Scouting the Doubles – Chelsea
Filed under: Scouting The Doubles - Posted by: Jonty
It’s de ja vu time as we brace ourselves for Chelsea’s second double Gameweek of the season. This time around the London side travel to Stoke before hosting Southampton three days later. Back during the Blues’ double Gameweek 1, decisions over which player to back ended up being season defining – those who backed Eden Hazard and Branislav Ivanovic were handed mega points hauls, while owners of Juan Mata and Fernando Torres and others have arguably been playing catch-up ever since. This time around, though, there are some crucial differences that will shape Fantasy managers’ decisions, not least of which is a change of manager who – to put it mildly – is rather partial to a spot of rotation now and again.
The Prospects
When Rafa Benitez took over the Stamford Bridge reins in Gameweek 13, the future looked bleak for Chelsea’s Fantasy prospects. Two goalless draws were followed by a humiliating 3-1 thrashing away to West Ham but since then they have gradually gelled and discovered an attacking swagger that has made them among the most potent sides in the Premier League in recent weeks. Following their Upton Park defeat, Chelsea have found the net 14 times in the league, including eight against Aston Villa at home in Gameweek 18. Goals have also come on the road, with Chelsea easing three past Sunderland in Gameweek 16 and two against Everton in Gameweek 20. This recent attacking track record suggests the side are more than capable of notching at Stoke and have enough ammunition to inflict a potential avalanche of goals against Southampton at home.
Defensively, the prospects also look favourable. Apart from West Ham no side has managed to score more than one goal against a Benitez-helmed Chelsea in the Premier League. His reign so far also includes four Premier League clean sheets out of eight.
Although Chelsea have the firepower to score against Stoke, the Potters are set to present a stern test for the visitors’ main offensive protagonists. Tony Pulis’ side have conceded just seven goals at the Britannia, the best defensive home record in the Premier League, while five clean sheets in front of their own fans is second only to Liverpool. Southampton did manage to score three against Stoke at home in Gameweek 20, but with key defenders such as Ryan Shawcross absent this was arguably an aberration rather than an indication of faltering defensive form. In attack, however, Stoke have scored just 14 goals at home – the form book would indicate that a low scoring game is in prospect at the Britannia, then.
Against Southampton at home, Chelsea are set to fare better and guessing which players will make the starting XI for this game could be key to racking up a huge haul of points. On their travels, Southampton have shipped 24 goals and failed to register a clean sheet – with 22 goals scored so far at the Bridge, Chelsea will be going into this tie full of confidence.
The Likely Lads
He let many down in Gameweek 1 when he managed just five points across both games, but Juan Mata has been rejuvenated since then and has scored three times, racked up two assists and accrued seven bonus points in eight appearances under Benitez. Chelsea’s highest scoring midfielder in the FPL game, 40 of Mata’s 112 points have come in the last six Gameweeks. With this form he is the stand out pick among Chelsea’s attacking ranks and the best bet for the captain’s armband. As with all Chelsea players, though, the fickle hand of rotation hangs over him, ready to slap him out of the first XI at a moment’s notice. Since Benitez took charge he has left out his countryman twice from the starting line up in the Premier League – both times, this cost him dearly. Against Fulham in Gameweek 14 Mata was brought on for the last 14 minutes, which proved too short a time to avert a 0-0 draw. Most recently against QPR, Mata, who is priced at 9.9m in the FPL game and 8.9m in the Sky Sports game, was only brought on in the 74th minute; leaving him little time to halt a 1-0 defeat. Dare Benitez leave out the jewel in Chelsea’s crown again so soon after the QPR defeat?
Eden Hazard, who is priced at 9.5m in the FPL game and 7.7m in the Sky Sports game, is another that was left out of that QPR defeat and has also been dropped from the starting line up twice under Benitez. He is also often one of the first midfielders to be subbed off by Benitez, with the Belgian only completing 90 minutes twice since the former Liverpool and Inter Milan manager took charge. Nevertheless, he is the second highest scoring Chelsea midfielder in the FPL game with 108 points and offers a goal and assist threat that is impossible to ignore. This season he has racked up four goals and 11 assists as well as accruing 8 bonus points –under Benitez, the Belgian has scored once and has two assists in the Premier League.
He may be set to leave Chelsea this summer but Frank Lampard, priced at 8.4m in both the FPL and Sky Sports games, has been rolling back the years in recent weeks to show the West London club what they will be missing. After recovering from an injury in Gameweek 16 he has scored three times, including a brace away to Everton in Gameweek 20 – with penalties and set pieces in his locker, the veteran could be a shrewd investment during the double Gameweek. Rotation is once again his biggest enemy, though. Since Gameweek 16 he has started three league matches and managed the full 90 minutes just once. Among our main midfield targets, Lampard was the only one not to make the starting XI during Chelsea’s 2-0 defeat in the first leg of the Carling Cup semi-final clash with Swansea last night; he did come on later in the game, which could indicate he is at least set to start against Stoke.
