Pre-Season

Friendlies Round-Up – Wednesday

Iago Aspas is amongst the goals again as Liverpool register a sixth straight summer victory. Jose Mourinho is without David Luiz and Juan Mata as Chelsea taste defeat at the hands of Real Madrid, Adam Johnson fires Sunderland to a narrow win, Pablo Hernandez and Jonjo Shelvey are out of Swansea’s trip to Malmo this evening, while Stephen Quinn may miss Hull’s opener at Chelsea with a hamstring problem:

Valerenga 1 Liverpool 4
The Reds maintained their 100% pre-season record with an easy win in Norway last night. Brendan Rodgers made nine changes from the side that started in the weekend win over Olympiakos – with only Joe Allen and Iago Aspas retaining their places – and the latter once again impressed; his shot rebounded off the bar, allowing Luis Alberto to open the scoring, before the former Celta Vigo man fired home the second to notch his fourth goal in six appearances. The Reds boss utilised the depth of his squad by making 10 changes at the break, allowing Martin Kelly and Raheem Sterling the opportunity to further extend the visitors’ lead.

After the game, Aspas was once again the subject of his manager’s praise. With a superb opening schedule ahead, investment in Liverpool’s attacking assets looks a viable tactic and while Philippe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge have earned plenty owners across the Fantasy games – despite the latter failing to feature over the summer so far – Aspas could prove a cheaper differential option if his current form continues. Certainly, his manager has been thoroughly impressed:

“I thought he was excellent again tonight, When you watch him, his movement is outstanding. If you look at the movement for the second goal, he made his first run when Stewart Downing had the ball. The line was blocked for him and he made a double movement to come in again. Obviously he was there to finish. He’s a goalscorer, that’s the reason we brought him in. It was a lovely chip that hit the crossbar [for Alberto’s goal] and it eventually came out, and we got a goal from that as well. He’s a really exciting player and in and around the box he can make things happen. He works his socks off as well. He’s done very well over the course of pre-season.”

FC Midtjylland 0 Sunderland 1
The Black Cats continued their impressive pre-season with a narrow win away to the Danish league leaders last night. Paolo Di Canio made three changes from the side that played Man City in the recent Barclays Asia Trophy match, with Kieran Westwood getting the nod in goal ahead of Vito Mannone, while Carlos Cuellar and Valentin Roberge were drafted into the back-four as Craig Gardner and Wes Brown dropped out. Further up the field, Sunderland are beginning to look settled in terms of selection –Adam Johnson and Emanuel Giaccherini were again fielded on the flanks, with Stephane Sessegnon tucking in behind Jozy Altidore in light of Steven Fletcher’s ongoing ankle injury. Johnson grabbed the match-winner (his first of the summer) thanks to an Altidore assist in a match that saw Di Canio make six changes as the second period progressed, with new boys El Hadji Ba, David Moberg Karlsson and Modibo Diakite amongst those introduced from the bench.

Despite the victory, Di Canio was far from happy with the performance. Alluding to the display of one of the club’s “French speaking players”, which was believed to be an under-par Stephane Sessegnon, the Italian admitted:

“I was disappointed with the attitude. The attitude is crucial. We can talk about tactics during the season or technical mistakes that can be improved by practice, but the attitude is the thing you don’t know. Some of my players are new, so I don’t know. I would not be arrogant enough to think I can discover their attitude in two hours of playing, but it can change for whatever reason. Yesterday was a big opportunity for all the players to show we are ready to start the season strong, but some of them failed to complete the mission. I have to make sure they change their mentality otherwise we will have a problem.”

Di Canio also explained the absence of Wes Brown and Jo Dong-won, who both failed to travel for the match. The Black Cats boss revealed the former is set to be a key figure in his plans for the campaign ahead:

“Wes had a little problem and we decided not to risk him on the day. He has had a very good pre-season, which was a surprise for everyone, even him. We didn’t want to risk him because he’s an important player now. On the day of the game he was running again. And today he can train harder because I want him to be available as soon as possible. It’s good for us that we have a player of his ability in our squad, and it is important to us that we have him able to play for us next season. As for Ji, he has been out for a few days, but we expect him to be back in training in the next few days. So at this moment in time, we do not have any real worries about either of them.”

