Pre-Season

Fantasy Premier League – Player List Analysis – Budget Midfielders

Having analysed the Goalkeepers in addition to Budget, Mid-Price and Premium Defenders on offer in this season’s Fantasy Premier League (FPL), our assessment of the Player List now moves to midfield. First up, then, we look at the cheaper end of the market as we cast an eye over the potential on offer from 5.5 and below.

Villa new boy Aleksandar Tonev has the potential to be a decent value option after being handed a 5.0 price tag. The Bulgarian could be fielded as the most advanced central midfielder in either a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, with a role in “the hole” behind Christian Benteke suiting his style of play and penchant for a long shot. With four goals and three assists for Lech Poznan last term, he’s one to watch though with games against Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and City in the first six Gameweeks, many will be giving Paul Lambert’s side a wide berth. If the match with Jose Mourinho’s side is moved to Gameweek 1, thus handing Villa a double, Tonev may appeal to those searching for a cut-price option in their initial squads.

Last time out, Aron Gunnarsson, Peter Whittingham and Craig Noone all registered the strongest attacking stats from the Cardiff midfield but the latter two are far less likely to be nailed-on for game time, with Whittingham falling out of favour and failing to find the net since October in 2012/13. Frustratingly, while Gunnarsson looks the most secure starter of the 5.0 priced trio, he’s struggling to be fit for the start of the season after sustaining a shoulder injury on international duty during the summer – given he produced eight goals and five assists in 2012/13, his potential is obvious. Bo-Kyung Kim (5.0) was installed as a regular as the previous season unfolded, though, and could play a pivotal part for the Bluebirds in central midfield next time out – he also has a share of free-kicks and corners in his locker and could be a real under the radar option.

Jerome Thomas looks set to afford us a cut-price option at Crystal Palace. The former West Brom man comes in at just 4.5 and, as mentioned in our recent Moving Target piece, has revealed he is set to be given the freedom to attack by Ian Holloway. Granted, our expectations are relatively low but Thomas should appeal to those on the lookout for a cheap fifth midfielder and also rotates with Hull, for Fantasy managers scouring the market for a budget midfield pairing. The likes of Robbie Brady (four goals, 13 assists), Ahmed Elmohamady (three goals, nine assists) and Robert Koren (nine goals, five assists) all seem nailed-on under Steve Bruce and will each set you back 5.0. With spot-kicks and a share of set-pieces and corners in his locker, in addition to the role in “the hole”, Koren looks the most enticing of the Tigers trio, though Stephen Quinn, at 4.5, is another Hull midfielder to consider – he produced three goals and six assists from 42 appearances last term.

Bryan Oviedo’s situation is one to monitor at Everton. If United snap up Leighton Baines, the Costa Rican could be handed the role on the left of the Toffees midfield if Roberto Martinez moves to 3-4-3. While Seamus Coleman likely to offer an out of position option on the opposite side of midfield, Oviedo’s 4.5 price tag could turn a few heads if such a scenario transpires – nevertheless, the former still looks the better bet overall. Steve Sidwell (5.0) looks the most secure for starts amongst Fulham’s budget midfield options, though Fantasy managers will be hoping Alex Kacaniklic or Pajtim Kasami can establish themselves as a regular on the flank, with 5.0 and 4.5 price tags respectively. Both have the potential to be cut-price options but right now, the jury remains out. Similarly, Newcastle’s Sylvain Marveaux (5.0) has the ability to flourish, though question marks remain over his consistency of game time – the Frenchman has already scored in pre-season and is one to keep an eye on, should he finally convince Alan Pardew he’s worthy of a first-team spot.

Norwich new boy Nathan Redmond has been priced in the budget bracket following his move from Birmingham. Much depends on whether Chris Hughton manages to add to the Canaries ranks before the summer transfer window closes but although the 5.0 priced Redmond produced his best season at St Andrews under Hughton, he may struggle for starts in the campaign ahead. With Robert Snodgrass settled nicely in the mid-price bracket, though, Redmond looks a real punt.

Southampton’s Victor Wanyama is sure to earn a few new suitors at a price of 5.0. The summer buy from Celtic is expected to sit alongside Morgan Schneiderlin in the double-pivot in the Saints’ 4-2-3-1 and with six goals and three assists last term, produced a decent attacking contribution. Certainly, his physical presence in front of the back-four should bolster Southampton’s clean sheet potential and with a strong home/away rotation with Jerome Thomas in the first nine Gameweeks (TOT, SUN, SUN, WHM, SWA, CPL, SWA, FUL, FUL) he’s another who could appeal to those looking to double up on cheap midfielders.

