Awards

End of Season Awards – The Midfielders

We roll out the third instalment in our series of End of Season articles this afternoon. Having previously analysed the Goalkeepers and Defenders late last week, we turn our attentions to the midfield.

The new poll is on the home page (middle column), with four midfielders available for your selection. Once again, please bear in mind that the vote is from an overall Fantasy perspective – overall points, price, performances and value should all come into consideration here.

Yaya Toure
Prior to this season, the Ivorian had never notched more than six times in a Premier League campaign. Under the guidance of Manuel Pellegrini, however, Toure has been afforded license to bomb forward and plunder the goals for the champions – with an unerring eye for a set-piece strike and a fair share of converted spot-kicks, his total of 20 goals(and nine assists) proved decisive as the Etihad side clinched the crown for the second time in three seasons. Having started this season at 8.5, Toure ended at 10.6, with an ownership of 42% making him the second most popular player in the FPL game -next time, a price hike into the premium bracket is inevitable.

Eden Hazard
Having delivered 190 points in his first year at the Bridge, the Belgian was handed a 9.5 price tag this time around. With Juan Mata starting at 10.5 for the Blues, Hazard quickly became the Chelsea midfielder of choice amongst Fantasy managers and whilst the Spaniard’s struggles under Jose Mourinho eventually led to his departure, the former Lille flier flourished on the flank. The club’s leading goalscorer with 14 strikes – five more than 2012/13 – Hazard finished the campaign disappointingly and failed to produce any returns from Gameweek 32 onwards, though still managed to finish fourth overall on 202 points.

Aaron Ramsey
Like Toure, the Arsenal midfielder had a meagre scoring history in the top-flight heading into 2013/14. Ramsey’s starting price of 5.5 reflected a goal record that had seen him score just seven times in the previous four seasons but in a real breakthrough year, he finally stepped up in class for Arsene Wenger’s side. The Welshman had delivered eight goals and six assists in the first 18 Gameweeks before a thigh injury sidelined him for four months but Ramsey was back in the points, serving up a two and three assists in his final four appearances of the league campaign. An average of 6.3 ppg is second only to Toure amongst midfielders and hints at what could be next year if he can keep clear of the treatment room.

Christian Eriksen
The Dane arrived on these shores having dazzled at Ajax in the Dutch top division but struggled to make any impact under Andre Villas-Boas at Tottenham. By the time the Portuguese manager parted company with the club, Eriksen had managed a single assist in the opening 16 Gameweeks but, afforded license to wreak havoc on the left by Tim Sherwood, has since delivered seven goals and eight assists in the subsequent 22 fixtures – an average of 6.4ppg post-AVB, with double figures hauls in three of his last four home matches. Priced at 8.0 at the start of the season, Eriksen may come in around the same mark for 2014/15 and will surely be on many a Watchlist this summer.

Steven Gerrard
The Liverpool skipper started the season slowly, failing to produce a goal or assist in the first five fixtures. Luis Suarez’ return from suspension proved the turning point for Gerrard as the midfielder embarked on a run which saw him score or assists in all but one of the next ten league games. In spite of his new, deep-lying role for the Reds, Gerrard continued to benefit from spot-kick duties as opposition backlines were unable to cope with Suarez and Daniel Sturridge up front and by the end of the season, had more than justified his initial value of 9.0, serving up 13 goals and 15 assists – a total of 205 points was his best since 2008/09 and placed Gerrard third overall in the FPL standings.

Raheem Sterling
Beginning with a 5.5 price tag in FPL, the youngster struggled to make an impact. Sterling managed just one assist and a single start in the opening 12 Gameweeks before he began to establish himself as a regular on Brendan Rodgers’ teamsheet. His confidence thrived due to a consistency of starts and, either on the flank in a 4-3-3 or at the tip of a midfield diamond, his contribution was key to the Merseysiders title tilt, with nine goals and six assists in the final 26 Gameweeks underling his excellent value as a route into Rodgers’ free-scoring side.

Adam Lallana
The Southampton captain kicked off the campaign priced at just 6.0, having delivered three goals and five assists in his first year in the top-flight. Lallana was slow out the blocks and failed to produce points in any of the first four but then developed a consistency which earned his owners a goal or assist in 13 of the next 22 Gameweeks. His season has tailed off dramatically in the last few months, with returns in only two of the final 12 fixtures, but that doesn’t deter from a superb campaign that saw Lallana serve up 178 points – fourth amongst midfielders and almost double last year’s 93 points. Nailed-on for the Saints, he started all but one of his side’s matches, though it remains to be seen if he’ll still be at St Mary’s when the following campaign gets underway.

