Watchlist

The Watchlist – Wildcard Midfielders

Next up is the third in our series of Winter Wildcard articles. Having rolled out pieces on the Goalkeepers and Defenders, it won’t be much of a surprise to learn that the midfielders are next on the agenda.

Juan Mata
Due to a hectic summer with his national side, the first three fixtures of the season were something of a write-off but after being rested for Gameweek 4, Mata has been simply sensational. Chelsea’s key midfielder has scored or assisted in 11 of his subsequent 12 starts, with only the occasional threat of rotation scuppering his prospects in a season that has so far seen him average 7.2 FPL points per start. As the Blues head into their double with Stoke and Southampton, we can only hope Rafa Benitez has learned his lesson, after the decision to bench the 9.9 priced proved disastrous last time round as Chelsea slumped to a 1-0 home loss to QPR. The stats say it all, really; the London outfit have scored two goals over the five games Mata has failed to start, compared to 37 strikes in the 15 fixtures he has been named in the first XI. According to our season ticker, the Blues have the second strongest schedule over the next 10 Gameweek; aside from the double, games against Reading, Wigan, West Brom, Fulham, West Ham and Southampton look set to continue the sensational displays that have already seen the former Valencia man better both his goal and bonus haul from his debut campaign at the Bridge. Tonight’s 90 minutes in the Capital One Cup defeat to Swansea might shake the double Gameweek confidence in Mata somewhat, but, given his league form, he remains difficult to ignore.

Theo Walcott
While a move up front in Arsenal’s recent league matches has bolstered Walcott’s appeal, he’s consistently produced the points regardless of position over the last few months. The first 10 Gameweeks earned Walcott a single start for the Gunners, with Arsene Wenger’s faith seemingly floundering, but from Gameweek 11 onwards he’s been hugely impressive. The former Southampton man has scored or assisted in seven of his last eight starts and despite a handful of sub appearances, has still managed to average 6.3 points per game – bettering Santi Cazorla’s 5.8 average, in spite of the fact that the latter has started every league game under Wenger. Walcott has racked up 956 minutes so far – almost a third of last season’s game time – yet has already equalled his goal haul and has supplied just three assists less than the previous term’s tally. Coming in at 9.0 in FPL, Walcott will be looking to take advantage of an upcoming run that hands Arsenal a home game in five of the next six Gameweeks (MCI, che & WHM, LIV, STO, sun, AVL) with the upcoming double against Chelsea and West Ham set to entice plenty more owners his way – over 87,000 managers have snapped him up heading into the weekend clash with City.

Gareth Bale
The Welshman seems to have upped his attacking displays since Andre Villas-Boas’ arrival at the Lane last summer. Bale has already notched nine times and racked up 20 bonus points and is clearly on course to smash last term’s totals of 10 and 21 respectively, with five lots of double figures already returned in 17 appearances. While he continues to frustrate at home, with just two goals in nine at the Lane, Bale’s away displays have proved sensational, with a 16 point haul at Old Trafford indicative of his fixture-proof potential. Indeed, Spurs seem to be suit playing on the road – they have scored 22 times in 10 away matches, compared to 17 goals in 11 games at the Lane; a reason for optimism ahead of a run of fixtures that sees them on their travels in four of the next six (qpr, MUN, nor, wba, NEW, whm). So far this season, Bale has averaged 6.5 points per game – top for midfielders, with Robin Van Persie the only attacker to prove superior; with that in mind, a price of 9.8 looks a bargain.

Marouane Fellaini
The rumour mill is buzzing over a potential move away from Goodison over the winter window but for the purposes of this article, we’re assessing Fellaini’s potential from an Everton perspective. With a goal or assist in 10 of his 16 appearances, the Belgian’s move to a more advanced role this season, tucking in behind Nikica Jelavic, has been hugely beneficial to his Fantasy prospects – he is just 11 points short of his best FPL tally of 111, set back in 2008-09. Having peaked at 7.9, Fellaini has tumbled down to 7.4, with huge numbers of Fantasy managers shipping him out in light of a result of a recent three-match suspension. David Moyes’ side are now handed four enticing home fixtures in the next seven (SWA, WBA, AVL, RDG) and with trips to Southampton and Norwich also on their short-term agenda, Fellaini’s mid-price appeal has persuaded almost 130,000 managers to scramble aboard the bandwagon since the end of the previous Gameweek. With eight goals, five assist and five lots of double figures already accrued, he looks primed to produce the goods once again.

