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First Impressions- FPL 2011/12 Price Guide

As relief sweeps through Fantasy Football Scout’s boards with the news that Fantasy Premier League (FPL) is finally up and running, we’ve decided to run our eye over the starting prices. There are some pleasant surprises to be found amongst the 2011/12 player listings, with plenty squad variety offered by what’s on offer. So, amongst the barrage of Rate My Teams, here’s our rundown on the most eye-catching of the FPL player pricing for this upcoming season:

In light of Gael Clichy’s move to Man City, Kieran Gibbs may well turn out to be the best option Arsenal’s defence. Coming in at 5.5, Gibbs is 0.5 less than the likes of Johan Djourou and Laurent Koscielny, and Arsene Wenger has hinted at giving Gibbs a chance to claim the left-back as his own. Thomas Vermaelen, despite playing only 5 games due to injury last season, is still priced relatively highly (7.0), with his 138pt, 2009/10 performances still clearly in FPL’s mind. With Wojciech Szczęsny now looking like the Gunners number one, his price jumps to 6.0, up from last year’s 4.5. No longer such a bargain, then.

Both Cesc Fabregas and Robin Van Persie are amongst a select few to come in at 12.0, the highest price for this upcoming Fantasy campaign. The Arsenal skipper’s likely move to Barcelona perhaps opens the door for Aaron Ramsey, at 6.5, though Jack Wilshere, also at 6.5, is a guaranteed starter and, depending on Arsene Wenger’s thinking, could fill the void left by Cesc’s departure. Theo Walcott has a jump in price, with the winger now at 9.0, only 0.5 less than Samir Nasri. Gervinho’s price, when added to the game, will be of great interest to Fantasy managers- if plenty starts are guaranteed, he could be better value for money than any Arsenal midfielder, though pre-season will reveal more.

The departures of Ashley Young and Stewart Downing means Marc Albrighton‘s position as right winger for Aston Villa looks nailed-on at present, and at 6.5 should represent good value for money. Darren Bent‘s consistency, season after season, sees him now priced at 10.0. New Villa keeper Shay Given starts at 5.0 and is a contender for cheap(ish) keeper rotation.

Blackburn’s Martin Olsson and Junior Hoilett may suffer as a result of their classification- Olsson comes in as a 5.5 midfielder but was fielded as left-back plenty times last season. Hoilett comes in as a 6.0 forward and although he may prove to be a viable third cheap striker, Steve Kean fielded him as a midfielder on a number of occasions last time round. Chris Samba, at 5.5, may be the best option to begin with, until Kean’s plans for his starting XI become more obvious. For 5.5, Bolton’s Gary Cahill stays the same price as last term and will perhaps only provide good value for money if a move away from the Reebok comes to fruition- he only just broke 100 in 2010/11.

Petr Cech is one of only two keepers to come in at a pricey 7.0. Both John Terry and Ashley Cole are listed at 7.5 but it’s the battle to partner Terry in the heart of the Chelsea back-four that may prove the most intriguing from a Fantasy perspective- Alex is 6.0 and David Luiz 6.5.

Frank Lampard is the highest priced Chelsea player, coming in at 12.0, with Florent Malouda listed at 10.5. Much depends on Andres Villas-Boas’ thinking but if the Frenchman continues as a first-choice player, his performances last season suggest he could provide better value for your budget. Fernando Torres will cost you 11.0, which is 0.5 more than Didier Drogba, but, once again, there’s so much uncertainty over who will be number one choice under the new boss that choosing one over the other is still just guesswork right now. Daniel Sturridge, at 6.5, could appear on many radars if he finds himself farmed out on loan again.

Along with Nemanja Vidic, Leighton Baines is the top-priced defender this term, starting at 8.0. Baines’ consistency, however, should still see him provide plenty value for money. Mikel Arteta is also priced at 8.0 and providing he stays fit, may be something of bargain, with set-pieces and penalties in his locker. Seamus Coleman is no longer a cut-price defender- last season’s performances have seen him rise to 7.0 and also re-classified as a midfielder. Coleman may well play at right-back this season and his number of Fantasy suitors will dwindle. If Jermaine Beckford can better his goal tally of 8 last season and crack double figures, a 6.5 pricing could bring him into the picture.

