Papiss Cisse and Hatem Ben Arfa offer some food for thought to digest over the Sunday roast, sparkling with goals and assists in Newcastle’s win at the Hawthorns. With tomorrow night’s clash at Old Trafford still to come, our members can now soak up some of the key numbers from the Gameweek so far and get our view on where the Fantasy Premier League bonus points could be heading…
I too picked Ba, and i remember fistpumping when he slotted one vs Villa. But then again, he hasnt been the same and Cisse has ruined him. Quite frankly i dont think theyre better off even though hes scoring. Dont think he has the same top level as Ba, although he certainly has gotten a great start. Looking better on the break than Ba, i will say that.
Mark: Expert advice plz, shawcross/theo in, morrison/sktrel in or just one of the two? If i do two its a hit, but im chasing and we have a lot of the same big guns.Open Controls
Morrison looks to be out for a while so that decision is made for you Sizo.
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Hey guys. Miserable week. Need help to rebound.
Thinking about Baines with those fixtures. Am I insane?
Dyer to Walcott instead?
Get Ade in for Ba?
Maybe get Walcott this week and then get Jelavic for Ade and a Spurs defender for one of the Liverpool boys?
Baines, Siggy, Ade
Walker, Siggy, Ade
BAE, Walcott, JelavicOpen Controls
I think the third is your best bet for this coming game week but long term I'd pick number 1.
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+1
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I feel your pain too Newman. We got hurt read bad for getting rid of McClean.
Walc has qpr and MCI. Do you see returns for him? I'm looking at wol to get him.
Baines - They have a FA game midweek and should be against a WBA team looking to hit back hard. Verminator/BAE look better to deliver statistically, imo.
Siggy is a must, especially in away games by the looks of it. I'd get him in for Dyer.Open ControlsOr a WBA team hitting a form slump.
Can go either way.Open ControlsI never had mcclean at all, so its not that painful. Considering how bad his underlying stats are, I don't really regret it, even.
I can wait on Walcott, good point.
I think Verm is still a really bad choice. 2 goals in two, zero in the 12 before that. No goals or assists in those games. Although I will say Arsenal's defense is playing much better, espeically if Djourou plays more.
Part of the Baines thing is Everton's defense looking so much better. Jagielka helps. Peno's help. Only having one tough fixture left all year is the big clincher for me.
Is Siggy must have this week? Is he really gonna do that well against spurs? Sure, hes good away, but still.Open ControlsAgainst Spurs I don't think so, I've benched him.
Open ControlsVerm:
qpr MCI wol WIG CHE sto NOR wba
I can see 4 CS at least on current form. NOR & WIG are going to be high-scoring.
Tough fixtures - MCI & CHE (both at home)
Baines:
WBA nor SUN sto mun FUL wol NEW
I don't see any CS on the road, tbh. That's a max of 4 CS (altho I expect SUN & NEW to score).
Tough fixtures - sto & mun (both away)
Assume the attacking returns are a tad higher for Baines but is he worth the extra 1 mil?Open Controlshmm, good point.
I will say I don't think sto is a hard fixture for a good defense like Everton.
But you're right, Arsenal has better good fixtures. Not worth the extra 1 mil.Open ControlsDo we think Jelavic could help Baines assist potential?
Looks a decent goal scorer and he's pretty tall from memoryOpen ControlsI think he gets in great positions. Will that help? I don't know.
I have never had Baines before, but giving it serious consideration, now.Open ControlsGuess he could. Everton are in dire need of a goal-scorer. And he's one of those kids that I envision Moyes loves developing.
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Firstly - Vermaelen was limited in his potential as he was at left-back for an extended run. You can't argue with 31 points in 3 games.
Secondly - If Djourou plays more!!!!!!!!!!!???????
Although I do like the Baines shout, will jumping on soon.
I'd wait a week on the Siggster, i say 1/2-0 Spurs.Open ControlsDude, I love Djourou. I think he's a hard worker and does a good job. I know Koscielny is 'better' this year, but I like Djourou.
