Moving Target

Moving Target – Juan Mata

Manchester United took a major step towards lifting the dark cloud that currently hangs over Old Trafford after sealing the transfer of Juan Mata from Chelsea on Saturday evening. In a club record deal, believed to be in the region of £37 million, the little Spaniard arrives to help transform United’s season after Wednesday’s Capital One Cup exit at the hands of Sunderland heaped further pressure on the under-fire David Moyes.

Understandably, the United boss was delighted to have captured a creative player of Mata’s pedigree and is clearly relishing the prospect of shaping his side around his new signing, suggesting that the Spaniard will be thrown straight in against Cardiff on Tuesday…

“Juan is one of the finest playmakers in the game today and it’s a real pleasure to have secured his signature. He’s been instrumental in Chelsea’s recent success, with a notable 28 assists and 32 goals in his last two Premier League seasons. I have been impressed with the excitement he has shown to be part of the new Manchester United. I know our fans have admired Juan for some time now – he has always played well against us – and I know they will be delighted to see him in the red of United, starting on Tuesday.”

As for Mata, the lure of a move to United is obvious and, having been frustrated by a lack of pitch time under Jose Mourinho at Chelsea, it’s clear that this was a major factor in prompting a move away from the Bridge. When quizzed on his preferred role at United, Mata was quick to point out that his priority, first and foremost, will be to be involved…

“I love to play. I think I can play in the three positions behind the striker. I played on the left when I arrived at Chelsea, this season I have played on the right and last season, which was probably the best season of my career, I played behind the striker. But it doesn’t matter as long as I play.”

The History

A product of the Real Madrid youth system, Mata first played for the club’s B team in 2006/07, scoring 10 times in 39 appearances. Unable to convince his Bernabeu paymasters of his first-team potential, he was snapped up by Valencia the following year and, over the following four seasons, established himself as one of the finest midfield talents in La Liga.

Mata’s time at the Mestalla got off to a tentative start, with five goals and a single assist over 24 appearances in 2007/08. Installed as a regular in the first XI thereafter, he racked up 28 goals and 35 assists over 105 league matches before Chelsea came calling in the summer of 2011, shelling out around £23.5m for the playmaker’s services.

Despite plying his trade under a succession of managers at Stamford Bridge, Mata was an overwhelming success over his first two seasons. His first year at the London club harvested six goals and 13 assists, or 16 in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) terms, before he stepped up another level in 2012/13, with 11 goals and 17 assists (18 in FPL), summing up his Fantasy potential.

Under Jose Mourinho, though, Mata has toiled. The Special One has been critical of the Spaniard’s lack of work-rate and has started him in just 11 of Chelsea’s 22 league games so far, with Oscar his favoured option in the “number 10” role. Nonetheless, with 828 minutes to his name thus far, Mata’s impact has been minimal for the Blues – he’s produced just two assists so far this season.

On the international stage, Mata produced eight goals and seven assists from 20 games at youth level for Spain, helping his country win the 2006 European Under-19 Championships and the 2011 European Under-21 Championships . He’s also turned out 31 times for the senior side, returning nine goals and seven assists, and was part of the squad which won the World Cup in 2010 and the European Championships two years later.

The Prospects

Clearly, as the first marquee signing of the Moyes era, Mata looks set to become a key member of the United first-team. The issue, of course, is where he will fit into his new manager’s plans. When Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie are finally free from injury, the trio seem automatic starters, suggesting Mata is set for a role on the wing, with Rooney tucking in behind the Dutchman in a formation more akin to a 4-2-3-1.

As Mata himself has stated, although predominantly left-footed, he’s a player that offers United options on both flanks, though a role on the right as an inverted winger would be a move away from the traditional alternatives such as Nani and Antonio Valencia. Essentially, his arrival leaves a number of players vying for the remaining attacking role. Similarly to the other aforementioned wide men, Shinji Kagawa and Ashley Young have failed to impress since Moyes rolled up to Old Trafford and their game time looks set to be further diminished upon the Spaniard’s arrival.

Despite his recent contribution of six goals in as many Gameweeks, there’s no doubt Danny Welbeck will struggle to retain a regular starting berth once the injuries clear, whilst Mata’s arrival may also be detrimental for Adnan Januzaj’s minutes. Moyes has been wary of relying too much on the youngster in his debut season but has been almost forced to start Januzaj in seven of the last eight Gameweeks – with Mata on board, Moyes may look to ease the burden on the teenage prodigy. It’s also worth noting that Mata is cup tied for United’s Champions League campaign, surely ensuring his league starts and therefore giving Moyes the opportunity to use his other wide options on the European stage.

