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Fantasy Premier League – Player List Analysis – Mid-Price Midfielders

This evening brings part six of our ongoing analysis of the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) Player List. Having previously rolled out articles on Goalkeepers, Budget, Mid-Price and Premium Defenders, we brought you the lowdown on Budget Midfielders yesterday evening. This time, we move up a bracket and cast an eye over what’s on offer from the mid-price midfielders.

Mikel Arteta will be hoping to benefit from the Bonus Points System introduced by the FPL this term, with his all-round contribution seemingly favoured by the new scoring metric. With spot-kicks also in his locker, the Spaniard is favourably priced at just 7.0 but is likely to be overlooked for the more explosive options elsewhere in the Gunners midfield. Jack Wilshere also has the potential to be a bargain. Coming in at 6.5, he’d be a steal if he is handed the role in “the hole” at the expense of Tomas Rosicky, though Wilshere’s versatility may see him drop deeper alongside Arteta in the double-pivot. Much also depends on his game time, with Arsene Wenger perhaps keen to court caution over his ongoing ankle problem, while his manager’s movements in the summer transfer market may afford us a clue as to where Wilshere will be fielded next time out.

There are a handful of options in the mid-price bracket at Chelsea but a lack of guaranteed minutes makes any of the more attack-minded alternatives no more than a punt. While Ramires looks a relatively secure starter at 6.5, there are far better Stamford Bridge alternatives in the premium bracket to consider than the Brazilian. Similarly, Marco Van Ginkel (6.0), Victor Moses (6.5) and Kevin de Bruyne (7.0) would all have the potential to flourish as first-team options elsewhere but are up against it in their attempt to nail down a regular role – giving them an initial wide berth looks the safest option here until we get a firm idea of Jose Mourinho’s plans.

Kevin Mirallas looks the likeliest Everton midfielder to benefit from Roberto Martinez’s arrival on Merseyside. If, as anticipated, the new man in charge opts for a 3-4-3, the Belgian should line up on the right of the front three, affording us a real out of position prospect over the season ahead. While Steven Pienaar should be handed the role on the left, Mirallas’ eye for goal is clearly superior and more than atones for the fact he comes in at 7.5 to the South African’s 7.0 – he scored six times in 23 starts last term compared to Pienaar’s six goals in 35 starts. Providing he remains injury-free, then, Mirallas seems the most enticing option from the blue half of Merseyside, with Leon Osman (6.5) likely to be fielded in a central midfield berth under the new man in charge.

Damien Duff is the most secure option on the Fulham flanks, though the winger is subsequently the most expensive at 6.0. Duff chipped in with three goals and seven assists in 2012/13 but if any of the Cottagers cheaper alternatives can cement a role out wide, he is likely to be overlooked. Indeed, with Dimitar Berbatov priced at just 7.5 up top, it’s more than likely that the Bulgarian will be the main recipient of Fulham attention in 2013/14, having notched 15 times last time out.

The arrival of Iago Aspas and Luis Alberto looks to have put paid to Stewart Downing’s consistency of starts at Liverpool. Both Downing and Alberto come in at 6.0 but with Aspas and Philippe Coutinho expected to be handed the wide roles, neither of the former two look legitimate options and seem highly unlikely to cement regular roles. Similarly, Jordan Henderson (6.0) forced his way into the first XI as the previous campaign unfolded but should fall down the pecking order in light of new summer acquisitions, with Rodgers still likely to spend big money on a replacement for the role in “the hole”, having missed out on Henrikh Mkhitaryan earlier this summer.

Man United’s failure to present us with a viable midfield option last season has seen many of their assets take a real tumble in price. Nani, Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young all come in at a mere 7.5 after producing a measly two goals between them across the entirety of 2012/13. The wing roles are up for grabs under David Moyes, then, and with new boy Wilfried Zaha (6.5) also throwing his hat into the ring, Fantasy managers will be keenly assessing the pre-season situation, with the potential of real value should Moyes help his wide wen rediscover the form of seasons gone by. While Michael Carrick (6.0) may benefit from the new Bonus Points System and is the more secure starter, there are better attacking options available elsewhere for those shopping on a similar budget.

Hatem Ben Arfa is the most enticing of a trio of Frenchman plying their trade at Newcastle. While Yohan Cabaye (6.5) and Moussa Sissoko (6.0) are cheaper than the 7.0 priced winger, both should be fielded in a more withdrawn position, with Ben Arfa likely to be handed a place on the right of a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3. Granted, Cabaye does have a share of set-pieces and corners to fall back on but Ben Arfa’s more advanced role is the most appealing – providing he can steer clear of injury, of course. With home games against West Ha, Fulham and Hull in addition to trip to Villa in the first five, the opening schedule looks kind for the Magpies – Sissoko will be hoping Alan Pardew grants his recent request to be moved back into “the hole” behind a lone forward, though.

