Scout Scribbles – Dropping Like Flies
Filed under: Scout Notes - Posted by: Mark
With a slew of international friendlies, Fantasy managers are cursed by the usual array of injuries – some genuine, some phantom. This week we’ve already seen a number of withdrawals from international squads, casting some doubt, howver minor, over participation in league matches for the coming weekend.
Daniel Sturridge yesterday confirmed his withdrawal from England’s squad to face Brazil tomorrow evening. The Liverpool striker is suffering from a thigh injury and, although he joined up with the squad, has returned to his club for assessment and treatment prior to Sunday’s Anfield meeting with West Brom. Sturridge has been a top transfer target as we approach Liverpool’s double Gameweek, attracting over 70,000 new owners to this point – more than any other player. Having played to the final minute in the 2-2 draw at City on Sunday, there is obviously confidence in Sturridge’s availability for Sunday’s match; we can only wait on further updates from the club as the week progresses.
Marouane Fellaini is perhaps the next biggest name to be affected. Having suffered a bang to his hip in the dramatic 3-3 draw with Villa on Saturday, the Belgian reportedly missed training with his national side on Monday and has been declared a doubt for their friendly with Slovakia. Again, Fantasy managers won’t be too concerned by these reports just yet. Such is the importance of Fellaini to Everton, it seems likely that the Belgium national team respect the club involved by not taking any risk with such a player for a friendly encounter. Had the match been a qualifier, we may see a very different scenario but, until we hear more from Goodison on the injury, Fellaini is nothing more than a minor doubt for the weekend’s trip to Old Trafford.
The finger injury sustained by Chelsea’s Petr Cech appears to be more of an issue. The Czech stopper has been withdrawn from his national side’s squad for their clash with Turkey with confirmation that he’s suffered a broken little finger. The player brought us this on his latest setback…
“2013 started unfortunately for me. At first it was groin, then calf and now the finger. Hopefully I have had my share of bad luck for the whole year already. I punched the ball and the head of one of Newcastle players at the same time. I thought it was nothing but went for an X-ray just in case. However, it showed there was a fracture.”
The early reports suggest that Cech is already ruled out of the weekend home meeting with Wigan, whilst also casting doubt on Cech’s chances of facing former club, Sparta Prague, in the Europa League next Wednesday…
“It will depend on whether we find a solution where it would not threaten my health and, at the same time, I would be able to perform adequately…I have to be able to cover the shots, push the players away and so on. If I were unable to give 100 per cent, I would not play. With the splint I have now it would not be possible at all.”
Once again, it will likely be Ross Turnbull who deputises for Cech in the Chelsea goal should he be confirmed absent from the Wigan meeting on Saturday.
Across West London, Harry Redknapp is sweating on the fitness of new striker Loic Remy, with the lastest reports suggesting that the Frenchman is facing up to two months on the sidelines. Remy suffered a groin injury in training on Friday and subsequently missed the 0-0 draw with Norwich on Saturday. While Redknapp stated that Remy had suffered a torn groin, he later retracted this and indicated that it was merely a strain. This was later confirmed by assistant boss Joe Jordan. Despite this, a report in the Daily Mail are far from optimistic on Remy’s prognosis, stating that a prolonged spell out is on the cards. Others have followed suit with similar claims.
With Bobby Zamora fighting for match fitness, Redknapp’s options up top are scant: Jamie Mackie is his only fit recognised striker, with Adel Taarabt recently being asked to play a striker’s role. While Taarabt’s start and attacking responsibilities will be assured should Remy face a term of absence, Fantasy managers will perhaps have little confidence in QPR’s attacking potential without their new signing in the starting XI.
Man United’s Phil Jones was a notable withdrawal from England’s U21 international with Sweden tonight. Jones also missed Saturday’s victory at Fulham and, while United have been vague on his situation, Stuart Pearce has confirmed that he has been ruled out of his U21 squad due to a bout of shingles. A report in the Daily Telegraph this morning states that Jones is now a doubt for United’s Champions League tie with Real Madrid next week. His absence against Everton this weekend seems almost certain, then, cutting Sir Alex Ferguson’s rotation options ahead of the big European tie.
Moving away from injuries and illness, it was interesting to find Martin O’Neill discussing his tactical options following the recent acquisition of Danny Graham from Swansea. The Sunderland boss gave Graham his debut from the bench at Reading at the weekend but recent articles have discussed the option of O’Neill fielding both Graham and Steven Fletcher in a 4-4-2. O’Neill certainly seems to be considering such an option…
“We’ll see, we’ll develop something with them – I don’t see it being a problem…Steven Fletcher, although he’s been brilliant as a centre-forward, I think he can drop in and easily play in another position…We’ll see what develops with the two of them playing together.”
