Fixtures
23 June 2011 502 comments
Andy Andy
Share:

When the fixtures were released last Friday morning it brought the curtain down on a Fantasy Manager’s short summer vacation. As the first shoots of the new season come peeping through, we now can begin to analyse matters, starting with the fixture list. Even at this early stage we can assess which teams match up well and identify the favourable and potentially daunting runs of opponents through the thirty-eight gameweek season.

While time is in our favour, there’s plenty of work to be done here. You could roll up the sleeves and start scanning the fixture list for yourself or, alternatively, sign up for the 2011/12 Membership, then sit back and read on as we give it a good rinsing.

In this three-part pre-season guide for Members, we put Pure Olivia’s feature-rich “Season Ticker” tool through its paces and venture into the nooks and crannies of the Premier League listings to help prepare your season before the player lists even arrive.

In this first part, we explore the concept of team fixture pairings, examine how they can be applied to both defensive and attacking areas of your squad and throw in some likely targets that offer potential winning combinations.

Andy Leicester won the Premier League. Leicester. Premier League. What is this life? Follow them on Twitter

502 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. tosey
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 7 months ago

    this is what i like to see 🙂

    Open Controls
  2. patrick
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 7 months ago

    what does the rest say

    Open Controls
    1. Bedknobs and Boomsticks
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 7 months ago

      And what did you do with the jackass and the honeycomb Andy?

      Open Controls
      1. Team Hayemaker
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 7 months ago

        patrick ya jake pay the £12.50 and read it for yourself.

        Open Controls
  3. Tommyg
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 7 months ago

    My first members article I've read. I feel all warm and fussy. Good insight that.

    Open Controls
    1. Gold Monster
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 7 months ago

      +42, good wasn't it.

      My FFS membership virginity gone also.

      Open Controls
  4. Anders
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 7 months ago

    Very interesting, as a first time subscriber, I'm already starting to understand why the members here did so well!

    Open Controls
    1. av88
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 7 months ago

      ditto. I subscribed for exactly this kind of information!!

      Open Controls
  5. stilicho
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 7 months ago

    Top article.

    Open Controls
  6. H Dog
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 7 months ago

    Is it £12.50 a month or £12.50 for the whole year?

    Open Controls
    1. Mark
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 19 Years
      14 years, 7 months ago

      £12.50 for the season H Dog...expires June 1st 2012

      Open Controls
      1. Fratboy
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 7 months ago

        you should have charged him the first one 😉

        Open Controls
        1. H Dog
          • 15 Years
          14 years, 7 months ago

          Fine, might not pay it then, if i'm not welcome 😉

          Open Controls
          1. Fratboy
            • 15 Years
            14 years, 7 months ago

            OF COURSE YOU ARE WELCOME 😀

            Open Controls
    2. HassyG
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 7 months ago

      Whole year

      Open Controls
  7. Fratboy
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 7 months ago

    Great article thanks Andy!

    Open Controls
  8. jamsiep
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 7 months ago

    Guzan Stockdale
    Terry Samba Bramble Hill Rangel
    Lampard Silva Albrighton Moses Watson
    Balotelli RVP Rodallega

    And what?

    Open Controls
    1. H Dog
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 7 months ago

      Three wigwam players?

      *facepalm*

      Open Controls
      1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 7 months ago

        jamsiep's right - look at the fixtures properly!

        Open Controls
        1. AP
          • 16 Years
          14 years, 7 months ago

          Wash your mouth out MMW.

          Open Controls
          1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 16 Years
            14 years, 7 months ago

            I stand by my man/hyena fodder! 😉

            Open Controls
    2. tosey
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 7 months ago

      youll have about £10m spare i reckon

      Open Controls
      1. jamsiep
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 7 months ago

        Hopefully, then I don't have to have a QPR and Swansea defender! Initially planned with Downing and Tevez, instead of Balotelli and Albrighton, but it doesn't sound as though they'll still be at City/Villa come the start of the season.

        Open Controls
        1. Freshy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          14 years, 7 months ago

          Id bet Tevez stays at City.
          Consider his wages and it makes sense.
          Unless he would lower his salary to get out if the rain

          Open Controls
    3. Fratboy
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 7 months ago

      that's a car crash of a fantasy team

      Open Controls
    4. applebonkers
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 7 months ago

      afternoon siep. how's the tan coming on?

      Open Controls
    5. pompeyfan
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 7 months ago

      Aren't there 4 Wigan players in that team?!

      Open Controls
      1. Demí
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 7 months ago

        Moses, Watson & Rodallega.

        Open Controls
        1. pompeyfan
          • 16 Years
          14 years, 7 months ago

          My mistake, I must have been including Bramble as an honoury lactic!

          Open Controls
  9. Soop
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 7 months ago

    Well, looks like Ashley Young has gone to Man U.

    Wonder where that leaves Nani and Valencia?

    And B&B, here's a link to that math genius I was on about: http://www.bbc.co.uk/berkshire/content/articles/2006/12/06/divide_zero_feature.shtml

    Open Controls
    1. Soop
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 7 months ago

      And also, I'll just get this off my chest: I'm pissed off that my phone keeps cheating at poker.

