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

    maradona vs west germany 86,can messi it do it this time?

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

      one extra "it" in there

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  3. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    19m for Bony 😆 What Liverpool been smoking?

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

      marko weed

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

      no way...

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

      😀

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

      They lose Suarez, we get Sanchez

      😀 😀 😀 😀

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

      What is Brenda thinking, how is Bony going to fit into pass and move? 😆

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

        ya Bony signing is a bit strange but Swans play pass and move and he did well there

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

          Yeah because he was just their main target man there, was there pass and move as much last season under Monk? Not sure...

          But still after signing Lambert this season, Sturridge being there, Aspas only being signed last season and Borini coming back what's the point?

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

            Yep thats a good point. The Bony talk is newspaper talk for now but I find it strange.

            Borini may have a chance but he could be off. Aspas will eff off too. Only Sturridge and Lambert guaranteed to be at LFC next season

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

              Don't mean to be sounding like a dick or anything, but that surely just means that Aspas and Borini Brendan signings were mistakes then.

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

                Aspas was a Brendan mistake and he'd admit that. Borini is a very good player but signing Lambert has perhaps dented his chance

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

                  He always seems to be paving over last window's mistakes each transfer window though.

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

                    rodgers as a coach manager and tactician and all round bloke tbh one of the very best in europe.. his transfer policy however has been very questionable

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

                      Spot on.

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

      how many goals did he score last season?..

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      1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        not a bad record but 19m is alot in my opinion. Plus whilst bony did well last season was he a 1 season wonder in the prem similar to michu?

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

          19m for striker who is 25 and scored a lot of goals is decent. I say he's a 15m striker and I don't think he'll do better at LFC but he is a very good player. Better than likes of Benteke Giroud etc

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          1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
            • 13 Years
            9 years, 8 months ago

            I think he is decent I just think Liverpool need a proven goalscorer in the big leagues over a period of time to replace suarez. A Benzema type striker, someone who is a bit above the level of a Bony.

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

              Higuain would make me happy. Benzema is overrated IMO and Balotelli would be a good shout. Still a long time to go..

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              1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
                • 13 Years
                9 years, 8 months ago

                Higuain yes, Benzema does his job well in my opinion, a bit under-rated by some in my opinion even if he plays for r madrid.

                Balotelli - more trouble than he is worth? You see his latest picture he posted with a gun?

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

                  Balotelli is crazy but I wouldn't be surprised - Milan not in CL and looking to sell

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  4. bitterandstout
      9 years, 8 months ago

      and are they sharing it?

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

      ALEXIS SANCHEZ

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

        😀 😀 😀 😀 😀 😀 😀

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

        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hk1u53dit1Q

        Gazidis pretty much implying that there is more to come...and there better be!

        Anther Forward, CDM, CB, RB and GK thank you very much 🙂

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        1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          Forwards, we have Campbell remember.
          RB - Debuchy and Maquillo to come. Jenkinson still around but maybe sent on loan to Newcastle
          CB - Not sure about, verm is going so if he does end up leaving probably need to strengthen in that area
          GK - Looks pretty much likely - Ospina been talked about

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

            Manquillo is a great talent...hope that happens

            Good point on Campbell actually, forgot about him! 😀

            need CB and GK depth badly

            CDM - we thinking Schneiderlin?

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            1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
              • 13 Years
              9 years, 8 months ago

              schneiderlin maybe better good for money. Khedira could happen though, heard ozil has been trying to convince him to come to Emirates. But is Khedira a CDM? Probably not exactly but Wenger could mold him into one. Otherwise we have Diaby 😀

              Backup GK is needed since fabs and Mannone left. I agree backup cb needed too.

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

                well id prefer Bender or Schneiderlin cos they are great tacklers and that is what we need...Khedira is more in the Ramsey role, so I think we would be lopsided if we got Khedira...