That statement indicates that Fletcher could well be deployed in a support striker role, linking the midfield and Graham as the focal point of the attack. That would not only have implications on the role of Stephane Sessegnon, it could also possibly impact on Fletcher’s output from this point on. The former Wolves man has been outstanding in his first season on Wearside, scoring 10 times in the league so far in a side that, earlier in the season, was creating little but scraps in front of goal.
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February 5 at 12:55 pm
Scroobius Mac says:
On the batshit crazy scale how does RVP, Puncheon, Bertrand > Sturridge, Michu, Enrique (-4) rank?
Flying over the cuckoos nest or worthy of consideration?
February 5 at 12:56 pm
Chris_White says:
Defo worthy, imo. Might do RVP > Suarez myself.
February 5 at 12:57 pm
Scroobius Mac says:
Actually I can do RVP, Bertrand > Suarez, GJ for free. That looks better.
February 5 at 12:58 pm
Chris_White says:
Yep. Better.
February 5 at 1:11 pm
Gimli son of Gloin says:
Far better.
February 5 at 12:57 pm
Chu Young Ping Pong says:
I wouldn’t get Michu.
February 5 at 12:57 pm
Dogba says:
Worthy of consideration. All depends on how you’re looking for GW27. Will you have 11 players that you feel confident will start without taking a hit? Or are you really looking at -8?
February 5 at 1:00 pm
Scroobius Mac says:
Hang on – I need pen and paper.
February 5 at 12:58 pm
Absinthe Minded One says:
if you look at it over a 2 week period, they play the same amount of games and you are taking a hit plus losing RVP……..
Your call, has potential but also massive pitfalls
February 5 at 12:59 pm
Absinthe Minded One says:
I’m taking a huge gamble on a 2 week game plan
Bale-Gerrard (c) and back to Bale
Gerrard will be my only pool player………. this may also be madness :0
February 5 at 12:58 pm
Yossi says:
I’d probably do it.. You’ll need to take a hit to get rid of Berty anyway and Sturridge is as good as most replacements for RVP… You have Aguero, so should be ok up front, but you’ll probably have to be ok with not having RVP for the rest of the season… If so, I’d go ahead and do it probably…
February 5 at 12:58 pm
ChristIna says:
Hey, who knows. I can tell you one thing…you have Balls. Bale(c)…wow….Nicholls reserve keeper….
Can you wait on the Sturridge move? Tweet says he is off for a scan.
February 5 at 12:59 pm
Scroobius Mac says:
Yeah I’ve waited this long to miss price rises nearly always transfer on Friday afternoon anyway.
Yes Bale captain worked quite well this week.
February 5 at 2:15 pm
sully sonic says:
i would say do it sturridge should be back for DGW
You could do better than michu> how about fellaini or sissoko?
February 6 at 10:23 am
Sidharth says:
-_-
February 5 at 12:57 pm
Jubilanus says:
definitely not crazy. (ish)
February 5 at 12:58 pm
Breadbin - Specialist RMT consultant says:
Keep telling yourself that!
February 5 at 12:57 pm
ⓖⓐⓩⓩⓐ™ says:
Why is everyone taking Rvp out. Your all crazy
February 5 at 12:58 pm
Yossi says:
What about my all crazy
?
February 5 at 12:58 pm
Breadbin - Specialist RMT consultant says:
No you are.
February 5 at 12:59 pm
Katie says:
You’re crazy for spelling you’re with a your.
February 5 at 12:59 pm
Breadbin - Specialist RMT consultant says:
No you’re (sic)
February 5 at 1:00 pm
ChristIna says:
And your a ywhoure.
February 5 at 12:59 pm
Chu Young Ping Pong says:
They’re not.
February 5 at 1:18 pm
thetinkerman says:
I wouldn’t say their (sic) crazy
February 5 at 12:58 pm
AGUEROOOOO!!!!! says:
Time for work, said this last night and my advice for you
KEEP CALM AND SELL RVP
February 5 at 12:59 pm
Breadbin - Specialist RMT consultant says:
No.
February 5 at 1:08 pm
Carl@streetkids.com.au says:
Keep calm and hold RVP
February 5 at 1:08 pm
boc610 says:
not a fookin chance. guy did nothing last game yet still picked up 3 bonus. like clockwork this always happens with RVP and like clockwork we’l have people in droves typing ‘should never have sold RVP!!’ over the next few weeks. whats worse this time though is he will be too expensive to bring back in. so you lose him now, thats it.
February 5 at 1:21 pm
thetinkerman says:
This. The only reason I won’t sell is because there’s realistically no way back with no WCs left. He’s doing well, what’s the big deal?
February 5 at 12:59 pm
Tmel says:
Any reason why Guthrie didn’t play against Sunderland at the weekend? Or was he just dropped? Was relying on him for 2 points in GW27
February 5 at 1:00 pm
Yossi says:
He’s crap… Way better options for just a small bit extra
February 5 at 1:04 pm
Tmel says:
This is true, should have gone with my gut and got Kebe in my WC but I was being stingy and wanted money for Fletcher > Sturridge
February 5 at 12:59 pm
Daniel - U don't know what u r doing!!! Rafa out!!! says:
Ok what about Pablo Hernandez ? I like the differential he is offering
February 5 at 1:00 pm
Chris_White says:
Good shout
February 5 at 1:00 pm
Breadbin - Specialist RMT consultant says:
It’s different, so is Tamas.
February 5 at 1:01 pm
Scroobius Mac says:
Not sure I can fit him in but he’s the Swansea player I’d go for if Michu’s massive ownership didn’t scare me.
February 5 at 1:01 pm
Yossi says:
Yep, decent enough, will be consistently delivering assists rather than Michu’s big hauls earlier this season though, I reckon…
February 5 at 1:02 pm
Katie says:
Are you able to see my transfers?
February 5 at 1:39 pm
Daniel - U don't know what u r doing!!! Rafa out!!! says:
hashahah
February 5 at 1:00 pm
blokeman says:
Cut Benteke or Lambert for Studge?
February 5 at 1:02 pm
Yossi says:
Lambert of the 2
February 5 at 1:01 pm
ChristIna says:
Cue Rangel Angel being the highest scoring DGW player.
Buggumark it.
February 5 at 1:04 pm
Chu Young Ping Pong says:
No, it’s gonna be Sturridge Daniel and Suarez Luis.
February 5 at 1:05 pm
Katie says:
Sturridge by a landslide
February 5 at 1:09 pm
ChristIna says:
Not time to commit FPL suicide yet?
February 5 at 1:12 pm
Katie says:
You ‘aint got Sturridge then I take it?
February 5 at 1:23 pm
thetinkerman says:
I wouldn’t be surprised if it wasn’t one of Michu, Gerrard, Suarez or Studge.
Someone like Henderson, Rangel or Carragher will get the most!
February 5 at 1:02 pm
Jonty says:
Gameweek 7 was the last great push by RVP doubters to ditch the Dutchman. On the back of 1, 6, 5, 4 people were wondering if he was worth the money.
Well, bad news for those that did as the next three gameweeks RVP scored 11, 12, 8.
Fast forward to Gameweek 25-26 and there’s the same ditch RVP talk. Well I for one am sticking.
February 5 at 1:04 pm
Chris_White says:
Will probably stick myself and go Suarez-less in the DGW. Christ I am scared.
February 5 at 1:04 pm
andres says:
I couldn’t watch a united game anymore without him or even refresh the scores on soccerway…
February 5 at 1:07 pm
Ogie says:
In the immortal words of Bon Jovi Keep The Faith:)
February 5 at 1:13 pm
Ogie says:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZQyVUTcpM4
February 5 at 1:25 pm
thetinkerman says:
I won’t try to talk people out of it as it could work out if his replacement can potentially match his production (e.g. Rooney) but I’m sticking for the exact same reason. I was considering going RVPless around then too but luckily I stuck with him.
February 5 at 1:02 pm
andres says:
Is it wise to do fellaini to gerrard when I lead my mini league by 50 points and all my rivals will keep fellaini?
Currently have only davies and studge. The other option is to get suarez in for a hit…
Thx
February 5 at 1:11 pm
Mile Plankton - Myth and Chronology says:
Playing safe is keeping him. But I would go for Stevie. That can extend your gap.
February 5 at 1:03 pm
AriseSirGiggsy says:
I’m sure the Scout Picks used to be wise choices rather than just the top of the Watchlist……………
February 5 at 1:04 pm
Giggs Boson says:
http://i.imgur.com/NV593.gif
February 5 at 1:04 pm
Chu Young Ping Pong says:
Haxball??
