Scout Notes

Scout Scribbles – Johnson Concern for Liverpool

Glen Johnson’s ankle injury may be worse than first feared. Eden Hazard skips training for Belgium with an Achilles complaint. Jozy Altidore is passed fit after a recent hamstring problem, Rafael could be set to return soon for United, while Luis Suarez may have to make do with a role on the flank this season for Liverpool.

Johnson Ankle Worry

Liverpool issued an official injury update on Glen Johnson yesterday after the right-back pulled out of England duties. The Reds defender was subbed off towards the end of Sunday’s win over United with an ankle problem and the club revealed:

“After being examined by the club’s medical staff at Melwood, Johnson is required to rest his ankle this week. A further review will then take place to check stability and decide on further management. Therefore, Liverpool have not put a timeframe on Johnson’s return to fitness at this stage.”

The Scout Says: A spell on the sidelines for Johnson would undoubtedly be a bitter blow for Brendan Rodgers. The full-back has been an integral part of the defence that has registered three back-to-back clean sheets so far and with a kind upcoming schedule on the horizon, was set for increased investment. Fantasy managers could be afforded a real bargain, though – Andre Wisdom comes in at just 4.4 in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) and looks the obvious candidate to benefit if Johnson is indeed ruled out for any length of time. Martin Kelly, also at 4.4, is the other option available to Rodgers.

Hazard Concern for Belgium

Reports in The Mail suggest Eden Hazard has been forced out of training with Belgium due to an Achilles problem. The Chelsea winger has allegedly told his national team’s doctors he has been suffering with the problem for “two to three weeks” and has been ordered to rest ahead of Friday’s showdown with Scotland.

The Scout Says: With Belgium in a strong position to qualify for next year’s World Cup, it’s highly unlikely they will risk the wide man over the next week if the injury is any real worry. Certainly, any potential absence would have a major effect on Fantasy line-ups – while Jose Mourinho has a multitude of attacking midfielders to choose from, Hazard is the most popular midfielder in the FPL game and currently resides in over 24%. An injury update from the Belgium squad will be keenly awaited as his owners hope for a positive prognosis with 10 days still to go before domestic action resumes.

Altidore Hamstring Relief

Sunderland’s Jozy Altidore has been given the all-clear to resume training with the US national squad. The forward missed out on last Saturday’s defeat at Crystal Palace due to a hamstring injury and was expected to be sidelined for at least a couple of weeks but an MRI scan has shown there is no serious damage ahead of games against Costa Rica and Mexico.

The Scout Says: This will be welcome news for Paolo Di Canio after the weekend loss against the Eagles. Having sold Stephane Sessegnon to West Brom, the Black Cats’ boss awaits news on Connor Wickham, who has withdrawn from England Under 21 duty, and with Steven Fletcher lacking fitness and new loan signing Fabio Borini also short of sharpness, Sunderland will be more reliant than ever on Altidore ahead of a run of games which sees them entertain Arsenal, Liverpool and United over the next four Gameweeks.

Rafael on the Mend

United’s Rafael has conveniently handed Fantasy managers a heads-up via his Instagram account by revealing he is set to return to training next week after missing the start of the season due to a hamstring injury.

The Scout Says: David Moyes will be relieved by the Brazilian’s speedy recovery after seeing Phil Jones forced off against Liverpool with an ankle injury. The former Blackburn man has deputised at right-back in the Brazilian’s absence but has since withdrawn from England duties with the problem – a possible return for Rafael would bring him firmly back onto Fantasy radars ahead of a run which see the champions face four home games (CPL, WBA, SOT, STO) and a trip to Sunderland in the next six.

Suarez Set for Wide Role

Reports in this morning’s Times suggest Luis Suarez will be shifted to the flank upon his return to action for Liverpool later this month. The Uruguayan is due back in time for the Gameweek 6 trip to Sunderland and with Brendan Rodgers bringing in Victor Moses on loan, Philippe Coutinho could be set for a move to “the hole” behind Daniel Sturridge as the Reds boss rolls out a 4-2-3-1:

The Scout Says: Sturridge’s form certainly has been worthy of the lone forward role. The former Chelsea man has not only notched in each of the first three Gameweeks, he has now found the net 10 times in the eight games Suarez has been suspended for – a clear indication of his goal-getting abilities. Such a scenario would not only cement Sturridge’s appeal for Fantasy managers, it would also re-ignite Coutinho’s potential – the Brazilian has failed to produce any returns in the opening three Gameweeks and has resultantly been sold on by over 106,000 FPL managers. Sturridge missed training for England yesterday with the thigh problem that had bothered him prior to the United match but his absence is thought to be precautionary.

