Scout Notes

Scout Scribbles – Liverpool Suffer Toure Blow

Liverpool edge past Notts County in extra-time but suffer a bitter blow as Kolo Toure tweaks a groin. Arsenal make progress in the Champions League but have injury concerns of their own as Lukas Podolski is ruled out with a hamstring. Elsewhere in the Capital One Cup, Ravel Morrison and Adel Taarabt boost their stock, whilst Ben Foster’s injury may just offer a cut-price route into the Baggies defence.

Liverpool Set to Lose Toure

Brendan Rodgers paid the price for fielding a strong lineup for the Capital One Cup tie with Notts County as he watched three players pick up injuries. The most serious of those looks to be Kolo Toure who was stretchered from the field with a groin problem. Rodgers’ early prognosis of the injury wasn’t optimistic….

“Kolo Toure, we need to assess it. His groin opened up a wee bit. He overstretched his groin and it doesn’t look so good, to be honest.”

Liverpool also suffered knocks to both Joe Allen and new left-back, Aly Cissokho, in the 4-2 extra time victory. Both players look early doubts for the weekend clash with Man United at Anfield.

“Cissokho was devastated. He shouldn’t be too long. He’s got a knock in his ankle. He was distraught to come off in his first start here…Joe Allen may well be a hamstring so we’ll have a look at that.”

The Scout Says: Toure’s injury may well be set to keep him out for a number of weeks and will come as a bitter blow to both his manager and Fantasy owners. The former City defender offered strong value throughout the Fantasy games and had started the season in good form, earning back-to-back clean sheets against Stoke and Villa. Toure, owned by over 10% of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers, seems very unlikely to figure against United this Sunday and his absence will put stress on many a squad with Chelsea and Villa’s assets already missing from Gameweek 3. Sales and a price drop look almost certain in the weeks to come, particularly with the international break beckoning. Martin Skrtel is expected to be fit to take his place alongside Dan Agger at the back when Robin van Persie and United pay visit on Sunday.

Ramsey’s Form Continues as Gunners Suffer Podolski Injury

Aaron Ramsey’s superb start to the season continued with two strikes as Arsenal progressed to the group stages of the Champions League courtesy of a 2-0 victory over Fenerbache at the Emirates. Having notched three goals this season, a delighted Arsene Wenger singled the Welshman out for praise in his post-match analysis:

“He gets to the end of things now. I liked especially his second goal. It’s a good finish and a year ago he would not have taken that chance the way he took it here. He’s improving from week to week. That’s very positive for us because a year ago, many people were questioning Aaron Ramsey.”

The Gunners victory came at a price, however, with Lukas Podolski suffering a hamstring injury that is set to rule him out for three weeks. Ramsey and Wilshere also sustained knocks ahead of Sunday’s derby clash with Spurs.

Wenger had this to say on Tuesday’s injury setbacks:

“That’s the negative of tonight. We paid a heavy price on the injury front because we lost Podolski. I don’t know how bad Ramsey is. I don’t know how Wilshere responds to an ankle problem. We have to check that [on Wednesday] morning… Podolski is definitely out for 21 days and Ramsey we have to check how severe his groin is tomorrow…Jack should be alright for Sunday and I’m hopeful on Aaron as well. I don’t know how bad it is. I took Ramsey off with three or four minutes to go but I don’t know how bad it is. I haven’t seen him yet.”

The Scout Says: Impressive at Fulham last weekend, Ramsey has now scored three goals in Europe and, in the Sun Dream Team, is the top rated midfielder on show on 41 points having earned three Star Man awards to date. A lesser asset in the FPL, Ramsey is nonetheless priced at just 5.5 and is beginning to blink on the radar as an option to consider for Arsenal coverage. The knock will be a minor concern, although with Arsenal set to recruit in the transfer window, many Fantasy managers will have doubts over Ramsey’s long-term prospects, even with his current level of performance.

The injury to Podolski rules him out just days after his brace at Fulham. Podolski attracted investment this week off the back of that points haul with over 15,000 FPL managers making the investment ahead of the encounter with Spurs. His absence looks set to cement starts for Ramsey and maybe Wilshere, if fit, for Sunday’s game. Tomas Rosicky could also be in line to start once again, with Mikel Arteta still a likely absentee.

