Podcast
14 August 2014 7186 comments
Mark Mark
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A new beginning. On the eve of a new campaign, two grumpy middle-aged has-beens gather in a studio to recall the summer’s feast of football and look ahead to another Fantasy season, full of hope.

There’s no frills. No live video cast. No special guests. Just Granville and I, stripped back and almost unplugged.

Don’t let that put you off, though. Even with our limited powers we at least attempt to cut through the issues currently rattling around in the minds of Fantasy managers.

We assess the Old Trafford revolution, the world without Suarez and the merits of the three-man strike force. We slice through the current transfer trends and weigh up matters such as the Sigurdsson/Bojan rotation, Fagregas vs Hazard and the Chelsea back four conundrum. We also manage to warm up with a nice little argument about the Alexis Sanchez bandwagon – the traditional pre-season barney.

Be there at the birth via this link, or witness the new dawn via the handy player below.

Mark Mark created the beast. He's now looking to tame it.

  1. Nobodinho
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Any nailed 4.5m defender?
    I chose PvA and Cameron, is there any better choice?

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    1. Nobodinho
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      my other defenders: Cahill, Moore & Trippier

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      1. Falcao92
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Cameron is not nailed on unless things have changed over the past 24hours, Competition with bardsley

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    2. Nice to Finally Michu
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Naylor/Kelly/Rosenior all better picks than Cameron

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    3. Reeker
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Cameron isn't nailed on.

      Chester, Ferdinand, Coloccini, Taylor, PVA, Kelly*(After GW 2) are all pretty good nailed on options

      Trippier is a ballsy move by the way with those fixtures

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      1. Nobodinho
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Should I replace Trippier with Isla or Clyne?

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        1. Reeker
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          Yeah go with Clyne - great pick

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          1. Nobodinho
            • 11 Years
            11 years, 5 months ago

            Who should I play for GW1?

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            1. Goodnight Kiwi
              • 12 Years
              11 years, 5 months ago

              the one with the easiest fixture

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  2. troller
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    then 2 best 4.5 defenders

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    1. Ryan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      PVA, err Chester?

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  3. Falcao92
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Hendo or Siggy

    Terry or Cahill

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    1. Ryan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Siggy
      Cahill

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      1. Rafinho
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Why Cahill? I Thought Terry is nailed on and his scoring abilities are impressive

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        1. Ryan
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          Nothing in it really. Terry getting old and might be prone to occasional rotation as a result

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    2. Reedy
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Either
      Either

      Not trying to be smart, or unhelpful: I honestly think these are both ties. Until we get a clearer picture of each.

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    3. Sigga -Cardiff City-
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      I've gone Siggy and Cahill

      but same question

      either way could be better dunno yet 🙂

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    4. RD84
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      I've got Hendo and Ivan 😛

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      1. Jarvis
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Hendo or Siggy?

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  4. Ryan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    So if my passport is expired, can I play UFPL?

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    1. Cheeseoid
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      No. Sadly

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      1. Ryan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        🙁

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

        🙁

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  5. hazza44
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Caulker, Ward, Clybe or Davies and why?

    Also best 4.5 defender?

    Thanks guys.

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    1. Nice to Finally Michu
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Clyne, fixtures more attacking and nailed. PVA

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  6. dribbler
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    anybody know a £4.0m defender who rotates half-decently with Swansea?

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    1. bailllie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Duff - Burnley or Moore - Leicester

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  7. Cheeseoid
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Just made a team for the dead team challenge. now in a quandary as I think I may prefer it to my current team. Must resist the desire to change.

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  8. In Bale We Trust
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    A. Sterling and Jelly
    B. Snod/Siggy and Dzeko/Giroud

    CHeers lads.

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    1. I Am ToTo
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      B

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    2. tw
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      B with siggy and dzeko

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    3. Obi Wan Elokobi
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      B Hendo and Dzeko

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  9. David silva
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    DDG (4.0)
    Jags, Debuchy, Lovren (Wisdom, Vlaar)
    Hazard, Ramsey, Tadic, Henderson (Siggy)
    Bojan, Diego Costa, Rooney

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    1. Aston Villa-Boas
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Jags and Vlaar are poor picks

      With all that money in defense you can afford a chelsea defender

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  10. I Am ToTo
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    whos nailed in Stoke's defense line beside Shawcross?

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    1. tw
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Possibly no one for the time being

      That's why I've gone for bego

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  11. tw
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Why are people worried about Swansea defense? Is Naylor not a good option at 4.5?

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    1. I Am ToTo
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      i dont know

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    2. In Bale We Trust
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Think a lot of people are expecting Garry Monk to fail. I am anyway.

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    3. Willis.
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Terrible preseason plus I just don't rate their defence at all.

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  12. ★A-O-Chamberlain★ COYG …
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Which is the best option?

    A) Terry, Ramsey, Hazard, Young

    B) Vlaar, Sanchez, Fabregas, Barkley

    C) Vlaar, Ramsey, Fabregas and 8.5 midfielder

    Any suggestions would be much appreciated!
    Thanks! 🙂

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    1. I Am ToTo
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      A

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    2. Reeker
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      A definitely

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    3. Obi Wan Elokobi
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      A

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    4. Cheeseoid
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      I like C with Sterling as the mid

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  13. Reeker
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Chelsea defense is so hard to pick from but I have to have one.

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    1. Obi Wan Elokobi
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      JT.

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      1. Reeker
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Who I have at the moment but still... I don't like these hard choices

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    2. Willis.
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Luis

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      1. Reeker
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        I think he will start but I have the money so may as well play it safe

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    3. Wells - Anti-Dentite!
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Courtois

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  14. dribbler
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Football Manager

    Chester v Inter Champions League first knockout round

    wish me luck!!!

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    1. Cheeseoid
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Good luck

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    2. Zep
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Good luck...

      Just remember to save it first... 😉

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    3. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      CM and FM... aah, good ol days.

      Good luck, mate

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  15. Doctor X
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Are you veterans jumping ship on the Palace defence now?

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    1. Obi Wan Elokobi
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Said it earlier Palace were an awful team without Pulis and can see them having a shocking season. One of my favs to go down.

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    2. Reedy
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Yeah. Already washed ashore Chelsea Island. Goodnight all and good luck.

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  16. Mull
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    A few weeks ago someone suggested making the FFS template team and seeing how it fared in the rankings. The captain would be the leader of the captain poll and the transfers will be dictated by thee bandwagons of the week. Does anyone disagree with this being the template? I'm not too sure on the defence.

    Begovic, Gilks
    Cahill, Ward, Van Aanholt, Chester, Moore
    Mata, Fabregas, Ramsey, Sterling, Marney
    Rooney, Costa, Bojan

    Do you think Ward should be changed to another £5m defender?

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    1. Obi Wan Elokobi
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Caulker is quite popular now.

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    2. Cheeseoid
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Bojan is just a craze. Surely nobody is actually playing him? Rooney, costa, mata, ramsey are definitely correct. beyond that not sure

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      1. Mull
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        It's more than a craze by now.

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    3. Reeker
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      I think for it to have worked we would have to vote on each player instead of just finding a template looking team. Maybe next year

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      1. Cheeseoid
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        The problem with that is values. Do you put a value on each position and try to find a player to fit it?

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    4. Jarvis
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Potentially Ward > Caulker or Davies

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    5. Willis.
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Caulker

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    6. In Bale We Trust
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Siggy is the biggest bandwagon going.

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      1. Mull
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Can't really leave him out can I. Will try again later

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    7. Call Me Old Fashioned
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      That was my back 5 until the Pulis news came out

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    8. tw
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      siggy over sterling I think. pretty big bandwagon on here

      and maybe clyne over ward now

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  17. Wells - Anti-Dentite!
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    So Mou has said that the players will be told who the number 1 is on Sunday. We think this will be Courtois, no?

    If he is, and Cech leaves/settles for cups, Surely Courtois is a steal at 6.0! CS potential, most nailed-on Chelsea defender.

    I think I might go with him.

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    1. Ryan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      It probably will be Courtois. However it would be typical Mourinho to shock us all and start with Cech.

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      1. Venom Snake
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Terry in goals, will fix their defensive dilemmas 😉

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        1. Wells - Anti-Dentite!
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          this

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      2. Wells - Anti-Dentite!
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Yes, but Mou has given many hints at him being the 1:

        He said Schwarzer was a good 'second keeper' for this season, said that Courtois has only missed pre-season games due to a knock he got,

        History suggests that it will be him too. Cech, a similar age/stage of his career, took over from Bonetti, the all time clean sheet leader at Chelsea, still in the prime of his career.

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  18. makaveli
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Bojan or Nugent (David)
    Thoughts anyone?

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    1. Obi Wan Elokobi
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Bojan 100% if you don't want to risk Bojan go fletcher.

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  19. Nice to Finally Michu
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    My article on 4.5 mids hasn't been posted yet after two full days, should I just post it here mods?

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    1. Venom Snake
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      I'd like to see it 😎

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    2. Obi Wan Elokobi
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Go for it TM might sticky it.

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    3. Nice to Finally Michu
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Ok i'll post it on here then, just gonna read it one more time to check for any missed errors!

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      1. Cheeseoid
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Do it. This is what we need!

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      2. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Just get Marney is all you need to say 😉

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  20. Venom Snake
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Suggestions on how to improve this defence? 0.5m leftover

    Begovic
    Clyne - Ferdinand - Chester - PvA - Kelly

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    1. Nice to Finally Michu
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Ferdinand > Moore, Kelly > a 5.5 defender

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    2. Obi Wan Elokobi
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Just do Ferdinand to Caulker and it's fine.

