Leagues
19 September 2013 2648 comments
J0E J0E
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With leagues across Fantasy Premier League (FPL), Sky Sports and Sun Dream Team there is plenty to catch up on following the international break. We look at those who have excelled during Gameweek 4 and those who are a little richer after having a great week in our PlayON game.

Fantasy Premier League

Gameweek 4 proved a curse for Stumanchu, the previous leader of our Fantasy Premier League (FPL) mini-league. Despite an excellent score of 69 points he has slipped to second – Menat Gosavi’s score of 83 points was enough to clinch top spot, thanks to his Christian Benteke captaincy and investment in both Aaron Ramsey and Hatem Ben Arfa; Menat has also climbed to fourth in the overall rankings. In third place is another Aaron Ramsey owner, David Wilson, who notched up a score of 76 points. The code to join our FPL league, which is currently top of the league of leagues, is 1580-1106.

Our Fantasy Football Scout Members league also has a new face at the summit, with Corey Solveira taking a two point lead with a Gameweek score of 77 points. Hatem Ben Arfa and a Olivier Giroud captaincy proved crucial to Corey’s ascent. Michu-owning Matthew Jenkins sits in second place, while Ivan Heneghan’s captaincy of Ben Arfa helped him keep a firm grip on third place.

Annoyingly for those of us languishing at the foot of the Fantasy Football Scout Contributors and Moderators’ FPL league Greek Fan has finally worked out the entry code and joins in first place. Last year’s victor Andy rises to second and our newest member of the moderator team Athletico Timbo takes third.

Sky Sports Fantasy Football

With a score of 388 Nick Whitrid moves from third to first in our Sky Sports Fantasy Football league, with Josie O’Neil slipping to second and Mary Humberstone falling one place to third, with her second team in fourth. The winner of our Sky league, which is joint top of the league of leagues, wins £1,000. To join, visit Sky Sports Fantasy Football and key in League Name: FFScout, League Code: 8000112.

The Sun Dream Team

Lee Walpole tops our Sun Dream Team league with a score of 345 after some heavy investment in Tottenham and Arsenal. Just two of his players, Leighton Baines and Robin Van Persie, are from teams outside of North London. In second is Simon Wall with a score of 315, while Sam Hutchinson and Charles Mouzon share third place with a score of 314. All points are, of course, subject to change tonight following the Europa League ties. To join visit The Sun Dream Team, league name: Fantasy Football Scout, password: ReWOZhn1T1 and PIN: 8061654.

PlayOn

Anthony Squires was the winner of PlayON’s £1,000 guaranteed game with a haul of £384 thanks to a team selection that included Giroud and Ben Arfa. Carl Lane takes second and a pot of £256 and in third is Daniel Kings, who is now £152.32 richer.

In our exclusive Fantasy Football Scout PlayON £2 game a total of £232 was on offer. Kev Mather was in first place and won £69.60 after selecting, among others, Giroud and Ramsey. Anthony Squires was successful again, taking second place and winnings of £46.40 and in third place, with £18.56 in his pocket, was David Burraway.

UEFA Champions League

In our UEFA Champions League all our top three competitors captained Cristiano Ronaldo and have Lionel Messi, David Alaba, Atsuto Uchida and Isco in their sides. These five players brought them 89 points in total. Mak Gold, with a total score of 130 and an 8th place overall ranking, is first, None the Less is in second and in third is Rraya. The details for joining our UEFA Champions League mini-league are: league name FFScout, league code 1209685-489925.

J0E Podcaster and writer. Tweets stats and stuff via @FFScout_Joe Follow them on Twitter

  1. Willian't
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    HELP WANTED: Michu or Eriksen in for Couthino? 4pt hit. have paulinho and soldado already, but concerned about swans being tired after trip to spain.

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    1. Cheeseoid
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      You surely wouldn't want 3 Spurs in midfield?

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    2. EL TANO
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      without the other spurs in there I would have said michu
      HBA?

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    3. ILOVEBAPS
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      I went Michu as I had the same problem.

