[sbu_large_image] Scout Notes
24 August 2014 2731 comments
Paul Paul
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Aaron Ramsey grabs his second of the season as Arsenal salvage a draw at Everton. Diego Costa and Eden Hazard both find the net as Chelsea see off Leicester, Gylfi Sigurdsson picks up an assist in Swansea’s narrow win over Burnley, while Aston Villa’s budget backline continues to impress with another clean sheet at home to Newcastle.

Ramsey Sparks Gunners’ Comeback
The Welshman’s never-say-die attitude continues to serve up the Fantasy points after he fired Arsenal’s first in the 2-2 draw at Goodison. Arsene Wenger’s initial line-up raised hopes for Alexis Sanchez owners after the Chilean was fielded up front but his half-time withdrawal, allied with Olivier Giroud’s equaliser off the bench, backing up his manager’s post-match claims that he’s not yet physically ready. Ramsey’s second goal of the season once again strengthened his case as the Gunners midfielder of choice – suspended for the midweek Champions League clash against Besiktas, he’ll be well rested for next weekend’s clash with Leicester.

After the match, Wenger revealed Giroud picked up an ankle problem towards the end and admitted “it doesn’t look too good”, with the Frenchman’s owners eagerly awaiting further prognosis before assessing their alternatives.

At the back, Callum Chambers kept his place at the heart of defence in spite of Per Mertesacker’s return. Perhaps with one eye on the upcoming Champions League second-leg clash with Besiktas, the Gunner boss chose to bench Laurent Koscielny after the Frenchman picked up a knock prior to last Tuesday’s first-leg – while it’s yet to be seen whether Chambers can nail down a regular role, it’s clear Wenger isn’t afraid to utilise the youngster in order to help Koscielny and Mertesacker cope with the busy schedule.

Naismith’s Form Continues
Fielded in a central striker role with Romelu Lukaku deployed wide right, the Scot scored for the second time in as many matches in yesterday’s four-goal stalemate with Arsenal. Picking up maximum bonus points in both his appearances, Naismith is staking a clear claim as the budget forward of choice right now with the 5.0-priced striker seems poised to continue in the central berth in either a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3. Lukaku picked up an assist over his 76 minutes but, significantly, was playing with a toe problem which reportedly required painkilling injections before yesterday’s outing.

Elsewhere, Leighton Baines owners will be twitching nervously after another blank from the Toffees left-back. With fellow full-back Seamus Coleman opening the scoring in his first start of the season, Baines has yet to justify his lofty 7.0 valuation at a time where a number of cut-price backline contenders are starting to cement roles in their respective starting XIs. With Chelsea, Liverpool and United in the next five, the Toffees defence could find defensive points hard to come by.

Another Clean Sheet for Villa
Paul Lambert’s new-look backline chalked up their second successive shut-out yesterday after a goalless home draw with Villa. The midlands outfit mustered just nine clean sheets in 2013/14 but already look far more resilient this time around, with Alan Hutton, at 4.0, the standout budget contender for the Villains. The likes of Ron Vlaar, Philippe Senderos and Aly Cissokho all offer options at 4.5 in FPL, though while next week’s home clash with Hull offers further chances of returns, the subsequent five fixtures (liv, ARS, che, MCI, eve) will offer enough of a deterrent for non-owners right now.

Costa Nets Again
It’s two goals in as many appearances for the summer signing, whose strike just after the hour mark finally broke the resilient Leicester backline. The runaway leader of this week’s Captain Poll, Costa’s instant impact at the Bridge has now persuaded 40% of FPL managers to snap up his services and with Newcastle, Swansea and Villa in the next four, he looks poised to continue his early-season form.

Elsewhere for the Blues, Eden Hazard got his account up and running with the second in a 2-0 win, though with Cesc Fabregas picking up a third assists in two appearances, the debate over the two will continue to rage on. At the back, Jose Mourinho kept faith in the backline that started against Burnley, with Filipe Luis once again on the bench. Branislav Ivanovic continues to serve up the attacking returns, with the right-back adding an assist to Monday’s header in the 3-1 win at Turf Moor, couple with maximum bonus: he’s currently the leading points scorer in the FPL.

Hammers off the Mark
Big Sam’s side took advantage of managerless Palace with a 3-1 win at Selhurst Park. The Eagles have now shipped five goals in their opening two fixtures now and with the resilience instilled by Tony Pulis quickly ebbing away, many owners of the likes of Joel Ward and Julian Speroni may be thinking twice in spite of a decent upcoming run of fixtures.