Elsewhere, the likes of Sunderland new boy Cabral, Swansea’s Leon Britton and West Brom central midfielder Claudio Yacob all come in at 4.5 but may struggle to get more than two point returns in any given Gameweek, with Fantasy managers somewhat limited for attacking options in the budget bracket.

Still Under 6.0

Step up just a notch, however, and there’s a lot more on offer. The situation at Arsenal looks intriguing, should Arsene Wenger fail to add to his current squad. Aaron Ramsey and Tomas Rosicky are both priced at 5.5 – while the return of Jack Wilshere is likely to dent one of the duo’s game time, both played prominent parts in the Gunners end of season run which harvested eight wins and two draws from 10 matches. If Wilshere gets the nods ahead of Rosicky in “the hole”, Ramsey may benefit from the new bonus ruling, though a deeper-lying role for Wilshere could see Rosicky rise in our Fantasy estimations if he tucks in behind a lone forward. Ultimately, though, both players’ fortunes are likely to be determined by Wenger’s willingness to spend.

At 5.5, Craig Bellamy is the most expensive midfield option on offer at Cardiff. The Welshman is likely to retain his place on the flank, though, perhaps only moving to a central role on occasion when Malky Mackay moves to a two man frontline. He has a share of free-kicks and corners but his propensity to pick up injuries, allied with cheaper options in the Bluebirds midfield (or similarly price alternatives up top) may see many overlook the veteran.

Fulham’s Ashkan Dejagah started to see more game time on the right in the final few months of last term but, as mentioned above, question marks remain over the pecking order on the flanks under Martin Jol. Setting you back 5.5, he’s pricier than Kacaniklic and Kasami but may offer less security than (the slightly more expensive) Damien Duff. Once again, Raheem Sterling is amongst the cheapest Liverpool midfielders available but his prospects look less promising than last term after Brendan Rodgers strengthened his wing options – with Philippe Coutinho and Iago Aspas favourites for the wide roles and with Stewart Downing and Luis Alberto seemingly ahead of Sterling in the pecking order, giving him a wide berth looks the best answer.

Jonas Gutierrez is likely to offer the security of starts for Newcastle but his form last year was symptomatic of his side’s problems. A goal and a pair of assists hardly makes a persuasive case for his consideration but at 5.5, he’s relatively budget-friendly and remains key to Alan Pardew’s plans. Both Wes Hoolahan and Anthony Pilkington have been priced at 5.5 apiece but with Chris Hughton expected to add further to the Norwich midfield over the next few weeks, the pair will be concerned over their game time. Certainly, Hoolahan looks the most likely for the chop – Pilkington managed five goals from 25 starts in 2012/13 and, providing he remains injury-free, may yet continue as the Canaries first-choice left winger. As mentioned above, though, Robert Snodgrass’ kind cost casts a shadow over the rest of the Norwich midfield options.

Southampton’s Morgan Schneiderlin seems set to benefit from the new Bonus Points System. The Frenchman’s all-round game in the heart of the midfield is finally set to be rewarded but, while his security of starts is far more certain than the similarly-priced Jason Puncheon (5.5) at St Mary’s, Schneiderlin may be overlooked as a result of kind pricing for the likes of Gaston Ramirez and Adam Lallana in the attacking midfield three for the Saints. Stoke’s Matt Etherington couldn’t fare any worse from an attacking perspective than last season. The Potters winger failed to produce any goals or assists but with new boss Mark Hughes primed to go on the attack, Etherington’s delivery from the left may be key to his side’s fortunes – at 5.5, the winger drops from last term’s price and will be looking to return to the sort of form that harvested 146, 124 and 121 points in the three seasons prior to 2012/13. While their away schedule is a concern, Stoke have six out of seven strong opening fixtures at the Britannia (CPL, MCI, NOR, WBA, SOT, SUN, CAR).

