[sbu_large_image] Scout Notes
8 August 2012 1699 comments
Paul Paul
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Danny Graham scores three and provides an assist as Swansea put four past Blackpool, while Hugo Rodallega marks his Fulham debut with a goal. Norwich rack up another clean sheet, Yassine El Ghanassy impresses for West Brom with a goal and assist and Billy Sharp find the net for the fifth time this pre-season as Southampton earn a draw at Bristol City…

Swansea 4 Blackpool 2
The visitors arrived at the Liberty Stadium full of confidence after their recent win over Everton but were swept aside by a Danny Graham-inspired Swansea. The forward had a hand in all of his side’s goals, scoring three times and providing an assist for new boy Michu – with a strong opening run of fixtures, Graham’s display will surely bring plenty Fantasy investment ahead of the start of the new campaign. Michu and Nathan Dyer also caught the eye; the latter had three efforts on target, while Dyer produced a pair of assists for Michael Laudrup’s men.

Swansea Starting XI: Vorm (Tremmel 61); Rangel (Richards 61), Chico (Tate 80), Williams, Davies (Bessone 85); Britton (Agustien 74), de Guzman, Michu; Dyer ( Lita 80), Graham (Moore 67), Routledge (Edwards 85).

MK Dons 0 Fulham 1
Martin Jol rolled out an experimental side for last night’s trip to Milton Keynes. Mladen Petric was handed the night off after his recent goalscoring exploits, with fellow new boy Hugo Rodallega afforded his first game time since moving from Wigan this summer. While Marcello Trotta led the line, the Colombian was a threat throughout from his left flank position and had a few chances to find the net; intriguingly he was also on free-kicks, though his place in the overall pecking is uncertain as the Cottagers were far from full-strength. Nevertheless, Rodallega grabbed the headlines and the only goal of the game to serve Fantasy managers a timely reminder of his potential.

Fulham Starting XI: Stockdale; Kelly (Grygera), Burn Baird, Briggs; Na Bangna, Sidwell, Frei (Minkwitz 46), Kasami, Rodallega; Trotta (Kacaniklic)

Hull City 0 Norwich City 0
The Canaries fielded a strong looking line-up for the goalless draw at Hull. While Chris Hughton’s side failed to score, Fantasy managers will be intrigued to see new boy Robert Snodgrass handed a role in “the hole†behind lone forward Grant Holt. Snodgrass was at the heart of much of Norwich’s attacking forays in the first-half, with his set-pieces also teeing up opportunities for his team mates. Despite making a host of changes after the break, Hughton saw his side register their fourth clean sheet in the last five matches as Norwich continue to look far more defensively solid than they were under Paul Lambert last term.

Norwich Starting XI: Ruddy, R. Martin (Vaughan 72), R. Bennett, Turner (Barnett 61), Tierney (Francomb 72); E. Bennett (Lappin 72), Howson (Morison 72), Johnson, Pilkington (C. Martin 72); Snodgrass (Surman 72); Holt (Jackson 72)

Brighton 1 Reading 1
Brian McDermott started with last season’s back-four for the game against a side that had put three past Chelsea at the weekend. With Jimmy Kebe still sidelined due to a hamstring injury, Hal Robson-Kanu was handed a role on the right wing and popped up to score his second goal in back-to-back matches – thus denying Gus Poyet’s side another Premier League scalp. Aside from his goals, Robson-Kanu is clearly impressing his manager right now – he managed the full 90 minutes, while skipper Jobi McAnuff made way for Garath McCleary at half-time on the opposite flank.

Reading Starting XI: Federici (McCarthy 60); Cummings, Gorkss, Pearce, Harte; Robson-Kanu, Guthrie, Leigertwood, McAnuff (McCleary 46); Le Fondre, Pogrebnyak (Hunt 76)

Bristol City 1 Southampton 1
Nigel Adkins continued with his recent tactic of fielding a lone centre forward – this time Saints lined up in a 4-3-3, with Rickie Lambert flanked by Jay Rodriguez and Jason Puncheon. Adam Lallana was, once again, fielded in central midfield while Nathaniel Clyne looks increasingly likely to start the season as the right-back, though he moved to the opposite side of defence as Adkins made three changes at the break. The Saints boss shifted to 4-4-2 as he chased a 1-0 deficit late on and his move paid off, with Lambert setting up Billy Sharp to slot home his fifth goal of pre-season so far.

Southampton Starting XI: K. Davis; Clyne, Fonte, Hooiveld (Seaborne 76), Fox (Richardson 46); Ward-Prowse (Cork 46) (Sharp 82), Schneiderlin (S. Davis 46) Lallana (Guly 60), Puncheon, Rodriguez, Lambert.

