Feature

Rotation Watch – Every Minute Counts

With the internationals finally out of the way, we can start to focus on the weekend once again as Gameweek 31 edges ever-closer. From a Fantasy perspective, however, Monday’s FA Cup Sixth Round replay between Chelsea and United looms large and casts a significant shadow over Saturday’s league action. The Stamford Bridge showdown gets underway at 12.30pm – less than 48 hours after both sides travel to Southampton and Sunderland respectively – and with rest and rotation already biting hard, we take a look at the game time of both clubs over the past 30 days:

While Rafa Benitez is renowned for his obsession with analysing player fatigue in order to ensure maximum efficiency, Sir Alex Ferguson has also been vocal on the subject in recent weeks. With a 15 point margin over City at the summit, the United boss is certainly utilising the strength and depth of his squad, making up to eight changes for the league win over Reading last time out. Indeed, with such a substantial gap in the league, the fear from Fantasy managers is that Ferguson will prioritise the Chelsea match – given that a win over the Blues would then set up back-to-back matches against City in the league and cup, it’s a fair assumption, with Ferguson desperate to atone for the disappointing end to the previous campaign.

Prior to the internationals, Ferguson revealed the club were even prepared to splash the cash on a fleet of private jets in order to ensure their players arrive back as quickly as possible:

“Freshness is the name of the game now as we come towards the end of the season and the intensity of vital games coming in quick succession. It’s not necessarily putting out your best team, it’s picking the freshest. This will be a real problem when the players come back at the end of the international break after playing two games involving long flights, particularly with Chicharito in Mexico [to play USA] and Shinji Kagawa with Japan [who have a World Cup qualifier in Jordan on Tuesday]. In fact, we’re making arrangements for some players to fly home by privately hired jet after their matches, to make sure they get home as quickly and smoothly as possible…Tiredness is a great leveller but we will do our utmost to make sure we field the freshest possible teams….The players who have missed the international trips, like Ryan Giggs, Anderson, Nemanja Vidic, Alexander Buttner and Rafael, will be key players in the run-in. Paul Scholes is back in training and will play a part in keeping us fresh.”

On Tuesday afternoon, the United boss was once again hammering home the importance of squad rotation. During a radio interview Ferguson reiterated:

“Every coach is praying that their players come back fit. They played last Friday and they are playing tonight. Once I know later this evening how many minutes each player has played, I will start to think about my team for Saturday. I have to make sure I have some freshness in the team because we also have Chelsea on Monday lunchtime. It is a big ask for our squad and something we need to concentrate on because I need to make sure I pick the right teams.”

With Ferguson’s words ringing in our ears, then, we’ve analysed the game time for every United and Chelsea player across the past 30 days, taking in all club competitions and the recent internationals. By no means are we suggesting we’re able to second-guess either manager’s selection policies; it’s more a case of looking for clues and hints as to how they may utilise their playing squads over the busy upcoming period.

Man United Squad – Consecutive & International Minutes Played

Player1234TotalTotal Run56Total IntTotal Run
De Gea90909090360360XXXX00
Evra909090XX2700XX909090
ButtnerXXXXXX909090XXXX00
Vidic9090XX9027090XXXX00
Evans90XX90XX1800N/A909090
FerdinandXX909090270270XXXX00
Smalling90XXXX90180909090180270
RafaelXX8790XX177XXXXXX00
Carrick90909016286286XX909090
Cleverley167390XX179XX5576131131
Anderson74XXXX85159XXXXXX00
GiggsXX90XX9018090XXXX00
Kagawa90XX765171819090180261
NaniXX5645XX101XXXXXX00
YoungXX9XX7483XX9014104104
Valencia90345XX138XXN/A909090
Rooney901790902872875590145432
Van Persie669027902732739085175448
Welbeck24811490209209XX909090
HernandezXXXX63XX63XX6590155155

1 = Saturday March 2, Norwich (h) Premier League
2 = Tuesday March 5, Real Madrid (h) Champions League
3 = Sunday March 10, Chelsea (h) FA Cup
4 = Saturday March 16, Reading (h) Premier League
5+6 = recent internationals

Not only have we looked at overall minutes for club and country over the featured period, we’ve also created a “counter” for consecutive minutes, if you like. Basically, this is reset to zero whenever a player is rested completely for a game, as we can see in the case of David De Gea. Over the past four for United, he is the only player to manage every minute and has a “United Run” of 360 minutes. Having failed to feature in either of Spain’s recent internationals, though, his “counter” is set to zero – there will be a 14 day gap between his last competitive appearance, against Reading on Saturday March 16, and his club’s next scheduled match away to Sunderland this weekend.

