January
09

A 5-1 home defeat at the hands of Chelsea in last weekend’s FA Cup Third Round fixtures was hardly morale-boosting for Southampton but the result afforded Fantasy managers their first double Gameweek of the New Year. The Saints now travel to Villa Park this Saturday before rolling up to the Bridge the following Wednesday as Nigel Adkins plots revenge for their St Mary’s humiliation:

The Prospects

While their form on the road has hardly impressed, with just a single victory on their travels, Southampton’s recent away displays will perhaps give potential investors cause for optimism. Having tasted defeat in each of their first five outside of St Mary’s, Adkins’ side have lost just one of the subsequent four, with a win and a couple of draws also thrown in. They hit three past QPR at Loftus Road and also scored three times at Stoke in their last away game – a hugely impressive display, given that the Potters had shipped just four in the previous nine at the Britannia.

The trip to Villa clearly holds the most promise. Paul Lambert’s erratic side have shipped 17 goals in their last four matches, with seven goals conceded in their last two home fixtures, though the midweek match with Chelsea could prove problematic – the Blues have been particularly miserly since the arrival of Rafa Benitez, with a single goal against in four matches at the Bridge under the new manager. Bearing in mind that strike was in their previous home match, in a 1-0 defeat at the hands of QPR, Adkins’ side will travel to London with hopes of producing another upset.

Jack Cork ‘s return to action in Gameweek 11 has been significant to an upturn in resilience – the Saints have conceded more than a single goal just once since Cork’s installation in central midfield, though it’s worth noting that they have failed to keep a clean sheet in any away game thus far. Cork has also been deployed at right-back in recent matches, with Nathaniel Clyne troubled by injury. That’s seen Steven Davis drafted into midfield areas but, should Clyne be available for the forthcoming matches, it could see Adkins revert Cork back to the engine room role.

The Likely Lads

Rickie Lambert is the obvious option. Adkins’ first-choice pick in the Saints’ 4-2-3-1 formation, Lambert has started all but two of his side’s league games this term and has featured in the first XI from Gameweek 9 onwards. The 6.2 priced forward has picked up more new owners than any Southampton player heading into the double – almost 70,000 Fantasy managers have clambered aboard the bandwagon for the best value forward in the game so far. Up to sixth in the forward standings in FPL, with 95 points accrued, Lambert has scored in three of his last four away games and with two assists and eight bonus points also accrued, has racked up 34 points over that quartet of fixtures.

With Adam Lallana remaining on the sidelines, Adkins will require strong displays from his attacking midfield regulars. Gaston Ramirez missed the weekend cup defeat due to a dead leg but is expected to recover in time for the Villa game – the Uruguayan brings a touch of real class to the Saints’ offensive forays and has produced a goal, an assist and five bonus points over his last couple of league appearances. Coming in at 5.6, he remains firmly under the radar with an ownership of less than 1% and could be a real differential.

Jason Puncheon has picked up over 50,000 new owners this week, with his cut-price appeal proving irresistible for many. The right winger has scored or assisted in seven of his 17 starts for the Saints this term, with a couple of goals and six assists to his name thus far – five of those have come at home, however, with his last set of attacking returns on the road back in Gameweek 12 at QPR. At 4.9, though, Puncheon is a relatively risk-free option and offers the option of a budget fifth midfielder for our squads beyond the double.

At the back, faith is understandably tempered in light of Southampton’s above-mentioned away defensive record. Fantasy managers will be scouring the back-four for potential but with doubts over their highest scoring defenders, Jose Fonte and Nathaniel Clyne, it’s hard to justify any other options. Danny Fox is the only other Saints defender to score or assist this season but lost his first-team spot to Luke Shaw back in Gameweek 11. Shaw has started the last ten league games and, at just 4.0, is earning interest in the light of doubts surrounding Fonte and Clyne.

Cheeky Punt

For those willing to take a risk, Artur Boruc may appeal. The stopper started the previous league game and was also selected for the weekend cup clash against Chelsea, suggesting he may have edged ahead of the likes of Kelvin Davis and Paulo Gazzaniga in the pecking order once again. Coming in at 4.4 in FPL, he’ll likely benefit from save points should clean sheets fail to materialise and, as our recent Wildcard Goalkeepers article suggests, Southampton rotate well with Villa over the next few, allowing us to hold beyond the double – unlike Chelsea’s Ross Turnbull, whose game time is threatened by the impending return of Petr Cech.