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

              Manquillo like any other Spanish kid probably has bags of potential, he was really poor last season whenever he played though. I haven't seen him tested other than that. Gave away 2 penalties in 15 minutes in the Madrid derby. Alderwereild who is no great shakes was preferred.

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              1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
                • 13 Years
                9 years, 8 months ago

                could be a problem but he is likely to be understudy to debuchy. If debuchy is injured maybe he will step in? Or if Jenks stays he can step in easily to that role whilst Manquillo learns the ropes at Arsenal

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

          You want another starting keeper or backup? I think Sczez was great bar a few mistakes. With a proper CDM he'll have less to do too.

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

            no I want a backup - we have none atm 🙂

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

              Yikes I forgot we sold Fabs haha

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

        congrats mate a great signing!

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

          cheers 🙂

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

        4TH PLACE

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

          haters keep hating 🙄

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

            Hating on what exactly?

            1 trophy in 9 years???

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

              so as soon as we sign sanchez that means we will come 4th place? he is the first of many great signings

              where does the 1 trophy in 9 years thing come in?? we won a trophy LAST year! that's what matters lol...did united win one? no... did Chelsea win one? NO.... did Liverpool win one? no....

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

                Yep, won it with a injury ravaged squad who are all fit again, plus a huge signing already, with RB basically agreed and almost definitely a couple more signings by the looks of it.

                The momentum is building. We still finished very close to points with City last season.

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

                  Sick of all the injuries excuse. Happens every season.

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

                  aye it was only 7 points! its simple really - start winning the big games! 😀

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

                The first of many great signings? We'll see about tthat.

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

                  bookmarked 😉

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          2. Merte
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 8 months ago

            More likely a scared glory hunter...

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

              So because I'm not an Arsenal fan, I'm a glory hunter? Hahaha. Idiot.

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

                Go to bed keyboard warrior

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

        Fantasy gold.

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

          aye goals and assists by the bucketload

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      6. Merte
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Seen a few jello dudes on here.

        On the up, big time...

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    • jamiea78
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Hi there, I shoudl know by now but if I change from a 532 in McDs to a 541 which of the strikers gets subbed off or do I get to choose??

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

        Take off the striker first and then change your formation
        Empty slot for a midfielder opens up, then sub them in
        Would avoid mobile site for transfers
        Experiment on your "pitch" now just to be sure

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    • goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      From a FPL perspective, these are the players I'm looking to get from these clubs.

      Arsenal - Debuchy & Walcott
      Man United - RVP if below 12m
      Chelsea - Cahill
      City - new CB, Yaya & Dzeko
      Everton - Coleman
      Liverpool - Sterling & Sturridge
      Spurs - Eriksen

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

        where is Ramsey? 😯 Not considering Sanchez?

        Yaya may well leave though...

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

          Feel like his price will be very high, Theo will be a great differential

          Sanchez will also imo be very expensive and if he's a striker in the game then that's a loss too

          If Yaya leaves then City will be fighting for top 4 lol

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

        you may ask fpl for an extra 50 million 🙂

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

          Not getting them all mate 😀

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

        Nasri over Yaya imo, and Ramsey and Sanchez for Arsenal and DDG from United with their start.

        Agree on all of them though.

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

          Nasri is a tasty one, I had him and Yaya last season

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

        Coleman will be too expensive I think. Maybe Baines if he's given that role further up the pitch. Costa for Chelsea will garner my attention too.

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

      Is this an Arsenal forum?

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      1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        looks like one at the mo

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      2. Merte
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        No fellow trolls to help you tonight? 🙁

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

        at the other times I come on and all the other fans trash Arsenal 😀

        Why cant we be happy with a great signing?

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

          It's a great signing but many deluded fans are acting like they've already won the CL or the league.

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

            What team do you support?

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

              Owned

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

                Al-Ahly.

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

                  Bahahahaahahha

                  Good one, but seriously?

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

                    I'm Egyptian so yes.

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

                      Zayek ya basha? 😆

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

                  the red devils 🙂

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

                Dumb?