Ravel Morrison Stakes a Claim

Starting as part of a second string West Ham lineup in their Capital One Cup tie with Cheltenham, Ravel Morrison scored and assisted as the Hammers ran out 2-1 winners. Outstanding in pre-season, Morrison will hope to force his way into Sam Allardyce’s lineup, having emerged from the bench in the recent 0-0 at Newcastle. Assistant manager Neil McDonald was full of praise for Morrison is his post-match comments:

“I think he has shone tonight and has tried to knock on the manager’s door with a good performance and another goal. He’s continued what he did in pre-season, scoring goals from midfield, which is great. He’s shown what he can do and now has to wait for his chance when the manager picks him in the Barclays Premier League.”

The Scout Says: So impressive in the summer friendlies, Fantasy managers were hoping that Morrison would stake a first-team claim only to see the former United starlet reduced to a bench role. Last night’s display offered a reminder of his qualities, however, and with the Hammers without a cutting edge as Andy Carroll continues to recover from injury, it could be that Morrison gets his chance to offer potential as a 4.5 FPL midfield option.

Snodgrass and Bassong Make Injury Returns

Norwich City put out a strong lineup in their 6-3 Capital One Cup tie win over Bury. Both Robert Snodgrass and Seb Bassong earned their first starts of the season following injury, while Anthony Pilkington also made a return and duly got his name on the scoresheet. Johan Elmander, making his full debut for the Canaries, earned a brace as the Premier League side ran out winners.

The Scout Says: Both Snodgrass and Bassong look set to start when Southampton pay visit at the weekend. The Scot offered Chris Hughton a reminder of his talents by earning two assists in last night’s victory, while Bassong’s presence in the defence following the defeat at Hull last weekend, looks vital. That could well see Steven Whittaker make way as Hughton opts to keep both Russell Martin and Michael Turner in his back four.

With Pilkington and Elmander pushing for starts, Hughton appears to have a wealth of options in attacking areas and Fantasy managers will be keen to see how the Canaries lineup settles in the coming weeks. Both Pilkington and Elmander are available as 5.5 midfielders and forwards respectively.

Taarabt Notches As Bent Gets 90 Minutes

Adel Taarabt opened his Fulham account with a superbly struck opening goal as Fulham squeezed past Burton Albion in extra-time. Outstanding in his 45 minute appearance, the Moroccan appears to be strengthening his case for regular starts in Martin Jol’s lineup. The Fulham boss also handed Darren Bent a full 90 minutes as the former Villa man builds his fitness following his move to Craven Cottage.

The Scout Says: Taarabt certainly looks to have settled and is beginning to make an impact at the Cottage. There’s no doubting his talent, however, with the likes of Dimitar Berbatov, Bryan Ruiz and Pajtim Kasami to accommodate, in addition to a string of options on the flank, there are lingering doubts as to Taarabt’s prospects as a regular starter. He is displaying strong form, however, and Jol has not shown hesitation when it comes to introducing Taarabt to his lineup. With Bent also edging towards a first league start, this pair could offer intriguing mid-price options for Fantasy managers ahead of Fulham’s favourable run of fixtures to come. Jol’s side face West Brom, Cardiff and Stoke at home from Gameweeks 4-7.

Villas Boas Praises New Recruit Capoue

Andre Villas Boas was full of praise for Etienne Capoue, after the defensive midfielder’s impressive home debut against Swansea at the weekend. Capoue screened the Spurs back four as part of a three-man midfield in Sunday’s 1-0 victory. Villas-Boas singled out the French international, post-match:

“That was a very good performance from Capoue, great to see him out there protecting the back four. That shows signs of a player who is mature, has great technical qualities and it able to recover so many balls that give the team possession and the chance to attack.”

