Scout Notes

Scout Scribbles – Aguero to the Rescue

Sergio Aguero fires a hat-trick against 10-man Bayern to keep City’s Champions League dream alive. Chelsea cruise past Schalke with a comprehensive 5-0 win, Laurent Koscielny returns to fitness for Arsenal, Jonny Evans and Sam Vokes step up their injury recoveries, whilst Hull receive some welcome news over Mo Diame’s knee problem.

SERGIO SAVES CITY’S BLUSHES

A Sergio Aguero hat-trick secured a vital 3-2 victory for Man City over Bayern Munich last night to maintain his side’s hopes of qualification in the Champions League. With Yaya Toure suspended and David Silva still sidelined, Manuel Pellegrini opted for a 4-2-3-1 set-up from the off, with Frank Lampard fielded in behind the Aguero, though later brought on Stevan Jovetic alongside the Argentine as his side chased the win.

The Scout Says: Having served up a rare blank against Swansea at the weekend, Aguero’s owners were given something of a scare when the striker missed training with his team-mates on Monday. That proved to be nothing more than a case of Pellegrini affording his starlet some protection, however, and yesterday’s performance marked an immediate return to form for Aguero. Indeed, the former Atletico Madrid man has been lying low in our Captain Poll this week due to the fact that he faces a side in Southampton who have just conceded just once in their last five, but last night’s display will have many thinking twice ahead of the St Mary’s encounter. Meanwhile, Toure’s absence through suspension will ensure that the Ivorian is fully fit for the trip down south, and with a current ownership of just 6.5% and returns in each of his last two appearances, the Ivorian is starting to find his form ahead of City’s kind upcoming schedule (sou, sun, EVE, lei, CPL, wba) and may yet hold some appeal for those willing to splash the cash in midfield.

 

CHELSEA STROLL PAST SCHALKE

Chelsea booked their spot in the knock-out stages of the Champions League with a comfortable 5-0 win over Roberto Di Matteo’s Schalke last night. John Terry and Willian found themselves on the scoresheet in the first half, with later strikes from substitutes Didier Drogba and Ramires helping seal the victory.

The Scout Says: Jose Mourinho clearly meant business last night and named the same XI that started against West Brom at the weekend. Their comprehensive victory, allied with back-to-back clean sheets in all competitions, indicates that the Blues are starting to gain some serious momentum ahead of a terrific run of fixtures (sun, TOT, new, HUL, sto, WHM). After a slow start to the season, Terry’s goal threat finally came to the fore last night, and the centre back, at 6.3, is starting to suggest he could be a viable alternative to Branislav Ivanovic, who has now blanked in each of the last nine Gameweeks. Meanwhile, Willian’s goal and assist could well see the Brazilian retain his starting berth against Sunderland should Mourinho choose to go on the attack, whilst Diego Costa’s early withdrawal will please his owners ahead of the promising Black Cats encounter.

 

KOSCIELNY BOOST FOR GUNNERS

Arsene Wenger rolled out an injury update ahead of Arsenal Champions League meeting with Borussia Dortmund this evening. The Arsenal manager confirmed that Laurent Koscielny is back and available after an Achilles injury, though Jack Wilshere, Theo Walcott and Wojciech Szczesny are all absent, whilst he also went on to explain that he failed to register Olivier Giroud for the group stages as the striker was originally expected to be sidelined until he New Year.

The Scout Says: With just three clean sheets to their name all season, Arsenal have been a far cry from the side that served up 17 shut outs last time around. Undoubtedly, Koscielny’s return to fitness will come as a major boost for the Gunners, who, with decent fixtures now ahead (wba, SOU, sto, NEW, liv, QPR) could be set for an improvement in defensive returns. Nacho Monreal looks the most likely to drop out for the Frenchman, though Wenger could opt to move him to left back in place of Kieran Gibbs. Meanwhile, the slightly unconventional news surrounding Giroud will potentially strengthen his chances of a start at West Brom on Saturday, with the 8.1-priced striker looking to build on his consolation goal against Man United last time out. This will, however, come as yet another blow for Danny Welbeck’s remaining owners: the forward has already been sold by 20,000 Fantasy managers this weeks as Giroud’s return to action places major questions over his pitch time.

 

VOKES STEPS UP RECOVERY

Burnley’s Sam Vokes managed a 45 minute run-out for the Clarets’ reserves yesterday. The striker was immediately amongst the goals and earned the praise of manager Sean Dyche as he edges nearer a return to first-team action from the knee injury that has kept him on the sidelines since March:

“It’s his first real step on the way back and he’s been training with us and growing in confidence as well as feeling good. The next stage of that was obviously playing in a reserve game and he’s done that today and got 45 minutes under his belt. It’s another positive step for him but we won’t rush him back as we want him to come back fit once – fully ready.”