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

                How old are you?

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

                  Who's the most famous player to play for AlAhly?

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

                    Mahmoud El Khatib

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

            it would take a fair few signing for us to win the champions league 😀

            the way I see it is that it is the first of hopefully many astute signings, which will give us the necessary squad depth and quality to fight for the premier league title without capitulating...we have a real chance if we plug the gaps, but obviously there is great competition from other clubs...should be a fun season 🙂

            most people are just really happy with the signing, which can lead to overconfidence and hyperbolic remarks being made...let them be 🙂

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

              iv got to say mate one thing iv noticed about u is ur very level headed and make a hell of a lot of sense.. fair play

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

                True. Can't say the same about Merte though.

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

                  lol

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

                cheers! 🙂

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

              So they should be with an exciting signing like that! Honestly is a class signing. Can't wait to see him in action in the prem.

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

          jealousy mate thats all it is im a united man and no shame in admitting thats thats one hell of a signing from ur lot and id of welcomed him with open arms at old trafford... but as i pointed to in a rather long post earlier theres still alot of work to be done at the other end of the pitch..

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

            I fully agree - see above

            we are just a bit excited 🙂

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

      Alexis Sanchez will have "Alexis" on his shirt and will be given the no. 17

      I like it 🙂

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      1. The Pep Revolution
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Great signing and should be a great addition to ye. Will he play as a forward cause that is one position Arsenal need to strengthen.

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

          he will play on the left but can be utilised as a forward when Giroud needs a rest...

          Joel Campbell is also returning...while I think people a overrating him a bit, I think he is a good player and should be handy over the course of the season coming off the bench 🙂

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          1. The Pep Revolution
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 8 months ago

            Should have decent cover so. It will be a great season. Four or five teams that could win it.

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

            I am thinking Theo could become the new Henry…
            And Alexis will always play on the right.
            Udinese, Barcelona and Chile, always from the right…even when playing 2 strikers (Vargas or Di Natale).

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

              hmm thats interesting..the thing is Walcott always plays on the right too

              Walcott could be world-class if he could stop getting injured - he has improved so much recently!

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            2. The Shadow
              • 12 Years
              9 years, 8 months ago

              Two years ago for Barcelona he alternated between left and right. No reason to think he can't still play from the left.

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

      what are thinking about Arsenal's new kit?

      personally I like the classic red and white home kit and the traditional yellow and blue away kit, but the blue third kit? not for me...

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

        Yellow one has nothing on chelsea and liverpool one. i like the blue one though!

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

        the wee yellow and navy number is smashing

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      3. Merte
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        It's too tight.

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

          yeah I have to agree, although I don't think its much of a problem...

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

          spot on it was like a wet suit on arteta in the pic i saw lol

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

            😀

            puma kits always seem to be like that...ah well, cant have everything

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

              no hiding a beer belly in those tops anyway lol

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

                hopefully a size too big looks ok =P

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

                lets hope we don't sign rooney then 😉

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

                  fs wazza would do himself an injury trying to get it over his head

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

        Design is ok but I can't stand those ultra tight kits!!! They look ridiculous!

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

          haha il try hoke out pic i saw earlier arteta seriously looks like hes been poured into his lol

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

            lol I saw it! Looks ridiculous. Makes Santi look overweight too

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

            I'd like to see this lol

            In general all the Puma jerseys are entirely way too tight as evident by this World Cup

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

              it was funny as... wenger will have the 2 of them on sit up duty until the season starts when he sees it lol

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    • Desertbug
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Hey all, just dipping my toes back in the pool... Anyone know how long the game site will be "down for maintenance"?

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      1. The Shadow
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        No. No matter how many times they tell you otherwise.

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

        MOst expect it to restart in the few days after the World cup final

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    • New Ghost
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      just ordered my Puma kits

      alexis home and theo away 🙂

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

        id watch what u eat before they arrive i believe they are tighter than a ducks arse lol

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        1. New Ghost
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          nah those are the player versions, the more expensive ones.

          the replicas are "normal" sized

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

            haha happy days then yellow one is a cracker tbh

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

            Good to know!

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      2. The Shadow
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        No Koscielny?

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        1. New Ghost
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          I had ozil and koscielny on last season's kits

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

        haven't thought about getting a ramsey shirt?

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    • President John F. Keninnsie
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Aaron Sanchessi 😀

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

        good one innit innsie? 😀

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

          or should I say, inssie 😉

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          1. President John F. Keninnsie
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 8 months ago

            You're one of the few people on here who spell my name right, don't ruin it now!

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    • RoysCallerAnne
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      What a brilliantly written piece. Sir Paulos, or Paul, and FFS in particular just keep getting better and better.
      Bravo.

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    • FPL price manipulators are …
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Soooo quiet on here. There are so many options in FPL this season, defensively and otherwise.really spoilt for choice. Just try and pick 7 gk/def from the following

      All these defences look appealing

      Chelsea
      Arsenal
      Manchester United
      Manchester City
      Tottenham

      Palace
      Burnley
      West Ham
      Hull
      Sunderland
      Stoke
      Newcastle

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      1. President John F. Keninnsie
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Don't forget Everton too.

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

        Impossible question to answer - too dependent on prices and actual players, but yes there do seem to be several good defensive options for us to choose from. I am toying with the idea of starting out 433 depending on what prices look like. Surely it will be very tough to wedge in 4 good mids from the onset. Will probably not end up doing this but at least thinking about it...

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

        that's because its the DZ 😉

        Chelsea defence is a must, and I think the question is more whether to double up or not....given the likely pricings it may not be possible...

        Id have my eye on Aaron Cresswell from West Ham - could turn out to be an under-the-radar option similar to Trippier but much less popular (and from a better defence)...he will supply Carroll, which is pretty appetising...

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        1. President John F. Keninnsie
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          Double Chelsea will be pretty hard to squeeze in considering they're likely to be 7.0m.

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

          Will supply Carroll maybe for a week or two until the big man gets injured 😉

          Sort of thinking of shying away from fullbacks this year if the bonus system stays the same. I think I'd prefer Reid as my way into the Hammers defense. Cresswell could be a good shout though.

          And yeah, double Chelsea defense would be mighty hard to squeeze in. May well be worth it though even at 14 to get both Cahill and Terry.

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

        Havent made my rotation plan yet, so not decided with which team I will go. Chelsea's defender is nailed on.

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

          It's going to be hard to come by a team without Cahill in it once the RMT season begins...

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

            I am thinking of Ivan over Cahill. As we have seen in past years, number of CSs are less in 1st half compared to 2nd half. That means less bonus pts for Cahill/Terry whenever they concede, right?

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

              Yeah well the CBs would basically get no bonus points when they conceded but usually 2 or 3 when they kept a clean sheet. Would rather bank on that from a CB on a team like Chelsea where they will keep a lot of clean sheets over the course of the season and risk getting fullbacks on teams with less chance of keeping cleans so they may still get the odd assist here and there so you aren't always stuck with a 1 or 2 pointer when they do concede.

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

                Convincing reason. Cheers!

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    • applebonkers
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      check this out. top 5 scorers in la liga last season (penalties stripped, you'll see why):

      1) ronaldo 25 goals in 210 shots = goal every 8.4 shots.
      2) messi 22 goals in 153 shots = goal every 7.0 shots.
      3) diego costa 22 goals in 100 shots = goal every 4.5 shots.
      4) alexis sanchez 19 goals in 66 shots = goal every 3.5 shots.
      5) benzema 17 goals in 102 shots = goal every 6.0 shots

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      1. President John F. Keninnsie
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        *awaits comment from Aaron Sanchessi about how successful Sanchez will be*

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        1. President John F. Keninnsie
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          And there we have it 😀

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

        Interesting. Costa and Sanchez have better shot accuracy

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

        Take this with a grain of salt as players like Ronaldo / Messi do have these numbers skewed by the fact they're on set pieces...

        Note: This is not to take anything away from Sanchez but, if we're going to compare 'apples to apples' then we should be looking at conversion rates from open play.

        🙂

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

        now that is what I call efficient! sanchez also made like 12 assists in the league, 17 overall, which is brilliant!

        this is exactly what arsenal needed, a clinical forward with the pace needed to stretch defenders and a quality final ball to feed ramsey in the box!

        COYG!!! VAMOS ALEXIS!!!

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    • President John F. Keninnsie
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Is a Chelsea defender a must?

      In the first half of last season, excluding matches against the top 4, Chelsea failed to get clean sheets against: Villa, Everton, Spurs, Norwich, Cardiff, Newcastle, WBA, Southampton, Sunderland, Stoke and Palace.

      So, clean sheets against the 'weaker' teams in the league aren't certain, and with tough away trips to Everton (they lost the corresponding match 0-1 last season) and City, as well as a home clash with a reinforced Arsenal, ALL in the first 7 weeks of the season, is it best to hold off on a Chelsea defender and monitor their early season defensive form? 7m is a hefty price tag for one defender.

      It is worth noticing that the arrival of players such as Matic in the January transfer window solidified their defence, so their early season struggles last year may have been due to a lack of a commanding CDM like Matic, who they obviously have now. Mourinho has also shown that he'll play defensive against the bigger sides, which resulted in clean sheets against both Manchester sides, Liverpool and Arsenal last season. We may have a rare case of a team that is more likely to get clean sheets against the bigger sides.

      I'll likely end up with a Chelsea defender in my GW1 team, but I'm just interested to hear other peoples thoughts on this.

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

        Not for me, I think I'll start with a United defender instead...

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        1. President John F. Keninnsie
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          I think you'll be in the minority there Zep, from what I've read on here every man and his dog will have a Chelsea defender.

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

            Haven't decided anything yet, no point really, without prices, but I am starting to form some rotations and it looks like I might only have space for one BIG defender...

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            1. President John F. Keninnsie
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 8 months ago

              DDG maybe?

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

                Yeah possibly... we'll see how cheap the good rotations are..

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

          Or maybe both, if I decide to go bigger in defense..

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

        what you fail to realise is that mourinho changed their style a third of the way into the season when they were conceding lots (namely bringing in azpi) and from then on their clean sheet record was crazy...they could well get 18-20 clean sheets, which is pretty handy in fantasy and players like cahill, terry and ivanovic provide a good goal threat (so azpi may not be worth the money)

        but nice idea though, which the mavericks may take to heart 🙂

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        1. President John F. Keninnsie
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          In the second half of the season they still conceded to Cardiff, Sunderland, Palace, Villa, Fulham and WBA.

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

            they still kept 18 clean sheets! having kept only 3 in the first 11 matches!

            hmm they kept clean sheets against arsenal, spuds, everton, liverpool and city in the second half of the season...some weird sheet going on

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            1. President John F. Keninnsie
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 8 months ago

              Yes AR, but what you fail to realise ( 😉 ) is that in my post I posed the question 'Is it best to hold off...and monitor their early season defensive form (after the first 7 games)'.

              I'm not suggesting going without them the whole season, and if they only keep 3 clean sheets in their first 11 matches and 15 clean sheets in their remaining 27 games then surely my method would be a success? 😉

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

                good point, but now Chelsea are going to be solid at the back at the beginning of the season...the same things do not happen every season, these things are fluid...

                however maybe its best to stay away from a double up for now 🙂

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                1. President John F. Keninnsie
                  • 10 Years
                  9 years, 8 months ago

                  Fair enough. As I said, I'll likely end up with atleast one Chelsea defender, was just looking for some other opinions on the topic 😀

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

                    and I gave you mine 😉

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

          Very much this. Well said AR errr, AS.

