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Site Features December 27

Monday Dugout Discussion

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Put up your feet, pour yourself another glass of mulled wine and grab that tin of Quality Street. After all it is christmas, and after all we’ve got another match to take in as we round out gameweek nineteen just as soon as it starts.

The Dugout Discussion closes it’s door for no-one and a festive game between Arsenal and Chelsea are no exception. Just nineteen weeks down and Arsene Wenger finally gets to start his two key players – Cesc Fabregas & Robin Van Persie – together for the first time this season, while the likes of Walcott finally get a start after weeks waiting patiently on the bench. Managerial heavyweight Carlo Ancelotti meanwhile gets to start Frank Lampard for the first time since August also. Team sheets in full are…

Arsenal: Fabianski; Sagna, Koscielny, Djourou, Clichy; Song, Fabregas, Wilshere; Walcott, van Persie, Nasri

Chelsea: Cech; Ferreira, Ivanovic, Terry, Cole; Essien, Mikel, Lampard; Kalou, Drogba, Malouda

Come join the festive banter as we all gorge on treats ahoy together and close out the gameweek in the Dugout Discussion.

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

2,892 Comments Post a Comment
  1. 50 Fent
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 5 months ago

    Is Fabregas out for this GW?

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    1. flyover
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 5 months ago

      Yep.

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      1. maglia rosa
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        13 years, 5 months ago

        sorry jus posted bout this below....how do ya know that flyover?

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      2. 50 Fent
        • 13 Years
        13 years, 5 months ago

        How come??

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        1. Alan The Llama
          • 14 Years
          13 years, 5 months ago

          5th yellow of the season

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  2. EL TANO
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 5 months ago

    Al Habsi (Jaask)

    kolarov kyriakos baines rafael (simpson)

    vdv nasri nani malouda (nzog)

    carroll drog (elmander)

    got 2 free transfers

    1. malouda > gerrard
    2. drog > tevez
    3. both
    or...
    4. jaask > gordon + malouda > gerrard

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  3. maglia rosa
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 5 months ago

    jus seen some discussion bout cesc being out this gameweek is that true?

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    1. EL TANO
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 5 months ago

      5yellows

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      1. maglia rosa
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        13 years, 5 months ago

        good lad thanx

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    2. EL TANO
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 5 months ago

      hey dog
      its papa t here again offering up my gerrard option
      thoughts on gordon or tevez in?

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  4. Back to Back Ballacks
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 5 months ago

    How am i fixed boys??,,already done bale > VDV,i know city have bad home record but fancy a goal spree 2m so tevez is Skip for sure!.,should i be doin a double or am i good to go?
    Carson (Jussi)
    Shawcross-Cole A-Kolarov (Cahill,Foley)
    Van der Vaart-Gerrard-Nasri-N’Zogbia-(Rodwell)
    Tevez (c)-Carroll-Rooney
    Meerry Crimbo!!

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    1. 50 Fent
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 5 months ago

      Looking pretty solid I'd say!

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    2. neopaint2005
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 5 months ago

      Looks solid enough, you should have a strong week.

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    3. EL TANO
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 5 months ago

      pretty sweet ballacks

      any opinions on my options above?
      looks like yr banking on the thug (gerrard)

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      1. Back to Back Ballacks
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        13 years, 5 months ago

        lol,,,ya and im a manc!!!!,,,sssshhhh!!!,,,hang on ill ck ur team

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        1. Back to Back Ballacks
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          13 years, 5 months ago

          4444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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          1. EL TANO
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            13 years, 5 months ago

            thanks chief
            that's been my gut move all week

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  5. Cook Long, Brown Baker Bunn
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 5 months ago

    Okay, need advice, this is my team:

    Hart (Al-Habsi)
    A Cole, Onuoha, Vidic, (Rafael, Samba)
    Cahill, VDV, Nani, Etherington, (N'Zogbia)
    Carroll, Tevez, Piquionne,

    Should I play Rafael or N'Zogbia, and if so who do I rest?