About The Author

paul

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1,765 Responses to “Scouting the Doubles – Southampton”

  1. January 9 at 1:50 pm

    Iain Dowies Love Child says:

    I have Clyne – won’t be getting anymore in for the DGW though

    • 1 reply
     
    1. January 9 at 1:51 pm

      Fratboy says:

      I have none and I’m not bothered in the slightest.

      • 1 reply
       
      1. January 9 at 1:52 pm

        Iain Dowies Love Child says:

        Fixtures are horrendous even with a double

        • 0 replies
         
  2. January 9 at 1:51 pm

    Kings of Lyon says:

    Artur Boruc a cheeky punt? he’ll get -ve points ;)

    • 2 replies
     
    1. January 9 at 1:56 pm

      Doosra - The Noble Order of Extreme Valour- FFS UEFA EPL- Season 1 Award says:

      I believe Davis will play …

      • 1 reply
       
      1. January 9 at 2:03 pm

        Kings of Lyon says:

        Yeah, im not sure that Boruc will get the mins

        • 0 replies
         
    2. January 9 at 2:04 pm

      Jafooli (c) - Up the Jags says:

      Ha, posted below before seeing yours KoL….

      • 1 reply
       
      1. January 9 at 2:07 pm

        Kings of Lyon says:

        yeah yeah ;)

        • 0 replies
         
  3. January 9 at 1:51 pm

    Supersonic says:

    wow

    • 1 reply
     
    1. January 9 at 1:55 pm

      Fratboy says:

      1st post fail ;)

      • 0 replies
       
  4. January 9 at 1:52 pm

    Kings of Lyon says:

    So far

    Begovic
    Hughes GJ baines
    Michu Puncheon Cazorla Walcott
    VP Berba Torres

    1.3 in the bank and two frees.

    I have a rough idea what im doing this GW but want a fresh pair of eyes to have a look

    • 3 replies
     
    1. January 9 at 1:53 pm

      Mithrandir, the Grey Pilgrim says:

      Nice to see Torres instead of Ba.

      Different!

      • 1 reply
       
      1. January 9 at 1:57 pm

        Kings of Lyon says:

        Ive had him for a few GWs and no point in selling :)

        • 0 replies
         
    2. January 9 at 1:53 pm

      Iain Dowies Love Child says:

      Am not liking the lack of Chelsea mids KoL

      • 1 reply
       
      1. January 9 at 1:54 pm

        Kings of Lyon says:

        I have two free and a bit of cash.

        • 0 replies
         
    3. January 9 at 1:54 pm

      Fratboy says:

      GJ>Ivanovic, Cazorla>Mata?

      Hard to offer advice without the subs!

      • 1 reply
       
      1. January 9 at 1:55 pm

        Kings of Lyon says:

        i am 0.1 off that. That would be my ideal move.

        No subs? Amateur mistake

        Foster Demel Clyne Sterling

        • 1 reply
         
        1. January 9 at 1:57 pm

          Fratboy says:

          ergh that sucks!!

          To be fair the subs don’t really help, Beg and Foster rotation is nice for ages and Demel and Clyne will be useful extra DGW players.

          Could just go for Luiz instead of Ivanovic?

          • 1 reply
           
          1. January 9 at 1:58 pm

            Kings of Lyon says:

            Yeah looking at Luiz or Cole

            • 1 reply
             
            1. January 9 at 2:00 pm

              Fratboy says:

              I’d go Luiz personally but I know plenty of people are b*tching and moaning about rotation lol.

              • 1 reply
               
              1. January 9 at 2:02 pm

                Kings of Lyon says:

                Aye, if Terrys back too it could be detrimental to Luiz’ points.

                • 1 reply
                 
                1. January 9 at 2:03 pm

                  Fratboy says:

                  True very true

                  • 0 replies
                   
  5. January 9 at 1:52 pm

    Mithrandir, the Grey Pilgrim says:

    Only have Puncheon. Not getting carried away getting players you will only want to take out after.

    • 0 replies
     
  6. January 9 at 1:53 pm

    Supersonic says:

    Puncheon and Shaw for sure.