For the Hammers, the scoreline reflects the attacking potential highlighted in Gameweek 1. Allardyce’s side registered 18 attempts last week, with 12 inside the box, but failed to find the net at home to Spurs – yesterday there was no repeat, with the decision to hand Mauro Zarate his first start proving pivotal. Fielded in “the hole” behind Carlton Cole, the little Argentine fired the opener before Stewart Downing and Cole ensured West Ham earned their first win. With Liverpool, United and a trip to Hull in the next four, though, the short-term schedule is far from straightforward.

Saints Blunted by Baggies
Ronald Koeman’s first home match in charge of Southampton ended in a goalless draw as the hosts were unable to find a way past Ben Foster in the West Brom goal. While nine of the next 10 fixtures are very much in the Saints’ favour, Fantasy managers are clearly prepared to wait for new boys Graziano Pelle and Dusan Tadic to invest, with the duo currently owned by just 2% of FPL managers. Koeman started with Pelle as the lone forward but the half-time introduction of Shane Long saw Steven Davis hauled off, suggesting the latter’s pitch time may be in question.

Wisdom in the Points
West Brom’s first clean sheet under Alan Irvine vindicated Andre Wisdom’s 7% of FPL owners, after the youngster served up a couple of bonus points. Fielded at right-back once again by the Baggies boss, the on-loan Liverpool man continues to rival Villa’s Hutton as the bargain basement defender of choice, though while the Scot appears nailed-on for Paul Lambert’s side, we’ve yet to see where Wisdom fits in Irvine’s plans once Cristian Gamboa is fully fit. Like Hutton, the upcoming schedule suggests Wisdom owners may be happy to bench him – trips to Swansea, Spurs and Liverpool and home clashes against Everton and United in the next six look tough for defensive returns.

Sigurdsson Ticking Over
The Swansea playmaker retained his role in “the hole” at home to Burnley as Garry Monk resisted the chance to pair Wilfried Bony and Bafetimbi Gomis up front. Drafted in by an incredible 380,00 FPL managers last week after his 13-point haul at Old Trafford, Sigurdsson once again demonstrated just how crucial he will be for the Swans this season after teeing up Nathan Dyer for the only goal of the match. With home matches against West Brom, Southampton and Newcastle in the next five, the Sigurdsson bandwagon shows no signs of slowing.

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2,731 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. rickardinho
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Krul (Begovic)
    Clyne, Lovren, caulker (chambers, wisdom)
    Ramsey, fabregas, Sterling, Sigurdsson (Davis)
    Costa, Rooney, Naismith

    I've made my FT (Bojan>Naismith) but have 3.0 itb. Is there a transfer I should be making for a -4 hit?

    I'm thinking Naismith will start ahead of Davis, but with Chelsea up next for Everton it might be better to do Davis>Tadic/Eriksen/Coutinho for -4 and bench Naismith. Thoughts?

  2. Price Change Site Issues
    THE Wild Rover
    12 years, 2 months ago

    TotalFPL report that 'The Price Change section is temporarily affected by a change at FPL's end. We will wait to determine if this is a temporary or permanent issue.' Could this mean we lose the price change advantage we have over the 'casual' if whatever it is becomes permanent? 😯

    1. Lallana_
      12 years, 2 months ago

      I think they might go back to the old system

      1. Kip
        12 years, 2 months ago

        i hope so

      2. THE Wild Rover
        12 years, 2 months ago

        Which was?

        1. Robareid
          12 years, 2 months ago

          Second rise in a week takes twice as many NTI, third rise takes thrice and so on

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

      Yes unless they work out another way to get the figures.

      1. THE Wild Rover
        12 years, 2 months ago

        How do they get them atm?

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          12 years, 2 months ago

          Strip data from the site. Slows down FPL etc. Probably catching on but could easily be temporary. Could be a change of code stopping the data being extracted.

          1. Lallana_
            12 years, 2 months ago

            yup bots could be slowing down the site. similar thing happened on FIFA 14's ultimate team

            1. Twisted Saltergater
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              12 years, 2 months ago

              All players becoming protected status suggests a flag was placed on all players for a very brief period, no? Would be easy for FPL to do then revert back, messing up the price sites.

              1. Gaz Downright
                • Has Moderation Rights
                12 years, 2 months ago

                that would be cool.. leveling the playing field a bit

                1. Nabs Kebabs
                  12 years, 2 months ago

                  it was already level..not hard to find TFPL or FISO..

        2. Woy of the Wovers
          12 years, 2 months ago

          *How did they get them.... I feel sorry for the poor casual. Only spends a bit of time selecting their team yet still get abuse here when their selections end our beating our own despite the effort we put into it.

    3. JT's Dog
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Would be shame with effort these guys put into these sites to lose them

    4. Nabs Kebabs
      12 years, 2 months ago

      that will be fecking shit

      1. Fitzy.
        12 years, 2 months ago

        Potty mouth.

    5. MJ6987
      12 years, 2 months ago

      They may have done it to level the playing field further.

