Feature

The Burning Question – Who Are Mourinho’s Untouchables?

After a long, drawn-out summer of Fantasy inactivity, the new season is almost upon us. We’ve just over a week to go now yet, for many, plans are still tentative, with the futures of Luis Suarez and Gareth Bale still playing a significant part in how we assess the upcoming campaign. The uncertainty doesn’t end there, though, and with plenty of further questions to pose, we turn to the site contributors and moderators in the first in a series of opinion pieces leading up to the big kick off.

We get underway by garnering thoughts on Jose Mourinho’s installation to the Stamford Bridge hotseat. The Chelsea manager’s previous stint was famous for his Fantasy-friendly “Untouchables”, with many of the Blues first-team turning out to be automatic picks. This time around, though, the selection process seems a little less than straightforward and with Mourinho having plenty of options available, we consider who’ll be the mainstays of his side over the campaign.

Andy says…
Given that Chelsea have a double Gameweek coming up in the very first round I wish my thoughts on this were different. I would love to say that I think the Brazilian pair of the charming young Oscar and enigmatic David Luiz will be safe but I don’t believe their positions are as secure as I’d like them to be. Even Juan Mata, Chelsea’s player of the season just gone by, is probably going to be struck down by a bout of rotation along the way.

I don’t think Jose Mourinho has gone crackers and will begin to ignore his best players – but he quite simply has an abundance of options at his disposal and will use them as his side fight on multiple fronts. Name a player you expect to start and within seconds the Chelsea squad can throw another name back at you on parity.

I’m inclined to only think Petr Cech has got a safe spot in the team and Ashley Cole comes a close second – with all due respect to Mark Schwarzer and Ryan Bertrand. A few weeks into the season we might have a clearer picture as to who Mourinho will prefer and can maybe begin to consider adding the likes of Eden Hazard and Branislav Ivanovic -or whomever- to that list. Until that happens, I will be vigilant and extremely wary, though Wayne Rooney will be a lock if Mourinho can prise him away from Old Trafford.

In Tommy We Trust says…
Over the years, the “Special One’s” teams have had a common bloodline ingrained into every squad he controls. These are simply described as power, pace and will-to-win at all costs. The basics and mental approach of his players are fundamental to Mourinho’s selection policy, with a stubborn cohesiveness installed in every player’s mind-set when they put on the jersey. Whether it was John Terry, Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba in his first stint at Stamford Bridge, Lucio, Wesley Sneijder, and Diego Milito at Inter Milan, or even in his previous regime at Real Madrid with Sergio Ramos, Xabi Alonso and Ronaldo – Mourinho takes talented footballers and elevates them to the next level. His quotes taken from our Moving Target article earlier this summer points towards instilling these values into this young Chelsea squad.

My selections that best fit these criteria are Ashley Cole, Ramires and Eden Hazard, with the latter attracting the biggest interest from Fantasy managers. The Belgian had a successful first season in the Premier League, with nine goals, 16 assists and 22 bonus points in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) game – a total of 190 points saw him finish seventh overall. Hazard has recently insisted there is more to come, pointing out his record while at Lille. For me, he can take that next step in his career under Mourinho and become the world class playmaker Chelsea anticipated when bringing him to these shores last summer.

As for Cole, he is now a figurehead – mature in his nature and a cornerstone from Mourinho’s previous reign – he may be 32 now but Cole remains one of the best left-backs in the world. Ramires, meanwhile, is the typical midfield engine, twinning the positional awareness of Claude Makelele’s awareness with a strength and stamina that allows him to make those transitional runs from defence to attack. He may not replicate the Fantasy returns of those midfielders further up the field but if the assurance of starts is key to your initial squad selection then you can do much worse than consider the Brazilian.

Green Windmill says…
Unfortunately for Fantasy managers this is probably a list with just one name on it – Petr Cech (although as Iker Casillas can testify, even big name goalkeepers can fall out of favour with the Portuguese). Whilst Mourinho’s previous spell in charge of Chelsea seems to have garnered him something of a reputation for keeping rotation to a minimum, a glance through his Real Madrid teamsheets from last season tells a different story: Cristiano Ronaldo started more games than anyone else for Madrid but even he was missing from the starting XI on eight occasions. Given that a player of Ronaldo’s calibre is subject to being rested under Mourinho, Fernando Torres, Romelu Lukaku and Demba Ba look set to be shuffled continuously.

