Injuries
5 March 2011 396 comments
Money Mike Money Mike
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With Fantasy squads ravaged by key injuries and another double fixture to confuse matters, it’s time for our weekly sit-down with Paddy Power to assess whether their gameweek odds can throw up a last minute guiding light.

Who Will Keep a Clean Sheet?

  • Man City 1.83 (WIG)
  • Arsenal 2.00 (SUN)
  • Fulham 2.10 (BLA)
  • Chelsea 2.10 (blp)
  • West Ham 2.62 (STK)
  • Birmingham 2.75 (WBA) dgw
  • Bolton 2.87 (AVL)
  • Man United 2.87 (liv)

The scandal of Kolo Toure’s positive drugs test has seemingly not affected the likelihood of a City clean sheet against a struggling Wigan side at Eastlands. The Latics dwell at the foot of the table and are against a backline that boast an impressive average of 0.79gch (goals conceded at home). Even without Toure, Paddy believes there is too much quality throughout the City rearguard for Wigan’s 0.85gsa (goals scored away) to increase this week, particularly after two successive goalless encounters on home soil.

Arsenal and Fulham edge in behind City at around even money. Both feature as the home side in obliging fixtures against Sunderland and Blackburn. Arsenal, come in at a slightly shorter price than Fulham – although the Gunners sport a better defensive record (0.86gch to 1gch), they do have one eye on Barcelona in midweek and face Sunderland hitman Asamoah Gyan, who has still managed to net consistently even through a run of recent defeats for the Black Cats. Fulham meanwhile, have been defending like proverbial beavers of late and look strong candidates for a shutout against a Rovers unit who are known to misfire on their travels.

After Chelsea’s emphatic and perhaps controversial win over Manchester United midweek, it is no surprise that they are short odds to beat Blackpool at Bloomfield Road. Ian Holloway’s side are without talisman Charlie Adam and leading scorer DJ Campbell, while Chelsea appeared to have unearthed a new defensive hero in David Luiz. The stats go against this low price, showing Blackpool’s average 1.69gsh (goals scored at home) up against Chelsea’s respectable 1gca (goals conceded away), but Paddy is looking at the bigger picture on this one. I fear the Tangerines’ fans will have to lift the roof to get their team anything out of this one.

Anytime Goalscorer

  • F Torres 1.57 (blp)
  • C Tevez 1.66 (WIG)
  • E Dzeko 1.72 (WIG)
  • D Drogba 1.72 (blp)
  • N Bendtner 1.90 (SUN)
  • M Chamakh 1.90 (SUN)
  • N Anelka 2.00 (blp)
  • M Balotelli 2.10 (WIG)
  • F Lampard 2.20 (blp)
  • A Arshavin 2.30 (SUN)
  • S Nasri 2.30 (SUN)
  • D Sturridge 2.30 (AVL)
  • O Martins 2.40 (WBA) dgw
  • S Kalou 2.50 (blp)
  • F Malouda 2.50 (blp)
  • J Defoe 2.50 (wol)
  • D Bent 2.50 (bol)
  • B Zamora 2.60 (BLA)
  • C Dempsey 2.60 (BLA)
  • D Silva 2.62 (WIG)
  • M Dembele 2.80 (BLA)
  • L Saha 2.75 (new) dgw
  • R Van der Vaart 2.75 (wol)
  • Rooney 2.80 (liv)
  • N Zigic 2.87 (WBA) dgw
  • D Ba 2.87 (STK)
  • L Suarez 2.87 (MUN)
  • P Crouch 2.87 (wol)

Every game he goes without scoring, the closer he gets to that debut goal. This at least is Paddy’s theory judging by the odds for £50 million man Fernando Torres. His opponents Blackpool look fatigued and understaffed this weekend, whereas Chelsea should be hungry, and feature three strikers and a midfielder odds on to find the target. Torres’ FPL value has almost dropped back to the season low of 11.5, but Paddy predicts this gameweek will likely mark the turn of the tide when it comes to the Spaniard’s form.

