Scout Notes

Scout Scribbles – Gunners Lack Bite Against Besiktas

Aaron Ramsey is given his marching orders as Arsenal scrape a goalless draw in Turkey. Roberto Martinez and Steve Bruce are still uncertain over the severity of injuries to midfield playmakers Ross Barkley and Robert Snodgrass, Liverpool’s Adam Lallana steps up his recovery, Scott Dann may make Palace’s clash with the Hammers, while Alan Irvine is determined to help new boy Cristian Gamboa’s fitness drive:

Arsenal Held as Ramsey Sees Red

Arsene Wenger made just two changes from the side he fielded against Crystal Palace for last night’s Champions League play-off tie, with the injured Kieran Gibbs missing out and Yaya Sanogo (hamstring) failing to make the squad. In came Olivier Giroud and Nacho Monreal, though neither could inspire the Gunners, who were held 0-0 by Turkish side Besiktas. The main talking point of the game was Aaron Ramsey’s first ever dismissal in club football, which came courtesy of two bookable offences, and will ensure the Welshman misses the second leg of the tie.

The Scout Says: Whilst Arsenal failed to flatter last night, with owners of Olivier Giroud likely to be particularly disappointed with the striker’s lack of composure on a number of occasions, there were nonetheless some positives to take from the game for Fantasy managers. Alexis Sanchez put in another impressive performance on the wing, whilst a clean sheet for the Gunners in Turkey will have owners of their rearguard assets feeling optimistic ahead of their weekend trip to Everton. Plus, with Gibbs looking set to remain sidelined for up to three weeks, Nacho Monreal now offers us a 5.0-priced option in the Gunner’s backline for the short term. And Ramsey’s red card is not all doom and gloom. His owners will be happy to hear that the midfield talisman misses the second leg against Besiktas, ensuring he will be fully fit and prepared for the Gameweek 3 trip to newly-promoted Leicester. It may well be that that extra fitness gives him the edge over the likes of Sanchez and Santi Cazorla and provide him with the platform to run riot at the King Power Stadium in two weekend’s time.

BARKLEY RETURN DATE STILL UNCERTAIN

Roberto Martinez has given an injury update on Ross Barkley, confirming that, whilst his treatment is going well, he still cannot provide a specific return date for the midfielder:

“His knee has reacted really well to treatment. It’s a medial ligament injury and we know that Ross, in terms of the power and the strength that he has in his body, he could easily react to treatment a lot better than other players. The length that Ross will be out is a little uncertain at the moment and it could be anything between the eight weeks that we mentioned or a little further. Obviously we are going to get further updates in days to come but we need to leave Ross alone and leave him to recover.”

The Scout Says: The most popular midfielder in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) prior to picking up the knee injury in training before the opening weekend of the 2014/15 campaign, Barkley’s absence was felt by Martinez and his Everton side as they were unable to overcome Leicester in their 2-2 draw on Saturday. Whether it is just the eight weeks or even more, his continued absence should guarantee the pitch time of Steven Naismith in “the hole” behind Romelu Lukaku – although his classification as a forward is likely to deter many, the 5.0-priced Scot staked a claim as a budget option with a goal and maximum bonus points at the weekend.

LALLANA STEPS UP RECOVERY

Adam Lallana has begun extra training on his own to speed up his return from a knee problem sustained during Liverpool’s pre-season tour of America. Having missed out on the start of the new season due to the injury, Lallana is reported to be working himself extra hard in order to push forward his debut date to within the next couple of weeks.

The Scout Says: So, Mr. Rodgers, what does this mean for your teamsheet? Much of the talk surrounding Liverpool in pre-season has centred on how Brendan Rodgers will fit Lallana into his starting XI, with Jordan Henderson, Philippe Coutinho and Raheem Sterling currently filling the positions that Lallana is likely to compete for. All three are in good form after positive displays in Sunday’s 2-1 victory over Southampton on Sunday, and should they continue in the same vein, Lallana may struggle to oust any of them from the starting line-up. One solution for Rodgers would be to shift Henderson back to the double-pivot alongside Steven Gerrard, freeing up a slot in the three-man attacking midfield for Lallana to fill – this scenario would dent the potential of the 6.0-priced Henderson, who picked up an assist at the weekend and has already acquired 22,000 new owners ahead of Gameweek 2. Whatever Rodgers chooses to do, Lallana, available in FPL for 8.5, will surely remain a differential pick behind the equally priced Sterling in the Liverpool midfield for the near future. However, should he repeat the form that harvested 178 points last season, Lallana – once fully fit – could well emerge as one of the Merseyside outfit’s key assets in the coming months, with the schedule taking a real turn for the better around Gameweek 4.

