Pre-Season

Fantasy Premier League – Player List Analysis – Budget Defenders

With the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) game now up and running, Fantasy managers are scouring the market for value as they piece together their pre-season squads. After running the rule over Goalkeepers, we now take our time to look at defenders – splitting our analysis over three separate articles, we begin with the budget options as we cast an eye over those under the 5.0 mark.

Having racked up a mere five clean sheets in 2012/13, it’s no surprise to see Villa centre-halves Ron Vlaar and Ciaran Clark come in at 4.5. Looking at the new acquisitions so far this summer, left-back Antonio Luna is the most appealing cheap option in Paul Lambert’s squad, though. Providing he can cement a regular role at left-back, the Spaniard should be afforded plenty license to forage down the flank if, as anticipated, Paul Lambert maintains a 4-3-3 formation.

Cardiff duo Matthew Connolly and Mark Hudson carried plenty goal threat last term. The centre-halves notched five and four goals respectively for Malky Mackay’s side and have been slapped with a 4.5 price tag, with the Bluebirds registering 18 clean sheets in their Championship-winning season. If they can replicate their attacking endeavours, they look decent alternatives to David Marshall (4.5) between the sticks.

Over at fellow promoted club Palace, only Damien Delaney is 4.5, thanks to his three goals and two assists in 2012/13. The rest of Ian Holloway’s current defenders are listed at a mere 4.0, with Jonathan Parr looking the most viable cut-price option – he provided four assists from left-back before sustaining an ankle injury last term and is hoping to be ready in time for the new campaign. Parr could afford us a cheap, fifth bench-warming defender and is less expensive than Julian Speroni (4.5) – the keeper option at Selhurst Park.

Holloway’s side also rotate with Hull, where former Man United youth prospect James Chester featured 44 times last term. At 4.0, he seems secure for starts, though Steve Bruce’s summer shopping spree, which has so far seen Curtis Davies and Maynor Figueroa arrive (both priced at 4.5) is a little worrying, bearing in mind Bruce plans to play three at the back again. If Chester, as expected, keeps his place, a potential rotation pairing with the likes of Parr looks eye-catching at 8.0 for the duo, though with clean sheets a concern, many may choose to pick up just one player from Palace or Hull as bench fodder material.

Providing he can remain injury-free, Antolin Alcaraz could play a major part in Everton’s season if Roberto Martinez moves to 3-4-3. While the Paraguayan’s 4.5 price is cheaper than any other Toffees regular, he may struggle for investment due to potential out of position prospects elsewhere in Martinez’s defence – Fantasy managers will be keeping an eye on the goalkeeper situation at Goodison, however, with Joel Robles similarly priced. There’s more potential in Fulham’s summer signing Fernando Amorebieta, though. The Spaniard has been handed a kinder price tag than the rest of Martin Jol’s regulars – he sets you back 4.5 and is expected to be installed alongside Brede Hangeland at the heart of the back-four, with the Cottagers boss looking for a little more assurance in possession at the back.

Both Javier Garrido and Michael Turner offer a cheap route into the Norwich backline, coming in at 4.5 apiece. Turner undoubtedly looks the most appealing of the pair – he scored three times in 26 appearances last season and with Chris Hughton bringing in Martin Olsson (also 4.5), Garrido looks to have real competition for the left-back slot. With home games against Everton, Southampton and Villa allied with a trip to Villa in the opening five, the Norwich defence looks a strong shout for investment, with Turner also cheaper than keeper John Ruddy (5.0).

Newcastle’s Steven Taylor may prove a cheap option at the back for Alan Pardew’s side. The centre-half has been priced lower than most of the Magpies’ defensive regulars but could face real competition for a starting berth from Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa – whoever wins the battle to partner Fabricio Coloccini in the heart of the back-four could be a budget-friendly acquisition at 4.5 and will, of course, offer a home/away partnership with Sunderland over the 38 Gameweeks. Newcastle need to improve considerably from last term, though, having conceded 68 goals – if they can even begin to approach the resilience that harvested 15 clean sheets in the 2011/12 campaign, there could be real value in the Magpies’ cut-price assets.

Southampton’s raiding full-backs Nathaniel Clyne and Luke Shaw both look enticing at 4.5. The Saints conceded just nine times in the last 10 Gameweeks of 2012/13 and with the likes of Dejan Lovren and Victor Wanyama added to the ranks, confidence is high in their defensive potential – Clyne and Shaw should also offer attacking threat down the flanks in Mauricio Pochettino’s 4-2-3-1, with their pace and creativity in the final third key to their manager’s formation. For those eyeing up a Southampton/West Ham rotation plan, the Hammers’ James Collins also comes in at 4.5 – teaming him up with one of Clyne or Shaw will set you back 9.0, compared to a Ruddy/Jussi Jaaskelainen combination at 10.5. Both sides rotate over the entire 38 Gameweeks and would hand you (CAR, SUN, STO, WHM, EVE, CPL, SWA, MCI, FUL, AVL) over the opening 10 Gameweeks of the season.