Sunderland’s Craig Gardner is also priced at 5.5 but may suffer from Paolo Di Canio’s squad overhaul in the season ahead. Gardner – who is the Black Cats’ first-choice spot-kick taker – found himself playing at right-back last term but with the Sunderland boss expected to add to his back-four, there’s no guarantees over his game time. The fact he is also suspended for the opener gives us time to steer clear and assess the situation in light of Di Canio’s multitude of new signings.

Swansea wide boys Wayne Routledge and Nathan Dyer both come in at 5.5. Routledge comfortably outscored his fellow winger by 126 points to 102 in 2012/13 but with Michael Laudrup bolstering his midfield with a handful of new acquisitions (including 5.5 priced Jonjo Shelvey) the threat of rest and rotation is likely to hang heavy over the Welsh club in the season ahead. If the Swans get past their Europa League qualifier, there will be real concerns over the consistency of starts offered by their mid-price options, with Laudrup expected to utilise the depth of his squad time and again.

Mousa Dembele has been kindly priced at 5.5. His appeal will depend on Tottenham’s formation next time out, though; many feel the addition of Paulinho will allow Andre Villas-Boas to shift from 4-2-3-1 to 4-3-3; the latter formation could allow Dembele the opportunity to push forward more often and join in the Spurs attacks. West Brom’s Chris Brunt had his poorest season in years last term, with hamstring issues limiting him to just 23 starts. Having racked up 130 points in 2010/11, he’s clearly capable and may yet flourish if he can steer clear of injury, with a share of set-pieces in his locker – with Southampton, Swansea and Sunderland visiting the Hawthorns in the first five, the fixtures are in the Baggies favour.

West Ham trio Matt Jarvis, Mark Noble and Joe Cole all come in at 5.5, with a kind opening schedule to boost their early season appeal. Sam Allardyce’s side have (CAR, new, STO, sot, EVE, hul) in the opening six and could be quick out the blocks – for those unwilling to spend 7.0 on Kevin Nolan, Noble’s spot kicks and share of set-pieces could prove tempting, while Cole and Jarvis’ wide roles in a 4-5-1-/4-3-3 formation may benefit from such an enticing run of fixtures.

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2,681 Comments Post a Comment
  1. CostaCoffee
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    RVW or Giroud

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    1. Mr. Greedy
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Neither.
      Berb or Lambert are surely better options.

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    2. Heydudes13
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      The Wolf, get Theo as Arsenal coverage

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    3. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Trick question?

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    4. harry1988
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Van perie & morrison or ageuro & walcott?

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  2. r0binh0
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Hi Scouts. Any rough eta for when RMT is up and running? Cheers.

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

      Working on it again today...meeting up with the Prof for a video tutorial so we're looking at a rollout next week...projections first, then RMT.

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      1. r0binh0
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Great, thanks. Looking forward to it.

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  3. Stevee10001
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    WARNING - do not attempt to make a team without RVP it will lead you down a dark path that will only lead to temptation and ultimately misery!

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    1. Carl@streetkids.com.au
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Who'd be silly enough to do that?

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  4. goneill79
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    What happens when Liverpool confirm that Suarez is staying?

    After the ban would 11 mil be too much given that he'll be losing points to Coutinho & Sturridge?

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

      Unfortunately that seems unlikely 🙁

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      1. goneill79
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        No one will pay the estimated 50mil that we're after.

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  5. thepuntmaster
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    a) Yaya and Mirallas and Thomas

    b) Walcott and Cabaye and Thomas

    c) Miallas and Cabaye and Snoddy

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

      A

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

    If united sign fabregas I will... (finish sentence)

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

      Still not want Rooney to be allowed to go to Chelsea - with him the title is theirs

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

        ^^This

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    2. thepuntmaster
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      do nowt

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

      Do one 🙂

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  7. AriseSirGiggsy
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    TACTICAL QUESTION:
    How important is the fifth midfielder?

    Most of us are organising our teams with rotation amongst cheap alternatives at the back to allow the big guns up front to fire every week. In the minds eye 1 free transfer per week should be enough to handle any injuries that occur.

    The likes of Jerome Thomas and Stephen Quinn at 4.5 can perhaps be expected to manage 2 goals and 4 assists across the season - modest totals, but the pick of the price range. Effectively, contributing extra points beyond playing time in 1/7 matches.
    The best performing 5.0 midfielders, Kakaniclic, Diame, B Johnson and Howson all managed similar figures to this, with 1-4 goals and 1-4 assists. Perhaps we can expect sonething from them 1/6 of matches.

