Captains

The Captain Poll – Gameweek 10

Maybe it’s written in the stars, or all over Arsene Wenger’s worry lines, but the fact is that the majority of us are backing Robin Van Persie to put his former club to the sword on Saturday. Having notched his third double figure return in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) at Stamford Bridge last weekend, Van Persie has goals and confidence flowing through him and will come up against an Arsenal side struggling to come to terms with life without their talisman.

Robin Van Persie looks set to top our Captain poll (see homepage middle column) for the fourth time this season, with a healthy margin separating him from Tottenham’s Gareth Bale – his nearest rival so far. The Dutchman’s performances on winning our poll have been mixed to this point. While he fetched a goal and an assist to reward the faith in Gameweek 8, previously against Wigan in Gameweek 4 and Spurs in Gameweek 6, he mustered just a single assist.

Arsenal have conceded in their last three away trips, while United’s goal power looks to be bristling with Wayne Rooney operating off Van Persie, and Antonio Valenicia installed on the right to bring his reliable supply of crosses that have seen him fetch four assists in consecutive league starts. The odds looked piled against the Gunners, with Van Persie likely to be first in line to dish out the punishment.

Ironically, Van Persie will come up against last week’s poll winner – Santi Cazorla. The Spaniard returned just three points to reward a show of faith which saw 21% of our voters backing him for returns in the home clash with QPR. Cazorla’s humble tally lowered the average for the poll winner to 6.8 for the season and meant that we’ve seen just one double figure return since Gameweek 3 from the leading candidate.

Perhaps that will give some comfort to those who will go into the weekend without Van Persie, who perhaps are looking to back Gareth Bale, Juan Mata or Carlos Tevez. Those three are the main chasing pack right now but are trailing by some distance as the Dutchman dominates.

Bale continued his run of form with a opening goal in last night’s Capital One Cup defeat at Norwich, while Mata was forced to endure a full 120 minutes of action as Chelsea finally disposed of United in their ding-dong tie. Roberto Di Matteo has stressed that he will monitor his squad ahead of Saturday’s trip to Swansea, although given his run of form, it’s pretty imaginable that Chelsea will start without him at the Liberty. Mata could, however, be handed limited pitch time, depending on how the match develops for Di Matteo’s side.

Carlos Tevez is perhaps the most intriguing alternative of our three in the chasing pack – his winning goal against Swansea was his first in six league matches but consistent assists and FPL bonus have kept him bubbling. The scene is set for Tevez to step into a cauldron at his former club West Ham this weekend, although with a critical Champions League tie with Ajax beckoning, we are, as always, left to second guess Roberto Mancini’s teamsheet intentions with his striking quartet all vying for starts.

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

740 Comments Post a Comment
  1. BOOM XHAKALACA
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    How nailed on is Williamson for Newcastle?

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    1. Mozart_s Balls
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Asked this one myself before. Apparentlly not so much, which is a shame.

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

        Cheers for reply

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  2. Federico
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    A) Valencia - McAnuff - Sterling
    B) Lallana - Pieenar - Sterling

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

      Definitely A for coming weeks.

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

        Forgot to mention A will lock up money so i won't be able to get Tevez.
        Lambert -> Ba when we get some promising news.

        Thanks Kerra 🙂

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

          Naw i think Lambert>ba is good enough. Atleast for the next 5-6 gws.

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  3. MJ6987
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Second most chances created for a defender after Baines, 4.1m and a DGW coming…anyone else on board?

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

      if its a reading defender not for me

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

      And who are you referring to ?

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      1. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Nicky Shorey I bet

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

          Is he seriously ahead of Sagna for chance creating? 😮

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          1. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 5 months ago

            Huh? Sagna's played one game!

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

              Correct. Missed about that. But sagna would be second after baines if not top for most attacking defenders if he plays more game dont you think so?

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

      Gorkss?

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

    Bench one from Santi/Lambert. At least not obvious to me...

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

      It's definitely not obvious. Probably Lambert, but then again...

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

      Lambo

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    3. Federico
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      I'm playing both, benching Sterling.
      Do you really think Caz is your weakest mid this week?

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

        Yep..Are you sure Sterling is yours? 😉

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

      Thanx to all guys! I'll play Santi...

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  5. Timmy Cahill Rules
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    downgrade nolan or michu

    or keep both for a while

    ???

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

      If you want to, then nolan. Keep michu for ad long as he plays as a striker.

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      1. Timmy Cahill Rules
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        yeh i like both but if ba injury is bad i would like to get tevez

        so would need to downgrade 1 of those 2.

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    2. Fancy Feet
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Nolan, his fixtures are ridiculously awful

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  6. MARVELLUS
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    De Guzman playing in the hole, that true?
    Could be a fantastic prospect if so. On set pieces too.
    If I did not have Michu, he would be straight in.
    Maybe a double up if this is true....

