The Watchlist Updated – Gameweek 23
Filed under: The Watchlist - Posted by: Mark
With our second double Gameweek in view, Arsenal’s assets at both ends of the field dominate our Watchlist thinking. The Gunners ease out of their pair of fixtures into a stretch of home matches, reducing any apparent risk involved in short-term acquisition, as Arsene Wenger’s main protagonists top the rankings across three positions.
You can view our current standings in your sidebar and read on for the details behind the recent movements and the factors at play behind our thinking.
Goalkeepers
With the double to come, giving the Gunners four home matches in the next five Gameweeks, it’s no surprise to see Wojciech Szczesny climb to the top of our goalkeeper rankings. At 5.3, the Pole, along with Bacary Sagna and Kieran Gibbs, offers a secure route into Arsene Wenger’s back four for that favourable run.
In truth, Simon Mignolet is unfortunate to be toppled by the Arsenal stopper. With the Belgian helping Sunderland to their eighth clean sheet of the season with the win over West Ham, Mignolet continues to flourish as a Fantasy asset and is now the second ranked keeper in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) game. With fixtures remaining kind and no real stand out contender in the Sunderland defence, Mignolet remains a strong option as a mid-price one-stop shop selection.
In many respects, those top two stand alone – ahead of the other contenders by quite some distance, not least because they are arguably the favoured defensive acquisitions for their respective teams.
The same cannot be said for both Asmir Begovic and Michel Vorm – there are potentially cheaper and more profitable options within the Stoke and Swansea back four which will doubtless have Fantasy managers thinking twice. Begovic may well be ranked as the top FPL keeper on show but, with just a single clean sheet in the last six outings, the form of the Stoke defence is a concern. The fixture list does fall in their favour, however, with the Potters facing up to Wigan, Reading and West Ham at the Britannia in their next three home matches: that should offer plenty of opportunity for Begovic to reinstate himself as the prime keeper option, although the availability of Marc Wilson, as a 4.0 defender, will likely reduce his stock considerably. Wilson is said to be just a few weeks from a return to contention and will be a top Fantasy target once reinstated in Tony Pulis’ rearguard.
As for Vorm, he has Ben Davies playing in front of him and available for just 4.2 but, with Stoke and QPR arriving at the Liberty Stadium next, and trips to Sunderland and West Ham in the sandwich, the Dutchman has obvious appeal as a keeper option.
West Ham’s Jussi Jaaskaleinen has some favourable opponents on the horizon while this week’s double Gameweek also reinforces his potential. Again though, the availability of prime defensive options, in this case Guy Demel at just 4.0, dents Jaaskaleinen’s appeal somewhat.
For views on effective goalkeeper pairings, our Wildcard article discusses our pick of those on offer, featuring the cast mentioned above and more.
Defenders
In defence we find Arsenal’s Kieran Gibbs holding firm, despite Sunday’s 2-0 reverse to City. Like Szczesny, Gibbs benefits form a run of Emirates matches and appears to offer good value on his 5.6 FPL price tag.
He holds off Everton’s Leighton Baines and Chelsea’s David Luiz, then, both of whom continue to offer strong attacking presence and the promise of goals and assists from both open play and set-pieces. Baines returned his first clean sheet in 16 league outings with the 0-0 at Swansea and, over the next three, appears to have the platform to build on that progress. As for Luiz, he got shifted back into defence at Stoke but will be expected to take up a midfield role now that John Terry is available to marshall Rafa Benitez’s rearguard.
City’s Pablo Zabaleta and West Ham’s Guy Demel complete our top five – two players at different ends of the price spectrum. Matija Nastasic runs Zabeleta close for the pick from the City defence but the Argentine’s raids forward are enough to make him our preferred option. As for Demel, he looks exceptional value at just 4.0 to offer coverage of Sam Allardyce’s backline for their forthcoming run of decent fixtures. West Ham will have to improve markedly on their defensive showing at Sunderland in order to offer returns, however.
Swansea’s Ben Davies is another outstanding option in the budget bracket and has a favourable four Gameweek spell, starting with the weekend clash with Stoke. We also like Wigan’s Emmerson Boyce, although there is some concern that, with the injury to Ivan Ramis at Fulham, he may well be forced back to centre-back role. Much depends on the availability of Antolin Alcaraz – it’s believed that he is close to a return after months on the sidelines.
Below this, we have more expensive options – notably United’s Patrice Evra who has stormed to the top of the defender FPL standings, despite keeping just four clean sheets all season. United’s back four remains questionable, although the fixture list is kind to Sir Alex Ferguson’s men and may tempted investors to look at Evra, despite a hefty 7.1 price tag. With rumours circulating that Nemanja Vidic has suffered further ligament damage in Sunday’s victory over Liverpool, there will be continued concerns of further fragility but, at the same time, the likes of Jonny Evans could also earn interest, with his start more assured – again, though, we await prognosis on the hamstring problem that kept him out of Sunday’s game against Liverpool.
Midfielders
Theo Walcott finds himself labeled as the “most wanted” going into Gameweek 23. The winger turned forward faces up to Chelsea and West Ham having returned in seven of his last nine league outings. Potentially devastating, Walcott will be expected to flourish over Arsenal’s four home fixtures in the next five Gameweeks.
Team-mate Santi Cazorla slides into relative obscurity as a result of Walcott’s ascent and the Spaniard, whilst fancied for Gameweek 23, seems unlikely to tempt Fantasy managers to double up in the mid-term, with the likes of Gareth Bale and Juan Mata remaining strong in the same price bracket. Neither can compete with Cazorla on fixtures but, with Walcott offering the coverage of Arsene Wenger’s attack, both Bale and Mata will likely retain their position in many squads, whilst earning a share of new owners.