February 5 at 1:06 pm
Giggs Boson says:
Ok, make a room and i’ll join
February 5 at 1:08 pm
Chu Young Ping Pong says:
http://tinyurl.com/a4ay4om
February 5 at 1:08 pm
Chu Young Ping Pong says:
pass ffs
February 5 at 1:05 pm
Chris_White says:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ek0SgwWmF9w
February 5 at 1:05 pm
Old School says:
GB,
that photoshop was genius…
February 5 at 1:07 pm
Giggs Boson says:
It had a lot of flaws, but thank you
February 5 at 1:04 pm
Ogie says:
I hope the Sturridge thigh injury is not fake and keeps him on the sidelines for the dgw sicken all the guys that brought a player with a injury doubt stay out of Luis Suarez way for dgw u Johny come lately
February 5 at 1:05 pm
ChristIna says:
It isn’t fake.
February 5 at 1:05 pm
Giggs Boson says:
Wow…
February 5 at 1:05 pm
Breadbin - Specialist RMT consultant says:
V
Burger off hoper of pain on another person.
February 5 at 1:12 pm
roscola says:
+1
February 5 at 5:05 pm
Rhysd007 says:
can’t wait til Sturridge outscores Suarez 2:1 :p
February 5 at 1:06 pm
Old School says:
Ogie wan kenobi
February 5 at 1:18 pm
Ogie says:
i will use the force to scupper Sturridge
February 5 at 1:06 pm
AriseSirGiggsy says:
sounds like your hoping more than expecting there
if it was a genuine injury he would have come off during the City game……….
February 5 at 1:12 pm
Ogie says:
He will wish he did and not have aggravated it to the point that he will miss dgw
February 5 at 1:08 pm
Breadbin - Specialist RMT consultant says:
I hope that OGIE becomes a professional EPL footballer then breaks his neck. Obviously this is only to cost his owners a transfer.
February 5 at 1:10 pm
Koflok - we came, we raved, we loved says:
Sicken is a strong word.
Why are you sicken by the fact that people doing a decision for their own team, which if all things goes wrong will affect positively to yourself as a non Sturridge owner?
February 5 at 1:17 pm
Ogie says:
The only reason you would buy him is if you could not afford Luis Suarez
February 5 at 1:30 pm
Breadbin - Specialist RMT consultant says:
V
Got both.
February 5 at 1:12 pm
Breadbin - Specialist RMT consultant says:
Because he’s a sad cock.
February 5 at 5:54 pm
cr4zym4n says:
I bet you play the don’t pass line in craps too…
February 5 at 1:04 pm
Reckoner - It's The Kompany That Matas says:
Newcastle have some nice fixtures from GW27-30 gonna take a punt on Debuchy I think.
After this GW:
Suarez & Enrique > Cisse & Debuchy -4
After GW27:
Cisse > Aguero
Leaves me with
Mignolet
Zabaleta | Rafael | Debuchy
Walcott | Mata | Michu | Fellaini
RVP | Aguero | Sturiddge
Cerny | Harte | Demel | Guthrie
February 5 at 1:08 pm
Breadbin - Specialist RMT consultant says:
Really? They’ve not shown themselves to defend very well regardless of new players and injury returnees. If you predict the tightening up correctly kudos to you.
February 5 at 1:10 pm
Reckoner - It's The Kompany That Matas says:
Far behind in my mini league fancy a 4 week punt on him. Wouldn’t pick any other Newcastle defenders because as you say they haven’t shown to be tight at the back but hopefully with easier fixtures they may catch 1 or 2 cleanies(optimistic I know).
Debuchy’s got assist possibilities as well, very attacking FB.
If it doesn’t work out meh, only 4 weeks and I was already miles behind anyway
February 5 at 1:06 pm
Natas says:
In a bind
Team
Krul, Bunn
Briggs, Harte, Demel, Zabaleta, Dawson
Robson Kanu, Mata, Walcott, Fellaini, Bale
Aguero, RVP, Suarez
Essentially, I have 3 non starters right now – 4 with suarez for next week. Also have 2 freebies, but to bring in 1 extra dgw player will mean I will be short players next week, or will have to spend 4 pts next week, or will have to do just 1 trannie this week such as Enrique for Zaba(which not sure he will outscore) or a speculative coutinho for fellaini. None sound tempting so am considering just fixing team. Although Zaba has a good fixture, for a freebie will let him go. thinking to double up stoke with Huth for Zaba and wilko for briggs. That will leave me with no need for trannie next gw and can have 2 saved up for the following gw again.
Thoughts?
February 5 at 1:08 pm
ChristIna says:
You had me in stitches at Briggs….then I checked your rank.
*sobbing
February 5 at 1:11 pm
Natas says:
i brought in briggs for litterally 1 game week and they played richardson instead. Obviously wasnt counting on this dgw coming and so also took a sub punt on kanu coming into team after injury.
