Community

The Community Round Up

With the first Wildcards of January being fluttered, the community was abuzz with advice on the best picks, rotation pairings and formations for our newly-assembled teams. Elsewhere this week, the community attempted to decipher the secrets of some of the most consistent Fantasy managers around – is it skill or pure luck at work? We revisit this and other discussions, before calling in on the progress of a variety of tournaments taking place within the FFS community.

The Hottest Topics

With the January Wildcard available this week, there was a flurry of hot topics looking at the various strategies and key acquisitions available. Triggerlips’s post was one of the week’s most popular and contains some valuable advice such as anticipating price falls and delaying the Wildcard to the final Gameweek. Despite such advice, some Fantasy managers simply could not wait to start tinkering with their sides. Kingston and Wakey were amongst the early Wildcarders to make themselves known during our discussion.

Good on Zidane’s Floor was also on hand to offer valuable input on some of the potential January wildcard bargains. This includes those who are set to return from injury, with Southampton’s goalkeeper Artur Boruc and Liverpool’s left back Jose Enrique amongst the array of names offered up. Meanwhile, GK was busy researching wildcard formations and has supplied a list of some of the key bargains to earmark during the January sales.

The “ubers”, a term used to describe those who favour a very cheap defence, were also out in force this week in an attempt to convince Fantasy managers of the benefits of rotating a budget backline. In Koflok’s guide to cheap defensive rotation he also takes into account the need to include at least one premium defender, with Everton’s Seamus Coleman the pick of the bunch. Around Coleman he recommends rotating defenders from, among others, Hull, Stoke and Newcastle.

Another of our most popular wildcard posts during the last week was this epic guide to defender and goalkeeper rotations from Innsie.

Elsewhere, Granville had his say, stating that the Wildcard could prove the perfect time to ditch this season’s favoured 3-4-3 formation and opt instead for a 3-5-2 line-up with a cheap striker. Among the budget forward options he’s considering are Southampton’s Jay Rodriguez and Norwich’s Gary Hooper.

Gargamel’s Gargatron, the tool which helps Fantasy managers analyse their captaincy and bench decision, has been widely used among the community. He returned with a post this week to tell us of some updates, including the ability to show how far away from a particular rank you are in terms of points. Depressing reading for some – Mark should certainly steer clear.

Meanwhile, Lee AFC spotted that certain managers, such as our live Hall of Fame leader Evs and last year’s Fantasy Premier League (FPL) winner Spiderm4tt, seem to be achieving an incredible level of consistency. He asked whether they are just lucky or among the most skilful FPL players around. Luck vs Skill – an age old debate and a definite can of worms.

The Community Tournaments

FFS UEFA’s league competitions have ended. Last week we had just enough time to reveal that our moderator Evs had scooped the English Premier League crown. The full list of winners also include rest of Europe winner Djerbil, Ligue 1 champion GoonerByron and Bundesliga victor Billy Ketsu. In addition, two other members of the Fantasy Football Scout team emerged victorious, with our resident physio expert Facer scooping the Serie A crown and moderator Athletico Timbo taking the title of La Liga winner. The FFS UEFA Council has also revealed that it has no plans for any further league competitions but instead will concentrate on tournaments such as its Beach Soccer World Cup.

Those topping In Tommy We Trust’s All Things leagues are Evs, Bootsy, Athletico Timbo, Billy Ketsu, Jambo17 and Koneheads.

Thomass‘ Big Bash League Tournament has now reached the knockout stage. In Gameweek 22 the semi-finals will take place where Evs and fellow moderator Torres Magic‘s Sydney Sixers take on our Sky game expert D1sable and BlueLion, aka Perth Scorchers. The other semi-final will feature Thomass and Giggs Boson‘s Sydney Thunder against Melbourne Stars, the team name of Pleased to Michu and Rohan.

In Torres Magic’s Last Man Standing competition 35 managers left, with 271 remaining. Blue Teets leads his After Xmas League. His Millionaire Club & January Wildcard League start in GW21. Codes to all TM’s leagues can be found here.

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

2,590 Comments Post a Comment
  1. gentlemanlyconduct
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Has anyone ever seen the team names 'Escape from Alcaraz', or 'Return of the Jedinak'?

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    1. sinik
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      I'm bored so I just changed my teamname to Zahahahahahahahahaha

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      1. gentlemanlyconduct
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        or 'Sidwell Vicious' or 'Ozil Osborne'?

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      2. RedLightning
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Team Zahahaha in The Opening Day League beat you to it (though without quite as many hahas).
        http://fantasy.premierleague.com/entry/1269/event-history/20/

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        1. sinik
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 4 months ago

          well I don't know him so I may not change mine 😆

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          1. RedLightning
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 13 Years
            10 years, 4 months ago

            Actually, there are probably a large number of duplicated or similar team names in FPL, so it doesn't really matter, especially if you aren't in the same mini-league. Dyslexia Untied is one I have noticed several times, but yours is only the second I have noticed on the laughing Zaha theme.

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            1. sinik
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 10 Years
              10 years, 4 months ago

              years ago I used to make the same joke with Saha 😉

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              1. RedLightning
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 13 Years
                10 years, 4 months ago

                So perhaps you did get there first after all then!

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                1. sinik
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 10 Years
                  10 years, 4 months ago

                  maybe in thought 😯 this was years before FPL

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    2. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Escape from Alcaraz was my team name 2 years ago 😀

      Last year, i went with Chelsea D'Agger, i think.

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    3. Pepereina Pizza
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      No, and those are both pretty good

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  2. rewtasw
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Guys, which player (1 from each group) would you recommend picking:

    A) Clyne, Shaw, Turner

    B) Ravel, Mutch, Redmond, Shelvey, Livermore

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    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Clyne and urgh, can i say Routledge instead?

