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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. HellasLEAF
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 4 months ago

    It's Tevez or Gerrard as well for me. Newcastle will put up a fight though and although Blackpool have been impressive thus far, there is bound to be a match where they come back down to earth and Liverpool need a big home win for confidence boost imo. Leaning towards Tevez as well, but nothing decided as of yet.

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  2. bobwils
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 4 months ago

    Stevie G for the extra goal points and it will be a miracle if Bpool don't give away a penalty especially with Torres falling all over the place! (imo).

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    1. Jinswick
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 4 months ago

      its tough. Perch is bound to give away a penalty as well. B'pool more likely to get crushed than Newc, but Liverpool not playing as well as City.

      I think Tevez will be involved in almost any City goal, but Gerrard may not (Kuyt, Torres, Cole, Miereles). Just Tevez for me. Just.

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      1. Lanley Staurel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        15 years, 4 months ago

        Good summary Jinswick.

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

    Am feeling good about this week...lots of you seem set for torres disappointment...they are playing hideous football...absolutely hideous! and tevez...is playing in a pseudo Italian team.
    C'mon the Odemwingie!!! 🙂

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  4. Zidane
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 4 months ago

    anyone keeping johnson?

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    1. Crabwalk
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 4 months ago

      Sold him last night. Even if he plays v Toon, his next 1 pointer could still come at any time.'there are plenty of good, reliable options around to replace him with.

      My first post, ithankyou.

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  5. Candidate
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 4 months ago

    I wanted to bring in Milner for Arshvin but I have this feeling about Arteta.. Anyone see Everton beating Birmingham?

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    1. Braamish
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 4 months ago

      no. i would stay away from arteta. look at his stats. 1 goal, 0 assists in maximum playing time. Everton have only scored 4 goals, and none of them have been away from home. B'ham are a force at home.

      could be wrong, obviously. data doesn't lie, though

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      1. Candidate
        • 16 Years
        15 years, 4 months ago

        cheers. Logic says no indeed

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        1. teddy.
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          15 years, 4 months ago

          THE stats don't lie. Compared to other midfielders, Arteta has:

          Had the most set piece attempts on goal.
          Taken the most corners.
          Had the most success finding teammates from corners.
          4th most touches of the ball.
          2nd most passes in the opponents half.
          And 6th most passes leading to goal attempts.

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          1. Nomar
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 16 Years
            15 years, 4 months ago

            I'm planning on getting him in possibly next week. Still a bonus point magnet and Everton are notoriously slow starters, then they pick up pace as the season goes along.

            Gives me room to get Berbatov in too.

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    2. BBB
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 4 months ago

      I do think they'll bounce back sooner than later, Arteta is the man for this job

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  6. OneTwo
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 4 months ago

    Any thought on...Jones out Skrtel in?

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    1. Braamish
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 4 months ago

      if you want a liverpool defender play konchesky (injured this week). skrtel doesn't bring much to the table other than potential clean sheets.

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    2. Candidate
      • 16 Years
      15 years, 4 months ago

      as you 'll know clean sheets are very rare these days. I think that Skrtel doesn't worth the extra money. Better get someone who is an attacking threat from set pieces etc.
      Jones has an easy game next week as well

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      1. theoldgit
        • 16 Years
        15 years, 4 months ago

        Apart from the first game Jones has been pants. I've just ditched him.

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  7. Kagawaaaaaaw
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 4 months ago

    is tevez gonna get the full 90 mins?

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    1. Hristo Lechkov
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 4 months ago

      probably no more than 87 minutes...not worth it then

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      1. FPL Man
        • 16 Years
        15 years, 4 months ago

        he really needs a proper rest. may not play full 90 mins this weekend.

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        1. teddy.
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          15 years, 4 months ago

          He never needs a rest, he's atomic.

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  8. _Freddo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 4 months ago

    Predictions for Stoke V Blackburn?

    I can't see past a dull 0-0.

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    1. Hristo Lechkov
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 4 months ago

      4-3 thriller at the Brittania,nar doesn`t sound right, bore no score draw written all over it

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      1. BBB
        • 15 Years
        15 years, 4 months ago

        I think Stoke will win this one

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    2. kazek
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 4 months ago

      Stoke 2-1 Blackburn

      Home advantage, K. Jones form and if there is any team that can match Blackburn's physical game, it is Stoke City at the Britannia.

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  9. asahani
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 4 months ago

    need help guys...
    Who to play, Albrighton or Carrol? and who to captain Gerrard, Drogs or Malouda?