On the other hand, Chris Smalling has now played 270 consecutive minutes – this includes United’s Gameweek 30 win over Reading and England’s pair of internationals. Potentially, then, this looks good news for Rafael, given the Brazilian has been rested for all three of those games, though while Patrice Evra has played just 90 minutes over the same period, back-to-back starts against Sunderland and Chelsea would hand him 270 minutes over six days, with France’s clash against Spain on Tuesday evening also factored in; something for Ferguson to consider, then.

Somewhat unsurprisingly, it’s Robin Van Persie and Wayne Rooney who lead the way for consecutive minutes played. Both forwards featured in United’s four matches and also participated in each of their respective nation’s World Cup qualifiers over the last few days; Van Persie’s “counter” is now at 448 minutes over six straight games, while Rooney isn’t far behind on 432 successive minutes across six matches. Given that Smalling is next in line on 270 minutes, though, the gap between the two forwards and the rest of the United squad is substantial.

Indeed, when analysing playing time over the internationals, Ferguson will see that two more of his attacking options – Shinji Kagawa and Javier Hernandez – started both internationals. Intriguingly, though, in the first cup game against Chelsea, it was Hernandez who got the nod alongside Rooney, with Van Persie climbing off the bench to replace the Mexican just after the hour mark – given their respective “counters”, it may well be that Ferguson gives Van Persie and Rooney just one start apiece over the two fixtures. Kagawa has now played 261 consecutive minutes and looks in line to be rested for the Sunderland match, while Ryan Giggs looks a fair bet to feature against the Black Cats, having been well rested over the international break – another potential factor here is that he was omitted from the side to face Chelsea last time round.

Looking at Ferguson’s team selection for league games alone over the period, only six players – De Gea, Rooney, Van Persie, Smalling, Nemanja Vidic and Anderson – played both times. The inclusion of the latter two here backs up Ferguson’s words on squad depth above and with Paul Scholes, Phil Jones and Nani edging their way back from injuries, there are plenty options for the United boss to consider. With their home league clash against City seven days after the Chelsea clash, though, there’s little doubt the upcoming schedule is kinder on United than on the Blues and perhaps makes them a little less prone to wholesale alterations.

Chelsea Squad – Consecutive & International Minutes Played

Player123456TotalTotal Run78Total IntTotal Run
Cech9090909090905405409090180720
Ivanovic909090XXXXXX27009090180180
AzpilicuetaXX90XX909090360270XXXX00
Luiz1490909090784524529090180632
Cole XX90XX909090360270XX909090
Terry90 XX90XX9012282102XXXX00
Cahill XXXXXX90XX9018090XXXX00
Betrand90XX90XXXXXX1800XXXX00
Ferreira90XXXXXXXXXX900XXXX00
Mikel XX1903890422322390N/A90313
LampardXX909052XX903229067XX670
Ramires9090XX909090450270XXXX00
Mata XX902690908638238214216398
Hazard3280753890904054059090180585
Oscar7990909090204594596267129588
Moses7610XX5257021312788N/A88215
Ake90XXXXXXXXXX900XXXX00
Benayoun58XX64XX5XX1270941313
Marin11XX15XXXXXX260XXXX00
Torres902901390XX2850XXXX00
Ba XX88XX77XX902559077N/A77167

1 =Wednesday February 27, Middlesbrough (a), FA Cup
2 = Saturday March 2, West Brom (h) Premier League
3 = Thursday March 7, Steaua Bucharest (a), Europa League
4 = Sunday March 10, Man United (a), FA Cup
5 = Thursday March 14, Steaua Bucharest (h), Europa League
6 = Sunday March 17, West Ham (h), Premier League
7+8 =recent internationals

Chelsea’s schedule has been even more hectic over the last 30 days. Rafa Benitez’s side have played six times due to Europa League commitments and the situation doesn’t get better any time soon – the London outfit have a run of four games in the next nine days, with a European tie against Rubin Kazan three days after the United showdown and three days before a league clash at home to Sunderland. It’s times like this that Benitez’s rotation policy could really hit Fantasy plans hard.

