This Much We Know – FA Cup Weekend
Filed under: Scout Notes - Posted by: Mark
A Belgian dropping deep, a Frenchman in bloom, a scrapping Spaniard, an Englishman restrained and a rotating Royals roster occupy our Monday lunchtime thoughts as a result of the weekend’s Cup events…
Marouane Fellaini’s role is suddenly a concern…
With Nikica Jelavic struggling for goals, you would have thought that David Moyes would opt to keep the Belgian up top to maintain his brand of havoc but, it seems, there are changes afoot at Goodison. The form of Victor Anichebe and the brief return to fitness of Kevin Miralles has suddenly see Fellaini dropped back to a deeper central midfield role to help fill the void left by Darron Gibson’s absence. With Phil Neville required at right-back in light of injuries to Tony Hibbert and Seamus Coleman, that could continue for Everton’s next two home fixtures – against West Brom and Villa – matches that looked set to be profitable for the 8-goal marauding midfielder. Johnny Heintinga’s winner at Bolton could yet see him rewarded with a recall and that might just shift Neville back to midfield to unleash Fellaini on the Baggies but with form also a slight concern, the Belgian’s stock is looking more vulnerable. A seventh booking of the season hardly helped his cause, either.
Oliver Giroud is looking a prospect….
His first strike at the Amex Stadium on Saturday demonstrated the calm confidence of a striker in bloom; his touch and finish for the second underlined it further. Giroud has struck four goals in his last couple of appearances and suddenly a potential Fantasy target is emerging. While Theo Walcott continues to look a near-on essential midfield purchase, Giroud has the form to overshadow the recent emergence of Lukas Podolski and put himself in the shop window as a 7.8 option in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) game. Giroud looks certain to be given a run at the Liverpool defence on Wednesday – return in that one and interest in the Frenchman will pick up pace.
Spot-kicks are up for grabs at Old Trafford…
With Rooney on the pitch, it was left to the silver fox, Ryan Giggs, to fire home United’s opener against Fulham from the spot. The Welshman is unlikely to be present to convert such opportunities for the visit of Southampton in midweek: the presumption is that Robin Van Persie will now be free to bolster his season goal tally from this point on with penalty kicks. It remains to be seen if Sir Alex is true to his word and hands duties back to Rooney but, without the opportunity to score from the spot and with Rooney continuing to be used behind Van Persie and even in midfield or out wide, we could now see the points gap between United’s two heavy-hitting forwards widen further.
Reading’s second string are an annoyance…
With Premier League survival the priority, Brian McDermott mixed his lineup for the visit of Sheffield United, only to see his second string put in a superb shift in the 4-0 win. This is badly timed for Fantasy managers who were beginning to gain confidence in the likes of Jimmy Kebe, Pavel Pogrebnyak and Ian Harte as budget options across the positions off the back of consecutive league wins. All three were omitted from Saturday’s lineup and may now face a battle to reinstate themselves for the visit of Chelsea on Wednesday. Certainly McDermott gained confidence in his squad as a result of Saturday’s cup showing, dabbling with a 4-4-2 once again having stuck with a successful 4-5-1 in recent matches – that will only promote the idea that he can afford to rotate in various positions for the crucial run-in. Do we not like that.
Torres still has some fight in him…
A sweetly struck equaliser kept Chelsea’s FA Cup ambitions alive and offered a reminder that Fernando Torres is not going to relinquish the role of Chelsea first choice striker without a fight. Demba Ba’s introduction from the bench provided a spark for Rafa’s men at Griffin Park but the sight of the Senegal striker handed a role on the left flank will have caused some concern for Fantasy managers and Ba alike. It would seem likely that Torres will be rested to make way for Ba’s start at Reading on Wednesday but, with a weekend trip to Newcastle and the replay with Brentford to follow, the doubts over Rafa’s selection up front will continue: should Torres find form, it will only cloud the issue further.
