[sbu_large_image] Dugout Discussion
20 March 2012 1865 comments
Akers Akers
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With the Aston Villa and Bolton fixture understandably postponed, we’re at Ewood Park tonight as Gameweek 29 soldiers on. It’s relegation-threatened Blackburn at home to the recently relentless Sunderland. Fantasy managers are likely to have modest interest – with Yakubu and James McClean the most likely hopefuls on show. Nevertheless, our Dugout Discussion chatroom has opened up to catch your reactions as the match progresses.

Blackburn XI: Robinson, Lowe, Dann, Hanley, Martin Olsson, Nzonzi, Pedersen, Formica, Hoilett, Marcus Olsson, Yakubu.

Sunderland XI: Mignolet, Bardsley, Kyrgiakos, Turner, Bridge, Larsson, Gardner, Vaughan, McClean, Bendtner, Campbell.

The team news finds Kean resisting the temptation to tinker, despite the availability of David Dunn, Gael Givet and Bradley Orr. It’s an unchanged lineup from the one that saw off Wolves at Molineux last time out then.

As for the visitors, they’re without skipper John O’Shea, presumably through injury or illness, so Sotirios Kyrgiakos comes into the back four for his Black Cats debut. Elsewhere, Martin O’Neill brings in David Vaughan for Jack Colback.

The Dugout Discussion chatroom is open and can be accessed right here.

Akers Richard or Akers, as he is known, has been regularly haunting this site since July 2008. He is young and foolish, take what he says with a pinch of salt. Follow them on Twitter

  1. El Berbossa - \\\"El b…
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 1 month ago

    RMT please:

    -----Mignolet(Bogdan)------
    --Richards---Vermaelan---Evans--- (Caulker, Kelly)
    --Valencia--Silva---Gerrard--Bale-- (Siggy)
    --Yakubu---RVP--Rooney

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    1. blue cheese
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      Solid!
      Try Silva -> Walcott maybe ?

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    2. BootlegRascal
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      Strong lineup, I wouldn't enjoy benching Siggy though.

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    3. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      8/10

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      1. Desertbug
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        14 years, 1 month ago

        8.37/10.465 🙂
        No, actually really pretty decent if Gerrard stays healthy. Less totally confident of Yakubu, having watched him for some time at Everton, but when he gets hot, he's a fine third.

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    4. Bale me Out
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      Zabaleta and Richards rotation doesn't scare you?

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  2. सनकी
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 1 month ago

    hoilett anyone ? 😀

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    1. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      Feck off.
      That's what I think to that suggestion. 😀

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    2. BootlegRascal
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      Nah the time to have Blackburn players was the past 2 game weeks and including the game next week

      I'm a bit annoyed I didn't even consider the Yak or Hoilett for the three games

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  3. BootlegRascal
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 1 month ago

    If you were to bring in any third striker next week who would it be?

    Cost is irrelevant.

    Rooney and RVP assumed.

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    1. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      Long term it would be Adebayor, but I wouldn't rush to bring him in this week.

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    2. Jinswick
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      Been racking my brains on this one. I currently have Suarez and am considering getting rid.

      IMO, the contenders are (in no particular order)

      1) Drogba
      2) Balotelli
      3) Aguero
      4) Adebayor

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      1. SuperDunny - Used to be goo…
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 1 month ago

        Believe it or not i fancy Suarez to score in the next 4 games. Perhaps it's because i own him 😀

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        1. Hello. Yes, This is Dog
          • 15 Years
          14 years, 1 month ago

          He has hit solid form so it's not unrealistic, he also belted a pearled from outside the box against stoke just this past week. At home to Wigan especially, I wouldn't mind having him.

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          1. Bolivian Seaman
            • 15 Years
            14 years, 1 month ago

            problem about home to wigan is.. liverpool just dont score many. if gerrard plays they might get 3m but without him they dont look like scoring more than 2

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      2. Bolivian Seaman
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 1 month ago

        Not a clue

        If I really started to think, it would have to be chicarito, Yep, if i had to put money on someone scoring the most in the next 4 outside rvp and roonster its him, but he's expensive. cheaper than that? cisse for newc

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    3. सनकी
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      Hoilett.

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    4. सनकी
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      i joke, Tellitubbies for me.

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    5. BootlegRascal
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      Personally I've got my eye on Klasnic, Drogba, Torres, Adebayor, Tevez (if he gets gametime) Jelavic and Maybe Suarez if he can find the net.

      I'm liking Klasnic as a differential. If Bolton come back reinvigorated, if he nails down a starting spot with good fixtures Ivan is certainly someone who can find the back of the net

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    6. Drogba "Unstoppable, U…
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      i have Graham.... Need to get rid but cannot afford much...

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  4. Bow Locks
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone have a clue as to the next move here? Half mil +1 free:

    Mignolet, Vorm??
    Evans, Cahill, Richards
    Young, Dempsey, Bale, Morrison
    Yak, RVP, Rooney

    BAE, Moses, Simpson

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    1. Henry Hill
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      Moses to Siggy maybe?

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      1. Bow Locks
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 1 month ago

        Yes he is becoming difficult to ignore, I was thinking Dempsey to Siggy would free up funds for Suarez.

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  5. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 1 month ago

    Is this team good enough for this week?