Playing with a front three, the central striker role is crucial to Chelsea’s formation and Fantasy managers’ selection. The big question though is which of Fernando Torres and new recruit Demba Ba will play in that role during the double Gameweek. Benitez has hinted that the pair can play together, but the likely scenario is that just one will be used up front. This was certainly the case during the midweek Carling One Cup clash, where the former Newcastle man replaced Torres, who is priced at 9.8m in the FPL game and 9.5m in the Sky Sports game. The smart money, given Benitez’s passion of rotation, is that Ba will start one of the games, probably against Stoke, and Torres tasked with putting Southampton to the sword. If Benitez breaks with form and opts for his best team and attacking outlet then Ba, who is priced at 8.6m in the FPL game and has a 9m price tag in the Sky Sports game, has the clear edge. He has already scored a brace on his Chelsea debut, against Southampton in the FA Cup, and is the side’s top FPL points scorer with 115, although all these were achieved with Newcastle. With 13 goals and three assists this season, if he plays he is likely to score. Torres has been much maligned since joining Chelsea and has never lived up to his £50m price tag but has, nevertheless, managed seven goals, five assists and eight FPL bonus points this season. So far he has four double digit Gameweeks under his belt.
In defence, David Luiz, priced at 6.7m by FPL and 6.8m in the Sky Sports game, is among the safest picks, with the versatility of being able to play defensive midfield and centre back roles. Jon Obi Mikel’s departure to the African Cup of Nations will give his owners confidence that Luiz can retain a midfield berth in the starting XI over both games. Ashley Cole was another to be rested against QPR, which lessens the threat of rotation, but with a price tag of 6.7m in the FPL game (7.3m in the Sky Sports game) and only one double digit FPL score so far, Luiz, who also has set piece duties in his repertoire, arguably offers a better option than the left-back. Right back Cesar Azpilicueta does have the benefit of costing just 5.7m in the FPL game and 5.5m in the Sky Sports game, but with just two assists, two bonus points and no goals, his owners are likely to be reliant on clean sheets. Gary Cahill is reasonably priced at 6.2m in the FPL game and offers attacking threat with two goals and assists under his belt, but if Chelsea’s injured captain John Terry returns his place will surely come under threat.
While Branislav Ivanovic should be the pick of Chelsea’s defenders, sitting on 93 points and able to play centre back and right back, his woeful display midweek against Swansea places a question mark over his place in the starting XI. His two blunders led to both goals and having started every Premier League game under Benitez, the manager may feel he is due a rest and Fantasy managers may think his 7.1m price tag in the FPL game and cost of 7.2m in the Sky Sports game is too high. In goal the 4.3m FPL priced Ross Turnbull, who costs 3.9m in the Sky game, is the cheapest option, but his decision making also played a part in both Swansea goals midweek and brings his security of starts in the absence of the injured Petr Cech into doubt, as Hilario waits in the wings.
Cheeky Punt
Oscar has not set the Premier League alight yet and so far failed to replicate his outstanding Champions League form but, priced at £7.8m in FPL and with five assists so far, he could be worth a gamble if he can improve on his recent gametime. Certainly, Victor Moses’ departure to the African Cup of Nations could boost his chances. Similarly, Ramires could also do well over the two games. With John Obi Mikel set to represent Nigeria along with Moses, competition for midfield places lessens and could improve on the Brazilian’s game time. Even as a substitute Ramires, who is priced at 6.2m by FPL, can do damage, scoring twice against Aston Villa in Gameweek 18 after coming on in the 60th minute.
About The Author
“The Fantasy Football Scout community helped find his lost dog. He repays them with articles.”
Jonty @newsandfeatures
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January 10 at 3:25 pm
Giggs Boson says:
So much maths around…
http://i.imgur.com/BC3jX.gif
On a separate note:
My power 8
Bale – Gerrard – Walcott – Michu/Fellaini – Puncheon
Berbatov – Van Persie – Suarez
Purely because Berba(with Ruiz) is better than Michu/Fellaini.
January 10 at 3:27 pm
Somebody's gonna get Litt Up! says:
Why not Ruiz over Berba? Frees up a good 1.5m
January 10 at 3:28 pm
Giggs Boson says:
Because Ruiz is no Berbatov
If you get Ruiz, you might as well get Henriquez.
January 10 at 3:29 pm
Scroobius Mac says:
Except that Ruiz has 2 goals and 8 assists (and is bloody class). Henriquez hasn’t even played top flight football in any level.
if you’re getting Henriquez you might as well get Harry Kane.
January 10 at 3:31 pm
Giggs Boson says:
But if you get Ruiz, you’d be benching him every game wouldn’t you? Or would you rotate him with Punch?