The Scout Says: Vokes’ partnership with Danny Ings was instrumental in Burnley’s promotion from the Championship last year. The duo struck up a prolific understanding, notching 20 goals apiece for the Lancashire outfit, and there’s no doubt their link-up play in the final third has been sorely missed. With three goals in his last four, Ings is starting to acclimatise to the Premier League and yesterday’s news will strengthen Dyche’s hopes of beating the drop. A handful of sub appearances look likely over the next few weeks, though, as Vokes builds up his fitness after such a serious lay-off.

 

DIAME RELIEF FOR TIGERS

Scans on the knee problem that forced Hull’s Mo Diame to miss side’s encounter with on Sunday have revealed that it is only a minor concern, and the midfielder is now in contention to face Man United this weekend.

The Scout Says: After a run of four goals in five Gameweeks, Diame has now failed to score in each of his last three appearances, though still looks an influential figure in Steve Bruce’s side. The Senegal international has been perfectly suited to playing in an advanced central role in a 3-5-2, delivering the sort of attacking threat he had rarely touched upon in seasons gone by, but with the fixtures turning tough for the Tigers (mnu, eve, WBA, che), Bruce could decide to go with a lone striker for the next few Gameweeks and field Diame in a more withdrawn role. Should that be the case, the midfielder is unlikely to climb our Watchlist until the fixtures take a turn for the better.

 

UNITED STARS FEATURE IN RESERVES ROUT

Jonny Evans, Adnan Januzaj and Ander Herrera all started for Man United’s reserve side yesterday, who convincingly overcame Blackburn 5-0. Herrera played the full 90 minutes and was on the scoresheet, whilst Evans lasted until the 64th minute, as both step up their comebacks from injury.

The Scout Says: Dropped against Arsenal on Saturday, Januzaj’s inclusion for the reserves suggests he’s firmly back to bench-warming duties for the time being, despite starting four consecutive matches between Gameweeks 8-11. Evans and Herrera, meanwhile, will now both be pushing for starts at home to Hull at the weekend: the Spaniard is certainly in with a chance of returning to the first XI should Louis van Gaal keep with a 3-4-1-2 formation, whilst Evans’ return to full fitness would likely see Patrick McNair relegated to the bench to make way for his fellow Northern Irishman.

1,491 Comments Post a Comment
  1. King Nil Miss ✩
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    @Doosra

    Do you think Cresswell will be an ever-present in the Xmas schedule?

    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGeniusâ…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      I bloody well hope so - yes. Playing very well, and improving.

      1. King Nil Miss ✩
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        It sure looks that way.

        Thanks.

      2. Chris_White
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        I'm surprised by how well he has taken the prem. Not the case of most defenders coming up from the Championship...

  2. rickardinho
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    @Davies, Arvin, iCon, would appreciate your views on something draft league related.

    If Person X agreed to make a trade with me, that was a follow-on from another trade that I made - a trade which I wouldn't have agreed to make without X having confirmed multiple times that the 2nd trade was agreed, then its rather dickish of Person X to pull out of the trade later right?

    (Hope that was clear!)

    1. Your Mum's Athletic
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Person X is a dick

    2. Arvin-ation
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      I think I get it...not sure it's what you meant though 😆

      So, the 1st trade went through but then person X declined trade 2 despite previously agreeing to it and it being a crucial part of the deal in the 1st trade?

      Then, yes. That's quite knobbish.

      1. rickardinho
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        That's exactly it.

    3. iCon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      As you've stated it above, I'd agree Person X is being rather 'dickish' alright!

      Just wondering, why it wasn't all done as part of the first trade though?

      1. rickardinho
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Can you make 3-way trades? Wasn't aware of that.

        Still, doesn't change the fact that the guy is being an utter prat... his excuse is time zones delaying his response, which is nonsense.

        It's also pertinent that I specifically asked him "Don't burn me. I'm only accepting that trade because of this one..." and he was fine, and even said that "people should stick to their word"... A bit hypocritical eh?

        1. iCon
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          Has he specifically said he's not going through with the second trade?