FURTHER SCANS NEEDED FOR SNODGRASS

Hull City midfielder Robert Snodgrass will have to undergo further scans to determine the extent of the knee injury picked up on his debut for the Tigers against QPR on Saturday. Despite some reports suggesting that the playmaker will be ruled out for four months, initial scans have actually proved inconclusive and further testing is in fact required for a more accurate diagnosis.

The Scout Says: Even if those initial reports are indeed scaremongering, any lengthy period of absence for Snodgrass will come as a significant blow for Steve Bruce’s side. Playing in the role behind the two strikers, the 6.0-priced midfielder was backed by his new manager to let his creativity and eye for a killer pass make the difference for the Tigers going into the new season. Forced off after just 39 minutes at the weekend, however, it’s looking likely that Bruce, and those Fantasy managers who took a punt on Snodgrass finally being able to turn his stats into returns, will now have to rethink their plans. Should the former Norwich man face a prolonged spell on the sidelines, a switch to the similarly priced Gylfi Sigurdsson looks the most obvious response, though for those trying to avoid being swept up by that bandwagon, Tom Ince, at 5.5, seems to be a sure starter for Hull in Snodgrass’ absence and offers an out-of-position prospect after he was fielded alongside Nikica Jelavic in a front two on Saturday.

Palace Optimistic on Dann

Reports suggest that the thigh injury that forced Crystal Palace centre-back Scott Dann off against Arsenal on Saturday is not as bad as first feared, and the defender could now be fit to face West Ham this weekend.

The Scout Says: There’s no doubt that Palace gave a good account of themselves in their opening fixture of the season. Despite being managerless, the defensive solidity that saw them accumulate 12 clean sheets last season was still there for all to see, and they were unlucky to lose out to Arsenal in the final minutes of the match. Dann remains a crucial part of this solidity, and Palace will be understandably keen to have the centre-back fit for this Saturday. Nevertheless, Brede Hangeland’s goal-scoring debut for the Eagles underlines his attacking potential, and Fantasy managers eyeing up Palace’s defensive assets for their kind upcoming schedule (WHM, new, BUR, eve, LEI, hul) have their work cut out in choosing between the two 5.0-priced centre-backs, with new signing Martin Kelly – a cheaper alternative to his team-mates at 4.5 – and Fantasy favourite Joel Ward also offering plenty of potential in the full-back positions.

WEST BROM WAIT ON GAMBOA

Alan Irvine could be set to organise another behind-closed-doors friendly, following the meeting against Nottingham Forest last week, to help improve the fitness of another of his new signings, Cristian Gamboa:

“What we’ve got to do is assess him and find out where he is. Cristian has got great energy and athleticism as we saw in the World Cup, so we would hope he can get up to the right physical level quickly. But there is more to it than that. There is the football level, the technical and tactical part of that. Obviously we will arrange a game if we need to arrange a game.”

The Scout Says: Irvine is clearly full of praise for the right-back, who will surely challenge for a place in West Brom’s starting XI once he has reached the required level of fitness. Gamboa’s forays down the right flank for Costa Rica during this summer’s World Cup gave plenty of indication of his potential for attacking returns, and at just 4.5 he may well emerge as the number one choice in the Baggies’ backline. This news will not ring well with owners of Andre Wisdom, however – the on-loan Liverpool defender has acquired 7.6% ownership in FPL thanks to being one of the few viable 4.0 defenders in the game, a label that is sure to fade should Gamboa indeed force the youngster out of the right-back berth.

1,585 Comments Post a Comment
  1. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Ramsey saving his best for the league.

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    1. pompeyfan
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      hope not, I took him out last night. Gamble I know but you need to be proactive not reactive

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      1. SuperDunny - Used to be goo…
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        wtf

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        1. pompeyfan
          • 15 Years
          10 years, 2 months ago

          it was either him or Sanchez to come out for Siggy as I wanted just 1 Ars mf now. I just felt that Sanchez would be the better bet over the next few gws. A huge gamble of course due to ownership but wanted to do some different and take the chance

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          1. Sess!
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            10 years, 2 months ago

            I'm trying to find a way I can get them both in. Fixtures aren't as bad as everyone seems to think.

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            1. pompeyfan
              • 15 Years
              10 years, 2 months ago

              they're not. But they haven't exactly started off with a bang yet. I like to play it very fluidly, so no doubt I will have them both in again at some point. Live by the sword and all that

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      2. Simon69
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        For who?