    Utd cant keep clean sheets so why pay extra?

    • 1 reply
     
    1. January 9 at 1:56 pm

      Fratboy says:

      ??

      • 0 replies
       
  7. January 9 at 1:54 pm

    CoYi says:

    None for me.

    • 1 reply
     
    1. January 9 at 1:58 pm

      Gopher: good FPL season so far! says:

      None for me too atm

      • 0 replies
       
  8. January 9 at 1:55 pm

    Doosra - The Noble Order of Extreme Valour- FFS UEFA EPL- Season 1 Award says:

    Six minutes to my match … :-D

    • 1 reply
     
    1. January 9 at 1:56 pm

      CoYi says:

      What kind of match kicks off at 14.01? ;)

      • 1 reply
       
      1. January 9 at 1:57 pm

        Doosra - The Noble Order of Extreme Valour- FFS UEFA EPL- Season 1 Award says:

        You’re the Boss! :-D

        • 0 replies
         
  9. January 9 at 1:58 pm

    Samarth_A says:

    WC team. Comments
    Jussi | Bunn
    Luiz | Gibbs | Naughton | O’ Brien | Harte
    Michu | Mata | Joe Cole | Walcott | Puncheon
    Ba | RVP | Suarez

    • 2 replies
     
    1. January 9 at 2:04 pm

      Misery likes Kompany says:

      naughton is a bit of a risk with BAE fit

      • 2 replies
       
      1. January 9 at 2:05 pm

        Samarth_A says:

        Whom should I get then?

        • 3 replies
         
        1. January 9 at 2:15 pm

          Kendog says:

          Anyone else

          • 0 replies
           
        2. January 9 at 2:15 pm

          Misery likes Kompany says:

          davies?

          • 0 replies
           
        3. January 9 at 2:16 pm

          TheSportsGuy - I fink u fRicky and i Lambert a lot says:

          cuellar

          • 0 replies
           
      2. January 9 at 2:15 pm

        lilmessipran says:

        get ben davies

        • 0 replies
         
    2. January 9 at 2:19 pm

      CoYi says:

      Seeing as you asked soooooooo nicely, NO!

      • 0 replies
       
  10. January 9 at 1:59 pm

    Doosra - The Noble Order of Extreme Valour- FFS UEFA EPL- Season 1 Award says:

    Maaan … this is a HOT Album … :-D

    • 0 replies
     
  11. January 9 at 1:59 pm

    mrmrscott says:

    Who getting more game time this week, Ba or Torres? I just can’t choose!

    • 4 replies
     
    1. January 9 at 2:01 pm

      nip says:

      I fancy Ba for most of the action but its just a hunch

      • 2 replies
       
      1. January 9 at 2:03 pm

        villian-ty says:

        I think Torres will play tonight,
        Ba v Stoke
        Ba v Southampton
        Torres V Arsenal

        Opinions?

        • 0 replies
         
      2. January 9 at 2:03 pm

        nip says:

        ….based on Rafa’s recent comments on how Torres needs a rest and the form of the 2 players

        • 0 replies
         
    2. January 9 at 2:04 pm

      lfc123 says:

      Whoever doesn’t start tonight

      • 0 replies
       
    3. January 9 at 2:10 pm

      El Magico says:

      Ba more central, they could play both Torres and Ba in a 4-3-3 but then Torres might play wide

      • 0 replies
       
    4. January 9 at 2:15 pm

      mrmrscott says:

      thanks for the responses!

      • 0 replies
       
  12. January 9 at 2:00 pm

    spectrum says:

    Wc team at the moment is.

    Bego/Rudd
    Azpi/Zabaleta/Gibbs/Demel/Mariappa
    Mata/Bale/Walcott/Michu/Guthrie
    Rvp/Suarez/Ba

    Worth swapping Azpi for Luiz and Zab for Collins? Gives me an extra gameweek player for next week.

    • 2 replies
     
    1. January 9 at 2:07 pm

      spectrum says:

      Anyone?

      • 0 replies
       
    2. January 9 at 2:13 pm

      SILVER SURFER says:

      looks nice, do Azpi for Luiz but can you keep Zab?

