Games

The Sun Dream Team – Selection Guide – Defenders

In our second selection guide for The Sun Dream Team, we turn our attention to the defence, casting an eye on the strategies involved in selecting a back four and the prime candidates on offer.

While the big points scorers can be found further up the field, with a quartet of defenders a pre-requisite for our lineups in The Sun Dream Team, we can ill-afford to neglect this area. As with our goalkeeper selection, we’re looking for regular starters first and foremost, although, as we’ll see, attacking instincts and the potential for goals is also key.

Before we begin looking at specific player options, let’s analyse the factors that govern our selection – including last season’s performance, the influence of cup fixtures and possible transfer window strategies.

The Strategies

Top Ten Sun Dream Team Defenders by Overall Points 2012/13

NameTeamStarts7+ RatingsStar ManGoalsCSGCPoints
BainesEverton4432571248196
IvanovicChelsea5421381860177
VertonghenTottenham Hotspur4828371359164
LuizChelsea5018171955153
AggerLiverpool3820131741138
ShawcrossStoke City4022511344135
JohnsonLiverpool4120211846135
WilliamsSwansea City4125301347129
JagielkaEverton4118431144129
MertesackerArsenal4314131743124

Looking back at the previous campaign’s data, it’s clear that some familiar names from other Fantasy games also dominate in The Sun Dream Team. Leighton Baines’ status as the top defensive asset is compounded by his standing, here: he finished the season some 22 points ahead of his nearest rival in The Sun Dream Team, despite claiming just 12 clean sheets. Everton’s progress to the FA Cup semi-finals boosted another eye-catching Premier League season for Baines, who achieved a points per game stat of 4.5 – by far the most impressive amongst the top ranked defenders.

The Chelsea pairing of Branislav Ivanovic and David Luiz benefited from a successful Europa League campaign but turned in points per game numbers of 3.2 and 2.9 respectively – emphasising Baines’ efficiency. Tottenham’s Jan Vertonghen was also aided by Europa League appearances and, overall, it’s significant that these top four defenders all claimed seven or more goals over the season – underlining the importance of targeting those capable of contributing at the sharp end.

While goals are clearly an important factor, we should also consider the role played by points gained for Star Man and 7+ ratings.

Baines, Stoke’s Ryan Shawcross and West Ham’s James Collins all topped the Star Man charts for defenders with modest totals of five awards. In 2011/12, Baines, along with Shawcross, were two of eight defenders tied on just three at the top. Compare this to Juan Mata’s 15, and the 13 accrued by both Gareth Bale and Luis Suarez last season, and it’s clear that, like goalkeepers, defenders struggle to overshadow their attacking team-mates when it comes to picking up man-of-the-match status.

Points from 7+ Sun Ratings are easier to obtain, however. There were ten defenders who earned 7+ ratings on 20 or more occasions last season, with Baines registering a hugely impressive tally of 32 from his 44 starts, gathering 96 points in this area. Vertonghen also gained heavily here – he collected 7+ ratings on 28 occasions from 48 starts, while Swansea’s Ashley Williams earned the same accolade in 25 of his 41 Dream Team starts.

As a rule, aside from the obvious benefit of scoring in a match, dominant central defenders and full-backs with strong attacking impetus are the most likely to earn a 7+ rating. Baines has featured in the top five rankings for 7+ ratings over the last four seasons – emphasising the importance of a consistent attacking presence. Similarly, both Shawcross and Williams have made the top ten for 7+ ratings in the past two seasons (with Star Man awards also a factor) – it’s obvious that the duo have something to offer in this area.

Cup Campaigns

There’s no question that a Cup run and, in particular, a European campaign can be big factors behind the number of appearances, and therefore the points tallies, of your defenders. In some cases, defensive stalwarts can be less prone to rotation than their attacking counterparts.

Vertonghen was a key benefactor of Tottenham’s Europa League campaign last term, earning 41 of his 164 points in Europe. Similarly, both Ivanovic and Luiz collected 17 and 25 additional points from Champions League and Europa League matches, with Liverpool’s Glen Johnson fetching 18 additional points.

We’re not talking big margins here, but clearly, targeting players with the potential of regular starts in European matches is another factor to consider.

Domestic cup runs can also be considered, but these are far trickier to anticipate, with rotation in the FA and Capital One Cups likely to be rife amongst those sides also competing in Europe. Typically, we’ll see all the Champions League contenders rotate across the board in the domestic cup competitions, leading us to look to those teams outside of these four, perhaps honing in on those sides who will field strong lineups in both domestic trophies – the likes of Everton, West Ham and Norwich, perhaps.

Window Watching

Planning transfer strategies according to The Sun Dream Team Transfer Window is crucial, not least in defence where you can tailor your tactics to give yourself the best opportunity of earning clean sheet rewards.