Jordan Mutch
By the time Gameweek 6 came around, the Cardiff midfielder had managed a total of six minutes on the pitch, courtesy of four very brief sub appearances. Two goals in the next three matches helped Mutch edge his way into the Bluebirds first XI and despite the likes of Peter Whittingham and Craig Noon offering alternatives, it was the former Birmingham man who ultimately proved to be the most reliable. With seven strikes, six assists and 13 bonus points, Mutch returned 123 points – top amongst midfielders with a starting priced under 5.0 and also top for value.

Ross Barkley
The Everton youngster quickly announced himself on the opening day of the season, with a goal and maximum bonus points against Norwich. Priced at just 4.5, Barkley’s bandwagon was up and running after it became apparent he would be a first-team regular under Robert Martinez and by Gameweek 9, he’d risen to a season high of 5.7. With over 20% ownership, he proved an invaluable cheap midfielder for much of the campaign and ended with a respectable 112 points – second only to Mutch amongst the initial sub-5.0 category.

Samir Nasri
Over the final few months of the season, the Frenchman really stepped up in class for City. Nasri’s consistency was key to his side’s run-in, with a goal or assist in eight of the final 11 Gameweeks proving pivotal for Manuel Pellegrini’s troops – a total of seven goals, 11 assists and 14 bonus points helped him to 155 points in the FPL game, his highest scoring haul since arriving on these shores. If he can maintain his form going into the next season, there’s every chance that Nasri could be the better value option, with both Toure and David Silva likely to be markedly higher when the Player Price Lists are revealed.

Kevin Mirallas
We’d high expectations of the Everton wide man after Roberto Martinez took the helm last summer. The Belgian, who started the season at 7.5, was slow to pick up the points and had scored just three times by the turn of the year but picked up over the final few months – Mirallas ultimately ended the campaign with nine strikes and seven assists (a total of 144 points) before injury prematurely brought his campaign to a close. Martinez’ rotation policy over the final few matches hinted at what is likely to come next season, though, suggesting many may overlook Mirallas next time around.

Jason Puncheon
Starting the season at Southampton (and priced at 5.5), the winger arrived at Palace back in August but was far from Fantasy radars after delivering a single assist in the opening 12 Gameweeks. Having dropped down to 4.9, Puncheon’s season was kick-started by the arrival of Tony Pulis at Selhurst Park and he quickly established himself as a pivotal figure in the Eagles’ remarkable ascent to safety. Fantasy managers were quick to adopt Puncheon as a cut-price midfield option and were rewarded with seven goals and a trio of assists as the wide man served up 131 points, with three consecutive double-figure hauls over April the highlight of his Fantasy season.

David Silva
Firmly overshadowed by Toure in the City midfield this time around, the Spaniard’s propensity for picking up injuries has seen him miss 11 of the champions’ fixtures. Nonetheless, when fully fit, Silva was a consistent source of returns and produced points in 15 of his 27 appearances, whilst an average of 5.6 ppg was fifth amongst midfielders. Seven goals, 12 assists and 20 bonus points helped the playmaker to 151 points – sixth in the midfield bracket – though with Nasri also emerging as a real contender, Silva’s inability to remain injury-free may persuade many to steer clear next time.

Steve Sidwell
Second only to Jordan Mutch for value amongst midfielders, the Fulham man produced his most prolific Premier League campaign to date. In spite of his side’s relegation, Sidwell scored seven times – equalling his tally for the previous three seasons – and with a couple of assists and 14 bonus points also delivered, finished with a respectable 126 points, or two less than Arsenal’s Santi Cazorla. Opening the campaign at 5.0, Sidwell was a secure starter for the Cottagers and played all 38 of their fixtures, though never rose more than 0.2 in price all season.

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1,502 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGeniusâ…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 10 months ago

    Delighted. Rodgers made a LOT of elementary mistakes.

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

      Like not winning the league? 😉

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      1. The Light Knight
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 10 months ago

        ....and forgetting to tell those 4 blokes at the back what to do, and to tell the other 6 blokes that the 4 may need help from time to time, etc 🙂

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

        Try conceding 50 goals 😉

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    2. BONZ
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 10 months ago

      He made a lot of fantastic tactical decisions and great man management - however i agree there were several costly mistakes.

      Even as a huge pool fan - for me it was a dead heat arguments either way but Pullis did an unbelievable job.

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    3. BeachBadger
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 10 months ago

      I still think what Rogers achieved was a lot more though. Brought a struggling team from last year into contention for the title. cracking the top 4 is no mean feat (though slightly easier when United are terrible) Pulis did a bang up job though.

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

    Oooh Charlie Austin, etc! 😉 Me nerves are in bits!