    6. Mílanista
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      12 years, 2 months ago

      I remember at the start of last season the threshold for rises was higher for a week or so (something like 60k NTI for each rise) then they cut it once the manic activity slowed. Might be doing something similar or reverting to the system of the last few seasons. Siggy only getting his third rise this morning with all the new owners is ridiculous.

    7. Twisted Saltergater
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      12 years, 2 months ago

      I quite like it. Perhaps it will calm down some of the transfer movement. Coutinho has dropped 0.1m having played just one game ffs! Not a great pick last year but I'm quietly confident so am keeping.

  3. SW6
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Surprised there isn't more of a Roberson bandwagon. 4.5 OOP defender for a solid team with good fixtures. The kind of thing FFS dreams about 😉

    1. Cars and Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Who?

      1. SW6
        12 years, 2 months ago

        Robertson, Hull.

    2. THE Wild Rover
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Many already have a Hull def though

      1. Cars and Mané
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        12 years, 2 months ago

        Ah. Yeah, already happy with Chester.

    3. Chris_White
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Shut up!!! 😉

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

      maybe its because there isn't a player called Roberson in the game? 😉

    5. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      12 years, 2 months ago

      hull defender and fpl dreams....

    6. Piggs Boson
      12 years, 2 months ago

      He has a lot of competition though, doesn't he?

      1. SW6
        12 years, 2 months ago

        Not sure, from what I've read he was excellent against QPR.

    7. kalmoffit
      12 years, 2 months ago

      I've bought him for my iteam. Which tragically is looking much better than my fpl team.

    8. Twisted Saltergater
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Am watching the situation closely! Does he play on the same flank as Rosenior? Would expect some rotation if so.

      1. SW6
        12 years, 2 months ago

        He plays LM/LWB and Rosenior in right I think. Boyd is the competition I think. Promising that he started the first game of the season though.

    9. Sarnab
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Shhh

    10. andyinasia
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Prolly many like me were waiting to see if he was nailed on. Seems he is, so a result today could see a wagon start rolling.

    11. Jax
      12 years, 2 months ago

      they're not that solid

  4. Elwood
    12 years, 2 months ago

    How are you finding UFPL. Found the start quite straightforward but I bet it gets tough in a couple of months 🙂

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Rank?

      1. Elwood
        12 years, 2 months ago

        210 🙂

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          12 years, 2 months ago

          Nice if you have quite a few coming in.

      2. THE Wild Rover
        12 years, 2 months ago

        Ranks mean little until the last day with so many subs and captain changes to be made

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          12 years, 2 months ago

          I know as answered above 🙂

          1. Elwood
            12 years, 2 months ago

            Got Aguero, Rooney, sterling and someone else.

            It'll never last!

    2. Bubz
      12 years, 2 months ago

      You just reminded me to do my team. Thanks

    3. THE Wild Rover
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Love it but having to take a few punts due to an unexpectedly decent day yesterday

      1. Elwood
        12 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah, my back like did particularly well.

    4. SW6
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Really enjoying it. Will start to get really tough around November I think when the injuries mount up.

      1. THE Wild Rover
        12 years, 2 months ago

        Yep, the good or bad use of loans will sort a few of us out

  5. Mílanista
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    12 years, 2 months ago

    150 minutes until the Lamela bandwagon commences.

    1. Piggs Boson
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Can't wait 😀

      1. Mílanista
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        12 years, 2 months ago

        Mata afterwards, big day for the midfield.

  6. Stats King-@football2space
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Man Utd Best Alternate fomation 4-2-3-1. Any thoughts ?

    ................................DDG
    ............. Rafael Jones Evans Rojo
    ....................Herrera Fletcher
    .................Mata Rooney DiMaria
    ................................RVP

    1. Cars and Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Potentially. Looks better than persisting with 3-5-2. Still needs a cb though

    2. Wilshere Knowledge
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Mata on the wing? He is rubbish there.

    3. johnbarnes
      12 years, 2 months ago

      I'd play 4-3-1-2 with Mata in the hole and Herrera-Fletch-ADM in midfield. and I'd shift Rojo at RB to play Shaw LB

    4. Nabs Kebabs
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Mata won't play wide.

      1. Cilly Bonnolly
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        12 years, 2 months ago

        I don't see the three behind RVP as left, right and centre. Easily able to interchange with each other and be fluid.

        1. Nabs Kebabs
          12 years, 2 months ago

          i do though.

          that is the wing mate, no matter how much they interchange one of rooney or mata will be wide, they are both crap in that position.

        2. Wilshere Knowledge
          12 years, 2 months ago

          Either way, one of Rooney and Mata will have to support the full backs in defence. Man U need to stop shoehorning the best players, and build the best team.

    5. Cilly Bonnolly
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Looks good to me. Shaw at left back when fit and Rojo slotting into central defence.