Robert Snodgrass is the standout option at Carrow Road. Despite finishing in the top 10 midfielders in his debut Premier League season last time out, the former Leeds man remains firmly in the mid-price bracket, with a cost of just 6.5 looking a real bargain. Snodgrass is cheaper than new forward Ricky Van Wolfswinkel (7.0) for the Canaries and has three strong home games (EVE, SOT, AVL) and a trip to Hull in his first five fixtures. Both Adam Lallana and Gaston Ramirez will set you back 6.0 after average seasons in 2012/13. While Lallana is boosted by a share of set-pieces and corners, Ramirez will be desperate to show his true class after managing just five goals and four assists in his first year in the Premier League – the Uruguayan may face competition for our attention at St Mary’s, though, with Jay Rodriguez similarly priced up front and already in top form over pre-season. Mauricio Pochettino’s side have seven very favourable home games (SUN, WHM, CPL, SWA, FUL, HUL, AVL) to further the appeal of their main protagonists.

Mark Hughes’ arrival at Stoke could be set to reinvigorate Charlie Adam’s Fantasy potential. The Scot started just 22 times under Tony Pulis in 2012/13 but is set to be installed at the heart of the new manager’s midfield – at 6.0, with a monopoly on set-pieces and corners, Adam’s creativity will be key for the Potters next time out. Jon Walters is a little more expensive at 6.5, though it remains to be seen just how Hughes views the Republic of Ireland international. The new man in charge is looking for a more attacking brand of football and may well opt for a more natural striker alongside Peter Crouch up top as he attempts to improve on a record that saw Stoke score just 34 times in Pulis’ final season in charge.

Paolo Di Canio’s squad overhaul places question marks against the Sunderland starting XI over the season ahead. Certainly, new boy Emanuele Giaccherini (7.0) looks set for a regular role for the Black Cats, possibly on the left flank, though if Stephane Sessegnon’s rumoured move away from Wearside comes to fruition, the similarly priced Adam Johnson seems a safe bet on the opposite wing. Johnson finished just one point behind David Silva last season and was Sunderland’s top scorer on 146 points – while his price seems favourable, a dire run of home games, which sees Arsenal, Liverpool, United, City, Chelsea and Spurs arrive at the Stadium of Light between Gameweeks 4 and 15, may deter many until the schedule smiles that little bit kinder.

Swansea duo Pablo Hernandez and Jonathan de Guzman have both been handed 6.0 price tags after producing 110 and 127 points last time out. The main issue is the number of midfield options now available to Michael Laudrup, though; we can expect Michu to play the vast majority of matches in “the hole”, leaving four spots available for 10 players to fight for – Hernandez and de Guzman could suffer if Laudrup rolls out a rest and rotation policy, with Europa League duties also to consider this time out.

Tottenham’s formation under Andre Villas-Boas will be key as to how we assess new boy Paulinho. Many reckon a shift from 4-2-3-1 to 4-3-3 is on the cards, with the Brazilian taking up the most advanced role and Gareth Bale moving to the flank – if such as scenario transpires, Paulinho may prove a contender for our attentions at just 7.0. Elsewhere in the Spurs midfield, Clint Dempsey and Aaron Lennon, at 7.5 apiece, will be hoping to nail down a role on the flank if Villas-Boas moves to 4-3-3 – with Sandro and Mousa Dembele likely to join Paulinho in the centre and Bale taking up one of the flank roles, it leaves a vacancy on the opposite flank ahead of an eye-catching opening run of matches.

James Morrison comes in at 6.0 after racking up 133 points in 2012/13 – second only to Romelu Lukaku for West Brom. The Scot’s role in the hole helped him rack up five goals and eight assists in Steve Clarke’s first season at the Hawthorns helm – three decent home games in the first five (SOT, SWA, SUN) suggests he could be quick out the blocks but with new boy Nicolas Anelka costing just 5.5 up top, many may opt for the more budget-friendly Frenchman instead.

Finally, West Ham’s Kevin Nolan will take up 7.0 of your budget this season after delivering 149 points in the previous campaign. Nolan’s appeal is heightened by a superb opening six Gameweeks (CAR, new, STO, sou, EVE, hul), though with his sidekick Andy Carroll possibly set to miss the start of the season with a heel problem, Nolan’s eye for goal may not quite be so in focus. If he can continue from the form that saw him rattle a hat-trick past Reading on the final day of 2012/13, Nolan has the potential for an early-season bandwagon.

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2,972 Comments Post a Comment
  1. 1-1 at Newcastle
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    Poll:
    When are you planning to wildcard and why?