    Perhaps the 0.5 from downgrading to the minimum priced 5th midfielder would be better utilised ensuring an effectively rotating defence is secured or that forward that you really want is pencilled in.

    Anyone agree / disagree?

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    1. Mr. Greedy
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      But if you spend £5.0m uncovering the next Charlie Adam, you are set up for the season. I'm banking on Koren.

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    2. Bøwstring The Carp
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      I'm starting to sway towards Koren for the extra 0.5 over Thomas, but then I'm also thinking I could have Kacaniklic who plays for arguably a top half table team.

      With my midfield of Bale, Silva, Walcott, Hazard I dunno when Ill ever play him except through injury. I would rather play Hazard against a top team than Koren against a weaker team in all honesty 😕

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  8. Ninjaa
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    bit of help needed here, of the 3 teams who came up, hull palace and Cardiff, who are the most attacking mids out of them teams, looking to have 2 x 4.5m/5m who rotate nicely each week, thanks for advice guys

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

      Won't focus on players, but would imagine that Palace under Holloway will be a pretty attacking side. Still looking to add to the squad though.

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

    Root out, quality innings, England declare a lead of 582.

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

      Goin' for that cheeky Dilshan scoop.

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

      Harris(c) got 2 wickets today. 🙂

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  10. just a man
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Getting in RVP and Bale is so tough. I've tried to put a team together that would get them both in, but only take advantage of the opening 3 fixtures, ready for a potential wildcard after gwk3 (after the international break).

    It's light at the back, but not as awful as I thought it might turn out.

    Foster (SOT / eve / SWA)

    Clyne (wba / SUN / nor)
    Collins (CAR / new / STO)
    Turner (EVE / hul / SOT)

    Bale (cpl / SWA / ars)
    Walcott (AVL / ful / TOT)
    Hazard (HUL / mun / AVL)
    Silva (NEW / car / HUL)
    Thomas (TOT / sto / SUN)

    Van Persie (swa / CHE / liv)
    Ruiz (sun / ARS / new)

    --Bench--
    Boruc (wba / SUN / nor)
    Moore (MUN / tot / wba)
    Parr (TOT / sto / SUN)
    Chester (che / NOR / mci)

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    1. Mr. Greedy
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      If you're going to WC GW3 then leave RVP out to begin with and get him for Palace at home GW4.

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  11. thepuntmaster
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    What do people think of YAYA?

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

      Overpriced.

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  12. New Article Posted
  13. jamesffs
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Hey guys, what do you reckon about the following?

    1) Who is the best budget defender for 4.0m?

    2) Who are the best budget midfielders for 4.5m?

    3) Who are the best budget strikers for under 6.0m? (assuming J Rod? Not many to pick from FPL wise I know haha)

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  14. Joseph123
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Me current team:

    GK: Mannone (Boruc)
    Def: Collins, Coleman, Turner (Clyne, Chester)
    Mid: Bale, Hazard, Mirallas, Snodgrass
    Fwd: RVP, Sturridge, Rodriquez

    0.0 in the bank

    Would love some thoughts on my team 😀

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

      you're fifth mid is is a bit weak, non playing, no existent.

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  15. Saniul
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Players we've been linked to this season...
    STRIKERS:
    - Jovetic (Moved to City)
    - Benteke (Staying at Villa)
    - Rooney (Either staying or moving to Chelsea)
    - Higuain (Probably moving to Napoli)
    - Suarez (Probably moving to Madrid but maybe us)
    - Soldado (Undecided)
    - Villa (Moved to Atletico Madrid)
    - Cavani (Moved to PSG)
    - El Sharaaway (Staying at Milan)
    - Sanogo (WOO CAME TO ARSENAL)
    MIDFIELDERS:
    - Mata (Undecided but will probably stay)
    - Fellaini (Undecided but will probably stay)
    - Fabregas (Staying at Barcelona)
    - Wanyama (Moved to Southampton)
    - Capoue (Undecided)
    - Bernard (Undecided)
    - Barry (Staying at City)
    - Bender (Staying at Leverkusen)
    - Gustavo (Staying at Munich)
    DEFENDERS:
    - N'Koulou (Undecided but will probably stay)
    - Williams (Undecided but will probably stay)
    GOALKEEPERS
    - Mignolet (Moved to Liverpool)
    - Begovic (Undecided but will probably stay)
    - Marchetti (Undecided but will probably stay)
    - Reina (Moved on loan to Napoli)
    - Valdes (Staying at Barcelona)
    - Krul (Undecided but will probably stay)

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    1. Brutus619
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Who's we?