    6. MJ6987
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Mata out of his best position though

    7. Piggs Boson
      12 years, 2 months ago

      4222 a la City is an option.

      I don't think LvG will change his system though, that would require another pre-season...

      1. Davido989
        12 years, 2 months ago

        That's still having Mata operating a bit wide. It's an option but that formation is for teams with 2 solid central midfielders.

    8. Davido989
      12 years, 2 months ago

      RVP/Rooney. 1 will be unhappy. Or Mata will.

    9. Brutus619
      12 years, 2 months ago

      4-1-3-2 is super risky but might be best to use against "weaker" teams.

      Assuming everyone is fit:

      ...............DDG

      Rafael, Jones, Rojo, Shaw

      .............Herrera

      Januzaj, Mata, Di Maria

      ........Rooney, RVP

      It's defensively fragile but just look how strong that attack is! Especially with Shaw - I think our next purchase MUST be Strootman & Coleman. Shaw and Coleman would be amazing to bomb down the wings too.

      1. Lucy.
        12 years, 2 months ago

        Herrera isn't tough enough to play that position. Need someone who is super combative.

        1. Brutus619
          12 years, 2 months ago

          Not against bottom 10 teams imo. We could even do a 4-1-2-1-2 (Diamond) so that Januzaj and Di Maria help cover the wings a bit defensively. I'm sure Liverpool played a diamond at some points last season or the season before, with Gerrard at CDM didn't they? (Before Henderson broke into first team).

          1. Billy Gilmore
            12 years, 2 months ago

            Henderson has been first team for years. He did all the running in the diamond. You have no one capable of doing that.

            1. Brutus619
              12 years, 2 months ago

              I'm sure Herrera is more than capable when you compare him to Henderson from 2 years ago. Henderson is so so much better now than he was before.

      2. Marstar
        12 years, 2 months ago

        LOL Great minds think alike

        1. Brutus619
          12 years, 2 months ago

          😉

    10. Marstar
      12 years, 2 months ago

      ................................DDG
      .............. Jones Evans Rojo Shaw
      ..............................Herrera
      ...................Kagawa Mata DiMaria
      ..........................Rooney RvP

      Amos Smalling Valencia Fletcher Januzaj Fellaini Welbeck

      p.s. Liverpool Supporter

    11. AlCapwnUK
      12 years, 2 months ago

      sell RVP buy a new forward in Jan

  7. drughi
    12 years, 2 months ago

    need some help

    have 2 ft and wondering which option is the best

    A) debuchy and lovren > ivanovic and dummet

    B) debuchy/lovren, hoilett and sturridge > ivanovic, siggy and dzeko for a hit

    C) debuchy/lovren and costa > ivanovic and dzeko

    1. johnbarnes
      12 years, 2 months ago

      none of them yet, wait until the end of GW

  8. Kerz
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Chances Pochettino will bench Lamela and start Eriksen in the no. 10 role?

    1. Kip
      12 years, 2 months ago

      i think lamela will start

      but probably eriksen in N°10 and lamela on the wing

      1. Kerz
        12 years, 2 months ago

        Aye, this seems most likely. Lamela's decision making wasn't the best last week in that role. Eriksen surely works better there.

    2. Respect My Authoritah
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Slim to none

    3. Gaz Downright
      • Has Moderation Rights
      12 years, 2 months ago

      the attacking three at Spurs rotate.. suddenly Lamela will be on the right (were he was so good for Roma), even if the line-up puts him in the hole.

  9. Gunner77-
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Botton of the page.
    Cheers TM for the advice

    DDG
    Debuchy Cahill Coloccini (Caulker, Wisdom)
    Sanchez Hazard Siggy Mata (El Ahmadi)
    Austin Wazza Giroud

    2 FT

    What to do?

    1. MARVELLUS
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Sanchez and Austin out.
      For Ramsey and someone?

      1. Gunner77-
        12 years, 2 months ago

        I was thinking to do Caulker/Debuchy to Clyne.
        What do you think?

        Naismith in maybe, even with Chelsea fixture?

        1. MARVELLUS
          12 years, 2 months ago

          I think Clyne or Bertrand is a good shout, I plan on getting one of them in too.

          Do you want to stick with Sanchez? There may be more upside by moving him out for Ramsey.
          Yeah Naismith seems a good move.

          Maybe Sanchez and Debuchy out for Clyne and Ramsey?

          1. Gunner77-
            12 years, 2 months ago

            Thank you very much, maybe now it's to early to decide.

            I'll wait after the game tomorrow.

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

      Easier to decide after all the games but Sanchez to Ramsey for 1 looks a no brainer.

  10. Count of Monte Hristo
    12 years, 2 months ago

    How about Mutch > JwP + Jovetic > Dzeko/Lukaku/Bony?