Parr Boost for Palace

Crystal Palace left-back Jonathan Parr stepped up his recovery from an ankle ligament injury by turning out for the Eagles’ second-string side yesterday. The Norwegian, along with Paddy McCarthy, started the 2-1 defeat to Cardiff U21s before making way at the break in his first match since being sidelined towards the end of last season.

The Scout Says: Parr was a key player for Ian Holloway’s side last term and turned out 38 times in their promotion-winning campaign. His absence has afforded Dean Moxey the chance to deputise in the back-four but, once fully-fit, it’s likely that the Norway international will regain his starting berth – handing Fantasy managers another budget option, with a 4.0 price tag in the FPL game.

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1,010 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Willis.
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    Anyone doing worse than 52 points? 🙁

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    1. Pratik
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      42, I think. Won't be helped by a 8 pt this week. Cheer up, fella. 🙂

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      1. Gnu
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        Why bother?

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        1. Marknlard
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 6 months ago

          And he's been doing it for three seasons now, according to that history.

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          1. TorresMagic™
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 14 Years
            10 years, 6 months ago

            🙂

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          2. Gnu
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            10 years, 6 months ago

            The poor dumbass still can't finish last. 🙂

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        2. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 6 months ago

          Good question. The scary part is he probably won't finish last.

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      2. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        😆

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      3. Namtab Nomolos
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        Some unlucky transfers...

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      4. Pork Pie Sausage Roll
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        I bet he was raging when Gayle got a pen 😆

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      5. jimmybob
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        That makes me feel much better, cheers TM.

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    2. Saniul
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      48 points.
      6 of my front 7 (Silva, Coutinho, Mirallas, Dzeko, Soldado, van Wolfswinkel) failed to return attacking points. :/

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    3. Billy Gilmore
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      This week? I got 33

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  2. Kostja
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    Maybe Enrique RB Sakho LB?

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    1. Gnu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Nah.

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    2. Mílanista
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Wisdom/Kelly?

      One of those would be much better, from an FPL perspective.

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      1. Kostja
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        I agree, just wondering. I am actually having a sneaky thought that Sakho might not come straight into the team and I am happy to keep Kolo for at least 1 more week

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        1. Mílanista
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 6 months ago

          New, young players are often eased in so you might be right. Kolo doesn't deserve to be dropped but they've spent a lot of money on Sakho so I can't see him being on the bench for long, if he is at all.

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          1. Kostja
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 6 months ago

            There was a good article posted in the last post here, and I have heard it before that 2 left footed CBs are not a good mix, so some people found the purchase strange. I think there is a small chance he could be cover for Agger and play all cup games. But as I said I am happy I have at least 1 week to see what will happen and hopefully Rodgers will comment on that matter

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    3. Billy Gilmore
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Enrique would be worse than useless at RB, no right foot. It'll be Wisdom or Kelly or even Toure.

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      1. Dogba
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        Agreed. All 3 better options. Sahko on LB isn't too enticing either.

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    4. TuttiFrutti
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      hmm, what about kolo? he can play right back, right?

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  3. Gnu
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    England u21's might have to play 2 games this week then!

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  4. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    GJ the deceiver outside his CS.

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    1. Woy of the Wovers
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      What does this mean?

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  5. r0nh
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    My detailed analysis of the new bonus system.

    If a defender keeps a CS, he is likely to get 1 or 2 bonus points, lets say 1.5 points per CS (very generous).

    The average CS's for a season is about 12 x 1.5 = 18 points

    3 defenders x 18 points = 54 points extra for the season.

    This is assuming that you dont bench your CS defender in any GW (which you will).

    This is also assuming that when your defender keeps the CS, the attacking players that will score in most games do not steal their bonus points (which they will more often than not).

    These, very detailed, forecasted points (54), do not take into account the reduction in the number of points that your cheaper midfielders will now get, as opposed to the big hitters.

    NB - so far this season, THREE games, there has been an unusual number of CS & a definite reduction in goals from midfielders. This will not continue, so any argument that suggests it will, will be rendered completely useless by me (the boss).

    Giv us a wee sticky der, wood ya?

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    1. Crouch Potato!
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      The cs levels perhaps won't continue at the same level however should the defensive qualities of teams overall be better that the attacking qualities, then we will perhaps see a greater percentage of cs delivered overall this specific season.

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      1. r0nh
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        Can't see it.

        The fact that there have been more CS's, after 3 GW's, & they coincide with the new bonus system, is not a factor to base your team around.

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        1. Crouch Potato!
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 6 months ago

          I agree Rohn in terms of basing one's team around it which any appear to be doing. However having a couple of cbs from teams such as Chelsea will deliever far mor pts returns than previous seasons. A case of getting the balance right for me.

