A trio of Newcastle players register some impressive attacking statistics as we sift through the data from the Gameweek gone by. Romelu Lukaku’s consistent goal threat earns the West Brom forward a place in the top 10 of our ICT rankings, while we take a look at some stand-out stats from midfield in our latest article for members. Our members can examine all the numbers from the weekend action via our tables, charts and maps but, as always, we’ve handpicked the numbers that have grabbed our attention across the six fixtures played out.
What combo do you prefer for next GW?
1. RvP(C) + Benteke + Maloney for -4 hit
or
2. Rooney(c) + Remy + MichuOpen Controls
2
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Repost from earlier, I'd like to see who's with me:
Right, I’ve decided, I’m now making it a point of principle to not get Suarez in this season.
I hate the guy with a passion, plus I’ve missed the boat bow.
If he scores a hat-trick in each of his next 5 games, and I drop out of the top 100k, I’ll still refuse to bring him in.
Live by the sword, die by the sword.Open Controls
You'll forget you ever say that in a few weeks. You just have no long term memory because you get high all the time.
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Doosra will agree with you, but he'll be the only one.
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Weren't you like that earlier in the season, what must've been 100 points ago?
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Exactly how I feel about Rooney and evra will never step foot in my team
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I don't see why people sabotage themselves with these kinds of self-imposed rules. Will not bringing him into your team make him a better person? Will he ever know that you refuse to get him? If by some chance he did find out, would he care?
I just don't understand what point you're making or to whom you think you're making it.Open Controls
You're the worst character ever, Towelie
Open ControlsHe knows 😉
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I distance myself from the actual player, to me they are just positions and ill 'employ' the best scoring ones I can find in each position. I would have giggs or terry in my team (if I thought it was worthwhile), despite the fact that they both appear to be despicable human beings. (Giggs particularly - I mean seriously, your own brothers wife?? Sorry, but Id have kneecapped my brother for that)
But basically I see no point in handicapping myself in FPL terms, otherwise what is the point?Open Controls
Ok then. Have fun dying by the sword.
You havent missed the boat, still plenty points to be made.Open Controls
No offense but such comment makes one wonder if you're better at folding towels than at playing FPL.
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I just brought him because half the teams have him and it's as risky as not having RVP or Bale in your team
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Champions League round 4
Barcelona vs AC Milan (0-2)
Up first we have what should be a stunner of a game, out of sorts Lionel against one of the Italian giants. Based on the sources of well known Barca fan on here Pepin we can expect barca to line up with 3 at the back and 3 strikers up top. Its fair to say they need to go out from the off in search of revenge and redemption.
I personally would expect goals galore in this match, and advice loading up on attacking players.
Schalke 04 vs Galatasaray (1-1)
Very little between these two teams at the moment. Schalke with their away goal advantage may well play defensively as the only real threat from their opponents is a certain Didier Drogba who hasnt had that long to get to know his teammates.
I expect this match to be tight and suggest defenders from both two teams and expecially Schalke.
Bayern Munich vs Arsenal (3-1)
Well we saw a similiar spectacle last year when Arsenal were hopelessly behind after their first leg tie against Milan. (I think it was Milan anyway). The team attacked from the off and due to the heroics of MR RVP the gunners came so very close to managing the unbelievable. Attacking from the off will leave the dodgy arsenal defence open to the counter, and although the two R's are probably out I would still expect our defence to be breached.
Similiar to the Barca match, load up on attacker.
Malaga vs FC Porto (0-1)
Well lets be honest we all expect Porto to walk this, and there is no reason why they wont. Malaga were lucky to qualify to the next round and I cant see them breaching the Porto defence and I expect a 0-0 tbh.
But less about me what does everyone else expect to happen and why?Open Controls
Cheers man. Got to put in my Tuesday players now.
Open ControlsI'm not claiming to be an oracle btw
Open ControlsI know that Ginakpo but I value your advice anyways. I forgot completely bout the 2nd week games. Just put in Howedes for Marchisio and captained Messi.
Melchester Rovers :
Muslera
Maxwell, Schmelzer, Vidal, Howedes
Reus, Feghouli, Srna
Ronaldo (c), Van Persie, Messi
Caballero, Gonzalez, Demichelis, MarchisioOpen ControlsI dont play that game sadly, gave up ages ago. But I am doing pretty well on Totelfootball so planning for my team.