      Michu... scores when he wants. 🙂

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  2. EL TANO
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Myhill (boruc)
    coleman vidic DAWSON (shaw chester)
    Lamps wally eriksen barkley (WP)
    Sturridge giroud benteke

    already done rvp to studge with a view to getting him (or Roo) back next week

    I have an unnatural urge to get Ivanovic in but I also feel like Ozil would look good next to lamps eriksen and wally (arse overload but pretty sweet)

    Options: 4.8 in da bank

    A. DAWSON to Ivan -4 (goal threat my only rationale for the hit)
    B. WP to Ozil + DAWSON to Whittaker -8 (
    C. WP to HBA + DAWSON to Ivan
    D. Chill

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    1. EL TANO
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      maybe dawson to jenrique?

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    2. ILOVEBAPS
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Don't take out Dawson at all, especially not for a hit.
      Upgrade WP only if your happy with Barks as your 5th mid (will sit on your bench most weeks).
      If so then WP> HBA or Michu.
      And surely you won't get RVP back next week! That would be silly after just having got rid of him.

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  3. Wirtzle Gummidge
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    They can nap on the plane. Get Michu.

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    1. Wirtzle Gummidge
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Reply fail

      @WILLIAN'T

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      1. Willian't
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 2 months ago

        Not at all. cheers.

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  4. Pepin - RIP Absinthe
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Saving a FT is just SO boring.

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    1. In Like Flynn.
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Till you need two next week Pepin and win your H2H by 3 points. 😉

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    2. Heels_Over_Head
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      But having 2 FTs is so much fun! I enjoyed it immensely this week.

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      1. ILOVEBAPS
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 2 months ago

        Am I the only one who finds it hard to save one? 🙂

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        1. Heels_Over_Head
          • 12 Years
          12 years, 2 months ago

          I see what you did there

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  5. In Like Flynn.
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    @ Schurrle Mou Haz, Your Cardiff info and anyone looking for player stats and info.

    I find this site very useful.

    http://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/en/cardiff-city/startseite/verein_603.html

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  6. Arselona
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Pointers on this lot please..

    Westwood
    Evra / Zabaleta / O'Brien
    Michu / Hazard / Mirallas / Snodgrass
    Giroud(c) / Benteke(vc) / Soldado

    Subs: Boruc / Kim / Collins / Chester

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    1. Wirtzle Gummidge
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Collins as first sub.

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  7. RoysCallerAnne
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Rate my sleepiness.

    Too late, I've just done a transfer of my head ; from sofa to bed.

    If you feel like smothering me with my pillow, my free transfer next GW will leave me with a front line of RVP, Suarez, Giroud and the worst midfield ever known to man.

    Night all, sweet dreams!

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    1. In Like Flynn.
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Night RCA, I'm off too.

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    2. Pepin - RIP Absinthe
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Night pal

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  8. In Like Flynn.
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Off to watch Das Boot. Night all.

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    1. RoysCallerAnne
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      ooh , Das Boot is top notch..

      Check out Come and See..it's the best war movie ever made, imo.

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  9. Heels_Over_Head
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    My only useful contribution here today.

    Finding this website http://www.football-lineups.com/tourn/FA_Premier_League_2012-2013/stats/

    Summarizing it http://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2013/09/19/the-watchlist-updated-the-defence/?hc_page=2#hc_comment_5599425

    And getting Hulked for doing so, though I'd rather say it was Kermit'ed

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    1. Pepin - RIP Absinthe
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Nice find

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  10. Cheeseoid
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    I think I am going to have to watch some kind of film

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  11. TheBabyfacedAssassin
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    1FT. 0.5 ITB. Any news on silva or hernandez?

    Boruc
    Collins, Coleman, Toure
    SILVA, wally, hba, HERNANDEZ
    Giroud, Sturridge, rvp
    Subs: Barkley, Chester, Burner (FOSTER)

    A) Silva to Michu
    B) Hernandez to Moses
    C) Both for a hit? cheers!

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    1. Wirtzle Gummidge
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Both imo

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      1. TheBabyfacedAssassin
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah, I agree with you, but i hate taking hits when I can field players. In this case tho, both michu and moses can easy get that extra 4pt. Cheers

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  12. Jay Jay Okocha
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    REPOST

    Last decision for my WC team: Ashley Williams or Ben Davies?

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    1. @BigChrisso
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Williams cheaper and a CB for BAPS

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    2. Dangerous Dave
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Williams is injured.

