Fixtures

2014/15 Fixture Analysis – A Guide to Rotation

As the Brazil 2014 World Cup edges towards its conclusion, our focus shifts towards domestic matters once again. With just over a month left until the 2014/15 season gets underway on Saturday August 16, Fantasy managers have already begun to analyse the schedule in order to ascertain the most efficient, cheap rotation options on offer.

While we’re aware that most of our community are already familiar with such a concept – Portsmouth Bubblejet’s excellent Home and Away Rotation article in our community section offers further insight – we nevertheless begin our series of articles on fixture rotation with a look at the basics involved and cast an eye back over the previous campaign as means of illustration.

The Concept

Fixture rotation only applies to squad-based Fantasy games and is utilised best with goalkeepers and defenders. At its most basic level, the principle is simply finding a pair of cut-price players whose home and away matches dovetail perfectly, allowing us to select the home option each time and benching the other player. Our rotation policies normally have us searching for budget pairings – mainly because most will baulk at the idea of benching an asset in or above the mid-price value bracket.

Stoke’s first season under Mark Hughes is a fine example of just why rotation is key. The Potters conceded just 17 times at the Britannia, the fourth best home defence in 2013/14 behind Chelsea, Arsenal and City – three of the top four in the league. On the road, however, it’s a different matter altogether – 35 goals conceded was the fourth worst backline on their travels, with only relegated trio Cardiff, Norwich and Fulham shipping more.

Those playing starting XI games such as Sky Sports or The Sun need not worry about such strategies but for Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers or the Ultimate FPL game, fixture rotation can be a significant part of our preparation and one of the keys to success. Shuffling resources at the back and selecting cut-price regulars with guaranteed game time allows us to free up cash to splash further up the field.

The Security of Keepers

In some cases, geographical proximity plays a part in two teams’ ability to rotate. Arsenal/Tottenham and Man United/Man City, for example, alternate from one home game to the next but their goalkeeper assets are anything but budget friendly – Joe Hart and David De Gea started at 6.5 and 6.0 in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) game last term and few, if any, Fantasy managers will be willing to bench such a costly asset for 19 of the 38 Gameweeks. Finding cheap backline partnerships is vital to a successful rotation pairing and, as last season showed, there’s plenty of value on offer between the sticks – Palace’s Julian Speroni and Sunderland’s Vito Mannone were the top two players for value in the FPL game.

A fundamental reason for this is the FPL rule set. While clean sheets are the bread and butter of goalkeepers in most games, the FPL decision to award an extra point for every three saves is crucial to our thinking when assessing our preferred stoppers. Mannone’s heroics between the posts for the Black Cats are a case in point – he earned a total of 33 extra points from saves alone and delivered at least one save point in 22 of his 29 league appearances.

Assured game time is another factor in goalkeepers’ favour. Three of the four players to feature in every minute of the 2013/14 season were stoppers – Brad Guzan, Simon Mignolet and John Ruddy – with Steven Caulker the only outfield player to make the cut. The risk of rest and rotation is significantly reduced, while the chances of a keeper being subbed off due to a tactical tweak are more or less non-existent.

The Case for the Defence

In any given season, though, there will always be cut-price defenders who perform way beyond their initial valuation. Southampton’s Jose Fonte started with a 4.5 price tag in FPL last term and proceeded to serve up three goals, 15 clean sheets and 21 bonus points – rising to a high of 5.5, the centre-half was second only to Laurent Koscielny amongst outfield players for value over the season and finished 25 points ahead of team-mate Artur Boruc between the sticks. Similarly, Palace’s Joel Ward began at 4.0 and racked up 123 points – a season value of 27.3 is just behind Fonte’s 27.6.

When forming our goalkeeper pairings, it’s vital to also consider what’s on offer from their respective defences. Take West Ham, for example. Big Sam’s side served up 14 clean sheets last season – only Chelsea, Arsenal, City, Everton and Southampton managed more – and with the Upton Park club quick to splash the cash and strengthen over the summer, their chances of maintaining that resilience looks strong. Whilst Spanish stopper Adrian will offer save points (23 from 20 starts in the campaign gone by), new left-back Aaron Cresswell looks one to monitor – handed set-pieces and corners by former club Ipswich, he served up two goals and 14 assists in the Championship last season.

While our 15 man FPL squads comprise of five defenders, the vast majority of Fantasy managers favour a three-man backline. Some prefer to plan a little more elaborately – utilising a variety of approaches including two, three and even four-way rotation in accordance with each team’s schedule. Initially, though, selecting the correct defensive options beyond a two-man rotation plan carries a degree of risk as Premier League managers fine-tune their preferred set-ups.

In Jose Mourinho’s first season back at the Bridge, for example, Chelsea’s Cesar Azpilicueta played just 29 minutes of the opening 10 Gameweeks – a run which delivered just three clean sheets. Dropping from 6.0 to 5.3 in price, the Spaniard then went on to start 26 of the remaining 28 league matches as the Blues served up a further 15 shut-outs and hand Fantasy managers a steady source of defensive returns.

Steven Caulker began the campaign as a 5.0 option at Tottenham but with question marks raised over his likely game time under Andre Villas-Boas, few gave his a second thought. As mentioned above, a late summer move to Cardiff cemented a security of game time greater than any outfield player and, with five goals to his name, he ended on 122 points – Ben Turner was the nearest Bluebirds defender on 69 points.

Crystal Palace looked dead and buried under former boss Ian Holloway – they’d conceded at least twice in eight of the first 10 league matches and had failed to produce a single clean sheet. The installation of Tony Pulis in Gameweek 13 sparked a dramatic turnaround which persuaded many to invest in the Eagles’ main men at the back – Palace conceded just 27 goals from that point onwards, the fourth most resilient record in the league.

Whether it’s a change of manager, a late move in the transfer window, an unfortunate injury to a first-team rival or a shift in the pecking order, then, all our best-laid plans can be quickly undone – there is always one or two budget defensive options that take us by surprise and emerge as favourites to disrupt our initial squads. An early wildcard, once first choice line-ups are clearer, may afford more security and lessen the likelihood of unnecessary mistakes for those intent on three or even four way rotation in defence.

