Members

Versus – Mata, Hazard, Sterling and Ramsey

There may be under a week left under the 2014/15 season gets underway but for many Fantasy managers, the midfield dilemma is yet to be resolved. In the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) game, in particular, the player price list has handed us numerous options to consider for our five-man midfields, with ten players coming in at 9.0 or over:

In this, our latest article for members, we take a look at four of the main contenders – Eden Hazard, Aaron Ramsey, Juan Mata and Raheem Sterling – currently on Fantasy radars.

Sterling has netted in two of his last four appearances and, after notching nine times last term, is backed by many to step up for Liverpool after Luis Suarez’ departure. Ramsey’s 10 goals and nine assists in just 23 appearances last season has catapulted the Welshman into the premium bracket at 9.0, with his strike in yesterday’s Community Shield handing us a timely reminder of his talents. Mata (9.0) has been one of Louis van Gaal’s star performers in the role in “the hole” in a new 3-4-1-2 formation, whilst the 10.0-priced Hazard, despite only returning to pre-season action last week, sits in 22% of squads ahead of fixtures against promoted pair Burnley and Leicester in his first two fixtures.

Casting an eye back to last season, then, we delve into the data and compare their respective displays. First up, we assess each player’s creativity and distribution.

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6,408 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Sushi Boks
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    I just can't decide. HELP!!!

    Jovetic or dzeko

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    1. Specialist
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Dzeko

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      1. Gazpilicueta
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        Dzeko

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    2. XhakaCan
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Dzeko

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      1. Won't sleep till after…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        Dzeko. Jovetic likely to be left out once Aguero is back.

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      2. Darren Caskey
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        Dzeko out of the 2, but I like Bony at the same price. Great fixtures GW2 & GW3, BUR and WBA.

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        1. berbatron
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          Is Bony sure to start the season at Swans? How has he been doing preseason?

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    3. kalmoffit
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Jovetic if you don't mind an early sale. Dzeko for longer term, but I think he wouldn't match Jovetic's points potential.

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      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        You need to look at it as jovetic -4 points or dzeko. Jovetic is a 1 wk only purchase imo, as soon as kun is back he's a bit part player again, whereas dzeko doesnt have a threat until negredo returns.

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    4. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      The only one worth buying is Dzeko. However, if you see Jovetic as a genuine threat, based on his preseason and community shield performances, then go without both.

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    5. Tomlette Greggs
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Jovetic for the first few gameweeks. Beyond that, it's anyone's guess what happens when Aguero's fit.

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  2. bvb
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    de gea
    luis debuch chester
    mata hazard siggy ramsey
    costa rooney bojan

    thoughts?

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    1. Gazpilicueta
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Very, very strong

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    2. wembleywarriorsfc
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      nice team. not a fan of bojan. I would go Austin for QPR's first 5...

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    3. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      I'm sorry, I don't like this very much.
      Luis - may not start
      Debuchy - YC waiting to happen
      Chester - rather have Davies or Rosenior
      Midfield is more in hope than expectation, Ramsey apart.
      Costa - unproven
      Banjo - really?

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    4. preseasonblues
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Nice team. Not 100% sure over Luis starting the season as 1st choice as not sure where fitness is. Cahill may be a better option to start off with.

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      1. Won't sleep till after…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        I think it's strong. I think Luis will be fine for starts, Debuchy is a cheap route into a strong Arsenal defence. Hazard, Mata and Ramsey are proven midfield talent, it just depends on where Van Gaal plays Mata, and it's worth having Costa because Chelsea's opening fixtures are great

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    5. Messi & fabregas
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      if u downgrade haz to fab then u can upgrade chester to lovren or any other 5,5 defender

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    6. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      You needs balls to start with Luis - he is doing my head in with uncertainty over starts. I wish mourinho would just give some clarity. Chelsea's #1 goalkeeper, if we could work out who it is, is prob best way into their def.

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    7. bvb
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      thanks lads

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  3. Gazpilicueta
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Super excited to go to the chelsea societal game today!

    who will we see starting at the back?

    And will it be the same 4 we will see in gw1?