    Vorm
    Shawcross Enrique Evans (Senderos Simpson)
    Bale Valencia Siggy Dempsey (Dyer)
    Ba Rooney RVP

    1 FT, 2.8 in bank.

    Thanks in advance. 🙂

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    1. Holden On
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      Looks good.

      Maybe Ba to Suarez???

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  6. Jinswick
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 1 month ago

    All set for the big games tonight Super Dunny? By my counting it's:

    Mata 12 points with (mcy and TOT) to come
    Bale 7 points with (STO and che) to come

    Better get that Burnley grav out.... 😉

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  7. gunner1994
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 1 month ago

    Which teams are gonna have DGWs?

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  8. BootlegRascal
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 1 month ago

    Match predictions?

    Mine are...

    Tottenham 2-1 Stoke
    City 2-1 Chelsea (Was feeling a Chelsea upset, JT swayed it for me)
    Everton 1-1 Arsenal
    QPR 1-1 Liverpool

    I sure as hell hope I'm wrong because that'd appear an awful morning of pre-exam football

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    1. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      Tottenham 2 - 0 City
      Man City 3 - 0 Chelsea
      Everton 1 - 2 Arsenal
      QPR 0 - 2 Liverpool

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      1. Bow Locks
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 1 month ago

        I have backed all four outcomes.

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        1. Epic Fail
          • 15 Years
          14 years, 1 month ago

          I want a cut when they come in for you.

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    2. Zep
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      2-1
      1-0
      1-2
      1-3

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    3. Drogba "Unstoppable, U…
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      No one thinks Chelsea are gonna gift the title to ManUtd then?

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  9. Gaz Downright
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 1 month ago

    One game and around a 1000 players rush past me with their cheap attackers and 1pt Sunderland defenders.

    Not that I'm complaining, its nice to decrease in rank but still looking super green!

    (in charge of today's dead zone smugness section)

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    1. Zep
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      I only lost 21 places... 8)

      😉

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      1. Gaz Downright
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 1 month ago

        Outsmugged again!!

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        1. Zep
          • 16 Years
          14 years, 1 month ago

          That has to be a record for the longest time in between replies for a single post whilst on the same page... 😉

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          1. Gaz Downright
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 15 Years
            14 years, 1 month ago

            If I only had the nerve to wait 10 minutes longer! Oh dear...

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            1. Zep
              • 16 Years
              14 years, 1 month ago

              Maybe tomorrow...

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  10. Jinswick
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 1 month ago

    Which is best from GW31 onwards?

    a) Hart & Kaboul
    b) Friedel & Kompany

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    1. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      Whichever is cheapest. I don't really see much of a difference otherwise.

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    2. Congressman
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      Friedel and Kompany.

      Friedel more likely to get you save points.

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    3. BootlegRascal
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      I think A is better value.

      Although he hasn't had returns so far Kaboul is always pushing forward with the ball. Hart gets the odd go at a penalty too, whereas Tottenham have given just one pen away - coincidentally against City.

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      1. BootlegRascal
        • 14 Years
        14 years, 1 month ago

        But really there is nothing in it, they're the same value am I right?

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  11. yanky
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 1 month ago

    really need a differential- who should i get from utd other then rooney valencia evans.

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    1. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      Welbeck? Maybe even Hernandez. Very pricey though and a massive risk.

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    2. Elniñorules
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      Young fo sho.

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  12. Elniñorules
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone have any words of solace?

    35 points on the bench. Everything that could go wrong has gone wrong.
    Mig ahead of Krul
    Morrison ahead of Siggy
    Senderos ahead of Simpson
    Caulker as 3rd sub, which I can't be bothered.

    This beats my team score of 33 points. Well done, benchwarmers! Now go die. 😡

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    1. BootlegRascal
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      My words of Solace are that I had Valencia, Evans and Siggy all starting.

      Clicked on your link in hope of seeing your team and ....what the

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    2. The Japanager: Roberto Newm…
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      No big deal: you lost to the top guy in the L5!

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      1. Elniñorules
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        14 years, 1 month ago

        Greaaaaaaat just saw that too.

        What hurts me most is: I was sure of winning my other h2h match with Demi.

        It boiled down to -
        Me: 12 + Mor + Mig
        Him: Sig + Scz

        All Scz needs to is show up for him to win. Bah. 🙁

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        1. The Japanager: Roberto Newm…
          • 15 Years
          14 years, 1 month ago

          That really is rough luck. What league is that?

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          1. Elniñorules
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            14 years, 1 month ago

            Another money-based league set-up early in the season. Could have been very close to winning something had I won this week.

            Anw, congrats on achieving your first objective this season, Newman. Well-deserved. 🙂

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            1. The Japanager: Roberto Newm…
              • 15 Years
              14 years, 1 month ago

              Not over yet! that Jafa is a tricky one. If I win and he loses, I'll feel better, but its not over until its over for sure!

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    3. Zep
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      Ah Elnino, my friend...

      29pts (+ Enrique's score tonight) on my bench says that I too feel the same pain, heartache and anguish you are feeling right now...

      However, what does not kill us makes us stronger... and this will no doubt make you a stronger person...

      Keep fighting my main man!