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    2. busteddocket
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Why do you always ask for it to become a hot topic? are you really that insecure.

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      1. r0nh
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        WTF?!

        Yes, I am very very insecure; I need a sticky to feel confident about myself 🙄

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  6. Crouch Potato!
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    @ TW, Sorted that registration out, hope it's all ok.

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    1. tw
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      got it! looks good. 95% should be able to give you QPR

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      1. Gnu
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        How do the teams who are in the non-EPL leagues get allocated a team, TW?

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        1. tw
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 6 months ago

          random to an extent. but you can request a team in the comments on post on our site about it

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          1. Gnu
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            10 years, 6 months ago

            Cheers.

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      2. Crouch Potato!
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        Nice one, cheers 😉

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  7. Buck The Trent
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    Wisdom 4.4 🙂

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  8. Saniul
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    International duty.
    The perfect time for weird 2-week injuries.

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  9. Wildcard RMT surgery
    J0E
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    Fantasy Football Scout daily hot topic

    Wildcard round-up

    A number of you are wildcarding this week. Thought it to be good to compile your wildcard drafts here as a hot topic to offer tips for your fellow wildcarders and non-wildcarders alike.

    Also, which players are heading for a double price rise this week?

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    1. Timbomars
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      W/C team currently on:

      Boruc, McGregor

      Zab, Mert, Collins, Chester, Turner (Cardiff)

      Walcott, Nolan, HBA, Snodgrass, Livermore

      Giroud, RVP, Benteke

      (0.5m in bank)

      Basically I shipped out Coutinho in order to invest in defence. Tempted to maybe bring in Barkley for Snodgrass and invest in Migs, but I do like the way Boruc and McGregor rotate. Planning on bringing in Studge for GW5, if he's set to keep his lone striker role with Suarez returning the week after. Overall thoughts?

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    2. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      ----------------------Migs--------------------
      -----Zabaletta------Coleman------Vidic-------
      --Lamela----Walcott---Lampard---Ben Arfa--
      -----Sturridge-----Benteke-----Giroud-----

      Subs: Collins, Chester, Brady

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      1. Beanz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        Great minds....

        I'm going:

        Migs (Davis)
        Zab, Kolo, Coleman (Collins Chester)
        Wally, Lamela, Lamps, HBA (Barkley)
        Studge, Bentekkers, Giroud

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        1. Bubz
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 6 months ago

          Kolo is far from nailed on in the side now though?

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    3. I am 42
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      giroud is on the way to be my first "profit"

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      1. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        Same. Although I won't be selling him so I suppose it doesn't matter as much right now.

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    4. Bedknobs and Boomsticks
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Terrible time to wildcard. With all the transfers we're hardly any better off than in the preseason. Wait a couple of weeks.

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      1. Gnu
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        I agree.

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      2. Pasqualinho
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        Disagree, although I haven't Wildcarded. Pushing your wildcard button in the most popular week for wildcarding is never terrible. I look at the WC drafts now and know that, as of next Saturday, it will take me a while to be able to afford the same team - and that has to be an advantage. So not a terrible time, but whether it is the best time remains to be seen.

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        1. Gnu
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 6 months ago

          This year seems very different Pasq, not been nearly as many risers as in previous years and things will probably slow down till after the internationals now. Too many new players coming into EPL this year , added to new managers at the major clubs adds up to too many variables for my liking.

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          1. Pasqualinho
            • 14 Years
            10 years, 6 months ago

            Agreed there's probably not as many risers - but I'm not sure it's been that significant - I see 11 have already risen with the promise of 3 new ones and our first double-riser tonight. Don't know last season's stats but normally there is a core set of 14/15 risers (as all WCers tend to go for the same players, this is to be expected). Transfers will grind to a halt now and pick up next Thursday, that's a given. Like I say, I hope this is not the best WC week for me, as I've missed the boat. But I'm pretty sure that there will be more WCs played this week than any other (excluding January) and this will push prices up and make it harder for us non-WCers to keep pace. Our main hope is that the majority of the new bandwagon's fail - which is always possible. But who's to say that the bandwagons we hop on when we do wildcard will be any better?

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        2. Namtab Nomolos
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 6 months ago

          Last season

          GW3

          4,552,135
          Transfers made

          218,957
          Wildcards played

          GW4

          3,628,465
          Transfers made

          168,902
          Wildcards played

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      3. Pratik
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        I upvoted both the posts -: One which agreed with you, the other which disagreed. Make of that what you will. 🙂

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      4. Dago
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        Agree.

