Scout Notes
4 December 2010 261 comments
Mark Mark
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There’s a change of format for this morning’s “Preamble”. With few pressing issues clattering around in my head, I’ve opted to give you an information blast, marrying up some of the noteworthy elements from the morning papers with some of my random thoughts on the Gameweek ahead. It might just work…

All four papers, apart from The Times, go with Marouane Chamakh up front for Arsenal against Fulham. That particular broadsheet has Robin Van Persie starting with the unlucky Chamakh presumably benched. Samir Nasri owners need Van Persie off the pitch to keep the Frenchman on set-piece and spot-kick duty.

Intriguingly, three of the four papers this morning feel that Seamus Coleman will be recalled to the Everton starting lineup on the right of midfield. A strange one this considering that he lost his place to Victor Anichebe against West Brom last week and was an unused sub. I’m not sure I see the logic in this unless it’s felt that Coleman gives better defensive cover against Ashley Cole – a possible consideration.

Craig Gardner is a starter for Birmingham in just two of our four papers this morning. I feel he will come in for Lee Bowyer in midfield and the stats show that, when he plays, he is by far the most threatening player on the pitch for Alex McLeish’s men. I think he’ll be a factor against Spurs.

Tom Cleverley is another one to watch – mentioned in last night’s “Spot The Differential” by Big Dunc, he’s a starter in all four of the morning papers and I see him being an influence for Wigan. Plenty will back Charles N’Zogbia in this one but I feel Cleverley could be a factor if the Latics do breach the Stoke defence. That’s a big “if” however – Stoke have conceded just 3 goals in their last 4 which is why I’ve backed Ryan Shawcross for my Scout Picks bench.

There should be goals in the Sunderland vs West Ham clash. The Hammers have confidence and attacking players on form and the same could be said of Sunderland, despite last week’s defeat at Molineux. The reshuffled Black Cats’ defence will get a thorough examination here and Steve Bruce may need a couple from his strikers – Darren Bent and Danny Welbeck. It’s hard to spot a goal threat elsewhere in the Sunderland side, although I’m monitoring Kieran Richardson. The stats show that he’s firing in shots and he’s their key man on direct free-kicks.

The City vs Bolton fixture looks one of the most difficult to call. In Fantasy terms I’ve a feeling we will see plenty of goals shared out here. Bolton have kept just one clean sheet but they’ve also only failed to score twice all season. An early strike from the visitors would ruin City’s clean sheet prospects but it would surely bring Roberto Mancini’s men out of the shell; a good thing for Carlos Tevez owners. The Telegraph have predicted a 3-2 – they might be on to something.

Mike Dean is the referee for the West Brom vs Newcastle clash. Mike Dean likes a penalty. That could be good news for owners of Peter Odemwingie and Shola Ameobi who will likely be on duty for those sides at the Hawthorns today. Graham Dorrans could be a starter for West Brom though (all four papers agree on that) and he could possibly take duties from Odemwingie. If he does and he enjoys a decent game, we could see the midfielder pick up some interest at last.

Predicting clean sheets is possibly the most difficult task in Fantasy Football right now. I’ve been pondering this a lot over the last 24 hours and I still see Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool as the strongest options – simply because their opponents are low on confidence and dealing with injuries. We could be relying on attacking returns from Blackburn, City and Birmingham defenders this week, and if you want a couple of dark horse options then Stoke at Wigan and West Brom at home to Newcastle appear to present them. The Newcastle attack has stalled somewhat of late, with 4 goals in 5 games, all scored by Andy Carroll. If they can keep him quiet (another big “if”) then the Baggies could surprise us with a shut-out.

Finally – a shameless plug. Fantasy Football Scout has had the honour of being nominated in the Soccerlens Awards this year – we’re in the “Best Niche Website” category amongst some other great websites. We’d obviously like you to vote for us though, so if you feel inclined, go visit here and do the necessary. Voting closes tonight apparently. We were going to send Prince William and David Cameron to chat up the judges but thought better of it.

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

261 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Mole
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 6 days ago

    Quick question

    Nasri, Tevez or Nzog for captain.