Now down to 9.4 in FPL (9.0 in the Sky Sports game and 7.0 in the Sun Dream Team), Mata’s move to United is set to reignite his Fantasy potential after slipping from our radars. An ownership of 3% highlights his differential appeal ahead of games against Cardiff, Stoke, Fulham and Palace in the next five and, if Rooney and van Persie remain on the sidelines, he’s likely to be handed set-pieces and corners as Moyes looks to the Spaniard’s creativity to help rescue his disappointing debut season at the helm.

While Mata clearly has huge Fantasy appeal, there’s little doubt that there is fierce competition in his price bracket with Eden Hazard, Mesut Ozil and Santi Cazorla and the City pair of Yaya Toure and David Silva all vying for slots in our midfield.

As mentioned, Mata offers significant differential appeal – a big factor for those looking to make up ground with their January Wildcard moves. Having said that, both Cazorla and Silva also meet this criteria: the Arsenal man boasts FPL ownership of just 2.8%, while City’s playmaker has lived in the shadow of Toure this season and can be found in just 5.8% of FPL squads. While Mata arrives to slot into an ailing United, struggling to kill off teams, both Cazorla and Silva are part of free-scoring sides, oozing confidence.

Mata certainly has the talent to change the current landscape. United will likely be revived by his presence but it could take the return of both Rooney and Van Persie before we can really assess the full potential that Mata can offer. In the short-term, then, that may well see the majority steer clear, assess his initial form and settle on more assured assets. That will leave early adopters hoping that Mata’s impact is immediate and that his early returns are on a par with his outstanding spells in the blue of Chelsea.

Further Reference

Juan Mata Wikipedia

Juan Mata Statistics

Juan Mata YouTube 2012/13 Highlights

Paul Is certain he won't make the same mistakes next season. Follow them on Twitter

2,146 Comments Post a Comment
  1. applebonkers
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    here we are, the kolarov motto. http://i.imgur.com/5P9dinx.png

    now you have him you might as well play him

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    1. copps
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Kolarov is coming to town

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  2. applebonkers
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    but deep down you shouldn't really have him

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    1. Herman Toothrot
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Providing you decent backup. I have Ward/Sagna if he doesn't play.

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      1. Herman Toothrot
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        *have

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      2. applebonkers
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        worry is lately he's getting little cameos in midfield if he doesnt start

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

      I'll be getting him I think 😯

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  3. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Think I am gonna capt aguero over suarez this week.Everton will keep it tight this week I feel and city are scoring for fun.what do people think.

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    1. Valar(Keith)
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Everton pool has the highest potential for goals this week..

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    2. Baa
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Doing the same

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    3. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Don't know if it will. I don't think either team will want to loose thus not really take chances.

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

    The death of Arsenal?

    Liverpool (a)
    Man United (h)
    Liverpool (h)
    Bayern (h)
    Sunderland (h)
    Stoke (a)
    Swansea (h)
    Bayern (a)
    Spurs (a)
    Chelsea (a)
    Man City (h)
    Everton (a)

    in a row, all in 8 weeks

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    1. Carrick Doesn't Deserv…
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      if they keep their players fit they could win 90% of those

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

        that's a huge ask..those first four come in 11 days

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      2. Dr Dream
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Oh aye..Arsenal are class, I'd fancy their chances against anybody right now...Clean sheets may be a very big ask though.

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    2. The EJJ
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Let's hope so 🙂

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

        here here 😀

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    3. Walsh
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Jesus that is murder. Knew they had their fair share of games coming up but didn't realize the severity until you typed it out there

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

        yeah fingers crossed they crumble to pieces

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    4. AGUEROOOOO!!!!!
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      take out the Bayern games, they not too bad apart from last 3

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

        United will beat them again 😉

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        1. AGUEROOOOO!!!!!
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 2 months ago

          doubt it at the emirates

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

            don't be so sure there..United will be full strength by then, maybe even with 2 more signings in midfield/defense.

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

      and if they beat Pool in the FA Cup, throw another match in there for fun (unless they reschedule)

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

      Wow. Maybe Ramsey isn't such a great idea...

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

        exactly, I'll have Lallana for now and Eriksen for Spurs' tasty matches in the last 2 months

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    7. A.
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Two horrible runs:

      liv, MUN, LIV, BAY in the space of 12 days 8th to 19th Feb

      bay, tot, che, MCI, eve in the space of 3 weeks also brutal with so many away games

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

        yep, true test of their credentials.