    1. johnbarnes
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Second transfer yes, but I don't see why you'd take a hit for your benched midfielder.

      1. Count of Monte Hristo
        12 years, 2 months ago

        Because I can't afford the 2nd transfer without doing the 1st

  11. Davido989
    12 years, 2 months ago

    £75m for Di Maria. Wowzers. 😀

    1. Lallana_
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Really? That's wayyy too high. 50M at most.

      1. Davido989
        12 years, 2 months ago

        Madrid's asking price. United are blowing stupid money.

    2. drughi
      12 years, 2 months ago

      united are desperate

    3. Elwood
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Nice, which number is Di Maria?

      Is this to further unbalance the squad?

      1. Davido989
        12 years, 2 months ago

        Madrid want 75m, a deal will probably be agreed for less. Number 7. Unbalances the squad but he's world class.

        1. Lallana_
          12 years, 2 months ago

          What are the quoted wages? 200K?

          1. Davido989
            12 years, 2 months ago

            I haven't read anything but between 180-250 would be my guess.

        2. Gaz Downright
          • Has Moderation Rights
          12 years, 2 months ago

          one notch below world class

    4. Kip
      12 years, 2 months ago

      omg, they are totally losing it at ManU

    5. Piggs Boson
      12 years, 2 months ago

      "United will pay between 60-70 million Euros (£48-55m) "
      http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/12040/9437202/angel-di-maria-closes-on-manchester-united-transfer

      1. Lallana_
        12 years, 2 months ago

        That's a fair fee. 48M is what I've been seeing a lot.

        1. Davido989
          12 years, 2 months ago

          Check below

      2. Davido989
        12 years, 2 months ago

        We're told Real Madrid want £75m for Angel di Maria. Talks ongoing today. More on @SkySportsNewsHQ #mufc

        Bryan Swanson. Who works for Sky Sports.

    6. Nabs Kebabs
      12 years, 2 months ago

      have you done the poo thing yet

      1. Davido989
        12 years, 2 months ago

        Constipation

      2. Big_Andy_GAWA
        12 years, 2 months ago

        Incredible. United have paid well over the odds for players this last while !!!!

    7. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      12 years, 2 months ago

      that is just sad

    8. SW6
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Doubt it'll be that high. Also important to remember many felt Di Maria was Madrid's best player last year

      1. Davido989
        12 years, 2 months ago

        Take nothing away from Di Maria, a sensational footballer. He isn't worth the same amount as Luis Suarez though.

        1. SW6
          12 years, 2 months ago

          I'd say that's debatable 😉

      2. Brutus619
        12 years, 2 months ago

        He's a great player, but a terrible buy.

        For around the sum we pay for him, we could have bought Coleman & Strootman - they would collectively do so much more for out team than Di Maria.

        Madrid's best player was Di Maria only because he really shone in the BIG games. We don't necessarily need a big game player this season (no euro games), we need additions to help us beat teams like WHM & Newcastle week in week out. Consistency is what we need, not to rely throughout the season on a flair player.

        He also doesn't fit into our current formation and could stunt Januzaj's development. Buying Strootman & Coleman improves key areas and allows our very own future star to play games (like Sterling at Liverpool).

    9. iveseenitall
      12 years, 2 months ago

      The whole 3-5-2 system is reliant on the wing backs. They should be spending here or cm

  12. Lallana_
    12 years, 2 months ago

    If Di Maria plays CM for Utd, they'll have no muscle in the midfield. I can see Yaya and Matic destroying Utd.

    1. Wilshere Knowledge
      12 years, 2 months ago

      I thought Barca destroyed this nonsense...

      1. Fabio20
        12 years, 2 months ago

        Busquets?

        1. Wilshere Knowledge
          12 years, 2 months ago

          He's not exactly a power house is he?

          1. Fabio20
            12 years, 2 months ago

            I'd say he provides 'muscle', not like Yaya or Matic but he still provides some.

            1. Wilshere Knowledge
              12 years, 2 months ago

              Ok, but saying A midfield will beat B midfield because A has bigger players is such nonsense. Some, if not most, of the best players in the world are small nowadays. Xavi, Iniesta, Pirlo, Messi, Aguero, Suarez etc.

              1. Fabio20
                12 years, 2 months ago

                I agree tat you don't have to be bigger nor have the bigger team to be good but every team does need larger players, especially at CB and ideally at CDM too.

                1. Gaz Downright
                  • Has Moderation Rights
                  12 years, 2 months ago

                  Makelele was arguably the world's best CDM for many years, and I could fit him in my pocket.

