Members

The Numbers Game- Bale Deconstructed

1 October 2010 1425 comments
Paul Paul
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Since Harry Redknapp acquired Rafael Van der Vaart from Real Madrid on the last day of the August transfer window, there has been a nagging doubt in the back of many a Fantasy Manager’s mind regarding a certain Tottenham-owned Welsh wing wonder. Opinion is pretty much split as to whether Spurs’ multitude of creative midfield options means Gareth Bale will predominantly take his place in the starting XI as a full-back or a flying winger.

Owned by an incredible 50% of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) bosses, Bale is the most popular player in the game, thanks, in part, to his performances in the latter stages of last season and a relatively cheap starting price this time round.

Redknapp has always stated he sees Bale’s long term future as a full-back and the young Welshman definitely offers Spurs more dynamism and creativity from deep than Benoit Assou-Ekotto. So far this league season, Bale has played three full games in midfield, two in defence, and one -against Wigan- where he started in midfield before moving back in the second-half.

So the key question is, how does the shift in position affect Bale’s performance and Fantasy potential? Let’s delve into the the Members’ Opta stats for further analysis.

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

1,425 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Fabregasted
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 3 months ago

    de jong or barton?

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    1. Drip Doctor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 3 months ago

      To get in?

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      1. Fabregasted
        • 15 Years
        15 years, 3 months ago

        yes, for scholes to fund tevez for chamak

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        1. Drip Doctor
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          15 years, 3 months ago

          Barton for sure

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          1. Cheggers
            • 16 Years
            15 years, 3 months ago

            Barton will probably end the season averaging 4-5 ppg which ain't bad at all for a 4.5 midfielder. He should probably be 5 or 5.5 so hes very underpriced

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            1. si
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 16 Years
              15 years, 3 months ago

              I picked him as I was expecting penalty duties too.

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              1. MTPockets
                  15 years, 3 months ago

                  Barton = bonus points of late

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      2. dave_the_bear
        • 16 Years
        15 years, 3 months ago

        barton, has de jong ever passed the halfway line?

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        1. dave_the_bear
          • 16 Years
          15 years, 3 months ago

          but i dont suggest either

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          1. Fabregasted
            • 15 Years
            15 years, 3 months ago

            so who around 4.5?

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            1. More Cowbell
              • 16 Years
              15 years, 3 months ago

              Get rid of Alex. Bring in Alacaraz.

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            2. emperikal
              • 15 Years
              15 years, 3 months ago

              Cleverley once fit!

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            3. dave_the_bear
              • 16 Years
              15 years, 3 months ago

              Ferguson's home games look good.

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    2. Drip Doctor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 3 months ago

      Ferguson or Carroll to start?

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      1. emperikal
        • 15 Years
        15 years, 3 months ago

        Birmingham at home means good shot at BPs for Ferguson unless Arteta goes ahead and steals them all lol. Don't see a massive return from Carrol this week either

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        1. Drip Doctor
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          15 years, 3 months ago

          Bugger didnt think of Arteta. Ferguson has got 5,6,5 in his last three home games. Reckon ill go for him

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      2. dave_the_bear
        • 16 Years
        15 years, 3 months ago

        Need an answer to this question too.

        Ferguson loves his bonus points and I cant see Carroll getting much.

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      3. More Cowbell
        • 16 Years
        15 years, 3 months ago

        Got both. Playing both.

        Simples.

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    3. GBalls2
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 3 months ago

      Due to a horrendous injury run, I am left with the two remaining picks for my team…advice please…

      Foster (Jaask)
      Dann, Jags, (Konchesky)
      Bale, Malouda, Nani, Larsson, Parker
      Drogba

      Now do I pick Chamakh or Carroll? Foley or Figueroa?

      Or take a 4 point hit for a better/cheaper/long term defender?

      Thanks!

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      1. Drip Doctor
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        15 years, 3 months ago

        Chamakh, Fig

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    4. emperikal
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 3 months ago

      Think you got it right. I've gone and benched Carrol as well with only Drogs and Berbs up front but opted to go with 3-5-2. I've also decided to go with Foster over Hahn but that could be a toss up and I'm going with Foster because he's playing at home and decent recent form

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      1. emperikal
        • 15 Years
        15 years, 3 months ago

        Ugh.. that was a response to NotoriousDre. Curse you man in the hat!

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        1. NotoriousDRE
          • 16 Years
          15 years, 3 months ago

          Cheers mate!

          Foster tempted me - but Everton are due a result.

          I'm hoping for. Nil-nil in the Wolves home game.

          Can't play 5 in d middle - don't see albrighton having much joy. Also hope Carrol has a quiet game!

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      2. Drip Doctor
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        15 years, 3 months ago

        Brum have kept 3 clean sheets at home, id keep Foster in goal

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        1. Cheggers
          • 16 Years
          15 years, 3 months ago

          Everton are due a result though - I can see them scoring v Brum.

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          1. emperikal
            • 15 Years
            15 years, 3 months ago

            Especially with Yakubu coming back in the side. Not having a traditional striker playing tends to make things difficult lol

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    5. anderson-son-son
      • 16 Years
      15 years, 3 months ago

      Gerrard, Tevez, VDV OR Arteta, Arsh and Berba.
      With either of the above I can get Etherington or Yaya.

      Please guys?

      In return, the AJ article someone asked for earlier about possibility of playing tommorow:
      http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1316957/Manchester-City-starlet-Adam-Johnson-slams-suggestions-doesnt-work-hard.html

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    6. sahota
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 3 months ago

      my team

      hart myhill
      johnsohn r huhges assou-ekotto alex williamson
      bale arteta malouda ferguson grandin
      drogba chamakh berbatov

      three options:
      1.chamakh>odemwindie
      arteta>nani

      2.chamakh>tevez
      arteta>etherington

      3.anything else

      going with one at the minute and have 0.3 in the bank

      help appreciated

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      1. BBB
        • 15 Years
        15 years, 3 months ago

        I'll keep Areta but If you must 2

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        1. sahota
          • 15 Years
          15 years, 3 months ago

          too late transfered number 1
          had arteta since begining of the season and he his on and off points

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          1. BBB
            • 15 Years
            15 years, 3 months ago

            Every Season Everton struggle in beginning but ones they bounce back you'll benefit from Arteta big time.

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    7. MadeinIreland
      • 16 Years
      15 years, 3 months ago

      Hi Guys,

      Which 3 of these defenders would you play…

      Samba, ShawX, O’Shea, Mummy , Konchelsky (Injured I think)

      And which of these Keepers…

      Foster, Hannerman – I’m tempted to go hannerman as I also have Arteta

      Thanks

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      1. Brightside
        • 16 Years
        15 years, 3 months ago

        shawcross, oshea, and samba.

        Konchesky is definitely injured.

        I would go Hahnemann as well, but I'm backing an Everton win.

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      2. archie70
        • 15 Years
        15 years, 3 months ago

        Foster and ShawX

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    8. Michael Jordan - call me MJ
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 3 months ago

      Guardian reckons Faye will play (Wilkinson is a major doubt) and Bale will be on the left wing, good news 🙂

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      1. si
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        15 years, 3 months ago

        That's that then 🙂

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      2. Drip Doctor
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        15 years, 3 months ago

        Damn, i want to play him but what i dont want is for him to come on in the 80th minute for 1 point, hmmm..

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    9. archie70
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 3 months ago

      Best 7.2 Mid for this GW?

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      1. Drip Doctor
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        15 years, 3 months ago

        Nasri, Wilshere, any arsenal midfielder 😉

        I'd go for N'zogbia at 5.5, Wolves at home, could do well.

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    10. Dunlox11
      • 16 Years
      15 years, 3 months ago

      Foster or Carson this week. In the scout artical it said he could see them both conced??

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      1. Hughes the Daddy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        15 years, 3 months ago

        I'd back Foster as Birmingham solid at home. That's what I've done anyway.

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    11. cruyff81
      • 16 Years
      15 years, 3 months ago

      should i get rid of konchesky or start with this back 3 of
      shawx,alex,foley

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      1. Be
        • 15 Years
        15 years, 3 months ago

        your back 3 looks lovely.. glass of fruit based drink ?