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

      Because Swans are such a prolific attacking team right?

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      1. Scroobius Mac
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Scored equal 7th in the league. Equal with Arsenal may I add.

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

        Think his price tag is just over 5, would much rather have him than Maloney, McAnuff etc.
        SWA joint 7th scorers...

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  7. Fancy Feet
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Should I go for Pog and play 5 across the middle? Could get this midfield if I do Michu Bale Mata Hazard Morrison/Mc Anuff/Sterling

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

      Not worth it imo. Many ST is more consistent on returns than mids. Therefre no. Mata bale santi michu is enough for me.

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      1. Fancy Feet
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Sigh, not knowing if Berba is fit is seriously messing up my plans. Need to get in Bale and Berba tonight as Bale will go up. Already have a doubtful Ba and getting Berba could be crazy

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

          Bale is a good choice imo. I would wait on Berba tho.

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  8. floydy_floyd
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Aguero and Nolan to Jelavic and mata. Oui or non? Other strikers are berb and rvp

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    1. Fancy Feet
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Interesting, I have Jelly and I am looking to sell

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      1. JK - Cønt ⭐
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        +1 but atm I have more pressing concerns

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

        i sold Ba over Jelly! regret that move

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      3. Smarty Pants
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Why? He looked dangerous on Sunday, nice fixtures too. I am planning to buy him tomorrow for Giroud.

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        1. Fancy Feet
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          I see better value in Berbs, I just wish I knew if he was fit

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      4. floydy_floyd
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Whom u eyeing gettin in for him lad?

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        1. Fancy Feet
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          Berba, other strikers are RVP and Ba

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

            Keep jelly

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    2. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      well I have Berba, RvP and Jelavic, and it's decent. Jelavic has had a bad couple of games, but he's still getting into good positions and Pienaar is back. That being said I'd still be reluctant to part with Aguero, though there is a chance he will be rested for the crucial Ajax game on Tuesday

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

        I'm sick of aguero plus I need funds for mata. I'll get ba if hes fit but Jelly should be v dangerous with fell and Pien both back.

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  9. the axolotl
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    any FISO boffins here?

    when a player is red flagged, the normal threshold for price drops changes right? but does the NTI threshold shown on FISO already take this into account or is it still the normal threshold - so when an injured player hits the 100%, he won't actually drop?

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  10. Art Vandelay
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Anyone worried Defoe might only get 60 mins, now Ade is back in the frame? I had been flirting with defoe (c) but now am not so sure...

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      1. ★FC Borecelona★
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        I lol'ed 😆

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      2. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        😆 😆 ...

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      3. Scroobius Mac
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        😆

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

      cant see him playing 90 mins, but at least he got rested in capital one cup

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

    Help please:-
    A) Caz/Pog
    Or
    B) Sterling (or other 5.2 mid) /Tevez

    Already have RVP & Berba up front.

    Thanks

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

      B, IMO.

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    2. matej - cruising casually
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      I think B is going to bring you more points in the end.

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  12. the axolotl
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    lucas only 3 weeks away from returning according to scouts tweet. i think he'll make a big improvement to liverpool team. very underrated player imo. rubbish fantasy prospect tho.

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

    who's the best defender to put in at a price around £4.5 mil need help thanks

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

      Cameron

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  14. matej - cruising casually
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Ok, here is the deal. My team:

    Bego (Jussi)

    Rafael - Baines - Shawcross (Cuellar - McCartney)

    Cazorla - Hazard - Bale (C) - Ben Arfa (Sterling)

    Fletcher - Berbatov - Suarez

    I am thinking of transfering Shawcross + Fletcher for Nelsen + Tevez for -8 points. Is that crazy? Or should I wait for next week and do it for -4 points. I dont know what to expect from Tevez and Fletcher this gameweek. :/

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    1. matej - cruising casually
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Hmm, Fletcher has some nice fixtures and double gameweek ahead.. What to do?!?

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

      crazy to pay to take them out this week

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      1. matej - cruising casually
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Yea, figured that out as soon as I hit "post comment" button.

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

          no need to double up on liverpool - we ( i support them) will only let you down when we keep missing chance after chance, perhaps bring in tevez for suarez next week. Not sure about this week though

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          1. matej - cruising casually
            • 11 Years
            11 years, 5 months ago

            I'm not keen on letting Suarez go. Maybe Berbatov..

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    3. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Look at Fletchers fixtures up to the DGW. They are rather nice. Plus he's another one of those players where, if his team scores he's almost certainly going to be the one who scores.

