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Pre-Season Guide Updated

24 July 2011 1548 comments
Mark Mark
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Saturday brought a whole raft of pre-season friendlies with many of the Premier League top guns stretching sinews.

Gervinho’s brace on his Arsenal debut offered an early warning sign to the chaos he can cause defences – enough to have Arsene Wenger purring in post-match anticipation. Fantasy Managers will be stroking chins, pondering the merits of the Ivorian, perturbed no doubt by his classification as a Fantasy forward.

United overcame the heat to earn another stateside victory over Chicago Fire – Wayne Rooney again on the scoresheet. Liverpool meanwhile, slipped to a surprising reversal on Humberside, Nigel Pearson’s Hull City humbling the Liverpool revolution despite debuts for Stewart Downing and Jordan Henderson.

Rafael Van der Vaart’s abilities and Fantasy potential is undoubted; his brace in Tottenham’s 3-0 win over Orlando Pirates will surely have him blink brighter on our pre-season radars. Enough to cause an initial squad overhaul? Tottenham’s early fixtures cause concern but the Van der Vaart pre-season form may yet force a rethink.

There were plenty of other sides in action, including Everton, Sunderland, Norwich and Swansea. With an array of friendly matches pouring in today, it pays to keep up to date with the pre-season trends.

Our pre-season form guide is up to date with all yesterday’s action, scorers and team lineups.

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

1,548 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Scoredelario
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    I feel very uneasy about everyone picking taarabt...These pre-season bandwagons always seem to fail!

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    1. Prisoner FC
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      I picked him as well, how does everyone feel about Guedioura?

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      1. Scoredelario
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 9 months ago

        thought he was the barca manager 😛

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    2. The ghost of a Pug's g…
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      This isn't a pre-season bandwagon. He was exceptional last season. Everyone's just looking for the next charlie adam

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      1. gurka
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 9 months ago

        Guedioura maybe when they get good fixtures but their are better (fepl) players at wolves. If taarabt is anything like he was last season we have a gun on our hands, still think he is overpriced though.

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  2. TheBallersClub
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    Rate My Team

    Given Ruddy

    Simpson O'Shea Kompany Jagielka(or cahill/samba) A Cole

    Taarabt Sinclair Van der Vaart Wilshere Ben Afra

    Rooney Suarez Zamora

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    1. Scoredelario
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      bw(yes) bw
      ok ok yes ok bw
      bw(yes) bw yes maybe no
      overpriced ok yes

      (bw = bandwagon)

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    2. CobraKai
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      VDVs fixtures for first 5 weeks are evil.

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  3. Jinswick
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    What's the consensus on Bent? I'm seriously tempted....

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    1. Scoredelario
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      overpriced. He will score a few more goals than other cheaper strikers and get a few less assists too.

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      1. Qubit
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 9 months ago

        On the flip side he'll likely get good bonus this year. Whether that makes him good enough value is up to the individual to decide 🙂

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  4. DV8R
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    Will Ashley Cole be more attacking this season under AVB??

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  5. MB10
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    Moses and Briggs
    or Ferguson and Enrique

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    1. Scoredelario
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      No

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      1. Jinswick
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 9 months ago

        lol

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  6. Zep
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    Oh this isn't good... On my stream it's still 1-0 🙁

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  7. ⭐ ABHISHEK - THE CURIOUS …
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    H2h league....
    Anyone ?
    Interested in joining....

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    1. Zep
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      I won't be joining any h2h leagues this year...

      Don't like them at all for some reason...

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  8. mikeywoodward
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    right had a little tinker and this will be my last rmt for a few weeks honest 🙂

    given (krul)
    kompany, cole, distin (simpson, caulker)
    sessegon, n zogbia, vdv, taarabt, (hoolahan)
    gervinhio, rooney, roddelega.

    0.0 in bank

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    1. Gnu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      Sorry to hear about the little tinker!

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      1. mikeywoodward
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 9 months ago

        LOL had but dont now 😉

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    2. big oak
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      grvinho is oop. for all the wrong reasons in the world.
      and who the hell is caulker, does e usually start? or is he just another 4.0 defender?

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      1. mikeywoodward
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 9 months ago

        caulker is on loan from tottenham. he was on loan at bristol city last year(the team i support) he was by far our best player and i expect him to play every game for them.

        gervinhio looks good and last season i no its the french league but had loads of goals and assists.