      • 1 reply
       
      1. January 9 at 2:23 pm

        spectrum says:

        Unfortunately not otherwise would have done exactly that

        • 0 replies
         
  13. January 9 at 2:01 pm

    Jafooli (c) - Up the Jags says:

    For those willing to take a risk, Artur Boruc may appeal…..jeez, a cheeky punt indeed.

    • 2 replies
     
    1. January 9 at 2:08 pm

      Misery likes Kompany says:

      might do it. with bego as your other keeper, it’s not a disaster if he never plays again!

      • 1 reply
       
      1. January 9 at 2:12 pm

        El Magico says:

        you may as well have Bunn/Bego

        • 0 replies
         
    2. January 9 at 2:11 pm

      El Magico says:

      Take the risk of getting a negative score from him?

      • 0 replies
       
  14. January 9 at 2:03 pm

    jonesy_in_the_laundry_room says:

    What are Torres owners doing?

    • 6 replies
     
    1. January 9 at 2:05 pm

      Kings of Lyon says:

      Holding

      • 0 replies
       
    2. January 9 at 2:05 pm

      perfectred8 says:

      selling him

      • 1 reply
       
      1. January 9 at 2:05 pm

        jonesy_in_the_laundry_room says:

        Before or after the DGW?

        • 1 reply
         
        1. January 9 at 2:07 pm

          perfectred8 says:

          dont have him personally but was going by the fact he has over 80,000 transfers out this round and less than 10,000 transfers in

          • 0 replies
           
    3. January 9 at 2:06 pm

      oxido_76 says:

      Do they still exist ? :D

      • 0 replies
       
    4. January 9 at 2:07 pm

      potatoace says:

      • 0 replies
       
    5. January 9 at 2:13 pm

      El Magico says:

      When you say Torres owners, do you mean people who had him for DGW1 and never logged in again?

      • 0 replies
       
    6. January 9 at 2:20 pm

      Elwood says:

      Keeping him for the DGW, think he’ll be a bit of a differential after a nice rest.

      • 0 replies
       
  15. January 9 at 2:04 pm

    perfectred8 says:

    WC team:

    Begovic

    Luiz – Azpilicueta – Shaw

    Mata – Walcott – Fellaini – Puncheon

    Van Persie – Suarez – Lambert

    Subs: Federici – Zabaleta – Demel – Michu

    Next week: Azpilicueta –> Sagna
    Week after: Lambert –> Berbatov

    • 0 replies
     
  16. January 9 at 2:06 pm

    Andrew says:

    Whats the best option for the DGW :-

    Mata Hazard Ba

    or

    Mata Turnbull Ba

    • 4 replies
     
    1. January 9 at 2:07 pm

      Andrew says:

      Or Mata Hazard Turnbull lol

      • 1 reply
       
      1. January 9 at 2:08 pm

        SILVER SURFER says:

        this one

        • 0 replies
         
    2. January 9 at 2:08 pm

      spectrum says:

      2nd one

      • 0 replies
       
    3. January 9 at 2:09 pm

      Something Clever says:

      Mata Hazard Ba

      • 0 replies
       
    4. January 9 at 2:11 pm

      Jafooli (c) - Up the Jags says:

      Fellaini, Mata, Ba?

      • 0 replies
       
  17. January 9 at 2:07 pm

    Samarth_A says:

    Fellani or Michu?

    • 2 replies
     
    1. January 9 at 2:09 pm

      SILVER SURFER says:

      both

      • 0 replies
       
    2. January 9 at 2:10 pm

      lilmessipran says:

      dono lele dost :)

      • 1 reply
       
      1. January 9 at 2:13 pm

        Samarth_A says:

        Can’t! One to chose!

        • 2 replies
         
        1. January 9 at 2:13 pm

          lilmessipran says:

          fellaini for now

          • 0 replies
           
        2. January 9 at 2:14 pm

          SILVER SURFER says:

          Michu for me then, but its v.close

          • 1 reply
           
          1. January 9 at 2:20 pm

            Samarth_A says:

            Fellani has good run of fixtures but Michu is deadly!

            • 0 replies
             
  18. January 9 at 2:07 pm

    Something Clever says:

    Off topic, album of the year 2012? Track of the year 2012?