      His team is also capable of winning games 1-0 so that means that he's always a top contender for max baps. People on here make it sound like Sunderland will never score another goal in the Prem this season.

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  15. jimski
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Any news on Mr Ba for this week, then? I don't have him, but I'm curious.

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

      50/50

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  16. sotothemightygreek
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Is Ba expected back for the West Brom game next week?

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  17. Rödallegabomb ᴿᴮ
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    If any of you have iPhone, iPod, iPad or Android please check this out 🙂

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  18. Ginkapo FPL
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Right. 2ft no time cause of exams/coursework. team linked, what transfer should i do?

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    1. the axolotl
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      too many fancy defenders. you need to sell some and beef up the mids.

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    2. SW6
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Get rid of Torres for Ba and Upgrade a midfielder.

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

        Wait on Ba news.

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    3. thegame
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Get rid of Giroud and kolarov

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  19. Pepin - RIP Absinthe
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Not very confident of my lot for the weekend...

    RvP - tough fixture (?)
    Hazard - Mata, not an easy fixture
    Santi - tough away fixture, poor fantasy form
    Raheem - Toon Army no pushovers
    Carlito T - rotation risk, Hammers defense OK
    Berbatov - rib issues, tough fixture
    Michu - Chelsea resilient at the back

    Baines, Foster / Bego and Cuellar I have some confidence in

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    1. Smarty Pants
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Pepin 🙂
      nice to see you alive!

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

        Made it through the hurricane 😀 Thanks mate

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

      Captaining Baines or Cuellar?

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

      Everyone's in the same boat.

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    4. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      RVP and Hazard should do fine.

      Santi - Utd defence is pants, Arsenal should score. Plus its not just about this weekend, is it. Fixtures to follow are great.

      Raheem - Cannot ask for much more for a £5.2m mid - plays as a striker for a top 10 club.

      Tevez - As long as he gets gametime he will normally deliver something. W Ham are not the defensive juggernaut the first few gw's lied to us about.

      Berbs - Played on and scored after rib injury. Nothing to suggest tht will change this week but a tougher fixture and tougher ones on the horizon.

      Michu - med playing as a striker and Chelsea def could be breached. If so he's likely to be the one to do it.

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

        I like this confidence booster 😀

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  20. TheBabyfacedAssassin
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Best replace for Jenkinson (best DF for 5£)? Got Stoke GK. Team linked.

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    1. the axolotl
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      shawcross maybe?

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

      Considering Cameron, but that gives me 3(!) stoke players. Madness or could it work out good?

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    3. thegame
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      wisdom or nelson

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

        thanks, thegame. Nice rank. Would you do bale for caz for a hit, as well?

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

          thanks your doing great yourself...i dunno about the hit...although you gotta fancy bale to do something this week. butbales two fixtures after dont look good, whilst cazorlas next two are good.

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

    I want to take Wilson out for a defender worth 6.3 million or less, who is the best option? I've already got Baines, Cole and McAuley, my other defender is Demel who is injured, my goalkeepers are Foster and Federici, Huth could be a decent option?

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

      Sagna, maybe?

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    2. reply fail
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Huth is great but I would change Cole for Huth and spend the money somewhere else. After this get in Nelsen for Wilson / Demel.

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    3. Pat Mustard
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Yeah, Huth.

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  22. michaelington
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    HBA and Lambert or Taarabt and Ba (once fit) ?

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

      I'm thinking about the exact same thing.

      I reckon Ba is a significant upgrade on Ben Arfa so I'm getting Taarabt in this week with Lambert going for Ba next week.

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    2. Gazza2000
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Taarabt and Ba

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  23. mubin
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    should i play sterling ahead of pog/gorkss?

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    1. Smarty Pants
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Tough decision. Hard to say what to expect from any one of them...
      I'd play Sterling. Only because he plays for Liverpool at home.

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      1. SAMCRO-Sons Of Fantasy
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Liverpool has had a decent record against Newcastle at home, I would play Sterling as well!

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  24. Spencer
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Cazorla -> Mata for a hit?

    Jussi
    Cuellar - Hangeland - Baines
    Pienaar - Cazorla - Michu - Bale
    Ba - Berba RVP

    Federici - Sterling - Rangel - Fabio

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

      the transfer should wait imo,

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

        I would.

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

          Thanks guys

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  25. Will - Fantasy Football Hub
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Whats the latest on the Ba injury?

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  26. Pat Mustard
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Anyone else really considering Walcott after this weekend, but can't fit him in. If I get him for Santi, Theo will then start from the bench..

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  27. Leaf
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Can I have an RMT please , would be interested

    Have already done my transfer

    Begovic

    Rafael , baines , huth

    Carzorla , bale (c) , taarabt , Walters

    Ba , