Members

Versus – Mata, Hazard, Sterling and Ramsey

There may be under a week left under the 2014/15 season gets underway but for many Fantasy managers, the midfield dilemma is yet to be resolved. In the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) game, in particular, the player price list has handed us numerous options to consider for our five-man midfields, with ten players coming in at 9.0 or over:

In this, our latest article for members, we take a look at four of the main contenders – Eden Hazard, Aaron Ramsey, Juan Mata and Raheem Sterling – currently on Fantasy radars.

Sterling has netted in two of his last four appearances and, after notching nine times last term, is backed by many to step up for Liverpool after Luis Suarez’ departure. Ramsey’s 10 goals and nine assists in just 23 appearances last season has catapulted the Welshman into the premium bracket at 9.0, with his strike in yesterday’s Community Shield handing us a timely reminder of his talents. Mata (9.0) has been one of Louis van Gaal’s star performers in the role in “the hole” in a new 3-4-1-2 formation, whilst the 10.0-priced Hazard, despite only returning to pre-season action last week, sits in 22% of squads ahead of fixtures against promoted pair Burnley and Leicester in his first two fixtures.

Casting an eye back to last season, then, we delve into the data and compare their respective displays. First up, we assess each player’s creativity and distribution.

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

6,408 Comments Post a Comment
  1. mgilbert86
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    I'm going to have to make the defence work behind this front line, i'm drooling.

    Sterling--Ramsey--Ericksen--Mata
    --------Costa--Bony--Rooney

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    1. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      You need to get out more 😉

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      1. I Am ToTo
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        we all do

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    2. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Needs a Hazard 🙂

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    3. the cromulent one
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      It's not impossible, but 31.5 for 7 spots is a challenge.
      Krul/Foster
      Rio Mariappa Cameron Chester NTaylor
      total = 31.5
      You're welcome.

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      1. mgilbert86
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        Is Rio nailed on?

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        1. the cromulent one
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          Rio should be. Cameron might be the bigger concern.

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

      Downgrade Ericksen; he's probably not going to make up for the loss of points in having a useless defense. That money is better suited to upgrading your 3 starting defenders.

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

    1) Jovetic + Luis (only Chelsea defense)
    2) Dzeko + Lovren (no Chelsea defense)

    Note: Already have Evans + Debuchy

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    1. I Am ToTo
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      both tempting
      go with better fixture

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    2. IL Fantasista
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      I have A.

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    3. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      1

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  3. I Am ToTo
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    i would like a 5.5 or less defender beside jones, debuchy and lovren if you please

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    1. Freshy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Shawx

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    2. @BigChrisso
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Caulker or Ward

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  4. Butters_lfc9
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    RMT
    Krul
    Luis-Evans-Ferdinand
    Haz-Sanchez-Mata-Siggy
    Rooney-Giroud-Dzeko

    Elliot-Moore-Duff-Albrighton

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    1. I Am ToTo
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      why Evans not Jones?

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      1. Butters_lfc9
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        I thought he would be more nailed on

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        1. I Am ToTo
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          i like Jones faces more

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    2. Joggers Nipple
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      That is one of the best teams i have seen, is that really affordable?
      Watch Luis for starting spot

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      1. Butters_lfc9
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        100% affordable, A weak bench is my only worry

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

      This is pretty much the squad I was rocking 2 weeks ago.

      I've switched a bit since though; but I'm not sure if it was for the better.

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

      This is a drafts I had a few weeks ago, Rooney Giroud Dzeko strike force, big mid. But now feeling twitchy about having no Liverpool attacker.

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  5. gilofiji
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Is Lovren a certain Starter? is there a certain starter in defence for 4.0?

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    1. I Am ToTo
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      wisdom?

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  6. olidooley
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    How about it?

    Bego 4.0
    Evans Clyne Ward Wisdom Duff
    Mata Ramsey Fabregas Eriksen Sigurdsson
    Rooney Costa Bojan

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    1. I Am ToTo
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      better defence line?