Melchester Rovers? That is what Facer calls his FPL team.Open Controls
Nicely done. 🙂
Barcelona vs AC Milan (0-2) Bore draw. Take your diving cards along.
Schalke 04 vs Galatasaray (1-1) Away win. Stunning volley from the Drog.
Away win. Penalties. Germans win easily, 5 - 1. Reperbahn trashed.
Malaga vs FC Porto (0-1) Massive home win. Unlike their fabled product, Porto do not travel well. Assembled sports journalists trash everything.
😉Open Controls
I wrote this for Fiso forum, but I'll paste it here too...
There is usually a police requirement for 10 days notice of a replay, to enable them to put in place a policing plan, but the Millwall replay has been set to Wednesday so I don't think that rule is gospel.
Saturday 23rd March: a date when both clubs' players will be away on international duty, sandwiched between two World Cup qualifiers.
30th or 31st March looks a big possibility: though this would mean postponing the Sunderland vs Manchester United and Southampton vs Chelsea matches – both of them listed as Sky Sports live coverage games. I can't see Sky allowing losing 2 matches and one will be rescheduled for a 2nd time.
Having both Premier League matches played on the Saturday and the replay goes to Monday 1st April is a non-starter. Fulham host QPR on that night, and there is no way the Met Police will permit that sort of draw on it's resources on one night in Hammersmith and Fulham.
The replay is unlikely to go to Tuesday 2nd or Wednesday 3rd April as both effects the preparation for Chelsea's potential Europa League quarter final first leg (should they get past Steaua)
The FA Cup semi finals can't be moved on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th April, so there is only one other place for the replay to go: Saturday 6th April.
Nobody is going to want this to happen as it means postponing Chelsea vs Sunderland and, more significantly, the Manchester derby. This would also mean the majority of the Wembley tickets being processed in just 6 days - aint going to happen.
The best idea to me, is as we're discussing - this Sunday in place of the Chelsea vs West Ham game. It's possible the Met police could use the same policing plan for United as both of these fixtures would be in the highest category of game (police-wise) anyway.Open Controlshow can we be sure you actually wrote this?
Open ControlsI suspect that the police were aware of the possibility of a replay for Millwall on wednesday in advance.
Good post and its useful to know, even if I did just get Rooney in as I thought it would be okOpen ControlsWhy not the weekend of the 30th March?
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Isn't this going to get decided today or tomorrow?
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I think the FA and PL are meeting today to solve the problem
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my head hurts
Open Controlsthis!
I hate all these blanks and DGWs and especially uncertainity about them... :/
It makes building a team SO complicated...Open Controls
Anyone got a summary of the missing games and likely DGWs ?
Open ControlsOver their last 5 Premier League games, Craig Gardner has scored more goals than Van Persie.
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Surely they won't cancel the United and Chelsea matches this weekend with less than a week's notice...
Open ControlsDon't call me shirley
Open ControlsWhy not? They cancel games with less than 24 hours for bad weather.
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What is up the Aussie selectors? dropping Pattinson for some presentation...
I feel for you lot
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/cricket/21740045Open ControlsMadness. Dropping our best bowler, 2nd best batsmen and a few other useful players for what seems like sweet feck all 🙄
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Bad weather is unavoidable. Cancelling a game to play another one is different.
I've got a friend who's travelling from Berlin to Manchester especially for the United game at Old Trafford and I'm sure there are countless others who are doing the same.
I don't remember the FA cup causing so many problems in the past. Has something changed or do I just have a bad memory.Open Controls
That chelsea fixture list is long and unless the fa are going to hope that chelsea get knocked out of the europa league the best time to have the replay is this weekend
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Happy with 44 this week, harsh that Clyne didn't start and my gamble on Hunt to get ten out backfired as he had a goal disallowed and my other option Moore scored! Typical! Still least got the captain right this week and lost no ground from only seven scoring players in the end (Wilson 0, Hunt 0)
So, planned transfer of Schneiderlin>Fellaini not a good idea now? Being as he's banned if gets booked vs City? Think I might just save the transfer and play this team this week? Then have two up my sleeve for when news on the doubles breaks...
