Moving Target

Moving Target – Vito Mannone

After selling Simon Mignolet to Liverpool the previous week, Paolo Di Canio added another goalkeeper to his first-team squad by snapping up compatriot Vito Mannone from Arsenal on a two-year contract. The 25-year-old arrives at the Stadium of Light in a deal reported to be in the region of £2m and is the sixth player to join the Black Cats so far this summer, with Modibo Diakite, Cabral, Valentine Roberge, David Moberg Karlsson and Duncan Whatmore also making their way to Tyneside.

With Di Canio also linked with moves for Jozy Altidore, Benjamin Mendy, Gino Peruzzi and Charas Mavrias, it promises to be a busy next few weeks for the Wearsiders before the season gets underway. Speaking from Di Canio’s 10-day boot camp in Italy, Mannone he is relishing the double-training sessions and defended his manager’s somewhat hard-line approach:

“Pre-season has been tough, like it is at any club. I think sometimes people exaggerate and say that Paolo Di Canio works the players too hard when that is not the case. I know the Italian way and it is about preparation and attention to every detail and from what I have seen in the first few days here, that is what the head coach is concentrating on. I think that is the best way to prepare your body and to prepare the group to go into a big season. I’ve been really impressed because he has kind of mixed the Italian managerial skills with those here in England…Of course, he is a hard worker and that’s what I am too. It’s something good to have in common.”

The History

A product of the Atalanta youth academy, Mannone joined Arsenal back in the summer of 2005 but has rarely featured for the Gunners, despite spending a total of eight years at the north London club. Farmed out on loan to Barnsley in 2006, the Italian made a couple of appearances but was quickly dropped due to poor form and returned to the Emirates after sustaining a knee injury.

Indeed, he has played more league games for Hull – a total of 31 over two loan spells in 2010/11 and 2011/12 – than he has for Arsene Wenger’s side. Prior to last term, Mannone had been afforded a mere six Premier League matches but his manager’s decision to rest Wojciech Szeczesny, allied with an injury to Lukas Fabianski, saw Mannone selected for the first-team on nine occasions. The big stopper has also turned out for the Italy Under 21 side seven times over 2009 and 2010.

The Prospects

With Mignolet now moving on to Merseyside, it looks a straight fight between Mannone and Kieran Westwood for the Sunderland number one jersey next term. As yet, the pecking order remains to be seen but, as Di Canio looks to put his own stamp on the side, the former Arsenal man will fancy his chances of becoming the Wearsiders’ first-choice stopper. Mannone is certainly under no illusions that he must fight to win a starting role…

“We live in a world of competition. I will work and do my best to be in the first eleven, and then the manager will decide. All I can do is try to show what I am capable of.”

Given that Sunderland currently have just two pre-season friendlies currently scheduled, there may well be little opportunity for us to get a heads-up on any resolution – the worst-case scenario would be for Di Canio to alternate the pair over that pair of matches as he assesses his options.

Looking at the Black Cats’ opening schedule, perhaps this isn’t such a bad thing, though. A home opener against Fulham offers promise but Di Canio’s side then welcome Arsenal, Liverpool, United, City, Chelsea and Spurs to the Stadium of Light in six of the next seven in front of their own supporters. As mentioned in our Newcastle/Sunderland Rotation Pairs article, it’s maybe a better idea biding our time with the Sunderland defence, though from Gameweek 20 onwards their home schedule looks outstanding.

While the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) player lists are yet to be released, the Sky Sports prices are perhaps indicative of the cut-price potential likely to be on offer between the sticks for Di Canio’s side; Mannone will set you back 4.2, while Westwood comes in even cheaper, at 3.7. Bearing in mind that Sunderland produced three clean sheets and conceded a single goal on two occasions in Di Canio’s seven matches in charge, they were (aside from a 6-1 drubbing at Villa) relatively resilient in defence and may prove strong value over the season ahead.

The aforementioned risky fixtures may see Fantasy managers scour the market for cut-price rotation alternatives to kick off the FPL season with but come winter wildcard time, Mannone or Westwood will surely be earmarked by many as a strong contender for the latter part of the campaign.

Further Reference

Vito Mannone Wikipedia

Vito Mannone Transfer Markt Page

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

813 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Oldman Unathletic
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Interesting.

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    1. Oldman Unathletic
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Pre-season will reveal who will get the jersey.

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      1. Mark
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 17 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Still in the Mannone camp myself - feel bad for Westwood but I just can't see him geting the nod.

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        1. Oldman Unathletic
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          Aye, Mannone looks the favourite.

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  2. Bony's and Altidore's prospects
    Demí
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Altidore and Bony at Sunderland and Swansea..

    Both strikers' transfers should be official in the next 24 hours. Thought i'd do some research into their stats and how they compare with advantages/disadvantages of each.

    Altidore is 23. Scored 23 in 33 league apps last season, and 31 in all competitions. Had a really poor experience in England last time where he only managed a single goal in 28 games for Hull but that was a few years ago and he's a more experienced player now.

    Bony is 24. Scored an impressive 31 goals in 30 league apps last season and 37 in all competitions. “Wilfried is hot at the moment. He is confident both at club and national team. He has shown his talent and he is consistent. I can say he is currently one of the best centre forwards in Europe,” - says his international teammate Gervinho. Talk about a ringing endorsement?

    How they'll fit in..

    Altidore:

    From watching youtube clips( i know...) of Altidore, it seems he was the focal point of their attack as opposed to the big guy who they just threw long balls too. Can play as a second striker too. He scores with both feet and is an adept at heading the ball. He's also good at shrugging off defenders and likes to get his shots away early, as opposed to dilly dallying on the ball. Seems to be a bit of a "finesse" finisher rather than just blasting the net open. He relied alot on the creative players around him to provide the serve though. Seems a good all round player.