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    1. Hristo Lechkov
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 4 months ago

      I`d say if Newcastle score Carroll will be involved,but it`s a big if, probs go Albrighton and capt Gerrard

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      1. FPL Man
        • 16 Years
        15 years, 4 months ago

        capt. Drogba

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    2. BBB
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 4 months ago

      Albrighton, play safe for Drogba or ( if Liverpool get an early goal, they can score big against Blackpool)Gerrard for luck

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    3. bobwils
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 4 months ago

      +1

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  10. arsms
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 4 months ago

    Didnt have much time to think about transfers this week, so i did Carrol -> Odemwingie. Wooo weekend.

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    1. bobwils
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 4 months ago

      Brought him in as well, for Chamak, now thinking f Carroll out Berbatov in

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  11. asahani
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 4 months ago

    thanks Hristo! kinda agree on Gerrard but I am still torn between albrighton and carrol!

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  12. FPL Man
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 4 months ago

    Okie. I've captained Drogba and gonna go sleep. Let's have a great high scoring Chelsea week!

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  13. FPL Man
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 4 months ago

    S. Davies or Carroll? Which one to bench?

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    1. neopaint2005
      • 16 Years
      15 years, 4 months ago

      Carroll

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    2. ManofKent
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 4 months ago

      Davies - Fulham away without a real forward

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  14. neopaint2005
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 4 months ago

    Captain Gerrard or Torres ?

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  15. Kagawaaaaaaw
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 4 months ago

    Any news on the torres injury?

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  16. Dhubanmonkey
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 4 months ago

    Should i captain michael owen or carew?

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    1. teddy.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      15 years, 4 months ago

      Nah.

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      1. Dhubanmonkey
        • 16 Years
        15 years, 4 months ago

        good point

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  17. NLB
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 4 months ago

    Foster
    Alex Hughes Shawcross
    Gerrard (c) Malouda Bale Davies
    Drogba Tevez Carroll
    Subs: Krul Jara Barton Konchesky
    1.2 in the bank

    Ahh do I have team selection/captain choice right?

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    1. Jinswick
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 4 months ago

      I've gone with Tevez, but not much between Tevez, Drogba, Gerrard, Torres for captain this week.

      Team looks good.

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      1. NLB
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        15 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks mate...anyone else want to give me some reassurance so I can get off haha

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        1. teddy.
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          15 years, 4 months ago

          Maybe Jara ahead of Carroll? Carroll is more likely to get double figures, but slim chance. Jara might be a better bet to nab 5/6pts.

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  18. Jinswick
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 4 months ago

    RMT...

    Foster (Jaask)
    Alex, Jara, P Jones (Wiliamson), (Foley)
    Gerrard, Malouda, Bale, Etherington, (Nolan)
    Drogba, Tevez (c), Carroll

    Thanks!

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    1. Dhubanmonkey
      • 16 Years
      15 years, 4 months ago

      7 out of 10

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      1. Jinswick
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        15 years, 4 months ago

        how would you improve?

        Am doing Bale -> Nani next week

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        1. Dhubanmonkey
          • 16 Years
          15 years, 4 months ago

          good move

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          1. kathers
            • 16 Years
            15 years, 4 months ago

            Bale will play left wing and bag big points. Then most of us will have to decide who to drop for Nani!

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  19. SnoopDogSmokesWeed
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 4 months ago

    help me pick which 4 (also goalkeeper)to bench please

    Foster,Robinson

    Toure,Shawcross,Jose Enerique,Stam,Jara

    Gerrard,Malouda,Dempsey,Bale,Vaughan

    Drogba,Tevez,Carroll

    thanks

    Also who to captain? Gerrard or Tevez? (never going to captain drogba against my team)so not drogba/malouda

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    1. kathers
      • 16 Years
      15 years, 4 months ago

      Robinson
      Jose Enrique
      Vaughan
      Carroll

      I can't decide between Gerrard and Tevez either. Liverpool are terrible but Gerrard should get points if Liverpool do score, which they should! Tevez will not get 90 minutes and Newcastle are quite good at parking the bus.

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    2. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      15 years, 4 months ago

      Captain Gerrard or Tevez. Tevez played on Thursday and Mancini admitted he's a bit tired so, although he won't be rested, he could be a bit leggy.

      I've captained Stevie G.

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      1. Evs
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 16 Years
        15 years, 4 months ago

        Fair shout, makes sense to me...

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  20. Murmuring
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 4 months ago

    Which 2 do I bench out of Mummy, Davies, Adam, Carroll, Steinsson? My team is linked but I've replaced Fabregas with a one week punt on Kuyt.