At 5.0, Mark Schwarzer looks another strong option as goalkeeper, though Fulham’s ability to repel opponents under Martin Jol is yet to be tested to the full. John Arne Riise‘s attacking strengths have been immediately acknowledged, as the Norwegian comes in at 6.0 in his return to the Premier League. Brede Hangeland is 6.5 due to the goal scoring exploits that saw him score 6 times last season, though central defensive partner Aaron Hughes‘ 5.0 may well prove to be the best value for money. Danny Murphy, at 6.0, looks nailed-on for penalties and may grab more goals from open play under Jol, though Clint Dempsey’s 8.5 sees him leap considerably from last year‘s 7.0 and the American may resultantly lose some of his appeal. Jol should play 4-4-2, though, and with Bobby Zamora, at 7.0, likely to be joined by Moussa Dembele or Andy Johnson (both priced 5.5), Fulham’s front men may come good next term.

Pepe Reina, at 6.5, is more expensive than all but one of the Liverpool defence; Glen Johnson‘s attacking game sees the full-back come in at 7.0, though if Martin Kelly can follow up last season’s performances, a price of 5.5 could be worth a punt if it becomes apparent he‘s a first choice.

A look at Liverpool’s new midfield boys sees Jordan Henderson at 6.5, Stewart Downing at 8.5, with Charlie Adam the highest at 9.0. Of the three, Downing looks the one guaranteed most starts. Dirk Kuyt comes in at 10.0 and Steven Gerrard at 11.0 but perhaps the biggest surprise comes when turning to their forwards; Luis Suarez is just 9.5 and will surely attract major investment, with the Uruguayan cheaper than Andy Carroll at 10.0.

Man City sees another pleasant surprise- while Vincent Kompany is re-classified as a defender this season, the Belgian is just 6.0, less than Aleksander Kolarov and Joleon Lescott, who are both priced at 6.5. Kompany will surely see plenty of interest on the back of this. With 18 clean sheets last term, the most of any keeper, Joe Hart is 7.0.

Both Yaya Toure and David Silva climb in price; Toure, despite outscoring Silva last time round, is 8.0 to the latter’s 9.5. Little surprise to see Carlos Tevez at 12.0, though with the Argentine likely to leave Eastlands, Mario Balotelli (9.0) or Edin Dzeko (8.5) could prove to be bargains, if Roberto Mancini decides not to replace Tevez and keep the faith in his current front men.

David de Gea‘s debut season sees the new Man United keeper start at 6.5, less than Hart and Cech. Rafael, at 5.5, will interest plenty Fantasy Managers if he nails down the right-back slot at Old Trafford- with John O’Shea out of the picture following his move to Sunderland, Rafael’s chances look good. As mentioned, Nemanja Vidic is priced at 8.0, with Rio Ferdinand‘s ongoing back problems seeing him come in at 6.5, less than Patrice Evra on 7.

The pricing of United’s wingers may come as a surprise- while both Nani and Ashley Young start at 10, Antonio Valencia comes in at 8.0; a strange one, given he should see just as many starts as the other two. Wayne Rooney begins at 12.0, though Javier Hernandez’s sensational debut campaign sees him jump to 10.0, with Dimitar Berbatov the lowest priced of the trio, on 9.5, despite his 21 goal haul last term.

With uncertainty over who will be Newcastle number one for 2011/12, FPL have hedged their bets and priced both Tim Krul and Steve Harper at 4.5. If either one establishes himself as a clear favourite, they could become a nice cheap keeper option. Jose Enrique starts at 5.0 for Newcastle but looks like being a good pick only if a move to the likes of Arsenal or Liverpool goes through. Steven Taylor, at 4.5, could be a good alternative here- he scored in the last three games of 2010/11. Joey Barton, at 6.0, still looks great value for money with set-pieces pretty much assured. Hatim Ben Arfa could prove to be a real bargain if he recovers full fitness, with 5.5 his starting price. Johan Cabaye is also 6.0 but the new signing is unproven in the Premier League and may take time to settle. Demba Ba looks more than decent value at 6.5 and will be a guaranteed starter.