Mata Schneiderlin Cazorla Michu Bale
RVP(c) Saurez (Hunt)Open Controls
repost
a) Fletcher (NOR) -> RVP
b) Sturridge (sot) -> RVP
c) Fletcher & Sturridge -> Suarez & Rooney -4Open ControlsA or C
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FPL wasn't this complicated last year (fixture wise)... was it?
Open Controlsyup, do you not remember the Bolton double double? Petrov(C)
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Which player would you not like (be scared) to be without for the next 5 weeks ?
I need tips 🙂Open ControlsHow does this look?
A) Baines > R. Martin
B) Nani > Downing
C) Sturridge or Aguero > Suarez or Rooney
I have this front 8 atm:
Mata Bale Walcott Sissoko Nani
RVP Sturridge AgueroOpen Controls
So Lukaku might not be on peno's anymore.
😀Open Controls
quarters should go to ET and pens then we wouldnt have any of this mess. too many fixtures for english teams +no winter break... and they wonder why national team perform so poorly at major tournaments.
Open ControlsBut the FA Cup is for all english teams and it means so much for the lower clubs to get a replay.
Open Controlstrue but from the quarters on i think it is fair enough to have no replays...its wembley after that anyways. the amount of games is insane and added to this there is just to time to rest ,as the dips in RVP and Mata prove. the quality of the premeirship in general from march onwards suffers because of the congested fixture list. most countries have one domestic cup competition. the FA put profit before anythng else tho so nothing new there!
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I seem to remember a 6th replay between Liverpool and Arsenal being a very good game when I was a boy.
Those were the days, when winning the cup really meant something.
But yeah I guess we have to move on.
A Winter stop is essential, particularly after the heavy Christmas period.Open Controls
I think there is provision in the FA cup rules for the first tie to go to extra time and penalties if both teams agree in advance. Pen rounrhaps this is just for the qualificatiods though.
Open ControlsChrist, did anyone understand that last sentence?
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Anyone got any good ideas for a South African doubles team Team Name?
Open ControlsThe way I see it, people are afraid to go Rooney over RVP because of ownership and going against the grain.
But what if this was early on in the season and you had to choice after five games or so. Would it really be so clear cut?
Let's look at the facts:
Points per game (strikers)
Van Persie - 6.9
Suarez - 6.8
Rooney - 6
Rooney is third behind the two top scoring forwards for the season. If Rooney had played 29 games up to this point, who is to say he would not a) have an even higher points per game average and b) be in the top 3 strikers for overall points.
If we go by averages, Rooney (when fit) has been competing with RVP and Suarez's form all season, just less consistently because of injuries.
Last night it was suggested that Rooney over RVP was a bit like Sturridge over Suarez ('we've learnt our lesson not to be different')
But no! that is not that same situation. Sturridge, while offering good value, is still a shot in the dark. He's not completely proven nor is he guaranteed to eclipse the likes of Suarez by playing up front (which some were suggesting)
The bottom line is Rooney is in my eyes world class on his day and not only that, he is consistent and proven. He doesn't have an 11.9m price tag for nothing after all!
So if you're looking for value and that extra bit of cash to upgrade elsewhere, Rooney is a fantastic option. He has more than held his own whilst playing with RVP and has many times outperformed the Dutchman in stats and points.
Ok, you might view Rooney as a rotation risk because of the fuss the media made out of him being benched against Real. But if you believe Fergie's words afterwards then there is no problem there and Rooney should be playing most games in the league in my opinion. Why wouldn't he?Open Controls
I did an excellent post about it yesterday, but basically the only reason to pick Rooney over RVP is price.
Open Controlswhat you are saying is that there is nothing between them but price, so that means you are saying Rooney is the better option.
Open ControlsNo there are many advantages of RVP over Rooney...
More nailed on
Better striker
Scores more goals
On pens
On free kicks
On corners
Played consistently as the main striker
Rooney has one advantage, his lower price. But this may be the deciding factor for some, eg Ginkapo below, which is fair enough.Open ControlsGoing for the golden boot
Going for player of the year.Open ControlsMore nailed on - is he? in the league? really? why's that?