February 5 at 1:13 pm
AriseSirGiggsy says:
wo ho ho, thats too bloody high to be wasting your time on here Natas…….!
February 5 at 1:10 pm
AriseSirGiggsy says:
if you remove Zabaleta if he is one of only 3 starting defenders? this doesnt increase your number of starters and leaves you with 5 probably not starting next week.
However if you do this you can use 2 transfer next week to replace 2 non-starters – however this option means you MUST remove Suarez as he is really the only non-starter in GW 27 with enough value to transfer out for someone starting
February 5 at 1:13 pm
Natas says:
next week will have huth, harte, wilko, dason as back 4 which will give me 11 starters – I can live with that. but maybee instead of wilko can spread it with another sub 4.3 option. Only one i can see is russell martin, but would rather double on stoke for these 2 gameweeks than norwich.
February 5 at 1:15 pm
Natas says:
if only Jose Enrique or Glen Johnson would break a leg so I can bring in Wisdom. Than can use freebie next week to field 11
February 5 at 1:07 pm
Somebody's gonna get Litt Up! says:
Team A:
GW26
GERRARD Walcott Mata MICHU Bale
RVP STURRIDGE (Pog)
GW27
Walcott Mata FELLANI Bale (Gerrard)
RVP GIROUD Pog
Team B:
GW26
Walcott Mata MICHU Bale (Kebe)
SUAREZ Sturridge Aguero
GW27
Walcott Mata FELLAINI Bale Kebe
ROONEY Aguero (Sturridge)
Which do you prefer guys? Is it time for RVP out? I am really reluctant to lose Aguero which is why i am leaning towards B.
February 5 at 1:12 pm
LOCO ABREU says:
A
February 5 at 1:08 pm
roscola says:
I’ve just spotted Evra’s recent points – 57 in 8 games
I knew he’d been doing well but I didn’t realise it was 7ppg. That’s wild.
February 5 at 1:16 pm
The Old Man says:
One of my few good decisions this year. He’s a bit expensive now …
February 5 at 1:29 pm
thetinkerman says:
It’s so surprising because he’s never had this goal-scoring knack before this season. He was always good for cleanies and the odd assist but there was usually better value to be had in the United back-line.
I guess I’ve left it too late now so I won’t be bringing him in.
February 5 at 1:09 pm
unoaime says:
Anyone else going without Gerrard?
I just can’t find a way of getting him in unless i lose value on Bale, Mata or Walcott.
February 5 at 1:10 pm
ChristIna says:
Fix your link then we might help.
February 5 at 1:14 pm
unoaime says:
I’m not looking for help, merely stating something and wondering who else is going without him.
Of course i could get him in for a hit, but with his blank next week i can’t justify it.
Thanks though.
February 5 at 1:25 pm
ChristIna says:
Blah blah blah
lol
February 5 at 1:11 pm
Breadbin - Specialist RMT consultant says:
Best way to look at it for me: Which players do you have that you think will score low this and next week, then find the best Liverpool replacement. I own all of those 3 and haven’t considered Gerrard for that reason.
February 5 at 1:11 pm
Katie says:
o/
February 5 at 1:11 pm
Brutus619 says:
No point getting him in for those unless you’re going to FT him in and FT him out.
February 5 at 1:18 pm
Portuguese&Proud says:
o/
February 5 at 1:11 pm
Brutus619 says:
Please can I grab some help on this? Struggling to pick an option :/
A. Gerrard + GW 27 4-4-2 (-2 points)
B. Silva + GW 27 3-5-2
Will keep Sturridge so A would mean doubling up. No other City coverage.
February 5 at 1:11 pm
LOCO ABREU says:
Bego
Rafael/Zaba/Davies*
Mata/Walcott/Fellaini/Bale
RVP/Syarez*(C)/Sturridge*
Anything worth a hit?maybe a pool defender?I think Rafael will be rested again.
February 5 at 1:12 pm
Berbilly Gilmore - 1 free RMWCT for any WC'er who gets Tremmel in, then sell after the rise says:
New Post, ladies
http://www.fantasyfootballscou.....verpool-5/
February 5 at 3:45 pm
greggles says:
Is it silly to take 2 consecutive 4-point hits to ensure decent DGW coverage and an 11 to field for the following week?
P.S. All these people talking about selling RVP: I can’t believe this madness.
February 5 at 5:27 pm
veerum says:
PLZZ RATE THIS 1
mig / bunn
harte / mariappa / davies / rafael / GJ
taraabt / gerrard / mata / walcott / maloney
rooney / sturridge / aguero
good to go????????