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  21. Jarvis
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Henderson or Siggy for GW1? Will siggy price rise ruining my chances of the change if Henderson doesn't perform?

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    1. Obi Wan Elokobi
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Either could get a price rise neither likely to get a price fall.

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  22. FLAMINGO
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    A) Fabregas + Ward
    or
    B) Hazard + N. Taylor (or other 4.5 def)

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    1. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      B. Consider PVA or Chester too, depending on your rotation

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      1. FLAMINGO
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        I have them both already, any other ideas?

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        1. NABIL - FPL otai
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          Oh, then Taylor it is.

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    2. Nice to Finally Michu
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      B

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  23. Silky_Smooth ~
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    I think I’ve pretty much completed my team. I’ve gone very cheap in defence because I think all the top teams have some issues. Also with my 4 rotating defenders at the back, I don’t play any top teams all the way to January (hardest teams I will come across are Newcastle and Southampton)! After a few GWs I plan to downgrade Tadic to De Jong once he's fit and upgrade something in defence, most likely Yoshida given Gardos is likely to take his place

    Mannone

    Jones Ferdinand Chester

    Ramsey Silva Mata Eriksen Tadic

    Rooney Costa

    Subs: Krul Yoshida Duff Zamora

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    1. Aston Villa-Boas
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      I don't like the zamora pick, you will regret having only 2 forward slots
      May want to wait on Tadic for now
      Mannone not nailed on

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  24. Pepin - RIP Absinthe
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Great ScoutCast, cheers fellas.

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  25. blauriecon
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Trying to piece together best 5 defenders for 22.5
    Clyne CDavies Vlaar Wisdom Bartley seems like possible one group
    Debuchy Caulker Hutton Duff Wisdom seems like another possible group
    ie. 5.5,5.0, and 3-4.0s
    ie. 2-5.0, 4.5, and 2-4.0
    other ideas were
    5.0, 3-4.5, and 1-4.0
    5-4.5
    Any thoughts out there.
    Rest of team is DeGea Gilks Eriksen Mata Ramsey Marney with
    A) Sturridge Bojan Hazard (my preferred choice)
    B) Costa Jovetic Sterling (least preferred but some have recommended)

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  26. hassan158
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Can someone tell my why no one has considered Baird from WBA? he is OOP and is nailed (I think) and is 4.0! He has played all pre-season games. Including playing the full 90 in their final pre-season game. Surely he must be nailed!!

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    1. Obi Wan Elokobi
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      He'll play to start with but West Brom have quite a few injuries and will be dropped soonish.

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      1. Aston Villa-Boas
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        who at DM is injured right now?

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        1. hassan158
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          My question exactly.

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        2. Obi Wan Elokobi
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          Not so much DM James Morrison will take his place when he's fit.

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          1. Aston Villa-Boas
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 5 months ago

            morrison is a winger/AM tho right? he doesn't play that position

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          2. Aston Villa-Boas
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 5 months ago

            unless they only play 1 DM normally, i'm not a west brom expert

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            1. Aston Villa-Boas
              • 12 Years
              11 years, 5 months ago

              I agree and have been wondering why nobody has picked up on him

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              1. hassan158
                • 11 Years
                11 years, 5 months ago

                Best 4.0 imo

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            2. Obi Wan Elokobi
              • 14 Years
              11 years, 5 months ago

              Not saying he plays DM they change the formation round for him though so Baird will probably lose his place.

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              1. hassan158
                • 11 Years
                11 years, 5 months ago

                West Brom played the 4-2-3-1 formation for most of last season.

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    2. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Iam. Might get him for GW1 instead of Wisdom.

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  27. Pepin - RIP Absinthe
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    If Pulis is indeed out, my Caulker / Dann rotation is no longer viable 🙁

    On a related note, maybe doubling up on Arsenal offensive assets for GW1 could be a good idea...

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    1. Obi Wan Elokobi
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      He's definitely out.

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      1. Pepin - RIP Absinthe
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Do we think Giroud will start? He's been short of fitness, hasn't he?

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        1. Cheeseoid
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          I am planning on having him He will play

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        2. Obi Wan Elokobi
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          Can't see him not starting. He came on and played well in the community shield.

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        3. Aston Villa-Boas
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          he'll probably start

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  28. jaguar shark
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    A. Begovic & Jones
    B. DDG & Debuchy

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    1. bailllie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      A

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  29. hassan158
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Who to play GW 1? Siggy or Steven Fletcher?

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    1. Obi Wan Elokobi
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Siggy

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  30. blauriecon
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Best 5.0 defender?

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    1. Obi Wan Elokobi
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Caulker/Clyne

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      1. blauriecon
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Caulker is the best choice for GW1.

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    2. blauriecon
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      I'm thinking Davies of Hull

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    3. Aston Villa-Boas
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      clyne

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