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    1. The Light Knight
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 10 months ago

      Congrats. Despite your ridiculous wage bill, I still think Derby will be too much for ye. Best of luck all the same

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

        Really an inherited wage bill which has been greatly reduced, Derby are a quality side, be very tough to call.

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        1. The Light Knight
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 10 months ago

          You say Tomato, I say Tomatoe
          You say Potato, I say Incredibly reckless spending which Redknapp and owner have been party to for 18 months.....er I mean Potatoe

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

            Imo Redknapp always has reckless spending, which usually results in deep deep trouble for the club. Most often coming to light the season after he leaves.

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            1. The Light Knight
              • 12 Years
              9 years, 10 months ago

              Yep, would not surprise me if Spurs' bean counters were glad to see the back of him

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

            What reckless spending by Redknapp? Remy we will make a very decent profit on, M'Bia is now also sought after as is Taarabt, he has spent wisely imo, Austin looks a bargin, Matt Phillips also. The reckless spending happened in the Hughes reign.

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  3. In Like Flynn.
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 10 months ago

    Why don't they just have 20 different Manager of the year categories, then they can all win.
    'kin' ridiculous.

    http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/27387062

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    1. Shipstontrev
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 10 months ago

      Pardew should win the headbutt of the year award.

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      1. The Light Knight
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 10 months ago

        and the Fulham trio to win Buttheads of the year 😉

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        1. Shipstontrev
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 10 months ago

          😆

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

      "Don't they all have lovely bottoms?"

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

        🙂

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

    Fleeting visit, good night all.

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    1. The Light Knight
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 10 months ago

      Night Flynny

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

      Night ILF!

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  5. Van Dal
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 10 months ago

    Anybody playing MLS fantasy?

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    1. Shipstontrev
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 10 months ago

      Beckham

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    2. The Shadow
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 10 months ago

      There are a few. There is even a Dead Zone league.

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  6. Captain Shirokov
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 10 months ago

    Kasabian on Friday bishes 😎

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  7. Captain Shirokov
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 10 months ago

    Well, I may have chosen football over revision this evening, but for anyone who says I should apply for McDonald's, the joke is on you.

    They've rejected me 5 times.

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    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 10 months ago

      Apply for the McDonald's world cup game instead. Guaranteed entry.

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

    Where is Rio Ferdinand off to? West Ham or QPR (if they go up) is my guess

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

      Not a chance QPR will touch him imo, the whole wage structure at the club has been rearranged. At his age and wages highly unlikely.

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

        See you in the finals. I hope Joey Barton has one of those big game hissy fits 😉

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

          Has been outstanding this season, had a top game tonight, gonna be a nail biter 😉

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

    Costa to Chelsea agreed. YES!

    https://twitter.com/SkySportsNews/status/465942402084372481

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

      Personally I think Costa is going to be great from an FPL perspective next season. He'll probably come in at around 10.5/11 (just like Kun), might take over pens and there's a possibility he'll become one of Jose's "untouchables" right from the off.

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      1. Mull
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 10 months ago

        Think I'll go with Hazard instead of him from Chelsea.

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

          Depends on his price but anything more than 10m will be hard to justify. Just that it's a big loss if Costa takes pens over from Hazaar.

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          1. Twelve years a slave
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            9 years, 10 months ago

            Spanish strikers dont have a great history of adapting well to the premier league.
            Soldado and Negredo being but two

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            1. Twelve years a slave
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              9 years, 10 months ago

              plus with champ league he sure to be rested for some of the easier premier league games

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              1. edgardavids
                • 11 Years
                9 years, 10 months ago

                He is not that Spanish

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            2. Margarido
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 10 months ago

              Was about to say the same thing.
              He is brazilian!

              He will score.
              Just look at the record from the strikers (when untouchables) that work with Mourinho:

              Porto: Derlei
              Chelsea: Drogba
              Inter: Milito

              I do not count Madrid because they had Ronaldo in the wing, so the striker position its a little hazed.

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

                This.

                Even this season, most of our best moves went through the centre forwards. It was just a pity that they were crap at finishing or building on it.