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January 28 at 2:37 pm
Grumpy Cat says:
After a bit of changing around, this is a WC draft:
£0.2 in the bank
Beg | Federici
Davies | Dawson | Demel | Shaw | Turner
Silva | Bale | Walcott | Michu | Guthrie/Kebe
Aguero | RVP | Pog
What are your thoughts?
January 28 at 2:38 pm
ZaKNaFeiN says:
having both cheap mid and cheap forward from the same team doesnt sound good.
Maybe downgrade Dawson to upgrade one of them?
January 28 at 2:46 pm
Grumpy Cat says:
Cool beans. Cheers Zaknafein.
January 28 at 2:42 pm
kvtvk says:
Aguero -> Dzeko
January 28 at 2:46 pm
Grumpy Cat says:
…what? Really?!
January 28 at 2:47 pm
Grumpy Cat says:
Dawson -> Pearce (Reading)
Guthrie -> Puncheon
?
January 28 at 2:37 pm
rohan says:
Pardon my ignorance but why do Liverpool and Swansea not have a game in GW 27? Is it because of Swansea’s COC final?
January 28 at 2:38 pm
Berbilly Gilmore - CL Preview Group E-H in my link says:
Yep, on the same weekend as the PL matches.
January 28 at 2:40 pm
rohan says:
Cheers, Berbilly
January 28 at 2:41 pm
Namtab Notlob says:
They could still have the game midweek after it, there’s been no date for it set yet.
January 28 at 2:42 pm
rohan says:
That helps. Cheers
January 28 at 2:46 pm
Jonty says:
There is also speculation it could mean a double for both in gwk 26. Presenting a poisoned chalice doublegameweek followed by blank.
January 28 at 2:37 pm
GREEN BUTTERFLY says:
Anyone can predict the Man Utd lineup for this GW?
January 28 at 2:42 pm
Absinthe Minded One says:
true
January 28 at 2:43 pm
heartsattack says:
lol
January 28 at 2:45 pm
GREEN BUTTERFLY says:
Is Nani likely to play?
January 28 at 2:48 pm
Absinthe Minded One says:
I feel a car crash………….Don’t do it!!
8.2 much better value out there nailed on
January 28 at 2:48 pm
GARRIDO IS THE NEW BAINES says:
no idea, if i were you i wouldnt bother punting on him
January 28 at 2:48 pm
kvtvk says:
I think he will.
It’s between him and Valencia.
January 28 at 2:47 pm
kvtvk says:
DDG
Rafael – Rio – Vidic – Evra
Nani – Carrick – Cleverley – Kagawa
Rooney – RVP
January 28 at 2:51 pm
GREEN BUTTERFLY says:
Yesss, so nani will play…..
January 28 at 2:38 pm
DonTheSpecialOne says:
Gazzetta dello Sport saying Milan rejected a €30m. bid for Stephan El Shaarawy from Napoli.
Balo -> Milan
El Shaarawy -> Napoli
Cavani -> City.
:O
January 28 at 2:44 pm
Dogba says:
Cool.
January 28 at 2:38 pm
Toonzie says:
Should i keep luiz or offload him?
My defense atm, pretty weak tbh
Gibbs/Demel/Luiz/Harte/Bardsley
January 28 at 2:38 pm
ZaKNaFeiN says:
offload
January 28 at 2:40 pm
GARRIDO IS THE NEW BAINES says:
offload
January 28 at 2:41 pm
heartsattack says:
get rid
January 28 at 2:38 pm
Connor's Calling says:
Anyone else getting Baines with their WC? I like the idea of having him (and he did well for me when i had him earlier in the season) but it does take up an awful amount of my cash…!
January 28 at 2:41 pm
DonTheSpecialOne says:
I’ve had him for a long time, but sold him not long ago. He won’t fit in when I’m wildcarding, too expensive for a defender.