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    1. Cook Long, Brown Baker Bunn
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 5 months ago

      Cole has frustrated me for a while now, but Chelsea have some promising fixtures ahead... Rafael seems to have been performing well recently so it's the risk of playing two MU defenders... Which paid off last week.

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  6. maglia rosa
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 5 months ago

    punter takes the long walk

    whoo whoooo

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    1. Cook Long, Brown Baker Bunn
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 5 months ago

      Whoo hoo for some, sad times for others...
      TBH it's great seeing the English show such class over the Aussies. Coming from an Aussie.

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      1. maglia rosa
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        13 years, 5 months ago

        been a long long time and many many humiliations so ill enjoy it while it happens one thing grabbing the ashes at home, quite another doin it in oz can hardly remember the last time it was so long ago

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        1. Cook Long, Brown Baker Bunn
          • 13 Years
          13 years, 5 months ago

          Yeah, its certainly something that's been long awaited, it was coming... Would have been nice to have seen Freddy in the team and celebrating.

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    2. Cook Long, Brown Baker Bunn
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 5 months ago

      It's lovely watching the English use reverse swing so well, something the Aussie bowlers seem to be still trying to work out...
      I'm a big fan of Jimmy Anderson, been a fan of his for years now.

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      1. maglia rosa
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        13 years, 5 months ago

        sad to see harris go off earlier he got that typical aussie attitude a lot of the rest miss but siddle done great esp at his home ground

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  7. 50 Fent
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 5 months ago

    Morning all!

    Current team:

    Hart
    Elmo, Baines, Raphael, Kolarov (Williamson)
    Nani, Nasri, Adam (Fabs, Brunt)
    Carroll, Tevez, Elmander

    My midfield seems sketchy now that Fabs and Brunt both miss this GW. Have 1 transfer and only 0.1 in the bank. Any ideas greatly appreciated.

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    1. Cook Long, Brown Baker Bunn
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 5 months ago

      VDV mate, Fabs out for VDV, it'll be worth it - long term.

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      1. neopaint2005
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 5 months ago

        Fab out for this week and in VDV, next week bring Fab back for Nasri but you may need to find more money somewhere.

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        1. Cook Long, Brown Baker Bunn
          • 13 Years
          13 years, 5 months ago

          +1 to that, great suggestion.
          Elmander to Piquionne would free up a little cash,

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    2. EL TANO
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 5 months ago

      your midfield kind of doesn't exist dude
      brunt adam fab all out
      apparently bramble might play and he's 4.4 so if you ditch williamson you could get him
      biggish punt but no choice if you want 11 to play

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    3. flyover
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 5 months ago

      Adam's out, too. He still hasn't served his suspension for five bookings. (I'd keep him, though, with all the DGWs coming up.)

      Maybe dump Brunt for N'Zog or Etherington (if you wan't someone about as good at the same price) or Barton or Albrighton (if you want to get some cash).

      Or Fabs out for Gerrard, since Liverpool have DGWs in 22 and 24.

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      1. neopaint2005
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 5 months ago

        +1 on Gerrard, you need to do something with your midfield since you have 3 midfield missing this GW, Gerrard have DGW coming up and you don't have and Liv coverage atm.

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    4. 50 Fent
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 5 months ago

      Thanks gents great feedback. I think I'll swap Fabs for VDV this week, then next week take a 4 pt hit and lose Nasri and Elmander for Fabs and Piquionne.

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  8. neopaint2005
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 5 months ago

    Ok, after I did Malouda out for VDV here's my current team:

    Foster (Jasske)
    Onuoha, Coleman, Rafael, (Hughes, Simpson)
    Bale, Nani,VDV,Nasri (N Zog)
    Carrol, Tevez c, Torres

    1) I went for home team on GK but Jasske look tempting with Chelsea out of form.
    2) Captain choice is always hard but I'll go with poll. Torres is tempting Nasri is also tempting and good diff.