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    2. Joggers Nipple
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Like it alot.
      Would be tempted to move Clyne to a 4.5 then use the ,5 for Duff upgrade or Bojan to Austin

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      1. Koflok
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        This.

        Ward to Mariappa. Seems like he's first choice.

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  7. Joggers Nipple
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Morning DZ! i know there is a RMT thread but please excuse me putting on here for the DZ's opinions

    Begovic
    Evans/Chambers/Baird
    Ramsey/Hazard//Mata/Sterling
    Costa/Rooney/Austin

    Subs- Elliot/Chester/Hutton/Isgrove

    .5 left

    My general thoughts/reasoning-
    - Chambers is short term. Looking to end up with back line of
    Evans/ Marriapa/Chester/Baird/QPR 4.5
    Happy to wait and see if Marriapa starting and who is nailed at 4.5 for QPR
    -Save the .5?
    - Isgrove can be any .5, dont plan to use v often
    -Sterling could be Eriksson

    Any thoughts, ideas, criticism welcome.

    (I do prefer Haz over Fab and Austin over Bojan)

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    1. thorvaldsson
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Chambers, Baird, Hutton, Elliot and Isgrove! I feel your going a little crazy there.

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      1. Joggers Nipple
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        Thanks, i need this type of reality wake up

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

    So which one guys

    a) Luis + Siggy
    b) Clyne-Williamson rotation + Eriksen

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    1. I Am ToTo
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      B

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

      B i think

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  9. GreennRed
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Does Wisdom look more nailed-on. Any other 4m defenders look nailed?

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    1. @BigChrisso
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Yes, injuries galore at WBA so he's nailed for GW1.

      Duff, Hutton, 007

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      1. GreennRed
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        007?

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        1. @BigChrisso
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          Moore

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

    Best 4.5 mid?
    Albrighton's injured apparently.. might just get him anyway.

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  11. Not Irish
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    RM352T

    DDG Gilks

    Cameron Chester Mariappa Wisdom Hutton

    Haz Mata Rambo Lamela Siggy

    Studge Roon Jutkiewicz

    Cheers!

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    1. I Am ToTo
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Cameron is playing?

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      1. Not Irish
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        He may not GW1 but he's first choice for sure. Have decent enough cover in Hutton if he doesn't.

        What do you think of the team?

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        1. I Am ToTo
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          needs a star defender or two

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    2. Doctor X
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Not big on your defence. I see you losing a lot of points to clean sheets.

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      1. Not Irish
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        I see teams with expensive defenders struggling to fit in essential attackers this season.

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  12. Road to glory...
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Join my league friends, i need two teams more, the code is 32802-24308

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  13. Road to glory...
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Do you think Chambers is a good option in defense?

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    1. Not Irish
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      I'm tempted. Considering he can play across a back four as well as in midfield it's almost worth the punt for me. One injury to the back line and he could be playing regularly. But I think I'd rather wait for that to happen. Arsenal could also buy another defender in the next couple weeks so...

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  14. Shifty
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Which of these 7 would you downgrade to free about 2m?

    Hazard Mata Ramsey Siggurdson
    Rooney Sturridge Dzeko

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

      Sturridge

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    2. @BigChrisso
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Hazard to Fab/Silva/Sterling
      Sturridge to Costa

      ?

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      1. Ben Mee Over A Table
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        This or Haz to Eriksen/Lamela

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    3. I Am ToTo
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Mata sense u have rooney

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    4. Koflok
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Haz to Fabregas, unless you prefer Hazard by lots.
      Dzeko to Pelle,
      Mata to Eriksen
      Sturridge to Costa
      Dzeko to Austin

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

        Thanks man, leaning toward the last 2.

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    5. 7alwachi
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      I have all of these but Sturridge though in this case I'd downgrade Dzeko and get Charlie Austin who I also have.