    • 14 replies
     
    1. January 9 at 2:10 pm

      SILVER SURFER says:

      one direction

      • 0 replies
       
    2. January 9 at 2:12 pm

      G-G-Granville says:

      Track of the year: And I Will Kiss – Underworld

      Album of the year: Jake Bugg / Bat for Lashes / Grizzly Bear

      • 1 reply
       
      1. January 9 at 2:15 pm

        Something Clever says:

        And i will kiss – goosebumps. Jake bugg very cool. I thought Dark Allies by Light Asylum was one of the tracks of the year. Loved Cloud Nothings album ‘Attack on Memory’.

        • 0 replies
         
    3. January 9 at 2:12 pm

      No Luck says:

      For me, The Agony & the Ecstasy – High Contrast
      runner up: Port of Morrow – The Shins

      • 0 replies
       
    4. January 9 at 2:13 pm

      roscola says:

      Album: Lonerism by Tame Impala

      • 2 replies
       
      1. January 9 at 2:15 pm

        G-G-Granville says:

        Did you like that? Load of good reviews but couldn’t really get on with it.

        • 1 reply
         
        1. January 9 at 2:19 pm

          roscola says:

          I absolutely loved it but then psychedelia is totally my bag, baby. I can see how it could be a bit marmitey

          • 0 replies
           
      2. January 9 at 2:16 pm

        potatoace says:

        noice .

        • 0 replies
         
      • 0 replies
       
    5. January 9 at 2:14 pm

      nip says:

      Album of the year: Angel Haze – Reservation

      • 0 replies
       
    6. January 9 at 2:15 pm

      Scroobius Mac says:

      Album of the year Frank Ocean, Deftones a very close 2nd.

      Track Macklemore – Same Love.

      • 0 replies
       
    7. January 9 at 2:15 pm

      potatoace says:

      Track of the year for me.

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Le-3MIBxQTw

      • 2 replies
       
      1. January 9 at 2:20 pm

        nip says:

        good tune!

        • 1 reply
         
        1. January 9 at 2:22 pm

          potatoace says:

          love the comment
          “I always knew Janice Joplin would come back as a man”

          • 1 reply
           
          1. January 9 at 2:22 pm

            nip says:

            :)

            • 0 replies
             
      2. January 9 at 2:21 pm

        Scroobius Mac says:

        Like that.

        • 0 replies
         
    8. January 9 at 2:18 pm

      Gav says:

      Beach House – Bloom
      Django Django – self titled
      Future of the Left – The plot against

      best track…hmm where to start
      Public Service Broadcasting – Spitfire
      Chrvches – The mother we share
      l

      • 1 reply
       
      1. January 9 at 2:19 pm

        G-G-Granville says:

        oh yes Django Django, good band.

        • 0 replies
         
    9. January 9 at 2:21 pm

      Gimli son of Gloin says:

      Swans – The Seer, Grizly Bear Shields and the pick of the lot for me is Darren Hayman and the Long Parliament – The Violence.

      • 1 reply
       
      1. January 9 at 2:29 pm

        G-G-Granville says:

        I’m going to listen to Darren Hayman right now.

        • 0 replies
         
    10. January 9 at 2:22 pm

      G-G-Granville says:

      another worthy one is

      King Charles – Love Lust

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

      • 1 reply
       
      1. January 9 at 2:24 pm

        Scroobius Mac says:

        I met him in the summer. Very stoned he was. And very posh.

        • 1 reply
         
        1. January 9 at 2:28 pm

          G-G-Granville says:

          I saw him gig in April, his proud folks were just in front of us. Have to say he puts on a fantastic show. The parallels with Prince are pretty obvious.

          • 0 replies
           
    11. January 9 at 2:22 pm

      lfc123 says:

      Album of the year – Channel Orange

      • 0 replies
       
    12. January 9 at 2:26 pm

      potatoace says:

      Album of the year 2013 winner
      My Bloody Valentines release in just under a fortnight from now I believe

      scrap that, album of the decade.

      Im so excited , can you tell?

      • 0 replies
       
    13. January 9 at 2:31 pm

      Jonny says:

      Kindess worthy of a mention…. their track ‘House’ in particular.