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    5. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      I think the double risers will be Giroud, Sturridge, Campbell, Jose-Enrique, Hernandez. Maybe Ben Arfa, Zabaletta, Brady, Migs

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      1. Marknlard
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        Ben Arfa is moving too slow and Jose Enrique won't quite manage it, I think. But agree with the rest and I'm hopefully going to cash in on all of them.

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    6. Heydudes13
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Mignolet Given
      Zabaleta Vidic Collins Chester Ward
      Walcott Lampard Nolan Brady Ward-Prowse
      RVP Benteke Giroud

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    7. Van Dal
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Boruc 4m

      Zaba VIdic COleman (Ward) (Chester)

      Walcott Lampard Ben Arfa Ward-P (4.5)

      RVP Giroud Sturridge/BEnteke

      still provisional obv

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    8. Kings of Lyon ★
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Migs Given
      Vidic Coleman Shaw MTurner Collins
      Lamela Taraabt Michu Whitt HBA
      RvP Giroud Lambert

      Not eeven sure i like it.

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      1. Dago
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        Neither do I, sorry.

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        1. Kings of Lyon ★
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 6 months ago

          Dont be sorry 🙂

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          1. Dago
            • 13 Years
            10 years, 6 months ago

            Didnt want to offend. Looks like one of those teams that us 10 million short, guess its RVP.

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    9. Mr F Gallagher
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      ------------------------Migs-----------------
      ---------Coleman- Vidic- Zaba----------
      Wally- Silva- Coutinho- Hernandez
      --------Giroud-Benteke- Sturridge-------

      Davis, JWP, Burner, Chetser

      Want to get Lamela in.
      Would you drop Silva or Coutinho?

      Or get Barfa/ Nolan in a d spread the money around a bit more

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    10. kingofthenorth
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Migs Davis
      Chester Zab Collins Clyne Burner
      Wally Yaya Lamps Brady Moses
      RVP Giroud Bent

      0.3m in the bank

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    11. Somalion
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Well I'm currently riding the price rises and watching for falls. Once that's done I think my team will hopefully be

      Migs Some 4.0 (probably)

      Coleman 6.0 defender (possibly vidic) Some 4.5 Collins Chester

      Wally Lamela Ozil Kagawa (big differential 😉 ) 4.5

      Studge Giroud Tekkers.

      As I said, still subject to some more rises and falls.

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    12. FPL Blow-In
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Boruc, Marshall
      Zabaleta, Sakho, Vidic, Colrman, Chester
      Walcott, Lampard, Barfa, Hernandez, Brady
      Sturridge, Giroud, Benteke

      Not sure I like Ben arfa

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    13. Nelly
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Hey!

      Some advice would be appreciated, got 2 FT this week, or should I use wildcard?

      Mignolet, Daniels
      Debuchy, Terry, Garrido, Coleman, Bradford
      Coutinho, Silva, Navas, Barkley, Hazard
      Sturridge, Dzeko, Anelka

      I have 2.9 in the bank.

      Thanks in advance

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    14. jameswestport
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Date Out In GW
      03 Sep 23:24 McGregor Boruc 4
      03 Sep 0:41 Whittaker José Enrique 4
      02 Sep 12:24 Ben Arfa Hernández 4
      02 Sep 0:37 Shaw Dawson 4
      01 Sep 17:07 van Persie Giroud 4
      01 Sep 13:43 Benteke Sturridge 4
      01 Sep 0:46 Bent van Persie 4
      01 Sep 0:46 Dzeko Soldado 4
      01 Sep 0:46 Lambert Benteke 4
      01 Sep 0:46 Coutinho Nolan 4
      01 Sep 0:46 Fellaini Ben Arfa 4
      01 Sep 0:46 Cech Mignolet 4
      01 Sep 0:46 Begovic McGregor 4
      01 Sep 0:46 Touré Collins 4
      01 Sep 0:46 Mertesacker Whittaker 4
      01 Sep 0:46 Sigurdsson Yaya Touré 4
      01 Sep 0:46 Kim Bo-Kyung Brady 4
      01 Sep 0:46 Walters Barkley 4

      Kept zabaleta and coleman

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      1. jameswestport
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        Double price risers

        Giroud
        Hernandez
        Sturridge
        Yaya
        Mignolet
        Coleman

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    15. Cak Juris
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      My Wildcard Team:
      Krul-Boruc
      Johnson/Enrique-Vidic-Coleman-Chico-Chester
      Walcott-Lamela-Lampard-BenArfa-Barkley
      Benteke-Sturridge-Giroud

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    16. Ando
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      My current wildcard team for Gameweek 4:

      GK: Boruc Sub GK: Mignolet

      DEF: Koscielny, Sakho, Ferdinand, Dawson Sub DEF: Yanga-Mbiwa

      MID: Coutinho, Lallana, Ben Arfa Sub MID: Brady & Whittingham

      FWD: Van Persie (C), Soldado, Giroud

      (0.1m in bank)

      Thoughts, feedback or suggestions?