January 10 at 3:34 pm
Somebody's gonna get Litt Up! says:
I don’t understand this logic. Why is Ruiz benchable every game and not Berba?
Berbatov – 5.1 ppg
Ruiz – 4.8 ppg
January 10 at 3:35 pm
Giggs Boson says:
When Ruiz plays, Berba has a PPG above 7
January 10 at 3:30 pm
Somebody's gonna get Litt Up! says:
How so? Look at Ruiz’ history, he is a very consistent point scorer.
January 10 at 3:28 pm
Dogba says:
My thoughts too, with Michu & Fellaini (instead of Gerrard) so I can beef up defence a little.
January 10 at 3:28 pm
Berbilly Gilmore says:
That should be Bemba’s link
January 10 at 3:30 pm
Giggs Boson says:
I’ve starting making my own, they don’t take long, but i’ve only made two
http://i.imgur.com/NV593.gif
January 10 at 3:31 pm
Berbilly Gilmore says:
You’ll be a gif making factory in no time…
January 10 at 3:30 pm
El Magico says:
Gerrard + Suarez is a too much considering Liverpool’s thougher fixtures (expect for NOR at home)
January 10 at 3:33 pm
cr4zym4n says:
Agreed, save money on Gerrard, and redistribute elsewhere
January 10 at 3:56 pm
Nick says:
Shirley choose one of Mata or Ba to spread your coverage.
January 10 at 3:25 pm
gunnerlover says:
Scoutcast this week?
January 10 at 3:27 pm
Berbilly Gilmore says:
Tonight.
January 10 at 3:28 pm
JT - Cleverly disguised as a responsible adult. says:
Number 27
January 10 at 3:31 pm
Jafooli (c) - Up the Jags says:
+29
January 10 at 3:36 pm
JT - Cleverly disguised as a responsible adult. says:
January 10 at 3:31 pm
cr4zym4n says:
I wait with baited breath…
January 10 at 3:26 pm
SillyBilly says:
Cuellar and Rose both out for Sunderland..O’Shea a major doubt. N’Diaye waiting on international clearence…source – Martin O’Neill
January 10 at 3:29 pm
Demi says:
Care to predict what your defence would be this weekend if all those 3 were out?
January 10 at 3:31 pm
SillyBilly says:
Bardsley Killgallon Bramble Colback
no other options really. Only poss change could be Gardner right back instead of Bardsley
January 10 at 3:32 pm
Demi says:
Cheers. Nolan/Cole could be a good punt looking at that backline. DGW after too
January 10 at 3:36 pm
SillyBilly says:
It’s as bad a defence as Sunderland could ever ever possibly put out!
January 10 at 3:34 pm
CABAYE4 says:
Hmm, maybe benching Nolan is a bad idea after all.
January 10 at 3:30 pm
Waldaz says:
Glad I wildcarded with Cuellar, Enrique, O’Brien and Shorey in the team then.
January 10 at 3:34 pm
G-G-Granville says:
100,000 disappointed O’Brien owners.
*evil laugh*
January 10 at 3:36 pm
Berbilly Gilmore says:
And a few unhappy non-bandwagoners
January 10 at 3:38 pm
Jafooli (c) - Up the Jags says:
Trend setter
January 10 at 3:38 pm
The_Dazzle says:
having O’Brien is bad enough………made worse that i brought him in for Demel when he was out
January 10 at 3:30 pm
Rui says:
Ah damn. Kinda wishing I WC’d this week now.
Cheers.
January 10 at 3:38 pm
Fail@PickingCap says:
Sorry to be doubting Thomas, but is this for real? Or a joke I’m failing to understand?…
January 10 at 3:55 pm
Fail@PickingCap says:
ah crap im screwed
January 10 at 3:26 pm
Jonny says:
Is it just too much of a risk to go without Suarez? An RVP-Berba-Ba front three could be pretty handy for the next few weeks, no? And allows a beefy midfield….
Yay or nay?
January 10 at 3:27 pm
heco87 says:
That’s what I’m doing
January 10 at 3:30 pm
cr4zym4n says:
Yes, esp given 3 of ‘pool’s next 4 fixtures… + Suarez price tag.
RvP Ba Suarez just leads to a mess of a team elsewhere…
January 10 at 3:30 pm
Dogba says:
Going for the same, Suarez allows me too little freedom in terms of the DGW. Nice to be able to do Ba -> Podolsk for next GW, or even keep Ba if he nails down a spot (unrealistic, but as a Chelsea fan one can hope).
January 10 at 3:32 pm
Paz12 says:
Really think it is unrealistic going on Torres’ performance last night?