Gaston Ramirez
The Uruguayan is expected to recover from a dead leg in time for Southampton’s visit to Villa this weekend for the first match of their double Gameweek. Coming in at just 5.6 in FPL, Ramirez has produced a goal, an assist and five bonus points in his last couple of appearances and looks a real differential prospect, with an ownership of just 0.5%. An average of 4.2 points per game is second only to Rickie Lambert for the Saints and with a home clash against Everton and a trip to Wigan in his next four, Ramirez could prove a canny short-term acquisition, with Nigel Adkins relying more than ever on his output, in light of Adam Lallana’s knee injury.

Kevin Nolan
A single goal since Gameweek 8 has lessened his appeal but a favourable short-term schedule could afford the Hammers skipper a chance to return to form. In addition to double Gameweek 23 (QPR, ars), Nolan also squares up to Sunderland, Fulham, Swansea and Villa over the next five Gameweeks – with Andy Carroll edging towards a comeback and the aerial threat of Marouane Chamakh also added to the options up front, Nolan will be looking to benefit from and still looks a reasonable shout for just 6.5, before the fixture list takes a turn for the worse once again for Sam Allardyce’s side in Gameweek 27.

Robert Snodgrass
A goal and assist in the opening 13 Gameweeks was scant reward for the Norwich playmaker but Snodgrass has flourished over the last few matches. With the majority of free kicks and corners in his locker, the summer signing from Leeds United has subsequently racked up three goals, three assists and 10 bonus points in his last eight matches in a series of displays that bring him firmly into our thoughts. Clearly, his contribution is vital to Chris Hughton’s side and a run of five home fixtures in the next eight (NEW, TOT, FUL, EVE, SOT) will hold no fear for a Canaries side that have already seen off the likes of United and Arsenal at Carrow Road earlier this season. Coming in at 6.2 in FPL, Snodgrass’ total of 16 bonus points has been bettered by just two midfielders so far (Gareth Bale and Yaya Toure), while four lots of double figure hauls is indicative of the explosive potential that will surely see his current ownership of 7.9% rise further.

Michu
A pretty obvious option but it’s impossible to ignore Swansea’s summer signing. A total of 13 goals and one assist, supplemented by 11 bonus points, earns Michu top spot in the current FPL midfielder standings, with an ownership of 46% indicative of our collective show of faith – a good Fantasy week for Michu can send you tumbling down the rankings if you don’t have him. While his price has leapt from 6.5 to 8.2, he still remains exceptional value for money ahead of a schedule that sees him play host to Stoke, QPR and Newcastle in his next three at the Liberty – eight goals in 11 home matches highlights his deadly form in front of the Swansea faithful, while trips to Sunderland and West Ham in the next four also hold appeal. Tonight’s strike in the Capital One cup win at Stamford Bridge underlined his qualities – Michu’s confidence in front of goal seems to be unwavering.

Adam Johnson/ Stephane Sessegnon
Sunderland’s enticing schedule brings the pair into our thoughts. Over the next nine Gameweeks, Martin O’Neill’s side welcome West Ham, Swansea, Fulham and Norwich to Wearside and also pay visit to the current bottom three, with trips to Wigan, Reading and QPR on their agenda. So far, Johnson has outperformed Sessegnon in terms of Fantasy returns, despite the latter’s role in “the hole”; although both have found the net three times, Johnson has provided four assists to the Benin international’s three. Indeed, Johnson’s average of 4.1 points per game is superior to Sessegnon’s 3.8 and is second only to Steven Fletcher for the Black Cats – a FPL price of 6.7 and ownership of less than 2% could well appeal to those looking for a real mid-price differential, who has scored or assisted in three of his last four home games. Sessegnon, at 7.2, has also ticked along in recent games, with attacking returns in three of his last six and is certainly the most explosive of the pair, as last term’s returns testify – if he hits form, he could prove the better option.

