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Lineup Lessons – Gameweek 8 – Part Two

7 October 2015 1376 comments
James H James H
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Jefferson Montero and Nacer Chadli come back into to the Swansea and Tottenham starting lineups. Matt Jarvis’ return for Norwich sees Robbie Brady shifted back into defence, whilst Steve McClaren keeps faith in a two-man frontline for Newcastle.

After publishing Part One yesterday, we roll out the second instalment of our look back on the teamsheets from Gameweek 8, assessing the personnel changes, the formations and tactics, plus the key risk areas for each team.

Newcastle United

Starting XI: Krul; Janmaat, Coloccini, Mbemba, Mbabu (Lascelles 53); Gouffran (Thauvin 66), Anita; Sissoko (Tiote 66), Perez, Wijnaldum: Mitrovic.

  • Following the 2-2 draw against Chelsea, Steve McClaren only made one alteration for the trip to the Etihad, with Yoan Gouffran coming in for the injured Jack Colback.
  • Gouffran, naturally a wide forward, surprisingly played alongside Vurnon Anita in central midfield as McLaren continued with a 4-4-2 formation. Georginio Wijnaldum and Moussa Sissoko played on the left and right respectively, with Ayoze Perez and Aleksandar Mitrovic were retained up top.
  • As the match progressed, Kevin Mbabu was replaced by Jamaal Lascelles at left-back having picked up a minor knock. Cheick Tiote made his first appearance since Gameweek 3 in an attempt to shore up the midfield, while Florian Thauvin replaced Sissoko on the right flank.
  • Colback should have a good chance of recovering in time for the Gameweek 9 clash against Norwich, so Gouffran may well drop to the bench. Tiote could also be set to come into the reckoning once again, while Paul Dummett and Massadio Haidara could be back to challenge Mbabu for the starting berth at left-back. Meanwhile, at right-back, Daryl Janmaat will be backed to recover from the knee knock that has seen him withdraw from the Dutch squad this week. Thauvin and Siem de Jong remain options in the attacking midfield positions but appear to be struggling to impose themselves on the starting XI.

Current Status: Unsettled
Risk Areas: Full-backs, Central Midfield, Flanks

 

Norwich City

Starting XI: Ruddy; Whittaker, Martin, Bassong, Brady; Tettey, Dorrans (Redmond 50); Howson, Hoolahan, Jarvis (Mbokani 59); Jerome (Lafferty 77).

  • Alex Neil only made one change from the side which drew 2-2 at West Ham, with Matt Jarvis coming in for Martin Olsson, having been ineligible to play against the Hammers.
  • The Canaries lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Jarvis’ inclusion meaning Robbie Brady dropped back to left-back. Jarvis played on the left of the three attacking midfield positions, with Wes Hoolahan as the number ten, and Jonny Howson on the right. Graham Dorrans operated alongside Alex Tettey in the double-pivot.
  • With Norwich trailing 2-0, Neil brought Redmond on for Dorrans, with the former Birmingham man moved to the right wing, as Howson dropped back into central midfield. Dieumerci Mbokani was then thrust alongside Cameron Jerome in attack, with Matt Jarvis making way, while Kyle Lafferty made his first league appearance of the season, replacing Jerome.
  • After netting his opening goal for the Canaries, Mbokani may be very close to earning his first league start at the expense of Jerome. Moving Brady back to left-back suggests that’s where the Republic of Ireland international could start on a regular basis, with competition for the wide roles among Redmond and Jarvis fierce. Howson isn’t a natural wide man, however, and could be under pressure for his place.

Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Left-Back, Flanks, Central Striker.

 

Southampton

Starting XI: Stekelenburg, Soares, Fonte, Van Dijk, Bertrand, Romeu (Ward-Prowse 45), Wanyama, Mane (Yoshida 92), Davis, Tadic (Rodriguez 78), Pelle.

  • Ronald Koeman made one change from the team which beat Swansea 3-1, with Oriol Romeu coming in for James Ward-Prowse.
  • Southampton lined up in their usual 4-2-3-1 formation, with Romeu partnering Victor Wanyama in the engine room. Steven Davis filled the central attacking midfield position, with Sadio Mane and Dusan Tadic filling the more attacking wide roles in support of Graziano Pelle.
  • Koeman decided to take off Romeu at the break, with Ward-Prowse introduced, while Jay Rodriguez replaced Tadic late on.
  • With Ryan Bertrand now fully fit, and with Virgil van Dijk settling in at St Mary’s, the Southampton side has a pretty familiar look to it now, with the only slight rotation seen in who partners Wanyama in central midfield, and who lines up alongside Mane and Tadic in the advanced midfield positions.

Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Central Midfield

 

Stoke

Starting XI: Butland; Johnson, Cameron, Wollscheid, Pieters; Whelan, Adam; Walters, Bojan (Afellay 58), Arnautovic (Van Ginkel 69); Diouf (Joselu 86).

