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.

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2,567 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Pepin - RIP Absinthe
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    My secret recipe for green arrow success this week: Steven Fletcher.

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    1. bitterandstout
        11 years, 3 months ago

        dunno about that, I rather fancy Southampton if I'm honest. lambert & puncheon if I had a free or two.

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      • Canadian Football
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Hope so Pep.....i am keeping too

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    2. Bggz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      how comes the scout picks are still on gw17?

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      1. bitterandstout
          11 years, 3 months ago

          they'll be posted later today

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      2. Paz12
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        RMT (TFF)

        Begovic
        Mertesacker / Ivanovic / Enrique
        Bale / Pilkington / Michu / Cazorla
        RVP / Suarez / Ba

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        1. Bggz
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          whats your bench? do you have any ft?

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        2. Paz12
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          It is in TFF, so no subs, no free transfers, thirty transfers a season, used sixteen. FA Cup games count. No captain. (: So gotta think long term! (Hence why last week I only fielded 8 players :S and the week before 9, blimmin injuries)

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          1. Bggz
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            11 years, 3 months ago

            i used to play the Sun dreamteam. boring really.

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            1. Paz12
              • 11 Years
              11 years, 3 months ago

              Its where da cash ML is! Currently top, though gap is slimming through injury, and just did Fellaini > Pilkington...wonder if that will pay off :S

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      3. Bggz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Foster
        NOR (H)
        or
        Szczesny
        WIG (A)

        then who do i bench? im thinking thus:

        Play: O'Shea SOU (A), Shawcross TOT (A), Jose Enrique FUL (H),

        Bench: Nelsen NEW (A), Noble EVE (H)

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        1. Paz12
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          I would roll with Szczesny. I would play Noble over Shawcross.

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      4. Golden Oldies
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        All the hits people are planning on taking might bite when it comes to the cup game.....

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        1. bdwhite91
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          Might do...luckily my opponent doesn't have RVP. Worrying about a cup match can also hurt your overall score though. Double-edged sword. Do the transfers you think will give you the highest score, but don't take a 60 hitter obviously lol.

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      5. bola
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Here we go again, the return of Bale euphoria period. A cycle.

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      6. chunk
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        So looks like it was just Yaya Toure that moved in price good business this Fellani ban

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      7. tw
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        why must considering yaya vs silva be so much more interesting than the chemistry I should be studying...?

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

          Silva

          now study

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

            even if getting yaya allows me to get bale in next week?

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

              Got Tevez or Aguero?

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

                not shipping rvp, just got suarez this last week so not shipping him and don't have enough to upgrade lambert to either city striker

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

                  Was just checking. If you had one I would have just ignored them and got Bale this week.

                  If you get Silva, who is the player you have instead of Bale?

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        2. Pepin - RIP Absinthe
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          Easy, I have both 😀

          I followed the blog btw, cheers.

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

            :D.

            ok great!

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

          Do I just rank people 1-10, on rank/reputation?

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

            yupp. sent you an email with more specifics/details

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        4. China Mag
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          If you need to take a hit for silva. Get yaya instead. If its for free, get silva

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

            well either is for free. but if I get silva then i'll be using another transfer next week to ship him for bale and then still be stuck with sess. if it's for yaya then i'll keep him and use my ft next week to get bale in for sess

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      8. Feanor
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        I must be the only one here still with Fellaini. This no-hits strategy is probably dumb but I can't abandon it now.

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        1. Pepin - RIP Absinthe
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          What was your FT?

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          1. Feanor
            • 14 Years
            11 years, 3 months ago

            Fletcher to Benteke.

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            1. Pepin - RIP Absinthe
              • 13 Years
              11 years, 3 months ago

              Surely not the most pressing transfer? I heard some rumble he may be fit and Benteke has Chelsea away. Or am I missing something?

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

          Hits are good, I don't see the whole anti-hit thing

          I netted 13 points on a -8 on 2 defenders this week. Vertonghen (15) in for Enrique (0) Gibbs (7) in for Ridgewell (0). Had Cuellar on the bench so essentially could have had 1 more point without doing it.

          Very lucky I'm sure, but if you play them sensibly when it's necessary the rewards are often reaped.

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          1. Feanor
            • 14 Years
            11 years, 3 months ago

            Speaking of luck, mine is such that if I take a hit to get Mata then he'll get 1 point in 20 minutes and Berbatov will score but be on my bench.