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  13. @BigChrisso
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Right, I co manage an FPL team with a mate in a cash league (his team but we went 50/50 on the entry fee of $100)

    Team is this:

    Boruc/Marshall

    Zabs/Toure/M Turner/Chester/ Ward

    Lampard/Walcott/Mirallas/Nolan/Jedinak

    RVP/Lambert/Sturridge

    0.4 mil in bank, 1 free transfer this week.

    We have started off fairly average and I would appreciate any input to help improve this team? At present we are considering transfering out Lampard or Mirallas for a cheaper mid in order to upgrade Lambert or defence next week.

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    1. Cheeseoid
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      You could save your transfer and do both next week

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      1. @BigChrisso
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks for the reply

        Nothing there that is urgent for this GW in your view then?

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        1. Cheeseoid
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          12 years, 2 months ago

          No and you won't have money sat about not doing anything for a week

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    2. SAMCRO-Sons Of Fantasy
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Save FT

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  14. Heels_Over_Head
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Getting old with these posts worrying about Michu being able to handle European duty as well as the Prem. If the guy wants to move up a level - and I suspect he does - he would be trying to prove that he can handle it and merits being on a Champion's League side next season. Just a thought.

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    1. Cheeseoid
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      I have no doubts Michu can handle it. But I do think the team in general could have a bit of a post Europe comedown

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

        This is a valid point. Its more about how it affects the functionality of the whole team in general because ultimately that will have an affect on any given individual.

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  15. Pepin - RIP Absinthe
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Any Parks & Rec's fans here? Awesome show. Highly recommend it, especially if you like The Office (US).

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    1. Cheeseoid
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      I have no Idea what this is but someone was talking about it last night. I do like both versions of the office though

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      1. Pepin - RIP Absinthe
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 2 months ago

        It's an american TV series

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    2. Chris_Fàbregas #DOOS…
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      I've not seen the show before, but have stumbled upon Ron Swanson clips on Youtube, and that guy is hilarious.

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      1. Pepin - RIP Absinthe
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 2 months ago

        He's so funny. The basic plot revolves around a local government in a small town in Indiana and he's the head of one of the departments while being anti-govenrment Libertarian 🙂

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    3. SAMCRO-Sons Of Fantasy
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Yeah, awesome TV show, gotta love Ron Swanson 🙂

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  16. Triple J
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    I'm playing my wildcard. I currently have Ozil in my team, but tempted to swap him for Walcott. Especially after reading the 'Monitor – Theo Walcott' article. What's your opinion?

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    1. @BigChrisso
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Both on option?

      Arsenal have great fixtures next 5 weeks

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      1. Triple J
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 2 months ago

        Already got Giroud and Ramsey...

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        1. @BigChrisso
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 2 months ago

          Walcott is a streaky player, Ozil will keep on keeping on with assists and the odd goal. If you think Walcott is about to start on one of his scoring streaks you should get him in.

          I have owned Walcott since GW1 and have no intention of swapping him for Ozil at any stage (injuries aside).

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  17. ConBry
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Who shall I captain this week? Sturridge, Giroud, or Tekkers? All look so tempting!

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    1. Cheeseoid
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Giroud for me

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  18. Venom Snake
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Mignolet
    Enrique - koscielny - walker
    Hazard - Walcott - barfa - Hernandez
    Soldado - giroud - benteke

    Lewis - turner - Chester - wardprowse

    1.1m itb, FT in hand

    Plan was to always upgrade soldado to Suarez. But after watching eriksen I'm contenplating doing soldado to sturridge this week, and Ben arfa to eriksen next week since Newcastle fixtures get tougher. Which plan should I go with??

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    1. Venom Snake
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Or I can keep team as is and do both trades for free next week

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    2. Wirtzle Gummidge
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      I'd keep Barfa. He is greedy and has a good eye for goal.

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      1. Venom Snake
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 2 months ago

        It doesn't necessarily have to be barfa. Both hazard and Walcott are on their last chances

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  19. OptimusBlack
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    So Michu is Man For next GWS ?

    Coutinho > Michu

    Or

    Coutinho > Moses

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    1. @BigChrisso
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Get Michu

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      1. Cheeseoid
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 2 months ago

        +1

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    2. OptimusBlack
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Thanx Guys

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  20. Caesar Salahd
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Will Lampard play 90 min against Fulham?