Hartlepool 1 Newcastle 5
Alan Pardew used last night’s match to hand some of his squad players a starting berth, while also giving a handful of his first-team more game time to build up their match-fitness. While the main news was the return of Hatem Ben Arfa to the Newcastle side for the first time since his Euro 2012 exertions, Sylvain Marveaux was the most impressive on show and could well play a part in the season opener with Spurs if his fellow Frenchman fails to prove his fitness. Playing wide right in a 4-2-3-1, Marveaux scored twice and could well have had a hat-trick if it wasn’t for the display of the opposition keeper. Similar to Ben Arfa, Steven Taylor was also given a 45-minute run-out as he continues his comeback from an Achilles injury.

Newcastle Starting XI: Harper (Alnwick 84); Simpson (Good 73), S Taylor (Ben Arfa 46), Williamson, James Tavernier; Perch (R Taylor 73), Bigirimana (Abeid 60); Marveaux (Obertan 79), Gosling, Amalfitano (Santon 80); Shola Ameobi (Vuckic 46)

Walsall 1 West Brom 3
Yassine El Ghanassy was particularly prominent as the Baggies took their unbeaten run to four matches last night. Inititally starting on the left in a 4-4-2 before switching flanks towards the end of the first-half, the summer signing – in addition to being handed free-kicks and corners – provided a goal and assist for Steve Clarke’s men. Craig Dawson notched in his first game back since starring for Great Britain at the Olympics, while new signing Claudio Yacob featured for the first time since joining the club in the summer transfer window.

West Brom Starting XI: Myhill; B Jones (Gayle 68), Dawson, Tamas, Hurst; Cox (Allan 76), Thorne (O’Neil 76), Yacob (Sawyers 76), El Ghanassy; Wood (Berahino 46), Fortune.

Yeovil 1 Stoke 1
Triallist Sebastien Boenisch was a stand-out performer in Stoke’s second game in as many days. The Polish full-back set up Kenwyne Jones’ equaliser and, impressing with a handful of searching runs down the Potters’ left flank, was unlucky not to find the net with a superb 25-yard effort in the first 45. Peter Crouch missed out with a hip knock, while Matt Etherington added to Tony Pulis’ worries after being forced off early on. Post-match, the club revealed Robert Huth is undergoing tests for suspected meningitis, after the centre-half was hospitalised on Monday.

Stoke Starting XI: Begovic, Boenisch, Wilson (Jerome 46), Shawcross, Upson, Shotton, Whelan (Palacios), Whitehead (Arismendi), Etherington (Ness), Jones, Walters.

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

  1. Scroobius Mac
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 9 months ago

    I accept this team isn't going to get many clean sheets but 5 big hitters/captaincy options. Haven't checked the defence for rotation but assume this amount of budget on it.

    Fed Jussi
    Hangeland Cuellar Fabio Demel Alcaraz
    Mata Bale Lampard Taarabt Noble
    Rooney Aguero Graham

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    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGeniusâ…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      Hangeland is a terrible choice for your lead defender. I should check on Rooney's fitness. He is not going near my team, for now.

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  2. Jimjam
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 9 months ago

    Is Dyer a valid pick as a 4th midfielder? Or should I try and make room for a 6.5?

    (Midfield would be this: Lampard - Sigurdsson - McClean - Dyer - Maloney)

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    1. LMNO
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      would prefer McAnuff over Dyer. Team captain, winger and plenty of assists. 5.5

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  3. Pete Campbell
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 9 months ago

    Im 100% set on Vorm and Federici but I dont ever see anyone else with them.

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    1. LMNO
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      I have Vorm

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    2. Billy Gilmore
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      That's because you can get a swans defender for 5m.

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    3. CABAYE4
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      I've got Vorm and Federici!

      Good rotation and good early fixtures. With the uncertainty over Friedel I think it's worth going for Vorm early on and then switching.

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  4. rohan
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 9 months ago

    Regarding the defenders.. Is anyone looking to put in one big hitting defender along with 2 rotating teams?? That way you pretty much have a backline that stands a decent chance of getting a CS.. Unless anyone plans to play 4 or 5 defenders i.e.. Thoughts??

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    1. Mr. O'Connell
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      Yes.

      Ivanovic (for DGW), then have Sun/New and Villa/WH rotation. Total = 24.5m (cheap imo)

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  5. Bedknobs and Boomsticks
    • 16 Years
    13 years, 9 months ago

    I've been thinking about the distribution of big hitters in my team, and with it the value in stirkers.