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      1. Elniñorules
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        14 years, 1 month ago

        Wow Zep you're truly more cheerful than I am. Doesn't it bother you how ahead you could have been in your rank had you pocketed those points?

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        1. Zep
          • 16 Years
          14 years, 1 month ago

          It did... I spent that whole morning feeling sorry for myself... but now I have come to terms with losing Siggy's 16pt haul...

          And your right, I calculated it and I would be sitting almost 200th with those points in my team... but I'm confident I still have the right team to move forward with and push for the top 100...

          I have been very fortunate in recent weeks - getting Caulkers 12pts from the bench when Bale pulled out of Utd game comes to mind... swings and roundabouts...

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          1. Elniñorules
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            14 years, 1 month ago

            Great positive mindset...clearly the reason why you're where you are 🙂

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      2. Drogba "Unstoppable, U…
        • 14 Years
        14 years, 1 month ago

        Kelly Clarkson...

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        1. Zep
          • 16 Years
          14 years, 1 month ago

          Care to elaborate?

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          1. Drogba "Unstoppable, U…
            • 14 Years
            14 years, 1 month ago

            Kelly Clarkson - Stronger

            Seach it on Youtube....

            "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger...."

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    4. The Japanager: Roberto Newm…
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      On a serious note, Krul should have been picked over Mig. all day long, there.

      I don't see why people were so sure Fulham were going to keep a cleanie against quality swans. Newcastle had better odds there. How could you bench BOTH Newcastle defenders at home?

      and.........swans defense on fire. Why bench that?

      Morrison over Siggy..........that one was rough, I';l admit.

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      1. Zep
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 1 month ago

        Hey, its the dude with the gravy Grav... 😉

        What says you, Newman? Continuing to climb very nicely... keep it up...

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        1. The Japanager: Roberto Newm…
          • 15 Years
          14 years, 1 month ago

          Slow and steady, I am getting up there. Thanks for the kind words. Your rank is also impressive, as always.

          gonna have to take a points hit this week though.

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          1. Zep
            • 16 Years
            14 years, 1 month ago

            How so? Looking at your team I'm guessing you want Silva and Lindegaard out?

            Have you considered just playing Vorm in every game? Outwith Spurs, he has very decent fixtures until GW37...

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            1. The Japanager: Roberto Newm…
              • 15 Years
              14 years, 1 month ago

              O sure, I would love that.

              But I need valencia. And I cant get him as long as I have Lindegaard. Thats the real problem.

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              1. Zep
                • 16 Years
                14 years, 1 month ago

                Ah, of course... I missed that...

                Him taking up that 3rd Utd spot has got you in a pickle... the upside is that Valencia could very well get he returns to pay you back for the hit and more...

                Eez not so simplez now, eh? Sorry, that was in bad taste... 😉

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                1. The Japanager: Roberto Newm…
                  • 15 Years
                  14 years, 1 month ago

                  lol my whole character is in bad taste!

                  but no, its not so simple. I think I need to just do it.

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    5. DementedFlamingo
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      For the first few GWs this season my bench of 4 scored more than my team of 11 each week!!! 🙂 Tis why I've been inching my way back up each week since.

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    6. Pratik
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      You really are very unlucky. Everyone who had them as subs got them in, because of either young/nani not playing or bolton/avl fixture being cancelled. As much as I hated them for getting Siggy,Caulker in through that way, I really feel sorry to see 35 pts on bench for you.
      On the other hand you have had an excellent run for the past few gw's climbing up without a care in the world. so a red arrow was bound to come sooner or later. Time to move on from this wretched gw.

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  13. Holden On
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 1 month ago

    Reina (Bogdan)
    McAuley Enrique Evans (BAE, Shotton)
    Surman Siggy Bale Dempsey Silva
    Rooney RVP(c) (Pogrebnyak)

    2 FT with 2.0 in the bank. Considering
    Surman > Valencia
    Pogrebnyak > Graham
    Leaves me 0.0 in the bank.

    Would play 3-5-2 pretty much every week with Graham on the bench.

    Any comments?

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    1. Zep
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      That's actually a pretty strong team... although I personally wouldn't double up on the inconsistent Liverpool defense...

      You could also downgrade Silva, allowing you to upgrade Pogrebnyak and play 343... depending on Silva's selling value you could afford anyone bar Tevez...

      Just another option...

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    2. Elniñorules
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      Great transfers.

      Pretty much what I'm looking to do - rotate Dempsey & Graham. Your faith in Silva is refreshing. Good team man!

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      1. Zep
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah I'm going to rotate Dempsey with Morrison for the rest of the season... allowing Siggy a place in midfield for the rest of the season, as far away from the bench as possible...

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        1. Elniñorules
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          14 years, 1 month ago

          Do they rotate?

          I have Morrison & Demp as well. Just watching Morrison this week - he was playing too deep & not taking corners anymore. Doesn't look too much of a prospect suddenly, Zep.

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          1. Zep
            • 16 Years
            14 years, 1 month ago

            They rotate H/A perfectly until the end of the season... but this relies on Morrison only scoring at home to be effective... he seems to be scoring most of his points away from home though, which is a worry...

            We can, of course, rely on Dempsey for 2pts when he is playing away, but it remains to be seen if Morrison will oblige as well...