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

              Meh, I just think YOLO and do them 😉

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        3. Phaze 1
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          I still have him. Saving to make 2 moves next week

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      9. Grounderz
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Folks, I live down under. So before where I live gets struck by all-planned apocalypse, could I get a RMT from you folks as my one last wish? 😆

        Begovic - (McCarthy)
        Demel - Bassong - Enrique - (Fonte) - (Shorey)
        Mata - Silva - Cazorla - Taarabt - (Puncheon)
        Berbatov - RVP - Suarez

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        1. Pepin - RIP Absinthe
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          RvP (c) and good to go. Stay safe 😀

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          1. Grounderz
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 3 months ago

            😆 Yep, armband for Robin. Stay safe is more important both where I live and in fantasy terms.

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      10. cuterandy
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        guys, fellaini > silva or mata?

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        1. Feanor
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          Silva this week. Long term, Mata will score more.

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        2. Grounderz
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          Silva if you want to earn a huge chunk of points this coming weekend. In fact, owning both seems crucial at this point. At least, for me.

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        3. cuterandy
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          iam also planning to get silva but bit worried of mancini's rotation

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      11. jelly.john
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        http://imgur.com/8Qwq8

        plz rate my team

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        1. Pepin - RIP Absinthe
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          Lots of home players, lots of red = looks good

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        2. Grounderz
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          That's half of the team in red. And I feel you need one more 9.0m+ to strengthen a little in the midfield.

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

          I really like! Very similar to my team, only difference is i'll prolly change from Silva to Suarez CPT and you'll stick with Silva and he'll get you 40pts and Suarez will get me 4pts, so you'll gain 18 there.

          The rest of our team is almost the same, but the fact you have RVP and I have defoe worries me in the long run. I would die to have the extra few million you have. I'll find it though.l

          Great team.

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          1. jelly.john
            • 11 Years
            11 years, 3 months ago

            sorry i late for reply

            wt if i told u that i have In the bank £2.6m 😀

            anjd thnx for ur reply makes me happy

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        1. China Mag
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          This has been mooted for a while now. Anyone know anything about him? We will only go for him if ba leaves.

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      12. Starvaiger
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Differential Crazy?

        http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g166/calumt1/team18_zps0d1b35cd.jpg

        TBH I'm in a 5 man league where we all have to have different players so can't get RVP, Tevez, etc.

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        1. Starvaiger
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          I have Benteke on the bench. Would you play him over Stirling?

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          1. Baines on Toast...
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            11 years, 3 months ago

            yes yes yes

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      13. Baines on Toast...
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        this is one of those weeks where I feel like one of my team could heavily outscore RVP, I just have no idea who. Captaining Michu is actually kind of tempting...

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      14. bdwhite91
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        China Mag,

        any chance you can get some of you fellow newcastle fans to sing this at a match?

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

        the part @3:00

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        1. China Mag
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          Hi BD. Sorry. Can't access YouTube from my crappy work computer or phone. What is the song? Would be a bit difficult for me to start a chant at the match. I'm only in the UK once a year. And it is always outside of the football season!

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          1. bdwhite91
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 3 months ago

            Bummer! I think it would be so cool! It's called 'Constant Knot' by City and Colour

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      15. Jafooli
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Morning gents, everyone still alive?

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      16. Jafooli
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Anyone else see Arsenals blank GW the perfect opportunity to ditch Cazorla (for Bale/Mata/Silva) and then return to Arsenal for the DGW via a cheaper Walcott. Or before if desired.

        I'm actually quite happy with the situation in a perverse kinda way.....

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        1. Jafooli
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          I agree Jafooli, very good idea.......carry on....

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          1. Jafooli
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 3 months ago

            Me to......I also agree with you bot, feel confident in your moves....

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            1. Jafooli
              • 12 Years
              11 years, 3 months ago

              *both

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

                Too* while you're at it.

                But yes I would probably rather Theo than Caz

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            2. Jafooli
              • 12 Years
              11 years, 3 months ago

              *too

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        2. China Mag
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          Alreet jafa. That could be genius. I'll be sticking for santi for his nailedonness though.

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          1. Jafooli
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 3 months ago

            china mate, yeah good point......I'll only go for it if Walcott signs this new contract and then get regular starts. On the wing or up front I don't care. But agreed it seems to be a bit rude to ditch Santa after Mondays presents....

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          2. Jafooli
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 3 months ago

            Jeez what's up with 'toon this year China? Injuries & Europa I guess?

            Not had a Newcastle player in my squad all year. Last year I probably spent two thirds of the year with three......