Similarly to United, the keeper situation has been the most straightforward. Petr Cech played all six of the Chelsea matches from start to finish but unlike David De Gea, he played 180 minutes over the recent international break – having featured in eight games in succession, then, his “counter” sits at 720 minutes; more than any other player in our analysis.

David Luiz headed into Brazil’s international friendlies with a “Chelsea Run” of 452 minutes. Having climbed off the bench as a sub late on in the FA Cup win over Middlesbrough, he started all of the following five and was subbed off towards the end of the Gameweek 30 win over West Ham with a knock – having since recovered, he played every minute of the internationals and his “counter” now sits at a total run of 632 successive minutes. When you compare this to every other Chelsea defender, he certainly looks the most likely to be rested for the Southampton clash before returning to face United – intriguingly, he was also selected at Old Trafford earlier in the month.

The right-back situation is also significant. Benitez has selected Cesar Azpilicueta for each of Chelsea’s last three and the Spaniard looks in the driving seat to return at St Mary’s – he failed to feature for Spain over the internationals, while Branislav Ivanovic played 180 minutes for Serbia. Indeed, Azpilicueta may well get the nod for the United game, too, leaving Ivanovic to turn out against Rubin Kazan on Thursday. Elsewhere at the back, there’s been a definite pattern in John Terry’s game time under Benitez of late. The Chelsea skipper has played every second match and looks likely to get the nod against the Saints, though Benitez’s plans at the back may depend on Gary Cahill’s availability, to a certain extent – he missed both England’s matches through injury.

Further up the field, though, the situation perhaps offers a little extra hope for Juan Mata’s owners. The Spaniard headed into the internationals with a “counter” of 382 minutes – just 23 less than Eden Hazard’s 405 minutes – but has played just 16 minutes for his country over the past fortnight, while the Belgian managed 180 minutes. Over the past 30 days, then, Mata has played 398 minutes over successive matches – Hazard, on the other hand, is now up to 585 minutes, while Oscar, surprisingly, has featured more than either of the duo, with 588 minutes.

The summer signing is one of only three outfield players – along with compatriots Luiz and Ramires – to start more than four of the last six for Chelsea, with five appearances apiece in the first XI. While Ramires missed out of the Brazil games with an adductor problem, Oscar’s game time was managed more efficiently that Luiz’s – he was subbed off just after the hour mark in both games. Nevertheless, he has now started seven of the past eight matches for club and country – Mata, by comparison has four starts and almost 200 minutes less over the last 30 days. This is likely to boost the prospects of Victor Moses starting at Southampton; while he has featured in all four of the previous games for club and country, with his “counter” sitting at 215 minutes, Moses had just one international over the two weeks with Nigeria.

Finally, up front the situation has been somewhat dictated by Demba Ba’s ineligibility for Europa League matches. As the table shows, Benitez has alternated Ba and Fernando Torres over the past six games and if the pattern continues, the Spaniard could be set to return to the first XI on Saturday, given that Ba started the Blues’ last match. This would allow the former Newcastle man to face United in the cup on Monday and Sunderland in Gameweek 32 , with Torres leading the line against Rubin Kazan at Stamford Bridge on Thursday evening.

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894 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Ayling Buyers Club
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Will there be a ScoutCast tonight, Mark?

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    1. Mark
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 17 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Yep, I'm in mid-edit right now.

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      1. SuperDunny - Used to be goo…
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        Noice

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      2. Leaf
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        It's edited ? 😉

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      3. Ayling Buyers Club
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        Lovely.

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  2. Zizou
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Am i right in saying that
    Arsenal
    Everton
    Fulham
    Westham

    all have definate doubles GW33

    westbrom and swansea have none that week

    Then
    If chelsea win FA cup replay they have 1 game and spurs miss a game and united have 2

    If united win FA cup replay they have 1 game and stoke miss a game and chelsea have 2

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    1. Kostja
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      yes

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  3. mischty
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    Bunn/ Mignolet.

    Need to make a double GK change ,(among other things).

    Do I transfer Bunn ->Fabianski this week (-4) and hope Fab is around for the dgw33, or do I play Mignolet and deal with the GK next week?

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    1. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      one keeper change is bad enough (I have the same combo). No way is it worth going -4 to change both in one go

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      1. mischty
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        Yeah sorry, the -4 wasn't to change both ,but just to change one for this gw.
        I've already moved Puncheon out for Townsend.
        I'm loathe to take a hit for a defender or GK, and it would only really pay off if Fabianski plays the dgw...might just stick with Mig and take my lumps.