Attacking Rotation

Typically, midfield or forward rotation is far trickier to achieve as we look to balance the books. The player list rarely affords us the option of a genuine Fantasy midfield force under 5.0 in FPL – Cardiff’s Jordan Mutch and Everton’s Ross Barkley were the two exceptions last term with 123 points and 112 points respectively, though with just five minutes’ game time in the first five fixture, Mutch was slow to stake a claim for our consideration.

For those favouring a 3-5-2 over a 3-4-3 formation, alternating two midfielders and a cheap third striker – picking two of the trio from one week to the next – may also be an option. Predicting attacking returns can prove far more frustrating and makes the idea of benching these assets a riskier tactic, though – Mutch scored in only two of the Bluebirds’ home fixtures all season and found the net away to Chelsea and Liverpool; matches that many owners would have happily benched him for.

Last season, Cardiff’s Fraizer Campbell was the only striker with a starting price of less than 6.0 to manage more than 100 points. Initially costing 5.5, he delivered 108 points for the relegated Welsh outfit but, when you consider that as many as 24 sub-6.0 defenders produced 100+ points, there is clearly far more margin for error when relying on cheap attackers. At times, rotating a third striker with a fifth midfielder can be a thankless task but, even so, if you can get attacking rotation working for you, the funds liberated by two or three effective budget options can make the difference when it comes to heavy-hitter selections up front.

Using the Season Ticker

As most of you will have noticed by now, we’ve implemented the brand new season tickers in light of the newly-released schedules. The first six fixtures for all clubs are listed in the sidebar, though members can expand or restrict this by using the plus or minus buttons at the top right of the ticker. They can also view this in accordance with each team’s overall potential as well as by clean sheet and attacking prospects, sorting by difficulty as you go along.

Another of the useful features offered by the members version is the ability to drag and drop rows, moving teams up and down the ticker to help identify rotation pairings – already, there are some noticeable couples over the first few matches that appear to offer potential.

Looking at the schedules, both Southampton and Stoke have six excellent home fixtures to kick off their respective campaigns, whilst all but one of Swansea’s first seven at the Liberty looks enticing. Palace, Hull, Newcastle and QPR have three strong home games in the first four in front of their own fans and finding a rotation partner for these sides looks key.

Pairing up Swansea and Stoke, for example, would give you a run of 13 very favourable home fixtures in the first 14 Gameweeks (AVL, BUR, WBA, LEI, SOT, NEW, NEW, SWA, LEI, WHM, BUR, CPL, QPR) to kick off the season. A Palace and QPR partnership would result in eight eye-catching home fixtures in the first 10 (HUL, WHM, SUN, BUR, STO, LEI, AVL, SUN), while West Ham and Southampton give us nine home games in the opening 11 Gameweeks (TOT, WBA, SOT, NEW, QPR, QPR, SUN, STO, LEI).

Obviously, these are just a trio of brief examples – as always, you can expect us to delve into the data in far more depth in our forthcoming articles.

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1,430 Comments Post a Comment
  1. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    liv again outside of top 4?

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    1. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      I think so.

      Crap defence. Suarez leaving. Gerrard ageing. Europe. United, Arsenal, Chelsea, City all looking stronger this season.

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      1. goriuanx
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        United looking stronger? Blimey

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    2. Declan
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Yup

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    3. Poseidon. Not arrogant, jus…
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      More than likely with Europe. Fancy City, Chelsea,Arsenal and Utd to finish in the top 4.

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    4. pundit of punts
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Battle between United and Liverpool.

      United having no Europe edges it for them.

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  2. Dušan Citizen
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Which stadium in PL u like the most? 🙂 Its Goodison for me

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    1. JT's Dog
        9 years, 8 months ago

        New whu one

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      • Jacketts Potatoes
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        The emirates

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    2. GREENDREAMS11
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      who do people fancy to win the 3rd place play off. providing both sides play their strongest 11 ?

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      1. Piggs Boson
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        That's a pretty big assumption. Netherlands. But they won't play their strongest.

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        1. GREENDREAMS11
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          not really an assumption that they will, more a hypothetical question that if they did who would you fancy to win it, (if you get my drift). probably worded the question the wrong way GB

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          1. Piggs Boson
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 8 months ago

            No worries, mate. It was probably the way I read it.

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            1. GREENDREAMS11
              • 14 Years
              9 years, 8 months ago

              yeah. judging by LVGs comments regarding the play off it wouldnt surprise me if they have buggered off home already. 🙂

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      2. Gubbins94.
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Attackers

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        1. GREENDREAMS11
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          im looking at 12/5 Holland and thinking they are decent odds

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          1. Gubbins94.
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 8 months ago

            Dunno, Brazil will probably want/need it more.

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            1. GREENDREAMS11
              • 14 Years
              9 years, 8 months ago

              there is that , cheers guys,

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    3. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Hi lads.
      You know all, now is the time 😛 😉 , that period of the year when we all anxiously wait for FPL to open. I see a lot of new lads around, so I think I have the authority to post little bit about FPL open date. Below you can see FPL launch date and EPL season opener in last 8 years. Yeah that is true, 8 years, meaning FPL is veterans game ;).

      There isn't any rule but it is surely close.

      FPL Launch EPL Season Opener
      ——————————----------------------------------------
      15 July 2013 (around 03:00pm UK time) 17 August
      19 July 2012 (around 06:00pm UK time )18 August
      20 July 2011 (around 10:30pm UK time) 13 August
      12 July 2010 (around 01:35pm UK time) 14 August
      07 July 2009 (around 03:45pm UK time) 15 August
      04 July 2008 (around 04:00pm UK time) 16 August
      06 July 2007 (around 09:35am UK time) 11 August
      09 July 2006 (around 01:00am UK time) 19 August

      Let the madness start 😉
      Cheers

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      1. Declan
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Juhuuuuuuuuuuuu

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        1. FPL Daniel
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          Juuuuhuuuuuu 😛

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      2. MJ6987
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        So, between the 15th and 20th based on the last 3 years seems likely?