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            1. China Mag
              • 13 Years
              11 years, 3 months ago

              Many reasons we are shite this year.
              1. Gambled on not getting many injuries again. Didn't improve the squad. MASSIVE fail! Ended up having to play the likes of Williamson all season.
              2. For some reason pardiola persists with playing both dembas, even though it clearly doesn't work. In a 442, they can't play together and the rest of the team doesn't fit the formation. In a 433 cisse has been put on the right where he is RUBBISH!
              3. Far to much long ball. Especially when our forwards are ba and cisse
              4. The spine of our team last season of Krul, colo, tiote, Cabeye, Barfa, ba/cisse have been injured or off form. Tiote has been RUBBISH!
              5. Europa league
              6. Pardiola doesn't fancy Marveaux, despite him being our only fit player with any semblance of creativity!
              7. Anything I've missed?

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              1. Cruizer van Nistelrooy
                • 13 Years
                11 years, 3 months ago

                from what i have seen, newcastle really miss the influence of cabaye at the middle

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              2. Jafooli
                • 12 Years
                11 years, 3 months ago

                1. Totally agreed
                2. Pardiola 😀 & agree - Ba to leave in Jan
                3. Shame, miss Cabaye
                4. Yeah, strange that, second season blues?
                5. Yep
                6. Didn't know that, thought he was average.....
                7. Sound reply, cheers...... 😉

                Hope it improve, like 'toon

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                1. Jafooli
                  • 12 Years
                  11 years, 3 months ago

                  * Ba to leave in Jan?

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              3. Mr.KK
                • 13 Years
                11 years, 3 months ago

                For me, the main reason is 2. the formation. It clearly shows that the two Dembas don't work well together. They're too similar for their own good. Playing both of them leads to 3. Long ball. Newcastle now just hoof the ball up and let those two deal with it and hope for a goal or two. That's just bad football.

                Reasons 4 and 5 are just icing on the cake. Newcastle at the beginning of this season without injuries and Europa were still way worse than in the last season. Overachieve and Underachieve are two words spring to mind.

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                1. Jafooli
                  • 12 Years
                  11 years, 3 months ago

                  And second season blues, often happens....

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                  1. Mr.KK
                    • 13 Years
                    11 years, 3 months ago

                    It's true. There must be some study on this phenomenon though.

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                  2. Najoman86
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 14 Years
                    11 years, 3 months ago

                    Isn't this the Toon's 3rd season back in the BPL? 2010/11, 2011/12, 2012/13

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              4. Najoman86
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 14 Years
                11 years, 3 months ago

                Lescott in the Jan transfer window a possibility, CM?

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                1. Jafooli
                  • 12 Years
                  11 years, 3 months ago

                  Back to Toffees, me thinks....

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                2. China Mag
                  • 13 Years
                  11 years, 3 months ago

                  I heard that on the toon Message boards. Not sure if the rumour has any foundation. Doubt it. His wages will be too high

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                  1. Najoman86
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 14 Years
                    11 years, 3 months ago

                    Surely a loan deal and a %age of his current wage should be enough to stitch him up till the end of the season?

                    Would definitely be a handy acquisition

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        3. Phaze 1
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          Prob gonna stick Santi on the bench. I don't know if Walcott has more upside than him so its not really worth the transfer imo

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          1. Jafooli
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 3 months ago

            Yeah, one to monitor closely for me.....

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      17. Piggs Boson
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Taarabt us undoubtedly a great player, i just worry about QPR. Are they going to score enough to justify his inclusion in our teams?

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        1. Jafooli
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          The ACON is putting me off. If it wasn't for the fact I'll need to deal with Yaya when the time comes, I would probably go for him as a Sterling replacement - stick him on the bench and just hope I luck in on the odd week.

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        2. China Mag
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          Mrs china mag loves how the African nations is putting people off getting him, so he stays a major differential. She got him a couple of weeks ago. Should she play him or puncheon this week? She's leaning towards tarbaart, to lessen the pain if we get beat!!

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          1. bdwhite91
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 3 months ago

            How come Mrs China Mag never posts for herself? :'(

            You know how weak your defense is, play Taraabt.

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            1. China Mag
              • 13 Years
              11 years, 3 months ago

              Because she can't stand fpl. She enjoys collecting her winnings at the end of the season. And has a nice gap at the top of the league this year!

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        3. Cruizer van Nistelrooy
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          he is also on 4 yellow

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          1. Jafooli
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 3 months ago

            This....