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    2. edgardavids
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 10 months ago

      Hazard behind Costa will be massive, finally we can have a Chelsea's Striker in FPL

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      1. Twelve years a slave
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 10 months ago

        Trouble with a capital T

        In July 2011, during Atlético's pre-season, Costa suffered a serious knee injury, going on to miss the majority of the season

        During December 2012, Costa was involved in several field altercations in two separate matches, starting in a 0–2 local derby loss against Real Madrid where he avoided disciplinary action, and being sent off in the following game

        also being involved in situations which resulted in two opposing players – Gary Medel and Geoffrey Kondogbia – being sent off in the 2–2 draw.[23]

        On 29 October 2013, Costa declared that he wished to play international football for Spain, sending a letter to the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF).[39] Following the news, Scolari commented: "A Brazilian player who refuses to wear the shirt of the Brazilian national team and compete in a World Cup in your country is automatically withdrawn. He is turning his back on a dream of millions, to represent our national team, the five-time champions in a World Cup in Brazil

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        1. Margarido
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 10 months ago

          The new Suarez

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        2. edgardavids
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 10 months ago

          That's nothing compared with Luis Suárez and look what he did this and last year...

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        3. Hubert
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 10 months ago

          High risk, high reward.

          Tempted to start with him.

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    3. New Ghost
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 10 months ago

      Cavani to Arsenal then 😎

      #clutching

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

        Just get Bendy to resign his contract 😆

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        1. New Ghost
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 10 months ago

          SANOGOL to have a 20-goal season 😎

          #whoneedscosta

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

            I'm playing career mode on FIFA 14 with Arsenal. My first XI after a couple of seasons on world-class. You'll be drooling with the squad.

            Courtouis (Fab)
            De Sciglio (Sagna) Kosc (Nasty) Verm (Zouma) Shaw (Gibbs)
            Wilshere (Flamini) Gundogan (Ramsey)
            MonacoRodriguez (Bakkali) Ozil (Draxler) Bruma (Fischer)
            Lewandowski (Morata, Sanogo)

            First teamers (squad depth)

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

              Actually sold Sagna. Sir Jenkinson's my backup.

              Sanogo has really developed. He's around 76 now, as compared to 67 when I started.

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            2. New Ghost
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 10 months ago

              Fantastic. I always buy Zouma too 🙂

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

      I'll be adopting a wait and see approach. I've learned not to trust Chelsea strikers

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      1. edgardavids
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 10 months ago

        You used to trust when it was all about Didier and Nicolas, of course when in recent times you had Andrey, Fernando, Daniel as a winger, Demba and a 50yo Samuel it's a bit dificult to trust

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

          Those days are now a distant memory

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      2. Margarido
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 10 months ago

        Well, at least Eto'o was regular at Stamford Bridge.

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

        I bet u can find similar clips of Soldado

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        1. edgardavids
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 10 months ago

          Not as powerful

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

          Errr okay.

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

            Just to prove my point (can't believe this is necessary)

            https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opEDxO7W9P8

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        3. Margarido
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 10 months ago

          This guy its a fighter!
          One of those guys who had a though childhood.
          Played in Brasil, Portugal and Spain at least.

          Soldado its soft and only played in Spain, to much time in one league for all i know.
          But, and depending on new management, i guess he will get better.

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    5. Gimli son of Gloin
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 10 months ago

      Doubt Costa will get pens.. Very poor conversion rate.
      If Hazard stays he'll be on them.
      Costa should be a great option though.

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  10. New Ghost
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 10 months ago

    Arsenal fans, The King is finally on Twitter:

    @ThierryHenry

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    1. Back to Back Ballacks
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 10 months ago

      He can F8&K RIGHT OFF, CAN'T WAIT TO ABUSE HIM

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

        😯

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        1. Back to Back Ballacks
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 10 months ago

          The Handball,.............. I thought we had this conversation about 4 years ago?

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      2. New Ghost
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 10 months ago

        😎 😎 😎

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    2. edgardavids
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 10 months ago

      Love Henry, but talking about a King, I miss so much watching ''The King of the Kings'' kicking some balls with his beautiful blonde locks

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  11. samaael
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 10 months ago

    Germany vs Poland friendly today. Scouting strikers. Kruse/ Schurrle/ Geotze. I think I read somewhere Klose may not start?

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    1. samaael
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 10 months ago

      Gomez is still unfit and Lowe chose other players when Klose was fit. Has Klose been playing regularly for club? (Is he at Napoli or Fiorentina?)

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      1. Margarido
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 10 months ago

        Lazio

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        1. samaael
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 10 months ago

          I knew it was one of those bluish Italian teams.

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

      Schürrle is in great form, hope he plays a big role.

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    3. edgardavids
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 10 months ago

      Klose will be good for something different during last 30 mins doubt his old legs can support much more playing time.
      There are talks about the False 9 since 2012, personally I'm not a huge fan, it all looks very pretty on paper but end product is not always the expected.

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  12. samaael
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 10 months ago

    WC differential: misimovic

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    1. Margarido
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 10 months ago

      Good pick. Set-pieces specialist!