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    3. King Eric, in America
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      So Rodallega will essentially be an every-week-starter then?

      Can't say I fancy him that much.

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      1. mikeywoodward
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 9 months ago

        would keep him for first 3 weeks and take out then....

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  9. Paul
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    okay this is officially my first RMT for this season please opinions are greatly appreciated...
    Given Begovic
    hughes kompany ivanovic ferdinand samba
    johnson(nor) walcott albrighton silva sinclair
    rooney zamora holt
    o.o left in bank...
    thanks for ur suggestions...

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    1. mikeywoodward
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      ferdinand wont play anywhere near enough games this season. much better options at his price..dont like zamora. like the rest of the team tho

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      1. King Eric, in America
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 9 months ago

        Too much money in the defense, imo - leaves the midfield too slight. I'd downgrade Rio and Samba for two cheaper defenders and spread the cash in the midfield.

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  10. Someoneleet
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    Please rmt...

    Given (Ruddy)

    Richards Clichy Hughes (Orr Simpson)

    VDV Kalou Yaya Taarbt (Tiote)

    Rooney Drogba Zamora

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    1. Beden
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      Would consider replacing the following:

      Kalou - going to be used primarily as substitute, rarely gets goals.
      Drogba - won't play every game with Torres at the Bridge.
      Zamora - I think he's been talked up on this forum; although he's not expensive, there are cheaper strikers who are just as good.

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  11. Beden
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    Please rate my team:

    Given (AVL), Al-Habsi (WIG)
    Kompany (MCY), Vidic (MUN), Senderos (FUL), Dawson (TOT), S. Taylor (NEW)
    Malouda (CHE), Ben Arfa (NEW), Sessegnon (SUN), Valencia (MUN), N'Zogbia (WIG)
    Gyan (SUN), Demba Ba (NEW), Suarez (LVP)

    Too heavy on defence and Newcastle?

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    1. Drip Doctor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      Yes, too heavy on Newcastle. Also, you don't have many captain choices.

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    2. kanmati
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      senderos not gonna play.if 4.5 better pick wes brown or save money pick simpson newcastle

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  12. ⭐ ABHISHEK - THE CURIOUS …
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    Liverpool Will win this season premier league.....
    Kenny Dalgish Rocks.....

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    1. Drip Doctor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      The same Dalglish that done soo well at Blackburn? Liverpool had no pressure or expectations when he took over. He has no idea.

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      1. Donnie Chen
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 9 months ago

        Er, he won the Premiership with Blackburn?

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        1. King Eric, in America
          • 15 Years
          14 years, 9 months ago

          To be fair, he stayed close-enough second place for United and Cantona to give it to them.

          Fair play for second.

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    2. King Eric, in America
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      Nope. They won't.

      Decent shout at 4th if they don't collapse, as has happened in the Rafa era several times, a la Arsenal.

      And 4th is quite something for them to be happy about - if not for all their supporters (well, not all) claiming they'll win it all this year. Bad mojo, that.

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    3. Lanley Staurel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      Up the Tigers!

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  13. Fpl Old Guard
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    Think I have cracked it! RMT?

    Givan Kenny
    Kompany Rafael Alex Simpson Brown
    Silva Malouda Ben Arfa Taarabt N'zogbia
    Gyan Zamora Bent

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    1. Demí
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      Rafael and Alex aren't nailed on.

      Forward line could do with a big gun or two. Midfield looks pretty tasty though.

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      1. Fpl Old Guard
        • 14 Years
        14 years, 9 months ago

        Cheers

        I am swaying between three reasonably good strikers who I think all have a chance of doing well against a big hitter, i.e. van persie/rooney and two cheaper ones

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    2. Paul
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      should i break the bubble for u???

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  14. TheBallersClub
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    Best 5.5m defender folks?

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    1. Scoredelario
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      hughes/baird or bardsley at 5.0mil would be my picks

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    2. DV8R
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      Samba or Cahill?

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  15. Scoredelario
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    /rant
    Why is lampard the only attacking chelsea player guaranteed a start and yet MASSIVELY OVERPRICED?! WHY DO CHELSEA ALWAYS START WITH GOOD FIXTURES?!
    /end rant

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    1. The ghost of a Pug's g…
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      and spurs always have shit fixtures to start with...suprised its a home fixture this year

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    2. King Eric, in America
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      Why is the most integral player on one of the two best teams over the last ten years who's the only 'guaranteed' starter in a potentially explosive offense so expensive?