For Norwich, Grant Holt is 5.5 and will be number one penalty taker to begin with. Wes Hoolahan also comes in at 5.5 and as the Canaries chief creator, could come good for those willing take a risky punt. Adel Taarabt starts at 6.5 for QPR but with French giants Paris St Germain seemingly ready to make a bid, it’s doubtful whether he’ll be at Loftus Road for the start of the season. New signing Jay Bothroyd begins the season at 6.0, though it’s unclear who will take penalties or free-kicks in the event of Taarabt’s departure. Spot-kick duties for Bothroyd would certainly increase his appeal but he seems a little too pricey in comparison to other, more assured options.

Asmir Begovic, beginning at 5.0, looks a safe bet for Stoke; with the keeper showing his capabilities between the sticks last term, more attention is likely to follow. Robert Huth‘s barnstorming previous season sees him come in at 6.0, and the big German looks like suffering in terms of Fantasy investment this upcoming campaign, with Begovic joined by Ryan Shawcross on 5.0. Matthew Etherington, at 6.5, looks another decent mid-range midfield option, particularly if he’s on penalties for Tony Pulis’ side.

John O’Shea starts his Sunderland career at 5.0 and, with his presence likely to boost the Black Cats defence, looks like being subject to heavy investment. Ex Man United team-mate Wes Brown begins at 4.5 and if he looks like a certain starter, may be the preferred option. Sunderland’s midfield offers up some intriguing options- Craig Gardner is 6.0, and if he’s given penalty duties by Steve Bruce, could prove to be a bargain. Bruce has hinted at playing Stephane Sessegnon in the hole behind a lone forward- if this materialises, his 6.5 price could even prove the better option. Seb Larsson is also 6.5 and is always a set-piece threat. Asamoah Gyan, the Black Cats main man up front, comes in at 8.0.

For the final promoted side, Scott Sinclair will see the most investment for Swansea; priced as a 6.0 midfielder, many have hopes for Sinclair to be this year’s Charlie Adam, with plenty goal threat and spot-kick duties. New striker Danny Graham will be Swansea’s number one forward next season and comes in at a mere 5.0 – Graham could be a dark horse here and is, arguably, the best low-price forward available.

Kyle Walker’s impressive loan spell at Aston Villa last term sees FPL slap a 5.5 price tag on the Spurs right-back, the same as Michael Dawson and new keeper Brad Friedel. Raphael Van der Vaart comes in at 10.0 but with a share of set-pieces in addition to spot-kicks, the Dutchman still looks good value. Gareth Bale and Luka Modric are both 8.0, though if Modric goes to Chelsea and plays further forward, the little Croatian could be a steal.

Peter Odemwingie start at 7.5, a reflection of the superb debut campaign that saw him grab 15 goals, 9 assists and 28 Bonus Points. With penalty duties also in the bag, the price won’t deter too many suitors. Roy Hodgson has hinted at more game time for Somen Tchoyi this season, with the player possibly utilised as a forward. At 5.5, he could be a great out-of-position player but is surely too risky to start the season with. Chris Brunt grabbed a respectable 130 points last time round and comes in at 6.0.

Charles N’Zogbia starts at 7.5 and looks value for money whether he stays at Wigan or moves on, with Everton and Aston Villa both intent on acquiring his services. N’Zogbia’s departure could allow Victor Moses to come to the fore for the Latics, and at 5.0, may be one to watch out for. Will new boy Dorus de Vries claim the keeper’s jersey for Wolves? If he does, a price of just 4.0 will boost his Fantasy attraction considerably. Jamie O’Hara, at 6.0, looks another good mid-price midfielder and with set-piece duties added to his ability to pick up Bonus, is surely a better option than Stephen Hunt and Matt Jarvis, who are also priced at 6.0. A fit-again Kevin Doyle could be a viable cheap forward option, with a 6.0 price tag against his name, 0.5 lower than fellow front man Steven Fletcher.

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2,011 Comments Post a Comment
  1. jumpas 4 Goalposts
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    looks like he has dropped in to the FPL abyss along with Yakubu ... dont seem him on the list?

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  2. jaydub720
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    Hart

    Hangeland Terry Baines Kompany

    Wilshere Giggs Nani S.Larsson

    Odemwingie Graham

    Subs:

    Schwarzer

    Dawson
    Albrighton
    Holt

    Any thoughts?

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    1. arsenalrock
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      Solid team, only worried about Giggs, and a weak forward line.

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    2. donners
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      Way too much invested in defense to be fair. Also Giggs is not really an option, and even Nani could also suffer from rotation.