With the embarrassment of riches available and the hope that a successful season would see them play around 60 matches, it seems unthinkable that Mourinho won’t utilise a strict rotation policy. Despite all this, even if double Gameweek 1 wasn’t a factor it would be a brave manager who didn’t fit at least one Blues player into their team. If we accept that rotation is inevitable, the key is then coping with it when it hits – a strong bench may well be essential this season.

Mark says…
It’s questionable whether there is such a thing as an “untouchable” in this new Mourinho era. To his credit, Jose has been candid and handed us Fantasy managers plenty of pre-season clues as to his thinking on his first choice XI. However, while we can be fairly certain that he considers the likes of David Luiz and Juan Mata key players, there is no question that their talents will be handed rests on occasions with Chelsea’s schedule set to pile-up as the months roll on.

The rotation policy will be clear to us almost from the off. The early double Gameweek offers an immediate poser with back-to-back home matches with Hull and Villa, proceeding one of the biggest fixtures of the season – the trip to Old Trafford. That’s three Premier League matches in the space of eight days, culminating in a game that Mourinho will surely prioritise.

There’s no doubt that Jose will be looking to get his strongest side on the pitch for the United clash – fresh and prepared for the challenge. That will surely impact on his selection for the Stamford Bridge clash with Villa and offer immediate clues as to his rotating cast.

I’d go so far to say that only Petr Cech and possibly Ashley Cole are placed to play all three matches – even in their case, Mourinho has options that could be brought in to do a job against Paul Lambert’s side.

Where does that leave us Fantasy managers? We have to make the decision as to whether the likes of Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku can provide value given that periods of rest and rotation will arrive. Whether the security of others in their price bracket can offer stronger returns. We also have to be prepared for frustration and play the long game – knee jerking because Hazard was rested to the bench is not a desirable scenario and one that, over the season, any Fantasy manager could regret.

Working with Jose is not going to be easy but it could undoubtedly pay off for those willing to strap themselves in for the ride.

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5,121 Comments Post a Comment
  1. HST
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Can anyone recommend a 4.5 mid who will start regularly?

    Cheers

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    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Colback, Meyler. Maybe Ravel Morrison. Thomas is injured.

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    2. hassanmac
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Not really. Thomas is injured. I don't like Colback. I've heard good things about Barkley, Mutch and Pozuleo but they don't inspire. Morrison might be worth a look due to his pre-season form but £4.5m is not a pretty place. If you can stretch a little bit further the players at £5m (Koren, Kim, Dorrans etc.) are different class.

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    3. Tomlette Greggs
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      I'd think Grandin of Crystal Palace, as well.

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  2. Matt
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    If Sturridge is fit, would you go with him or Benteke considering I already have 3 Chelsea?

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    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Sturridge isn't fit - at least, not in any match practice sort of way.

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      1. Coldplay
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 7 months ago

        Sturridge just said he is fit and good to go if he is selected against Stoke.

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          1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            10 years, 7 months ago

            Well, I don't believe him. 😕

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    2. S.Kuqi
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      About Benteke on dgw. He need to score atleast one to beat Cech if he gets 1 cs + save points. And You need to take a hit or have strong bench on gw 3 to get rid off 3 Chelsea player and Benteke.

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    3. HST
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      In GW 1 there is always uncertainty and going on the facts we have Benteke is playing 180 minutes, amazing pre season form and on pens, hard to ignore even with tough fixtures.

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    4. SC not pearls before swine
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      I'm going benteke unless Rodgers comes out and says "Sturridge is 100% fit and I mean to ride him hard" and I'm having Cech as one of my Chelsea 3 so no hit needed.

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  3. FORCA INTER
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    did i spend too much at defence?