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    1. Root
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Absolutely no plans to wildcard. Maybe GW2 or GW39, it depends.

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    2. NotoriousDRE
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      tend to do them after international breaks...or late DGWs in the season. GW2 is also quite popular

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    3. Big Fudge
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      At first I wanted to do it in GW 4, with the plan of not starting with RVP. Now however I think I will wait until it is absolutely necessary to use it. Last season I wasted it early and it cost me big time. I think you just need to be patient with it, and when the time comes that your squad needs a major change up, you know that the wildcard is right there 🙂

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      1. 1-1 at Newcastle
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        Thanks, you convinced me to start with RVP, the guy is fixture proof anyway lol.

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        1. Big Fudge
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 11 months ago

          It has been a massive argument over preseason, but seriously, it's so much easier starting with him and Bale instead of trying to buy them in with the wildcard once they have good fixtures. You might not have a better midfield or striking options at the beginning, but you'll be better in the long run. At least that's what I think 🙂

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    4. TheSteel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Im gonna try to save mine til the second one becomes available. But you never know, not ruling out GW2

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    5. the cromulent one
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      No plan.
      One argument that I've heard in favour of holding on to it as long as possible is that with the compressed season (2 weeks shorter than last season, because of the world cup) there could be some crazy dgws later in the season. Having a wc for those might be the difference maker.

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    6. TokyoRed 東京赤
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      After Christmas

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  2. NotoriousDRE
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    hey guys, best 5.0 striking option?

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    1. Root
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Gayle

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  3. Trini Chelsea
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    Studying where to upgrade

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    1. Root
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Thanks, keep us updated.

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  4. TheSteel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    Foster (Boruc)
    Collins Mert Clyne (Chester Baker)
    Bale Hazard Mirallas Snod (Colman)
    RvP Wolf Berba

    Gw:2 Hazard>Silva (Hull n Cardiff back to back)

    What do you guys think? Cheers

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    1. Manani
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Hazard>Silva is a good transfer plan.
      however, planned transfer more likely than not will result as a hit for the first GW, just keep that in mind.
      there will be so many players under the radar and so many bandwagons.
      e.g. Michu last year, or Petric

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      1. TheSteel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        Very good point. Thanks.
        I can see it now. One of delefou, anelka or bony have a multiple goal opening match and im gonna want then in

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  5. Elniñorules
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    Blimey, Neil Taylor at 4.5

    Bargain. Jump aboard.

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    1. Ryan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Competition with Davies? Fixtures?

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      1. Elniñorules
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        Pre-season seems to suggest Laudrup's giving Taylor much more gametime to get back his fitness. Davies went out of depth towards the end of the season, still young of course. Very much on my radar if Taylor continues to get more gametime in pre-season.

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        1. Ryan
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 11 months ago

          For sure. I'd still be wary of the fixtures though. Gives us time to consider his stock. Although if he continues to start regularly in pre season I'd put him on my watch list as part of a potential 5 way uber rotation.

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  6. Big Fudge
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    A: Hazard and Aspas
    or
    B: Mirallas and Sturridge

    Thoughts please? Currently have A.

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    1. The Dark Knightt
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      B imo...

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    2. the cromulent one
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      I have A as well.

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    3. McTown
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      I have b myself

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    4. BigManBakar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      B

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  7. The Dark Knightt
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    Thoughts on Kone and Wanyama...

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    1. Elniñorules
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Wanyama at 5.0 could be the real deal. He's had decent stats from midfield...then again the SPL flatters to deceive.

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      1. Ryan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        He is a Yaya type of player so tends to play deeper too.

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    2. Big Fudge
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      If Jelavic leaves then Kone should get plenty of game time and he was good under Martinez in a worse team last season. Could be big, but could also be risky, so many good options around his price. I think wanyama was a defensive midfielder at Celtic, so he might benefit from the new BP system, but I favour Koren over him. Hope that helps 🙂

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    3. The Dark Knightt
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Thanks to everyone...

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  8. Manani
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    Charlie Adam rotating with Anelka.....
    seems nice

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    1. Big Fudge
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      If Anelka can nail down his position in the first team and Adam can bring back that form from a few years ago, that combination could be deadly! 😀

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      1. Twelve years a slave
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        i like that idea of rotating your fifth mid and third striker . Adams at home should be good , however he seems a little expensive to rotate , do you want 6m sitting on your bench every other week? As for Anelka
        Since 2011 Anelka has played around 32 matches , most in china for only 4 goals , hes 34 and appears past it. Cant understand why WBA have bought him , they should of given an up and coming english lad a chance , rather than wasting money on that french %^&*

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  9. Twelve years a slave
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    Lots of people are getting worked up about the number of goals scored by the likes of Bony in the dutch Eredivisie. So thought i would have a look over the last few seasons to see the illustrious company that puts him in.
    I think that unless your Dutch these are hardly household names. A few of the players heading the 2010-12 seasons moved abroad and their scoring output fell off considerably.