    The question is will PDC be able to have the quality creative midfielders to help Altidore thrive. This remains to be seen. Also there's Steven Fletcher to consider. The likeliest scenario is that it will be them two upfront for most home games, but i wouldn't be surprised if Altidore was used as more of an impact sub if PDC went with Fletcher alone, especially early on in the season. Think from an fpl perspective we'll need to give him time to see where he fits in the side, and how he settles. Reckon he'll come in at 7m which would be a reasonable price. Not too cheap and not too out of reach.

    Bony:

    He's definitely got the better scoring record and has more hype around him. Plays for Ivory Coast so naturally there's comparisons to Drogba. I think he's a bit different though in that he's less of a powerhouse and more of a pure finisher. He relies on the ball coming to him on the ground. Good with his feet and especially adept at finding space in the penalty area.

    I think Swansea could be a good fit for him as they play a possession based game which he's suited, with his off the ball ability too and they have creative players to help him in De Guzman and Hernandez respectively. Compared to Altidore, i think Bony will walk straight into the team. Probably playing upfront, allowing Michu to play behind him. Remains to be seen how this will work though because even when further back, Michu was scoring all the goals. Can he change to be more of a provider for Bony. Who knows?! They may both score in equal measure. From an fpl perspective, i think he'll come in at 7.5m. Again, this will be a tempting price for him, especially if Michu seems out of reach due to his inevitable price hike.

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    1. Mílanista
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      If Swansea's opening schedule wasn't so bad I'd consider starting with Bony. Looks like a wait and see approach with both of them.

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      1. Demí
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Agree with that. Do you think i have the price predictions accurate? Reckon Bony has the better potential and can see him being dearer than Altidore.

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        1. Black Knights
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          Yeah probably about right, maybe 0.5 less in both cases. Good work on the article, Bony looks half decent.

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        2. Mílanista
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          The estimate for Altidore may be a bit high. 7m for a rotation risk at Sunderland with a dismal (albeit at a young age) FPL history seems a bit steep. 6-6.5 I think.

          Bony sounds about right, if anything 7.5m is on the pessimistic side.

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    2. Poseidon. Not arrogant, jus…
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Thanks Demi. Reading your report, it's not difficult to see which one you favour but Altidore certainly looks a different prospect than the last time he was in the EPL.

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      1. Demí
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        He does and he is. More sceptical about his suitability to Sunderland though. They didn't score many last season. So it's a wait and see as they've bought lots of new players too. Not dismissing him yet.

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    3. Messi & fabregas
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      i think 6,5 is a more realistic price for a swansea player (like michu last year) imo

      very tough opening fixtures for both teams though

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      1. Poseidon. Not arrogant, jus…
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Do they not come with bigger reputation than Michu had though? I think more than the club they're signing for has to be taken into account when pricing players up.

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        1. Messi & fabregas
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          it depends if playing for a dutch team or a primera division team, much harder competition

          u might be right though, he might come at 7ish as he scored many goals last year, then the same as the newly promoted team;s signing austin who scored i think 37 in the championship would he be 7.5? i doubt it

          a few more days and we will see

          is there any sign for the launching date? will player prices be released like last year or no info on that?

          thanks

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      2. Sánchez
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Michu was a mid though. Strikers are priced higher.
        £6.5m for Bony would be very generous I think. £7.5m easy.

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    4. Sánchez
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Just done some YouTube watching on both.
      Bony looks like a natural finisher. Seems to have ability to score with feet and head and is pretty composed. Looks like Laudrup may have found the last part of the jigsaw there. FPL wise, should be good, I reckon. Guaranteed to play, will be in the box a lot. I'll say he starts at £7.5m.
      Reckon he may keep Michu as a midfielder now. But may eat into his goals too. May be worth an early punt, but price would have to be excellent given his fixtures.

      Altidore lools good but a bit more like someone who might be used in other roles than a central striker to me. Seems more of a dribbling type than a number 9. I'll guess £6.5m/£7m for him. Cant say I'm tempted on an early gamble on him.

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    5. bdwhite91
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Thanks for this, Demi 🙂

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    6. Smarty Pants
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Good review, cheers.
      I'd like to add that from a fantasy football perspective Altidore is more of a 'form player' who has his spells when he scores a lot and spells when he doesn't score at all. He can also score a hat-trick and then be quiet for several games. In a nutshell, he may be rather unpredictable.
      In contrast, Bony is a machine who always scores. Last season he didn't have any spells, he was unstoppable. He was RvP of the Dutch Fantasy Football. Always captain, fixtures proof. Altidore was more like Berbatov.

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      1. Demí
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Good points. Didn't realise that about Altidore. Can see how that's true with Bony. Altidore had pens too which i assume he won't yet have at Sunderland.

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    7. Lanley Staurel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Altidore didn't get the service he needed at Hull and was subject to some inept tactical decisions by Phil Brown. I'm sure he will do a lot better this season.

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    8. Dr Dream
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Great post Demi...and noted...

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  3. Poseidon. Not arrogant, jus…
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Thanks Paul. At least the fixtures are pretty dire to start off with anyway. By the time the fixtures ease up and 1 of them's actually worth considering, we should have a better idea anyway.

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  4. Poseidon. Not arrogant, jus…
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    In 2008, FPL opened on the 4th July. Just putting that out there...
    And SpiderM4tt has demanded that it's opened on the 16th this time round.

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    1. Darth
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Who is SpiderM4tt ?

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      1. Poseidon. Not arrogant, jus…
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Last year winner - when I say demanded I mean picked it in a predict the opening day of FPL sweepstake...

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      2. Beautiful Game
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        2012/13 FPL winner

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  5. onionbarje
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    I feel Mannone will be number 1. He wouldn't move to Sunderland if he wasn't assured the number 1 jersey, otherwise he would be in the same position.

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    1. Poseidon. Not arrogant, jus…
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Agreed. it's not certain enough for my liking but I do think Vito will be no. 1.

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    2. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Yeah he was made an offer he couldn't refuse....

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  6. Thomass
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    When are the tv fixtures announced?

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    1. Darth
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Later on this week I think. Was originally meant to be today.