January 28 at 2:42 pm
GARRIDO IS THE NEW BAINES says:
i was considering it, but to be honest i just can’t see the value in it over gibbs/distin etc. If i had him since the start of the season, though, I would keep. definately going to get him next season right from the start
January 28 at 2:43 pm
berbatron says:
I am certainly considering. I think this half the season everton will start keeping clean sheets also to add to his points
January 28 at 2:44 pm
rohan says:
The ones who don’t have him, and are on WC, are getting him in for the 2 home games as a punt and will reassess thereon
January 28 at 2:44 pm
Dogba says:
He costs about the same as Fellaini. That’s pretty brutal. I think I’ll actually get rid of him in my WC, next GW.
January 28 at 2:39 pm
China Mag says:
Alreet lads. There was some mention on here of potential DGWs coming up. I was hoping to see an article for clarification. Mrs China Mag is on her WC, anything DGW related she should bear in mind?
January 28 at 2:40 pm
Yossi says:
Swans v Pool coming up, maybe GW26 if i remember right, but that could be completely wrong…
January 28 at 2:45 pm
Connor's Calling says:
great grav!
January 28 at 2:49 pm
China Mag says:
Thanks to berbilly!
January 28 at 2:39 pm
Valar Morghulis(Formerly Keith) says:
Obrien worth 0.5 more than demel? WC
Also,
Who else here takin a punt on Dawson and Dempsey.. both looked nailed on for some time atleast and offer a huge upside next 4 games
January 28 at 2:41 pm
Koflok - we came, we raved, we loved says:
Considering both. But with Defoe coming back his appeal is lessen because he won’t play up top anymore.
January 28 at 2:42 pm
Valar Morghulis(Formerly Keith) says:
pretty good in the hole too.. plus Defoe requires surgery at some point.. could mean a lot of rest for him over the next 15 GW’s
January 28 at 2:39 pm
Gizmo says:
A) Rafael Fletcher (Guthrie)
B) Gibbs Fellaini (Pog)
January 28 at 2:41 pm
chocolove says:
A
January 28 at 2:43 pm
Yossi says:
A fo sho’
January 28 at 2:42 pm
rohan says:
A
January 28 at 2:43 pm
Tmel says:
Is Rafael more nailed on than Clichy & Nasty do people reckon? Wondering if it’s worth saving 0.4 and doubling up on City defence (already have Zab) so I can get Puncheon instead of Kebe for a 5th mid… Or should I stick with Rafael?
January 28 at 2:44 pm
Tmel says:
Whoops didn’t meant hat to be a reply!
January 28 at 2:40 pm
athleticbilbobaggins says:
Going with DDG as my keeper. Can’t afford O’Shea and Cuellar seems to be injured. What is the Sunderland backline atm? Will Bramble play till Cuellar is back?
January 28 at 2:47 pm
Dogba says:
I think so. The other CB they bought supposedly isn’t match fit, and with Cuellar out they don’t really have a choice but to play Bramble. It’s a bit short-term though, but could be what you need.
January 28 at 2:47 pm
athleticbilbobaggins says:
Bramble will become Cuellar once he is fit. Thanks for this.
January 28 at 2:42 pm
DonTheSpecialOne says:
I’m off. “Rough day at work”. Sayonara, lads.
January 28 at 2:43 pm
Yossi says:
Hope it gets better man, see ya!
January 28 at 2:46 pm
DonTheSpecialOne says:
I was being sarcastic after sitting on here the entire day, but thanks anyways mate
see you around
January 28 at 2:46 pm
Dogba says:
Thanks for the transfer updates, made my (work)day! Later.
January 28 at 2:48 pm
DonTheSpecialOne says:
Great! Later man
January 28 at 2:43 pm
anish69 says:
enrique back for the arsenal game, anyone considering bringing him in on the WC?
January 28 at 2:46 pm
berbatron says:
could be a shout but prefer zabaletta and rafael and two rotating cheapies for my back 3
January 28 at 2:48 pm
Dogba says:
I think I’ll go with him/GJ + Zab and DDG as United cover. Fixtures are too good to ignore, and they got 9 CS so far.