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  21. Valar(Keith)
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 4 months ago

    which ONE do i start out of Dann, Jagielka and Carroll.. bearin in mind i'm startin arteta.. was thinkin carroll so that i'd have somethin to look forward to sunday

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  22. Anorak
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 4 months ago

    I'd bench Steinsson and one of Adam/Carroll.
    I'm currently favouring Adam over Carroll for my team based on the relative defences of City and Liverpool.

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    1. Anorak
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      15 years, 4 months ago

      @Murmuring

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  23. Evs
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 4 months ago

    Gents,

    with Konchesky out Im looking for the 3rd defender in my team.

    Shall I go Foley (V wig) or Alex (v ARSE) ???

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    1. teddy.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      15 years, 4 months ago

      Alex for marginally better attacking potential?

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      1. Evs
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 16 Years
        15 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks Ted, re-looked...

        Kinda dropped Dann now to play Foley, Jags & Alex?

        Konchesky and Dann bencched. Seem odd???

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        1. Cheggers
          • 16 Years
          15 years, 4 months ago

          Great minds and all that EVS.

          I'm playing Hahnemann over Foster this week because I think Birmingham are due conceeding a home goal and Everton are bound to have a performance at some point.

          Who's your captain? Torres for old time sake here.

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          1. Evs
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 16 Years
            15 years, 4 months ago

            Nando for me too.

            Chegs

            Does this make sense to you? Im torn a little today..

            Foley, Jags, Alex (Dann, Konchesky)

            Who GK?

            Robinson (v stk) or Jussi (v wba) ???
            HELP old chum!

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            1. Jafalad
              • 16 Years
              15 years, 4 months ago

              Tricky gk pick as both away. WBA are quite attack minded and the STK/BLB looks a lot tighter. Robbo for me. (plus he's ex-Leeds).

              🙂

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              1. Evs
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 16 Years
                15 years, 4 months ago

                I think stoke will score though, I agree West Brom have been decent, but not sure if that offers more potential as a cleanie?

                Tricky one on the clean sheet front today...

                Out of curosity, is Micah Richards fit?

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            2. Cheggers
              • 16 Years
              15 years, 4 months ago

              Robinson for sure.
              Stoke v Blackburns got 0-0 or 1-0 either way all over it.

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              1. Cheggers
                • 16 Years
                15 years, 4 months ago

                My backline is Hahnemann, Da Costa, Shawcross and Jara

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            3. teddy.
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 16 Years
              15 years, 4 months ago

              Hmmm... Making me rethink Foster/Hahnemann. Was with Foster, doubling up on Birm defence with Dann, partly because I left Dann on the bench last week and only had Foster for the Brum CS.

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              1. Cheggers
                • 16 Years
                15 years, 4 months ago

                Don't double up this week - Wolves won away at Wigan 0-1 last year

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                1. teddy.
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 16 Years
                  15 years, 4 months ago

                  Maybe, but I think I might keep faith with the blues - they're on this undefeated home streak, seem to be again one of the most reliable home defences and Everton haven't really clicked yet.

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    2. Jafalad
      • 16 Years
      15 years, 4 months ago

      Alex for me, Evs. I take it you're benching Dann as you have Foster in gk?

      Who would you cap'n out of: Tevez, Stevie Me, Drogba?

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      1. Evs
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 16 Years
        15 years, 4 months ago

        Hey Jaf... how goes it?

        I havent got Foster, but could do with some help (above) on who to play in goals???

        I would capt SG from that, but Carlos as close second...

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        1. Jafalad
          • 16 Years
          15 years, 4 months ago

          Cap'nd Carlito.

          Stevie Me - too unreliable

          Drogba - ARS might put up abit more fight than NEW.

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          1. Evs
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 16 Years
            15 years, 4 months ago

            Drogba could be a good Capt shout today 😉

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  24. Nomar
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 4 months ago

    Team for the week (with subs for the benefit of RBJ)

    Hart, (Carson)
    Shawcross, Foley, Alex (Williamson, Konchesky)
    Etuhu, Nani, Bale, Gerrard (c), Malouda
    Drogba, Odemwingie (Carroll)

    £1.4m in bank

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    1. BMox81
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 4 months ago

      Looking good from where I can see boss.

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      1. si
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        15 years, 4 months ago

        Play Carrol ahead of Etuhu

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        1. Nomar
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          15 years, 4 months ago

          Etuhu at home, Carroll away. Carroll may get 2 pts, but Fulham park the bus away from home so Etuhu could get 3pts.

          I'd say he's more likely to score out of those two too.

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  25. Nabzzy
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 4 months ago

    How am I looking for this GW ?