Raheem Sterling
There’s no doubt the recent displays of Steven Gerrard have kept the teenager out of the Fantasy limelight but an upcoming run of fixtures, which sees Liverpool travel to United, Arsenal and City in the next four, is likely to deter many from investing in the premium priced Reds’ skipper. Sterling, on the other hand, is priced at just 5.6 and could appeal to those Fantasy managers who still want Liverpool coverage without going overboard on budget – a goal and a couple of bonus points in the previous Gameweek against Sunderland suggest a return to form after a couple of bench appearances and with the schedule looking particularly enticing from Gameweek 26 onwards, many may decide to snap him up just now rather than spend a transfer later on.

Jon Walters
A somewhat unglamorous pick, the Stoke man continues to steadily accumulate the points and currently sits in joint ninth spot for FPL midfielders on 92 points, alongside Yaya Toure. Walters’ appeal was somewhat diminished earlier in the season by a shift to the Potters’ right flank but a tactical reshuffle has earned him a role in “the hole” behind Kenwyne Jones and boosted his out of position prospects once again. Patience in the key with Walters; he has started every game under Tony Pulis this term, though tends to be less explosive than most, with just two double figure returns to his name. Walters has earned nine extra clean sheet points thanks to the resilient Stoke rearguard and with spot-kick duties also in his locker, he’s capable of ticking along nicely. After 10 matches at the Britannia, Pulis’ side remain the only unbeaten home side in the league and now have five fixtures in front of their own fans (CHE, WIG, RDG, WHM, WBA) to continue their impressive form. Coming in at 6.6 in FPL, Walters is the second top scoring Fantasy asset for Stoke, just one point behind Asmir Begovic – while the Chelsea clash lessens his appeal, the remaining above-mentioned home fixtures affords him plenty opportunity to add to his five goals, three assists and 10 bonus points so far.

Adel Taarabt
Omitted from Morocco’s African Cup of Nations squad, the maverick midfielder is free to aid QPR’s bid to beat the drop. Harry Redknapp’s arrival has made a definite difference to Taarabt’s Fantasy potential – he has averaged 4.6 points per game over the R’s eight games under their new manager, compared to 3.2 ppg beforehand. Up next, he has three home games in the next four (TOT, whm, MCY, NOR) and if he can turn his superb Opta stats into Fantasy points, Taarabt could yet prove a bargain at 5.6 for the short-term and beyond, as Redknapp looks to engineer a scramble to safety.

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3,158 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Koflok
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Ferk this I'll go with my gut and do

    Cerny Defoe to Ba Turnbull for hits.

    Yes -8. This game is supposed to be fun and taking risks are fun.

    Kinda sure me doing this means Defoe will have a stormer of a game.
    Just as Berba did when I transfer him out last GW. 🙂

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    1. heco87
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      :/... you not still got a January Wildcard? I really wouldn't do that hit.

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  2. Professor Abel X
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    After delaying things for the past few days hoping Chelsea's team sheet would suddenly become predictable for the DGW, I bit the bullet last night and did the following

    Suarez & Cameron > Ba & Luiz (-4) with Mata in my ranks already.

    Really hope I don't live to regret it, all 3 of these look like massive rotation risks to me now!

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    1. Lord Flashheart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      who is NOT a rotation risk on that team?

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      1. Professor Abel X
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        I know, I was tempted to just ignore the fact they had 2 gameweeks, but couldn't in the end!

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    2. Sulk
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      i think turnball, cole, ivan and possibly azpi are the only three thatll get 180 mins.....

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      1. BootlegRascal
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        I think Ivanovic will get Southampton off.

        In all honesty, probably 6-8 of them will get 2 starts

        We just can't be certain which

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        1. Jafooli
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 2 months ago

          This,

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        2. Sulk
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 2 months ago

          true, the only problem is with rafas rotation policy, his subs come on and off early in the match. someone could get 2 starts and only get 120 mins

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          1. Jafooli
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 2 months ago

            That'll do for Ba, Mata, Hazard, Lampard.....the rest is gravy.