January 28 at 2:43 pm
chocolove says:
come on ben daviessssss slow it down please
gw 25 wc-ers
January 28 at 2:44 pm
Valar Morghulis(Formerly Keith) says:
I Wc’d this week cause he was rising and berbs was fallin.. though i might as well
January 28 at 2:44 pm
KickIt says:
Do we know if there is a definate DGW for Swans/Pool, or could it still be rescheduled for mid week?
January 28 at 2:48 pm
Namtab Notlob says:
Nothing has been set.
Thursday 14th, Liverpool are away to Zenit, 16th/17th is the GW26 date, Liverpool home to Zenit 21st, 23rd/24th Cup Final for Swansea, then both have a free midweek.
Swansea would prefer 17th I guess, but Liverpool might prefer a rest in between ties and if TV want the game it won’t be clashing FA Cup games anyway.
January 28 at 3:01 pm
KickIt says:
Informative reply, thanks!
January 28 at 2:44 pm
the_mongoose says:
Really struggling with what to do this week, any advice?
Begovic (Jussi)
Gibbs, Zabaletta, Demel (Rangel, Shaw)
Fellaini, Michu, Walcott, Larrson (Marveux)
RVP (c), Aguero, Sturridge
Do i need Chelsea/Spurs coverage? Is Aguero worth keeping?
Only 1 FT.
January 28 at 2:48 pm
GREEN BUTTERFLY says:
downgrade jussi and upgrade larrson?
January 28 at 2:48 pm
berbatron says:
Have you done WC yet? I wouldnt want aguero in my team just yet but if u already have him hang on to him he will get into form sooner rather than later. Larrson is a strange one for me..
January 28 at 3:07 pm
the_mongoose says:
Thanks for your help gents. I’ve already used my WC, i was a bit rash with it to be honest.
Agree Larrson is a strange one, just fancied something different from the others in my ML – think i need to ship him out asap.
I looked at downgrading Jussi but he rotates pretty well with Begovic – guess Bunn may be a better option though & use the extra funds elsewhere (currently only got 0.1 in the bank)
January 28 at 2:45 pm
Deano says:
Is my WC set folks?
Mignolet, Anderson
Zabaleta, Dawson, Davies, Bertrand, Pearce
Mata, Walcott, Michu, Fellaini, Puncheon
RVP, Aguero, Sturridge
January 28 at 2:46 pm
GARRIDO IS THE NEW BAINES says:
looks alright to me, hope it works for you
January 28 at 2:46 pm
Valar Morghulis(Formerly Keith) says:
nice.. Bertand, Anderson and Dawson(if not nailed on) stick out though.. u sure about pearce over harte? same decision to make and i cant decide
January 28 at 2:49 pm
Yossi says:
Shoreys back now, as a Harte owner I’d get Pearce instead of Harte
January 28 at 2:48 pm
athleticbilbobaggins says:
Who is Anderson?
Good team.
January 28 at 2:54 pm
Deano says:
Thanks guys, much appreciated. Bertrand will become Wilson.
January 28 at 2:45 pm
tommoeommo says:
Need to use my WC this week folks, any advice as to what to do would be great, I’ll put beside each player how much I bought them for to help with choosing a replacement:
Bego (4.5), Jussi (4.5)
Caulker (4.7), Rafael (5.5), Gibbs (5.4), Davies (4.0), Nastasic (5.6)
Walcott (9.2), Santi (9.0), Michu (6.6), Mata (9.5), Sterling (5.6)
RVP (13.3), Ba (8.5), C.Cole (4.9)
Pretty much clueless as to what to do…
January 28 at 2:47 pm
GARRIDO IS THE NEW BAINES says:
Get rid of Jussi, Caulker, Nastasic, Santi, Sterling, Ba, and Cole in my opinion. The rest are fine
January 28 at 2:47 pm
The second coming of Moussa Dembele //Berbasaur// says:
You’re on your WC, go transfer mad
January 28 at 2:49 pm
Connor's Calling says:
OUT:
C.Cole
Santi
Sterling (?)