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          2. Zep
            • 16 Years
            14 years, 1 month ago

            Morrison did take a corner in the Wigan game in the 30th minute... he takes the one on the left side, and Brunt takes the ones on the right, it seems...

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  14. Elniñorules
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 1 month ago

    Think I might just trigger WC after this week's horrible decisions. Got nothing to lose now & need a few gambles from here on...

    Mig Bog
    Enrique Evans Verm Simp Caulk
    Lamps Walc Sig Demp Val
    Graham RVP Roo
    Bank – 0.0

    1) Looking to rotate Graham & Demp for the season. Viable?
    2) I was initially tempted by Mata's advanced role but Lamps stats/set-pieces suggest he's a better FPL option. True?
    3) Schwarzer worth the extra 0.8 over Bog, considering they have only 2 CS-able fixtures? Bog also has 1-2 DGWs.

    Would appreciate any feedback 🙂

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    1. Zep
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      Don't you think you should wait to see if these postponed GW34 fixtures create another DGW?

      The 6 teams so far without a fixture in GW34 could represent some serious 'Points Candy' in a potential DGW... and with your WC you could definitely benefit from it and gain an advantage over most people...

      I think you should wait for the fixture confirmation, Elnino...

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      1. Elniñorules
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        14 years, 1 month ago

        Good point that Zep but the way its going this season it'll probably be rescheduled midweek again? Maybe except Chelsea if we win the QFs in CL.

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        1. Berbagod
          • 15 Years
          14 years, 1 month ago

          The DGW does present a very interesting problem. Definitely hold the WC.

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    2. The Japanager: Roberto Newm…
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      Jeez, that is a lot of stuff I hate.

      Strike force is great though. I'm fine with the cheapo third striker to rotate with Dempsey for Demps' bad fixtures, and you certainly wont mind playing the sig every week.

      Verm is just dumb. Arsenal defense is poor, he didn't score for a LONG time before last week. Just a regrettably high price for a poor defender.

      Lampard........wow. Not nailed on, Chelsea have a ton of hard fixtures left. Just bad bad news. All this success over mediocre teams is really going to your head!

      Walcott over Bale just doesn't make sense, either. Spurs fixtures are probably better than Arsenal, and even when they aren't, you can rely of Bale more often than not.

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      1. The Japanager: Roberto Newm…
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 1 month ago

        for the record, dont get mata either. Chelsea is 'steer-clear' for he rest of the season. Not enough good fixtures to justify the prices.

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        1. Elniñorules
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          14 years, 1 month ago

          It's a gamble at this point in time, Newman. Going heavy with the form teams - Utd/Swa/Ars.

          Verm & Lamps are gambles. Could pay off or go down the drain - anyways it's not as if there are better options at the moment.

          Spurs aren't looking good and their fixtures until gw35 don't appeal to me either. Bale you say? If he does something tonight, I might be forced to change my mind.

          Glad you approve of the Graham/Demp rotation.

          Also, do you think I should hold onto the WC (as suggested by Zep & Scratch)?

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          1. The Japanager: Roberto Newm…
            • 15 Years
            14 years, 1 month ago

            Here's the thing with the wild card: would it be the worst thing in the world if you didnt use it at all? (or, in other words, use it for one week at the end of the year) If you're scared of that possibility, use it this week.

            Personally, I think you're doing well enough that you don't need it now, so I would save it for the chance of that DGW.

            Why go heavy with form teams? If we have learned anything, its that form can change on a dime. That said, United and Swans are good investment choices. As far as Arsenal: just keep RVP, no other coverage necessary.

            Want better options for Verm? Kompany, Jones, Walker, even Raylor when healthy, imo. Doubling up on pool wouldnt be the worst, either. All better otpions than the overpriced verm.

            Lampard I understand a little more, since ALL midfielders are misfiring. BUt to me, thats evidence to spend LESS on midfield, not more. And at the end of the day, he is an expensive rotation risk on a team with unconfirmed REAL form and very poor fixtures.

            Spurs actually are looking really good, just not getting results. Were the better team against United and Everton, just didn't get the bounces. We'll bounce back, and soon. How do Norwich, Bolton, and a struggling Sunderland NOT sound like good fixtures before 35?

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      2. Berbagod
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 1 month ago

        What you say does make sense at the moment, but I would like to point out that the teams that you have warned against are steadily making pushes for the top four (Arsenal, Chelsea) while the teams you are backing at the moment are slipping (Spurs, Fulham).

        Personally, I'm a firm believer of form over fixtures (as I have regrettably sold RVP and Bale too early) so I would like to present to you the other side of the coin so that you make an informed decision.

        Keepers at this point of the competition is anyone's guess really, besides Swansea at home, no side looks like they'll keep a clean sheet (unless you're brave enough with Sunderland or Blackburn)

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        1. Scratch
          • 16 Years
          14 years, 1 month ago

          Don't really see how Fulham are slipping. 3 wins in their last 5. 1 match lost in stoppage time in 90s and a spanking by a form team that beat City the previous weekend. Fulham are playing good stuff at the moment.

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          1. Berbagod
            • 15 Years
            14 years, 1 month ago

            Slipping is 2 losses in the last 3. Consistency is what you should be looking for in the last 8 weeks of the season (unless you're chasing a 50 point gap like myself).

            Fulham are playing good stuff at the moment yes, but so are Blackburn and Wigan (and Liverpool at some point). The idea is choosing teams that will do well in FPL.

            Also, I am not a fan of backing a team that is consigned to mid table for this season.

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            1. Scratch
              • 16 Years
              14 years, 1 month ago

              To be fair, losing to Villa was a snatch and grab. Fair enough they got spanked by Swansea but I watched the whole match and Fulham created plenty. They were just destroyed by a combination of dreadful defending and a well oiled Swansea counter-attack.

              I do generally agree with avoiding the mid-table oscurity teams at this point but (at the moment) give me someone like Pogrebynak any day over Klasnic, Doyle, Fletcher, Cisse and whoever they're calling a Wigan striker these days. As for Blackburn, Yakubu's always been a decent shout.

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              1. Berbagod
                • 15 Years
                14 years, 1 month ago

                What if you don't have to invest in a budget striker? Ever considered Suarez/Odemwingie?

                The strange thing about FPL is that the game severely punishes teams who play well but don't deliver results. And teams who deliver results around this time of the season are usually ones that are chasing SOMETHING. Perhaps a cheeky punt on Everton?

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        2. The Japanager: Roberto Newm…
          • 15 Years
          14 years, 1 month ago

          O please, dont take ANYTHING I said as backing fulham. Don't mean that one bit.

          While I agree Arsenal is making a push, chelsea is just punishing poor teams: they aren't actually playing that well. City will bring them back down a peg.

          I actually don't think spurs are struggling: they are just playing good teams, right now. Bale will outscore any other midfielder for the rest of the year, I think. Fixtures and form are just too good.

          Form can change in an instant: fixtures can't. While I agree that OUTSTANDING form trumps fixtures, regular form does not. Lampard/Mata aren't actually playing well, Chelsea is just winning lately. They certainly are getting the points their price tags would need to justify. So much chance of rotation, as well.

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          1. Elniñorules
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            14 years, 1 month ago

            I don't think Spurs fixtures are getting any better until gw35 Newman

            che SWA sun NOR blank.

            Maybe NOR is the only decent fixture from that lot.

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            1. The Japanager: Roberto Newm…
              • 15 Years
              14 years, 1 month ago

              You see sunderland today? Very very poor. Poor on saturday, too. Spurs have also played very well at home, so as good as Swans have been, you have to see Spurs scoring, there.

              There is also no guarantee of 34 being a blank. It is most likely that it will be pushed to midweek, at worst.

              Remember, you don't have the best track record for predicting postponements. (che/City, anyone?)

              I'll give you chelsea, but the fixtures improve greatly after that.

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          2. Berbagod
            • 15 Years
            14 years, 1 month ago

            Alright, sorry if I twitched a nerve, never meant anything like that.

            Chelsea aren't playing that well I agree, but in terms of FPL, as long as they grind out the odd goal/1-0 wins some players are bound to return points on investment. And there is probably no one better to take a punt on than the set piece takers/cheapest defenders like Cahill/Bosingwa. I also acknowledge that City have a very, very big chance of taking Chelsea down at the Etihad, but it is fixtures like these that "determine" who the form team is.

            Note that I have not recommended any Chelsea players just yet, we have half a week until the next GW anyway, and I will be watching the game tomorrow morning intently before making any decisions about which team to back (which is why I currently only have 1 player from Chelsea and City)

            I am not a fan of supporting Spurs at the moment due to the fact that they have never been in the position that they are in before. The last thing I would do (imho) is back a team that is uncertain of delivering results.

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            1. The Japanager: Roberto Newm…
              • 15 Years
              14 years, 1 month ago

              No twitch nerve, just arguing the case. Not upset one bit.

              I would never invest in a team offensively that was only going to win most games 1-0 or so.defensively, sure: I think Cahill has become a very real option, for sure. But offensively, if a team isn't scoring well, AND rotating, it becomes a minefield in that even if your player starts, the less goals a team scores the most disappointed youre likely to be.

              Spurs never been in this position before? Relatively similar to two years ago when they were battling for a champions league spot. Came through there, why not here? Plus, with good fixtures, and the fact that they are playing very well even when not getting results looks like a good team for investment, espeically considering Bale's excellent returns this year. Considering his returns, his price is still quite reasonable.

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              1. Berbagod
                • 15 Years
                14 years, 1 month ago

                A note on Spurs: They came through because they were neck and neck with City (being labeled as underdogs) and they only confirmed their spot in the UCL with the 1-0 win (Crouch scored in that one).

                I believe that all this discussion is still going on because of Spurs and Chelsea's differing forms: Chelsea is picking up form, albeit against weak teams (Stoke, Birmingham, Napoli, Leicester) which is exposed to overvaluation of their returns, and Spurs are losing form to strong teams (Arsenal, United, City, away to Everton and Liverpool) .

                Strangely, we are debating on the eve of their respective "turning points": Chelsea are playing their City while Spurs are at home to Stoke. I suggest we bugger off and discuss the results tomorrow. What say you?

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                1. The Japanager: Roberto Newm…
                  • 15 Years
                  14 years, 1 month ago

                  lol I have nothing better to do then talk now, but you're right, we'll certainly know more soon.