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      1. rewtasw
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        not sure if I would go with him really, bit risky. Will have to think about that mid spot.
        Think clyne is the way to go though. Thanks!

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  3. UnderstandablyDistraught
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Poor Feo. When's his funeral?

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  4. IL Fantasista
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Best combo:

    A. Azpi, Williamson, Colback

    B. Evans, Clyne, Bannan

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    1. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      A. I'd only say better.

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  5. sinik
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    if Rooney and Wally are fine for this weekend (doubt it) I may just save my FT..

    http://i.imgur.com/AZjqTUB.png

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    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Wally isn't fine and you won't find out about Rooney. Moyes is fantasy mangers enemy no 1

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      1. sinik
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        by fine I mean he'll only miss a game. and if Rooney doesn't play on Tuesday, it's a great sign.

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    2. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Lucky you. I got Wally, Rooney, Cabaye,a ndGJ. All flagged. come on Ravel!

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    3. RedLightning
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      The Guardian thinks Wally might be out for a month, but no one knows for certain yet.
      http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jan/05/arsenal-theo-walcott-miss-month-knee-injury?CMP=twt_gu

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      1. sinik
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        I know 😉 we all know that, which means we all know nothing.. 🙂

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        1. RedLightning
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 4 months ago

          Sorry about that. If I had scrolled down a short way I would have realised that Daniel had also given the same link..

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          1. sinik
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            10 years, 4 months ago

            no worries!

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  6. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Ok everyone wining about DM article. What about Guardian.

    http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jan/05/arsenal-theo-walcott-miss-month-knee-injury?CMP=twt_gu

    Bad news but great news for us WC-ers

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    1. sinik
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Daniel they all have the same info. It doesn't matter which paper reports it, they all know as little as the next.

      Scan tomorrow.

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      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Well it does matter which paper. Someone are more reliable

        "Walcott maybe out for four weeks with knee injury… will undergo a scan on Monday but the early indications are that he strained ligaments.""

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        1. sinik
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 4 months ago

          Not at this point. They all don't know anything. Unless you have xray vision, there's no such thing as early indications.

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        2. UnderstandablyDistraught
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 4 months ago

          just another speculative diagnosis

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    2. gentlemanlyconduct
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      They won't know for sure until he has the scan. Just spec.

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    3. Strificus
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      He *may* miss a month.

      Where is the news?

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      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        For me it is clear that isn't a knock and he won't play next game. For how long we will know better tomorrow about the scan. Why everyone aren't getting it If it was a knock he would have run already and no need for scan. NOw means obviously injury but we don't know how severe.

        Cheers

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        1. Twisted Saltergater
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 4 months ago

          "Missing a month" sells newspapers.

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  7. Strificus
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Yesterday there was some discussion on here about how you lose any FT you had when using your WC. Would that mean that if you were sure to use your WC prior to a gameweek; it would be a good strategy to waste your FT early on the player you want in your WC most likely to rise; then play your WC closer to the start of the games?

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    1. sinik
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      all they meant is that if you activate your WC with 2 FTs, next GW you'll only have 1 FT.

      you can swap out your whole team for a -40 or something and then play your WC before the lock and you don't end up getting the -40

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      1. Strificus
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Wait, I didn't know that.

        I can take multiple hits throughout the week and commit them; as long as I play the wildcard before the lock?

        Interesting...

        That will definitely help with catching some rises; before committing to players who may be hitting an injury.

        This might be a redundant question; but what about this scenario?

        - Transfer out all my players for a -40 hit
        - The next day I change my mind and go about transferring out again in a different direction; now facing like a -80 hit
        - Repeat x5
        - Use wildcard
        - 0 Hit?

        ha

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        1. sinik
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 4 months ago

          as far as I know, yes 😉

          would verify with others but iirc that's correct. I wouldn't know first hand because I just play my WC from the getgo

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          1. Strificus
            • 10 Years
            10 years, 4 months ago

            haha

            Even if 20 people confirmed; I might not have the balls to try it. 😛

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            1. sinik
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 10 Years
              10 years, 4 months ago

              :lol

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            2. sinik
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 10 Years
              10 years, 4 months ago

              😯
              😆

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            3. Evil Greg
              • 14 Years
              10 years, 4 months ago

              Yes mate. Any hits you take prior to WC are reimbursed 100%

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        2. Mile Plankton - Myth and Ch…
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 4 months ago

          That is correct.

          The easier way is to activate WC immediately and make as much transfers as you can in order to catch price rises.

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        3. AppleDunk
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 4 months ago

          I tried this with my last WC, you are right about what you said.

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        4. The Shoonchy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 4 months ago

          It is true. I tried

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      2. Vasty Deep
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        So you are saying, once you take hits and confirm the transfers, using a WC later in the same GW would recoup all points lost on transfers? not sure....

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        1. AppleDunk
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 4 months ago

          Yes, that's what the rules says too

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        2. Koflok
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 4 months ago

          Well yes as long as you play the WC before the GW deadline. Whatever point hits you take during that GW, is nullified.

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          1. Vasty Deep
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 4 months ago

            Wow. here I go with my 2 FTs.

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    2. UnderstandablyDistraught
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      If you are sure you're playing your WC then the freebie is rendered moot anyway so you may as well play it early in the week and try and catch other rises also

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  9. Total Foot 5 - romario 11
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    best combination:

    1--Speroni + Ward
    or
    2--Marshal + 3.9 Chester/Baker/or Whitaker

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    1. Strificus
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Who is your other goalie?

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      1. Total Foot 5 - romario 11
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        its for wc. mannone.

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        1. Strificus
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 4 months ago

          I would go with 2; due to how well Mannone and Marshall rotate.

          The difference between Ward and Chester would be slim. I'd also resist double Cry cover in the back; as cheap options might be best to have a spread.

