The Knee Jerk

The Knee Jerk – Saturday

Aaron Ramsey returns home and ensures that his Fantasy bandwagon accelerates once more. Meanwhile, over at Goodison, a Spanish starlet grasps his opportunity, whilst Roberto Martinez’ teamsheet is just one of several to cause Fantasy managers some early concern.

The Game Changer

The script seemed almost too perfect – Aaron Ramsey returning to his hometown club in the form of his life. Having blanked in his last two, those Fantasy managers who had, to this point, resisted his bandwagon had begun to cling to the hope that his output had regressed. While it was written in the stars that Ramsey would light up once again in Cardiff, there was every chance that the home side would battle and deny the Welshman to frustrate Arsenal’s title charge.

Typically, in an incredible season, Ramsey was to stick to the “Roy of the Rovers” script. A brace of goals took his tally to eight for the season, while the inevitable maximum bonus will have him soar away to the top of the Fantasy Premier League midfield rankings.

Ramsey’s rise to heavy-hitter Fantasy status is quite simply remarkable. It’s also compounded by the fact that, to this point, there’s been no real contender to rival his output. The likes of Eden Hazard, Yaya Toure and Oscar remain in his wake, despite their far loftier price tags.

Just when it seemed the Welshman’s form had stalled, his rise in ownership slowed, today’s events have seen his relentless bandwagon pick up speed again. Once more, those who have dared to ignore the Gunners man now face the indignity of swallowing their pride and coughing up a fee almost 2.0 more than his initial value, whilst having to accept that his points will help them make little ground but only aid them in keeping pace with the majority above them.

The Underused

Gerard Deulofeu has been straining at the leash at Goodison, awaiting his chance to add to a string of eye-catching cameos from the bench. Today’s decision by Roberto Martinez to hand the Barcelona loanee his first Premier League start stung those holding Kevin Mirallas, while Deulofeu’s performance will have given them, and the Everton boss, food for thought.

A goal and assist provided the returns, but Deulofeu sparkled throughout as he tormented Stoke and underlined his claims for regular Everton starts. Mirallas now faces a real battle to earn a recall for Wednesday’s trip to Man United, while Martinez will know that it’s going to prove very difficult to play down Deulofeu’s claims from this point on.

For Fantasy managers, the Spaniard’s potential is limited, if not almost killed, by his classification as a forward in the FPL. Even with a modest 5.4 price tag, few will really consider moving for the loanee, given just how precious and profitable our slots up front have become. Instead, Deulofeu’s impact this season could be limited to killing off Mirallas as a Fantasy option. Ironic, given that the Belgian enjoyed only his second double figure return against Liverpool last weekend.

The Selection Poser

With December’s strenuous schedule set to stretch our bench resources to their fullest, today provided a real warning shot across the bows. An array of popular budget and mid-price Fantasy assets found themselves rotated to the bench as the likes of Mirallas, Ross Barkley, Ravel Morrison and Michael Turner were all ousted.

While Mirallas’ rotation with Gerard Deulofeu was always looming, few would have expected it to follow his Merseyside derby display. The Belgian has started every one of Everton’s league outings before today and, while he could well return at Old Trafford in midweek, his security of starts must now be in question.

Barkley’s rotation risk is nothing new – although again, it’s somewhat surprising to see his precocious talent dropped to the bench following a convincing display against Liverpool.

Morrison’s plight also took us by surprise. Having started the previous nine league matches, the former United starlet had seemed settled in Sam Allardyce’s lineup and, with the Hammers struggling for goals, he had seemed the most likely to provide a spark.

An assist off the bench should ensure that Morrison will not be a major concern, but it offers a reminder that few of us can afford to approach the Christmas period without secure starters on the bench. With Michael Turner also looking set to face a battle to regain his Norwich starting role ahead of Seb Bassong and Ryan Bennett, today undoubtedly cast a question mark over a batch of budget talent.

Mark Mark created the beast. He's now looking to tame it.