          1. rickardinho
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            Well he agreed that he would accept the offer as soon as the first one cleared, whcih was on Saturday morning, but then he stalled until yesterday, at which point I emailed him and he told me this:

            Hey Richard, Due to my timezones and the fact I sort out my team on a Friday and often don't check in on the weekend I didn't see this trade proposal until yesterday and have failed to reply as although I did agree to this in principal I agreed to it for last weeknd's games and am now slightly more apprehensive, as for example I definitely don't want to get rid of Player A right before he plays Team A at home and Player B's goal has changed the dimension of this trade a bit. I think most people in this league would be a bit miffed if I made this trade to be honest after the weekend's games. I know it is slightly unfair on you after I agreed, however I did agree before the weekend's games and although I can see you did make this proposal on Saturday, it was too late for me as the Premier League games start at 745am on a Saturday for me and as such I rarely check this site until Monday evening after work to see how I did. I am happy to put this on hold for a week as it's still a trade which I did agree to but i'd like to give it one more week of Prem games before I pull the trigger.

            - time zones is a bollocks excuse, especially since I've seen on the "last online" page that he's been logged in and edited his team this weekend.
            - he knew ahead of time that the offer would only be sent on Saturday, and agreed.
            - what happened in the weekends' games is irrelevant (barring injury) - as we had agreed beforehand.
            - he's trying to delay it so he can weasel out of it, and it messes up my plans for this GW completely.

            1. Get up ya bum
              • 14 Years
              9 years, 4 months ago

              wait i'm confused. How was the trade "agreed to" but not offered and accepted. Until it's accepted it's surely not agreed to no?

              1. Elniñorules
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 12 Years
                9 years, 4 months ago

                Trade 1 was processing while Trade 2 was agreed. Trade 2 involved players from Trade 1.

                1. Get up ya bum
                  • 14 Years
                  9 years, 4 months ago

                  aha

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

                  My stand on this is that since it wasn't officially accepted to on Fantrax, no need to be that harsh on Mr X.

                  Managers/clubs pull out of transfers at the last min all the time (Ba to Arsenal anyone? The famous Thiago to United saga?)

                  But yes, considering this is just a fun game, it is very un-genteman-ly of Mr X.

                  1. rickardinho
                    • 9 Years
                    9 years, 4 months ago

                    Yeah I see your point, things should stay official.

                    But the fact of the matter is that I clearly asked him numerous times to confirm that he would accept the trade, which I would perceive as an agreement in a league like this.

                    1. Elniñorules
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 12 Years
                      9 years, 4 months ago

                      True, but since this game is to mimic the real transfer windows in the footballing world, why not draw a comparison to it?

                      Remember Mourinho saying yes to Ba for Arsenal throughout the summer? Pulled out on deadline day when Arsenal signed Ozil as he reckoned they were title contenders with him.

                      1. rickardinho
                        • 9 Years
                        9 years, 4 months ago

                        There's no transfer window in the draft league, rather we can make trades all year.

                        If people are going to be dicks to one another then I'd rather drop the draft game and spend my time doing other things instead to be honest. It takes a lot of patience to build trades, and getting screwed over is incredibly frustrating.

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

                        It's a real pain in the arse when the trade falls apart at the very end or your well drafted plan goes haywire because of clowns.

                        And trust me I know how that feels. I played in HOH's league last season too. After hours and hours of negotiations with Pepin, we agreed on a particular trade. And it didn't go through in the end - why? Because 3 random clowns 😉 thought it was too tilted in my favor and that was their biased opinion as that would make my team "too strong" (in someone's words)

                        Rest is history. Pepin has since named himself Wee Bit Daft 😆

                      3. Elniñorules
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 12 Years
                        9 years, 4 months ago

                        And HOH has corrected this because it takes 6 clowns to get a trade rejected this season.

                      4. rickardinho
                        • 9 Years
                        9 years, 4 months ago

                        Ah that sucks. 3 veto's is waaay to little imo, so its good that its changed to 6 this year. Theres one guy in my league who keeps vetoing every single one of my trades just because I won't give him my 2nd GK (I have Forster-heaton in rotation) since he doesn't have one. I'd gladly trade with him, but not for peanuts! 🙂

                        This isn't a case of people vetoing though, but rather a single person going back on their word.

                        Here's some excerpts from our conversations btw (in reverse chronological order). Not the hypocrisy!

                        11/17 Person X - haha ye that seems a bit harsh, people should stick to their word
                        11/17 Rick- I've had a couple of deals agreed, but then last-minute guys pull out. Argh! 🙂
                        11/17 Rick- Trading takes so much patience and time, its so frustrating at times.

