Moving Target

Moving Target – Juan Mata

Manchester United took a major step towards lifting the dark cloud that currently hangs over Old Trafford after sealing the transfer of Juan Mata from Chelsea on Saturday evening. In a club record deal, believed to be in the region of £37 million, the little Spaniard arrives to help transform United’s season after Wednesday’s Capital One Cup exit at the hands of Sunderland heaped further pressure on the under-fire David Moyes.

Understandably, the United boss was delighted to have captured a creative player of Mata’s pedigree and is clearly relishing the prospect of shaping his side around his new signing, suggesting that the Spaniard will be thrown straight in against Cardiff on Tuesday…

“Juan is one of the finest playmakers in the game today and it’s a real pleasure to have secured his signature. He’s been instrumental in Chelsea’s recent success, with a notable 28 assists and 32 goals in his last two Premier League seasons. I have been impressed with the excitement he has shown to be part of the new Manchester United. I know our fans have admired Juan for some time now – he has always played well against us – and I know they will be delighted to see him in the red of United, starting on Tuesday.”

As for Mata, the lure of a move to United is obvious and, having been frustrated by a lack of pitch time under Jose Mourinho at Chelsea, it’s clear that this was a major factor in prompting a move away from the Bridge. When quizzed on his preferred role at United, Mata was quick to point out that his priority, first and foremost, will be to be involved…

“I love to play. I think I can play in the three positions behind the striker. I played on the left when I arrived at Chelsea, this season I have played on the right and last season, which was probably the best season of my career, I played behind the striker. But it doesn’t matter as long as I play.”

The History

A product of the Real Madrid youth system, Mata first played for the club’s B team in 2006/07, scoring 10 times in 39 appearances. Unable to convince his Bernabeu paymasters of his first-team potential, he was snapped up by Valencia the following year and, over the following four seasons, established himself as one of the finest midfield talents in La Liga.

Mata’s time at the Mestalla got off to a tentative start, with five goals and a single assist over 24 appearances in 2007/08. Installed as a regular in the first XI thereafter, he racked up 28 goals and 35 assists over 105 league matches before Chelsea came calling in the summer of 2011, shelling out around £23.5m for the playmaker’s services.

Despite plying his trade under a succession of managers at Stamford Bridge, Mata was an overwhelming success over his first two seasons. His first year at the London club harvested six goals and 13 assists, or 16 in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) terms, before he stepped up another level in 2012/13, with 11 goals and 17 assists (18 in FPL), summing up his Fantasy potential.

Under Jose Mourinho, though, Mata has toiled. The Special One has been critical of the Spaniard’s lack of work-rate and has started him in just 11 of Chelsea’s 22 league games so far, with Oscar his favoured option in the “number 10” role. Nonetheless, with 828 minutes to his name thus far, Mata’s impact has been minimal for the Blues – he’s produced just two assists so far this season.

On the international stage, Mata produced eight goals and seven assists from 20 games at youth level for Spain, helping his country win the 2006 European Under-19 Championships and the 2011 European Under-21 Championships . He’s also turned out 31 times for the senior side, returning nine goals and seven assists, and was part of the squad which won the World Cup in 2010 and the European Championships two years later.

The Prospects

Clearly, as the first marquee signing of the Moyes era, Mata looks set to become a key member of the United first-team. The issue, of course, is where he will fit into his new manager’s plans. When Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie are finally free from injury, the trio seem automatic starters, suggesting Mata is set for a role on the wing, with Rooney tucking in behind the Dutchman in a formation more akin to a 4-2-3-1.

As Mata himself has stated, although predominantly left-footed, he’s a player that offers United options on both flanks, though a role on the right as an inverted winger would be a move away from the traditional alternatives such as Nani and Antonio Valencia. Essentially, his arrival leaves a number of players vying for the remaining attacking role. Similarly to the other aforementioned wide men, Shinji Kagawa and Ashley Young have failed to impress since Moyes rolled up to Old Trafford and their game time looks set to be further diminished upon the Spaniard’s arrival.

Despite his recent contribution of six goals in as many Gameweeks, there’s no doubt Danny Welbeck will struggle to retain a regular starting berth once the injuries clear, whilst Mata’s arrival may also be detrimental for Adnan Januzaj’s minutes. Moyes has been wary of relying too much on the youngster in his debut season but has been almost forced to start Januzaj in seven of the last eight Gameweeks – with Mata on board, Moyes may look to ease the burden on the teenage prodigy. It’s also worth noting that Mata is cup tied for United’s Champions League campaign, surely ensuring his league starts and therefore giving Moyes the opportunity to use his other wide options on the European stage.