      I can see that me going in large on triple 7's and then the CPU scoring a 3rd ace on the river *could* happen.

      But seriously, 2 days in a row, turning off halfway through a game in which I have the majority of chips, and then booting back into a random game that never happened?

      That's shit.

      Open Controls
      1. Fratboy
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 7 months ago

        haha I played poker on my phone for ages and got sick of the unbelievable hands the CPU got on the river, never seen so many straights in my life!

        Open Controls
        1. Soop
          • 16 Years
          14 years, 7 months ago

          I'm getting a little bored of it, as I spend a lot of the game bluffing my hands. I don't think the CPU does, and if it ever works out that there's a good chance you have a better hand, it will fold.

          Open Controls
          1. Fratboy
            • 15 Years
            14 years, 7 months ago

            Bluffing generally works, whenever I don't bluff and fold shit cards the CPU turns over equally bad cards, they never have an awesome hand when I'm not involved!

            Open Controls
  10. Squerly4568
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 7 months ago

    hi guys ne news on when the fpl site is gonna start 4 next season? do they usually confirm the start date?

    Open Controls
    1. Fratboy
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 7 months ago

      mid-july apparently

      Open Controls
    2. H Dog
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 7 months ago

      11th July

      Open Controls
      1. Squerly4568
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 7 months ago

        cheers where did u find that out from?

        Open Controls
        1. H Dog
          • 15 Years
          14 years, 7 months ago

          Using intelligent guesswork, last season it started mid-july, and normally about a month before the season starts.

          Also, it's on a monday. It's not confirmed but if i was a betting man...

          Open Controls
    3. applebonkers
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 7 months ago

      i wont be signing up to fpl this year until august probably as i want ID number 999,999

      Open Controls
      1. Fratboy
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 7 months ago

        I want to be ID number 69 🙂

        Open Controls
        1. applebonkers
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 16 Years
          14 years, 7 months ago

          filth

          Open Controls
          1. applebonkers
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 16 Years
            14 years, 7 months ago

            although you could argue 999,999 is effectively a double lemon party and therefore as filthy as it gets

            Open Controls
  11. Senile Delinquent
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 7 months ago

    I like the thory.
    I normally play 3 defs so by picking one quality guy say Baines to play every week you could have two pairs of cheapish complementary players plus two goalies and then have only one of your defence playing away every other week.
    Now to work out the who

    Open Controls
    1. Soop
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 7 months ago

      not a bad idea.

      Open Controls
      1. Dino
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 7 months ago

        are you guys taking the piss? These are the basics of fantasy football. How else do you plan if you don't look at fixture combinations for your weaker players???

        Open Controls
        1. Soop
          • 16 Years
          14 years, 7 months ago

          The basics of fantasy football are not just about who rotates well home and away. To suggest so is quite preposterous.

          Examples:
          Last season I had 2 OOP defenders for a large part of the season.
          Last season, my defensive line up changed radically through the season, based on injuries, fixtures, and double gameweeks.
          Last season, I sometimes doubled up on defenders from a team with a good run.

          Goalkeepers are all well and good to rotate, but to suggest that "the basics" are to pick 5 defenders to keep through the whole season is silly. Or it might be if we couldn't make any transfers and there were no OOP players or injuries or double gameweeks.

          Open Controls
        2. Bedknobs and Boomsticks
          • 16 Years
          14 years, 7 months ago

          Have to agree. Picking 2 guys who wil play most weeks in defence, with 3 cheapies who rotate well and provide cover for the odd difficult week is basic stuff. And to do that you need to look at fixtures, especially as clean sheets tend to be more fixture dependant that attacking returns.

          Open Controls
          1. Bedknobs and Boomsticks
            • 16 Years
            14 years, 7 months ago

            You know i think we may all be having our own seperate conversations here.....

            Open Controls
            1. Soop
              • 16 Years
              14 years, 7 months ago

              Yeah, maybe.

              Open Controls
            2. Soop
              • 16 Years
              14 years, 7 months ago

              Did you get that maths link above? It's basically a maths fool suggesting that "0/0" just be assigned as a number (an integer I can understand, but a number?!)

              Open Controls
              1. Bedknobs and Boomsticks
                • 16 Years
                14 years, 7 months ago

                Yeah. Its getting into the whole crazy imaginary numbers thing.....

                Open Controls
        3. applebonkers
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 16 Years
          14 years, 7 months ago

          gut feeling.

          Open Controls
    2. Goose
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 7 months ago

      Exactly what I I did last season, worked in theory, not in practice.

      I had Foster & Jaask (who rotated home and away)

      Then had A.Cole (my expensive one to play every week) Van Damme & Jara (who rotated home and away) and Samba & Gohouri (who rotated home and away) it didn't help that 3 of them were absolute cack.

      New strategy this season...

      Open Controls
    3. Qubit
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 7 months ago

      Thats probably what im going for (in theory!)