For the Black Cats, new recruits Valentin Roberge and Modibo Diakite are also ones to consider in the budget bracket, though their prospects are somewhat hampered by a tricky first few months. With Arsenal, Liverpool, United, City, Chelsea and Tottenham all rolling up to the Stadium of Light by Gameweek 15, it’s difficult to justify any level of investment in Paolo Di Canio’s backline for the first few months, denting the prospect of a Tyne-Wear defensive partnership for just 9.0. Swansea’s fit-again Neil Taylor also comes in at 4.5. The left-back spent the vast majority of last term in the treatment room but, with Europa League duties and the Capital One Cup to defend, there’s the fear that Michael Laudrup will rotate Taylor with 5.0 priced Ben Davies from one game to the next, thus denting both players’ Fantasy potential over the upcoming campaign.

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3,734 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Wingate
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Good morning Chaps,

    On the bus to work this morning i got thinking about VALUE and how it doesnt take into account game time, only last years score and current price. SO when i got in a did a few calcs and looked at a ''Time Weighted Value'' of the top players in each position to see how to maximise value.

    Calculation: 2012 Score / 2013 Value / Mins Played x 1000 (to get a value over 0)

    FORWARDS
    RVP - 5.992
    Aguero - 5.658
    Lambert - 7.976
    Sturridge - 8.771
    Benteke - 6.545
    Lukaku - 9.912
    Berbs - 7.64
    Dzeko - 9.508

    MIDFIELD
    Bale - 7.103
    Hazard - 7.616
    Coutinho - 8.426
    Walcott - 8.933
    Mata - 7.398
    Snoddy - 7.667
    Nolan - 7.145
    Michu - 7.041
    Santi - 6.21
    Mirallas - 7.006
    Silva - 6.504

    DEFENDERS
    Baines - 6.900
    Zabaletta - 7.801
    Mertesacker - 8.106
    Evra - 7.642
    Ivanovic - 7.470
    Nastasic - 8.191
    Johnson - 7.34
    Vertonghen - 6.347

    Take from these what you will, be it something or nothing. My immediate thoughts are that there seems to be a good spread of value across all positions.

    In attack, RVP seems to have been priced out of the game and should only be picked IF he and UTD are looking on top form. Lukaku value from last year is surprising and it will be interesting to see if he can get consistent game time this year as he could be one to watch. My thoughts are that Aguero will have a much improved season than last, and that the impressive form, value and fixtures of Lambert and Sturridge will see them partner him in my front 3.

    In Midfield, i was surprised to see Walcott with such a high weighted value. for that reason he will be in my starting team and i hope he can mature further this year. Coutinho also has a very high weighted value even despite his high pricing this year, though i think i will watch and see how they line up before getting him in, It was interesting to see Santi, Silva and Michu with such low weighted value, Michu perhaps priced out and hopefully santi and silva will do better. I will go for Bale and Hayard with Walcott for a solid mid 3.

    In Defence, Baines price means his weighted value is relatively low, and people like Nasty and Mert have relatively high figures. I think the key at the start of the season will be to have 5 mid to low price defs who can rotate in and out with perhaps one mid level like Nasty or Azpi in there to stay.

    Finally, i appreciate that players who play less game time over a season stand the chance to have a great few matches (ie Super Subs with high output but lowe game time) but these above players are generally players who will play significant game time this season.

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    1. Nabs Kebabs
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      This is absolute gold! Cheers mate.

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    2. Dowson51
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Thanks, useful information, I've done something similar myself. You tend to get those that haven't had much game time like Buttner coming out really well. My issue with this method though is that the choice of Captain is really important in FPL getting double points, so whilst RVP and Bale may not seem like 'good value for money' it is very important to have a viable captain choice each week and ensure the players are on the pitch, e.g. how much gametime are Lukaku and Dzeko likely to get?

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      1. Wingate
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Completely agree, it is really important to have big captain choices, but also equally important to have a good spread of Value. As with most things balance is the key, and based on his price tag and uncertainty of form with tough fixtures and new manager i am staying away for now as i dont think he represents value. Bale does more so and has better fixtures so he is in....

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      2. Dowson51
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        As mentioned I've done this myself and the best value team of players in theory would be:

        GK - Tremmel, Ruddy

        DEF - Buttner, Taylor (SWA), Terry, Monreal, Maicon

        MID - Oviedo, Sinclair, Obertan, Fletcher, Kacaniklic

        STR - Moore, Maiga, Becchio

        As mentioned, most of these are likely to struggle for game time...