Chelsea 1 Real Madrid 3
The Blues tasted defeat for the first time this summer as Jose Mourinho was downed by his former employers. Chelsea lined up in a 4-3-3 formation with Frank Lampard making his first appearance of the summer alongside Ramires and Marco Van Ginkel in midfield, while up top, Oscar and Eden Hazard flanked Romelu Lukaku. In defence, Branislav Ivanovic and Ashley Cole were handed the full-back roles, with John Terry partnering Gary Cahill at centre-half in front of Petr Cech. Lukaku teed up Ramires for Chelsea’s only goal before making way for Fernando Torres in one of six second-half changes, with the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Andre Schurrle and Victor Moses also emerging from the bench.

David Luiz missed out with a minor hamstring problem, while Juan Mata was also omitted from the matchday squad – after the match, Mourinho gave an update on their fitness ahead of Saturday’s final friendly of pre-season:

“I don’t know if David Luiz and Mata will be back for Roma, they have some small problems, Mata a new one and David Luiz a problem he had in the past, a muscular injury he had before the Champions League final. They are working with the physios in Washington instead of travelling here. We’ll see if they can join the team and play a little against Roma.”

In Other News
Jonjo Shelvey and Pablo Hernandez have both been omitted from Swansea’s Europa League trip to Malmo this evening. The Swans travel to Sweden with a 4-0 first-leg advantage as they look to clinch a place in the group stages and with plenty of midfield additions over the summer, Michael Laudrup is expected to make some alterations to his starting XI, with Nathan Dyer and Jonathan de Guzman set to benefit from the duo’s absence. With their Gameweek 1 home clash against United just over a week away now, the Swans boss played down concerns over the pair’s fitness and expects them to be ready in time to face David Moyes’ side at the Liberty:

“We have a couple of players not here. We didn’t want to risk Pablo because we are talking about a muscle injury. He’s already training, but we will wait and he will train today and tomorrow and with the squad on Friday. The players are off for the weekend and hopefully he will be 100 per cent for Monday. Jonjo is sick – yesterday he had a fever. We spoke to the doctor last night and we agreed to see how he was this morning to see if he was better but he is worse, so that is why he has not travelled.”

Hull are sweating on the fitness of Stephen Quinn after the midfielder picked up a hamstring problem in the club’s friendly loss to Eintracht Braunschweig. Steve Bruce revealed yesterday the Tigers are awaiting scan results, with Quinn now rated doubtful for the Gameweek 1 trip to Stamford Bridge:

“It looks a bad one on first impressions so I wouldn’t have thought he’ll be fit for Chelsea, which is the big blow. Up until now we’d had a few knocks and a few strains but nothing that will keep anyone out for long, so it’s a big blow to lose Quinny. He got his foot caught and pulled his hamstring. We’ll not know the severity of it until we get home but he feels it just walking. That’s obviously a worry but I really can’t say how long it will be until we scan it.”

Having missed only four of 46 matches last term, Quinn’s security of starts – allied with three goals and six assists in 2012/13 – had offered Fantasy managers a reliable route into the cut-price bracket across the Fantasy games. One of the very few relatively appealing 4.5 priced midfielders in Fantasy Premier League (FPL), his potential absence lessens the number of budget options and perhaps furthers the prospects of Palace’s Jerome Thomas as a cheap fifth midfielder for those looking to pay under 5.0.

Tim Krul believes he is firmly on course to make Newcastle’s opener at City on Monday August 19. After undergoing a shoulder operation towards the end of the previous campaign, the Dutchman has built up his fitness and made his first appearance of the summer on Tuesday evening against Glasgow Rangers. Krul was given 45 minutes by Alan Pardew but insists he is ready for the season kick-off:

“I’ve had a great couple of weeks training with all of the lads. It has been all about getting the confidence of making a few good saves again. You can train when you’ve been injured, but the best test is always to get back out there, and train again. I’ve just been focusing on the game and making saves. I’ve been training hard to get back in time. “Everything has worked to plan so far. The schedule I’ve had with the physios has worked well. It’s been spot on. They kept me back at one stage because the training was going well, but it’s all about the new season now.”