      Open Controls
  12. Senile Delinquent
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 7 months ago

    theory!!!

    Open Controls
  13. Tommytour
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 7 months ago

    What combination do u prefer?

    Zamoura/Bent
    Zamoura/Downing
    Dempsey/Bent
    Dempsey/Downing

    Open Controls
    1. Fratboy
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 7 months ago

      Dempsey/Bent

      Open Controls
    2. H Dog
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 7 months ago

      First = Zamora

      Second = Dempsey/Bent

      Open Controls
      1. Pigvig
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 7 months ago

        Dempsey/Bent. Both mr. consistent fpl scorers year after year.

        Open Controls
  14. Tommytour
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 7 months ago

    Villa Keeper and Robinson rotate perfectly (weak opposition)!

    Come on Alex sign Ben!

    Open Controls
  15. MA
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 7 months ago

    A few thoughts on pre season prep:

    I'm always interested at this stage what people tend to plump with when picking teams. Im all for the science behind the final team for GW1, but I know there are the gems out there who buck the trends of fixtures (e.g. Odemwingie of last season, who would score against anyone). It will only really be the week running up to the start when I can be really sure about my starting 11, for example the taarabt which will be resolved by then.

    I suppose all anyone can draw from that is that you never know who will score the most :p

    Open Controls
    1. Pigvig
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 7 months ago

      My usual strategy: Spend months analysing every little detail, looking at fixtures, preseason form etc.

      GW3 - Play Wildcard

      Open Controls
      1. MA
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 7 months ago

        I think a lot of people are still waking up in cold sweats after boselli!

        Open Controls
        1. applebonkers
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 16 Years
          14 years, 7 months ago

          everytime someone says boselli god rescues a kitten

          Open Controls
        2. Mark
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 19 Years
          14 years, 7 months ago

          Too right. I have to sleep with my bone china teapot lamp on.

          Open Controls
          1. applebonkers
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 16 Years
            14 years, 7 months ago

            is melody annoying you yet? you know the one, personally taught by al gore, desmond tutu and the dalai lama

            Open Controls
            1. Bedknobs and Boomsticks
              • 16 Years
              14 years, 7 months ago

              The was a moment when she was talking last night when I turned round and repeatedly punched the sofa whilst venting a primal scream of rage. Does that count?

              Open Controls
            2. Mark
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 19 Years
              14 years, 7 months ago

              I want her to get to the interview stage as her CV is going to be comedy gold.

              Open Controls
            3. SuperDunny - Used to be goo…
              • 16 Years
              14 years, 7 months ago

              Hate her guts although she is quite good. She also seems to forget the "the" in front of the dalai lama...

              "....personally taught by al gore, desmond tutu the dalai lama"

              Although i don't hate her as much as that Natasha. Scumbag

              Open Controls
              1. applebonkers
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 16 Years
                14 years, 7 months ago

                haha love natasha as it's clear sir alan, nick and karren brady hate her but they haven't had the excuse or chance to get rid of her for a few weeks now.

                really glad tom didn't go yesterday. the task defining moments were all in his favour and the task defining c**k-ups were all melody's mistakes.
                2 best pieces of advice:
                go with the bag (tom)
                research that company, the huge one that would win or lose the task (again tom)
                2 biggest c**k-ups:
                ignoring the phone call to research the company (melody)
                choosing the teapot on the basis that people IN A METRO STATION used the metro and not their car (again melody
                she's the female annoying voiced stuart baggs, competent, hungry and passionate but her overhyping (that can only escalate into lies eventually) will surely be her downfall. also her inability to accept a mistake will mean she wont ever learn from it

                Open Controls
                1. Andy
                  • Has Moderation Rights
                  • 16 Years
                  14 years, 7 months ago

                  The show is full of absolute swines... I still hate that I watch it. I wanted to strangle that Melody after yesterday, and the fact Sr'Alan liked her bolshiness explains why I think he's a giant dong.

                  Within two weeks of Natasha getting fired she will be on the cover of Nuts and/or Zoo. I stand by my charlatan claim. And a bint for good measure. Grrrrrr.

                  Open Controls
                  1. applebonkers
                    • Has Moderation Rights
                    • 16 Years
                    14 years, 7 months ago

                    see you next week 😉

                    Open Controls
                  2. applebonkers
                    • Has Moderation Rights
                    • 16 Years
                    14 years, 7 months ago

                    it appears you share the same view as DBronaldo which is fair enough, it's hard to argue with it in fact. to me it doesn't matter who the 12 candidates are, how annoying, how they aren't the 12 best around etc. it's the process i enjoy, who ever is in it and whoever the giant dong is they're trying to please.
                    it's probably wrong therefore for the show at the start to claim it's 'the 12 best business men and women in the country' or whatever they say. but to me it's just like jamie redknapp saying rooney and hernandez were the 2 best strikers in the world last april, it hyperbole to excite, tittilate and sell the show. it's easy to ignore and then just watch the actual action.