This 'Verm didn't score because he was at LB' argument is bunk. He was still on set pieces that whole time, which is apparently where he gets all those offensive points (that Newcastle winner aside) That is the kinda thing that makes me think those two great games were exceptions, not the rule.
Glad for the Baines support though. Very possible.Open ControlsHave you seen Vermaelen the last 3 though?
It's not only going up for corners, when we have possession he is pretty much playing as a striker, he could have had 3 assists if Walcott and RVP were more clinical in their finishing at the weekend.
At left-back he didn't do any of thisOpen ControlsThat's a good point ,but its hard to say he is getting more forward that he was at LB. Other than that borderline flukey Newcastle winner, that positioning hasn't paid off. Let's face it, set-pieces are his bread and butter offensively, and he hasn't done much until 3 weeks ago: even when he WAS on those set pieces at LB.
Open ControlsAlso, according he was the second most defensive player in average position against villa, everton and newcastle. Hardly striker-like
Open Controlsaccording to *ESPN
Open ControlsWell of course he isn't going to be a striker in defense.
I'm going by watching the actual game, and he was in and around the box a plenty.Open ControlsI just don't think its all that much better than when he was a LB. Sure, he's getting around the box more, but not that much more. His average position being so far back is evidence of that.
Open ControlsYeah, but Ryan, he did that when he played LB, too, and he went 12 straight without getting involved offensively.
Open ControlsPPG - highest out of any other regular playing defender.
Stop bagging him 😛Open ControlsI'm not arguing with PPG, Jack. It is really impressive, for sure. But that doesn't change what a stinker he has been offensively before 3 weeks ago, or the fact that Arsenal has been a pretty poor defense for his price. (again, until recently)
Don't get me wrong, I'm totally considering him, I just have some serious doubts.
I know he complained about the LB thing, but he was just as forward as he is now, and on just as many set pieces. Its no excuse for his lack of offensive production for that price.Open Controls
About Siggy against spurs. Only he knows.
Something to ponder about though - you've kept only 1 CS in the last 5 home games. That was mainly due to your brilliant offensive display vs Newcastle. Doubt Spurs are going to replicate it anytime soon.Open ControlsI don't know: a cleanie away at a 'resurgent' Chelsea should rejuvenate some confidence.
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I agree with all of what Elnino said. Siggy and BAE/Verm have to be priorities. I'm considering Ade for Ba but it might be at least a week too soon.
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Hey newman i think you are underrating Vermalen
Yes he did have lots of blank weeks but that was because he was forced to play on the edge due to all Arsenals injuries , Now hes at centreback he is getting forward much more for the cornersOpen ControlsMy team very similar to yours , i think priority is to lose a liverpool defender , they rubbish without Agger
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Agree with Jack and Triggerlips on Vermaelen. If you've ever played full back and had discipline to keep your defending position, you would find it very difficult to get good chances to score. I think that significantly limited Verm from getting into good position to score. Just getting forwards doesn't help improving your chance, you must play more central to score.
See Bale and compare him between LM and free role.Open Controls
Morning lads!
After 2 terrible GWs in a row, I'd fancy a change. Really.
Krul
Evans Simp Send
Val Sig Bale Demp
RVP Roo Ba
Subs – Mig Morrison Skrtel Caulk
1 FT Bank 4.1 WC available
Transfer suggestions or sub changes most welcome.
I can afford:
A. Simp/Send > Verm/BAE/Baines
B. Morrison > Walc
C. Ba > Aguero/anyoneOpen ControlsDisagree with B being obvious.
I actually tend to think Ba>Adebayor or Senderos>Baines would be my shortlist.
And I lean towards Adebayor out of those two I think he has far more chance of an explosive return this week.Open ControlsYou need another big name in defense. That should be priority along with Ba. You can bench Morrison this week.
Open ControlsAgree with you Ryan. Suddenly looks as if the CS are going to be coming only from the big clubs with good fixtures and unpredictable Swans ofcourse.
Newcastle (esp without Colo) & Fulham aren't looking good at the moment.Open Controls
P.Cisse shows up as a great candidate for 3rd striker and his price already rise.. I still can't decide if I should leave Suarez ship and go Cisse especially this week these two teams will meet.
