The Knee Jerk

The Knee Jerk – Saturday

The Knee Jerk returns in a new, digestible format. An instant response to the matches or matches of the day, offering a quick appraisal of the protagonists and dilemmas posed.

Day one, and already Fantasy managers find themselves re-addressing their “big decision”. Conveniently, a precocious talent on Merseyside may just offer a ready-made solution.

The Game Changer

It was clear that the decision on Robin Van Persie would again split Fantasy Football managers down the middle. Owned by 43% of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers, there were vast waves of support for the argument that his huge 14.0 price tag was too much of an obstacle, that value could be found elsewhere to compensate for his undoubted consistency.

That might still be the case, as Christian Benteke and Danny Welbeck demonstrated, but Van Persie’s superb brace at the Liberty this evening will have prompted early doubts.

Those without Van Persie must now decide whether to remain firm and back their initial policy or consider extensive emergency surgery to acquire him. Should Van Persie return again at home to Chelsea, then big investment could arrive over the international break ahead of the delicious Old Trafford clash with Crystal Palace in Gameweek 4.

If 14.0 looked too much this morning, we can only imagine where Van Persie will be in a few weeks if he shows that acclaimed consistency.

Van Persie really is the biggest test of the “jerky knee”.

The Underused

There was every chance that Ross Barkley would benefit from Darron Gibson’s likely absence in the Everton midfield, and so it proved.

The 19-year-old capped what was described by Roberto Martinez as an “outstanding performance” with a sweetly struck goal to hand the Toffees the advantage at Carrow Road. While that was eventually surrendered to a debut strike from Ricky van Wolfswinkel, Barkley had done more than enough to have us Fantasy Managers take notice.

Barkley is owned by less than 2% of FPL managers and yet, at just 4.5, offers obvious appeal as a fifth midfielder for those now frantically looking for a route to recruit Van Persie.

Can he retain his starting role? It’s perhaps doubtful but in Martinez he’s playing under a manager who will give young talent a stage to impress. Barkley will surely start at home to West Brom next weekend and that might just be good enough for plenty of Fantasy managers.

The Selection Poser

The absence of Robert Snodgrass in today’s Norwich lineup was a bitter blow. According to Chris Hughton, a groin problem kept him out of the reckoning and allowed new signing Nathan Redmond to sparkle. Hughton did indicate that Snodgrass’ problem is minor, having been “touch and go” for today’s clash. The Norwich boss also stated that the Scot would have started over Elliot Bennett, offering some reassurance that Redmond’s performance will not be a cause for further doubt for Snodgrass owners.

The Norwich City lineup does create further issues, however. Steven Whittaker’s strike underlines his case to retain his start at right-back, although we can surely expect Seb Bassong to earn a recall once fully fit. It remains to be seen if club captain Russell Martin will oust Whittaker at full-back, or whether Michael Turner will eventually come under threat.

Arsene Wenger would love such options. With injuries to Kieran Gibbs and Bacary Sagna, coupled with Laurent Koscielny’s dismissal, the Gunners rearguard is now in tatters. Already deprived of Thomas Vermaelen, Wenger looks set to a patched up back four to face Fulham next weekend. Those who invested in Per Mertesacker and Wojciech Szczęsny will already be considering an exit route.

Mark Mark created the beast. He's now looking to tame it.

1,937 Comments Post a Comment
  1. just a man
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Last minute change from Cyne to Shaw paid off. 12 points.

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    1. Alton E.
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Well played.

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    2. Call Me Old Fashioned
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      I did the reverse last night 😥

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  2. aehii
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Why did people pick Coleman? What did I miss?

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    1. Alton E.
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      He was supposed to play midfield at some point.

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    2. Woy of the Wovers
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      We got lucky.

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

      He's attacking, as shown today

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    4. GlasgowFF
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      I picked him purely through influence from this site.

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    5. Nice1Cyrille
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Oh nothing much except pre season form... value... attacking defender...

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  3. Valar(Keith)
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Aspas looked good today.. very central too. hmmm

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    1. little_wizard123
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Very - Coutinho was often further from the front. Johnson more attacking as well because of Aspas' position closer to Sturridge. Not sure what'll happen when Suarez is back though.

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  4. GlasgowFF
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    When are leagues updated?

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    1. just a man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Next half hour or so I reckon. Usually shortly after bonuses.

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

        Cheers

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

    Didnt do my bench SILLY mistake thinking rat would play!!! instead of getting shaw on (12 points) im left with Ben turner (1 point))

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  6. Deicide
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    I want to kill myself.

    A shoot in the head is painless, right?

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

      Are you a On Direction fan?

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

        One

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

        Disgusting band

        Deicide fan here.

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    2. the axolotl
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      like a bamboo shoot? pretty sore i'd wager

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    3. Valar(Keith)
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      i hear cutting your b@lls of is a relatively painless way to go

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

        I shall pass.

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  7. Heydudes13
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    I have Ivanovic over Luiz anyway *lol*

    Thanks to those who replied.