    Ming , 4.0

    Terry , Kosh , Toure , Brayford , Cheaster

    my front 7 are more less set up and

    sorry for repost , bottom comment at last page 🙁

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    1. Rödallegabomb ᴿᴮ
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Well, that is exactly my defence, only I am torn over Cole/Ivanovic for a Chelsea defender.

      As long as you plan a move like Terry>Coleman then no, you haven't spent too much. If you're still worried then get Collin in over Coleman.

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    2. IL Fantasista
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      If you're not going with RVP you can afford to play with such defense. IMO

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    3. Spencer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      I like it Forca

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      1. Rödallegabomb ᴿᴮ
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 7 months ago

        Cole or Ivan?

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        1. Spencer
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 7 months ago

          I prefer Ivanovic. But that could be because he did so good for me last GW1.

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  4. tom66
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Pre-Season Goal Tally:

    Giroud – 8 Goals, 7 Apps
    Benteke – 7 Goals, 5 Apps
    Anelka – 7 Goals, 7 Apps
    Lukaku – 5 Goals, 7 Apps
    Dzeko – 4 Goals, 7 Apps
    Aspas – 4 Goals, 7 Apps
    Berbatov – 3 Goals, 5 Apps
    Rodriguez - 3 Goals, 6 Apps
    Soldado – 1 Goal, 1 App
    RVP – 1 Goal, 5 Apps

    Man U fan but can’t justify RVP atm (Currently have Giroud, Benteke, Anelka – with close eye on Soldado/Aspas for GW2)

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    1. Jairzinho
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Don't think we should read too much into this, but useful post. Thanks

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      1. tom66
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 7 months ago

        Agreed - Quality of opponents and minutes on the pitch do skew the results a lot.....but bear in mind RVP's opponents were the easiest of the lot....looking forward to the Community Shield!

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    2. Kostja
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Boselli

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    3. SC not pearls before swine
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Ug. Suddenly I don't feel as good about Giroud and benteke. Having boselli/graham flashbacks.

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    4. Ryan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Yeah thats a fair stat about RVP. United really are getting off to a bad start.

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    5. NATSTER
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Thanks for the info. Btw, I don't think RvP played 5 matches.

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      1. Ryan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 7 months ago

        Some would have been from the bench. Minutes played would have been a better stat I guess.

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  5. hazza44
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Thoughts and advice on my team pretty happy. Thinking of ditching RVP to strengthen up the rest of my squad.

    Migs Davis
    Mert Coleman Collins (Shaw, Brayford)
    Hazard Mata Nolan Mirallas (Thomas)
    RVP Dzeko Anelks

    thannks

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  6. Kerrazy
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    awesome 7.0mil mid that rotate well with Whittingham ?

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    1. Moin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Snodgrass 6.5

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    2. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Whittingham may not be first choice. Speak to Malcolm Tucker.

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  7. Rödallegabomb ᴿᴮ
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Last night I dreamt that Cahill got 28 goals against Hull.... A sign of things to come? 😉

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    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Wild Rover will be overjoyed. 🙂

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      1. Rödallegabomb ᴿᴮ
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 7 months ago

        Haha yes, it will be typical Cahill though, had him the last 2 seasons when he scores, and then sell later once his price has hit the ceiling.

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    2. Optimus.
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      *28 minutes 😉

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  8. theBoose
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    let's see what damage can be done here..

    migs
    zaba/ivanovic/yoshida
    hazard(c)/walcott/r.morrison/coutinho
    soldado/giroud/aspas

    mcgregor/olsson/sissoko/ramage

    have 1 in the bank for ivan > baines gw2

    i have sissoko now as i dont want to take the hit to get in newcastle cover after the city game but is having ravel as my fifth mid and playing him gw1 too much of a risk? or is sissoko too much of a punt?

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    1. Rödallegabomb ᴿᴮ
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Do the simple swap of Giroud>Lukaku and Aspas>Dzeko. You don't want to double up on Arsenal and Liverpool attack when you have one DGW in attack and no City.

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      1. theBoose
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 7 months ago

        only thing with that is that i don't see dzeko being nailed on at city, even with pellegrini's words and aquero's injury. giroud is in fine form and leading the line for a solid arsenal run of fixtures. getting lukaku also means a it in gw2 to git rid of him.

