[sbu_large_image] Injuries

Redknapp Confirms Rafa Doubts

20 May 2011 317 comments
Mark Mark
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Rafael Van der Vaart is “struggling” to make Tottenham’s season finale against Birmingham on Sunday according to Harry Redknapp.

Speaking to press in this morning’s conference before today’s training session, the Spurs boss stated…

“He has a calf problem and he’s struggling”

The Dutch midfielder would have been backed strongly for returns against Alex McLeish’s basement dwellers but the growing doubt over his appearance on Sunday’s teamsheet will now cause plenty of Fantasy Managers a headache.

As we reported earlier in the week, Van der Vaart is owned by over 27% of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers who will now face a conundrum. Amongst that pack there will also be owners of Wayne Rooney who must now be considering whether to spend points on additional transfers, or risk having a high-price player relegated to their bench.

Significantly, 8 of the top 10 FPL managers own Van der Vaart – Chris McGurn, the current overall leader is, however, not one of them.

Elsewhere in the Tottenham camp, Redknapp confirmed that Heurelho Gomes, Tom Huddlestone, William Gallas and Wilson Palacios were all “possibles” for a return. Benoit Assou-Ekotto, Alan Hutton and Jermaine Jenas are all fit and in his plans, but Steven Pienaar is a doubt along with Ledley King – Gareth Bale will remain sidelined.

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

317 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Dave Bauer
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 11 months ago

    Any news on Begovic starting?

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    1. JimmyDeemo - Sir Puntalot
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 11 months ago

      Wait Begovic might not start? My team is looking better by the minute! :S

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    2. PAVLYUCHENKOSAURUS
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 11 months ago

      I'm playing him, if he doesn't play Foster will come in

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  2. matiakez
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 11 months ago

    Hi all

    Would anyone be kind enough to look over this mess:

    http://fantasy.premierleague.com/M/entryhist.mc?id=1662211

    Unsure what to do, don't really want a hit!

    A) Sessegnon out for Zog/Adam
    B) Wingie out for Rod/DJ

    Or shape up the defense by bringing in Dawson..

    Or take hit and do Lamps and Wingie for Modric and Berba

    Thanks!!

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    1. stilicho
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 11 months ago

      I wouldn't shift Sessegnon, to my mind he's exactly the kind of player who could get an improbably high score on the last day of the season.

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      1. matiakez
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 11 months ago

        I don't really want to shift Sessegnon massively, he has been good to me these last weeks but is the most likely in the midfield.

        Bringing in Lamps last week with the spare cash has done me over a little..

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        1. stilicho
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 15 Years
          14 years, 11 months ago

          I would wait for news on Wingie, if he's going to play then I think your front 7 (benching Ba) looks pretty good if Nani plays.

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  3. tommypocket
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 11 months ago

    Okay, he's not CONFIRMED out but VDV has a habit of limping off when he's not 100%... therefore:

    VDV > N'Zogbia
    Ba OR Odemwingie (?) > Berbatov

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    1. Dan
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 11 months ago

      Wingie. Funnily enough they are probably going to be my exact transfers.

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  4. Tommyboy
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 11 months ago

    Thinking of Hernandez to Tevez or Berbatov? I've got Yaya so have city cover and would have 0 United players if I went with Tevez. What do people think!?

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    1. Caine & Co.
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 11 months ago

      I'd say Berbatov.

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  5. sandwich man
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 11 months ago

    who's the best bet to transfer in for Rooney?

    I'm thinking Tevez, anyone agree / disagree?

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    1. RogerC
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 11 months ago

      No brainer, Tevez is the man.

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      1. stilicho
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 11 months ago

        *NO BRAINER KLAXON*

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      2. yer old da
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 11 months ago

        No brainer is a bit much, especially with Berbatov a more than viable option.

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    2. stilicho
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 11 months ago

      FWIW I say Berbatov. At home against a team who can't begin to defend and have to win, chasing the golden boot. Tevez has a historically tough away fixture, City don't score many away and he's just pissed off the club and the fans by saying he's leaving.

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    3. TO
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 11 months ago

      Fletcher

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  6. Dan
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 11 months ago

    When is the Man City press conference?

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  7. Gatsby
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 11 months ago

    oh Vdv, you are a curse on my team now..

    every time i sub out, he bangs them in.. quite the opposite when i get him back in.

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  8. BallyMac
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 11 months ago

    A lot of ppl shipping out odemwingie, is he def out?

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    1. Dan
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 11 months ago

      I think he'll start.

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  9. SuperMario
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 11 months ago

    which would you rather

    Berbatov / Sturridge / Rvp
    Lamps / Young / Adam / Nzog / Barton

    or

    Berbatov / Tevez / Rvp
    Young / VDV / Nzog / Adam / Barton (4pt hit)

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    1. 1966 was a great year for E…
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 11 months ago

      I'd say A, just.