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        1. Wingate
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          Indeed, but i have only chosen players from the top of the 1st Page of high scorers in each position, who have all played over 1800 minutes so not quite relevant but i see your point!!

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        2. Dowson51
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          The following team is value for money players who played over 2000 minutes last season (although this obviously rules out newly promoted teams, and players transferred in in the Jan transfer window):

          GK - Schwartzer, Szczesny

          DEF - Enrique, Turner, O'Brien, Bassong, Mertesacker

          MID - Puncheon, Routledge, Walcott, Pilkington, Hernandez

          STR - Lukaku, Crouch, Rodriguez

          With a bit of work and balance as Nevillewearsprada suggests this could be a decent side...

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          1. Wingate
            • 13 Years
            10 years, 8 months ago

            Interesting, how about at say 2800 minutes to get players who are likely to play more often? Balance with a few big hitters is always the name of the game, just how much to spend on the big hitters.... 14% of your money on 6.6% of your players just seems too much when there is such uncertainty.

            If he BANGS them in in preseason then i will change my mind 🙂

            Good work

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            1. Dowson51
              • 10 Years
              10 years, 8 months ago

              Yes that's what I'm looking at for the Sun game (I know most people on here aren't keen on this one but need to beat my work mates) as there are limited transfers so really need players to be on the pitch every week.

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    3. Dr Who
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      The single best thing I've seen posted on this website.
      You've saved everyone a lot of hard work.
      Well done.

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    4. QPR expects... glory!
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Top work. Any idea how Lampard compares to Hazard and Mata? Being a Mourinho fave and in such great form last season I expect him to start with a bang against Hull

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      1. Wingate
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Mata - 7.398
        Hazard 7.616
        LAMPS - 9.847!!!

        Clearly if Lamps gets good game time he can be v dangerous (we should know this by now 🙂 )

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        1. QPR expects... glory!
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          Cheers. That's what I thought it would look like! Can't see him NOT starting in GW1 so those backing Frank should be off to a flyer 🙂

          Tempted to make him my GW1 Captain...

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          1. Wingate
            • 13 Years
            10 years, 8 months ago

            Me too now.... time for a reshuffle 🙂

            PS, Arrow... well played.

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    5. thetinkerman
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Great stuff. Cheers for posting!

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    6. FantaCity
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      that's the most informative post, and discussion, I've seen for a long time. Appreciated 🙂

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  2. Pratik
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    I see loads of team having Aguero, except the fixtures is anything going for him?

    He was such a disappointment last season, and now that City are likely to make 2 forward signings, is he still gonna get enough gametime for maximum damage....Just feel that it could be any one of the other strikers easily stealing the limelight (i.e. - Tevez, and Dzeko last season). Of course, his injury in the first 10 minutes of the first game didn't help much either. 🙂

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    1. Beautiful Game
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      quality player, under new manager who is more attacking, great fixtures!!!

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      1. Messi & fabregas
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        i agree,

        the only thing to challenge him now is the price tag of negredo who should be nailed on along aguero

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        1. Pratik
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          Why should negredo be nailed on in preference to Jovetic or Dzeko......It's the amount of talent that they have upfront which worries me.

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        2. Beautiful Game
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          but am going for silva...under pellegrini the players who play "in the hole" always flourish!!!

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          1. roscola
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 8 months ago

            Is that right? Have you seen a full analysis of that or is it received wisdom? (not questioning it just wondered if you had a link)

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            1. Beautiful Game
              • 11 Years
              10 years, 8 months ago

              no link sorry!!!

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    2. roscola
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      He also went through a separation from his wife and child, which didn't help. Who knows if he's over that?

      Looks like City are in for another striker or two (Negredo and/or Jovetic) which puts me off a bit.

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      1. Pratik
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Exactly my point....Both Jovetic and Negredo are expected to end their careers this week. This worries me, and the fight for spots upfront could really go either way!!!

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  3. JJC
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Can someone going for Jerome thomas make the case for him? I don't have the context of what happened in his season, but purely looking at the stats he looks like a pretty poor pick to me. Only played 12 times last season, and just 4 of those were for West Brom.

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    1. Sheep
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      He should walk into that Palace side.

      "We had a good talk for about 45 minutes and after that conversation there wasn't much doubt in my mind where I wanted to go.

      "I hope I can bring a lot to the team. I've got experience of the Premier League and the gaffer's going to give me the freedom to play how I want to play - my attacking game."

      Palace will be very attacking this season, much like Blackpool were.

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      1. Sheep
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Oh and 4.5m!!!! Get him in as a bench filler!