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    1. Gazpilicueta
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Sociedad, stupid ipad

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    2. Yome
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Last friendly so I hope Mou fields his first choice back 4

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    3. Tomlette Greggs
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      make sure you're there by 7 to greet the new signings!

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  4. The Governor
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    For a cheap, 5th midfielder, isn't it better to go for someone with the lowest ownership, so there's less chance their price will drop?

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    1. Specialist
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Unless you get the one who does well and rises 1.0 in the first 5 or 6 gameweeks

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    2. Gazpilicueta
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Why are we talking bat 5th midfielders in a chelsea back line thread?

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      1. Specialist
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        ?

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    3. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      It is. Unless it's Davis. 😉

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  5. Jebiga
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Please thouts from Fantasy experts. I will really appreciate comments:
    So tempted with Jovetic, and probably i will play early WC on GW3...
    Chambers + 4 mil. defender can be transfered for 2 playing defenders for a hit...

    De Gea
    Wisdom, Chambers, Moore
    Mata, Sterling, Fabregas, Ramsey
    Dzeko, Costa(VC), Rooney(C)

    Sub: Myhill, Van Aanholt, Hutton, El Ahmadi

    Thanks

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    1. Elly88 > KTR (Kevin The …
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      This team has no defense

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      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        It's called Swiss Cheese.

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  6. cogs
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Rightio, hear lads.
    GW1
    Krul, (Speroni) - H/A Rotation
    Cahill, Evans, Ferdinand (O'Shea, Wisdom) Ferdinand and O'Shea rotate H/A
    Mata, Fabregas, Ramsey, Sterling (Siggy) Sterling and Siggy rotate H/A when needed
    Rooney, Jovetic, Bojan - Bojan also rotates with Siggy as Sterling will play most away games anyway!

    Pretty set! what do you think? will trade Debuchy in for Evans Round 8 if all goes to plan! and if Jovetic doesn't play i can bring in Pelle who has a good run after GW1! Keen !

    And lastly goodluck to all! not long left!

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  7. Whazza
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Anyone tempted by Nugent? Seems to be the main man at Leicester and only costs 5.5.

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    1. Heydudes13
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Not for those fixtures, never cut it in the prem and the better options for similar prices around him. (Wickham, Austin, Fletcher, Bojan)

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      1. Whazza
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        That explains the lack of interest, thanks Heydudes.

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    2. Elly88 > KTR (Kevin The …
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      you?

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  8. Elly88 > KTR (Kevin The …
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    And what is the consensus on Dzeko Jovetic issue.. Minipoll Pliz first to nine to help some of us undecided managers. I will publish the results so there we go..

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    1. cogs
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Jovetic IMO

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    2. Specialist
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Dzeko

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    3. Gazpilicueta
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      D

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    4. Irish Madridista ⭐
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Gotta love a big fat J taking center stage.

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  9. berbatron
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Why is Austin loved more than Hull strikers.. Jelavic and Long ?

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    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Three tasty Home games.

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    2. Heydudes13
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Jelavic is crap but Hull will be cursed by Europa hangover.

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    3. Specialist
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Might be something to do with Hull being in the Europa League

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      1. berbatron
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        fair shout

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  10. Fader
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Guys please RMT

    Guzan [Foster]

    Debuchy - Chambers - Kaboul [Cameron][Bruce]

    Fabregas - Mata - Ramsey - Sterling [Davis]

    Rooney - Da Costa - Bojan

    1m ITB

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    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Try the RMT thread.

      http://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2014/08/11/rate-3/

      Everyone is getting a reply at least there.

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  11. Nabs Kebabs
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Is Arnie nailed? started on the bench in the last friendly

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    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Dunno, anymore.

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    2. Geordienufc1
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      I am not aware of the pre-season situation, but I feel sure that he would be nailed on. One of their best players.

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    3. The Chosen One...
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      just saw the Pieters and Huth also started on the bench so maybe just a rest before the start of the season

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    4. BigManBakar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Nope.

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  12. Geordienufc1
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    I'm also being troubled by the city-fwd dilemma:

    Currently got jovetic, but looking for ways to get dzeko in by finding an extra .5:

    A) NTaylor -> Hutton
    B) Terry -> Luis
    C) Keep Jovetic

    Got to be A doesn't it? Cheers.