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  10. 1966 was a great year for E…
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 11 months ago

    Hmmmm, I've got Nani, VDV and Odem, all doubts for the weekend. Rooney to Berba will be my free, is it worth a 4 pointer to lose VDV or Odem for a guaranteed starter?

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    1. SuperMario
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 11 months ago

      odem & roo --> tevez & berba

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      1. 1966 was a great year for E…
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 11 months ago

        Can't afford that without taking an 8 point hit to free up funds - only 16 points clear in mini league, so I don't really want to do that.

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  11. Caine & Co.
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 11 months ago

    O'Hara VDV Nani N'Zogbia Adam
    RVP Berbatov Tevez

    Who to bench? Options:

    VDV (might not play the whole game),
    Nani (might not start),
    Tevez (conspiracy theory suggests he won't play)?

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    1. SuperMario
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 11 months ago

      one of vdv / nani, decision will be prob made for you

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      1. Caine & Co.
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 11 months ago

        Thanks. I hope so, 1 point sub-appearance would suck.

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  12. JapBen
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 11 months ago

    Correct captain choice and first 11:

    Foster
    Coleman, Djourou, Walker
    Lampard, Kuyt, Adam, VDV
    RVP(C), DJ, Fletcher
    Subs: Mignolet,Silva, Luiz, R.Johnson,

    ?

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  13. tommypocket
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 11 months ago

    Blackpool, Birmingham & Wigan all to win = 90/1 on PP!

    Stranger things have happened...

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  14. Mr. Tambourine Man
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 11 months ago

    Anyone fancy Modric now??

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    1. H Dog
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 11 months ago

      ME! El capitan as well!

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      1. Mr. Tambourine Man
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 11 months ago

        That could very well work out well for you that. Good luck.

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  15. yer old da
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 11 months ago

    Free transfer is Rooney to Berba(c). If Odemwingie out is it worth doing Silva to O'Hara and Odem to Tevez? An 8 point hit but gives me a mid/forwrad line of:

    Lampard, Adam, N'Zogbia, O'Hara
    Tevez, RVP, Berbatov(c)

    B-)

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  16. applebonkers
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 11 months ago

    he may not seem it but to me steven fletcher deserves to be up there with tevez and berbatov this week. what part of 8,9,16,6 likely on pens and blackburn at home is not impressive?

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    1. stilicho
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 11 months ago

      Does Doyle complicate matters or is he out?

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      1. Mr. Tambourine Man
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 11 months ago

        I think last I heard was Doyle had a setback, so looks good for Fletcher and probably Ward.

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        1. Mr. Tambourine Man
          • 15 Years
          14 years, 11 months ago

          There was also something about a Wolves director backing Fletcher to be their big goal scoring hope for the last game.

          I hope these vague statements that lack the empirical evidence to back them up are useful. 🙂

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      2. applebonkers
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 11 months ago

        doyle was on penalties, that's all i can think of.

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        1. jamsiep
          • 16 Years
          14 years, 11 months ago

          How much respect for my Forward Thinking picks?

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          1. applebonkers
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 16 Years
            14 years, 11 months ago

            did you read all the tweet about your first pick?

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            1. jamsiep
              • 16 Years
              14 years, 11 months ago

              ssssshhhhhhhhh..... Don't give the game away, TorresMagic could be lurking!

              And yes, I did. Still worth a gamble though.

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

            Scandalous to drop Connor Sammon's multiplier to 4.5 AB. Scandalous.

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            1. jamsiep
              • 16 Years
              14 years, 11 months ago

              hehe, I seem to consider him every week..

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            2. applebonkers
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 16 Years
              14 years, 11 months ago

              definite knee-jerk. everytime i see his goal i think i'm watching thierry henry

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

      The part that left the massive hole in my heart last season when I owned him at Burnley for so long when he always was so good but never scored. BOOH!

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      1. stilicho
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 11 months ago

        I'd struggle to bring in Fletcher just because if I have a third final gameweek nightmare in as many years I could more easily justify to myself the choice of Berbs or Tevez.

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    3. andy85wsm
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 11 months ago

      Definitely worth a pick for sure. But I'm taking a punt on the big boys!

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  17. MADE IN CHARLTON
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 11 months ago

    For new post...

    Having nearly finished my first season playing this game and not making any hits, I just don’t know what to do with VDV.

    Bring in Z’Nogbia for a hit?

    *starts sweating*

    Freidel (Foster)
    Distin, Hughes, Bardsley
    Lampard, O’Hara, Larsson, Adam, VDV
    RVP (C), Berbs (in for Torres).

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    1. default
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 11 months ago

      Who else is on bench for you?