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

        Chelsea are going to clean sheet their way to title like 04-05 season.Few attacking from fullbacks and two in midfield protecting and young good goalie.I think they'll be mean.I'll double or even triple up.

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        1. President John F. Keninnsie
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          Good luck affording that!

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

        Depending on price I'll be going for one. Such a defensive mindset for a big club. You'd have to be confident of at least pulling off a few cleanies against the lower teams even when they aren't trying and being fairly hopeful of a cleanie against big teams its so beneficial. Less need to rotate or worry about who they're playing next. A casuals dream 😉

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        1. President John F. Keninnsie
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          Casuals? Do they exist around these parts? 😉

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    • Jack Frost
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      FROM Reuters/UK
      When: Saturday, July 12, 17:00 local (2000 GMT/09.00 p.m. BST)

      Probable teams:

      Brazil: 12-Julio Cesar; 2-Daniel Alves, 3-Thiago Silva, 4-David Luiz, 6-Marcelo; 5-Fernandinho, 17-Luiz Gustavo, 19-Willian, 7-Hulk; 21-Jo.

      Netherlands: 23-Tim Krul; 3-Stefan de Vrij, 2-Ron Vlaar, 4-Bruno Martins Indi, 15-Dirk Kuyt, 5-Daley Blind; 11-Arjen Robben, 20-Georginio Wijnaldum, 10-Wesley Sneijder; 9-Robin van Persie, 21-Memphis Depay.

      --------
      Krul and Depay interesting.

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      1. President John F. Keninnsie
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Jeez, Brazil conceded 7 with 11 men, how are they gonna do with just 10?!

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      2. Jack Frost
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        and NO Oscar in this just published probables. No reasons given in the article.

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        1. Jack Frost
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          http://uk.reuters.com/article/2014/07/10/uk-soccer-world-m63-bra-ned-factbox-idUKKBN0FF1Q920140710
          here's the site, I thought missing Oscar was an oversight, pretty poor reporting (guessing).

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      3. Zep
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Brazil only playing with 10?

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

        I don't trust reuters tbh

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

        Where is goal line technology when you need it? 😉

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

        😀

        I think he touched it with his shoulder...no one is complaining thankfully

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

        One of penalty shootout rules state that:
        "The ball may touch the goalkeeper, goal posts, or crossbar any number of times before going into the goal as long as the referee believes the ball's motion is the result of the initial kick."

        So question is, did the referee think that the ball's motion is the result of the kick after Romeno saves it?

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

          I think that what happened was... given that this rarely ever happens, the referee was probably caught up in all the celebrating and actually forgot to remember the ruling...

          Even the TV coverage panned away to Romero cheering his "save"...

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      4. Jack Frost
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        45 LAW 14 – THE PENALTY KICK
        Procedure
        • After the players have taken positions in accordance with this Law, the
        referee signals for the penalty kick to be taken
        • The player taking the penalty kick must kick the ball forward
        ........

        • The ball is in play when it is kicked and moves forward

        ........
        The referee decides when a penalty kick has been completed.
        ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

        The Ball was out of play when it move BACKWARDS. That's my take on the rule.

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

          Fair enough... that would be my guess too...

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          1. Jack Frost
            • 13 Years
            9 years, 8 months ago

            Of course, there's a few problems with my interpretation... looks like shootout rules revert back to penalty kick rules on page 45, but of course there is no rebound opportunity in the "post extra time" shootout. So we are missing the real rule on all this.. maybe it is found elsewhere....
            like whatever this stuff is:

            Unless otherwise stated, the relevant Laws of the Game and International
            F.A. Board Decisions apply when kicks from the penalty mark are being
            taken

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        2. Arvin-ation
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          There's precedent for this kinda thing though. Maybe not in the World cup, but I've seen it happen before, and the goal was awarded. It's on video somewhere on youtube 😆

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    • Corrigan
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Am I being narrow minded in possibly not even considering rotation this year?