Especially considering it was the Mickey Mouse Cup and Ba was rested …
January 10 at 3:36 pm
Dogba says:
I still think it’s unrealistic yeah. HOW unrealistic it is, we’ll see. Obviously I think there’s a chance, which is why I’m transferring him in for a hit
January 10 at 3:37 pm
JT - Cleverly disguised as a responsible adult. says:
January 10 at 3:42 pm
Jonny says:
Cheers chaps, might just go for it…
January 10 at 3:26 pm
juancarlos - Lewandowski, please stay at BVB says:
Who to bench: Mertesacker, Demel, or Clyne?
January 10 at 3:27 pm
heco87 says:
Demel I think
January 10 at 3:30 pm
Paz12 says:
Demel against Sunderland v Mertesacker against City?!
January 10 at 3:32 pm
Berbilly Gilmore says:
Citeh haven’t scored away to Arsenal for 5 years.
January 10 at 3:34 pm
Dogba says:
Mertesacker is at home though. Toss a coin between Demel and Mert IMO, but I’d probably bench Mert.
January 10 at 3:34 pm
heco87 says:
I really don’t think it’s a ridiculous suggestion?
January 10 at 3:28 pm
Paz12 says:
Clyne every day of the week. Sunderland don’t score many at all and Clyne has two games!
January 10 at 3:28 pm
Paz12 says:
*Mertesacker every day of the week.
January 10 at 3:28 pm
Frank Luiz says:
If I can only two from these three this week and next week, how would you choose:
Bale / Mata / Walcott
Week 22:
Week 23:
January 10 at 3:28 pm
Paz12 says:
Week 22: Mata Bale
Week 23: Walcott Bale
Obviously
January 10 at 3:28 pm
Fail@PickingCap says:
Despite letting 2 goals in, did anyone else think Turnbull’s performance wasn’t bad last night?
January 10 at 3:30 pm
JT - Cleverly disguised as a responsible adult. says:
He couldnt do much for the goals..i just need him to play the next 2, then he can retire and move to Barbados for all i care.
January 10 at 3:32 pm
Jafooli (c) - Up the Jags says:
This……one CS would be great…….the rest is gravy….
January 10 at 3:30 pm
Paz12 says:
Well neither of the goals was his fault.
January 10 at 3:31 pm
Scroobius Mac says:
He could’ve done better for Michu’s one.
January 10 at 3:32 pm
nip says:
If the Chelsea defense doesn’t sort there shit out then they will concede in both matches
January 10 at 3:33 pm
Jafooli (c) - Up the Jags says:
I actually think Stoke might turn them over and then they’ll go bonkers vs Southampton……
January 10 at 3:34 pm
Jafooli (c) - Up the Jags says:
Same pressing game as they did vs Liverpool in the 3-1
January 10 at 3:35 pm
JT - Cleverly disguised as a responsible adult. says:
Now just having Mata and Ba seems more tempting …hmm …
January 10 at 3:41 pm
Jafooli (c) - Up the Jags says:
Nah, they’ll get a CS vs Southampton and pick up some points vs Stoke, play time, an assist or saves maybe……you’ll be fine..
January 10 at 3:42 pm
JT - Cleverly disguised as a responsible adult. says:
ahhhh…the calm after the (mini) brain storm…..
January 10 at 3:41 pm
Jafooli (c) - Up the Jags says:
Or Mata, Hazard and Ba….just not enough room in m/f….
January 10 at 3:34 pm
nip says:
I tend to agree, Stoke have been scoring away from home.
January 10 at 3:32 pm
Dogba says:
I thought his positioning was poor on the first goal, and the throw to Iva was unnecessarily risky. He had a similar throw to Ramires as well, stupid when Swansea are closing down hard.
January 10 at 3:29 pm
Sidharth says:
Scoutcast Tonight *Fingers Crossed*
January 10 at 3:41 pm
G-G-Granville says:
Some episode names I’ve been kicking around
Episode 94 – The story of Mark and Leighton
Episode 94 – The Ba U-Turn
Episode 94 – Where have my differentials gone?
Episode 94 – Thellani & Luiz
Episode 94 – Miffed no 94
January 10 at 3:44 pm
Dogba says:
Liking 94, U-Turn is a fun expression.
January 10 at 3:44 pm
Dogba says:
*94 – The Ba U-Turn
January 10 at 3:47 pm
King Nil Miss ✩ says:
Stupid but
BAttles and Towers(torres in spanish)
January 10 at 3:47 pm
Jonty says:
The Baines of my life.
Baines in Vain…one for Clash fans.
January 10 at 3:52 pm
Berbilly Gilmore says:
Ooo, I like The Baines of my life.
January 10 at 3:53 pm
Berbilly Gilmore says:
Existence is probably better, mind.
January 10 at 3:53 pm
Jonty says:
Leighton buzzards circling.
January 10 at 3:55 pm
AP says:
Baines is gonna get rested over these next couple of weeks surely. Dodgy ankles, played every game. He’s got to go from my wc team.
January 10 at 3:57 pm
Jonny says:
Who’s their back-up LB though? Would it be that Oviedo chap?
January 10 at 3:57 pm
AP says:
Yeah but you’d think a tired swansea at home would be ideal chance to rest him. Just a feeling in my waters.
January 10 at 3:56 pm
Scroobius Mac says:
Baines in Vain is very good.
January 10 at 3:31 pm
ManTree(v2!) or just JAY! says:
Hey folks
Please rate my WCT out of 10:
Begovic, £3.9m
Luiz, Tomkins, Harte, Gibbs, Demel
Mata, Michu, Bale, Walcott, Fellaini
RVP, Ba, Lambert
Then for GW23 take -4 hit to do this:
Out: Lambert & Luiz
In: Giroud/Podolski & Wilson
How does all that sound?
Thank you!
January 10 at 3:34 pm
AriseSirGiggsy says:
I have similar but Suarez in for Lambert, Turnbull in for 3.9 GK and Briggs / Sgaw for Luiz and Gibbs
January 10 at 3:31 pm
Vincit Omnia Industria says:
I can’t decide if to ditch Bale for Juan Mata for the DGW. Anyone reckon it’s worth it? I have 6 double gameweek players for both the DGW’s at present.
January 10 at 3:33 pm
nip says:
No. Bale against QPR and who know….rafa to rest Mata?? He did look tired last night
January 10 at 3:37 pm
Andrew says:
I think Arry will know how to nullify Bale so dont expect much from him in that game
January 10 at 3:37 pm
Chu Young Ping Pong says:
BS. He wasn’t tired. WTF you talking abt?
January 10 at 3:38 pm
nip says:
its true
January 10 at 3:45 pm
Dogba says:
Whole team looked knackered, except Ba-aAaAa.
January 10 at 3:34 pm
Rui says:
Keep Bale. Mata might only play the one game.
January 10 at 3:37 pm
cr4zym4n says:
I would say more people would have Mata over Bale for this week, so keep Bale for something of a differential if that’s what you need.
Any CHE coverage this week is gonna be suspect to Rafatation…
Mata/Hazard vs Bale
Ba/Torres vs Suarez
I’d also suggest looking at your mini league rivals and try and see what they’re doing.
January 10 at 3:43 pm
Vincit Omnia Industria says:
unfortunately the dude has Bale and Mata. he could wc though
January 10 at 3:48 pm
cr4zym4n says:
Ah. Surely you are playing against more than a single rival though?
Otherwise, flip a coin… It is a dilemma we are all having =D
January 10 at 3:42 pm
Vincit Omnia Industria says:
thanks all
January 10 at 3:33 pm
Demi says:
@StuBrennanMEN
Aguero close but won’t be risked at Arsenal. Maicon now back in training
January 10 at 3:37 pm
Rui says:
Aguero close huh? He goes right back into my GW24 WC plans.
Cheers.
January 10 at 3:38 pm
Somebody's gonna get Litt Up! says:
Bad news for those of us who were planning on getting Tevez or Dzeko.
January 10 at 3:38 pm
King Nil Miss ✩ says:
Would love if Maicon started to play more often…
January 10 at 3:40 pm
pompeyfan says:
that spells the end of those Dzeko thoughts
January 10 at 3:46 pm
cr4zym4n says:
Damn, Tevez at 8.9 now and Dzeko cheap would have been great differentials.
January 10 at 3:56 pm
bum face bonkers says:
so tevez an out of form striker who won’t be on pens and will be competing for 1 spot with 2 other strikers. lovely
January 10 at 3:34 pm
ZaKNaFeiN says:
Suarez to Ba too risky?
January 10 at 3:37 pm
Dogba says:
Risky, not too risky though. I’m doing it for a hit with Ba (c).
January 10 at 3:38 pm
cr4zym4n says:
See my post 2 comments up… same opinion…
January 10 at 3:40 pm
ZaKNaFeiN says:
Thanks, will prob do it before Ba’s price goes up again. Probably worth a gamble with Liverpool’s fixtures suffering and Sturridge in the mix.
January 10 at 3:35 pm
Jafooli (c) - Up the Jags says:
Is that maths stuff still happening on the last page? Dare not look, my head was hurting……
January 10 at 3:37 pm
Berbilly Gilmore says:
http://i.imgur.com/BC3jX.gif
January 10 at 3:43 pm
Jafooli (c) - Up the Jags says:
January 10 at 3:43 pm
Ginkapo-Rule No.1: wwkd? says:
No its on this page now
January 10 at 3:51 pm
Jafooli (c) - Up the Jags says:
January 10 at 3:35 pm
Jonty says:
Phew Clyne fit to play.
Hope Cuellar is fit ….any word on him?
January 10 at 3:37 pm
Chu Young Ping Pong says:
Not fit, thanks, bye.
January 10 at 3:37 pm
Valar Morghulis(Formerly Keith) says:
out apparently.. source above
January 10 at 3:38 pm
Rui says:
Yep, he’s out. See SillyBilly’s post above.