While Krul is confident of his availability, Pardew was a little more tentative when discussing his keeper’s fitness after the Dutchman missed 14 matches of the 2012/13 with a number of injuries. Given how crucial he is to the Newcastle cause, it seems likely that Krul will get the nod for the Etihad clash, with another 11 days left to step up his fitness:

“Looking at Tim, he’s been out for a long time. He is one of the best keepers in the world, so we want him up to speed. That means we have to be careful. We must make sure that he returns properly, and is fully fit for the season.”

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1,868 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Chris_White
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Clichy anyone?

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

      Kolarov does not like this 😡

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      1. Chris_White
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        -rep? 😕

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

      For your team, or are you a hitman looking for work? 😉

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      1. Chris_White
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        😀

        Probably have to wait and see if Pellegrini uses Kolarov more than Mancini. One can hope.. 😉

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    3. Big Fudge
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Nah

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    4. Saint Domingo
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Nooo not for me.

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    5. TriDk
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Nope

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    6. Chris_White
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Looks like a no-go. Cheers fellas!

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

    Best mid for 5.5?

    I have Jarvis, and whilst i think he could start, and do well, I'm not sure. I have Kim, so Bellamy is not an option.

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    1. Big Fudge
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Jarvis looks like a great differential, and seems like being pivotal to the Hammers attack. Is he your 4th or 5th midfield option?

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    2. Chris_White
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      If Jarvis can nail down a spot, I think he will be great value. No other appealing alternatives to me...

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    3. Egg Chaser
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Joe Cole?

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  3. arcticjunkie1
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Thoughts on this guys? 🙂 1.5 in the bank

    Mignolet
    Mertesacker Cahill Collins
    Mirallas Coutinho Hazard Walcott
    Bony Dzeko Lukaku

    Boruc Kim Shaw Chester

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    1. andres
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      look below, LOL

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    2. Rödallegabomb ᴿᴮ
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Bony>Soldado, Boruc>Davis, Cahill>Cole, Shaw>Brayford, Collins>Toure

      GW2 Cole>Coleman

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  4. andres
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Guys,
    Please RMT 🙂

    Foster Boruc
    Baker Brayford Toure Mert Ivan
    Hazard Walcott Mirallas Coutinho Kim
    Bony Lukaku Dzeko

    1,5 in the bank - maybe to upgrade a striker?

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    1. Jrot94
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      looks fairly standard for these parts, however continues to support my thesis for a 352 for what's it's worth. I personally would rather have Silva/Gayle than Dzeko/Kim, just feel Dzeko is too risky out of the gate combined with Chelsea exposure you are going to have to move out.

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      1. andres
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        yeah probably right, either way all of us will be taking and ocasional it between gw2-3 to solve issues..
        might as well give dzeko a try, otherwise could try with soldado or aspas. Would prefer to see them in action first though..

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        1. Jrot94
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 2 months ago

          Not sure I understand your first line...

          but why would you (and most of the top players here) willling to risk Dzeko (crowded), Aspas (crowded with Sturridge back) or Soldado (great, but new player, reeling team) out of the gate? I'm just going with a rock solid 5 MFs (Hazard, Wally, Coutinho, Silva - for the early easy run, Mirallas) and not risking picking the right striker...

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    2. arcticjunkie1
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Great minds think alike 😉 but I'd get shut of Baker

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    3. Rödallegabomb ᴿᴮ
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Foster>Mignolet is a must. Baker>Chester is too, as Baker isn't a starter. Toure>Coleman if L'Pool get Papadopoulos. Ivan>Cole (for safety only). Boruc>Davis, Boruc may be dropped. Bony>Soldado.

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  5. Saint Domingo
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    The wife last night.

    I got home late, she wasn't there, but had left a note on the fridge saying "This just isn't working, I've gone to stay in my Mums with the kids".