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        1. FPL Daniel
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          Next week surely IMO. In the past was always earlier but I presume more people play now, so they delayed in order to test it better. 😉

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      3. JT's Dog
          9 years, 8 months ago

          They have already said when it is launched

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          1. FPL Daniel
            • 14 Years
            9 years, 8 months ago

            No they didn't. That no one knows. Ever. Trust me on this. I even know the firm and the developers working on this.

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            1. FPL Daniel
              • 14 Years
              9 years, 8 months ago

              Thanks to all lads for up voting. Really appreciated. I did some research on this, just for u lads.

              Maybe this post will go the green heaven 😉 who knows. ..

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              1. FPL Daniel
                • 14 Years
                9 years, 8 months ago

                *go to the green heaven

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            2. JT's Dog
                9 years, 8 months ago

                Well there are a few on here who know

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          2. pundit of punts
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 8 months ago

            It'll be the day the after the WC final.

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            1. FPL Daniel
              • 14 Years
              9 years, 8 months ago

              I am predicting Tuesday afternoon 😉

              Bookmark it

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              1. FPL Daniel
                • 14 Years
                9 years, 8 months ago

                Greeeeeeeeeeeeeennnnnnn juhuuuuuuuuuuuu, first for the season too 😛 😛 😛

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                1. Dušan Citizen
                  • 10 Years
                  9 years, 8 months ago

                  Congrats,bro 😀 Si ti iz Skoplja? 😀

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                  1. FPL Daniel
                    • 14 Years
                    9 years, 8 months ago

                    Tamo zivim

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          3. Bastien
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 8 months ago

            Need to take into account there's more work this season with UFPL into picture

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            1. FPL Daniel
              • 14 Years
              9 years, 8 months ago

              Yeah u r right, but I think UFPL will launch a little bit later, not on the same date...

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        • MJ6987
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          Did you see that It appears that Vlaar's penalty may have actually crossed the line after Romero saved it? Rematch!

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          1. Bubz
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 8 months ago

            It hit his shoulder on the way back towards goal so doesn't count anyway

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            1. pundit of punts
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 8 months ago

              This.

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            2. MJ6987
              • 13 Years
              9 years, 8 months ago

              Does it matter what it hits? If the ball hits the keeper's hand then his head on the way in, it's still a goal?

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              1. JT's Dog
                  9 years, 8 months ago

                  Sure he must mean vlaar
                  Think rule is only once ball stops or goes over other line it is still in play
                  Have seen in past where ball spins in after keeper saves it and it counted

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                  1. MJ6987
                    • 13 Years
                    9 years, 8 months ago

                    Oh, I see.

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                      1. MJ6987
                        • 13 Years
                        9 years, 8 months ago

                        Dunno it might have missed his shoulder looking at that?

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                        1. Bubz
                          • 10 Years
                          9 years, 8 months ago

                          You can tell from his reaction that he knows it hit him.

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                        2. JT's Dog
                            9 years, 8 months ago

                            Gonna need shoulder technology now

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                  2. Bubz
                    • 10 Years
                    9 years, 8 months ago

                    Lol I mean it hits Vlaar's shoulder

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                1. MJ6987
                  • 13 Years
                  9 years, 8 months ago

                  That clip stops short of it.

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                  1. MJ6987
                    • 13 Years
                    9 years, 8 months ago

                    See this one.

                    http://youtu.be/2R1AyIV-tQM

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                  2. Piggs Boson
                    • 12 Years
                    9 years, 8 months ago

                    Yeah, just saw it. Never mind 🙂
                    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43-EtYWhhAc

                    The comment at the top from a Dutch guy sums it up nicely though.

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              2. Pulp Minion
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 12 Years
                9 years, 8 months ago

                It doesn't matter if it went in as in penalty shoot outs the penalty is considered over once the ball stops forward momentum

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                1. MJ6987
                  • 13 Years
                  9 years, 8 months ago

                  Didn't know that...

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            3. michudagawd
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 8 months ago

              Alexis to be classified as a forward or midfielder in FPL?

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              1. Declan
                • 14 Years
                9 years, 8 months ago

                Most likely a forward imo

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                1. Alan The Llama
                  • 14 Years
                  9 years, 8 months ago

                  This. 19 goals for Barca last season is the league put him fourth behind Ronaldo, Messi and Costa and one place above Benzema in the goalscorers table.

                  11 assists too, same number as Messi.

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            4. JT's Dog
                9 years, 8 months ago

                My have been posted already but just noticed this at top of team page
                So for the rest of the times it is going to get asked

                It all comes down to one final round! The players are primed; the World Cup trophy beckons.

                Round 7 runs from 12-13 July and comprises the play-off for the third place and the final match of the 2014 FIFA World Cup™.

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                1. JT's Dog
                    9 years, 8 months ago

                    *might

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                2. GREENDREAMS11
                  • 14 Years
                  9 years, 8 months ago

                  im off. laters all

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                  1. FPL Daniel
                    • 14 Years
                    9 years, 8 months ago

                    laters

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                  1. chrisjdgrady
                    • 10 Years
                    9 years, 8 months ago

                    Look nice but ughhhhhhhh I hate those tight jerseys. Looks so stupid

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                3. pundit of punts
                  • 11 Years
                  9 years, 8 months ago

                  Lets talk FPL.

                  What players are nailed in your team irrespective of price and barring injury?

                  Cahill,Jones,Walcott and RVP for me.

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                  1. theloveburglar
                    • 11 Years
                    9 years, 8 months ago

                    de gea cahill hazard rvp

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                  2. VougieDipond
                    • 11 Years
                    9 years, 8 months ago

                    Cheapest rotating keepers available.
                    Cahill or Terry
                    Walcott Hazard
                    Sturridge

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                  3. Parm
                    • 12 Years
                    9 years, 8 months ago

                    Van Persie & Hazard.

