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The Numbers Game – Building A Budget Defence

28 October 2011 298 comments
Paul Paul
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Much to the frustration of Fantasy managers, the past two gameweeks have brought a limited number of clean sheets right across the board. Only five were recorded over the twenty matches, with the lack of returns on offer indicative of an unpredictable Fantasy season so far.

After nine rounds of matches, two of the promoted clubs, Swansea and QPR, are joint-top for clean sheets with four apiece- Brendan Rodgers’ side, in particular, have shown a consistency at home and have yet to concede at the Liberty Stadium. Of last season’s top six, only Man City have looked strong at the back and have also picked up four clean sheets.

Chelsea’s high-pressing game under Andre Villas-Boas has so far made them susceptible at the back and have returned just a single clean sheet- a fact that is reflected in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) “Transfers Out” this week- Jose Bosingwa has been sold on by almost 71,000 managers at the time of writing, more than any other Fantasy player in the lead up to gameweek ten.

Managers are faced with a dilemma, then; do we downgrade the pricier options at the back and use the spare budget higher up the pitch or do we keep faith in the big-hitters and pray that defences will tighten up as the season unfolds?

In today’s second Members article, we analyse some of the low-budget defensive options, priced at 4.5 or under in the FPL game, using the Opta Team stats and the Season Ticker as a guide…

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

298 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Attila the Bum
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    What's the chances of Cleverley starting this gameweek?

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    1. _Freddo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      Blimey mate, have you crossed to the stupid side?

      Fergie will be along later to answer that for you.

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      1. Gaz Downright
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 3 months ago

        +1

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        1. FplBerg
          • 16 Years
          14 years, 3 months ago

          No need to make this an angry forum. People come here for advice, that's he's here for.

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      2. Attila the Bum
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 3 months ago

        Sorry was off having me tea.
        No need for that kind of talk, just wondering if people think he is a realistic starter as I need to offload Bannan. I don't want to sully my computer by looking at Man U forums so I thought I'd ask here.

        Ta to those who gave their opinion.

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      3. AnthonyBkr
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 3 months ago

        Will sir be having a chill pill?

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      4. Hotlips
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 3 months ago

        hey chill pill..u r one of these 'know it alls' that scroll through forums lookin for people to patronise...by the way..you are on here already on the stupid side...enjoy your own company 😉

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        1. Gaz Downright
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 15 Years
          14 years, 3 months ago

          ok.. i thought this was a tongue in cheek kind of reply session. im out.

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    2. Art Vandelay
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      Very high I would have thought. No need to guess though, the teams will be out before the deadline.

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    3. Kostja
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      Looks high: Fergie said that it was good to give the kid 60 minutes with the weekend game in mind. He had trained 10 days before CC so hes probably fit to go.

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      1. Kostja
        • 14 Years
        14 years, 3 months ago

        http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2011/Oct/sir-alex-ferguson-on-tom-cleverley-return-to-fitness.aspx

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    4. Demí
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/118350.html?CMP=OTC-RSS

      90% imo

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    5. SOM.... This is Fellaini�…
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      Pretty high.

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    6. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGeniusâ…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      Excellent. AB posted something late this morning.

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  2. WhoIsRonaldo
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    Your thoughts please
    Which would be best move this week ?
    Bosingwa to Shawcross
    or
    Barton to Walters

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    1. Declan
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      Walters

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      1. Kostja
        • 14 Years
        14 years, 3 months ago

        Walters.

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        1. WhoIsRonaldo
          • 15 Years
          14 years, 3 months ago

          Thanks guys been trying to plan ahead and need to fix my midfield without taking hits

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    2. Gaz Downright
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      both

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    3. Tonebone6759
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      good move - bos may not be playing for a while

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  3. isacki: full casual
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    Forget Scout Picks, what about Scout Don't Picks?

    Hennessey
    Ward Hall Samba Cahill Koscielny
    Henry Taarabt N'Zogbia
    N'Gog Stracqualursi

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    1. mufc802
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      Kenny
      Hibbert Caldwell Jara
      Arshavin Mulumbu Obertan Lucas
      Carrol Heskey Klasnic

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    2. foolsgold
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      Moses and Kolarov surely??!!

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    3. heco87
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      K Dyer in there somewhere ...

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    4. liv
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      gotta be Bramble.... he can't be in court AND on the pitch can he?

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  4. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGeniusâ…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    Ramires to play, apparently - no hits for me!

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    1. CFCTom
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      I told you that, a lot of the papers have him injured, they are idiots.