    One thing Bony does have going for him is that he should see plenty of chances, however he may well need time to adjust to the premier league , the same goes for the Wolf , who only finished fifth in 20111/12 in the dutch scoring chart.
    Interestingly Sunderland are supposedly after Bas Dost who topped the chart in 2011/12 before moving to Germany where he managed only 8 goals , way short of the 32 he scored in Holland ,

    2012/13
    1 Bony Wilfried Vitesse 31
    2 Graziano Pelle Feyenoord 27
    3 Alfred Finnbogason Heerenveen 24

    2011/12
    1 Bas Dost Heracles 32
    2 Sanharib Malki Roda 25
    2 Luuk de Jong De Graafschap 25

    2010/11
    1 Björn Vleminckx NEC Nijmegen 23
    2 Dimitri Bulykin ADO Den Haag 21
    3 Mads Junker Roda 20

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    1. Ryan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Hmm, Firstly there is a big difference between around 30 goals and around 20 goals. The other key factor for me is that I haven't seen any of them play in the premier league so can't judge really.

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    2. TheSteel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      To add to this, Mateja Kezman was a multiple time top goal scorer with 30+ goals and one of the most prolific forwards ever in the Eredivisie. Mateja Kezman folks.

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      1. Just A Hat
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        It would bit harsh just to say Kezman failed when Suarez came from Ajax and adapted to the EPL straight away

        Also, its not like the Dutch league is terrible - I'm sure a lot of there teams could beat the likes of Stoke, Hull and Fulham

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      2. NABIL - FPL otai
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        Nice comparison. Not everyone from Erevidisie is at Suarez or van Nistelrooy's level.

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    3. Big Fudge
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Bony could be a good pick up once Swansea's fixtures get better, since he will have had time to settle. When do you reckon would be the best time to get him?

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    4. Root
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Bas Dost and Luuk de Jong were awful in Bundesliga last season.

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    5. Elniñorules
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Hmm Bas Dost also played 1000 less minutes than he did when he scored 32

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      1. Elniñorules
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        But point well noted. Really hard to generalize.

        Suarez and RVP are two examples on the opposite sides of the coin.

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        1. Twelve years a slave
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 11 months ago

          All i am pointing out is that if Bas Dost can score 32 goals in the dutch league then its not a very good league.
          I lived in the nederlands for a few years, it was a whila ago mind, but quite a few of the teams would struggle in the championship

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    6. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      The only thing this tells me is don't trust the goal charts in Holland.

      I will be staying well clear of Bony to start the season, and if he starts firing after those initial hard fixtures, he'll be in.

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      1. Twelve years a slave
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        Its interesting that Bony and The wolf were so easily bought. Especially when you consider that big clubs like Tottenham and Arsenal are crying out for a striker.
        I know Michu slipped under the rdar of the big clubs last year, but at least he had been playing in a top league

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        1. Hubert
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 11 months ago

          Agreed. Michu was the top goal scoring mid in La Liga prior to joining Swansea. This is the same league that had Xavi, Inieta, Ozil etc... totally different kettle of fish!

          This make interest in Aspas etc much more justified.

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  10. 1-1 at Newcastle
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    Another Poll lol:
    A) Hazard
    or
    B) Walcott considering you have no attacking coverage of either team?
    or
    C) Rotate them according to next few fixtures up until the Jan wc?

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    1. Big Fudge
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      If DGW, Hazard. If not, Walcott, because Arsenal have a great opening run of fixtures while Chelsea have Hull, United, then a bye. Rotating them could be risky, so you're better off just choosing one, then again, I do have both of them 😉 haha

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    2. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      No way i'm rotating hazard and wally if have them both. These type of players can score against anyone.

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    3. McTown
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      walcott imo

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  11. McTown
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    Anyone else think lukaku could be better value value then hazard, or more importantly will he play?

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    1. Big Fudge
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      If Rooney does go to Chelsea, it could make things even more difficult for Lukaku. Things are already tough since Torres and Ba were constantly swapping and changing at the end of last season, it's a risky pick.

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      1. McTown
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        yeah only an option if chelsea dont invest and mourinho puts faith in him, think ill keep an eye on the pre season games

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  12. Just A Hat
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    Rooney going to Chelsea would solve a lot of FPL problems

    Rooney in, Hazard out

    Kagawa in

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    1. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      I'm not sure I'd do that right away. Even if Rooney goes to Chelsea, no guarantees he'll play as the first choice striker, and Kagawa has yet to really have a chance to play his best position and Moyes' tactics may not suit him.

