Watchlist

The Watchlist – Kevin Nolan

Many moons ago, it was common practice within the Fantasy Football community to refer to a combination of Cristiano Ronaldo, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard as “The Holy Trinity”. The cost was considerable, but many a season was saved by their union in a Fantasy Premier League (FPL) squad. With those days now long past, the opening months of this campaign threatened the establishment of a new Nicene creed of marauding midfielders. Playing just off, or sometimes as, the striker – the mid-price potency of Michu, Marouanne Fellaini and Kevin Nolan was such that Mark and Granville were left pondering whether the current FPL fabric could long contain the latest revelations.

Whilst Michu is still exalted atop the midfield points list, and the progress of Fellaini tempered only by his temper, Kevin Nolan has spent the last 40 days wandering in the wilderness – and given the recent inundation of the West Ham fixture list it’s difficult to blame him. Since Gameweek 10 The Hammers have been plagued by visits from Man City, Stoke, Chelsea, Liverpool and Everton, and endured unhappy exoduses to Newcastle, Spurs, Man Utd and West Brom.

With their Boxing Day blank now behind them, the claret and blue tribe have at last reached the promised land, in terms of fixtures. This Saturday’s trip to Reading marks the start of a seven Gameweek run (rdg, NOR, sun, QPR & ars, ful, SWA, avl) that should afford Sam Allardyce’s attacking assets every chance to go forth and multiply their returns. That run includes a double fixture in Gameweek 23, with two London derbies against QPR and Arsenal on offer.

Bagging four goals and two assists in just eight games before the schedule took a turn for the worse, Nolan has an overwhelming edge over his team mates in terms of bang for one’s attacking buck – and at a current valuation of 6.6 in FPL (4.9 in the Sky Sports game) he is now substantially cheaper than both Michu and Fellaini. Whilst his overall ownership is still high, at 18%, it is likely that amongst active players his ownership is considerably lower, and whilst perhaps not approaching differential status his long barren run has certainly served to sink him below the mainstream radar at a useful time for the more dedicated player.

Andy Carroll’s absence through injury has been cited as another factor behind Nolan’s recent slide but with the giant Geordie expected to return to training next week, Nolan’s potential could be set for an upturn. If Nolan can avoid fifth yellow card at the Madejski and perhaps re-announce himself with a goal, a new bandwagon may well start warming its engines.

As the likes of Gareth Bale and Juan Mata continue to bring home the bacon at the pricier end of the scale, and cut-price alternatives such as Raheem Sterling and Jason Puncheon retain their popularity in the “fifth mid” spot – a squad containing all three of Michu, Nolan and Fellaini (upon the latter’s return from suspension in Gameweek 21) will doubtless represent an unusual setup. With the approach of winter wildcard season affording Fantasy Managers the chance to experiment with a get-out-of-jail-free card in their pocket, though, a reformation to 3-5-2 to incorporate the new Holy Trinity may yet turn water into wine for potential proselytes.

stilicho I never make predictions and I never will

1,542 Comments Post a Comment
  1. A.T
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Shall I do Mata to joe cole for a hit? Mata might get rested and joe cole always looks good in training apparently.

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    1. Drip Doctor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Yeah man. Do it.

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    2. Lawrø
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Joe Cole? Joe's a top player for the best team in England, maybe even the world. No Brainer.

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      1. Drip Doctor
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        😆

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      2. A.T
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        See that goal he scored in the World Cup. He does it in training all the time. He's due one as they say.

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      3. Lucky_2010
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        joe played better when he's with the blues even though less playing time .... he should stay then but he looking for better prospect with pool so have to wait for his coming silverware!!

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    3. Zep
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Absolutely...

      What are you waiting for?

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      1. La Roja
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        you inspired millions here, i am doing the same for a hit and Joe Cole captain

        Jog on dude

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        1. A.T
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          Nobody says jog on anymore mate.

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          1. La Roja
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 3 months ago

            why, out of fashion. I am interested

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    4. Matamatician
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Mata won't be rested. They know Everton is a tough game & they won't rest their best player for this fixture. He maybe rested against QPR

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      1. A.T
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Good point. Sod it then.

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        1. lfc123
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          lol

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    5. Captain Shirokov
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Yeah, probably worth it.

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    6. Jax
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      he doesn't start.

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    7. faulksp
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Yeah I mean what has Mata done all season whereas Joe .........