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

        Of all, I feel least uneasy with downgrading Dzeko. And yes Austin would be the alternative as well. Just feel that the other 6 will score well over the first few games. Hmm

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        1. 7alwachi
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          Plus there's bound to be a 6m-ish striker that's gonna score like Rodriguez and Lambert did before. It could be Austin but if it's not you can easily replace him with that player.

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

            Well you've swayed me there. Have always gone with 2 premium 1 cheap striker, so maybe will stick with that

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

          I'd feel uneasy with having no City attacker

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

      Haz>Sterling
      Sturridge>Costa

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

        That's a good shout actually CF. But in a vacuum, would you say Hazard + Sturridge outscores Sterling + Costa?

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

          Sterling + Costa + 3m

          versus

          Hazard + Sturridge

          I think it depends on where that extra money goes ;P

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

            2.5m *

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    7. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Dzeko to Bojan for 3m.

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

        I was afraid of this suggestion! Dzeko to Bojan/Austin is the one that tempts me. Think those 2 will be good for that price range. Would just leave me without City attack

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        1. GreennRed
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          Dzeko is the least nailed-on of those. Bojan is playing class , has pedigree and I heard a reporter on Talksport on Saturday, a Stoke fan, tipping him for big things.

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          1. TheOneAndOnly
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            9 years, 9 months ago

            I'll second that..

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

              cheers

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

    Are any of these players sure to start and worth picking in draft?
    * Onuhua
    * Berahino
    * Demel
    * Mulumbu
    * Sessegnon
    * A. Williams
    Thank you 🙂

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    1. 7alwachi
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Ashley Williams. No idea about the rest. Maybe the WBA players.

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    2. @BigChrisso
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      A Williams or Sess, rest are pish for a draft league

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

        Not much choice, its flavour of day 😉

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    3. Not Irish
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Berahino the only one that really interests there.

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  16. thorvaldsson
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Gonna try a RMT

    Krul Mannone
    Baines Caulker OShea Hutton Wisdom
    Hazard Mata Ramsey Siggurdsson Hoilett
    Rooney Sturridge Bojan

    Thoughts!

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    1. 7alwachi
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Krul and Foster rotate better and I'd drop Hoilett for a 4.5 to upgrade Bojan.

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  17. Road to glory...
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Talking in long term:

    Silva or Fabregas?

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    1. @BigChrisso
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      I think Fabregas, but its a close call

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    2. 7alwachi
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      If neither get injured, Silva.

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    3. I Am ToTo
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Fab

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  18. raheemsterling
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    last decision!!! vote guys
    a) HAZARD
    b) FABREGAS

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    1. 7alwachi
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Hazard

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    2. @BigChrisso
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      B)

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

      azar

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    4. I Am ToTo
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      how about u list the whole team

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

        DDG
        WARD CAULKER 4.5
        ERIKSEN MATA HAZARD HENDO
        STURRIDGE DZEKO ROONEY

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  19. Doctor X
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Goodmorning everyone.

    I've got a question that's been plaguing me for a while now, ever since Monk started rolling out his 4-4-2 with Gomis and Bony up front.

    Is Gylfi worth it @6.0 million playing out wide?

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    1. 7alwachi
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Yes IMO.

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      1. Doctor X
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        Why? He was relatively piss when he played there for Spurs and he was almost ineffective the last 2 pre season games.

        What makes you say he'd be worth it at 6.0 playing out wide instead of eg: Henderson who might be slotted in at CAM, or Snodgrass?

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        1. 7alwachi
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          He's a 7-7.5m player for me when he plays in the hole. Snodgrass was rubbish for me last season so I'm not going anywhere near him. I feel Henderson will outscore him but I tend to go against my instincts. He's probably not the best 6m midfielder anymore but he still represents great value. Pre-season doesn't tell you much wait until the real thing, he'll be a good buy.

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    2. @BigChrisso
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      great question, I think he'll be worth the 6 mil but would be even better value in he played in the hole. Perhaps Monk has realized this and will play a diamond midfield with him there and Bony & Gomis up top?