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      1. Just A Hat
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        Surely Rooney would go straight into the team or he will be just as furious as he is at Manchester United.

        Kagawa was magical at Dortmund, he would be a risk to start off with come the start of the season but I always like to have one sneaky player...it's Ben Arfa at the moment which doesn't fill me with any confidence :/

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      2. Twelve years a slave
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        We are in agreement on Kagawa

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      3. Elniñorules
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        Rooney wouldn't move if he isn't guaranteed a starting spot though. Not unless he gets double wages

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        1. Camzy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 11 months ago

          It's Mourinho. If anyone can drop him, it'd be him.

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          1. Just A Hat
            • 15 Years
            10 years, 11 months ago

            Dropping him implies that he is on a bad run of form, Mourinho wouldn't hesitate to drop Messi/Ronaldo if they werent playing well.

            Signing a one of the best English strikers for 40 million as your main transfer target only to bench him for no reason is completely different though

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            1. Camzy
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 14 Years
              10 years, 11 months ago

              Fair enough. But just because he's the 40 million signing doesn't mean he's going to perform. *cough* Torres *cough*

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              1. Just A Hat
                • 15 Years
                10 years, 11 months ago

                haha that is true and I do really like Hazard

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              2. Elniñorules
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 12 Years
                10 years, 11 months ago

                Oi. This is Torres big season. Biggest ever.

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  13. BigManBakar
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    Really cant figure out what to do

    A) Berba + Lallana
    B) J.Rod + Mirallas (already have everton cover)

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  14. GreennRed
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    Please rate my team. Currently thinking my only definites will be Stekelenburg, Westwood, Kaboul, Vlaar, Mirallas, Hazard, Walcott, Bale, B. Turner. All suggestions welcomed 😉

    Castel di Sangro :

    Westwood
    Kaboul, Vlaar, Azpilicueta
    Tonev, Mirallas, Hazard, Walcott, Bale
    Long, Aguero

    Stekelenburg, Rodriguez, B. Turner, Ramage

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    1. BigManBakar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Good team,but you never know with Kabou'ls playing time as well,remove ramage with ward or parr who are more likely to play (if you really want a palace defender)

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      1. GreennRed
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        Cheers. I only have Ramage cos he's cheap and seems more nailed on than the other 4.0m Palace defenders. Been checking a few fansites. It'll be Kaboul or Dawson, hopefully Kaboul cos he has slightly more goalthreat. I've just noticed thant Stekelenburg and Westwood/Mannone ain't the ideal rotation I hoped for is not as I read on the tin 🙁

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        1. BigManBakar
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 11 months ago

          Another change i'd suggest you make is tonev => silva and aguero =>berbatov/lambert

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          1. GreennRed
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 11 months ago

            Maybe after GW1. Tonev will prob have DGW in GW1. Might go Aspas as I have Rodriguez and don't fancy Berbatov just yet.

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  15. Koflok
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    Just helped my friend with his team. Surprisingly really balanced and good all around.

    Migno
    Walker - Evans - Luiz - Baines
    Gerrard - Wilshere - Kagawa
    Aguero - Sturridge - Lambert

    4.0 | Cabaye - Pieters - Thomas

    He's a 'big fan' of Stoke defense, thus Pieters and believe that Evans will be the main defender for MU this season.

    Although I would do
    Baines -> Coleman (better value) +2.5m
    Pieters -> Clyne (SOT > STO this season) +0.5m
    Gerrard -> Bale (he's Bale, and there's Studge already). -3m

    and maybe even
    Lambert -> JRod (again, value) +1.5m
    Cabaye -> Lampard (Chelsea cover) - 1.5m

    making a team of

    Migno
    Walker - Evans - Luiz
    Bale - Wilshere - Lampard - Kagawa
    Aguero - JRod - Studge.

    4.0 | Coleman - Clyne - Thomas

    Looking really good actually

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    1. Just A Hat
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      I was all set to triple up on Stoke defence this year until Pulis left 🙁

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  16. Manani
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    in attacking terms, which team do Hull rotate well with?
    planning on bringing in Graham.
    predicting 10 goals this season for him, and for 5.5m, 10 goals are value

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    1. BigManBakar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Palace

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      1. Manani
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        not much in palace....

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  17. BigManBakar
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    Would really like to know your thoughts about this

    Migs
    Kompany Coleman Collins
    Silva Bale Mirallas Hazard Coutinho
    Giroud Rodriguez.

    Subs:Gazzaniga,Turner,Chester,Gayle.