The Scout Says:Brazilian defensive midfielder Sandro, who had a bench role on Sunday in his bid to return to full fitness, will be a constant threat to Capoue’s place in the first XI. However, Villas Boas’ comments are hugely encouraging for the Frenchman. From a Fantasy football perspective, Capoue is unlikely to attract many suitors in the FPL but could eventually turn heads in the Sky Sports game given his potential for passing and tackling bonus at a price of just 4.9 million. The key significance of both Capoue and Sandro as options is that the pair allow the continuation of the 4-3-3 which should give Paulinho greater licence to forage forward in search of goals. The Brazilian was one of the most forward thinking midfielders on display at the weekend and was unfortunate not to get on the scoresheet. Paulinho emergence as a box-to-box midfielder is likely to see Gylfi Sigurdsson’s stock fall further. Meanwhile, on the flanks either side of Roberto Soldado, Aaron Lennon, Nacer Chadli and Andros Townsend could well be competing for just two positions. Crucially, the 4-3-3 could be fundamental as to how we assess Tottenham’s defensive potential over the season ahead – Villas-Boas’ side have yet to concede this season and the midfield three offered extra protection to the back-four against Michu and co last Sunday, with the Spaniard failing to register a single effort at the Lane.

Gibson Nearing Toffees Return

Darron Gibson is edging closer to full fitness, according to Everton boss Roberto Martinez. The midfielder is to be assessed ahead of tonight’s Capital One Cup clash against Stevenage, though the tie is likely to come too soon for his first appearance of the season, as Martinez explained:

Darron Gibson is progressing really well and he won’t be too far away. We need to be careful that we don’t push him too early.

Elsewhere, Tony Hibbert is now back in full training and likely to be involved in the Stevenage tie, while winger Magaye Gueye made his comeback from injury this week in Monday’s under-21 defeat at Manchester City. Antolin Alcaraz is also expected to return to full training in the next seven days.

In addition, Roberto Martínez is set to hand teenager Gerard Deulofeu, who Everton signed on loan from Barcelona, his competitive debut in the Capital One Cup but suggests that it may be some months before he wins regular Premier League starts. Martinez said:

”For someone so young to feel they want to help the team is something you want to see as a manager. We need to be patient with Gerard. We will see the best of him in January or February. He’s an exciting winger. He takes people on and can play on both wings.”

The Scout Says: Gibson’s return to full fitness places a question mark over Ross Barkley’s long term prospects as a midfield option. Barkley, who this week earned an England call up, has already risen in price in the FPL game to 4.8 on the back of his goal and maximum bonus point haul in Gameweek 1, however, his inexperience may eventually see Martinez favour Gibson over the coming weeks. Gibson could featured on the bench against Cardiff this weekend, with Barkley looking secure in the short-term, at least.

Gueye’s return is a reminder that Everton have options out wide. Kevin Mirallas’ owners will be wary of the threat from Deulofeu’s emergence in the short term as the Belgian struggles to emulate his pre-season form. Mirallas has missed several opportunities to get his goal account ticking in his two starts thus far.

Alcaraz’s return could be more significant and allow Martinez to revert to the 3-4-3 wingback system he deployed while at Wigan. This would see Alcaraz slot in next to Sylvain Distin and Phil Jagielka and give Seamus Coleman and left-back Leighton Baines even greater freedom to bomb forward. Such a bold change of system could again cast doubts over Barkley’s long-term security in a more disciplined midfield role.

Myhill Set for Baggies Run

West Bromich Albion keeper Ben Foster has been sidelined for the next 12 weeks after suffering a stress fracture in his right foot. The England international was substituted during the Everton match on Saturday and will undergo surgery later this week. This latest setback coincides with a return to training of Wales international goalkeeper Boaz Myhill. While Myhill is the favourite to replace Foster, Steve Clarke also praised third choice keeper Luke Daniels who came on for Foster during the Everton clash:

There’s no hiding the fact this is disappointing news as Ben is a key player for us. He was excellent on Saturday before his injury forced him off. In the meantime, I’ve got two other very good goalkeepers to choose from. Boaz did well when he deputised for Ben last season and Luke showed on Saturday he is a more than capable goalkeeper.