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        1. pompeyfan
          • 15 Years
          10 years, 2 months ago

          Siggy, see above

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      3. Sess!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Terrible decision.

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      4. Well you know, Triffic
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Trololol

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    2. Aaron Ramessi - Straya
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      aye 🙂

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    3. Giroud U Kidding
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      1

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    4. BeachBadger
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      If Bestiktas knock arsenal out then theyll all be saving their best fir the league 😉

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  2. pompeyfan
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Hopefully the poor performances of their strikers result in Arsenal playing Sanchez as the striker next gw

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  3. RoysCallerAnne
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Top o' de mornin' 🙂

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    1. Spike ⚽️
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Hi RCA 😉

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      1. RoysCallerAnne
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Hi Spike. Worried Giroud owner here, still undecided..

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        1. Spike ⚽️
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 2 months ago

          Well his last nights performance should rubber stamp the decision

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    2. SuperDunny - Used to be goo…
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      hey

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      1. RoysCallerAnne
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        hi

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    3. Aaron Ramessi - Straya
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      top of the morning to you too 🙂

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

      Morning horse.

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    1. Hank Scorpio
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Got to agree with him about the defence.

      Jones and Smalling just don't seem to be hitting the levels we hoped they would do. Right back is also a serious problem as Rafael is injury prone, and quite rash.

      Other than that, we're fine 😉

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  4. Fader
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    GW2 RMT please?

    Begovic

    Clyne, Debuchy, Chambers [Hutton][Naughton]

    Sterling, Ramsey, Siggy, Cabella, Fabregas

    Rooney, Sturridge [Bojan]

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    1. trustmeimpurple
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Looks great

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    2. Twelve years a slave
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      The results will rate your team

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  5. Baggers
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Hi All

    I'm right in thinking a player can go up and down by more than 0.1m (max 0.3m rise) per week/round?
    I noticed Siggy should have gone up last night but doesn't appear to have

    Thanks

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    1. Hamstergod
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      It was 0.1 per day/0.3 per gameweek last season. I guess the reason why siggy didn't go up was wrong calculation , the websites which deal with price changes usually take around 3-4 GW to calibrate.

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    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Check the Hot Topic.

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      1. Baggers
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        ok cheers didn't even see that bit on the site 🙂

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  6. Jarvis
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    How did Arny play on the w/e?

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    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      No idea, members area probably tell the story.

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    2. Hubert
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Watched the game and he was one of Stoke's better players.

      Glad Villa won though 😀

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  7. Does their price prejudice how you assess budget options?
    President John F. Keninnsie
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    How much of an impact do players' prices have on your team selection?

    Before the season started, many people didn't feel confident playing Sigurdsson every week, due to his 6.0 price tag. However, his price was set while he was a rotation-prone Tottenham midfielder, not a nailed on attacking midfielder that is on all set pieces for Swansea. I can guarantee that if Siggy was 7.5+, which he probably would've been priced if he had already transferred before the pieces came out, people wouldn't even think of rotating him.

    4.0 defenders are also judged by their price tag instead of their potential. Every team in the premier league will get clean sheets this season, so every playing 4m defender will get clean sheet points. And yes, they get the same number of points for a clean sheet that the more expensive defenders do. Also, the clean sheets that the smaller teams get are usually quite predictable (look at Villa's last season). However, a lot of people view 4m defenders primarily as bench fodder and don't consider them for their starting XI... Why? Because of their basement price. Personally, especially in terms of the defenders in my team, I ignore their price when deciding who to play. If I think Villa will get a clean sheet, I'll gladly play Hutton over one of my more expensive defenders.

    I'd be interested in some thoughts on this. Would you have still gone for the Siggy/Bojan rotation if Siggy was priced more? Do you envisage playing your 4m defenders or are they permanently rooted to your bench?

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    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      I have Albrighton for a reason.
      To be able to play Siggy every week. 🙂

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      1. President John F. Keninnsie
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Same reason I have Marney 😀

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        1. Zep
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 2 months ago

          I thought you were going with Wanyama? 🙄

          😉

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      2. Bøwstring The Carp
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Snap, didn't plan on playing Albrighton with his opening fixtures so the injury made my decision even easier.

        I don't think he'll suffer much of a drop as well with his lowownership

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    2. Moin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Your post has made me to Riviere(c)

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    3. Twelve years a slave
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Of course people would rotate siggi if he was 7.5
      You wouldnt buy a player at that price to sit on the bench

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      1. President John F. Keninnsie
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah but this just shows how much price affects our team selection. Whether he's priced at 6.0 or 7.5 he's still going to get the same number of points, yet people choose to rotate him as they don't want to play a 6m mid every week.