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      1. Thomass
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks

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  7. Count of Monte Hristo
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Did you know that Roald Dahl was a flying ace in the RAF and intelligence officer, rising to the rank of Wing Commander during WWll? He also wrote the classics Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach, George's Marvellous Medicine and may more.

    What a guy.

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    1. Just A Hat
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      lol that is a random fun fact

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    2. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      He also had golliwogs tricking noddy all the time I am not sure he was THAT great...

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      1. Rasping Drive
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Hmm. Think you're confusing the great man with Enid Blyton.

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        1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          Oh your right I did! But believe it or not Dahl was a culprit too.
          http://www.cracked.com/article_19610_the-6-most-secretly-racist-classic-childrens-books_p2.html

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    3. Rasping Drive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      I'd agree with that. Still remember vividly the book.

      Talking about absolute dudes, check out this link. Fascinating for anyone that had a passing interest in the Seattle music scene in the late 80s early 90s

      http://mobile.nytimes.com/2013/07/02/magazine/evermans-war.html

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      1. Count of Monte Hristo
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Nice one mate. A great music scene.

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  8. FRESH SLICE
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Just out of curiosity, would anybody contemplate a rotation that involves tripling on rotating defences alongside an elite defender e.g NOR x3 + SOT x3 + ELITE. Obviously this is a bit of a boom or bust method, which wouldn't work too well in H2H format, but would certainly gift fruitful point hauls provided the two defences chosen were the right ones. How viable a tactic would this be in FF terms?

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    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Replied on other post.

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    2. Just A Hat
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Evans, Rafael, Baines (or Evra), 4.0, 4.0

      🙂

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    3. Mílanista
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      The simple answer is that its a viable tactic if you get the right defences. Last season someone on here did it with West Ham and Stoke (something I suggested in preseason but didn't follow...) and had anyone done it the season before with Swansea and Newcastle they'd have been laughing.

      I may be doing it with Norwich and Southampton. I'm actually looking at using a cheap-mid price defender to play every game and transfer based on fixtures e.g. I would get Rat for the first 6 weeks then switch to another cheapish defender with a good run. This can be done using 3 transfers up to the Jan wildcard (not allowing for injuries, Nor/Sot failing or anything else than can go wrong).

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      1. FRESH SLICE
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        It's certainly a dilemma. Thinking of playing it slightly safer and doubling up on NOR/SOT and leaving three defenders, one being elite and the other two being another rotating pair - IF Coleman is cheap I quite fancy West Ham and Everton (rotate well enough aside from GW7 and GW17) but depending on prices may have to go dirt cheap and rotate CRY/HUL.

        Don't think I could handle the stress expecting a nailed on clean sheet from Norwich one week, playing three of their defenders, for them to concede an awful goal and losing me a potential 12 points. Two would be a little less stressful as I can still rely on clean sheets from the other half of my defence.

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    4. Brutus619
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      One big factor is that you're losing attacking coverage (I know it sounds silly).

      Seriously, you'll lose at least 100 corners by doing this over a season and also indirect free kicks.

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  9. Messi & fabregas
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    do u think the following prices are realistic?

    kagawa 8

    bale 11.5

    hazard 10

    aguero 11

    higuain 9,5

    sturridge 8,5 total of 58.5 plus another 2 midfielders of a total 10m = 68.5

    and 7 defensive players of 4.5=31,5

    make us 100

    do u think it is realistic to have all those above in a team?

    thanks

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    1. Joga Bonito®
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Higuain would be higher than that. Bale may be lower and Sturridge will probs be higher.

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      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Bale could easily be higher too. Sturridge may be 9.

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        1. Joga Bonito®
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          Never seen a midfielder that highly priced though, or can't remember it.

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          1. TorresMagic™
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 14 Years
            10 years, 8 months ago

            Look at Gerrards history. Ronaldo and Lampard are another two.

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            1. Joga Bonito®
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              10 years, 8 months ago

              I tried to TM but the site is down lol. What's the highest they went to? I can remember them being a lot but I thought they were about 10.5.

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              1. TorresMagic™
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 14 Years
                10 years, 8 months ago

                There's a link to them but I'm on my iPad. Someone will hopefully reply with it.

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                1. Parm
                  • 12 Years
                  10 years, 8 months ago

                  😉

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                  1. TorresMagic™
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • Has Moderation Rights
                    • 14 Years
                    10 years, 8 months ago

                    Cheers Parmatov.

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              2. TorresMagic™
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 14 Years
                10 years, 8 months ago

                Ron 14
                Lampard 13+
                Gerrard 12+

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          2. Just A Hat
            • 14 Years
            10 years, 8 months ago

            Ronaldo? Lampard also

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    2. FRESH SLICE
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Bale 12.0 and Higuain 11.0 for me. The others I'd go along with. But that would mean you'd be struggling to fill your team with quality elsewhere. Suspect you'd probably have to sacrifice one.

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    3. mufc802
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Those prices should be within +/- 0.5m so pretty realistic. Last year the highest midfielder price was £10.0m though could we really see that £1.5m increase? Bale might be a bit cheaper.

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    4. Messi & fabregas
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      i thank u all it seems that it might be possible then...

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  10. 13allack
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    #ManchesterCity and #RealMadrid have reached an agreement of €18m for centre back #Pepe. [Agência]
    True or Fake??

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  11. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Has anybody done out a potential team of mid priced players only yet?
    Based on sky game prices since we have no other reference yet.

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  12. JT's Dog
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Out of interest what are people's views on woman's football getting coverage on tv stations and in the media?
      From what I gather there are a two camps
      1 what is the point when it is such a minority sport that only gets ny interest at big events, kind of like a winter Olympic event. With claims of there is no chance of it ever getting any better.
      2 the coverage will raise the profile and give more girls a chance to develop idols and perhaps become interested. Possibly creating greater investment in the game.