The Scout says: Priced at 4.5 in the FPL, Myhill offers a cheaper route into West Brom’s defensive points and an easy transfer for those who had partnered the 5.0 priced Foster in a defensive pairing with Southampton stopper Artur Boruc. While Daniels proved effective during his short stint in goal against Everton he is likely to remain behind the more experienced Myhill in Clarke’s thinking.

Stoke swoop for Liverpool winger

Following a frustrating first year at Liverpool, Moroccan international winger Oussama Assaidi has joined Stoke City on a season long loan in search of first team starts. Stoke have also announced that their US international winger Brek Shea is winning his battle to be fit, after damaging knee ligaments during a pre-season friendly against Philadelphia Union on July 30. Shea came through a 45 minute stint for Stoke’s Under-21 side unscathed this week.

The Scout Says: Assaidi and Shea will certainly increase the competition for places on the Potters flanks. With both being predominantly left-footed, Matt Etherington’s role on the wing looks in question – the former West Ham man has started each of the Potters’ first two Gameweeks, with Jon Walters fielded on the opposite flank. Coming in at 4.9 and 5.0 in FPL, Assaidi and Shea are certainly budget-friendly, though with trips to West Ham and Arsenal and a home clash against City in the next three, Fantasy managers will be happy to steer clear until the schedule is a little kinder. A Moving Target article on Assaidi will be published later this week.

J0E Podcaster and writer. Tweets stats and stuff via @FFScout_Joe Follow them on Twitter

1,427 Comments Post a Comment
  1. TuttiFrutti
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    How do I change gravatar?

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    1. Namtab Nomolos
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      gravatar.com

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

        thx

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  2. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Hello, I was hoping you can assist me

    I would like to know the long term prospects of the following:

    1. Collins
    2. James Ward Prowse
    3. Lampard

    Thanks in advance for any help

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

      I have all 3 of those.
      I think JWP is the only worry for me.

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      1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        I need a 4.5m mid who will play this week (and looks a good prospect) in order to get rvp next week, not sure who to get

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

          That was exactly my dilemma last night, I could not decide whether to do haz for michu or haz for JWP and take a -4 hit to get RVP in.
          I went for the latter in the end :O
          Something I am ashamed of.

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

          I went for JWP in the end if he doesn't play I have Cardiff Turner at home to Everton which isn't too bad.

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

      all look bargains to me

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

      Not sure JWP can hold down his spot, there is some competition there for sure. Lamps and Collins look really good so far.

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

    Lost on previous page.

    Should I use my wildcard, or stick it through?

    I have 3 players not playing due to injuries or non selections and another 3 who are in bad/terrible form right now

    Boruc, Manonne
    Toure, Zabaleta, Chester, Collins, Turner
    Coutinho, Silva, Ravel Morrison, Walcott, Mirallas
    Benteke, Dzeko, Soldado

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

      replied previous

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

        Yea just saw. Argh I think I am fretting to much!

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

          i think so too 😉 good luck! what do u think of my team below?

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    2. Trigg ⭐️
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Turner, Coutinho and Mirallas are the ones in terrible form?

      A bit harsh. They could all start scoring points this weekend.

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  4. FISSH
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    migs

    collins, coleman, ward, zab

    kim, ward-p, silva, wally

    soldado, altidore, rvp

    Hows that look for this gw at -4?

    If I dont take a -4 I will be without rvp.. no can do really lol

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    1. Woy of the Wovers
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Easy to go without RVP.

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

        meeeeh I'm not so sure. I have time to think on it so I will decide on friday. Thanks

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  5. Djerbil
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Flamini joins Arsenal

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

      lol

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

      HAHAHAHA

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    3. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      good move, alot of people will criticise because he is free though

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

        And he's crap.

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

          Arsenal replace Flamini with... Flamini.

          He's rubbish. Ramsey and Rosicky will easily be ahead of him.

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        2. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 2 months ago

          I think for a free transfer he is a good addition to the squad. He is a free agent because he didn't want to renew his contract at Milan not the other way around so it's out of his choice.

          He will do a job when numbers are low.

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          1. Dukes of Hazard
            • 11 Years
            11 years, 2 months ago

            This plus he can cover at left back/right back, he really isn't that bad.