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

        no....often rotations lead to benching lots of points 🙁

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

          I think it's the time of the year. We're excited and in OCD mode of building a neat, balanced squad that dovetails perfectly, taking the word "fantasy" in an even more literal meaning.

          Real life football is far more complicated (contrary to the cliche, "it's a simple game").

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    • President John F. Keninnsie
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Mascherano tore his anus making THAT tackle... 😯

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

        😯 will he be ok for the final?

        its a bit insensitive I know but all I can say is 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆

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        1. President John F. Keninnsie
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          Yep he'll play.

          Don't worry I think that was everyone's first reaction 😉

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    • GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Watch Turn. Great AMC show about the American Revolution.

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    • Holmes
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      If Emre Can, Liverpool can 😀
      Only signing by Liverpool that I loved is Emre Can 🙂

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      1. President John F. Keninnsie
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        You're a Liverpool fan?

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

          Nah, never 😀 I do love BR tactics though...
          Chelsea since I started watching EPL 🙂

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          1. President John F. Keninnsie
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 8 months ago

            Good man. 🙂

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

              What abt u? Support any particular team or neutral? *hoping you are not Liverpool fan* 😉

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              1. President John F. Keninnsie
                • 10 Years
                9 years, 8 months ago

                Chelsea too!

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

                  Thats good 🙂
                  Are you happy with Costa deal?
                  I was, untill I saw him play in World Cup 😐

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                  1. President John F. Keninnsie
                    • 10 Years
                    9 years, 8 months ago

                    Agreed... Great stats for Atletico but he was terrible in the World Cup 😕

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

            boooooooo!!! 😉

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    • Pepe the Frog
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Trailing by 13 points in my FOX minileague and need a miracle to win this.

      Current team:

      Neuer
      Garay - Rojo - Hummels - Luiz
      Sneidjer - Robben - Muller - Oscar
      Depay - Messi

      Bench: Klose

      For my 3 FTs, have the following planned:

      1. Klose -> Huntelaar
      2. Sneidjer -> Kroos
      3. Garay/Rojo -> Lahm

      Good moves? Or any better ones you may see?

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

        wait for the lineups

        well if you have to catch someone I would keep sneijder cos he is a differential and could do well...

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        1. Pepe the Frog
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          I'm looking to get Kroos in, so I should probably get Oscar out for him?

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

            Oscar is also a nice differential...the lineups are pretty critical though, and its possible that one of Oscar and Sneijder will be benched, so then you can bring in Kroos accordingly 🙂

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

        If you're only trailing by 13 then pick a team to get a clean sheet, get their whole defence and captain the strongest defender

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        1. Pepe the Frog
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          Problem is I only have 3 FTs, so I should use all of them on replacing the whole defense?

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

            Get Boateng and Lahm. Captain Lahm or Hummels. Plus one other transfer for whatever. If Germany keep a cleanie you should win.

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    • Saniul
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Sanchez. THIS IS AMAZING. 🙂
      Now just waiting for Walcott to get fit, and see a front attacking three of Walcott, Özil and Sanchez behind the striker *bliss*

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

        Walcott won't be the same player when he returns. Pace and acceleration is 90% of his game and you lose a couple of yards with ACL injuries.

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

          not if he takes the required time to recover...he should be fine as long as they don't rush him back

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

            It's not about the time to recover. Players who do their cruciate like Shearer, Ronaldo, van Nistleroy, Gascoigne, Fowler, Owen all lose a yard or two of pace and the ones whose game relied on pace beforehand like Owen and Fowler (and Walcott) were never near the top of their game afterwards.

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            1. President John F. Keninnsie
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 8 months ago

              Sadly, this is true 🙁

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

              🙁

              i have hope though

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      2. President John F. Keninnsie
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        "the striker"

        Sounds better than behind Giroud, eh? 😉

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

        the striker is giroud

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

          Right now, yes.
          Tomorrow, who knows?