Transfer Window 1 opens with just three Premier League fixtures played out, on September 3. You’ll have three transfers to use before the Gameweek 4 on September 14 and, with a “use them or lose” policy, it’s wise to examine the options of signing defenders with this in mind.

It’s worth considering a policy of adopting one or even two slots in your back four that can be used to rotate a defender in and out in each Transfer Window according to fixtures and cup progress. Of course, such best laid plans can be ripped up by untimely injuries, however.

The Season Ticker is your key weapon here. We can easily identify those with the easier fixtures over the first three Gameweeks and, if you’re a member, you can use the “clean sheets” filter on the interactive ticker to find those defences most likely to earn shut-outs in this spell.

Our members can also tailor their ticker to examine the next Transfer Window that opens on November 12. By restricting the full Members Ticker to Gameweeks 3-11 you can analyse the difficulty of fixtures between Transfer Window 1 and Transfer Window 2, revealing some valid strategies and targets.

As an example, Southampton face home matches with West Ham, Crystal Palace, Swansea, Fulham and Hull all before Transfer Window 2, therefore, switching in a defender from St Mary’s in Transfer Window 1 for this spell looks an option.

With the Capital One Cup reaching the fourth round by October 28, you will be able to adjust your defence according to those teams who have made progress by the time Transfer Window 2 comes into effect.

It’s not so easy in Europe, with the Europa League and Champions League both on matchday four of the group stages by the time Transfer Window 2 opens.

The FA Cup Third Round does not take place until January 4, so progress here only becomes a factor for the Transfer Window 3 that opens on January 21.

The Players

Baines and Vertonghen are obvious draws once again this season with both set to offer a significant attacking threat and assured league starts. There are caveats that might curb investment prior to Transfer Window 1, however, with Baines’ future at Goodison still not uncertain and Vertonghen looking a doubt for the opening fixtures with a pre-season ankle injury. Once settled, however, both look hugely tempting as heavy-hitter investments with Vertonghen’s price tag of £5.5m, coupled with Tottenham’s kind schedule of fixtures up until Transfer Window 2, perhaps giving him the edge once fit.

Coverage of both Man City and United will be high on the agenda given their potential to harvest clean sheets, although the fixture list suggests that initial investment should go the way of Manuel Pellegrini’s side. City have Newcastle, Cardiff and Hull before the first transfer window, while United’s defence face both Liverpool and Chelsea in the same spell.

Vincent Kompany seems likely to be the most secure option in the City rearguard with both full-backs and the Belgian’s central defensive partner set to shuffle on the domestic front and in Europe. If you’re not spending on Joe Hart in goal, the City captain looks a shoo-in, at least until Transfer Window 1 swings open and the United defence comes into play.

That will also give us time to assess how David Moyes will approach his back four. With the likes of Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand, Jonny Evans and Phil Jones all available for the centre-half roles, the full-backs – Patrice Evra and Rafael, could be the safer routes to take. Jones, if he can cement a start, either in defence or midfield, looks the one to watch given his modest £4m price tag.

Chelsea’s defensive assets are difficult to sift through. Jose Mourinho will surely rotate at the back and, aside from Ashley Cole (£6.0), few look assured of regular starts in the league, let alone the cup competitions. Luiz, with a significant goal threat, looks to be the crown jewel but at £6.5m, his potential comes at a price. With a difficult start to the campaign (United, Everton, Tottenham and City all before Transfer Window 2), it may be wise to look elsewhere in order to assess Mourinho’s selection pattern.

Lower down the brackets, Ashley Williams, with a valuation of just £3.5m, has attracted more interest than any other defender – he’s been selected by over 31% of managers in The Sun Dream Team so far. Swansea’s Europa League campaign is presumably a factor, here, with Chico (£2.5) finding his way into over 21% of sides. Both could be set to plummet should Swansea falter in qualifying, although arguably, the duo have merits regardless of potential European returns.

Liverpool’s Kolo Toure looks a stronger option in the same bracket. Having figured prominently in pre-season and with Martin Skrtel’s future at Anfield far from certain, Toure looks exceptional value at just £3m. As we mentioned in our previous guide to The Sun Dream Team goalkeepers, there is real merit in acquiring both Toure and Simon Mignolet given their price and Liverpool’s strong early schedule.

Baines’ team-mate Seamus Coleman (£3m) offers an interesting alternative. Classed as a midfielder last season, Coleman is expected to claim the start on the right side of Roberto Martinez’s defence, either as a full-back or wing-back. That should see him contribute regularly to attack and draw plenty of 7+ ratings should Martinez start his Goodison career strongly.

In the budget bracket, West Ham’s defence offers new signing Razvan Rat for just £1m – a hugely attractive option going into Transfer Window 1 with the Hammers facing Cardiff and Stoke at Upton Park, with a trip to Newcastle sandwiched in between. Rat could be a keeper over the season given that price tag, although a transfer out to cash in on Southampton’s aforementioned run up to Transfer Window 2 looks a good tactic.