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  5. Zilla42
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    Hey, folks.

    What do you think the chances are of Balloteli getting a full 90 minutes and making an impact? I was considering freeing up some money by shipping out Saurez for Balloteli.

    I was planning on dumping Saurez at some point any way. It would give me a attacking group to pick from of:

    Silva VDV Nani Walters Moses

    RVP Adebayor Ballotelli

    What do you think? You help is greatly appreciated!

    Sturridge maybe?

    Thank you.

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    1. gravless
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      So good he's my captain...........

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    2. Tonebone6759
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      he'll play for 69 mins score 1 goal, get booked, have 3 succesful dribbles and 2 shots on target picking up 2 bonus points

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  6. Menly
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    Cmon scout picks where be you?

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  7. rohan
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    how does this team look going into the weekend..???

    vorm

    simpson--woodgate--enrique

    nani---silva---vdv(C)---pilkington

    adebayor---rvp---balotelli

    there is a fair possibility that woodgate may not play... but got warnock as my 1st sub... thoughts??

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    1. Kostja
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      Pretty ok, hope you have a decent bench dough, many are rotation risks.

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    2. Menly
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      Stunning midfield there Rohan

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      1. rohan
        • 14 Years
        14 years, 3 months ago

        thank you

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    3. WhoIsRonaldo
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      Strong team up front but defensive wise could have problems ahead with simpson and woodgate

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  8. goneill79
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    mancini rested aguero against villareal at home and it almost backfired...and they had utd 5 days later.

    so given that he likes to give them a rest, do we think he'll play him v wolves and v villareal and v qpr away.

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    1. Tonebone6759
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      he's started every prem game since he made his debut except when injured. what do you think?

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  9. Adnan Shah
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    I did Nani-->Silva last night as i was pissed at myself for removing him instead of Nani for VDV last week. Now all that talk of him not starting makes me worry more. Is it another bad move i made?

    However, i think Silva will start and will get around 70-75 minutes. And main reason for this is surely Mancini won't start Nasri and Johnson again as they played less than 3 days ago. So Milner and Silva will surely start in place of those 2. Am i right?

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  10. Jafalad
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    Ah yes budget defences-but did you forget the Grandbudgerito of them all, Sir P? Mr Simpson 4.1.

    Or are fixtures and rotation a threat here?

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    1. isacki: full casual
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      Obviously he's a standout atm but is his place threatened by Mr Expensive Davide Santon? Or was that RTaylor?

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      1. Jafalad
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 3 months ago

        Santon has been replacing Simpson in the two games this past week. Encouraging that Simpson started though so keeping hold of him for now. Raylor seems to be in the side for his goal threat. Attila will know more about this, I'm sure.

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        1. isacki: full casual
          • 14 Years
          14 years, 3 months ago

          Yeah I think the Newcastle backline, its workings and its prospects would be a worthy article for FFScout analysis. Raylor is capable of assists. Avoided bringing back Simpson because of Santon but if you already have him might as well keep for now. Pardew has built a monster defence, experience, pace in the right places, and sheer physicality.

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  11. The Pep Revolution
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    Who is the best keeper for 4.3 or less?

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    1. tontotyrrell
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      vorm

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    2. Gaz Downright
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      FPL players for £50

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  12. Romford Pele - Don't w…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    do i upgrade suarez to rooney OR upgrade de laet to mcauley?

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    1. Kostja
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      Upgrade De lae

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    2. Tonebone6759
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      neither

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  13. Lizard-fantasy
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    Really sweating on suarez now and considering a 4 point hit to bring in balotelli or adebayor......already have silva and van der vaart....thoughts?

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    1. Colonel Shoe è‚æ± 
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      i will wait till tomorrow see if theres any more info. then swap him for aguero or ballo, im sure both will play, tho perhaps ballo is more nailed on for a longer run out.

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    2. WhoIsRonaldo
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      Dont take points hits unless your bench is poor

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  14. goneill79
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    weekend team

    vorm

    wilko smalling enrique

    vdv silva nani ramsey

    rvp sturrdige suarez

    thoughts?

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    1. mufc802
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      I love the midfield combo of VDV, Silva and Nani. Wish I could afford Nani.

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    2. heartsattack
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      Very strong side. Not sure about Ramsey this week and like myself no city striker but still very strong.

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  15. PFOR
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    Regarding City strikers, Rooney is on the way for Balotelli/Aguero this week for me. While Aguero will likely score more, I'm considering Balotelli instead and getting Hernandez in for Sturridge soon for the kind fixtures. They both seem likely to get the minutes and Balotelli could be a decent differential. That being said he's due a red card. Anyone considering him?