    I opened it, the light came on, and the beer was ice cold. Don't know what the f*** she's talking about!

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    1. Mílanista
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      😀

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    2. Smarty Pants
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      🙂

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    3. Corkyote FFS CWC Champion 2…
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      😆

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    4. Chris_White
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      😀

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    5. Count of Monte Hristo
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      😆

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    6. Pratik
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      😀

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  6. cmj23
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    hi guys could really do with a bit of help to confirm my team is ok ....

    mignolet (davis)
    ivanovic, mertesacker,baines (garrido, baker)
    hazard, silva, snodgrass, walcott (colback)
    lambert, dzeko , kone

    got 1.5 in bank ????????

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  7. micol1873
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Who are 2 good £4m benchwarming defenders that would guarantee points should they be required ?

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    1. Big Fudge
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Chester and Brayford

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      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        +1

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    2. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Brayford is a must.
      Chester

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    3. Saint Domingo
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Baker Villa ,but don't think his game time is guaranteed.

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    4. micol1873
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Cool, thanks

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  8. Hobo
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Got 2.0 left in the bank - where should i be spending it?

    Boruc
    Yoshida - Merte - Turner (NOR) - Coleman
    Silva - Arteta - Hazard - Mirallas
    RVP - Lukaku

    subs: Lewis - Chester - Kim - JRod

    any suggestions?

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    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Lottery ticket

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    2. Fin
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Arteta -> Coutinho with that 2.0?

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    3. Make United Great Again
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      I'd suggest getting Arteta and Yoshida out your team

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      1. Hobo
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        why?

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        1. Rupert The Horse
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 2 months ago

          Arteta too deep, even if he does have spot kicks.
          Yoshida is a differential but there are better deals at 4.5m.
          Collins for example or go down to 4m and get Brayford.

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          1. Hobo
            • 13 Years
            11 years, 2 months ago

            Thanks for the advice...

            The only reason i have Yoshida and Arteta is the new BPS - both will make the 90% pass completion easily in every game, plus with Southamptons better defense this year Yoshida should be pushing 140 -150 points at the death

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  9. TriDk
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    heyy guys will really appreciate your comments.... Please RMT

    Mignolet/Boruc

    Toure/Coleman/Ivanovic/Chester/Ward

    Hazard/Walcott(c)/Silva/Mirallas/Thomas

    Soldado/Benteke/Aspas

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    1. Saint Domingo
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Looks good,unsure with Aspas though.

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      1. TriDk
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        But I don't think Rodgers does have any other choice!!!!

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    2. Corkyote FFS CWC Champion 2…
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Pretty decent, bang on budget?

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      1. TriDk
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        exactly 100 million dollar baby!!!! 😉

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    3. shotgunnufc - MANIAC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      defense/midfield looks v solid
      forwards not so much

      aspas looks good preseason but may not settle into league too quickly, may play wide once sturridge is back - i would have a back up plan

      benteke has 2 difficult opening even though its DGW, plus no match GW3 - again have a back up if you plan to stick with him, IMO lukaku is a better option for GW1

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      1. TriDk
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        which pair you will suggest mate for 16M???? will surely appreciate your view!!!!

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  10. Fin
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Boruc / Foster

    Ivanovic / Coleman / Collins / Clyne / Brayford

    Hazard / Coutinho / Walcott / Mirallas / Brady

    Dzeko / Soldado / Lukaku

    Thoughts?

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    1. Make United Great Again
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Very nice indeed!

      However I see no RVP 😉

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      1. Fin
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Too expensive! No doubt i'll regret it though 😀

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      2. TriDk
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        For me pretty decent!!!!

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      3. Saint Domingo
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        +1 🙂

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  11. HuttonDressedasLahm
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Kim, Koren, Brady or RMorrisson as a 5th mid?

    I'm siding with the punty Morrison right now. Great pre season. Who will take his spot generally??

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    1. Big Fudge
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Kim seems like the best option. Thomas if you are just looking for a solid bench option.