  • Make Hughes made one change for the trip to Villa Park, with Mame Biram Diouf coming in for the injured Xherdan Shaqiri.
  • Hughes retained the 4-2-3-1 system, with Diouf starting in the lone striker role, while Jon Walters playing on the right of the three attacking midfield positions.
  • Bojan was again hauled off around the hour mark, highlighting he is still some way short of full match fitness. He was replaced by Ibrahim Afellay, while Marco van Ginkel took the place of Marko Arnautovic.
  • Shaqiri (hamstring) could well return for the trip to Swansea in Gameweek 9, so Walters probably looks the most likely to miss out. Van Ginkel looks to have lost his starting berth to Charlie Adam for the time being. Diouf and Arnautovic picked up slight knocks against Villa, but both players are expected to return to action over the upcoming internationals.

Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Centre-Half, Flanks, Central Midfield, Central Striker

 

Sunderland

Starting XI: Pantilimon; Yedlin, O’Shea, Coates, Jones; Cattermole, M’Vila (Gomez 90); Lens, Toivonen (Larsson 84), Borini; Fletcher (Rodwell 84).

  • Dick Advocaat made three alterations from the side which lost 3-0 at Man United. DeAndre Yedlin came in for Patrick van Aanholt, with Billy Jones switching to left-back. Sebastian Coates started in place of the injured Younes Kaboul at centre-back, while Steven Fletcher replaced Adam Johnson.
  • The Dutch boss stuck with the 4-2-3-1 formation, with Fletcher taking the lone striker role, and Fabio Borini playing on the left of the three attacking midfield positions.
  • He brought Jack Rodwell and Sebastian Larsson on to help shore up the midfield following Jeremain Lens’ sending off, as Sunderland looked to hold on for a point.
  • Lens will now miss the trip to West Brom in Gameweek 9, so the likes of Larsson, Rodwell, Jordi Gomez or Johnson could all come into the reckoning for a start, while a change of formation could bring Jermain Defoe into the equation. Much will depend on who is in charge for the encounter at the Hawthorns, following Advocaat’s departure. Coates will also miss the next match after picking up his fifth booking of the campaign, so with Kaboul expected to recover from a minor knock over the next two weeks, the Frenchman may come straight back into the team. Yedlin’s first start at right-back could see Van Aanholt facing a spell out of the side with Jones continuing on the left. Again, much depends on the new regime.

Current Status: Very Unsettled
Risk Areas: All Positions

 

Swansea

Starting XI: Fabianski; Rangel, Fernandez, Williams, Taylor; Ki Sung-yeung, Shelvey (Cork 86); Ayew, Sigurdsson (Barrow 75), Montero; Gomis.

  • Garry Monk made two changes for the visit of Tottenham at the Liberty Stadium, with Angel Rangel making his first start of the season as Kyle Naughton missed out for personal reasons. The other alteration saw Jefferson Montero start in place of Jack Cork.
  • Monk switched back to the more familiar 4-2-3-1 formation, having started with the midfield diamond at Southampton. Ki Sung-yeung was stationed alongside Jonjo Shelvey in the double-pivot, with Montero taking his usual position on the left wing.
  • Modou Barrow was introduced with 15 minutes to go for Gylfi Sigurdsson, and lined up on the right wing, with Andre Ayew switching to the number ten role. Cork replaced Shelvey late on to solidify the midfield.
  • Rangel filled in well for Naughton, and could perhaps keep his place for the clash against Stoke in Gameweek 9. Cork may well be named among the substitutes once again, with Ki and Shelvey forming a strong midfield partnership.

Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Central Midfield, Right-back.

 

Tottenham

Starting XI: Lloris; Walker, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Davies; Alli, Dier; Chadli (N’Jie 64), Eriksen, Lamela (Townsend 57); Kane (Dembele 81).

  • Mauricio Pochettino only made one change from the team which beat Man City 4-1, with Nacer Chadli recalled in place of Heung-Min Son, who was ruled out with a foot injury.
  • Tottenham lined up in their usual 4-2-3-1 formation, with Dele Alli continuing alongside Eric Dier at the base of midfield. Chadli played on the left of the three advanced midfield positions, with Christian Eriksen in the number ten role and Erik Lamela on the right.
  • Lamela was replaced before the hour mark by Andros Townsend after an ineffectual display. Clinton N’Jie came on for the similarly disappointing Chadli, while with N’Jie impressing in attack, Harry Kane was replaced by Mousa Dembele late on.
  • Son may not be back for the Gameweek 9 match against Liverpool, so Pochettino could name a fairly similar side, although Dier will miss out because of a one-match ban after picking up five yellow cards. The Argentine will hope Nabil Bentaleb (ankle) and Ryan Mason (knee) will be available to fill the void; Dembele is the other option. N’Jie played as the lone striker, with Kane in the number ten, and that is something which could be further explored down the line as N’Jie continues to find his feet in English football.

Current Status: Unsettled
Risk Areas: Flanks, Central Midfield

 

Watford

Starting XI: Gomes; Nyom (Ibarbo 70), Prodl, Cathcart, Ake; Abdi (Guedioura 90), Watson, Capoue, Anya (Paredes 79); Ighalo, Deeney.