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      1. Carl@streetkids.com.au
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Hartlepool?

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

      This is not the clubs list of real targets, Media need to fill page space, the see players as a possible fit, stick a big headline with the players name linked to Arsenal. A fewdays later they attach a differant name to the same headline. Arsenals true transfer target list will probably be numerically the same as theGKlist in your post.

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

    " I am watching players and players and players and players and players until I get the balance in the group I want".
    Ian Holloway (most recent interview). 🙂

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  17. Jafooli
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    % chance of happening:

    1. Rooney to Chelsea
    2. Fabregas to Utd
    3. Higuain to Arsenal
    4. Bent to Fulham
    5. Suarez to leave Liverpool
    6. Bendtner to Spurs

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

      Rule 3 and 6 out.

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    2. Brutus619
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      1. If the £40m bid news is true then 80%
      2. 40%
      3. 30%
      4. 60% if they are actually chasing him
      5. 55%
      6. -100%

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  18. Gr3g
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    I wish Lewandowski would not listen so much to his silly representative/manager that clearly poised his mind with that Bayern move...
    Everything can change in one season, Bayern might not want him at all next year and he might to be the same player (form wise - wish I'm wrong) as Borussia will have to give more game time to his future replacement (surely they will continue with one striker formation)
    Would like to see him in EPL. He would be a great signing for many teams, especially Chelsea!

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    1. Brutus619
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Ew. You lot can take Rooney at £40m (according to reports it's going to be your next bid) and we'll take Big L 😉

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      1. Gr3g
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Don't be greedy, how many inform strikers you need! You better look at getting some midfield power house 🙂

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        1. Brutus619
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          Cabaye is our back up to Fab apparently. But it's not greedy since we'd sell you Rooney to get Lewo!

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  19. Twisted Saltergater
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    For those looking at investing in the Arsenal defence this season, and in particular Mertesacker vs Koscielny:

    PLAYER STARTS CS BPS FPL POINTS PPG
    Monreal 9 5 5 50 5.00
    Merts 33 15 8 135 3.97
    Jenkinson 14 6 6 51 3.64
    Koscielny 20 7 11 88 3.52
    Gibbs 23 8 5 93 3.44
    Sagna 25 9 7 83 3.32
    Verm 25 6 7 70 2.41

    If that pastes correctly, then while Koscielny is the more explosive of the two (11 BPS in 20 games as opposed to Mertesacker's 8 in 33 games), Arsenal kept more clean sheets with Merts as the mainstay.

    The interesting thing for me is Arsenal's upturn in clean sheets with Monreal in the side. Given rotation, perhaps the key this season will be to pick the odd rotation-prone player but to have a strong bench.

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    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Might be better.. probably won't!

      Starts, CS, Bonus, Points, PPG
      Monreal...., ..9, 5, 5, 50, 5.00
      Mertesack, 33, 15, 8, 135, 3.97
      Jenkinson., 14, 6, 6, 51, 3.64
      Koscielny., 20, 7, 11, 88, 3.52
      Gibbs......., 23, 8, 5, 93, 3.44
      Sagna......, 25, 9, 7, 83, 3.32
      Vermaelen, 25, 6, 7, 70, 2.41

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

        I like looking at ppg, more so I like points per min. Unfortunately for defenders it gives a unfair representation in some cases, Monreal did not verse the same opponents as Koscielny Gibbs ect.
        Defenders are better judged from there assists/goal per min and the overall performance of the team.
        As pts gained from clean sheets are achieved through the teams efforts. I'm no expert though, this is just my opinon.

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  20. Plenk
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Morning all...

    I've got a team together with both Bale and RVP that's not too light at the back.....What do you think?

    Mignolet
    Mertesacker/Zabaleta/Turner(Cardiff)
    Bale/Silva/Mirallas/Lampard/Thomas
    RVP/JRod

    Marshall/Chester/McNaughton/Anelka

    No doubt this will all change as the transfer window evolves.

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    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      I wouldn't want to play two of Thomas/Turner/Chester/McNaughton every game. You also have Lampard who will be rotated/injured on occasion.

