Gunners too much for 10 man City, Liverpool beat Big Sam but stay in the drop zone and Little Pea shows his class. Here’s the rest of this gameweek’s Scout Notes…
25 October 2010 743 comments
Paul Paul 
What are your thoughts on Walcott's chances of regular football now he's back from injury? Anyone got an idea of Arsenal's strongest line up?
Open Controls
So-so.... Unless he hits the ground running when he does get a chance.
Wengers first 11:
Fabianski
Sagna - Koscielny - Vermaelen** - Clichy (debatable but Wenger thinks so)
Cesc - Song - Wilshere/Diaby (or Denilson for some games)
Nasri* Van Persie** Arshavin
*on current form, otherwise he'd be the most likely to be rotated with Theo)
** Obv injured- Replaced with Djoruo, Squillaci, Chamakh. Though I expect Koscielny to replace Djorou soon
I'd steer clear of Theo for nowOpen Controls
Hi peeps
1. Bale and Malouda out for Fab and Barton
OR
2. Bale and Tevez out for Fab and Carroll/other similar priced striker?
cheeeeeeeeeersOpen ControlsNeither seem smart to me.
Open Controls
if u must, 2, fabs and odemwingie
Open Controlscheers lads, why do u think not smart? Surely Fab will outscore malouda next 2 weeks as will barton outscore bale given the fixtures. Blackburn and liverpool are tougher away games for chelsea whereas west ham and newc home seems better for gooners?
Open Controls
The Beeb goss column has been amazing the past 2 days. Apparently UNITED are buying everyone!!!!
Open Controls
How long are players price protected? fabs got unflagged on 18th
Open Controls
The boffins at FISO reckon it's 6 days this season - although it was 8 days last season. I have an inkling it's a moving target based on the number of active players (i.e. those who are still transferring players in/out). Just a theory, though.
Open Controls
The Fabregas Saga.
If you have Drogba and Malouda you only really have one (C) choice there, Drogba. You wouldn't (C) Malouda over Drogba when playing Wolves or someone at home (Should of this week) when you have the Drogba, getting rid of Malouda for Fabs gives you another (C) option. It is good to have four (C) options IMO. I will have Drogba, Tevez, Nani, Fabs. 4 of the best players from the 4 best teams in the league, your covered. If you have A.Cole like myself it also covers Chelsea's attacking threat in one way or another. Sure Malouda might get you some decent scores but even if you have Drogba (C) and Malouda, your eggs are in the same basket, and say that week Chelsea lose 1-0 at home to Fulham, unlikely I know but could happen then your GW score is reduced. I also have Cashley and I now think seeing as Chelsea aren't smashing every team 6 or 7-0 that you don't need three Chelsea players.
I have Nasri surely that is Arsenal cover?
In recent weeks yes he has been brilliant but Fabs will be back to almost full fitness next week and will be running the show, the week after Arsenal play Newcastle he will be fully fit by then. Although Nasri might not be the worst option as West Ham will be looking to mark Fabregas a lot and be somewhat ignoring Nasri, having both would be a luxury for me but If you can do it without sacrificing another big player and cheaply then I would do it. But Nasri alone is not enough cover IMO, I would not be happy (C) Nasri also and it is rare that a player will get a brace two GW's running.
Should I get rid of Drogba then?
I am going to say it straight. No. IMO anyways, he is on Pens until Lampard is back, and surely Chelsea are actually due one? Also he is capable of scoring against anyone. I am not saying Malouda is a poor performer against the bigger teams just he doesn't really score the FPL points, Drogba is also on all Free Kicks etc. at the moment to.
What about Tevez then?
Again, No, If it turns out he is injured for a few weeks then obviously Yes but if not then he is the main force of the City attack, on penalties as well. Also like Drogba unless you have two freebies then it will be for a hit downgrading Tevez/Drogba upgrading Cheapo midfielder that is. Tevez and Drogba are both BP magnets as is Fabregas, Ok it is only a possible 3 points a game each but (C) it is 6 which is a lot really, you may not think it but it actually really is.
So what you're saying is I should get rid of Malouda and Bring in Fabregas?
Pretty much, yes. Malouda was good last season but Fabs will get you some staggering scores and considering that Chelsea and Arsenal's fixtures rotate fairly well then having Fabregas for the week that Chelsea have a less favourable fixture is surely good. If you don't have Malouda then get rid of Gerrard as you could likely have him. If you have Nani and VDV I think they are long-term keepers. And for me especially as they are my only Man U and Spurs cover. If you have a highly priced attack. (E.g Drogba Tevez Berbatov/Torres) Then the likelihood is you also have another player from those teams anyways so in that case get rid of the Berb IMO as you will probably have Nani.