    I think the in the 8.5 to 9.5 m striker range, the likes of Papa Cisse, Bent and Jelavic are not the way to go. These are 'elite' strikers playing at midtable teams. They're likely to get points, but its pretty much a certainty that there will be other surprise strikers playing for other midtable teams who will get just as many points. Remember that Ba, Cisse and Jelavic were all midprice players last year, and chances are that there'll be similar players emerging this year, rendering players like Cisse and Jelavic pretty much redundant. Also, are Bent and Jelavich really worth 2 m more than N'Zog and Pienaar?

    Elsewhere in that price range, we have players from elite teams like Tevez, Adebayor, Balotelli, Suarez, Welbeck, Giroud, Podolski. Adebayor (at Spurs) and Suarez (if he can hit a barn door) could be good shouts, but currently the Man City, Man U and Arsenal strikers in this range are all playing second fiddle to bigger names and are at risk of rotation (this could change of course if RVP leaves).

    Then at more expensive prices we have Aguero, Rooney, Torres and RVP. Of those, two are proper elite options, one is in limbo, and one is Torres. 😉

    All this means that options for expensive strikers are fewer than you might at first think. In midfield however, I reckon that there a lot more elite options; Bale, Siggy, VDV, Nani, Valencia, Kagawa, Lampard, Hazard, Mata, Carzola, Silva, Yaya. Whislt there is some uncertainty over which of these will do well, having a few of the safer options then swithching in whoever's performing seems like a good option to me. Prices are so heavily bunched in the 8.5 to 9.5 m range that swapping players in and out will be remarkably easy this season.

    Just a thought.

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

      Good thoughts, good post.

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    2. Christina.
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      ...so who is your strikers?

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      1. Bedknobs and Boomsticks
        • 16 Years
        13 years, 9 months ago

        I DON'T KNOW!!!!

        I did have Aguero + Torres + Petric for a long time and now have Aguero + Tevez + Petric, but Torres and Tevez seem so short term, and its hard to see where to jump to (Ade could change things there) .

        I'm think that Aguero + Petric + Fletcher (if he goes to SUN) could be nice, with 3 big boys in midfield.

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

          That's exactly where I am, whilst trying to keep a small kitty in the pot for a possible upgrade.

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          1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGeniusâ…
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 16 Years
            13 years, 9 months ago

            I have 3.0. 😀

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

              Pah, I've only 2.5m... at the moment!

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              1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGeniusâ…
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 16 Years
                13 years, 9 months ago

                Hehehe. I made a team with RVP in. Clarified my thinking ... 🙂

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    3. GreenWindmill
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      Hmm, makes my Ba, Aguero, Bent frontline look poor...

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    4. Scroobius Mac
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      There's two variables to consider though: likely goals scored by team and likelihood of player to contribute to goals.
      Rooney and RVP were fantastic because they were in teams who scored loads of goals and everything went through them.
      Likewise Jelavic, Ba and later Cisse were good because they played in teams which scored less goals but were involved in just about every goal.
      City attackers and United bar Rooney tend to fall into the category of goals/assists being shared around.

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      1. Scroobius Mac
        • 15 Years
        13 years, 9 months ago

        All of those 'elite' midfielders play in teams with loads of creative outlets to provide the final ball or finish. Advantage with Bent or Jelavic is you can be quite confident they will be on the end of it.

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        1. Bedknobs and Boomsticks
          • 16 Years
          13 years, 9 months ago

          Its the conundrum of the team that scores lots of goals vs the team with one goal scorer. Personally I favour the former, but I understand your point. The thign is though, that there WILL be other players this season who will emerge as providign a large proportion of their teams goals.

          I suppose you could argue that you're getting a safe bet in the short term with players like Bent and Jelavic, but you're still gambling on a teams warly form to an extent.

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    5. Mr Blue
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      I just.. cant agree, sorry... You are thinking in a good way (I guess).. But remember.
      1. Players like Jelavic at 8.5 could very well be the next mega-striker, being priced at 10-11 next year. Also, they will be involved in "everything" their team is doing forward in some cases. Wouldnt be surprised at all to see Jelavic racking up 170 points or so, making him superb value. Also, some of the other strikers (in bigger teams) u mention could really shine this year. Tevez, Ade (if at spurs), Suarez (if he starts scoring), Giroud (if Van P leaves), Podski also...
      Meanwhile, pretty much every midfielder u mention is at BIG rotation risk..
      I guess, tbh, u can look at this in both ways.. the point being, we simply dont know...

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      1. Bedknobs and Boomsticks
        • 16 Years
        13 years, 9 months ago

        There are very few players (Dempsey is about the only one that springs to mind) that have gone from decent midpriced option to God status whilst staying at a midtable team.