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      2. Pap Le Cissier
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Even after Ivans balls ups last.night?

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        1. Sulk
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 2 months ago

          just a temporary blip. hes not prone to those

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      3. Professor Abel X
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Was looking at Turnbull, but then the murmurs on here were that Cech may be back, so decided not to risk it.

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    3. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      So many have now done something similar (and plenty more still will), if it all goes pear shaped, the red arrow shouldn't be that big.

      That's what I'm thinking/hoping anyway.

      If they go nuts and you don't have them you'd be dropping like a brick......

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      1. Professor Abel X
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        That was my thinking too, and after the Arsenal DGW I still have my Wildcard to clear up

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  3. dadoune30
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Fonte is out for up to 6 weeks 🙁

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    1. BootlegRascal
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Hoovield bandwagon

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      1. BootlegRascal
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Hooiveld* ...

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      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Benteke ftw.

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    2. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Not good....that's one dead fish in my team already.....oh well

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  4. Willis.
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Is Cech definitely out for the DGW?

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    1. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      No

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    2. Planet Jo
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      He's definitely not definitely out

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  5. Koflok
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Ferk this I’ll go with my gut and do

    Cerny Defoe -> Ba Turnbull for hits.

    Yes -8. This game is supposed to be fun and taking risks are fun.

    Kinda sure me doing this means Defoe will have a stormer of a game.
    Just as Berba did when I transfer him out last GW. 😀

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    1. Marknlard
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Save 4 points and don't bother with the Turnbull transfer.

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  6. barndawg
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Bale vs QPR
    Or Mata for DGW???
    If Bale scores a brace (likely) Mata's DGW will be invalid...
    Thoughts???

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    1. Sulk
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      as a spurs fan id say bale will not score many if any attacking points away at qpr, and id even go on record and say he'll do better the following week against man u.

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      1. Pap Le Cissier
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        I agree. If anyone will know how to go up against spurs.and stifle them.its Harry. Can see 0-1 or 1-1 at most

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      2. barndawg
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        So your saying Mata then Bale next week. Bale does love a big clash

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        1. Sulk
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 2 months ago

          yeah not necessarily because he mentally likes playing big teams, but the way big teams come at us, play a high line is perfect for lennon, bale defoe to counter

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      3. iakopu
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Th worst call I've heard all night

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        1. iakopu
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 2 months ago

          *@sulk

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    2. Professor Abel X
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      'Arry can have all the knowledge of Spurs in the World, but even he will know that if Bale's on form, he's gonna be unplayable

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  7. barndawg
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Discussion
    Bale vs QPR
    Or Mata for DGW???
    If Bale scores a brace (likely) Mata's DGW will be invalid...
    Thoughts???

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    1. barndawg
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Whoops double comment -fail :/

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  9. Dark Mata
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Is RVP the most expensive ever FPL player at soon to be £14.1, or was Ronaldo more expensive back in the day?

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    1. Sulk
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      rvp, think ronny was 13

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      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Ronny hit 14 at least.

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      2. Dark Mata
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Funny how people are still transferring him in now at £14million, rest of team must suffer a tad

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    2. Billy Gilmore
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Ronaldo was around 15m iirc.

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      1. Jafooli
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        iirc?

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        1. Jafooli
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 2 months ago

          If I remember correctly, got it....

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          1. Billy Gilmore
            • 11 Years
            11 years, 2 months ago

            Yep, you remembered correctly... 😉

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        2. Planet Jo
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 2 months ago

          If I (he/she) remember correctly

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    3. Pasqualinho
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Ronaldo got into the 14s. I think he started one season at 14.0, and rose from there. Can't remember exactly how high, though - but I have a vague recollection that he got to 14.6.

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      1. Marknlard
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah this is how I remember it too. He definitely started a season at 14.0, though I think it was the season AFTER he'd gone mental with 47 or how ever many goals and he wasn't as good. The season he got sent off vs Man City, perhaps?