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          1. Total Foot 5 - romario 11
            • 10 Years
            10 years, 4 months ago

            i cant have ward if i get manonne n marshall.
            would b maonnn + marshall
            baines - kos - whitaker - chester - baker

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            1. Strificus
              • 10 Years
              10 years, 4 months ago

              I'm not sold on whit or baker. Baines is going to thin our all your options; so if you want to keep him, maybe commit to throwing away having a backup GK and assure your defence beyond Kos/Baines is actually playable.

              Marshall, Davis
              Baines, Kos, Ward, BTurner, Chester

              Those 3 cheap options rotate very well.

              Davis is a near guarantee that you have no backup GK though. So it's a risk.

              You may want to consider Coleman instead of Baines; that could solve a lot of your budget problems as well.

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              1. Strificus
                • 10 Years
                10 years, 4 months ago

                Marshall, Mannone
                Coleman, Kosc, Ward, Turner, Chester

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              2. Total Foot 5 - romario 11
                • 10 Years
                10 years, 4 months ago

                strif: error on my part! i can have ward on dfence. since i already have him and bot him at 3.9.

                so that means 5th mid at 4.4 which could b bannan,noone,jwp,parker.
                would look:

                Mannone, Marshall
                *Baines, Kos, Ward, Baker or Whitaker, Chester
                *Eriksen, *Ozil, Haz, Silva, *4.4
                Suarez, *JRod, Adebayor

                in 2 weeks FT no hit ade > aguero

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        2. Total Foot 5 - romario 11
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 4 months ago

          thinking for rest:
          mannone
          baines - kos -

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    2. Mile Plankton - Myth and Ch…
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      I have Speroni/Marshal combo.
      Depends who your other keeper is. Wouldn't double up on Palace anyway.

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    3. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Speroni & Ward play for the same team, right? I'd say spread some risk so the second option.

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  10. Strificus
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    What do you guys think of this defence? Can I survive with no Everton/Chelsea cover?

    Kosc, Nasty, Evans (Ward, Chester)

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    1. sinik
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      I would only bring in Evans if United look like they're showing signs of shoring up and improving..

      which until now we haven't really shown consistently..but he is a cheap and solid way into the backline..

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    2. Mile Plankton - Myth and Ch…
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Decent. Alcaraz is cheap way into Everton defence if you really want it. Chelsea D is not essential.

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      1. Strificus
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        I also have Distin at 5.1; which is an alternative to Evans I can afford.

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    3. President John F. Keninnsie
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Not a fan of having any United players atm. I'd probably prefer Azpilicueta or Distin (obviously Baines/Jag/Coleman if you have more money), over Evans.

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      1. Strificus
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        I've been told to go for Azpi a few times now; but I'm not sure what makes him such an attractive option. What am I missing?

        I can definitely afford Distin; but may be able to squeeze in having Kosc, Azpi, Nasty

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        1. President John F. Keninnsie
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 4 months ago

          Azpi:
          - started 9/10 previous games
          - can be LB/RB
          - nailed on with Ivan injured
          - plays for a team capable of getting CSs against anyone
          - currently playing RB where he was VERY attacking last season
          - will be looking to impress to have the RB spot nailed when Ivan returns
          - only 5.3

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          1. Strificus
            • 10 Years
            10 years, 4 months ago

            Cheers!

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          2. Evil Greg
            • 14 Years
            10 years, 4 months ago

            I will get Azpi instead of Baines and upgrade Adebayor to Sturridge perhaps, playing WC late is the only option for me, wanting all my rivals to play theirs first so I can jump on the key differentials first. 39 points behind in ML, was about 100 behind before Xmas.

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            1. Tribecca
              • 11 Years
              10 years, 4 months ago

              What did u do tothe reduce ? I am on the same boat 10 pts difference

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              1. Evil Greg
                • 14 Years
                10 years, 4 months ago

                Walcott captain when he got 15, no one had him till last week. Adebayor has done well for me too.

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          3. Fitzy.
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 4 months ago

            how long is Ivan out for roughly? Was it all of January from memory?

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            1. Evil Greg
              • 14 Years
              10 years, 4 months ago

              don't get cashley, I can see why azpi is nailed after watching game today

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              1. Fitzy.
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 12 Years
                10 years, 4 months ago

                Wasn't thinking of Cole at all! My question was in regard to one of Innsie's points about Azpi. I owned him last season while he was playing on the right and only want him when he's playing that side though I think...

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            2. President John F. Keninnsie
              • 10 Years
              10 years, 4 months ago

              Sorry for late reply. Looks like Ivan is out til early Feb.

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              1. Fitzy.
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 12 Years
                10 years, 4 months ago

                Thanks. If I wildcard late, may be a risk bringing Azpi in then?

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                1. President John F. Keninnsie
                  • 10 Years
                  10 years, 4 months ago

                  Probably. Ivan seems to be a Jose favourite but monitor the performances of Azpilicueta and Cole because Azpi could move to LB when Ivan returns if he plays well in the next few weeks.

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  11. Koflok
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Okay so had this discussion going on a bit yesterday during the game but nothing beats DZ for this kind of thing.

    Baines vs Lallana

    *or whoever your 4th midfield is.

    Coleman is essential - even over Baines due to the price difference (or at least for early adopters he is). With the template forming up, most people goes with 3 premium mid + 1 mid priced such as Lallana, Cabaye, Eriksen, etc in a standard 3-4-3 formation.

    I'm considering removing that 4th mid priced midfielder and replace him with Baines and playing with 4-3-3.

    Most people would immediately go MID > DEF and stick to their 3-4-3 only rule. But the thing is, in the end it's the game of gathering the most points and Baines is a effective point-gatherer, probably more than the likes of Lallana who are similarly priced.