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    2. Perfect Curve
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      I had Mignolet and Bunn but have binned off Mignolet today for Fabianski. If Fab continues to play you might only need one keeper and, if not, Bunn can be moved on whenever its needed.

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      1. mischty
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        That's what I was thinking. Just can't be sure how long Fab will continue as 1rst choice.

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        1. Perfect Curve
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 7 months ago

          Reading around it, Szcezny has said Wenger is right to pick Fabianski at the moment and Wenger has also been saying what a turnaround Fabianski has made. Providing he doesn't drop a clanger or two, I think he should be good.

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          1. mischty
            • 13 Years
            11 years, 7 months ago

            His nickname isn't FlappyHandski for nothing...;)

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            1. Perfect Curve
              • 12 Years
              11 years, 7 months ago

              Ssshhh!

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  4. kaz 96
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 7 months ago

    What time is the 'lunch time' in UK?

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    1. Mark
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 17 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Somewhere between 12-2pm.

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      1. kaz 96
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        I was referring to the kick off time for UTD-CHE.

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        1. JK - Cønt ⭐
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 7 months ago

          12:30 pm UK time

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        2. Jimbo123
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 7 months ago

          Stupidly phrased question, in that case

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        3. Mark
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 17 Years
          11 years, 7 months ago

          Lol..oh. Well i was still correct, in a way 😉

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    2. JT's Dog
        11 years, 7 months ago

        you gonna makes us all something?
        I am allergic to cinnamon

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        1. Hank Scorpio
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 7 months ago

          I'm allergic to horses (but I can still eat them).

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        2. Perfect Curve
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 7 months ago

          Have you ever seen the Youtube attempts to eat a tablespoon a ground cinnamon. Hilarious.

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          1. Hank Scorpio
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 7 months ago

            The best one is Alan Parry.

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    3. Ankit
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Bego Fed

      Clichy Saylor Turner Demel Davies

      Michu Walcott Hazard Snodgrass Guthrie

      RVP Lambert Suarez

      One FT. Totaly confused on what to do? Will Fabianski start?Thinking of doing Fed to Fabianski.
      Please help me out.

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      1. Perfect Curve
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        Fabianski will start 90%

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        1. Ankit
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 7 months ago

          Thanks.

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    4. Kostja
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      So guys my transfer ideas have boiled down to this:

      Save a transfer or
      Luiz and Szczesny to Baines and Flappy

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      1. JK - Cønt ⭐
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        Who is your other keeper?

        I'd keep Luiz for now, but the 9 ycs is a risk. But -4 on a keeper just to afford Baines is not worth it IMO

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        1. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 7 months ago

          that's another reason Luiz won't play against Soton imo...they maybe won't risk him getting a 2 game ban as it would put him out of the man utd game

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          1. Mark
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 17 Years
            11 years, 7 months ago

            Yep, good point.

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          2. JK - Cønt ⭐
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 7 months ago

            yeah, it also puts me off buying him for DGW. The only way I guarantee he will be available for both games is if he gets booked v Saints. Think I'll stick with Azpi

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          3. Kostja
            • 13 Years
            11 years, 7 months ago

            very likely to be benched for sure.

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        2. Kostja
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 7 months ago

          Bego, I am leaning towards keeping for sure. It just looks very unlikely for Luiz not to be hit with that suspension also to be playing this week.

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          1. JK - Cønt ⭐
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 7 months ago

            If Luiz doesn't play who is your cover? That is important as if you can save you have the 2 FTs and if Luiz gets booked v United (meaning he won't have a DGW regardless of the result) then you can dump him more easily. Unless you were planning to wc next week?

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            1. Kostja
              • 13 Years
              11 years, 7 months ago

              Saving my WC now with Theo back for the double. My cover is S Taylor 🙂

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              1. JK - Cønt ⭐
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 12 Years
                11 years, 7 months ago

                then save

                wc in GW36?

                Having sold Theo I'm still on wc next week, especially if United win as I have no Chelsea.

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                1. Kostja
                  • 13 Years
                  11 years, 7 months ago

                  yep 36. This risk could pay off a bit as well, if Szczes gets his job back for whatever reason and Luiz keeps his nose out of trouble til the double and Che lose 🙂 And if not than no harm done, outside of maybe a few pts lost

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                  1. JK - Cønt ⭐
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 12 Years
                    11 years, 7 months ago

                    save, and re-asses after the replay

                    sadly I need to wc, woefully underprepared for this DGW.