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    4. Fratboy
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      I didn't play when Ronaldo was around but hear that Henry and Ronaldo were both very expensive. 14 has been thrown around.

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    5. Specialist
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Think Henry was 14.0 one season, but don't think he ever rised.

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      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Started 14 rose to 14.9. I sold him just in time and my ranking fired. Gerrard and Lampard were option than.

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    6. heco87
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Ronaldo definitely got to £14.2m - http://premierfantasyleague.blogspot.co.uk/2008/10/is-it-ronaldo-time.html

      Maybe slightly higher.

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  10. pablo discobar
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    I have two options for my wildcard and it hinges on Ba or Hazard for my third Chelsea player
    If I go Ba it means a swap for Podolski next week and if Hazard a swap for Carzola so its a tough choice.

    A -With Ba – GK, Jussi/Bego,
    DEF, Zabaleta, Marriapa, Luiz, Sanga, Demel,
    MID, Michu, Fellani, Bale, Walcott, Mata,
    FWD, Lambert, RVP, Ba

    B -With Hazard, same defence, but mid is
    MID Michu, Fellaini, Hazard, Walcott, Mata,
    FWD, Lambert, RVP, Tevez……

    If i went with B I would bring Bale in for Carzola after the DGW.
    Dunno what to go for as I think I would rather Carzola over Podolski next week, but feel the team with Ba looks better as Bale is in there.

    What do you guys think, the team with Ba (A) or the team with Hazard (B)

    Cheers
    So Hazzard or Bale

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    1. pablo discobar
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      ignore the last part! " Hazzard or Bale" I have no idea why thats there!

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  11. immybob
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    I may have to face the DGW with NO Chelsea cover... Or Wilcard early doors, is this utter madness.?

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    1. Pap Le Cissier
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Not considering your grav, and in your own.words "Why so serious?!" 😉

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    2. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Not madness but you might end up looking like your grav, if you don't already 😉

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      1. Pap Le Cissier
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Stop stealing my thunder!! 😉

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        1. Jafooli
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 2 months ago

          😉

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    3. Dago
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      People with Mata and Ba who are you captaining? I have always been set on Mata, but Im leaning towards Ba now.

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      1. Dago
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        woops sorry

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        1. immybob
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 2 months ago

          I have none so cannot help you.!

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          1. Pap Le Cissier
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            11 years, 2 months ago

            Imo over the next 2 weeks a hit or 3 wont matter much

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      2. Professor Abel X
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Have both, captaining RVP

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  12. Planet Jo
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Any of these worth a 4pt hit?

    A. Luiz or Cole/Cuellar (he's injured, right?)
    B. Ba/Tevez
    C. Ramirez or Puncheon/Sterling? (probably not, as have to bench someone and may regret it if bench Walcott)

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    1. Planet Jo
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      forgot to say will play Wild Card after GW23

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      1. Pap Le Cissier
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Luiz for me

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  13. Dark Mata
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    It all hinges on:

    One of (Ivanovic / Luiz / Cole) - or Baines for next 4
    Suarez or Ba

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    1. Pap Le Cissier
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      I feel your pain

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    2. Lord Flashheart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      baines and ba

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  14. iakopu
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Bench silva or Walcott ... They both face off against each other. Foes it come down to who wins the game or who is more involved , or both?

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    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Depends on other 6 of course.

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      1. iakopu
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Other 6 what?

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        1. Billy Gilmore
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 2 months ago

          Attackers that you played.

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          1. iakopu
            • 11 Years
            11 years, 2 months ago

            Tha does not answer my question. However thx for trying

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  15. TwiggsJameson
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    So, who thinks Turnbull might lose his place to Hilario after last night's performance?

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    1. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      ? He did nothing wrong last night

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    2. Andrew
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      He cant be blamed for either goal, Ivan had a mare!

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    3. Baby Face Nelson
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      What exactly did he do wrong?

