634x258 Members
11 August 2014 6408 comments
Paul Paul
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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.

Paul Is certain he won't make the same mistakes next season. Follow them on Twitter

  1. Sz21
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Hi all,
    This tweaking is getting serious..

    De Gea/Gilks- (Torn between DDG or Courtois- Speroni/Green rotation in fairness)

    Cahill, Wisdom, Pieters, Ward, Bartley
    Eriksen, Mata, Sigurdsson, Ramsey, Davis
    Rooney, Costa, Jovetic

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      1. Four Four Boyz
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        Good work Ryan. Never understood RMT's...so glad they have their own place.

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  2. vNistelrooy
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Which tottenham defender is nailed?
    Vertonghen is flagged unfit.

    i VertonghenTOT 6.0
    i Davies TOT 5.0
    i Dawson TOT 5.0
    i Walker TOT 6.0
    i Rose TOT 5.0
    i Assou-Ekotto TOT 4.5
    i Kaboul TOT 5.0
    i Veljkovic TOT 4.0
    i Naughton TOT 4.5
    i Dier TOT 5.0
    i Chiriches TOT 5.0
    i Fredericks TOT 4.0
    i Fryers TOT 4.5

    Kaboul and Naughton started 3 out 4 of their past friendly games

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    1. Ryan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      There will be too much rotation in the Spurs defensive line I think. I'll be avoiding.

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      1. @BigChrisso
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        I think Poch will settle on a back 4 for the league, and as soon as he does I'm jumping on a 5.0 spurs defender and forgetting about them. Spurs will do better this year at the back...

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        1. Ryan
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 4 months ago

          Yeah I agree, certainly worth monitoring till he does eventually settle on a regular starting 4.

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  3. OReiMessi
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Dzeko + Caulker/Ward, or
    Jovetic + Evans?

    Which one would you take? And why if possible, thanks!

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  4. raheemsterling
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    best two 4.0mil defence?

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    1. Pepereina Pizza
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Wisdom, Bartley

      IMO

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  5. AndyZ
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    who is the best midfield option for 4.5?

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    1. michaael01
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      id like to hear this - other than albrighton? someone unique

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    2. @BigChrisso
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Traore LWB for QPR, will play a decent amount i would have thought

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    3. Birds of Prey
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      El Ahmadi yamamama

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  6. Rambo Motin
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Siggy or Henderson? Am absolutely torn between the two

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    1. michaael01
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      siggy

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    2. AndyZ
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Siggy.

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    3. @BigChrisso
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      The crowd says Siggy, looking at the fixtures I'd tend to agree with them

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    4. Venom Snake
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Henderson plays for a better, more attacking team. But Siggy is going to have set pieces and a lot of general attacking play will go through him

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      1. @BigChrisso
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        Hendo plays next to Gerrard in CM yes?

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        1. Venom Snake
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 4 months ago

          This was what I thought until the game against Dortmund when Hendo played further forward

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  7. harrysponge
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    A or B?

    A) Jones
    B) Evans

    C or D?
    C) Eriksen
    D) Lamela

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    1. @BigChrisso
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      B and D

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  8. @BigChrisso
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Ok DZ, here's a question:

    A) Terry and Gomis
    B) Debuchy and Joevtic

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    1. harrysponge
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      A, Since Debuchy has some tough fixtures

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      1. @BigChrisso
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        thanks for the reply.

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    2. @BigChrisso
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      ****tumbleweed****

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      1. Aaron Ramessi - Straya
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        A 😉

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  9. The Consultants
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Yoshida nailed on?

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    1. @BigChrisso
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Until they sign another CB yes

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      1. The Consultants
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        Thx

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  10. The Blind Badger
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Who do you think will score more over the first say 6 GWs?

    Terry or Arnautovic?

    Vertonghen or Henderson?

    Evans or Snodgrass, Shelvey?

    Why not go bigger at the back? I'm currently running?

    De Gea

    Terry, Azpilicueta, Vertonghen, Evans

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    1. @BigChrisso
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Terry

      Henderson

      Evans

      I wont go bigger at the back as what defender has the ability to produce double figure points week in week out? Attacking players will score you the most points....