                        11/14 Person X - barring a serious injury to player B and C I won't.
                        11/14 RickOk, I'll get back to you once I've accepted that other one(might take afew days to process it). Please don't burn me as I'm only accepting that one to send a deal your way next! 🙂
                        11/14 Person X - ok i'll accept that trade player A for B and C

                      5. rickardinho
                        • 9 Years
                        9 years, 4 months ago

                        Note*

                3. rickardinho
                  • 9 Years
                  9 years, 4 months ago

                  that was much simpler than my explanation! thanks 🙂

              2. rickardinho
                • 9 Years
                9 years, 4 months ago

                I could only send the official offer (for the 2nd trade) to him via the trade portal once the first trade cleared.

                He agreed verbally in a chatroom beforehand that he would accept the trade once the official offer came through (and I confirmed this with him multiple times).

            2. iCon
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              9 years, 4 months ago

              Hmmm, slightly more complex...if you are 100% sure that he was logged in and could have accepted the trade prior to the games last GW then he's just blatantly lying, but if there's any doubt it's harder to call without knowing the ins and outs of it. Have you e-mailed HOH about it?

              1. rickardinho
                • 9 Years
                9 years, 4 months ago

                Haven't emailed him yet, waiting for the guy to respond to my harshly worded email that I sent yesterday first.

                As for the times the transaction history shows that he edited his team on monday, but chose to ignore the offer until i emailed him about it yesterday evening. He also knew over a week ago that the offer would come in on Saturday, so time zones and when he saw it is irrelevant.

                1. iCon
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 13 Years
                  9 years, 4 months ago

                  I tend to agree you have been stiffed royally, but it's slightly less straightforward...I'd e-mail HOH and see what his thoughts are at this stage.

                  1. rickardinho
                    • 9 Years
                    9 years, 4 months ago

                    I don't see why the time and date that he saw the offer would play a part. He was informed several times last week that the offer would only arrive on Saturday, and agreed to the trade under those terms.

                    I'll email HOH and see what he says I guess. Cheers for all the help 🙂

            3. Arvin-ation
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 4 months ago

              If he did log in and edit his team, then that's just really poor on his behalf...

              1. rickardinho
                • 9 Years
                9 years, 4 months ago

                He edited his team on Monday, ignoring my offer until I emailed him yesterday, but I'm pretty sure I saw him online in the chatroom over the weekend but can't be 100% sure of that

    4. davies
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Person X is clearly a dick - if that's the case.

      1. rickardinho
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks. I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks so.

        Not really sure what I should do now though? I'm in a bit of a lurch without a good defender playing this weekend and it screws up my plans for a free agent pickup.

        Our conversation history is actually really explicit that he's agreed several times, so not sure I can press further other than tell him he's a proper douche, feels like I should be able to appeal or something!

        1. iCon
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          You want do Touré for Evans, don't you?

          Just a one week thing, I'll swap back straight after, promise 😉

          1. rickardinho
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            haha, nice idea :=)

            i'll have to play Clyne vs City, when I have Milner and Toure, and Aguero in FPL, which is diabolical really. Completely messed up now.

            1. iCon
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              9 years, 4 months ago

              Evans against Hull, is much better than Touré against the best defense in the country 😉

              Seize the opportunity, Ricky!

              1. rickardinho
                • 9 Years
                9 years, 4 months ago

                I only get Toure after the 3 day deadline has passed, so can't trade him to you even if i wanted to! 😉

                1. iCon
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 13 Years
                  9 years, 4 months ago

                  Booooo!

                  1. rickardinho
                    • 9 Years
                    9 years, 4 months ago

                    Maybe I can offer to loan Clyne to you for a couple of weeks though if you give me Evans? 😉 hmm

          2. rickardinho
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            Besides, due to his delay-tactics its now too late for me to explore trades with people as we're already inside the 3 day deadline. :/

        2. davies
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          Name names, imo.

          1. Get up ya bum
            • 14 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            this. Name and shame 🙂

            1. Elniñorules
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              9 years, 4 months ago

              Diaby would never do this kind of thing. We want to know who.

              #SackedInTheMorning

              1. Get up ya bum
                • 14 Years
                9 years, 4 months ago

                😀

          2. rickardinho
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            That's an alternative, though I prefer discretion, hence why I edited player names out above. I'm really frustrated though so wanted to get your opinions without naming names. If he doesn't agree though I might have to do that though.

  3. Tezmoore
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Decided to use my WC.

    Which is my best combination option??