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  12. Wivanee
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Cech // (Boruc)
    Coleman // Toure // Mert // (Parr, Brayford)
    Silva // Oscar // Mirallas // Hazard // (Kim)
    Bony // Giroud // Soldado

    Any thoughts on this guys?
    Cheers

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    1. TriDk
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      no flaws!!!!

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    2. simon.knott86
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      mine is very similar except I have RVP for giroud, snodgrass for silva and anelka for bony...

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  13. PAD81
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Who is Kim????

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    1. Chu Young Ping Pong
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Kim Kardashian

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      1. TriDk
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah you wish!!!! 😀

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      2. HuttonDressedasLahm
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        This

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    2. gravless
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      An Oriental who 'plays' for Caerdydd. (Cardiff)

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    3. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Kim is an attacking mid for Cardiff. He comes highly recommended with his role in the hole and is having a good pre-season.

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  14. Richd
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Please RMT.

    My prem knowledge sucks since Reading's untimely relegation.

    Mignolet, Boruc
    Luiz, Olsson, Coleman, Wilson, Brayford
    Hazard, Walcott, Coutinho, Silva, Whittingham
    Lukaku, Rodriguez, Benteke

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    1. Fin
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Seems decent i'd have Brady over Whittingham tho 😀 You a fellow Royal?

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    2. jam
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      looks good to me, except Wilson (as in Stoke?) not sure he's guaranteed a start with the new arrivals.
      Luiz - could be off to Barca if you believe the papers

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  15. Hwangson
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Dembele If Bale leaves or Kim?

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    1. jam
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      I don't see Dembele getting forward too often myself, Kim at .5 less although Cardiffs opening fixtures are tough.

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  16. shotgunnufc - MANIAC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    has everyone got teams prepared for if bale stays?

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    1. Big Fudge
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Don't wanna think about it, I just want him to leave 😉

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    2. Rödallegabomb ᴿᴮ
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      I had a nice team with an uber defence which included him.

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  17. Heels_Over_Head
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Who are the players coming in below value and/or OOP?

    Arsenal
    Defenders seem undervalued if they come out of the gate like last season.
    Walcott at 9.5 seems undervalued based on his goals per minute, also sometimes OOP

    Cardiff
    Brayford at 4.0 is underpriced. Should be nailed on and FFS article thought he'd be 4.5.
    Kim in midfield at 5.0 could be nailed on "in the hole"... had a good 2nd half last year in championship, has had a good preseason, and manager has indicated he's important to their success (Kim is also Ji-Sung's hand-picked successor on the Korean national team)

    Chelsea
    Various midfielders will at times be OOP playing forward, but rotation risk negates that a bit
    Hazard seems relatively undervalued at 9.5 compared to Mata's 10.5 if last season's performance is indicative
    If a forward emerges as nailed on, whoever it is will be a bargain

    Everton
    Coleman, 5.0, posted as defender, probably playing OOP midfield
    Alcaraz, 4.5, posted as defender, may play some OOP, but have to see if he becomes a regular starter and stays healthy (manager did bring him over from his old club)
    Mirallas, 7.5, posted as midfielder, probably playing OOP forward
    Kone, 7.0, could be value if nailed on and can up his production with better support than last season (again, manager brought him over from his old club)

    Fulham
    Amorebieta, undervalued defender at 4.5 if, as expected, is nailed on in central defense

    Liverpool
    Mignolet is undervalued at 5.5 if he does what 27% of participants think he will
    Toure at 5.0 in defense is undervalued if nailed on (currently yes, but transfer rumors swirl)
    Aspas at 7.0 looks undervalued as a nailed on starter, but seems to be Reverse OOP on the wing

    ManCity
    Dzeko at 7.5 is undervalued if he would just go the extra Tonya Harding mile to ensure regular starts

    ManU - warning... new manager... hard opening schedule... defense gets better in 2nd half... etc.
    Rafael (6.0)/ Evans (5.5) undervalued defenders if they can nail on starts
    Kagawa at 8.0 could be undervalued if he can nail on regular starts (likelihood improves with Rooney departure)
    Zaha at 6.5 in midfield could be undervalued with regular starts
    Rooney at 10.5 actually seems to be a value unless he's pouting about not being transferred

    Newcastle
    S. Taylor or Yanga-Mbiwa (both 4.5) in defense if either nail on starts
    HBA, Sissoko, Cisse, Remy, Gouffran... if any emerge as the team's primary goal scorer... that's the undervalued one... anyone's guess... though seems penalty kicks will be on HBA or Remy...