                    Open Controls
                  3. SuperDunny - Used to be goo…
                    • 16 Years
                    14 years, 7 months ago

                    What happened to the junior apprentice? Seems to have vanished into thin air

                    Open Controls
                2. pompeyfan
                  • 16 Years
                  14 years, 7 months ago

                  Agree with all of that, Melody is unbearable

                  Open Controls
                3. applebonkers
                  • Has Moderation Rights
                  • 16 Years
                  14 years, 7 months ago

                  tom's mistake of trying to be a good team leader and going with the teapot reflects worse on the rest of his team than himself imo. like helen (loooving helen) i think he's a very good judge of people, a good psychologist, and therefore his decision to choose the teapot so it wouldn't deflate the other 3 members (aka team teapot) just showed how immature and single-minded team teapot is. he didn't want natasha, melody and leon in a sulk for the rest of the task, he shouldn't have to worry about this but he did and i agree with him, the 2 women especially would have been a nightmare for the rest of the task

                  Open Controls
                  1. SuperDunny - Used to be goo…
                    • 16 Years
                    14 years, 7 months ago

                    Spot on mate

                    Open Controls
                  2. Granville
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • Has Moderation Rights
                    • 16 Years
                    14 years, 7 months ago

                    'Spineless' Tom sends Melody off to make appointments for the team and then she keeps them all to herself was the single most annoying and greedy behaviour I've seen so far this series.

                    Melody thinks she has this one all wrapped up and is going to be. Her insatiable appetite to win this is going to be her big downfall and I can't wait to see it happen.

                    Open Controls
                  3. applebonkers
                    • Has Moderation Rights
                    • 16 Years
                    14 years, 7 months ago

                    it was great in the house at the end when melody was bigging up her survival and then the conversation quickly switched to how good helen is and melody's face sank for once.

                    Open Controls
                  4. Granville
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • Has Moderation Rights
                    • 16 Years
                    14 years, 7 months ago

                    Did you see Micky Flanagan on 'You're Fired', he was hilarious.

                    Open Controls
                  5. applebonkers
                    • Has Moderation Rights
                    • 16 Years
                    14 years, 7 months ago

                    superb. the way he instantaneously and hilariously switched the tone with that crack addict joke was awesome

                    Open Controls
                  6. Andy
                    • Has Moderation Rights
                    • 16 Years
                    14 years, 7 months ago

                    It was brilliant though when Melody "let" Leon sell the teapot... and then made more money than him with the cress postcards!

                    The crack-addict joke was a hightop fade of splendidness.

                    Open Controls
    2. Goose
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 7 months ago

      I'm not a fan of over analysing, I play more on instincts. Ill pick a combination of players with good fixtures and players who I have a good feeling about. It might be ridiculous but I just don't have that feeling for Taarabt so for that reason I doubt I'll have him, not really bothered what the stats say.

      Open Controls
      1. MA
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 7 months ago

        I agree to an extent, I hit a good vein of form last season actually making decisions based very little on opinion from here, or any FPL website. Intuition brought me dempsey for the DGW (not to suggest that people on here failed to spot it, or that it was anything other than obvious), and opinion often provided me with Kolarov.

        Open Controls
  16. Shhh... I Should Be Working
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 7 months ago

    Does the member section still do that thing of making you sign in every time you go to it?

    I don't want to have to create a new account with a new username but my god am I sick of typing "Shhh... I Should Be Working". Picking Varney over Campbell was a better decision.

    Open Controls
    1. Mark
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 19 Years
      14 years, 7 months ago

      It does the first time. After that, it should remember you. If not, let me know (support@fantasyfootballscout.co.uk). We will be looking at issues like this when the members area gets the full revamp in July.

      Open Controls
      1. Shhh... I Should Be Working
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 7 months ago

        Expect £12.50 in the next 5 minutes... it would be quicker but I usually mistype the username a few times.

        Open Controls
        1. Senile Delinquent
          • 14 Years
          14 years, 7 months ago

          I have a file for passwords and just cut and paste the complicated ones

          Open Controls
      2. applebonkers
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 7 months ago

        do you accept bolivian bolivianos? i've still got a load in my wallet that need shifting and so far this membership appears the most worthwhile cause

        Open Controls
  17. Craig
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 7 months ago

    I know its early but what do you think this squad is looking like based on what we already know? I got a few opinions yesterday on this

    Begovic, Villa GK
    Baines, Cole, Villa,Swansea&QPR def
    Lampard, Nzogbia, OHara, Taarabt, Sinclair
    Bent, V.Persie, Suarez

    Obviously depends on prices and whether nzogbia and taarabt stay but i was just tryin to get a bit of opinion.

    Open Controls
    1. Mark
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 19 Years
      14 years, 7 months ago

      That front three will be very popular in initial squads. Not sure they'll fit with Lampard and Baines in there too though.

      Open Controls
      1. Craig
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 7 months ago

        yeah just have to wait on prices now i think.

        Open Controls
    2. Bedknobs and Boomsticks
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 7 months ago

      Its very nice, but I reckon its about 4.5m over!

      Open Controls
    3. Soop
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 7 months ago

      I like it.