Now down to 9.4 in FPL (9.0 in the Sky Sports game and 7.0 in the Sun Dream Team), Mata’s move to United is set to reignite his Fantasy potential after slipping from our radars. An ownership of 3% highlights his differential appeal ahead of games against Cardiff, Stoke, Fulham and Palace in the next five and, if Rooney and van Persie remain on the sidelines, he’s likely to be handed set-pieces and corners as Moyes looks to the Spaniard’s creativity to help rescue his disappointing debut season at the helm.

While Mata clearly has huge Fantasy appeal, there’s little doubt that there is fierce competition in his price bracket with Eden Hazard, Mesut Ozil and Santi Cazorla and the City pair of Yaya Toure and David Silva all vying for slots in our midfield.

As mentioned, Mata offers significant differential appeal – a big factor for those looking to make up ground with their January Wildcard moves. Having said that, both Cazorla and Silva also meet this criteria: the Arsenal man boasts FPL ownership of just 2.8%, while City’s playmaker has lived in the shadow of Toure this season and can be found in just 5.8% of FPL squads. While Mata arrives to slot into an ailing United, struggling to kill off teams, both Cazorla and Silva are part of free-scoring sides, oozing confidence.

Mata certainly has the talent to change the current landscape. United will likely be revived by his presence but it could take the return of both Rooney and Van Persie before we can really assess the full potential that Mata can offer. In the short-term, then, that may well see the majority steer clear, assess his initial form and settle on more assured assets. That will leave early adopters hoping that Mata’s impact is immediate and that his early returns are on a par with his outstanding spells in the blue of Chelsea.

Further Reference

Juan Mata Wikipedia

Juan Mata Statistics

Juan Mata YouTube 2012/13 Highlights

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

2,146 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Del Monte
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 9 months ago

    Did you hear that scream from Hazard?

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  2. Rafster
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 9 months ago

    Who's the better pick on a WC, Zabaleta or Kolarov ??

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    1. El Reagano
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      Kolarov is the cheaper but gametime is a big doubt. Best go with Zabaleta.

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      1. Rafster
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 9 months ago

        Cheers

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      2. RabMac
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 9 months ago

        Kolarov has played in 17/22 games so far and he seems nailed on now, although he could be rested if they have an easy league fixture before a big European match.

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    2. Xavi Iniesta
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      Zab. More nailed on.

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    3. RabMac
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      Kolarov as they have very similar stats but Kolarov is better value.

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  3. El Reagano
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 9 months ago

    Bony, J Rod or Adebayor?

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    1. Darth
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      I've gone for Ade, he's done well for me so far

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    2. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      Bony

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    3. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      Bony, check his fixtures

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      1. El Reagano
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 9 months ago

        Went with Bony. Gives me .5 int he bank as well

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    4. Somalion
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      Bony if Swansea were in better shape.

      For best value I would say J Rod.

      Ade I can't predict.

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      1. El Reagano
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 9 months ago

        already got lallana in so didnt go with JRod

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    5. Schürrle Class
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      Adebayor

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      1. El Reagano
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 9 months ago

        Next 4 fixtures though...

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  4. Xavi Iniesta
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 9 months ago

    Hears rumours that United have made bids for Reus and Vidal?

    Surely I'm dreaming, this cant bad true surely?

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    1. Xavi Iniesta
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      *be

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    2. Xavi Iniesta
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      *heard

      Grrrrrrr

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    3. Darth
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      Who knows until it's officially announced. Would love the Vidal move to happen

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      1. Fifa las vegas
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 9 months ago

        Vidal would be an excellent signing!

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        1. Wilshere Knowledge
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 9 months ago

          Do Man U have another £50m to spend?

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          1. El Reagano
            • 10 Years
            10 years, 9 months ago

            Yes

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    4. El Reagano
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      Vidal yes. The offer is on the table. but they definitely wont sell in the jan. Reus no. we're intrested but thats it

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    5. Somalion
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      Doubtful of Reus certainly given he recently committed his next few years to Dortmund. Wouldn't really be what United want now. Think Vidal signed a new contract too.

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      1. El Reagano
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 9 months ago

        New contract? damn. But big money offer will lure him. Oh and also interested in Kroos. Got 18months in his contract and is refusing to sign one. Might put in a 25million bid

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        1. Fifa las vegas
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 9 months ago

          How you so sure bout this stuff?