      Why? Why? WHY?

      oh.

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  16. DV8R
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    Odemwingie... Is he worth the 7.5m??

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    1. Beden
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      Yes, but his early fixtures puts me off.

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      1. kanmati
        • 14 Years
        14 years, 9 months ago

        west brom against man u and chelsea.two hardest defend.

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    2. kanmati
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      no in the first two game.

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    3. Fpl Old Guard
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      Defences will be more on the look out now for him, will he repeat last season? I'm not so sure

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    4. Boom!!!
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      yes but after gw2...

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  17. Boom!!!
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    Malouda Goal!

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  18. hellothere23
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    Malouda scored with Acole assisting!

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    1. Stat virgin
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      I want all of Chelsea in my team

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  19. Tommytour
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    Who will have Tevez if he stays?

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    1. Boom!!!
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      me!

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  20. kurbalija
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    He Comes From Serbia, He'll Fukin Murder Ya, Nemanja ooooooooooooo Nemanja ooooooooo

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  21. Göönër W&eum…
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    Anyone else waiting on Aguero before continuing to ponder how to spend without exceeding 100 mill (seeing as he hasn't returned to Athelico training) I can't see me not picking him.

    He is no doubt worth a punt when he arrives in Manchester midweek (Swansea home GW1 & maybe a Cahill-less Bolton GW2, I would take a bet on him settling in quite comfotably....)

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    1. kanmati
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      look like he gonna cost 11-12.

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      1. Göönër W&eum…
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 9 months ago

        probobly 12 I reckon, meaning sacrificing RVP for me if I choose to bring him in...

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  22. PDM TOP 1,000 any Season rc…
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    This German Grand Prix after 14 laps is bloody brilliant !!!

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    1. Boom!!!
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      +1

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  23. Sam1878
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    Don't know if anyone’s interested, but here’s my opinion (Everton supporter) about the Everton’s Fantasy prospects...

    Howard - On his day can expect pen saves clean sheets and save points, on another day you can expect him to make a mistake costing a clean sheet.

    Coleman - Classed as midfielder and 7.0 wouldn't go anywhere near him.

    Jags - 5.5 isn't a bad price but I feel there is better value elsewhere.

    Distin - Slightly more likely to score then Jags but again, at 5.5 probably better value elsewhere.

    Baines - One of if not our best player, expect him to get plenty of assist/goals (for a defender) however sceptical he can match last season’s tally and for 8.0 is too expensive for my liking.

    Felli - Great player when in his CDM role, but due to that not a great option fantasy football wise.

    Arteta - Injured and not replicating his previous form, seems happier to pass it sidewise and keep possession nowadays. At 8.0 a gamble that could pay off, but not one for me.

    Osman - Played great in the last half of the previous season and doing well pre-season, with Arteta currently injured looks likely to be our creative player. At 7.0 he would be one of the most likely to be in my team.

    Cahill - One of my favourite Everton players however isn’t as young or quick as he used to be, will score goals this season but at 9.0 I’d want to use that money elsewhere.

    Saha - To unpredictable for my liking, might be worth looking at if he gets some good form together and stays injury free, but won’t be in my opening team.

    Beckford - Not a bad debut season but won’t be in my opening team, if he gets loads of minutes and starts scoring might consider transferring him in as a cheap 3rd striker.

    Gueye - Good young player, played on the wing mainly yet classed as a striker, could be worth seeing if he gets game time.

    Special mention - Ross Barkley, not listed on the FPL, only 17 but Moyes said last season that he would have featured heavily in the last half of last season if it hadn't of been for his triple leg break. Back in pre-season and performing very well. Expect him to make some first team appearances/starts. Same build as Rooney but plays attacking mid, one to look out for if not this season, then defiantly next season.

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    1. gurka
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      Sounds pretty spot on, there are some players worth a look but with the horrible start they have over the last couple of seasons I don't trust them just yet.

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      1. Sam1878
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 9 months ago

        Pretty much, In conclusion I reckon there are some players worth watching however none of them realy stand out as deserving a place in your opening team.

