[sbu_large_image] Scout Notes

Scout Scribbles- Nasri Moves Nearer Gunners Exit?

9 August 2011 1199 comments
Paul Paul
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Man City seem set to bag Samir Nasri. West Brom on the verge of capturing Shane Long and boost their forward options. Joey Barton returns to twitter to suggest he’s back in the Newcastle first-team. A throat infection puts a question mark against Frank Lampard’s availability. Liverpool sweat on defensive fitness and Carlos Tevez does what he said he’d never do, and returns to Manchester. Here’s this morning’s Scribbles:

Roy Hodgson is close to sealing a deal for Reading’s Shane Long. A £7 million fee is being reported – that would be a record outlay for the Baggies. Hodgson has been pursuing Long all summer and has stepped up his bid for the 25-goal striker with Peter Odemwingie still struggling with an ankle problem. Long could be installed by the weekend and line up against United, if not we can expect Hodgson to turn to Somen Tchoyi to lead the attack should Odemwingie fail to make it.

Reports suggest that Glen Johnson will miss Liverpool’s clash with Sunderland at the weekend following the thigh injury sustained against Valencia last weekend. Johnson was replaced after just 7 minutes and now faces a fortnight on the sidelines. Kenny Dalglish now looks set to hand the full-back roles to youngsters Martin Kelly, John Flanagan and Jack Robinson – Fabio Aurelio is an option at left-back but the Brazilian has played just 45 minutes in pre-season an may not be risked.

Martin Skrtel is also looking unlikely to make Saturday’s game – he has returned to light training but remains a doubt with Dan Agger set to partner Jamie Carragher in central defence. There’s better news on Luis Suarez, who, according to the reports, will be given every opportunity to prove his fitness ahead of the Black Cats’ visit.

Frank Lampard yesterday withdrew from Fabio Capello’s squad for the now-aborted friendly with Holland with a throat infection. Lampard joined a string of absentees with Jack Wilshere and Michael Carrick also dropping out through injury. Fantasy managers will be mildly concerned about Lampard’s prospects for the weekend but, right now, we should expect the Chelsea stalwart to make a recovery and line up at Stoke on Sunday. The slight doubt will however likely boost the appeal of Florent Malouda as Chelsea’s midfield option for our squads.

Newcastle are on the verge of completing the signing of United’s French winger Gabriel Obertan. The player has completed his medical and seems set to put pen to paper on a five-year deal. Magpies’ boss Alan Pardew has been enthusing about the pace Obertan will inject into his side although in Fantasy terms, we should perhaps be cautious about the prospects – the 22 year-old boasts just 4 goals in 83 senior appearances.

Staying on Tyneside, Joey Barton has announced via his notorious Twitter stream that he’ll be lining up for Newcastle against Arsenal on Saturday evening…

“Looking forward to Arsenal on Sat, I’ll be playing….”

Barton did return to first team training yesterday as Pardew’s squad prepared for the visit of the Gunners and swiftly followed up that initial tweet with…

“That comment was not literally to be taken on board…. Know (sic) one knows the team yet.”

Back tracking from Barton who no doubt immediately regretted that little insight into Pardew’s thinking ahead of the weekend. From a Fantasy perspective Barton’s inclusion would come as a surprise; many Fantasy managers will have abandoned the midfielder as a prospect – certainly we removed him from our Members Projections whilst his future at the club remained in doubt.

Reports in a number of this morning’s newspapers suggest the Samir Nasri to Man City move is nearing completion. The Arsenal midfielder is out of contract next summer and with City rumoured to be offering up to £25m for his services, the Gunners look like finally accepting. Nasri missed Arsenal’s trip to Benfica at the weekend, with Arsene Wenger claiming a muscle injury kept him out of the running but the player has joined up with the France squad and will play in his country’s midweek friendly against Chile.

Nicklas Bendtner is another Gunner on the verge of an exit. Speaking at Hampden Park ahead of Denmark’s training session in preparation for the Scotland friendly, the Dane was asked if his days at the Emirates are nearing an end and replied :

“Yes. I have done my part as well as I can and it’s up to Arsenal now to sort it out, I can’t do anything more.I can’t say anything about who I have been speaking to, but hopefully it will all get sorted out soon.