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        3. Djerbil
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 2 months ago

          He's not crap, sorry.. He is not World Class but better than average

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    4. Tim Canterbury
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Lol

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

      Good move all around, still a decent player and adds depth

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    6. aussiegooner
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      This is far from confirmed, unless you've seen something beyond Tancredi's tweet.

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  6. goriuanx
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    #LFC have contacted #CFC over the availability of Branislav Ivanovic. However, LFC are reluctant to pay over £12m for the defender.

    Funny how one injury can lead to such a rumour.

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

      they are supposed to buy Sakho

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

        2 left footed centre backs seems weird to me. Sakho's asking price is 15m as well.

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

          Vermaelen and Koscielny both are left footed

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

            Isn't Kosc right footed?

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

              no Lefty

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            2. Wilshere Knowledge
              • 11 Years
              11 years, 2 months ago

              Yes he is.

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          2. Wilshere Knowledge
            • 11 Years
            11 years, 2 months ago

            Koscielny is right footed.

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

      Liverpool lack class with that offer 😀

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

        You're right. Should've bid 12m+£1. 😉

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

      Surely this is a Suarez related wind up?

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

        I don't see how but you're not the first to say this.

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    4. J0E
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Is Suarez feeling peckish again?

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

    Four point hits? Are they worth it?

    How do you determine whether it's been a success? How do you look at it? (2X2 pt hits , 1X4 pt) , do you only use them as long term moves?

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

      There are very rarely worth it. I'm thinking of writing an extended post on points hits...

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

      if you do well that game week then who cares

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    3. the Penman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      They are very often worth it. I'm thinking of writing a post defending points hits...

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  8. Mr Sarcastic
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Which one looks better, not now but in few weeks time when Toure is back.

    a) Coleman, Terry + Chambers, Ward, Chester

    b) Coleman, Toure, Collins, M.Turner, Chester

    I like a) actually, but that would mean that I don't have Collins this week and have to play Chester / Williams (4.5 useless mid) instead.
    And when Terry gets rest, I would be in deap shhhhhhhht. So b) right? 🙂

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    1. Woy of the Wovers
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      b is passable, just. Needs another 3-4m though.

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

    Total FPL not working for anyone else?

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    1. Frazek
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      The old link is dead, Jaf, use this one... it works fine.

      http://totalfpl.com/pricechanges

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

        Ah nice one Frazek, thanks for that....still had the 'development' link 😛

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  10. In Tommy We Trust
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    So who out of the DGW over-loaders are wishing they didn't?

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    1. Trigg ⭐️
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      I wish I'd gone double Chelsea defence. I'd keep them both all season.

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

      Oh yes, that would be me.....well actually only Lukaku was a busted flush. The other three did okay....

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      1. In Tommy We Trust
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        How's your squad lining up this week?

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

          Average, very average. Not too excited by my team atm.......and you?

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          1. In Tommy We Trust
            • 14 Years
            11 years, 2 months ago

            Happy enough. A fair bit behind the pace but liking my chances in the next couple of gameweeks.

            Transfer this week - James Morrison 😎

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

              Yeah good one and good luck ITWT....

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              1. In Tommy We Trust
                • 14 Years
                11 years, 2 months ago

                Cheers Jafooli.

                And you

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

      I had 4 DGWers and I'm fine. Can field a decent team this GW without any hits so far this season. Great to be able to assess who you want to keep and not, it's looking like Terry and Benteke for me.

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      1. In Tommy We Trust
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Guess it comes down to if you had injuries since. Not worried by Luiz at all?

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

          Slightly, but not enough to reconsider. Luiz and Terry seems like the best partnership with Iva being preferred as fullback.

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    4. r0nh
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      The guy that scored very low points & dropped in value

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    5. FF Dirtbag
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Lucky I had:
      Terry

      Wish I had:
      Benteke
      Ivanovic

      Wish I didnt have:
      Lukaku
      Hazard (a little bit)

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

      I wish the DGW didn't happen as we would have had the luxury of assessing CHE assets before looking to buy beyond the blank.