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                  4. Piggs Boson
                    • 12 Years
                    9 years, 8 months ago

                    Only RVP

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                  5. Ricky - it doesn\'t ta…
                    • 12 Years
                    9 years, 8 months ago

                    rvp
                    shaw
                    sturridge
                    cahill

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                  6. Pulp Minion
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 12 Years
                    9 years, 8 months ago

                    Cahill, Walcott, RvP, Sturridge - maybe Shaw

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                4. Bubz
                  • 10 Years
                  9 years, 8 months ago

                  Can't believe how dramatic this Arsenal kit reveal is

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                  1. Parm
                    • 12 Years
                    9 years, 8 months ago

                    Look at the image i've posted above to save yourself the hastle.

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                5. seanie3
                  • 12 Years
                  9 years, 8 months ago

                  lot's of people on here saying Holland will be playing fringe or second string players, where do we have this from, has LVG stated he is playing his second string or resting first team players for the brazil game?

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                  1. Piggs Boson
                    • 12 Years
                    9 years, 8 months ago

                    It means nothing to him.
                    http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/28243020

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                    1. seanie3
                      • 12 Years
                      9 years, 8 months ago

                      So LVG to play a second string as he's not bothered by this game where as Brazil will be looking to restore some pride and going all out to win, could be a high scoring game..

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                      1. ...---...
                        • 13 Years
                        9 years, 8 months ago

                        I don't think it will be particularly high scoring affair. Holland haven't scored in their last two fixtures (including an hour of extra time) and Brazil weren't exactly shipping them in before last Tuesday's debacle. 1 - 0, perhaps 2 - 1 to Brazil I think.

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                    2. Piggs Boson
                      • 12 Years
                      9 years, 8 months ago

                      It's a chance to give players like Vorm and Huntelaar games as well. A la Hodgson,

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                6. Parm
                  • 12 Years
                  9 years, 8 months ago

                  Sanchez will take the No 17 shirt for Arsenal next season.

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                  1. FPL Daniel
                    • 14 Years
                    9 years, 8 months ago

                    17 goals anyone?

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                  2. Count of Monte Hristo
                    • 10 Years
                    9 years, 8 months ago

                    Can you see Alexis and Theo in the same starting Xl?

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                    1. Parm
                      • 12 Years
                      9 years, 8 months ago

                      Yes, Sanchez wide left or up top.

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                7. Arsenals Number 19. Santi C…
                  • 11 Years
                  9 years, 8 months ago

                  Hazard or Fabs for FPL

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                  1. Parm
                    • 12 Years
                    9 years, 8 months ago

                    Haz

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                  2. Piggs Boson
                    • 12 Years
                    9 years, 8 months ago

                    Depends on price.

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                  3. theloveburglar
                    • 11 Years
                    9 years, 8 months ago

                    depends on position

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                8. Pulp Minion
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 12 Years
                  9 years, 8 months ago

                  Vorn is the only player from the 23 Dutch players that has not been involved in a game yet.

                  I get a feeling he might play - wouldn't be surprized with a 50:50 on the keepers

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                9. CubeBrick
                  • 11 Years
                  9 years, 8 months ago

                  So I'm playing 4 friendsish leuagues(besides ffs) two of them
                  in lukrative $ rules. Currently on 731 leading every one by minimum
                  20pts.

                  This is how i feel to close out:

                  ............Neuer.............
                  Blind..DeVrij..Vlaar..Luiz
                  ..DeJong..Lahm..Kross..
                  ..Kuyt..Messi..Muller..

                  Subs...titutions(not food)
                  d:Hoewedes, Boateng
                  m:Mascherano

                  It will probably go in 5-3-2

                  Please give your thoughts,
                  It all comes to the Final!!!

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                  1. CubeBrick
                    • 11 Years
                    9 years, 8 months ago

                    PS: If DeJong is not fit, changing:

                    DeJong/Luiz to Oscar/Gerray

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                10. Jacketts Potatoes
                  • 10 Years
                  9 years, 8 months ago

                  Who's going for Messi in the McSHITE game. Not been great in terms of points per £ in the last few games but could he shine big time on the biggest stage?? Don't know what to do on this one. Been ever present for me so far

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                  1. Bubz
                    • 10 Years
                    9 years, 8 months ago

                    I think I might finally let him go this week. He struggles to thrive in this Argentina side, always forced to drop deep to receive the ball and then has a complete lack of options going forward when he does get it. I think it depends on Aguero really, if he was fully fit and starting, I would probably keep Messi, but he didn't look sharp at all when he came on for those 20 minutes against Holland.

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                    1. Jacketts Potatoes
                      • 10 Years
                      9 years, 8 months ago

                      My thoughts too. Just not sure who to bring in. Muller & Robben currently sit up there

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                      1. Bubz
                        • 10 Years
                        9 years, 8 months ago

                        Are you planning on having up top?

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                        1. Bubz
                          • 10 Years
                          9 years, 8 months ago

                          3 up top*

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                          1. Jacketts Potatoes
                            • 10 Years
                            9 years, 8 months ago

                            Thinking of initially starting 442 with an option to switch. Can't get my head around my strategy at the mo. Was v v good until the quarters and it's gone to rat shit....

                            Was looking to have a fair few play-off players as I think it'll be more open but barring de-vrij and robben I'm unsure who I'd go for.

                            Just struggling lol

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                    2. chrisjdgrady
                      • 10 Years
                      9 years, 8 months ago

                      Yep. Might go for Higuain

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                      1. Jacketts Potatoes
                        • 10 Years
                        9 years, 8 months ago

                        Wondered about Klose/Schurlle... I guess Schurlle with be a sub though again tbf.

                        Part of me thinks it'd be handy for it to be a Brazil/Dutch attacker to partner robben so I have my option of muller to bring in for the lower scorer (or switch 3 up top)

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                        1. chrisjdgrady
                          • 10 Years
                          9 years, 8 months ago

                          I'd imagine Schurlle sub again. Would be silly to tinker with that devastating lineup. I'm getting Muller for sure.