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      18. Jafooli
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Wow excellent, home alone, I can run riot in here with no-one looking...

        .....ploppy pants 😀

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      19. Jafooli
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        The DZ is truly dead........ 😯

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      20. Sting
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        I've been drawn in the cup against an active player with less than 100m team value and Carlton Cole up front, surely I can't lose!

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        1. Jafooli
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          Oh balls DJ you screwed my world record attempt....but I agree the odds seem to be in your favour.....active with Carlton Cole sounds like some sort of oxymoron....

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      21. Jafooli
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Looking to fill the side bar with just my posts....some kinda record?

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        1. Mr.KK
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          I won't let you!!! 👿

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          1. Jafooli
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 3 months ago

            Ha,ha.....hi KK, how Hanoi?

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            1. Mr.KK
              • 13 Years
              11 years, 3 months ago

              Hanoi's still here. I'm disappointed that nothing unusual has happened this morning tbh. Have you seen any cult walking around in Singapore yet?

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              1. Jafooli
                • 12 Years
                11 years, 3 months ago

                Nah nothing.......everyone's too busy Xmas shopping!!,!

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                1. Mr.KK
                  • 13 Years
                  11 years, 3 months ago

                  Oh yeah. Orchard Road and all, huh? There must be 'end of the world/Armageddon day' promotions going on!! Why are you not joining?

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                  1. Jafooli
                    • 12 Years
                    11 years, 3 months ago

                    Waiting for my cleaner to arrive and then going for a swim......Orchard Road is nuts at this time of year.....nah fun.....

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          2. Jafooli
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 3 months ago

            Was mega quiet in here for a will, so thought I'd give it a go..... 😉

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            1. Jafooli
              • 12 Years
              11 years, 3 months ago

              *while

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      22. Jafooli
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Y

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        1. Jafooli
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          A

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          1. Jafooli
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 3 months ago

            Y.

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            1. Jafooli
              • 12 Years
              11 years, 3 months ago

              A.

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      23. Jafooli
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Yeah....full side bar of Jafooli comments.......right off for brekky

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        1. Cruizer van Nistelrooy
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          looks like you are having fun here 😀

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          1. Jafooli
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 3 months ago

            Was great, felt like I was the only one left....... 😀

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        2. Mr.KK
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          End of the world has gotten to you I see.

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        3. China Mag
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          Don't go yet! Just spent ages replying to you above. On my iPhone too so it was a big hassle!

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          1. Jafooli
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 3 months ago

            Replied China.....no worries.....and thanks, interesting to get the perspective of a knowledgable fella like yourself

            Regards to Ms Mag

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      24. Matt
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Alright lads, I think I've got my team set for the weekend since I'm flying over to England from 'muricah tomorrow, how does it look? Right captain and bench options?

        Foster
        Demel Rafael Nastasic
        Mata Sterling Silva (VC) Michu
        RVP (C) Berba Suarez

        Begovic Noble Clyne Davies

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        1. Grumpy Camel
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          looks solid.

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        2. Jafooli
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          Sound.....good to go.....and good luck.....

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          1. Matt
            • 11 Years
            11 years, 3 months ago

            thanks, i'm lucky i got someone ranked toward the 2 million mark in the cup

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            1. Jafooli
              • 12 Years
              11 years, 3 months ago

              Do 'em....

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      25. Grumpy Camel
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        while its so quiet in the DZ ill ask the simple one
        Sess and Puncheon playing eachother at South
        Who to Bench?

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        1. Jafooli
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          That is a straight flip off the coin, I reckon, which in this case should probably land on home advantage, so Punchy?

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          1. Grumpy Camel
            • 11 Years
            11 years, 3 months ago

            i know, thinking the same, always feels weird playing a 4.5 and leaving a 7.5 on the bench though...

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            1. Jafooli
              • 12 Years
              11 years, 3 months ago

              Yeah agreed but there are exception.....

              I'm actually playing Sess and benching Sterling, but that's because I reckon he'll be rested in real life...maybe a 10min cameo.....meh

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            2. Mr.KK
              • 13 Years
              11 years, 3 months ago

              On the other hand, doesn't it feel weird playing an away player and leaving a home player on the bench?

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              1. Jafooli
                • 12 Years
                11 years, 3 months ago

                Same, same...hence back to the coin...

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        2. China Mag
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          I have the same dilemma, and am currently benching puncheon

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          1. Grumpy Camel
            • 11 Years
            11 years, 3 months ago

            because of the extra cash tied up in sess?

