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27 February 2015 2639 comments
J0E J0E
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The importance of luck proved a hot topic of discussion among our community members and writers this week. Lady luck will certainly need to be smiling down on the community if they are to successfully navigate this weekend’s blank fixtures and the double Gameweek 28. There was plenty of articles and posts to help Fantasy managers get through this tricky schedule, from picking the best budget defenders to captaincy decisions.

This week also saw the launch of the first live video Scoutcast of the season, which, as with last term’s episodes, also featured Granville’s cat. As ever, we also look at the best statistic tables compiled in our Members area and feature those lucky managers who refuse to give up their lead in our Community leagues.

The Community Articles

The community’s benches have been decimated in recent weeks through budget defenders falling out of favour with Premier League managers. Luckily Innsie was on hand to offer up some cut price differential alternatives to the likes of the West Brom defender Andre Wisdom and other victims of rotation.

There is no doubting Tottenham players potential to shine when they take on both QPR and Swansea in Gameweek 27 but, as Ludo reveals, even Spurs stars are unlikely to escape rotation.

There is no such desire to transfer out David Silva, who has emerged as a major success story in recent months. But can he maintain his strong form? SC not pearls before swine believes the Manchester City midfielder may struggle to keep scoring and assisting on such a regular basis.

How much does luck effect our teams, pondered Andy85wsm in this interesting look at events that are seemingly beyond our control. The community also chipped into the debate by recalling their luckiest and unluckiest Fantasy Premier League moments.

Among those hoping for fortune to favour them is Zasa, who is representing the community in the Scout Picks in Gameweek 27 after winning this week’s vote. Another is The Puntmaster, who is hoping his Gameweek 27 punts bring him more joy that his previous picks this month.

Don’t forget, if you’ve got some analysis, scout reports or features brewing, be sure to visit our community section to submit your article.

The Hottest Topics

As well as the role of luck, Andy85wsm has also been looking at another key ingredient to Fantasy football – having fun. He says that the entertainment factor of the impending double Gameweek cannot be underestimated, whether it brings good fortune or not.

Among players being considered for Gameweek 28’s double fixtures is Charlie Austin. While he faces Tottenham and Arsenal at home, Sanchez pointed out that the QPR striker looks a good choice having already scored against Chelsea, Manchester City and the Gunners this season. However, Ludo is not convinced and believes Austin may struggle against better opposition, particularly at home.

There were further Gameweek 28 contenders to mull over in Innsie’s look at the best players options to consider.

For Ruth NZ, there are more pressing matters at hand, namely Gameweek 27. He believes this weekend may offer an even greater opportunity to climb up the rankings.

This weekend also looks like a good opportunity to take a punt on a differential captain. During our discussion on armband punts, Demi favoured Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney for the armband, while Wiz had West Ham’s Diafra Sakho under his watchful eye.

Getting the right squad balance between this weekend’s blanks and the following Gameweek’s double fixtures for Spurs and QPR will be key. As our discussion on Gameweek 27 tactics revealed, there are some who are happy to go into the weekend’s matches with just 10 players to save their transfers for the double Gameweek.

Finally, this week saw the launch of our first live video Scoutcast of the season, where Mark and Granville were joined by myself and Granville’s cat. The three humans present took questions from the community and discussed the impending double Gameweek and blank fixtures. Look out for a hot topic on Monday night when we will post a link and details of how you can take part in the next live Scoutcast. Judging by your kind comments, it could prove to be a popular format in the weeks ahead.

The Members Tables

Teltzer has been looking at points per game potential of midfielders. Meanwhile, Zombie has been analysing goals per minute to showcase the most prolific strikers. Only those forwards who have scored six or more times are included.

Elsewhere, fortunesalwayshiding has placed Newcastle’s defence under the microscope. Given their budget pricing and kind Gameweek 27 fixture, when they host Aston Villa, this could provide some useful transfer options before deadline.

If you’re a member and are yet to get to grips with the custom statistics tables, you can view this movie for an explanation of how they work. Also, remember to tag them so that people can find the tables with ease.