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    2. Four Four Boyz
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Woah! 4-4-2 formation? I can never bring myself to play 4 defenders...beefed up the midfield instead

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    3. Birds of Prey
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      rather have Cahill than Azp cuz of Luis minutes. Downgrade Vert to Debuchy for first weeks and see how CHE outside backs shape up gl

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    4. The Blind Badger
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Thanks for the replies guys. It is just a thought which I have played around with and it looks like I will be sticking. Would have to downgrade 2 of them to 4.5 to go say Bojan to Giroud. Currently I am running:

      DDG, Gilks

      Debuchy, Terry, Azpilicueta, Evans, (4.0)

      Mata, Ramsey, Fabregas (Siggy, 4.5)

      Rooney, Dzeko, Bojan

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      1. @BigChrisso
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        Double Chelsea defence? I was there myself a few weeks back. Keep Terry and Evans what ever you decide, they have the best goal threat or fixtures between them....

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        1. The Blind Badger
          • 15 Years
          11 years, 4 months ago

          Its Evans vs DDG for the 3rd ManU spot in my team.

          DDG nudges it due to the lack of a decent replacement 5.5 GK.

          Basically

          Debuchy and DDG or

          Evans and unknown 5.5

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          1. @BigChrisso
            • 14 Years
            11 years, 4 months ago

            right well when you put it like that I'd take DDG over evans

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  11. Pepereina Pizza
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    CURRENT defenders:

    Cahill (6.5) Ward (5.0) PvA (4.5) Bartley (4.0) Wisdom (4.0)

    I have .5m ITB and want to upgrade 1 defender.
    Keepers are Bego/Green, and I'm settled on those two for now, not looking to change them.

    Give me 1 upgrade suggestion, and MAKE THE CASE for why that's an improvement. Go!
    (secret bonus option: keep as is and start season with .5m ITB)

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    1. @BigChrisso
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      I would upgrade Bartley to Chambers, play Chambers GW1, hope Arsenal keep a CS, watch the casuals jump on hi, ride the price rise then sell for another 4.5 def who is nailed in GW2 or 3.

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      1. Pepereina Pizza
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        I've come back to this question several times over the last few days and it's Bartley who will get the axe, I think.

        I hate to premeditate a FT (for a 4.5m defender no less) but the angle is good.

        Have been looking at Coloccini/Haidara ... any thoughts on Newcastle prospects out there?

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        1. @BigChrisso
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 4 months ago

          The only way I consider Newcastle defenders is if they are part of a 3 way rotation

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    2. Aaron Ramessi - Straya
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      one of 4m ---> colo (rotation with pva)

      or

      pva ---> clyne (great fixtures + attacking threat)

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      1. Pepereina Pizza
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        Been burned at least once by Clyne injuries, but maybe I should give him another chance. I like PVA because he's my "one punt"; the only player in my team with (effectively) no PL experience

        I'll play with the season ticker... thanks again, buddy!

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  12. 11bigboy11
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Evans or jones?

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    1. The Hitch Hikers Guide to t…
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      jones but Shaw if you could

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    2. Pepereina Pizza
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      evans for me. Jones is Wes Brown 2.0 with those tackles

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    3. Birds of Prey
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      evans is coach favorite

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  13. mattmobster
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    My latest. Any thoughts??

    DDG
    Debuchy | Caulker | Wisdom
    Fabregas | Mata, |Sigurdson | Ramsey |Sterling
    Rooney | Costa

    Hutton | Ward | Zamora

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    1. Ryan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Post your team here on the RMT thread http://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2014/08/11/rate-3/

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    2. Birds of Prey
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      someone finally figured out how to get that midfield line.

      Good for one week only gl

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      1. Birds of Prey
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        backline that is actually the whole shebang

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  14. The Hitch Hikers Guide to t…
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Does anyone know if Lambert will start? And Will Swansea start bony even if he might switch to Liverpool. I doubt they would turn down Remy then Bony. But it is Liverpool.

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  15. Elly88 > KTR (Kevin The …
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Cahill+Eriksen or Luis+Sterling

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    1. Aaron Ramessi - Straya
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      id find a way to do Cahill + Sterling...first one

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    2. The Hitch Hikers Guide to t…
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Luis Had some nice crosses over the pre season. I want to get him but im pushing a low budjet Defence but will drop some players after a couple game weeks.