    A) Baines / Chadli / Austin
    B) Chambers / Di Maria / Kane
    C) Baines / Eriksen / Kane

    My Team
    Krul (Elliot)
    Azpiliceuta / Baines / Drummett (Wisdom / Yun)
    Siggy / Chadli / Sanchez / Hazzard (Wanyama)
    De Costa / Aguero / Austin

  4. Your Mum's Athletic
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Haha just messing around and I can do: Pelle + Mane + Chester > Kane + Yun + Yaya -4 hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

    1. King Nil Miss ✩
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Step away from the computer!

    2. Chris_White
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Not bad. If only Kane was nailed..

      1. Your Mum's Athletic
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Exactly this, i am tempted

    3. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGeniusâ…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Austin/Ings, Dummett and Yaya Touré, and I am for it.

      Not a devotee of Kane, myself. Yet.

      1. Your Mum's Athletic
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        I knew you'd like it Doos, the king of getting on the bandwagon before anyone else

    1. Az
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Didn't expect him to play in Germany. So hoping he's fit for the weekend

    2. BeachBadger
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Rest up Leighton Boy

    3. Al Bundy
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Not surprising. Everton only needs 1 point from next 2 games to go through. No need risking him in this game

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

      Hope it's not a flare up. Martinez' guidance was 8 days recovery at least, and Baines is a quick healer. He did mention that if he missed WHU, he would hope he's fit for Wolfsburg.

      That being said, he was always an IF for Europa anyway. Its about time he gets a rest!

  5. Cesc in the city
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    This is my WC team, and I'm really low on funds

    Krul Guzan
    Baines Azpi Yun Bruce Hutton
    Sanchez Hazard Siggy Downing Boyd
    Aguero Costa Austin

    Any suggestions?

    1. The-Best
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Austin out Ings in

    2. Kurtinho
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Downgrade Krul to Given. Guzan can play every match. Change Hutton to Dummett to avoid AVL double-up. Bruce to Naylor if possible? Also look for alternatives to Downing imo.

      1. Cesc in the city
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        I was gonna go chadli, but I can't get in both him and azpi....

  6. The-Best
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Winder if Austin will recover from knock in time for weekend?

    1. Kurtinho
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      What knock?

      1. The-Best
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        He's protected so must have knock or something

        1. BeachBadger
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          He's not protected. TFPL is wrong

          1. iCon
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            😯 How very dare you! 😛

            1. BeachBadger
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 4 months ago

              😆 👿

          2. The-Best
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            Cheers cleared that up

      2. iCon
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Who's there?

      3. internal error
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        maybe he's talking about stone cold?

    2. Del Monte
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      TROLL

  7. Kurtinho
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Who do you captain?

    Aguero (sot)
    Rooney (HULL)
    Austin (LEI)
    Sigurdsson (CPL)
    Sanchez (wba)

    I'm stuck between Rooney/Austin/Sanchez at the minute.

    1. Arvin-ation
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Aggers

      1. Arvin-ation
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Rooney***** Mind not in the right state...

    2. Laserface
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Sanchez

    3. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGeniusâ…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Sánchez, imo.

      1. davies
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Over Costa?

        1. Kurtinho
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          I don't have Diego 😛

          1. davies
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            Just asked for myself, sorry. 🙂

            Rooney (c), imo.

            1. Kurtinho
              • 9 Years
              9 years, 4 months ago

              Should be a highscoring week for everyone this one!

        2. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGeniusâ…
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          Yes.

    4. The ghost of a Pug's g…
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Rooney without a doubt

    5. Amateur Pundit Zan
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Rooney

    6. J0E
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Sanchez. Costa may score - but he offers little in the way of bonus or assist. Sanchez has potential to get all three.

      1. J0E
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Rooney looks good too - I just worry with LVG's love of RVP, Falcao returning and Di Maria being the man called on to attack whether Rooney could end up having a great game, bossing the game - but all from an FPL unfriendly position in central midfield.

        1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGeniusâ…
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          This ^^^, is what is set to happen, imo.

          1. Kurtinho
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            It is possible. Don't scare me 😛

            1. J0E
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 14 Years
              9 years, 4 months ago

              Di Maria is the safer option as chief assister and strong underlying goal attempt stats.

              Having said that Rooney can easily score, he loves to against Hull in fact, and with Rooney a goal also means lots of bonus as he does so much else in terms of passing.

              1. Kurtinho
                • 9 Years
                9 years, 4 months ago

                Couldn't quite fit ADM into my team so opted for Rooney as the alternative. Cheers for the input. You know your stuff 😉

                1. J0E
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • Has Moderation Rights
                  • 14 Years
                  9 years, 4 months ago

                  I orginally had Downing and Rooney in my wildcard team this week, but with doubts over Downing that scuppered that more than Utd's abundance of strikers.

                  Opted for Austin and Di Maria in the end.

                  I actually think that if Downing is fit both combos will score roughly the same.