January 10 at 3:54 pm
Jonty says:
oh…well that presents me with something of a pickle.
January 10 at 3:36 pm
Sleep Talk says:
Has there been any talk regarding the Harte/Shorey situation? I seem to be in the need of a 3.8 defender, but I’m not sure whether or not Harte will keep his place now that Shorey seems to be getting done with his alleged illness. If we don’t here anything more from the pressers, should I just safe it and go with Pearce?
January 10 at 3:40 pm
El Magico says:
get Mariappa
January 10 at 3:42 pm
Sleep Talk says:
You reckon he’s more assured of starts? When comparing the two Pearce seems the better option. More blocks, goal attemts and touches in opposites half. About as many clearances.
January 10 at 3:41 pm
Tony Hibberts Love Child says:
Harte took Shorey place before his illness started last four league games 3 CSs and an assist.
January 10 at 3:41 pm
pompeyfan says:
just get both, perfect rotation
January 10 at 3:44 pm
Sleep Talk says:
Cheers, Baines -> Shorey and keeping Harte then? Solves a lot of problems actually.
January 10 at 3:52 pm
pompeyfan says:
was sort of a joke, although my wc team currently has Harte & Mariapaa, with no money left for upgrading!
January 10 at 3:45 pm
cr4zym4n says:
Except during a poor fixture…
January 10 at 3:43 pm
Tony Hibberts Love Child says:
Harte will have his share of free kicks if he plays…now that is Tesco Value Baines.
January 10 at 3:45 pm
Sleep Talk says:
Same was said about Shorey in November though, huge number of crosses in addition to taking corners. But their defence sure got better with Shorey and Gorkss out, reason enough to keep playing with this recent back four.
January 10 at 3:47 pm
Tony Hibberts Love Child says:
Exactly three clean sheets and not many can hit a dead ball like Harte.
January 10 at 3:49 pm
Sleep Talk says:
The Irish Roberto Carlos right?
January 10 at 3:51 pm
Tony Hibberts Love Child says:
Trusted left peg like a wandy (except vs Spain in the 2002World Cup when he missed that pen the bastard)
January 10 at 3:36 pm
Giggs Boson says:
REPOST
*** Points-per-Game League Table ***
Van Persie 7.1
Bale 6.5
Suarez 6.3
Walcott 6.3
Fellaini 6.2
Mata 6.2
Michu 6.1
Cazorla 5.8
Rooney 5.8
Ba 5.8
Tevez 5.6
Gerrard 5.4
Hernandez 5.2
Hazard 5.2
Berbatov 5.1
*** Extras ***
Gerrard (with Lucas [7 games]) 7.86
Berbatov (with Ruiz [8 games]) 7.25
January 10 at 3:38 pm
Dogba says:
This is nice, thanks. Bale really is the man.
January 10 at 3:38 pm
JT - Cleverly disguised as a responsible adult. says:
cheers GB
January 10 at 3:39 pm
Hazmat says:
How is this calculated? Hernandez seems to be too low.
January 10 at 3:40 pm
Sleep Talk says:
His points per minute would be much better.
January 10 at 3:42 pm
Giggs Boson says:
It the average points they’ve gotten, per game they’ve played. This is the tip of the table, so all these players have good PPGs. Hernandez’s is lower than you think because he’s come off the bench a lot (which counts as an appearance.)
January 10 at 3:47 pm
Hazmat says:
Ah ok thanks. His 1 minute appearance against Tottenham is no fair!
January 10 at 3:40 pm
Berbilly Gilmore says:
How about Walcott points per start 8.89?
January 10 at 3:40 pm
ZaKNaFeiN says:
Do a points per minute played
January 10 at 3:43 pm
Giggs Boson says:
Blimey, that would take a while, i’ve just taken these from the FPL site (bar the last 2)!!!
January 10 at 3:42 pm
Ginkapo-Rule No.1: wwkd? says:
Bale, Gerrard, Walcott, Fellaini, Mata
RVP, Suarez, Berba
Done
January 10 at 3:43 pm
Giggs Boson says:
Mata->Punch for benching
January 10 at 3:45 pm
Jafooli (c) - Up the Jags says:
Hooiveld?
January 10 at 3:47 pm
Giggs Boson says:
0 PPG
Go into the transfers section in FPL. Click the drop down box labelled ‘sort by’ and click ‘points per game’
January 10 at 3:53 pm
Jafooli (c) - Up the Jags says:
http://www.reactiongifs.com/wp.....wesome.gif
January 10 at 3:46 pm
El Magico says:
it would be nice to see PPG/cost ratio. Chris Glover is quite keen on this, the reason he’s been avoiding RVP for example.
January 10 at 3:47 pm
Giggs Boson says:
I am working on this. But it takes a while
January 10 at 3:50 pm
El Magico says:
do we current cost and starting cost values, thanks!