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  10. Timbomars
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    Coutinho in the hole sounds interesting, currently on my W/C and sold him yesterday in order to upgrade defence - is it worth keeping the faith perhaps?!

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    1. Pasqualinho
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Could turn out to be good. My opinion, though, is that 9M is a bridge too far to keep him the whole season - but with a plum set of fixtures I reckon you'll want/need him at some stage.

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    2. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      I'm starting to wonder the same thing. He's done nothing but test my patience so far. But he is likely to start coming good. Especially if I get rid of him.

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  11. Plymouth
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    Cech (Boruc)
    Baines, Cole, Collins (Turner, Chester)
    Nolan, Silva, Coutinho, Schneiderlin (Jedinak)
    Giroud, Lambert, Sturridge

    Thoughts my good fellas?

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    1. Hubert
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Baines > Coleman
      Lambert > Benteke

      ?

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  12. Jimjam
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    How does this WC plan look?

    Mignolet - Davis
    Vidic - Terry - Coleman - Collins - Chester
    Ozil - Lamela - Lampard - Hernandez - JWP
    Benteke - Sturridge - Giroud

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    1. Heydudes13
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Needs RVP

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    2. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Good. Prefer Walcott to Ozil right now though

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  13. Pratik
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    Europa League winners get entry from 2015, without affecting the others who directly qualify in the league. Which means there could be up to 5 clubs from the same league in CL

    But CL winners, will still kick out the 4th spot.

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    1. Saniul
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Wigan to play in CL. :'D

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      1. Namtab Nomolos
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        They deserve it if they win the Europa!

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        1. Namtab Nomolos
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 6 months ago

          What if they're relegated again doing it?

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          1. Billy Gilmore
            • 11 Years
            10 years, 6 months ago

            Imagine playing CL from League Two 😆

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            1. tw
              • 12 Years
              10 years, 6 months ago

              😆

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      2. Pratik
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        To do that, Wigan have to win the Europa this year, win again next year, and then qualify for CL. Good luck with that Wigan 🙂

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    2. tw
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      so say you finish 4th, europa winners finish 5th, and CL winners finish 6th, you still miss out on CL the next year? that's rough!

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      1. Pratik
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        This is a super exceptional case!!! Boy, that sucks!

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        1. Namtab Nomolos
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 6 months ago

          Even more exceptional, the CL final is between 4th and 6th in the PL 😀

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          1. tw
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 6 months ago

            Even worse,

            4th misses out on 3rd place because of goal differential, then loses the CL final in penalties 😀

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    3. tw
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      so the CL and Europa winners, what stage will they enter the CL at?

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  14. SuperOsçarBaby
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    who gives the tips and advise in the Scout surgery?

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    1. tw
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Mark innit?

      you got a link for that? been meaning to put my team in for it

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      1. Mílanista
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        Why? Its cringeworthy 😀

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      2. SuperOsçarBaby
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        http://fantasy.premierleague.com/the-scout/

        i already have chester but it suggest me to transfer clichy out for him 🙂

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        1. tw
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 6 months ago

          😆

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        2. Mílanista
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 6 months ago

          😆

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        3. frankiefernandez
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 6 months ago

          Scout fail :O

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          1. frankiefernandez
            • 14 Years
            10 years, 6 months ago

            Face fail 😮

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        4. Billy Gilmore
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 6 months ago

          😆

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  15. chilli con kone
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    A) RVP & Brady

    or

    B) Rooney & Cout

    I do not have Sturridge as he is carrying an injury apparently and want to see how suarez effects his game

    Cheers Guys

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    1. jimmybob
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Nice name!

      Rooney is injured as well, right?

      Sturridge hasn't been fit for the last 3 games, but he's still delivered.

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  16. El Berbossa - \\\"El b…
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    Benteke or Lukaku?

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    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Benteke as Lukaku has no game.

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      1. El Berbossa - \\\"El b…
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        After the chelsea match i mean.

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        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 6 months ago

          See what Benteke does then make a call.

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    2. SuperOsçarBaby
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      the belgian

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    3. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Benteke by a billion miles

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    4. Louis
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Bentekeee

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  17. El Berbossa - \\\"El b…
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    Is Barkley most likely to be on the bench now?