  • Quique Sanchez Flores only made one change for the trip to Bournemouth, with Nathan Ake replacing Jurado, who missed out because of a hamstring injury.
  • Flores retained his usual 4-2-3-1 formation, but with Ake coming in at left-back, Ikechi Anya was moved forward to the left of the attacking midfield trio.
  • The Hornets first substitution was an attacking one, with forward Victor Ibarbo coming on for right-back Allan Nyom. It was Anya who switched back to the full-back position, though, while the Scot himself was replaced shortly after by Juan Carlos Paredes after picking up a minor knock.
  • The Watford starting XI has had a pretty settled look to it in recent weeks, and while Ibarbo and fellow new striker Mamadou Oulare will continue to build up their match fitness, they may well struggle to oust Odion Ighalo and Troy Deeney from their starting berths. Valon Behrami will be back from suspension though, and should replace Ben Watson in midfield. Ake may now be ahead of Jose Holebas in the pecking order at left-back.

Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Left-back, Central Midfield

 

West Brom

Starting XI: Myhill; Dawson, McAuley, Evans (Chester 24), Brunt; Morrison (McManaman 69), Yacob, Fletcher, McClean; Berahino (Gardner 46), Rondon.

  • Gareth McAuley returned at centre-back in the only change from the side which lost 3-2 to Everton, replacing Jonas Olsson.
  • Tony Pulis maintained the 4-5-1 formation, with Saido Berahino again playing wide on the left.
  • Jonny Evans was forced off with a hamstring injury in the first-half, and was replaced by James Chester. Berahino was surprisingly substituted at the break, with Craig Gardner brought on, while Callum McManaman came on for James Morrison, with Gardner moving to a central role.
  • Although McAuley has been passed fir over the international break, there remains injury doubts over Evans and Jonas Olsson, so Pulis may have to make some changes at the back against Sunderland in Gameweek 9 if those injuries don’t clear up. Berahino should keep his place, given he’d scored two in his previous two appearances before the weekend.

Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Central Defence

 

West Ham

Starting XI: Adrian; Jenkinson, Reid (Collins 66), Tomkins, Cresswell; Kouyate, Noble (Zarate 79); Lanzini, Payet, Moses (Jelavic 58); Sakho.

  • Slaven Bilic named an unchanged side from the one which drew 2-2 against Norwich.
  • The Croatian stuck with the 4-2-3-1 formation, with Pedro Obiang having to settle for a place among the substitutes.
  • Victor Moses was again hauled off around the hour mark, this time for Nikica Jelavic, as he continues to build up his match fitness. Winston Reid picked up a slight back injury, so James Collins replaced the New Zealand international in central defence, while Mauro Zarate was introduced for Mark Noble as the Hammers chased a winning goal against 10-man Sunderland.
  • Bilic looks to know his best starting XI, and provided Reid is fit for the trip to Southampton after the international break, there shouldn’t be many changes. Angelo Ogbonna could be back from a hamstring injury, but he faces a battle with James Tomkins for a starting spot. Andy Carroll should continue to build up his match sharpness from the bench.

Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Central Defence, Central Midfield

 

1,376 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Beavis
    11 years, 17 days ago

    What are people's thoughts on Community Articles and general posts that get hulked which contain lots of vital members only stats but are instead available to everyone? I know Jonty was discouraged from sharing too many stats on the Scoutcast so should the same principle not apply on the forum as well (to an extent, anyway)?

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    1. andy85wsm
      • Has Moderation Rights
      11 years, 17 days ago

      It does apply on here - at least it's in the T&Cs.

      Some stats every now and then are fine though, but not consistently and not anything too major.

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      1. Beavis
        11 years, 17 days ago

        What's the threshold though realistically? Plenty of stats in the Southampton hot-topic and in most of the community articles. Can there not be a Members' Community Articles section or something?

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        1. J0E
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          11 years, 17 days ago

          Yep, personally I would have cut out alot in the Southampton one before hot topicing and asked Rodellegabomb to submit as a community article instead, but its there now and well read so can't go back in time.

          As said there is the potential for a Members Communtiy articles. All we have to do with a community article is restrict it to Members only. We have done that before and would need to discuss with Mark and Paul whether perhaps others should be as well. Its certainly something worth discussing.

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          1. Beavis
            11 years, 17 days ago

            Brilliant, thanks for clarifying Jonty. Much appreciated.

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    2. J0E
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      11 years, 17 days ago

      The view is that some is fine, too many is not. What I'd like to do is encourage more use of Members Tables so that a poster can still make a point, as in I think Martial is a good prospect...and then say and here's why with the link to the table, rather than list out all the stats.

      Same with community articles - some is fine, but I often in the edit cut out a lot. If there are too many we also consider restricting them to Members only. We've done that before.

      Yesterday for example I did have to remove one or two posts that had too many members stats in them.

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      1. Beavis
        11 years, 17 days ago

        Cheers Jonty.

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      2. Kings of Lyon ★
        11 years, 17 days ago

        Good to hear! Keep up the good work 🙂

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      3. Francescoli
        11 years, 17 days ago

        Yep great idea. Although, I'd also be keen on a small area where we can talk freely about stats without reprimand.

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        1. thattreblefeeling
          11 years, 17 days ago

          I think a member's chat forum would be a great addition

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      4. The 12th Man
        11 years, 15 days ago

        I miss the tables this year. I didn't renew my membership mainly down to too much time spent looking at them.
        Spending more time with family.

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    3. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      11 years, 17 days ago

      I couldn't give a monkeys, makes for better posts and articles.

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      1. MOTHRA
        11 years, 15 days ago

        I kind of agree. It's good to show some elements of what non members are missing. This is my first year of membership and wasn't put off by the fact that some stats are in open articles.

