Feb
01
The early mix of speculation and facts have been put together to update the team news for the weekend. This was written just after the closure of the transfer window with deals like Defoe to Portsmouth still just popular rumour. Hopefully I’ll get the opportunity to update this once the dust has settled later today.
Rankings and Scout Picks are likely to be updated tomorrow evening if not earlier.
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Mark,
Is it confirmed now that Cahill is out, instead of a doubt? Coz, I read a news today saying that he is expected to pull out from the Socceroos game due to nursing a hamstring injury .. (source: Foxsports)
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This is my team for this week:
Unicron
Grimlock
Optimus Prime
Rodimus Prime
Soundwave
Starscream
Ultra Magnus
Ravage
Ronaldo (c)
Galvatron
Megatron
Hands up, who’s jealous?
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Quote mcfc.co.uk:
Manchester City have confirmed that the proposed transfer of Portsmouth striker Benjani to the Blues was unsuccessful.
City spokesman Paul Tyrrell said, “Due to the late arrival of the player in Manchester we were unable to complete the transfer.”
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Hi Mark!
why no Gareth Barry in the Aston Villa squad?
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ESPNSoccernet has a story that suggests both the Defoe and Benjani transfers have been completed:
“Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe has completed his move to Portsmouth after being made to wait until the final few minutes of the transfer window for Benjani to finalise a deal with Manchester City. Defoe will link up again with former manager Harry Redknapp at Fratton Park, while in-form Pompey striker Benjani has moved to Manchester for a reported fee of around £9million”
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What do you guys think of Prica? Do you think he’ll be a good bench warmer?
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I’m torn between Ballack and Arteta (both 8.4m) as a Cahill replacement. Any suggestions, or another in the 8-8.5 range (not Petrov)?
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I got the same problem as Phil
My current team is:
James
Lescott, Ferdinand, Laursen, Steinsson
Arteta, Ronaldo(C), Fabregas
Anelka, Tevez, Adebayor
Have an extra 1.1 in the bank as well
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I could be wrong but I think Davies (Fulham) has signed for Rangers… and he is named in Marks Fulham line-up.
As for this week - it really looks like a week of few clean sheets, so what does everyone think. Play more strikers and less defenders?.. My problem is that my strike force includes Bent and Benjani. Anyone any ideas who I could take in instead of these guys?!.. or Benjani anyway
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Further to post #7, my other option is to replace Cahill with a cheap midfielder (eg Noble) and upgrade Benjani (yes, some of us still have him but the Man C saga can hardly have helped his confidence) for a Berbatov/Tevez/Anelka type.
I hate making these decisions. Maybe I should see my chairman and resign, a la Keegan.
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Further to my question above on replacing Bent and Benjani.
What do people think of lads like Kitson or Jones??
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Hi Mark, I saw on your Wednesday notes you were tipping Jagielka. When the African Cup finishes how confident are you that he will continue to start? Good site by the way.
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Hi Mark,Is Gareth Barry injured or suspended for Aston Villa?I know he was on 4 yellows but I drafted him in for the week thiking he might be heavily involved in the Fulham match with no Young to take free kicks
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Defoe is in FPL at 7.5m. Sligtly expenive IMO!
Would it be worth taking a 4 point hot to swap him for Benjani?
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Moyes, from Everton’s home site:
” Tim (Cahill) has got a hamstring injury so I am not sure if he will be fit for the game against Blackburn”.
That doesn’t really help us much, David.
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Jones and Kitson are pretty good solid perfomrers giving results over the long term not just for a weeks punt. You have to take into account their price relative to their scores. Remember they won’t be giving a goal every week but then they cost 3.5 to 4 million less than the likes of Adebayor.
The other thing is to look at Sunderland and Reading fixtures and make some decisions on what you can expect from that. Its a bit of a mixed bag for both until end of the season. Rotating them is an option I’m using right now.
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What captain this week??
Think Im going to pick a Brummy, against Derby.
Ronaldo playing against King and Woodgate, be a great game.
Need to make my decision before 5, no net at home.
Have a good feeling about Gerrard this week
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I have Ingimarrson and Hahnemann in my squad. Reading are home to Bolton..
Tempted to pull a sly one and bring them in for Green and maybe Evra or Laursen…
Anyone think that’s a good idea?
So in the real football world, Defoe goes for somwhere between £9 and £12m, and Benjani’s (still up in the air) transfer price is £6.5m….
What the devil’s going on there?
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I forgot to drop James before the United game and since they are up against Chelsea this game i think ill replace him.
Niemi was my sub keeper and i didnt play him and he went on to keep a clean sheet but i dont think hell do that against villa.
Any suggestions?
Am thinking Reina or Carson but can make my mind up!!