Full-backs Luke Shaw and Nathaniel Clyne can each be acquired for £2.5m and if Jose Fonte or Jos Hooiveld can secure at start, they can be snapped up for just £1m. Beyond those two clubs, Norwich City’s Michael Turner, at just £1.5m, looks another bargain. If he can gain continue to command starts alongside Sebastian Bassong, he should offer value, particularly if Chris Hughton’s side can translate their summer spending into a domestic Cup run.

The Sun Dream Team Scout League

The Sun Dream Team is long established as one of the biggest players in the UK Fantasy Football market, attracting a huge audience wowed by the most substantial prizes on offer. Once again, this season, there’s a huge £500,000 prize pool to be divided up. Registration for teams and leagues opens on August 1 but you can select your lineups right now.

We also have our own Fantasy Football Scout League with a £1000 top prize on offer to the winner.

Once you register and create your team or teams, simply use the following PIN and password to enter.

League Name: Fantasy Football Scout
Password: ReWOZhn1T1
PIN: 8061654

You’ll find these details on the middle column of the homepage from this point on.

Mark Mark created the beast. He's now looking to tame it.

2,838 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    If Monty's playing, I'm getting him in! 🙂

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    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Hehehe! 😉

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    2. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      😥

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  2. Piggs Boson
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    is there anyone going with only 2 Chelsea players?

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    1. Infinite Sheldon
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Err. I wouldn't want any more.

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    2. Dukes of Hazard
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      I know it's hard to find two players who are nailed on, but hull and villa at home is just about as good as it gets.

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      1. thetinkerman
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        This. It's a dream gameweek, tainted with doubts over minutes and the shadow of United in GW2 and the GW3 blank.

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    3. Fray Bentos
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      It would make life so much easier, but hey it’s a DGW so 3 chelsea, 1 villa for me!!

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      1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Good man - me too. 🙂

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        1. Big_Andy_GAWA
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          Me three. I am W/C après GW1, mind. Am thinking of adding Westwood and taking out Jarvis (until the Wildcard, though)

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          1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            10 years, 8 months ago

            I have Weimann, just. 🙂

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            1. Big_Andy_GAWA
              • 12 Years
              10 years, 8 months ago

              Yup, me too. Would you do Westwood instead of Jarvis for GW1, Doos?

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              1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 14 Years
                10 years, 8 months ago

                No. But I have Noble.

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      2. Piggs Boson
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Their fixtures after are horrific though, and Hull are pretty solid.

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        1. Fray Bentos
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          Will have to take a 4 point hit but I only intend to keep hazard long term

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      3. Infinite Sheldon
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        If you use up both transfers to get rid for GW3, you will still have 2 players who will have a blank. It leaves you pretty restricted.

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    4. Declan-
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      I may not get Lukaku. Definitely Haz and Cole/Luiz though

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    5. In Tommy We Trust
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      \o

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      1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        😯

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        1. In Tommy We Trust
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          Thinking long term Doos

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          1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            10 years, 8 months ago

            Ok ...

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    6. Ricky - it doesn\'t ta…
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Haz and lukaku. May get cole will the bale money

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    7. thetinkerman
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      minimum 2. Hazard plus a defender.

      Probably punt on one more DGWer, likely to be Lukaku at this rate.

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      1. Piggs Boson
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Which defender are you going for? There seems to be doubts over all of them.

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        1. Fray Bentos
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          im going Hazard, lukaku, Oscar, benteke I know there are rotation worries but its balls to the wall

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  3. Milky
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    "We are delighted to announce that we have reached agreement with Valencia for the transfer of Roberto Soldado subject to medical. "

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    1. Milky
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Thats Soldado done for Spurs

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    2. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Yesterday's story. 😉

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  4. Dr Dream
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    The more i look at these RMT's the more i realise that owning RVP stops you playing the game....Not that owning him necessarily means you will score less points but it certainly removes a lot of the risk and fun from the game....I'm out....

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    1. Infinite Sheldon
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      I much prefer my team without him in it. I can always get him in if need be.

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      1. Dr Dream
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah...I just like the vast array of combinations of big mids and mid priced forwards that are showing themselves without him....whether i get it right or not is another matter entirely. It's gonna be the way to gor for me...plus a good dose of season ticker analysis...

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    2. kidd
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Isn't it the other way around?

      Having RVP means have to think harder to even the team out. It's the fun in searching for the cheap/moderate player that will score.. the likes of Michu, Sterling, Benteke of last season 🙂

      It's a lot riskier in a way to "put all your eggs in one basket"

      well, anyway it's just me 😉

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  5. Jafalad
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Crick line ups?

