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The Numbers Game – 2014/15 Review – Tottenham Hotspur

30 July 2015 1356 comments
James H James H
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Despite guiding Tottenham to a sixth place slot in 2013/14 after replacing Andre Villas-Boas as the Tottenham manager, Tim Sherwood wasn’t offered the Spurs job on a permanent basis, with chairman Daniel Levy instead opting for Southampton’s Mauricio Pochettino.

The Argentine arrived at White Hart Lane having led the Saints to an eighth place finish, and immediately went about adding to his squad, with Ben Davies, Michel Vorm, Federico Fazio, Eric Dier and Benjamin Stambouli all joining during the summer transfer window. There were plenty of departures too, with Michael Dawson, Gylfi Sigurdsson and Sandro among the big names to leave.

In this members article, we take an in-depth look at Pochettino’s first season in charge, analysing the main goal threats and creators as Tottenham recorded a fifth place finish in the Premier League.

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  1. t4thomas
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    I need a cheap Sunderland defender.

    PVA is safe, but he is 5M.

    Thoughts?

    I am currently on Matthews, but don't know anything about him.

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    1. MagicHatFab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      oshea

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    2. Kerz
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      O'Shea is captain. Think he's the safest option as things stand.

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      1. Return Of Chamakh
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 5 months ago

        This!

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    3. Reedy
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      It's a minefield. Kaboul, if I had to choose

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    4. Captain Shirokov
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Kaboul or O'Shea.

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    5. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGeniusâ…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Why?

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  2. Baines on Toast...
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    This LVG 4-3-3 thing needs clarifying. He is saying that he considers Depay's 'no 10' role to be one of the middle three.

    "That the midfielder is [sometimes] in front of the striker is not bad because I think you do need variation in your attack," said van Gaal, in a press conference following the final tour match against PSG.

    "I like that and I ask for that, especially from Memphis. It can also be Carrick or Schweinsteiger or Schneiderlin once in a while but mostly Memphis. It depends on our opponents."

    So the front 3 in this scenario would be Young, Mata and Rooney. It doesn't mean Depay will move to the wing - except when another midfielder takes that advanced role, likely in tougher games.

    Also a high chance Depay would move wide if and when Fellaini comes into that role as well.

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    1. Davido989
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Yes this is why I think Young may start for the first few weeks

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    2. Butthead
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Let's all get Young then!!!!!

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    3. sully29
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Yep, to him 4-3-3 also describes what most of us would call a 4-2-3-1. Basically, things will continue as they've been in pre-season.

      Which means we know almost the entire United line up v Spurs, as well as how they'll set up. Nice to have clarity.

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    4. Slartibartfast
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      I wouldn't understand this from Van Gaal at all. With the midfielders available to him, the team looks made for a 3-man mid of [Carrick/Schweini], Schneiderlin and Herrera, with Memphis trying to win Young's place on the LW.

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    5. Taffer
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      makes Young a great pick - form, nailed on and fixtures

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      1. Baines on Toast...
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 5 months ago

        Still prefer Ritchie at the price though. Longer term solution.

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    6. Clump
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      You ll get to see UTD line up pre deadline guys (Fri night game). Wait and see.

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      1. Jazz!
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 5 months ago

        We're playing Saturday morning...?

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      2. User
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 5 months ago

        That's Gameweek 2, and we probably won't get to see the lineups then either as the deadline is 1 hour before kick off.

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  3. Slartibartfast
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    Ok, I think I know the answer to this, but which 4 attackers looks best, please?

    A: Kane, Wilson, Mane, Payet

    Or

    B. Pelle, Sakho, Ozil, Chadli

    My head is telling me B would get the most points overall, but I like the idea of having Kane in there as another potential captain candidate.

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    1. Butthead
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      What about Kane, Wilson, Ozil and Chadli?

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      1. Slartibartfast
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 5 months ago

        I'm a little hesitant to double up on Spurs, but that was my original plan!

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  4. Jazz!
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    Likelihood that Everton will keep a clean sheet against Watford at home?

    I reckon 95% chance

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    1. The 12th Man
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      50/50 Watford will be up for it.

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  5. MagicHatFab
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    liverpool or man utd defence?

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    1. Butthead
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Both look crap. Chelsea all the way. But if cash is a problem, United have better fixtures and a far more competent manager.