Liverpool are in a real poor form, but Suarez seems to found his shooting boots again. Also, Coloccini's injury might give Liverpool more hope to score. What do you think? Keep Suarez or Get Cisse?
1ft and 1.0 in bank. My original is to do Enrique > Vermaelen and possibly bench Suarez or Siggy.
Schwarzer Vorm
BAE Evans Enrique Simpson S.Kelly
Bale Valencia Dempsey Walcott Siggy
RVP Rooney SuarezOpen ControlsLeave your striker one more week, bench Siggy, Enrique>Vermaelen.
Open ControlsKeep Suarez for sure. He is looking dangerous and Newcastle defense is terrible without Coloccini. I'd do Enrique > Vermaelen. His PPG is really good and he is a goalscoring defender
Open ControlsGreat minds..
Open ControlsYep. I told you Hold would be a good captains choice 😉
Open ControlsThinking Bale or Dempsey this week.
Not too out of the blue, but everyone will be taking the RVP Rooney path once again.Open ControlsOr Jelavic for Holt-esque move!
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I have the armband on Dempsey at the moment. Tends to score every 4 games and Norwich would be the 4th game assuming he gets nothing at Old Trafford. Norwich are not great at the back and Dempsey is always a threat at Craven Cottage.
RVP and Rooney are both away to sides who'll be hugely motivated too which has me doubting them.Open ControlsSo true. Fulham v Norwich seems to have goals written all over it
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Young better start tonight or this bad week could become a total disaster for me. With team values being so now so many more options open up but just not sure which way to go. Do I go mega heavy in defence with Baines, Verm, BAE and Evans or Load up in MF and have Bale, Dempsey, Valencia, Walcott and Sig. hmmm finally some good problems to have.
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Speaking of third strikers, how highly do you folks rate Crouch. wig and WOL next amd looking at the lack of decent third striker options there, i think he might be a good punt. Plus i need to offload Holt.
Thoughts?Open ControlsForm and fixtures in his favour, he looks like a decent option until the end of the season to me.
Open ControlsJust don't trust Crouch or Stoke to score goals and he a little expensive. If you leave him in your team from now until the end of the season he'll probably do reasonably well but I don't think his goals are predictable enough for a short-term punt. Contemplating Jelavic myself.
Open ControlsI actually think Crouch is a decent option.. i like playing that third striker over the fifth midfielder.
I dont know. Jelavic doesnt convince me yet. But you folk wouldnt get Crouch in for a hit would u? Or would u if u were chasing a lead.Open ControlsDefinitely not worth a hit imo. Everton's fixtures are what has me considering Jelavic. Only 2 games between now and the end of the season that I wouldn't play him. Looks a good finisher, doesn't have much in the way of competition apart from Straqualursi and is quite the differential at this point, 0.3% ownership.
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sssshhh 😉
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If Senderos doesn't start vs Utd, I'm going to have 1 suspended, 1 injured and 1 out of favor in gw31.
Altho I could do Senderos > Verm, should I trigger WC with Ba waiting to be removed? Or still wait for more news on DGWs?Open ControlsSenderos > Verm. Then you will be fine. Don't waste your WC now since you've been holding out for DGW's
Open ControlsCheers Ryan.
Ba's position troubles me. Cisse (when fit & starting) is the new deal.Open Controls
I would expect Senderos to concede, what does the rest of your team look like? Are they nailed on to play? It would be a shame to be 'forced in' to wildcarding, I would probably wait.
Open ControlsCheers mate. Guess they're pretty much nailed-on. I should have 11 players with Skrtel to accomodate for any rotation worries (mainly valencia). My team is as in the above post.
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4 point hit. What do you think?
Enrique > Cahill
Moses > Walcott
Suarez > Cisse
Krul - Vorm
Cahill -BAE -Simpson - Evans - Kelly
Bale - Dempsey - Walcott - McClean - Valencia
Cisse - RVP - RooneyOpen ControlsWho's in line for your captaincy next week?