To sum it up. Fabs is an essential and you will be regretting not getting him in, if you watched the West Ham game you would see how diabolical we were at the back. We will get whooped at Arsenal and Fabregas will be at the forefront of it. Don't get rid of a Striker to get him in, get rid of Malouda as you probably have Drogba as well. (Bli, thats a long post).Open Controlssorry, there was a longer post the other day so ur only in 2nd place 😀
Open ControlsI wasn't going for a prize, Its just annoying all the re-posts of should I do this to get Fabs or this?
Open Controlshaving read your post, i agree with the points.
the tevez issue, IMO his influence will be reduced now that balotelli is back. he looked good against arsenal, and with adebayor back in form as well, tevez whining about being tired could be rested more often. for city covergae a defender is better imo, boateng now and kolarov later who will get attacking retrurns as well.
BTW do u think that fabs is enough arsenal coverage for the next 2 weeks? he's my only arsenal playerOpen ControlsYes, I and probably you to, are finding difficult to squeeze another Arsenal player in so it depends how easily you can get players in, Chamakh is a short term option with RVP back soon and Bendtner back, and then Nasri... I think me and you have missed the Nasriwagon.
Open Controlsyup. already taken 8pt hit so cant get anyone in anyway, but it seems strange having 1 arsenal player when arsenal win 6-0
Open Controls
great post, I'm contemptating a -8 this week
Malouda->Fabs
Dempsey >Adam (these 2 to finance fabs)
Faye->Coleman (dont take -4 usually for a defender but coleman is not a defender)Open Controls
If the last one isn't to finance the Fabregas move I would leave it. But then I've seen your ranking, who am I to give you advice!
Open Controlsi bought the same 3 players this week, for 8pt hit, if ur doing it as well it makes me feel better. (i got rid of gerrard, ferguson and bosingwa)
Open Controls
Good post. What if I already have Nani, Fabregas, Malouda, Drogba and Tevez but would like to squeeze Nasri in for the next couple of weeks?!
Open ControlsLike I said Nasri is a luxury and If you want him that much then Malouda -> Nasri. I haven't seen your team but Nani and VDV are more essential IMO.
Open Controls
Most ppl are getting rid of Malouda so surely he'll be a good diff?
Open ControlsMost people on here* So perhaps, yes but he is owned by 43% so Fabs is more of a differential atm.
Open Controls
Enjoyed reading that. Makes a lot of sense. I have 2m to do the Mal to Fabs switch, unless Tevez is injured.
Open ControlsSame basically, except I have 1.7 in the bank and need an extra 0.1 from somewhere. And Malouda is 10m in my team btw.
Open Controls
October 25 at 11:32 am
Amazing post greghammer. You know your shit.Bought fab for gerard. Zero in bank. Have it planned for weeks.
Foster
Bosingua/o shea/mummy/coleman
Nani/fab/vdv/malouda/ (albrighton)
Drogs/chamakh/caroll
Thoughts? Up to 19000. Chuffed:-)
ReplyOpen Controlsthat would be a great team except the fact that ur missing a keeper and a defender
Open ControlsNice team, be weary of Chamakh, he will start to be a rotation risk soon once RVP is back, also O'Shea, nice he was taken of before Stoke scored ay? Didn't see the game, was he injured? If not I would still look at getting rid and downgrading so you can do Chamakh -> RVP in a few weeks.
Open Controlso shea wasn't injured, he was just playing sh*t. dunno why he was in midfield ith carrick on bench, but its good for me anyway
Open Controls
Morning all!
Good post Greg, logical and clear. By the way, did you watch the West Ham v Newcastle game? I thought you were going to steamroll us until you scored. Tiote was a different class.Open ControlsWatched the first 80 minutes, couldn't bare the last 10. Its bloomin annoying though, We could have done with at least a point there.
Open ControlsI was a bit suprised by how Parker just went missing for the game, didn't notice him doing anything. You've some good fixtures coming up so things should start to improve. Yes losing at home to Newcastle isn't ideal but its not the end of the world, we lost at home to Stoke and Blackpool! The league is very tight at the moment, a win and a draw would send you back mid-table.
Open Controls
long but interesting...
malouda is a keeper
drop the drogOpen Controls
Interesting post and some good points.
One of your main reasons to sell Malouda seems to be that most teams already have Drogba though, and I don't think that is a good reason.
Drogba and Malouda have to be evaluated separately against every other option, and not looked at as mutually exclusive because they are in the same side.