      Open Controls
    4. Ninjaa
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 7 months ago

      Looks quite good, i wouldn't double up on Villa defence/keeper, I'd wait to see if Villa sign someone first before i put Bent in as it looks as if his supply line from last year young/downing wont be there next season. Also depending on cashflow instead of Suarez i'd put in Torres/New Chelsea forward.

      Open Controls
    5. Fratboy
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 7 months ago

      I think this will be most people's hypothetical model, but seeing as a few people look destined elsewhere I feel it's a bit pointless atm...but it's still good.

      I couldn't not have any United coverage regardless of fixtures though! As a fan I'd feel dirty and so should you 😛

      Open Controls
      1. Craig
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 7 months ago

        I cant help it, i just dont see how i can fit anyone in. the only way i can see is vidic or rooney and i dont think rooney will start with a bang, usually picks up around october/november

        Open Controls
    6. Rasping Drive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 7 months ago

      Looks very similar to what I am planning. You won't be able to afford it though.

      Open Controls
    7. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 7 months ago

      The one thing that is really bad is the Swansea defender. Their fixtures are comically bad ...

      Open Controls
      1. Marknlard
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 7 months ago

        Plus they've just lost their keeper, who was the main reason they had a decent defensive home record.

        Open Controls
        1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          14 years, 7 months ago

          So a complete no-no, really! 😀

          Open Controls
  18. dk123
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 7 months ago

    can somebody please tell me what would be the reason for chelsea to buy falcao. do ye relly think him and torres would fit in together????/

    Open Controls
    1. Soop
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 7 months ago

      One for Champions League, one for Premiership.

      Drogba melted down for glue.

      Open Controls
      1. dk123
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 7 months ago

        dont think it would work out for both strikers to be happy theyd want to play almost every game. i wonder what formation theyd choose for bothe id say hulk would be a better option though.

        Open Controls
      2. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 7 months ago

        Could the Hammers have the beautiful Drog??? 🙁

        Open Controls
  19. Soop
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 7 months ago

    Hey, a brief idea.

    Picking a player to try and get the most ownership by the last game of the season.

    I guess the way it would work, is that you'd get 32 or so people, and then draw names out of a hat one at a time. That person then gets to pick a player unique to them, and another person is drawn.

    You could have more than 32 people, but at that point I think you may have more people missing out on "good" choices. Although it would be fun to see what happens with total surprise players.

    Perhaps you could even do it in a tiered structure, with the first 32 in the "premiership", the next 32 in the next division, etc.

    Of course it would be more fun if everyone stuck a quid in, and the money divided between 1st, 2nd 3rd.

    I guess you'd have to work a little on the best number of people in each league, but it would be another stomach-churning roller coaster to accompany us through the season.

    Imagine having your guy injured 3 days before the end of the season! No control whatsoever! Van Persie anyone?

    Open Controls
    1. Marknlard
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 7 months ago

      I don't get it.

      Open Controls
      1. Soop
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 7 months ago

        You try and pick the player who will have the most ownership by the end of the season.

        Open Controls
        1. Marknlard
          • 16 Years
          14 years, 7 months ago

          Right. When it started mentioning Premiership, next division, that's when I really got lost.

          Open Controls
  20. Demí
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 7 months ago

    SD- Are you still doing that draft game/league for the new season?

    What was it again, only picking English players, or players from outside the top 4

    Open Controls
    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 7 months ago

      English players only through me/chinmusic. 😉

      Open Controls
    2. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 7 months ago

      I think Hunter S Thompson is doing something pretty good - sub 6 million players only, if I recall ...

      Open Controls
  21. Ninjaa
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 7 months ago

    Villa Gk/ Robinson
    Rangel/ Cashley/ Lescott/ Simpson/ Hangeland
    Dempsey/ Taarabt/ Lampard/ Sinclair/ N'zogbia
    Torres/Rvp/Ba

    Open Controls
    1. Blue Teets
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 7 months ago

      Rhymes with Miss Moore. Way too many gambles in there.

      Open Controls
      1. Bedknobs and Boomsticks
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 7 months ago

        Its not that risky.

        Can I just ask (as its the second time I've seen it this afternoon); when you're planning to rotate Villa's keeper and Robinson, which team do you think Robinson plays for?

        I'm pretty sure its Blackburn, and if I'm right on that, I' not sure that rotating well for the first 2 weeks only is what you need to be looking for with a pair of keepers.... 😛

        Open Controls
        1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          14 years, 7 months ago

          Stoke and Villa keepers ftw!!!

          Open Controls
        2. Marknlard
          • 16 Years
          14 years, 7 months ago

          They rotate very nicely in GWs 27 and 28 too.

          Open Controls
        3. tosey
          • 16 Years
          14 years, 7 months ago

          blackburn stoke from gwk 12 onwards is the way forward

          no great rotation until then from what i can see

          Open Controls
  22. H Dog
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 7 months ago

    If Boom is around, he may appreciate this:

    http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/13893860.stm

    Open Controls
    1. Boom!!!
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 7 months ago

      sensational,innit? 🙂 and how typical that hewitt match is going to 5 sets 🙁

      Open Controls
      1. Marknlard
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 7 months ago

        Great shot. Kamke played a lovely forehand return vs Murray yesterday, reminded me of Nadal.