    Leaning towards tevez at the moment!!

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    1. lightspeed
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 6 days ago

      i have all 3 and am going tevez

      (not had much lucj with my Capt's so you may want to go with one of the other 2 ;-))

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      1. Jim
        • 16 Years
        15 years, 6 days ago

        +1 but still may change!!!

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        1. Mithrandir, the Grey Pilgri…
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          15 years, 6 days ago

          Yes Tevez, but tempted by Nasri.

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    2. SkyByBo
      • 16 Years
      15 years, 6 days ago

      Has to be tevez

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  2. MJ6987
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 6 days ago

    Is there any way of telling if another team has made any transfers before the deadline? Thanks

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    1. Ye
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 6 days ago

      yeah if you scroll down to see the transfer history it shoudl tell so if it says '2/20' - they've made two transfer but you wont be able to see them until after the deadline!

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    2. Milky
      • 16 Years
      15 years, 6 days ago

      in the bottom left of their team screen there will be a number like this "0 / 15". The 0 indicates how many transfers they have made this GW (unless they used their wildcard)

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    3. ToonTom
      • 16 Years
      15 years, 6 days ago

      Bottom right of their screen mate - under team finances it says transfers, the number before the slash is this weeks changes...

      So 7/25 would mean 7 this week 25 overall...Ok?

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      1. MJ6987
        • 15 Years
        15 years, 6 days ago

        Oh yeah I can see it. It was the "bottom left" bit that confused me!! If they have played their wildcard, it would still say 0 then?

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        1. ToonTom
          • 16 Years
          15 years, 6 days ago

          Yep, it say szero for this week if played WC..sneeky eh!

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    4. MJ6987
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 6 days ago

      Sorry, I can't see it. Where by exactly? And is it on the first screen or after you click on transfer history? Thanks

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      1. Ye
        • 15 Years
        15 years, 6 days ago

        click on the person you want to see, cross down and in the botton right underneath their team and country flags it says team finances and it wil say....

        'Transfers (Gameweek / Overall): 1 / 16' - as an example therefore hes made one transfer but you cant see it

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    5. MJ6987
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 6 days ago

      Thanks all!

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  3. Ye
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 6 days ago

    who would be a better gamble for a 4 point hit today to keep over the next 2 weeks?

    1) Etherington - Wigan (A) & Blackpool (H)
    or
    2) Silva - Bolton (H) & West Ham (A)

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    1. For Fuchs Sake
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 6 days ago

      Silva not always going to start or last the game.

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  4. Milky
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 6 days ago

    So here's my team for the week:

    Hart (Foster)
    Kolarov | Jones | Konchesky
    Bale (c) | Jarvis | Cahill | Barton
    Drogba | Carroll | Elmander
    Sub: Coleman | Vidic | Nani

    What do you think, should I just hope they all play and prey for the best or is a transfer best (at a 4point cost)?

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    1. lightspeed
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 6 days ago

      personally, if you can theoretically field 11 i would NOT take a hit.

      i know of several people who took 4 and 8 point hits early in the week to get Utd players in.

      You will have a head start on lots without any hits.

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      1. Milky
        • 16 Years
        15 years, 6 days ago

        thats what i like to hear, thanks

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  5. Bobadoba
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 6 days ago

    Is Torres a better option than Bent given competition from Wellbeck?

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  6. blackiegray1973
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 6 days ago

    morrison or coleman?

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  7. RafaMC
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 6 days ago

    Guys,

    Who to play Foster or Carson in goal ????

    Leaning towards Carson at the moment.

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  8. For Fuchs Sake
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 6 days ago

    Ooooh now I'm tempted to keep Adam and sell Lee for Ethers now!!

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  9. tosey
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 6 days ago

    mgp captain, madness or genius?

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    1. For Fuchs Sake
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 6 days ago

      Pure madness! Elmander all over again!

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    2. teddy.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      15 years, 6 days ago

      Madness any time before 4.45pm...

      There are enough good options elsewhere.

      Then again, I could hedge my bets with Hahnemann & MGP (c)...