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      2. JJC
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks Sheep. Do you not think his fantasy output could be an issue though? 2011/12 saw him get 1 goal and one assist in 26 games, and 2010/11 3 goals and 5 assists from 32 games.

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        1. Tadic is the new Eriksen
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          0.5 buys you a lot more with Koren or the other Hull guy (forgotten his name), but to be honest you can't really expect amazing figures from a 4.5.

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          1. JJC
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 8 months ago

            For the extra 0.5 gets you a player (Koren) that has had 9 goals and 5 assists in 37 games last season, 10 goals and 7 assists the season before and 7 goals 8 assists 2010/11. Such better value for 0.5 more.

            Although I agree the 0.5 is very useful. I was hoping to be convinced to be honest!

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        2. Sheep
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          Nah, he'll do fine in such an attacking set-up. His price is a major factor though, most of the time he will be on your bench.

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          1. JJC
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 8 months ago

            I'll have to make a point to monitor him in pre season. Although I already have 0.5 in the bank as it stands, an extra 0.5 could give me a bit of fluidity to chop and change should the first few GWs scupper my plans.

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  4. Messi & fabregas
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    this is for user NEIL

    thanks for your help and time

    can u see it now?

    http://prntscr.com/1fw8gx/edit

    thanks

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    1. Beautiful Game
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      nice team but some points you should keep in mind-

      1) mannone better than speroni

      2) you can go for lambert instead of benteke and invest it in doing lampard -> hazard and saylor ->santon.

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      1. Messi & fabregas
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        thanks mate i really appreciate your time and effort in helping me

        1 ) i chose speroni as in my opinion he rotates nicely fixture wise with boruc until week 15

        2) i will consider your suggestions but lampard is one of my favorite players 🙂

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        1. Beautiful Game
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          if he gets regular gametime its ok but at his age will mourinho play him day-in day-out???

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          1. Messi & fabregas
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 8 months ago

            you are right, i will wait and see

            i believe he will start most of the matches but it depends on how much rotation mourinho will apply

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  5. GrumblyBlowfish
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    RvW yes or no? A risk yes but at 7.0 is he worth the risk?

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    1. pompeyfan
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      I really didn't want to get him as I don't rate him that much, but he has found himself in my current team. I quite fancy their 2nd & 3rd fixtures.

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      1. GrumblyBlowfish
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        He should get into double figures for goals

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    2. Abd@
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      0.5 more and you get Lambert who is more proven, has good fixtures, and Southampton has had some good signings so they're looking good

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  6. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Uh-oh.

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  7. Beautiful Game
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    @STILICHO...sorry man didn't know that!!!

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    1. Sheep
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      He's banned? I though everyone got reset when HC started. Hmm 😐

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    2. stilicho
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      No probs at all Neil, I just have to put a lid on it as it's one of the rules, people who can't post can't defend themselves - I think that's the rationale.

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      1. r0nh
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Why would he need to defend himself when a person said that he missed him?

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        1. stilicho
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          Do you see me deleting that post?

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          1. r0nh
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 8 months ago

            I see you disabling the replies & telling him not to talk about him.

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            1. Blacksheepboy
              • 10 Years
              10 years, 8 months ago

              boom, he's got you there stilicho.

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            2. stilicho
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 13 Years
              10 years, 8 months ago

              You see me disabling replies, ASKING him nicely not to talk about banned posters, apologising for doing so, and referring to why I'm supposed to do that.

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        2. Sheep
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          I agree. I feel like my freedom of speech has been assaulted. It's a tad overboard...

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          1. r0nh
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 8 months ago

            It is far too controlling.

            It is just the scouts way of not having their decisions questioned.

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            1. stilicho
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 13 Years
              10 years, 8 months ago

              I'm used to getting a kicking on here Ronh, but sometimes it would be nice to get one for an honest appraisal of my motives. I'm doing what I'm supposed to do, and being as nice as possible whilst I'm doing it.

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              1. r0nh
                • 12 Years
                10 years, 8 months ago

                I understand why you did what you did.

                I was not questioning that.

                I was questioning why that rule is there in the first place.

                I don't see what is wrong with saying good things about people.

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              2. Sheep
                • 11 Years
                10 years, 8 months ago

                You're doing a great job. It's the crazy rule you are enforcing that is in question.

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    3. r0nh
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Yes, I do.

      I think the fact that we arent allowed to chat about banned users, in a positive way, is the scouts way to protect themselves.

      I understand not being allowed to say negative things about people, but why not positive things?

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      1. stilicho
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Well obviously it's completely failed as a mechanism for preventing the discussion in this instance! How about you all give me a kicking instead, I would prefer that.

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        1. r0nh
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          That doesnt really answer why people are banned from saying positive things about people that have been banned though.