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      2. Zep
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Your first comment completely contradicts your second comment... 😕

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    4. thetinkerman
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      4m defenders are usually that price for a reason. To be honest, I didn't go with Vlaar because Lambert is a manager who is known for not giving too much value to defensive solidity. Granted, he was 4m because he wasn't expected to start for Villa this season, so in that sense he's maybe 0.5m under-priced.

      Greatly under-priced players are a totally different story. If Siggy had been priced based on his season 2 years ago at Swansea then he's probably be 8m upwards. I personally had no intention of benching Siggy.

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      1. thetinkerman
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Sorry, I was talking about Hutton not Vlaar 😳

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      2. thetinkerman
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Also attackers are a totally different story. Normally you can bench a defender with the knowledge that they are likely to only get a clean sheet, and if they are priced at less than 5m then it is probably because they are not likely to keep many clean sheets. I personally never plan to regularly bench any player above 5m in the attacking category. For my bench I prefer to pick the cheapest starter and not rely on them. I'll avoid needing to rely on my bench by picking nailed-on options who have a good patch of fixtures and where I'm not tempted to bench them.

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          • 11 Years
          10 years, 2 months ago

          This is a good point. As we've seen with Siggy (in the extreme), the points can come at any time. The big hitting attackers score consistently - that's why they're the best. The mid-priced attackers haven't got that consistency... but could score in any given GW. Therefore, you need them in permanently to catch the hauls.... *he says having had Sigs in GW1* 😎 😛

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        1. President John F. Keninnsie
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 2 months ago

          I completely agree with all of your points. Attacking rotations very rarely come off as attacking returns are a lot harder to predict than clean sheets, especially attackers from weaker teams.

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          1. thetinkerman
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 13 Years
            10 years, 2 months ago

            Have a well earned hot topic 🙂

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            1. President John F. Keninnsie
              • 10 Years
              10 years, 2 months ago

              Cheers Tinkerman 😀

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    5. dd dd
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      i think the main reason would be if you had a 6.0 defender, would you want to have spent that money for them to sit on your bench?
      also most higher priced defenders play for a big team, again, generally why would you want a chelsea defender on your bench?
      obviously an extreme example but people have asked whether they should bench baines. you should never bench baines

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      1. President John F. Keninnsie
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah Baines is definitely someone you shouldn't bench due to his set piece duties. Chelsea defenders are another example of defenders I wouldn't bench as they proved last season they can get a CS against anyone.

        It's very rare that someone's team will have 3 defenders that are over 6m, but I'd play a 4m defender over every 5m defender if I was convinced with their fixtures/form.

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        1. dd dd
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 2 months ago

          yes in that case i agree.
          i have jones 5.5, clyne 5.0, bruce 4.0 and hutton 4.0.
          i would sub clyne for hutton depending on the fixtures but probably not jones.
          also hutton in his rangers days was a very attacking FB

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          1. President John F. Keninnsie
            • 10 Years
            10 years, 2 months ago

            Yep, i would too.

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    6. nedfoo
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Wish I went for 4x4.0 priced defenders at the start alongside Terry, I'll be doing it next season that's for sure

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

      People benched Siggy because of two things in my opinion which both came from this forum.

      (a) he many not play in the hole. Irrelevant if he did or not because at 6.0m on set pieces he's worth playing.

      (b) united are a defensive powerhouse ready to steam roller the premier league. Back3s are shite to is United's defence wingbacks and centre mid.

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      1. Irish Madridista ⭐
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        c) other players had much better fixtures, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, City, Everton all looked to have easier fixtures than Siggy last week.

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

          That would suggest Siggy as a fifth mid or one from those clubs as a fifth mid is that possible?

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        2. President John F. Keninnsie
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 2 months ago

          It's easy to saw now with the benefit of hindsight but there aren't many midfielders who I would've played over Siggy last week. He was pretty much guaranteed to play in the hole as Monk wouldn't play 2 strikers away against a top side, and United's defence looked terrible on paper. PLUS all of the set pieces he's on 😉

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      2. President John F. Keninnsie
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        (c) they decided to rotate him with... Bojan 😕

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

          Yeah whoever thought that Bojan thing up...