        Open Controls
      2. Granville
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 7 months ago

        That is unbelievable. Just to have the arm strength to strike that ball in the opposite direction is impressive enough but to return it in court is WTF.

        Open Controls
  23. Shhh... I Should Be Working
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 7 months ago

    It's only a small thing (and obvious) but if you are looking to find a pair of attacking players to rotate they don't need to both be midfielders or forwards which is what the article suggests.

    You could pait O'Hara with Odemwingie (instead of Brunt) or Downing with Zamora (instead of Dempsey).

    I will probably play 2 expensive forwards and rotate the third with a midfielder.

    Open Controls
    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 7 months ago

      I agree with this ...

      Open Controls
    2. Mark
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 19 Years
      14 years, 7 months ago

      Agreed, we just limited it to players in the same position to keep things clear and to prevent us discussing too many options.

      Open Controls
  24. tosey
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 7 months ago

    how come hardly any RMT's have everton players in them? cracking opening fixtures up until gwk 6

    baines is definitely in my team no matter what price, ill prob go for cahill or osman too depending on their pre-season

    Open Controls
    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 7 months ago

      Because you and I are nuts? 😀

      Open Controls
    2. Blue Teets
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 7 months ago

      Baines is a lock.

      Open Controls
    3. applebonkers
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 7 months ago

      agree. i guess some if it is doubts over things like just how expensive baines will be

      Open Controls
    4. SOM.... This is Fellaini�…
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 7 months ago

      Everton are slow starters. Remember arteta.

      Open Controls
      1. applebonkers
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 7 months ago

        good point

        Open Controls
  25. HST
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 7 months ago

    ------------Guzan-------------
    Young, Collins, Clarke, Warnock
    ------- Makoun, Delph---------
    Albrighton----------Agbonlahor
    -----------Ireland------------
    ------------Bent--------------

    Thats how it stands at the moment I reckon barring signings.

    Open Controls
    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 7 months ago

      It's a bit thin, Hunter! 🙁

      Open Controls
      1. HST
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 7 months ago

        It's not the best..

        Guzan is a liability from crosses

        Young has nothing going forward and is a yard off the pace.

        Warnock is a headless chicken and penalty waiting to happen

        Ireland is a complete tool riding on the back of one decent season.

        I like Makoun and Delph a lot but they are hardly gonna boss the midfield physically.

        Gabby's pace is great but he makes such awful decisions (becasue he's thick) and has poor delivery.

        The future is not bright.

        Open Controls
        1. SOM.... This is Fellaini�…
          • 16 Years
          14 years, 7 months ago

          What about Petrov? You could push Delph forward instead of Ireland, or is he even that sort of player? I'm sure you'll sign a keeper as well.

          Open Controls
          1. HST
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 16 Years
            14 years, 7 months ago

            Delph can get forward a bit but I wouldn't call him a goal scoring forward.

            I like Petrov's attitude and he has been a great servant of the club but he doesn't cut it anymore and he is so negative in his passing he needs to be a squad player or move on.

            Open Controls
            1. Demí
              • 15 Years
              14 years, 7 months ago

              Bannan to be a regular next season?

              Open Controls
              1. SOM.... This is Fellaini�…
                • 16 Years
                14 years, 7 months ago

                I think Bannan has a lot of potential.

                Open Controls
                1. PFOR
                  • 15 Years
                  14 years, 7 months ago

                  Quick Soup, bookmark it so that whenever he does decent you can show us! Junior Hoilett springs to mind 😉

                  Open Controls
                  1. SOM.... This is Fellaini�…
                    • 16 Years
                    14 years, 7 months ago

                    You'll regret this.

                    Open Controls
                  2. AP
                    • 16 Years
                    14 years, 7 months ago

                    You certainly are a fan of the bookmark Soup.

                    Open Controls
              2. HST
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 16 Years
                14 years, 7 months ago

                I don't think he's ready.

                Open Controls
    2. tosey
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 7 months ago

      mcleish is a 442 man tho isnt he?

      Open Controls
      1. Bedknobs and Boomsticks
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 7 months ago

        Yeah, 4 full backs, 4 centre backs and 2 midfielders 🙁

        Open Controls
      2. HST
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 7 months ago

        Blues were mostly lone striker last season no?

        Open Controls
        1. tosey
          • 16 Years
          14 years, 7 months ago

          i dont know tbh i didnt really follow them much, just know they played martins and jerome/zigic a bit towards the end of the season

          Open Controls
    3. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 7 months ago

      Hunter - you gonna action that league plan of yours?

      Open Controls
      1. HST
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 7 months ago

        Yes mate, I have the format all sorted I'm just waiting until the game is back up so I can make a list of eligible players to avoid any confusion.

        I will make a simple website with league tables, a mini blog, and regularly updated list of eligible players.