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    1. @BigChrisso
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      unlikely

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      1. Caesar Salahd
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 2 months ago

        The first 3 GW he pld 90 min, why u think that?

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        1. @BigChrisso
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 2 months ago

          I think that because he did not play GW4, then started and played 76 mins in CL mid week. Jose has a plethora of options in midfield and I feel that Lampard wont play 90 mins

          Who knows I could be wrong, but that is my opinion.

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          1. Caesar Salahd
            • 12 Years
            12 years, 2 months ago

            Yeah im thinking of doing Lampard > Michu and Nolan > Barfa for -4

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            1. ILOVEBAPS
              • 13 Years
              12 years, 2 months ago

              Leave Lamps. You'd feel pretty silly taking him out for a hit if he bags a brace vs Fulham which I fully expect he might.

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  21. vodkapad
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Will Suarez be most transfers in next week?

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    1. Heels_Over_Head
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      No. Will be Rooney.

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  22. Pepin - RIP Absinthe
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Just saw the Swansea highlights, nice goal from Miguel Perez. Should be high on confidence to dismantle Palace now. De Guzman's free kick was nice too.

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    1. OptimusBlack
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      so what do u Think dude

      Coutinho > Michu or Moses

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      1. Pepin - RIP Absinthe
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 2 months ago

        Michu. Much more nailed on, getting into form just in time for a great run of fixtures, great goal threat and improved assist threat vs. last season. I have him and I am keeping him 🙂

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        1. OptimusBlack
          • 12 Years
          12 years, 2 months ago

          Thanx Pepin

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      2. SAMCRO-Sons Of Fantasy
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 2 months ago

        Michu

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  23. Baby Cuties
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    right, basically decided on Cout->Eriksen.

    Just cant help feeling it's due to superficial reasons. Eriksen is the sexy pick of the GW

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    1. Yank Revolution
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      I was temped by him as well, but I figured I'm ok since I have Soldado. I'd like to get Eriksen in my MF once I get rid of Soldado (swapping my Tot cover) for some Man U or Suarez-esque front line assets soon.

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      1. Baby Cuties
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 2 months ago

        im doing it the other way round to you.

        Eriksen in, then soldado out

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  24. Yank Revolution
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    After some deliberation, I've shouldered out Coutinho for Bustlin' Ben Arfa...he should run riot vs. Hull.

    Here's my squad this week:

    Mignolet

    Mertesacker / Coleman / Ivanovic

    Walcott / Ben Arfa / Lampard / Snodgrass (I still believe!)

    Giroud (C) / Benteke (VC) / Soldado

    Bench: Boruc (GK) / R. Morrison, Fonte, Ward

    I really need the Gunners to go crazy and destroy Stoke too.

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    1. @BigChrisso
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      I hope you are right but I think we need to prepare for a lower output from HBA this week. Hull aren't the worst team defensively.

      Also, Stoke could really sort Giroud out. I think a decent Ryan Shawcross tackle may do the trick

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  25. SAMCRO-Sons Of Fantasy
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Crazy question, but this is what happens when you have an RvP team :/

    Who would you play?

    A. Delph (nor)
    B. Canas (cry)
    C. JWP (liv) (not nailed on?)

    I have Delph in right now, because he looks more attacking and nailed on, but I would appreciate your input on this one...

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    1. Pepin - RIP Absinthe
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Wow, you have all three of those? Yikes. In the order you have them, imo.

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      1. SAMCRO-Sons Of Fantasy
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah he scored during a friendly 2 weeks ago and may get the odd assist is what I'm thinking

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    2. Elniñorules
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Whoa you have a WC in hand? Might be an option

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      1. SAMCRO-Sons Of Fantasy
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 2 months ago

        I got them on WC last week 😀 But i am downgrading RVP and going three heavy hitters in midfield, + Vidic, Zaba, Coleman, Kosc at the back...

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  26. Venom Snake
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Okay I've figured out my game plan.
    Depending on performances this week, next weeks trades are lookin like
    Soldado to sturridge
    Hazard/Walcott to eriksen

    And then week after Pablo Hernandez to michu.

