Having failed to produce any attacking returns in his last three appearances, and with no league fixture on his agenda this weekend, Juan Mata is being sacrificed by significant numbers of Fantasy managers in an attempt to address the conundrum that is Gameweek 29. The Spaniard has been sold on by over 46,000 Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers, more than any other player so far but with three home games in four following directly on from his blank (WHM, sou, SUN, TOT), the potential for points is just around the corner. In this latest article for members, we take a look at his recent displays to ascertain whether there is any reason behind his current malaise.
My theory for Mata decline is down to the fact when BA plays they play too much long ball like Newcastle use to do & if u look at the goal Ba scored it wasn’t pretty football
You can see MAta scores better points when playing with Torres i know there isn’t alot games to base this on but thats my humble opinion
Anyone else agree?Open Controls
How about this:
Aguero to Benteke and Mata to Michu (-4)
next week
Fletcher to van Persie and Guthrie to Lampard (-4)
Leaving:
Walcott, Michu, Bale, Lamps, Sissoko
Sturridge, Benteke, van Persie? and 1.9 in the bank.Open Controls
Good moves but just hang onto Mata for a while considering there might be a DGW coming soon for him.
Open ControlsI could just do Guthrie to Michu this week then and swap another mid for extra Chelsea coverage when the time comes?
Always in fear of Guthrie masterclass though.Open ControlsYes that's exactly when i mean. Lamp-Mata could be just ideal duo........
I am fielding 10 ( possibly) wouldn't worry much about this week.Open Controls
Just a Brush with the Blues ... 😉
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4xlNXYCQKM&list=AL94UKMTqg-9AaMoXJbR2hm3anmMAaszSVOpen Controls
+1 🙂
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This article has convinced me, even though I can't see it, cos I'm not a member, to sell Mata and eventually get Lampard in instead.
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Are you sure it wasn't me 😉
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Can't bring myself to get rid of RVP so looking at Fellaini and Mata to Sissoko and Coutinho for a 4pt hit.
This allows me to put this out this week:
Mig/Fed
Davies Wilson Pearce (Raphael Zabaleta)
Michu Bale Sissoko Coutinho (Walcott)
Benteke Lambert (RVP)
4.5m in the bank to get Saurez in for Benteke or Lambert the week after if I so please.
Much sense in that?Open Controls
Looks good to me. You might want to consider Sturridge after this week if it means lampard or oscar for coutinho at a later date. Need some chelsea cover for their fixtures and dgw i think.
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Coutinho could easily drop out for Studge! Think Rogers will want Allen in against Tot
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'Howard Webb is reffing this Sundays FA cup tie between ManU V Chelsea'..
heads up Mancs, it's the FA again!Open ControlsGW 29 Mata > Gerrard
GW 30 Gerrard > Hazard
What d'you think?Open Controls
Personally I'm holding onto mata but if you think Stevie G is worth a one week punt then go for it. Is it for free or for a hit?
Open ControlsThe question is then Towelie, Do you feel lucky..?
Matbe you should get a little high and listen to a bit of Cypress Hill 😛Open Controls
If you have major gardening to do this Spring. Please make sure hedges and pruning is done before any birds have started nesting.
April is too late in most parts to be hacking about at things without disturbing them.
If you have pets that you brush put the fur out on a nail in a bit of wood as many will use it as nest lining.
More tips tomorrow.Open ControlsGreen Fingers Flynn 😛
Open ControlsI was an organic environmentalist when they still just called us nature lovers.
Before the wooley heads took over. 😉Open ControlsTree Huger!? 😛
I cut our grass for the first time this year last week, now i'll have to do it all the time because it starts to grow like crazy after the first cut i'm told.Open Controls
Not any more Wakey. You can still do a lot for wildlife in a small space. 287 different insects last year.
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I will remember that when I shave my pubic hair tonight.
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Gentlemen,
Fellaini & Fletcher out for?
N'zogbia & Lukaku
Or
Sissokho & Benteke
No cover from any team, 2FTs, fielding 10 as it stands.
Thanks
/gOpen Controls
My prediction for Reading's next two games:
Reading 1- Aston Villa 6
Benteke and N'zogbia score hat-tricks and everyone on here goes nuts over United attacking coverage. Rvp and Rooney are drafted in by almost everyone.
Man utd 1-0 Reading
Micheal Carrick in injury time.Open Controls🙂 I think the Reading game will be a lot harder than people are making out on here, Remember the pervious match was 4-3 to united. Reading took the lead in that game.
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@Zep
What do you make of the fact that, compared to Mata, over the last 6 GWs Silva has created chances more frequently and has pretty much matched Mata's shots in the box and shots on target?Open Controls
Double Fail
Open ControlsSorry you're right. Let me correct that:
Compared to Mata, over the last 6 GWs Silva has created chances more frequently and has had shots in the box marginally more frequently and shots on target much more frequently.