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  9. deadpool
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Is a punt on Micah Richards reckless and ill-advised ?

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    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Not if it's a punt ...

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  10. Moin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Coutinho or Gerrad...or instead go with sturridge as forward?

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    1. Tadic is the new Eriksen
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      coutinho if you wanna play it safe

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  11. GK
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Mentioned on the last page - any reason not to go Szczesny + Toure over Mignolet + Koscielny if it means saving 0.5m and upgrading elsewhere?

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    1. hassanmac
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      I've recently done the same after realising the saving. My only concern is if Liverpool buy a CB or Arsenal buy a GK.

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    2. SC not pearls before swine
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      I think only the risk that pool will another center back to displace kolo. ditto with szcz, wasn't arsenal flirting with Cesar earlier this month?

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      1. GK
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 7 months ago

        Flirting but never saw it through. If imagine that would have been an easy one to wrap up - cheap, player lives in London, don't imagine wages would have been astronomical. Wenger being Wenger I wouldn't be surprised if they don't address the issue this transfer window.

        I think ill stick with the above and just keep an eye out for any impending deals from either club.

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  12. UnitednationsXI
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Got an rvp team so looking for CHEAP 😀 defense that rotates well.

    boruc foster
    cole xxx xxx xxx xxx....got about 17m to spend.
    miralas hazard wally lallana koren
    rvp lukaku dzeko

    - the plan is to do downgrade cole and upgrade lukaku/dzeko >> soldado in gw3. So
    1) for my defense, i was looking at chester parr collins saylor/turner..hoping they rotate
    2) i could downgrade foster to speroni who also rotates well with boruc and then use the 0.5m saved to upgrade one of my 4.5m def to either coleman/toure/dawson which makes my defense look a lot better.

    The 2nd question is the more important one...

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    1. UnitednationsXI
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Also, between amorebieta and saylor, who is more nailed on

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  13. It’s A Joke
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    One defender, to play all year, never benched, money no object. Who should this defender be?

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    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Vertonghen, this year.

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    2. King Nemanja
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Baines or Evra

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    3. IL Fantasista
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Baines

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    4. ILOVEBAPS
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Baines

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    5. Moin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Kompany - good player and captain.
      Agger - one of the most imp. player in Liverpool's squad so no chance of being benched.

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    6. potatoace
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Kompany

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  14. champion_elect
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Mark, PLEASe focus the next upgrade on getting the "stay logged in" feature to actually do what it says. Every other site manages it....

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    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      +42. 😀

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  15. Mork calling Orson
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Best 4m defs;
    Turner
    Chester
    Parr

    Best 5m mids;
    Kim
    Koren
    Garvan

    Sound about right?

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    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Mulumbu.

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    2. jhill89
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Brayford?

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      1. A Defender's Nightmare
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 7 months ago

        Was unused sub yesterday! You think he's sure starter?

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    3. Matt
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Parr ➡ ward

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  16. jhill89
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    right, I don't think Bale is leaving however I don't think he will play vs Palace if he doesn't play for Wales. Time to take him out of my team 🙁

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    1. ILOVEBAPS
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Am going to do it too. Can get him later.

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    2. hazza
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Did the same thing today, buddy. Sux 🙁

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      1. jhill89
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 7 months ago

        on the upside I have a bit of money to play with!

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    3. Grimmaldi - Send in the Clo…
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      I think out of the three transfer sagas this is the least likely to go thru. It seems less and less likely that Real have offered the cash all upfront.

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  17. King Nemanja
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Koren and Anelka rotation anyone?

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    1. FC Tinker
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Yes.

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  18. LPiazon
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Rate My Team: Still deciding on: Cole v Ivanovic | Silva v Michu | Coleman v Toure

    Boruc (Mannone)
    Cole, Coleman, Collins (Brayford, Parr)
    Hazard, Coutihno, Oscar, Silva, Johnson
    Benteke, Soldado (Anelka)

    Plans for trades are after GW1
    Cole>Toure/Man City Defender
    &
    Oscar to Walcott/Cazorla

    Thoughts please

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    1. hazza44
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      nice team

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  19. champion_elect
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Praying that Morurinho's press conference give a straight out position on Lukaku playing. Striker slots are precious but the fear factor of ommitting him...