    Please RMT , and share your comment on my GW selection. Thanks lads.

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    1. flyover
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 5 months ago

      You made the right move with your GK. Foster will get saves -- and maybe (just maybe) even get a cleanie at home.

      I think Chelsea will be more dangerous from here on out. I mean, I hope not, but I think they will be.

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  9. Cook Long, Brown Baker Bunn
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 5 months ago

    Now Hussey doing the long walk... Quack Quack!

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    1. maglia rosa
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 5 months ago

      need it to finish really back at work on wed n im knackered gonna be dead to the world if i av to stay up tomora as well cant knok hussy really he has really stood up when all round have folded

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  10. Cook Long, Brown Baker Bunn
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 5 months ago

    Re-post, sorry but I need some opinions...

    Okay, need advice, this is my team:

    Hart (Al-Habsi)
    A Cole, Onuoha, Vidic, (Rafael, Samba)
    Cahill, VDV, Nani, Etherington, (N’Zogbia)
    Carroll, Tevez, Piquionne,

    Should I play Rafael or N’Zogbia, and if so who do I rest?

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    1. maglia rosa
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 5 months ago

      id drop piquionne really n play rafael i know away for utd but brum will struggle i reckon

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      1. maglia rosa
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        13 years, 5 months ago

        or maybe cole n go double bubble with utd def, chelsea have their head up their ass at present av to admit ive gone with coleman instead of cole for gw20

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  11. Fishy
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 5 months ago

    don vdv in for cahill as 1st transfa shud i get ethers or n. zog in for lee?

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    1. Boom!!!
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 5 months ago

      ethers face a late fitness test!

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  12. Grumpy
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 5 months ago

    any thought on Tim Cahill as capt.?

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    1. Murmuring
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 5 months ago

      Depends on what your other options are. Wouldn't be my choice.

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      1. Grumpy
        • 13 Years
        13 years, 5 months ago

        Tevez, Nani, Nasri, VDV?

        just think he could be up for a good one?

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  13. Valar(Keith)
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 5 months ago

    any matches in danger of being cancelled? thinkin of doin Samba to Konchesky and playing
    Gordon
    Vidic Ivanovic Konchesky Kolarov
    VDV Nasri Nani
    Drogba Tevez Carroll
    subs-
    Krul Nzogbia Barton Salcido

    free transfer.. what do u guys think?

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    1. Murmuring
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 5 months ago

      Nzogbia on the bench? Remember what he did against Arsenal last year?

      I guess it's the most logical line-up but that is what would worry me. However, I can't see any obvious alternative other than saving your transfer and having Samba on the banch. However, with price changes and Liverpool's nice fixtures, it is a good transfer to do.

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      1. Clintymints
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 5 months ago

        konch in is ok, and i squashed the zog onto my team for this gameweek comcing, dropped coleman for em, zogs always worth a go!

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        1. Valar(Keith)
          • 14 Years
          13 years, 5 months ago

          thanks.. cant really bench anyone else.. but will get konch in as i want him in soon anyway.. will make an 11.29 decision on this one

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          1. Murmuring
            • 13 Years
            13 years, 5 months ago

            Any chance of giving me some advice on my question below?

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    2. 50 Fent
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 5 months ago

      I have a very similar team to you this week. I have Elmander instead of Drogs, and Baines and Elmo instead of Ivanovic and Konchesky, the rest is the same! I think your team looks pretty decent, save your transfer for next week mate.

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  14. Murmuring
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 5 months ago

    I'm after a spot of advice. Last night I corrected my error of Dec 26 and got Tevez in for Drogba. Should have done it on Boxing Day but I was thrown by the postponements so I did something stupid instead.

    Anyway, I'm thinking of taking a 4-point hit to get Torres in for Gyan. Gyan obviously has nice fixtures but his place is still not certain and Torres has a nice set of homes coming up. Even though his form is not great this season, he has still done the business at home. Anyone help?

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    1. Valar(Keith)
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 5 months ago

      i hate 4 point hits. so i would advise you not too. Gyan has 2 good fixtures and should start both.. atleast save your transfer till next week and see if torres shows any form.. 11.9 for a striker in an out of form side who does'nt take any set pieces is frighteningly high

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  15. maglia rosa
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 5 months ago

    http://fantasyleague.tel/

    thort this may b of use was posted by some helpfull fellow last nite as a resource on fantasy footi

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    1. maglia rosa
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 5 months ago

      oooops have jus checked it out again n it aint been updated for gw 20 but maybe worth keepin an eye on for tips i suppose

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  16. Madridista
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 5 months ago

    Cech OUT - Gordon IN

    Sunderland's fixtures are very pleasant: BLP, BLA, asv, NEW, bpl CHE, stk.

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    1. Valar(Keith)
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 5 months ago

      for the next 4 weeks yeah.. after that not so much

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      1. Christina.
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 5 months ago

        In 4 weeks time it's Wayne Card time.

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  17. FantasyFreak
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 5 months ago

    Having 2 free transfers.

    Hart
    Kolarov,Samba,Baines
    Nzogbia,VDV,Nasri,Nani
    Drogba,Carroll,Elmander

    Subs: Foster A.Cole Albrighton Foley

    1-Should I play A.cole?
    2-Drogba to Tevez, yay or nay?

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    1. BBB
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 5 months ago

      your Defence is expensive, Chelsea looks like the y are not recovering soon as it was expected.
      1-ship A.Cole for ManU Def (play him this gw)
      2-it should pay off nicely

      good luck

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      1. BBB
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 5 months ago

        *they

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        1. Valar(Keith)
          • 14 Years
          13 years, 5 months ago

          drogs to tevez and samba to rafael imo

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    2. Murmuring
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 5 months ago

      1. Yes
      2. Yes but you should have done it last night as Tevez went up and Drogba went down

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  18. BBB
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 5 months ago

    who to play?
    Jara at (H) to Blackburn or Coleman (A) to West Ham

    Cheers Guys

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    1. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 5 months ago

      Hi DGoal - nice score/overall ranking. Looking good in h2h reserves and southern X for you as well.

      I wish I had some luck the last 2 weeks with Emergency cappy!

      I will play Coleman with Jara first sub.

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  19. rabm122
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 5 months ago

    Pardon the rookie question here concerning emergency captain.

    Does the auto-captain always default to a player who actually plays. I've Adam on the bench and happens to have the highest form but, is suspended. If I choose form surely there is no chance Adam would be given the armband should my first choice not play.

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    1. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 5 months ago

      You will always have a double score from someone that actually plays. Unless off course none of your players actually take the field.

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    2. Perthite
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 5 months ago

      It goes to the next person that actually plays in your XI that statisfies the category (Form/Value) that you have chosen.

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      1. Christina.
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 5 months ago

        Beautifully put. That's what I was trying to say...

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    3. rabm122
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 5 months ago

      Thanks!

      Now I can rest a little easier.

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  20. Baby Face Nelson
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 5 months ago

    Why is no one considering Skrtel? Kyrgiakos' place is in doubt with Agger back and the backlash from Konchesky's mum mouthing off could have him dropped. Yet people seem focused on both these players.

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    1. rabm122
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 5 months ago

      Skrtel seems a solid choice, just a more pricey isn't he. I think a lot of managers are looking for cheaper options.

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    2. EL TANO
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 5 months ago

      on 4yellows

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      1. Baby Face Nelson
        • 13 Years
        13 years, 5 months ago

        4 yellows definitely explains a lot.

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  21. donners
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 5 months ago

    Having a nightmare choosing between Nasri/VDV/Tevez for captain.

    Want to go VDV, but don't like my emergency captain options if he is rested. Then it's a toss up between the other 2...