3,164 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Djerbil
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Goal says, RVP will decide whether He is fit enough to play vs Spurs, Moyes do not have any hand regarding his availability

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    1. El Berbossa - \\\"El b…
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      According to Richard. Hes out..

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      1. Djerbil
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        I've seen that tweet

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  2. The Dawn of the Cheap Striker
    J0E
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Fantasy football scout daily hot topic

    Is the dawn of the cheap striker upon us?

    With Deulofeu and Gouffran getting on the score sheet yesterday and heavyweight midfielders still proving their worth (ozil) is it time to consider a cheap striker to fit in alongside the likes of Suarez and Aguero?

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    1. izo
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Not yet.

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    2. Elniñorules
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Ah so apt, seeing today's date

      Welcome to December - the month of the Van Persie.

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    3. Djerbil
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      already have Remy, hopefully He turns out to be fixture proof

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    4. Scottys Army
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Nah Kun and Suarez with Remy / Luk is the best plan

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    5. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Nope. Just look last week who delivered. I'm stumped on a FT this week. I've got two and no idea who to use them on.

      Boruc, Harper
      Dawson, Koscielny, Coleman, Ward, Turner
      Ozil, Hazard, Lallana, Januzaj, Morrison
      Aguero, Suarez, Rooney

      I have perfect funds to do Janu > Brunt. Yay or nay?

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      1. Podge
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Absolutely

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    6. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      ...just now that Mark has seen the light....

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    7. Tabone
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      I wouldnt say as cheap as delofeu... still think lukaku would be worth the extra 3.. but looks good. Would have to see alot more than one game

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    8. FORCA INTER
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Not sure with rooneys form and run of fixures

      Id rather downgrade defence for big hitting mids

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      1. Podge
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        The average defender is outscoring the average mid considerably and for less money

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    9. McNulty
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      I think Lukaku is the only one who might be able to keep pace with Suarez, Aguero and Rooney/RVP. Won't quite match them but the 4m comes in handy and two is enough to have a good captain each week.

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    10. 32chickens
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      no
      a)because luka is nailed on and always scores
      b)for me no nailed on expensive mid who who always performs(to spend the extra on)

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    11. Poseidon. Not arrogant, jus…
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Nah, Deulofeu will be back on the bench midweek.

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    12. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      No reason to move away from 3 big hitters up front at the moment and having a cheap forward would probably be inclined to switch to a 352 as you wouldn't want a 9m mid sat on the bench at the expense of a cheap forward.

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    13. Billy Gilmore
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Until midfielders perform, no. Can't do any worse than my Benteke though 🙄

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    14. Ady87
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Gouffran has turned my head a little and if Rooney gets his 5th Yellow, maybe. I would probably just go for Giroud or Lukaku though, already own Suarez and Aguero.

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    15. Ramboo
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      No, its not.

      Deulofeu has played 247 minutes, and scored 1 goal.
      Gouffran has played more and performed better. But he is yet to score more than 9 points in a gw.

      With the alternatives of Rooney, Aguero, Suarez, Giroud, Lukaku Remy +++, there are so many other and better alternatives out there.

      "Heavyweight midfielders still proving their worth (ozil)", yeah Ozil has proven his worth, but who else of the heavyweight midfielders has proven their worth?

      Are you seriously considering the two players Jonty? And is this a "hot topic"?

      This is a constructed and not a very fruitful or relevant "daily hot topci", in my humble opinion of course.

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    16. RedLightning
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Jonty, do we really need to have an official daily hot topic every day, even when you might sometimes be struggling to come up with enough suitable new ideas?
      Why not just leave it up to other posters on such occasions and see what emerges? And if that means we sometimes get no hot topics for a day then so be it.

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  3. Tabone
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Really hope coutinho plays tonight.

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  4. El Berbossa - \\\"El b…
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    http://twitter.com/richardajkeys/status/407063611501064193
    It says, no RVP today again... Groin

    Seriously no luck this season. NONE AT ALL!