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    3. ToonTom
      • 16 Years
      15 years, 6 days ago

      tosey your opinions...

      Alex/Mummy/VDV-Kolarov/Krygiakos/Dunn for 8 points so I have 11 out today...a decent gamble or nuts?!

      PS MGP nuts I say....!

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      1. tosey
        • 16 Years
        15 years, 6 days ago

        i wouldnt bring i dunn due to his injuries, too many games over xmas and youll have to get rid soon

        the other 2 look sound

        duno whether to take an extra 4pt hit (done 4 already) to do gyan to torres and captain him instead? thoughts?

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        1. ToonTom
          • 16 Years
          15 years, 6 days ago

          Id love to be able to do so but need 11 and to get rid would be swapping for me....if think game off Id go for it....if its on its a very tight call...
          If think mummy plays no, if you think he doesnt then it could be worth it...still a gamble...

          But so is Dunn and it still tempts...
          Krygiakos plays for next 3 months right?!

          Ethers or bale then you think if not Dunn?!

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          1. tosey
            • 16 Years
            15 years, 6 days ago

            well id say mgp but bale if not

            vdv back next week mind

            im guna gamble n keep gyan i think, he has to get in the team at some point and i think hell do well

            also means i can get gerrard and lampard in next 3 weeks

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            1. ToonTom
              • 16 Years
              15 years, 6 days ago

              VDV back NEXT week? Sure?!

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            2. Waldaz
              • 16 Years
              15 years, 6 days ago

              VDV back next week? Where did you read that?

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                1. tosey
                  • 16 Years
                  15 years, 6 days ago

                  Rafael van der Vaart could return to action earlier than expected despite tearing a hamstring during Tottenham’s victory over Liverpool, Goal.com UK can reveal.

                  The Dutch playmaker had a scan on Tuesday on his hamstring, an injury which would typically rule a player out for three to four weeks.
                  But Spurs are hopeful that the injury is less serious than initially feared. They have not set a date on van der Vaart’s return and will continue to monitor his progress.

                  Although he will almost certainly miss Saturday’s Premier League trip to Birmingham and next Tuesday’s Champions League tie against FC Twente, the club are not discounting the possibility he could return for the mouth-watering derby clash against Chelsea on Sunday week.

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                2. ToonTom
                  • 16 Years
                  15 years, 6 days ago

                  Cheers mate....

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          2. In Like Flynn.
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 15 Years
            15 years, 6 days ago

            See! 🙂 thats what I said.

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  10. Jim
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 6 days ago

    Bale, MGP, Dunn or Ethers???

    Thinking Bale, what do you guys reckon?

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    1. For Fuchs Sake
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 6 days ago

      Bale got tricky away games coming up, I'm going with Ethers.

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    2. ToonTom
      • 16 Years
      15 years, 6 days ago

      Im heading towards Dunn...no big risks this season for me so far...he could be a a crocked diamond in the rough physio's table....

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  11. shearmanitor
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 6 days ago

    I have chamakh just wondering shall I do
    VDV >>>>>> Nasri
    or what ??

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    1. lightspeed
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 6 days ago

      depends on the rest of your squad tbh

      i did VDV > Nasri but dont have any other Arsenal coverage

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    2. For Fuchs Sake
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 6 days ago

      No brainer

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  12. laziale
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 6 days ago

    Morning all.

    Question is: should i play Coleman at Chelsea or take another hit (already took 4pt to bring Reina in for VdS) and drop Nolan for MGP?

    MGP future fixtures are great and Nolan fixtures aren't the best ones. Is it worth take the 8 pt hit now considering not only this GW but the next 5-6 GW?

    Tks all.

    Cheers.

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    1. teddy.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      15 years, 6 days ago

      That switch is probably worth the points, not sure the keeper one was though.

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  13. Evs
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 6 days ago

    Im gonna captain Carrol, whose with me 🙂 ???

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    1. ToonTom
      • 16 Years
      15 years, 6 days ago

      You are nuts...hope you are right!