    Southampton
    Boruc/Davis at 4.5/4.0 in goal should be cheap for a mid-table club
    Shaw & Clyne (4.5) in defense are undervalued if new midfield acquisitions improve defense as expected and last year's performance carries over
    Lambert at 7.5 seems cheap after 15 goals and 8 assists last season

    Stoke
    Crouch at 6.0 seems undervalued if a nailed on starter on a club committed to more attacking

    Sunderland
    Mannone/Westwood (both 4.5) in goal undervalued for mid-table cub
    Giacherrini/Johnson/Sessengon (all 7.0) in midfield may be of value if one emerges as creative edge (odds on Gia... though Sess may favorably be "in the hole" if he doesn't continue to irritate manager)
    Altidore at 7.0 up front could be a value forward if he continues to improve production as he did in Dutch leagues last two seasons (38 gls in 67 apps)... is 23 and still improving... Fletcher's ankle wiggly at the moment

    Swansea
    Vorm at 5.0 could be serious value if the 2011/2012 Michael Vorm makes a comeback (14 CS)
    Defenders... see note on Vorm

    West Brom
    Anelka at 5.5 up front is value if nailed on and if he can turn back the clock (age 34)

    West Ham
    Collins in defense at 4.5 is value if/when nailed on

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    1. Big Fudge
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Solid work, up vote for you sir 🙂

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    2. Chris_White
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Amorebieta isnt undervalued imo. Card machine and Fulham are not exactly tight at the back...

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    3. Ghost Ship
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Would be very surprised if Crouch sees much time this season under Hughes, who is shopping for a striker. Kim, by all accounts, could be a revelation playing in the hole. One the best punts around IMO and wouldn't be surprised to see him playing for a bigger team by January.

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    4. jam
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      nice one! Snodgrass the only other one that springs to mind

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      1. chambers
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Can't really say Mirrilas is OOP and then Aspas Is Reverse OOP, you'll have to make up your mind on which one is OOP...

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        1. Javra
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 2 months ago

          Mirallas is OOP, as he's listed as a Midfielder playing up front in a 433. Aspas is POO since he takes up one of your 3 precious striker slots and playing on the right hand side.

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    5. Arn De Gothia
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      thnx

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    6. Alberto Tomba
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      *upvotes* Only thing is Aspas isn't 100% nailed on, likely but, when Studge is back he'll be competing with Sterling who's had a great pre-season

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  18. No Pirlo No Party
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Been thinking....if Toure is to hold a position at CB for Liverpool. Saving 0.5m on Mignolet.

    Thoughts on Toure over Migs and having 5-6m for a replacement keeper. Options?

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    1. andres
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      I am considering it with Foster, rotates really well with Boruc

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    2. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Also, what if Agger goes? Is there any point having Liverpool defence at all??

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  19. iain_90
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Those swithering on their choice of Chelsea options, how will you be making your final decisions?

    If I was confident in Terry or Cahill I could really use that extra 6.5 (currently have Cole.)

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    1. gravless
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Just get Oscar & Hazard and put an end to your dithering.

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      1. iain_90
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Want a defender though, and cheap!

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        1. gravless
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 2 months ago

          Give Terry a whirl then.

          Always a chance of a goal with him.

          Whoever you choose, and I include Ashley in this, is a punt for both games.

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    2. Wivanee
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Get Cech in goal, save on a chelski defender. Guaranteed CS

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  20. Chris_White
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Skimming through the posts here and noticing the words "Brayford" and "is a must" in the same sentence. Pre-season madness...

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    1. Big Fudge
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Only reason is because we all want a nice cheap 5th defender option, and he fits the bill.

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      1. Chris_White
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Fair enough, I just think the .5 extra invested here could pay off way more than elsewhere. Lets be serious, none of the promoted teams will keep more than 4-5 CS in total...