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      1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        I think women should take up like darts and snooker more seriously. Because they are sports that do not involve strength. Then surely a woman will eventually be able to compete in mens competitions in those sports.
        After all, there is no reason why they should not be able to compete with and beat men when the sport is not based on strength.
        Then I think as a result the main-steam would have more respect for women's sports as a result. But we are still part of a culture where the likes of Sharapova earns more money off the court then on the court.

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      2. Rasping Drive
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        If women were meant to play football, they'd have their tits somewhere else.

        I am in Camp 1.

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      3. RedLightning
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        The problem is that on the whole men take sport more seriously than women do, are more likely to attend sporting events, read the sports pages in newspapers and watch sport on TV, and are mainly interested in male sports such as Premier League Football, so Women's Football is never likely to reach the same level of interest in this country as Men's Football.

        Girls and women who have a talent for or interest in sport should certainly be encouraged, however, but football is not the only option for them - there are many other sports including athletics, tennis, hockey, swimming, cycling and equestrian events, and many of these sports have produced female idols and role models.

        Obviously, the strength aspect means that the best men in any sport will nearly always beat the best women. But that doesn't mean that women's sport is not worth watching. They still require skill and fitness, and some of the Women's Singles matches at Wimbledon have been more entertaining than some of the Men's Singles ones. Perhaps the same might also be true of Women's Football.

        Schools probably ought to do more to encourage girls to participate in or take an interest in sport, and they might find this easier if there was a greater coverage of women's sport by the media. If girls aren't taking part in sport by the time they leave school then it may already be too late. More sponsorship of women's sport, probably by companies with a large female customer base, might not be a bad thing either.

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    • Joga Bonito®
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Is Doos about?

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      1. Mílanista
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Haven't seen him around.

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      1. Joga Bonito®
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Ha, at least they're back to work.

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    • GoonerByron
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      I'm almost certain to go with Sunderland/Newcastle GK rotation I think..

      Even with some difficult home games to start with, you have Newcastle away at Villa and Cardiff when Sunderland play Arsenal and Man Utd at home... Not too bad at all.

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      1. Parm
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Be careful with Mannone, Di Canio is a very trigger happy manager, one or two poor games and he could be gone.

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        1. FRESH SLICE
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          Could even sub him off in the middle of the game for Mannone to then kick a water-bottle on the sideline and never play under him again.

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          1. Parm
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 8 months ago

            Certainly can, isn't that right Wes Fotheringham.

            http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7M5u2Wj9yg

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            1. FRESH SLICE
              • 10 Years
              10 years, 8 months ago

              Poor Wes.

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    • Parm
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Any day now folks, any day.

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    • little_wizard123
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      So Ramadan is 11 days days earlier this year. Should be less of a problem picking players fasting this year, then.

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      1. Count of Monte Hristo
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Did it put you off getting any players last year? Is there a correlation between Ramadan and poor performance?

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        1. Sánchez
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          Surely a wee bit?
          Not eating anything during daylight hours everyday must make a player physically weaker and make them weaken during a game on matchday. Especially in summer when theres more daylight hours.
          Obviously this is assuming the Muslim players actually stick to it though. Some might, some might not.

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          1. Count of Monte Hristo
            • 10 Years
            10 years, 8 months ago

            Yeah of course their glycogen stores will be severely depleted and their energy levels will be lower. I just wondered if there was stats to back it up.

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            1. Sánchez
              • 11 Years
              10 years, 8 months ago

              Not got a clue if stats do back it. Who are the Muslim players and how did they start last season?

              Ben Afra, Toure brothers, not sure really.
              Someone done a post or article on it last year.

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          2. Brutus619
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 8 months ago

            They don't drink during ramadan either (when fasting of course!)

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          3. King Eric, in America
            • 13 Years
            10 years, 8 months ago

            Some can 'defer' the fasting period, as well ... putting it off to another time of year or by doing other 'good works' in its stead.

            Tough to tell which Muslim players do what - unless there are statements on record from the players themselves.

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        2. little_wizard123
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          It wasn't too bad last year, but it was a huge problem the year before - about two weeks of the start of the season were actually in the Ramadan period iirc. It look a lot of players time to get back into eating properly and playing properly.

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          1. Count of Monte Hristo
            • 10 Years
            10 years, 8 months ago

            Who are the best Muslim players now that Taarabt has left the PL?

            Cabaye, Sissoko, Cisse...

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            1. Brutus619
              • 12 Years
              10 years, 8 months ago

              Ba

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            2. Black Knights
              • 12 Years
              10 years, 8 months ago

              Demba Ba starts slowly then kicks on in late Sept traditionally.

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            3. little_wizard123
              • 12 Years
              10 years, 8 months ago

              Arsenal – Bacary Sagna, Abou Diaby
              Aston Villa – Karim El Ahmadi
              Chelsea - Demba Ba
              Everton – Marouane Fellaini,
              Fulham – Phillipe Senderos, Moussa Dembele, Pajtim Kasami
              Man City – Yaya Toure, Samir Nasri, Edin Dzeko
              Newcastle United – Cheik Tiote, Hatem Ben Arfa, Papiss Cisse
              QPR – Adel Taarabt
              Tottenham – Younes Kaboul
              WBA – Yassine El Ghanassy
              West Ham – Mohamed Diame

              Slightly edited list from last year 😆

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              1. little_wizard123
                • 12 Years
                10 years, 8 months ago

                Forgot to move Dembele...

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              2. Tomlette Greggs
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 12 Years
                10 years, 8 months ago

                Anelka, Mulumbu (WBA), Kolo Toure (LIV) spring to mind as well.

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            4. In Like Flynn.
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 13 Years
              10 years, 8 months ago

              Maybe Taarabt was on Ramadan all last season?

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              1. Nomar
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 14 Years
                10 years, 8 months ago

                He must have gone back to eating pies straight after Ramadan then cos he was a muffin top most of last season.

                He looks a lot leaner in pre season vids I've seen of us.

                The whole season was a disaster though for pretty much all our players. 🙁

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      2. applebonkers
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        i was worried a slightly lethargic anelka would have actually moved in reverse

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    • Lanley Staurel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Tweet from FPL - "Not long now #comingsoon"

      The big teeze continues.....