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    1. McTown
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      giroud has tempted me too, looking very good preseason, and means i can get haz over wally. but if arsenal sign a new striker giroud could be in trouble

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      1. BigManBakar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        Ha,wenger cant buy a kfc deal these days!

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  18. Saniul
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    Morning, DZ.
    Bored of tinkering your team, yet? I've decided I won't touch my team anymore until second week of August, after all the big transfers are done and all.

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    1. Elniñorules
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Heya Saniul, mighty congratulations are in order for Everton's surge up to 2nd place I believe. Top stuff by your gang 😉

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      1. Saniul
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        Ah, we are not done yet, ENR. 😉
        Win or nothing. 😀

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        1. Elniñorules
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 11 months ago

          Can't believe you pulled it off especially considering how you had 0 defs before this week. Skills.

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          1. Saniul
            • 11 Years
            10 years, 11 months ago

            Thought it would be easy to ship in some defenders, where there was more value.
            Exactly why we sold Cahill & Vermaelen to buy Reus.

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    2. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Morning Saniul.

      It's getting boring, but nevertheless it's good to tweak here and there and look at some possibilities.

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      1. Saniul
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        Yes, I know.
        I like reading these analysis articles, and following the pre-season.

        Sad how we missed out on Higuain. Would have been a very proper signing.

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        1. NABIL - FPL otai
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 11 months ago

          Higuain to Liverpool = a done deal already? Same summer all over again 🙁

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  19. Manani
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    is it very bad ethics to flash my card in poker after I steal the pot?

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    1. Elniñorules
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Depends who you're playing with. With mates, everything goes. In a casino, I'd avoid.

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    2. New Ghost
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      It's frowned upon. I still do it sometimes to psych out the table though.

      Don't do it against casino sharks.

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      1. Manani
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        as in those big boys in Casino?
        so do you do it in the small stakes table?

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  20. marty_mcfly
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    i want some city coverage in my team, but i'm struggling to decide who to get - negredo (depending on price), aguero, silva, fernandinho and navas all look like decent options. thoughts on who looks more promising and why?

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    1. Manani
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      silva most'nailed on'

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  21. svgcr
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    satisfied with my team for GW1

    foster(SOU)

    Merte(AVL) Nastastic (NEW) Turnes (EVE)

    Bale (cry) captain. Walcott (AVL) Hazard (HULL) Ramirez (wba)

    Aguero (NEW) Berbatov (sun) Altidore (FUL)
    _______

    Subs: Boruc. Thomas Parr Chester

    Thinking on swapping Silva for Hazard in GW2 and going with 3 citizens for the cardiff and hull games.

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    1. Saniul
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Good team, SVGCR.
      But it will take you just a hour to get unsatisfied of that, I'm telling you. 😉

      On another note, I'd rather have Rodriguez ahead of Altidore.

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      1. svgcr
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        yeah I know what you´re talking about, I have a different team every day haha!

        I really rate Altidore and I like how sunderland is shaping up. Oddly is the only player, besides bale, that I've kept in every draft. His going to be my gamble this season. Also, cant find any 6m mid that I like better than ramirez and I dont want to double on SOU

        thanks for the comment

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        1. Saniul
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 11 months ago

          Well, Ramirez will probably move to Roma. Keep an eye on that news. 🙂

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          1. svgcr
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 11 months ago

            wil do. cheers

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    2. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      That looks good actually. But imho, the risk you'd want to take is not Altidore but Van Wolfswinkel 😉

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      1. svgcr
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        thanks camzy! Yeah i've consider RVW, but I have a hunch this is Altidore´s season. Also like Sunderland's signing good wingers to feed the big guy

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        1. Camzy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 11 months ago

          Can't fault you for believing in potential. If you think he's the one, go for it. I just remember him playing for Hull City and being absolute crap, so I can't say I believe in his potential.

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          1. svgcr
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 11 months ago

            haha yeah he was crap in hull, but he was 19 years old back then. He´s still a young man, but he has scored double figures in his last 2 seasons in holland, and keeps scoring for the national team also. Think his ready for the PL. Thanks for the advice.

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    3. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      good team and planning.

      i was set on nasty too, but there's a chance that lescott is ahead of him in the pecking order now under the new manager, and there's Richards too.

      Altidore is nice differential. But i'd play it safe and avoid SUN forward for now.

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      1. svgcr
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        cheers. yeah we'll have to keep and eye on city's pre-season to see if nasty is nailed on.

        Who do you have as mid priced strikers?

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        1. NABIL - FPL otai
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 11 months ago

          Berba/Kone.

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  22. barca_xi
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    snodd+pienarr

    or

    silva+brady

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    1. Manani
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      b, if brady is a bencher

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

        ^this and koren better than brady!!!