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      3. Zep
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 1 month ago

        I agree with all of this apart from Verm...

        I am seriously considering him for the run in over Walcott as I think there are better midfielders to have at his price (I can't afford more than 3 expensive mids)... and I can afford Verm by downgrading from Baines if I choose to...

        Looking at Arsenal's remaining fixtures, there is not one game where I wouldn't want to play him...

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        1. The Japanager: Roberto Newm…
          • 15 Years
          14 years, 1 month ago

          Not the city game? Or the chelsea game?

          What about how rare an arsenal clean sheet has been this year, especially lately? I just don't see his production being anywhere close to how expensive he is.

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          1. Berbagod
            • 15 Years
            14 years, 1 month ago

            I believe that he's banking on Verm's attacking returns, since clean sheets are hard to predict nowadays anyway.

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            1. The Japanager: Roberto Newm…
              • 15 Years
              14 years, 1 month ago

              Fair enough. Even still, if clean sheets are so hard to come by, that is LESS of a reason to pay nearly 7 mil for a defender, especially on such a poor defense. That should encourage more cheap defenders.

              Even if you just got him for offensive returns: in the last 12 games where he has logged at least 45 minutes: 1 goal 0 assists.

              Not too good of an offensive investment, to me.

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              1. Berbagod
                • 15 Years
                14 years, 1 month ago

                I agree. However, I think besides Swansea, Newcastle and MAYBE McAuley, there aren't many cheap defenders out there. Would you go with 2 on the same team, or take a punt on Blackburn/Shotton/Kelly/Senderos?

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                1. The Japanager: Roberto Newm…
                  • 15 Years
                  14 years, 1 month ago

                  If I still had kelly, I would keep him. Decent chances at home.

                  I really like the vorm/caulker combo. well worth the money all year.

                  I don't want shotton or blackburn, no. Today was an anomaly for bburn for sure.

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          2. Zep
            • 16 Years
            14 years, 1 month ago

            Yep, but those two are both home games, Newman... and Arsenal at home can, on their day, beat anyone...

            Verm has proven in the past that he can go on scoring runs to supplement any defensive returns, and with some players coming back from injury, I think he will excel back in the centre of defense...

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            1. The Japanager: Roberto Newm…
              • 15 Years
              14 years, 1 month ago

              The home form is goo,d but not amazing. Lost to United and Liverpool, dropped points to wolves at home: I don't see nearly the hype there.

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              1. BootlegRascal
                • 14 Years
                14 years, 1 month ago

                Could there be a little bit of North London bias coming in to play here?

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                1. Zep
                  • 16 Years
                  14 years, 1 month ago

                  Hehe, I am aware that people might think that, but FPL and EPL are two hugely different beasts... the only favourites I have in FPL are the ones who'll score me the most points...

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                  1. BootlegRascal
                    • 14 Years
                    14 years, 1 month ago

                    I meant for both of you really

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                  2. Zep
                    • 16 Years
                    14 years, 1 month ago

                    I'll let Newman speak for himself...

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              2. Zep
                • 16 Years
                14 years, 1 month ago

                Hopefully with Gibbs and Santos back, we can get some consistency back...

                Verm in the centre is where he will be most effective... and it's those tough, tight games against Citeh and Chelski that can bring the best out in players and set pieces will become more important, and Verm is always there or thereabouts in the box...

                For me, the point about Verm being too expensive is invalid, I actually have too much bloody value in my team, especially since Siggy/Caulker/Evans etc. have become must haves IMO... so with cost out of the picture, I have to look at who I think can bring me the best returns for the last 9 games... Verm is up there, absolutely no question about that...

                I am actually happy for him to remain a 'too expensive' acquisition for most people... at 3% ownership, he could be the ultmate differential I need to push for top 100...

                Nothing is set in stone yet, but these discussions are shaping my thoughts about him...

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    3. Scratch
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      I have the WC too, hold off until you know what's what. I'm considering Bogdan when I play it too but mostly for the extra money. A Bolton dgw for a defender will likely mean 4 points best case scenario as it did when I brought Kingson in last season 😐
      Don't much like the lack of Citeh coverage either, they're in a minor blip now but in about 3 GWs time i'll be looking to have Silva back with Kompany I think.

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      1. Elniñorules
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        14 years, 1 month ago

        Great points Scratch....do you happen to know when we're bound to know about the rescheduled fixtures? Also there's no reason why it should be pushed to midweek, meaning its the same gameweek?

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        1. Scratch
          • 16 Years
          14 years, 1 month ago

          I'd only be guessing tbh but i'm hopeful they won't be in GW34. I'm racking my brains and can't remember if they get played 3/4 days later in previous seasons but the semis are in neutral venues its almost like a cup final. If Bolton draw with Spurs at WHL that'll throw up another complication.

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  15. Scratch
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 1 month ago

    Hmm a lot of love for Walcott around here. The lad has form but I'll never rate him as a player. I'd rather have Ox with his frustrating substitutions and the extra cash.