That pairing can’t quite rival both Michu and Marouane Fellaini for value and goal threat, however. Deployed in advanced roles for Swansea and Everton respectively, the duo have always looked like season keepers and, with strong fixtures ahead of them in the short-term, we have to expect further returns from both.
Outside of the top six, we find two more heavy-hitters as both City’s David Silva and Liverpool’s Steven Gerrard struggle to break the template midfield. Gerrard’s form remains superb but, with both Luis Suarez and now Daniel Sturridge offering coverage, the Liverpool skipper’s appeal takes a dent. As for Silva, he has simmered with a run of four assists in the last six matches but, with Edin Dzeko a mid-price option up front, the Spanish playmaker is struggling to establish himself as anything but a differential right now. Silva still has a modest 5% ownership.
The mid-price bracket remains flooded with differentials, with Kevin Nolan, Jon Walters and Stephane Sessegnon all viable routes for those opting to break up the template and seek out something a little different. You can add Adam Johnson to that list, with little to choose between the former City winger and his team-mate, Sessegnon.
Forwards
There’s a shake-up below the top two of Robin Van Persie and Luis Suarez, with both City’s Edin Dzeko and Arsenal’s Lukas Podolski emerging as excellent short-term options. Dzeko faces up to the obliging Fulham defence this weekend having scored four goals in three league starts, while Podolski looks set to take on spot-kick duties with Mikel Arteta out and, in addition to his double Gameweek, enjoys the aforementioned run of Emirates encounters over the next month.
Those two topple Demba Ba who slips in our reckoning, at least until we form a view on the severity of the rotation problem at the Bridge with Fernando Torres. Daniel Sturridge, a player formerly the victim of few opportunities at the London club, now becomes a serious factor in our Fantasy seasons and takes his place in our Watchlist rankings. A goal at Old Trafford on his Liverpool league debut signaled Sturridge’s intent and, once he’s established and confirmed fully fit, we expect to see the former Chelsea man climb further and dent the appeal of Luis Suarez, given the significant price difference between the pair.
Steven Fletcher and Rickie Lambert head up a pack of excellent mid-price differentials, with Romelu Lukaku and the budget friendly Pavel Pogrebnyak offering further options for those shopping for a cheap third striker in a preferred 3-5-2 FPL set-up.
About The Author
“Mark created the beast. He's now looking to tame it.”
Mark
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January 15 at 2:18 pm
bring on Real Madrid ! says:
Sir Alex Ferguson confirms Wayne Rooney and Nani will both feature in the West Ham game tomorrow.
January 15 at 2:19 pm
Somebody's gonna get Litt Up! says:
Another plus fr the POWER 5! Easy to get Nani in should he hit form.
January 15 at 2:20 pm
nip says:
or get a game even
January 15 at 2:21 pm
Berbilly Gilmore says:
And bloody difficult to get Rooney…
January 15 at 2:22 pm
Somebody's gonna get Litt Up! says:
Not owning Rooney won’t hurt this season. Everyone has RVP and most are unlikely to double up.
January 15 at 2:28 pm
Berbilly Gilmore says:
Same with Aguero too.
January 15 at 2:20 pm
EpicFAIL - AVFC <3 says:
I best sell RvP as soon as possible then.
January 15 at 2:20 pm
Lateriser12 - "I am a consulting detective. The only one in the world" says:
Beautiful.
Cue, JK.
January 15 at 2:22 pm
bring on Real Madrid ! says:
nani for a punt after DGW when i WC vs sou (h) and ful (a) ?
he can go mad since young injured and valencia not performing upto the mark
January 15 at 2:22 pm
Lateriser12 - "I am a consulting detective. The only one in the world" says:
A very good punt imo.
January 15 at 2:27 pm
nip says:
+1
January 15 at 2:31 pm
Gaz Downright says:
please…
January 15 at 2:30 pm
JKisthe1 - A Founder of Berbism says:
are my ears burning?
been on this one for weeks. Fellaini to Nani for a nice 1 GW punt GW24. I think so.
January 15 at 2:21 pm
Eunuch Jelly says:
Posted this on the last article; got two responses but would be grateful for more:
A. Ba to Suarez (-4)
B. Ba to Podolski (-4)
C. Stick
If C, play Ba or Lambert?
No FT, this is my starting 11:
Migs
Demel, Gibbs, Baines (Luiz, Shaw)
Mata, Walcott(c), Fell, Michu, Noble
RVP, Ba (Lambert)
January 15 at 2:21 pm
EpicFAIL - AVFC <3 says:
B
January 15 at 2:26 pm
Eunuch Jelly says:
Thanks–so far it’s 2 Bs and a C.
January 15 at 2:25 pm
Santiagounreal says:
Don’t think I’d take a hit to get Pod…personally. Suarez is a tempter obviously but you’d want him to score more than one for it to pay off. I’d even advise you bench Noble and play both your strikers.
January 15 at 2:28 pm
Eunuch Jelly says:
Yeah that Noble benching thing is a worry. I have him because of the DGW, and I assumed I would not mind benching Lambert. Now Lambert reminds me of his value and I can’t decide! My thought is that IF the hammers get a peno in one of the two games, Noble gets 5 where Lambert gets 4. I doubt Lambert gets more than one, if that, against Everton.