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      1. Evs
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 16 Years
        15 years, 6 days ago

        Come ToonT, lets do it...

        Together 😀 !!!

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        1. ToonTom
          • 16 Years
          15 years, 6 days ago

          Hahah oooooohhhhh I get BOLD! I cant even be arsed to work out how! Even with your smooth tongue you cant convince me..Im going balls out I think this week! Nasri for me, plus Dunn to rip Wolves a new one...with Foley scoring clearly!

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  14. Bobadoba
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 6 days ago

    Bardsley or Kolarov long term?

    Kolorov is more pricey but more attacking.

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    1. In Like Flynn.
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 6 days ago

      Kolarov without doubt imo.

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  15. shearmanitor
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 6 days ago

    Will elmo start, anyone know ??

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    1. FPL Daniel
      • 16 Years
      15 years, 6 days ago

      no IMO

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    2. FPL Daniel
      • 16 Years
      15 years, 6 days ago

      Lads beware Fulham only once have received more than one goal away from home. It will be a tight game.

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  16. FPL Daniel
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 6 days ago

    Just realized that Arsenal is having crucial CL tie midweek, so there can be huge rotation or not so good game against Fulham, makes me rethink on Nasri (c), Is it possible for him to start on the bench or play 60m?

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    1. beginnersluck
      • 16 Years
      15 years, 6 days ago

      Good point

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  17. For Fuchs Sake
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 6 days ago

    Right got to go to play squash, Drogba captain done!! SURELY he'll score today!

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  18. Cahill
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 6 days ago

    GYAN!!!

    what do i do?

    ship for torres?

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    1. keith
      • 16 Years
      15 years, 6 days ago

      Yes if free not for a hit

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  19. keith
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 6 days ago

    Who would you guys play Jara or Barton?

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  20. tosey
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 6 days ago

    ok done, 4pt hit taken

    robinson
    kolarov/kyrgiakos/bosingwa
    cahill/MGP(c)/nzogbia/simpson
    tevez/elmander/gyan

    schwarzer/knight/nani/vdv

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    1. keith
      • 16 Years
      15 years, 6 days ago

      Brave capt Tosey! Would you go Nasri or Tevez?

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      1. tosey
        • 16 Years
        15 years, 6 days ago

        tevez

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        1. keith
          • 16 Years
          15 years, 6 days ago

          Cheers and would you play Barton over Jara?

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          1. tosey
            • 16 Years
            15 years, 6 days ago

            id play jara cuz i swear someone said hell be an attacking midfielder today, dont quote me on that tho

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            1. keith
              • 16 Years
              15 years, 6 days ago

              Thanks mate hope we're in the points this week

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  21. MJ6987
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 6 days ago

    Who thinks Coleman will start?

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  22. ToonTom
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 6 days ago

    New thread

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  23. Jim
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 6 days ago

    Coleman, vdv out
    Bale, Kolarov in

    good trades

    Need to take a hit to get 11 out!!

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  24. A little knowledge
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 6 days ago

    Guys am a bit stuck have midfield of
    Adam VDV Bale Nani Nolan

    Was thinking VDV-> Nasri

    Then take a hit for Nani -> Yaya or Kalou

    What do you think

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  25. Futbol Heritage
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 6 days ago

    I have to make only one selection decision

    Krul or Foster

    Am currently going with Krul!
    But Foster has this annoying ability to get CS when you least expect it

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  26. Churchill
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 6 days ago

    Lennon for VDV. Tevez gets the armband.

    That concludes this weeks transfers

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  27. ted mcnure
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 6 days ago

    no footie on tv today??
    what;s going on?

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    1. ted mcnure
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 6 days ago

      chelsea/ev on setanta ireland only??

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  28. grapesland
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 6 days ago

    mulling about replacing drogs with roo or nando, and i'm leaning towards nando, he's been on the pitch in every single game this season so far and should be ready now to enter my selection with pools very favourable run of games coming up and with gerrard also soon ready to back him up. Nani could just be enough united coverage for the next few games i think.. Thoughts?

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  29. applebonkers
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 6 days ago

    test

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