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    1. Kostja
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Im thinking about getting him too as my 3rd chelsea player unless Rooney signs

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      1. potatoace
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 7 months ago

        If Rooney signs, don't expect it to happen until after three man u match.

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        1. Kostja
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 7 months ago

          I agree

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    2. si
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Unlikely he will. I see him, Ba and Torres all as likely to start. Good chance Lukaku won't start either game.

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      1. champion_elect
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 7 months ago

        If he get's a hattrick off the bench in the first game he may start the second 🙂 And I'm so scared the git will do just that if I don't put him in.

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      2. Kostja
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 7 months ago

        I cant see that being true, he has not been trusted the most in the pre season with no reason. I see at least 1 start for him

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        1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 7 months ago

          This ^^^. 🙂

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  20. si
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Tonev sounded lively yesterday and on set-pieces. Anyone joining in?

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    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Not today, thank you. 🙂

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    2. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Set-pieces eh? And Benteke to get on the end of them tasty Bulgarian crosses 😉

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      1. si
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 7 months ago

        Think it was also his through-ball for Benteke to win the penalty.

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        1. GreennRed
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 7 months ago

          I didn't see any of yet, just keeping an eye on Villa. I think they'll do well after some tough openers. The bones of the young squad that battled together to stay up are still there. I have Benteke but keeping a close eye on Vlaar, Clark, Baker, Weimann, Bacuna, Tonev. Goona go with Kim as cheap mid for now, doing great in preseason.

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    3. tom66
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Looks a decent player and would have a punt if the fixtures were a bit kinder - but have Benteke for DGW already and can't justify 2 Villa players atm

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    4. Ryan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Too early to take a punt

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      1. si
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 7 months ago

        £5m mid playing behind Benteke, on set-pieces and with a DGW to start? Who at this value isn't a punt anyway?

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        1. Ryan
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 7 months ago

          Not getting a cheap mid 😉

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  21. LPiazon
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Rate My Team: Im kinda keen on Johnson with an easy opening draw, and is in pretty good form, Could one tell me what Position he's playing under the new coach & also Still deciding on: Cole v Ivanovic | Silva v Michu | Coleman v Toure

    Boruc (Mannone)
    Cole, Coleman, Collins (Brayford, Parr)
    Hazard, Coutihno, Oscar, Silva, Johnson
    Benteke, Soldado (Anelka)

    Plans for trades are after GW1
    Cole>Toure/Man City Defender
    &
    Oscar to Walcott/Cazorla

    Thoughts please 🙂

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    1. LPiazon
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      whoops double post (ignore)

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  22. Jairzinho
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Michu and Dzeko, or Mirallas and Soldado?

    I've been on A forever, but B seems to be the more popular combo on here.

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    1. IL Fantasista
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      B for me.

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    2. Tim Canterbury
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      What's the rest of your team

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    3. Papinade
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      I've got B...feels safer

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  23. yer old da
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Anyone find a weakness here?

    Mignolet
    Cole, Zabaleta, Coleman
    Hazard(c), Walcott, Coutinho, Mirallas
    Soldado, Lukaku, Dzeko

    Bench: Ravel Morrison, Brayford, Parr

    Obviously Lukaku/Dzeko become Lambert or someone if they don't play, but worth a punt given GW1 fixtures etc.

    Obviously

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  24. NATSTER
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Hi,

    Not a good timing for me on business trip before FPL season starts. Not much time to update.

    Mignolet - Boruc
    Ivanovic - Toure - Collins - Turner - Brayford
    Silva - Hazard - Walcott - Mirallas - R.Morrison
    Lukaku - Dzeko/Giroud - Sturridge

    A) I'm still thinking between Double City Silva+Dzeko or Double Arsenal Walcott+Giroud.
    B) Should I go Sturridge over Coutinho?