A smattering of City players join Chelsea around the top of this week’s Anytime Goalscorer market. Edin Dzeko and Mario Balotelli have been turning in match winning performances in non-domestic competitions, but captain Carlos Tevez is best tipped to find the net, that despite opponent Wigan’s surprisingly good average of 1.46gca (goals conceded away). A 2-0 City win looks the most popular outcome in this one.

No Robin Van Persie, no Theo Walcott, no Cesc Fabregas, it looks thin on the ground for Arsenal’s attacking options at home against Sunderland. Fortunately for Arsene Wenger, his squad runs deep with proven talent, Marouane Chamakh and Nicklas Bendtner will jump at the chance to head up Arsenals strike force, and goals in the midweek FA Cup mauling of Orient will have instilled some confidence. Paddy ranks them both highly, although in Fantasy terms, it seems likely that pitch time will be shared which limits the appeal.

Carling Cup hero Obafemi Martins and reborn hitman Daniel Sturridge, feature amongst the big names this week. Martins perhaps might be favoured for his double gameweek, but the giant Nikola Zigic appears to be Birmingham’s option of choice for Fantasy Managers based on his showing in our polls this week. Sturridge meanwhile, has 4 goals in as many games and is up against a Villa defence nursing injuries at the Reebok – he looks a good option again.

This certainly seems to be a gameweek to back goals from midfield. The likes of Frank Lampard, Samir Nasri, Clint Dempsey, Florent Malouda and David Silva all feature highly in Paddy’s rankings and we should expect a few points to come from that pack. Expensive midfield purchases, coupled with one or two budget strikers could be the route taken up by Fantasy Managers this weekend as a result.

Paddy’s Scout Specials

With Samir Nasri a likely key target for Fantasy Managers this weekend, we put together some specials to allow you to back your investment.

You can get 13/2 on Nasri scoring a brace against Sunderland, with 8/1 available for the Frenchman to score direct from a free-kick. Alternatively, if you’re feeling less confident, Paddy is offering odds of 9/2 on a booking for the Gunners playmaker.

Paddy’s Money Back Special

Paddy is at Anfield this weekend and is offering to refund all losing 1st /last goalscorer, correct score & scorecast singles on the match if there is a red card in the game.

Bet £10 Get £20

If you’re new to this betting lark and new to Paddy Power then you can take up any of these odds and offers and get yourself a bonus. You can sign up via this site and get a free £20 when you register and bet a tenner.

Finally of course, we should state that all these offers are only available to those aged 18 and over and are subject to Paddy Power’s terms and conditions.

396 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Cheggers
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 10 months ago

    my team -

    Foster, Begs
    RJ, Djourou, Coleman, Simpson, huth
    Arteta, Nani, VDV, Nolan, J O'H
    Tevez, Rooney, Odem

    Struggling... Vdv to Frank or Odem to Zigic/Saha/Torres??

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    1. H Dog
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 10 months ago

      Get rid of odem, you'll want vdv next week. Your choice between the strikeforce

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  2. Nath88
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 10 months ago

    Captaining Foster... am I mad!?

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    1. Babytigrrr
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 10 months ago

      Just different! Good to be different

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    2. Arsenel
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 10 months ago

      I think so.

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    3. duncansarmy
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 10 months ago

      Probably

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    4. cariadmon
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 10 months ago

      Was thinking of doing the same. Every time I think of it and don't do it he gets dbl figures!

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  3. duncansarmy
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 10 months ago

    Barton > artetta for 8pts??

    Foster
    djourou  Coleman  Huth  Bardsley
    Nani  VDV  Cahill 
    Tevez(c)  Berbs  zigic

    Subs: Dorrans, Barton, Rafael, Al habsi

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    1. kennethrhcp
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 10 months ago

      answered on page 2, yes was my answer

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      1. duncansarmy
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 10 months ago

        Thanks man

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  4. villian-ty
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 10 months ago

    any reason to keep Fab?

    Hes got Barca in the next game before WBA and then Utd in the FA Cup before the home match against blackburn. He could get injured against Barca like last year

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  5. tricpic
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 10 months ago

    Wingy to Beckford worth a 4 point hit?
    Must decide NOW! Votes please.