    If hazard and Walcott both perform then neither will get the chop. I will stick with and do my original plan of soldado to Suarez.

    Logical enough ?

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    1. ILOVEBAPS
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Yep.

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  27. Defenders being the Highest Scorers
    Ryan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Could this be the season where defenders become the highest scorers in their respective teams?
    I decided to compile a brief list of the top scoring defender vs the top scoring attacker

    9 teams have a defender as the highest scoring player. At Man U its a tie.

    Everton: Coleman 32, Barkley 17
    Chelsea: Ivan 22, Lampard/Oscar 17
    Man City: Zab 30, Yaya 26
    Norwich: Whittaker 20, Redmond 17
    Southampton: Fonte 28, Lambert 13
    Stoke: ShawX 24, Adam 14
    Spurs: Vertonghen 25, Siggy/Soldado 20
    WBA: McAuley 16, Morrison 10
    West Ham: Reid/Demel/Collins 20, Nolan 19

    Man U: Ferdinand 21, RVP 21

    Other sides where the highest defender is only just behind the highest attacker (3pts or less)
    Crystal Palace, Fulham, Hull, Liverpool & Swansea

    This leaves just 5 remaining teams where the prime attacking players are comfortably outscoring the defenders. Arsenal, Aston Villa, Cardiff, Newcastle & Sunderland

    So what do we make of all this? could it be common place to see defenders outscoring attackers by the end of the season? Is it also a reflection of the changing nature of attacking lineups where increased rotation affects attacking output?

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    1. Cheeseoid
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      It won't last

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

        Its rather convincing when defenders in most of the teams in the league are among the highest points scorers. Usually short term trends aren't so clear cut.

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        1. Kalix
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 2 months ago

          9/20 teams is not "most teams" 😛

          If it wasn't clear cut then how would you identify the trend at all?
          There's been a lot of 0-0 & 1-0 games. Defenders won't outscore attackers (unless they really spread their points around).

          Ferdinand certainly won't continue to match RVP if that's what you're suggesting!

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

            When I mean clear cut I mean its not just a few teams getting lots of clean sheets, its half the teams in the league! That is unusual.

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    2. SAMCRO-Sons Of Fantasy
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Very interesting stats, still early days to make a conclusion imo, most teams are still trying to gel together, I would take a look at that 8 or 9 weeks in. Great post though!

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    3. Billy Gilmore
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      It's another symptom of the lack of goals and glut of cleanies so far this season

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

        Stronger and more organised defences vs relatively new and unorganised attacks (based on new signings?)

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    4. Elniñorules
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Early days though Ryan. Can only see Sto, Whu (and maybe Norwich) managing this feat.

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      1. Elniñorules
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 2 months ago

        which actually is a case for owning budget defenders from these teams.

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

        Coleman and Ivan could be in with a shout as well I reckon.

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    5. Dangerous Dave
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      People like this are a credit to the dead zone. Have a recommend.

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    6. Heels_Over_Head
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      There's the twin factors of the bonus system being skewed toward defenders which has been talked to death and that this has been a very low scoring season with a high number of clean sheets so far which which Chemkills covered well in this article - http://totalfpl.com/Articles/182/less-goals-this-season-yes-but-to-what-extent - though really you can just look at the chart in the middle of the article and "get it" (hoping he does a follow-up in the next few weeks.

      I think when scoring reverts to the mean, things will not be as skewed, and the number of teams with defenders as highest scorer will drop to 3 or 4.

      Keep in mind the number of midfielder goals by mf's s who started the season priced 9 or higher is now 2 with one each for Silva & Michu.

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

        Yes the reverting to the mean theory is a good one. However might there be something different about this season? at least for the first half of the season anyway where teams have struggled to score goals and the general tendency to not lose rather than win. Even if this trend remains a short term oddity could it continue for a while longer?

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        1. Heels_Over_Head
          • 12 Years
          12 years, 2 months ago

          It could, but what has changed?

          In other sports I've seen anomalies like this, there's usually a change in the rules that favors the defence more, or vice-versa. There's been no such change.

          The oddest thing is the last time I remember things starting this slow was *after* the World Cup when players had a little additional fatigue from playing in South Africa.

          Just unclear on what makes things different other than being a statistical outlier.