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      1. samaael
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 10 months ago

        yeah he takes penalties as well 🙂 Pjanic is another good pick. I think B&H will get 2nd spot

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    2. edgardavids
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 10 months ago

      Wouldn't trust much, past his prime

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      1. samaael
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 10 months ago

        hey mate, you think pjanic is a better bet if go with Bosnia coverage?

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        1. edgardavids
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 10 months ago

          I think his best performances are in the middle of the pitch and that's where he can be massive but Misimović can steal the middle and Pjanić will probably end up deployed to the wing.
          Still I'm expecting good hauls by the Pjanić+Džeko combo

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          1. samaael
            • 13 Years
            9 years, 10 months ago

            Ok, yeah I have seen they have a good connection with Pjanic getting Dzeko's assists. Thanks for the reply. I really like B&Hs chances of making the second round. I'm just going through all the midfields of the minnows and trying to find potential candidates. I don't there is much point analysing the strikers because for me it's going to be Ronaldo/ Messi + 1.

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            1. edgardavids
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 10 months ago

              The only thing I'm a little bit afraid about Bosnia is the first game and the impact it may have in their last two games.

              The 3rd Striker should be Falcao if fit or Suárez but still I want to have Džeko for last two group games

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              1. samaael
                • 13 Years
                9 years, 10 months ago

                yeah Dzeko's scoring rate in qualifiers is out of this world

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  13. Elniñorules
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 10 months ago

    Purchase of Willian last summer
    Matic for De Bruyne
    Costa for Mata

    Mourinho sure does know how to do good business.

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    1. edgardavids
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 10 months ago

      He should have been more aggressive in Summer's Window in the pursuit of a proper Striker. And also by January's Window there was the need for a Left Back and Azpi good performance in the left side is not a excuse not to buy anyone

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

        Not really an urgency. I think the back 5 is good for another year. Next priority is getting an upgrade in midfield alongside Matic.

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        1. Margarido
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 10 months ago

          Yeah. Kalas will slot in for Luiz.
          In midfield he needs a new Frankie.

          Oscar and Ramires will start EPL with the WC handicap…Brasil its going for the win.

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        2. edgardavids
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 10 months ago

          Luke Shaw is a must have for me if I were José

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    2. Amateur Pundit Zan
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 10 months ago

      Im pretty happy with willian, meant spurs got eriksen, the one decent bit of business we did all summer and he was second choice

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  14. BigManBakar
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 10 months ago

    EPL Standings 2014:
    1. Arab Money
    2. American Money
    3. Russian Money
    4. Don't Spend Money
    5. What's Money?
    6. Gareth Bale Money
    7. Waste Of Money

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    1. Margarido
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 10 months ago

      Lovely

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  15. Amateur Pundit Zan
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 10 months ago

    Afternoon deadzone.

    How is everything using all their spare brain processing power in their first week without fpl?

    I just did a full mornings work without being distracted by a ff website for the first time since august. Think i need a more challenging job in the off season.

    Anyone got anything they need solving?

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    1. edgardavids
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 10 months ago

      Still celebrating ML Title and enjoying the money my friends gave to me, just love to mess with the 2nd place guy and his BS theories about luck and Puncheon's role in my title

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      1. Amateur Pundit Zan
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 10 months ago

        Tell him sh*t happens, especially when puncheon is concerned

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        1. edgardavids
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 10 months ago

          Like I used to sing last year: Opa Puncheon Style!

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    2. samaael
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 10 months ago

      WC minnows analysis for fantasy

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      1. Amateur Pundit Zan
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 10 months ago

        Glad to see you still using it very productively, keeps you out of trouble 😉

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  16. edgardavids
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 10 months ago

    Derby vs QPR predictions?

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    1. Nice to Finally Michu
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 10 months ago

      2-0 Derby, Bryson scores both and impresses me enough to earn a spot on the bench for FPL next season

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      1. edgardavids
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 10 months ago

        Not sure about Bryson despite his goal tally this year, his Kilmarnock stats are so bad

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  17. The ultimate dead team?
    Ludo
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 10 months ago

    My fantasy season came to an end in January, as I grew frustrated by my lack of success, particularly given the amount of my time it had started to take up, and the fact that I still had a dissertation to write! Now that it's all over, I wanted to check up on how my unchanged team had got on in my absence, but I'd deleted the account at the time to stop myself being drawn back in, so I'll never know how my ghost ship side would have performed.

    It got me thinking though - how well would it be possible to do in FPL with a dead team for the entire season? This may have been something that's been already worked out recently, or perhaps in seasons gone by, but given that I just spent half an hour on it, I thought I'd share my findings anyway. Apologies if I've made some glaring mathematical error at any point, by the way!