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  2. Punty
    11 years, 17 days ago

    Liverpool-fans monitoring a private jet that left Hamburg earlier, quite funny:

    https://www.reddit.com/r/LiverpoolFC/comments/3ny2ay/something_my_mate_sent_mea_private_jet_heading_to/

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  3. JoBro
    11 years, 17 days ago

    Is Kolorov nailed on?

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    1. Moorinho
      11 years, 17 days ago

      Maybe for 1, max 2 gameweeks.

      After that he'll rotate with Clichy again.

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    2. Eden Hazardous
      11 years, 17 days ago

      Atm yes , next month maybe no

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    3. TwiggsJameson
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      11 years, 17 days ago

      Not for much longer I fear....

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  4. Moorinho
    11 years, 17 days ago

    Repost:

    This is my team for GW9...

    Myhill
    Kolarov - Martin - Bertrand
    Mane - KdB - Sanchez - Payet - Mahrez
    Pelle - Aguero

    McCarthy - Ighalo - Richards - Gomez

    Will need to move on Gomez after that (unless he miraculously gets the starting spot again). And I can take only one more drop from him (which is coming).

    So, Gomez to
    A) Davies
    B) Moreno
    C) Souare
    D) Nyom

    Davies would fit in best with my rotation system but is a major rotation risk as well.

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    1. Jape
      11 years, 17 days ago

      C for me

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      1. Moorinho
        11 years, 17 days ago

        Cheers. Souare seems to be the man of choice.

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      2. Sjaugen
        11 years, 17 days ago

        Thats a killer team. Don't you already have 3x SOU?

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        1. Black Knights
          11 years, 17 days ago

          It's the CRY one, not Cedric.

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        2. Moorinho
          11 years, 17 days ago

          Yes I do...

          As BK said it's the Palace one, the Soton one is Soares.

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    2. Francescoli
      11 years, 17 days ago

      B or C. Leaning towards C

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      1. Moorinho
        11 years, 17 days ago

        Moreno's very interesting, just waiting to see what Klopp does with his team selection.

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    3. Bobby_Baggio
      11 years, 17 days ago

      C - great team BTW

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      1. Moorinho
        11 years, 17 days ago

        Thanks, pretty much everyone voting for C then!

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  5. Blue Star
    11 years, 17 days ago

    Any thoughts on this? (price not being an obstacle)

    A) Betrand
    B) Bellerin

    Cheers

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    1. Moorinho
      11 years, 17 days ago

      Either's fine. I'd prefer A.

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    2. Mata-Is-The-Juan
      11 years, 17 days ago

      I prefer A as well.

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    3. Kings of Lyon ★
      11 years, 17 days ago

      B for me

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    4. Arteta
      11 years, 17 days ago

      Both will get you points but I prefer Bellerin.

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    5. Beavis
      11 years, 17 days ago

      A - prefer their fixtures.

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    6. Bobby_Baggio
      11 years, 17 days ago

      Both are good picks but i really do think bertrand will come good

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    7. Blue Star
      11 years, 17 days ago

      Cheers guys. Leaning towards Bellerin. I'm not convinced Betrand will keep a CS against Leicester or Liverpool

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      1. Johnny98
        11 years, 17 days ago

        Completely agree. I was in the same position and have chosen Bellerin. Happy with that.

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  6. Bobby_Baggio
    11 years, 17 days ago

    If on a WC would you look to get kolarov out and have someone cheaper to enable improvements in midfield?

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    1. Kings of Lyon ★
      11 years, 17 days ago

      I would but I imagine im in the minority

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      1. Bobby_Baggio
        11 years, 17 days ago

        I think i would too although the next fixture would have been nice to keep him especially if kompany is back

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    2. Jape
      11 years, 17 days ago

      Yes. It's getting to the point now where Kolarov is going to be rotated.
      You could have him in and make the most out of his last GW's providing you don't mind transferring him out later

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    3. Moorinho
      11 years, 17 days ago

      I'm looking at Kolarov -> Coleman GW11

      Getting him our now is a little premature, Clichy ain't back yet. Kolarov could easily get CS+bonus from Bournemouth. Maybe even some attacking returns.

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    4. TwiggsJameson
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      11 years, 17 days ago

      Possibly an Arsenal or Soton defender would be better now.

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      1. Bobby_Baggio
        11 years, 17 days ago

        I would be able to afford both if i sell kolarov on my WC

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    5. Beavis
      11 years, 17 days ago

      Yeah I wouldn't have Kolarov on WC. Considering binning after this week.

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      1. Bobby_Baggio
        11 years, 17 days ago

        Cheers beavis

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    6. FPL_Sponge
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      11 years, 17 days ago

      Plan on Kolarov to Bertrand/Jagielka next GW to also free up funds for my midfield 🙂

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      1. Bobby_Baggio
        11 years, 17 days ago

        That would be ideal for me next week but im on my WC so makes sense to let him go and use his value elsewhere

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  7. pompeyfan
    11 years, 17 days ago

    In case anyone is interested Southampton play a friendly in Amsterdam against Ajax today. Will be for non-internationals of course.

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    1. Kings of Lyon ★
      11 years, 17 days ago

      Good to know. Are you going to it?