While the focus is mainly on player departures, Arsenal snapped up the prodigious talents of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain yesterday. The youngster arrives at the Emirates on a long-term, undisclosed deal and follows the path tread by Theo Walcott by moving to the club from Southampton. Perhaps not the signing many Gunners fans had anticipated in light of the possible Nasri and Cesc Fabregas departures, however the 17 year old is very much an Arsene Wenger-type player, with the Arsenal boss saying:

We are delighted that Alex has decided to join us. He is an exciting young player who will provide us with creativity and offensive quality. Alex is a versatile player who can play in a number of positions. He can play as an attacking centre midfielder, or wide left and right. Alex is a perceptive passer of the ball and has a great understanding of the game and looks to be a very good team player.

Buoyed by a goalscoring performance that helped launch Man United’s Community Shield comeback on Sunday, Chris Smalling has vowed to push on and grab more game time in 2011/12. The defender said yesterday:

This year the aim is to really kick on and play more. Hopefully I can start to get some more games at centre-back. But if the manager feels that I can play the odd game at right-back then I’ll help if I can contribute.

Smalling, of course, played at right-back at the weekend and Phil Jones has also played in the position over the pre-season. With Smalling reckoning Sir Alex Ferguson will give his youngsters more chances this season, his ambitions may well be realised.

After telling an Argentine chat show he’d never return to Manchester, Carlos Tevez arrived at Man City’s training ground yesterday. With the player now back in the country, Fantasy managers will be hoping Roberto Mancini can persuade his talisman to put his differences with the club aside as next Monday’s home clash with Swansea edges nearer.

Paul Is certain he won't make the same mistakes next season. Follow them on Twitter

1,199 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Microeconomics
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    Ok, so upon reading this article, it has left me with two questions.

    1). If Nasri moves to Man City, which of him and Silva would be a better choice?? I'm probably gonna go with Nasri if the move occurs, I think he's a bigger goal threat, but would just like to know what everyone else thinks

    2). Obertan, honestly, I like him, and think he should do all right at Newcastle but I'm unsure whether he'll start. Will he cement a starting role and warrant and does he warrant investment and this present time?? Or should we hold off for now?

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    1. celtic10000
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      1) if nasri move to city i think you should avoid them both due to rotation, unless ur feeling lucky tho

      2)Hold off for now, hes not a must have and you'll see his form and gametime in the opening gameweeks

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    2. DazzaMadden94
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      Defo hold off on Obertan.We are selling him for a reason.He can't make decisions.Doesn't know whether to take people on or pass it.He has like 4 goals in total.But here he still might be good for Newcastle

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    3. Sir Jose Wenger returns
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      Silva - worth the extra 0.5 due to set pieces and he is a first team regular.. nasri may take time to adjust to a new style of playing etc and risk to being not as effective initially

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

    Al-Habsi(Given)
    Kompany;Alcaraz;Hughes(Huth;Cahill)
    Moses;Nani;Silva(C);N'Zobia;Taarabt
    Gervinho;Bent(Holt)

    What do you tinkh?

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    1. timski8000
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      Cahill - only if he gets a move?

      Al-Habsi/Alcaraz/Moses - bit heavy on Wigan (especially on their notoriously porous defence)?

      Given/N'Zogbia/Bent - bit heavy on Villa. What happens if/when they lose 2-0?

      Gervinho - Suarez for an extra 0.5?

      All questions, I always have more of them than answers...

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

    Right, really having trouble with my 2nd team!!

    Hart

    Vidic Baines Ivanovic Taarabt

    Albrighton Sinclair O Hara

    Carroll Odemwingie Zamora

    Any suggestions (Keep them clean please :))

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    1. Namtab Nomolos
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      2 teams is greedy.

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

        I have 2 teams, but in different leagues!

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        1. Sir Jose Wenger returns
          • 15 Years
          14 years, 9 months ago

          is that allowed by fpl?

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          1. O Fenomeno
            • 15 Years
            14 years, 9 months ago

            Nope.

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      2. O Fenomeno
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 9 months ago

        Having 2 teams ruins the fun of the game.

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    2. Whats The Mata
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      is Taarabt a full back now?

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  4. celtic10000
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    Lads whats the story with games being cancelled due to riots ?

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

      It's all up in the air. Of course, there is the possibility that they will be cancelled, but nothing's confirmed.

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      1. celtic10000
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 9 months ago

        hopefully they'll get their act together pretty soon

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

        I'm pretty sure the worst of the riots are over. But I don't like in UK, so I can't say for sure.

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        1. O Fenomeno
          • 15 Years
          14 years, 9 months ago

          I don't like the UK either 😆

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

          Hehehe... "k" and "v" are miles away on the keyboard. Yikes. =/

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    2. Brian (Not the Messiah)
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      Well the sirens outside my window seemed to have calmed down... Guess we'll see tonight...