      Thursday I reckon.

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      1. Jairzinho
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        @premierleague is the only official account.

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      2. Parm
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        I doubt that's a proper account....

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        1. MB10
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          It is thats the account the prices were revealed from last year

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          1. Demí
            • 13 Years
            10 years, 8 months ago

            It isn't.

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    • Sánchez
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      If the prices people are estimating are accurate, I think I might struggle to build a full squad. How many players started double figures last year? Rvp, Rooney, Aguero, Silva. Was that it?

      Mmessage a bit above saying Higuain will be more than £9.5m if he joins Arsenal. Really? They need to give us some room to budget. Most are saying £10m for Mata and Hazard too. And £12m Bale, £13m RVP.

      Assuming RVP is again the highest at £13m, Bale should then be second at £11.5m or £12m. After that, I recon only3 more can be double figures. What do people expect Rooney and Aguero to be? What if Negredo joins too. And Suarez?

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      1. Holy See
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        We'll all be in the same boat when it kicks off, trying to get that balance of the expensive, mid-range & cheapos. Some educated shopping & a bit of luck will see you do fine, just fine. Maybe 😉

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      2. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Would be boring if you could just have the cream in GW1.

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        1. Sánchez
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          What I mean is, I expect they set a number for each price range. Like saying "OK, the top 5 guys are £10m plus, the rest are lower".

          They clearly set price limits on positions, so why not that?

          The way people are talking, we'll go from 4 double figured players GW1 last year, to 10 this year. It just wont happen.

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          1. TorresMagic™
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 14 Years
            10 years, 8 months ago

            Time will tell.

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      3. The Bearded One
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        The higher the prices, the better imo. Finding the bargains is the fun bit.

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        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          For sure, don't want everyone having the same side.

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          1. Sánchez
            • 11 Years
            10 years, 8 months ago

            I agree. But I remember last year on here pre-season when the prices came out everyone was saying they had been so generous with them.
            We all assume the highest, but they clealy fit them into a formula of some sort and dont break from it. 5 double figured.max I say they'll go.
            RVP, Bale, Aguero, Suarez, Mata.
            Thats my guess. Even Roonpig may go 9.5 now.

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    • GlasgowFF
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Call my cynical but this Arsenal bid for Suarez smells of them submitting a bid they know is going to be rejected in order to pacify the fans.

      Will prob sign a couple of 19 year old French duds next week.

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      1. Optimus.
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Bendner transfer away put on hold

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      2. Sánchez
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        If Liverpool had accepted, they'd offer him £5k in a week in wages to ensure it fell through.

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        1. GlasgowFF
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          Haha probably

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        2. Optimus.
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          😀

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    • Poseidon. Not arrogant, jus…
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Has anyone thought about big hitters based on rotating captaincy. I'm thinking of getting Bale + Walcott/Higuain and RvP + Aguero. That way you should always have 2 candidates for captaincy with a home and you just pick the one with the easier fixture.

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      1. Poseidon. Not arrogant, jus…
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Questions require question marks, idiot.

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        1. Holy See
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          Christ, you're hard on yourself. If Chelsea start with a double, folk will be (c) one o dem methinks.

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          1. Poseidon. Not arrogant, jus…
            • 11 Years
            10 years, 8 months ago

            Yeah, I wouldn't look past Hazard/a new Chelsea striker for GW1. This is an idea I'd be looking to implement longer term.

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      2. krumcake
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Bale scored more away than at home last season imo

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        1. Poseidon. Not arrogant, jus…
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          Good point. Form over fixtures for attacking players. I think I'll put this idea on the backburner.

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    • Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      OK I have done out a mid-price sky team (does not allow you to do 3-4-3) (I would of went for sessegon, ramirez or cabaye)

      I decided to go for no newbies expect rat.

      4-4-2 instead

      Boruc
      o'shea, turner, rat, coleman

      countinho, pilkington, mirallas

      sturridge, lambert, Carroll

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      1. Poseidon. Not arrogant, jus…
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Have you created this team with the intention of scoring as high as possible or just for a bit of fun?

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        1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          For the craic really its just similar to my second team on the sky game minus the big hitters.
          But part of me thinks the way the fixtures are this season that a team of mid priced players might be the way to go?

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          1. Poseidon. Not arrogant, jus…
            • 11 Years
            10 years, 8 months ago

            If it does succeed you could take a massive early lead because it's extremely differential. I've used 1 of my teams to do something similar. I just don't see this one or my differential winning - it's asking too much that none of the big hitters such as Cazorla, Hazard, RvP, Aguero etc. Will be essential.

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            1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
              • 14 Years
              10 years, 8 months ago

              Agreed its a bit easier on the brain to have at least one or two big hitters.
              I am experimenting with a mid price team plus (Bale and Aguero definite)

              Fpl basically comes down to captain choices when all is said and done, most people captain the higher priced big hitter rather then take a risk on a Benteke or Lambert (like I did last season at the wrong times).

              I am hoping that Mourinho returns chelsea to a 2-0 nil shut up shop team because that would really mess people up fpl wise.

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    • Demí
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      http://www.mcfc.co.uk/citytv/Features/2013/July/Inside-City-79-First-Day-Back-July-2013

      Video of City's first day of pre season training.

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    • Poseidon. Not arrogant, jus…
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Dear people wanting to triple up on Southampton/Norwich defences,

      Have you considered the possibility of one of their more attacking minded players (e.g. RvW, Ramirez, JRod, Redmond, etc.) exploding in similar fashion to Michu or Fellaini last season and becoming essential?

      I'm all for doubling up where appropriate in defences but you lose too much flexibility when tripling up IMO.

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      1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Yes ramirez and j rod in particular I think southampton are going to start well (based on the end of last season) plus they have less international players then other teams so less disruption.

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        1. Poseidon. Not arrogant, jus…
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          Exactly. I'll probably start with 1 of them. Not even sure if I'd double up on Southampton in case I wanted the other 1.