The Community Leagues

Greenwindmill continues to look unbeatable in the FFScout Moderators and Contributors league. He has a 36 lead over second placed Mark and goes into Gameweek 27 with an overall rank of 131. Another unstoppable manager is 99th ranked Sarnab Das, who continues to top the Long and Winding Road league.

Back on the Horse is another high flyer refusing to give up a lead. He clings onto first place in the Puffinboy Memorial Cup league, which is named after one of this website’s first community members.

In TorresMagic’s Last Man Standing competition, 311 teams survived after 56 were eliminated when the safety score was set at 54.

J0E Podcaster and writer. Tweets stats and stuff via @FFScout_Joe Follow them on Twitter

  1. Vardy Gras PBFC
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 days ago

    Anyone fancy a 7 goal thriller at Anfield on Sunday?

    1. Vardy Gras PBFC
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 days ago

      What an introduction to the evening.

    2. Woy of the Wovers
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 2 days ago

      Yes

    3. Randy_Marsh
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 2 days ago

      Can't see it, watched liverpool lately, as bad as Lovren is they keep games tight

      1. FortunesAlwaysHiding
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 2 days ago

        More likely to be low scoring I think.

        1. Vardy Gras PBFC
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 2 days ago

          Interesting. Liverpool's recent clean sheets have come against teams that can't score, Spurs scored two at Anfield in a 5 goal thriller.

      2. Woy of the Wovers
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 2 days ago

        Lovren has been fine recently.

    4. nikobg
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 days ago

      7 goals in the liverpool's sheet will do great for me.

    5. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 2 days ago

      Bony 3, Aguero 2, Yaya 2. All assisting each other? Go on then 🙂

    6. Optimus.
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 2 days ago

      Apologize Now for being top of the page!!

      1. The Bandit
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 2 days ago

        Kids today, no manners 🙄

      2. Vardy Gras PBFC
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 2 days ago

        You got an apology gif I can borrow? Been looking at stats all night, 1st post and boom, there it is, sitting stupid at the top of the page!

      3. Woy of the Wovers
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 2 days ago

        *Apologise.

        1. Optimus.
          • 15 Years
          11 years, 2 days ago

          Pish off 😉

  2. Randy_Marsh
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 2 days ago

    Right going to take Terry out, best option for 6.5?

    1. Woy of the Wovers
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 2 days ago

      Bertie Wooster.

    2. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 days ago

      Bert

    3. Vardy Gras PBFC
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 days ago

      Just this GW or long-term?

      1. Randy_Marsh
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 2 days ago

        Just this I think, treble Spurs next week looks too tempting

        1. Vardy Gras PBFC
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 2 days ago

          I guess the obvious would be Bertrand or Clyne but Lescott is also an option in a potential 0-0.

    4. Randy_Marsh
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 2 days ago

      I had Bertrand twice this season, he burned me a few weeks ag so might go with Clyne?

  3. FortunesAlwaysHiding
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 days ago

    Draft H2H league side good to go for this week? I'm a bit undecided on who to captain...

    Forster

    Haidara/Lescott/Koscielny

    Coutinho/Mane/Ozil/Nasri

    Benteke/Jelavic/Diouf

    Bench: RvP/Hazard/Azpilicueta/Fellaini/Vlaar

    1. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 days ago

      Yes, captain diouf or nasri

      1. FortunesAlwaysHiding
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 2 days ago

        Interesting. I had serious reservations on putting the armband on Ozil and still do.

  4. Stretford End
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 days ago

    Am I nuts for captaining giroud. Is there anyone out there doing the same

    1. FortunesAlwaysHiding
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 days ago

      No, but he was shocking midweek.

      1. Stretford End
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 2 days ago

        I feel pool will keep it tight again city

  5. Trendsetters
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 2 days ago

    Anyone taking a risk on Ander Herrera
    Not sure if he will play but seems in good form

    1. Not Irish
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 days ago

      No United for me thanks.

    2. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 days ago

      I would if I didn't have bigger issues

    3. Bapilot747
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 days ago

      Potential differential?

    4. Woy of the Wovers
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 2 days ago

      Plays for a poor team. Wrong position. Not nailed. What's to like?