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      1. pompeyfan
        11 years, 17 days ago

        nope, it's behind closed doors and I think during work anyway

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  8. 1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    11 years, 17 days ago

    KDB goal and assist predictions for the season? (3 goals and 2 assists already)
    10 goals
    14 assists

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    1. Kings of Lyon ★
      11 years, 17 days ago

      So youre saying I shouldnt sell him for Hazard?

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      1. Nickofoz
        11 years, 17 days ago

        Why would you do KDB -> Hazard? That's ludicrous IMO, Hazard is severely out of form.

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        1. Kings of Lyon ★
          11 years, 17 days ago

          Hmmm true, might be one for GW13

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      2. Prøphet
        11 years, 17 days ago

        At the moment no. Later, possibly.

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  9. Your Mum's Athletic
    11 years, 17 days ago

    Have I missed a Balders competition update? giggity

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    1. Prøphet
      11 years, 17 days ago

      Would like to know as well

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      1. Your Mum's Athletic
        11 years, 17 days ago

        i presume the sheer number of people is hard to sieve through

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    2. Boris Bodega
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      11 years, 17 days ago

      All I know is that I am out 🙁

      Even with a season best score of 79 last week

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    3. Billy Gilmore
      11 years, 17 days ago

      He's too busy trading his life away

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  10. Your Mum's Athletic
    11 years, 17 days ago

    Also the new format in this article is spot-on!

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    1. Bobby_Baggio
      11 years, 17 days ago

      Agree decent read/layout.

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    2. Beavis
      11 years, 17 days ago

      +1

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  11. Bobby_Baggio
    11 years, 17 days ago

    So this subject was talked about here yesterday but i want to see what people think.....

    I've always kept to my guns and stuck with a 4-3-3 formation. Its always worked well for me and gives me no benching headaches as my 5th mid is a bench fodder and generally having 3 decent inform strikers helps.

    Now i see generally Midifelders are raking in the points and there are plenty of choices out there so am tempted, as i am on a WC, to switch to 3-5-2 and have my 3rd striker as a 5mil man

    Thoughts?

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    1. J0E
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      11 years, 17 days ago

      3-4-3 looks perhaps the better with Vardy, Murray, Ighalo and Mitrovic looking viable third strikers. Pelle, Lukaku and Martial doing well in the mid category, Aguero looking essential.

      There are mid alternatives to all though, so instead of Pelle perhaps have Mane and have a cheap striker instead. Trouble is chea 5m strikers have a real chance of leaving you with bench points, while the likes of Westwood don't.

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      1. Bobby_Baggio
        11 years, 17 days ago

        Indeed very true Jonty - an issue i'm currently deciding on. 5 midfield looks amazing and i'm not used to seeing it

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      2. Ryan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        11 years, 17 days ago

        So Westwood is better because he doesn't score points 😕 Its really the 0.5 for a dud sub though isn't it.

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    2. El-Kloppico
      11 years, 17 days ago

      I've always gone 3-4-3, with a bench fodder as a 5th midfielder but one who plays. atm Westwood seems fine for me, as he'll play only in case one of my supposedly starters in MID are not playing. I normally concentrate on my MID and Strikers rather than the back 3.

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    3. A.T
      11 years, 17 days ago

      The general consensus is that 3-4-3 is the best formation followed by 3-5-2. This season, for the first time in a few years, more and more people are playing 3-5-2 due to the ammount of cheaper mids available and up until now, the lack of decent forwards. 4-3-3 shouldn't be an option IMO, especially this season as no team are consistently getting clean sheets. The best formation I believe is still 3-4-3. The 3-5-2 argument rears its head every year but sooner or later 3-4-3 comes out on top.

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      1. Bobby_Baggio
        11 years, 17 days ago

        Apologies i did mean 3-4-3 not 4-3-3

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    4. Doolittle
      11 years, 17 days ago

      I presume you mean 3-4-3, not 4-3-3? I raised this point yesterday, it's the first time I've ever really been tempted by 3-5-2 since 2011-12. I will give it a couple more weeks to assess, because I may struggle if I switch to switch back.

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      1. Bobby_Baggio
        11 years, 17 days ago

        I do my bad

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    5. Moorinho
      11 years, 17 days ago

      There are just too many mids I want currently, so going with 3-5-2. Ighalo also looks a good as he's scoring nearly all of Watford's goals.

      Would take only two transfers to transition to a 3-4-3 anyway if a choice forward appears.

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      1. Bobby_Baggio
        11 years, 17 days ago

        I know and i am on my WC so for me i do need to decide - currently really am liking my 5 man midfield

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        1. Moorinho
          11 years, 17 days ago

          The only forward who interests me right now that I don't have is Lukaku... and I'm never getting him again.

          Maybe Martial from GW11 if his price stabilizes.

          So, really depends. Are your 5 mids in there the ones you want long term? If so 3-5-2 could work out very well.

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          1. Bobby_Baggio
            11 years, 17 days ago

            Well looking at the 5 they can easult be strong till the end so yes i can see them long term

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            1. Moorinho
              11 years, 17 days ago

              In which case, would you really be tempted by a 3rd striker?

              Until the system works, why change it?