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  16. Pap Le Cissier
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Mata and Ba

    Or

    Mata and Hazard

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    1. Drogba "Unstoppable, U…
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      who would be foregone for Ba/Hazard?
      Prefer 1st one

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      1. Pap Le Cissier
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Combo out/in.would be

        Vert/Michu/Silva to Cahill/Hazard/Mata

        Or

        Vert/Silva/Suarez or Berba to Cahill/Mata/Ba

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    2. oxido_76
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Mata and Ba

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  17. Dark Mata
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Is Cuellar confirmed injured or not?

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    1. oxido_76
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      i saw a press article which speak about an hamstring injury...

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      1. Dark Mata
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Same here but nothing else

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    2. iakopu
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Irradiance the same article . Does definitly not look good for this week. I'm saying "out"

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      1. iakopu
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        *i read

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      2. Dark Mata
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Was def going to play him, messes my defence up 🙁

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  18. Dago
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    People with Mata and Ba who are you captaining? I have always been set on Mata, but Im leaning towards Ba now.

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    1. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      What's your reasoning? I would love to captain Ba but it's also a big gamble.

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      1. Paul Psychic Octopus
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Hey dude - what's with that hat? You getting in there early? Only 349 days to Christmas!

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        1. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 2 months ago

          Santi always wears a Santi hat 😉

          Just laziness that I still have it ... 🙂

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      2. Dago
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Mata looked a bit off the pace to me last night, and I think he is more likely to get rested at Southampton. I think Ba will start at Stoke, with Torres playing a cameo. Ba will also play some part in the Southampton game too. I have had the balls to do Suarez>Ba so I might as well put them on the chopping block and go all out with it.

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    2. Sulk
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      surely mata. Ba will share gametime with nandos

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    3. King Nil Miss ✩
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Ba to play against Stoke? Would be happier if he started the game yesterday meaning more chances for him to start against Southampton... saying that, Ba is fixture proof.

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      1. Andrew
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        I think he will start against Stoke and come on in 2nd half against Sot

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        1. Dago
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 2 months ago

          yep thats my guess too.

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      2. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        This is doing my nut in. Fixture proof, absolutely. Rafa proof, no such thing

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      3. Pap Le Cissier
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Ba has a great record.v stoke. Huth and Shawcross.struggle

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        1. The Finnisher
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 2 months ago

          Ba scored a hat-trick against a Stoke side missing Huth and Shawcross went off after 15 minutes.

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    4. Drogba "Unstoppable, U…
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Prob Ba....

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      1. Clay
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        I think Ba will start both (and rotation will come in the way of earlyish substitutions if game situations allow). Rafa is under immense pressure and has had his fingers burnt holding back the likes of Mata and Hazard. Two strong line ups I reckon, with a bit of re-shuffle in midfield. I'm captaining Ba.

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        1. Drogba "Unstoppable, U…
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 2 months ago

          Mata as well should start both though.....
          He's the creative link (along with Haz) who creates chances and scores for the team.....
          Rafa wouldn't want to do the same error as against QPR
          But still undecided for my (C) frankly.....

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          1. Clay
            • 11 Years
            11 years, 2 months ago

            Agree totally.

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    5. Dark Mata
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      I think Ba plays more minutes against Stoke, Torres against Soton

      So Mata (c) for me

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    6. Jinswick
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      I feel like a gamble. And his name is Demba Ba.

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      1. Dago
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        I think Im with you. Im more scared of not giving to RVP than Mata to be honest.

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    7. iakopu
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      The change in thought of captaining Ba over Mata is due to the fact Mata played 90 Ba played 10min but also Ba was allllllll over Swansea in those 10min . ... Conclusion is Ba will Def play both games and get good mins

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    8. Professor Abel X
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Have both, captaining RVP

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      1. Dago
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        this is ultimately the solution to all of this.

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  19. Jinswick
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    http://blogs.chelseafc.com/?p=1922

    Reckon they could line up like this with Oscar pushing Torres & Hazard for starts?

    -------------------Ba
    Torres---------Mata---------Hazard
    ------Ramires/Lamps--Luiz

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    1. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Yeah, reckon we'll see Torres on the wing for a few games....

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  20. marco_atk85
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Question: Worth to take 4 points hit for adam johnson --> Mata?

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    1. Billy Gilmore
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Yes.