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    1. Gazpilicueta
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      A is a good option, but only if u really prefer dzeko

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    2. kalmoffit
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      C

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    3. Tomlette Greggs
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      keep him

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  13. Big4FPL
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Begovic
    Luis Cahill Evans
    Sanchez Mata Fabregas Eriksen
    Rooney Jovetic Bojan

    Bench: Gilks, Wisdom, Hutton, Isgrove

    Thoughts?

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  14. XhakaCan
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Dzeko v Jovetic poll here http://strawpoll.me/2323820

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  15. New Post
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    1. Proggy
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      ...or what EpicFail just posted. 😆

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    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Community article.

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      1. Proggy
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        Ah okay, cheers. I'm stIll a bit unfamiliar with the site.

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  16. Cyclone Will 1727997-382956
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    First attempt. What do you think

    Green

    Lovren Chambers Evans

    Henderson Barkley Silva Mata

    Adebayor Sturridge Giroud

    Speroni Sidwell Vlaar Figeuroa

    Cheers

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  17. KLOPPTOMANIA
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Sterling or Eriksen?

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  18. SILENTWAR
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Sturridge or Sterling as season keeper?

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  19. pompeyfan
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Has there been any comment from Poch about the likelihood of Vertonghen playing gw1?

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  20. stelam
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Thanks guys

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    1. Backonthecoupon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Does anyone know where I can get PPG stats for last season? Searched everywhere

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  21. knightrider
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    A) Ward and Erikson

    or

    B) Cahill and Siggy

    ????????

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    1. RoelDw
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      BBBB

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    2. sumatera
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      A

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  22. RoelDw
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    A) Ramsey, Pellè

    B) Sanchez, Austin

    Can't decide..

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    1. sumatera
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      not keen on Pelle or Austin

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  23. jernej93
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Please RTM 🙂

    Krul (Myhill)
    Debuchy - Terry - Shaw (Upson, Bruce)
    Ramsey - Mata - Hazard - Sigurdsson (Albrighton)
    Costa - Rooney - Bojan

    What do you think about Sanchez/Ramsey, which one is better option? Or should I go both over Hazard?

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  24. Mickychez07
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Best striker for 5.0?

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    1. sumatera
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Naitsmith or Kane I think

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      1. sumatera
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        Naismith* - does anyone know if he is likely to play?

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        1. A.T
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          Good chance he'll start the season but will be rotated quite a bit as time goes on I think.

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          1. sumatera
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            9 years, 9 months ago

            Is there any chance Martinez will play two up top?

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            1. A.T
              • 13 Years
              9 years, 9 months ago

              Very unlikely. 4-2-3-1 seems to be his favoured choice. Maybe a 3-4-3 at some point.

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              1. sumatera
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 14 Years
                9 years, 9 months ago

                Thanks very useful info. I think I'm leaning towards Fletcher for the extra 0.5

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    2. sumatera
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      extra 0.5 gets you Fletcher - good fixtures and nailed on

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      1. Mickychez07
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        Thanks!

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  25. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    What's everyone's thoughts on jack Rodwell as a cheap 5.0 mid. Nailed on and is an attacking midfielder....

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    1. sumatera
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      unknown as he hasnt played first team football for so long

      one to watch but not really a starter IMHO

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  26. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Fair point. What's everyone's thoughts on Stephen Ireland? He's been playing in the hole...?

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    1. sumatera
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      really, hadn't considered him TBH - that would be a bargain no 10 at 5.0

      Unproven in that position/role

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  27. martskimart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Can't decide on 3-4-3 or 3-5-2, but currently going wit 3-4-3

    Mannone (Pantillimon)
    Lovren, Debuchy, Evans (Bruce, Wisdom)
    Fabregas, Coutinho, Young, Nasri (El Ahmadi)
    Rooney, Giroud, Sturridge

    Any thoughts?

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  28. The Woyzeck Warriors
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Great overview but I am missing Silva and Eriksen in the overview.

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  29. Leeroy357
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Thoughts on the Stoke and Palace starting defences? Do Cameron and Mariappa have any chance?

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