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    8. BeachBadger
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      The price dictates the ability to rotate though. I would rotate Yaya and Sanchez every week if I had the funds to do so

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      1. President John F. Keninnsie
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Craaaaazy 😉

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

      Some good points Innsie

      It needs to be remembered that price normally reflects the players ability to get points. So Hazard is expensive because it's expected he'll get ~200 points over the season, whereas Schurlle is 2.5m less due to his rotation risk and therefore the likelihood of less points over the course of the season.

      There are exceptions of course, such as Siggy, and even Hutton (who probably wasn't expected to be in the first XI when he was priced)

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      1. President John F. Keninnsie
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah absolutely Hubert.

        Siggy's ability to get points at Tottenham was a lot lower than it is now at Swansea, which is why he'd definitely be priced higher if he was a Swan before the prices came out. As a clearly underpriced pick, he's good enough to play every week IMO, which is why I've been baffled by people rotating him with the likes of Bojan. The main reason behind rotating him is his friendly price, so the fantasy managers who have realised that his price isn't a true reflection of his points potential and that he's good enough to play even in tough fixtures have been rewarded already.

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    10. SwissWavey
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Price makes no difference to me. I'll happily bench a premium forward if I think my other players will score more points.
      I benched Siggy because, of my front 8 he looked the least like scoring points. In fact all bar Eriksen and Giroud did score points. Likewise I benched Clyne (my 2nd most expensive def) because I didn't think Saints would get a clean sheet. They didn't. No sensible man would've put money on Clyne scoring. I also benched Guzan and played Begovic because I thought Stoke at home were more likely to get a cleanie than Villa in their game.

      All logical decisions that I stand by, they just went wrong.

      Maybe my only regret is having too strong a XV instead of just picking a strong XI.

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      1. President John F. Keninnsie
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        I benched Clyne as well, as you said, it was the logical choice.

        Your decisions were all logical on paper, but I'd prefer to have a cheap 4.5m mid to stop me from leaving points like Siggy's on the bench 🙂

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      2. thetinkerman
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        I think you hit the nail on the head with the last sentence.

        There are pros and cons to always having a strong bench. When the schedule is busy and rotation/injuries kick in, you need players on your bench who you can rely on to get at least 2 points. Sure, you risk benching big hauls, but it's better to have the budget options with big hauls on your bench than not at all, as long as you didn't weaken your XI to fit them in.

        Early in the season there is less danger of rotation (assuming you pick nailed-on players) and there aren't many obvious budget options and a good bench usually means benching 4.5m and 5m defenders. I think this is where many managers make a mistake. They try to pick an amazing squad and over-analyse rotation when, in reality, the best approach is to pick the best XI (maybe with the exception of 4.5m rotating defenders) and react quickly to bad picks by transferring them out rather than benching them.

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    11. Barry Woj
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      I think you're right regarding Sigurdsson's price and whether people consider him a starter or not. But I'm not someone who opted for a rotation strategy. It is far too annoying to get right and more or less never works out how you planned it would. I'd rather have the money tied up in better players on the pitch, so I picked my team with only a starting 11 in mind. I want my bench to be cheap and playing, that is all at this stage.

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      1. President John F. Keninnsie
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Fair enough, there's no right way to play FPL which makes it so fun and rewarding to try something different. Having 4/5 defenders that I'd be happy to play most weeks is my strategy but I'd never consider an attacking rotation.

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    12. chemikills
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      You my friend will go far in FPL with a critical eye like that.
      The fact is that prices in FPL don't denote quality, but from real life we often take price as a signal of quality.
      The fact is that actually we need to optimise on the budget given. However when choosing under uncertainty we often assume a higher priced player is better by nature of their price, when not always true.

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    13. Phaze 1
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      I honestly don't think price has that much of an effect on players selections in the long run. Why? Because FPL usually do an amazing job of pricing in players upside from the start. How many times have you seen a budget option be at the top of the points total come the end of the season? There are times they get it wrong ( Ramsey last season, Michu the one before) and when they do we pounc on it. Its too small a sample to really say Siggy is a must own right now anyway. 1 game does not a heavy hitter make.

      Sure a 4 mil player could get CS but their chances for doing so will be less that Chelsea or city' 6 mil + defenders(unless they played for city/Chelsea).

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  8. Bøwstring The Carp
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    All these ice-bucket challenges could cause players to be out with the sniffles 😕

    Such reckless behaviour 🙁

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    1. trustmeimpurple
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Agreed

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  9. Moin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Arsenal should try and get Remy! their problem will get fixed!