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                11. Ricky - it doesn\'t ta…
                  • 12 Years
                  9 years, 8 months ago

                  are we expecting schmeichel to be this seasons mannone?

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                  1. theloveburglar
                    • 11 Years
                    9 years, 8 months ago

                    no

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                  2. BantamPhil
                    • 10 Years
                    9 years, 8 months ago

                    Yes very good keeper, guaranteed to be in my team

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                12. r0nh
                  • 12 Years
                  9 years, 8 months ago

                  I am afraid to go to sleep in case I wake up & Sanchez hasnt really signed for Arsenal 🙁

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                  1. Bubz
                    • 10 Years
                    9 years, 8 months ago

                    Have you started supporting Arsenal again?

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                    1. r0nh
                      • 12 Years
                      9 years, 8 months ago

                      Yes, I feel they have spent enough of their profit & will start competing for major trophies now 🙂

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                13. textex33
                  • 9 Years
                  9 years, 8 months ago

                  In 2nd, 10 pts back in a large league. I think I have enough differential to catch first place in the BRA/NED match but have 1 transfer remaining. Who would you guys spend this transfer on?

                  scoring format is (10 pts goal, 6 pts assist, 12 pts defender CS, 4 pts for appearing in the game)

                  have Rojo, Garay, Messi and Kroos already in final. and Oscar, Luiz, Robben, Sneijder and Blind in 3rd place.

                  a) Lahm, to cover, should Germany get a CS (like 1/2 the top 10 has 2+ German defenders)
                  b) Zabaleta and go all-in on differential for ART CS
                  c) add Schurrle to pair with Kroos and try to hedge my bet if the ART defense doesn't do it.
                  d) Ozil, and watch him do nothing again.
                  e) or someone like Huntelaar or Depay for the 3rd place game? (assuming RVP, Robben elect not to play)

                  Thanks!!!!

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                14. BantamPhil
                  • 10 Years
                  9 years, 8 months ago

                  Don't get all the Hazard love on here, not consistent enough for what will be an 11m player

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                  1. Declan
                    • 14 Years
                    9 years, 8 months ago

                    FPL apart he's probably the best player in the PL now Suarez is gone. Your right though as an FPL option he may be too expensive if Fab is around 9m, for me it'll depend how much Costa is. I'd like to have 3 Chelsea, as will most.

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                15. Chef Ramsey
                  • 10 Years
                  9 years, 8 months ago

                  TO ALL THOSE WONDERING WHEN FPL WILL START:

                  I emailed the FPL website asking when they would open the game, here's what they sent back:
                  "We are currently completing some developments to our website and expect Fantasy Premier League to be up and running by the middle of the month. We should be in a position to launch towards the middle of next week."

                  I hope this helps

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                    1. Chef Ramsey
                      • 10 Years
                      9 years, 8 months ago

                      considering that he said "middle of next week," your prediction of Tuesday could be spot on

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                    2. WorldCupDanB
                      • 12 Years
                      9 years, 8 months ago

                      Hey Daniel did you used to play fantasy football on the Totel website? Havent seen you for a while any particular reason you stopped playing?

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                  1. r0nh
                    • 12 Years
                    9 years, 8 months ago

                    Old news mate.

                    That's a generic email.

                    I dont know why they dont put that message on their website maintenance page. Would save them re-sending that same email 3 million times.

                    Night all xo

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                    1. Chef Ramsey
                      • 10 Years
                      9 years, 8 months ago

                      ...
                      I felt so clever emailing them
                      oh well

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                16. Gubbins94.
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 9 Years
                  9 years, 8 months ago

                  Porto apparently signing Adrian from Atletico for 11 million.

                  Firstly, getting 11 million for him is some serious negotiating, secondly, could it mean Martinez is off?

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                  1. Declan
                    • 14 Years
                    9 years, 8 months ago

                    Will Atletico be able to field XI next season?

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                    1. Gubbins94.
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 9 Years
                      9 years, 8 months ago

                      Adrian barely played anyway, bar a few sub appearances. Baptistao can replace him.

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                17. Heydudes13
                  • 12 Years
                  9 years, 8 months ago

                  Liverpool closing in on Bony.

                  If that goes through then they are doing a Spurs with the money.

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                  1. Declan
                    • 14 Years
                    9 years, 8 months ago

                    Agreed

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                  2. chrisjdgrady
                    • 10 Years
                    9 years, 8 months ago

                    Most of the signings are proven in EPL at least, unlike Spurs signings. Think it could go very wrong for them though. They should be signing a proven world class striker, not Bony. Can and Markovic are young gambles.

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                18. Arsenals Number 19. Santi C…
                  • 11 Years
                  9 years, 8 months ago

                  Very early template done the prices myself a bit over budget thoughts appreciated

                  Begovic 5.5 / Burnley 4.5

                  Clyne 5 / Palace 4.5 / Hull 4.5 / Qpr 4.5 / Leicster 4

                  Januzai 6 / Silva 9 / Erikssen 8 / Haz 11 / Gaston Ramirez 5

                  Sturridge 11 / RVP 12 / Giroud 10

                  Total 105

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                  1. Declan
                    • 14 Years
                    9 years, 8 months ago

                    Not a fan of cleansheets?

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                    1. Arsenals Number 19. Santi C…
                      • 11 Years
                      9 years, 8 months ago

                      I don't achieve my rankings by picking expensive defenders

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                      1. Declan
                        • 14 Years
                        9 years, 8 months ago

                        *checks rankings*

                        That's me told 🙂

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                        1. Heydudes13
                          • 12 Years
                          9 years, 8 months ago

                          Jesus, he had Ramsey from the start. 😯

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                          1. KujaliaFC
                            • 11 Years
                            9 years, 8 months ago

                            This season, I'm going to have Diaby from the start.

                            Most other people will resist getting him until GW12.