        I have some decent prizes up for grabs so it should keep it interesting.

        Open Controls
        1. mo 10 years on FFS? Join my…
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          14 years, 7 months ago

          count me in HsT

          Open Controls
        2. andy85wsm
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 15 Years
          14 years, 7 months ago

          Is this the game with the drafts for players? Or was that someone else who was doing that?

          Open Controls
    4. applebonkers
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 7 months ago

      whatever happened to warnock? swear he was never injured but was completely banished

      Open Controls
      1. Bedknobs and Boomsticks
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 7 months ago

        I think banished is the word actually. You know any details Hunter S? I fancy the Warnock Wagon if it looks like he's back in during the pre-season....

        Open Controls
      2. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 7 months ago

        He had some sort of cartilage ...

        Open Controls
      3. SOM.... This is Fellaini�…
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 7 months ago

        Houlier sold him from Liverpool didnt he so it was probably something to do with a personality clash.

        Open Controls
      4. HST
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 7 months ago

        He was banished to train with the reserves with Beye for having a bad attitude (leading the initial revolt against Houllier was the rumor).

        Open Controls
        1. SOM.... This is Fellaini�…
          • 16 Years
          14 years, 7 months ago

          Thursday, Friday, Habib Beye... what happened to that guy?!

          Open Controls
          1. HST
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 16 Years
            14 years, 7 months ago

            We signed him from a club that got relegated becasue their defence was rubbish and they shipped loads of goals....hang on a minute!

            Open Controls
    5. applebonkers
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 7 months ago

      if there's one good thing about mccleish form his brum days it appears that he appreciates technically gifted players on the wing (mcfadden and larsson), players who can cross and hit a set-piece. aka not agbonalhor. bench or their cameron jerome

      Open Controls
    6. Blue Teets
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 7 months ago

      Hernandez or Rooney ?

      Comes down to: G vs £

      Open Controls
      1. Blue Teets
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 7 months ago

        Not meant to be a reply

        Open Controls
      2. applebonkers
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 7 months ago

        young could throw a spanner in the works for hernandez, whilst rooney should start regardless. should hernandez looked to have nailed down a spot even with young then him, any doubt and splash out for rooney imo

        Open Controls
        1. Blue Teets
          • 16 Years
          14 years, 7 months ago

          ye, so I'll wait til the community shield before i pull the trigger on that one. I'm leaning toward Chachi...

          Open Controls
          1. Demí
            • 15 Years
            14 years, 7 months ago

            Chicha not Chachi 😉

            Open Controls
          2. applebonkers
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 16 Years
            14 years, 7 months ago

            a good point was made yesterday that with hernandez still spanking them in at the gold cup right now he could easily be rested early season. young's signing makes this easier to do

            Open Controls
            1. applebonkers
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 16 Years
              14 years, 7 months ago

              i say spanking them in, more like punching them in from 1 yard http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGKP9f4OoEc#t=1m58s
              (fishing rod)

              Open Controls
              1. SOM.... This is Fellaini�…
                • 16 Years
                14 years, 7 months ago

                Why you hating?

                Open Controls
                1. applebonkers
                  • Has Moderation Rights
                  • 16 Years
                  14 years, 7 months ago

                  until all goals stop counting as 1, then that fishing rod will still be there. a goal's a goal as they say

                  Open Controls
            2. 1966 was a great year for E…
              • 15 Years
              14 years, 7 months ago

              Fergie did say he'd rest Chico at the start of next season, because he was due to play in the CONCACAF the Copa America.

              Now Mexico are (sensibly) taking a more experimental, Chico-less team to the Copa, so things might change.

              Open Controls
              1. 1966 was a great year for E…
                • 15 Years
                14 years, 7 months ago

                *CONCACAF and the Copa America

                Open Controls
    7. PFOR
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 7 months ago

      That's a bit shit, no offence. Serious investment needed, especially if Downing goes.

      Open Controls
  26. Boom!!!
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 7 months ago

    😥

    Open Controls
    1. PFOR
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 7 months ago

      F*cking Soderling. Good match though.

      Open Controls
      1. applebonkers
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 7 months ago

        the man is a hero. just rescued my doomed accumulator. it's now 8/10 complete. just need federer (banker) and tsonga (hopeful) to complete it. never won one before, could be the best poun ever spent since the 2 for 1 on sesame snaps the other day

        Open Controls
        1. Soop
          • 16 Years
          14 years, 7 months ago

          Love those things!

          Open Controls
        2. Boom!!!
          • 15 Years
          14 years, 7 months ago

          👿 only Hewitt is a hero

          Open Controls
        3. SuperDunny - Used to be goo…
          • 16 Years
          14 years, 7 months ago

          tsonga still 1 set down or has he levelled?

          Open Controls
          1. applebonkers
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 16 Years
            14 years, 7 months ago

            1 down and a break up in the 2nd

            Open Controls
            1. SuperDunny - Used to be goo…
              • 16 Years
              14 years, 7 months ago

              good luck man

              Open Controls
        4. andy85wsm
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 15 Years
          14 years, 7 months ago

          What odds did you get?