    My team for GW7 is

    Foster

    Shax,J evans,A.cole
    Bale,Gerrard,Djong,Larsson,Malouda
    Caroll Tevez(C)

    Chamakh,Figeuroa,Konchesky

    All Midfield got Home game this time

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    1. KOGUMA
        15 years, 4 months ago

        What about swapping Chamakh and Carroll around? Surely Chamakh has more chance of points than Carroll?

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        1. Anorak
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          15 years, 4 months ago

          Surely Chamakh Anyone has more chance of points than Carroll De Jong?

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          1. teddy.
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 16 Years
            15 years, 4 months ago

            Surely Figueroa has more chance of points than Carroll, Chamakh or De Jong?

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          2. Cheggers
            • 16 Years
            15 years, 4 months ago

            Definately go Chamakh over Carrol.

            Hes actually got a great record v Chelsea

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            1. teddy.
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 16 Years
              15 years, 4 months ago

              You're kidding right?

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    2. KOGUMA
        15 years, 4 months ago

        Alright people. Good luck for the coming week and all that....what you think of these? Any suggestions?

        Foster

        Dann, Jones, Toure

        Malouda, Bale, Nani, Arshavin, Yaya

        Drogba, Berbatov

        Bench: Jaask, Carroll, Alex, Williamson

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        1. Jafalad
          • 16 Years
          15 years, 4 months ago

          Dann/Foster-bench one as both from BIR. Play Alex.

          The rest are spot on.

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          1. KOGUMA
              15 years, 4 months ago

              Seems that's what a few people are thinking. Guess Everton have to play at some stage and Alex looks like he's got a goal in him from the looks of the last few games. Cheers Jafa.

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          2. Anorak
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 16 Years
            15 years, 4 months ago

            I'd be tempted to play Alex K-san.
            I'm not convinced on Blackburn keeping Stoke out (or Brum keeping Everton out either).

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            1. Evs
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 16 Years
              15 years, 4 months ago

              I agree Anorak, so would you go Jussi over Robbo in goals today?

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              1. KOGUMA
                  15 years, 4 months ago

                  Was just thinking the same thing....Thinking of going Dann to play in defence, Jones to the bench. Then dropping Foster for Jaask. All my rivals have Foster in goal and it could be the ultimate differential.

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                • Anorak
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 16 Years
                  15 years, 4 months ago

                  Only for the pen save.
                  I'd back WBA (and Odemdingdong) over Stoke.

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              2. KOGUMA
                  15 years, 4 months ago

                  Yeah don't think Blackburn will keep out Stoke either really. Have Dann and Foster so it's Dann to the bench.

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                • si
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 16 Years
                  15 years, 4 months ago

                  Alex will score tomorrow. Fact.

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                  1. Lanley Staurel
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 15 Years
                    15 years, 4 months ago

                    I like your facts si! What will Drogba do?
                    PS where do you get your information..shhhhh I wont tell anyone.

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                    1. si
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 16 Years
                      15 years, 4 months ago

                      Just have a real feeling for Alex this weekend. 1-0 Alex.

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            2. He Kane He Saw He Conquered
              • 15 Years
              15 years, 4 months ago

              Who to start...Carroll, Foley, Jara or Albrighton?

              Already have Carson

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              1. teddy.
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 16 Years
                15 years, 4 months ago

                Albrighton out of those I'd say.

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            3. Valar(Keith)
              • 16 Years
              15 years, 4 months ago

              which ONE do i start out of Dann, Jagielka and Carroll.. bearin in mind i’m startin arteta..

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              1. teddy.
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 16 Years
                15 years, 4 months ago

                Dann. Or maybe Jags if you want all your money on the Everton away win with CS.

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              2. Anorak
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 16 Years
                15 years, 4 months ago

                It's a nice choice to have Was...Keith. Your team is well set for this week.

                I'd put Carroll to the bench, and play the home defender (Dann).

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                1. Valar(Keith)
                  • 16 Years
                  15 years, 4 months ago

                  🙂

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            4. Twelve years a slave
              • 15 Years
              15 years, 4 months ago

              Bench --- Stam or Caroll ? and will Stam get 60 minutes?

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              1. teddy.
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 16 Years
                15 years, 4 months ago

                I reckon bench Carroll and take your chances on whatever points Stam can get in however many minutes he plays.

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            5. Wesley Sneijder at OT
              • 15 Years
              15 years, 4 months ago

              Tevez or Gerrard, or vdv for captaincy??? i am so confused

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              1. teddy.
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 16 Years
                15 years, 4 months ago

                Go for Gerrard then.

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                1. Belli2007
                  • 15 Years
                  15 years, 4 months ago

                  gerrard - rested midweek

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