    A quick comparison shows it's true:

    Baines : PPG of 5.5 | 77pts in 1219 minutes = 15.83 min / point
    Lallana : PPG of 4.6 | 92pts in 1585 minutes = 17.23 min / point
    Cabaye : PPG of 4.7 | 80pts in 1324 minutes = 16.55 min / point
    Eriksen : PPG of 4 | 44pts in 786 minutes = 17.83 min / point

    Safe to say the four players are nailed on in the team and baring injuries (unpredictable factor), they should play every minutes. That means at this rate, Baines will outscore them all.

    Some would say it would mean doubling up between Coleman and Baines, but take out the double up factor and compare it man to man, Baines wins.

    And Everton isn't the worse team you can invest heavily into, too. The double up on GW 16 was a disappointment but don't compare Baines to Distin. Look at the long term, Everton got very good home fixtures and few good streaks. And they're playing good football under Martinez and I don't see it stopping anytime soon.

    Thoughts on this?

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    1. President John F. Keninnsie
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Think it's a decent idea tbh! People will say Baines + 4.5 mid won't outscore Lallana + 4.5 def but since you'll be playing 4-3-3 they'll be on your bench anyway. I like it actually.

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      1. Koflok
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Yep this. Forgot to add this bit in the post. I know I was forgetting something 😉

        Cheers bud

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    2. Mile Plankton - Myth and Ch…
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      I tend to agree. Lallana is not on pens, not on FKs or CKs. I have him and he rewarded me well couple of times, but I am thinking of dropping.

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    3. tm245
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Nice post. Here is what I put up this morning but got little response.

      Was just looking at ppg and there is a definite drop from the big five of Yaya Ozil Silva Hazard Walcott (he has 7 ppg as a starter) to the rest. Not sure if 7m needs to be spent on the 4th or 5th spot (depending on your budget).

      Assuming Suarez Aguero and 3 or 4 of the elite mids above will be in your squad, when you use a filter ppg for 8.1M price on the FPL site, you get
      Adebayor Ramsey 6+ ppg
      Coleman Baines Merte Remy 5.5 ppg
      ACole! 5 ppg
      Plenty of defs and midprice mids 4.5-4.7ppg

      Would any of you forego the 7m mids like Eriksen, Lallana, and others to get in Baines? » Read

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      1. Koflok
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        +1

        Ramsey is an interesting choice too. Will he keep up with his early season form though. That's the interesting part

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      2. Evil Greg
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        It's going to take a lot of convincing, never have defenders scored so well in BAPS before though so I feel there is a legitimate argument here. Look at this Team:

        Mannone Davis
        Coleman Baines Merte Koscielny Ward
        Walcott SIlva Hazard Colback Noone
        Ade Suarez Aguero 0.5m bank

        Now bench isn't great, but rotation of Colback and Noone for cover, Ward has to be best 4.2m defender and below going atm. Goalies aren't strong but that doesn't overally concern me as Mannone capable of averaging 3-4 points a game even if he concedes.

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        1. tm245
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 4 months ago

          I like it. I might go Kolarov over Kosc as a gamble, as only if he subs would I get burned.

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          1. Evil Greg
            • 14 Years
            10 years, 4 months ago

            Clichy needs to get trapped on a desert island (with food) somewhere and I'll be the first in the queue for Kolorov

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          2. Koflok
            • 11 Years
            10 years, 4 months ago

            If Kolarov is nailed I will definitely get him.

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    4. Vasty Deep
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Agree, but if you end up with 2 midfielders in the 4.5 -5 range, it restricts your options heavily. Good idea, worth taking a gamble for people who are chasing big points.

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      1. Koflok
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Yeah it's an idea to be considered. Nice to have a different team once in a while.

        There are plenty of decent 4.5 - 5 midfield range. Mutch, Livermore, Ki, etc.

        And they are more likely to be your 3rd bench anyway - same as your 5th defender position. So it shouldn't affect you too much.

        I don't think the use of 3rd bench will be as extensive as the festive period anymore in the 2nd half of the season, so I never really consider them as option for any given GW. I usually get the cheapest one in that position to buff up other areas

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    5. tm245
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Plus, play them both and never worry about which to have.

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      1. Vasty Deep
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        If you end up with 2 low-budget midfielders (i.e. 2 players that you would never want to play), you will get stretched on GWs when other have tough fixtures or injured, etc.

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    6. Evil Greg
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Been thinking exactly the same, Everton and Arsenal have the best defences in the league and I'm seriously considering doubling up on both.

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      1. Koflok
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        True. Although I'll be warry with Arsenal for the next few after late GW. Baines is fixture proof mainly due to his attacking threat and set piece

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        1. Evil Greg
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 4 months ago

          I wonder if the fact the community sees the top 1k stats regular from smarty pants has any influence on formation? 3-4-3 is played by over 90% of teams.

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          1. Koflok
            • 11 Years
            10 years, 4 months ago

            To some extent maybe but that is due to the classical perception of attacking players over defenders which is not false in the sense that CS is the only points source for defenders (although baps has a help a lot this season) and attackers have unlimited points potential such as scoring goals and an assist is already outscoring CS points.

            Thing is, Baines is a different kind of defender though..

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            1. Evil Greg
              • 14 Years
              10 years, 4 months ago

              Definitely, so much assist and goal potential for 1m more than Mertesacker/Terry/Coleman who are arguably the other best defenders with goal threat.

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    7. Suarezista
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Good point but what about making the same calculation with Eriksen under Sherwood only (I know it is only 3 or 4 games) ?

      Eriksen is my 4th mid on WC team and with Sherwood I would say he may get more PPG than Baines in the rest of the season.

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      1. In Like Flynn.
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Good point, I hadn't considered the change of manager. Thanks Suarezista11

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      2. tm245
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Good point. Many are assessing Ade in the same way.

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      3. Koflok
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Good point as well. The points above are from FPL site.