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        1. Big Fudge
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 2 months ago

          Fair call, and if I had the extra 0.5m I would get rid of him.

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

      Its silly, somebody made a useful post about Brayford and since then he's been the 4m defender of choice despite fixtures that suggest clean sheets are going to be hard to come by for a good ten weeks or so. Of course, 4m defenders are never musts 🙂

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      1. Fin
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        But he won't be playing in most teams including mine. For me, a 4.0 is a back-up so I want one that will be nailed on and hes the most nailed on.

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        1. shotgunnufc - MANIAC
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 2 months ago

          this

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

          I want a backup that has a chance of points when injuries/rotation bring him in or fixtures dictate that I start him. Chester offers a better chance of that in the first half of the season.

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      2. Chris_White
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        I just dont rate any of the promoted sides at all, so I think the .5 extra investment easily could pay off better at the back than elsewhere. (I am going 1 expensive plus 2,2 rotation)

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        1. Mílanista
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 2 months ago

          That's a bit pricey for my team. I am going 1 expensive*, 3 x 4.5 and a 4m.

          *My current team's definition of expensive is Kolo Toure

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          1. Chris_White
            • 13 Years
            11 years, 2 months ago

            Well yeah mine will be Coleman/Toure or Koscielny if I can stretch the budget.

            5/5.5 and 4x 4.5.

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    3. Fin
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Best 4.0 option

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

      He's 4.0 and nailed. What's not to like?

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      1. Mílanista
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        The fixture list

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      2. Chris_White
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        If you have a 3-way rotation at the back, I can understand it. If not, the upside of investing .5 more here could prove more fruitful than elsewhere on the pitch, imo.

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    5. Tiki-Taka
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      I think its just in terms of a 4.0 defender who should be absolutely nailed on, obviously very useful for FPL squads where you want most of your budget orientated toward mid/attack

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      1. Chris_White
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        As I said in an earlier reply, I do understand the argument of getting him. Its just the fact that he suddenly seems "essential" that is a bit funny... 😀

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

          Leaving aside the sarcasm of my post.

          There is a benefit to a 4.0 defender. I hope i never have to use him. But I would not rather have Chester.

          Chester is not nailed on, despite what people think. If Bruce goes 3-5-2

          Davies, Figueroa and A.N. Other, if he goes 4-4-2 he will play Davies and one of Chester, Faye or McShane.

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  21. andres
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    how nailed on is collins?

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    1. Big Fudge
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      90%

      He's better than Tomkins.

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  22. MA
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Players aside, what are the golden mini league-winning tips for this season?

    - Save transfers until friday earliest (no knee jerking)
    - Avoid bench fodder
    - Dont discuss picks with colleagues! Say nothing, or play mind games.

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    1. Eboue
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      I need to work on no3, I usually make my mates teams!

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      1. MA
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Sell to them the benefits of auto select >:-D

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    2. iain_90
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Try and play your own game as much as possible. Get players you want whether your rivals have them or not.

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      1. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Yes - but later in the season trying to pick a differential can make that extra bit of difference

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    3. The Albatross
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Don't pick a captain because other people in your league haven't got him - just pick the strongest option

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    4. Big Fudge
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Probably the first one, I wasted so many points on knee jerks last season!

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    5. Mílanista
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Disagree with the first two. I often can't help myself and break the third rule but this has probably hurt me in the past.

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    6. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Use FISO/Total FPL. They will be an absolute Godsend. Try not tell your rivals about the sites either!

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

      Make around 110m team value by the January wildcard and then destroy them in the final 10-15 gameweeks.

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  23. Count of Monte Hristo
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Schurrle a good punt just for the double?

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    1. Eboue
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      I don't think so- game time just not assured enough

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      1. Count of Monte Hristo
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Same for Lampard and De Bruyne as far as the double goes?

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        1. Eboue
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 2 months ago

          Kdb- yes. Lampard- anyones guess IMO, absence of charity shield is a pain!

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          1. Count of Monte Hristo
            • 11 Years
            11 years, 2 months ago

            Lamps injured for the charity shield?