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  5. lickwidice
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    Hi guys. I would greatly appreciate it if you could tell me A or B and why?

    I've already got Kompany as a Man City Def and have Malouda/Silva/Sinclair as common midfielders.

    A) Cashley,Moses,Ohara
    B) Lescott,Taarabt,Sessagnon

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    1. Sir Jose Wenger returns
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      A

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      1. celtic10000
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 9 months ago

        Any way to get cash and taarabt ? i would go for B simply just because of taarabt

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

          I can but then I have to have 3x 4.0 defenders.

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          1. Sir Jose Wenger returns
            • 15 Years
            14 years, 9 months ago

            Forget abt Taraabt unless you can afford him no need to bend over backwards to get him in.... plenty of other good options e.g O Hara likely to get equal/similar number of points 120-150 if all works out well for them

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

        Thanks. I'm also leaning towards A

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  6. JamieG
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    Whoops! Got lost on previous page. Sorry for the re-post.

    Anyone think that Alex is likely to start this weekend? I have him in my team at the moment.

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    1. Knight Boooat
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      Alex is supposed to be leaving the club and he's a donkey. Even if he starts one game he'll be gone pretty soon. You might not want one game players.

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    2. Sir Jose Wenger returns
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      He has started the last two games at centre back

      His only threat is Ivanovic at the moment with Luiz not being 100% and hardly playing preseason if any at all

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  7. Miro
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    Hey folks, RMT please

    Given Al-Habsi

    Kompany Agger S.Taylor Orr Alcaraz

    Silva Walcott Nzog Sinclair Moses

    RVP Carroll Holt

    Thinking of getting in Drogba or Malouda for GW2.

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    1. Sir Jose Wenger returns
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      Is walcott fit for GW1?

      Why dont you get them (drogs and maloud) in from the start?

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

      get rid of agger for carra [because of in jury and rotation ]

      WAlcot has to go poor fixtures and injuried

      rvp for rooney because hes an injury doubt

      other than than that pretty good

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      1. Sir Jose Wenger returns
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 9 months ago

        RVP will be starting against toon

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

          I reckon so too. If he wasn't suspended for the Udinese game he might not have.

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

        Walcott will most likely go, but I'm going to keep RVP (unless he is 100% confirmed out) any day before Rooney.

        Agger is a longshot of course, everything depends on fitness...

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

    luke young and warnock nailed on for villa????????

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    1. Sir Jose Wenger returns
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      yes

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

      clark in with a shout?

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  9. Whats The Mata
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    Who would be the best 4.5 defender to rotate with Simpson and Orr? Bramble?

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    1. Sir Jose Wenger returns
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      They dont rotate exclusively... rotations change every few weeks

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

    Anybody going with Nasri ?

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    1. Sir Jose Wenger returns
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      injury risk

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  11. unoaime
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    Anyone else waiting for Spurs to get a striker?

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    1. Sir Jose Wenger returns
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      Spurs fans

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      1. Knight Boooat
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 9 months ago

        + ½

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

      Don't hold your breath.

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  12. mackay007
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    Having read through everyones thoughts and the stats I have plumped for Yaya in order to upgrade Sessegnon to N'Zog.

    This is now my team if you could RMT would be great

    Given Foster
    Terry Kompany Hughes De Laet Turner
    Malouda Yaya N'Zog Taraabt Moses
    Hoilett Rooney Zamora

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    1. Sir Jose Wenger returns
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      Not bad effort

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

      We expecting Yaya to get the BPs on this new system?

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      1. mackay007
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 9 months ago

        Based on the historical evidence yes. Still a bit of a punt but I felt him and N'zog were more potential than Silva and Sessegnon. If Sessegnon is looking worthwhile can always take out Taraabt for him!

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        1. Sir Jose Wenger returns
          • 15 Years
          14 years, 9 months ago

          Yaya didnt look very lively in the community shield - was slightly worrying. Have a feeling City may get off to a slow start in terms of goals etc what with not having Tevez or Aguero match fit

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  13. eMDilla
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    Downing, Silva or Bale?

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

      Silva. Downing might be worth the 1.5 mil less but that remains to be seen if he works in the Liverpool midfield.

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    2. O Fenomeno
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      Silva

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

        +1

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  14. Dan
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    Anyone going for Obertan?

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

      Yikes!