      • 0 replies
       
  19. January 9 at 2:09 pm

    Messimerized- Follow me on Twitter @Messimerized_ says:

    Lambert(C)

    • 2 replies
     
    1. January 9 at 2:10 pm

      SILVER SURFER says:

      fail

      • 1 reply
       
      1. January 9 at 2:15 pm

        Messimerized- Follow me on Twitter @Messimerized_ says:

        Wait & Watch ;)

        • 2 replies
         
        1. January 9 at 2:17 pm

          lilmessipran says:

          hat trick against villa +brace against chelsea ..should do it right? :P

          • 1 reply
           
          1. January 9 at 2:23 pm

            Messimerized- Follow me on Twitter @Messimerized_ says:

            We Want more! ;)

            • 0 replies
             
        2. January 9 at 2:18 pm

          SILVER SURFER says:

          good luck to you mr big balls

          • 0 replies
           
    2. January 9 at 2:20 pm

      MarkEstute says:

      Not a bad shout. At least he is nailed on for two games which you can’t say for Mata and his Chelsea pals.

      • 0 replies
       
  20. January 9 at 2:10 pm

    Giggs Boson says:

    I want Ramirez :-|

    • 2 replies
     
    1. January 9 at 2:10 pm

      SILVER SURFER says:

      no you don’t

      • 1 reply
       
        • 0 replies
         
    2. January 9 at 2:19 pm

      Scroobius Mac says:

      We agree about something today.

      • 0 replies
       
  21. January 9 at 2:10 pm

    Somebody's gonna get Litt Up! says:

    Track of the year – The Script ft Will I Am – Hall of fame.

    I didn’t really listen to albums last year.

    • 2 replies
     
    1. January 9 at 2:24 pm

      CoYi says:

      Despite not knowing the tune , I’m pretty damn sure that I will have to disagree.

      • 0 replies
       
    2. January 9 at 2:33 pm

      kaz says:

      God, ft. WILL i am?

      must be an overrated song

      • 0 replies
       
  22. January 9 at 2:11 pm

    Frank Luiz says:

    last post continued, is O’Brien on the left back while Demel on the right?

    • 3 replies
     
    1. January 9 at 2:12 pm

      SILVER SURFER says:

      yep looks like that

      • 1 reply
       
      1. January 9 at 2:18 pm

        Frank Luiz says:

        so McCartney is on the left, correct? Then who is Demel’s competitor for the right back? Thinking to bring in one of them as DGW cover.

        • 1 reply
         
        1. January 9 at 2:20 pm

          SILVER SURFER says:

          get demel in, he is nailed on now and O’brien is a doubt. Think McCartney can play right or left but he’s injured too

          • 0 replies
           
    2. January 9 at 2:18 pm

      Doosra - The Noble Order of Extreme Valour- FFS UEFA EPL- Season 1 Award says:

      Nope. Demel IS just right, but O’Brien can play either.

      • 1 reply
       
      1. January 9 at 2:21 pm

        SILVER SURFER says:

        The hammers man has spoke ;-)

        • 0 replies
         
    3. January 9 at 2:25 pm

      Gav says:

      IN short:

      Demel is first choice right back
      McCartney is first choice left back

      JoB has been used as cover for both full back roles.
      Taylor is used as a left back but only as a game progresses, doesn’t start there. He wont play much anyway.

      All of the above injuries depending and new signings depending.

      • 0 replies
       
  23. January 9 at 2:14 pm

    James says:

    Anyone else avoiding Ba due to rotation risk?! I don’t get all the love tbh

    • 2 replies
     
    1. January 9 at 2:16 pm

      Kendog says:

      I sold him before gw21 finished. Could have had 4 chels for giggles

      • 0 replies
       
    2. January 9 at 2:17 pm

      SILVER SURFER says:

      Yep me, chelsea have lots of games coming up and all the players will be rotated to death. I have Mata this week and doubt he’ll start both so i’m doing Bale (c)

      • 1 reply
       
      1. January 9 at 2:32 pm

        ILOVEBAPS says:

        My thoughts exactly. Done the same.

        • 0 replies
         
  24. January 9 at 2:16 pm

    James says:

    Turnbull and A.Cole or Bunn n Luiz?

    • 2 replies
     
    1. January 9 at 2:16 pm

      Kendog says:

      Turn/ ash

      • 0 replies
       
    2. January 9 at 2:17 pm

      SILVER SURFER says:

      Turnbull and A.hole

      • 0 replies
       
  25. January 9 at 2:16 pm

    isacki - losing makes winning sweeter says:

    Aren’t FPL midfielders having a great season due to a simple thing – they could equally well be FPL forwards!

