The Watchlist – Wildcard Midfielders
Filed under: The Watchlist - Posted by: Paul
Next up is the third in our series of Winter Wildcard articles. Having rolled out pieces on the Goalkeepers and Defenders, it won’t be much of a surprise to learn that the midfielders are next on the agenda.
Juan Mata
Due to a hectic summer with his national side, the first three fixtures of the season were something of a write-off but after being rested for Gameweek 4, Mata has been simply sensational. Chelsea’s key midfielder has scored or assisted in 11 of his subsequent 12 starts, with only the occasional threat of rotation scuppering his prospects in a season that has so far seen him average 7.2 FPL points per start. As the Blues head into their double with Stoke and Southampton, we can only hope Rafa Benitez has learned his lesson, after the decision to bench the 9.9 priced proved disastrous last time round as Chelsea slumped to a 1-0 home loss to QPR. The stats say it all, really; the London outfit have scored two goals over the five games Mata has failed to start, compared to 37 strikes in the 15 fixtures he has been named in the first XI. According to our season ticker, the Blues have the second strongest schedule over the next 10 Gameweek; aside from the double, games against Reading, Wigan, West Brom, Fulham, West Ham and Southampton look set to continue the sensational displays that have already seen the former Valencia man better both his goal and bonus haul from his debut campaign at the Bridge. Tonight’s 90 minutes in the Capital One Cup defeat to Swansea might shake the double Gameweek confidence in Mata somewhat, but, given his league form, he remains difficult to ignore.
Theo Walcott
While a move up front in Arsenal’s recent league matches has bolstered Walcott’s appeal, he’s consistently produced the points regardless of position over the last few months. The first 10 Gameweeks earned Walcott a single start for the Gunners, with Arsene Wenger’s faith seemingly floundering, but from Gameweek 11 onwards he’s been hugely impressive. The former Southampton man has scored or assisted in seven of his last eight starts and despite a handful of sub appearances, has still managed to average 6.3 points per game – bettering Santi Cazorla’s 5.8 average, in spite of the fact that the latter has started every league game under Wenger. Walcott has racked up 956 minutes so far – almost a third of last season’s game time – yet has already equalled his goal haul and has supplied just three assists less than the previous term’s tally. Coming in at 9.0 in FPL, Walcott will be looking to take advantage of an upcoming run that hands Arsenal a home game in five of the next six Gameweeks (MCI, che & WHM, LIV, STO, sun, AVL) with the upcoming double against Chelsea and West Ham set to entice plenty more owners his way – over 87,000 managers have snapped him up heading into the weekend clash with City.
Gareth Bale
The Welshman seems to have upped his attacking displays since Andre Villas-Boas’ arrival at the Lane last summer. Bale has already notched nine times and racked up 20 bonus points and is clearly on course to smash last term’s totals of 10 and 21 respectively, with five lots of double figures already returned in 17 appearances. While he continues to frustrate at home, with just two goals in nine at the Lane, Bale’s away displays have proved sensational, with a 16 point haul at Old Trafford indicative of his fixture-proof potential. Indeed, Spurs seem to be suit playing on the road – they have scored 22 times in 10 away matches, compared to 17 goals in 11 games at the Lane; a reason for optimism ahead of a run of fixtures that sees them on their travels in four of the next six (qpr, MUN, nor, wba, NEW, whm). So far this season, Bale has averaged 6.5 points per game – top for midfielders, with Robin Van Persie the only attacker to prove superior; with that in mind, a price of 9.8 looks a bargain.
Marouane Fellaini
The rumour mill is buzzing over a potential move away from Goodison over the winter window but for the purposes of this article, we’re assessing Fellaini’s potential from an Everton perspective. With a goal or assist in 10 of his 16 appearances, the Belgian’s move to a more advanced role this season, tucking in behind Nikica Jelavic, has been hugely beneficial to his Fantasy prospects – he is just 11 points short of his best FPL tally of 111, set back in 2008-09. Having peaked at 7.9, Fellaini has tumbled down to 7.4, with huge numbers of Fantasy managers shipping him out in light of a result of a recent three-match suspension. David Moyes’ side are now handed four enticing home fixtures in the next seven (SWA, WBA, AVL, RDG) and with trips to Southampton and Norwich also on their short-term agenda, Fellaini’s mid-price appeal has persuaded almost 130,000 managers to scramble aboard the bandwagon since the end of the previous Gameweek. With eight goals, five assist and five lots of double figures already accrued, he looks primed to produce the goods once again.
Gaston Ramirez
The Uruguayan is expected to recover from a dead leg in time for Southampton’s visit to Villa this weekend for the first match of their double Gameweek. Coming in at just 5.6 in FPL, Ramirez has produced a goal, an assist and five bonus points in his last couple of appearances and looks a real differential prospect, with an ownership of just 0.5%. An average of 4.2 points per game is second only to Rickie Lambert for the Saints and with a home clash against Everton and a trip to Wigan in his next four, Ramirez could prove a canny short-term acquisition, with Nigel Adkins relying more than ever on his output, in light of Adam Lallana’s knee injury.
Kevin Nolan
A single goal since Gameweek 8 has lessened his appeal but a favourable short-term schedule could afford the Hammers skipper a chance to return to form. In addition to double Gameweek 23 (QPR, ars), Nolan also squares up to Sunderland, Fulham, Swansea and Villa over the next five Gameweeks – with Andy Carroll edging towards a comeback and the aerial threat of Marouane Chamakh also added to the options up front, Nolan will be looking to benefit from and still looks a reasonable shout for just 6.5, before the fixture list takes a turn for the worse once again for Sam Allardyce’s side in Gameweek 27.