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      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      and people say arsenal cover is essential!

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

        🙄

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    8. FACUPARSE
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Sunderland Stoke Swansea Spurs Man U all easy.

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

        you'll be 4th by April. 😉

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        1. Woy of the Wovers
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 2 months ago

          Maybe concentrate first on 6th place. When you manage that, you can worry about 5th. See where this is going.

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

            we'll be fine, I have no concerns whatsoever. In your head 7th place sounds daunting but when you see that it's 6 points off 4th you realize it's nothing.

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  5. Carrick Doesn't Deserv…
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    http://lockerdome.com/footyjokes/6169472553726017/6303839498280466

    mourinho looks like he threw up in is mouth for a second after the oscar goal

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

    Lost on last page.

    Is cahill nailed on or he has threat from luiz?

    COLEMAN - i think its time to ditch as baines is back and most of the play is switched to the left. Also they have tough fixtures. Instead of coleman i can have azpi and kolarov. Think its worth it

    Thoughts?

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    1. PINKFISH (SANCTIONED AND GA…
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Trouble is with Citeh is defending has become attacking a second priority under this manager. It is all about scoring more than the other team.

      Granted though Kol Zab and Komp offer good attacking returns.

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    2. PINKFISH (SANCTIONED AND GA…
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      I'm not sure Cahill is nailed with the new D/M structure now and Luiz could be used now not only for cup games like today. Bit of uncertainty I'd say.

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      1. Mickeylicious
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks pinkfish

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  7. Sad Ken
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Everybody needs to get Mata in ASAP before his price rockets out of control!!!

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    1. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      he won't rise more than once before next deadline. After that I'm on wc and he's straight in.

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

        you've held out until the very end, well done 🙂

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      2. Sad Ken
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Beat the rise and get him in NOW!

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        1. JK - Cønt ⭐
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 2 months ago

          I can stomach 0.1, especially with the line-ups being out before deadline

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    2. Dr Dream
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      They may be making a mistake as he may not start.

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    3. wood is good
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      That's exactly what people need to stop doing

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      1. Sad Ken
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Noooooo! Buy! Buy! Buy!

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  8. Judas
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Azpilicueta should start on Weds now that Cole played today no?

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    1. Red Viper
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      yes, Cole played well though I must add

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  9. WSRevilo
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    What do you think of my WC team:

    Option A:
    Adrian, Mannone
    Coleman, Azpilicueta, Kolarov, Koscielny, Ward,
    Hazard, Ramsey, Cabaya, Silva, Mutch,
    Adebayor, Suarez, Aguero

    Alternative B: Adebayor & Kolarov -> Sturridge & Bruce
    Alternative C: Ramsey, Adebayor & Kolarov -> Mata, Rodriguez & Bruce

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    1. t4thomas
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      It looks good, you must have loads of cash!

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  10. Mr Sarcastic
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    If Mata starts, Silva => Mata and then gw25 Ozil => Silva or Toure?

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    1. Rödallegabomb ᴿᴮ
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Ozil to Toure now.

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      1. Mr Sarcastic
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        that was a plan, but silva now doubt + mata's fixtures make him very tempting "punt"

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  11. Boleyn Boy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Evening all. I think that I've finally settled on my WC team but any advice or suggestions would be much appreciated thanks:

    Mannone - Adrian

    Baines - Koscielny - M.Olsson - Ward - Bruce

    Hazard - Cabaye - Wilshere - Mirallas - Januzaj

    Aguero - Suarez - Adebayor

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    1. Mickeylicious
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      You think adrian is nailed or or a calculated gamble?

      Team looks good

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      1. Boleyn Boy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        I think he's pretty nailed on as Jussi hasn't been at his best this season but Big Sam does make some odd team selections at times so I've kept 0.2m spare just in case.

        Thanks, just hoping that getting rid of Coleman for Baines won't come back to bite me

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    2. wood is good
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Don't like Wiltshire or miralas. Maybe downgrade baines and get silva or mata instead?

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      1. Boleyn Boy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        I could keep Coleman instead of getting Baines and Adam Johnson instead of Mirallas but I'd only have 8.8m left so not enough for Silva or Mata

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  12. HarryS
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Howard - Marshall
    Mert - Burner - Coleman - Williams - Ward
    Cazorla - Cabaye - Yaya - Sterling - Ravel
    Suarez - Lukaku - Giroud

    1FT, £2.6M, Cazorla > Hazard?