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    1. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 10 months ago

      Yes.

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    2. mouldy_uk
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 10 months ago

      If you like a bit of a gamble YES!

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    3. H Dog
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 10 months ago

      No!

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      1. tricpic
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 10 months ago

        I knew someone was gonna do that...just as I'm about to press the button. Why not?

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        1. H Dog
          • 15 Years
          14 years, 10 months ago

          Because i'm sane 😉 If you need a gamble you can go for it

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  6. matiakez
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 10 months ago

    I'm worried about having 3 players from the Liverpool United game and playing Berba, him starting off the bench and comnig on for about 20 minutes

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    1. super zlatan
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 10 months ago

      I have berba but I fancy him to start and score

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      1. matiakez
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 10 months ago

        Yeh i'm leaning torwards playing him, Jarvis over Berba as if that would work!

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  7. tricpic
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 10 months ago

    And anyone know (apart from Sir Alex) chances of Berb starting? Why's he been benched so much lately?

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    1. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 10 months ago

      Benching Berbatov for big games has been going on for a long time.

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      1. Akers
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 10 months ago

        But that's because of the system. Hernandez played ahead of Berbatov against Chelsea. That is odd. Could be something or nothing, like resting Berba, giving Hernandez a reward for his performances, who knows?

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      2. si
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 10 months ago

        Wigan (a) is not a big game though. He is right out of favour on the road. Which is pretty fair as he often goes missing away. Bully at home though when united are camped in the opposition half. Hernandez's pace and movement away from home is causing more problems and The goals at Wigan justify SAF's decision with this.

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    2. Akers
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 10 months ago

      Bit of a puzzle that one.

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    3. Babytigrrr
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 10 months ago

      I've got my mousey fingers crossed he'll play

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  8. Tommy
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 10 months ago

    Larsson or Bentley?

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    1. mouldy_uk
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 10 months ago

      Based on form, Bentley. Plus he didn't play in the cup final so should be fresh.

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  9. D-Burls
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 10 months ago

    Is Carr worth a 4 point hit?

    Any thoughts appreciated.

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    1. mouldy_uk
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 10 months ago

      Depending on who you are replacing, YES!

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  10. For Fuchs Sake
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 10 months ago

    5 DGW players and not captaining any of them. Madness?

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    1. mouldy_uk
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 10 months ago

      I'm exactly the same, it's all Tevez's fault.

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      1. Gregor
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 10 months ago

        Very sensible.

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  11. Ronny17
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 10 months ago

    i thinking of taking a chance on defoe - spurs' next few fixtures look mighty good.

    mad?

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    1. Harry Ball Bag™⚽⚽…
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 10 months ago

      yes as defoe is s**t this season

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  12. cariadmon
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 10 months ago

    Team done. Who to capt?

    Foster

    Djourou, Coleman, R Johnson

    A Young, Nani, Bentley. Wilshere

    Tevez, Saha, Torres

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    1. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 10 months ago

      Tevez if your top of your league, Torres if not.

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    2. mouldy_uk
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 10 months ago

      Has to be Tevez or Torres. Based on form this season I would go for Tevez.

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  13. si
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 10 months ago

    Steve Smith. Top, top fielder.

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  14. matiakez
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 10 months ago

    I've captained Saha, this is make or break stuff

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    1. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 10 months ago

      Loopy.

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    2. rejects 11
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 10 months ago

      He is the best Carson amongst the DGW'ers IMHO

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  15. H Dog
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 10 months ago

    Hangeland IN for Kelly?

    Yay or Nay?

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    1. Eatspressure
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 10 months ago

      expensive but yes, maybe a cheaper Fulham def

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      1. H Dog
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 10 months ago

        Hughes?

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  16. Eatspressure
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 10 months ago

    Guys am at wok and ina hurry , torn with my transfers thias week let me know what you tbink

    option 1. Lennon -> Nasri + RVP – Torres )cheeky but may pay off)
    option 2. Lennon -> Nasri + RVP – Beckord/Saha
    option 3. Lennon -> Nasri + RVP – Zigic
    option 4. Lennon – dempsey + RVP -> any of above

    hope makes sense am trying to work here too !

    or take 8 pt hit and do lennon to Nasri, RVP – Tprres , Odem – Zigic/Becford

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    1. MARVELLUS
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 10 months ago

      option 1. 8pt hit looks good, but that's a big hit.