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          1. TorresMagic™
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 14 Years
            10 years, 8 months ago

            The next thing that happens is someone disagrees. It's better that the topic doesn't start in the 1st place.

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            1. r0nh
              • 12 Years
              10 years, 8 months ago

              But that didnt happen...

              Saying bad things should be banned; good things should not.

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              1. GreenWindmill
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 12 Years
                10 years, 8 months ago

                Because replies were locked - are you honestly of the opinion that a discussion with negative posts wouldn't have grown (exploded) from that initial nice one?

                Stilicho applied the rules in the most inoffensive, polite way possible, cut him some slack!

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          2. stilicho
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 13 Years
            10 years, 8 months ago

            Much as I would relish wading through a long discussion about a banned poster, carefully sifting through what is positive and what is negative and then justifying all my choices to you, I've elected to just do what I'm supposed to do according to the TCs. If that doesn't make sense to you then you can email Jonty if you like, or not, I'm not going to humour you all morning.

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            1. r0nh
              • 12 Years
              10 years, 8 months ago

              It is fairly easy to determine that a comment such as "I miss him", is a good thing...

              Anyhow, dodge the question all you want.

              I have made my point.

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              1. stilicho
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 13 Years
                10 years, 8 months ago

                If your point is completely missing the point, then yes you've made it, the post was positive - the reactions may not have been, this has been repeatedly explained and you aren't interested.

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              2. Crouch Potato!
                • 12 Years
                10 years, 8 months ago

                It creates an imbalance though, as all posts can only indicate positives, which does not represent a balanced view. For every positive post permitted there may be 10 disallowed.

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      2. roscola
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        It's not very nice for newcomers to the site to come and read about negative things like people getting banned.

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        1. r0nh
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          Well then they shouldnt read the T&C's??

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          1. roscola
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 8 months ago

            That's rather different to having it highlighted by ongoing community talk

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        2. Crouch Potato!
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          I don't see how it matters, has the world gone that soft. Things are gone to far the other way. Of course a site needs to be regulated, however it runs the risk of becoming tame. Not easy to get banned from here, people are given plenty of opportunity to adjust, so if one is given the boot, tough, let em suck it up. Never encountered a troll that gave a toss about the feelings of others.

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      3. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        For every positive though RONH there will always be someone who will find a negative. It adds fuel to the fire, I think this is why the mods don't like it discussed

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        1. Crouch Potato!
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          Posters should have some say regards moderation imo, a heated debate on here is already something of the past.

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          1. Mark
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 17 Years
            10 years, 8 months ago

            They do - and we've had plenty of emails and reports concerning the users we've moderated in the past.

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            1. Crouch Potato!
              • 12 Years
              10 years, 8 months ago

              That's good to hear, thank you.

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      4. Mark
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 17 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Firstly, moderated users are moderated for a reason. If you want to express your thoughts on another user being moderated you raise it via email, not via the comments.

        Secondly we don't encourage discussion of any users - positive or negative but particularly the latter. Why? Because it's hardly of interest to the majority of posters here who may not have a view on the user being discussed. Why would we encourage long long threads about a single user when 99% of folk have no interest whatsoever in that discussion? Also, positive discussion about another user can quickly turn negative - it's far better to avoid it.

        If you have an issue with the above, you contact us via email via jonty@fantasyfootballscout.co.uk

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        1. Crouch Potato!
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          Would it not be best then to not allow the comment regardless of how harmless to appear as in the one above.

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          1. Mark
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 17 Years
            10 years, 8 months ago

            Indeed - sometimes it is - sometimes we see how threads develop but, generally, long discussions about other users aren't encouraged because everyone has their own opinion - some positive, perhaps some negative. As I say above, it's best to avoid it.

            I also think it's not great for new users to see the community openly discuss another user but much depends on the context - that's my opinion - apologies to those who don't agree but myself and the mods will user our discretion with this stuff.

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            1. Crouch Potato!
              • 12 Years
              10 years, 8 months ago

              Fair enough, lets get back to the footie! 😉 Cheers for response.

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    4. Messi & fabregas
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      neil can u please see my post above ?

      please check if u can see the team from the site u gave me

      thanks

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      1. Beautiful Game
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        replied

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  8. EmreCan Hustle
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Any help would be awesome!

    http://prntscr.com/1fw9d5

    thanks

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    1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      I never buy the good cheap players of last season like Benteke because new ones are always coming in.

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  9. DD DUBAI
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Quick RMT PLEASE

    My Team at the moment :

    Boruc Sczney

    Zabaleta Coleman Meter Collins Turner

    Silva Bale Hazard Mirallas Nolan

    Kone Lambert Aluko

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    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      maybe downgrade coleman and szczny and upgrade aluko?