      Instead, we had to roll the dice with Haz and Lukaku and surprise surprise we lost.

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      1. In Tommy We Trust
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Yep and the assets that have kicked on like Lamps, Oscar and Benteke are going up in value despite the blank

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    7. El_Matador
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      I only have two and it's still a bit of a headache with Anelka last week, Toure this week and the Brayford situation.

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    8. J0E
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      I can field 11 even with the Toure injury..but that means having Chester and Kim in my team. I can stomach one of them but not both.

      Think I'll have to swap Toure for Collins/Coleman/Saints defender...but would have preferred not to.

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      1. In Tommy We Trust
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Can't play Chester surely. He could get minus

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

          But doubtful he'll get -4 as an extra transfer would cost, Hull at home to Cardiff GW4..

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    9. dino412
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Baker, Tonev, and Lukaku. All 3 a mistake, but I am not worried since I only took a -4 hit to get a decent 11 player squad for week 3. Also had Hazard but moved him before week 2 for Silva. And also moved Lukaku for Dzeko, made him my Capt. and it paid off in wk2.

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  11. S.Kuqi
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    For next 4-5 gameweeks ?

    A) Lambert
    B) Sturridge

    Soldado-Dzeko/Benteke- ??

    mids. Wally/Nolan/Silva/Whitt/Michu

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

      lambert so u can have benteke

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      1. S.Kuqi
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        I have money in the Bank for Benteke even with Soldado-Dzeko/Negredo-Sturridge frontline.

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

          Easily Sturridge then!

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

    Which is best:
    A) Dawson, Nolan, Rooney
    or
    B) 4.0m defender, R. Morrison, RVP

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

      Probably A, but always very difficult where RVP is involved. He could out score the other three and some.....

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  13. Dogba
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Jonty, great article, I love how you go into details on the topics you bring up. That said, I'd love to also see how involved other popular fantasy-assets were, for instance that Nolan was rested on the bench and Collins wasn't in the team at all for WHam, or how many minutes Snod and Bassong got. I'm just nitpicking though, and everyone can look this up easily.

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  14. elkunaguero
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    So, looks like Rooney will stay at United and get a new contract. How long until people start to talk about him as a cheaper substitute to RVP?

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

      already considering it mate.

      Im between benteke > RVP or Altidore > Rooney after this GW

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

      Since the Chelsea game last Monday.

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    3. J0E
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      I did that last season and it failed, but that was mainly because Fergie was fielding him in central midfield. Moyes will have him in an advanced role so am happy to get him over RVP for a while. That extra cash really makes the difference.

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  15. Here's the manager
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Hi there
    Failed with first post so trying again- spend most of my time quietly reading the advice on here then cursing on Sat/Sun/Mon. Having a bit of a mare with my mini league after winning it last year.

    Team picked for Sat:
    Speroni -(Boruc)
    Mertesacker - Collins - Garrido (Toure Baker (injured))
    Walcott Coutinho Snodgrass Noble ( Hazard)
    RVP Dzeko Chamakh

    1M in bank

    I think you can tell why I'm only on 90 odd points and rank about 1.7 million.

    Question is - got rid of Anelka on Sat for my FT, didn't want to take a hit but should I ? Can just about get through this week, everyone has Home fixtures, but Hazard dropped last night, with Toure and Baker injured can't decide if I should take a hit. Any thoughts?

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  16. Scottys Army
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    with kev phillps never starting

    Is chamakh likely to be on pens ?

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

      Murray & Garvan are listed in the set piece takers section, last updated 06/08 though.

      As a Chamakh owner I'm hoping he gets pens, but don't know if he will.

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  17. Djerbil
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Dzeko I need u to get to 7.9 before Week 4

    to do
    Dzeko and Kolo-> Tekkers and Vidic

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  18. Lovely Jubbly Lions
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    taking into account the new BP's system and the fact i cant field a full team this gw im gonna play the WC, thoughts on this....

    mig
    vidic, lescott, enrique, coleman
    nolan, wittingham, barkley,
    solgado, rvp, aguero

    daniels, terry, brady, ward-prowes

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    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      very weak in midfield, are you not worried about that?