                  I like Rooney this week - experience says that his purple patches are worth getting on.

                  1. Elniñorules
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 12 Years
                    9 years, 4 months ago

                    I think we're getting skeptical here with Rooney. It's become obvious that United need a goal scorer and RVP isn't their main goalscorer.

                    I'm sure LVG will play Rooney in the hole or 2nd striker.

                    1. J0E
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • Has Moderation Rights
                      • 14 Years
                      9 years, 4 months ago

                      There is a huge difference though in what LVG should do and what he will do.

                      He should drop RVP and play Rooney behind Falcao. Or at the very least have Rooney behind RVP

                      ...but LVG loves RVP and won't drop him. Plus he plays according to opposition. He knows how to play against good teams - which is why ManU did really well against Arsenal and against Chelsea. Against Hull he won't go for such a counter attacking side so could play Falcao and RVP up top with Rooney more central.

                      In both scenarios the heat map shows that ADM plays furthest forward - but his stats show that he is a weaker striker - so it should be Rooney that gets furthest forward...but that doesn't happen.

                      1. Elniñorules
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 12 Years
                        9 years, 4 months ago

                        Agreed regarding the difference between "should" and "reality" and it could eventually cost United a place in Europe.

                        But I think I saw enough of an away game at Emirates to be convinced of Rooney's attacking prowess. I wouldn't be surprised if LVG sticks to the same team that defeated Arsenal and that would mean Rooney in his favorite "in the hole" role. ADM can be advanced all he wants but he's never going to be a good finisher. Will continue to reap in his points through assists nonetheless.

                    2. Arvin-ation
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 10 Years
                      9 years, 4 months ago

                      Rooney has always played in the hole or as the 2nd striker. Thing is, with ADM now there, Rooney tend to drop back a little more and ADM takes things forward.

        2. Arvin-ation
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          Hey mate, haven't had a chance to thank you...

          Really appreciate the wonderful editing job you did on my "Attacking Punts" piece last week - was a really scrappy piece and you did a fantastic job on it, turning it into an actual readable article. So, thank you very much for that and apologies for the extra workload. Will have a lot more time the next few weeks so you won't be getting anymore of those 🙂

          1. J0E
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 14 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            No worries.

            Hey btw - what about that Walters chap then. You and I were lone voices. Fair bit of humble pie was scoffed on Sunday by those that mocked us. 🙂

            1. Get up ya bum
              • 14 Years
              9 years, 4 months ago

              i'm still eating mine 🙂

              1. J0E
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 14 Years
                9 years, 4 months ago

                🙂

              2. Arvin-ation
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 10 Years
                9 years, 4 months ago

                You, BG, BsloeBadger and Zep 😉

            2. Arvin-ation
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 4 months ago

              Blinking Jonathan Walters! 😀 Tbh, he wasn't that far out a punt considering his recent form, it's just his buffoonery last season that kept many away. 2 goals and 1 assist + 2 bps in 4 GWs is pretty impressive....now 3 goals, 1 assist and 2 bps in 5 games. Really solid form.

              Was beaming after he scored - actually brought him into my FPL team last week! For a hit! Worked out pretty well considering Walters outscored Downing by more than 4, and also the benchee who would've come in by more than 4....and now DOwning's injury looks like it'll keep him out a little longer, so all's good. 🙂

              How'd you go? Walters carry you to the top in the Scout Picks Challenge? 🙂

              1. J0E
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 14 Years
                9 years, 4 months ago

                Yep, still top.

                The community champ Maillot Juane claimed Mark as a scalp.

                Shame I went for Moses not Walters in my real team...makes no odds now - wildcarded and that mid price mid position is now handed back to Siggy.

                1. J0E
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • Has Moderation Rights
                  • 14 Years
                  9 years, 4 months ago

                  I seem to be the only one of my colleagues who follows your and Puntmaster's advice - probably the key reason I'm top.

                  1. Arvin-ation
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 10 Years
                    9 years, 4 months ago

                    🙂

                2. Arvin-ation
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 10 Years
                  9 years, 4 months ago

                  I think I need to find a way to get Siggy back in...

                  Moses was still a good option last week, Walters was probably a little more explosive though.

      2. Kurtinho
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Yes Sanchez and Rooney are my final two candidates now.

    7. iCon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      No DiMaria love?

      1. Kurtinho
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Sorry, this is specific to my team 😀 should've mentioned it.

        1. iCon
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          Lol, how very honest/selfish of you 😉

  8. SaintBegbie
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Appreciate feedback on my team? Possible future moves?