    I used FPL's Overall Dream Team for the season as my starting point, but realised it wouldn't have been affordable even with players at their original prices - assuming 4m backup defenders and keeper, with a 4.5m midfielder on the bench, the TV would have come to 104m. So, I swapped Baines and Rooney for Mertesacker and Giroud, saving 4m at the cost of just 15 points overall. That gave me this side, which would have been available for 100m before a ball had been kicked:

    Howard
    Coleman - Mertesacker - Terry
    Lallana - Yaya (V) - Gerrard - Hazard
    Sturridge - Suarez (C) - Giroud

    Davis - Ward - Barkley - Chester

    The combined points total of the first XI was 2174. Given that Suarez was the top scoring player in the game, followed by Toure, they were made the Captain and Vice-Captain of the team, so I added another 295 points for Suarez's captaincy, and 34 more for Toure's score in the first 5 games - the only ones which Suarez missed.

    The bench players weren't chosen very scientifically, they were just the first players in their original price range who sprung to my mind - I knew they'd featured at some point, and posted some respectable scores.

    Finally, then, I found the matches in which the members of this first XI didn't feature, and worked out the points that would have come off the bench. Given their points totals, I assumed Ward (the highest scoring of the three) as first sub, Barkley second, and Chester third. This would have added another 110 points to the team's total.

    The result? Setting up a dead team in the above manner would have yielded 2613 points, which would've been enough for 5th place overall, or just 21 points off the overall winner's final score.

    Bearing in mind that my approach was far from comprehensive, I'm fairly sure that there will have been an affordable combination of fifteen players who, arranged correctly, could have won FPL without any management throughout the season.

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    1. Amateur Pundit Zan
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 10 months ago

      Other than Chelsea DGW fever and Suarez that team would have looked quite selectable at the start of the season.

      What happens if you swap VC to Sturridge who got off to a flyer, does that get you there?

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      1. Ludo
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 10 months ago

        Funnily enough, Yaya got 34 points in the first five gameweeks, to Sturridge's 31 - he's just been that good all season!

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

      I remember doing this study last season. The optimum team I came up with (making sure my sub players scored their optimum points when the starting players were out) outscored the winner by over 100 points. This means there could have been numerous dead teams which could have won FPL. I imagine with a fully comprehensive study you could come up with a winning team.

      I chose not to do the study this year because with Suarez out for the first 6 weeks it became somewhat unrealistic but it certainly does prove that its possible (although very unlikely) to win with a dead team.

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

        You could possibly try Ramsey and see if you can get a good sub who did well whilst Ramsey was out injured.

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        1. Ludo
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 10 months ago

          Good shout - Lallana to Ramsey and Barkley to Mutch does the trick.

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

            Does it outscore your current side?

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            1. Ludo
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 10 months ago

              It does, but still not quite enough to win the whole thing...

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    3. Ludo
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 10 months ago

      Got it:

      Howard
      Coleman - Terry - Fonte
      Hazard - Yaya (V) - Gerrard - Ramsey
      Suarez (C) - Sturridge - Giroud

      McGregor - Puncheon - Ward - Chester

      100m starting price, and would have earned 2641 points, enough to finish seven points clear at the top of the world.

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      1. Camp No No
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 10 months ago

        So, this is the first that beats the winner, but it would be interesting to try to better it yet. I can come up with a better GK pair for starters:

        Jääskeläinen starting and Speroni backup would have scored 180 points against Howard-McGregor's 166, for same price. That team would have won FPL by 21 points.

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      2. Camp No No
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 10 months ago

        another thing: Giroud (V) instead of YaYa. Giroud scored 38 points on first 5 GW's, 4 more than YaYa.

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    4. Evs
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 10 months ago

      See....

      Year of the Casual. Confirmed. 🙂

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

        Not really.

        Ludo's team outscores this year's winner by 7 points, but Ryan's last season outscored him by over 100.

        So this year was less the year of the jammy dead team than last year's.

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        1. Camp No No
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 10 months ago

          Unless we can find an optimal dead team that is a lot better.

          Unlikely that we find that much better one though.

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    5. Aaron Ramessi - Straya
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 10 months ago

      that is mindboggling...the problem is having the dream team in your gw 1 team!

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    6. Kalix
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 10 months ago

      I think an important point to consider is the potential of dead vs active.

      This is the absolute best dead team possible, good enough to win by 7 points (astonishing!).

      But, if you did the calculation for the absolute best active team...you'd probably manage something close to 3000 points.

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

      But how high did the best actual dead team finish?