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    1. t4thomas
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Based on Cazorla's current form, that could go horribly wrong,

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  13. JK - Cønt ⭐
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    So I reckon Eto'o is dead as a punt this week now.

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    1. Walsh
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Shouldn't have been considered in the first place.

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    2. Red Viper
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      yes, too risky.

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  14. King Kohli
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    On a wc, appreciate your thoughts:

    A) Baines + Sagna/Azpi + Yaya + Sturridge + 4.5 mid

    B) Bardsley + Sagna/Azpi + Gerrard/Mata + Ade+ Eriksen

    Rest of the squad:
    Mannone / Adrián
    Koscielny / xx / xx / Ward / Bruce
    xx / Hazard / Cabaye / Johnson / xx
    Suárez / Agüero / xx

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    1. King Kohli
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Sorry Ade is with A and Sturridge is with B!

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  15. Somalion
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Really need Mata not to rise tonight, have AJ on to make me 0.1 profit, then I'll swap him for Juan.

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  16. John Colby (Capt)
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Who is your West Ham defender of choice for the remainder of the season anyone?

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    1. Walsh
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Reid the only one I would consider. He's their strongest player at the back and when he is out they are crap.

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

      There's really only one - Winston Reid. When he's fit, of course. Dilemma is West Ham's strong run of games may come too soon.

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    3. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Adrian

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    4. Dr Dream
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Reid, nobody else.

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      1. John Colby (Capt)
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers lads

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    5. The Mandalorian
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Gone for raz

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  17. wood is good
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Any real legs on this draxler to arsenal story do we reckon?

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    1. RabMac
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      I think there is some truth in it as it just won't go away but not sure it will happen this window. Perhaps one for the summer.

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    2. Declan
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Yep, in the summer

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  18. andres
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    so I have:

    cabaye (selling price 6.9)
    coleman (6.1)

    would you sell any of those on a WC?

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    1. Walsh
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      No

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    2. Red Viper
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Coleman probably, not Cabaye for sure unless of course the transfer gets confirmed.

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    3. Sad Ken
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Sell Coleman!!

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

      I have Cabaye already but intend on transferring him out after the Sunderland game if I keep him during my WC.

      However, as I intend on transferring him out soon after the WC, I cannot decide if I am going to keep him or not.

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    5. wood is good
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Keep both for sure

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  19. FPL price manipulators are …
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Sorry to Johnty for nicking his hot topic for tomorrow but with Arsenal's fixtures is an Arsenal defender still essential?

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

      They did one of those at a music festival. I'm 90% sure they're fake.

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      1. Carrick Doesn't Deserv…
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        dunno, can see a lot of Londoners actually doing this. the ones at the end who cotton on and don't fall for it show it was done properly

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

        Although after just watching this one, it seems genuine. The music festival one definitely wasn't!!

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    2. applebonkers
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      haha saw it the other day. "yeah i watch quite a bit of the eredivisie" no you don't!

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  20. HarryS
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Cazorla > Hazard?

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    1. Somalion
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Yes.

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    2. Red Viper
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      no

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    3. Sad Ken
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Noooooooo!

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    4. wood is good
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Absolutely. Why would anyone say no?

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      1. Red Viper
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Hint : I have a membership. Aint saying no more 😉

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        1. Somalion
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 2 months ago

          Hint: This means his stats are better, much like Paulinho's... 😉

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          1. Red Viper
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            10 years, 2 months ago

            He is proven in EPL. Second highest scoring mid last year.

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            1. wood is good
              • 11 Years
              10 years, 2 months ago

              Both are proven high scores though but hazard is much more the main man at Chelsea and in my opinion the better pick by a mile. Did captain a caz haty last year though which felt nice.........

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              1. Red Viper
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 11 Years
                10 years, 2 months ago

                I think given the price difference, stats and differential status involved, I would go Cazorla.

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  21. JK - Cønt ⭐
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    That schedule really puts me off Kos

    But I've not had Arsenal defence all season and it's cost me dearly. Everyone else in my ML has Mert or Sagna. Reckon I'll get Kos just to stay in touch with ML leader and stop the rest gaining

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    1. Somalion
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Not sure myself anymore, horrible fixtures mostly. May go for a Chelsea def and 4 cheapies.

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      1. JK - Cønt ⭐
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        well I'm on Evans and 3 cheapies +1

        It's Kos or Azpi for that last spot

        Chelsea's schedule is just as hectic to be fair.