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

    Downing - if City sign Nasri

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  16. dierstraights
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    is orr a starter for qpr?

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  17. the Chaser
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    Any thoughts on this?

    Start with Bent & Moses with 1.5m in bank to get Suarez starting GW3

    or

    Start with Suarez & N'Zogbia (only if Suarez looks to be fit sat morning which a tweet indicated today I think)

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

      Suarez is 0.5m cheaper than Bent so not sure why your keeping 1.5m to get him in unless your playing a diff game to fpl?

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  18. Nannerz_17
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    Need a bit of help with deciding between these options:

    A) Cahill, Sessegnon, Drogba

    B) A Cole, Sessegnon, Suarez

    C) Baines, N'Zogbia, Zamora

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    1. Sir Jose Wenger returns
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      Depends on the rest of the team

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

      Not A anyways, either or B or C depending on rest of team

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  19. thetinkerman
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    What's the latest on the keeper situations at Swansea and Wolves? Do we know whether it will be De Vries or Hennessey and will Moriera play?

    Any input greatly appreciated

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    1. Sir Jose Wenger returns
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      Hennessey likely starter... If De Vries gets the spot would be perfect rotating e.g with Al Habsi but remains to be seen

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  20. HG
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    Which 2 of Silva, Nani or Malouda?? And why?

    I have A.Cole & Kompany already. No Man Utd cover yet.

    Or is it a case off they will all score roughly the same come the end of the season??

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    1. the Chaser
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      Nani & Malouda for me. They have goal potential as well as assist.

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      1. timski8000
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 9 months ago

        I'd want silva for week 1. Could always use the sub to see which chelsea players are in favour after the tough stoke match and switch him?

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

          Good idea

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    2. Sir Jose Wenger returns
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      They will all be in the same points at the end of the season so if you kept them all season long (unlikely) 150 points plus

      Depends on the rest of the team. You might not want to double up with for example Nani and Rooney or Malouda and Torres

      The difference between them will not be known till it all kicks off so as long as you have 2 you will be fine

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

        Currently got:

        Given, Ruddy
        Cole, Kompany, Bramble, Wilkinson, Simpson,
        Nani/Malouda, Silva, Sessegnon, O’Hara, Moses,
        Van Persie, Bent, Holt

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    3. dierstraights
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      i'm going nani & silva for gw 1 and saving 1m to do silva -> malouda for gw2 onwards

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  21. Large Hardon Colluder
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    Apparently a lot of the everton fans aren't travelling to tottenham on Saturday. The rumours are that most of the good stuff has gone! 🙂

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    1. Jack1980
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      like

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  22. Wtfosaurus
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    So who is your must have player?

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    1. Brian (Not the Messiah)
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      moses

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      1. O Fenomeno
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 9 months ago

        ROFL!!!1!!

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  23. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    Do Vice Captains pick up extra points?

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    1. the Chaser
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      No, just take the captaincy if that player doesn't play at all.

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      1. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
        • 14 Years
        14 years, 9 months ago

        Thanks Chaser

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    2. timski8000
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      Think of it as a 2nd choice captain.

      He becomes your captain if your 1st choice captain doesnt play.

      No extra points if your 1st chioce captain plays.

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

    Any other Gunners fans furious about how the transfer season has gone? Years of screaming about centerbacks and nothing gets done despite Vermaelen injured again, and we had not one but two own-goals in the preseason. This is embarrassing. If we don't get Per Mertesacker or Cahill and sign a real replacement to Nasri or Fabregas, then we can forget about any achievements and talk will be if we even stay in the mid table. Even if are team was adequate, they're all injury prone.

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

      our*

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    2. Brian (Not the Messiah)
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      Trust in the prof...

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

      I wouldn't say im furious but i am very concerned. You can't really blame Wenger, all his transfer plans basically depend on how the Fabregas saga concludes. Until Barca stop messing us around we won't do much business.

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

        Didn't Wenger say someone of high quality is getting signed within the next week? Surely he didn't mean this kid?!

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

          I heard him say that aswell. I should be happy about the Chamberlain signing but if this is the big signing he was talking about then i am not impressed.

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

            Wenger signing wingers is almost as amusing as Kenny's obsession with british CMs. Completely bizarre.

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            1. applebonkers
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 16 Years
              14 years, 9 months ago

              gotta agree here. 2 things it does say to me though is nasri is definitely going and he's lost faith in arshavin to be anything more than a sub who will peter out year by year

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

                Agree on Nasri, but does the lack of a fabs replacement mean he is staying? Sureeeely he's sign a new CB too.