    RMT please.

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    1. ILOVEBAPS
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Coutinho over Silva methinks.

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      1. NATSTER
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 7 months ago

        Thanks. I probably have to drop Sturridge then.

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  25. Manani
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    hazard+lukaku or Hazard+Oscar?

    If Oscar, I am planning on bringing in benteke too

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  26. Tim Cahill
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    a) Sturridge and Mirallas

    b) Silva and Aspas

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    1. Kostja
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      I wont go near Aspas this whole season

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      1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 7 months ago

        Why? 🙂

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        1. Kostja
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 7 months ago

          Well he is playing too deep for a striker- like Jovetic. Not a natural goalscorer, and probably takes lots of shots outside the box. Looking at last season stats he is one of the worst strikers in the PL this season looking at conversion rates. Id say he will get 9-10 goals max this season

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    2. Moin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      a

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  27. FORCA INTER
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    what's your defese strategy??

    manny RMT's have this template defence :

    -Cole/Ivanovic , Collins , Turrner , Shaw , 4.0 = 6,5+4.5+4.5+4.5+4= 24M

    if you get Terry instaed of Cole/Ivanovic you can have other 2 big hitters for only 0.5M more

    Terry , Toure , Kosh , 4.0 ,4,0 = 6+5+5.5+4,0+4.0 = 24.5M

    you can play Kosh and Toure every week and expect better pts than with budget options

    for exacly those reasons i am going with

    Terry , Kosh , Toure , 4.0 , 4.0

    it's not like that 4.0M player will even player

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    1. Ryan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Terry won't start every week. Liverpool are looking for a new CB who would be in direct competition with Toure. The 4m defenders aren't reliable.

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      1. FORCA INTER
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 7 months ago

        Terry is a dgw punt anyways

        i will downgrade him for Dawson or Coleman

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        1. Ryan
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 7 months ago

          He will only start 1 game. So not really a DGWer

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          1. Kostja
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 7 months ago

            currently they only have 2 fit CBs so I dont know why you think so?

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    2. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Adrián (Jääskeläinen)
      Koscielny, Reid, Ivanovic

      Subs: Boruc; Yoshida, Chester ... 1.0

      Ivanovic to Walker for GW2. Much the same as yours, really.

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      1. A Defender's Nightmare
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 7 months ago

        Doos, how do you have 4 Hammers- Adrian, Jussi, Reid, Ravel? 😯

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        1. Biggerlips
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 7 months ago

          Doos, how do you have 3 keepers? 😯

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    3. Manani
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      I would get terry, if I am planning for short term.
      I am planning having a chelsea defender the whole season

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  28. FC Tinker
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Where is the Soldado v. Negredo analysis, number crunchers?

    Same price. New to the league. Both Spanish... Should be an interesting comparison.

    I haven't seen much of either player, but based on the games yesterday, I'd say both are good picks, but Soldado would edge in to my team, because he is guaranteed to play and is on penalties.

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    1. Grimmaldi - Send in the Clo…
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      I think you answered your own question, the one which is guaranteed games is the best bet.

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  29. IL Fantasista
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Thomas is injured? Best options for 5th mid besides him?

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    1. injury_prone
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Ravel Morrison, 4.5 and has had a great pre-seaon, not 100% starter but looks a good bet.

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  30. Rockstar17
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Boruc

    Coleman - O'Shea - Rat (McNaughton) ( Whittaker)

    Walcott - Silva - Oscar(C) Kagawa (Tiote)

    Soldado - Van Persie - Anelka

    Any opinions? Was going to go for Toure instead of O'Shea but I've went off Liverpool totally - also considering Chadli instead of Kagawa so I could take a punt on Weimann for DGW

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    1. A Defender's Nightmare
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Get rid of those 3 subs & buy better ones
      Rest all good 🙂

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      1. Rockstar17
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 7 months ago

        Any suggestions? I know Tiote will hardly score any points
        Ive a Season Ticket at Celtic - Whittaker and McNaughton are very attack-minded but I'm not sure if they both will play most weeks and will struggle for Clean Sheets anyway

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