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        1. Somalion
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 2 months ago

          Mmmmm fair point really. Not sure I'm too pushed at all to be honest...

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    2. Red Viper
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Arsenal could still keep some cleanies. They are yet to concede to Tottenham in 2 games. They also kept Liverpool out.

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  22. FACUPARSE
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Seems everyone else is worried about Arsenals fixtures more than Arsenal fans...

    Each game at a time and a loss or two won't end anything

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    1. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      I worry about them only from a clean sheet perspective.

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    2. Somalion
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      From an FPL perspective I have concerns. From a normal perspective, I'm perfectly happy with Their fixtures.

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  23. asquishypotato
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone takes a stab at rating my wildcard team?

    Boruc, Manonne,
    Mertesacker, Azpilacueta, Shaw, Bruce, Ben Turner,
    Mata, Hazard, Erikson, Silva, Noone,
    Suarez Aguero, Bony.

    Mata will become Cazorla if he does not start against Cardiff.

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  24. waddles mullet
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Cahill, Ivanovic, Cole or Azpilicueta? Who's most nailed on? Ivanovic has most minutes but hasn't shown his normal attacking threat.

    Or am I going to have to spend extra for Terry?

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    1. RabMac
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      I would say they are all nailed on apart from Cole. However, some of them may be rotated for European matches, apart from Terry who has 100% record this season.

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  25. HarryS
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Howard - Marshall
    Mert - Burner - Coleman - Williams - Ward
    Cazorla - Cabaye - Yaya - Sterling - Ravel
    Suarez - Lukaku - Giroud

    1FT, £2.6M, what to do?

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    1. LordCisse
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      You need Aguero but that will take more than your current banked money and more than one FT. If you're looking for immediate points and a differential I would go for Adam Johnson in for Ravel. I would do it tonight before his price rises.

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  26. RabMac
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Is Laudrup about to get sacked?

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    1. Sweetpea
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      That would be silly move

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      1. RabMac
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        I agree but there are reports that he has fallen out with the chairman. If true his job will be at risk.

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        1. Dr Dream
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 2 months ago

          He has..and he might.

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  27. McSauce
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Right lads slight variation from Footie! I need a new series to watch. I have seen the following over the last few years!

    The Sopranos
    Breaking Bad
    Prison Break
    The Wire
    House of cards
    Revenge
    The newsroom
    Entourage
    Sons of Anarchy
    Game of Thrones
    Suits
    Californication
    White Collar

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    1. Whazza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Easy. Dexter.

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

      Boardwalk Empire - it's not quite as good as The Sopranos, but still very good.

      (at risk of losing all man points) Girls is pretty decent 😯

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      1. Somalion
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Girls is a great shout!

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    3. floydy_floyd
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Entourage is so good. Watched it through 4 times.

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

      I can recommend Homeland and i've heard The Americans is supposed to be good. For something easy watching The Walking Dead is good and not the usual zombie stuff. Although The Wire never, ever gets old.

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    5. Obi Wan Elokobi
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Honestly people will go with the obvious there andsay Breaking bad and Games of thrones but I really enjoyed Sons of Anarchy and probably my favourite tv series

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      1. wood is good
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        He's already seen them. He wants people to suggest things that arnt in the list

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

      Can't believe Breaking Bad is not being recommended, best of the out of these although Game of Thrones wonderful too.

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      1. RabMac
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Both are on the list that the OP has watched.

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        1. Somalion
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 2 months ago

          Myyyyyy bad!

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    7. wood is good
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Never understood why everyone liked the sopranos . It was grade a shit

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      1. McSauce
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        I've seen everything on the list!! need new series!!

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      2. RabMac
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        It is all subjective at the end of the day but for many it is considered the best TV show of all time and always rates high on the lists.

        I personally rate it as one of the best I have ever seen, if not the best.

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        1. wood is good
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 2 months ago

          Yeah your right its all subjective. Bit strong claiming my opinion as gospel

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    8. RabMac
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Underbelly season 1 & 2.
      Brotherhood
      Boardwalk Empire Season 1-4 (gets better in season 2)
      Rome season 1 & 2

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      1. RabMac
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Add Hannibal and American Horror Story to that list.

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  28. Sweetpea
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Evening,

    On WC, thinking now is th time to sell Chesney - CS potential reduced with the upcoming difficult fixtures and can get Mannone/Boruc with DGW in mind added bonus.

    What say you?

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  29. Judas
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Tough decision between Suarez and Hazard for the (C) armband this week!

    I have Suarez and Sturridge, so is it necessary to captain Suarez?

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