January 15 at 2:31 pm
Santiagounreal says:
Ok sure and it’s not a ‘bad’ decision to play Noble…could just pocket 4 points and move on but he is so much a defensive midfielder that it’s hard to actually see a reason to play him over Lambert or Ba. Yes he has penalties and it comes in handy but he really does nothing attacking whatsoever. It’s a difficult one because I know you’d be so mad if he did get a penalty but I’d back Ba and Lambert in one game more than I would Noble over 5 games! If that makes any sense to you…
January 15 at 2:33 pm
heco87 says:
So you think Lambert scores more vs Everton than Noble in his next 5? I somehow doubt that.
For me, if you’ve got Noble, you’re playing him this week. I’m benching Berbatov in favour .. had that planned last week when I wc.
January 15 at 2:36 pm
Santiagounreal says:
No I didn’t mean it like that. I meant I would back Lambert or Ba to score in one game over Noble scoring a goal over the course of 5 games because Noble is a defensive midfielder. Anyway, probably a crap statement but for you it’s probably easier with Berbatov because he’s away to Man City.
January 15 at 2:39 pm
heco87 says:
Ok.. re: your penalty argument below, the problem is, Noble has 2 games to get a penalty in. Assuming Noble is fit, he is more or less guaranteed 3-4 points minimum before anything else .. Soton play Everton.. it’s a tough game.
That said, I’m playing Lambert and Noble
.
January 15 at 2:34 pm
Santiagounreal says:
Oh and the fact that Lambert has penalties is also an important thing to think about. Your players getting penalties can be lucky but you obviously take that into account when buying a player so you can get a bit of a luck. But Lambert has open play advantages over Noble that means he wins every time…you would never in normal circumstances bench Lambert for Noble…so if you’re playing Noble over Lambert for ‘penalty’ reasons it doesn’t make a great argument…correct?
January 15 at 2:34 pm
Eunuch Jelly says:
Yup, perfect sense. I would usually agree, but Noble has two goals and an assist in his last five PL starts. Just makes it a really hard choice is all. Not making my mindup just yet on that one.
January 15 at 2:26 pm
Katie says:
C. Ba
January 15 at 2:28 pm
heco87 says:
I wouldn’t take a hit to get Podolski, it’s possible you’ll want to take a hit to get him out next week if something else goes wrong.
If you want Suarez long term, A isn’t an awful option .. if not, C.
January 15 at 2:30 pm
Eunuch Jelly says:
Thanks much. My instinct says C, and so far it’s 3/4 to 2 in favour of C, so I’ll probably stick and play Ba.
January 15 at 2:21 pm
kimoo says:
hey mates
http://imgur.com/MDjze
just
hazard >> Santi for free
or do another transfer like ba >> Lukaku for a hit
January 15 at 2:23 pm
Paz12 says:
Hazard > Santi FT makes perfect sense.
January 15 at 2:24 pm
heco87 says:
Yup.. Hazard to Walcott for free over here so I like it.
January 15 at 2:22 pm
Kostja says:
I know its a strange question but would you rather have Rooney or Sturridge for next week?
January 15 at 2:22 pm
EpicFAIL - AVFC <3 says:
Sturridge.
January 15 at 2:24 pm
Chris_White says:
Danny
January 15 at 2:27 pm
Gopher: good FPL season so far! says:
Danny boy
January 15 at 2:29 pm
Kostja says:
Wow was thinking Roo is the better option
January 15 at 2:22 pm
good biashara says:
Would anyone know who’ll be on penalties for the hammers if Noble is out? And is he, by the way?
Thank you!
January 15 at 2:23 pm
Doosra - The Noble Order of Extreme Valour- FFS UEFA EPL- Season 1 Award says:
No. Twitter from Gold says he’s in.
January 15 at 2:27 pm
Binij says:
Nolan i think is on penos if Noble is out
January 15 at 2:23 pm
Gaz Downright says:
Cole will start. The others lack match fitness.
January 15 at 2:24 pm
EpicFAIL - AVFC <3 says:
+1
Excellent post.
January 15 at 2:25 pm
Kostja says:
Tonight?
January 15 at 2:26 pm
Crouch Potato says:
And how does one become match fit?
January 15 at 2:26 pm
Sporting ABG says:
Girls Aloud?
January 15 at 2:27 pm
EpicFAIL - AVFC <3 says:
No, only boys.
January 15 at 2:29 pm
Crouch Potato says:
Boyszone!
January 15 at 2:25 pm
Butters says:
That Ba news in the previous article makes me very
Stupid Ba captaincy! Silly butters
January 15 at 2:26 pm
Captain Berbarossa - arrrrrrr!!! says:
Speaking in the Third person is a sign of madness
January 15 at 2:29 pm
Butters says:
then its pretty appropriate
January 15 at 2:26 pm
AK- The Citeh Manager says:
Power 5? Screw it, I have sensational 6.
January 15 at 2:27 pm
Sporting ABG says:
6 man midfield?
January 15 at 2:27 pm
Chris_White says:
I prefer the Fantastic Four
January 15 at 2:28 pm
EpicFAIL - AVFC <3 says:
Power 11 for me.
January 15 at 2:32 pm
AK- The Citeh Manager says:
Well, Power 15 for me in that case.
January 15 at 2:29 pm
pompeyfan says:
including Baines?
January 15 at 2:31 pm
AK- The Citeh Manager says:
And Luiz.
January 15 at 2:29 pm
Somebody's gonna get Litt Up! says:
The Fabulous Fifteen.
Depth.
January 15 at 2:30 pm
making up the numbers says:
Magnificent 7
January 15 at 2:30 pm
Berbilly Gilmore says:
Fanciful fifteen here.