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    2. zissou
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 10 months ago

      The 8 point hit one I think.

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    3. Babytigrrr
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 10 months ago

      8pt hit depends on whether you field 11 or not - I wasn't so I have!

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      1. Eatspressure
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 10 months ago

        I can field 11 without making any transfers!

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        1. rejects 11
          • 16 Years
          14 years, 10 months ago

          Lennon is playing a weak opposition . Why transfer him out?

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  17. MARVELLUS
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 10 months ago

    Current team:
    Szszesny (Begovic)
    Coleman Baines Kolarov Carr (Walker)
    VDV Nani AYoung Silva (Barton)
    Tevez Odem (RVP) 2.7m in bank.

    Any more moves would cost 4pts, but think I should given that VDV and Barton may not play, what is the best move?:

    a) RVP to Rooney (but Man U may not play next week
    b) RVP to Zigic (spent another 4pts next week to bring in Rooney if he plays...)
    c) Another genius idea?

    Thanks team.

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    1. Eatspressure
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 10 months ago

      why may manu not play next week?

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      1. MARVELLUS
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 10 months ago

        if they draw fa cup game with arsenal

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        1. Eatspressure
          • 15 Years
          14 years, 10 months ago

          I have hunch Torres is going to click but I hate him and dont want to be responsible for that action

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          1. MARVELLUS
            • 16 Years
            14 years, 10 months ago

            Yeah I'm concerned I have no CHE coverage, but Lamps is too much. And dont want any of their strikers, just going to hope BPool pull off a shock..

            Do you think a or b is a smarter move?

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            1. Eatspressure
              • 15 Years
              14 years, 10 months ago

              I would get Zigic this week Rooney next yes, you will know by then if Rooney plays or not

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              1. MARVELLUS
                • 16 Years
                14 years, 10 months ago

                thinking that too, at least it will make the game on tv more interesting!

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                1. rejects 11
                  • 16 Years
                  14 years, 10 months ago

                  +1

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  18. zissou
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 10 months ago

    So it's

    a) Lamps & Djourou
    b) Nasri & R Johnson?

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    1. For Fuchs Sake
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 10 months ago

      b)

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    2. MARVELLUS
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 10 months ago

      a. won't want nasri in a few weeks.

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    3. mouldy_uk
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 10 months ago

      b

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  19. For Fuchs Sake
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 10 months ago

    WC team Smalling or Simpson. Ferdinand keeps getting injured, Smalling looking good

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    1. MARVELLUS
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 10 months ago

      risky one, depends on when rio is back. if all your other defenders are nailed on, go for smalling.

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  20. Baby Face Nelson
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 10 months ago

    Begovic or VDS?

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    1. zissou
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 10 months ago

      Beg

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      1. Baby Face Nelson
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 10 months ago

        thx. i currently have it on Begovic

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        1. rejects 11
          • 16 Years
          14 years, 10 months ago

          Not if you have Huth

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  21. The Stock
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 10 months ago

    It's official, i'm having a FF breakdown.

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    1. In Like Flynn.
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 10 months ago

      I hope you booked it well in advance,I think I'm first. 😉

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  22. UKG
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 10 months ago

    This is how my team line's up:

    Foster

    Coleman Djrou Huth Kolarov

    Nani Bentley A.Young Dempsey


    Tevez Berbatov

    Bench: Barton Rafa RVP

    Only one free was thinking RVP > Zigic or Beckford? Maybe chopping Rafa out but maybe next week and save the hit? Anyone think I should be worried about my line up this week, would have 4 dbls with another forward in? Currently top of my league with a nice gap, the top ten below have took 4 or 8 point hits generally.

    Any advice appreciated.

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  23. ⭐ ABHISHEK - THE CURIOUS …
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 10 months ago

    Does anyone know who camzy is captaining ?