          Open Controls
          1. applebonkers
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 16 Years
            14 years, 7 months ago

            well i'd win £28 so not amazing but considering i'm a £1 max better it's welcomed

            Open Controls
            1. SOM.... This is Fellaini�…
              • 16 Years
              14 years, 7 months ago

              I know that feling. It's the thrill of winning as much as anything

              Open Controls
              1. applebonkers
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 16 Years
                14 years, 7 months ago

                absolutely, especially when you think you've lost

                Open Controls
  27. AP
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 7 months ago

    Yes please: http://this11.com/boards/1308845283119951.jpg

    Open Controls
    1. PFOR
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 7 months ago

      That'd probably only work with a proper holding player instead of Fletch. But yeah I like that a lot.

      Open Controls
      1. AP
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 7 months ago

        Fletcher can be that player. He never stops running, can tackle and pass. He can even cheat like busquets if needed!

        Open Controls
        1. SuperDunny - Used to be goo…
          • 16 Years
          14 years, 7 months ago

          no he can't

          Open Controls
          1. AP
            • 16 Years
            14 years, 7 months ago

            To which one? Or all of them?

            Open Controls
        2. andy85wsm
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 15 Years
          14 years, 7 months ago

          Super Fletch

          Open Controls
        3. PFOR
          • 15 Years
          14 years, 7 months ago

          Modric seems unrealistic, and Sneijder looks unlikely as Young and Rooney combine excellently (for England anyway) and can swap positions throughout a game.

          Sneijder is at his best as a trequartista, but I believe/hope he can become the player Scholes was in his latter days. Dunno if he's worth the risk but I certainly wouldn't complain! Ideally I'd love Éver Banega, or some other deep-lying playmaker/combative mid.

          Open Controls
          1. andy85wsm
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 15 Years
            14 years, 7 months ago

            Trequartista. Did you first hear of this word on Football Manager too?

            Open Controls
            1. PFOR
              • 15 Years
              14 years, 7 months ago

              Lol nope I don't play FM, I just know I'd get addicted.

              Dunno where I heard it, I read too many articles tbh.

              Open Controls
            2. Marknlard
              • 16 Years
              14 years, 7 months ago

              If you read about Italian football you can't avoid the word trequartista.

              Open Controls
              1. PFOR
                • 15 Years
                14 years, 7 months ago

                Pretty much. There aren't really any in the Premier League.

                Open Controls
              2. SuperDunny - Used to be goo…
                • 16 Years
                14 years, 7 months ago

                So true. They love it on zonal marking too

                Open Controls
          2. AP
            • 16 Years
            14 years, 7 months ago

            Modric is extremely unrealistic yes. In reality i think that spot will be Anderson's this year if he manages to have a good pre season. I'd love to see him given the attacking midfield role, even though his passing is a bit dodgy. Fletch, Carrick, Ando, (Jones?) and Cleverley will all rotate in the middle i'd say. I wouldn't be massively surprised if there is no CM bought.

            Open Controls
          3. si
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 16 Years
            14 years, 7 months ago

            How often have Young and Rooney combined excellently for England?

            Open Controls
            1. AP
              • 16 Years
              14 years, 7 months ago

              Once. Wales.

              Open Controls
            2. PFOR
              • 15 Years
              14 years, 7 months ago

              ...fair point 🙂

              Open Controls
    2. Boom!!!
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 7 months ago

      what if nani stays?i would rather have nani at rw then valencia ... valencia usually do well when roo is playing upfront on his own imo...

      Open Controls
      1. AP
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 7 months ago

        Valencia will rotate with Nani on the right. Neither can play every week. Valencia and Young feeding Hernandez (tap ins AB) will be goals goals goals.

        Open Controls
  28. Ninjaa
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 7 months ago

    Who are the realistic signing AVB will be looking to bring in? Theres always rumours that a manager will take his players with him when he goes to a bigger club but are Hulk, Moutinho and that Columbian guy really the potential targets or are there others that he's bringing in?????????

    Open Controls
    1. andy85wsm
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 7 months ago

      I reckon Chelsea are going to bring in at least 3 maybe 4/5 players over the summer. They just need to leave a bit of cash left over to pay the compensation to AVB for sacking him about 330 days when he hasn't won the CL

      Open Controls
    1. Bouncebackability
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 7 months ago

      I think you'll find she kept on slapping her own face, hence the reason for doing it!

      Open Controls
      1. 1966 was a great year for E…
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 7 months ago

        Now that's bouncebackability

        Open Controls
        1. Bouncebackability
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          14 years, 7 months ago

          🙂

          Open Controls
    2. applebonkers
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 7 months ago

      she was junior champion at hurdling and trampolining. had to give both up at the age of 14

      Open Controls
      1. Bouncebackability
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 7 months ago

        She can get back into it now then!

        Open Controls
    1. PFOR
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 7 months ago

      Number 18? Brings a tear to my eye, it'll be hard to see a new number 11 as well.

      Open Controls