Robert Snodgrass
A goal and assist in the opening 13 Gameweeks was scant reward for the Norwich playmaker but Snodgrass has flourished over the last few matches. With the majority of free kicks and corners in his locker, the summer signing from Leeds United has subsequently racked up three goals, three assists and 10 bonus points in his last eight matches in a series of displays that bring him firmly into our thoughts. Clearly, his contribution is vital to Chris Hughton’s side and a run of five home fixtures in the next eight (NEW, TOT, FUL, EVE, SOT) will hold no fear for a Canaries side that have already seen off the likes of United and Arsenal at Carrow Road earlier this season. Coming in at 6.2 in FPL, Snodgrass’ total of 16 bonus points has been bettered by just two midfielders so far (Gareth Bale and Yaya Toure), while four lots of double figure hauls is indicative of the explosive potential that will surely see his current ownership of 7.9% rise further.
Michu
A pretty obvious option but it’s impossible to ignore Swansea’s summer signing. A total of 13 goals and one assist, supplemented by 11 bonus points, earns Michu top spot in the current FPL midfielder standings, with an ownership of 46% indicative of our collective show of faith – a good Fantasy week for Michu can send you tumbling down the rankings if you don’t have him. While his price has leapt from 6.5 to 8.2, he still remains exceptional value for money ahead of a schedule that sees him play host to Stoke, QPR and Newcastle in his next three at the Liberty – eight goals in 11 home matches highlights his deadly form in front of the Swansea faithful, while trips to Sunderland and West Ham in the next four also hold appeal. Tonight’s strike in the Capital One cup win at Stamford Bridge underlined his qualities – Michu’s confidence in front of goal seems to be unwavering.
Adam Johnson/ Stephane Sessegnon
Sunderland’s enticing schedule brings the pair into our thoughts. Over the next nine Gameweeks, Martin O’Neill’s side welcome West Ham, Swansea, Fulham and Norwich to Wearside and also pay visit to the current bottom three, with trips to Wigan, Reading and QPR on their agenda. So far, Johnson has outperformed Sessegnon in terms of Fantasy returns, despite the latter’s role in “the hole”; although both have found the net three times, Johnson has provided four assists to the Benin international’s three. Indeed, Johnson’s average of 4.1 points per game is superior to Sessegnon’s 3.8 and is second only to Steven Fletcher for the Black Cats – a FPL price of 6.7 and ownership of less than 2% could well appeal to those looking for a real mid-price differential, who has scored or assisted in three of his last four home games. Sessegnon, at 7.2, has also ticked along in recent games, with attacking returns in three of his last six and is certainly the most explosive of the pair, as last term’s returns testify – if he hits form, he could prove the better option.
Raheem Sterling
There’s no doubt the recent displays of Steven Gerrard have kept the teenager out of the Fantasy limelight but an upcoming run of fixtures, which sees Liverpool travel to United, Arsenal and City in the next four, is likely to deter many from investing in the premium priced Reds’ skipper. Sterling, on the other hand, is priced at just 5.6 and could appeal to those Fantasy managers who still want Liverpool coverage without going overboard on budget – a goal and a couple of bonus points in the previous Gameweek against Sunderland suggest a return to form after a couple of bench appearances and with the schedule looking particularly enticing from Gameweek 26 onwards, many may decide to snap him up just now rather than spend a transfer later on.
Jon Walters
A somewhat unglamorous pick, the Stoke man continues to steadily accumulate the points and currently sits in joint ninth spot for FPL midfielders on 92 points, alongside Yaya Toure. Walters’ appeal was somewhat diminished earlier in the season by a shift to the Potters’ right flank but a tactical reshuffle has earned him a role in “the hole” behind Kenwyne Jones and boosted his out of position prospects once again. Patience in the key with Walters; he has started every game under Tony Pulis this term, though tends to be less explosive than most, with just two double figure returns to his name. Walters has earned nine extra clean sheet points thanks to the resilient Stoke rearguard and with spot-kick duties also in his locker, he’s capable of ticking along nicely. After 10 matches at the Britannia, Pulis’ side remain the only unbeaten home side in the league and now have five fixtures in front of their own fans (CHE, WIG, RDG, WHM, WBA) to continue their impressive form. Coming in at 6.6 in FPL, Walters is the second top scoring Fantasy asset for Stoke, just one point behind Asmir Begovic – while the Chelsea clash lessens his appeal, the remaining above-mentioned home fixtures affords him plenty opportunity to add to his five goals, three assists and 10 bonus points so far.
Adel Taarabt
Omitted from Morocco’s African Cup of Nations squad, the maverick midfielder is free to aid QPR’s bid to beat the drop. Harry Redknapp’s arrival has made a definite difference to Taarabt’s Fantasy potential – he has averaged 4.6 points per game over the R’s eight games under their new manager, compared to 3.2 ppg beforehand. Up next, he has three home games in the next four (TOT, whm, MCY, NOR) and if he can turn his superb Opta stats into Fantasy points, Taarabt could yet prove a bargain at 5.6 for the short-term and beyond, as Redknapp looks to engineer a scramble to safety.
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paul
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“I am happy with the way I’ve started, but on the other hand, I should have scored four or five more, so that’s something for me to work on.”
Robin Van Persie talks about his early form at United ahead of his first Manchester derby
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January 10 at 5:59 am
AA says:
Anyone here whose rank is Hazard + Ba.
January 10 at 6:00 am
AA says:
Sorry. Meant to ask if there’s anyone here whose rank is Hazard +Ba.
January 10 at 6:02 am
Jafooli (c) - Up the Jags says:
Still don’t get it
January 10 at 6:04 am
AA says:
Is there anyone here whose rank is less than 75k and doesn’t have RVP ? Contemplating losing RVP+ Brunt so that I can afford Hazard + Ba for the DGW.
January 10 at 6:05 am
Berbilly Gilmore says:
Don’t do it.
January 10 at 6:09 am
AA says:
Perhaps not doing those transfers is the wise thing to do. Really unsure how I’d cope up without RVP but would want to accommodate Chelsea players for the DGW and there’s no other way.
January 10 at 6:07 am
Jafooli (c) - Up the Jags says:
Keep RVP. There will be other ways if you really want to. But do not loose RVP.