        I agree on players like Giroud and Ade, but I prefer Carzola and Bale from those clubs.

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        1. Scroobius Mac
          • 15 Years
          13 years, 9 months ago

          Charlie Adam.
          Sigurdsson.
          Sessegnon.
          N'Zogbia.

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          1. Bedknobs and Boomsticks
            • 16 Years
            13 years, 9 months ago

            Exactly, all mid priced players who have done well at a midtable club. none of them have ever been nailed on captain choices.

            I also note that all of them are midfielders 😉

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            1. Scroobius Mac
              • 15 Years
              13 years, 9 months ago

              "decent midpriced option to God status whilst staying at a midtable team."

              Isn't that what you said? Or do you mean consistently over multiple seasons?

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              1. Bedknobs and Boomsticks
                • 16 Years
                13 years, 9 months ago

                Over successive seasons, thus justifying a big hike in price. To be fair, Bent has always done well, but even then its a case of catching him at the right time rather than guaranteed points.

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                1. Scroobius Mac
                  • 15 Years
                  13 years, 9 months ago

                  Typically though it's because midfielders who do well are then bought by larger clubs where they are then sharing the points.
                  You know what you get with Bent
                  2-2-7-2-13-2-2

                  It's not pretty but he'll average 6PPG or there abouts

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    6. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGeniusâ…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      I love this post. Post of the Season so far. 🙂

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      1. Bedknobs and Boomsticks
        • 16 Years
        13 years, 9 months ago

        Really? I'm not even sure that I agree with it! 😉

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        1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGeniusâ…
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          13 years, 9 months ago

          Well, I certainly do!!! 😛

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    7. Manani
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      so what u recommend is: go heavy up top + 2 big hitters in midfield?

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    8. heco87
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      Hmmm... I've just done a draft with Aguero / Lambert / Graham as my strikers and I really like it. No point posting it on here though as it would get hammered ( ! )

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    9. Kevin Twine
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      Great post

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  6. Arselona
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 9 months ago

    There's always a dud or two that reveals itself after 1-2gwks... The question is who...

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    1. Christina.
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      Torres. Easy.

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      1. LMNO
        • 16 Years
        13 years, 9 months ago

        +1

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      2. Funkyav
        • 16 Years
        13 years, 9 months ago

        ^^^This

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  7. Gnu
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    13 years, 9 months ago

    Hi Doos, I know your a busy man but any chance of e-mailing a few of last years guys regarding the Wigan league, i.e Jonty, Locarno &co?

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    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGeniusâ…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      Yeah, I saw that Sorry, will do. Fretting about the H2Hs.

      Locarno, I don't have.

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

        Ta, as I say I know your busy but much appreciated as I'm not on here as much as I would like.

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  8. The Finnisher
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 9 months ago

    Argh..
    You search comments one time and get stuck there for a life time.
    Can we get a new post already?

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

      The search facility is hilariously bad

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    2. Billy Gilmore
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      Try quitting and getting back onto the website. Usually works for me.

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      1. The Finnisher
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 9 months ago

        Cheers, worth a shot anyway.

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        1. Funkyav
          • 16 Years
          13 years, 9 months ago

          I thought the whole comment thing was getting updated on this site, does anyone know the latest with this?

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  9. FantasyFreak
    • 16 Years
    13 years, 9 months ago

    Ok, who do you think will have the best defense next season?
    List out your top 5.

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    1. Piggs Boson
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      United
      City
      Arsenal
      Newcastle
      Everton

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    2. The Finnisher
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      City
      United
      Liverpool
      Spurs
      Arsenal

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      1. Captain Shirokov
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 9 months ago

        Really? Liverpool?

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        1. The Light Knight
          • 14 Years
          13 years, 9 months ago

          A la Swansea. The players aren't as good but Rodgers should make them some bit solid

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        2. Billy Gilmore
          • 13 Years
          13 years, 9 months ago

          Why not? They had equal 3rd best defence last season.

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        3. The Finnisher
          • 14 Years
          13 years, 9 months ago

          They were pretty tight last season and think they will be even tighter this season with Rodger's style of play.

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        4. Mr. C
          • 14 Years
          13 years, 9 months ago

          With Rodgers in charge it's not unthinkable.

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    3. The Light Knight
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      United
      City
      Spurs
      Arsenal
      Everton

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    4. GreenWindmill
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      Man City
      Man Utd
      Liverpool
      Everton
      Tottenham

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    5. Crouch Potato!
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      Chelsea not mentioned, interesting.

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

        Their problems ran deeper than a lack of attacking midfielders last season...