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  18. pompeyfan
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    I'm considering going for Sissoko as an alternative to Ben Arfa. He has some decent stats wit regards to chance creation. Also considering Ramsey. Anyone else looking at either of these?

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    1. tw
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      😯

      I'd only consider hba of the three

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  19. thetinkerman
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    Just realised that Walcott is a relative differential pick at around 15% ownership. I think I'll leave the armband on him over the next few weeks!

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  20. mathmo
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    Further to the earlier post about Spurs playing like AVB's Porto.....

    Christian Eriksen's arrival suggested AVB may switch back to a 4-2-3-1 in order to hand the Dane a 10 role with Lamela on the wing. Eriksen is more than capable of playing in central midfield and certainly has the range of passing to get the ball into the final third quickly - which is crucial to AVB's 'vertical football' philosophy which requires even the most defensive players to be capable of a range of passes. Soldado was excellent at first time shots and volleys, and I remember Capoue having an excellent long pass for a rather physical, defensive midfielder, and both vertonghen and chiriches have excellent ability on the ball.

    Interestingly - and perhaps crucially - Eriksen is really quite similar to Beluschi in that he is an attacking midfielder who is also capable of playing on the wing, as well as deeper in a central midfield berth. Rather than the typical central midfielder found in 4-3-3, Belluschi at Porto under AVB was the one in the midfield three who tended to move slightly further forward or drift out into the wing to overload, in quite a similar manner to the number 10 in a 4-2-3-1. I assumed Paulinho would be played in that position against Arsenal to allow for an overload*, but Eriksen is naturally suited to this role a lot better.

    The lines between 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 can get quite blurry at times, and with Eriksen, Dembele, Paulinho in the team he has a squad that can shift rapidly between both formations.

    *As one poster remarked, this game did indeed become the battle of the overloads, and was fascinating tactically. But going into this would probably quadruple the length of this post!

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    1. mathmo
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      (apologies for the repost, this ended up on the end of the last scout article!)

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    2. Pratik
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Why don't you replace a few writers at Goal.com? They desperately need people like you!

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      1. mathmo
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        Is that damning with faint praise? 😉

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    3. Heydudes13
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Who got most of the goals in AVB's Porto side and what positions were they?

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      1. mathmo
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        Hulk (by some distance), Falcao and Varela, all forwards.

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    4. tw
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      with 10/11 starters joining Spurs since last year, it's quite clearly AVB's team

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  21. shirtless
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    For GW5, who would you be targeting to improve this squad?

    Want to ship Mirallas baring a miracle, and have 3.0m bank so any mid/forward up to 10.5, or cheaper and improve defence. Thinking I need Chelsea/Spurs cover or Benteke really? Don't trust any Chlesea though bar Hazard, and even he is a bit risky! Eriksson could work for Spurs cover, then maybe spend elsewhere?

    Mignolet
    Zabaleta Coleman Clyne/Collins
    Brady Walcott Silva Mirallas Wanyama
    RVP(c) Sturridge

    Hooper Clyne/Collins Chester Dobbie

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    1. thetinkerman
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Concentrate on getting three good strikers IMO. There are so many available!

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  22. Louis
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    People are still selling out RVP according to TFPL.

    Wilcarders are not getting him in then? or next week?

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    1. r0nh
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Crystal Palace at home; crazy!!

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      1. thetinkerman
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        It's just one fixture. He will probably score well, but these delicious fixtures often dissapoint.

        I agree that if I were set on selling him I'd at least wait until that fixture was out of the way!

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        1. Heydudes13
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 6 months ago

          RVP will start scoring goals sooner or later, he's already scored two I think people are forgetting, and he'll get a fair few of them too.

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          1. thetinkerman
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 6 months ago

            No doubt about it.

            Still not getting him yet though

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          2. Pork Pie Sausage Roll
            • 13 Years
            10 years, 6 months ago

            2 in 3 games. If he keeps up taht ratio all season he's worth every penny.

            Bearing in mind his blanks have come in games against (who I think will be ) the two tightest defences this season too

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            1. Heydudes13
              • 12 Years
              10 years, 6 months ago

              Exactly, RVP has always had his occasional blanks. The fact that they were against Chelsea and Liverpool is hardly that bad.

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            2. thetinkerman
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 12 Years
              10 years, 6 months ago

              Even though 8 separate players who are two thirds the price or less have at least matched that?

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              1. Pork Pie Sausage Roll
                • 13 Years
                10 years, 6 months ago

                I am of course being a bit tongue-in-cheek with those stats 😉

                But yes. I am confident he'll be the highest scoring player by some distance come GW38, as he has been for the past 2.5 seasons

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                1. thetinkerman
                  • Has Moderation Rights
                  • 12 Years
                  10 years, 6 months ago

                  I don't doubt it for a minute, but I have decided it's still not worth the money.