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

                  There is just no way. He refuses to pay any sort of premium. The guy has a masters in economics. He might want to be efficient but he's not stupid: He should be able to recognize when paying a premium is necessary. Hence, I think the board is holding things up, especially when you consider that they tactlessly raised ticket prices despite deterioration to the standard of the team.

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

                    My gooner pal said the board provided £40m for him to spend last summer, he didn't. The most expensive season ticket in the land would be the thing that would annoy me the most as an arsenal fan, it's just flat out extortion of the match going punter. The club is owned by two billionaires ffs.

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

                    Talk is cheap, how do we know they put aside that money? Wenger came out awhile and confessed he regularly lies to protect players, why would he not do the same to the people that pay him?

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

                    Mind, i'm not too crazy about Wenger either. I just find it hard to believe he would be that foolish when he has every reason to be aware of where the club is going.

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

              Must mean one of two things, he is Nasri' replacement. Or Cesc is leaving, Nasri will play centrally and Chamberlain will provide cover for Gervonho, Walcott and Arsh. Not sure where that leaves Vela...

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              1. applebonkers
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 16 Years
                14 years, 9 months ago

                he's only 17. worth trusting wnger on this top-up signing if you ask me. but yeah you don't want it to be the main signing. one for the now as well as one for the future needed

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

                  I'm not going to go all Smalling-Mfaulkner here, but 10m upfront for a 17 year old from the Championship is crazy money.

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

                  Yeah don't get me wrong, im glad we got him, he looks a real talent. Arsenal fans are just frustrated that the Fabregas and Nasri saga has been allowed to go on this long and we still don't know if they will play for us again.

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

                As a gooner, my main concern is the speed (slow) that decisions and signings are happening (no change there then) we could end up without Cesc or Nasri and not enough time to backfill, then we can kiss goodbye to top 4,5,6 and will be fleeting around with the likes of Bolton. FIX UP WENGER - bloody grow a pair and make some bloody decisions

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

        I can't really be bothered to rant. I'm sure there will be plenty aimed at his direction in the coming weeks, when we are 5pts plus behind after 3 games.

        The Fabregas saga surely cannot affect his decision and failure to buy a top class centre half, something he has ignored for five seasons or so since Sol Campbell left.

        He really should set up a Breakfast Business in America, the amount of waffle he serves up.

        Deflated and fed up.

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

          I'm not happy with Wenger but mostly because of his on-field behavior. I'm convinced that the board is responsible.

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    4. timski8000
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      New stadium
      Champions league football for 12 years running
      Arguably the most attractive football in the league.

      Balancing the books comes at a high price...

      Maybe Wenger should just spend 10 or so million on someone like Chris Samba, shove him up top and 'hit the big man'.

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

        We haven't played that brand of 'attractive football in a while, at least two seasons i would say. As much as it pains me to say it, Man Utd play the best football in the league at the moment, quick, fluid, counter attack, it's how Arsenal used to play.

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

        They are dying a slow death. Wenger came out in a interview and basically told his development strategy: Get them young and by 23-24 they are ready for the big time. How ironic considering Clichy, Nasri and Fabregas are all 23 or 24. How can he continue that strategy when such big names leave? This has been a problem for a long time but no one cared because the people who left before that time were fringe (Denilson, Fran Merida) What does "attactive football" mean if they are blowing huge leads and choking against mediocre teams (they lost the league cup to a anti-football relegated team!!!) How much money did they get for Toure, Veira, Adebayor, and Henry? And they can't spring for one good replacement for any of them? Stupid.

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

          all this is made worse by the fact the board actually had the balls to raise season ticket prices. Arsenal will be the Liverpool of last season: A once brilliant team beset by poor replacements to big names, injuries to key players and poor management by the owners.

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        2. timski8000
          • 15 Years
          14 years, 9 months ago

          Out of all of those players - who did Arsenal pay big money for?

          None - he bought them cheap(ish) and sold them for more.

          He's just doing the same but now it's a problem?

          As a Stoke fan, I don't care that much, I don't even like the man. But as a manager, i'd let him do what he wanted until he couldn't be bothered any more.

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

            He wasn't hired to be an accountant; he was hired to manage a football team.

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

              He's managed it well. Just out of interest, who would you like us to sign?

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

                Any centerback with premier league experience without a history of recurrent injuries, but Mertesacker wouldn't be a bad option. That narrows the list but frankly they need to pay a premium at this point.