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      1. Taffer
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 5 months ago

        Chelsea look crap too

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    2. Kerz
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      United. 2 home games in the first 3, better CS prospects. Think they're going to improve considerably in the defensive department this season.

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    3. sully29
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Not keen on either.

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    4. MagicHatFab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      thanks

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  6. That Was Easy!
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    Anyone else feel totally fine starting Diafra for GW1? I can see them putting one past ARS.

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    1. That Was Easy!
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      If you don't agree, though, would you recommend me playing Bassong over him?

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      1. Kerz
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 5 months ago

        Definitely start Sakho over Bassong. He's proven he can produce in the PL, and Arsenal can certainly be caught out in the attacking style they're playing at the moment. With Payet firing 'em in, I think Diafra will loads of chances.

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    2. Frank Black
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Arsenal is definitely going to concede.

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  7. Frank Black
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    Aston Villa close to sign Gestede for £6.5M. Instead of Adebayor or along with him?

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    1. Hooky
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Villa are going down faster than Divine Brown

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      1. Malcolm Tucker for England …
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 5 months ago

        90s Hugh Grant ho reference.... Specialist work there

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        1. JK - Cønt â­
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 5 months ago

          Jeez, I wonder how many people even know who Divine Brown is

          really showing our age here

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          1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGeniusâ…
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 16 Years
            10 years, 5 months ago

            😆

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            1. JK - Cønt â­
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 14 Years
              10 years, 5 months ago

              hey, I may know who Divine Brown is, but I;m not old enough to have living memory of Alexander the Great 😛

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          2. Hooky
            • 10 Years
            10 years, 5 months ago

            3 of us at least 😉

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            1. Clump
              • 11 Years
              10 years, 5 months ago

              4

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    2. Funkyav
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      either way it looks like they are preparing well

      for the championship

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      1. Camp No No
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 5 months ago

        My thoughts exactly. Amavi must be gutted to have joined them.

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    3. Camp No No
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      £6.5M!!! 😯

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  8. Jazz!
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    A) Haz + Young
    B) Fabs + Depay

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    1. Butthead
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      A if Young plays

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    2. sully29
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      I'm going with A. You have to accept that Young will probably only be nailed for a few weeks at most though.

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  9. Salfpilgrimlfc
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    Good to go so far? Only concern is deeney and not having haz?

    Cech hennesey

    Cedric azpi morgan o shea Targett

    Fabregas ozil yaya milner wanyama

    Deeney rooney aguero

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    1. Parm
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      No Gerrard?

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      1. Davido989
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 5 months ago

        obsessed

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        1. Parm
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 5 months ago

          Sorry meant Henderson.

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    2. Frank Black
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Defense is a bit weak/light.

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  10. TheBabyfacedAssassin
    • 16 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    RMT, please? Yoshida, Bennett and Franncis to risky and lightweight?

    Going to WC GW 4, if i'm not super lucky on my 'punts'.

    Schmeichel Butland
    Koscielny Azpilicueta Yoshida Francis Bennett
    Hazard Walcott Sterling Henderson Wanyama
    Rooney Lukaku Sakho

    cheers!

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    1. Malcolm Tucker for England …
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Again? C'mon man...

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  11. FPL Maldini
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    I go on holiday tomorrow for 2 weeks and my internet is limited, this is the team I will be leaving the country with, anything major need changing?

    Ruddy -- (Butland)
    Azpi--Francis--Huth--(Martin)--(O'Shea)
    Walcott--Sterling--Hazard (c)--Ritchie--(Milner)
    Benteke--Rooney--Wilson---------------

    Many thanks all and good luck!

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    1. potatoace
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      very similar to my draft , I like it
      Why not just get Rudd for Butland though.
      then change martin to a 5.0 non Norwich player.

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      1. potatoace
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 5 months ago

        williams for instance.

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    2. Return Of Chamakh
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Personally that looks like a Milner/ Ritchie benching headache to me - downgrade one of them to a 4.5 and play the other every week, then use that much-needed cash on your defence (Huth and Francis as starters is your big problem there) - rest looks good!

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      1. potatoace
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 5 months ago

        i think hes intending a Wilson/Ritchie rotation.