Better striker - subjective
Scores more goals - maybe he has so far but RVP has never been injured whereas Rooney has, for quite a lot of games.
On pens - yes fair enough
On free kicks - so is Rooney
On corners - SO IS ROONEY
played consistently as main striker - fair enough but does that automatically mean RVP outscores Rooney every week? No
Your argument is appallingly bad!Open Controls
RVP costs too much imo. End of the discussion for me.
If your looking at PPG I presume you noticed Remy in 5th spot with a ridiculously low price tagOpen ControlsYeah but Remy's PPG doesn't mean much to me as Rooney's is over the entire season, if Remy had played a whole season what would his PPG be? Most likely quite low.
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Rooney is a rip off for 11.9m! No way shouuld he be the second most expensive player in the game! RVP is 100% worth the extra 1.5m
Open Controlslol, terrible argument
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This is first time I have RVP in my team.
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I've seen a bit of Rooney love on the board actually, I don't think everyone is totally sold on the RVP route. It will be interesting to see how my doubling up experiment goes; and how long it lasts.
I agree that the Rooney/RVP situation is an altogether different prospect to the Sturridge/Suarez debate. That said, I'd still expect a decent showing from Sturridge in the remaining gameweeks, too.Open ControlsYou make valid points.
People, however, will always be drawn by pure class.
van Persie, Suarez and Bale are in this world class bracket.
How many more seasons will Rooney last?
And where will they be spent?
Maybe the wheels are beginning to fall off the Rooney bus.
He certainly won't be playing top flight football at 40.
That is true class ala Sherringham, Giggs etc.
Rooney fits more in the Gaza bracket.Open Controlsit only matters about this season, not Rooney's longevity.
Who cares where he spends the rest of his career?
What was this comment about really? Certainly not FPLOpen ControlsFunny how every counter argument to your views gets responded with "terrible argument" or some sarcastic comment, but yet hardly anyone agrees with you. Maybe its your argument that is "terrible"?
Open Controlsnope, my argument is perfectly objective. Your argument suggested that RVP has imaginary advantages over Rooney like corners or 'being the better striker' which just doesn't mean anything, sorry.
Open Controls"imaginary advantages", stevie wonder could spot the advantages! i'm not sure if you're doing this as a joke or not because you're ignorence is just funny
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I don't concur with the ownership or against the grain theory. The main reason for me is because it's a sideways move for a player who's scored less points so far and I believe that trend will continue. I'm sure I could use the extra cash, but I'm not doing this, or transferring Suarez out for Sturridge, or Bale out for Lennon.
Open Controlsyeah but what if you don't have RVP or Roooney and you have to make a choice. Is it really that clear cut to choose RVP? Are the stats saying he is infinitely better and worth the extra cash? I don't think it's really that simple, I think Rooney has got to be considered.
Open ControlsI would agree. In fact I like your logic as a whole but the first line lets the rest of a good post down - people aren't scared, many are just making an educated decision.
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Good post.
100% agree.Open ControlsAlso if you are a member i suggest you do this:
Compare
-Rooney over the last 6 GWs to Rooney over the season
-RVP over the last 6 GWs to RVP over the season
-Compare Rooney & RVP over the last 4 or 6 GWaOpen Controls
RVP > Rooney
Better player
More consistent
Takes more pens / corners / FKs
Can afford both, so RVP it is.Open Controlsmore corners/fks? Does he??
Such nonsense, Rooney takes corners from one side and RVP the other, it's a lottery who gets more.
Also 'better player' means nothing! and it's not even that clear cut, Rooney is fantastic!Open Controls
Rooney is less nailed-on and has shown himself more likely to be injured.
I like to avoid having to change players with big price tags because it often means having to make more than one transfer to shuffle the pack.Open Controls
Hesus Christoff. Wall of texts r us.
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http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11667/8557009/Football-Association-trying-to-look-for-date-for-FA-Cup-replay
Of no use really buy just wanted to share 😐Open ControlsFPL is showing a blank GW33 from West Brom. Is this likely to remain? It would make my Cisse Vs Lukaku decision easier this week.
Open ControlsIf it was a match against City or Wigan then yes. Thats FA cup weekend.