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      2. Mílanista
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Considered but not really expecting any of their attacking players to explode. If they did it would just mean 2 transfers instead of 1 to get them in, not ideal but hardly an issue that prevents trying out a triple defence rotation strategy.

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        1. Poseidon. Not arrogant, jus…
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          But the very possibility can be avoided by not trebling up. And it's fine margins at the top. It was won by less than 4 points last season...

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      3. Sánchez
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Is anyone considering that? If so. Don't.

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        1. Sánchez
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          The tripling up thing I mean

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        2. little_wizard123
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          Yeah, tripling up, especially planning on doing so before prices are out is crazy. I'd rather hedge my bets at the start otherwise it leaves you a lot to catch up with.

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          1. The Bearded One
            • 10 Years
            10 years, 8 months ago

            Hey lw, this is Vic from tfpl by the way 🙂

            My 7 gks/defs will come from 7 different teams I think. No chance of tripling up for me.

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            1. Demí
              • 13 Years
              10 years, 8 months ago

              😮

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              1. The Bearded One
                • 10 Years
                10 years, 8 months ago

                Demi 🙂 Sup man?

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                1. Demí
                  • 13 Years
                  10 years, 8 months ago

                  Hey Vic. How's summer? How long have you been playing FPL?

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                  1. The Bearded One
                    • 10 Years
                    10 years, 8 months ago

                    I'm good thanks. Been playing a few years, nothing serous though. Will play properly this year, started planning already 😉

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              2. little_wizard123
                • 12 Years
                10 years, 8 months ago

                😆 Can't get rid!

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                1. The Bearded One
                  • 10 Years
                  10 years, 8 months ago

                  Sorry 😉 I didn't feel liked on there, so moved here. I like it here 🙂

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            2. Sánchez
              • 11 Years
              10 years, 8 months ago

              This is wise. At least get 5 clubs in i think.
              7 different is good too. 2 rotating keepers, 2 sets of 2 rotating pairs in defence and one safer pick from a good club (probably chelsea for dgw then switch).

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            3. little_wizard123
              • 12 Years
              10 years, 8 months ago

              Hello Victor. I'm going on holiday on Thursday so I think I'll miss the start. Probably a blessing.

              It makes sense in theory, a bit of hedging to make sure you don't start terribly.

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              1. The Bearded One
                • 10 Years
                10 years, 8 months ago

                Yeah it can make sense or work terribly. S*** or bust as you may say.

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          2. Sánchez
            • 11 Years
            10 years, 8 months ago

            It is totally nuts. Especially with these sides.
            I doubled on QPR and Swans last year.
            QPR finished 2011-12 with about 3 clean sheets at home in a row. I thought "Wow. Hughes has them solid at home. Green in. Fabio in".

            NEVER AGAIN.

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        3. Mílanista
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          Why not? Obviously it could go horribly wrong but back the right teams and it can pay off very well.

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          1. little_wizard123
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 8 months ago

            It's a possible wildcard strategy but if you don't want to use it early then you'd need to get incredibly lucky with picking your team. I just don't see the appeal of it - why not just rotate some cheap defenders from different teams?

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            1. Mílanista
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              10 years, 8 months ago

              I don't agree that you'd have to be incredibly lucky, you can make educated guesses at the cheap defences that will perform well. As I said earlier on this page I called the triple Sto/Whm last season but backed out from doing it which cost me a lot of points.

              Yes, rotating cheap defenders from more teams is viable but there are only a few cheap defences that do well most seasons. With this strategy you're likely to have 1-2 good picks and 1-2 turds.

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            2. Sánchez
              • 11 Years
              10 years, 8 months ago

              Yep. Just pick cheap players with good rotating fixtures and dip into a few clubs.
              Put it about a bit as though you're John Terry. 😀

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    • Joga Bonito®
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      I wish Chelsea didn't have an earlier double. I hate basing my team on one big double knowing how lucrative it can be I just wont be able to help myself.

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      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Take a hit after?

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    • Sky player analysis
      - DC -
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Stand out players for reasonable prices in the Sky game. (Sorry if I have missed some, I've tried to keep prices low as possible, so thats why there isnt any "premiums" as such) these also take into account the new points system and players that could benefit most. Obviously more could be added or taken away to the lists depending on the transfer window. This list is as it stands.

      Goalkeepers

      Steklenburg £5.1
      Mignolet £4.9
      Foster £4.8
      Ruddy £4.6 / Bunn £3.7
      Mannone £4.2 / Westwood £3.7
      McGregor £4.1
      Marshall £4.1
      Speroni £4.0

      This is a good bunch, I think Mignolet is the best here all round for £4.9 and your best bet into a good Liverpool defence....if he is nailed on that is. Bunn and Westwood could be very interesting for £3.7 (opening up money to be spent elsewhere) depending on what happens at their clubs regards the goalkeepers situation. Will Ruddy move on? Will Di Canio chose Westwood? Even still Mannone at £4.2 is pretty good if he is first choice.

      Defenders

      Enrique £6.9
      Nastasic £6.9
      Azpilicueta £6.8
      Monreal £6.8
      Toure £6.6
      Coleman £6.5
      Richards £6.4
      Clyne £5.5
      Shaw £5.3
      Lovren £5.2
      Turner £5.2
      Jones £5.2
      Fonte £5.1
      Figueroa £5.0
      Diakite £4.8
      Dawson £4.8
      Rat £4.7
      Rose £4.7
      Faye £4.7
      Buttner £4.6
      Davies £4.5
      Haidara £4.5
      Turner £4.4
      Reid £4.3
      Amat £4.2
      Okore £4.0
      Luna £4.0
      Mcshane £4.0

      Some of those are bound to be doubts to start, but the likes of Luna, Amat, Rose, Rat, Dawson (West Brom) seem like decent shouts below £5.0 if they are starters. Above £5.0 its difficult with the defenders as a lot seem over priced. Southampton seem to have a lot of potential and good fixtures. So the likes of Clyne, Shaw, Lovren and Fonte are all interesting. Going into the £6.0 and above, I think I've picked some of the potential bests between £6.0-£7.0. Coleman, Toure, Monreal, Azpilicueta, Enrique and Nastasic all seem decent for the price. I like the look of a few defenders above £7.0, but I just think the money is better spent elsewhere this year. The usual suspects in Baines and Vertonghen, if you are willing to go big at the back.