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          1. El Reagano
            • 10 Years
            10 years, 9 months ago

            Very. Most likely targets including now and the summer.
            D- Shaw/Coentrao, Garay
            M- Vidal, Gundogan (probably kagawa in the mix), Kroos, Koke, Carvalho.
            Cabaye this window is likely but at 28y doubt we'll go for him.
            F- Cavani (highly unlikely)

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            1. Fifa las vegas
              • 12 Years
              10 years, 9 months ago

              But that's just all the names the media have mentioned. Have you anything else to back them up?

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              1. El Reagano
                • 10 Years
                10 years, 9 months ago

                Haha i don't have any sources. Just posting the likely ones. Another signing for MUFC this window is almost sure though.

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        2. Somalion
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 9 months ago

          As far as I'm aware he signed a new one... Kroos would be very interesting!

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          1. Wilshere Knowledge
            • 11 Years
            10 years, 9 months ago

            Kroos is Bayerns most important player under Pep. Not a chance.

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            1. El Reagano
              • 10 Years
              10 years, 9 months ago

              he's just using Manchester United's name to get a better deal. 5% chance of it happening. Thats just me being optimistic

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    6. FACUPARSE
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      You been on the acid again??

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  5. rohan
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 9 months ago

    Matic has been having a very good game so far.

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  6. Fifa las vegas
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 9 months ago

    @delmonte
    You serious about United making a bid.

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    1. Xavi Iniesta
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      Cabaye? I really can't see Pardew letting Cabaye go for that price. It'd take £25m I reckon

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    2. Wild Rover
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      He posts more rubbish rumours than Bemba. Ignore

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      1. Fifa las vegas
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 9 months ago

        I see..

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    3. Del Monte
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      Yes but they are going under the radar on this one coz they didn't want PSG to get involved in a bidding war but they seemed to have failed

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      1. Wild Rover
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 9 months ago

        Lol

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        1. Carrick Doesn't Deserv…
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 9 months ago

          they went under the radar with mata..

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      2. Dr Dream
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 9 months ago

        Dear oh dear...

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  7. MarkyMarkovic
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 9 months ago

    Scezney ( Davis)

    Terry Kolarov Mert ( Faye, Rosenior)

    Hazard, Llallana, Cabaye, Silva, Puncheon

    Suarez, Aguero, Giroud

    0.6 in the bank,

    Thinking Giroud - > Ade.
    Had also considered doubling with Hazard and Oscar instead of Silva.

    What would you want to do with this team?

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    1. Schürrle Class
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      Yeah sounds good

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      1. MarkyMarkovic
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 9 months ago

        Though when you see that Giroud has palace it might be worth holding another week I suppose.

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        1. Schürrle Class
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 9 months ago

          Ok keep him if you want 😉

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  8. supercolso
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 9 months ago

    Who's the best 3rd striker for the next 5 or 6 gameweeks ?
    Suarez/ Aguero/ ???

    a)Bony
    b)Ade

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    1. Herman Toothrot
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      A

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    2. Yes Don
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      a

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    3. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      Bony

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    4. Canadian Football
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      Benteke

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    5. joker7
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      eh Rooney maybe

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    6. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      Bony

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    7. Schürrle Class
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      Adebayor

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  9. Herman Toothrot
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 9 months ago

    That Oscar goal cried out "We don't need Mata"

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    1. Fifa las vegas
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      And united do, so winwin

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    2. copps
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      The way they celebrated it too

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  10. Canadian Football
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 9 months ago

    Ok...now that lampard is back. Hazard Pk duty will be limited. Is he still worth the extra million or so over Oscar? Consider that (c) choice will be given elsewhere. That extra cash will go along way in a wc.

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    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      Lampard is not really back, Ramirez will play on most games

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    2. Xavi Iniesta
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      Lamps won't play on weds so he'll be back on pens.

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      1. Canadian Football
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 9 months ago

        Ok that might be one game.....

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    3. Gimli son of Gloin
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      It's not as if Hazards returns have been dependent on penalty's to be fair..

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      1. Canadian Football
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 9 months ago

        Fair point

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  11. joker7
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 9 months ago

    Serioulsy 500+ people selling Suarez, who are these idiots, the only thing I can think of is that these are the same idiots who bought him at 13.0m +

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    1. Dr Dream
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      Probabaly people with a low TV who are willing to punt that Aguero will take over from Suarez as the top striker pick from here on in....and he might.