    Adrian
    Baines, Azpi, Chambers
    Sanchez, Fab, Siggy, Tadic
    Aguero (C), Rooney (VC), Austin

    Bench: Gilks, Boyd, Hutton, Bardsley

    0FT, 0.0 ITB

    Tadic probably first in line for transfer.

    1. Gooner Kebab
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Bardsley is tying up your funds too

      1. SaintBegbie
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Bartley, my bad! The boy at Swansea whatever his name is!

    2. BeachBadger
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      NOthing worth a hit. Lose Tadic and Bardsley in the coming weeks

    3. Kurtinho
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Fine for this week imo. No need for a hit.

  9. Shane Ferguson 4.0
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Team is

    Krul - Eliot
    Chambers - Bertrand - Hutton - Wisdom - Moore
    Hazard - Sanchez - Di Maria - Fabregas - Siggy
    Costa - Pelle - Sakho

    2 FT 0.1 in the bank

    A - Pelle + one big Mid(who?) TO Aguero + 4.7 Mid

    B - Pelle + Moore TO Bony + Yun

    I know Aguero is essential but is it worth to have him and Boyd and Moore, and we all know how is important to have strong bench for next period? Also i need to decide which mid to sell... With option B I get strong 8 mids to rotate...
    Any opinions?

    1. Judas
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      You need aguero. Simple

      1. Shane Ferguson 4.0
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        But which mid to sell????
        All of them doing a business for me for a last couple of weeks....

    2. Your Mum's Athletic
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      sell Fab, you have plenty of chels cover and it frees up a space for a chels defender if you want it

      1. Shane Ferguson 4.0
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        So, you think Aguero + Boyd will bring more points in next period then Bony + Fabregas ???

  10. Judas
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    I have 2 FTs this week, which option below should I go for based on my current defence?:

    Forster, McCarthy
    Clyne, Jags, Duff, Chambers, Naylor

    A: Clyne + Jags --> Williams + Azpi
    B: Forster ---> Fabianski (Save 1 FT)
    C: Clyne + Jags + Forster --> Jenkinson + Azpi + Fabianski (-4)
    D: Clyne + Jags + Forster --> Williams + Azpi + Krul/Heaton/Adrian (-4)

    1. Game of Stones
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      I would get rid of Forster first, as Clyne has a chance of attacking returns

      1. Judas
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        True. Also probably wouldnt even need another defender this week. Already have chambers, duff and taylor as my front 3 all wkth good fixtures

  11. stephenl15
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    The value I'm losing while I'm waiting for news on Downing and Baines for the weekend is excruciating.

    I wanna do Pelle (Fell) Tadic and Bertrand ---> Costa, Siggy (both rose) and Azpi but I could have to change my plan if Downing or Baines is ruled out.

    I have Moore and Obertan rotting my team, only managed 10 players last week.

  12. The ghost of a Pug's g…
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    So, who is everyone captaining?

    Costa or Sanchez?

    Wish i had rooney.

    1. Wilshere Knowledge
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Hazard or Sanchez

      Depends on how much work he gets through tonight.

    2. Saint & Reevesy
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Roonpig 🙂

  13. Al Bundy
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Siggy + Bony + NTaylor in one team? Thoughts?

    1. Gooner Kebab
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Bold

  14. mina
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Heaton
    Taylor - Chamber - Baines

    Downing - Sánchez - Sigurdsson - Di María

    Diego Costa (C) - Aguero - Austin

    Subs : Guzan - Chadli - Dummet - Wisdom

    and i have 0.5 in the bank
    what about selling Di Maria and get Hazard or Fabregas ?????

  15. Tree House
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Any Tottenham fans around? Has Kane nailed himself a place in the first team?

    1. FISSH
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      not a Spurs fan myself, but I think he gives plenty of reasons to start until he stops scoring

      1. Tree House
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        thanks

  16. money face bandwagon
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    think its the 1st time that many can consider all of their front 7 as a possible captain choice (some more risky of cos)

  17. Messi & fabregas
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Who do u think is the best keeper combo (up to 9m) until the january wildcard?

    1. davies
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Fabianski + 4.0

    2. Judas
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      I personally think having 2 keepers is not necessary any more. Ive only had one playing Keeper since the start and it has served me very well.

  18. davies
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    @ Doos - the post regarding my team/transfers last page.

    @ Rick - not sure I can afford Naylor without losing Clyne. Moore > Yun on the cards.