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    1. Aaron Ramessi - Straya
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      yeah he would be a great buy!

      still the problem of a cdm and cb to fix...manolas and carvalho would be nice

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      1. Moin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        yeah! you guys need a decent CDM and CB

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    2. It’s A Joke
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      There is a reason no one is signing Remy.

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  10. Lil John
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Re-upped from last article...

    A) Siggy or Tadic?

    B) Will Schurrle outscore Costa, Hazard and CFC def? (Not all together)

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  11. Underestimate players at your peril
    J0E
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Fantasy Football Scout daily hot topic

    Which player are we underestimating the most going into Gameweek 2?

    Alot of managers are dismissing ManU as a force? Perhaps Mata is the player we are underestimating the most? What about some of Newcastle's assets - Cabella looks dangerous. I'm not seeing many people draft him in?

    Who else will we be regretting underestimating by the end of Gamewek 2?

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    1. Aaron Ramessi - Straya
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Eriksen

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

        good choice....West Ham at home is a deceptive match. Can be hard to do anything. I see him doing well against QPR too.

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      2. The Hindu Monkey
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        yeah, his home form was simply sensational last spring, a massive threat home to a promoted side

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    2. Spike ⚽️
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Looking dangerous doesn't necessarily mean points so Cabella just needs monitoring for a couple of games. GW3 could be his time

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    3. SW6
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      I think many are underestimating WBA, the actually played very well vs Sunderland. I don't think it will be an easy match for Southampton (although I also thought they were excellent vs Liverpool).

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      1. SW6
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Hazard definitely as well

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    4. Valar(Keith)
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Eriksen, Cabella, Tadic, JWP, Ince to name a few

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    5. Moin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Mata definitely..
      Hazard, Riviere, and
      Pienaar as well

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

        Pienaar - yes indeed he and Baines link up really well..but in fantasy terms Pienaar could be better as the guy that scores or assists. I'm monitoring him too.

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        1. Moin
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 2 months ago

          He's in my Watchlist as well!

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      2. Thick Of It
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        I think Naismith could do well, and get some game time on the Everton side of things.

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          • 11 Years
          10 years, 2 months ago

          this. if everton had the fixtures, I'd be tempted to use him as a third striker with a beefy mid.

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        1. It’s A Joke
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 2 months ago

          I'd consider him if I knew he'd actually play.

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    6. BurnySizz
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Fab cos I sticking with mata 😀

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    7. Bøwstring The Carp
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Mata definitely, suppose Hazard was unlucky not to get anything in GW1. Tadic is also a dark horse

      Actually thinking of (c) him or Rooney. Expecting United to bounce back and score high in that game.

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    8. Hamstergod
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Eriksen, possibly Mata.
      I would also say Bony and the Swansea defense are a bit underrated as well as most of the Newcastle team (with he exception of Tiote, he will never be a fantasy option, unless there is a card based game)

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    9. Rödallegabomb ᴿᴮ
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Yaya

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        • 11 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        very much under the radar, isn't he, after a quiet GW1.

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

      Not seeing much love for Eriksen, Lamela or Vertonghen.

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    11. Chief
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      From what I gather from these threads, Eriksen isn't talked about enough (although I know he was mentioned a lot by the article writers here, kudos) and Fabregas should be given more credit. He's the heartbeat of that team.

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    12. Thick Of It
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Adebayor, and maybe one of Gomis or Bony (though I doubt the latters mind will be on the game, if he plays).

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    13. The_Druid
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Totally ignored: Shane Long.

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      1. SwissWavey
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        I thought long and hard about bringing him in. He'll come good soon, but hopefully not this week!

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    14. Bambi
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      lamela. easily

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      1. Sess!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Lamela was awful last match.

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    15. nedfoo
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      de Jong

      maybe not this week defending on his fitness, but I can see him becoming a force to be reckoned with!!

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    16. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Gouffran

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

      Possibly Sterling.

      The view is that the next two fixtures are unfavourable. He could score well therefore are we underestimating what he can produce regardless of fixtures?

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

      But in terms of differential perhaps Aguero.

      Big price plus his ropey fitness reputation maybe putting many off.

      The kinda guy who delivers in big games which City have coming thick and fast.

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    19. Qubit
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Mata is definitely being underestimated at the moment. He has a proven track record and fixtures to die for.

      Cabella isn't being underestimated as he is an unknown quantity at present - he is definitely one worth monitoring though :).

      There are other players being underestimated too, Eriksen, Lukaku (2 home games, albeit against tough opposition), Schurrle (given anything approaching regular minutes and he's in my team! Hazard even!