    IMO, Michu, Walcott, Fellaini have strong cases for reclassification as forwards. Bale to some extent too.

    If that feels a little unfamiliar, consider that Podolski (left wing), Odemwingie (left wing), Ruiz (CAM), Naismith (right wing) and Welbeck (who’s been stuck out on left wing much of the season) are classified as FPL forwards.

    Whichever way you think they should be classified, the uncertainty shows that the line between midfields and forwards and rather arbitrary and hence if the line is particularly ‘off’ like this year, one of the two will dominate.

    (Of course this can lead us back to the old “add an attacking midfield classification” debate, but that’s another can of worms…)

    • 3 replies
     
    1. January 9 at 2:16 pm

      isacki - losing makes winning sweeter says:

      *is rather arbitrary

      • 0 replies
       
    2. January 9 at 2:19 pm

      Giggs Boson says:

      The two areas do seem to be intertwining. That being said, i’d prefer 5pt goals to 4pt goals.

      • 1 reply
       
      1. January 9 at 2:20 pm

        isacki - losing makes winning sweeter says:

        Oh yes, the extra point helps alright, plus the point for keeping a clean sheet they might not have known much about.

        I love an OOP midfielder, personally hoping all my faves stay in midfield ;)

        • 0 replies
         
    3. January 9 at 2:20 pm

      Doosra - The Noble Order of Extreme Valour- FFS UEFA EPL- Season 1 Award says:

      Should be a DM classification, and we should have to have 2.

      • 1 reply
       
      1. January 9 at 2:22 pm

        isacki - losing makes winning sweeter says:

        The edges of classifications are the problem, everyone will be wondering if Yaya is classified as a DM then…

        • 0 replies
         
  26. January 9 at 2:17 pm

    SuperDunny says:

    Best Chelsea combo for this GW?

    a) Mata & Azpilicueta
    b) Mata & Cahill
    c) Hazard & Luiz
    d) Hazard & Cole

    • 2 replies
     
    1. January 9 at 2:19 pm

      isacki - losing makes winning sweeter says:

      With Mata & Luiz not an option, got to be a I guess.

      • 1 reply
       
      1. January 9 at 2:21 pm

        SuperDunny says:

        I could also go the Turnbull route to get Mata? Reckon it’s worth it?

        I thought Hazard might be a decent differential assuming he starts both

        • 1 reply
         
        1. January 9 at 2:25 pm

          isacki - losing makes winning sweeter says:

          I was set on Turnbull on the assumption he was nailed for both games, with the Cech returning to light training news, that’s been destroyed

          • 0 replies
           
    2. January 9 at 2:23 pm

      Santi "Arsenal" Cazorla says:

      hazard luiz

      • 0 replies
       
  27. January 9 at 2:18 pm

    footballoholic says:

    Any chance Torres and Ba could actually start together, particularly now that Moses is not there.

    Torres does seem more interested in going out wide when he starts..

    http://blogs.chelseafc.com/?p=.....um=twitter

    • 3 replies
     
    1. January 9 at 2:23 pm

      Jafooli (c) - Up the Jags says:

      Yes, I think Rafa will try it at least once. He has to. My guess is Torres to play tonight, Ba starts against Stoke and then both vs Southampton.

      • 0 replies
       
    2. January 9 at 2:24 pm

      SILVER SURFER says:

      maybe but doubt it. Rafa will play a 4 3 3 or a 4 2 3 1

      • 0 replies
       
    3. January 9 at 2:25 pm

      El Magico says:

      4.-3-3 with Torres-Ba-Mata up front, not bad…

      • 0 replies
       
  28. January 9 at 2:20 pm

    SMOOTHIE says:

    Mata, Ivanovic & Lambert for the DGW?

    Thoughts?