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  16. Berbagod
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 1 month ago

    Good evening from Australia guys,

    Need a RMT for the coming weeks, thinking of a reshuffle at the back:

    Hart (Krul)
    Shotton Kelly Enrique Evans Bardsley
    Valencia Dempsey Mata Surman Siggy
    Rooney RVP Zamora

    2.3 in the bank (just transferred Young to Valencia, reaped the 0.1 profit)

    Looking at Dempsey's poor fixtures coming up, I'm thinking of either

    A) Bringing in premium defenders for the run-in (Vermaelen, Cahill/Terry) and keep the midfield light (keeping Valencia/Mata and going with the likes of Miyachi, Moses and Siggy)

    B) Go with cheap defenders (Bring in Caulker, keeping Shotton and Evans and perhaps a Newcastle defender) and go heavy in the midfield (Gerrard, Lamps or even Bale/VDV depending on Tottenham's results while keeping Valencia/Mata)

    Constructive opinions are very, very appreciated.

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    1. Acquafresca
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      Id go with B, and make it your first priority to get Zamora out, i just dont rate QPR's attack at all, poor form as well.

      Gerrard seems a good differential if he stays healthy as well.

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      1. Berbagod
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 1 month ago

        I agree with your point about Zamora. Thanks for the input. Quick question, Holt/Graham/Hoilett or Suarez/Pog?

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        1. Acquafresca
          • 14 Years
          14 years, 1 month ago

          Id go suarez/pog, thinking of bringing in pog myself next week.

          Hold off for now, and dempsey has great fixtures and decent form, wouldnt dare take him out before NOR bol??

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          1. Berbagod
            • 15 Years
            14 years, 1 month ago

            Interesting point you made there. I have time to make the transfers anyway, will ponder again after the Arsenal, Pool and Che/MCI matches

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      2. Jafooli
        • 14 Years
        14 years, 1 month ago

        Morning Acqua....trust you had a good rest.

        Were you not jumping all over me yesterday for suggesting Gerrard as potentially a good option? That and of course Welbeck on the wing!!

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    2. Gaz Downright
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      arvo

      B has the biggest potential, but it is very much dependant on Gerrard and/or Lampard finding the form of Christmas past.

      Since I doubt that will happen, and since you currently are spreading DEF a wee bit thin, I would look to A, and maybe someone like Sagna and/or Huth. Cahill only if he retains his place.

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      1. Berbagod
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 1 month ago

        OOO Sagna is an excellent suggestion, I have almost forgotten about him.

        Why recommend Huth when I already have Shotton? Are you implying a straight swap or 2 Stoke?

        I also agree with Cahill. Ivanovic was more of what I had in mind. Thanks for the input.

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        1. Gaz Downright
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 15 Years
          14 years, 1 month ago

          Sure!

          Huth was intentional and meant as an upgrade for Shotton. He's not called Der Luftwaffe for nothing 8)

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    3. Elniñorules
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      If Siggy allows you to have a heavier backline, I'd do A. Also I'm looking at going for a cheap 3rd forward which facilitates this much easier. Ofcourse you might not need that if you have a good team value.

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      1. Berbagod
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 1 month ago

        Interesting point, Aquafresca has just recommended that I go mid-price third striker (pog/suarez/odem).

        Who would you recommend in the A strat? Verm or Sagna? Cahill/Terry or BAE/Baines?

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  17. Like A Boas
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 1 month ago

    Its like they somehow time the leagues schedules to exactly when I'm working. Why's this week been stretched out?

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    1. A.
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      FA Cup games at the weekend

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  18. Jafooli
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 1 month ago

    Morning, afternoon, evening all,

    Apologies, am sure it's already been discussed, but what's suddenly happened to GW24? It looks decimated.

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    1. Jafooli
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      that'll be GW34....my error...

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  19. Jafooli
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 1 month ago

    A. Mata & Kompany (Caulker) +4pts

    vs

    B. Yaya, BAE & Cahill (Caulker)

    Do we have a winner? Cahill likley to start now, correct?

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  20. GunsnRoses
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 1 month ago

    The first comment on this post B-) 😉

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  21. Scratch
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 1 month ago

    Alright for those interested i did a bit of digging. Of the 4 fa cup semi finalists last season Bolton, Stoke, United and City, (16th/17th April) only Man United played midweek after their semi. I assume this was because they were still in the CL and had a fixture pileup so twas the most feasible time.
    I'm a bit hopeful that given the occasion of the semis and the fact they're played at Wembley and whatever other pomp that those matches will be played 9/10 days later as was the case with Bolton, City and Stoke last season.

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    1. Scratch
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      Although it's also worth noting that there was obviously no summer tournament so the league didn't finish until two weeks later than this season.

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    2. Scratch
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      Aaaand Chelsea v Brum and Spurs v Arsenal were played midweek after the cup semi weekend, catching up on previously postponed matches. Though that would've only affected City who were originally scheduled to play Spurs on the cup semi weekend.

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  22. Jafooli
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 1 month ago

    GWs 32-34 looks like mayhem!! Nearly all teams playing three matches in the space of 7-8 days. And possible DGW action smashed in on top. Any good tips for that carnage - must have players/teams bedded in before in all goes fruit shaped?

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  23. Drogba "Unstoppable, U…
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 1 month ago

    Modric Out - Valencia in

    Yes or No..

    Personally its definitely Yes

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    1. Jafooli
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      For sure.....hit or no hit?