        2. MJ6987
          12 years, 2 months ago

          De Jong

  13. Fabio20
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Not heard much about Balotelli's prospects. Surely an improving striker who has previous experience in the premier league, is going to be playing in one of the most attacking teams, will have the likes of Coutinho, Gerrard, Sterling etc. providing him service and will be priced somewhere between 9-10.5m is worth an investment? He also has a chance (albeit a small one) of penalty taking duties and will certainly be nailed on. Disciplinary issues aside (this can easily be dealt with by using a transfer) what's the downside? Personally, I've pencilled him in to replace Sturridge.

    Thoughts?

    1. Lallana_
      12 years, 2 months ago

      To me Balotelli is a punt still. Questionable fitness and just came from a slower league.

    2. Davido989
      12 years, 2 months ago

      From what we know Balotelli plays when he wants. Best to wait and see.

      1. Fabio20
        12 years, 2 months ago

        I'm happy to wait a week or two to see but I am quite keen to get him in. Also, aren't you the clap with crap guy? 😉

        1. Davido989
          12 years, 2 months ago

          I'm well known on here now..

    3. andyinasia
      12 years, 2 months ago

      IF he was an "improving striker".

      Every transfer he has the prices goes down even though he should be coming into his prime.

      He is a player who has great moments, but I don't recall many actual great games in a City shirt.

      I'm certainly not putting him on my watchlist, and my concern is that I already have Sterling and Studge and their hauls might be diluted by Mad Mario.

      1. Fabio20
        12 years, 2 months ago

        From what I've heard he has improved since his City days, consistency is still an issue but provided the right price I'd be happy to take the risk.

        1. andyinasia
          12 years, 2 months ago

          If so, why are Milan off loading him for half the price they were asking for??

    4. jungle
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      12 years, 2 months ago

      His value is purely in terms of amusement for me. Too erratic to warrant a place in my team

    5. Mr.K
      12 years, 2 months ago

      I don't think he's even certain to start. And even if he would be, I don't think I'd ever get him for 9M. Too risky. He can score goals but can be completely disinterested as well. Also picks up cards.

  14. Kip
    12 years, 2 months ago

    if price rise sites stay down. Debuchy => Ivan has to be done tonight, right?

    i remember ivan to be on around 75% yesterday

    1. drughi
      12 years, 2 months ago

      I think so

  15. Thomass
    12 years, 2 months ago

    What site is everyone using for the price changes?

    1. Fabio20
      12 years, 2 months ago

      None at the moment.

    2. Kip
      12 years, 2 months ago

      all are down atm

    3. Piggs Boson
      12 years, 2 months ago

      We're blind, fumbling around in the darkness...

      1. Fabio20
        12 years, 2 months ago

        🙂

    4. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      12 years, 2 months ago

      nothing, just guessing

      if fpl changed the logic then no site will really work even if it claims it does

    5. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      12 years, 2 months ago

      The FPL site is the best answer. 🙂

      1. andyinasia
        12 years, 2 months ago

        Yeh, we can still see the FPL's transfers in menu. Ivan on 20K in this round.

        But the formula for how many ins mean a price rise has changed and we have no idea!

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          12 years, 2 months ago

          We have plenty idea though.
          Siggy is the main precedent.

    6. jungle
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      12 years, 2 months ago

      The News section of TotalFPL says its an issue with the FPL data...

  16. Optimus.
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Early days but I'm up to #217 in Sky FF..6th in Scout league 😯

    1. Venom Snake
      12 years, 2 months ago

      After scoring 72 last week I knew this GW would be bad for me

      1. Optimus.
        12 years, 2 months ago

        109 for me last gw,65 now as it stands this gw

        1. Venom Snake
          12 years, 2 months ago

          Just realised you said sky ff. I'm referring to fpl 😀

          1. Optimus.
            12 years, 2 months ago

            Ah 🙂

  17. Venom Snake
    12 years, 2 months ago

    So is anyone freaking out about not being able to see transfer progress?

    1. Ryan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Well it is a bit like being flung back into the dark ages.

      1. Venom Snake
        12 years, 2 months ago

        Feels like having a blind bet at the casino

    2. Kip
      12 years, 2 months ago

      kinda

  18. Valar(Keith)
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Aim this week was to scout for a 7.5 and below replacement for Davis. Southampton were poor(though Tadic was good.. but no set pieces) and DeJong barely played. Cabella looks like he's goin down the ben arfa route which does not suit a Pardew(yuck) team. looks i may have to settle for dependable henderson/get arnie in GW 4

    1. Respect My Authoritah
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Valencia?

      1. Valar(Keith)
        12 years, 2 months ago

        just got off the Manutd cheap mid wagon.. dont wanna get back on

    2. Valar(Keith)
      12 years, 2 months ago

      though i am in punty mood and DeJong got the fixtures. should start now too and i was gonna start the season with him anyway until he got injured

      1. Ryan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        12 years, 2 months ago

        He looks the best bet I think. I'm considering him as well.