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      1. DD DUBAI
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        I thought of that however i playing 3-5-2 for a few weeks so aluko wont be playing much and the money i would use to upgrade him would just go to waste since i cant afford to bench anyone else from my midfield or forward

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        1. EmreCan Hustle
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          fairenough. although you might find yourself a little short of options at some point. i always felt micah richards was first choice( fan favourite). maybe watch that space?

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  10. Crouch Potato!
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Danny Graham prob heading to Hull, this changes everything in all those RMTs, http://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/sport/football/sunderland-afc/sunderland-s-danny-graham-poised-to-join-hull-city-on-loan-1-5861668

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    1. FantaCity
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      why, because it pushes Anelka to the foreground? Plenty of time yet for Sunderland to sign more attack

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  11. Old Schoolᴼˢ “disa…
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Doos, thoughts on Collins vs Rat

    Rat for me seems the better pick but I want that extra 0.5... I know it's early days but Collins should start, shouldn't he?.. someone mentioned Tomkins may be a threat but I don't see it personally....

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    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      a target man like carroll should suit rat just fine.

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      1. roscola
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Allardyce says Carroll won't be fit for the start of the season. Long term you might well be right though.

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        1. FantaCity
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          how long ago did he say that? Can I read your source?

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          1. Michu Picchu
            • 11 Years
            10 years, 8 months ago

            its all over twitter dude

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  12. Caesar Salahd
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Whats a good pick for a 4.5 mid? Lucas, Alex Pozuelo or someone else?

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    1. LewanGOALski
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Thomas (CRY)

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    2. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      only noteworthy player is tiote, but he doesnt seem like a good pick tbh.

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    3. Messi & fabregas
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      people here seem to opt for thomas of crystal palace he is an attacking wing

      pozuelo i think is a defensive midfielder but i am not so sure about it

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      1. Caesar Salahd
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Ok thanks, picked Thomas now.

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      2. Abd@
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Pozuelo is an attacking mid that can play on the wings, he's pretty good but considering how bad Swansea's fixtures are, you're better off waiting

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    4. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      N'Diaye

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    5. onionbarje
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Jedinak CPL CDM, played basically every match last season

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  13. LewanGOALski
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    What's with the FPL app for the iOS?
    Is it working for you? Will there be a new app to download?

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    1. Sheep
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      I've got Fantasy Football Buddy and it's a bit shit. It doesn't save my transfers! I need to find a new one...

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      1. Sheep
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Oh iOS... never mind...

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      2. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Ffm is good sheep although I think it needs an update at the moment

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  14. Messi & fabregas
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    appreciate some comments

    http://prntscr.com/1fwa2j

    thanks

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    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Not a bad team, not a fan of Kagawa. Try not to ask for too many RMT with a screenshot. Posters won't rather see your team typed as it's easier to comment on.

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      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        would*

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      2. Messi & fabregas
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        thanks torres magic i will keep that in mind

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        1. roscola
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          If you're using Chrome or Firefox, you can get a script called Scoutify which adds a button to your FPL pages. When you press that button it brings up a little box with your team nicely formatted to copy and paste into a comment here.

          It was kindly written by a poster here called Jimnastics. Let me know if you want some help with it.

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          1. Messi & fabregas
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 8 months ago

            i am using firefox so i will aprreciate some help

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            1. roscola
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 12 Years
              10 years, 8 months ago

              OK, it's a while since I used Firefox but I think you will first need to install something called Greasemonkey. That's a Firefox extension that runs scripts.

              Once that's installed, go here: http://userscripts.org/scripts/show/152008

              Install that. You might need to open Greasemonkey and enable it.

              Refresh your transfers page and you'll see a green button called 'Scoutify'. Press and watch what happens. You can copy and paste from that box.

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              1. Messi & fabregas
                • 12 Years
                10 years, 8 months ago

                thanks

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                1. roscola
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • Has Moderation Rights
                  • 12 Years
                  10 years, 8 months ago

                  No probs. Let me know how you get on

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                  1. Messi & fabregas
                    • 12 Years
                    10 years, 8 months ago

                    thanks mate i was able to fully access it and copy paste

                    thanks a million for saving me tons of typing 🙂

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                    1. roscola
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • Has Moderation Rights
                      • 12 Years
                      10 years, 8 months ago

                      No probs, it's excellent isn't it? Thank Jimnastics if you see him on here

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    2. Blacksheepboy
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      nolan is an outrageous waste of money

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      1. GreenWindmill
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        If Carroll was fit for their opening fixtures he'd be worth it in that spell, I'd shift him as soon as the fixtures got trickier though. If Carroll's not fit then I agree, he isn't worth it.

