McCartney
    Silva, Walcott, Yaya, Sess, Taarabt
    RVP, Ba, Suarez
    Bank 0.1m

    Open Controls
  26. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Don't want to burst anyone's bubble (Snake...I'm looking at you) but I don't think Ba is going to join Arsenal.

    Open Controls
    1. Jinswick
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      how come?

      Open Controls
      1. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        I don't see how Arsenal could accommodate him. And with all this Walcott business about contracts etc and him playing up front...they wouldn't be showing much faith in him or Giroud if they signed Ba.

        Open Controls
        1. New Ghost
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          Theo is a goner mate; I have come to accept that. If he was going to extend, he would have signed along with the 5 other Brits.

          Arsenal need another striker to rotate with Giroud; Chamakh is off to Ligue 1 and Gervinho will go to ACON. Poldi is nailed to the left winger spot.

          But I do agree that signing Ba will affect Giroud's confidence.

          http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/newcastle-striker-demba-ba-says-a-switch-to-arsenal-is-tempting-8424135.html

          Open Controls
        2. Jinswick
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          Unfortunately I think Walcott will go, which would make Ba a decent replacement.

          Open Controls
    2. New Ghost
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Oh yes he will. 🙂

      Open Controls
      1. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        well if you say so 😉

        Open Controls
        1. New Ghost
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          Arsenal double up for the good run - Cazorla and Ba. 🙂

          Open Controls
          1. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 3 months ago

            I guess I wouldn't be complaining... 🙂

            Open Controls
  27. cylus11 ( Manager) - Russia…
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Hows my team looking :

    Jask
    Ridg, Enrique, Demel
    Walcott, Mata, Sess, Yaya
    Fletcher, Rooney, Suarez (c)

    Subs : Ming, Snodgrass, Cameron, Shorey

    Should i play Snodgrass ? If so whom should i replace with
    Suarez or Rooney as captain

    Open Controls
    1. Maxi_Mawoofingtons
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Leave it I say

      Open Controls
  28. New Ghost
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Doctor X, what part of the Middle East are you headed to?

    Open Controls
  29. Mílanista
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Doctor X you still about? I'm doing the Serie A review this week, just been busy recently.

    Open Controls
    1. tw
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      hey mate, looks like you've got an uphill battle on your hands! you see the article I wrote (with the help of berbilly)?

      good luck

      Open Controls
      1. Acquafresca
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        TW, am I relegated for 2nd term?

        Open Controls
        1. Billy Gilmore
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          No, not yet. Huge match for you this week.

          Open Controls
          1. Acquafresca
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 3 months ago

            Cheers. Opponent? (too lazy to check...)

            Open Controls
            1. tw
              • 12 Years
              11 years, 3 months ago

              CatMac

              Open Controls
            2. Billy Gilmore
              • 11 Years
              11 years, 3 months ago

              Galatasaray(CatMac). 16th and 1pt ahead of you.

              Open Controls
              1. Acquafresca
                • 12 Years
                11 years, 3 months ago

                I think the correct captain choice will win this week.

                Open Controls
        2. tw
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          not yet! this article outlines everything that is already confirmed and the managers that are in dire situations, as in must win both their remaining games and then get some luck:

          http://uefacouncil.wordpress.com/2012/12/21/this-much-we-know/

          you've still got a shot: B&B at 17pts, then you TM and Steel Arm all tied at 18, CatMac and GO tied at 19, and King Nemanja at 21. looks like ROE relegation battle will go down to the wire!! best of luck mate!

          Open Controls
      2. Mílanista
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Yeah, just read it. I have to hope I win my two games and that other results go my way.

        Open Controls
        1. tw
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          well best of luck! may the forc(a inter) be with you! oh wait... 😉

          Open Controls
          1. Mílanista
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 3 months ago

            😆

            Open Controls
  30. Acquafresca
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    So are people's plan to WC before the DGW and stack up on ARS/WHU players?

    Open Controls
    1. Hello. Yes, This is Dog
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      im actually going to load whu/ars players up one by one until the dgw, then use the wildcard to clear them out afterwards/load up on chelsea players who will have good fixtures and a dgw

      Open Controls
      1. Maxi_Mawoofingtons
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        when is the DGW?

        Open Controls
        1. Hello. Yes, This is Dog
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          its not confirmed yet but will be after the arsenal one. not sure how soon after though, as the europa league starts again in mid feb so maybe they would schedule it before then?

          Open Controls
          1. Hello. Yes, This is Dog
            • 13 Years
            11 years, 3 months ago

            they could of course have it even at the end of the season but we should know more by jan/feb hopefully.

            Open Controls
          2. Acquafresca
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 3 months ago

            its in GW23

            Open Controls
      2. Acquafresca
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Good plan. But I doubt ill want that many. Simply Caz+Nolan+(Demel+Sagna - who i already own)

        Open Controls
        1. Hello. Yes, This is Dog
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          i have demel too but he will be away at ACON i think, i might need to sell him.

          Open Controls
          1. Acquafresca
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 3 months ago

            Wrong about DGW, wrong about Demel. Get yo facts straight!

            Open Controls
    2. Billy Gilmore
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      After. GW24 or 25 for me.

      Open Controls
    3. New Ghost
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Nah, not really. Just Caz + possibly Nolan and Podolski.

      Open Controls