    3. rickardinho
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Same here. Was waiting I see what 7.5 mids would allow a 2.5 upgrade on Davis but they don't appear I have performed too well. What have you decided?

      I did Bojan>Naismith last night though so now have 3.0 to play with, which opens up the possibility of Davis>Lamela/Coutinho/Eriksen. Any other good mid options to consider other than Hendo/Cabella/Tadic and the aforementioned trio?

      1. Valar(Keith)
        12 years, 2 months ago

        Going either DeJong/Tadic/Hendo,. considerin Dejong as it leaves me with a better defender than if i go Tadic. in your case id defo go Eriksen though

  19. Lallana_
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Ashley Young to score me a brace today haha

    1. JJO
      12 years, 2 months ago

      He wont score more than once this hole season
      That preseason games just messed peoples heads
      But I can see him having 7+ assists
      But dont think he is worth it with no CS points

  20. Respect My Authoritah
    12 years, 2 months ago

    The price sites being down is fantastic. Saturday morning transfers ftw!

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Prices will still change during the week.

      1. 7shadesofsmoke
        12 years, 2 months ago

        but you'll see a slow down in sales for those players who are near the threshold

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          12 years, 2 months ago

          Players go well over the threshold now.
          The casuals rule the game & they don't even use the price change sites.

      2. Respect My Authoritah
        12 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah, but now theres far less temptation to do early transfers blind

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          12 years, 2 months ago

          Casuals disagree.

    2. MJ6987
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Nah. If in doubt ship em out.

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        12 years, 2 months ago

        Let's go Mata 🙂

    3. Valar(Keith)
      12 years, 2 months ago

      i need to ship davis out before a drop so gonna do my transfer on Tuesday night after the arsenal CL game

      1. Valar(Keith)
        12 years, 2 months ago

        normally i wait till friday

    4. SwissWavey
      12 years, 2 months ago

      fplstatistics.co.uk isn't down - seems to be the same as the others

      1. Valar(Keith)
        12 years, 2 months ago

        it's been stuck on the same numbers since tfpl and ctc went down. good place to guage where the players were in the drop/rise list though

      2. Kip
        12 years, 2 months ago

        but it isn't updating

    5. kalmoffit
      12 years, 2 months ago

      I think so too. It gives the advantage back to people who watch football.

    6. Bojan Horsemack
      12 years, 2 months ago

      What's the latest on why they're down?

  21. King H
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Vidal will happen too.. Deadline day
    Few days ago everyone was certain Di Maria would snub United.
    Blind and Vidal both will sign before transfer window and then United will be Fookin Epic

    1. Davido989
      12 years, 2 months ago

      ££££ tals

    2. Fifa las vegas
      12 years, 2 months ago

      You, everyone other united fan, and I WISH! Never gonna happen I'm afraid 🙁

    3. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      12 years, 2 months ago

      whatever....

    4. Gunner77-
      12 years, 2 months ago

      I need him in Italian fantasy 😉

      1. King H
        12 years, 2 months ago

        Plenty of United haters on here .. Standard

  22. Fifa las vegas
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Is di Maria as good as confirmed or something? How are people so sure? 😐

    1. Davido989
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Guillem Balague said a deal will happen next week. Sky Sports News.

    2. Solenya
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Nope it isn't, but don't you like a bit of wishful thinking 😉

    3. andyinasia
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Let's hear it from the ultimate authority (on twitter):

      Evil Kagawa ‏@evilkagawa

      Maria - 17 assist 1 season!
      17 pass to Ronaldo/Bale = 17 assist
      17,000 pass to Valencia/Welbeck/Young = 0 assist

      😉

  23. rickardinho
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Krul (Begovic)
    Clyne, Lovren, caulker (chambers, wisdom)
    Ramsey, fabregas, Sterling, Sigurdsson (Davis)
    Costa, Rooney, Naismith

    3.0 itb, no FT.

    Any must-make moves with that cash?

    1. SwissWavey
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Keep an eye on Aguero tomorrow - dunno who you'd ship out to make room for him though. I'm in the same boat, currently thinking of shipping out Costa, I just don't know how wise that is.

      1. SwissWavey
        12 years, 2 months ago

        I have a FT though, I certainly wouldn't make that change for a hit

      2. rickardinho
        12 years, 2 months ago

        Hmm, I'm not sold on Aguero. Even if he scores tomorrow City don't have great fixtures for the first 8GW's, and he's always an injury or rotation risk. I think upgrading Davis will be a bigger improvement to my team points-wise than upgrading Costa. No reason to move Costa yet either as he's been scoring goals and should start every game for Chelsea.

  24. Kip
    12 years, 2 months ago

    I don't understand why fpl towers have to change the price rise system every year.
    Just get a system based on X% NTI = price rise and max price rise is 0.3. and communicate this loud and clear at the start of the season. Why so complicated?