January 10 at 6:12 am
AA says:
I think I’ll take your advice.
January 10 at 6:08 am
█▓▒░ Hanamichi ░▒▓█ says:
one guy in my mini league has never had RVP, Michu, Fellaini. top 11k atm
January 10 at 6:11 am
AA says:
That’s good to know.
January 10 at 6:11 am
tw - season 2 of the leagues begins gw 20. congrats to the 18 new managers! says:
who has he had then???
January 10 at 6:15 am
Jafooli (c) - Up the Jags says:
Agreed. One or two will get lucky.
Bit if you checked the top 10K, bet you find a much higher % will have RVP
Thereby increasing your odds significantly.
Also a joy to own & captain.
January 10 at 6:01 am
Jafooli (c) - Up the Jags says:
Rank is?
I think Hazard will be quiet vs Stoke and go nuts vs Southampton
I think Mata will be steady during both
I think Ba will go nuts against both……..nuts, I tell you
January 10 at 6:02 am
AA says:
Seems to be a problem in this forum? Not able to post the entire comment.
January 10 at 6:03 am
Berbilly Gilmore says:
Don’t put any < into your comments.
January 10 at 6:05 am
AA says:
That was the problem.Cheers BB.
January 10 at 6:00 am
Jafooli (c) - Up the Jags says:
BB, you better be doing your homework. I need to head out soon, so I’ll mark it when I get back……
January 10 at 6:02 am
Berbilly Gilmore says:
Just give me an F and be done with it
January 10 at 6:05 am
Jafooli (c) - Up the Jags says:
January 10 at 6:05 am
Jafooli (c) - Up the Jags says:
Who would be up for a decent study like that?
January 10 at 6:05 am
Jafooli (c) - Up the Jags says:
And do a good job?
January 10 at 6:07 am
tw - season 2 of the leagues begins gw 20. congrats to the 18 new managers! says:
you?
January 10 at 6:08 am
tw - season 2 of the leagues begins gw 20. congrats to the 18 new managers! says:
or unreal? would give him a good way to spend all that time when he’s not sleeping
January 10 at 6:15 am
Jafooli (c) - Up the Jags says:
Unreal? You up for it?
Me, I’m rubbish and lazy
January 10 at 6:27 am
tw - season 2 of the leagues begins gw 20. congrats to the 18 new managers! says:
he’s not here. guessing his internet died. or could he actually be sleeping?
January 10 at 6:30 am
Santiagounreal says:
Me? Never…
January 10 at 6:31 am
tw - season 2 of the leagues begins gw 20. congrats to the 18 new managers! says:
January 10 at 6:09 am
tw - season 2 of the leagues begins gw 20. congrats to the 18 new managers! says:
January 10 at 6:23 am
Koflok FEEL! TOUCH! CROSS!!! says:
Are you guys always online here?
Never seem to see you all not here. Haha
January 10 at 6:06 am
GreennRed says:
Please rate my wildcard team. 0.2m in bank.
Surfer Rosa :
Bunn
Clark, Debuchy, O’Brien
Michu, Puncheon, Mata, Fellaini
Suarez, Ba, Van Persie
Begovic, Walcott, Davies, Gibbs
January 10 at 6:07 am
Jafooli (c) - Up the Jags says:
Very decent……can you do better than Clark?
January 10 at 6:13 am
GreennRed says:
Don’t think so. Had him for a long spell even when the lost games lately. Shipped him out with WC but got him back in this morning. Villas defence was decent a few weeks ago and hoping they will be again. He’s a decent player, good for the odd goal or assist but very odd! The only player I thought of is Hughes, meh, who’s on same rotation but he’ll get nothing going forward and Fulham have 4 CS to Villa’s 5.
January 10 at 6:17 am
Jafooli (c) - Up the Jags says:
Fair one….defo Villas best def option…..good luck
January 10 at 6:09 am
Jafooli (c) - Up the Jags says:
On WC? O’Brian ‘might’ be injured also….
January 10 at 6:10 am
tw - season 2 of the leagues begins gw 20. congrats to the 18 new managers! says:
lose clark and debuchy. get cueller and someone else instead.
January 10 at 6:19 am
tw - season 2 of the leagues begins gw 20. congrats to the 18 new managers! says:
get cueller and either jones or cameron
January 10 at 6:12 am
Nice to Michu says:
Villa conceding too many for Clark to be an option right now. Debuchy is a gamble, no idea how quick he’ll settle or what he can produce, O’Brien may be out a while but good attack
January 10 at 6:16 am
GreennRed says:
I’m expecting O’Brien back this weekend. You think he’ll be out for a few weeks?
January 10 at 6:14 am
Snake Juice - West Bromwich Gunner Baggies says:
Clark to Billy Jones.
January 10 at 6:24 am
GreennRed says:
More than thanks lads. Took yer advice and revised team below. Hopefully O’Brien will be fit fot the weekend. Not sure how nailed on Billy Jones would be so went for Ridgewell who’s good for the odd goal.
Surfer Rosa :
Bunn
Cuellar, Ridgewell, O’Brien
Michu, Puncheon, Mata, Fellaini
Suarez, Ba, Van Persie
Begovic, Walcott, Davies, Gibbs
January 10 at 6:08 am
tw - season 2 of the leagues begins gw 20. congrats to the 18 new managers! says:
alreet lads, I can get either mata or hazard in for maloney. which one should I go for and why?
January 10 at 6:09 am
TorresMagic™ - Join the "2nd Wildcard League - code 2412-1547". Millionaire Club qualifying starts GW22. Other codes in link. says:
Mata, better safe than sorry.
January 10 at 6:12 am
Jafooli (c) - Up the Jags says:
Mata – will be steady in both
Hazard – will be quiet vs Stoke and explode vs Sot
That’s what I think….
January 10 at 6:13 am
tw - season 2 of the leagues begins gw 20. congrats to the 18 new managers! says:
thanks.
so if you had to pick one, who would it be?