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    8. Camp No No
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 10 months ago

      Bettered:

      Jääskeläinen
      Coleman - Terry - Fonte
      Hazard - YaYa - Gerrard - Ramsey
      Suarez (C) - Sturridge - Giroud (V)

      Speroni - Puncheon - Ward - Chester

      This dead team would have earned 2659 points, finishing 25 points clear at the top of the world.

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      1. Camp No No
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 10 months ago

        And again: Cole better dead team pick than Terry!!!

        Cashley Cole backed up by Ward would have produced 189 together, whereas Terry with Ward backup "only" 178. 11 points more with Cashley starter!

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        1. Camp No No
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 10 months ago

          no, false alarm... forgot to take out Ward's missed points on my second count. Forget this. Terry still the better pick.

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          1. Camp No No
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 10 months ago

            wtf am I messing, no I didn't forget anything. If Cole can be afforded (0.5 more pricey than Terry in the first GW) he is the better option.

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            1. Camp No No
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 10 months ago

              But only by 5 points. I don't know what I messed up there.

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

        If you're going for points, I think Nathan Baker would get you a few more than Chester.

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        1. Camp No No
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 10 months ago

          I'm only developing yours, haven't yet got that far in it. So far just Giroud (VC) and new GK pair.

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        2. Camp No No
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 10 months ago

          Maybe not. The three-missing rounds that I can see immediately (16, 19, 29, 35) go 13-9 to Chester. Maybe there's some other round that changes this.

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        3. Camp No No
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 10 months ago

          I think the current one is quite close to it. It probably can be improved, but not likely very much.

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    9. Camp No No
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 10 months ago

      Jääskeläinen
      Coleman - Cole - Fonte
      Hazard - YaYa - Gerrard - Ramsey
      Suarez (C) - Sturridge - Giroud (V)

      Speroni - Puncheon - Ward - Chester

      This dead team would have earned 2664 points, finishing 30 points clear at the top of the world.

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      1. Camp No No
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 10 months ago

        Unofrtunately, as such this team is impossible because it would have cost 100.5 points. Back to drawing board it is.

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    10. OShaughnessy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 10 months ago

      I can't buy this... This idea is wildly "results oriented".

      Few would have taken a CPL defender at the outset or foreseen Southampton & Lallana's incredible run.

      Furthermore, setting Yaya as a VC in GW1; com'on?

      In the end, I guess what I'm driving at here is this is a very easy endeavour looking back but, an improbable / impossible feat at the start of the year.

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  18. Stupendous
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 10 months ago

    Not sure if done yet, but new arrivals (projected), and increased starting values, pick a starting 11 for gw 1...fixtures aside. ..

    Speroni
    Ward. Gibbs. Cahill
    Yaya. Barkley. Ramsey. Hazard
    Costa. Suarez. Aguero

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    1. Stupendous
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 10 months ago

      Courtouis, Puncheon, Trippier, Davies

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

        Your first 11 alone would be around 100m. All up that side might be close to 115m. Not really much point bothering till prices are known.

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        1. Stupendous
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 10 months ago

          I know I know. Just ready to go again!!!!

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

      Do u think, we can afford that team which u suggested? If I can afford, I will go with:
      Begovic, Schmeichel
      Ivan, Trippier, Kolarov, Shaw, Reid
      Yaya, Walcott(if fit, else Ozil/Ramsey), Shelvey, Schurrle, Noble
      RVP, Costa, Bony

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    3. kingcolesy
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 10 months ago

      I might pick a couple of stoke defenders next season, will take it a bit more serious if Begovic is still around. Hope theres a bit of value there.

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  19. Stupendous
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 10 months ago

    Here is another. Potential P.L dream team next year, money aside...

    Courtouis
    Zabaleta. Cahill. Hummels
    Hazard. Reus. Yaya. Silva
    Costa. Cavani. Aguero

    (Suarez to madrid)

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  20. Stupendous
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 10 months ago

    Slow DZ much?

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    1. Stupendous
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 10 months ago

      Reckon ill watch the City parade again...after the 4-1 derby recorded...

      STUPENDOUS!!!!

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  21. edgardavids
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 10 months ago

    Speroni 5M
    Courtouis 6.5M

    Ward 5M
    Gibbs 6M
    Cahill 6.5M
    Trippier 4.5M
    Davies 5M

    Yaya 11.5M
    Barkley 7.5M
    Ramsey 9.5M
    Hazard 11M
    Puncheon 6.5M

    Costa 10.5M
    Suarez 14M
    Aguero 12M

    Total: 121M

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    1. edgardavids
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 10 months ago

      This was meant to be a reply to Stupendous

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  22. Stupendous
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 10 months ago

    Maybe they'll allocate £125m lads!!!