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        1. Return Of Chamakh
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 5 months ago

          Ah right, the Milner in brackets threw me!

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    3. GreennRed
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Go Milner to Lens and Wilson to Deeney.

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  12. Ramok
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    i think its a common dilemma but cant decide so...

    A) Courtoise + Clyne
    B) Ruddy/Butland + Azpi

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    1. sully29
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      B

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    2. GreennRed
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      A.

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  13. Bony N Clyne
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    Hey guys, first time poster here. Normally like to make my own decisions but figured i'd give this a try. Having a tough time deciding between:

    a) kane and oshea
    b) berahino and clyne

    Rest of my team looks like this (overall suggestions are also welcome):

    courtois / shwarzer

    Azpi Kosc Clyne/Oshea Bassong Bennett

    Hazard Milner Mane Puncheon

    Rooney Kane/Berahino Benteke

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    1. Ramok
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      tought one, it depends if Kane will explode or not so for start i would go with A

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      1. Bony N Clyne
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 5 months ago

        thanks - pretty much what i was thinking.

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  14. Jazz!
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    Who's more likely to keep a CS in GW1?

    1) Everton
    2) Man Utd

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    1. FPL Maldini
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Everton

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  15. Nice to Finally Michu
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    Depay to start GW1?

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    1. Jazz!
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Yes definitely

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    2. sully29
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      100%

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    3. Nice to Finally Michu
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Cheers

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  16. cowburn86
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    RMT please:

    Butland - Hennessey

    Azpi - Cedric - Mertes - Huth - Bassong

    Silva - Walcott - Milner - Hazard - Surman

    Rooney - Pelle - Wilson

    Plan for Aguero - Walcott -> Ozil GW 1, Silva -> Ki GW2, Pelle -> Aguero GW3

    Thoughts???

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  17. Starvaiger
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    Best 5.5m MID?

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    1. Davido989
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Ki

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    2. Ramok
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      what about taking 5M Hoolahan cuz he's on every set piece for Norwich ? +0,5 ITB

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      1. Starvaiger
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 5 months ago

        Interesting, food for thought. thanks.

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      2. potatoace
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 5 months ago

        bizarrely hes not a guaranteed started though.

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    3. Reedy
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Ki/Shelvey

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    4. Taffer
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Aarons

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    5. Parm
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Ebay.

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    6. Return Of Chamakh
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Aarons could be pretty tasty but steer clear for at least a few weeks to figure out his first team chances (and fixtures)

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  18. Ludo
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    I really like Ashley Young as an option for those first three fixtures, I just don't want to have to use a transfer on him as soon as LVG tinkers and he drops to the bench...

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    1. Davido989
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Ive sneaked him into my team. So long as he plays the first 3 I'm ok with it

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      1. Ludo
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 5 months ago

        GW4 is Aguero time though, can't afford to be faffing around with Ashley Young then...

        I suppose if you're going to WC at that point, it makes a lot of sense.

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        1. Davido989
          • 15 Years
          10 years, 5 months ago

          Aguero time is GW1/2..

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          1. Ludo
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 5 months ago

            Not for me. 13m is for people you might captain. Fair enough if you will in the first three.

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    2. sully29
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Yeah, he only really works in the short term.

      Could easily see him rising in price after GW1 though so you might make some money while you have him too.

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  19. That Was Easy!
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    Thoughts on rotating keepers besides the usual 4.5/4.5 duo of Ruddy/Butland?

    Have a defensive rotation of NOR/BOU/LEI, so looking elsewhere in the back...perhaps Ruddy/Speroni?

    I could just drop it and go Pants/4.0 as well..

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    1. Reedy
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      I'm on Butland/Schmeichel. I know that still gives you a double-up but I have Huth too. I'd feel safer doubling on Lei than Nor.

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      1. That Was Easy!
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 5 months ago

        My thinking as well, don't want a NOR player at all..I think I'm going with Speroni.

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        1. Reedy
          • 15 Years
          10 years, 5 months ago

          Ha, yeah I know what you mean. But I'm going to stick by Bassong, too - their fixtures are just so good.

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    2. meerlight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      myhill/butland

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    3. potatoace
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      been doing non rotation for a bit now, its the only way for me.

      ask yourself how many times last season you fielded the wrong Gk. even when the odds were against it.