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  23. Matt
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    Ok, over the past day and a half or so, I've let my team "ferment" haven't touched it, and I'd like to hear your views on it.

    Mignolet Given
    Mertesacker Nastasic Clyne Collins Chester
    Bale Walcott Mirallas Snodgrass Thomas
    RVP JRod Bent (assuming move to the toon)

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    1. Manani
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      no point 'assuming',
      if I am doing my assumption, I will have Giroud in my team, and Lukaku

      and noChelsea for their dgw, which gives you a poor start.
      othwise decent team with both RVP and Bale

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      1. Matt
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        if there's no point 'assuming' then why should I assume that there will be a chelsea dgw. i left out hazard because following hull on the first day they have man u away then a blank so pretty pointless bringing him in.
        i actually just saw bent might be heading to fulham instead to head their line, but this doesn't worry me since he'll play ahead of berba

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        1. Manani
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 11 months ago

          because Chelsea dgw is more likely than Bent move.

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          1. Manani
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 11 months ago

            and as the 'assumption' thing goes, there are so many 'assumptions' going on that it is not worth making any at this point.
            you should make a team as the current squad of the EPL teams, not 'assuming' what the team will be

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          2. Matt
            • 11 Years
            10 years, 11 months ago

            actually I doubt it, there is good reasoning behind why the dgw will not be gw1 and I've seen plenty of reports about bent going away from villa

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      2. Grounderz
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        But you're already assuming there is a DGW for Chelsea?

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    2. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Decent side. Maybe downgrade Mignolet and get playing keepers who rotate to cover when either has a tricky tie. Keep an eye on Robles, possibly Everton starter and whoever of Mannone or Westwood get the Sunderland spot or go 5.0 and 4.5.

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      1. Matt
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        thanks for the suggestion, but i think i'm sticking to the mignolet and 4.0 since in the past i've had a lot of problems picking the right keeper and it started frustrating me.

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    3. svgcr
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      One of the best RVP-BALE teams i`ve seen.

      No plans for some city coverage for those juicy fixtures?

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      1. Matt
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        That's one of my biggest worries actually. I am debating whether to go with Silva over Mirallas and then downgrade in other places, what are your thoughts on that?

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        1. svgcr
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 11 months ago

          Looks really hard to get Silva over Mirallas without having a really weak defense. I guess for that team is RVP or city

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    4. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Very good team that has both RVP and Bale.

      Only issues:
      1. Lescott may be 1st choice to partner Kompany. A wasteful lateral transfer for most of us if that happens.
      2. No CHE player if they run riot against Hull.
      3. I'd prefer a playing keeper as a sub. Oh well, you're still going to play Migs every GW so ignore it.

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      1. Matt
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        I addressed the Chelsea issue above. As for the Nastasic, I'm pretty confident he'll start and then he's a steal at 5.5

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    5. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      I'd worry about a lack of Liverpool and City, but it's a price you pay with an RVP team.

      City have amazing first few fixtures, so my approach is to build around that which means no RVP for me to start the year.

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      1. Matt
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        yeah, I think I might have to fit Silva in somehow, but for me I'm not starting without RVP since if I don't have him I can see myself taking plenty of hits trying to get him into my team

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  24. Manani
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    for the first day, everyone have Anelka in their team
    the 2nd day, there's only 1/10 Anelka left, and most people have Bony
    And now, it is JRod.

    I can see it being another striker like giroud in the coming days

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    1. Matt
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      JRod's been in people's teams since the start mate

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      1. Manani
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        not for the first few days, it is all
        Lukaku/Bony RvW Anelka

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    2. Grounderz
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      I've seen a fairly large amount of Rodriguez in RMTs when FPL launched for the coming season. If you must, van Wolfswinkel seems to have replaced the trend.

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    3. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Giroud will be in my team if Arsenal fail to sign another striker.

      But i need LR recommendation until then 😉

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  25. barca_xi
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    foster

    clyne,mertsacker,azpilicueta

    hazard,cazorla,silva,brady,

    rvp, lambert, berba

    sub: davis, thomas,chestar, perr

    or

    foster,

    garrido, mertsacker, clyne

    hazard,cazorla, bale, brady

    rvp, j.rod, berba

    sub: davis,chester, perr, thomas

    which 1 u prefer guys

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  26. Camzy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    Best new striker in the league at the end of the season?

    RvW
    Bony
    Altidore
    Aspas

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    1. Matt
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Altidore, he'll take the league by storm

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      1. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        What's with this new Altidore wave? He had one good season in Holland and all of a sudden he's the next big thing? I still recall him with this line at Hull.

        28 league appearances 1 goal.