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    2. Cheers Kane, Sons Crying
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      I'm selling him.

      3 goals in 6 games (all competitions)

      Sturridge back, could start scoring Suarez's goals.

      I haven't captained him for many weeks, as I feel he is ruining fantasy football. I miss the days where you actually had to check who your opponents were captaining, now I could tell you who all of my ML rivals will captain in GW32, without even checking their team or fixtures.

      I've done well since I stopped captaining Suarez, Wally got me a lovely run of points, and Silva managed to bag me the same as Suarez, despite me hiding behind the sofa for the majority of the game.

      So with my refusal of making Suarez my captain, shall I just drop him? Many players are hitting form, and are looking favourable.

      Eto'o, now looking like Chelsea's No.1 striker, worth a punt? Chelsea strikers have score 5 goals together in the last 3 games, Torres 2 and Eto'o 3.

      Bony is looking strong, with very favourable fixtures, next up a leaky Fulham team at home, wham, CAR, sto to follow that, next 4 matches against teams all in the bottom 8, again, worth a punt?

      Sturridge now scored 3 in 3 with an assist, with his first game back a mere cameo appearance for 20 minutes. Sturridge can arguably limit any damage that may occur from dropping Suarez, as he is likely to grab an assist, or hopefully even score off any Suarez assist.

      Aguero, can now be the bigger hitter upfront, with an immediate return last game, he looks as sharp and explosive as ever, and maybe the 2nd half of the season will belong to Aguero and not Suarez.

      Dropping Suarez, I'm sure, will be widely regarded as 'stupid' or 'suicidal'. However, why can't it be viewed as an 'inspired' or a 'flair' decision. After all this is a game, and it is about having fun. I do agree, however, that winning can inspire much fun, but wouldn't you love to win without Suarez? Imagine the bragging rights. I discussed this briefly on an earlier post, but have had longer to think about it today. This morning it was just a crazy idea I had dreamt up, but now it is became a more feasible plan of action. Great differential. And for anyone out there that is reluctant to captain Suarez, much like myself, possibly a plan of necessity, as we know for sure, the Suarez captain bandwagon will run for a long time yet.

      So if anyone here, including myself, decides that the have the guts to do the deed of dropping the un-dropable man, maybe we will benefit. If you can choose a good captain each week, that scores close to Suarez, and blank he may produce will be like gold dust to anyone chasing points.

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      1. Canadian Football
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 9 months ago

        Completely disagree.

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        1. Cheers Kane, Sons Crying
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 9 months ago

          Ok

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      2. Hibbo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 9 months ago

        Play without the best player in the game.

        The stupidest shit I've ever read on here.

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        1. Cheers Kane, Sons Crying
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 9 months ago

          Okay, thanks for that.

          I just find that it is boring picking and captaining him week in week out. What is the fun in that?

          This is a game after all, so I am going to take a punt.

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          1. Hibbo
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 9 months ago

            You've got it totally backward your talking of differentials.

            Every Suarez team has the best differential in the game over you if you go without.

            Fun is in high point scoring and winning.

            Not saying oh dear me JRod got me 4pts and I got slaughtered in my ML he he oh well its only a game.

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            1. Cheers Kane, Sons Crying
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 10 Years
              10 years, 9 months ago

              Fair point.

              Well I feel there are more points to be had elsewhere than Suarez.

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              1. Strificus
                • 10 Years
                10 years, 9 months ago

                Not in any single player there isn't...

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          2. RabMac
            • 11 Years
            10 years, 9 months ago

            Ask yourself, what is the fun in losing?

            If you don't want to lose, then you get Suarez.

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      3. SUPERMAN
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 9 months ago

        You make a lot of very good points here. Many of which have been on my mind.

        I might have a play about with my wc team to see what I could do with the extra funds from Suarez.

        Doubt I will drop him but it's worth a look

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      4. joker7
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 9 months ago

        While you've obviously taken time out to write your post, what your suggesting is to drop most probably the greatest PL goalscorer + points horder of all time. Aguero, has other worries to worry about (Champions Leage for one + cometition). Suarez has no worries. He had a tough patch 2 away games against the top 2 teams.

        If you bought him at 12.6m I could agree with you, If you bought him like me at 11.4m then frankly you lost the plot.