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                1. applebonkers
                  • Has Moderation Rights
                  • 16 Years
                  14 years, 9 months ago

                  i can watch a series of 24 in the time it takes mertesacker to turn round

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    5. Marknlard
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      Two own goals in pre-season?!?!?! Good God, I'm not touching an Arsenal player now.

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

        In fairness one own-goal was ridiculously unlucky and done by 19 year old Jenkinson whose backup to Sagna...but still.

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  25. Should have stuck with Golf…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    Afternoon all,
    Would I be able to get a RMT on the below.

    Given (Ruddy)
    Alex,Jose Enrique,Clichy,Lescott (O'Shea)
    Cleverley,Nani,N'Zogbia,Taarabt(Dyer)
    Bent,Rooney (Ba)

    I know I am loaded up with UTD but i reckon they will be good for me over the first few Months despite some of the opposition they have.
    Anyway thanks for any comments you may have.

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    1. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      Cleverly prob not going to start, Enrique not at Liverpool yet. Too many mancs anyway. Lacks balance. But, saying that, will get you decent points. Whos captain?

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      1. Should have stuck with Golf…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 9 months ago

        Roo as captain and Nzog as vice

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

      Even a Cyberman would want Liverpool and Man City attacking players. Look at Week 1.

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      1. Should have stuck with Golf…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 9 months ago

        have been toying with bringing in carroll alright

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  26. Lucas Leiva
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    Thinking about getting in Dzeko as my Citeh attacker.

    Am I mad? 😀

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

      Yes you are, dont play too many risks on week 1

      Of course I dont know the rest of your team, if Dzeko is your only risk then fair enough....

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    2. Brian (Not the Messiah)
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      That band wagon lasted about 15 mins... during the half time interval...

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  27. Eltz
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    Hi Guys, first post of the season though sorely need some help with my squad .. seems a bit light in areas and also no 'pool, no chelski or aresenal ..

    Given/ rudd
    Baines, kompany, simpson, wilkinson, huth
    VDV, Silva, Taarabt, Dyer, Moses
    Rooney, Bent, DJ

    No cash.

    I suppose an option is to downgrade Kompany to someone, upgrade VDV to Malouda and ..

    Help!

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    1. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      Need Chelsea in your def IMO. VDV not a guaranteed starter. A little light at the back

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

      Your def is fine to me, You need to get rid of Dyer though. I would def figure out a way to drop VDV to malouda.

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

      If Stoke are signing Upson I'd be curious to see who ends up as first choice DC pairing.

      A fit Woody would be hard to ignore, and I'm sure Upson isn't coming to warm the bench (though why he doesn't hold out for a guareneted first team place at Blackburn / Everton / Bolton I dunno. Surely the lure of the Europa League is not that stellar

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  28. unoaime
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    Given, Foster
    Kompany, Enrique, A.Cole, Simpson, Connelly
    N’Zogbia, Moses, Malouda, Sessegnon, Taraabt
    Bent, RvP, A.Johnson

    I’m thinking Bent and N’Zogbia is too much Villa cover. And i need to do something with Enrique.

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    1. timski8000
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      Agreed, posted similar comment above.

      You will have to play Given, N'Zogbia and Bent - what happens if/when they lose 2-0?

      I have the same issue - which one to drop?

      I want Fulham coverage so Bent > Zamora or N'Zogbia to Murphy/Duff/Dempsey depending on funds could be an idea?

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    2. mackay007
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      A lot of people are watching the Enrique situation and a few have, like me, gone with A Hughes as a replacement for him unless he moves before the weekend (which seems increasingly unlikely)

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  29. fanto1979
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    Ok lads here she is....pretty happy with it if i do say so myself!!

    Given

    Kompany Agger A. Cole

    Malouda Silva Moses Wilshere N'Zog

    Roon Bobby Z

    Any thoughts?!!!

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    1. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 9 months ago

      Not sure there are many points in Wilshere. Time will tell. I think NZog will be slow out if the blocks, Villa will build from the back initially. Nice team tho

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

      If you want a cheap Arsenal mid, it's Ramsey not Wilshere that you want.

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  30. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 9 months ago

    Moses or Carroll Captain?

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

      From those two, Carroll.

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      1. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
        • 14 Years
        14 years, 9 months ago

        Really fancy a punt with Moses tho!!!!

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

          Bloody captain him then. Why ask?

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

      Are you serious? Moses is so removed from captain material I can't even express it in words. All I can do is express it through this sound....ewwwwwww!

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