      Luis Sterling for me

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  16. john25
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Guys, been reading a few comments that Marriapa is nailed on. Can someone please explain this to me? I could really use the 0.5 saved from downgrading from Ward!

    Cheers

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    1. Aaron Ramessi - Straya
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      he is nailed unless they sign a left-back...however I think ward is well worth the premium

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    2. thegaffer82
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Read this and make your own mind up

      http://www.eatsleepsport.com/crystal-palace/mariappa-expected-to-shake-off-injury-1787800.html#.U-mY5-OSzfc

      I'm going for him. Benching him GW1 and hoping he is in the team by GW2

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  17. waldo666
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Anyone here playing Sportal DT this year? If so I have just created a league....code is 169298 if you wanna join up.

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  18. Walrus Eggs
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Anyone have the link for the probable starters google doc?

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      1. Walrus Eggs
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks. I was actually thinking of this one, which I have obviously now found: https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B03D_KnVF1fRNDd6M1h1cnkzbUE/edit
        But now I have both. Excellent.

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        1. Birds of Prey
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 4 months ago

          I was using this thx

          http://www.rotoworld.com/teams/depth-charts/bpl.aspx

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

    Which one would you pick?

    A) Siggy + Henderson + Krul + Terry (with Krul being my only keeper, Siggy and Henderson playing every week)

    B) Eriksen + Davis + Begovic + Ward (With Begovic being my only keeper,Eriksen and Davis playing every week)

    Thanks 😀

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    1. @BigChrisso
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      hey Freak.... I like B from those two options

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

        Thanks mate, pretty much the last piece in the Sturridge Rooney Costa jigsaw this. 🙂

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        1. @BigChrisso
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 4 months ago

          you mean the non RMT RMT you posted a few pages back?

          The way I see it is like this: (all based on fantasy points of course)

          Eriksen > Siggy
          Davis = Hendo
          Bego > Krul
          Ward < Terry

          Thoughts?

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

            I agree 100%, yes I was referring to the post I made a few pages ago. With the option you suggested, it would now allow me to get

            Bego (Gilks)
            Evans Ward Chester (Moore Hutton)
            Eriksen Davis Ramsey Mata (Marney)
            Rooney Sturridge Costa

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            1. @BigChrisso
              • 14 Years
              11 years, 4 months ago

              good stuff for the ultimate heavy hitter front line team

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    2. Aaron Ramessi - Straya
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      B for sure mate 🙂

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

        Thanks AR! 😀

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    3. The Blind Badger
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      A for me.

      3 potential keepers.

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

        Thanks TBB 😉

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  20. davies
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Best 4.5 defender? Chester an option, is he nailed-on?

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    1. Aaron Ramessi - Straya
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      yeah chester is good, so is pva

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      1. davies
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        Got them both, defence is pva, azpi and chester for gw1?

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        1. Aaron Ramessi - Straya
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 4 months ago

          yep looks good - azpi I better option than luis for me

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  21. yanky
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    I haven't checked news in a couple of days...team look ok?

    Foster (Guzan)
    Debuchy Luis Huth (Rio NTaylor)
    Mata Ramsey Fabs Ayoung (Siggy)
    Costa Rooney Austin

    Cheers!

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    1. Ryan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Over here mate, http://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2014/08/11/rate-3/

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      1. yanky
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        thanks!

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  22. john25
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Repost.

    Guys, been reading a few comments that Marriapa is nailed on. Can someone please explain this to me? I could really use the 0.5 saved from downgrading from Ward!

    Cheers

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    1. thegaffer82
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      I posted you a link to read on the last page that might shed some light

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  23. SpaceCadet
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Who is the best pick for a 6m mid? Already have sturridge so no hendo

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    1. Aaron Ramessi - Straya
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Sigurdsson although Hendo for me is better - don't worry about coverage

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      1. SpaceCadet
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        Liverpool has a few tough fixtures earlier on....so was contemplating having both hendo and studge in my team

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  24. harrysponge
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Best QPR defender at 4.5? D:

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    1. Aaron Ramessi - Straya
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Ferdinand

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  25. White Hart Kane
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Thoughts on this denfense?