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      2. BBB
        • 15 Years
        15 years, 3 months ago

        No you should keep him, what is the rest of your Defense?

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        1. cruyff81
          • 16 Years
          15 years, 3 months ago

          im benching enrique

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    12. GBalls2
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 3 months ago

      Anyone think Carroll has got anykind of a sniff at City this weekend?

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      1. BBB
        • 15 Years
        15 years, 3 months ago

        City are solid at home, I don't think so

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      2. ...---...
        • 15 Years
        15 years, 3 months ago

        Carroll is a 3/1 anytime goalscorer with PP.

        Personally, I think that's a tad generous. Manchester City can shut out the likes of Liverpool & Chelsea but suffer penetration against Sunderland & Blackburn.

        Yes, he's got a sniff.

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    13. Handball
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 3 months ago

      During the few weeks after the international break, I am thinking of upgrading my defence and getting VdV in for Bale. This will mean downgrading Berbs, but there you go. what does eveyone think of

      Foster----(Jaask)
      Alex----Toure----O'Shea----(Jara)----(Foley)
      Malouda----Fabs----VdV----Nani----Yaya
      Drogs----Odemblingie----Dembele

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    14. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 3 months ago

      Steinsson, Jara or both?

      West Brom - Bolton match is ridiculously hard to call.

      If I don't play one of Steinsson or Jara, I play Carroll.

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      1. archie70
        • 15 Years
        15 years, 3 months ago

        I think Carroll may snatch something.

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        1. BONZ
          • 15 Years
          15 years, 3 months ago

          an hand bag?

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      2. SuperDunny - Used to be goo…
        • 16 Years
        15 years, 3 months ago

        Play Jara i reckon. Albrighton or Carroll to start?

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    15. Michael_I_Young
      • 16 Years
      15 years, 3 months ago

      Dorrans or Caroll to play this gw?

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    16. Drip Doctor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 3 months ago

      Just been on the Stokes BBC 606 to see if theres any news on Faye.Came across this:

      "Just seen the team news on Stoke's website. Interesting to say the least...

      Sorensen; Wilkinson, Shawcross (c), Huth, Collins; Whitehead, Diao, Whelan, Etherington; Walters, Jones. Subs: Begovic, Higginbotham, Gudjohnsen, Fuller, Wilson, Delap, Faye."

      Take from this what you will...

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      1. Drip Doctor
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        15 years, 3 months ago

        Ignore this, it was posted on September 26th, i guess the Stoke board is a lonely place..!

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      2. si
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        15 years, 3 months ago

        Nothing!

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        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 16 Years
          15 years, 3 months ago

          No trades for you Si this week? Saving 2 frees for GW8?

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    17. damiang2233
      • 16 Years
      15 years, 3 months ago

      Etherington as captain. Risky/not risky? Thoughts?

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      1. SuperDunny - Used to be goo…
        • 16 Years
        15 years, 3 months ago

        lol good one

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    18. Be
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 3 months ago

      need to know, thinking of Gerrard as capt, but not happy about it, good idea or not ???

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      1. MTPockets
          15 years, 3 months ago

          It's what I'm doing. My thoughts are capt differential versus rivals, plus if I can't captain him against Blackpool what's he doing in my team? Probably lose and he'll get a yellow now though.

          http://fantasy.premierleague.com/M/eventhist.mc?id=8814

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      2. Tupe
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        15 years, 3 months ago

        To play Barry Ferguson or Carroll?

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        1. Executive Decision
          • 15 Years
          15 years, 3 months ago

          Ferguson. Might pick up a mid clean and bonus. Doubt Carroll will beat Hart.

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        2. keith
          • 16 Years
          15 years, 3 months ago

          Ferguson at home good chance of BPs

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      3. Executive Decision
        • 15 Years
        15 years, 3 months ago

        How'rya lads. I've 8.2 for a midfielder to replace Arshavin after bringing in Tevez for Chamakh.
        What d'ya reckon, Bale, Essien, Van Der Vart?

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        1. Be
          • 15 Years
          15 years, 3 months ago

          VDV...