        I did consider the Sherwood effect when writing this up. But we don't know whether his form so far is just a purple patch or really a swing in his overall performance due to managerial change (there must be some effect on this, but how big in the long term is the question).

        I'm just going with ceteris paribus where the assumption is all things are at constant to not overcomplicate the analysis. But definitely if you believe that Eriksen will be a fantasy gold under Sherwood then definitely he's a good choice.

        Not the same case for Lallana and Cabaye though.

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        1. Evil Greg
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 4 months ago

          The soundbytes coming from Sherwood are all suggesting he plays attacking football at any cost, Spurs coverage in the form of Eriksen or Adebayor looks a very legitimate shout. I doubt I could stomach owning both, I feel after Aguero and Suarez Ade has the potential to be the next best forward PPG so there in my choice lies. Not as if you can't get rid if it doesn't work out with the likes of JRod/Bony/Hooper floating about.

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    8. In Like Flynn.
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      I only see GWs 28-32 being of particular appeal for Everton after the next two Koflok. The last six are bad with four teams likely to also be after a European slot and away games to two trying to avoid the drop.
      Lallana surely in a much stronger position with no bad runs of games until the end of season, the tough games all sandwiched between easier ones.
      Eriksen might be worth a shot in my WC if his form keeps up.

      Certainly some decent players that were worth having a look at. Thanks

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      1. Koflok
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Yes Flynn but the way I see it is with Baines he's fixture proof.

        Against easy opponents in particular at home it's a chance for CS since Everton is one of the better defensive team in the league. Against tough opposition, they have shown that they are more than capable to beat them. Not too mention the appeal of Baines is his set pieces, which he will definitely have regardless of opposition so the points potential is always there.

        I'm a fan of Lallana and I think he will do well too. Southampton are having a good no doubt (I have Boruc as solo keeper) but if you look at GW 31-38 Southampton are actually having one of the worst fixture too.

        I actually like that better, rather than good fixtures being sandwiched against hard ones, you'll know when to abandon the bandwagon (i.e. Baines for the last 6)

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        1. In Like Flynn.
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 4 months ago

          A fair argument Koflok, I don't agree with you, but a very fair argument. Let's hope we both kill it for the rest of the season. 🙂

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          1. Koflok
            • 11 Years
            10 years, 4 months ago

            Cheers bud. 😀
            Let's hope so. Have had a horrid first season so far 🙁

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    9. Strificus
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      This is the sort of thinking that lead me to the very unpopular opinion that dispersing money across your roster; could be a very valid reason to only run with Suarez and no Aguero.

      I know he can catch you with your pants down; but you save 5.7m going with Rodriguez and that makes the difference between having Baines and Ozil; or not cheaper options.

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      1. Strificus
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        or cheaper options*

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      2. In Like Flynn.
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        I would like this to work.

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      3. Koflok
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Ah the no-Aguero argument. I would like to have a deeper analysis on this as well.
        But just a short one basically for you it's

        JRod + Baines + Ozil vs Aguero + Burner + Lallana so to speak.

        I haven't work out the stats over those two combinations, but it's probably closer than most people think.

        However the main thing with Aguero is not his point hauls, but his captaincy option you get when he's playing home. Won't have that with JRod Baines or Ozil as they are not as explosive AND reliable as Aguero (at home).

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    10. Kick Some Goals
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      My concern isn't so much with the idea of doubling up on Everton defenders or effectively replacing your 4th mid with Baines, it's what to do when you don't have two other defenders you want to play alongside them in a 4-3-3.

      You'd be looking at some unappealing 4th/5th mids to play those weeks... but probably not enough of a reason to lessen the appeal.

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      1. Koflok
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        I think the template defense and midf is

        Coleman / Kosc / 2-uber-rotators / Ward "bench fodder"
        Haz / Wally / Silva / Lallana / Januzaj "decent 1st bench"

        Pretty sure Coleman and Kosc is nailed on already every week regardless of fixtures
        Plus with the 1 of the 2 rotators playing each week (if you have both having a bad fixture then it's down to bad rotation).

        So practically the 3 man defense should be in place there already.

        In case of injuries, your "Januzaj" should play first. I reckon having Ward or Jedinak as your 3rd bench most of the times would have little difference

        It's a different story if you are having 4-for-2 uber rotators or 3-for-1 uber rotators.

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        1. Kick Some Goals
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 4 months ago

          What I'm looking at is for WC is:

          Boruc / Mannone
          Coleman / Mert / Nasty / Skrtel / Ward
          Haz / Silva / Wally / Cabaye / Mutch
          Suarez / Roon / Ade

          With enough bank to swap Skrtel > Debuchy and Rooney > Aguero when they return.

          If I were to go the Baines route, I'd be more likely looking at:

          Davis / Mannone
          Baines / Coleman / Mert / Nasty / Ward
          Haz / Silva / Wally / Mutch / 4.5m cheapo
          Suarez / Roon / JRod

          With Aguero coming in once healthy... or alternately keeping Cabaye and Roon instead, then rotating Cabaye and JRod.

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          1. Kick Some Goals
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 4 months ago

            Sorry, Boruc in the second team also.

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    11. Tribecca
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      So if you are playing 4-3-3. Are you going to hv 4 strong def? Or 3 strong + Chester / ward

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    12. Pepereina Pizza
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      keep in mind that
      - a great portion of his points will need to come from clean sheets
      - Everton's 2 top choices for central defense are out injured (distin + jagielka)
      - another big portion of his points contribution would need to come from offense. He had 7 assists last season, and 12 just 2 seasons before that. He has -zero- this season so far.

      Overall, I like it, and it could be a great differential. For my money, though, downgrading LB to Jags would mean +1.6m, which turns guys like Eriksen/Lallana into someone like Gerrard/Oscar.

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  12. Kick Some Goals
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Torn on whether to cut the cord with Lukaku and climb on board the Adebandwagon.