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    2. Drogba "Unstoppable, U…
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      no hit... srry

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      1. Jafooli
        • 14 Years
        14 years, 1 month ago

        in which case, that's good. valencia will out score modric over the next 4-5 GWs, go for it..

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  24. Jinswick
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 1 month ago

    Which do people think is the best double transfer to make next week (both free), i.e. for the GW31 games? Both leave enough cash to do Dempsey -> Bale in GW33.

    a) Migs & Skrtel -> Friedel & Kompany, or

    b) Skrtel & Suarez -> BAE & Aguero

    Migs, Bogdan
    JEvans, Skrtel, Enrique, Caulker, Shotton
    Valencia, Dempsey, Walcott, Siggy, Surman
    RVP, Rooney, Suarez

    Bank 2.5m

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    1. Jafooli
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      Probably b, if that's the only choice you're offering, but saying that I'd keep Suarez (for pool cover and good fixtures) and upgrade Surman or keep a transfer til next week.

      having a extra free transfer around these times, is gold.....injuires, DGWs etc

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

        I quite like having a cheap 5th mid who always plays as bench fodder most weeks, so if doing b) and keeping Suarez I'd likely just save the other transfer. Cheers.

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    2. Acquafresca
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      What about: Suarez>Pog and Surman> Bale(if you can afford that)

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

        I can do that, but would probably mean benching Siggy, which I don't like. Also, I'll want rid of Pog straight after I'd imagine.

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        1. Acquafresca
          • 14 Years
          14 years, 1 month ago

          No, you could rotate siggy and pog based on fixtures.. could work? Or even go super cheap up top with graham, but siggy has been stealing all his thunder so i wouldnt

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

            I guess, although with Siggy's fixtures I'd probably play him most weeks, which would mean Pog on the bench most weeks. Think I'd rather give a cheap mid that role and put the other 2m to use elsewhere. Interesting POV though. Cheers

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            1. Acquafresca
              • 14 Years
              14 years, 1 month ago

              then surely get graham up front as bench fodder to get in bale?

              Id rather have bale over any 3rd striker if you get my point..

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

                Hmm, now you've got me thinking... Bale & Pog could work I suppose, perhaps doing Dempsey & Pog -> Silva & Graham in GW33.

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                1. Acquafresca
                  • 14 Years
                  14 years, 1 month ago

                  Exactly, and with the huge IF at 3rd striker right now pog seems a good bet at home, regardless of recent results.

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

                    Definitely considering this now....

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  25. Open Controls
    1. Acquafresca
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      Jaf, dont take this week's results too personal, a little misclick, that is all.

      head up, ready for next gameweek 🙂

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  26. Pratik
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 1 month ago

    Guys, How was McClean last match? If Siggy's price does not rise today, I was was planning to do McClean->Siggy after today's set of matches . Even though McClean is playing QPR(H), and Sess makes a return, I'm still unsure about keeping McClean over Siggy. What do you think?

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    1. Acquafresca
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      I agree, McClean was pretty horrid, as were the whole sunderland team.

      Get in Siggy if possible, he's at 74% so you're safe for tonight.

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      1. Pratik
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 1 month ago

        when does the price usually rise? Is it around now or a little later?

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        1. Acquafresca
          • 14 Years
          14 years, 1 month ago

          Not too sure, everyday at night? I suppose

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        2. Gaz Downright
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 15 Years
          14 years, 1 month ago

          I believe there were no changes today (usually between 2am and 3am Shakespeare time)

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          1. Pratik
            • 16 Years
            14 years, 1 month ago

            Oh that's bad was planning to stay awake to watch all the matches. Thought I would wake up in the morning and go ahead with the transfer. Siggy could easily cross 100 soon after all the matches are over.

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            1. Pratik
              • 16 Years
              14 years, 1 month ago

              *wasn't planning to stay awake

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  27. asyrafdanial
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 1 month ago

    which transfer should i do first (1 FT)?

    1. Silva > Walcott
    2. Raylor > McAuley

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    1. Gaz Downright
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      how will your team look with 1. and 2. respectively? I.e. how will Walcott and McAuley improve your current starting eleven?

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      1. Gaz Downright
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 1 month ago

        the answer to this question will tell you which transfer to do first

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    2. Acquafresca
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      3. silva > valencia

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  28. Scholsey
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 1 month ago

    will it be wise going for dempse --> valencia???

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  29. imanaussie
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 1 month ago

    not fantasy football related but have been having some disagreements with a friend

    In what order are these three as wingers, Nani, Valencia, Mata?

    Has there been any Chelsea midfielders from the last 15 years as good as Sholes at their peaks?

    Thanks in advance for any of your opinions

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    1. Acquafresca
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      Ok so non-fantasy and purely skill id rank them:

      1. Nani 2. Mata 3. Valencia (this is purely on skill, valencia has the highest workrate imo out of them)

      Secondly, i strongly believe lampard at his prime was an extraordinary player, and very much comparable to Scholes.

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      1. Scholsey
        • 14 Years
        14 years, 1 month ago

        ok non fanasy wise n purely skill based..urs is the correct order!!!

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        1. imanaussie
          • 14 Years
          14 years, 1 month ago

          ok thankyou both

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    2. Scholsey
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      i wud say valencia nani maTa wud be the correct order!!!
      n i dont think their has been any chelsea MF as gud as scholes!!!!

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