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      2. Kostja
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        that move would be a -4 as well

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      3. Lord Flashheart
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        No no no

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    5. FantasyFreak
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      No WC left.
      a)Cazorla+Walcott+Mata+Maloney
      b)Cazorla+Walcott+Michu+Sissoko+save one transfer
      c)Cazorla+Mata+Michu+Sissoko+save one transfer

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    6. Nopli
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Walcott will be back for DGW 33 .
      Glad i dodged the bullet last night 🙂

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      1. SuperOsçarBaby
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        What are the transfers?

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        1. Nopli
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 7 months ago

          Bunn to DDG ( did almost 12 days ago)
          Sissoko to Santi ( Yesterday)
          Cisse to Berba ( Yesterday) 🙂

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    7. FACUPARSE
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 7 months ago

      Can't really afford Cazorla... Arteta anyone? is on penalties...

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      1. JT's Dog
          11 years, 7 months ago

          he is, but that is a thin straw to hold onto

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          1. Rafabio
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 7 months ago

            Correct. Grasping. at. straws. there...

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          2. Ayling Buyers Club
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            11 years, 7 months ago

            This.

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      2. Jimbo123
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        He'll be back for 32

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      3. Blue-Ghosts
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        off the fantasy there for the last 2 weeks, knew well there was no point plaiing early and boom the walcott injury sims it! is everyone just going walcott -> cazorla or is there someone else?

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      4. Arx
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        Mark. Not that it matters, but the total run for Young should be 178, not 104. The minutes from the Reading match are not included.

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      5. Ayling Buyers Club
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        This must be it for my 2 FTs:
        Begovic -> Fabianski
        Walcott -> Cazorla (C)

        Yes or no?

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        1. Hank Scorpio
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 7 months ago

          I have some reservations over FAB myself, I think Szcez will still get some games.

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          1. Perfect Curve
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 7 months ago

            I had two FTs but have gone wild and done the following:

            Mignolet to Fabianski
            Harte to Riether
            Walcott to Cazorla
            Michu to Hazard

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          2. Phaze 1
            • 13 Years
            11 years, 7 months ago

            this

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        2. Arx
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 7 months ago

          Other keeper?

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      6. Slaps
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        Would you play Samba or take a hit on Wally for anyone (on WC next week)

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        1. Hank Scorpio
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 7 months ago

          Samba.

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        2. Ayling Buyers Club
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 7 months ago

          I am already afraid of removing Walcott. Taking a hit even might be a step to far.

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        3. Ayling Buyers Club
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 7 months ago

          I am already afraid of removing Walcott. Taking a hit even might be a step too far.

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        4. Portuguese&Proud
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 7 months ago

          go with Samba...

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        5. Slaps
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 7 months ago

          Thanks, thought that would be the general opinion - inaction can be difficult...

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        6. Phaze 1
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 7 months ago

          Samba and its not close imo.

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      7. UnitednationsXI
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        Three quickies

        1) whats everyone doing with wally? keeping or sideways move for caz?…seems a bit like a waste of a FT if he is only out for 1 game

        2) i need to take one of clark/cueller/davies/harte out..not sure which one and for who? mertesacker? Ideally i wanted to keep the ars def decision till gw33 as i am not sure about rotations..i can wait and just start with baines clark davies?

        3) my current front 3: sturridge rvp benteke….who between stur/benteke should i drop for either berba or giroud?…both lpool and villa have a good fixture in gw33. Also stur/benteke could do well this week

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        1. Hank Scorpio
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 7 months ago

          Keep.

          Cuellar.

          Keep both for now.

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        2. Ayling Buyers Club
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 7 months ago

          1) Sideways, if I can bring in Fab to fund it.
          2) Remove Davies.
          3) Drop Sturridge. I think Villa will put up a fight the last GWs, as per usual for a bottom team.

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        3. Portuguese&Proud
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 7 months ago

          keeping but i already have Caz.

          i'd wait.

          i think i would stick with Benteke and ditch Sturr.