  19. PaulParker
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Who do we think is most essential?

    a) Baines
    b) ADM
    c) Fab

    1. Az
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Baines if fit

    2. Al Bundy
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Well, with Haz as an alternative for Fab he isnt essential, di Marias isnt consistent at all, i would say Baines. 7.1 for a defender though, and with Everton having some troublesome fixtures coming up, i wouldnt call him essential either.
      (i own all three and plan to keep them all too)

      1. PaulParker
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Hmm, I have fab and ADM. Want Baines, not sure what to do!!

        1. Al Bundy
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          Wait till after Man city away (gw15), maybe its easy getting him in for an underperforming big hitter then

  20. Gooner Kebab
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Correct bench order? Should i play Zam?

    Adrian
    Azpi, Baines, Hutton
    Haz, Siggy, Downing, ADM
    Costa, Kun, Zamora

    Bench order: Bertie, Duff, SebLarsson

    1. davies
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Not imo - he won't do anything. 😉

      1. Gooner Kebab
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Play Bertie (MCI), Duff (yellow flag) or Seb (CHE)?

        1. davies
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          Actually, play Zamora. Didn't realize he was your standout 7th attacker, sorry.

          1. Gooner Kebab
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            🙂 Seb out next week for a 6.2 mid, not sure who yET!

  21. Bojaninho
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    This chadli situation is annoying

    1. Gooner Kebab
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      you may be rewarded for your patience

      1. Bojaninho
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Rewarded with what price drop and priced out of other transfers haha

    2. Qubit
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Yep. And the Downing situation.

    3. Kurtinho
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      I think if Chadli's injury was long term we would know about it. Hopefully just a knock.

  22. Saint & Reevesy
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    A front three of Kun, Rooney and Costa is reassuring, the rest are naturally average, but somehow it doesn't seem to matter 🙂

    1. iCon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      ...but it does 😈

      1. Saint & Reevesy
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        It's early days but this season is mad, I'm braking every sensible FPL rule in the book and keep getting green arrows, im taking hits, doing transfers early, loading the front three........ I'm running with it.

        1. iCon
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          #PAMPLONAHEREICOME

    2. Bojaninho
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      How average and how long you having them?
      I am considering the same but if they don't perform one week.....leaves you a bit short

      1. Saint & Reevesy
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        This week:

        Guzan
        Dummet. Taylor. Duff
        Sanchez Hazzard Siggy downing
        Kun, Rooney, Costa

        Bench Krul clyne wisdom Quinn

  23. Bobby_Baggio
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Hi All

    Krul
    Chambers, Jags, Clyne
    ADM, Fab, Downing, Sanchez
    Costa, Sahko, Aguero

    Marney, Hutton, Wisdom

    2FT 0.3ITB, who would be a priority to change?

    A) Jags > Azpi
    B) ADM > Haz
    C) Clyne > 5.7m def
    D) Anyone else?

  24. Heydudes13
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Costa (C) is playing it safe and boring, doesn't actually get very many big scores. Would love to take a punt on Hazard this week...

    1. Chris_White
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      I'm going Sanchez.

    2. FISSH
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Sanchez for me I think

      1. Heydudes13
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        I like that idea.

    3. Wilshere Knowledge
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Just a word of warning, Hazard only had one shot last night, and only created 1 chance, which happened to be an assist.

      Not great in a 5-0 win.

      1. Heydudes13
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Expect the unexpected with Hazard

  25. Chris_White
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    When Wally is fit...

    Sanchez - Walcott - Hazard - Fabregas

    😎

    1. iCon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      A bit too Arsea for me 😉

    2. FISSH
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      how silly

  26. It's his Job.
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    in need of some advice on this team im hoping im there....

    Forster

    Yun Naylor Dummet

    Fabregas Chadli Sanchez Hazzard(c)

    Aguero(v.c) Austin Rooney

    Bench and order- Mannone- Duff-Clyne-Moore 0.4 in bank

  27. Cesc in the city
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Will Baines play this week?

    1. It's his Job.
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Defo!! wont rest him against Totts

  28. KISSES
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Which team will score more points from now to mid jan (team b is my current team, team a is a potential wc team)

    A.
    Krul Eliott
    Baines wisdom naylor yun moore
    Sanchez haz fab sig boyd
    Austin rooney aguero
    0 itb

    B.
    Krul eliott
    Baines berty chambers wisdom moore
    Fab sanchez downing sig marney
    Austin costa aguero
    (2.3 itb)

  29. hy08tas
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Looks pretty good to me other than Moore in the squad. I am trying to get rid of Forster too but he could pick up points yet...

    1. It's his Job.
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      I think forster is a must for me but am looking at krul too, Moore is literally just a bencher.. Captain choice this weekend? from that team looking at Rooney ,Hazzard or Aguero