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    2. Freshy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      Ross Barkley looked strong last night against US club

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      1. Freshy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 9 months ago

        could be this years Albrighton type value

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  24. MegaTROn
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    Can Arsenal Fans help me, assuming Arsenal don't buy any LB, will Gibbs be 1st choice? I heard someone say maybe Vermaelen might play there if you guys get a new CB, cause he plays that position for his country. Thoughts?

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    1. Shakey
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      We know as much as you do. Arsenal won't buy a new left back, but I don't know what's going to happen if/when a new centre back signs.

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      1. Drip Doctor
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 9 months ago

        Did you see Miyachi' cameo yesterday, deeeecent! His acceleration is similar to Ronaldo!

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        1. Shakey
          • 16 Years
          14 years, 9 months ago

          He's really Ronaldo-esque. He can't run 5 metres without doing a step-over either.

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    2. Drip Doctor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      Too early to say, Wenger said we are after a defender, whether that is a left back or a cb is unknown. If i were to guess, i'd say Gibbs will start at LB.

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      1. Göönër W&eum…
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 9 months ago

        I went to watch Miyaichi last weekend against Hangzhou in China and for the time he was on the pitch, most of us in the stand I was in were watching & talking about him only - He was quality & it was pouring down with rain.

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    3. MegaTROn
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      Thanks for the responses guys, I'll watch the space

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  25. DV8R
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    Which player would be better in the long run? Zamora or Odem?

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    1. kanmati
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      zamora.

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  26. kanmati
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    If one of jose enrique, cherno samba, gary cahill, jagielka moving to arsenal. i will not pick them. if 3 of the player altogether moving to arsenal then i pick one.

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    1. Shakey
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      I'll be all over Cherno Samba if he joins. He's miles better than RvP.

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      1. Drip Doctor
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 9 months ago

        Pa ha, Cherno Samba, FM legend!

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        1. Shakey
          • 16 Years
          14 years, 9 months ago

          http://www.footmanager.co.uk/articles-guides/images/anciennes%20gloires/samba1-big.jpg

          look at those stats, he'd be a great signing

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          1. Drip Doctor
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 15 Years
            14 years, 9 months ago

            He has all the right attributes to make it at Arsenal.

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      2. kanmati
        • 14 Years
        14 years, 9 months ago

        i mean christopher samba lol. what happen with that wonderkid samba.liverpool almost bought him. luckily..... hahaaha.

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        1. Shakey
          • 16 Years
          14 years, 9 months ago

          http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2005/feb/13/newsstory.sport5

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          1. kanmati
            • 14 Years
            14 years, 9 months ago

            haha.. millwall should move him up early to earn money.

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    2. Demí
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      This doesn't make any sense.

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  27. Kevin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    Another RMT... heavily loaded up top -

    Given Al-Habsi

    Kelly Kompany Ivanovic Taylor(Swa) Orr

    Sessegnon McCarthy Duff Taarabt Sinclair

    Torres Bent Tevez

    Thinking - defensively need to cover City, Chelsea, and then have good rotation. Attacking- need to cover City, Chelsea, Villa, Fulham & Wigan at the start. Tevez I think would still be City's best bet - last season even after saying he wanted to leave he kept racking up points. As long as he's still at City and playing he'll put in 100% I feel. Silva has been made too expensive for my liking.

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    1. kanmati
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      tevez gonna be bye bye,lol. torres? better pick rooney or RVP.

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  28. berba is class
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    Given

    Rafael Kompany Alcaraz

    Taarabt Ben Arfa Lampard Silva Duff

    Rooney Bent

    subs Ruddy Graham Orr Simpson

    Thoughts ???
    PLEASE give advice on player you think i should swap in or out
    cheers lads

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  29. halnone
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    just made possibly one of the stupidest transfers. but if it works it will be genius.

    Replaced RVP with Balotelli.
    have an extra 3.5m now.

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    1. The Eurozone Bailout Packag…
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      what will you do if aguerro signs and tevez goes nowhere?

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      1. kanmati
        • 14 Years
        14 years, 9 months ago

        there no way he goona stay. if tevez stay he died by man city neighbour fan.ahahaha

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  30. Kevin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    Opinions - is the Duff & Bent combo worth 2.0 more than the Zogbia & Zamora combo (assuming the Zogs moves to Villa). I am not too sure to be honest.

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    1. The Eurozone Bailout Packag…
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      ZZ all the way

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      1. Sasquatch
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 9 months ago

        Agreed. ZZ is top.

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