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    1. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      Yeah Suarez to Ballo for me.

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    2. isacki: full casual
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      I'll gauge his mood from his Twitter account before making the gamble.

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  16. Loveclarkeforever
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    Who else is captaining Balotelli? 😉

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    1. isacki: full casual
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      About to if I can get through the next hour without falling for Aguero.

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  17. tontotyrrell
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    what time does the scouts pick team be shown

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    1. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      Anytime now!

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  18. Manilaman
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    I just signed up to the member's area to check this article, then skipped to the player's projections, I was surprised to see Carroll ranked 4th out of the many attackers in the game, with nearly 3 times as many points projected as the lowly Sturridge.

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    1. mufc802
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      Needs updating.

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    2. isacki: full casual
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      That is insane, any context?

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      1. Manilaman
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 3 months ago

        I think Yateszy has supplied the context, probably not updated since the end of GW1, quite disappointed, although the ticker is good. I was a member last year, and had not bothered this year until now, but need something to get an edge!

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        1. isacki: full casual
          • 14 Years
          14 years, 3 months ago

          Considered being a member but was reluctant to cross that bridge because it's kind of symbolic of 'taking FPL seriously'. Then I realized I blow so much time on it I already do. Did you find the OPTA stats and analysis regularly translated into points?

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          1. Manilaman
            • 16 Years
            14 years, 3 months ago

            I pretty much only used the ticker mate, and will likely do the same this year. I can also read all these teaser articles as well now mind.

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      2. Manilaman
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 3 months ago

        Aguero is 9th, Zamora 7th in projected points LOL, and if anyone moans about me giving away member's info I think their argument is flawed in this case.

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        1. Mark
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 19 Years
          14 years, 3 months ago

          Those projections were done when we were under the impression that Tevez would be a factor at City. Things have changed massively now of course.

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    3. Mark
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 19 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      Sorry, they are pre-season projections - I'm afraid I don't update them as the GW's roll by. I did refresh them for the January wildcard last season though, and I will likely do so again this season.

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      1. Manilaman
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 3 months ago

        No worries Mark, the ticker is ace and I'm loaded anyway.

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  19. GARTHATRON
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    Roonpig > Torres this week - gave him the armband but thinking about VDV

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    1. Kostja
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      If you made that move you might as well give him the armband, than you will know for sure next week if you made the right call or not. 🙂

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    2. goneill79
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      was desperate to get him in this week too.

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      1. GARTHATRON
        • 14 Years
        14 years, 3 months ago

        Its such a tough call, Vermaelen back swings it for me (he might do a job on Torres?)...also Kings of Lyon's post earlier had some persuasive content. I am also a Spurs fan but worried Warnock will get Derry to smash him early doors which might put him off his stride.

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  20. Bungalow Bill
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    Reina (Foster)
    Jones, ShawX, Terry, R Taylor (Gibbs)
    Adam, Meireles, Cleverley (Osman, Bannan)
    Sturridge, Agbonlahor (vc), Suarez (c)

    thinking of getting rid of Osman to bring in Silva or VdV since I desperately need some City/Spurs cover … would it be worth taking a points hit to bring in a better value keeper, or even deploy the hallowed W/C to clear out a lot of dead wood? 4.2 in the bank btw.
    Any comments much appreciated!

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    1. heartsattack
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      If I were you I'd wildcard. I'd do it tonight and include Kompany, Vorm, Silva and VDV.

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      1. heco87
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 3 months ago

        Hate to say it but me too

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      2. Tonebone6759
        • 14 Years
        14 years, 3 months ago

        why wildcard at the end of the week - ludicrous to miss price rises

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        1. heco87
          • 15 Years
          14 years, 3 months ago

          I agree, but i think the quicker the above is cleared out the better in this case. Points this week potentially more important than £1m

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      3. Bungalow Bill
        • 14 Years
        14 years, 3 months ago

        thanks for the input, wildcard used, team now looks mint!

        Ruddy (Krul)
        Richards, ShawX, Terry, R Taylor (Enrique)
        Silva (c), VDV (vc), Adam (Cleverley, Bannan)
        Sturridge, Agbonlahor, Suarez

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  21. heco87
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    Apologies if this has already been covered, but just checked FPL and VDV is on 83% .... am I right in thinking he could well rise tonight yet again therefore? Or is there some sort of additional NTI target not factored in there?