      Midfielders

      Gerrard £8.1
      Coutinho £7.8
      Oscar £7.6
      Navas £7.6
      Arteta £7.5
      Johnson £7.4
      Snodgrass £7.3
      Ramires £7.3
      Fernandinho £7.0
      Kagawa £7.0
      Nolan £6.8
      Cabaye £6.6
      Paulinho £6.6
      Hernandez £6.5
      Mirallas £6.5
      Valencia £6.4
      Milner £6.3
      Nasri £6.3
      Schneiderlin £6.2
      Ramirez £6.2
      Wilshere £6.2
      Young £6.0
      Lallana £5.9
      Ben Arfa £5.9
      Hoolahan £5.8
      Dembele £5.8
      Diame £5.7
      Sissoko £5.7
      Moses £5.5
      Essien £.5.5
      Lucas £5.5
      Sigurdsson £5.5
      Cleverly £5.5
      Kacaniklic £5.4
      McClean £5.4
      Noble £5.2
      Holtby £5.1
      de Guzman £5.0
      Oxlade-Chamberlain £5.0
      Zaha £4.9
      Tonev £4.8
      Koren £4.8
      Mikel £4.7
      Tiote £4.7
      Redmond £4.6
      Townsend £4.6
      Elmohamady £4.6
      Shelvey £4.6
      Bacuna £4.4
      Barkley £4.3
      Powell £4.2
      Boateng £4.1
      van Ginkel £3.6

      This is the best pool IMO. There are lots of interesting players here for reasonable prices and if they come of and your midfield is right, I think you'll do well this season. 3-5-2 seems like the common sense formation this year. Coutinho will be a must at £7.8 if he continues his form from last season, Fernandinho and Kagawa look like brilliant acquisitions both for £7.0. With Fernandinho bound to offer goals and assists, aswell as tackling and passing bonuses. Although sitting alongside Yaya Toure may see one sit further back than the other. If it swaps around in game, then Fernandinho seems a decent bet. Kagawa showed moments of brilliance last year, this could be where Kagawa takes of in his second season. Mirallas is a MUST for me at £6.5 unless of course Barkley becomes a starter. Wilshere at £6.2 could work out brilliantly this year especially being favored in the hole more than Cazorla. (haha) Nolan, Noble and Diame could all return well for West Ham. Paulinho looks a steal at £6.6 and could offer much the same as Fernandinho at Man City, for Spurs, but at £0.4 cheaper. Dembele at £5.8 is a similar scenario with Wilshere at Arsenal. Both players never seem like fantasy prospects, but it could click any year for these two if they start scoring. What is most interesting about this pool of players, is that below £5.0, there seems to be some real gems and massive potential here. Redmond and Shelvey both at £4.6 could flourish. This could also be Barkley's breakthrough year at Everton under Martinez. Will Powell get the chances under Moyes? van Ginkel is at £3.6 (a rare pricing mistake?) and rumours are he will start under Mourinho! Dereck Boateng at £4.1 at Fulham could be an unbelievable bargain if he is a starter and could be a far cheaper alternative to Fernandinho or Paulinho, saving money for elsewhere. Boateng should score points for passing and tackling and his record suggests he scores a few. Fulham's defence has also been improved in the window.

      Strikers

      Lukaku £8.6
      Aspas £8.5
      Carroll £8.1
      van Wolfswinkel £7.5
      Alberto £7.1

      Not many strikers this year priced like Lambert was for instance last year. But I'm most interested in this bunch. If Lukaku is a starter under Mourinho, he is an absolute steal and will score loads with the likes of Hazard, Mata, Oscar and Schurrle around. Lukaku proved his worth even coming of the bench for West Brom last year. So its a risk worth taking to begin with IMO. Aspas is a bit "wait and see" but could be explosive. Carroll may also be a steal. van Wolfswinkel has a reputation for hat-tricks, if Norwich start well and he gets plenty of service he could also be explosive but like Aspas, a bit of a gamble early on. As is Luis Alberto, but according to Ian Ayre, he was one of the first players Rodgers highlighted. Playing as a false "9", If he starts, for £7.1, he could be another Michu. Scores loads and creates loads. Has scored freekicks to, all be it for Barca B in the 2nd division, but if Suarez isn't around (he wont be for 5 games anyway should he stay) Alberto will be in the pecking order for FK's I'm sure, now that Gerrard doesnt seem to take any.

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      1. Poseidon. Not arrogant, jus…
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Could you please elaborate?

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        1. Poseidon. Not arrogant, jus…
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          I jest. I will read it in a minute. 😉

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        2. Joga Bonito®
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          HA

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      2. King Eric, in America
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        😯

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        1. - DC -
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          I've tried to highlight some of the best players for good prices. I'm sure some of you FF nuts will have already noted these players anyway. In the Sky game a lot of players seem over priced this year, but if you look hard enough you'll see some real potential gems in the midfielders section. I apologize for the length.

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          1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
            • 14 Years
            10 years, 8 months ago

            Most of the good value players are Irish like in real life 🙂

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      3. Mílanista
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Too much, loads of players in there won't be any use. Need to narrow it down.

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        1. Wild Rover
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          This... It seems to me to be a (very long) list of everyone except the most expensive... Buttner? Zaha? Powell? Come on...

          8/10 for effort though.. 🙂

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          1. King Eric, in America
            • 13 Years
            10 years, 8 months ago

            That was only an 8/10?

            Keee-rist ... don't want to see the 10/10 ... 🙂

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      4. J0E
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        If you could highlight a top ten bargain/ mid price midfield what would it be?