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          1. Executive Decision
            • 15 Years
            15 years, 3 months ago

            Cheers. Everyone has Bale, so this will either be a sweet differencial or an awful mess. Ah sure, he's on penos and that match could get scrappy.

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      4. bantamdave
        • 16 Years
        15 years, 3 months ago

        If you had 10.0 million to spend for this weekend only, which midfielder would be at the top of your absolute wish.

        Please skip VDV, Nani and Malouda as already owned.

        Cheers

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        1. andy85wsm
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 15 Years
          15 years, 3 months ago

          I reckon Kuyt is a good punt

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          1. andy85wsm
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 15 Years
            15 years, 3 months ago

            or maybe Joe Cole

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            1. bantamdave
              • 16 Years
              15 years, 3 months ago

              Already got capitano Torres, not really keen on two scousers. Anybody else...

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              1. JonStephen
                • 16 Years
                15 years, 3 months ago

                Milner?

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          2. Executive Decision
            • 15 Years
            15 years, 3 months ago

            I would but he's 8.7 and I've Torres, Reina and the broken Konchesky, so that's my red quota used.

            I have a feeling there's a goal fo Kuyt this week and all.

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            1. Executive Decision
              • 15 Years
              15 years, 3 months ago

              Wrong place 🙁

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          3. Abstruse
            • 15 Years
            15 years, 3 months ago

            Milner?

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          4. Be
            • 15 Years
            15 years, 3 months ago

            im starting to yearn for Kuyt.

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            1. Abstruse
              • 15 Years
              15 years, 3 months ago

              I would never get Kuyt on my team, I intend to keep my soul 🙂

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        2. si
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          15 years, 3 months ago

          Dirk. 100%.

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          1. njfsdkffslkf
            • 16 Years
            15 years, 3 months ago

            Would you pick him over Gerrard if you could afford both Si?

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          2. bantamdave
            • 16 Years
            15 years, 3 months ago

            or keep Arshavin and play him at chelski and have a free double rollover on the international break?

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            1. Shipstontrev
              • 16 Years
              15 years, 3 months ago

              Ashley Young?

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        3. Executive Decision
          • 15 Years
          15 years, 3 months ago

          I have Milner down to do well this week. Assist and 2
          Bonus. Kuyt for a goal and one bonus, maybe. Either or.

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          1. Abstruse
            • 15 Years
            15 years, 3 months ago

            Sorry, we're talking about the guy who runs down the wing as slow as a snail who everyone has gone from dissing to loving because he's a feet closer to goal?

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            1. Executive Decision
              • 15 Years
              15 years, 3 months ago

              Yeah. It's clearly absolute MADNESS to think Kuyt will so anything tomorrow. Mad. Ness. Yeah.

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              1. Executive Decision
                • 15 Years
                15 years, 3 months ago

                Unless you were talking about Milner I'm which case talk away.

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      5. amtopm
        • 15 Years
        15 years, 3 months ago

        berbatov or tevez for next 4 weeks?

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      6. Babytigrrr
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        15 years, 3 months ago

        Ok this is it. Do I or don't I get Chamakh and Bale out for Torez and DeJong? (only afford 4.6 MF). Thoughts appreciated.

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        1. Be
          • 15 Years
          15 years, 3 months ago

          go for it..

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        2. Abstruse
          • 15 Years
          15 years, 3 months ago

          Yes, except Ferguson instead of De Jong

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          1. Babytigrrr
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 16 Years
            15 years, 3 months ago

            I thought you weren't my friend!

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            1. Abstruse
              • 15 Years
              15 years, 3 months ago

              ''To dwell on past displeasantries is a step backwards''

              I made it up but it sounds like something Homer Simpson/Abraham Lincoln would say 😐

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            2. Be
              • 15 Years
              15 years, 3 months ago

              whos that to ?

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              1. Abstruse
                • 15 Years
                15 years, 3 months ago

                Mise (me)

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        3. BONZ
          • 15 Years
          15 years, 3 months ago

          NO......tevez will doing nothing!

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          1. Babytigrrr
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 16 Years
            15 years, 3 months ago

            I so do hope you are right!