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            1. Mílanista
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              11 years, 2 months ago

              Played yesterday against Madrid. Of course, Chelsea not being in the charity shield means he'll miss that one 😉

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            2. Chris_White
              • 13 Years
              11 years, 2 months ago

              I think we are skipping that comp this season... 😛

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            3. Eboue
              • 11 Years
              11 years, 2 months ago

              I mean the fact that Chelsea aren't playing in it is a pain as last year it gave an indication of their first choice side. (ManUVSWig)

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    2. Chris_White
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Not for me.

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  24. keotes
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Which two 4mil defenders for bench fodder?

    a) Brayford
    b) Chester
    c) Parr
    d) Ramage

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    1. Big Fudge
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      A and B

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    2. Mini Mahouse
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      B and C. Nailed on and rotate almost perfectly.

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  25. Deano
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    A. Kim + £1M

    Or

    B. Gaston Ramirez

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    1. Big Fudge
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Jarvis 😉

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      1. Deano
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Noble? 😉

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    2. Eboue
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      C) Walcott -£3.5

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

      A

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    4. Mini Mahouse
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      I know there is not alot of love for Gaston Ramirez but I have him in my team.
      I think he could be gem of the season for only 6mp.
      He's 22 years old now. He showed incredible skills at Bologna only 20 yera old. Was unlucky last season. He's my pick.

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  26. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Guys - I'm pretty set on myh side. Long story short - I'm going with Soldado and Luka up top, but I am torn between Berba, Lambert, Dzeko for my 3rd striker spot. I'm going with no Citeh coverage, but Dzeko would obviously sort that. Or will it be a little too punty up top?

    Thanks guys

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    1. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Even if playing 20-30 minutes, 7.5 mil is still a good price with the City fixtures. He's nailed on for me

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      1. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers. I am swaying that way - and I think he will start. But there is always that doubt!

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

      Too punty for me Dzeko, might start, but you just know he will be rotated and frustrate you, and the beginning of the season is turbulent, with dgw players needing transfer out pre gw3 and the new bandwagons we didnt see coming. There will enough to worry about without Dzeko imo

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      1. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Cool - so then in your opinion, Lambert or Berba...

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        1. grapesland
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 2 months ago

          Coinflip really, but personally I like Berba better, of the two. Not tempted by Aspas? Watched him yesterday, he certainly was involved in the swing of things for pool, great attitude too, wouldnt worry too much about his positioning, he is all over the place anyways it looked like..

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          1. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
            • 13 Years
            11 years, 2 months ago

            Well - My eye is on him, but I don't to be too risky. I'll stick on my watch list and see what happens this week. Hopefully some of the managers will start to show their hands a little bit now

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  27. stix
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Please rmt

    Mannone - (Boruc)
    Ivan - Toure - Collins (Parr, Brayford)
    Silva - Oscar - Hazz - Snod (Kim)
    Rvp - Sturridge - Anelka

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  28. HuttonDressedasLahm
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    I bought my wife a new fridge for her birthday last week

    I had a feeling that she wouldn't appreciate it,
    but you should have seen her face light up when she opened it

    🙂

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    1. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Love it!!!!

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    2. Big Fudge
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      😆

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

      😀

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    4. Chu Young Ping Pong
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      😀

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

      If I told this joke you'd all be groaning 😛

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      1. Andrew
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Its the way he tells them 🙂

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    6. Pratik
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      😀

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  29. Count of Monte Hristo
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Has Di Canio provided any insight into his preferred GK?

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    1. Beavis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Looks like it will be Mannone going by pre-season.

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      1. Deano
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        I think Westwood played last night.

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  30. Corkyote FFS CWC Champion 2…
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    I'd forgotten community shield would be man utd v wigan. Shame as city or mourinho would have been a far more interesting proposition.

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    1. mathmo
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Just imagine the uproar if Manchester United were to lose though...

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    2. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      I can't be arsed with the pointless shield

      Although Wigan winning would be interesting!

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

      I know. Can't even be bothered to watch it. 🙁

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