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      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        But to be fair, JRod and Anelka are my 2 rotating forwards also. I think there's value there.

        Could work! I'd be tempted to go for Walcott over Silva?

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  21. Ninjaa
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    who are the potential midfield jems this year, ie this years Charlie adam / michu

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    1. Gr3g
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      I think HBA will have a massive season if he can stay injury free of course 🙂 wish him the best

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  22. Big Fudge
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Current team with both RVP and Bale. Finding it to be really balanced, and although the GK aren't desirable, I'm confident that this team would be really good.

    RMT

    Boruc (Davis)

    Mertesacker M.Turner Collins (Shaw Parr)

    Bale Walcott Mirallas Snodgrass (Colback)

    RVP RvW Berbatov

    Basically running a 3-4-3 for the season, although I'm not sure about my strikers, Colback and Parr. Thoughts and opinions would be greatly appreciated 🙂

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

    Formation rotation

    I brought up the subject a few weeks ago of a deliberate tactic of rotating between 3-4-3 and 3-5-2 for the coming season in order to best accomodate a cheap 3rd striker and a cheap 5th mid, who rotate well together, to give decent runs of home fixtures.....Having checked out several possibilities i'm left thinking that the idea certainly has some milage....Anybody else thinking along those lines ?.

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    1. Brutus619
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Hell yeah Wakey.

      For me it's either Brunt+Ruiz or Kaca+J Rod.

      I have RVP & Bale but have an overall strong squad because of this (only 1 promoted player who's a 5th defender).

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

    How many people are going with Coutinho? I was put off by his price but with his easy fixtures I'm leaning towards him over Silva, seems to be a 50 50 love hate support for Silva, and general consensus that Coutinho is over priced (short underproven fpl output) my current opinion is that Coutinho although not completely is a better choice purely based on form and his nailed place in Rodgers team compared to Silva's bad form, new arrivals threatening his attacking prospects (may not be true).

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    1. Brutus619
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Easy fixtures? Have you not looked at Silva's fixtures then?

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

        Probably should of left that out,

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  25. Prime
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Some Belgian sources claim Tottenham agreed a €7m deal for Twente's Nacer Chadli.
    Would be yet another attacking midfielder...

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

      Just what Spurs need...

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    2. harry1988
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Ageuro & wallcott or Van persie & morrison?

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    3. Brutus619
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      They should just chuck all their money towards getting Soldado. Just need that one signing to really jump at top 4.

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    4. Prime
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      I guess he could find himself a spot on the left wing with Bale in the center and Lennon on the right.
      I didn't really like any of their other options there last season.

      He's been used at pretty much any attacking position at Twente, including as striker, but I doubt that's what they got him for.

      All in all he's a good allround attacker, but not the out-and-out striker they need.

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  26. RiflaFC
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    What do you guys think of this team? Too weak with snod and thomas?

    Mannone (Buroc)

    Alacaraz - Turner - Collins (Amorebieta - Clyne)

    Yaya - Bale - Walcott - Snodgrass (Thomas)

    J.Rod - Berba - RvP

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  27. Bent it like Beckham 😉
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    How about this Noob Gunners team?

    3-5-2
    GK: Boruc/Mannone
    Back there: Shaw, Coleman, Luna, Chester, Parr
    From the Mid: Bales Wallys Couts Lamps & 'Ben Arfa'
    To the Fore: BENTEKE, Bony & J-Rod

    - Thinking to Bale him out for Navas & Parr to Vertonghen?
    - Shaw to Clyne?
    - Any other OOO (odd-one-out)?

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  28. GgeorgeG
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    What do you guys think of this team? (bracket players=bench)

    Speroni (McGregor)

    Collins, Shaw, Mertesacker. (Baker) (Whittaker)

    Bale, Walcott, Hazard, Colback (Britton)

    Anelka, Van Persie, Sturridge

    I am tempted to take out RVP to strengthen my defence but did that last season and failed miserably.

    Thanks.

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  29. IPO
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    RMT Please

    Mignolet/Boruc

    Baines Zabaleta Coleman/Turner/Baker

    Bale Hazard Coutinho Mirallas/Colback

    Sturridge JayRodriguez Anelka

    (The ones with player/etc/ I will choose one of them depending on the GW)

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  30. FISSH
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Jarvis or Noble? ergh.

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