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  12. drughi
    11 years, 17 days ago

    You think I can save my FT this week ? have this team right now

    Ruddy(rudd)

    Evans Sagna Huth (richards,saylor)

    Hazard(vc) Sanchez KDB Mahrez (fletcher)

    Aguero(C) Sakho Ighalo

    0.7 itb

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    1. Bobby_Baggio
      11 years, 17 days ago

      You'll get by this GW but definitely need to sort defense out with the 2FT you'll have if you save.

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      1. drughi
        11 years, 17 days ago

        Yeah that's the plan and hope sagna and evans play this week. A bit tempted by mahrez>tadic

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        1. Bobby_Baggio
          11 years, 17 days ago

          No i would keep Mahrez

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          1. drughi
            11 years, 17 days ago

            ty

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    2. A.T
      11 years, 17 days ago

      Yes

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      1. drughi
        11 years, 17 days ago

        ty

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    3. Jafalad
      11 years, 17 days ago

      Good for this week but how long are you hanging onto Hazard? Going without Payet is rather knifedge.

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      1. drughi
        11 years, 17 days ago

        I will assess hazard after this week but hazard>payet/walcott/mane could be on the cards to upgrade sakho to lukaku/pelle in coming weeks.

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  13. MY DJ NAME IS PIMP CURRY
    11 years, 17 days ago

    Is Redmond -> Dele Alli too sideways a move?

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    1. drughi
      11 years, 17 days ago

      would'nt waste a transfer on that

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    2. A.T
      11 years, 17 days ago

      Yes

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    3. Bobby_Baggio
      11 years, 17 days ago

      I'd only do that if you had 2FT and rest of team was fine OR on a WC. Don't forget Mason and Bentaleb will be back shortly so Delle Alli place could be up

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    4. Jafalad
      11 years, 17 days ago

      Probably backwards if anything.

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    5. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      11 years, 17 days ago

      No way. Hold. Redmond may not be nailed on but he does have potential to grab a goal or assist when he does come on. Dilly Delli won't score that many IMO.

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    6. Mata-Is-The-Juan
      11 years, 17 days ago

      I suspect Mason & Bentaleb might challenge him for gametime.

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  14. internal error
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    11 years, 17 days ago

    Klopp 😆

    http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2577077-jurgen-klopp-as-james-bond-his-spectre-looms-large-at-liverpool

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    1. drughi
      11 years, 17 days ago

      hahaha

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    2. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      11 years, 17 days ago

      Very good 😉

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  15. Alittude
    11 years, 17 days ago

    Hazard to Mane or Payet?

    Thinking Mane purely because my rival has Payet but don't want to get burned. Who's the better short term option over the next few? Can't decide atm.

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    1. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      11 years, 17 days ago

      It is a sound idea but do you really want to do it before Haz v an even more shocking Villa side than Chelsea are at present. This fixture could be a chance to clear away the cobwebs and get Hazards and Chelsea's season running smoothly? I would hold for another gameweek if I had him personally.

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      1. Alittude
        11 years, 17 days ago

        Honestly im probably going to have to do it anyway so may as well do it before he drops, would like to keep hom for this week though if he wasn't dropping.

        My defence will need upgrading though as one of davies, nyom or francis has to start every week so if davies looses his place im screwed so downgrading hazard will give me those funds.

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    2. Jafalad
      11 years, 17 days ago

      Payet. Too influential. Mane is an inconsistent blighter. Pelle could be your diff.

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  16. GreatCarragherReef
    11 years, 17 days ago

    right now i could do KDB and Ighalo to Mane and Lukaku, but for a -8.

    Obviously not ideal but if i leave it to do over the next few gwk's i probably wont be able to afford it...

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    1. Jafalad
      11 years, 17 days ago

      KGB needs to go the other way.

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    2. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      11 years, 17 days ago

      Tough one. You must go with your gut. If it's a long term decision then go for it. If it is chasing points decision then I would be inclined to hold.

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    3. Moorinho
      11 years, 17 days ago

      Why would you want to transfer KdB out? City will score the most goals in the league and he'll be involved heavily.

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    4. Ryan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      11 years, 17 days ago

      No thats silly. KDB and Ighalo are both excellent options and shouldn't be sold. Look to sell others.

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      1. Jafalad
        11 years, 17 days ago

        Plus billions.

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    5. GreatCarragherReef
      11 years, 17 days ago

      cheers all, i really like kdb but theres just something telling me to get lukaku in at all costs...

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  17. Your Mum's Athletic
    11 years, 17 days ago

    'What the Bookies Say' - Euro Qualifiers (RB - Recommended bet)

    - Wales go into their away fixture with Bosnia knowing a point will see them qualify and with the likes of Williams, Ramsey and Bale in the team. I'm expecting them to do just that. RB - Wales or Draw @1.96

    - Portugal play Denmark in what is usually a low-scoring tight game. RB - both teams NOT to score @ 1.84

    - Republic of Ireland go into their game with Germany knowing a win will guarantee them a playoff place whereas Germany go into the match knowing that a win will secure automatic qualifying. RB - over 2.5 goals @ 1.75

    - England face Estonia knowing that a win will guarantee them a spot in the group 1 of the seeded teams which will be vital in the potential to go deep in the tournament. They will have too much class. RB - England -1 handicap @ 1.50

    - Slovakia at home to Belarus, having lost their last 2 games, they have far too much quality for this Belarus team and will bounce back. RB - Slovakia win @ 1.61

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    1. Your Mum's Athletic
      11 years, 17 days ago

      total accumulator > 12/1

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      1. Sjaugen
        11 years, 17 days ago

        "Over 2.5 goals" What am I missing with the .5?