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      2. Billy Gilmore
        • 13 Years
        13 years, 9 months ago

        Chelsea have sh!te defence.

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  10. Kings of Lyon ★
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 9 months ago

    OK this is my last post on Maloney. Do not get him guys. He will be a rotation risk and will struggle to play 90 mins. Wigan are on the look out for more attcaking players increasing his rotation risk. He is very injury prone and very lightweight. For ever good game he will have 6 bad games. The end of last season was a blip in a somewhat predictable career.

    Last year I urged you all to get Jelavic this year I urge you not to get Maloney!

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

      Hi KoL, if your up for another crack at the Wigan league the code is here. 🙂 No newco's mind ðŸ™

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      1. Kings of Lyon ★
        • 15 Years
        13 years, 9 months ago

        Yeah i'm up for that mate. I'll join the now.

        I was at Ibrox last night mate, great atmosphere and great result. it'll be along journey but one im now ready for.

        Dont trust Green one bit but just need to see

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

          I'm still pretty sickened by the whole affair and there's too many people at fault with self interest, secret agendas and plain and utter ignorance. Not sure how I feel yet.

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    2. The Finnisher
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      "The end of last season was a blip in a somewhat predictable career."

      He still has a decent goal/assist record per start everywhere he has played though?
      Even just a glance at the FPL site he had a decent record at Villa too.
      I don't see a better option at 5.0..

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      1. The Finnisher
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 9 months ago

        BTW I am not disagreeing with you, I've barely followed his career at all, it just seems looking at purely statistics he gets involved in goals/assists a fair bit - especially considering he is so cheap.

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        1. Kings of Lyon ★
          • 15 Years
          13 years, 9 months ago

          He does get involved thats because of his postitioning. I just dont think he's consistant enough. When hes good hes great so everyone remembers him. but when hes bad he is invisible in games.

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          1. The Finnisher
            • 14 Years
            13 years, 9 months ago

            Hmm, cheers, got some thinking to do 🙂

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      2. Kings of Lyon ★
        • 15 Years
        13 years, 9 months ago

        Average goal assist rate. At Celtic he was neever a starter because of injury and rotation risk. This will be the same at Wigan. Hes a decent wee player but not cut out to be playing at the top level. I could be completely wrong and this is now an upturn in his career but im staying clear.

        I have Noble as my 5.0 as he is nailed on. I dont want any other sub 5.5 players because of risk.

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        1. The Finnisher
          • 14 Years
          13 years, 9 months ago

          Yeah, I don't want any other sub 6m players in my front.
          Maybe I should fork out the extra 0.5 for Dyer or Ireland, as I really don't expect much from Noble.

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    3. Bedknobs and Boomsticks
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      Thanks KoL.

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    4. Demí
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      Cheers Kol. I agree with you, even at 5m, starting to go off him now. Going to find the money from downgrading my defence to get someone better than Maloney.

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      1. Kings of Lyon ★
        • 15 Years
        13 years, 9 months ago

        Id much rather pay the extra and get someone who is likely to play 90 mins every week.

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    5. Call Me Old Fashioned
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      I am going off him, looking at having a punt on El Ghannasy or getting Guthrie and using 0.5 elsewhere

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      1. Manani
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 9 months ago

        having Guthrie will mean that u will need 4 playing consistent scoring midfielders, as Guthrie is a 2pointer

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        1. Call Me Old Fashioned
          • 15 Years
          13 years, 9 months ago

          i am trying to balance if it worth rotating maloney/noble as you mention, obvious chance of leaving points on bench.

          0.5 could allow for a bit of safety elsewhere, eg Bale over Siggy

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          1. Manani
            • 14 Years
            13 years, 9 months ago

            Heavy Heavy Mid 5.0 4.5
            would be a bad idea

            but if it's 5.5 like dyer/ireland, who have good fixture+nailed on, I don't see the problem

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    6. Manani
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      nice post.

      However, it will be hard to find anyone (except noble) that is a better option in the 5m price range, and rotate with noble

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      1. Kings of Lyon ★
        • 15 Years
        13 years, 9 months ago

        You're in the mentality of having 2 5m players id downgrade your defence and upgrade to a 5.5 or 6.0 mid that will get minutes.

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        1. Manani
          • 14 Years
          13 years, 9 months ago

          how about Guthrie+Dyer/Ireland?

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          1. Manani
            • 14 Years
            13 years, 9 months ago

            it would be virtually impossible to squeeze anymore out of my defence already

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    7. Kostja
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      Im not arguing you at all, just would like to ask to you have some sources or smthn, or how else do you figure that he will be a rotation risk and that Wigan are looking for more offensive players? Especially as it looks like Moses will be out the door.