Better?Open Controls
I guess that would indicate to me that Silva is equally in a downturn...
Open ControlsThe reason I chose Silva was because most people wouldn't consider Silva and I think they're statistical profile is very similar.
Silva is also cheaper.Open Controls
Only got 8 available this week:
(Szczesny, Rudd)
Harte, Enrique, Davies (Evans, Stam)
Michu, Bale (Walcott, Mata, Fellaini)
Suarez, Cisse, Le Fondre
A) take a hit to bring a keeper in
B) take a hit to bring a midfielder in (maybe mata>sissoko/sess) and free up money
C) do nowtOpen Controls
Fellaini to Sissoko
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Definitely dont take a hit for a keeper as you'll need a clean sheet just to make 2 points, I'd prob look at switching out a mid as at least there's potential attacking returns, unless you can't bring yourself to be without those three for GW30
Open ControlsYes, solid advice there. Dunno why I was even considering a hit for a keeper.
Fell to Siss is tempting but I may just sit tight and accept this is gonna be a tough gameweek.Open Controls
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Mignolet (Jaaskelainen)
Davies, Samba, Cameron, Nastasic (Azpilicueta)
Michu, Sissoko, Bale (Walcott, Mata)
Sturridge, Lambert, Podolski
1 FT, plan is to do Podolski -> Benteke.
Opinions/suggestions?Open ControlsSound
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I'm with Zep here, the problem with analysing Mata's regression is that there has already been two moments this season where there was a mass exodus: After GW1 when Hazard eclipsed him and pre-West Ham game when he went on that outrageous run of form.
The main attribute that rewarded Mata owners earlier on was patience. If you weren't patient you had sold him for another less consistent player and maybe lost out big time.
Mata is still fifth for overall attacking returns combined this season...only behind the likes of Suarez, RVP and Rooney.
The fixtures are good and his form has mainly dipped because of rests/tough fixtures (Man city away)
Your honour, I rest my case...Open Controls...Bale MkII
Open Controlskeep Mata if you don't see any better options sticking out right now.
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Chelsea fan speaking. The time for selling Mata was 3 weeks ago.
Open Controls😆 😆 😆
Captain hindsight much?Open Controls
I'm going to bookmark this and get back to you in 10 weeks or so 😉
Open ControlsFIne by me, so you are expecting a major regression for Mata for the rest of the season?
Open ControlsLet's have a little bet.
I reckon he'll average less than 5.5 points per game for the remainder of the season.
Still not bad, but I don't think he'll keep up his current 6.3Open ControlsI don't think his PPG will be in the top 5 for midfielders for the rest of the season anyway
Open ControlsI'm not a betting man but it will be interesting to see how it pans out. By all accounts it sounds like you're already convinced that you don't see Mata as the way forward.
Still as you say, 5.5 PPG isn't that bad and let me ask you this....
Is it worth selling a guy who is going to average 5.5 a game til the end of the season?Open ControlsIf I thought there were a combination of 5 other players I could have that would outscore him for less, then yes, I'd consider selling, especially given his ownership and blank.
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Still a high class player, created and had chances in previous games, all players will go through dry spells. Plus read his form closely, 14mins v Wigan, away to City where Chelsea all over the pitch were poor, and as I have said was good v WBA. Then read the returns prior to this. Defiantly keeping.
Open ControlsSee my comments on the last page regarding sample size.
Open Controlsexactly, cameo against Wigan, hardest away fixture of the season then was decent against WBA. If this was the start of the season maybe you'd panic but it's a bit knee-jerky to be thinking he's lost it!
Open ControlsI know you're not a member and have other sources for stats, but check his stats for the last 6 weeks (7 games)
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Good Afternoon
Responding to comments related to Mata and his drop in form.
He seems to play best away with Torres (not Ba).
I think this is because he gets more space playing on the break (away).
Also he benefits from the lack of organisation in these circumstances (particularly of the oppositions's midfield).
He's like a second wave that doesn't get picked up by the midfield.
I believe Lampard is like a third wave on the break who benefits if Mata is successfully picked up.
Both mata and Lampard benefit from playing with Torres because his movement off the ball is far superior than Ba's. Also Torres is more likely to link play and assist midfielders shooting from the middle of the pitch. (He is an intelligent player who also lacks confidence so these two factors would both lead to him laying off the ball more).
Surely in these circumstances with 3 from the next 4 games being at home the debate should be Hazard or Oscar?
Very interested what you all think?Open ControlsLamps for me actually, but interesting thoughts.
Open ControlsWell made argument. But Mata is still pretty lethal...can't write him off.
Hazard has ok form and Oscar looked dangerous but are you really going to sell Mata for one of them at the minute? Surely it feels too much like a knee-jerk?Open Controls
Odds on he'll be rested for the FA Cup game I reckon.