  6. Stats Don\'t Lie
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 days ago

    Sorry for repost but I am really struggling and have gotten no replies:

    Krul/Panti
    Clyne, Baird, PVA, wollscheid (terry)
    Walcott, Sanchez, moses, puncheon (hazard)
    Kun, (Kane, Costa)

    2ft, 0.1itb

    1. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 days ago

      🙁

    2. Cheeseoid
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 days ago

      What would you like to know?

  7. Every Dog Has Its Day
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 days ago

    Not taking a hit this week will be important this week as I feel most people will so I will have to keep AJ and go without Stoke.

    1. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 days ago

      Good luck

  8. rozzo
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 days ago

    Wisdom to Naughton worth a minus 4 or just play with 10 men?

    1. Holy See
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 2 days ago

      I'm phenomenally dull and unadventurous (according to the missus anyhoo), but I'd do that. Bin the deadwood (that's what the missus says).

  9. zuzuViking
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 2 days ago

    Is Southampton trippel up on defence too much?

    1. Not Irish
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 days ago

      Yes

    2. Optimus.
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 2 days ago

      You sick bar steward,are you mocking my defense?

    3. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 days ago

      Yes

    4. Woy of the Wovers
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 2 days ago

      I think Muppet's right on this one.

  10. Sánchez
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 2 days ago

    😀

    I got a mention.
    I hadnt even realised that post got hulked.

    1. FortunesAlwaysHiding
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 days ago

      🙂 likewise. I think Jonty has been too kind to me in recent weeks as my tables appear to be of no interest to anybody but myself!

    2. Optimus.
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 2 days ago

      In my 5 years on here I've never gotten a mention..Well done 🙂

    3. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 2 days ago

      Yeah, every week they highlight someone who posts the opposite of Ludo. It's a sort of booby prize

      1. Sánchez
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 2 days ago

        Haha. Who's Ludo?

        1. The Bandit
          • 15 Years
          11 years, 2 days ago

          Read the article. Don't stop at your bit ;|)

          1. Sánchez
            • 13 Years
            11 years, 2 days ago

            I just scan for my name in this article 😉

  11. SPorting
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 2 days ago

    I just saw Ex Arsenal footballer Emmanuel in the club drinking too much alcohol. He then took off his shirt and collapsed in a drunken heap so I shouted "Petits out!"

    1. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 2 days ago

      Julio Baptista is an anagram of 'get your baps out for the lads' Almost

    2. Holy See
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 2 days ago

      6.5/10

      1. SPorting
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 2 days ago

        Pope Frankie would piss himself laughing at that pun.

  12. Mílanista
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 2 days ago

    http://i.imgur.com/XdnI2IB.png?1

    Somehow, I don't think that 10th consecutive green arrow is happening...

    1. FortunesAlwaysHiding
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 days ago

      A lot in the same boat Milanista. You never know.

      1. Mílanista
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 2 days ago

        Yeah, hard to know how this one will turn out. The Aguero/Sanchez captaincy could be decisive for many.

    2. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 days ago

      Que 70pt score

      1. Mílanista
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 2 days ago

        Yes please

    3. Holy See
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 2 days ago

      Quite solid, chance of a modest green perhaps.

      1. Mílanista
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 2 days ago

        I'll take any green 🙂

  13. Randy_Marsh
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 2 days ago

    I'm going to chance smalling, easy team for another 2 goals, am I mad?

    1. Not Irish
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 days ago

      Take your United hat off. Christmas was two months ago.

      1. Randy_Marsh
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 2 days ago

        😆 I'm doing it to piss people off

        1. The Bandit
          • 15 Years
          11 years, 2 days ago

          Nobody is pissed off, you just look, well... a bit special?

          1. Randy_Marsh
            • 15 Years
            11 years, 2 days ago

            Thanks mate x

        2. Poseidon. Not arrogant, jus…
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 2 days ago

          I am so angry about this.

    2. rdpx
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 days ago

      from his minutes he looks far from certain to even get a game.

      Then you look at all the MU defenders and they all look like they are far from certain to get a game...

      I need a defender myself and am tempted by Smalling but why should I think he will play?

  14. Azzy
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 2 days ago

    Hazard > Sanchez (C) for me this week. Not expecting him to do much next week against West Ham away.

  15. Bapilot747
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 days ago

    Punt on Herrera?