Throughout the post you mention the term cover/coverage plenty of time and I think this is a logical error. Chelsea for example dominate the scoring boads in every position, and there is nothing suggesting that that won't continue. Also you make the example that you'll be fooked if they lose 1-0 to Fulham, which is true, but you never mention how good you will score when they trash some team 4-0, which to be frank is just as likely to happen.
The point that you can only captain one player is valid, but if you prefer to have Nani/Drogs rather than Fabs/Nasri or Nani/Berba and Malouda/Drogs it should be because you rate the players in question higher, not because they are in the same team because that WILL NOT mean they are less likely to score well.Open Controls
Good points, but in some ways, it only enhances Greg's arguments.
Chelsea have Blackburn and Liverpool away in the next two. Those are hardly likely to be 4-0 stuffings, so I see no reason why he can't be dropped. The games I'm worried about are the matches at Fulham and Sunderland GW12 + 13 at the Bridge. Stuffings there could mean serious points for Malouda that I'll miss, but I think it's worth the risk, seeing as I'll have Fabregas and Nasri for the next two.Open Controls
Long post, but hits the nail on the head.
You've got my arguments down. Has to be Malouda imo. His record against top half sides and away from home is poor, and you look at their next few fixtures, and I don't see too many teams Malouda can rip into.
Of course, we might be wrong, but as it stands, bar injury, he is the most logical choice to make way for Fabs.Open Controls
Good insight Greghammer, thanks. Was always fixed in my mind to get Fabs back for Malouda but as always the longer the wait the more you starting 'thinking' about your decision. I will be getting rid of Malouda for Fabs this week after injury reports come back.
I stupidly got rid of Cashley few weeks ago in anticipation of Bosingwa. Nearly worked out ok this week apart from bonus judges foolishly giving 3 bps to Cashley when he did feck all! Bosingwa ran that game, what are everyones thoughts on how likely the bonus point judges are to noticing his excellent play? I remember couple of seasons ago he was awesome!Open ControlsIt was fixed in my mind to do that as well but I sort of unconvinced myself but wrote that to re-convince myself as such. I am looking to have both Cashley and Bosingwa for GW12.
Open ControlsAnd yes, I watched your lads on Saturday and they were awful. I like West Ham as a club - shame what's going on there at the moment.
Open ControlsBefore this weekend I wasn't worried but after that loss its a bit doom and gloom for us, there is always that one team every season that has no chance of survival, it could be us but I am hoping its Wolves.
Open Controls
Is odemwingie going to be back for the next match?? Was going to get Brunt but his price rise has annoyed me slightly and I think most people will go for him. Also, i'll be able to free up a lot more cash getting rid of a striker.
Open Controls
YO people...
Going to be asking these two questions, all week and my guess is that no matter, what I do I am going to get it wrong. Regardless, here it goes.
Bringing Fabregas in is a must. Can't see myself getting much sleep the next two weeks with him out of my team.
That being said:
Who do I bring in to replace Torres? Dembelle, Odemnwingi or other similar priced striker?
Who do I loose from the midfield to bring in Fabregas? Dempsey, Nolan or YaYa?
Any and all thoughts would be appreciated?
Thanks
t.Open Controls
I would definately sell Yaya. He's injured, Nolan is a goal threath and dempsey sometimes play up front! Although Dempsey is the most expensive....
Open Controls
Dempsey won't be playing up front with kamara dembele and johnson around.
Open Controls
Won't he? I think he'll still be playing off Dembele when everyone's fit.
Simon Davies and Duff were both missing on Saturday, that's why he dropped back into midfield.Open Controls
Keeping & playing Davies MF?
He really is beginning to annoy me.
To think I could have had Adam @ 5.0 mil during my WC.Open ControlsNot sure about Dempsey anymore. He was good value when playing upfront, but now there are much better options for that price range.
think I may loose him, that was I have a little extra cash left over to manage any price changes.Open Controls
Current team:
Foster (Stockdale)
Coleman Samba R Johnson (R Taylor Faye)
Arteta Nani Malouda Bale (Adam)
Tevez Drog Carrol
Thinking of WC this week to help upgrade def and others
WC team:
Foster (Stockdale)
Coleman Samba R Johnson Simpson Bosingwa
VdV Nani Fabs N'Zog Adam
Tevez Drog Carroll
Yes? No?
will wait to see the extent of Tevez's injury also before it and if he's out then bring in someone til he's back.Open Controls
I'm still no nearer to making a decision...