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    1. Luke
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 5 months ago

      Kyrgiakos...

      90mins = 2pts.
      Cleen Sheet = 4pts.
      Goal = 6pts.
      Bonus = 3pts.

      =30pts.

      ...or Liverpool could concede and you could be left with 4pts...:D

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      1. Perthite
        • 13 Years
        13 years, 5 months ago

        Assuming he plays (I am hoping he does)

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  22. Christina.
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 5 months ago

    Aussie Aussie Aussie Ho Ho Ho!

    Tm you around

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    1. Boom!!!
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 5 months ago

      oh god please i want rainnnnnnnnnnnnn n some sleep it has been 2 days n only 4 hrs of sleep!

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  23. EL TANO
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 5 months ago

    anyone in england awake enough to look out yr window and tell us all if its snowing?
    And on that note, is anyone holding off on transfers till the last half hour coz of weather threatened games
    If so which ones?
    WAKE UP!!!!!

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    1. Katie
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 5 months ago

      Try typing 'BBC weather' on Google - they are ALWAYS awake. 🙂

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    2. Luke
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 5 months ago

      Here in the midlands it's not snowing, it's not even that cold 😀

      And no, I shall waste a transfer and do Sagna --> Rafael next week

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    3. Perthite
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 5 months ago

      I've just been outside and it is a nice 28°C after 40°C yesterday, if that is any help...

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  24. Jinswick
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 5 months ago

    Any must have mids this week? Looking to offload Fabs given he's suspended - any better than Gerrard up until wildcard time?

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    1. Luke
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 5 months ago

      Just up until the wildcard?

      Don't get many better fixtures that Liverpool's next 3.

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

        Yeah, I think i'll keep Fabs in long term but given he's out this week and has 3 toughish fixtures i was considering getting rid for 3 weeks.

        I think I'm either doing

        a) nothing and benching fabs this week
        b) fabs -> gerrard
        c) fabs & elmander -> Torres & sub 6.1m mid (4 point hit)

        currently favouring b). What do people think? thanks

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        1. Perthite
          • 13 Years
          13 years, 5 months ago

          I am half thinking about the Fabs->Gerrard one, although it would cost me 4 points. Again - I would be bringing him back (if he is still fit) when the WC is played (I guess before GW24)

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  25. Christina.
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 5 months ago

    Anyone think were in for a couple of "surprise" rotations/injuries today?

    VDV? Nasri? Drogba?

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    1. Luke
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 5 months ago

      Can see VDV starting on the bench, with Crouch & Pav up top.

      Wouldn't rule out Malouda getting dropped tomorrow...

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      1. Christina.
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 5 months ago

        Also think Malouda is toast.

        I can't decide if I should take my first point hit of the season and do drog-->torres or even nasri-->Gerrard

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  26. Christina.
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 5 months ago

    Drogba-->Torres worth 4pt hit?

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    1. Luke
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 5 months ago

      With Gerrard back and with 3 home games in the next 4...yes.

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  27. NLB
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 5 months ago

    Anyone else forced to bench Coleman?

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    1. Luke
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 5 months ago

      yep, Cashley, Sagna, Kolarov & Konch.

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    2. GuyIncognito
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 5 months ago

      Yes, I think he gets rested anyway with Arteta back.

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  28. Jinswick
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 5 months ago

    Given my squad would you leave it this week or do fabs -> gerrard?

    Thanks

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    1. Luke
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 5 months ago

      Leave it.

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  29. Luke
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 5 months ago

    1.Coleman
    2.Barton
    3.Albrighton

    Got my sub priority right?

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  30. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 5 months ago

    Oz EPL Sportal Update

    Dick Fran Dyke has the H2H league at his mercy after beating me convincingly. Overall ranks for FFS users are Sven 1st overall, Demented Flamingo 14th, PDM Allstars 21st, Dick Fran Dyke 30th & myself down to a terrible 238th overall. Looks like a strong league for next season.

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