      This can of course be turned round and the question becomes who are we potentially overestimating?

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      1. Qubit
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        I also think Silva is generally underestimated. He basically scored at an identical rate to Hazard last season and everyone gushes about one and writes the other off.

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

          I have Silva and will keep...he's really consistent. Massive hauls are rare but he ticks over nicely with 5-10pt scores most weeks. Its one less place to worry about, just play him every week and hope he doesn't get injured.

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          1. Qubit
            • 15 Years
            10 years, 2 months ago

            Yep, nice to have that. Really helps avoid those sub 30 gameweeks! If he avoids injury I can see him being in my team in a few weeks time

            He was in my squad until a few hours before the deadline, when for some reason i decided to gamble on Fabregas 🙂

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    20. Baines on Toast...
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Lukaku? 😀

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    21. SEASIDER
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Mata and Lamela

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    22. factorxtaz
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      yeh I dont understand why people are kneejerking mata out after one game....

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    23. mookie
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Rooney(c), Mata and Spurs mids

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    24. Kalix
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Absolutely Sanchez and Cazorla are top of this list.

      8 chances created between them and are both dropping in price!
      Team Value madness at its best.

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      1. Kalix
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        not the best fixtures, but owners knew that when they got them in.

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    25. SwissWavey
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Coutinho. One day soon he'll start registering consistent 6+ returns.

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    26. Daniel Porridge
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      ive got to say oxlade chamberlain, i know he may not be a starter but last night with his second touch hit the post, he is on form, looks fitter than any other midfielder. Cazzorla not looking great so may get a run of games in my opinion.

      Pienaar as well had a good game for everton as did JWP for southampton. Cabella is a great shout, have him in my punt team but think he may need another week or two till newcastle seem more dangerous. I quite liked the look of colback as well. seemed quite sharp and on set pieces i think.

      Loic remy could be another shout. Nathan dyer for swansea and Cresswell for WHU on my watchlist. WHU have difficult fixtures though.

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    27. stefan00ch
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Schurle

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  12. Twelve years a slave
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Mata

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    1. Sess!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      What's mata with you?

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  13. Valar(Keith)
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Not sure which of Ince/JWP to get in first 🙂

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    1. Hubert
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      JWP

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  14. Wildcard
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Team A or Team B??

    Team A

    Courtois (4m)
    Clyne Terry Kelly (4m, 4m)
    Mata Rambo Sterling Siggy Cabella
    Costa Rooney (Naismith)

    Team B

    Krul
    Clyne Chester Kelly (PVA, 4m)
    Rambo Sterling Siggy Cabella (4.5m)
    Costa Rooney Aguero

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  15. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    I'll try again.....

    I have for reasons not being able to see any games at all, but would like insight from those that did. 
    Tottenhams game is what interest me....

    It is said they had a hard time scoring, so why did not Soldado get in?
    Yeah i know he is the subject of ridicule here but still he got over 100p last season and were amongst the top 10 forwards fpl-wise(or around that somewhere).
    Has Pochetino said anything that could clear this up? Did he have a knock? Is he on his way out?
    I mean Ade got tbe nod after having malaria, and he is in my opinion one of the laziest players around sometimes and spurs was said to struggle so why did not Soldado get a chance? If any have any insight it would be apreciated

    ost on last post....

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    1. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Really, none.....

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  16. The HiTmAN
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Any news on Siem De Jong, any chance of him starting?

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    1. nedfoo
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      back in training, chance of playing this weekend is what I've heard

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  17. Chief
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    I disagree with Sanchez's performance on the wing. He did not do so well, still trying to find his rhythm in the squad and adapting to the tactics. He looked better than the rest of the team though (sans maybe Ox) so maybe that's what caught the Scout's eye.

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    1. Misery likes Kompany
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      think there is much potential there.

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      1. Chief
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Surely, but not yet...

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  18. Valar(Keith)
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Any hull fans around.. is ince really nailed on? Sagbo back the next game so he should start upfront. where will ince play from next week? behind the 2 strikers?

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  19. Fader
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Q for you all....

    in terms of the h2h leagues... I got 66pts this week and I took a -4 on Saturday night but am still on 66.. so the -4 must kick in before the next gw starts.

    My Q is... if for example i got 60pts this weekend will I then get 56pts on the h2h? or 60 on the h2h but get 56 as the weekly amount?

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    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      56 in H2H.

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      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        60 on your page & in leagues.

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

      The -4 will be deducted from next week's score.