    1. Woy of the Wovers
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 2 days ago

      Read up

    2. Trendsetters
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 days ago

      Was thinking about it .. Worried about minutes though

  16. Beavis
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 2 days ago

    I'm on Sanchez (c) for some reason.

    1. Not Irish
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 days ago

      Same reasons I firebombed with (C)osta last weekend I reckon.

    2. Sweetpea
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 days ago

      Same here.

    3. Mílanista
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 days ago

      Had it on him until last night. Switched to Kun.

      1. Beavis
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 2 days ago

        Both have been very consistent home and away respectively.

  17. martyhan
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 2 days ago

    Get rid of PVA or keep transfer for next week?

    1. FionnMac
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 2 days ago

      dependssssss

    2. Woy of the Wovers
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 2 days ago

      Keep

  18. FionnMac
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 2 days ago

    Wisdom > Wolly
    or
    Wisdom > Dawson?

    Already have Foster as WBA cover

    1. Effe
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 2 days ago

      Wisdom to Dawson

  19. Point Magnets
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 2 days ago

    RMT please.

    How does my team look for this GW?

    Heaton
    Bertrand Yoshida Bellerin
    Sanchez(vc) Sterling Silva Moses
    Aguero(C) Rooney Giroud

    (Panti, Boyd, Wisdom, PVA)

    1. Not Irish
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 days ago

      Go away with your showiness.

    2. Randy_Marsh
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 2 days ago

      The best I've seen so far, here take a cookie

  20. Sweetpea
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 2 days ago

    Any of these worth a hit medium term?

    Wally to Silva

    Jwp to Moses?

    1. Bobby_Baggio
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 days ago

      1st one yes

    2. Dr Dream
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 days ago

      Some will disagree but Silva for certain...good fixtures and still getting just as many of those touches in the box as he was before...despite rumours to the contrary.

    3. Mílanista
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 days ago

      Silva is

  21. MMN
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 days ago

    Any West Brom fans know if Dawson is likely to play against Villa midweek?

  22. Coffee
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 days ago

    A) Rooney
    B) Giroud
    C) Sakho
    D) Cisse

    1. 50 Shades Oshea
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 days ago

      gone d, but c was tempting

    2. Not Irish
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 days ago

      Not the first two.

    3. Holy See
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 2 days ago

      Had nescafe smooth roast during the week. Well impressed.

      1. Coffee
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 2 days ago

        Glad to hear it mate, now answer the question! 😀

  23. CAPTAIN BLACKLIST
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 days ago

    Any advice on this lot?
    pants heaton
    Ivan PVA clyne Kos trippier
    haz Sanchez Walcott mane Walters
    aguero ings Kane
    0.1 ITB personally thinking of shipping haz for Silva / nasri - was gonna ship Theo before the Monaco game but can see him starting now

  24. Repetive Expletive
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 days ago

    So it's all about captain choice this week. Top five candidates are:

    A) Aguero. Liverpool's defence has been tightening up as of late, keeping five clean sheets in their last six matches. On the other hand, Aguero with three goals and three assists in his last four, if anyone can break down the Pool back line, it will be him. Liverpool travelled all the way to Turkey and faced a draining and unwanted extra time as well. Several players could be drained by this experience and City could make them pay in the latter stages.

    B) Sanchez. Everton's defence has been a shambles in comparison to previous years and may offer Sanchez a route back into the scoring charts. Without a single shot on target in the last four gameweeks, Alexis Sanchez looks like he's starting to slow down...I don't think so, his injury can be used as the mitigating factor. Wenger will undoubtedly want to show that his boys still have the moxie to finish in the top four, and Everton may just be on the end of a relentless Arsenal attack as a result.

    C) ADM. Since being placed back in the slot, ADM has now produced four assists in four, and is looking like he is soon to bag his first goal since returning from injury. United's form though is a worry but they have been convincing enough at home to

    D) Lukaku. Yes he's recently on form in the Europa league but he's been hit and miss so far this season. Can he take advantage of disgruntled Arsenal defence after this midweek escapade, I think not.

    E) Giroud. Mid-week notwithstanding, he is in great form and like the rest of the squad. Form aside ,he's game time may be compromised as a result of his shocking performance against Monaco, giving Walcott a chance to prove himself.