    Begovic (Myhill)

    Cahill Ward PVA (Wisdom, Hutton)

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    1. thegaffer82
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      It's not too bad as for the (lack of) money spent. If you could somehow find 0.5 to upgrade one of the 4.0 players (to Colo perhaps), then it would be just dandy and allow you a tasty front 8

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  26. Venom Snake
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    If Liverpool end up signing Bony, will be lose his appeal? Won't be the top dog and loses penalties to Gerrard

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    1. Pepereina Pizza
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      I think Bony goes sideways,
      Sturridge appeal goes a bit downward (Bony not known for assists)
      and Gomis appeal way wayyy up

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      1. Pepereina Pizza
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        and Sigurdsson would probably go up in appeal as well

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  27. Sadio come here often?
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Would anyone have an idea as to what Liverpool's starting Defence would like gameweek 1, and going forward?
    Very interesting seeing what the scout ticker says about their opening 10 weeks based on 'clean sheets"

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    1. New Ghost
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      GJ/Manquillo --- Skrtel --- Lovren --- Enrique/GJ

      basically their back 4 in the match against Dortmund

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    2. Sadio come here often?
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      I'm guessing it will look something like:

      Johnson - Lovren - Skrtel - Enrique?

      Or will there be a changing of the guard with Flanagan, Manquillo, Sakho & Toure featuring?

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      1. New Ghost
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        lovren-skrtel is a sure bet imo, well until sakho gets back to full fitness.

        BR's already calling lovren the next jamie carragher

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        1. Sadio come here often?
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 4 months ago

          They will definitely play in the middle. I was hoping to find someone who may be nailed on in those fullback positions though.
          Could definitely see some value in an Enrique (who has been a pretty handy FPL player of the past), or a Manquillo at 5m in that liverpool defence.

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          1. New Ghost
            • 13 Years
            11 years, 4 months ago

            I would just avoid the fullbacks; flanagan and kelly can also play in those roles. pool will rotate because of their CL involvement.

            I have lovren in my team.

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            1. Sadio come here often?
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              11 years, 4 months ago

              That does look like the way to go, especially from GW1. Might just monitor the fullbacks for now.
              I think Lovren is a great pick. I just didn't want to pay 5.5m for him when i only have a limited backline budget anyways. You need definite starters from GW 1, and i dont want to be wasting trades in the first few weeks on defenders who aren't playing.
              Do we know yet if Mariappa is nailed-on, might have to drop Ward so i can get Lovren in.

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              1. New Ghost
                • 13 Years
                11 years, 4 months ago

                mariappa is nailed, for now. however:

                1) palace looking to buy a new LB (ward returns to RB)
                2) delaney is still looming at LB

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                1. Sadio come here often?
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 12 Years
                  11 years, 4 months ago

                  Fantastic stuff Juice. Thanks for the help.

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  28. Scab
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Morning All,

    couple of questions:

    1. Siggy still playing on the wing?

    2. I think Begovic is a better pick than DDG, Man u havent sorted out their def and with new system they need some time to adjust.

    thoughts?

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    1. The Blind Badger
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      I think Siggy will be back in the hole come game day.

      LVG got The Netherlands very solid with relatively unknown players in a tight time frame. So I am backing him in to do the same with ManU.

      Stoke are more attacking these days under Hughes.

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    2. thegaffer82
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      1) Nobody knows for sure, but the hope is that the 4-4-2 was a failed experiment and Siggy will be back in the hole come the start of the season

      2) If you can afford the extra and don't have a Utd Dfer, then yeh DDG is defo a better option in my opinion. The system seems to be working well in pre-season and we are set to see a totally different Utd than last season.

      I've gone Bego & Evans

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    3. Scab
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Thanks both, back to the drawing board

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  29. Elly88 > KTR (Kevin The …
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Coz of uncertainties is it worth avoiding Dzeko altogether and going with Giroud?

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    1. thegaffer82
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      I'm keeping Dzeko, but I definitely feel more worried than I did a week ago about it

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  30. SpaceCadet
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Hazard or fabregas????

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    1. White Hart Kane
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Haz

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