Ba
Caulker
IN:
Felliani
Bale (?)
Aguero
some cheapos
very rough (no idea on value etc)
January 28 at 2:50 pm
John Terry's Dog - JT is not the messiah, he's just a very naughty boy says:
my opinion
dont need two big keepers, selection headache
caulker too much money to be occasional pick, you likely to play big three every week, so either drop him or one of big three.
that cash could allow you to swap cole to fletcher.
though i would even consider getting fletch sturridge rvp front line, sterling alone is poor cover for lpool.
January 28 at 2:50 pm
berbatron says:
Any money in bank?
January 28 at 2:58 pm
Carrick deserves more bonus points says:
I would lose Ba, Cole, Sterling, Santi and Caulker. Ba and Sterling due to rotation, Caulker due to Dawson/Gallas coming back and Santi because you have double arsenal with walcott, Cole because Pog/Le fondre would be cheaper and arguably better. Swap Santi for Silva to get city coverage and consider giroud/podolski over ba. Gives you a bit of money to upgrade Sterling, especially if you swap Caulker for a cheapie
January 28 at 2:47 pm
Valar Morghulis(Formerly Keith) says:
So Gallas was benched for 2 games in a row for Dawson even b4 his injury? hmmm..
January 28 at 2:47 pm
Santiagounreal says:
Has anyone else bookmarked the official team twitters for lineup time? I know I have
January 28 at 2:48 pm
Yossi says:
Gone back to the old name eh
?? Nah, these lineups lead to so many kneejerks, I’ll be staying off until the FPL deadline has passed 
January 28 at 2:49 pm
Santiagounreal says:
I’m on my wildcard, I need these lineups to confirm some players are staying!!
January 28 at 2:51 pm
kvtvk says:
Would you consider Dzeko -> Sturridge a kneejerk?
January 28 at 2:49 pm
athleticbilbobaggins says:
You are the fake one, aren’t you?
January 28 at 2:51 pm
Santiagounreal says:
huh?
January 28 at 2:53 pm
athleticbilbobaggins says:
My bad
Lineups time = demi time. No need to use twitter.
January 28 at 2:54 pm
Santiagounreal says:
I know but this place could crash so it’d be good to know them and just stay away from the madness on here while you fix your team. FPL will likely be very slow and might crash too so it’s going to be crazy! I really hope there are no hiccups.
January 28 at 3:11 pm
Funkyav says:
do you have a list of all the prem clubs’ twitter feeds?
January 28 at 2:48 pm
rohan says:
Thoughts on this XI??
Mignolet
Demel Davies Bertrand
Michu Gerrard Walcott Bale
RVP(c) Aguero Ba..
Subs- Jaask.. Marv.. R.Martin.. Shaw..
January 28 at 2:48 pm
Doctor X says:
I’m almost there. 90% on the way to taking a punt on Dempsey…
…the heart says do it.
January 28 at 2:49 pm
rohan says:
Good punt, that. Go for it
January 28 at 2:51 pm
Valar Morghulis(Formerly Keith) says:
i’m 100% doin it.. should be gold for the next 4 weeks
January 28 at 2:53 pm
Doctor X says:
Good to know I’m not alone then.
January 28 at 2:54 pm
berbatron says:
could be a v good idea. His form suggests he deserves a starting place even when Ade is back. But not 100%, wait to see what happens on deadline day for spurs also-signing a striker+holtby would not be good news for Demps. If you have the extra money i’d just go with bale
January 28 at 2:48 pm
Valar Morghulis(Formerly Keith) says:
So Pearce or Harte? are we sure pearce is nailed on?
January 28 at 2:50 pm
Valar Morghulis(Formerly Keith) says:
just noticed taht Pearce has had 6 shots and 3 key passes to harte’s 4 shots and 2 key passes!! wth.. and he’s considered more nailed on too!! Pearce it is .. ignore the above
January 28 at 2:52 pm
Scroobius Mac says:
Ooh nice.