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                            1. chrisjdgrady
                              • 10 Years
                              9 years, 8 months ago

                              😀

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                          2. Arsenals Number 19. Santi C…
                            • 11 Years
                            9 years, 8 months ago

                            Along with Coleman and Shaw but benched them both in GW1 🙁 Try focus on players that u thing can produce the goods but havent yet done it

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                          3. chrisjdgrady
                            • 10 Years
                            9 years, 8 months ago

                            I ALMOST did... I paid great attention to their pre season and almost punted on him. Was too crazy of an idea at the time though! Well done

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                            1. Arsenals Number 19. Santi C…
                              • 11 Years
                              9 years, 8 months ago

                              Thanks the greater the risk the greater the reward

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                        2. Arsenals Number 19. Santi C…
                          • 11 Years
                          9 years, 8 months ago

                          Everyone has a diff way of playing the game I use this system and it works fine for me no point changing

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                          1. Declan
                            • 14 Years
                            9 years, 8 months ago

                            Good on ya

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                            1. Arsenals Number 19. Santi C…
                              • 11 Years
                              9 years, 8 months ago

                              Cheers

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                  2. Heydudes13
                    • 12 Years
                    9 years, 8 months ago

                    Joel Ward and the gang will probably be 5.0m.

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                    1. Arsenals Number 19. Santi C…
                      • 11 Years
                      9 years, 8 months ago

                      True actually although 5m for Joel wouldnt be a bad price tbf

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                      1. Heydudes13
                        • 12 Years
                        9 years, 8 months ago

                        Not bad, especially given the BP potential, but I think I'll be having to look elsewhere.

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                      2. chrisjdgrady
                        • 10 Years
                        9 years, 8 months ago

                        Yeah I'd take him for 5 for sure. and have a cheaper keeper

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                  3. Gubbins94.
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 9 Years
                    9 years, 8 months ago

                    Not a hope you get Januzaj at 6.

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                    1. Arsenals Number 19. Santi C…
                      • 11 Years
                      9 years, 8 months ago

                      What would u have him so ? He is still unexposed 6-6.5 my thinking 7 too dear

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                      1. chrisjdgrady
                        • 10 Years
                        9 years, 8 months ago

                        Yeah, he had a brief flash of points then barely played and wasn't very effective points wise when he did later on in the season. More than 6 would be silly

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                        1. Arsenals Number 19. Santi C…
                          • 11 Years
                          9 years, 8 months ago

                          With Mata and Hereirra in there too he will be overshadowed by them 6. tops has done nout to suggest a bigger price he has lots of potential though

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                      2. Gubbins94.
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 9 Years
                        9 years, 8 months ago

                        7-7.5

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                        1. Arsenals Number 19. Santi C…
                          • 11 Years
                          9 years, 8 months ago

                          And he would be that price because ? 7.5 far too high imo he has done little but shown promise

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                          1. Gubbins94.
                            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                            • 9 Years
                            9 years, 8 months ago

                            Because he has the potential to be a starter for United. You're not going to get Young, Valencia or Nani for 6 million and they've more of a case.

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                  4. chrisjdgrady
                    • 10 Years
                    9 years, 8 months ago

                    why would Palace defenders be cheap?

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                    1. Arsenals Number 19. Santi C…
                      • 11 Years
                      9 years, 8 months ago

                      Because they play for Palace, wont be more than 5m

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                      1. chrisjdgrady
                        • 10 Years
                        9 years, 8 months ago

                        yeah, not 4.5 though. That would be too lovely!

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                        1. Arsenals Number 19. Santi C…
                          • 11 Years
                          9 years, 8 months ago

                          I was being too greedy with 4.5 😉

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                19. Chu Young Ping Pong
                  • 11 Years
                  9 years, 8 months ago

                  Arsenal will still finish 4th.

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                  1. Declan
                    • 14 Years
                    9 years, 8 months ago

                    Turd

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                    1. Chu Young Ping Pong
                      • 11 Years
                      9 years, 8 months ago

                      Idiot.

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                  2. KujaliaFC
                    • 11 Years
                    9 years, 8 months ago

                    That's mean spirited.

                    We're well positioned to win the league this term. We has a solid season last term, and with Walcott, Sanchez, and Campbell in the mix, plus an upgrade at right back, we're well placed to kick on and go all the way.

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                    1. Chu Young Ping Pong
                      • 11 Years
                      9 years, 8 months ago

                      Debuchy is no better than Sagna. Campbell is shit. Walcott and Sanchez play in the same position.

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                      1. chrisjdgrady
                        • 10 Years
                        9 years, 8 months ago

                        Debuchy is better than Sagna and proved himself as a great RB in the EPL last season, Sanchez and Walcott will play together, juries out on Campbell in the EPL. I hope he gets loaned to a EPL club personally.

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                        1. Chu Young Ping Pong
                          • 11 Years
                          9 years, 8 months ago

                          Debuchy was awful last season.

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                          1. chrisjdgrady
                            • 10 Years
                            9 years, 8 months ago

                            Look up his stats instead of just making things up. Better stats and played fewer games than Sagna for a start.

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                            1. Gubbins94.
                              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                              • 9 Years
                              9 years, 8 months ago

                              Played fewer games why?

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                              1. KujaliaFC
                                • 11 Years
                                9 years, 8 months ago

                                Because he was injured thrice.

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                                1. Gubbins94.
                                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                                  • 9 Years
                                  9 years, 8 months ago

                                  So Arsenal are signing someone who's injured more often. Lucky them!

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                                  1. chrisjdgrady
                                    • 10 Years
                                    9 years, 8 months ago

                                    He played SIX less games.

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                                  2. KujaliaFC
                                    • 11 Years
                                    9 years, 8 months ago

                                    The previous season, Sagna was more injured. It's swings and roundabouts.

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                                    1. Gubbins94.
                                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                                      • 9 Years
                                      9 years, 8 months ago

                                      Not the point I'm making. There's no point using he played less games to make him look better if they were due to injury.

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                                    2. KujaliaFC
                                      • 11 Years
                                      9 years, 8 months ago

                                      It's a ratio thing though. The fewer games he played, the less opportunity he had to make assists and whatnot.

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                                    3. Gubbins94.
                                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                                      • 9 Years
                                      9 years, 8 months ago

                                      Yeah, but missing the games through injury detracts from the ratio.

                                      Gibbs is a solid defender but you wouldn't use he played x less games to defend him

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                          2. bitterandstout
                              9 years, 8 months ago

                              you what chu?

                              His stats are generally better than sagna's.

                              check this link:

                              http://www.squawka.com/news/bacary-sagna-vs-mathieu-debuchy-why-the-latter-could-be-the-perfect-replacement-for-sagna/133038

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                        2. KujaliaFC
                          • 11 Years
                          9 years, 8 months ago

                          You seem to know more than Didier Deschamps. Perhaps send your CV to the French FA.

                          In what sense do you consider Campbell to be shit? His performance in the World Cup indicates the opposite. His well taken goal and pin point pass for the assist against Uruguay in particular showed great quality. He has pace. I don't understand. Is 'cause he be black, innit?

                          Both Walcott and Sanchez can play anywhere across the front three, and will likely regularly switch sides and make inside runs.

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                          1. Chu Young Ping Pong
                            • 11 Years
                            9 years, 8 months ago

                            Racist. Reported.

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                            1. KujaliaFC
                              • 11 Years
                              9 years, 8 months ago

                              Oh yeah? Well you smell like elderberries.

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                          2. Chu Young Ping Pong
                            • 11 Years
                            9 years, 8 months ago

                            And Walcott can only play on the right. Wtf u talking about?

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                            1. KujaliaFC
                              • 11 Years
                              9 years, 8 months ago

                              I'm talking about Walcott and Sanchez being able to play anywhere across the front three. I'm surprised you don't know this.

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                              1. Chu Young Ping Pong
                                • 11 Years
                                9 years, 8 months ago

                                Walcott can't play anywhere across the front three. What are you smoking? He can only play on the right. He can't play on the left and he can't play in the hole.

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                                1. Gubbins94.
                                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                                  • 9 Years
                                  9 years, 8 months ago

                                  There's no hole in the front three.

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                                  1. theloveburglar
                                    • 11 Years
                                    9 years, 8 months ago

                                    lol

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                                2. KujaliaFC
                                  • 11 Years
                                  9 years, 8 months ago

                                  I'm not talking about the hole. I'm talking about leading the line. Of course, Giroud is first choice in this department, but Walcott is also an option. Sanchez too.

                                  Playing down the left allows him to cut in and shoot with his right foot instead of running to the byline and crossing it in, which is what playing on the right is more suited to.

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                                  1. Chu Young Ping Pong
                                    • 11 Years
                                    9 years, 8 months ago

                                    He's even worse than Giroud as a striker.

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                                    1. KujaliaFC
                                      • 11 Years
                                      9 years, 8 months ago

                                      Worse in the sense of being unproven leading the line, sure.

                                      Henry was also unproven until he wasn't though.

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                          3. Gubbins94.
                            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                            • 9 Years
                            9 years, 8 months ago

                            You're not going to win the league with Arteta or Flamini starting. You've signed Sanchez, Chelsea, who were already better have signed Fabregas, Costa and probably Filipe Luis.

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                            1. KujaliaFC
                              • 11 Years
                              9 years, 8 months ago

                              I'm not a fan of Flamini. I enjoyed his gumption when he first returned, but he's a red card waiting to happen.

                              My preferred double pivot is Ramsey and Diaby, with Wilshere another option. I do rate Arteta, though. He isn't flashy, but he puts a good shift in.

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                              1. Gubbins94.
                                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                                • 9 Years
                                9 years, 8 months ago

                                Arteta's alright, nothing more, it's certainly a position you'll need to improve to compete for the league.

                                Diaby's obviously very good when he plays but I don't consider him an option any more, and he's best running, not holding.

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                              2. chrisjdgrady
                                • 10 Years
                                9 years, 8 months ago

                                Ramsey and Khedira/Bender/Schneiderlin would be lovely =P

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                                1. bitterandstout
                                    9 years, 8 months ago

                                    indeed 😉

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                                  • KujaliaFC
                                    • 11 Years
                                    9 years, 8 months ago

                                    I doubt Khedira will happen.

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                                    1. bitterandstout
                                        9 years, 8 months ago

                                        you don't think Kroos will take his spot?

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                                        1. Gubbins94.
                                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                                          • 9 Years
                                          9 years, 8 months ago

                                          On the bench?

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                                          1. bitterandstout
                                              9 years, 8 months ago

                                              can't have too much competition, can you? 😉

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                                          2. KujaliaFC
                                            • 11 Years
                                            9 years, 8 months ago

                                            I worry about his wages.

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                                        2. Aaron Ramessi - Straya
                                          • 10 Years
                                          9 years, 8 months ago

                                          yeah his wage demands are too high....besides the other two are better defensively

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                                          1. bitterandstout
                                              9 years, 8 months ago

                                              ahh that's right, he's on more the wenger innit?

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                          4. KujaliaFC
                            • 11 Years
                            9 years, 8 months ago

                            I hope that Alexis comes in at under 10 ducats.

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                            1. Ricky - it doesn\'t ta…
                              • 12 Years
                              9 years, 8 months ago

                              can't see him being a good option if he is a forward though

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                              1. KujaliaFC
                                • 11 Years
                                9 years, 8 months ago

                                Good point. Given that Walcott is always a mid, between the two of them, I'll probably still pick Walcott.

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                              2. chrisjdgrady
                                • 10 Years
                                9 years, 8 months ago

                                Why? He plays like a forward. It's like Robben being classified as a forward. He'll probably get numbers comparable to the better out and out strikers.

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                                1. KujaliaFC
                                  • 11 Years
                                  9 years, 8 months ago

                                  But Walcott will probably be more like 8 ducats, plus he'll get 5 points per goal.

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                                  1. chrisjdgrady
                                    • 10 Years
                                    9 years, 8 months ago

                                    If Walcott is 8 that would be a steal definitely. Don't see it though.