January 15 at 2:32 pm
bring on Real Madrid ! says:
brilliant 16 including the manager
January 15 at 2:36 pm
Berbilly Gilmore says:
Sensational sixteen
January 15 at 2:31 pm
roscola says:
I have the Wonderful One. He’s all I need.
January 15 at 2:31 pm
Crouch Potato says:
The Fab Four!
January 15 at 2:32 pm
Gopher: good FPL season so far! says:
The power of one for me
Rvp, rest are fillers
January 15 at 2:32 pm
nip says:
The occasional 1
January 15 at 2:35 pm
Jafooli (c) - Up the Jags says:
I happy with my Shit Six
January 15 at 2:30 pm
Super-Ballotelli-is-fantastic-Heskey-is-atrocious says:
So is the power 5… Bale, Mata, Michu, Fell and Walcott? I keep hearing it mentioned…
January 15 at 2:37 pm
Eunuch Jelly says:
I prefer the Roscola/Valar creation, “Titanic Cinq”. But yes, that’s them.
January 15 at 2:31 pm
FORCA INTER says:
Nani is fit?
nice one,i’ve been waiting so long to get him in my team
wc-he should be in
January 15 at 2:32 pm
Berbilly Gilmore says:
GW24 he’s in for me.
January 15 at 2:33 pm
JKisthe1 - A Founder of Berbism says:
let’s not forget who came up with this one
January 15 at 2:34 pm
Sporting ABG says:
Nani’s agent?
January 15 at 2:35 pm
JKisthe1 - A Founder of Berbism says:
nice to meet you. He doesn’t pay a lot sadly, selfish bar steward
January 15 at 2:32 pm
roscola says:
He is becoming hard to ignore
January 15 at 2:32 pm
JKisthe1 - A Founder of Berbism says:
whoa, slow down mate, he’s got no form yet to deserve a regular spot. But as 1 week punt for Saints at home before I wc? yes please
January 15 at 2:37 pm
FORCA INTER says:
that’s my plan
1gw punt
if he prove himself i can easily keep him as well
January 15 at 2:41 pm
JKisthe1 - A Founder of Berbism says:
Nani prove himself? Dream on mate, you know how Nani works in FPL
2,2,3,2,5,6,20,2,2 etc…….
January 15 at 2:33 pm
Chris_White says:
With the form he is in, I am jealous of these plans
January 15 at 2:33 pm
nip says:
enough talk about Nani, it will start a bandwagon!
January 15 at 2:33 pm
JKisthe1 - A Founder of Berbism says:
that has been well and truly started. I’m driving it. Will be getting him GW24
January 15 at 2:34 pm
making up the numbers says:
am on it:)
January 15 at 2:33 pm
Kostja says:
Dont you think there is too much rotation? I mean Young, Valencia, Welbeck, Giggs, Kags all rotating there and its not like he was first choice when fit, even with young injured at that time.
January 15 at 2:34 pm
JKisthe1 - A Founder of Berbism says:
Valencia has no form, Young injured, of the others only Welbeck could really play wide right/ As infuriating as he is Nani offers something none of other wingers do.
January 15 at 2:36 pm
Kostja says:
From what I remember he was totally horrible at the start of the season, and would have been sold had he accepted the wages from Zenit and Untied have their record point total for this period without him so I cant see him getting a solid role for them. Impact sub more likely. And Valencia will be back
January 15 at 2:39 pm
JKisthe1 - A Founder of Berbism says:
Valencia will be back? He’s not injured, he came on at half-time v Liverpool. Fergie dropped him as he’s been awful so far this season. As far as i know, United never accepted an offer for him
January 15 at 2:41 pm
Kostja says:
Back to fitness I mean and he was enourmous at the start of the season IMO. Just read this regarding both Valencia and Nani, it is very telling:
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/.....io-1492388
January 15 at 2:35 pm
FORCA INTER says:
i dont care
Saints at home at fulham away-i think he will play in both matches
and if he fail to deliver i will WC anyways
need to look at some amazing differentials if i wanna progress in ranking
and nani could be one
January 15 at 2:37 pm
Kostja says:
Yeah if you r wildcarding than the risk is minimal. If you looking for differentials Aguero, Rooney, Sturridge are huge and that will be my frontline unless torres gets injured.
January 15 at 2:39 pm
FORCA INTER says:
will have both aguero and sturridge with my wc
dont want get rid of RVP
January 15 at 2:42 pm
Kostja says:
Good thinking IMO, would not get rid of RVP either probably especially if I had gotten him at 13 mil
January 15 at 2:40 pm
heco87 says:
How far do you want to progress? Keep it steady… you’ll keep climbing.
January 15 at 2:32 pm
Katie says:
All these David Gold tweets,
Does he pick the team?
January 15 at 2:33 pm
Berbilly Gilmore says:
He’s the Chairman I believe.
January 15 at 2:34 pm
Captain Berbarossa - arrrrrrr!!! says:
He’s a poor man’s Abramovich
January 15 at 2:33 pm
Nice2Michu says:
i have 18.9 to spend on two forwards..
Aguero and sturridge/fletcher?
Suarez and ba?
Rooney and fletcher?
or any suggestions?
January 15 at 2:34 pm
heco87 says:
Do you already have RVP?
January 15 at 2:35 pm
Nice2Michu says:
No.. but im not interested in rvp and a 4.9 forward. i need 2 strong forwards
January 15 at 2:37 pm
heco87 says:
Who is your third striker then?
January 15 at 2:36 pm
Fratboy says:
Please tell me you already have RVP? If yes then Aguero Sturridge.
January 15 at 2:41 pm
skodaole2 says:
p.cisse and fletcher
January 15 at 2:33 pm
Yellowish says:
ENG FAC Stoke City - Crystal Palace
ENG FAC Bournemouth - Wigan
ENG FAC Sunderland - Bolton Wanderers
ENG FAC Leyton Orient - Hull City
ENG FAC Birmingham City - Leeds United
ENG FAC Brentford - Southend Utd
ENG FAC Milton Keynes Dons - Sheffield Wed
ENG FAC Blackpool - Fulham
ENG FAC West Brom - Queens Park R
Today games!
January 15 at 2:37 pm
King Nil Miss ✩ says:
Definitely watching WB x QPR…
Lukaku and Fabio on my watchlist…
January 15 at 2:34 pm
Count Of Monte Hristo - "Corner the market, then raise the price. Simple economics" (Heisenberg, 2009) says:
Do you prefer any of Ridgewell, Boyce, Dawson to Davies?
January 15 at 2:34 pm
heco87 says:
No
January 15 at 2:36 pm
Count Of Monte Hristo - "Corner the market, then raise the price. Simple economics" (Heisenberg, 2009) says:
Me neither. Maybe Boyce for a punt.
January 15 at 2:35 pm
Chris_White says:
Dawson
January 15 at 2:38 pm
Count Of Monte Hristo - "Corner the market, then raise the price. Simple economics" (Heisenberg, 2009) says:
I wish Caulker, Gallas, Kaboul weren’t around otherwise he would be straight in.
January 15 at 2:34 pm
Connor's Calling says:
Currently got Walcott and Gibbs for the double. WC to be played GW24 or 35 (so happy with short term punts)
Which of the below would you go for:
a) Berba -> Dzeko
b) Lowton -> Sagna (and play instead of Nelsen or Clyne)
c) Lowton -> Demel, Berba -> Podoldski (-4 points)
d) None. Sacrifice one of Michu, Bale, Mata for Cazorla or Felliani
January 15 at 2:36 pm
Sporting ABG says:
GW35 is too late to play a WC.
January 15 at 2:37 pm
JKisthe1 - A Founder of Berbism says:
not necessarily. Remember GW36 last season, if you still had a wc then, that would have been the perfect time to play it.
January 15 at 2:44 pm
Sporting ABG says:
far too late. you’re the hare at that point.
January 15 at 2:38 pm
Connor's Calling says:
Damn my giantly fat fingers. GW 24/25.
any views on the options?
January 15 at 2:44 pm
Sporting ABG says:
C)
January 15 at 2:46 pm
heco87 says:
Quite like b) but then don’t like the idea in theory of doubling up on that Arsenal defence .. Maybe just Lowton –> Demel without the hit?
January 15 at 2:49 pm
YTUMAMMA says:
B. Nelsen is gone to Toronto as manager…
January 15 at 2:57 pm
Absinthe Minded One says:
hanging around for awhile……
January 15 at 2:35 pm
Ginkapo-Rule No.1: wwkd? says:
Why is everyone in love with Bale?
He is explosive, but highly unpredictable, so you have no way of guessing when to captain/bench him. Two of his best scores have come against Liverpool and ManU.
January 15 at 2:36 pm
Katie says:
well said.
January 15 at 2:39 pm
Fratboy says:
Really? Sounds like he’s making excuses to me.
If you have Bale you don’t bench him, simple as that.
January 15 at 2:42 pm
Ginkapo-Rule No.1: wwkd? says:
I am not questioning whether you should always play him, should you own him in the first place?
January 15 at 2:54 pm
Fratboy says:
I’d say yes but you have to be patient.
January 15 at 2:55 pm
CoYi says:
we just had pretty much a page full of posts, which saw people talking up Nani, but yet Bale is the one who isn’t worth a place in our squads? Hmmmmmm
January 15 at 2:56 pm
heco87 says:
I was thinking that … slow Tuesdays.
January 15 at 2:59 pm
Ginkapo-Rule No.1: wwkd? says:
I think I ignored them, Nani isnt even a question
January 15 at 2:36 pm
making up the numbers says:
and he has ManU next, right?
January 15 at 2:36 pm
JKisthe1 - A Founder of Berbism says:
I suppose that the thing, you either have him all the time, or not at all.
January 15 at 2:36 pm
Gaz Downright says:
Why so much hate for your kinsman?
January 15 at 2:37 pm
Ginkapo-Rule No.1: wwkd? says:
Poor value without the consistency of RVP.
January 15 at 2:39 pm
Berbilly Gilmore says:
RVP – 7ppg……..14.1m
Bale – 6.4ppg……9.8m
I don’t see any value argument standing up to anything…
January 15 at 2:40 pm
Ginkapo-Rule No.1: wwkd? says:
RVP is awful value… and I am considering getting rid of him too, but consistency means something.
January 15 at 2:43 pm
Berbilly Gilmore says:
But he’s practically matching the top point scorer in the game for 2/3 of the price…
January 15 at 2:37 pm
Nitin Nagaraja says:
January 15 at 2:38 pm
Berbilly Gilmore says:
January 15 at 2:36 pm
AK- The Citeh Manager says:
Never bench, Never captain..
January 15 at 2:38 pm
Berbilly Gilmore says:
Unless it’s against Villa
January 15 at 2:51 pm
Bedknobs and Boomsticks - Overly rapid price changes, the PPI bonus system and Christiano Ronaldo are ruining the Fantasy Premier League! says:
6.4 PPG agree with you
January 15 at 2:37 pm
Binij says:
Bale (c) @ Villa
January 15 at 2:38 pm
Ginkapo-Rule No.1: wwkd? says:
Same, but also against a few other teams
January 15 at 2:37 pm
Sporting ABG says:
i smell a monkey trying to justify a Bale -> Caz move….
January 15 at 2:38 pm
Ginkapo-Rule No.1: wwkd? says:
I am getting rid of Bale in my WC whatever, so its not about that.
January 15 at 2:39 pm
making up the numbers says:
go easy on the monkey
January 15 at 2:37 pm
Berbilly Gilmore says:
Because he’s the mid with the highest potential in the game.
January 15 at 2:38 pm
Butters says:
I like him cos there’s no spurs alternatives that quite measure up (defoe has been streaky as of late) and its just great to watch matches his in.
Also he has more shots (and higher threat ratings) than any other midfielder
January 15 at 2:39 pm
ScoutCast not pearls before swine says:
Number 3 in PPG (Not counting defenders who have played only once or twice)
January 15 at 2:39 pm
Santiagounreal says:
In fairness I don’t think anyone should ever bench Bale if they have him unless for strange circumstances like this DGW. Fair enough if you want to…I don’t mind.
But yeah i do agree he is streaky and I read earlier he’s only had one real assist all season. Which is interesting…improved on goalscoring but his assists have been way down…why is that?
January 15 at 2:39 pm
cassanata says:
Thats exactly why you pick him and leave him in your team for better or for worse until injury do you part
January 15 at 2:41 pm
Crouch Potato says:
If others follow QPRs approach to Spurs, which I think they will, I reckon Bale’s returns will drop.
January 15 at 2:43 pm
Ginkapo-Rule No.1: wwkd? says:
a comrade
January 15 at 2:41 pm
Jonty says:
Don’t bench him, captain RVP instead…job’s , as they say, a goodun.
His underlying stats are impressive and as the weekend shows he can rack up 3bps even in a 0-0.
January 15 at 2:36 pm
Butters says:
Fellas, Chelsea Press Conference today?
January 15 at 2:37 pm
Sporting ABG says:
it was today. earlier this afternoon, in fact.
January 15 at 2:37 pm
AP says:
Posting ‘as’ Butters is dangling dangerously close to the insanity cliff.
January 15 at 2:38 pm
Kostja says:
There was, absolutely no news besides the fact that Terry lacks match fitness
January 15 at 2:39 pm
Jafooli (c) - Up the Jags says:
And Table 4 needs its tapas….
January 15 at 2:45 pm
Kostja says:
January 15 at 2:51 pm
Santiagounreal says:
January 15 at 2:43 pm
Valar Morghulis(Formerly Keith) says:
that’s brilliant news!! Azpi for a start then!!!
January 15 at 2:39 pm
Butters says:
thanks all
appreciate it!
January 15 at 2:39 pm
Giggs Boson says:
I think i’m going to go for a really flairy WC team. What’s the point of this game if you’re going to pick the template standard players everyone is telling you to get? Any ideas? I’m keen on Taarabt (5.7), Gerrard(if he counts), Nani, Hoilett on the radar …
January 15 at 2:40 pm
Brutus619 says:
Pablo Hernandez.
January 15 at 2:40 pm
Brutus619 says:
James Morrison.
January 15 at 2:40 pm
Fratboy says:
Gerrard doesn’t count.
January 15 at 2:40 pm
Butters says:
Pablo Hernandez instead of Michu, good savings. Member’s comparison the two over the last 4 GWs (similar playing time).
Once Pablo hits full match fitness, he’ll be an awesome buy.
January 15 at 2:46 pm
Giggs Boson says:
Swansea’s new signing Lamah may put a spanner in the works.
January 15 at 2:48 pm
Scroobius Mac says:
Na, Hernandez is a step up from Routledge/Dyer anyway.
January 15 at 2:42 pm
Fratboy says:
Joe Cole, Morrison, Pienaar, Lukaku, Debuchy, Cisse, Sturridge (for now).
January 15 at 2:42 pm
Binij says:
Snoddy for me
January 15 at 2:42 pm
ScoutCast not pearls before swine says:
hazard.
January 15 at 2:43 pm
Katie says:
McClean – Sunderland have a nice run of fixtures
January 15 at 2:46 pm
Giggs Boson says:
I like this one
January 15 at 2:47 pm
Yellowish says:
don’t ever listen to this.^
January 15 at 2:50 pm
Katie says:
Chill… Papiss will do the biz this weekend
January 15 at 3:00 pm
Yellowish says:
Yeah, I really need minimum a hatrick from HIM!
January 15 at 2:44 pm
Ginkapo-Rule No.1: wwkd? says:
Gerrard and Evra do not count
January 15 at 2:51 pm
Giggs Boson says:
Ok, i don’t think i’ll be able to resist Gerrard though…
January 15 at 2:44 pm
ScoutCast not pearls before swine says:
Dempsey
January 15 at 2:44 pm
Katie says:
nice one
January 15 at 2:46 pm
ATHLETICO TIMBO. Top 10,000 any season 2nd Wildcard league 16771-553963 says:
Adam Johnson
January 15 at 2:54 pm
Ginkapo-Rule No.1: wwkd? says:
His PPG is rising, and Sunderland are getting better. All the signs are there imo
January 15 at 2:50 pm
Dealbert says:
Kagawa?
January 15 at 2:50 pm
Yellowish says:
Lampard.