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  18. The Rock
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 11 months ago

    Must be bad if i'm considering captaining a player that hasn't even made the list for the captains poll. 🙂

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    1. applebonkers
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 11 months ago

      go one then, who is it?

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      1. The Rock
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 11 months ago

        Ok AB, don't laugh now - J.Craddock!

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        1. applebonkers
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 16 Years
          14 years, 11 months ago

          did you see his goal last weekend? that was so un-jody craddock. could be inspired

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          1. The Rock
            • 16 Years
            14 years, 11 months ago

            Nah i didnt get to see many of the goals last week, what was it like?

            Well i'm 30 points behind so i need to go for someone like that and hope he scores.. at least once!

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            1. applebonkers
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 16 Years
              14 years, 11 months ago

              it was the kind of goal you'd expect from van basten, not marco van craddock. smashed a volley in first time from a looping cross

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    2. TO
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 11 months ago

      Ba(c) for me

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      1. SuperMario
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 11 months ago

        will he start after the party drama?

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        1. TO
          • 16 Years
          14 years, 11 months ago

          WestHam will probably sell him to a premiership club & Ba will want to show other clubs what he has to offer

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          1. doomy
            • 14 Years
            14 years, 11 months ago

            I think Ba has already proved himself. He doesn't need to score anymore goals and other clubs will still come in for him. I wouldn't captain him.

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        2. Mr. Tambourine Man
          • 15 Years
          14 years, 11 months ago

          Or after Mark's comments on the podcast about them playing the younger fringe players? Do you have any info Boogie?? I'd LOVE to know that he's starting.

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          1. TO
            • 16 Years
            14 years, 11 months ago

            I have him in my team 🙂

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            1. Mr. Tambourine Man
              • 15 Years
              14 years, 11 months ago

              Me too, and was either gonna play or have as a super-sub if VDV or Odem is out, but it's not good if he doesn't get a game.

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  19. default
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 11 months ago

    8 point hit..

    Rooney > Berb
    RVP > Tevez
    Yaya > NZogbia

    or

    VDV > NZogbia
    Odemwingie > Tevez
    Rooney > Berb

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    1. markieffm
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 11 months ago

      a) Odem might just pull another goal out the bag!

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      1. default
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 11 months ago

        Thats what I'm thinking and being owned by 5% less than RVP gives me the slight edge on overall position

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  20. H Dog
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 11 months ago

    Bench one out of Cahill, Johnson, Walker and Baines

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    1. default
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 11 months ago

      All 4?

      That is really tough, I'd go for Cahill as he is sat on my bench and I think Man City want 3rd more than Arsenal.

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  21. markieffm
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 11 months ago

    How does this 8 point hit sound?

    Dempsey > Nzog
    VDV > Modric
    Chico > Berbs

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    1. TO
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 11 months ago

      1st and 3rd only. VDV could play & score big

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    2. default
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 11 months ago

      VDV>Modric seems very sideways to me. Modric doesn't seem to score in FPL.

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      1. Paul Psychic Octopus
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 11 months ago

        But he might if he's now on penalties - and at home to Birmingham as well

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        1. TO
          • 16 Years
          14 years, 11 months ago

          Not if VDV plays

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          1. Paul Psychic Octopus
            • 15 Years
            14 years, 11 months ago

            I doubt if VDV will play

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            1. TO
              • 16 Years
              14 years, 11 months ago

              Doubt=VDV

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      2. andy85wsm
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 11 months ago

        Not really sideways if he's out. I'd wait as late as possible on fitness news

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  22. No Pirlo No Party
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 11 months ago

    At the moment I am not too sure what to do...

    Begovic
    Ivanovic - Kolarov - Skrtel
    Lampard - Nani - VDV - Adam - OHara
    RVP(c) - Suarez

    Foster - Walker - Baird - Welbeck

    Have 1 transfer. Nani/VDV/Kolarov are worrying me a little.

    Suggestions/opinions much appreciated lads.

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    1. doomy
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 11 months ago

      Tough one. Could do VDV to Barton/Ryan Taylor/NZog freeing up cash for Welbeck to Berba or maybe even Tevez.

      Then field

      Lamps-Adam-OHara-Nzog
      Suarez-Berbs(c)-RVP

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      1. doomy
        • 14 Years
        14 years, 11 months ago

        Just realized R. Taylor is a defender doh!

        Nani to Barton will free up enough for Welbeck to Berbs tho.

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      2. No Pirlo No Party
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 11 months ago

        This has crossed my mind. Although have only taken one point hit all season....

        will be a saturday morning job I think.

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  23. The Rock
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 11 months ago

    What's the story on S.Ward for Wolves? is he playing in midfield or something?

    Reason i ask is he is 15/2 First GS and 12/5 Anytime, 4th highest on the list and Craddock is 22/1 and 8/1, massive difference..so he most be playing in MF or else taking some set pieces?