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        4. Jimbo123
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 7 months ago

          If ditching 1 of your strikers I would get rid off RVP

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        5. Phaze 1
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 7 months ago

          Sold - I woulda only had 10 players if I benched

          Wait and see as we need to know if Harte has lost his place

          Prob Sturridge as he seems injury prone

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        6. UnitednationsXI
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 7 months ago

          Wow...so many responses...thanks guys

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      8. Nopli
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        Chelsea predicted line-up
        Cech
        Azpili - Terry- Luiz- Cole
        Lamps- Mikel
        Mata-Oscar-Moses
        Torres

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      9. JK - Cønt ⭐
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        Russel Martin fit

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        1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 7 months ago

          Sez who? 🙂

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          1. JK - Cønt ⭐
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 7 months ago

            will in the scout tweets very shortly

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        2. Hank Scorpio
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 7 months ago

          Really? This would be a small piece of good news for me amongst a sea of turds.

          Source?

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          1. JK - Cønt ⭐
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 7 months ago

            scout tweets

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            1. Hank Scorpio
              • 12 Years
              11 years, 7 months ago

              Great, thanks.

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        3. Nopli
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 7 months ago

          O Really?

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      10. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        What a tremendous article. Another feather in your cap, Paul! 😀

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        1. Ginkapo FPL
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 7 months ago

          +1, quite a refreshing article to wake us up from international stooper. Now to consider my Totelfootball team. 😀

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          1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            11 years, 7 months ago

            *stupor 😉

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      11. McNulty
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        “It’s not necessarily putting out your best team, it’s picking the freshest.” - Fergie

        So if 'freshness' is the key then my best guess from the article minutes would be:

        Vs Sunderland (Fresh XI)

        De Gea (0)
        Rafael (0), Vidic (0), Jones (0), Buttner (0)
        Nani (0), Anderson (0), Scholes (0), Giggs (0)
        Rooney (145), Welbeck (90)

        Vs Chelsea (Leftover XI)

        De Gea (0)
        Smalling (180), Ferdinand (0), Evans (90), Evra (90)
        Valencia (90), Carrick (90), Cleverley (131), Young (104)
        Van Persie (175), Hernandez (155)

        Don't know how to fit Kagawa in really. But considering hes played in Jordan the others might be considered fresher.

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        1. JK - Cønt ⭐
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 7 months ago

          Not sure how fit Scholes or Nani are

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          1. Hank Scorpio
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 7 months ago

            Or Jones.

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          2. McNulty
            • 14 Years
            11 years, 7 months ago

            Phil Jones too... I thought they were all on course to be back after the international break? Press conference will reveal more tomorrow I guess but I understood that they were all back.

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        2. Elniñorules
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 7 months ago

          Looks accurate, except I'd switch Nani and Valencia. Nani should mostly start against us, he's another Chelsea specialist.

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        3. CABAYE4
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 7 months ago

          Very much doubt they'll be 10 outfield changes between the games.

          I know Fergie's been waffling on about rotation but doesn't mean he'll actually do it. I'd expect about 5 changes between the two games.

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          1. McNulty
            • 14 Years
            11 years, 7 months ago

            Fergie doesn't usually rotate that much usually I know. But considering its on the back of a competitive international break and Utd are 15 points clear it makes sense to rotate. The only players I could see potentially playing both are De Gea, Rafael, Evra, Carrick and Rooney. Doubt that all of them will tbh.

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      12. Rafabio
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        **clears throat***

        Ohhhh Santi Cathorla.......Ohhhh Santi Cathorla.......Ohhhh Santi Cathorla.......

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        1. Jonah
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 7 months ago

          He plays with his left
          He plays with his right
          Santi Cazorla, makes Nasri look sh1te 😉

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      13. Nopli
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        Bench two out of this lot 🙂

        Evra
        Azpili
        Cameron
        Martin
        Shawcross

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        1. Phaze 1
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 7 months ago

          Cam and Shaw

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          1. Phaze 1
            • 13 Years
            11 years, 7 months ago

            Also why do you have both?

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      14. Zizou
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        will jenkinson get games up to the dgw or is sagna straight in

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        1. JK - Cønt ⭐
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 7 months ago

          I'd expect Sagna to go straight in. Whether he's a good DGW pick is another matter, but 4.6 looks very hard to resist.

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      15. Gamoriola of the Galaxy (Eu…
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        Excellent stuff Paul. Have no idea what to conclude on the basis of it, but it's great to have the raw materials anyway!

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        1. thetinkerman
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 7 months ago

          I'm still summoning up the courage to read it...