January 10 at 6:18 am
Jafooli (c) - Up the Jags says:
Either or. I prefer Mata, cause I want to keep him long term……
January 10 at 6:19 am
tw - season 2 of the leagues begins gw 20. congrats to the 18 new managers! says:
i’m using my wc in gw 24 so which of the two would you get to have til then?
January 10 at 6:20 am
Jafooli (c) - Up the Jags says:
Not sure tbh. Certainly worth having one I think…..
Warning: they could both end up with 4pts, but I doubt it……one word Southampton (at home)…..okay three words
January 10 at 6:09 am
TorresMagic™ - Join the "2nd Wildcard League - code 2412-1547". Millionaire Club qualifying starts GW22. Other codes in link. says:
Ideas on this lot?
Jaaskelainen / Begovic
Shorey / Harte / Cuellar / Nelsen / Hughes
Walcott / Puncheon / Mata / Bale / Michu
Suarez / Van Persie / Berbatov
2 FT, £0.5m in the bank.
Issues in defence with possible 2 playing.
What trades are best?
a) GK + Cuellar
Turnbull + Azpi
Ba + Azpi-Cahill/Luiz
b) Suarez + any defender/Cuellar
c) something else
Thanks in advance.
January 10 at 6:09 am
tw - season 2 of the leagues begins gw 20. congrats to the 18 new managers! says:
you know my answer
January 10 at 6:10 am
Jafooli (c) - Up the Jags says:
Excellent front eight.
Defense obviously needs work.
I’d go for a or do what I did and go WC and do A & B….
January 10 at 6:11 am
█▓▒░ Hanamichi ░▒▓█ says:
my opinion:
- dont double on Chelsea defence
- alway trust, keep Suarez
January 10 at 6:12 am
TorresMagic™ - Join the "2nd Wildcard League - code 2412-1547". Millionaire Club qualifying starts GW22. Other codes in link. says:
So what do I do?
January 10 at 6:16 am
█▓▒░ Hanamichi ░▒▓█ says:
Hmm, didnt notice your defence is fook.
Can you do Jussi and Nelsen (or Shorey) –> demel & Turnbull?
January 10 at 6:17 am
TorresMagic™ - Join the "2nd Wildcard League - code 2412-1547". Millionaire Club qualifying starts GW22. Other codes in link. says:
Of course. I should be ok for defenders this week it seems. Rather Demel next week.
January 10 at 6:12 am
tw - season 2 of the leagues begins gw 20. congrats to the 18 new managers! says:
why would only 2 play? no negative news on cueller, sounds like nelsen will play (check scout tweets) and one of shorey/harte should play as well
January 10 at 6:14 am
TorresMagic™ - Join the "2nd Wildcard League - code 2412-1547". Millionaire Club qualifying starts GW22. Other codes in link. says:
Didn’t know about Nelsen & expected the worse with Cuellar. Still think I need more Chelsea.
January 10 at 6:18 am
tw - season 2 of the leagues begins gw 20. congrats to the 18 new managers! says:
was announced just today:
@FFScout
QPR confirm Ryan Nelsen has accepted role as manager of MLS side Toronto, but is available for weekend game with Spurs http://goo.gl/CiWFg
true. yeah i’d agree. go with B and ship hughes for ivan/luiz
January 10 at 6:31 am
Phaze 1 says:
B with Luiz
January 10 at 6:09 am
FantasyFreak says:
My team:
Begovic
Shorey OBien Davies
Puncheon Mata Fellaini Michu
Suarez Lambert RVP
Foster Walcott Cameron Nelsen
5.9 in bank. FT used.
Planning to do Puncheon->Cazorla next GW. The defense is a huge worry though.
Suggestion please? Point hit never works for me so far this season.
January 10 at 6:14 am
BananaMan says:
Which other two defenders to play alongside Luiz this week?
Rafael – Debuchy – Gibbs – Demel?
January 10 at 6:17 am
Cruizer van Nistelrooy says:
gibbs rafael
January 10 at 6:17 am
Cruizer van Nistelrooy says:
reply to above *bananaman
January 10 at 6:19 am
BananaMan says:
Cheers mate, that was my initial decision but both play decent opposition! Lets hope for assists!
January 10 at 6:24 am
Cruizer van Nistelrooy says:
it will be interesting matches..i’ll go for gibbs and rafa for their attacking potential, as both will likely to concede
January 10 at 6:23 am
Jafooli (c) - Up the Jags says:
Michu – he scores when he kicks the ball
January 10 at 6:26 am
█▓▒░ Hanamichi ░▒▓█ says:
- 1,618
January 10 at 6:26 am
tw - season 2 of the leagues begins gw 20. congrats to the 18 new managers! says:
January 10 at 6:27 am
Santiagounreal says:
What study are you looking for?
January 10 at 6:31 am
tw - season 2 of the leagues begins gw 20. congrats to the 18 new managers! says:
there he is!
January 10 at 6:33 am
Jafooli (c) - Up the Jags says:
Which Chelsea players have had rests in which games since Japan.
Try to work out realistically who could be due for the double…….interested?
January 10 at 6:34 am
Jafooli (c) - Up the Jags says:
Will give you 1 x FT
And your cat back
January 10 at 6:34 am
Jafooli (c) - Up the Jags says:
Only joking……hope you’ve found him/her, if not hope they return soon…meow!
January 10 at 6:35 am
tw - season 2 of the leagues begins gw 20. congrats to the 18 new managers! says:
please??
if you can go through and make a list of opponent, date, location and who was rested that would that’d be super helpful for everyone
. and might even merit a post on the council site 
January 10 at 6:38 am
Jafooli (c) - Up the Jags says:
Here, here…..santiagounreal for president!