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      7. keith
        • 16 Years
        15 years, 3 months ago

        Should I start Barton or Carroll?

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      8. TO
        • 15 Years
        15 years, 3 months ago

        Hart
        Shawcross Dann Jara
        Arshavin Malouda Etherington Nani(C)
        Drog Carroll Tevez
        Sub: Foster Jones Perch Gardner

        Nani(c) - Good Choice?

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        1. Just One More Thing
          • 16 Years
          15 years, 3 months ago

          I'd have Drogba and Tevez as captain before Nani - can't see beyond 1-1 in the United game.

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        2. keith
          • 16 Years
          15 years, 3 months ago

          Why captain Nani away to Sundeland who have a v good home record rather than Tevez or Drogs?

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        3. Stark McGee
          • 15 Years
          15 years, 3 months ago

          It's a crap shoot, but I have the same options and am going with Tevez. Drog would be my second choice, as he is coming off of low performance and scores well on Arsenal. Nani can explode though, so I can't knock you for taking him.

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      9. Hughes the Daddy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        15 years, 3 months ago

        How do you see how many people are in a league? Apologies if this is a daft one but I can't see how you find that out. I'm talking about leagues with loads of folk in them of course (e.g. the FFS league) before someone says 'count them' 🙂

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        1. Abstruse
          • 15 Years
          15 years, 3 months ago

          There's 50 a page, so start clicking the next button

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          1. TorresMagic™
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 16 Years
            15 years, 3 months ago

            You seriously don't know the answer?

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            1. TorresMagic™
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 16 Years
              15 years, 3 months ago

              http://fantasy.premierleague.com/M/stats.mc?stat=bestleagues

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              1. Hughes the Daddy
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 15 Years
                15 years, 3 months ago

                aha, thats the one ta

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                1. Abstruse
                  • 15 Years
                  15 years, 3 months ago

                  However, if they're not in the top leagues then you're clicking fingers will be busy 🙂

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                  1. TorresMagic™
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • Has Moderation Rights
                    • 16 Years
                    15 years, 3 months ago

                    If you aren't in the top leagues, you probably don't have big numbers in the league so a click or 2 is probably enough.

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                    1. Hughes the Daddy
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 15 Years
                      15 years, 3 months ago

                      cheers

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          2. Hughes the Daddy
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 15 Years
            15 years, 3 months ago

            ok, i'm not missing a 'total teams in league' bit then. (That would be useful) Cheers

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        2. Be
          • 15 Years
          15 years, 3 months ago

          start counting upwards...lol

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      10. amtopm
        • 15 Years
        15 years, 3 months ago

        foster
        carr ohsea hangeland
        nani malouda arteta VDV albrighton
        drogba berbatov

        worth any changes this week?

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      11. Toby
        • 15 Years
        15 years, 3 months ago

        who is everyone captaining, think im going for kuyt

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        1. Mourinho factor
          • 15 Years
          15 years, 3 months ago

          good luck i am still undecided between tevez/torres/drogba/nani/malouda

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        2. Babytigrrr
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          15 years, 3 months ago

          Drogba (at the moment) 😉

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          1. Toby
            • 15 Years
            15 years, 3 months ago

            i keep switching from drog to kuyt and looking at your overall total im back to drogba

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      12. Mourinho factor
        • 15 Years
        15 years, 3 months ago

        http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=436644882981&ref=mf
        best video i have seen in a long while

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        1. MTPockets
            15 years, 3 months ago

            Well I can certainly say that wasn't what I was expecting as 'the best video'.

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        2. Razmataz
          • 15 Years
          15 years, 3 months ago

          Is Johnson to yaya worth a 4pt hit?

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          1. Mourinho factor
            • 15 Years
            15 years, 3 months ago

            no

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            1. Mourinho factor
              • 15 Years
              15 years, 3 months ago

              i mean if yaya gets one assist it will be like one point(5-4=1) and he is not guaranteed to assist this week

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          2. Babytigrrr
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 16 Years
            15 years, 3 months ago

            Who are you trying to get in?

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          3. Seanigula
            • 16 Years
            15 years, 3 months ago

            Johnson to N Zog might be worth it...or to VDV or Dempsey

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