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

            Bonus is one but obviously that is related to clean sheets. I think it would be interesting to get some data of clean sheet trends over the last 10 or so seasons. Because before this season the most recent ones have seen an increase in the amount of goals scored. 3 or 4 seasons ago expensive defenders were very much worthwhile but at the start of this season and in recent seasons it was all about the uber defences. Could we revert to times in the more distant past (5-10 seasons ago) where clean sheets were more common?

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            1. Heels_Over_Head
              • 12 Years
              12 years, 2 months ago

              Possible. But how many managers would we classify as all that defensively minded?

              (Cynically speaking, clean sheets don't sell that many jerseys.)

              Someone else who touched on this topic in the last few weeks pointed out that defenders only excelled at getting bonus points in games that finished 2-0, 1-0 or 0-0 (i.e. as the score gets bigger, the bonus moves forward). So, the arguments in favor of getting premium defenders from teams we expect to also be the highest scoring teams (such as ManU, ManC, Chelsea, Arsenal) seem somewhat flawed, as the mid-priced teams that excel at clean sheets (in past years, the Evertons and Stokes of the league) will be the ones to own. If that's true, analyzing when a team with a half-decent defense has a good run of fixtures will be the key to doing well with the new bonus system.

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

                Here is how I look at it. Its a mixture of defensive managers, more rotation and new players

                Everton:
                Chelsea: Defensive manager, rotation, new and unsettled attack
                Man City: Rotation, New and unsettled attack
                Norwich: Defensive manager, New and unsettled attack
                Southampton: Rotation, New and unsettled attack
                Stoke: Traditionally defensive minded
                Spurs: New and unsettled attack, Rotation
                WBA: Defensive minded, New and unsettled attack, Rotation
                West Ham: Defensive manager, Defensive minded
                Crystal Palace: Generally useless
                Hull: Defensive manager, Generally useless
                Fulham: New and unsettled attack (might change when Bent gets going)

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                1. Heels_Over_Head
                  • 12 Years
                  12 years, 2 months ago

                  You left out Cardiff who were solid at the back last year and then added El Pitbull (my favorite signing of the summer transfer window; really think they solidified staying up with that signing albeit he's FPL useless except in evaluating the team's defense).

                  Good points there, and a lot of new managers who are still cautious and feeling out their teams (moyes, mourinho, and martinez just among the m's). If you count Mourinho, and I think we should at this point, its an oddball year when 3 out of 4 Champion's League clubs are under new managers, never mind the rest of the teams with new faces.

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                  1. richmoore1604
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 12 Years
                    12 years, 2 months ago

                    I think it is all about the change of managers and/or attacking players at almost all of the leagues traditionally high scoring clubs. City, United, Chelsea, Tottenham, Liverpool, Everton. So of last years top 7 only one club, Arsenal, have managed continuity and are, not surprisingly joint top scorers so far.

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

                      Absolutely true. New managers as well as new players certainly adds to the difficulty in getting teams to click. Its easier to start off well defensively until greater understanding of the new players and systems is reached.

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    7. ILOVEBAPS
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Nice post Ryan. Well done and thanks. In a few weeks we'll see the top tier teams attack start to accumulate a higher % of the teams points. And Vice Versa I'd imagine as the lower ranked teams will rely on their defences to win or draw matches.

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  28. Mull
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Do you think I should save my transfer this week?

    Mignolet(SOU)
    Chester(new), Zabaleta(MUN), Koscielny(STO)
    Walcott(c)(STO), Hazard(FUL), Ben Arfa(HUL), Brady(new)
    RVP(mci), Giroud(v)(STO), Benteke(nor)

    Subs: Lewis(TOT), Whittingham(TOT), Ward(SWA), Burner(TOT)

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    1. Heels_Over_Head
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Yes. Next week is going to make this week look calm.

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  29. crystalpalaceRus
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    I need a chelsea attacker, oscar perhaps?

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    1. ILOVEBAPS
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      He looks really good this season and I think will play most games for Chelsea.

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  30. NATSTER
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone watched Spurs game? How was Lamela?

    He played 90 minutes, so he probably starts from the bench again?

    What do Lamela owners do? Is it worth a -4pts hit to swap him for Eriksen or switch to Michu?

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