    Was all set for the jump until I saw Everton's home fixtures until GW31...

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  13. Evil Greg
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Hmmm, I was all set to try 4-3-3 on WC and go with:

    Coleman Baines Merte Koscielny
    Walcott SIlva Hazard
    Ade Suarez Aguero

    ...after watching Derby Chelsea today, I sure fanct Oscar alongside Hazard, he was excellent, So, conventional 3-4-3 draft:

    Mannone Davis
    Sagna Coleman Koscielny
    Walcott Silva Hazard Oscar
    Suarez Adebayor Aguero

    If Aguero is confirmed fir for next weekend might play WC early and swap out Wally for Gerrard/Cazorla in the meantime, what do you think?

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    1. Koflok
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      If you have Oscar, you'll want a good 1st bench because he'll be rotated a lot.

      Don't like the Arsenal double up, unless you play the WC early. Look at their fixtures, GW 25 above is horror for the next 10 games or so. Swap Sagna with Zaba maybe.

      Good team otherwise

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      1. Evil Greg
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        I'm thinking about the 4-3-3 again in all honesty. Arsenal have a better defence than Everton though, and best in the league. Mertesacker massive goal threat.

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    2. GTS
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      A good bench would come in handy.

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      1. Evil Greg
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        I don't mind the odd -4 here and there.

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  14. Captain Shirokov
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    "It go Halle Berry or Hallelujah,
    Pick your poison, tell me what you doing.
    Everybody goin' respect the shooter but the one in front of the gun lives forever."

    😀

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    1. EAGLES (0 Chelsea players)
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Ya bishhhh

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  15. theunwiseone
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    hey guys how is this for a wildcard team? i tried to stay away from the template as much as i can.

    Mannone

    Zaba, Baines, Sagna

    Hazard, Silva, Walcott, Gerrard

    Suarez, JRod, Rooney

    bench is Speroni, Kolarov, Clyne, Huddlestone

    stuck who to play next weekend between sagna, kolorov or clyne. who would you all choose? if walcott is out then i can get either ozil or cazorla. again who would u pick?

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    1. Mile Plankton - Myth and Ch…
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      That's one expensive team.
      Marshal rotates better with Mannone. Wouldn't go for Kolarov since he's not nailed on. Would go for Oscar over Gerrard and Kosc over Sagna.
      Ozil over Satni.

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      1. theunwiseone
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        oscar not nailed on the last few weeks either thats whats putting me off. most have mert or kosc hence why im going with sagna.

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        1. Mile Plankton - Myth and Ch…
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 4 months ago

          I actually went for Sagna last week and got 10 points, but still imo, Kosc is better long term. As for Oscar, it's hard to predict. In the begining, he was most nailed on Chelsea mid. Then injury screwed him, but the way he played last two games, he looks to be back in good form.

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          1. theunwiseone
            • 10 Years
            10 years, 4 months ago

            true, but gerrards been great this year and dont wanna double up on chelsea mids as they have some tough games coming up.

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            1. Mile Plankton - Myth and Ch…
              • 11 Years
              10 years, 4 months ago

              Fair enough. Agree on Gerrard. You probably won't go wrong with him.

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    2. KunBaYaya My Lord
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      I like the look of the team Mid and Forwards are solid.

      But the D is where I think you could improve. Your whole D is full backs. Most bonus points go to Centre backs. Kosc or Nasty could be better alternatives.

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    3. GTS
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      That's a good looking team.
      City defense double up? There would be problems getting Aguero in if you're going to get him.

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  16. KunBaYaya My Lord
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Just saw the leader in TV has made 133 total transfer costing him 444 point!

    He made 26 transfer in one week for a total of -100!

    Here I thought my 30 transfer were alot

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

      Points aren't important. Stock market game.

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  17. Geordienufc1
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    That is actually solid logic. However you must consider the points of the 2 players that you would be switching for in this scenario as well. In order to make a full comparison, you must consider what the cheap midfielder + Baines, or the cheap defender + Cabaye/Lallana equals in a PPG sense.

    If Baines + Cheap mid (say januzaj) > Cabaye + Cheap def (depends on your TV as for how expensive your "cheaper" defender can be) then I say go for it.

    The only other consideration is team form. If Everton as a team hit a run of poor fixtures, or begin to lose form, then Baines (who despite a hefty goal threat still relies predominantly on CS for points) is going to do worse most likely than a mid-priced midfielder such as Cabaye who doesn't rely as much on his team for points.

    I could be wrong, just my two cents.

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    1. Geordienufc1
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Ignore - reply fail to koflok.

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    2. Strificus
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      That goes both ways. If Baines and Cabaye stop scoring; Baines has the advantage of getting points from CS.

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    3. Koflok
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      I think the template defense and midf is

      Coleman / Kosc / 2-uber-rotators / Ward "bench fodder"
      Haz / Wally / Silva / Cabaye / Januzaj "decent 1st bench"

      It's practically a switch of Cabaye + Ward to Baines + Jedinak.

      Now pretty sure Januzaj will be your 1st bench. So he's the first patch up in case of injuries
      Your 2nd uber rotators will probably be your 2nd (or 3rd doesn't matter).
      3rd one is either Ward or Jedinak - most of the time they won't be played. And even if they are played, the points potential are pretty much the same.

      I forgot to include this part, true, but they hardly matter because who really cares about their 3rd bench fodder anyway 😀

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      1. Strificus
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        I've really been contemplating having a stronger defense; at the expense of not fitting in that extra premium midfielder/striker. Here is an example with no Aguero:

        Sturridge, Mertesacker, Coleman
        PPG: 17.4

        Aguero, Azpilicueta, Nastasic
        PPG: 14.0

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        1. Strificus
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 4 months ago

          If I purposely seek out 5-5.5m defensive options to pad the stats; it still doesn't sway it enough:

          Aguero, Koscielny, Sagna
          PPG: 16.0

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          1. Pepereina Pizza
            • 10 Years
            10 years, 4 months ago

            My hesitation is in my belief that in general it's more difficult to eyeball team defenses than to eyeball an individual MF/FWD individual performance going on things like form and fixture outlooks.
            All it takes is a penalty kick or a fluke goal against. In other words, LB can't earn a clean sheet on his own because it's not up to his individual effort.

            I think it would be more difficult to predict how many Everton CS's (say, +/- 2) there will be rest of season, than it would be to predict how many goals/assists Yohan Cabaye will score rest of season (+/- 2)

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  18. Total Foot 5 - romario 11
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Notingham forest 5 x0 on west ham..wtf...is the 70's forrest bak!? anyone watch the match?

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    1. theunwiseone
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      west ham are just shite.

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    2. Mile Plankton - Myth and Ch…
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      WHU played with kids. They were shyte.

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      1. Total Foot 5 - romario 11
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        it would be cool to have the forrst bak in premier. their 70s team conquests r legendary.

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

      West Ham reserves in the main.
      Game midweek more important.

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  19. Irish Madridista ⭐
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    WAS planning on Walcott captain but now not sure who to captain...

    Who's the most obvious choice? Or who can you see being a potential differential?

    My current line-up:

    Szczesny

    Walker - Zabaleta - Burner - Coleman

    Wally - Hazard - Henderson

    Adebayor(VC) - Suarez(C) - Rooney

    Subs: Marshall --- Ramsey - Distin - Shelvey

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    1. Mile Plankton - Myth and Ch…
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Mine is Rooney with Suarez VC. I'd go for Ade if Rooney doesn't make it.

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      1. Irish Madridista ⭐
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        I love the idea of my captain playing at home to Palace..
        I hate the idea of my captain being Adebayor when I have Suarez, Hazard, Rooney and (possibly) Walcott....

        I would tip Suarez to do well against anyone without a world class defence at the moment and even if it is away to a decent stoke side, I'd still fancy Suarez...
        If I were to captain Adebayor and he gets 2 points and Suarez went and scored 2 then I would be angry at myself, but not if it were the other way around cause then I could just say (well at least you picked the safe option and not many people benefitted from Ade)

        ....I guess I'm just looking for someone to convince me to captain someone other than Suarez ha

        Rooney is hurt, United are out of form and Swansea are just after beating them... Not really feeling the Rooney(C).

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  20. GTS
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Good Morning everyone!

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

      Good Morning GTS.

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    2. Evil Greg
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Morning, you vehicle sounding human

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      1. GTS
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        I'm a transformer

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        1. Evil Greg
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 4 months ago

          Turismo Prime 🙂

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  21. GTS
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Looks like no one posted this one yet.

    Risers:
    Henderson, Jordan 6.4
    Berahino, Saido 4.6

    Falls:
    Davies, Ben 4.9

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  22. Fchildress
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Looking for some advice on the 2nd half of the season from some of the experienced managers. Last year was my first season and I got off to a very poor spot, was somewhere up around 1.8 millionth after GW 20. Started to get more comfortable in the second half of the season and ended up with 1904 points in 534k place. Not good, but considering where I was, it felt like I was settling in.

    This season was much more prepared and researched and currently sit at 1,251 points in the top 17k.

    So here is my question as we hit a point in the season where it seems like everyone's teams look identical.... How do you balance someone being "essential" (especially in terms of ownership numbers vs. finding differentials to continue climbing the rankings.

    To be honest, getting into the top 17k at this point I've done with what I would consider a pretty "template" looking team with probably my one great move being adding Suarez for his very first game back and never looking back.

    Looking at the Gargatron I'm only 28 points from the top 5k so it's clearly a pretty fine line, but most of those people in between me and those higher rankings are going to have a team almost identical to mine.

    So what I seem to be really struggling with this season is... what if you don't have someone like a Yaya with 1.4 mil owners. Every time he scores or assists you're losing huge ground with the margin of points so thin.

    So, to summarize much shorter than the rest of my rambling post... at what point in terms of ownership do you start to feel like you better have someone to keep pace with the world, or is that not something you experienced guys even pay attention to?

    Thanks for any thoughts....

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

      If you feel the player with big ownership will keep firing then you just become a sheep & close that differential i.e.Ramsey or Yaya. If you have a different option that outscores them then you win & vice versa if you lose.

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    2. Pepereina Pizza
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      This season I'm trying hard to
      - use the Members section stats when making transfer decisions
      - avoid impulse transfers in the name of saving 0.1m
      - make sure I'm 2 weeks late to the party (Ramsey, Barkley) rather than 4 weeks early (false dawns and fads like rvp, lambert, benteke post injury, kagawa, janusaj, etc)

      I still don't have Yaya, and somehow I'm ranked 94k. I fundamentally don't believe in him, and he pisses in my face every weekend. Now that Silva is back, i hope that stops, but he just does not have the stats to support his performance (shots, shots on target, etc etc etc) and if he doesn't regress, well then at least i lost for the right reasons.

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  23. Geordienufc1
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Still continually toying with WC options. Will wait for news before doing anything, but assuming Walcott is out for more than 2 weeks, I'd like some thoughts on this dilemma:

    Team A:

    GK: Davis, Boruc
    DEF: TERRY, Koscielny, Burner (Ward) (Chester)
    MID: Hazard, Silva, GERRARD, OZIL (-> Walcott if fit) (Colback)
    ATT: Adebayor, Suarez, JRod

    Enough in the bank to do Gerrard -> Ramsey and Ade -> Aguero whenever they return.

    Team B:

    GK: Davis, Boruc
    DEF: BAINES, Koscielny, Burner (Ward) (Chester)
    MID: Hazard, Silva, CABAYE, CAZORLA (-> Walcott if fit) (Colback)
    ATT: Adebayor, Suarez, JRod

    With enough in the bank to do Adebayor straight to Aguero on a FT.