January 10 at 3:54 pm
Giggs Boson says:
January 10 at 3:52 pm
El Magico says:
Can Southampton keep a CS at Villa?
January 10 at 3:51 pm
Hazmat says:
Semi-related. I thought this was interesting:
Suarez + Evra (highest scoring expensive defender) = 17.4m 221 points
RVP + O’brien (highest scoring cheap defender) = 18.5m 223 points
January 10 at 3:57 pm
bum face bonkers says:
walcott’s is particularly impressive considering all his bench cameos early season
January 10 at 3:38 pm
Valar Morghulis(Formerly Keith) says:
So Ramirez fit.. damn i want him instead of puncheon but cant justify playin my WC when i already have
Clyne Punch Azpi Mata and Ba
January 10 at 3:39 pm
JT - Cleverly disguised as a responsible adult. says:
Then dont, that setup is enough for this DGW already.
January 10 at 3:40 pm
cr4zym4n says:
Trust your head, not your knee
January 10 at 3:42 pm
King Nil Miss ✩ says:
And your team looks good and set for DGW23!
January 10 at 3:48 pm
Valar Morghulis(Formerly Keith) says:
thanks.. will sit tight.. why’d i have to find out bout the dead leg
.. was all set on ramirez
January 10 at 3:41 pm
Vincit Omnia Industria says:
Puncheon or Noble?
January 10 at 3:43 pm
ZaKNaFeiN says:
Punch
January 10 at 3:44 pm
JT - Cleverly disguised as a responsible adult. says:
Both
January 10 at 3:44 pm
JT - Cleverly disguised as a responsible adult. says:
Noble for Punch next week i mean
January 10 at 3:46 pm
Jafooli (c) - Up the Jags says:
Think I’ll be a bit of that…..
January 10 at 3:47 pm
Jafooli (c) - Up the Jags says:
*doing
January 10 at 3:49 pm
JT - Cleverly disguised as a responsible adult. says:
Have had Noble for a while (same as Walters) a little punt i took on regular penalty takers. They got me pretty far so cant complain. Noble will def be my WHam mf punt for the DGw should i go that way.
January 10 at 3:50 pm
Berbilly Gilmore says:
You won’t be able to do that…
January 10 at 3:54 pm
Jafooli (c) - Up the Jags says:
Why?
January 10 at 4:01 pm
Berbilly Gilmore says:
4 Chelski’s. Unless you do it for a hit
January 10 at 4:06 pm
JT - Cleverly disguised as a responsible adult. says:
Shoot, very good point, and i detest hits with a passion…grrr…recalibration required now.
January 10 at 4:08 pm
Jafooli (c) - Up the Jags says:
Plan to do a double next week……one will have to be a Chelsea….
January 10 at 3:41 pm
Andrew says:
Does anyone see Silva scoring many points this weekend?
January 10 at 3:42 pm
ZaKNaFeiN says:
Nope, prob an assist
January 10 at 3:43 pm
King Nil Miss ✩ says:
Computer says noooo!
January 10 at 3:45 pm
Andrew says:
Ok should I bring in Bale or Hazard for him, already have Mata
January 10 at 3:47 pm
El Magico says:
Silva to Bale is a popular transfer and a must for the remainder of the season
January 10 at 3:47 pm
Jafooli (c) - Up the Jags says:
Hit or no not?
Actually just do it…….Bale
January 10 at 3:49 pm
King Nil Miss ✩ says:
Computer says Bale, but not for a hit imo.
January 10 at 3:47 pm
Sleep Talk says:
A few maybe, consistent, but not explosive.
January 10 at 3:42 pm
reshardo says:
Who would I play this week?
A)clyne dgw
B)sagna (already playing Gibbs)
January 10 at 3:42 pm
ZaKNaFeiN says:
a
January 10 at 3:44 pm
La Roja says:
A
No brainer
January 10 at 3:43 pm
reshardo says:
Will clyne play both games
January 10 at 3:44 pm
Roonani says:
Better long term option ?
1) Berba + Luiz + Foster
2) Suarez + Sagna + Turnbull
January 10 at 3:47 pm
JT - Cleverly disguised as a responsible adult. says:
anything with Turnbull wont be long term , it s purely a fix for a DGW junkie, and yes i am he.
January 10 at 3:48 pm
Jafooli (c) - Up the Jags says:
Pass the juice……
January 10 at 3:49 pm
Dogba says:
1) is better long term. I like 2 with Gibbs and Fed instead of Sagna and Turnbull though, can you afford that ?
January 10 at 4:02 pm
Roonani says:
too poor. No moola for that
how about Downgrade Ba to Berba. Sagna to Gibbs and Turnbull to Foster. gives me a front 3 of RVP Suarez and Berba. Second keeper is jaask
January 10 at 4:07 pm
Roonani says:
Getting Ba too ?