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        1. Messi & fabregas
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          thank u both. who would u rather have in the 7.5 price? mirallas? nani if nailed on?

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          1. GreenWindmill
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 8 months ago

            Mirallas is a bit of a darling round here currently - probably him. Maybe Valencia/Nani if one of those is nailed on.

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    3. roscola
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      The only thing I see wrong with that is Speroni, who I don't see getting a lot of cleanies. Think Federici last year.

      And obviously if Arsenal sign a striker, Giroud's fantasy stock plummets

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      1. Messi & fabregas
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        thanks roscola

        imo speroni rotates the best (out of 4.5 keeperes) with boruc until week 15

        if suarez goes to arsenal i will reconsider giroud

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        1. roscola
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          Federici probably rotated well a keeper from last year, but it doesn't matter how well they rotate if they don't keep clean sheets against anyone. Palace might prove me wrong but I just don't see it.

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          1. Messi & fabregas
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 8 months ago

            i see your point and i am reconsidering already as the federici exapmle is spot on

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    4. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      benteke>kone lambert berba or RvW?

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      1. Messi & fabregas
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        even if he ends up at spurs? if he stays at villa then he will definately be out of my team and lambert will replace him

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        1. EmreCan Hustle
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          bale seems to be enough spurs cover tbh. i dont see them scoring at the rate chelsea utd city or even arsenal do. they just seem to grind out results through bale!
          it wouldnt hurt to cover all bases imo.
          benteke is a great striker, just too young atm.

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          1. Messi & fabregas
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 8 months ago

            u might be right but a portion of spurs not scoring enough was their real lack of power upfront wirh ade was a dead man walking and defoe not consistent

            if he ends up in spurs i will risk it and have him in my team 🙂

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  15. royals forever
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    How's this as a draft

    Boruc Foster

    Cole Coleman Riether Chester Reid

    Hazard Sliva Lallana Thomas Mirallas

    RVP Berbatov RvW

    Any help would be appreciated

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    1. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      not a lot wrong with that the obvious lack of Bale is the thing that stands out the most however that's the price to pay if you want Rvp and a balanced side, prefer Zabaleta to Cole in that price range but that's just me.

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    2. Sheep
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      I was getting excited by it, but then I saw there was no Bale 🙁 Wait, are we allowed to mention Bale? He can't defend himself 😯

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    3. I Will Not Bow
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Berbs? and RVP is a huge budget hit

      get Bale who gets 1 more point for each goal and has seemingly better fixtures

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  16. I Will Not Bow
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    well.. here goes nothing 😀

    Boruc Foster

    Collins Mert Turner Coleman Baker

    Bale Theo Hazard Snoddy Bellamy

    Aguero JRod Moore

    please destroy me with critisisms 😉

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    1. Sheep
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Not a bad start, Moore won't play though I'm afraid.

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    2. lfcserg
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Luke Moore that is all...

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  17. Randell
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Hi Guys, I'm very tempted by the variety of excellent Chelsea Midfielders and would def. include 2 or 3 of their midfielders in my team.. in an ideal world

    However, given that there will be lots of rotation, who in your opinion should I get ?

    No one seems to have a guarenteed spot and yet all their prices are sky high

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    1. Grounderz
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Hazard to me is in all probability the less rotation prone among the attacking midfielders they have. I think Mourinho recently stated that more time would be needed for him and Mata to familiarise things and Mata's ability.

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  18. Open Controls
    1. Grounderz
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Yep, I think there was since yesterday the number of Carrolls withdrawn from the many posted RMTs here have increased. Haven't seen a lot of Carrolls.

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  19. Home Run Baker
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    It is a fact in FPL that, to compete, you need to own the top scoring players. There is no doubt in my mind that RVP and Bale will be the top-scoring players. Unless you think otherwise, you must surely own RVP and Bale.

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    1. Blacksheepboy
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      bollocks to that, RVP is as unessential as a human appendix

      Like Jane Austen said:

      "It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single manager in possession of RVP and Bale, must be in want of a bit of cash."

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    2. Grounderz
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      No doubt they are and will be the top-scoring players but the problem is that many people want a good start with high points. So the question is, to own them for the first few GWs first or to risk it and get them both in together.

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    3. Tadic is the new Eriksen
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Not if it destroys the rest of your team

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    4. Sheep
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Yep. If our teams were full of good value players we'd have 20m left over. Get the top scoring players, then fill the rest with value picks 🙂

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    5. Fray Bentos
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Agree with bale but not necessarily RVP

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  20. pundit of punts
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    it would really be fabulous if Jenkinson nails down a spot ahead of Sagna.

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    1. Sheep
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Yep, but Wenger would never do that, he loves his fellow compatriot Sagna 🙂

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    2. roscola
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      It really would but it's not going to happen. As soon as Sagna was fit last season, he was first choice.