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  2. Drip Doctor
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    At the moment, it looks like i'll be without Cazorla for the DGW, scary.

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    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      would you rather have walcott or cazorla?

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      1. Drip Doctor
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Hard to say, if both play the same amount of minutes over the season I'd back Walcott. Cazorla will play more though.

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      2. Lucky_2010
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        walcott if less budget

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    2. COMH
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Surely you will be able to bring him in by then with the WC or a FT?

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      1. Drip Doctor
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        I don't see how. I'll have this next week: Walcott, Bale, Michu, Fellaini, Nolan.

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        1. Drip Doctor
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          I could lose Bale as he has Utd that week but I'll end up losing value on a player I'd want to get straight back.

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          1. COMH
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 3 months ago

            Bale v United is nothing to fear. United are shipping goals. Even if they weren't I would still fancy Bale against any of their RB's.

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            1. Drip Doctor
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              11 years, 3 months ago

              True, might look at Podolski upfront if he looks like starting both.

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          2. faulksp
            • 14 Years
            11 years, 3 months ago

            Er goal and assist at Old Trafford earlier in the season ......now Man Utd leaking goals for fun

            Captain Gareth.......

            Ok getting carried away but I see Bale as fixture proof

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        2. COMH
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          Ah right you have Walcott so I wouldn't worry about it.

          Great midfield btw.

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    3. Jax
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      there is a wildcard.

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  3. fusen
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    I wish there was some raphael news, haven't sold in case he comes back this game but if he's out again then have to sell to make sure I have enough defenders play... Already lost 0.3 on him over last 2 weeks

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    1. A.T
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Demi you around?

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      1. fusen
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        I'm not interested in tennis news

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  4. Yxz
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Long -> Cole

    Anyone considering Cole?

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    1. NapalmDeath (Northern Chaos…
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Joe? No....

      Carlton?............ no.

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  5. Federico
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Repost. Early planning for DGW23.

    I currently sit on this combo:
    Mata – Puncheon – Sterling (5.1) – Berba

    What combo should i aim for?

    A) Michu – Puncheon – Nolan – Giroud (3 transfers)
    B) Fellaini – Nolan – Sterling – Podolski (3 transfers)
    C) Walcott – Nolan – Sterling – Berba (2 transfers)

    I already have Cazorla.
    Can keep Mata, if i sell Bale instead.
    Will activate wildcard for GW24.

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  6. Matamatician
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    What do ya say about this for the coming GW?
    0 FT (-4)

    GK: de Gea
    DEF: Rafael, Vertonghen, Ivanovic, Aaron Hughes
    MID: Bale, Sterling, Sidwell, Mata
    FWD: Defoe, Podolski

    SUBS: Jaaskelainen, Jose Enrique, Hoolahan, Shane Long

    I think Jaask for de Gea?? And Jose Enrique for Ivanovic as Everton away would be tough? (C) Bale or Podolski??

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    1. Snikiii
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      i would not do it for -8... your team is slim on points anyway

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      1. Matamatician
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        im talking about the subs

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  7. Spoiler
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Suggestions?
    0.1 in bank and 2 freebies

    Begovic
    Enrique | Nelsen | Demel
    Bale | Michu | Mata | Silva
    RVP | Berba | Ba

    Foster, Puncheon, Cuellar, Cameron

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    1. Matamatician
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Michu wont play

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  8. Captain Shirokov
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Good evening everyone.

    Now, why the feck is Tevez a doubt? 👿

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    1. Lawrø
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Missed training yesterday, I think it was because he was ill.

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    2. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      How big a doubt is he ?

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      1. Captain Shirokov
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        75% chance to play the game according to FPL.

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    3. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      He was ill and didn't train

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    4. faulksp
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Nipped back home for New Year ..........

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  9. andres
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    If you where bringing in an arsenal mid, would you go for walcott or cazorla?

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    1. Alonso The Great Midfielder
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      for safety, carzola.....but if walcott comfirm to play as many games, so go for him..

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      1. La Roja
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        theo

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  10. Avon Barksdale
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    How am I looking lads? Trannys done.

    Begovic
    Sagna Enrique Cuellar
    Mata Silva Bale Cazorla
    Van Persie Berba Benteke

    McCarthy Puncheon Nelsen McCartney

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    1. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Captain?

      Looks good mate

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      1. SkyCell
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Perfect

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  11. Hibbo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    My team...