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    1. andy85wsm
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 11 months ago

      He's playing as a forward.

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      1. The Rock
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 11 months ago

        Ah i see, will he still be playing there this weekend? Doyle could be back..

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        1. andy85wsm
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 15 Years
          14 years, 11 months ago

          Maybe, but I don't see why Mick would change a winning team

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          1. The Rock
            • 16 Years
            14 years, 11 months ago

            How has he been playing up front? hasn't got any goals yet, only 1 for the season.. think Jody Craddock may still be a better option?

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  24. heco87
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 11 months ago

    Afternoon Chaps,

    No idea what to do, who to bench, who to transfer, who to captain etc. This is my first 11, I have 2 free transfers and willing to take a hit - HELP!

    Hennessey (Foster)

    Kolarov - may not start
    Lescott
    Luiz - may not start
    (Walker)
    (Murphy)

    Adam
    Lampard
    Kuyt
    VDV
    Silva

    Ameobi
    Rooney
    RVP

    All suggestions welcome! - I'm about 30k overall chasing down a 20 point lead on a rival who has Lampard, Silva, VDV, Rooney, RVP, Luiz and Kolarov of the above.

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    1. palomino
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 11 months ago

      Think Kolorov will start, not sure on Silva?

      Maybe Luiz and Rooney to Ward and Berbatov with your two freebies.

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      1. heco87
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 11 months ago

        That'd be interesting because I was considering taking im out for Richards .. what makes you think he starts? Not convinced Ward will play up top again with Doyle and SEB on the bench last week

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        1. palomino
          • 14 Years
          14 years, 11 months ago

          On Kolorov, my understanding was Zabeleta was a doubt but not sure on latest info there. Maybe you'll get a Mancini press conference later?

          On Ward, I can't see McCarthy changing a front-line that has returned 7 points out of 9. If Ward and Fletcher is working, why change it now? Just my opinion though.

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  25. andy85wsm
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 11 months ago

    Just had fish and chips for £2.50 and it was gooooooooood.

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    1. harmonica
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 11 months ago

      did you eat them in 1983? If so, may I recommend Ian Rush for this weekend

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  26. BallyMac
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 11 months ago

    Team is

    Hart (Szcz)
    Terry Smalling Carr (Luiz Kelly)
    VDV Young Dempsey Adam (Nolan)
    RVP Drogba Odem

    Got two freebies, thinking either

    A) Drogs->Tevez/Berb (which one?) & Nolan-> N'Zog, then who to bench?
    B) Drogs->Tevez, Odem->Berb and VDV->N'Zog (4pt hit), or
    C) Drogs->Tevez/Berb, VDV->Kuyt

    Defence is pretty awful I know, but can't see any defenders that are worth a hit. Any other suggestions?

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    1. heco87
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 11 months ago

      As a Newcastle fan with a biased opinion, I reckon Steven Taylor could be worth a cheeky punt for you (particlurly if you're trying to catch someone above you) ... I'm also looking at Micah Richards.

      I have the same Berbatov Vs Tevez dilemna but am swaying towards berbs.

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      1. Dragan Stojkovic
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 11 months ago

        Would Ryan Taylor not be a better option? Playing in midfield and on set-pieces? Or is he not guaranteed to start?

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        1. heco87
          • 15 Years
          14 years, 11 months ago

          He may well start but is more of a risk in my opinion. Takes a good set piece though, you're right

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  27. @ImpressiveTackl
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 11 months ago

    Will there be no more Watchlist updates?

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  28. Mr Sarcastic
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 11 months ago

    Which one?

    a) modric, berba, fletcher
    b) anderson/o'hara, berba, tevez

    Rival has modric....

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    1. The Rock
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 11 months ago

      B with O'Hara

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  29. H Dog
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 11 months ago

    Applebonkers - see you have heard the news.

    I would prefer if he went to newcastle, but if swansea get promoted then i reckon he could go there

    Of course, I wish he could stay at the 'orns, but ho hum

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    1. H Dog
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 11 months ago

      http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/13468214.stm

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      1. Gargamel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 11 months ago

        You guys are Watford fans? I never really picked up on that. Hope they go up soon - I had great success from Watford players last time they were up, most notably Marlon King and Ashley Young.

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        1. applebonkers
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 16 Years
          14 years, 11 months ago

          i never played the year watford were up, otherwise i would have basically been attila on here bigging up everyone to sell ronaldo and lampard and buy hameur bouazza.

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    2. applebonkers
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 11 months ago

      as long as he gets a good transfer fee. i'd hate to see him go for so little

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  30. PAVLYUCHENKOSAURUS
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 11 months ago

    2 Questions:

    1. When will we have team talks from managers... Sunday morning?
    2. If Tevez left City, where do we think he would end up?

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