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  20. Davido989
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    A) Rooney Ki Wilson
    B) Benteke/Pelle, Young, Sakho

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    1. Taffer
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      B

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  21. Dynamic Duos
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    Rmt my plz guys

    Ruddy
    Clyne Huth Koscielny
    Haz Caz Mane Chadli
    Rooney Tekkers Lukaku

    Butland Andreu OShea Targett

    Transfer 1. Lukaku to Defeo
    Transfer 2. Koscielny to Azpi
    Transfer 3. Rooney to Kun

    Thoughts plz?

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  22. Kerz
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    What can we take away from LvG's seemingly contradictory statements about Darmian? It's all a bit confusing.

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    1. Return Of Chamakh
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      That he is definitely maybe nailed on (to the pitch/ bench) 😉

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    2. Funkyav
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      he was in my team then he was out

      now he is back in.

      Not that useful but thats where I am

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    3. potatoace
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      its taking away may sanity for one.

      I recon hes bigging him up for newbie confidence reasons, but in the end he may still play second fiddle for a while.

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      1. Kerz
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 5 months ago

        The lad has such talent and he's looked rock solid pre-season. Can't see any reason why he shouldn't be first choice tbh!

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  23. Jazz!
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    Who to captain GW1?

    A) Costa (if fit)
    B) Hazard
    C) Walcott
    D) Lukaku

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    1. Taffer
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Hazard

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    2. BlzE_94
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      between haz and walcott for me

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  24. Starvaiger
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    Cheeky RMT if you have time:

    Ruddy/Butland

    Azpi / Mert / Alderw / MTurner / Pudil

    Hazard / Silva / Payet / Bolasie / Ki

    Rooney / Benteke / Berahino

    Thanks,

    Cal

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  25. Taffer
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    RMT Time!

    Kasper - Schwarzer
    Martin - Mings - Francis - Jenko - Mert
    Ozil - Rambo - Hazard - Mane
    Kane - Roonpig.com - Sakho

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    1. Kerz
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      I really shouldn't have followed through to roonpig.com...

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  26. Kim Jong Kün
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    Ugh switching Giroud to Kane and now need to replace Chadli as I don't want to start double spurs attack. Any other 7.0s you suggest? Henderson?

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    1. Taffer
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Milner?

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    2. walkman666
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Hendo, Milner, Tadic.

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  27. Pepin - RIP Absinthe
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    Maybe a silly question, but is Mata really ahead of Rooney for penalties?

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    1. Taffer
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Yes

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    2. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      He is at the head of the queue in the rotation at the min

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  28. SuperMario
    • 16 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    Just made a team for my mate casually and i actually like it more than mine!!

    Butland // Ruddy
    Richards // Clyne // Huth // Jenkinson // O'Shea
    Hazard // Mane // Sterling // Walcott // Hendo
    Rooney // Sakho // Wilson

    Any thoughts?

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  29. Jazz!
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    So this year I'm gonna have a bit of fun!
    I will play the bench boost chip for GW1 and will wildcard the following week to get my team back on scratch. This whole team was built for GW1.

    Schmeichal, Boruc

    Azpi, Francis, Merte, Jagielka, Huth

    Hazard, Young, Ozil, Walcott, Mahrez

    Costa, Lukaku, Wilson

    Please don't comment that this idea is stupid and all that... Any suggestions I should do so I can maximise my points for GW1? Thanks

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  30. deepseaninja
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    I'm short -0.5m, how do I fix this?
    (It's my first time and it's all quite new to me)

    Courtois - Ruddy
    Ivanovic - Koscielny - Clyne - Betrand - Huth
    Hazard - Depay - Henderson - Schneiderlin - Wanyama
    Deeney - Berahino - Agüero

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    1. Starvaiger
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Downgrade DEF somewhere?

      Perhaps Kosc to Mert. Could save more by Ivan to Azpi.

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      1. deepseaninja
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 5 months ago

        I'll change Koscielny to Mertesacker, thanks!
        Do you think the team is okay enough (I'm quite insecure about the attack)?

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        1. Starvaiger
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 5 months ago

          I'm not really the one to ask but I think it's ok. I personally think you have too much invested in DEF and would spread that out into MID. Perhaps upgrade Schniedi.

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