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      16. JK - Cønt ⭐
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        Sagna may be 4.6, but Azpi is 5.6 and seems to offer much more attacking threat than Sagna. It's just the risk of Fabianski and Azpi

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      17. Kevin McCallister
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        Reither or Sagna.

        Who are people going with?

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        1. Bøwstring The Carp
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 7 months ago

          I was gonna try fit Sagna in simply because he has a better 2 home games in the DGW, but I'm not so sure now 😕

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          1. Kevin McCallister
            • 15 Years
            11 years, 7 months ago

            Sagna has much better fixtures, but is he 100% nailed on?

            Reither is far more attacking and is nailed on!

            I'm struggling to decide!

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          2. JK - Cønt ⭐
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 7 months ago

            It's the thought of taking him over Azpi, I much prefer Azpi as a pick I think.

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            1. Kevin McCallister
              • 15 Years
              11 years, 7 months ago

              Chelsea rotation puts me right off Azpi. So many games in such a short period of time.

              Arsenal and Fulham have nothing else to concentrate on. Its one of those two for me.

              Just id a members comparison and the stats (based over the season) look to lean towards Sagna!!! Suprised by that.

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      18. Bøwstring The Carp
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        This Walcott news is a right kick in the crotch 😕 Was all set on captaining Santi but I dunno now that Walcott and Wilshere are out and the team is a bit thinner.

        Think I might just go with Aguero or Mata 😕

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        1. Kostja
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 7 months ago

          Aguero is a great option for sure with the Newcastle defense riddled with injuries. This is a great thought, pushing me from Giroud to Sturridge as well

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          1. Bøwstring The Carp
            • 13 Years
            11 years, 7 months ago

            Just seen Demi's post below. Definitely Agueo (c) 😀 although I could just stick with Santi since Aguero's already a differential. I suppose at this pint in the season it's make or break

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            1. Kostja
              • 13 Years
              11 years, 7 months ago

              I would go Aguero every day of the week if you own him already. Unless there is doublt about him starting.

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        2. Phaze 1
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 7 months ago

          Is Agueo 100% now? both come with risks of reduced mins so wouldn't really wanna risk it

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      19. Andrew
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        Reading presser been done yet?

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      20. Demí
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        ‏@milesstarforth 3m
        Santon, Krul and Debuchy will definitely miss the #mcfc game. #nufc

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        1. Ginkapo FPL
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 7 months ago

          That is gonna be one dodgy defence then. If only the City strikers werent so crap

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        2. JK - Cønt ⭐
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 7 months ago

          wow, Newcastle seriously weakened.

          That would leave them with something like

          Elliot

          Simpson/Jonas, Saylor, Mbiwa, ??????

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          1. Ginkapo FPL
            • 13 Years
            11 years, 7 months ago

            Anita?

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            1. JK - Cønt ⭐
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              11 years, 7 months ago

              yeah, Anita could play rb actually with Jonas lb

              If Cabaye is out we could see a start for Marveaux as well then.

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        3. Bøwstring The Carp
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 7 months ago

          Aguero (c) it is then 🙂

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          1. Ginkapo FPL
            • 13 Years
            11 years, 7 months ago

            Is he fit?

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          2. thetinkerman
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 13 Years
            11 years, 7 months ago

            I'm not sure he'll start. Tevez?

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            1. Bøwstring The Carp
              • 13 Years
              11 years, 7 months ago

              I'm 100% sure he'll start if fit. Look at what happened against Everton without Aguero. He'll freshen up and get goals if he wants City to stay 2nd and keep his job

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              1. Jimbo123
                • 14 Years
                11 years, 7 months ago

                Ha

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        4. Phaze 1
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 7 months ago

          Thanks. Glad I did the Walcott move now as I prob only had 10 players started at best.

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        5. thetinkerman
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 7 months ago

          Tevez (c)

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      21. thetinkerman
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        So, Wally out for one means I'll be holding him. Just need to decide whether I need to do a transfer given that I need one of RVP, Martin or Harte to play to field 10 outfield players.

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        1. thetinkerman
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 7 months ago

          Already done Puncheon > Caz 😎

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        2. Phaze 1
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 7 months ago

          1 of RVP/Martin will get on the field. I'm hoping Harte can get his place back also

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      22. FantasyFreak
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 7 months ago

        Chances of Walcott to be back for the DGW?

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        1. Phaze 1
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 7 months ago

          good

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