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  24. Utterly Fabregasted
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 10 months ago

    I need some advice. Lots of posts with no replies. So id be happy to reciprocate. I'm sitting pretty in 1,300th but this week could be my downfall. My Team has been dessimated by injury. Already taken 4 point hit
    Still only Ten playing at best (if berbs plays)
    Thinking kelly -> djourou or vidic->luiz ( longterm options)
    Next week maybe : Berbs -> Rooney
    Any advice appreciated

    Foster
    Coleman, Hughes, walker (vidic, Kelly)
    Nani, nasri, Dempsey (Vdv, adam)
    Saha (c), tevez, berbs

    3.5 in bank. Thanks

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    1. Eatspressure
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 10 months ago

      get Arteta and Berbs - Torres or Zigic/Saha/Beckford for the double

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    2. zissou
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 10 months ago

      Kelly to Dj looks good.

      Confident (c)ing Saha?

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    3. MARVELLUS
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 10 months ago

      keep vdv, adam, vidic.
      kelly out for djourou, or baines for a punt??

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  25. villian-ty
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 10 months ago

    ok my first ever 8 point hit

    RMT pls

    FOSTER (Bergovic)
    COLEMAN Huth Simpson (Kelly, Rafael)
    Nani Lampard Brunt Nasri (Adam)
    Tevez ZIGIC Berbatov

    Next week will do Brunt -> VDV or Berbatov -> Rooney

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    1. MARVELLUS
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 10 months ago

      looks gd

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  26. ⭐ ABHISHEK - THE CURIOUS …
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 10 months ago

    My Team this gw:
    Foster
    Coleman R.johnson Djourou
    Arteta Nani Meirlies Yaya
    Tevez(c) Sturridge Saha
    Subs:Begovic Evra barton Kelly

    Is this team good for this gw ?
    Any advice/suggestion ?
    Thanks in advance.

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  27. everyday, i'm shufflin…
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 10 months ago

    Quick question again..

    A : Lampard + Zigic

    Or

    B : Dempsey + Torres

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    1. zissou
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 10 months ago

      a

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  28. hyunjae
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 10 months ago

    urgh....
    who to bench...

    1. Huth
    2. Simpson
    3. Djouro

    other defenders are Coleman and Carr w/ Foster in goal

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    1. zissou
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 10 months ago

      Simpson, defo.

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    2. hyunjae
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 10 months ago

      let's say, who to start in the 3rd gate instead

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    3. mouldy_uk
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 10 months ago

      Simpson.

      Both Stoke and Newcastle are likely to conceed, but Huth has that goal threat.

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      1. hyunjae
        • 14 Years
        14 years, 10 months ago

        that's what keeps lingering in my mind...that big oaf barrelin' down the pitch on corners

        then again, Djouro has been a pretty good head threat as well i guess,

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        1. hyunjae
          • 14 Years
          14 years, 10 months ago

          and stoke have done F$cK all on the road in the last few months...

          going to give it to Djouro

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  29. mouldy_uk
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 10 months ago

    Pretty close to going with this:

    Foster*
    Coleman* / Johnson R* / Distin*
    Nani / Young A / Nasri / Barton
    Zigic* / Tevez (c) / Rooney

    DGW*
    Subs: Begovic / Huth / Vidic / Adam

    Transfers Required:
    Kelly > Distin
    O'Hara > Nasri
    Van Persie > Zigic
    (8 Point Hit / 0.8M in Bank)

    Opinions Please?

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    1. Harry Ball Bag™⚽⚽…
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 10 months ago

      i would just take a 4point hit and do

      O’Hara > Nasri
      Van Persie > Zigic

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      1. MARVELLUS
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 10 months ago

        +1

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  30. Harry Ball Bag™⚽⚽…
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 10 months ago

    who is my best captain choice (chasing a 47point gap)

    1.torres
    2.tevez
    3.coleman
    4.berbatov

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    1. zissou
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 10 months ago

      2

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      1. Harry Ball Bag™⚽⚽…
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 10 months ago

        thanks

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    2. mouldy_uk
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 10 months ago

      Torres if you are chasing (assuming most of your rivals have Tevez)

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