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      1. Kings of Lyon ★
        • 15 Years
        13 years, 9 months ago

        Ok I have no sourse and it is personal opinion. They have been linked with Myachi. Moses could be on the way out but I expect them to replace him as well as an other.

        My view that he will be a rotation risk comes from following the boys career from an early age, as a Scotland and Rangers fan I watched him in great hope and expectation (from the scotland front) only to be left disappointed through in injury or lack of form

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    8. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGeniusâ…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      Hooray!!! At last, some sense!!! Well said, man! 😀

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  11. Pete Campbell
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 9 months ago

    Choose

    A) Graham, Ramires, Yaya

    B) Torres, Michu, Guthrie

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  12. rhysybball
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 9 months ago

    Rate My Team please!

    Friedel - Green

    Lescott - A. Cole - S. Taylor - Jenkinson - Fabio

    Yaya - Hazard - Pienaar - Dyer - Marveaux

    Aguero - Torres - Graham

    1.5 mil in the bank

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    1. Sean
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      I think this is a REALLY good team.

      One one of the best I have seen.

      Well done.

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      1. kroky
        • 15 Years
        13 years, 9 months ago

        Ha ha. Still at it? 🙂

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      2. Podge
        • 15 Years
        13 years, 9 months ago

        🙂

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  13. deepblue
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 9 months ago

    still no closer to solving this puzzle:
    is guthrie a dead on to play the 180 mins??

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    1. CABAYE4
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      You can never be sure but I'd say he's almost certain to get 2 starts.

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  14. It Is I, Leclerc
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 9 months ago

    So England are officially the 3rd best team in the world, funny how it never seems that way when I watch them.

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    1. Pinnochio
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      complete bs in my opinion..dont have a clue how they get be ranked that high..terrible

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    2. Kings of Lyon ★
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      Officially Wales are 15 places better than Belgium.....

      FIFA Rankings do not reflect how good a team is. Tournements do.

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  15. Arselona
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 9 months ago

    Wish they'd announce something about Dempsey already..

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    1. Arselona
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      Google tells me, apparently he has been ordered to train alone... lol

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      1. Piggs Boson
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 9 months ago

        Yeah, even if he stays he might not play at first, i'd keep away for now.

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  16. FantasyFreak
    • 16 Years
    13 years, 9 months ago

    Anyone here is starting without an elite defender? etc: lescott, vidic, cole, iva, kompany

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    1. Hiphopopotamus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      Yep. I've got Hangerland, Rangel, McCartney, Gorkss, Tieney.

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    2. deepblue
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      don't think so.. atleast one is there in every RMT i have seen so far.

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  17. HVT
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 9 months ago

    Who rotates well with cuellar for 4m?

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    1. blue cheese
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      West Ham to an extent. So, Demel I guess.

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    2. Christina.
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      No one really, but a Nor def might be an option.

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    3. Call Me Old Fashioned
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      WHU 32/38
      RDG 31/38

      I am going for a 3way rotation of SUN/WHU/SOT gives you until GW20:

      AVL, WIG/RDG, FUL, LIV/nor, AVL/SUN/whm, WIG, FUL, SOT, TOT/wig, AVL/wba, SWA, STO, WBA, QPR/NOR, CHE/nor, RDG, wba, SUN/EVE, MCI/ful, TOT/sto/rdg

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      1. HVT
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        13 years, 9 months ago

        Thanks all

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    4. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGeniusâ…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      Ridgewell.

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      1. Billy Gilmore
        • 13 Years
        13 years, 9 months ago

        Bit expensive Doos...

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        1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGeniusâ…
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          13 years, 9 months ago

          5.0?

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          1. Billy Gilmore
            • 13 Years
            13 years, 9 months ago

            Yeah he wants one for 4m...

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  18. GoonerByron
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 9 months ago

    After last night's friendlies I'm pretty sure we can almost guarantee that the Reading starting lineup for GW1 will be...

    Federici
    Cummings Gorkss Pearce Harte
    Robson-Kanu Leighterwood Guthrie McAnuff
    Pogrebnyak LeFondre

    Very interesting... Think I might gamble and go with ALF for the DGW..

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    1. Pinnochio
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      whos ALF?

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      1. GoonerByron
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 9 months ago

        Adam Le Fondre

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    2. blue cheese
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      Up all those Gunter-and-Mariappa-owners' arses.

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  19. Arselona
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 9 months ago

    People's thoughts on Lambert..? The striker, not the manager.