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        1. SUPERMAN
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 9 months ago

          I bought him at 10.9 😉

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        2. Cheers Kane, Sons Crying
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 9 months ago

          Same, 10.9!

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          1. SUPERMAN
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 9 months ago

            If I took him out and put in Bony I could then afford to do the following...

            Coleman to Baines
            AJ to Toure
            Gerrard to Caz

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            1. Cheers Kane, Sons Crying
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 10 Years
              10 years, 9 months ago

              Looks nice!!

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              1. SUPERMAN
                • 12 Years
                10 years, 9 months ago

                Still don't think i would have the guts to do it though!

                Good original post though. I enjoyed the read

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              2. SUPERMAN
                • 12 Years
                10 years, 9 months ago

                Or!

                If I removed augero and Suarez And replaced them with ady and bony I could have this midfield.

                Yaya oscar silva Silva hazard

                🙂

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      5. RabMac
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 9 months ago

        How can you even think of dropping someone who is scoring around 3 points per game more than his closest rival.

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    3. Somalion
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      While I think it's a bad decision, with Lucas out they may struggle to be as dominant as before. Look at the Villa game, they were being run ragged until he was brought on. Sturbridge may offer a decent differential if the scoring remains low.

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    4. Dr Dream
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      Attacking stats for the entire team arranged by collective ICT threat..Liverpool occupied one of the top three slots for most of the season, not of late though...http://members.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/my-stats-tables/view/3846/

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      1. Cheers Kane, Sons Crying
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 9 months ago

        Great table Wakey! Backs up my thoughts of Liverpool slipping back a bit, thanks! Bookmarking that!

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  12. Jafooli
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 9 months ago

    Only thing stopping me getting Delph is he's on 8 x YC's. That and the fact he's sh1te.

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    1. LewanGOALski
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      I was about to get him as a bench fodder but that's the fact I decided not to...

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    2. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      Fabian Delph

      Champion of yellow cards last 2 season.

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  13. LewanGOALski
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 9 months ago

    If Zaha joins Cardiff, how big threat will he be for Noone game-time and position in the SXI ?

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    1. Xavi Iniesta
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      He won't be threatened Noone is nailed on

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    2. Canadian Football
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      He will be a threat if the Cardiff bosses daughter is a hottie

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  14. Cheers Kane, Sons Crying
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 9 months ago

    Thoughts on David Luiz as an FPL pick?

    Pros...

    1 - Goal threat from free kick
    2 - Goal threat from headers
    3 - Goal threat from long shots
    4 - Playing midfield
    5 - Assist potential
    6 - Started 3/3 in all competitions
    7 - 5/6 favourable fixtures, just mci away.

    Cons...
    1 - Rotation risk

    Anyone take a punt?

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    1. GREENDREAMS11
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      You forgot to add. Crap and a liability to your list of cons

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    2. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      Card magnet too

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      1. GREENDREAMS11
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 9 months ago

        Exactly,

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    3. joker7
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      am going for Ivanovic myself less a risk if u look at GW history

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    4. BantamPhil
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      To be a rotation risk at that price, outweighs all pros for me

      Waste of 6m

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    5. FPL Daniel
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      Cons. Huge liabilitty.

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  15. Mojo Rojo
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 9 months ago

    Who's the better player?

    A) Schurrle

    or

    B) Salah

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  16. Arsenal USA FC
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 9 months ago

    On WC should I go with Cabaye or AJohnson?

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    1. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      Did you consider Kasami?

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      1. Jafooli
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 9 months ago

        Hopefully not.

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      2. Arsenal USA FC
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 9 months ago

        Nope. Any reasons I should take a look at him?

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        1. Jafooli
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 9 months ago

          Just making sure you haven't. Good work.

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    2. applebonkers
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      cabaye if he stays for sure

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    3. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      In getting a Cab

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    4. Schürrle Class
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      What about Wilshere

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  17. rohan
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 9 months ago

    Oscar hits the post from a wonderful Hazard pass

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    1. Mojo Rojo
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      Haz is bossing the game. Brilliant piece of play to put Lampard through on goal before.

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  18. Rafster
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 9 months ago

    How is this WC draft looking lads, any suggestions for improvement ? 0.8 left in bank :-

    Boruc, (Lewis)

    Zabaleta, Koscielny, Azpi (Bruce, Mariappa)

    Hazard, Mata, Carzola, Eriksen (Noone)

    Aguero, Suarez, Bony

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    1. joker7
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      seriously Mata, is that the same MAta who has scored like 40 points the last 6 months or am I missing something ??