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    3. onionbarje
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Cant see it happening. Sagna was never dropped last season tbh

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    4. pundit of punts
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      any chance of Sagna going to Monaco? that may pave the way.

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  21. denial
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Need Bent to get his transfer. Would make it all much easier.

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    1. Messi & fabregas
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      do u think after almost 2 years without really playing he will be in form?

      hard to see that although i am also considering him

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      1. denial
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Don't see why not. If he gets the right transfer to the right club, hopefully he'll be up for making an impact.

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      2. Fray Bentos
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        He has always seemed to do well when going to a new club where he is ‘the main man’

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  22. QPR expects... glory!
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Early draft. RMT please

    Ruddy / Boruc
    Coleman / Clyne / Collins / Turner / Connolly
    Bale / Walcott / Lampard / Sissoko / Morrison
    Aguero / Sturridge / Rodriguez

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  23. Tadic is the new Eriksen
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Lallana or Ramirez?

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  24. Randell
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Hi Guys, I'm very tempted by the variety of excellent Chelsea Midfielders and would def. include 2 or 3 of their midfielders in my team.. in an ideal world

    However, given that there will be lots of rotation, who in your opinion should I get ?

    No one seems to have a guarenteed spot and yet all their prices are sky high

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    1. Gamoriola of the Galaxy (Eu…
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Please don't repost on the same page. Hazard for me, looks likely to improve on a good last season.

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    2. Grounderz
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      You have got a response and you need not post twice.

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    3. r0nh
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      So sky high prices for players that will be rotated...

      I will go for... none!!

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  25. Damo.
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Sill season surely?! http://sportwitness.ning.com/forum/topics/arsenal-s-cazorla-has-agreed-terms-with-atletico-clubs-negotiatin How are they allowed to just write whatever they want?

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    1. roscola
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Sounds exceedingly unlikely to me ... but let's just say it happens. That would make Wilshere more attractive, right? He'd get pushed forward. Or would Rosicky be the beneficiary?

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      1. Damo.
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Sorry man had to head out. I think Rosicky could be a key figure anyway if he stays fit this season. Think he could def be on the end of attacking plays.

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        1. roscola
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          I had to head out too 🙂 If that's true, he could be incredible value at £5.5m

          He's proven himself more than capable of good things at the highest level. This isn't good, my punt buds are tingling ...

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  26. Wilberto
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Clyne vs. Shaw?

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    1. Tadic is the new Eriksen
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Shaw all the way

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      1. lfcserg
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        why?

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        1. Dr Dream
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          Shaw for me as well.....Somebody posted some stats on both a couple of weeks ago which showed a fairly even split for the two...can't remember the details but it was enough for me to decide that Shaw as a young player would only (likely) get better...So Shaw it is...

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    2. onionbarje
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Flip a coin

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    3. pundit of punts
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Clyne for me. Shaw tends to get the occasional rest.

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  27. Dr Dream
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    When will the scouts make a stab at predicting line ups for the prem teams ?....i know that is difficult so far out from kick off but it's a nice guide for teams anybody might not know a lot about...and also for where any new signings MAY or MAY NOT feature in respective new teams (generic starting XI) ?....Same applies for set piece section on the page...when will somebody be having a stab at who MAY be on set pieces of varying types ?

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  28. pundit of punts
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Arsenal only plays Tottenham fronm the top 5 in the opening 9 gws.

    Arsenal attacking cover is a must imo. but would you also get their defensive coverage for those set of fixtures?

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    1. Grounderz
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      At £5.5m, I think it's a no-brainer that we should at least have an Arsenal defender. With those good-looking fixtures, no harm done having one. 😉

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  29. Grounderz
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Should the Premier League announce a double gameweek fixture for Chelsea in GW1, who would you drop to make way for Hazard?

    Walcott - Mirallas - Snodgrass - Thomas - Bale

    Bank: £1.0m

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  30. Gamoriola of the Galaxy (Eu…
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    This might already be well-known, but Amorebieta, who otherwise looks like a good prospect at 4.5, has received 75 yellow cards in 195 appearances. That's roughly a yellow card every 2.6 matches. Makes me much less interested.

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    1. pompeyfan
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      i think it is a lot easier to get a yellow card in Spain.

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      1. Gamoriola of the Galaxy (Eu…
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        I just checked and, for example, Jordi Alba got 3 yellows in 29 appearances, and even Busquets got 9 in 31. Amorebieta gets significantly more yellows than Busquets. Nuff said.

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    2. It’s A Joke
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Yeah, I said something similar yesterday: he's the butcher of Bilbao. He'll get a record for most cards in a season, mark my words.

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