Rooney (bla)
RVP (qpr)
Bale (SWA)
Dempsey (NOR)
Anyone else? 😯Open ControlsI'm really skeptical of (C) the Pig in away games. Seems to play as a CM all the time.
Open ControlsHadn't considered that, my (c) is on RVP anyway though.
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Will decide between RVP and Captain America at the last minute.
Open ControlsI always do mine midweek, because then it avoids any "Why did I take the captaincy off *insert name here* before the deadline!!!" 😛
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Dempsdog
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morning all.. Rooney again for me JOA
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Dempsey for me
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Anyone considering Pog for the next 2 gameweeks? NOR bol
Hear out my logic.
This week Ba>Pog
GW32 save transfer
GW33 dempsey>walcott + pog>ade(depending on dgw)
Also considering baines and vermanator, but think ba is first priority this week and pog looks a good bet at home.
Thoughts???Open ControlsGetting rid of Ba is really far from first priority. Hear out my logic now: 😉
1) He's up against Liv at home, who've been shocking defensively in the last 2 games.
2) On penos. Could always sneak in that cheeky goal.
3) Cisse could be injured (from cramps?) or be affected by Pardew's "5 mids" policy against "tougher" teams.
4) Lack of other options for forwards. Okay Cisse maybe. But Pog (esp when you have Demp) isn't worth it. Whereas Verm & Baines are solid options (proven in the past and playing for in-form teams).Open Controls
So got through the newcastle game and still with a green arrow... Evans, Valencia and Pig (c) to go.. I can see a couple of K climb if the pig goes mental... This week is a bit crasy as normally I would be gutted with that score...
What have you lot got?Open Controls
31 with the same 3 (no captain though) ... horrible gameweek but was like that for everyone.
the guy out in front (who incidentally has a "funny" name) captained ben arfa and had cisse and baines ... pure genious!Open ControlsGreen Arrow? Niiiiice.
15 with the same 4 remaining.
I feel sick for doing the McC > Morrison swap. Costed me 25 points over 2 weeks. 🙁Open Controls
14 from 7. Got the same 3 as you & Dempsey.
Hope you get the 12 difference from Rooney + Walcott baps vs Y.Toure baps to get through in the FPL Open. 🙂Open Controlsthat 12 points penalty seems a bit harsh.. If I get through I will be surprised
Open ControlsI understand where you are coming from. Had you got Baines instead of Verm or upgrading Skrtel, the tie would nearly be over. A few extra FPL points would have got you in the top half with no penalty. A tricky week for everyone didn't help either with the low scoring. Hopefully a cricket score tonight.
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Not much from quite a few.
25 (-4) with Evans, Valencia and Rooney (c)Open Controlsreckon you could end up with 40 plus 🙂
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playing cahill over evans, madness?
and also ryo over suarezOpen ControlsLook what happened last time Blackburn and Man United squared off ... and that was at Old Trafford. Yak and Hoilett could well tap a couple in.
I dont think it's such a bad idea considering how toothless Aston Villa are at the moment ... and Cahill is a proven goal-scorer.Open Controls
So did anybody actually score any points this Gameweek?!
Every single one of my players has scored minimum point, i'm on about 17 points with Rooney, Valencia and Evans to play.
Very boring!
On another note, is Etherington fit to play do people know?
I have Morrison who's now injured and i fancy Stoke vs Wigan, Etherington is an old fantasy favourite of mine and i've yet to own him this season.
Thanks 🙂Open ControlsWalters??
Open ControlsYeah i considered him, i had him earlier in the season but he's done very little for a long time.
Just trying differentials at the moment as i'm so far behind in my mini-leagues.
Playing a generic team isn't working 🙁 ! lolOpen ControlsI've had some good times with 'ol Matty ... it could be fantastic differential and if he finds a bit of form against some weaker sides like Wigan he can carry that through against anyone. I remember him sliding one past Joe Hart last year in extra time to level the game 1-1 ... he is amazing when on song!
Do it ... and then good luck!Open Controls
your score is below average but you will finish above it after tonight I reckon
not sure on etheringtonOpen ControlsThanks mate, yeap a bit of a strange Gameweek this week, very little happening for the normal players.