    The difference being that I don't have enough to afford Ozil or Gerrard in team, but I have Baines instead of Terry.

    Any thoughts much appreciated!

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    1. Irish Madridista ⭐
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      No love for Coleman over Baines to free up cash to improve at least one of those mids no..?

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      1. Geordienufc1
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        I missed out on Coleman - shipped him out very early on and have completely missed the boat on his rise. Therefore I think that the extra .7 for Baines is worth it with Baines being more likely to score and a greater differential.

        Plus, my selling value for Terry is 6.3, so it is not a straight switch for Coleman anyway.

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    2. GTS
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      On team A.
      Why Gerrard> Ramsey? not tempted by other options with the likes of Lallana, Cabaye, Eriksen?
      On team B.
      Cazorla is in there and I think you want Gerrard why not him instead of Cazorla?

      Baines or Terry is a good question.
      I feel both are excellent picks but Baines has all set pieces on his feet so he just edges it.

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      1. Geordienufc1
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        As for Gerrard -> Ramsey, I was more likely going to just pick the best performing midfielder at that price, so your point is valued surrounding the mid-value midfielders.

        As for Gerrard vs. Cazorla, I feel as though Arsenal cover is required in the midfield, at least until there fixtures turn sour, and while Walcott is far and away my favoured option, with him out and with the inclusion of Baines not allowing me to get Ozil, Cazorla is an explosive differential candidate while I await Walcott's return.

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    3. Evil Greg
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Coleman and Baines double up till gwk32 is no bad thing, lots of nice home games

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  24. Worsey
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Torres looked amazing last game v Southampton but who will start v hull & Manu

    Eto or Torres?

    Thanks

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    1. Chris_White
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Torres. Eto'o was shite today.

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  25. Evil Greg
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Hmmm there are multiple sources saying Walcott is out for 4 weeks, I'd say it's pretty conclusive. I said straight away to Jason_Dozzell (another poster on here) that it looked like a 3 week absence with the way he was moving after the injury.

    Not taking him out, got at 9.1m so can stand the 0.1m loss, hopeful that's all he drops before the next gameweek. Got Terry & Sterling on the bench this week so plenty of cover if Wally and Rooney don't make it.

    Would be willing to bet $$$ that he doesn't figure next week, any takers? 🙂

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    1. Irish Madridista ⭐
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      I really, really hope you're wrong.

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      1. Evil Greg
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        I hope I'm wrong too buddy, I wanted to captain him this week

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    2. Vasty Deep
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      He is out for sure going by all these comments. IZ got him at 9.1 too, loss in value is never the issue, losing points to competitive midfielders is. Many will swap for Caz or Ozil

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      1. Evil Greg
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Sterling or Terry could cover his points, safer than me going -4, but usually if a big hitter is out I like the gamble of getting the next guy in the same week for a hit.

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    3. Gaz Downright
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      On a positive note, Walcott injured would mean the template lock broken and FPL becoming more interesting.

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  26. Chris_White
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    If Hudson is back in favour under OGS, the Parr/Chester/Hudson rotation for 11.7 seems too good to pass on.

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    1. Gaz Downright
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Interesting. It's hard to judge from an FA Cup game though. He might have been giving someone a rest.

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      1. Chris_White
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Yeah of course. Just more my own hoping I guess, although AB also suggested the same thing earlier today.

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    2. GTS
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Early FFS favorite Brayford would be nice as well

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      1. Chris_White
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Love the pre-season bandwagons... 😉

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        1. GTS
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 4 months ago

          ahhhh...Good times with Mirrallas here.
          raining 2's or 3's.. 🙂

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    3. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Jennifer? 😛

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    4. Evil Greg
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      I noticed McNaughton (3.8m) has played 90 mins last two games for Cardiff bud.

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      1. Chris_White
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Yeah but that's because of Theophile-Catherine being injured. Hudson could be preferred over Burner, although it probably won't happen.

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  27. Elniñorules
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Amazing how there's no talk about Baines for several days/weeks and gets on everyone's radar the moment he scores a goal.

    Chasing attacking returns for defenders is a very dangerous strategy. Usually need to hold them for long enough to be able to benefit.

    I'd rather play it safe and have JT/Azpi, Kosc, Nasty, Evans over Baines rather than spending that much money on him. Besides there are tons of budget defenders going on at the moment.

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    1. Elniñorules
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Remember early in the season as well...he scored a brace and thereafter became near essential for WCs next week. The rest is history.

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      1. Chris_White
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        I think people are thinking of Baines vs. Cabaye/Lallana/Eriksen

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        1. Elniñorules
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 4 months ago

          Doesn't work that way though, does it. Good chance a 5-5.5 def (Kosc/Sagna, Azpi, etc) will come close to Baines' points, mainly due to the additional CS and Bps.

          Can't say the same about budget mids matching Cabaye/Lull/Erik.

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      2. Evil Greg
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        If I was 30 points clear in my min league, I wouldn't be considering deferring from 3-4-3. As it is, playing 4-3-3 with Baines is a strategy my rivals will not adopt, so for me it's worth the gamble, it does not apply to everyone, the logical choice is this team:

        Mannone Marshall
        Coleman Mertesacker Burner Chester Ward
        Hazard Walcott Silva Eriksen Jedinak
        Suarez Sturridge Aguero

        Well, I can afford that anyway and if I was being sensible this is what I'd do GWK24

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  28. Chris_White
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Is "Rush" any good? About to watch it

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    1. GTS
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Haven't seen it but saw the poster and Thor was there.
      Should be good. 😀

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    2. Evil Greg
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Music is ace, gets you right into it, Hans Zimmer master. You'll end up wanting to be an F1 driver haha

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