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        3. Phaze 1
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          Sess

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      26. JUSTBLAZE
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Bego
        Rafa Enrique Nelsen
        Bale Caz Silva Taarabt
        Berba RVP Ba

        Sterling, Cuellar, Shorey

        Good to go? Captain on RVP atm but will probably end up changing to Silva. Not sure about having Nelsen in. Was thinking of putting in Cuellar.

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        1. Phaze 1
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          I'd slightly favor Nelson over Cuellar. Looks good to me.

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          1. JUSTBLAZE
            • 11 Years
            11 years, 3 months ago

            Playing against my player though. Would it not be safer to spread the risk and play Cuellar? If Ba grabs atleast a goal, Nelsen might not do too well and vica versa. Captain looks okay?

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            1. Phaze 1
              • 12 Years
              11 years, 3 months ago

              I usually play my defenders according to the CS rankings which is why I favor Nelson. Spreading the risk is fine also but the numbers say to play Nelson. RVP cap is always ok. Alot of options this week but I'm going with the safe bet of RVP also.

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              1. JUSTBLAZE
                • 11 Years
                11 years, 3 months ago

                I just want to win my ML really and I'm ahead by a bit so just play it safe for now? No reason for differentials this early.

                Fair enough with the Nelsen comment. Just not sure about the clean sheet potential of him against Ba, that's all. But same can be said for Cuellar, as he does face an in form Puncheon. Courses for horses.

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        2. Grumpy Camel
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          Newcastle arent looking very attacking, especially if HBA doesnt play so nelson is a decent bet.
          RvP and Silva are both good picks, i have then but will prob C Tevez (and he will play 10 min) grrr

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          1. JUSTBLAZE
            • 11 Years
            11 years, 3 months ago

            Newcastle hasn't been playing well for a few GW's yet Ba has been returning consistently so I cant complain. Just wary of Ba scoring as usual. I always pick RVP and more often than not he does decent but I have a feeling Silva will score big.

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            1. Grumpy Camel
              • 11 Years
              11 years, 3 months ago

              hard to see silva not being a part of at least a couple of goals
              MC are likely to score 4+ going on last week. He isnt usually explosive so it a coin flip i guess. First week in about 10 its not going to RvP for me

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              1. JUSTBLAZE
                • 11 Years
                11 years, 3 months ago

                I know what you mean. It's always very worrying taking the captaincy off RVP. You can't really use the form thing against him as well, because he usually provides atleast a goal or assist, regardless of form.

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      27. Phaze 1
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        This team ready to go? Plan to save my FT this week then do Enrique and Fellaini -> Clyne/Baker and Bale/Mata. Will see how both look then go from there. Got 0 in the bank.

        Jassi

        Ridgewell, Enrique, Nelson

        Silva, Santi, Michu, Sterling

        RVP(c), Suarez(vc), Ba

        Bego, Davies, Hughes, Felllaini

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        1. JUSTBLAZE
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          Looks good to go. Not sure why you're holding onto Fell though. Keeper choice is also a coin flip.

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          1. Cruizer van Nistelrooy
            • 13 Years
            11 years, 3 months ago

            plan to fellaini -> bale next week maybe?

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            1. Phaze 1
              • 12 Years
              11 years, 3 months ago

              The plan is to get Bale or Mata next week depending on a few variables. Trying not to take any more hits so have to be more patient with my team bulding.

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          2. Phaze 1
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 3 months ago

            I'll don't see value in Yaya at that price and see no point in getting him when I can wait a week and get Bale/Mata for free.

            I don't think the keeper choice is close at all. Everton without Fellaini will be a very different team and will pose less goal threat than Tot who will likely have Bale back. + Jassi is playing at home so it was an easy decision for me.

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        2. Grumpy Camel
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          looks good, im scared of not owning santi this week, especially as its the early KO.
          i am doing sess and enrique -> bale and Nelson next week i think, similar teams, everyones defence is going to be so cheap by WC time.

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          1. Phaze 1
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 3 months ago

            We have the same idea on how to bring in Bale. Right now a cheap defence seems tot way to go with so few CS being kept but I'm sure at some point in the season it'll cost us quite a few points. Hard to resist having so many heavy hitters 🙂

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      28. artem.kz
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Hey, did we already get our new Wildcard or did I forget to use mine??

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        1. Jafooli
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          Wowzer, you still have your WC? That is gold....

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