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    1. Tiki-Taka
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      Definitely got potential, could be this seasons Holt or whatever. Wouldn't consider him from the off though due to fixtures, I'd say out of his first 6 only 2 are good

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      1. Christina.
        • 16 Years
        13 years, 9 months ago

        +1

        Nice replacement for Petric/Graham around gw 11

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    2. LMNO
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      he was in my first draft, only got rid because of fixtures. one to watch

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

    A Toure & Aguero
    B Silva & Tevez (assuming Silva looks likely to start the season)

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    1. Pinnochio
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      agueros the safe option..as its the start of the season and we dont need to chase leaders i'd just play it safe with aguero and tour

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    2. Billy Gilmore
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      A

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      1. blue cheese
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 9 months ago

        You've qualified for the Council leagues! 😉 🙂

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        1. Billy Gilmore
          • 13 Years
          13 years, 9 months ago

          I saw 🙂 I wonder which teams we'll get?

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          1. blue cheese
            • 14 Years
            13 years, 9 months ago

            TW said we'll know in a few days 😕

            They're becoming slower than FPL!

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            1. Billy Gilmore
              • 13 Years
              13 years, 9 months ago

              😕 Good things take time though 😉

              As long as it's by Sunday I don't really mind as I'm not really doing anything fpl related.

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    3. Arselona
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      A

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  21. Jimjam
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 9 months ago

    0.5 over budget on this team:

    Foster, Mignolet
    Cole, TaylorS, Williams, Cuellar, Hughes
    Lampard, Sigurdsson, McClean, Michu, Guthrie
    Rooney, Aguero, Graham

    How can I get under budget? Downgrade a keeper? Downgrade Michu/McClean? Tevez instead of Aguero?

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    1. Pinnochio
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      mignolet foster > 4.5,4.5
      jussi federici

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  22. Bezz82
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 9 months ago

    RMT…..

    Jaaskelainen Begovic

    Lescott Cole Cuellar Coloccini 4Mill?

    VDV Mata Ireland Taarabt Noble

    Rooney Aguero Petric

    What do i need? Where am i going wrong????

    Can i get a better keeper combo for 9 mill?

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    1. Pinnochio
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      dont like VDV Ireland
      rest - i like..

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      1. Bezz82
        • 15 Years
        13 years, 9 months ago

        For who then?

        Want TOTT cover and Ireland is a little gamble

        Whos the best 5.5/6 Mill gample from MID?

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        1. Manani
          • 14 Years
          13 years, 9 months ago

          Dyer

          not sure about ireland, as i don't know where he plays in AVI

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  23. dougie walters
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 9 months ago

    hey guys anyone who is doin the sundream team and want to join my mini league the code on. is 141499 and the password is weedbeer69

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    1. Pinnochio
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      every year i join another site other than the fpl..neveer stay interested in it though

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  24. dougie walters
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 9 months ago

    Or if you dare to join my Official Fantasy Football league the code is 2020-125622

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  25. Gnu
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    13 years, 9 months ago

    A lot of mentions for N'zog and Ireland around, I'm pretty unsure because of the Lambert factor. He did rotate to a frustrating level last year with Norwich and it must be far from clear what his plans are this season.

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    1. Bedknobs and Boomsticks
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      Its hard to imagine him benching standout players like N'Zogbia and Bent. Norwich weren't exactly overflowing with undroppable top class names last season. Still, first sign of rotation with N'Zog for me and he's a gonner.

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

        Fair point and although not in the same class you could argue that Holt and Hoolahan where the standouts for Norwich yet both suffered rotation.N'zog and Bent are a lot more expensive to only be playing 20-60 minutes. Just thinking out loud!

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  26. Mr Wizard
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 9 months ago

    Thought on Marveaux for a cheap 4.5, potentially playable midfielder??

    Danny Graham is looking good. Im going to work him in some-how

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    1. heco87
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      I think Marveaux might start our first game but is the first player to be subbed if we change things.

      Long-term he won't be a starter so I'd save yourself a future transfer now and just stick with Guthrie.

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      1. Mr Wizard
        • 15 Years
        13 years, 9 months ago

        I was thinking maybe working int maloney for 0.5 more.

        What you think?

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        1. heco87
          • 15 Years
          13 years, 9 months ago

          Not sold on Maloney, would rather Noble. If you've already got Noble, I'd go with Guthrie.

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    2. Kostja
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      Marveaux is good, but when Barfa is fit he is unlikely to find consistant minutes.

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    3. Gnu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      Marveaux's on my shortlist as a cheap punt. It's Guthrie at the mo but most likely to change if I keep Pog. Graham and Swansea I'm going to watch and see.