    Jaask (Cerny)
    Davies Cuellar Enrique (Nelsen Shorey)
    Sterling* Hazard Mata Bale (Michu)
    RVP Berba Tevez*

    Originally had been thinking Hazard > Walcott/Cazorla but feel if Tevez likely misses out am super light.
    Considering Tevez > Hernandez Sterling >Nolan for a hit 4pts...wat you guys think?

    Any suggestion welcome...

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    1. Matamatician
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Walcott for Hazard, Hernandez for Tevez.

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  12. Alonso The Great Midfielder
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    should i lost sess or puncheon for walcott/nolan??

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    1. Van The Man
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Puncheon imo

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  13. Shaps
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Plenty of hits to be dished out this week with the most popular defender and midfield out

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  14. Federico
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Berba -> Podolski sound good for DGW?

    Other option is to leave Berba in the team, and go Mata & Punch -> Walcott & Nolan.

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    1. Van The Man
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      No way.
      Keep Berba.

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  15. lazybones18
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    michu rafael out

    evans walcott IN

    yay nay ?

    4 point hit

    i only have 2 defenders playing

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  16. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Anybody (C) Bale?

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    1. COMH
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Na I think that will be a fairly low scoring game with plenty Mignolet saves. RVP(c) Berbatov(vc) for me.

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    2. Alonso The Great Midfielder
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      no.....but who know, go with your gut

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    3. Mtka™
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      RVP for me. Sunderland has a good defense, don't see a lot of chances for Bale to score.

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  17. COMH
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    One thing i've noticed which i'm benefiting from this season is playing my players regardless of fixtures. In the past I would be blinded by fixtures and if a player was up against the top 4/5 teams I would normally bench.

    Berbatov and Michu at the Emirates, Rafael at the Etihad, Cuellar v City just some that I can remember. Sometimes it's too tempting to have the ideal team on paper with the nicest looking fixtures but it doesn't always pan out like that.

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    1. thischarmingman
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      I've had such awful subs, so in the end it worked out the same 🙂 Struggling to field decent 11 now, though.

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    2. faulksp
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Great point

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  18. thischarmingman
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    All I got for christmas was red and yellow flags.. And Wisdom who's not playing. Could really use some help here!

    begovic (jaask)
    vertonghen, wisdom, enrique (cameron, nelsen)
    michu, bale, silva, sterling (mcanuff)
    rvp, tevez, berbatov

    1FT, 0.4 in bank. Thinking Wisdom>O’Brien/Demel
    Would not be fielding and awesome 11, with McAnuff, Nelsen, Sterling and Demel - but still (maybe) 11.

    Sorry for n'th repost, guys.

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    1. Van The Man
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      I would play McAnuff ahead of Sterling.
      O'Brien imo

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  19. DROP IT LIKE IT'S HART
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    My Team.
    Bego
    Demel Gibbs Nelsen (Clyne ShawX)
    Bale Mata Walcott Michu (Schneiderlin)
    RVP Berba Suarez

    Got Michu at 7.7 so gained .3 on him and I'm looking to do Michu to Cazorla..good move?

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  20. Fasua11
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Begovic or Lloris?

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  21. JayBomb
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    What do I do with this lot Rafael, Demel, Tevez & Michu. I have already taken a 4 point hit getting Shorey out for Luiz and Rooney out for Little pea. My subs are Clyne so I would have to hope Demel plays and Tevez plays a part and Clyne comes in for Rafael or just take 8 point hit and sell one of the above help appreciated ????????? Cheers?

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  22. Sulk
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    How's my team?

    Bego
    Wilko huth zab Jose
    Santiago Nolan bale
    Suarez rvp Defoe

    Jussi michu shorey sterling

    I have 4fts until Dgw. Thinking of :

    Suarez- cole
    Jose-Gibbs
    Sterling-walcott

    What other coverage could I get before I play my wc with the last transfer?

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  23. Miracallas
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    // Bego //

    O'Brien // A Cole // Gibbs

    Cazorla // Bale // Silva // Sessegnon

    RVP // Berb // Hernadez

    Jaas, Michu, Cuellar, Nelsen

    Sexy and I know it baby...

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  24. Perthite
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Right to play Jaas over Federici of my two keepers this gw (in same game)?

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  25. Perthite
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    btw - can anyone fill me in on the news that sent Michi's yellow flag to red and the removal of Suarez's yellow flag?

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