    If so, first time a player has risen £0.4m in a GW?

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    1. heco87
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      Anyone? Total FPL / Fiso expert out there?

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      1. Demí
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 3 months ago

        Yep, he's going to rise tonight Heco

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        1. heco87
          • 15 Years
          14 years, 3 months ago

          Cheers Demi - i thought so, just never seen it before so starting doubting it!

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          1. everyday, i'm shufflin…
            • 15 Years
            14 years, 3 months ago

            It's very likely to see his price to rise again tonight.. IMO.

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

      Normally if someone was on 83% I would say he won't rise tonight but the 83% has all been today as he rose last night. Could certainly do another 17% by 4am.

      I don't know of any other .4 risers in a GW but only started playing last year.

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  22. Aditya K
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    Who to play ..Dyer or Petrov..cheers 😀

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    1. Kostja
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      Id go for Dyer.

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      1. Aditya K
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 3 months ago

        cheers man 🙂

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    2. Leysh
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      Dyer, Swansea are ace at home.

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      1. Aditya K
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 3 months ago

        CHEERS MAN:)

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  23. mufc802
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    So I have 3 Spurs players, good or bad thing? Their fixtures look brilliant up to week 22. I could always drop Ade if he fails to score in the new few games maybe bring in Sturridge.

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    1. Kostja
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      Its ok, looking as they will have a DGW soon.

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    2. Hazardous Liege '76
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      I have 3 as well ( VDV, Ade and Walker ) so IMO yes - could be madness though?!

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  24. Twinkle toes
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    Bosingwa or Wilkinson ?

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    1. Kostja
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      WIlk for this GW

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    2. Attila the Bum
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      To start or to transfer to?
      If its start then Wilkinson is more likely to offer a clean sheet, but Bosingwa more likely to offer attacking points.

      So basically flip a coin 🙂

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  25. naruto4kamil
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    ladies and gentlemen, if the choice of captain Aguero is a good choice?

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    1. gravless
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      About as good as Suarez last week....

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  26. _____JR_____
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    RMT plz

    Given

    Woodgate JoseEnrique Kaboul Kompany

    Dyer Silva Ramsey

    Rooney Suarez RvP

    Vorm Simpson Jarvis Ferguson

    Thanks in advance...

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    1. dopey1
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      6/10

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      1. _____JR_____
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 3 months ago

        Advice so plz....

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  27. KillerWhale
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    Would anyone like to take a guess at this weekend’s city line-up?
    I am thinking a short-term transfer Arteta-ManCityMid~ probably Milner, but feedback is always good.
    Cheers!

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    1. Colonel Shoe è‚æ± 
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      milner is my punt for this weekend, top work rate and potential for assists and even goals. i cant afford silva

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    2. eviemonkey
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      Hart
      Rich Kom Les Clic
      DeJ Yaya
      Mil Nas
      Bal
      + Silva or Aguero

      .. would be my guess. Milner should start, good move if you can bring him in.

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  28. woodenarmadillo
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    What rule changes are happening for defenders ^^ why is it not mentioned on the fpl website anywhere

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    1. Hazardous Liege '76
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      It's a wind up mate

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      1. woodenarmadillo
        • 14 Years
        14 years, 3 months ago

        oh.. sigh..heh i blame friday

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    2. CFCTom
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      I would have thought minus points for conceding pens, something like that.

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    3. isacki: full casual
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      +2 handicap if you play for Bolton. It's only fair.

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  29. Captain Berbarossa - arrrrr…
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    If you were asked to make the very cheapest possible team, this would be the best (based on points scored so far) you could come up with, which have no more than 3 players from the same team. 3 Norwich, 3 Newcastle and 3 Swansea players are in it.

    Moreira (Swa) Ruddy (Nor)

    Lopez (Wig) Orr (QPR) Caulker (Swa) Whitbread (Nor) Hanley (Bla)

    Ferguson (New) Smith (New) Agustien (Swa) Reo-Coker (Bol) Fox (Nor)

    Ranger (New) Blake (Bol) Baxter (Eve)

    Awesome team right?

    God, I'm bored tonight 😀

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  30. Ace Ventura
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    Vorm or Ruddy?

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    1. Leysh
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      Vorm.

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    2. GARTHATRON
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      Castle of GrayKrul

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    3. 4-4-who?
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      Vorm; Swansea yet to concede at home...and Bolton have been awesome (not)

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      1. Ace Ventura
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 3 months ago

        Really, didn't know that! Sorted 🙂

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