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    2. heco87
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Yeah I reckon I'd do that.

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    3. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      DGW for Mata vs Johnson = yes, esp if you captain Mata

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  21. Jinswick
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    I have a horrible, horrible feeling that Turnbull is going to be this season's Hilario. Returns minimal and then stinks your team out for ages.

    He's in my WC team but I aint happy about it.....

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    1. Marknlard
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Having had the misfortune to previously watch Turnbull in the flesh for my team a number of times, I can say that he is a bloody awful goalie and lucked out big time by signing for Chelsea. Probably hoped he'd never have to play.

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    2. Drogba "Unstoppable, U…
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      getting him only cuz i'll wildcard him out after arsenal dgw....
      just a cheap way into chelsea def for 2gws

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    3. Fabreghastly
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      You could be right, I was set on him but took a punt on Cahill instead. I don't want a dead keeper and no WC to fix it so I've gone for Federici. Possibly a gamble still but rotates well with Bego so may set me up for the season.

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    4. The Blackadder
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Leave him in for the double, then swap him for Bunn, he's playing and Norwich have a string of home games coming up, plus Ruddy is still out for a while.

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  22. Sulk
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    just putting it out there. Captain lambert? garunteed 180mins and is a regular scorer with bonus points....

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    1. JimmyDeemo - Sir Puntalot
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Not a terrible idea to be honest.

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    2. Pap Le Cissier
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      If i had him.Id.consider it. But i do have Puncheon....

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      1. Sulk
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        do it

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    3. rdpx
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      yeah do it don't expect many here to agree, but his stats are great and one is against VILLA, the other a Chelsea side who may well be stunned and reeling from a 2-0 loss at Stoke.

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  23. @Team Shark FC
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    chances of Mata starting both game?

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    1. Sulk
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      78.8%

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      1. Andrew
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        🙂

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      2. Pap Le Cissier
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        62.7% 😉

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      3. Jafooli
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Funnily enough, that's probably about right........enough for me....

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    2. Paul Psychic Octopus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Should be pretty good. Rafa under fire at the moment

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    3. Pasqualinho
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Better than even - only because he was benched recently for QPR. And that didn't go we'll...

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      1. @Team Shark FC
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        glad to hear that! MATA(C) 😀

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    4. Dago
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      82.63%

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  24. Andrew
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Do we still think Chelsea defensive coverage is a must for the DGW after last night's performance?

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    1. Pap Le Cissier
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Id say so

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    2. OPTA FPL
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      saame question. Plan to bring in Luiz for 2 hit but must rethink now

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      1. OPTA FPL
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        4phit

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    3. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Toying with mata and Hazard with Ba myself. Last nights performance tells me to get Luiz however. Chelsea were all over the Swans and limited them to 4 shots at goal. Apart form the defensive errors they were really solid

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      1. iakopu
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Toying with them? That's sick bro

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    4. Drogba "Unstoppable, U…
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      bring in a defender would worth it....
      they are very attacking esp Luiz/Azpi

      the real prob is Turnbull....
      He's cheap but is he worth it?
      He barely gets save (Swans had only 4 SoT only against chelsea's 19 me thinks....)
      And CSs are not likely.......

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    5. iakopu
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Bring in Luiz. He was outstanding and unlucky , very unlucky not to get attacking returns . He was a huge part of Chelsea's 26 shots on target to Swanseas 4 although the score did not show it

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  25. rohan
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Dzeko or Berba??? No other city cover

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  26. Robalabobolol
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    RMMCT please. I have 4 mill in the bank to exchange Lambert for suarez next week.

    Bunn (Szczesny)
    Luiz, Clark, Demel (Wilkinson, Gibbs)
    Walcott, Mata, Fellaini, Bale (Michu)
    Ba, Berbs, Lambert

    I am dreading benching Michu but I honestly think the others have a better chance of points :-/.

    Maybe thinking of benching either Berbs or Fellaini instead?? Any advice will be very apreciated

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    1. Scholsey
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      bench the one least popular!!

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  27. Scholsey
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    turnbull luiz ba mata!!
    which one to leave out???

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