    Differentials

    Cisse. Possibly the most in form player for points per mintue ratio. Villa's defence has been lacking all season and with several injury doubts, Cisse is the man to bring in a big haul this week.

    Rooney. Yes he's blanked in the last 8 but he has been utilised as a holding mid. With RVP out he could be a good differential against a porous Sunderland defence.

    Danny Ings. 5 goals in his last 7 games for a struggling relegation side is a pretty solid return. His side need a result at home to Swansea City and he is certainly their most likely candidate to score.

    Decisions, decisions....

    1. Not Irish
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 days ago

      Didn't really read that but your top five candidates are way off.

      1. Repetive Expletive
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 2 days ago

        top 5 on the poll my good man...not my top 5, hence my differentials

        1. Not Irish
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 2 days ago

          Ah so. Apologies then. For future reference though the poll is affected massively by ownership. Rooney is a much better option than AdM for example. But no one owns Rooney so he's a "differential" as it were. When in reality so is AdM.

    2. Bobby_Baggio
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 days ago

      Aguero.....done - now log off

    3. Rhinos
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 days ago

      City on tv, Aguero it is. That's as scientific as my reasoning gets

      1. Mainoo Magic
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 2 days ago

        So are arsenal and everton

    4. Holy See
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 2 days ago

      You taken 2 hits? I'm not entirely sober, but you starting on -8? :shocked face thingy:

    5. andy85wsm
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 2 days ago

      Aguero - enough said.

      Sanchez - we'll see

      ADM hasn't really looked like bagging a goal tbh.

      I wouldn't captain Lukaku - 1 goal in last 10 full prem games.

      Giroud is a decent option, think he will start

  25. Rhinos
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 days ago

    Assessing the article on PVA's chances of starting;
    A) the guy asking clearly has him in his fantasy team
    B) Poyet just said PVA is important to us, he could play, smacks of nor wanting to upset players.
    Still considering PVA to Bertrand

  26. gers23
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 2 days ago

    Ok to save transfer? 1.5 in bank.rivals will all captain Rooney so not looking forward to this week 🙁

    Foster

    Pva Bellerin Bruce Bertrand

    Adm Sanchez Cazorla Boyd

    Aguero Defoe

    Myhill Haz Kane Terry

  27. Harvey Specter
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 2 days ago

    When does India vs UAE start?

    1. Dr Dream
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 days ago

      After The Lord Mayor's show...

      1. Harvey Specter
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 2 days ago

        Okey...?

  28. SPorting
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 2 days ago

    My Jamaican girlfriend just asked me if I thought Bolasie was a good option so I said "No, woman! No CRY!".

    1. Not Irish
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 days ago

      Racist.

      1. Not Irish
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 2 days ago

        And sexist.

        1. Not Irish
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 2 days ago

          And Bolasist.

        2. SPorting
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 2 days ago

          Nearly a full house.

    2. Randy_Marsh
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 2 days ago

      Ha aha

    3. Holy See
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 2 days ago

      Tropical, relevant, amusing, 9/10.

  29. Vardy Gras PBFC
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 days ago

    Okay then, Colback and Ivanovic to Sterling and Dawson (-4)?

  30. Randy_Marsh
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 2 days ago

    Here is my team to laugh at

    Pants,
    PvA, Bellerin, Smalling, Baird
    ADM, Walters(C), Walcott, Ozil
    Kun, Studge

    ----------------------------------
    Hamer, Hazard, Kane, WasI

    Will I do a -4 to remove Baird?

    1. Vardy Gras PBFC
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 days ago

      Been thinking about hits myself.

      Have Colback and PvA who were supposed to be nailed on for this week in a bare XI.

      Makes sense to me to take a hit to get 11 more likely starters. At worst, should break even.

      1. Randy_Marsh
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 2 days ago

        I'm leaning towards avoiding hits now, particularly for a defender. I'm not taking Kane or Haz out I think.

        1. Vardy Gras PBFC
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 2 days ago

          I'd like to have Kun and Studge in my team, stuck with Defoe though this week.

          Colback screwed me over so I'm 9 plus PvA, but one is a midfielder so I can see why you'd want to stick.