January 10 at 6:24 am
tw - season 2 of the leagues begins gw 20. congrats to the 18 new managers! says:
jafooli, snake juice: any chance either of you would do some write-ups for the CL/Europa? would increase your chances of getting a spot in europe (and a spot in the CL)
January 10 at 6:35 am
Jafooli (c) - Up the Jags says:
I’m mega lazy TW……
January 10 at 6:38 am
tw - season 2 of the leagues begins gw 20. congrats to the 18 new managers! says:
*sigh* can you at least be counted on to do some pressers if you were given a spot?
January 10 at 6:39 am
Jafooli (c) - Up the Jags says:
*sigh* let me have a think, okay…..
January 10 at 6:51 am
tw - season 2 of the leagues begins gw 20. congrats to the 18 new managers! says:
thinking time is over, what’s the verdict?
January 10 at 6:26 am
Abhishek says:
Hello DeadZoners…
Anyone Sticking with Suarez and Not having BA.. ?
January 10 at 6:27 am
Katie says:
I’ll be without Ba + Suarez.
January 10 at 6:34 am
Abhishek says:
that;s risky..
January 10 at 6:27 am
Santiagounreal says:
I’d rather a college education over Suarez
BA > Suarez
January 10 at 6:29 am
Santiagounreal says:
*tumbleweed*
January 10 at 6:49 am
Abhishek says:
January 10 at 6:30 am
tw - season 2 of the leagues begins gw 20. congrats to the 18 new managers! says:
not me. suarez out for ba for a hit so i can get in mata/hazard for maloney for a hit
January 10 at 6:35 am
Abhishek says:
Really… ??
-8 point hit this week you are going for ?
January 10 at 6:35 am
tw - season 2 of the leagues begins gw 20. congrats to the 18 new managers! says:
yupp for ba!!! and mata/hazard
January 10 at 6:36 am
Abhishek says:
Will Suarez rotate with Sturridge.. ? what you think about this. ?
January 10 at 6:40 am
tw - season 2 of the leagues begins gw 20. congrats to the 18 new managers! says:
nah i think they’ll both play together. has been mentioned several times by the scouts in their articles.
sounds like studge could play cf and suarez could get moved out wide
January 10 at 6:45 am
Abhishek says:
ahhhhhhhhhhhh i am totally confused now..
Suarez
Ba For free ya or nay..
January 10 at 6:46 am
tw - season 2 of the leagues begins gw 20. congrats to the 18 new managers! says:
i’d say yes!
you can always get suarez back next week if you want. or do ba to pod/giroud
January 10 at 6:48 am
Abhishek says:
Will Get Suarez in WC… if BA backfired me…
Thanks Bro.. really thanks for the help.
January 10 at 6:36 am
Jafooli (c) - Up the Jags says:
Suarez was so last year
January 10 at 6:37 am
Jafooli (c) - Up the Jags says:
Actually I’m sure he’ll have a very good 2013 also.
All bases covers, nice…..
January 10 at 6:37 am
Abhishek says:
you going for which chelsea players.. ?
January 10 at 6:40 am
Jafooli (c) - Up the Jags says:
Currently on Ba, Mata, Azpil & Turnbull
But might change depending on Santiagounreal’ Chelsea study….
January 10 at 6:42 am
Abhishek says:
what was his study.. ?
Link plase.
January 10 at 6:44 am
Jafooli (c) - Up the Jags says:
Hopefully he’s doing it now…..
January 10 at 6:46 am
Abhishek says:
Notify me when it’s done.
January 10 at 6:49 am
tw - season 2 of the leagues begins gw 20. congrats to the 18 new managers! says:
study done
January 10 at 6:55 am
Abhishek says:
January 10 at 7:58 am
Jafooli (c) - Up the Jags says:
Really? Where can I find the answers?
January 10 at 6:29 am
Koflok FEEL! TOUCH! CROSS!!! says:
For the long term
Zaba + Luiz or Zaba + Gibbs?
January 10 at 6:32 am
PlayUpPompey says:
Zaba + Gibbs – about 1m cheaper and very decent attacking threat
January 10 at 6:33 am
GreennRed says:
Zaga
January 10 at 6:33 am
Phaze 1 says:
1
January 10 at 6:30 am
Snowman says:
Wc version 48
Bunn (Bego)
Luiz, Gibbs, Shaw (Demel, Harte)
Mata, Bale, Puncheon, Michu (Walcott)
Rvp, Ba, Lambert
4.3 in the bank for next week (Lambert => Suarez or some doublegw mercenary in)
or which you prefer?
a) punch + lambert (+ money in the bank)
b) fellaini + ruiz/pog
January 10 at 6:34 am
Phaze 1 says:
b
January 10 at 6:38 am
Snowman says:
it’s 4 games vs 2 tough….but you are prob right, no wc team should go without Fellaini,.
January 10 at 6:40 am
Phaze 1 says:
With Lam there I don’t think you need to double up with Punch and you’re team will be better prepared for the long term
January 10 at 6:42 am
Snowman says:
Well Lambert won’t be there if I take Fellaini, it’s Ruiz then.
January 10 at 6:46 am
Phaze 1 says:
Hmmm depends how much stock you put into Sot performing in the DGW. With 2 away games I won’t expect much from them so not having any cover isn’t really a bad thing.
January 10 at 6:37 am
Unloosener says:
B for sure, no point in having 3 soton players and fellaini is a must. Ruiz is also looking good and be careful of harte, shorey might take his place again. I’d try to fit Berba in with fellaini and ur set
January 10 at 6:39 am
Snowman says:
No money for that, have to be Ruiz
January 10 at 6:33 am
Gopher: good FPL season so far! says:
Based on these stats, do you prefer Michu or Fellaini? (only can choose one)
Player Stats:
Fell: 8 goals, 3 assists, 136 penalty area touches, goal every 188mins, 52 goal attempts, 38% shot accuracy, 15% goal conversion, 23 chances created
Michu: 13 goals, 1 assists, 102 penalty area touches, goal every 138mins, 61 attempts, 41% shot accuracy, 31% goal conversion, 22 chances created
*Michu is more lethal*
Team Stats:
EVE: 35 goals, 29 goals inside the box, 367 goal attempts , 118 on target, chance created every 5.4mins, 543 crosses
SWA: 31 goals, 28 goals inside the box, 293 attempts, 101 on target, chance created every 6.8mins, 447 crosses
*Everton is more attacking and creates a lot of goal scoring chances*
Model Forecast:
Rate My Team: Fell 19 points, Michu 14 points
Chris Glover: Fell 20 points, Michu 17 points
*Fell is predicted to score more points, combining form and fixtures*
January 10 at 6:35 am
Abhishek says:
Having Fellaini, when Michu was injuired..
bye bye Michu SSSShhhhhhhhhh….