    If rumours are true, and they are switching tot the old system, i would've gotten naismith in yesterday.

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      12 years, 2 months ago

      There's nothing in the rules about price changes.
      They are supposed to be secret or else they may as well tweet price change likelihoods daily.

      1. Kip
        12 years, 2 months ago

        and why wouldn't they?

    2. rickardinho
      12 years, 2 months ago

      They might want to keep casual players interested and keep it from becoming an exact science where only 'nerds' have a chance of winning.

      1. Fitzy.
        12 years, 2 months ago

        Hey Tom, he just called you a nerd... 😉

      2. Towsor44
        12 years, 2 months ago

        Casuals are casuals for a reason. They give up, forget etc after 4 weeks. Why should those core nucleus who actually play the game for an entire season suffer

        1. Kip
          12 years, 2 months ago

          indeed. If i enroll myself in a competition i expect that rules are stated clearly at the beginning of the competition.

          Those "secret" price rises which could happen all of a sudden don't add to the appeal of the game imo

        2. SwissWavey
          12 years, 2 months ago

          Not overwhelmingly true, I don't think. Almost everyone in my mini-league of 30 will stick with the game to the end of the season but will do their transfers on a Friday night and maybe check their points on a Tuesday morning - that's it for them for the week. I wouldn't be at all surprised if about 80 or even 90% of players are like this.

          There are many (I guess 5-10%) who will give up after a couple of weeks but I don't think they even qualify as casuals.

          I suspect the hard core (people like us who are on this site every day, several times) probably make up less than 5% of those playing.

          I'm just guessing at numbers of course. What do you think the split is like?

    3. SwissWavey
      12 years, 2 months ago

      I'm the opposite. I wouldn't complain if they changed it every month so we wouldn't have a clue when players are going to rise. Price rises and falls should be a fairly minor part of the game, imo, and certainly shouldn't be easily and precisely predictable.
      I don't think they should be got rid of though, I think they're good and should have an impact on a player's strategy, I just don't think they should be significant enough to give rise to an entire strategy which focuses on maximising total team value - which has been the case the last 2 or 3 years.

  25. Bojan Horsemack
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Is Dummett nailed for the foreseeable with Santon out? Did Yanga-Mbiwa play LB for a bit last season or am I imagining things?

    1. Chris_White
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Haidara is the threat.

    2. Valar(Keith)
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Haidara is a better player.. it is Pardew though. so he'll continue with the average dummett

      1. Doosra - ☭BowenOfRice☭
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        12 years, 2 months ago

        Haidara is the better player? OK, then.

        With this, I personally disagree.

    3. Bojan Horsemack
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Cheers for that fellas. Bit too dodgy for me then... may go with Colloccini. Though Janmaat looked very interesting indeed yesterday. But 5m for a Newc DEF.............................

  26. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    12 years, 2 months ago

    united fans realise di maria hasn't officially signed yet right? 😆

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      12 years, 2 months ago

      probably playing united, I bet he really wants to go to PSG

    2. Optimus.
      12 years, 2 months ago

      I would love if PSG swooped in 😉

      1. Lallana_
        12 years, 2 months ago

        PSG have said they can't afford him due to financial fairplay restrictions. They might have to offload Lavezzi first.

      2. Wilshere Knowledge
        12 years, 2 months ago

        Funded by Arsenal buying Cavani. 😉 😀

      3. GTS
        12 years, 2 months ago

        As a United fan I would love it tbh. 🙂

    3. Davido989
      12 years, 2 months ago

      I would rather United get for the quoted fee to be honest

    4. Solenya
      12 years, 2 months ago

      OMG 😯

    5. kalmoffit
      12 years, 2 months ago

      I'd assumed he had. I've seen him in a couple of predicted teams for the weekend.

  27. PlayPercentage
    12 years, 2 months ago

    2 BPs for Monreal?
    You get bonus points nowadays for conceding 2 goals and doing naff all in the game?

    1. Towsor44
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Got an assist though

  28. Mílanista
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Hull v Stoke being on TV over Spurs v QPR is really annoying.

    1. SW6
      12 years, 2 months ago

      😯

      1. SW6
        12 years, 2 months ago

        I only picked Adebayor thinking I could watch him play.

    2. Towsor44
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Sky love Bojan

    3. kalmoffit
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Speak for yourself. I have three players in the Hull game.

  29. Tim Canterbury
    12 years, 2 months ago

    22/08/14 Van Gaal asks fans to 'believe'

    24/08/14 Man Utd need miracle to win league, says Van Gaal

    :D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D

    1. andyinasia
      12 years, 2 months ago

      He's a Hot Chocolate fan

      "I believe in murcals,
      Where you from?
      You sexy thing!"