Midfield currently:
Nasri Malouda Nani VDV Adam
If we rule Adam, Nani & VDV from transferring out it leaves:
Nasri > Fabregas
Malouda > Fabregas
As I think Malouda is a keeper for the near future it leaves 1 option if I really want Fabregas in:
Nasri > Fabregas
Or... I take a chance of not bringing in Fabregas yet and consider captaining Nasri.Open ControlsAmazing post mate. You know your shit.Bought fab for gerard. Zero in bank. Have it planned for weeks.
Foster
Bosingua/o shea/mummy/coleman
Nani/fab/vdv/malouda/ (albrighton)
Drogs/chamakh/caroll
Thoughts? Up to 19000. Chuffed:-)Open Controls
Yeah, good post. Only thing I'd disagree with is that I would captain malouda some weeks.
I think 2 Chelsea defenders and Drogba is probably the best way to go now.Open ControlsI would always consider (C) Malouda but wouldn't have the bottle if I had Drogs, I am looking to have Bosingwa and Cashley GW12 as I said above.
Open Controlsboth?
apparently bosingwa might not play both gw12+13 cos there's only a 3-day gap in between adn bos is just back from injuryOpen Controls
Guys any advice for my team? Dropped to 2nd this week and need a little inspiration.
Thinking of Ashavin to 7.8 or less midfield & Malouda to Fabregas.
Thoughts?Open ControlsCan you do Arshavin to Fabregas?
I wouldn't transfer Malouda out unless it's for the same price you bought him for and you can get him back.Open Controlslooked at ur link, u didnt drop to 2nd, u went up to 53919th
Open Controls
Yesterday I was a man with a plan. Now Nasri is messing with it. Was going to do..
Drog >> Berbs
Nasri >> Fab
Is that now pretty stupid after what Nasri did yesterday?
Can't deny the man's stats.. but is anyone game enough to give him the armband for the next two weeks?Open Controls
Does anyone here Snowboard? I need to find somewhere in the UK that sells foursquare stuff. I've spent about 30 minutes trying to find somewhere that sells this:
http://uk.foursquareouterwear.com/gear/236032/101
In that colour. It's epic.Open Controls
I had Nasri and sold him on Friday night/Sat morn. for N'Zog.AARGHHH!I can't even do a straight N'Zog->Nasri reverse as I had 0.0 in the bank and now Nasri has gone up.Now I'm wondering if I should do:
i)Tevez->Odemwingie(if he's fit) and N'Zog->Fabs,OR
ii) Tevez->Berbs and N'Zog->Nasri.
Both for four point hits.Nasri is proving to be almost the new Nani,something of a Fantasy demi-god.Can't believe I let him go.So,which transfer looks better?I know i) is obvious but with ii) I can have two top strikers in Drogs and Berbs.Open Controls
FOOOK gerrard dropping did reduce him from 11.5 to 11.4 for me, i didnt think that would happen!!!!
Open ControlsBale to 4.6 midfield
Ashavin to Fabgregas
Good move? Ive got 2 transfers to use this week and can get fabs in at cost of Bale and Ashavin.Open Controls
Dependant upon how Tevez's injury concern unfolds, I may take a gamble and bring in Bendtner? Is this a differential too far?
Can we expect both Chamakh and Bendtner to start the next 2 home games together, in a more conventional 4-4-2?
Did the same towards the end of last season (Bought Bendtner) and despite giggles all round in my mini league it proved an inspired decision, same thing earlier in the season when I bought Nasri (ahead of West Brom) fixture and handed him the captains armband!Open Controls
Are people seriously considering Bendtner?
Last term was a whole different kettle of fish, I wouldn't touch him now he has direct -and better- competition, with RVP only to return and oust him some more.Open ControlsYou're right, he's hardly first choice, but I think he did better than people expected last time.
It's almost a direct equivelent to United:
RVP/Rooney is out
New boy Chamakh/Hernandez is impressing, but may not get games
Bendtner/Berbatov have impressed before, but they're not first choice
There's only one thing to do: Get Bebe in as a differential.Open ControlsSurely RVP is still some way off a return, and even when fit for selection he will be eased back into the team gradually. Besides I have no intention of keeping him for the entire season.
Looking at Arsenals next 2 fixtures, If Bendtner is given a start I think he will provide more than a decent return.
Am happy for ppl to have a stigma against such players as it means he will only be owned by a very small percentage of managers!Open ControlsI don't mind Bendtner, I had him in last year... I just think he'll be a duff pick this year.
I bet he'll start in the Carling Cup on Wednesday and then be off the bench in Arsenal's next two PL games. And he's about 1.5m more than last season, I just think there's so much better value out there in his position (Elmander, Odem, Carroll, Davies, Varney, etc) or his own club for similar price (Nasri!).Open Controls
I'd have a punt on him if I could find something that confirmed he would start or get much time in the upcoming two fixtures. Surely you wouldn't blame anyone for a punt Andy 😉
Open ControlsNothing against a punt, you know that!