January 10 at 6:36 am
GreennRed says:
Apologies, I didn’t look at your stats. Michu x 1 zillion. End of.
January 10 at 6:36 am
Phaze 1 says:
I’d prefer both over having Baines in my team. Gun to my head I’d prob go with Michu right now
January 10 at 6:39 am
█▓▒░ Hanamichi ░▒▓█ says:
thanks. I still get Fellaini if Michu’s stats is 1000x better
January 10 at 6:39 am
Koflok FEEL! TOUCH! CROSS!!! says:
Michu
January 10 at 6:39 am
Unloosener says:
I’d take them both over Walcott right now. And i’d rather get Ruiz in attack to save money to accomodate for both. If i had to choose, then Michu because he’s a goal magnet, Fellaini depends on his strength so cant expect much vs teams like West Ham and Stoke so i dont think he’s as reliable
January 10 at 6:42 am
Thierry Turkey says:
Michu by far….
January 10 at 6:43 am
BLUE BLOODED GORKHALI-BLUE IS THE COLOR !!! says:
Ain’t everyone supposed to be having both?
January 10 at 6:45 am
Katie says:
Fellaini
January 10 at 6:34 am
Mr Smith says:
Anyone tempted to captain Ba? I was all set for giving the armband to Mata but his 90 mon appearance last night has me wondering how many mins he will get in the DGW now. Funnily I now feel the opposite about Ba, having seen how poor Torres was and how much the game changes when Ba came on.
January 10 at 6:36 am
tw - season 2 of the leagues begins gw 20. congrats to the 18 new managers! says:
i’m leaning towards it. unless i go with a crazy punt on lambert (c) vs villa. or maybe mata
January 10 at 6:36 am
triggerlips says:
I am , was on Mata all week , now changed to Ba
January 10 at 6:41 am
Abhishek says:
January 10 at 6:38 am
Phaze 1 says:
I think I will. If Rafa doesn’t start him over Torres then It’ll be clear he doesn’t care about winning games
January 10 at 6:39 am
BLUE BLOODED GORKHALI-BLUE IS THE COLOR !!! says:
Mata Captain till now.Switch to Ba is tempting given his superb cameo earlier vs Swans.
January 10 at 6:39 am
PlayUpPompey says:
Very tempted to captain Hazard. Looked pretty sharp last night and very good chance of starting both.
January 10 at 6:45 am
Mr Smith says:
Ok so looks like I haven’t completely lost my marbles, thanks all:)
January 10 at 6:37 am
BLUE BLOODED GORKHALI-BLUE IS THE COLOR !!! says:
Has anyone decided to go with Henriquez(WIG) as third Forward instead of Ruiz/Lambert to adjust Power 5 & have some big hitters in defense?
4.5 looks tempting especially when u recall Wigan’s superb second half display last term!
January 10 at 6:41 am
Phaze 1 says:
When we know that he’ll start alot of games then it’ll be a decent option
January 10 at 6:46 am
BLUE BLOODED GORKHALI-BLUE IS THE COLOR !!! says:
So,what’s the plan till then?
Pogrebnyak looks to me the only option if u’ve Power 5.
Why to waste your money on a player whom u’ll never start?
If u r thinking of Ruiz/Berbs/Lambert with Power 5,no way u’ll bench your mids for one of them.Right?
January 10 at 6:49 am
Phaze 1 says:
Right now I have Lam in there and plan to bench Walcott for this week. Lam will ride the bench after until I need money to upgrade Ba-> Suarez in GW26.
Even if you have fodder on you bench they ‘IMO’ have to be players who will start most games as you never know when you’ll need to call upon them.
January 10 at 6:43 am
GreennRed says:
No. He won’t be nailed on and he’s with Wigan.
January 10 at 6:43 am
AB says:
I’m looking at the same general strategy but with Pogrebnyak (4.3) as the third forward.
January 10 at 6:45 am
edie says:
looking at him too. might need to see Wigan’s form first, though.
January 10 at 6:46 am
Lateriser12 - "I am a consulting detective. The only one in the world" says:
A few on here are looking at him yes. He is a good player.
January 10 at 6:38 am
Thierry Turkey says:
So Ba (C) after cup defeat?
January 10 at 6:43 am
Spencer says:
On a WC and transferred Ba in for a price rise.
Should I keep now instead?
Would be losing Suarez though.
January 10 at 6:43 am
Lateriser12 - "I am a consulting detective. The only one in the world" says:
Hello lads how are we doing? Need your help with my WC defence.
Begovic Federici
Luiz Cuellar Demel Davies Shaw
Mata Bale Walcott Michu Puncheon
RVP Suarez Ba
0.0M in the bank with more to come through Luiz->Gibbs.
Opinions on the draft?
January 10 at 6:47 am
Cruizer van Nistelrooy says:
don’t want to keep luiz for the dgw?
January 10 at 6:48 am
Lateriser12 - "I am a consulting detective. The only one in the world" says:
This is for the Che DGW.
January 10 at 6:50 am
Cruizer van Nistelrooy says:
oh you mean luiz -> gibbs after this gw is it?then all looks good
January 10 at 6:47 am
PlayUpPompey says:
Are you not planning for 3 Arsenal players for theor DGW?