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

            he will not sign a striker to replace giroud, I can guarantee you

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          2. NABIL - FPL otai
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 8 months ago

            Jackson Martinez 😀

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      4. OPTA FPL
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        you will win nothing with those DM, Defenders, Gks

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

          oo someone is upset 😉

          we need a CDM, and a backup CB and GK...then we will win things

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          1. NABIL - FPL otai
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 8 months ago

            Schneiderlin/Khedira/Bender

            Caulker

            Ochoa

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

          Ya not like we kept any clean sheets last year...

          We need a proper CDM and a backup CB but were pretty solid

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      5. NABIL - FPL otai
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Don't forget Ramsey and Schneiderlin/Khedira/Bender behind 'em. 😉

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        1. NABIL - FPL otai
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          btw, you've got mail, captain.

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

            replied.

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    • Kshitiz Basnet
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Do we have to pay to play 2014/15 fantasy premier league or is it free?

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      1. President John F. Keninnsie
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Free. Costs to play UFPL.

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

        No, you dont have to pay. Only UFPL isnt free, I guess.

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        1. Kshitiz Basnet
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          Any idea when they will start?

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

            Next week is predicted by everyone. No confirmed dates yet... Hopefully they launch it ASAP.

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    • ManofKent
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Best goalkeeper for the McD's final? I assume we're all wary that Krul might replace Cilisen?

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      1. President John F. Keninnsie
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        I'll be waiting for the lineups and getting whoever the Dutch keeper is.

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        1. NABIL - FPL otai
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          This, if you don't want to wait, just get Neuer.

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

          Yes, probably best to wait, however much fun tinkering is 🙂

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

        Neuer is the best. Value is w/ Dutch keeper

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

        Personally I feel Romero as he will have many more saves to make

        But budget says Cilissen if he starts

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    • Chucky
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      I can't wait for FPL 14/15 to re-open 🙂 Just 3-4 days to go . Juhuuuuuuuuuuu 🙂

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

        Yeh the wait is killing me, haha... At least the World Cup isn't over yet

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      2. President John F. Keninnsie
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Juhuuuuuu!

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

        what does juhuuuuuu mean?

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        1. Arvin-ation
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          It's like yoooooohooooo. It's a Daniel Chucky crazy Chelsea fan on FFS thing.

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      4. laGan1n1
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        like someone said 'next week this time: RTM RTM RTM'' 😀

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

          God man it's gonna be tough. Can we get like a blanket ban on RMT's until a week or two and give us a chance to discuss options? lol

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    • Darsh
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Sanchez most likely to be classed as a forward in FPL, official Premier League page themselves have listed him as a forward. Forward or not I think he'll be the first name in my squad alongside Ramsey!

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

        exactly this! Sanchez + Ramsey combo will be explosive! 🙂

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

          Yeh, I just feel bad about not picking Ozil... I think he'll have a great season too, but tripling up might be a bit too much, I'll see. Can't wait for the season to start now, our squad can definitely compete for the title if we just pick up a new defensive mid, centre back and second goalkeeper... And finish up the Debuchy deal of course

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          1. laGan1n1
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 8 months ago

            i might pick Ozil, think he can be good differential

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

              Will most likely be a differential option, but I'll rather get Ramsey and Sanchez in the early stages then go for Ozil later on, once he's fully fit after a long World Cup.

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

            There's Walcott too and the defenders were decent asests last year and all. gonna be tough

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    • ZE GERMANS
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Pool are kidding me..They have Bony and now they tabled a huge bid for Benzema? (Sky sports)

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      1. President John F. Keninnsie
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        😯

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      2. Billy Gilmore
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        We don't have Bony....

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        1. ZE GERMANS
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          They are discussing personal terms...swans won't turn that fee down.

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          1. Billy Gilmore
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 8 months ago

            I've seen nothing but pure speculation anywhere. No quotes, no anything.

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