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      1. Somalion
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 9 months ago

        So you honestly believe that that has nothing to do with reduced gametime and confidence? 🙄 You should know how capable he is.

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  19. applebonkers
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 9 months ago

    oscar against west ham anyone? (anyone meaning silva owners mainly) he really pulled west ham's pants down in the reverse fixture too

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    1. Canadian Football
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      I think I am.

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    2. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      Got a feeling either oscar or hazard will be on bench vs wham

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      1. Jafooli
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 9 months ago

        😯 oh please don't say that. Suppose it's who get's subbed here first will play?

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        1. La Roja
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 9 months ago

          Just a feeling...

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      2. GREENDREAMS11
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 9 months ago

        Don't say this, I have both and need all the points I can get

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    3. applebonkers
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      yes this is one match puntsville tennesee, wildcard stuff

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  20. HuttonDressedasLahm
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 9 months ago

    Hmmmm Oscar over Hazard on the WC......interesting

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    1. Mojo Rojo
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      Hazard should of had 2 assists by now if Lampard and Oscar had finished the chances he created.

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      1. HuttonDressedasLahm
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 9 months ago

        Therefore Oscar would have scored 2

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        1. Strificus
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 9 months ago

          Did you miss the "Lampard and..."?

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    2. Canadian Football
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      Mark did call it prior to this game.....I think his season is about to change

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  21. Vpan
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 9 months ago

    Gerrard

    or

    Mata ?

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    1. joker7
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      Neither, Lallana/Cabaye/Johnson (3 GW punt)

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  22. Chris_Fàbregas #DOOS…
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 9 months ago

    Lampard playing well, getting in the positions and having a few chances, one where a younger Frank would've scored.

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  23. Wild Rover
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 9 months ago

    Who is the co-commentator on ITV? Makes Owen look fantastic

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    1. FACUPARSE
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      Clarke "dull as dish water" Carlisle

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      1. applebonkers
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 9 months ago

        better

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    2. Carrick Doesn't Deserv…
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      clark carlisle

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    3. BantamPhil
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      Sounds like Clarke Carlisle

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  24. FACUPARSE
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 9 months ago

    Does Ashley Cole playing mean Azpi will start midweek?? Hope so

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    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      Most probably

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  25. FPL Daniel
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 9 months ago

    Who was fouled for the free kick?

    And yeah this is why I am bitching over and over again that Luiz is awful in free kicks someone else should def take them. Hazard/ Oscar comes to my mind

    P. S. I hate Luiz as a player. Such a liabilitty

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    1. Chris_Fàbregas #DOOS…
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      Eto'o was fouled for the Oscar goal.

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    2. applebonkers
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      luiz should be gone in the summer. a player who only shares game time with gary cahill yet would fetch >£20m in the market. easy decision for chelsea

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      1. FPL Daniel
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 9 months ago

        Couldn't agree more AP. 35m and I will let him leave. SUrely

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  26. Arsenal USA FC
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 9 months ago

    Welbeck or Bony?

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    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      Bony

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  27. isacki: full casual
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 9 months ago

    Still rubbing my eyes that "United boss David Moyes revealed that Mata will make his debut against Cardiff City on Tuesday". Is this the Moyes we know?

    On the other hand, a substitute appearance is also covered by the quote isn't it? I do think he'll start but it's possible isn't it.

    "I know our fans have admired Juan for some time now - he has always played well against us - and I know they will be delighted to see him in the red of United; starting on Tuesday"

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    1. Canadian Football
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      You better speak with some certainty when you spend £37m....

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    2. Elniñorules
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      He'll start I think. Anyways, line ups are out before deadline.

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      1. isacki: full casual
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 9 months ago

        Yep brill. You probably know what I'm doing

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  28. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 9 months ago

    oscar instead of hazard?

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    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      Could work wonders, ownership is much lower and cheap

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    2. dodger49
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      I'm staying with Haz

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    3. Arctic monkeys
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      he did a great first half , i really like watching him play

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  29. Mojo Rojo
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 9 months ago

    Boruc or Mannone > Adrian?

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    1. isacki: full casual
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      Boruc imo. Saints defence is shot imo with Wanyama and Lovren out.

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  30. ★A-O-Chamberlain★ COYG …
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 9 months ago

    What time is the fifth round draw?

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    1. ★FC Borecelona★
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      Around 5:30

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