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      1. Fader
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        okay so i've already given my opponent a 4pt start ha ha

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

          Aye and this is why h2h league can be detrimental to your overall score as you sometimes don't take the hit you should take because you don't want to drop 4 points.

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          1. Fader
            • 10 Years
            10 years, 2 months ago

            thank you

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

              No worries and gl in your league mate.

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          2. nice_day
            • 11 Years
            10 years, 2 months ago

            Exactly. Last season I won our H2H league and I was 5th in score. When I knew I can afford it I even did -8 hit, because my opponent had crappy squad and almost every time it was worth it.

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    3. Moin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      your -4 will deduct next week

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  20. Misery likes Kompany
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Thinking of playing JWP (WBA) over Austin this weekend (tot)
    Good call?

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    1. Hank Scorpio
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      If JWP is nailed to start, then probably yes, but it's a close call IMO.

      I'm playing Austin ahead of Henderson personally.

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      1. Misery likes Kompany
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        worried about shane long arriving on the scene...

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        1. Hank Scorpio
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 2 months ago

          Hmm yes, but the performance vs Liverpool was decent, so hopefully Ronald sticks with the same set up this week.

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  21. skully
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    So snodgrass out for at least 6 month!????

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    1. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Sounds painful.

      That wagon went off the rail at the first bend.

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  22. stabba-d
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone know why Gylfi didn't rise last night? Have totalfpl lost it??

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    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Hot Topic.

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    2. Hank Scorpio
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Racoons burrowed into the FPL system and gnawed the wiring.

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  23. drughi
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Will I be able to escape GW 2 with this team ?

    krul

    wisdom debuchy lovren hutton

    sterling ramsey silva

    costa rooney sturridge

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    1. nedfoo
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Yep

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  24. Christina.
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Let the fun begin.....

    The manager spoke out about Van Persie’s fitness, and had the following to say:

    That is a question because we have lost. I think players have to be fit. But we have been training with Robin for three weeks. So the point that he can come in to the selection is close now,” Van Gaal told United’s official website.

    *Looks at "0" next to transfers for this GW

    😉

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      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      He didn't even make the squad for GW1... bit early yet. 😛

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    1. Hank Scorpio
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Bench this week, play the next?

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  25. Microeconomics
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Worried about my backline, do any of you beautiful people have any advice? 😉

    Debucy - Azpili - Bruce - Blackett - Wisdom (1.5 ITB)

    Was thinking Azpili > Cahill because I'm an idiot and got Azpili in the first place.

    But there's Clyne!

    So:
    A. Azpili > Cahill
    B. Azpili > Clyne
    C. Take a -4 hit to bring in both
    D. Some else > Clyne and gamble on Azpili
    E. Save the FT

    Thanks again!

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    1. Hank Scorpio
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Don't knee jerk on Azpi yet IMO.

      Blackett ---> Clyne?

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      1. Microeconomics
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        If Rojo comes into the squad, do you think Blackett will be dropped? Or will LVG shift his formation to have 4 in the back?

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    2. _nod
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      D

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      1. _nod
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        (Blackett)

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        1. Microeconomics
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 2 months ago

          Yeah, considering it. 3 strong defenders and two 4.0mil defenders makes me feel very safe

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          1. _nod
            • 11 Years
            10 years, 2 months ago

            Yeah, I think Blackett is far from nailed, best to switch him for somebody who is, like Clyne,

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  26. Giroud U Kidding
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Should I take Foster out of goal and replace him with a more expensive option or stick??

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    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Why did you pick him in the 1st place?
      Has that much changed since?

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    2. Giroud U Kidding
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      1

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  27. Bøwstring The Carp
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Quick (c) poll?

    Rooney/ Hazard here

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    1. Efan Ekoku Pops
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      I'm going for a cheeky punt on Hazard.

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    2. King H
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Eriksen

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    3. _nod
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Rooney or Costa

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    4. SW6
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Hazard

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    5. Az
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Ah just posted this on the new page

      going to punt on Hazard i think!

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    6. Rödallegabomb ᴿᴮ
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Aguero

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    7. Irish Madridista ⭐
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Cesc / Tadic / Siggy

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    8. kalmoffit
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Rooney Sturridge(vc)

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  28. King H
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Afternoon All.
    Not been on for 48 hours..
    What's the latest on Bojan .. Everyone giving him more time ?

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    1. Efan Ekoku Pops
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      I'm giving him another week at least. Same with Eriksen and Mata.

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  29. Siva Mohan
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Hull winger Robert Snodgrass out for six months with dislocated knee cap

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    1. pompeyfan
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Ouch

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