January 15 at 2:53 pm
making up the numbers says:
Lennon, very cheap and nailed
January 15 at 2:40 pm
PC ALLSTARS says:
Right folks who to get, I’m on my WC
A) Jussi & Gibbs
B) Bunn & Verm
C) Szczesny & Demel
Short term a few Gw’s, already have bego as main Gk.
January 15 at 2:42 pm
cassanata says:
a
January 15 at 2:45 pm
Count Of Monte Hristo - "Corner the market, then raise the price. Simple economics" (Heisenberg, 2009) says:
A by a mile
January 15 at 2:46 pm
heco87 says:
I’ve gone c)
January 15 at 2:54 pm
think_nothing says:
not B
January 15 at 2:47 pm
Valar Morghulis(Formerly Keith) says:
Mignolet (Federici)
Azpi Demel Cameron (Clyne Turner)
Bale Cazorla(c) Walcott(vc) Mata
Rvp Ba Berbatov
0.7 in bank
1 FT and both WC’s intact..
A safe
Azpi to Gibbs this week and a very risky Ba to one week punt upfront GW 24 followed by Free WC for GW 25 sounds about right?
January 15 at 2:49 pm
Valar Morghulis(Formerly Keith) says:
oops.. 5th mid puncheon
January 15 at 2:58 pm
Dogba says:
Sounds pretty damn good. You got both WCs intact, that’s beautiful. Some midfield you got there.
January 15 at 3:01 pm
Valar Morghulis(Formerly Keith) says:
thanks
January 15 at 3:00 pm
Eunuch Jelly says:
Not exactly the Titanic Cinq but nice team and sensible plan.
January 15 at 3:02 pm
Valar Morghulis(Formerly Keith) says:
Titanic Cinq
.. came up with it yesterday and i dont have it.. yet
January 15 at 3:06 pm
Eunuch Jelly says:
Yeah, I saw. I like it and have used it when I can, and always put (Roscola/Valar) in brackets when I do (except on your post of course).
January 15 at 2:51 pm
Mr Glass says:
Best one week punt:
A Sturridge (NOR)
B Dzeko (FUL)
C Lukaku (avl)
January 15 at 2:52 pm
think_nothing says:
Lukaku. Because of the oppo and will start.
January 15 at 2:52 pm
Dealbert says:
All good options but I would probably go for B provided Kun is out
January 15 at 2:53 pm
La Roja says:
C by far
January 15 at 2:57 pm
Dealbert says:
Even if Kun is out in which case Dzeko is sure to start?
January 15 at 2:55 pm
Nick says:
Dzeko.
January 15 at 2:56 pm
Tatty Bojangles says:
Cisse (RDG)
Probably can’t afford though given your other options.
January 15 at 2:51 pm
think_nothing says:
Sagna or Zab for next week? I’m still not convinced by arsenal defence despite the DGW…
January 15 at 2:56 pm
La Roja says:
it depends how many dgw players u have.
if u have enough coverage, zab is the way to go
January 15 at 2:52 pm
Evasivo says:
Fancy playing my wildcard, haven’t thought about it til now but just feel the time is right. I still have my original one left so can always make amends!
January 15 at 2:54 pm
Stinkfly says:
FAO of DOOSRA
Do you still play You’re The Boss?
Can you currently log in? I’m having trouble…..
January 15 at 2:56 pm
Ginkapo-Rule No.1: wwkd? says:
http://www.fantasyfootballscou.....nt-4904052
January 15 at 2:58 pm
Doosra - The Noble Order of Extreme Valour- FFS UEFA EPL- Season 1 Award says:
Cheers, Ginkapo. Waiting breathlessly on my result! Trying something new, as well …
January 15 at 2:57 pm
Doosra - The Noble Order of Extreme Valour- FFS UEFA EPL- Season 1 Award says:
I do!!! Me too!!! Thank goodness it is not just me! Gah!
January 15 at 3:00 pm
JKisthe1 - A Founder of Berbism says:
Doos, Diame offered new contract by West Ham says David Gold
January 15 at 3:01 pm
Ginkapo-Rule No.1: wwkd? says:
For the record, who is David Gold, he has been all over these pages the last few days
January 15 at 3:02 pm
Doosra - The Noble Order of Extreme Valour- FFS UEFA EPL- Season 1 Award says:
He is one of our two Chairmen … Gilbert & Sullivan …
January 15 at 3:04 pm
Ginkapo-Rule No.1: wwkd? says:
Speaking of which, we need to email a reminder that everyone needs to make sure they are high up in our leagues at the end of GW25, in hope of qualifying for the cup. (With shameless advertising of Simpli-Special ofc)
January 15 at 3:07 pm
Le Gooner says:
That rules me out then. Bottom at the moment and dropping further away.
January 15 at 3:09 pm
Ginkapo-Rule No.1: wwkd? says:
Me too
January 15 at 3:09 pm
Nitin Nagaraja says:
How high?
We’re up against each other this coming week btw
Giroud(c)?
January 15 at 3:10 pm
Ginkapo-Rule No.1: wwkd? says:
30th in LAWR
8th in H2H’s (although I envisage about 12th in the H2H’s will be enough after overlaps are dealt with)
I’m thinking Theo….
January 15 at 3:11 pm
Nitin Nagaraja says:
Oooh, time to lift my game then …
Now you’ve forced me to get Oli
January 15 at 3:03 pm
Nitin Nagaraja says:
WHU chairman.
January 15 at 3:03 pm
Doosra - The Noble Order of Extreme Valour- FFS UEFA EPL- Season 1 Award says:
This is GREAT news!
January 15 at 3:00 pm
Stinkfly says:
Haha, thanks guys……happy to know it’s not just me.