Was a shame as there were some nice fixtures in my opinion.
Hoping the three United players can atleast get my points up to the 30+ mark...!Open Controls
Who do you think will win this match?
Me: 18 points with Rooney, Valencia, Evans, Dempsey and Kelly left to play.
Rival: 29 points with Kelly left to play.Open Controlsif you don't win I would be shocked, but I think you already know that
Open Controlsif you can't muster 11 points from those 4 there's a problem ... i'd say you have it in the bag. Semi-worst case where Fulham score it could involved Dempsey so you'll get your points back for Evans and Valenica conceeding, and Val and Roon should get a goal or assist between them.
Lock it in!Open Controls
Salma wishes everyone a very good morning. 😉
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simple question, pick 1
A)pogrebnyak
B)cisse
C)adebayorOpen Controls
Next 2 Pogrebynak.
Rest of the season Adebayor.Open Controls
how strongly would people advise against getting baines in for simpson for a four point hit? it would obviously be to keep him for the rest of the season
Open ControlsDepends, do you have any planned transfers next week? If you don't I'd wait.
If you have a transfer or few planned, then go for it 🙂Open Controls
What a disappointing week so far.
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Disappointing year, I'd say. Imagine the furore tonight if Valencia is rested, Rooney plays in midfield and Fulham score.
Open ControlsI've actually given up on a top 1k ranking and qualifying from Reserves. Just trying to stay in touch with top 2 in mini league. Hope to snatch it at the death. I'm trying to mirror no 2's moves{he always Rooney(c)} and hope that my differential(Rvp) can match his one(Walcott).
Boring.Open ControlsHmm. 1,000 in the world has 1740 points, 80 more than me. He also has almost exactly the same team ( but has Whitbread and Drenthe! ) so I guess catching up now is difficult. Most people seem to have near-identical teams....
Open ControlsYeah...the season is over. At least I'm still in contention in my mini league. Only 10pts between pos 1-3.
I can't afford any hiccups now.Open Controls
Here's to hoping!
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Krul or Vorm ... leaning towards Krul but as above with Coloccini out they are more fragile at the back now. Can't see Swansea keeping a cleany against Spurs.
Things that make you go ... hmmmmmmmmmmmmmOpen Controlsvorm for save pts 😉
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When will the blanks in gw 34 be filled in? Or rescheduled?
Open ControlsAfter the FA cup replays i presume. Wednesday or thursday at the earliest.
Open ControlsThanks. Think I'm getting in a heavy hitter in defence for the run in. The rescheduling of gw 34 might effect the timing of the trsfr.
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Could very well be none, except for Villa / Bolton. The received wisdom seems to be that all the missing games will be played midweek in GW 34. I think it depends on what Chelsea do in the Champs League and the Cup replays.
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who to bench in my front 8?
walcott bale dempsey miyachi valencia
rvp rooney suarezOpen Controlsmiyachi
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The watch list has Sagna as teh recommended Arsenal defensive player. Surely it's between the cheapest (Gibbs) and the one with the biggest goal threat (Verm)?
The question is... which one? I'm thinking of abandoning my Suarez > Rooney plan as it's hardly going to help me catch my mini-league leader who already has Rooney and I think Verm could be a cheeky differential. I suppose Gibbs offers a cheaper way into the side but is he really guaranteed starts in that position with Santos pushing for starts (right?).Open ControlsSagna has looked really dangerous recently, good for some assist the way he's been crossing!
Open ControlsI wouldn't go near Gibbs way too injury prone. Sagna's a solid option and should get the odd assist though Vermaelen is probably worth the extra beans.
Open ControlsSagna has only scored 1 point less than Verm over the last 8 games. Today's surprising stat.
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Who would you pick for GW31 for goalkeeper & 3 defenders?
a) Krul or Vorm
b) Evans, Simpson, Enrique, Shawcross & SenderosOpen ControlsSeems b) is easy. Have the week to think about a).
Enter the Elite 63 if you like.Open Controls