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    1. edgardavids
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 10 months ago

      We just have to adapt, like at the beginning of this season when we couldn't afford to have RVP, Agüero, Suárez, Hazard, Mata, Bale, Özil, Ivan, Baines etc. all in the same team.

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  23. Stupendous
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 10 months ago

    What's the deal with this Ultimate anyway. Since us expats can't gamble overseas online, does that mean I have to stick with normal FPL as we know it, minus all the heavy hitters on here who will assumedly be playing Ultimate next season?

    Why does everything have to change?

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

      Nothing is changing mate. The normal FPL game will run accordingly and there will be Ultimate as well. I'll be playing both games.

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      1. Stupendous
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 10 months ago

        But I am so very confused. Two games at once? Is regular one less important? Will this site become UFFS?

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

          No don't be silly

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  24. The Sarjeant
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 10 months ago

    Just been doing some research on the World Cup teams, and I'm very impressed with Colombia's stats. Especially their defence.

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    1. edgardavids
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 10 months ago

      They have so many quantity and quality upfront it's unbelievable

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  25. The Sarjeant
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 10 months ago

    What would be the best way to post a table containing data on here? A picture?

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    1. edgardavids
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 10 months ago

      Link to a picture or an excel sheet

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

      Google spreadsheet #AskThomass

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  26. Stupendous
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 10 months ago

    CHELSEA SIGN COSTA!!!!

    £32m

    YIKES!!!!!

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    1. Stupendous
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 10 months ago

      S.S fee agreed! !

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  27. Moin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 10 months ago

    If Costa has/will Join Chelsea..they would have Costa, Torres, Demba Ba, Eto, And Lukaku as strikers...I think they need only 1 primary striker and 1 bench who would rotate..so who should Chelsea Sell?

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    1. Siva Mohan
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 10 months ago

      Eto'o was signed on a one-year deal .. he is no longer a Chelsea player!

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      1. Moin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 10 months ago

        Okay..but I guess Torres should also leave...

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        1. Siva Mohan
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 10 months ago

          Torres would be part of Costa deal.

          Ba could be sold to Everton as per sources on internet for £10m.

          Costa & Lukaku are the future..

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          1. Moin
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 10 months ago

            Lets see...thanks for informing!

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

      If Lukaku goes back to Chelsea Everton will want to take Ba, so I'm hearing anyway. Kinda makes sense as Chelsea will want to offload him.

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      1. Moin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 10 months ago

        yup! Ba to Everton is interesting!

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  28. Lateriser 12
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 10 months ago

    Good morning all. How did we do this season then?

    This is me. Finished at 2212

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    1. Moin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 10 months ago

      My Previous 2 seasons rank:

      2011/12: 2277395
      2012/13: 1379121
      This Season: 3,442

      but my last 3 GW ranks: 684, 1559, 3442

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      1. Moin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 10 months ago

        but this was the first season I played seriously..

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        1. Lateriser 12
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 10 months ago

          Nicely done there Moin.

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          1. Moin
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 10 months ago

            Thanks! major credit goes to everyone at this site!

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        2. Christina.
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 10 months ago

          You sound like Forca.

          🙄

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    2. Siva Mohan
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 10 months ago

      1K last season.. 170K this season.. hoping for 10K next season.

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    3. woka
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 10 months ago

      Finished rank 5575. Happy with that, as I'm happy each year if I get top 10k. Anything higher is a bonus 😀

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

      I finished around 1200-ish

      4 gameweeks before the end i was 300-ish, guttet i didnt make the top 1k. But still a good result and i won my minileauge and around equalt to 800 pounds =)

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  29. robdag
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 10 months ago

    Ludo's Interesting post above got me thinking, would people be interested in a number of mini-leagues next season with restrictions on them. For example:

    - Dead team mini-league (No transfers allowed all season)
    - No transfer costs mini-league (No transfer costs allowed. Wildcards allowed)
    - No transfer costs or wildcards allowed (No transfer costs allowed. No wildcards allowed)
    - Only one transfer per week allowed

    Though to enter this, wou would need to set up multiple teams which is not allowed by FPL, I believe?

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

      It breaks the rules and puts cold water on the dead team idea as well. After all, it would only be interesting if the dead team did well and If it did do well then there is grounds to suggest you're cheating for having two teams.

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

        Of course thats just my opinion others don't seem to mind the idea of having more than one side despite the rules saying otherwise.

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

      One Dead Team Mini League would be awesome! where we are allowed only to use the WC..so that allows us to make changes only Twice...

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  30. woka
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 10 months ago

    Has anyone on here ever been in or ran a draft league? Are there any good websites for it or do you have to run it manually?

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