                  I will only get him if the other options dry up.

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              2. thetinkerman
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 12 Years
                10 years, 6 months ago

                8 separate strikers*, that is

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            3. Billy Gilmore
              • 11 Years
              10 years, 6 months ago

              He'll have to do a lot better than 5ppg to be worth anything like £14m

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              1. Pasqualinho
                • 14 Years
                10 years, 6 months ago

                Absolutely. Needs 7ppg with that price, in my opinion.

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                1. Billy Gilmore
                  • 11 Years
                  10 years, 6 months ago

                  At least that. Depending on the production of the other strikers.

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            4. TorresMagic™
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 14 Years
              10 years, 6 months ago

              Needs assists as well to be worth it.

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              1. Heydudes13
                • 12 Years
                10 years, 6 months ago

                Which will come. He whips in a mean ball with his left foot does Robin Van Persie.

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        2. r0nh
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 6 months ago

          Take a look at the tickler...

          Apart from City, which he may very well score in anyway, he has tasty fixtures.

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          1. thetinkerman
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 6 months ago

            Yeah, I guess they are crazy.

            If you thought he was 14m worth before, what has changed?

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    2. Pasqualinho
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      No need to get him in yet - perfect scenario for WCers who already had him as they can play the price rises with a big 14M budget and not lose anything - wouldn't have been possible if he'd risen to 14.1.

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      1. Scoredelario
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        This is true but people playing value are the minority. I think his negative transfers is a fair reflection of what the average casual is doing (most keeping, some selling, fewer buying)

        Selling rvp now is ridiculous IMO. Personally I will buy him, next Friday!

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    3. Pork Pie Sausage Roll
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      WCers are sellignbim just now and bringing in FWDs that could rise 0.2 and so make them money (Giroud, Sturridge, Campbell).

      He's 100% in my team by the deadline though

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    4. Billy Gilmore
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      £14m, 3 points in last 2 weeks. Casuals are a fickle folk.

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    5. mathmo
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      If you're playing for price rises there would be little point in locking up 14.0 million of your budget. He is unlikely to rise soon so I would assume he his transfers in will bookend the international break.

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  23. grooveymatt65
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    Anyone know why ozils value hasn't gone up yet?!

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    1. Namtab Nomolos
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      It's locked, all these transfers mean nothing when it comes to his price rising.

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      1. grooveymatt65
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        is it locked because of the internationals?and does that mean it will go up on Monday then? sorry to ask so many questions lol i just need to know!

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    2. Billy Gilmore
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      It can't for another week.

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      1. Gnu
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        Is that the best umlaut you could find? 🙂

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        1. Billy Gilmore
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 6 months ago



          It's his nickname on here as the 😯 closely resembles him 😀

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          1. Kings of Lyon ★
            • 13 Years
            10 years, 6 months ago

            I like it. What is the keyboard shortcut?

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            1. tw
              • 12 Years
              10 years, 6 months ago

              : shock :

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              1. Kings of Lyon ★
                • 13 Years
                10 years, 6 months ago

                😯

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              2. Kings of Lyon ★
                • 13 Years
                10 years, 6 months ago

                🙂 cheers TW

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            2. Billy Gilmore
              • 11 Years
              10 years, 6 months ago

              For 😯 ?

              😯 or 8 O without the space and a space before zil

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              1. Billy Gilmore
                • 11 Years
                10 years, 6 months ago

                :fail: The 2nd 😯 was meant to be what TW wrote.

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    3. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Same reason he can't drop value. Need to wait 8-10 days before transfers in/out count.

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  24. El Berbossa - \\\"El b…
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    Campbell is due another 0.1 rise tommorow. Can we expect another rise fairly safely after this one?

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    1. Pork Pie Sausage Roll
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Looks promising yes.

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  25. Scoredelario
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    Having been pro no-RVP for ages, the last few days I convinced myself to buy him and so will now continue my entirely hypocritical crusade. Please note the below is particularly illogical.

    Team value! Assuming you add your captain twice, a 100 mil team with rvp captain is worth 114million! One with Walcott/sturridge/ benteke etc. is less than 110!

    4 million gained right there... so... you've saved 4 million, this means rvp was actually only 14-4 =10m! Bargain!

    Yes this argument is stupid but I like to cling to any straws I can grasp ;D

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    1. aussiegooner
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      You might call it stupid but it's actually really interesting and quite sound.