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        1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          Top five.
          1)Coutinho
          2)Mirallas
          3) Ramirez
          4) Pilkington
          5) Cabaye

          I am struggling for the rest!

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        2. - DC -
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          Luna
          Amat
          Rose
          Rat
          Mirallas
          Coutinho
          Kagawa
          Fernandinho
          Paulinho
          Wilshere
          Dembele
          Shelvey
          Redmond
          Boateng
          van Ginkel
          Lukaku
          van Wolfswinkel

          I think all of those are real potential bargains in the Sky game. I would keep an eye on Barkley aswell.

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          1. King Eric, in America
            • 13 Years
            10 years, 8 months ago

            "All of those are *real potential bargains*"

            😆

            Here is my list of the top 25 most likely forwards to win the golden boot ...

            😛

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            1. Sánchez
              • 11 Years
              10 years, 8 months ago

              Hahaha.
              Just searched that list.
              Still haven't seen Giroud on it.
              😀

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            2. - DC -
              • 11 Years
              10 years, 8 months ago

              This game is more about luck than it is skill. What do you want people to do? All you can do is name names who you THINK could be good this year. The prices this year in the sky game are a joke. I've just tried to highlight a bunch of players for you all that you may not have seen, that may help your budget to be spent elsewhere. But it seems the clique dont like people posting long winded stuff like this who dont post that much on here.

              Sorry. I wont post again.

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              1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
                • 14 Years
                10 years, 8 months ago

                I think you have gone for the machine gun approach a bit there, good effort though.
                I am sure some will be right....

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              2. King Eric, in America
                • 13 Years
                10 years, 8 months ago

                I've posted three replies to you which were, if not completely complimentary, at least good-natured. I'm not in a clique here nor am/would respond based on your new-ness to the site.

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              3. Wild Rover
                • 13 Years
                10 years, 8 months ago

                Man up... It's got nothing to do with 'cliques' nobody could ever accuse me of being in a clique. If you post expecting praise you should also accept criticism..

                No need to stop posting at all..

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      5. Poseidon. Not arrogant, jus…
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Wow, just read it. No Gouffran? He looks the best value in the entire game for me...

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        1. - DC -
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          I'm reluctant to go with Newcastle if I'm being honest. I just cant see how they will change that much. They were really bad at the end of last season. I think Ben Arfa is the only one who really interests me if he can stay fit. I don't think the promoted teams are up to much either this year, but there is always 1 or 2 who stand out every year, you've just got to strike lucky.

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          1. - DC -
            • 11 Years
            10 years, 8 months ago

            Maybe Cabaye aswell.

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      6. Count of Monte Hristo
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Mulumbu looks a decent shout for £5m

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    • Art Vandelay
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Good to see that yesterday's antics have not made Murray take his eye off the prize.

      Andy Murray ‏@andy_murray 8h
      @fantasyleague you have no idea how excited I am for the auction process! Best week of the year that is haha #bid

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      1. Scroobius Mac
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        He used to follow @ffscout

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    • Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      I saw someone mentioned the effects of Ramadan earlier, there is a programme on BB1 at 1135 tonight about Muslim players in the Prem, should be interesting 🙂

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      1. little_wizard123
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Cheers, will catch it on iplayer.

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      2. Brutus619
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        cheers for that WR!

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      3. Rasping Drive
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        For those that don't know already, Ramadan starts 10 days earlier than the previous year every year. So it's going to be a while before it becomes an issue again for FPL.

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    • Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      I am just wondering what Scottish people make of the Andy Murray coverage on BBC. If there was a top English player better then him , you could be damn sure he would revert from been British to Scottish. When Andy Murray said in his post match speech that he was the first British winner for x amount of years. I was hoping he would say the he was the first Scottish winner full stop (Just to hear the reaction of the crowd).

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      1. Wild Rover
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Give it a rest, I've lost count of the times you have tried to stir this one up... I'm English and last year Bradley Wiggins was British too.... 🙄

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        1. Sánchez
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          He's Belgian.
          And Froome is Kenyan.
          🙂

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        2. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          But Laura Robson and Justin Rose are both born in South Africa 🙂 haha

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      2. Sánchez
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        So was I. If they offer him a knighthood, I hope he rejects it and says he done it publicly. Hahaha.
        We all know he is Scottish first anyway. He just has to play the sponsors game and be a diplomatic winner.

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      3. Poseidon. Not arrogant, jus…
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        I'm Scottish and disinterested/bored to the back teeth with the debate now. The only person I feel for is Murray as it's come to close to overshadowing his personal victory. Scotland can't claim the win. Britain can't claim the win. It's Murray's win.

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      4. King Eric, in America
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Not Scottish ... but it seems to me this is all a tempest in a teacup. He's both and can declare himself whichever or both at any time he wants. Simples.

        No one gets their panties in a bunch here if someone calls themselves a 'Texan' rather than an 'American' ...

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        1. Sánchez
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          But Texas dont have a football team.
          Not real football anyway.

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          1. King Eric, in America
            • 13 Years
            10 years, 8 months ago

            Salient point. 🙄

            And: not biting at the bait. Good try, though.

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            1. Sánchez
              • 11 Years
              10 years, 8 months ago

              😉

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        2. Wild Rover
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          John Brown and Nicholas Darnell didn't go down too well.. 😛

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          1. King Eric, in America
            • 13 Years
            10 years, 8 months ago

            I wouldn't suggest saying the words "go down well" to a Texan. Word to the Wise. 😉

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    • Brutus619
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      No United or City coverage but I think this is the one (whadya think)?:

      ..........................Jask

      ................Turner, Rat, Rose

      .....Bale, Walcott, Lamps, Nolan, Paulinho

      ...................Sturridge, RVW

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      1. r0binh0
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Rose probably not nailed on, neither is Lamps, I think Dembele is a better option than Paulinho given the price and Norwich were hardly full of goals last year. Needs work I reckon.

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      2. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        I thought RVW was some sort of car then I realised, would you not go for lambert/carroll instead of him?
        Is rose a starter?

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