January 10 at 6:51 am
Lateriser12 - "I am a consulting detective. The only one in the world" says:
I will have 2 definitely. Third depends on Ba.
January 10 at 6:49 am
tw - season 2 of the leagues begins gw 20. congrats to the 18 new managers! says:
looks good. not sure i’d want shaw but i guess he’s not bad for his price
January 10 at 6:51 am
Lateriser12 - "I am a consulting detective. The only one in the world" says:
Wilson will replace him when fit.
January 10 at 6:52 am
tw - season 2 of the leagues begins gw 20. congrats to the 18 new managers! says:
right! good to go then
January 10 at 6:49 am
BLUE BLOODED GORKHALI-BLUE IS THE COLOR !!! says:
With the looks u’ve upfront,its logical to have that defense.
Shaw to Wilson after he’s back & your defense will be as good as everyone else!
January 10 at 6:51 am
Abhishek says:
You WC
I thougth you will hold on to..
Anyways…
what you think of Luiz ? will he start Both the games. ?
January 10 at 6:52 am
Lateriser12 - "I am a consulting detective. The only one in the world" says:
You never know do you. I certainly am hoping so.
January 10 at 6:54 am
Abhishek says:
What you think of Suarez
BA for free.. ?
Also
Bassong
Luiz For -4 point hit, if Ba trasnfer done. 
January 10 at 6:58 am
Lateriser12 - "I am a consulting detective. The only one in the world" says:
Do it. I would hate losing Suarez but the temptation is great.
January 10 at 6:44 am
Thierry Turkey says:
Just watched the goals……For some reason i think Ivanovic was paid or had a very large bet on the game…..
January 10 at 6:46 am
Lateriser12 - "I am a consulting detective. The only one in the world" says:
ITS A CONSPIRACY!
January 10 at 6:48 am
Thierry Turkey says:
Sure whatever..
January 10 at 6:53 am
BLUE BLOODED GORKHALI-BLUE IS THE COLOR !!! says:
No way! Don’t say that ever….It was just a bad night for Branna!
He’s scored some important goals for us!
Chelsea fan here…
January 10 at 6:45 am
Lucky says:
Cheeky Vermaelen punt worth a go? Money to spend…
January 10 at 6:52 am
Phaze 1 says:
If you have the funds then go for it. He doesn’t look like hes worth it right now but things change quickly in football
January 10 at 6:45 am
Berbilly Gilmore says:
Ok, here you go Jafooli.
Here’s the minutes played by the key players of Chelsea since the start of December. I hope the formatting works…
Mata_______90__74__90__74__90__85__73__90__84__16__79__90
Hazard_____72__90__78__90__87__30__90__13__73__31__90__90
Torres______90__90__90__79__90__90__66__90__90__90__0___81
Azpi________90__0___0___90__7___90__90__90__90__90__90__90
Ivan________90__90__90__90__83__90__90__90__90__90__65__90
Cahill_______90__90__90__90__90___0___90__90__90__90__90__90
Cole________90__60__90__90__90__16__90__90__90___0___90__90
Luiz_________0___90__90__63__90__90__90__90__90__90__90__90
Oscar_______18__25__71__90__18__90__24__90___6__90__11__83
Lampard_____________12__27__90__90__60__18__90__78__25__19
From that it looks like Luiz is due a rest, although with no other DM that may not be possible, although we could see Lampard & Ramires against Soton.
Cahill and Azpi have also played a lot of minutes lately so if Terry is back there could be some rotation here. Ivanovic has started every match so could also be in for a rest at some stage. Cole looks safest here.
Hazard looks likely to start both having been rested twice recently. Mata, however, has only had 1 rest in their last 12 matches so could potentially be rested. Oscar could be in for some gametime here as he is one of the most rested Chelsea players.
Torres will almost certainly be rotated with Ba there now.
January 10 at 6:48 am
tw - season 2 of the leagues begins gw 20. congrats to the 18 new managers! says:
good work. is that for all games or just EPL games?
wonder if there’s any pattern based on if the game is h/a and who the opponent is….
January 10 at 6:49 am
Berbilly Gilmore says:
All matches, LC, FACup, CWC, PL and CL.
January 10 at 6:50 am
tw - season 2 of the leagues begins gw 20. congrats to the 18 new managers! says:
p.s. have a look what i said on the spreadsheet when you’ve got a mi
January 10 at 6:52 am
Lateriser12 - "I am a consulting detective. The only one in the world" says:
Great stuff Billy. Get Ba! GET BA!
January 10 at 6:53 am
tw - season 2 of the leagues begins gw 20. congrats to the 18 new managers! says:
he already has ba. he got ba in for rooney for the newcastle game!! (and he got walcott in too thanks to me
)
January 10 at 6:55 am
Berbilly Gilmore says:
^^This!
January 10 at 6:56 am
Lateriser12 - "I am a consulting detective. The only one in the world" says:
Phew
January 10 at 6:57 am
tw - season 2 of the leagues begins gw 20. congrats to the 18 new managers! says:
you’ve had great transfers the last few weeks now!!
.
good thing you didn’t listen to me when i told you to get pod haha. ba has def worked out better for you
January 10 at 6:50 am
Lucky says:
All games
January 10 at 6:54 am
Berbilly Gilmore says:
Fixtures were:
whu__FCNord__sun__mont__corin__leeds(Cup)__AVL__nor__eve__QPR__sot(Cup)__SWA(Cup)
January 10 at 8:10 am
Jafooli (c) - Up the Jags says:
Nice one BB….great effort. how do I book mark this?
January 10 at 8:13 am
Berbilly Gilmore says:
Put this url in your bookmarks http://www.fantasyfootballscou.....nt-4848574
Here’s ipad bookmarking instructions http://browsers.about.com/od/h.....e-Ipad.htm
January 10 at 8:16 am
Jafooli (c) - Up the Jags says:
Thanks mate….nice one…
January 10 at 8:09 am
Jafooli (c) - Up the Jags says:
This….+Ba
January 10 at 6:48 am
Lateriser12 - "I am a consulting detective. The only one in the world" says:
Great post. Mata had a rest very recently. I am just going in with Mata Luiz Ba.