      Why? A player's price is meant to correlate with their projected scores. Therefore, a higher price equates to, what should be, a higher score. So, ultimately, while you can have either RVP and a 5M midfielder or, say, Sturridge and a top mid, you can only captain one. But having RVP and the 5M midfielder is the equivalent of having RVP, RVP and a 5M mid, whereas in the latter scenario you have Sturridge, Sturridge and a top mid.

      The reason RVP's price is so justifiable is, of course, because he is such a viable C option.

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      1. aussiegooner
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        I've kind of gone off point. But, ultimately, I think my point is: people without RVP have zero RVPs, whereas people with RVP effectively have two RVPs. So, if you don't have RVP, and RVP begins to kill it, you're in for a beating son.

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    2. Ryan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      So its like he's a 28m captain instead of Walcott (19m)

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    3. J0E
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      I think given the lack of midfield heavy hitters, plus some very good cheap defenders (especially Swansea given their upturn in fixtures) RVP is now doable.

      The thing with RVP is that his first three fixtures were not great. Apart from Man City his next few games are superb.

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  26. Crouch Potato!
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    Welbeckons!

    Shocked with myself to have his name in my head for the Palace game. I have never in my life owned him, and have often wondered why Man utd do. He has his followers, I ain't one of them. However the fact remains that even Danny Graham playing up top for Utd at home against teamsof the calibre of Palace wil get chances. Welbeck proved this away to a very decent Swans unit.
    He is a straight swap for Dzeko, which makes life in terms of hits far less complicated, and as we know in football it's down to who gets the clearest chances during the game generally delivers the goods. My major concern is will he actually start? Any views on this? If everything points to this being the case, then a one off punt looks on the cards for me!

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    1. Scoredelario
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Dooooon't dooooo ittttttt

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    2. Billy Gilmore
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      With all the viable striker options out there, why even go there? Just for one nice fixture.

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    3. Chris_White
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Just get Lambert. 3 tasty home fixtures in the next 4. A punt on the 6th member of the Jackson Five will end in tears...

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      1. aussiegooner
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        I'm shipping Lambert I think... doesn't look right with Osvaldo there.

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    4. Unliklinho
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Can't see why he won't start. I've been thinking about whether Fellaini would get an 'in-the-hole' for that game myself...

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      1. Crouch Potato!
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        Would imagine that is where Moyes must deploy him.

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    5. Pork Pie Sausage Roll
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      For Utd's and RVP's sake, I hope Moyes drops that sack of shit asap, moves RVP up top where he belongs, and gets Shinj/Rooney behind him.

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      1. Ryan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        ^^This. Unfortunately in such a scenario Welbeck would likely play on the wing.

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    6. Corkyote FFS CWC Champion 2…
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      I know what you mean, I've even been considering taking a punt on Nani or Kagawa but it's really just because I don't have RVP.

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    7. jimmybob
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Are you sure he'll start? I can see Moyes mixing the team up, if Rooney is fit there's not guarantees he'll be in, plus he's GOT to play Kagawa at some stage surely? Who knows how the Afroman arrival will change the line-up.

      I'd wait at least another GW.

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      1. Ryan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        If Rooney is injured Kagawa 'should' play but if Rooney is fit Kagawa will be on the bench

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  27. The Hound
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    Dzeko to benteke for -4 after int games sound gud?

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    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      giroud?

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  28. skooldaze
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    For anyone interested

    Glen Johnson ankle injury is almost exactly like mine from last week from watching it and his reaction

    Basically his ankle has gone from under him so his ligaments will be affected (swelled up, brusing etc). If its like mine then he wont be resuming training probably for 3 weeks after the injury and back in contention for 5 weeks.

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    1. Mílanista
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Being a professional athelete with Premier League medical care would speed up the recovery wouldn't it?

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      1. skooldaze
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        Of course it helps but it depends on that individuals genetic make up.

        Ironically athletes are naturally slower to recover from an injury like that (fitter people are generally slower to recover than say out of shape people), but this is balanced with the facilities he will have, the drive and experience of recovering from injuries before

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  29. Corkyote FFS CWC Champion 2…
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    Quick vote

    a) Really long posts mostly full of conjecture
    b) Short abusive posts

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    1. jimmybob
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      c) no grav RMT (me a few weeks back)

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  30. SuperOsçarBaby
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    Any chance Mertesacker will drop 0.1? -88% on total fpl, owned by 563,391 peoples

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    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Soon or later perhaps.

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    2. J0E
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      That's insane given his fixtures and BPS potential.

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      1. Gnu
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        Possible theory is that peeps getting rid of Arsenals defenders in favour of the glut of attacking options. Glut = Walcott, Giroud, Santi, Ozil, and probably Ramsey has entered the fray.

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