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    3. Joga Bonito®
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      Terrible team, just look at your strikers. Giggs wont play as many games and Wilshere just plays as a holding midfielder. Nice defense though.

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    4. jaydub720
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      Thanks for the advice, I kept the same back line but modified my mids and strikers to get a little more fire power. I guess we'll see if Modric stays with Spurs, but I'm sure this lineup will change again anyway.

      Hart

      Hangeland Terry Baines Kompany

      Hoolahan Modric Etherington S. Larsson

      Hernandez Ba Graham

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  3. arsenalrock
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    Some thoughts on this team would be appreciated:

    Given Kenny
    Luiz Kompany Rafael Hughes Simpson
    Malouda N'zogbia Albrighton Sinclair Surman
    RVP Suarez Ba

    I have 0.5 mil in the bank just in case Suarez doesn't recover in time and can get Bent.
    Thanks

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    1. Joga Bonito®
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      Solid. If RVP stays fit he's always one of the main men. He's got glass legs though. At 12m it does mean that if he does get injured you can swap him for anyone you like.

      The only other one I'm not sure of is Malouda, again undoubtedly class but who knows what system Chelsea will be playing this year.

      I have 5 of the same players in my starting 11.

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  4. Hotlips
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    what do ye think of my team...any thoughts welcome..

    Given
    Kompany Luiz Dunne
    Olsson barton albrighton silva malouda
    RVP rodallega

    subs:Graham, brown, simpson

    2.5m in the bank to bring in lampard in week 2 for chelseas nice run of fixtures

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  5. Alex
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    My team:

    Begovic

    Rafael
    Huth
    Samba
    Kompany

    N'Zogbia
    Malouda (VC)
    Yaya Toure
    Wilshere

    Suarez (C)
    Hernandez

    Thoughts/comments please!

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  6. TeddiPonza
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    NOR swa QPR....Wigan's first three fixtures look very good. Might get Rodallega to cover that and sell him for Suarez for gw 4..!!

    Already planning until gw 4....and it's still 22nd of July....jeeeehhhh

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  7. Joga Bonito®
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    Some of your teams are terrible.

    Alex, that's not a bad one though. Solid all round.

    Everybody can see what big players are good value for money.

    If you're looking for a couple of good value bench warmers I think Tiote at Newcastle and Senderos at Fulham are both a good shout. Senderos at 4.5 should start every game if fit and can be a presence from corners. Tiote is also 4.5 and plays every game, he's loved my the toon fans and I can see him getting bonus points. They're not starters but good players to have as back up so you can spend more money of 1st team quality.

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  8. CFC1990
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    Hi is this team any good?

    Kenny (Given)
    Hughes, O'Shea, Kompany (Gibbs, Simpson)
    VDV, Lampard, Albrighton, Sinclair (Buzsaky)
    Van Persie, Odemwingie, Ba

    Cheers

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  9. KitCards.co.uk
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    Whats your opinions on the man utd midfield - I have young pencilled in, but valencia has just a good a shout of starting the games? i just wonder what the best XI would be, man utd have as many quality midfielders, as spurs tho. craziness.

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  10. northy96
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    Please Rate

    Given
    Alex Vidic Luiz Rafeal
    Bale Barton Walcott N'Zogbia
    Rodallega Suarez

    Ruddy Zamora Jarvis Dawson

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    1. northy96
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      Captain is Vidic and Vice is Suarez

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  11. GiftedNumber10
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    TalkSport this morning reporting that Taarabt deal to PSG is off...interesting one. If he stays he will be the first player on my teamsheet - the number of freekicks, penalties, assists and goals he gets are huge. He also takes all the corners, freekicks, penalties etc! Everything QPR did last year went through him pretty much. Whether he could cut it in the prem is up for debate, but for 6.5, seems a good buy to me...IF he stays.

    If he goes, QPR are screwed and I wouldn't touch any of their players with a barge pole, other than Kenny for obvious value reasons. I say all this as a QPR fan.

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  12. harrypalmer
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    Hello everyone,

    First draft team here, what do you reckon?

    Cech (Given)

    Jagielka, Rafael, Skrtel, Kompany (Riise)

    Barton, Walcott, Albrighton (Sinclair, Brunt)

    Holt, Bent, Suarez

    Kinda banking on Jags going to Arsenal. Midfield is a bit weak, Walcott is a gamble, also Suarez may not play straight away. But apart from that I'm happy!