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My team is currently:
James (Niemi)
Mellberg Vidic Lescott (Hreidarsson) (A Hughes)
Larsson Gerrard Fabregas Ronaldo (J O’Brien)
Agbonlahor Jones Benjani
with 2.3m in the bank
Which would be the wisest move
James for Carson (with 2mil in bank)
Mellberg for Laursen (with 0.9mil in bank)
Agbonlahor for Adebayor (with 0.7mil in bank)
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@barry : Adebayor.
Can’t wait for scout picks
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I think Gerrard is so overdue a good performance Sunderland at home is the best chance, lets not forget that Sunderland have only been improving as of late which doesnt mean we can look too much into their 2-0 during the week,I have Torres and he is due a goal or two but with Captain Ronaldo not showing any sign of letting up his form its way too much of a risk to make Torres or Gerrard captain,but am in second in my league but am 75 from the leader,have to start taking risks or is still too early to take any major risks?any takers on this risk theory?
Ronaldo/Gerrard/Torres for Captain?
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Barry…..I’d go for Adebayor over Agbonlahor with £0.7 million in the bank no doubt. Adebayor is in fine form and Arsenal’s main talisman whereas Agbonlahor, although a great player, doesn’t score you many points as consistently. Plus the £0.7 million in the bank will be great to exchange one of your poorer players for a higher quality one.
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Anyone know what time the scout pics are usually updated?
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Benjami and Cahill are going to be doubts!! I have them both in my side, so I am going to take a 4 point hit and trade for Jones and Ballack. Need to make a move!!
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Mark,
I’ve held on to Forsell for a couple of weeks, because of the Derby game at home tomorrow. Since then they’ve brought in a couple of players.
Will Forsell start?
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@ Martin
It will be Jerome and McFadden up front mate IMO
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Need a midfielder for 6m
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Flamini @ 5.9
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@Barry:
I agree with Sam for the reason he states, and also because Mellberg will score this weekend. Guaranteed.
-TheNecromancer
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When will Pienaar be back from ACN?
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someone please reply….WHY IS BARRY NOT IN YOUR TEAM MARK? lol iv looked on here but no answers! please reply
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Which is most likely:
a) BIR being able to keep a clean sheet home to DER?
b) MID clean away to NUF?
or
c) BOL clean away to RED?
Informative and/or witty responses requested.
Gracias,
TheN
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a).
Brevity is the soul of wit.
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any information on why Barry isnt in the team news team
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… and Phil is its harbinger.
Thanks.
TheN
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Whens Pienaar back?
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Are you just gonna ask that every other minute?
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Anyone know when Lampards likely to be back from injury?
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@Ollie
Referring to Everton FC website, he’s ruled out for this gameweek. So most likely the next gameweek
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What about The Gladiators?? When are they back?? Please help. I can’t pick my team unless I know.
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@Sam
I think Mark was making the team news
Calm down, man
in a hurry. So he missed out Barry and the news about Cahill.
Still waiting for his scout picks ..
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Sould I change Cahill for Pienaar to free up money to sign Defoe instead of M.Bent?
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Does anyone know why I’ve been left out this gameweek? I’m not too happy about it I can tell you. Still, at least Capello likes me.
Gareth.
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Diarra or Pienaar?
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Somehow i got a hunch that Cahill is going to play this weekend. Moyes was giving out the news about his hamstring just about the reason so he could miss out his game with the national team. And then suddenly he will play this weekend, and it’s already too late to fly back to Australia. And then of course he will play again for next gameweek.
You’ll never know ..
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Anyone think bringing Flamini on for Petrov is a good idea? Got Petrov pretty early on, so I’d lose a lot of money if I wanted to buy him back.
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My team for this gameweek
M.Taylor
Belletti, Carragher, Wheater, Laursen, Lescott
Gerrard, Fabregas, Bentley
Adebayor, M.Bent
Subs: Hart, M.Petrov, Diarra, Benjani
Should any of the subs start?
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Does Mark usually wait till Saturday morning to put up his scout pics???
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no. usually there are up early the day before but during the christmas period they were updated around 9pm because of the short period between gameweeks.
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I was asking mark
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when you ask someone a question you always use the third person?
nut you’re welcome.
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Does Mark know if Gareth Barry will play?
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Does Mark want me to get rid of Gerrard?
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@ Inishman
Thanks mate! The last two posts were some imposter who has too much time on his hands! He is really good fun tho isnt he…. !!
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try this: http://www.willgarethbarryplay.co.uk
I tried it with with http://www.willalumuniaplay.co.uk and it told me that he will not play because he has hurt his thumb. Great site.
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Hi guys,
Arca is listed as a defender in my game.
Is he worth a punt in light of this?
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@ Chris
Yeah bud they will most likely be up soon. Well hope so anyway cos I have pints to drink!!!
Anyone here think Defoe is worth a punt for 2moro and long term??
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I don’t know if Mark knows, if Barry knows, if Mark knows, that Barry knows, when Mark knows, if Barry knows if he’ll come out to play.
Have you tried asking Mark if he knows?
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The link does not work!! Please help.
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Go get a life Chris and use your own name mate. Or is ‘Dick’ too hard to spell?
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*Hopes Mark will include Gareth Barry in his scout picks*
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Does anyone have any suggestions as to whether I should play Gareth Barry tomorrow, I am thinking of resting him??
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I’m downgrading my GK to raise cash. Who would you lot suggest for a clean sheet tommorrow?
Birmingham?? Bolton?? Can’t really see many cleans tho
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When are the scout picks due Mark?? Corry is on soon and I have to unplug the Pc for me wife. Please, please tell me.
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Really in need for some advice with my team, i’ve had the midfield for ages now so doing well through those gems. However begining to slip from top spot in my mini league, so looking for a couple of decent transfers to help me out! My team is:
1.Hart, 12.cerny
2.ferdinand, 3.dunne, 4.wheater, 13.taylor, 14.bramble
5.petrov, 6.bentley, 7.ronaldo, 8.gerrard, 9.cesc
10.berbatov, 11.adebayor, 15. Forrsell.
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Unplug that PC Chris. It’s time to come over here and massage my feet whilst I watch Corry.
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SO what does everyone thnk, will Defoe actually get consistent starts at Pompey? Benjani, Defoe, Kanu, Utaka, (at least wehn they all get back from ACN)…not worth the transfer in my league unless he consistently starts…help! Could be a great way to get ahead of some peope if he comes right and, starts, and actually scores. he loves Rednapp too…let me know!
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My team
Barry
Barry
Barry
Barry
Barry
Barry
Barry
Barry
Barry
Barry
Barry
Subs: Barry, Barry, Barry, Barry
Now, do I take Barry out for Barry and also put Barry on for Barry?
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Barry,
Who is your captain gonna be?
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I’m always pleased to be asked my opinion, so here it is:
I think Defoe will get some starts but it’s probably best to wait and see.
Of course he would increase his chances, of starts, if he “accidentally” drops an anvil on Kanu’s head.
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Whats more likely,
a)Jones to score v Liverpool
b)Wheater to score v Newcastle
Got Jones in my team, thinking of subbing him for Wheater, cause I have a feeling Sunderland are gonna get hammered this weekend.
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Still no scout picks.
I normally do my transfers early in the week but decided to wait for Mark’s advice this time.
Need a new goalie but can’t see many clean sheets this weekend. Was set on Cech but now Defoe’s at Pompey I’m undecided.
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Alex:
Well, it was going to be Barry, after Barry was dropped for shagging barmaids, Barry pulled his groin, Barry pulled her groin, Barry got suspended for a balls high tackle on Barry. Of course after Barry and Barry had that bust up on the pitch, that only really leaves Barry, and he’s just had an anvil dropped on his head by Jermain Defoe.
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Same here, sneak.
But i think it’s better to spend on Chelsea’s defender than Cech.
The candidates for clean sheet are Lehmann (almunia injured), Hahnemann, and Reina.
So as Lehmann is gonna be a 1 gamer, Reina .. not really convincing, and even more is Hahnemann, so i don’t really think that we have to change our goalkeeper
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Barry,
Haven’t you heard? Barry just got red i’d after twisting his knob in a training ground brawl with Barry. Barry was suspended for this week’s match anyway, but Barry is now injured, so you’d better drop him to your bench.
Or transfer him out for Barry. He’s about to rise.
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bugger.
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Ok, so Lay-man (ARS v MCY) or Taylor (BIR v DER) more likely to keep a clean sheet?
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Taylor for me bud!
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Scout pics oh scout pics, where for where art though oh Scout pics?????
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Cheers Mad, you’ve only gone and confused me more mate. Lol
Got Hart and Gordon at the moment so got to change one soon.
The Undertaker (Avram Grant) keeps rotating the full-backs and Terry+Carvalho are both short-term absentees so that’s why I thought Cech was the smart way to go.
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Marc C: Your back 4 + goalie needs strengthing. you prob play 3-5-2 and maybe you need to sacrifice 1 of your midfield to get a top goalie or two new defenders. You prob only just got wheater but dunne,taylor,bramble are not getting you many 6’s. Hope ferdinand is of the man utd variety and not his younger lookalike from west ham. Change your back 4 and you should’nt look any further than the usual suspects.
I am giving this advice after 5 stella, a bottle of blue nun and 3 barcadi and cokes. I will give you more crap advice later.
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So is Flamini worth getting or was last gameweek a one-off?