It's just I don't think he'll be playing the minutes now like he was last season, because of the above.
All my punts are in the firm belief of starts (okay, that belief has been cack at times) but with Bendtner I don't think he'll get them.Open Controls
danny simpson, starter for newcastle regularly?
please say yes...Open ControlsYes
Open Controls🙂 cheers
Open ControlsNo probs! Nah he will be regular, Perch was just filling in. Although he is not as accomplished as Enrique he offers identical points potential (both are competent going forward but goals are rare as hens teeth for either of them). No point getting any other Toon defender in my opinion
Open Controlsah ok, i wasn't looking for goals thats for sure, just 90 minutes every week will do for me if he is needed for the odd gameweek
Open ControlsGoing off last season he will be nailed on, the only possible un-nailers being fitness (he seems fine) and Ryan Taylor moaning (though I can see him being utilised as a RM if Hughton decides to give him a run)
Open Controls
Cheers for that info Attila. In that case, I have an 8 pointer on the cards this week. Eeeeep!
Open Controlssame here marknlard, but i'm not going to do it, no points hits for me this week unless injuries midweek force me to
Open ControlsOooo who to who to who to who?
http://blogs.sfweekly.com/shookdown/eastern-owl.jpgOpen Controlskonchesky to simpson
carroll to tevez (completing my set of indestructables: fabregas, drogba, nani, a.cole and tevez)
malouda to n'zogbia
not going to do it though, maybe a four pointer next week, esp. if tevez is outOpen ControlsSeem like good moves, dropping Malouda and Carroll bit me right in the hole this GW though 😐
Open Controls
Depending on the Tevez news really...
Gerrard>Fab
Bale>Arteta
Konch>Simpson
The last one being the move I need to afford the other two. Had enough of Bale now. Too many managers have him and he was pretty much standing on the touchline against Everton without getting the ball.Open ControlsWhat about VdV? Tough choice between him and Arteta though.
Open Controls
In that case...
Nasri and VDV or Nasri and Bale?Open Controls
hey guys who do you think i should replace to bring fabs in my team. i need to either bring out:
oshea to a 4.4 def or less
hart for 5.2m keeper or below
to have funds to transfer in fabregas for either tevez/malouda
so who should i take out? hart or oshea?Open Controls
oshea, no questions
Open Controls
Hi all,
First time user, and would appreciate any comments on the below:
1. I want to bring in Bosingwa and Coleman as long term moves but can't decide who to take out from Alex, Sagna and Konchesky. From those three, which two would you drop?
2. I registered as being in England when signing up but I actually live in Burundi and am trying to get into the Burundian league (rather than being in the English one) - a league I may actually have a chance of winning! Is there any way to change national leagues following registration? Have tried updating my profile by changing country of residence but that hasn't worked.
3. How do I link my team up to my username?
Thanks all!Open ControlsRight I'm going to do Nasri > Fabs instead of Malouda > Fabs.
It would cost me .4 to get Mal back and think when the opposition actually have 11 men on the field, Nasri won't score quite so good with Fabs playing.
If Fabs ever gets injured again then Nasri comes back.Open Controls
You didn't watch last afternoon's game, no?
Open Controls
Oh wise FFS..
In a moment of madness I got rid of Tevez other week when seemed he was injured. Current line up is:
Foster (Krul)
Coleman, Elmo, Salcido (Faye, Jara)
VdV, Nani, Malouda, Ethers(transferring to Fab), Adam
Drogs, Bent (Elmander)
Any suggestions for next week?Open Controlselmander over bent
Open ControlsThanks, and adam over bent too?
Open Controlsif hes not injured then yeah. i cant see sland scoring
Open Controls
Might want to take my advice with a pinch of salt as the player in question is my avatar, but doesn't the old adage go, never bench bent?
If you're not going to play him against Newcastle (conceded 5 against Stoke, Wigan and Blackpool this season) then don't have him at all.Open Controls
First off, is Coleman injured?
Secondly, will he play out wide if pienaar shifts back out once arteta is back?
Basically, is he quite unlikely to start??Open ControlsI'm thinking of a way of bringing Kalou in. Any opinions on that?
Open ControlsYou might be rewarded one week out of six. I wouldn't.
Open Controlscheers for your thoughts. Well I'm a bit worried cuz he's not a likely starter but on the other side he's a great finisher too. If he scores again next week I'll do it lol
Open Controls
Don't.
Open Controls