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                                    1. KujaliaFC
                                      • 11 Years
                                      9 years, 8 months ago

                                      It's more what I'm hoping for, given that he hardly played last term.

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                                      1. chrisjdgrady
                                        • 10 Years
                                        9 years, 8 months ago

                                        Yeah, but he had that great run and has been great in the past couple seasons. I think they'll keep that in mind. 8 would be awesome, I'd definitely get him. Wouldn't be surprised if he was 9 though.

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                                        1. KujaliaFC
                                          • 11 Years
                                          9 years, 8 months ago

                                          I would probably still get him at 9.

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                                      2. RedLightning
                                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                                        • Has Moderation Rights
                                        • 13 Years
                                        9 years, 8 months ago

                                        The only reason he didn't play more last season was because of his injury. He was in great form before that and finished the season at 9.2. Won't be less than 9.

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                          5. Jacketts Potatoes
                            • 10 Years
                            9 years, 8 months ago

                            Just looking at my (very) 1st initial draft for maccies.... Really seeking opinions and suggestions....my gut feel isn't there with this draft...

                            Romero
                            De-vrij Blind Hummels Garay (Demi)
                            Gustavo Oscar mascherano lahm (Kroos)
                            Robben muller (Klose)

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                            1. emperikal
                              • 13 Years
                              9 years, 8 months ago

                              Not interested in people from the playoff game? Most of the goals will be from there surely?

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                              1. Jacketts Potatoes
                                • 10 Years
                                9 years, 8 months ago

                                5 out if my 11 are from the playoff game

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                              2. KujaliaFC
                                • 11 Years
                                9 years, 8 months ago

                                Good point.

                                Will be less cagey with nothing at stake.

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                          6. ALegendJ
                            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                            • 10 Years
                            9 years, 8 months ago

                            @TheFootball_Hub

                            BREAKING: VLAAR'S PENALTY WENT IN!! #NED #GOAL #EXCLUSIVE
                            @SkySports @BBCSport @BeINSPORTS @itvfootball @FIFAcom

                            http://youtu.be/y8l9ExlIOm4

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                          7. goriuanx
                            • 13 Years
                            9 years, 8 months ago

                            Liverpool are doing a "Spurs", ok. It's a bit strange how fans of other teams are more concerned about Liverpool's signings than Liverpool fans themselves.

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                            1. Heydudes13
                              • 12 Years
                              9 years, 8 months ago

                              No it's not, we're just commenting our thoughts about what's going on in the footballing world? Sound a bit defensive to me...

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                            2. theloveburglar
                              • 11 Years
                              9 years, 8 months ago

                              maybe the fans of other teams find it amusing that liverpool who apart from blowing the league title up in smoke played some truly great stuff last year got themselves back into the big time of champions league football and then sold their one and only world class talent and bought 32 year old ricky lambert... LOL

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                              1. goriuanx
                                • 13 Years
                                9 years, 8 months ago

                                ..blimey

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                                1. theloveburglar
                                  • 11 Years
                                  9 years, 8 months ago

                                  exactly

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                              2. chrisjdgrady
                                • 10 Years
                                9 years, 8 months ago

                                Lambert is a great backup and they got him for cheap, nothing wrong with that. Don't try to make it out like he was bought to replace Suarez

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                                1. goriuanx
                                  • 13 Years
                                  9 years, 8 months ago

                                  You can't replace Suarez. What LFC have to do is bring in attacking options and just make the team the superstar, as opposed to having one of the best in the world.

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                                  1. chrisjdgrady
                                    • 10 Years
                                    9 years, 8 months ago

                                    Agreed, I think they need to sign a top top forward though, not Bony. Someone who's versatile and can play on the wing or in the middle like Suarez did and float around dictating play

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                                    1. Snikii
                                      • 9 Years
                                      9 years, 8 months ago

                                      no such players on the market

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                                2. theloveburglar
                                  • 11 Years
                                  9 years, 8 months ago

                                  im not im merely stating that after god knows how long they have gone without champions league football that now that they are back mixing it with europes elite they target a 32 year old english striker whose gunna be doing nothing more than picking splinters out of his ass from sitting on the bench all season.. i mean in the name of god you lot were only a point or 2 from being champions where is the ambition?

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                                  1. chrisjdgrady
                                    • 10 Years
                                    9 years, 8 months ago

                                    I'm not a pool fan =P

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                                  2. chrisjdgrady
                                    • 10 Years
                                    9 years, 8 months ago

                                    and I agree they should be signing someone world class, but Lambert as a bench option for pretty cheap was a good buy I think. He will be useful when Sturridge needs a rest from CL. Clearly can score in the PL. Might be 32 but obviously hit his peak recently

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                                  3. Heydudes13
                                    • 12 Years
                                    9 years, 8 months ago

                                    😆 ^

                                    Most of these signings look like they could only make the bench of last season.

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                                    1. chrisjdgrady
                                      • 10 Years
                                      9 years, 8 months ago

                                      Can might be a good buy. Lucas injured all the time and probably getting sold, and Gerrard clearly not a CDM as he proved in the world cup

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                                      1. Heydudes13
                                        • 12 Years
                                        9 years, 8 months ago

                                        Can looks arguably the worst of them all.

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                                        1. theloveburglar
                                          • 11 Years
                                          9 years, 8 months ago

                                          be calling him cant before long lol

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                            3. RedLightning
                              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                              • Has Moderation Rights
                              • 13 Years
                              9 years, 8 months ago

                              They're just jealous. Last season Liverpool had an excellent first eleven (apart from defence weaknesses) but little backup compared to their rivals.

                              Now that they are back in the Champions League, they obviously need additional players to strengthen their squad.

                              Suarez would have been staying if it hadn't been for the biting incident. They haven't had as long to plan for a world-class replacement as they have had to plan for strengthening the rest of the squad.

                              I'm sure that if a suitable world-class replacement becomes available at an affordable price then they will try their best to get him in.

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