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    1. El Berbossa - \\\"El b…
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      3 weeks!! Is that not enough!

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    2. Djerbil
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      u bought in RVP this week??

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      1. Scottys Army
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        He's had him for a while as I recall him saying non owners were running scared

        LOL

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        1. El Berbossa - \\\"El b…
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 4 months ago

          Well he was on a phenominal run. He was doing the goods for me as no one can afford him. I guess divine powers dont like short cuts.

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        2. El Berbossa - \\\"El b…
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 4 months ago

          40 points in 4 games. Then suddenly 3 weeks out...

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  5. Sarnab
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    If Coutinho is out I will have Chico coming on

    -ve points incoming

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    1. Djerbil
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      surely Coutinho starts with no Sturridge

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  6. izo
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    How is Sess and Coleman - > Theo and Ward/Gabbidon?
    Leaves me with 0 in the bank.
    Team is linked.

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  7. Djerbil
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Community Qns:

    How many players do u currently own who are on 4 Yellows??

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    1. Sarnab
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      3

      M.Turner
      Chico
      Barkley

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    2. beric
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      5

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      1. Djerbil
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        wow

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        1. beric
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 4 months ago

          i know

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    3. Podge
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      3 Ivan
      Barkley
      Rooney

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    4. Tabone
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      0 im pretty sure

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      1. Podge
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Just Dawson

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    5. Drogba "Unstoppable, U…
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      5

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    6. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Two - Ravel & Barkley.

      Soon to be one once Barko's shown the door.

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  8. El Berbossa - \\\"El b…
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    RVP better play Wed.

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    1. El Berbossa - \\\"El b…
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Hopefully hell drop by then too

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

    Brought in negredo for a 2 week punt. Think he will do me well tonight?

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    1. Podge
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Yeh 1-0 Negredo hopefully

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      1. Tabone
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Only 1 nil v swansea at home? Really?

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        1. Podge
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 4 months ago

          Honestly 4-0, I'm hoping for an Aguero blank 🙂 so 1-0 would be great

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  10. Penang Sandman
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    which one lads?

    benteke brady terry > rooney walcott 4.0

    benteke bready > lukaku walcott

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    1. izo
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      So Terry and lukaku or 4m and rooney...
      Go with which combo, you think, will get more points.
      I like the one with Terry.

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  11. Grounderz
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Have 1 FT. Opinions on this?

    Boruc - Harper
    Johnson - Terry - Lovren - Vlaar - Mariappa
    Ozil - Ramsey - Sessegnon - Morrison - Brady
    Rooney - Aguero - Suarez

    Bank: 0.8m

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    1. Tabone
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Save!. Defence have good fixtures... so do ur mids .. save

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      1. Grounderz
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks Hazzy.

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    2. Ady87
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Needs a Chelsea mid but looks good otherwise.

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      1. Grounderz
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        I'm inclined to get one in but Ozil has repaid my faith in him. With Hull coming up next, I'll keep him a little longer.

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  12. New Article Posted
  13. Optimus.
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    It's good to see the big budget midfielders making a comeback,right?...You can keep your Bradys and your Sess` 🙂

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  14. In Like Flynn.
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    I need Vidic and Vertonghen to play, any chance?

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  15. Scottys Army
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Seems harsh selling sees after only 2 games

    May hold for the 2 home games .....

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  16. mango_chutney
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Team currently is;

    Bourc, (Harper)

    Collins, Demel Dawson (Clyne) (Turner)

    Hazard, Ozil, Rambo, Morrison, (Delph)

    Sturridge Augero Saurez

    Want to transfer out Sturridge who is the best replacement from this list?

    Remy
    Lukaku
    Negrado
    Torres
    Benteke

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  17. Jacketts Potatoes
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    57 with Ivan, Yaya, Aguero and Suarez(c) left to play

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  18. Sz21
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Need some cheapies in mid for Barkley and Townsend..
    Best options for the next few weeks.. ?

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