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    2. Jafalad
      11 years, 17 days ago

      What's the value bet i.e. great odds with a good chance of coming in?

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      1. Your Mum's Athletic
        11 years, 17 days ago

        germany to win BTTS @ 11/5

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  18. Lateriser 12
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    11 years, 17 days ago

    Help me out then lads. I have 0.7M in my bank. This is my defence.

    Butland McCarthy
    Kolarov Francis Prodl Gomez Richards

    I need to boot Richards and Gomez. Ideal replacements are Cedric and Gabriel and i am 0.1M short of that. Currently i have 5.3 M for a Gomez replacement. Also keep in mind i will need some money to convert Martial or Vardy to Lukaku very soon. Do i take a -8 this week and set my team up for the future with flexibility by doing Richards -> Cedric and Gomez -> Simpson. That gives me money to set myself up for the future and get Bellers/Coleman/Lukaku/Dier in. Or do i hold tight and just do Gomez-> Cedric? I'll need to possible upgrade Kolarov to Coleman and Francis to a Dier maybe. And Lukaku for one of Vardy/Martial soon.

    How do i go about this? Already did one transfer this week for Mahrez -> Mane.

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    1. Shearer & Sutton
      11 years, 17 days ago

      Gomez -> Bertnand?

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      1. Lateriser 12
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        11 years, 17 days ago

        Look below.

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    2. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      11 years, 17 days ago

      Personally would just do Gomez to Berty. IMO he is a better prospect than cedric.

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      1. Lateriser 12
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        11 years, 17 days ago

        Thinking long picture. Going Berty allows me only a 4.5 replacement for Richards.

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        1. Forever In Our Shadow
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          11 years, 17 days ago

          The thing is the other 4.5's you have mean surely you will play kolo plus Berty (if you signed him) plus one of the other 3? Surely that's what you plan originally would have had would have been rotation between those other 4. Doing this means you only have to choose 1 from 3 rather than 2 from 4. Less selection headaches?

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          1. Lateriser 12
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            11 years, 17 days ago

            Cedric is as good a pick as Berty i reckon though.

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      2. Jafalad
        11 years, 17 days ago

        Agree with this ^^^^

        I think Berty will hover up baps/

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    3. Lateriser 12
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      11 years, 17 days ago

      Don't mind a hit or two as i got myself a fat score this week.

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    4. Jafalad
      11 years, 17 days ago

      Hi Laterz.

      Wouldn't do any more transfers this week. Not for defenders anyway.

      I'd do Gomez->Bertrand/Cedric next week.

      Kolorov could be become Bellend too.

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      1. Lateriser 12
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        11 years, 17 days ago

        Its a team structure issue though and i can't play Richards this week. Good time to set myself up i think. Definitely getting in a SOT defender this week. And i'd like to save some cash.

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        1. Jafalad
          11 years, 17 days ago

          Not keen on hits for defenders. Esp as there so few cs about this year.

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    5. Mata-Is-The-Juan
      11 years, 17 days ago

      Does Soaure or Ward + one of Gabriel /Cedric work?

      That should leave you with funds to get in Lukaku at a later time no?

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      1. Lateriser 12
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        11 years, 17 days ago

        Good option this.

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  19. Shearer & Sutton
    11 years, 17 days ago

    I'm going on vacation today Thailand.

    I like my front 8 but my defence isn't that good. What changes would you lads recommend over the next few weeks?

    Kolarov Darmian Williams, Richards, Gomez
    0FT 0.6 itb

    Preliminary plan ->
    GW 10 Gomez -> Souare or 4.5/5.0def.
    GW 11 Darmian -> Bertnand/ Coleman

    I'm short 0,1 Gomez -> Bertnand.

    It makes no sense to take a hit for defender GW 9?

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    1. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      11 years, 17 days ago

      Darmian to Berty. IMO. Don't take a hit if you don't want to.

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      1. Shearer & Sutton
        11 years, 17 days ago

        Thanks.

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    2. Mark-O
      11 years, 17 days ago

      Avoid a hit for a defender. Also, Bertrand is in the England team now so you might have to note that.

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  20. Kings of Lyon ★
    11 years, 17 days ago

    Anyone looking at a WC double up on defence from GW11? Im stuggling to get a solid defence but if I go with Bertrand Cedric Soare and Ward you get the following rotation -

    BOU sun STO NEW AVL cpl/SOT sto/TOT ARS/bou SWA nor/CHE WAT WBA TOT BOU WHM WAT

    Looks really good all the way up to GW30.

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    1. Ryan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      11 years, 17 days ago

      Ergh, rotations. Does anyone actually ever stick to them?

      Also I think Southampton's defence is so much better than Palace that you wouldn't want to be sharing a 50/50 rotation.

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      1. The_Colonel
        11 years, 17 days ago

        I like to think of them as options rather than hard rotations.