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  6. Demí
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Eng: Cook Root Trott Pietersen Bell Bairstow Prior Bresnan Broad Swann Anderson

    Aus: Watson, Rogers, Khawaja, Clarke, Smith, Warner, Haddin, Siddle, Harris, Starc, Lyon

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    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Bother. Bugger the selectors.

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    2. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Mind you - Australia have picked Starc ...

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    3. Billy Gilmore
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Why is Warner playing? 😐

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      1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Apparently, he is your Kevin Pietersen ... 😀

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        1. Billy Gilmore
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          He's certainly a w*nker 😡

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  7. Nick2ooo
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Will Kaboul for Tottenham be nailed on?

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    1. Big_Andy_GAWA
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      He is injured at mo, but should be after then, I'd say

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  8. Crouch Potato!
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Spurs have reached an agreement to sign Soldado from Valencia subject to a medical. SSN.

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    1. nevins84
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Any ideas what he is going to cost us ... I want him!!

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  9. New Article Posted
  10. harrypalmer
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    RMT

    Mannone - McGregor

    Ivanovic - Kaboul - Collins - Coleman - Cylne

    Walcott - Hazard (c) - Mirallas - Silva - Jarvis

    Dzeko - Giroud - Lukaku

    With potentially Dzeko/Lukaku --> Bony after the double.

    I think the front line is too risky at the moment. My gut is telling me to start with Bony.

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  11. SneakyPete
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Spurs sign Soldado

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    1. SneakyPete
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      We are delighted to announce that we have reached agreement with Valencia for the transfer of Roberto Soldado subject to medical.

      The striker netted 80 times in 146 appearances during his time at the Mestalla who he joined from Getafe in 2010, after impressing with a tally of 29 goals in 60 league appearances.

      Tell us what you think about our new centre forward. #THFC

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  12. wormy2010
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    please RMT

    mignolet (davis)
    luiz-mertsacker-wittaker(baker-chester)
    hazard-snodgrass-nolan-gerrard(whittingham)
    lukaku-lambert-rvp

    cheers

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  13. daisybcfc
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    NEVER BUY THE SUN

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  14. Mr F Gallagher
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    For those of you worrying is Dzeko will start most games this season.........
    So what if he doesn't!- Remember this?
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yarzvpUpUAM

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  15. King Nil Miss ✩
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Hart and Toure?

    or

    Mignolet and Zabaleta?

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    1. kidd
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Mig+Zabaleta .. but only if Zaba nailed on the RB position
      seeing last season performance maybe yes, but seeing Micah last night vs Milan 😮 .....

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  16. OptimusBlack
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Turner or Connolly ?

    Both from Cardiff but Connolly scored 5 Golas last season

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  17. Dr Dream
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    My team of Belgians +....for the coming year...

    Mignolet....Davis

    Kompany...Vertonghen...Vermaelen....Collins...Clyne

    Chadli.....Hazard...Mirallas...De Bruyne...Dembele

    Benteke...Lukaku...Dzeko.....(1.0)

    Verm is a problem until if/when he get's his place back hence Collins and Clyne..Fellaini is first transfer in as and when needed after DGW (6 Belgian mids in the prem).....

    Two questions....In general how far down the pecking order is De Bruyne and what's the latest on any transfer of Fellaini (contract release clause runs out in two weeks)

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    1. Dr Dream
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      oh...and have i missed any other Belgians ?

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      1. HERECOMETHEBELGIANS!
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Jean Claude Van Damme

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        1. kidd
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          LOL 😀

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  18. TomMcO
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Mignolet
    Johnson - Mertesacker - Evra
    Bale - Snodgrass - Coutinho - Hazard
    Dzeko - Lukaku - Berbatov

    Subs: Davis - Whittaker - Cork -Baker

    Thoughts? First time doing this

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  19. pedrofroes79
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Who will score higher?
    Snodgrass / JRod / Silva
    Snodgrass / Dzeko / Mirallas

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  20. Benny M
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Join my league!
    Woys World
    Pin no 8018118
    Password FedX

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  21. darrenm
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Think I am pretty settled:

    Mignolet I Boruc
    Coleman I Clyne I Collins I Ward I M Turner
    Hazard I Walcott I Coutinho I Mirallas I Snodgrass
    Lukaku I Negredo I Bony

    Only concern is Bony/Negredo - Bony will play but will playing in europe affect his playing/form? I want city cover and is either Silva or Negredo - just do not know who to take out for Silva if i do. I think Negredo will start with Aguero in behind but obvious rotation risk....

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  22. kermit269
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    RMT please... I need your inputs..

    Mignolet (Boruc)
    Luiz - Mertesacker - Coleman (Clyne, Collins)
    Walcott - Mirallas - Hazard - Nolan (Puncheon)
    Lukaku - Dzeko - Sturridge

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