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      1. Doctor X
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        I'm just not feeling the appeal with Siggy after watching a bit of the last 2 games. I wish we had just one more pre season game to put things into perspective.

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        1. @BigChrisso
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          fwiw i am now rolling without him

          Gone for a front 8 of:

          Fab / Ramsey / Mata / Young / Davis

          Rooney / Costa / Jovetic

          got 0.5 itb to cover the Young punt to Siggy should it explode in my face

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

      hendo and young are better value for me... siggy will burn ffs

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

    Where are we on the 4m defenders?
    I'm thinking of going Hutton / wisdom for a perfect home and away rotation that I hope to not rely on too much.
    Any better 2 to select?

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    1. Doctor X
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      I wouldn't expect clean sheets from any of the 4.0 defenders. West Brom and Villa were two of the most dire defences last year along with Newcastle. Don't see that improving this year as Villa havent signed reinforcements and all the Baggies new defensive signings are currently injured and McAuley isnt fit yet.

      Best options however IMO are: Duff, Moore, Wisdom and Hutton

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      1. mgilbert86
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        Villa have signed Cissokho, Richardson and Hutton.

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        1. @BigChrisso
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          Hutton is not a new signing...... but as good as haha

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    2. Not Irish
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      That's what I have.

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  21. hvkronos
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Android app for fantasy premier league:
    https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.homemade.ffm2

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  22. arnojswfc
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    GOING ON HOLIDAY TOMORROW PLEASE RATE IMPORTANT
    Begovic
    Terry Evans Van Aanholt, Collocini, Taylor
    Mata, Fabregas, Ramsey, Siggy, Puncheon
    Costa, Rooney, Fletcher (gamble)

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

      very solid 🙂

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    2. Abusement Park
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      its ready for the new season!

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    3. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Nice team, have a good holiday.
      Use http://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2014/08/11/rate-3/ for better advice.

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    4. @BigChrisso
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Dont forget to lock in your capt and vice capt before you go.

      Only concern for me is Puncheon and Siggy? Pick one and downgrade the other to a 5.5 or 5.0 mid and have the money ITB to use as required after GW1

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  23. Halleys Comet
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    I've got Duff at Burnley with Wisdom.

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    1. the cromulent one
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      My condolences.

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  24. raheemsterling
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    DDG
    WARD CAULKER 4.5
    ERIKSEN MATA HAZARD HENDO
    STURRIDGE DZEKO ROONEY

    0.0 in bank, downgrade hazard to fab and upgrade def?
    thoughts?

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    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Stop posting in CAPS. You need to name 15 players.

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    2. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Needs arsenal players

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  25. Rolls-Royce
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Marko Arnautovic or Siggy?? Help guys!!

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    1. Abusement Park
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      sigs

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    2. mgilbert86
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Arnie

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    3. Mini Mahouse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      siggy

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  26. Giggsy_11
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Costa or sturridge?

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    1. Abusement Park
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      costa

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      1. Giggsy_11
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        Cheers!

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    2. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Costa coffee

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  27. Abusement Park
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    important
    A) Hendo + Eriksen + Ward
    B) Siggy +Sterling + Mariappa

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    1. 7alwachi
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      A

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    2. Mini Mahouse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      B

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  28. Nicks93
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    What with the sudden mariappa love. Wasnt he not nailed on or am I missing something ?

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    1. Abusement Park
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      if palace dont sign anyone new, i think mariappa will be 90% nailed on

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  29. Little Frank
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Haven't changed my team for a couple of days now so surely that's a good sign. Very happy with this lot:

    Krul Foster
    Evans Ward Chester Ferdinand Hutton
    Hazard Mata Ramsey Stirling Puncheon
    Rooney Dzeko Austin

    All players with proven PL experience except Austin (but at least he's played in England). Plan is to rotate Puncheon and Austin (first six fixtures are HUL WHM SUN BUR STO LEI)

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