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        1. Ryan
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          11 years, 17 days ago

          Yeah I'm like that as well. Its obviously beneficial to have options with form and fixtures to boot.

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          1. The_Colonel
            11 years, 17 days ago

            Exactly. I also like to have at least 2 defenders playing at home each week. Not that my team is set up that way atm 🙁 hate my def right now.

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      2. Kings of Lyon ★
        11 years, 17 days ago

        I have done with great sucess in the past.

        I agree with that and in the rotation you are playing Sot much more than Cpl and when youre not sure you can always just play one from each

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        1. Ryan
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          11 years, 17 days ago

          Hedging bets? I think you might find that frustrating as you are certain to lose out in one way or another. I think it would be better to only get one Palace defender personally and get an alternative for varieties sake. You cant really rely on their defence.

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    2. Lateriser 12
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      11 years, 17 days ago

      Fine. We know you have a wildcard!

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      1. Kings of Lyon ★
        11 years, 17 days ago

        but an awful OR and TV 😉

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    3. The_Colonel
      11 years, 17 days ago

      All your eggs in 2 baskets

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    4. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      11 years, 17 days ago

      Have never liked rotations. Don't see the point in having anymore than 3 mid prices to top price defenders plus fodder. Just got to make sure they are 100% starters. The less defensive headaches the better IMO.

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    5. Bobby_Baggio
      11 years, 17 days ago

      Can backfire but can work in your favour! Hard to tell but at least if it doesn't you can switch cedric or ward/souare

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    6. Jafalad
      11 years, 17 days ago

      I would just pick form defenders with good fixtures ahead of rot.

      Dawson, for example, will keep cs home and away.

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    7. Shifty
      11 years, 17 days ago

      I've always been a supporter of defensive double up - but am usually alone on it.

      You have my vote of confidence!

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  21. Big Bad Barry
    11 years, 17 days ago

    Walcott Sanchez Hazard Payrt Kdb!

    To much on the middle I know barring injuries that settled for the season

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    1. Jafalad
      11 years, 17 days ago

      Whats your D and front 3 like?

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    2. Mata-Is-The-Juan
      11 years, 17 days ago

      No to Hazard IMO.

      Hazard>Mahrez /cheap MID. That ££ saved will go some way to fielding a somewhat balanced team.

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    3. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      11 years, 17 days ago

      You must have skimped badly on defence and strikers. That is such an expensive mid. Nice looking though if you can make it work.

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    4. Mark-O
      11 years, 17 days ago

      It's either you have Aguero with a Ighalo for 352, or you have no aguero with two mid range forwards. 😮

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  22. SpaceCadet
    11 years, 17 days ago

    Guys which seems like the better option?

    a. ozil and hazard > sanchez and mane
    b. hazard and Jerome > pelle and cabaye

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    1. Jape
      11 years, 17 days ago

      A

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    2. Moorinho
      11 years, 17 days ago

      A

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    3. Shearer & Sutton
      11 years, 17 days ago

      A

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    4. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      11 years, 17 days ago

      A. Sanchez is essential IMO.

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    5. Jafalad
      11 years, 17 days ago

      A.

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    6. Lateriser 12
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      11 years, 17 days ago

      A is so easy.

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    7. SpaceCadet
      11 years, 17 days ago

      Wow guess I underestimated the importance of sanchez! Thanks guys

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  23. Shifty
    11 years, 17 days ago

    Is there any 5.0 or below defender worth selling Skrtel for a hit for...

    ...and play ahead of Kolarov, Coloccini, Dawson or Naughton?

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    1. Ryan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      11 years, 17 days ago

      Cedric?

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      1. Shifty
        11 years, 17 days ago

        crossed my mind, but not sure if I would play him this week ahead of any of those above 4 defenders. What ya reckon?

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        1. Ryan
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          11 years, 17 days ago

          Yeah I guess its not worth a hit

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    2. Jafalad
      11 years, 17 days ago

      Looking at their recent numbers, Richards and Janmaat make a lot of appeal esp the latter.

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    3. Mata-Is-The-Juan
      11 years, 17 days ago

      Hard to look past Cedric tbh.

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  24. FPL Daniel
    11 years, 17 days ago

    Both my players with knocks, Ayew and Alexis. What do we think? Both will be ok for PL...?

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    1. Jafalad
      11 years, 17 days ago

      Yep.

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    2. @FPLMason
      11 years, 17 days ago

      yes

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    3. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      11 years, 17 days ago

      Hold tight for now.

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    4. Mark-O
      11 years, 17 days ago

      Will be very ok!

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  25. 1966 was a great year for E…
    11 years, 17 days ago

    I've got 3 midfielders flagged (Yaya, Sanchez, Ayew), and 2 who didn't play a minute last week (Mahrez, Sako).

    5-0-3 anyone?

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  26. A.T
    11 years, 17 days ago

    http://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2015/10/08/scout-scribbles-sanchez-a-doubt-for-chile/

    New post

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  27. Felix55
    11 years, 17 days ago

    Kante or Drinkwater?

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  28. DwarfKing
    11 years, 10 days ago

    Fabianski
    Prodl kolarov Fonte
    Ritchie Mahrez Kouyate Barkley
    Pelle Ighalo Sanchez

    How's this looking? Sky fantasy so Sanchez is classed as a striker.

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