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  13. culverwood
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    Hart (Schwarzer)

    Kompany, Luiz, Gibbs (Brown) (Simpson)

    Murphy, Wilshere, Downing, Modric, (Ferguson)

    Van Persie C, Zamora, Suarez V

    Any comments?

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  14. The Blind Badger
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    Team draft number 7691:

    Given, SUN GK (all 4.5 whoever is no.1)

    Kompany, Rafeal, Luiz, Alcaraz, Wes Brown

    Downing, Benayoun, Ramsey, Sessegnon, Albrighton

    RVP, Torres, Dembele.

    I know I'm taking a gamble on a couple of mods but if they are not starting XI then will be dropped.

    Otherwise what do you guys think?

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    1. Alex
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      I'd pick Mignolet to be no. 2 keeper there.

      Solid back 4, I'd have Brown over Alcaraz in the starting 11 tho.

      Question marks over Benayoun and Ramsey in midfield, bit of a gamble. Will both be regular starters and will they produce? Not sure.

      Van Persie and Torres is a good front line, providing Torres finds his feet at Chelsea. I've always rated Dembele too, very tricky, skilful player.

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      1. Alex
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 8 months ago

        While I'm here can I ask your opinion on my side? I've changed it around.

        Begovic;
        Rafael, Huth, Samba, Kompany;
        Malouda (VC), Yaya Toure, Wilshere;
        Odemwingie, Suarez, Hernandez (C)

        Subs: Mignolet, A. Hughes, Tiote, O'Hara.

        Have I made the right move in going 4-3-3? Anyone there not worth considering? Cheers.

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  15. FantasyFreako
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    Is anyone else's transfer funds disappearing?? I've lost 2.5m already from three re-shuffle's.

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    1. Sasquatch
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      Quite a few people are claiming this, alarmingly. Email FPL is the only advice I can give you.

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  16. kosmonaut
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    First draft, if anyone cares to comment.

    de Gea
    Rafael, Baines, Kelly, Kompany
    N'Zogbia, Valencia, Barton, O'Hara
    Van Persie, Suarez

    Subs: Given, Holt, Brown, Tiote

    Weak midfielt, but the thought is to free funding to get VDV from Van Persie or Suarez if they fail to deliever.

    0 in the bank.

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  17. livewire_82
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    Who do people consider to be the best £8mil midfielder? Arteta, Toure, Valencia, Modric or Bale?

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  18. livewire_82
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    So much tinkering, I can't stop!!!!!!

    Thoughts please:

    Given (Kenny)
    Luiz, Hughes, Kompany, Rafael (Simpson)
    Albrighton, Arteta, VDV (N'Zogbia) (Sinclair)
    Ba, RVP, Zamora

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  19. Oliver Reed
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    has anyone written Humbug after Ba yet...

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  20. ToffeePat
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    Hi lads...

    Latest draft here

    Given, Al habsi

    Huth Hangeland Kompany Luiz Bardsley

    Brunt Osman O'hara Etherington VDVaart

    Bent Suarez Dembele

    What ye reckon?

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  21. rajrooney007
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    Who should be abetter pick bothroyd or Holt??

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  22. Max
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    My team: Help would be great as this is my first year doing this!

    Given

    Luiz Gibbs Kompany

    Bale Wilshere N'Zogbia Taarabt

    Odemwingie Rooney Suarez

    Subs:Alcaraz Sinclair Simpson

    cheers!

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  23. probably gonna win
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    Alrighty my team at the moment:

    Schwarzer Given

    Hughes Kompany Gibbs Samba (Simpson)

    Albrighton Nani Nzogbia Murphy (Tiote)

    RVP Ba Torres

    at the moment tossing up between:
    1) Samba and Kelly
    2) Murphy and Barton

    any comments and help much appreciated!

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  24. supersham
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    what do ye all think of my starting 11?

    Hart
    Luiz Kompany Samba
    Albrighton Silva Downing Tiote
    Van Persie Suraez Ba

    Comments plz

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  25. damo_sull
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    My team is
    De Gea
    Clichy Luiz Kompany Riise
    Taarabt Ben Arfa Craig Gardner Downing
    Torres Suarez

    Subs: Mignolet, D.Ba, John O' Shea, C.Tiote

    Any thoughts???

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