January 10 at 8:11 am
Jafooli (c) - Up the Jags says:
Looks good LR….
January 10 at 6:52 am
Abhishek says:
That;s what i Like Deadzoners Rocks… !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
January 10 at 8:11 am
Jafooli (c) - Up the Jags says:
This……
January 10 at 6:53 am
tw - season 2 of the leagues begins gw 20. congrats to the 18 new managers! says:
might wanna go ahead and post this as a comment on the wc discussion post on the council site!
January 10 at 6:55 am
Berbilly Gilmore says:
I’ll try and get the fixtures above as well. At least I can edit that post.
January 10 at 7:01 am
Berbilly Gilmore says:
Done.
January 10 at 7:04 am
tw - season 2 of the leagues begins gw 20. congrats to the 18 new managers! says:
you could try putting it into a table of some sort? if you could include date and location for the fixtures too that could be helpful
p.s. check the spreadsheet when you’ve got a min
January 10 at 8:12 am
Jafooli (c) - Up the Jags says:
I c’mon the scouts should use it to develop an article……this is a serious issue for us all…
January 10 at 8:16 am
Jafooli (c) - Up the Jags says:
*think the ( no idea how came out as c’mon)
January 10 at 6:56 am
Beach Boy Bob says:
Ramires?
January 10 at 6:58 am
BLUE BLOODED GORKHALI-BLUE IS THE COLOR !!! says:
Rafotation’ll prolly come to an end after all these shit of results.
Certainly not Mata.
Prolly not Luiz too.
But yes..When Terry comes in, Cahill/Azpi minutes are threatened.
January 10 at 8:13 am
Jafooli (c) - Up the Jags says:
Nah, Ivanovic will get rested first…….must be knackered….even though he’s a beast…..mistakes due to tiredness?
January 10 at 6:59 am
Santiagounreal says:
Nice post.
Although the problem with paranoia over Rafatation is you could end up kicking yourself for avoiding a player because of over-analysis.
January 10 at 8:14 am
Jafooli (c) - Up the Jags says:
This is true…but worth having these stats to hand,,,,
January 10 at 8:09 am
Jafooli (c) - Up the Jags says:
Spot on BB….great work. I fully agree with your assessment.
To add to it (might have already been covered above, not yet read all replies, but will do)
1. I think Ba and Torres will start vs SOT. Rafa has to try both together. He won’t away to Stoke, so at home makes sense. Torres on the wing, no pressure to score, can’t fook it up too bad from there, etc.
2. Agree with Lampard & Ramires to start together at DM vs SOT. Luiz to rest.
3. Terry to play vs SOT instead on Ivan, if he’s back and fit.
4. Cech remains a threat to Turnbull vs SOT, good game to bring him back?
5. Reckon Rafa will start with same team vs Stoke, with Ba (for Torres), Lamaprd (for Ramires) and maybe Bertrand somewhere. Mata could well get a rest
needs one…
January 10 at 6:52 am
Thierry Turkey says:
CRITICAL QUESTION:
Will Luiz rise before DGW?
January 10 at 6:53 am
Abhishek says:
ofcourse..
January 10 at 6:53 am
Lateriser12 - "I am a consulting detective. The only one in the world" says:
Again you mean? I don’t think so.
January 10 at 6:53 am
Thierry Turkey says:
January 10 at 6:54 am
Thierry Turkey says:
O’brien**
January 10 at 6:53 am
Lucky says:
Yes
January 10 at 6:54 am
Lucky says:
Oops forgot he rose today
I doubt it
January 10 at 6:55 am
Phaze 1 says:
prob not
January 10 at 6:53 am
andres says:
If you had to leave out (of yout wc team) one of:
Michu fellaini bale
Which one would it be?
January 10 at 6:54 am
tw - season 2 of the leagues begins gw 20. congrats to the 18 new managers! says:
not bale!
January 10 at 6:56 am
Abhishek says:
Michu.
January 10 at 6:57 am
Lateriser12 - "I am a consulting detective. The only one in the world" says:
Fellaini. Its what i am doing.
January 10 at 7:01 am
andres says:
Do you have any everton cover, baines?
January 10 at 6:57 am
Katie says:
Michu
January 10 at 7:00 am
BLUE BLOODED GORKHALI-BLUE IS THE COLOR !!! says:
Interesting!
January 10 at 6:55 am
Beach Boy Bob says:
RMWCT!!!
Begovic, Jussi
Gibbs, Luiz, Wilson (?), Cuellar (?), Davies
Walcot, Bale, Mata, Michu, Puncheon
RVP, Ba, Lambert
0.2m in bank.
January 10 at 6:57 am
Thierry Turkey says:
1.42/10
January 10 at 6:57 am
theBoose13 says:
is anyone considering bringing in lampard??
January 10 at 6:59 am
Katie says:
Probably
January 10 at 6:58 am
Abhishek says:
TW
Can i contribute to your Site…
January 10 at 7:01 am
tw - season 2 of the leagues begins gw 20. congrats to the 18 new managers! says:
January 10 at 6:58 am
dnanst says:
Morning all, could any of you offer some advice on my WC team please? I’m still unsure about the defense and tempted to ship out Suarez in favour of Ba, who I’ll captain over Mata if I get him in.
Turnbull / Begovic
Gibbs / Demel / Luiz / Harte / Wilson
Walcott / Mata (c) / Michu / Puncheon / Noble
Suarez / Lambert / RVP
Thoughts?
January 10 at 6:59 am
Lucky says:
Captained, as a matter of a fact
But hey, I captained Taarabt once
January 10 at 6:59 am
Lucky says:
Reply fail to Boose.
The shame
January 10 at 7:00 am
jinswick says:
Does anyone know how nailed on Martin (NOR) is?