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      1. FPL Daniel
        • 16 Years
        13 years, 9 months ago

        What about that other lad from Rdg. He even took a penalty right?

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        1. WorldCupDanB
          • 14 Years
          13 years, 9 months ago

          Robson-Kanu, it was interesting to hear he wasnt subbed

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  27. Tiki-Taka
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 9 months ago

    Lol shift from Graham to Petric due to his pre season form, now Graham gets hatrick against Blackpool and a lot move back. Fickle, but understandable I guess, I too am struggling

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    1. Christina.
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      Problem is they both are in good form and both have ok fixtures. Did i mention Sinclair and Dempsey might move clubs.

      🙄

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      1. Billy Gilmore
        • 13 Years
        13 years, 9 months ago

        Yeah Sinclair to Citeh 😆

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      2. Tiki-Taka
        • 15 Years
        13 years, 9 months ago

        Yeah there isnt much between them at all, I cant see the Sinclair to City personally but Dempsey more probably, would that put Petric on pens? and I'm a bit worried about Rodallega with Fulham, would he feature in a match every so often?

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  28. FPL Daniel
    • 16 Years
    13 years, 9 months ago

    Lads any stand out 4.0m defender out there? I don't care his rotation I just want someone who is assured of start for good team and capable of CS's now and then. To be able to stand up when wanted.

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    1. blue cheese
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      Demel, Fonte, Bennett, Tierney

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    2. Kostja
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      Demel is surely the best option right now- should be nailed on and best fixtures.

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    3. heco87
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      Clyne and Tierney are the only ones I'm looking at for now. Tierney seems to have cemented the left back role in pre-season but I wouldn't mind getting a Portsmouth fans' update on Clyne if possible.

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      1. Vijay
        • 13 Years
        13 years, 9 months ago

        Why do you want a Portsmouth Fans' update on Clyne? If you mean a Saints fan, then I can tell you he's looking good and I think he'll probably start. He's the only Saints player in my team at the moment.

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        1. heco87
          • 15 Years
          13 years, 9 months ago

          Ha yes sorry, I wrote that fairly hastily! Thats a lot.

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    4. Christina.
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      I think a Nor boytjie. I have a feeling Westham will be useless at the back.

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      1. FPL Daniel
        • 16 Years
        13 years, 9 months ago

        Well beside Tierney is Bennet assured starter too? I think Nor too. Hughton is there manager right? he could tighten them up

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        1. Christina.
          • 16 Years
          13 years, 9 months ago

          Barnett is mentioned a lot. Thing is their rotation is kek, but I think they will get you the unexpected CS...prob while on your bench though.

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    5. Pinnochio
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      that barnett lad from norwich is getting a lot of mentions..

      or gorrkss

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      1. FPL Daniel
        • 16 Years
        13 years, 9 months ago

        I think Barnett is a trap. He isn't assured starter. Bennet is. I think the people are making mistakes

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    6. Lanley Staurel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      Has to be Fonte for Saints. He comes up for corners too and has the skill to burst out of defence and set up an attack.

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      1. FPL Daniel
        • 16 Years
        13 years, 9 months ago

        Fonte interests me too

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        1. Christina.
          • 16 Years
          13 years, 9 months ago

          H/a rotation with Qpr(fabio) for most of the season I think.

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        2. Vijay
          • 13 Years
          13 years, 9 months ago

          Saints fan here - Fonte's place is under threat, we're looking for another CB; if you need a Saints DF then go for Clyne, Fox or Hooiveld. Hooiveld got 6 leage goals and two in the cup from CB last season, but I've gone with Clyne as he's looked excellent in pre-season.

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    7. Mr Wizard
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      Harte, Clyne or Demel.

      Stevens has shown some good form for AV.

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  29. Messiah Hazard
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 9 months ago

    http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/chelsea-make-25m-move-for-germany-1220035

    Would be great if this happens although that would mean that Lukaku will surely go out on loan...

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    1. Smakies
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      Lukaku is never gonna have his chance to shine at chelsea if they keep buying players up front, personally,I would sell El nino

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  30. Bøwstring The Carp
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 9 months ago

    Hey guys what have I missed since yesterday? Graham bandwagon?

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    1. blue cheese
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      Graham, Dyer, Marveaux - MUST HAVES!

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      1. Bøwstring The Carp
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 9 months ago

        Will Marveaux get game time though?

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        1. blue cheese
          • 14 Years
          13 years, 9 months ago

          Nout much. Read Heco's comments somewhere on this page.

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        2. GreenWindmill
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          13 years, 9 months ago

          He'll be in the first team picture this season but he'll also spend a lot of minutes warming the bench...

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    2. Sean
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      Marveaux as well

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