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Jeez how everybody changes an opinion all of a sudden. When I was speaking Mata could be sold everybody told me I am crazy now massive exodus
Open ControlsDefine everybody?
Open ControlsYeah and my point was/is that a massive exodus has usually been followed by a massive run of form by Mata...
Some people... 🙄
😀Open Controls
Sheep mentality. Once a few say it, more and more jump on.
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Is a 4 point hit to get Demel and Mertesacker out for Santon and Martin so that I can field 10 a good move do you think? Or a bit rubbish just to get some defenders in
Santon would probably be a season keeper, Martin fits in well up until about GW33.
Another option would maybe to do Mertesacker to Santon and get someone in for Mata that is going to play this week.
Would leave me with
Bunn
Davies, Martin, Wilson, Santon
Bale, Michu, Sissoko
Sturridge, Suarez
Begovic, Rafael, Walcott, RVP, MataOpen Controls
The amount of usually level headed people who've just blown up post last night here is ridiculous. You really shouldn't let people online get to you so easily...
Open ControlsForca?
lolOpen ControlsNot sure...
"i am not UTD fan neither is any indian,canadian australian or any pother person who constantly dosn’t go at games
they are ,,glory hunters”
i do like UTD and it’s my favorite club outside CRO but i am not a fan
simple as that really"Open Controls
He's an immature hypocrite.
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Who? 😆
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Chu young ping pong lost his cool last night, normally so level-headed and smart
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This comment has been removed. Please consult our terms and conditions if in doubt on content suitable for posting on this site.
hahhahhahaha
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I think I'm guilty of this...My Bad 😛
I've calmed down nowOpen ControlsWhat people fail to mention is Madrid had to produce 2 moments of magic to win, away from home with that pressure, still takes a bit of doing.
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As a distraction from the trolling stress, check this out 😯
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDlNy0cIw4AOpen ControlsA couple, that's enough now, i think 🙂
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Think I'm ready for having an awful week:
Mignolet
Davies Onouha Cameron
Bale(c) Sissoko Michu
Benteke Cisse Lambert,
Fingers crossed on defenders.Open Controls
Would Utd fans rather get Ronaldo back or get Bale?
Open ControlsDespite their age difference, Ronaldo i think.
Open ControlsReally? Do you think he'd still fit into your system? His game has completely changed.
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Both, Why not
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Bale. Simple as he'll be around longer. Becoming a similar matchwinner too, even if he is Ronaldo-lite
Open ControlsI agree. Would fit into your current system better aswell. I still think he'll be at Spurs next season though.
Open ControlsI think they should sell him in the summer though. When one player is always so much better than the rest of the team I think it can be end up being detrimental to the team in some cases - but thats just my own opinion.
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Ronaldo, Bale and Suarez would certainly look good around Van P.
Open ControlsNot Suarez, He can go Fu*k his mother
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Ronaldo is still our boy. Every United fan misses him. We witnessed him develop and grow with us before flying off. No United fan would choose ANYBODY over him. We miss you Cristiano 😥
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Ronaldo, for sure,
Open ControlsNot a United fan, but if I was the United manager and had the choice, I'd pick Ronaldo all day long.
He's arguably the best player on the planet.Open Controls
Hey, everyone. Got two free transfers this week and 0.6 in the bank. What transfers would you recommend to sprt mybteam.for this GW ? Will take a hit if needed.
Begovic, Bunn
Johnson, Shawcross, Zabaleta, Harte, R. Martin
Michu, Puncheon, Mata, Fellaini, Walcott
Sturridge, Rodriguez, RVP
Thanks in advance !Open ControlsAnyone getting Podolski for gw30?
Open ControlsAvoid.
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In that pic it looks like Mata's jersey has been in the wash too many times and the Samsung has worn off
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I have briliant plan to bring lampard in GW 31 (alredy have seson keeper - Mata)
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I am taking Hazard instead of Gerrard, but I'm bit curious about Oscar.
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Which striker does everbody think will do the most damage this weekend?
Losing Aguero for somebody and almost certain to captain whoever I bring in..Open Controls
Cisse for me
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You tell us.
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Cabaye or Sissoko?
The obvious answer seems like Sissoko, but I'm not sure how his role will be affected if/when Ben Arfa returns.
I'm tempted by Cabaye at the same price, especially as he is on set pieces.Open Controls
I talked a little about this yesterday. I think that the two are closer than meets the eye, but Sissoko's shot numbers are slightly better (although they're driven up by that one huge match against Chelsea). Most worryingly, Cabaye has only had one shot from inside the box since week 24, and that was a penalty, which he may not keep when HBA returns. I've been convinced that Sissoko is better, and that Ben Arfa is the risky flair pick.
Open ControlsI looked at Cabaye briefly and I think they could both score well but I've decided on Sissoko.
I think he's got some real momentum going and will keep his role in the hole, making him impossible to ignore.Open Controls