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  8. r0nh
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Airplane is one film4+1

    Funny 🙂

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

      Funniest. 😉

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

        Naked Gun? 😀

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    2. Count of Monte Hristo
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      TDKR for me

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  9. Valar(Keith)
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Reid gonna be a legend this season.. his stats always fantastic and they translate into bps now. happy i got him over collins even though i was forced to cause of the injury

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    1. gford33
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      i penciled in rat...EPIC FAIL..luckily for me shaw comes in

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

        I have Rat, luckily for me Clyne comes in...oh.

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

      sold rat for him yesterday.

      thks doos

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  10. gford33
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    so after bonus points where we all at points wise so far?and how many players u have left to play?

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

      40 with Ivanovic, Hazard (c) and all 3 strikers to go

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

      52 with Soldado, Haz (C) & Benteke
      Removed Coleman & Shaw but would have benched them anyway (since I wanted to play Kosc for some reason lol) so no big deal, hats off to those who played them

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  11. ACCOUNTING ON CHRIS
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Thoughts on Olsson (Norwich) does he have a future or will he always come on for 4 minutes and ruin my fpl life?

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

      Norwich fan here: He's a little risky imo, I can see him being used when we need to close down a game in place of a winger. That brings the possibility of playing out of position but it's not going to be nailed on.

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  12. FISSH
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    On 48 with Ivan, lampard, hazard, soldado still to play, and bentekers

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  13. Hazardous
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Can i hold wildcard off for my one day (no price changes?)

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  14. Konig Luther
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    giroud 8 pts...I'll take it

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

    Good to see the knee jerk back. The article that is, not some of the crazy comments on here 🙂

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  16. DropPointsNotBombs
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Leagues updated!

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  17. Twelve years a slave
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    I wonder how many didnt have Coleman due to having RVP?

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  18. superronniewhelan
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    47 with terry silva hazard(c) lukaku and soldado to go, unfortunately shaw on bench, also begovic was man of match in pool/stoke game

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

      I'm one point ahead of ya with the same amount of players to play yet. But I have Ivan and lamps. Also benteke for his 2nd game though

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  19. Heydudes13
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Right, who has Dzeko here?

    Gut feeling... Do you think he'll start...

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

      yes

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

        dont have him though

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    2. Mithrandir, the Grey Pilgri…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Yes! I stuck with him since my first draft. He goes GW4 for me anyway, but a couple of goals by then will do.

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    3. Oldman Unathletic
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      I have Dzeko. I honestly haven't got a clue if he will start. Taking Pellegrini at face value he should. However, I wouldn't be shocked to see anyone of the other strikers playing.

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  20. @Bryan
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Glanced at some key stats from today's games (from whoscored.com). It's a small sample size, but a few thoughts on the popular players.

    Analka: Like most of West Brom, it was a barren day. No shots, no KP.A real humdinger.

    Coleman: 2 shots, 1 on target and 2 kp. For 5m, ill take that. Baines in comparison had one shot, 5 kp.

    Mirallas: 3 shots, none on target. No KP. Nothing special, but nothing to panic about either.

    Coutinho: 5 shots, 1 on target, 6 KP. A good days work.

    Sturridge: 6 shots, 3 on target, 1KP. Again, productive, very healthy numbers.

    Walcott: 1 shot, 3kp. Off day for him and the gunners, except for...

    Giroud: 6 shots, 1 on target, 2kp. Still missing allot, you'd like the 2nd figure to increase, but shed loads of potential here.

    Benteke: 5 shots, 3 on target, 3 kp. Beast.

    Michu: 4 shots, 3 on target, 2kp. Very decent numbers.

    RVP: 7 shots, 3 on target, 1kp. The complete package.

    Anyways, I hope this does not tread on the scouts toes, all of the data is available on the net. But scout membership breaks it down much more and without the hassle of looking around. 🙂

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    1. the axolotl
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      i think coutinho will be an assist meister this year. maybe not a real proper goal scorer but some of his passes today were sublime

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

        yep. The new Cazorla, and he'll get a few goals, just nothing prolific

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    2. Valar(Keith)
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Giroud benteke and sturridge upfront look just fine.. thanks 🙂

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

      Thanks for this. I'm very interested to see if Bony will start on a regular basis after today.

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    4. Corrigan
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      super post, cheers

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

      Walcott was awful today, but he rarely needs to play well to score big. Still keeping the faith, have to really.

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      1. @Bryan
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 7 months ago

        It's him, or Giroud. Walcott still the safer option. For now.

        Although, Rosický had a very decent match. If he keeps his place, might come into contention as a cheap 4th mid for those looking to get RVP in.

        Though barkley and Karami might have something to say about that!

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  21. Rasping Drive
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Why can't Wenger manage to sign any big names? They obviously have enough money, so is it wages?

    If they go out of the CL to Fenerbahce (which based on today's performance is quite possible), do you think he might be in for the chop?