I’m in the middle of a promotion push to the pro leagues and today was a BIG game.
January 15 at 3:01 pm
Doosra - The Noble Order of Extreme Valour- FFS UEFA EPL- Season 1 Award says:
… EXACTLY THE SAME!
January 15 at 2:56 pm
Valar Morghulis(Formerly Keith) says:
Owners of Santi and Walcott..
Which one to captain this week? Walcott’s injury history makes me wanna consider Santi
Also, who would you get as your 3rd Arsenal player..
Gibbs(for Azpi) or Podolski (for Ba)
January 15 at 2:58 pm
La Roja says:
ermm theo is currenty fit, not injured. Forget his history, focus on his current form.
2 players from arsenal enough imo
January 15 at 2:59 pm
Valar Morghulis(Formerly Keith) says:
Got both WC’s to bail me out GW 23/24
January 15 at 3:00 pm
Valar Morghulis(Formerly Keith) says:
3 games in 7 days means we may have to consider it though right? santi seems so safe.. will give it a couple of days b4 decidin
January 15 at 2:58 pm
heco87 says:
I’m going to go Cazorla.
January 15 at 2:59 pm
Katie says:
Santi.
No third – 2 will do for me.
January 15 at 2:59 pm
Dogba says:
I got both, going for Walcott (c). Don’t think I’ll get either Gibbs or Pod in, I fancy a punt on Sturridge/Dzeko/Lukaku instead of getting another DGWer. Got good many good options in defense this GW.
January 15 at 2:56 pm
Scroobius Mac says:
Who would you rather have
Player A: 6, 4, 3, 5, 7, 5
Player B: 12, 2, 2, 10, 2, 2
January 15 at 2:58 pm
Ginkapo-Rule No.1: wwkd? says:
Is Player B predictable? i.e. are opponents a giveaway to how he will score that week?
If not A
January 15 at 2:58 pm
Scroobius Mac says:
Correct answer.
January 15 at 3:01 pm
Dealbert says:
Maybe, but it is very unlikely that anybody is that predictable meaning you are more likely to have a who to bench/who to captain problem every week…
January 15 at 3:02 pm
Scroobius Mac says:
And? I have never got this argument – having a squad that makes you make difficult decisions isn’t a bad thing.
January 15 at 2:58 pm
Dealbert says:
A
January 15 at 2:58 pm
heco87 says:
Depends who they are.
I’d imagine I’d get more impatient with player A than player B which perhaps goes against logic. It’s Silva vs Cazorla sort of territory and I’ve had Cazorla from the start so I’ll say player B.
January 15 at 2:59 pm
Doosra - The Noble Order of Extreme Valour- FFS UEFA EPL- Season 1 Award says:
May I have both, please?
January 15 at 3:03 pm
Gaz Downright says:
this isn’t the matrix you know
January 15 at 3:12 pm
fuml_akimbo says:
Player B is due!
January 15 at 3:13 pm
Jonny says:
Would depend on their prices for me. I’d be happier to sit through slow scoring weeks with the odd big pay-off if it’s a mid-priced player, but if they’re taking up a good chunk of money in their position I’d rather go A.
January 15 at 2:58 pm
hillbillypete says:
thoughts on selling Berb for:
a. sturridge
b. dzeko
c. save transfer.
d. other
???
January 15 at 2:59 pm
Nitin Nagaraja says:
BBC Solent Sport @solentsport
Luke Shaw in contention for #saintsfc trip to Chelsea, trained today. Fonte & Lallana out. Adkins tight-lipped on signing Forren from Mold
January 15 at 3:04 pm
MarkEstute says:
Forren from Mold?
January 15 at 3:05 pm
Nitin Nagaraja says:
Yep. The CB Liverpool were after.
January 15 at 3:06 pm
★FC Borecelona★ says:
I have Shaw. Not sure if that is good or bad news
January 15 at 3:09 pm
Le Gooner says:
I have him too. I’ll take the 2 points right now, thank you.
January 15 at 2:59 pm
Bedknobs and Boomsticks - Overly rapid price changes, the PPI bonus system and Christiano Ronaldo are ruining the Fantasy Premier League! says:
Just thought I’d put my WC up for display like a cheap whore in a Amsterdam window:
Vorm, Federici
Zabaletta, Sagna, Davies, Hughes, Turner
Bale, Mata, Walcott, Michu, Puncheon
RVP, Suarez, Ruiz ( Suarez > Aguero GW24)
By way of excuses:
- I can’t pick between Vorm, Mig and Szcznzycy over the next few weeks, so going with the margainly cheaper flair option (although i did call Mig as teh top scorign keeper at the start of the season)
- Hughes and Turner rotate very nicely as defensive cover
- Puncheon and Ruiz also rotate very nicely, and give me the cash to go for the crazyness of those five 9m plus attackers.
January 15 at 3:04 pm
Doosra - The Noble Order of Extreme Valour- FFS UEFA EPL- Season 1 Award says:
Nice. Prefer Mignolet & Federici.
January 15 at 3:07 pm
Bedknobs and Boomsticks - Overly rapid price changes, the PPI bonus system and Christiano Ronaldo are ruining the Fantasy Premier League! says:
Yeah, I’ll consider it. How you doing anyway? I’m hoping to move out of relegation territory in the Hotel Tassel this week
January 15 at 2:59 pm
JKisthe1 - A Founder of Berbism says:
“Adam Lallana is running and kicking the ball, but he isn’t going to be selected tomorrow. I’m excited for when he’s back.”
Good news for Saints