To be fair could just be moved midweek.Open Controlsit probably will remain a blank given wht happened with the fixtures this week! suprised the city and utd games in hand aren't on this wednesday
Open ControlsCheers guys.
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Err..
I meant to play my WC. But I didnt press the button. So atm its a 20pt hit.
But. If I make a few transfers now and play it.. the hit gets wiped right?Open ControlsLukaku -> Podolski (-4)?
would like to keep him until DGW.
or do next week (v RDG)?Open Controls
whats everyones thoughts on sturridge over suarez.. is itcworth the extra 3million or is sturridge not up to it.. i have both and want to get rid of one.
Open Controlsi would have thought sturridge was the better pick but suarez just looks like a must have atm so probably not
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How have i only just noticed season 5 of Breaking Bad. I know what i'll be doing when i get home from Uni 😀
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Is Azpi a good shout till the end of the season or too much of a rotation risk ?
Open Controlstoo much rotation and not enough clean sheets! i'd rather zabaleta, gj and rafael
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What to do with my team?? 1 FT
Foster - Cerny
Baines - Martin R - Glen John - Clyne - Harte
Walcott - Michu - Mata - Bale - Puncheon
Suarez - Lambert - CIsse
2.7 in Bank
Do i need RVP or Rooney?
Im thinking of shifting Baines + Cisse --> RVP + Mert for 4 points hit, or keep 2 tf for next week.
any suggestion would be appreciated... THxOpen Controls
Either RVP or Rooney must IMO
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Hey HVT!
Thanks for beating Horse. One point in it, and Lallana's lost by one point too, meaning it's only his gw20 draw with Toucanspor that's keeping him in first. Such a tight league.
Toucanspor's a draw specialist. 3 so far.Open ControlsTight league? There is only team fighting with me for last place!
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Chances of RVP playing against Reading then? 60 minutes max?
Open ControlsGuys, Is Townsend a viable 5th MF option? He's looking like Bap Magnet (had 3Bp against Norwich in 0-0 game).. Looks like nailed on after Harry's praising comments.. Good to go with him? Buying back RVP so need cash.. Thoughts about Townsend 5th MF?
Open Controls*Thoughts about Townsend as 5th midfielder in preferred 3-4-3 formation?
Open ControlsHe isn't nailed on. I guess for his price he could be a decent 5th mid / bench option though
Open ControlsThat's what I've been thinking.. My starting front 7-
Bale, Mata, Wally, Sissy
RVP, Pool duo
Good to go with Townsend?Open Controls
If he's going to play every week till the end of the season he looks like the perfect 5th mid... cheap as chips and grabbing points...
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I would love some advice on what i should do folks!
Currently im 25 points under my main rival, so I need to catch up.
This is my team:
Szczesny (Bunn)
Wilson, Dawson, Zab (Davies, Clyne)
Snod, Mata, Walcott, Michu, Sissoko
Suarez, Cisse, Lambert
Im sure im getting rid of Lambert, and possibly Snodgrass/Cisse, but im a bit unsure of how I should do my transfers, currently 2,5 in the bank. My main rival has RVP, so in a bit of a headache now:
A: Lambert -> Kone
B: Lambert, Snodgrass, Cisse -> RVP, Marv, Kone
C: Lambert, Snodgrass -> Kone, Lampard or Kagawa
D: Lambert, Snodgrass, Cisse -> Kone, Maloney, Rooney
Thoughts?Open ControlsBBC saying the FA will make a decision after the Chelsea game re: cup replay... so guess that means no blank for United this weekend, regardless.
Open ControlsMakes absolute sense to me. Yours was a good, informative post, Butts - but I reckon the only options are GW31, either the midweek if Chelsea go out of the EL or by postponing the weekend PL games if they go through.
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I forgot about the FA Cup replay. Who agrees with Mark that Rooney could be rested against Reading? I might have to get RVP 😐
Open ControlsIt's certainly plausible.
Open ControlsOr RVP restsed?
Open ControlsHe didn't start against Chelsea and is eager to get the Golden Boot. He should start.
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Is there any 'big' games after the RDG game that I am not aware of? I don't see why Rooney should be rested.
Open ControlsMaybe i'm being silly.
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