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

        he will be in a few weeks 😆

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

      Interesting, could be successful. I'd downgrade a striker to save your midfield as it is .. Sorry... Appalling

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  19. FISSH
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    benteke > RVP

    OR

    Altidore > Rooney

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  20. ⭐ ABHISHEK - THE CURIOUS …
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Ass

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

      Face

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  21. Van Dal
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    you guys reckon toure will fal before deadline?

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    1. Frazek
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      No chance, not unless really bad news breaks (groin amputation?).

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  22. Kieranduru
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    (OT) when I post can you see my gravatar? It's visible on my profile but when I post it appears in plain black for me..

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

      hello Djimon Hounsou. Why you no smile?

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

        ?

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  23. anish10
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Hows my team looking this week?

    1FT 0.1 in the bank

    Boruc (Davies)
    Collins Coleman Shaw Lescott (Chester)
    Barkley Nolan Walcott (Lampard) (Pozeulo)
    RVP Aguero(c) Sturridge

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  24. goriuanx
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Kolo Toure could well be 4.7/4.8 by the time he comes back from injury.

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    1. Van Dal
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      good point actually. you reckon he will before saturday though?

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  25. Van Dal
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    I think people are getting carried away with defenders. there has been unusually a lot of clean sheets first two weeks. The rate wont last. once they lose the clean sheet no bonus.

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

      I agree, Liverpool, Chelsea and Spurs strong form at the back has boosted the clean sheets but not likely to continue

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

      I think Chelsea are on for an absolute ton of clean sheets.

      Considering the old treble up. BPs for Terry goal threat from Ivan.

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      1. Van Dal
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        agree with chelsea but treble up a bit much.

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    3. roscola
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      I was of that opinion but I'm wavering a little. Three games with no clean sheets have seen defenders still picking up bonus:

      Arsenal 1-3 Villa: Clark (1)
      Southampton 1-1 Sunderland: Lovren(1)
      Stoke 2-1 Palace: Huth (2) [although he did assist]

      The effect isn't as pronounced as it's being made out to be but it does at least mean that clean sheets are worth more than they used to be worth.

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      1. Van Dal
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        too small a sample tbh. But one thing is guranteed the rate of CS wont keep up as it is.

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        1. roscola
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 2 months ago

          It is a small sample but none of those would have happened last year.

          I agree that the CSs won't continue at that rate but the point still stands that a CS for a CB is now worth 5-6 points instead of 4. I've only ever picked defenders for CS potential so that hasn't changed, but who you pick and how much to spend on them might change.

          As I say, the effect isn't as pronounced as people are making out, but I'm making some slight adjustments.

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  26. rozzo
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    pleased ravel morrison got a goal last night, was a pre season punt of mine, hopefully big sam will give him a few more minutes in the upcoming weeks

    so is hazard to silva the most obvious transfer this week or will hull park the bus against city? not sold on silva long term for some reason

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

      Its definitely the most popular. I had Silva already so I was between Michu and Ward-Prowse. Went for the super cheapy so I can get rid of Altidore for Rooney next week. If he decides to stay and Moyes doesn't play him I will just facepalm my face into someone elses face

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  27. cfreel
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Is it too risky doubling up on strikers?

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  28. Wilshere Knowledge
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Dzeko + Baines or Benteke + Koscielny ?

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

      Tekkers and Kosc

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      1. Wilshere Knowledge
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Nice picture! 😀

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

          😀

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  29. ver_sparda
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    My current mid:
    Hazard-Wally-Mirallas-Silva-(Morrison)

    Should I play morrison or do hazard-> Nolan/Michu for a hit!?

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  30. I don't like cricket..…
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Toure to anyone under 7 million?
    1. Vidic - liv this week but I like the fisxtures after that.
    2. A N Other liverpool defender
    3. Hangeland looks like a good shout also should be better with Scot Parker marshaling the midfield.
    4. Mertasacker although I can not see a clean sheet this weekend in the NLD

    Not sure I fancy Man City defense without Kompany....any help would be appreciated?

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