January 10 at 3:52 pm
cr4zym4n says:
Depends who you have at starting GK…
Suarez Sagna > Berba Luiz (duh)
While Turnbull nice DGW punt, but obviously Foster longer term
In a vacuum, #2, assuming you have a decent starting GK.
January 10 at 4:04 pm
Roonani says:
Starting keepr is Jaask. Leaning toward downgrading Ba to Berba instead of Suarez.
January 10 at 3:46 pm
Somebody's gonna get Litt Up! says:
Granville. What is Marks WC team like? His team value doesn’t look good enough for The Power 5.
January 10 at 3:48 pm
Scroobius Mac says:
Humour me for a moment.
Can you pick both Harte and Shorey? 7.8 combined, both have set-pieces in their locker. Unlikely to make a cameo. Treat them as one player and rotate them with a cheapo and get 2 decent players. Whichever starts has a lot more upside than anybody else at that price.
January 10 at 3:51 pm
nip says:
reduces your options a bit but why not?
January 10 at 3:51 pm
Sleep Talk says:
This subject was touched upon in a discussion above. Could be clever, but once Reading have a tough fixture you’re left with only 3 defenders who you’d want to play. I’m not a big fan of doubling up on defenders where one of them won’t play.
January 10 at 3:54 pm
cr4zym4n says:
^ This
January 10 at 3:52 pm
roscola says:
I was going to do that with Gorkss & Mariappa on my GW4 WC. This is better though because it’s two good players instead of two cack ones.
Problem of course is when Reading have a bad fixture (lots of Reading’s fixtures are bad, considering they are Reading).
January 10 at 3:48 pm
hnmfm says:
How’s my team looking? Should I play Cuellar instead of Zabaleta or stick with this?
http://i.imgur.com/iJTaV.png
January 10 at 3:57 pm
El Magico says:
Cuellar is out, no?
January 10 at 3:49 pm
Nick says:
How’s this for a post DDGW WC front 8? Seems to cover all the top clubs..
Bale, Gerrard, Walcott, Michu, Fellani
RVP, Ba, Berba
January 10 at 3:51 pm
Giggs Boson says:
Who would you bench though? Too much money would sit on the bench.
January 10 at 3:53 pm
Nick says:
Good point. I just want (and can actually afford) all those players so seems stupid not to. But yes, I agree, would be a nightmare benching wise each week.
January 10 at 3:51 pm
ATHLETICO TIMBO. Top 10,000 any season 2nd Wildcard league 16771-553963 says:
Too much value on your bench. You could Ruiz and upgrade your defence.
January 10 at 3:52 pm
Nick says:
Or is Mata & Suarez a better option than Gerrard & Ba?
January 10 at 3:52 pm
King Nil Miss ✩ says:
Looks like a massive headache selection every GW!
January 10 at 3:55 pm
CABAYE4 says:
Destroys your defence and leaves you with a problem on who to bench every week.
Downgrade Gerrard to a cheap mid and it looks good.
January 10 at 4:00 pm
Nick says:
Can still afford Evans and Gibbs in defence….
January 10 at 3:50 pm
ATHLETICO TIMBO. Top 10,000 any season 2nd Wildcard league 16771-553963 says:
I haven’t got a clue what’s going on in west hams defence. Is it worth bringing demel in? If why sign a left back does this effect demel even though he’s a right back?
January 10 at 3:56 pm
Dogba says:
Demel is first choice right-back as far as I know.
January 10 at 4:02 pm
ATHLETICO TIMBO. Top 10,000 any season 2nd Wildcard league 16771-553963 says:
Ok cheers
January 10 at 3:51 pm
Chu Young Ping Pong says:
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/ho.....blond.html
January 10 at 3:54 pm
JT - Cleverly disguised as a responsible adult. says:
He’s always been a typical blonde really
http://www.youtube.com/watch?h.....#038;gl=UG
January 10 at 3:51 pm
El Muñeco says:
what do ppl think of this WC
Bego, Bunn
Azpi, Sagna, Demel, Davies, Mariappa
Bale, Haz (one week punt, Caz next week), Walcott, Fellaini, Guthrie RvP, Suarez, Berb
Thoughts appreciated
January 10 at 3:56 pm
El Magico says:
not sure about Sagna… also would rather have Michu than Fellaini since he’s a transfer target… Mata over Hazard if you downgrade Sagna
January 10 at 3:57 pm
Santi "Arsenal" Cazorla says:
berba to ruiz imo
and upgrade azpi to luiz
January 10 at 3:52 pm
The Parmtree says:
Joey O’Brien?
January 10 at 3:55 pm
JT - Cleverly disguised as a responsible adult. says:
Dan Potts 3,9m
(..but short term mind you)
January 10 at 3:56 pm
Santi "Arsenal" Cazorla says:
willl he be fit for dgw or shall i sell for demel?