    • 1 reply
     
    1. January 9 at 2:26 pm

      SILVER SURFER says:

      Lamb not for me

      • 0 replies
       
  29. January 9 at 2:20 pm

    cathal50bob says:

    Current Team
    Jask (Begovic)
    Luiz, Vertoghan & Hughes (Williamson & Morrison)
    Bale, Brunt, Michu, Walcott (Silva)
    Ba, Torres & Berba…

    1 Ft > Do i stick?? or Sell Silva for Mata & get rid of Torres for…!?!? (Thinking Va Tez, Lambert or Giroud/Podolski)

    • 1 reply
     
    1. January 9 at 2:23 pm

      cathal50bob says:

      Advise for above welcome…

      • 1 reply
       
      1. January 9 at 2:28 pm

        cathal50bob says:

        I have Ba & Torres

        1 Ft > Do i stick?? or Sell Silva for Mata & get rid of Torres for…!?!? (Thinking Va Tez, Lambert or Giroud/Podolski)

        • 1 reply
         
        1. January 9 at 2:32 pm

          James says:

          You can’t have 4 Chelsea n make a transfer

          • 0 replies
           
  30. January 9 at 2:21 pm

    Jafooli (c) - Up the Jags says:

    Lance Armstrong set for Oprah Winfrey interview

    That will be more choreographed than his blood doping ills. Should be a potential prison sentence for perjury…..

    • 2 replies
     
    1. January 9 at 2:30 pm

      G-G-Granville says:

      He should be doing his interview at the police station not on primetime tv.

      • 0 replies
       
    2. January 9 at 2:36 pm

      potatoace says:

      that will be a load of sycophantic mumbo jumbo.
      look forward to that

      • 0 replies
       

Commenting is now closed for this post.

Scout Picks

For Gameweek 38

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  • Rangel
  • Nolan
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The Watchlist

Goalkeepers

Player Club Factors
No Change Hart MCI B, Vs
Up Cech CHE B, Vs
Up Robles WIG C, Vs, £
No Change Lloris TOT C, Vs
No Change Foster WBA C, Vs
No Change Vorm SWA C, Vs
No Change Mignolet SUN B, Vs
No Change De Gea MUN A
Up Boruc SOT B, Vs, £
No Change Jääskeläinen WHM A
No Change Begovic STO C
No Change Howard EVE A

Defenders

Player Club Factors
No Change Kompany MCI B, Vs, Rest
No Change Vertonghen TOT A, Vs, Rest
Up Luiz CHE A, Vs, Rest
No Change Baines EVE A
Up Boyce WIG C, Vs, OoP
Down Bassong NOR B, Vs
Up McAuley WBA C, Vs
Down Johnson LIV B
Up Jones MUN A
No Change Sagna ARS B
Up Huth STO C
No Change Cuéllar SUN B, Vs, £
No Change Rangel SWA C, Vs
Up Clyne SOT B, Vs, £

Midfielders

Player Club Factors
Up Bale TOT A, Vs
No Change Mata CHE C, Vs, Rest
Up Walcott ARS C, OoP
Up Hazard CHE B, Vs, Rest, Inj
Up Maloney WIG B, Vs, £
No Change Y Touré MCI B, Vs
No Change Silva MCI B, Vs, Inj
No Change Fellaini EVE C
No Change Coutinho LIV B
Up Morrison WBA C, Vs
Down Cazorla ARS C
No Change Snodgrass NOR B
Up Kagawa MUN B, Rest
Up Walters STO B
Down Lallana SOT C, Vs
Down Sissoko NEW C

Forwards

Player Club Factors
Up Tevez MCI A, Vs, Rest
Up Koné WIG B, Vs, £
Down van Persie MUN A, Vs
Up Sturridge LIV B
Up Lukaku WBA B, Vs, Rest
Up Benteke AVL A
Down Aguero MCI B, Vs, Inj
Up Rodriguez SOT A, Vs, £
Up Defoe TOT B, Vs, Rest
Down Lambert SOT C, Vs
Down Rooney MUN C
Up Carroll WHM A, VsX
Up Ba CHE C, Vs, Rest
Down Berbatov FUL C
Up Cissé NEW B
Down Remy QPR B

Selection Factors

A, B, C Current Form
Vs Favourable Fixtures
VsX Unfavourable Fixtures
Rest Rotation Risk
Inj Injured/Returning from Injury
OoP Out of Position
£ Potential Bargain
Sus Suspended/Near Suspension

“I understand you don't consider Dempsey a striker. He has developed into playing in different positions, but for me he is a pure striker. ”

Andre Villas-Boas reveals his views on Clint Dempsey's best position.