January 28 at 2:49 pm
China Mag says:
Federici Bunn
Wilkinson Davies Turner Demel Clyne
As cheap as it gets. But could i get any better? Can’t afford a penny more!
January 28 at 2:50 pm
Doctor X says:
Jesus. That IS cheap. What’s the rest of the team like?
January 28 at 2:52 pm
China Mag says:
Power 5, RVP, Aguero, Pog
January 28 at 2:50 pm
rohan says:
It is indeed cheap
Don’t know about Wilkinson, though. Is he nailed on.? A switch to Wilson is imminent I presume?
January 28 at 2:53 pm
China Mag says:
Will switch to wilson as soon as he is fit
January 28 at 2:50 pm
athleticbilbobaggins says:
Demel? Clyne? One is in horrible form and the other has horrible fixtures. Get a QPR def in, perhaps?
January 28 at 2:54 pm
kvtvk says:
+1
January 28 at 2:54 pm
China Mag says:
Would be worried they will be a few defenders this week. Do we think onuoha is nailed on? Who used to play that spot. Anyone other than bosingwa?
January 28 at 2:55 pm
athleticbilbobaggins says:
I have no idea but general consensus seems to be that Onouha is a decent punt.
January 28 at 2:52 pm
John Terry's Dog - JT is not the messiah, he's just a very naughty boy says:
poundstretcher phoned they want their stock back
January 28 at 2:50 pm
bigdip says:
My WC team:
GK Bunn (Cerny)
O’Shea Harte Davies Clyne Dawson
Fellaini Michu Walcott Hazard Puncheon
Fletcher Aguero Van Persie
0.0 left in the bank
January 28 at 2:50 pm
Feed tha Sheep says:
Silva caz Gerard or fellani?? (have suarez and Walcott)
January 28 at 2:50 pm
Doosra - Laurentiu Reghecampf - Coach of FC Steaua Bucarești says:
Might be able to squeeze Baines in, after all!
What are your views on this? Yay/nay?
January 28 at 2:51 pm
rohan says:
Yes
January 28 at 2:52 pm
Yossi says:
Nay!
January 28 at 2:53 pm
Doosra - Laurentiu Reghecampf - Coach of FC Steaua Bucarești says:
January 28 at 3:00 pm
pompeyfan says:
yay from me
January 28 at 2:51 pm
DirtyRandy says:
Fellaini>Puncheon or Baines>Gibbs to free up cash?
Right now I’m playing a 352.
Bego Rudd
Baines Demel Davies Clichy Pearce
Power 5
RVP Sturridge Fletcher
January 28 at 2:51 pm
anish69 says:
hows this WC looking :
Bunn DDG
Zab Mariappa Davies Enrique Bertrand
Marx Mata Walcott A.Johnson Michu
Aguero Suarez RVP
January 28 at 2:58 pm
berbatron says:
Do you expect bertrand to get much game time? If you can find a way of doing Johnson-Fellaini it looks great.
January 28 at 2:52 pm
Giggs Boson says:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21233406
Either Fellaini is now essential or he’s leaving Everton.
January 28 at 2:54 pm
Yossi says:
Good news for owners, can get rid immediately if he moves or else he becomes a great option again…
January 28 at 2:54 pm
The second coming of Moussa Dembele //Berbasaur// says:
Not essential but makes him a great pick. Also makes Baines a better pick, Fer is a set piece threat and will help get clean sheets.
January 28 at 2:56 pm
berbatron says:
Where does Fer play?
January 28 at 2:56 pm
berbatron says:
DM?
January 28 at 2:56 pm
Gareth Bale's stunt double says:
central mid
January 28 at 2:59 pm
berbatron says:
so expecting Fellaini to be pushed up to AM again? No danger of Fer playing there? 10 goals in 29 games is a lot for a cm
January 28 at 2:52 pm
Yossi says:
Boselli to Palermo confirmed, devastating…