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        1. Matt
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 11 months ago

          I've watched him a lot over the past year or so and I have to say he's improved a lot. Not only in his performances in Holland but also for the USMNT, he's a very forward and I can see him racking up the goals

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    2. Grounderz
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Haven't seen Altidore and Aspas enough to comment but I'd go for a pick between van Wolfswinkel and Bony - leaning towards the former due to fixture.

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    3. Just A Hat
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Bony!!!

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      1. Twelve years a slave
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        Ignore any goals from holland . I would rather believe the one goal for hull

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    4. Get up ya bum
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Aspas/Bony I reckon

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  27. Valar(Keith)
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    Since Everyone's making a RVP, Bale team.. here goes
    Foster Boruc
    Coleman Turner Clyne Collins B.Turner
    Bale Walcott Silva Snodgrass Koren
    Rvp Kone Gayle

    Not that bad right? Gayle/Koren rotation for home games. Really think Gayle's gonna be fpl gold this year(Penos, Focal point in a holloway team, No competition till December)

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    1. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      This is a good team. I've been thinking Gayle - Koren rotation all week, think i'm doing it.

      Coleman & Kone..too much love for Everton imo. Coleman > Toure if i were you.

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      1. Valar(Keith)
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        That is an option. Or even Kone to Aspas closer to season start. Dint think i'd manage an ok rvp team but i quite like it. Go ahead with Gayle/Koren. That lad Gayle is criminally underrated on here imo

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      2. Valar(Keith)
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        you reckon Foster Boruc or Migs 4.0? i kinda get scared with a non playing keeper

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        1. NABIL - FPL otai
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 11 months ago

          Migs 4.0 i did that last year and it went pretty well. I remember last year when i played Bego away and he kept a cleanie, while most people are on rotation had Foster at home and he eventually conceded. Never going to let it happen to me.

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    2. Matt
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      About the Gayle thing, it is in jeopardy if we manage to sign either Odemwingie or Carlton Cole (consensus around palace is that they'll have the deal with Carlton done tomorrow) then he won't be as pivotal as you would think. Just a word of warning

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      1. Valar(Keith)
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        dint know about Cole.. thought odemwingie would slot in on the left/right of the front 3. Gayle can be played even behind the striker, or left/right though so he'll still start. Though i get your point about him not being as pivotal 🙁 .. Thomas may find the bench too though if that happens as gayle/odem could play in his place

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        1. Matt
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 11 months ago

          no Thomas will definitely start, that's why he was brought in

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          1. Valar(Keith)
            • 14 Years
            10 years, 11 months ago

            damn.. may need a rework of my plans now. thanks matt

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      2. NABIL - FPL otai
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        If you get another striker, then the whole Koren-Gayle rotation thingy is definitely off. Cheers Matt for the info.

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  28. hellothere23
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    Any advice that you would give to this team? Decided to go with no RVP to make up for City's good fixtures.

    Boruc, Marshall
    Mert, Collins, Turner, Chester, Clyne
    Bale, Walcott, Silva, Snodgrass, Brady
    Aguero, Sturridge, JRod.

    Any views?

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  29. Djerbil
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    Which 4.5 GK rotates best with Mignolet??

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    1. Matt
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      if you're getting mignolet don't rotate just play every week

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      1. Djerbil
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        will do that. but still think its safe to spend the Xtra .5 to have a Backup just in case

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    2. Just A Hat
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Boruc, but I wouldn't bother rotating a 5.5 Goalkeeper - I have Mignolet/Boruc at the moment but Boruc will only play if Liverpool have a really tough fixture or Mignolet gets injured

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  30. Just A Hat
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    Who wants to help me solve this dilemma?

    Mignolet/Boruc
    Johnson/Enrique/Garrido/Clyne/Turner
    Bale/Hazard/Walcott/Mirallas/Thomas
    JRod/Aguero/Gayle

    So I obviously can't go into the season with Thomas AND Gayle, anybody see a solution? Maybe Mirallas isn't as important as I think he is

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    1. Just A Hat
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      I could downgrade Mirallas to lets say Snodgrass, Ben Arfa, Cabaye, Nolan and then use the .5 to upgrade Gayle to Anelka?

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    2. Valar(Keith)
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Johnson AND Enrique? Downgrade 1 to Coleman/Collins/Merte, Mirallas to Snoddy and Gayle to Kone/Aspas/Berbs

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      1. Just A Hat
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        Im a big fan of tripling up on one team in defense and I have good hopes for Liverpool + Enrique and Johnson always pop in with attacking returns

        I decided to drop Mirallas for Snodgrass then upgraded Thomas to Koren and Garrido to Coleman...Koren and Gayle too rotate hopefully!

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    3. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Not a fan of tripling up Defence, sorry.

      Johnson > 5.5 and Mirallas > Snoddy and use the cash to upgrade Gayle.

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