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@Paul:
I play the Yahoo game, so there is no issue with signing Lay-man for a single match, then rotating to another keeper.
Same response?
-TheN
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If were talking goalies, then my scout pick for this weekend is a clean sheet and a penalty for Green as Wigan will surely not score.
Hick, burp, hick
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If were talking goalies, then my scout pick for this weekend is a clean sheet and a penalty save for Green as Wigan will surely not score.
Hick, burp, hick
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dear dad:
you are being redundant and repeating youself.
time for night night.
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That’s strange?? I realised that I missed ’save’ out and tried to put it in quickly and its posted them both.
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TheNecro:
Your right, I am seeing double
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where are these scout picks then??
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Ahhh, dipping into the green fairy (absinthe), I see.
Jolly good.
Explains your favoring of the WHU keeper.
Seeing as he is not within my budget, would you favor Taylor or The Mad German for a clean sheet?
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@TheNecro
only 1 gameweek and then bubye 
Taylor looks decent as well 
So Reina it is?
@Sneak
Haha .. okay .. go on with your Cech. I feel that Grant prefer Belletti more for Prem League games. Ferreira as back up only when Belletti is injured, suspended and when it’s FA cup or Carling cup games.
Although, of course it’s okay for you if Chelsea don’t get clean sheet this GW, and Cech kept making marvelous but not so many saves
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No scout picks? Oh no! We might have to grow some balls and make our own decisions this week!
The end is upon us!
Can anyone answer these most pressing of questions?
Will Defoe get starts at Pompey?
Who should be captain?
and
IS BARRY PLAYING?
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The Necro:Got to be the mad sulking german as I had alumunia and I was confident that he would keep a clean sheet as city don’t really have a strike force and the sulking mad german has point to prove.
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Who is currently the best player to choose as catain besides C Ronaldo? Tough question huh?
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Maybe I could use the price difference to sign Barry.
I hear he is starting (or not) and will score a brace (or not).
Better make him captain (or not).
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Ballack is the guy, I think.
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@ ner ner
Defoe was on Sky sports newstonight saying that the clincher was that Harry is guarenteeing him starts - Harry backed it up by saying that he hasnt bought him to sit on the bench for 1st few weeks.. HE WILL START every games where possible!
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who for captain then??
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1000 post and Im off to bed
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I predict Defoe to score on his debut, Gerard to score and get back on track with bonus points and Ronaldo to continue top form
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Ha ha take a 0 off. Just swapped Arteta for Ballack and I am sticking with that.
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where aaaaaaaaaaaaaare theeeeese scout picksssssss..zzzzzzzzzz
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Your zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzs went outside the designated area. You will be banned.
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I am not doing them tonight, so get to bed you sad fantasy football losers and give your wives/girlfriends/boyfriends some time instead of spending all you time on this site. Bugger off.
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I have none of the above and shall stare at my screen until you have officially told me what the hell to do.
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Sorry for the delay guys…didn’t get any free time at work today to update and had some stuff to sort at home tonight. Things are being updated now though. Rankings are done and Scout Picks will be up in 10 mins. Will post in a bit too.
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Yer dad thanks for the advice and happy drinking, yes rio is in, thinking of swapping hypia or jagelkia for dunne, would love to get a chelsea guy in there but think i’ve missed the boat, what with the missing gameweek. Really don’t want to lose a mid but if i was too, who do you reckon?
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Mark, I’m already in bed… with your bird!… she said you would be doing the scout pics!!
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You mean you have a life outside of this site? How dare you! Work? family? next you will be telling us you go to the pub or play sports and have friends.
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I don’t get it…why does HE get to have a life??
I’m still at work for god’s sake…
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Marc c: Got to be either bentley or petrov. I shipped out bentley a few weeks back even tho he is a great player, he never seems to get assists,goals,bonus, just 2’s and 3’s. You could then get a belletti or an alex and get a really cheap midfield bench warmer. Midfielders are not doing well at the moment apart from you know who. Are you a Man city fan Marc??
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Here’s one for ya, Hart or Cerny? Prob gamble on Cerny, ‘cos I think City will deffo fold to the the alien & Manuel. Gerrard for captain,
Roberto
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Do my eyes deceive me: Hart as scout pick when he’s playing Arsenal? I know Man City are pretty good defensively at home, but surely there’s gotta be a better bet for a cleansheet!?
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Yer dad, no arsenal through and through, just not trusting the arsenal defence, leaky as. Thanks again for the advice.
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The scout picks are up! Barry as captain? Who would have thought it?
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Carew or Agbo to score??
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Laursen for captain for me
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There will a sigh around fantasy land with Barry in the scout picks.
I think he has only gone in to keep Chris (the real one!) happy.
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