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

      its wenger he wont play market value but pays according to his valuation i.e if he thinks higuain 23 mill he will pay it but not what real ask for i,e 34 mill

      STUCK IN THE PAST

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    2. SW6
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Wenger won't be sacked mid-season. Would be very disrespectful if he was.

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  22. FISSH
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    48 points
    No RVP
    Ivan, hazard, lampard, silva and soldado still to play as well as bentekers 😉

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  23. Christina.
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Can't wait for next week this time.

    then all the coleman owners will prob have a change to cry.

    you got to love fpl

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

      He probably won't repeat his heroics of today but Everton could quite easily get a clean sheet against WBA

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

        True.

        Big feck up from me to not own him.

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

          you werent the only one to wait on his form for Martinez.

          I saw the two conceded coming, didnt see his wonder performance though!

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

    i know these posts are normally frowned upon but screw it..1 bap takes me up to 19 points 😎 thankfully the downvote feature has been taken away or i would not have bragged in yer faces..haters gonna hate

    https://i.chzbgr.com/maxW500/7736606208/h805CDE69/

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

      😀

      Big day tomorrow, Chelsea and Soldado

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    2. Oldman Unathletic
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Always love your gifs Optimus.

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    3. Oldman Unathletic
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Your team is scarily close to mine. I have Foster/Boroc, Kim 5th Mid and Collins/Clyne/Turner.

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  25. Costa in Wengerland
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Oh God
    Shaw on my bench !
    9 points :O

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    1. Costa in Wengerland
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Oh mY God
      Its 12 !!!!

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

      12 POINTS 3BP I SHARE YOURE PAIN 🙁

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      1. Costa in Wengerland
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 7 months ago

        Thanku for being with me 😉

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

      I have Barkley and Coleman on my bench, not so bad 🙂

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

        Me too and they'll take a midweek bus ride into my team

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

          Me too hopefully

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      2. Costa in Wengerland
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 7 months ago

        Ooooops

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    4. Rasping Drive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      It's an Exclusive Club 🙂

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

      Right there with you.

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  26. Jump in Micah
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Anyone remember yesterday evening when I was raving about Ross Barkley and how much of a bargain he is and couldn't believe how no one had mentioned him and I got ridiculed?

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

      To be fair, where does he fit in once Gibson comes back from injury?

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      1. Jump in Micah
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 7 months ago

        he is there star man this year

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      2. Scottys Army
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 7 months ago

        I would be tempted to have him as my 5th mid and he could bring in useful points that way as first sub.

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        1. Jump in Micah
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 7 months ago

          even if he is sub better than than a def mid who just picks up yellows!

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

      He has been talked about quite a bit on the site in recent weeks.

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

      He's only in for Gibson. People want regular starters so Barkley comes with a risk. Good punt anyway.

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      1. Jump in Micah
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 7 months ago

        I reckon he is a regular this season

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

        It's more like Barkley took up Osman's role with Osman deputising for gibson in the deep role. I think Osman is more likely to end up on the bench mf once Gibson returns, even apart from the goal Barkley was sparkling and he didn't give the ball away in risky positions like he did too often last season.

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

      Is he in your team though? Lots of talk and now action on here

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      1. Jump in Micah
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 7 months ago

        yep he is!

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

          Then be glad people ignore you! 🙂

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

        Yep, on the bench though

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    5. Torched999
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      cool story bro

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  27. gford33
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    61points with ivan,hazard,lukaku,soldado,silva left to play...cant b bad

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  28. Corrigan
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    The striker situation is absolutely fascinating. When the game was released, I strongly considered 3-5-2. Now there are a raft of options and (though obviously early doors), we've yet to see any established mid come good (Nolan aside).

    Ultimately, I think a heavy hitting outfield 10 will outscore an RVP team. Just need to wait for the midfield heavy hitters to hit top gear, hopefully starting with Hazard!

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

      David Silva. 😉

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

        favourite player but I can't ever see me owning him in FPL

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    2. Scottys Army
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Nolan always starts strong and tails off

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

        he's a funny FF player, but you're right

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

      Yeah, I tend to agree. I just don't see how a front line of RVP/Jrod/Anelka (or two very cheap mids) is going to succeed.

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

        definitely. Patience in the likes of Walcott and alternative captains have to be the way long term.

        But then again, to ignore RVP completely seems folly.

        Jury's still out. Perhaps the answer lies with the likes of Collins and Clyne? But, I like you, is a little tired of v cheap defence...

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

          Very cheap defence is the way to go. And going with instincts it's what makes this game so fun!

          Don't let people on here tell you otherwise

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  29. Dial Square
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    BPs for Shez is laughable!!!!! He was abysmal today.

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    1. gford33
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      the new system does seem abit poo

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  30. sameer sohail
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    anyone who watched WBA game how was anelka is it worth keeping him in the team

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    1. Scottys Army
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      i heard he was dire

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

      He played just as expected. He was lazy, uninterested and not committed

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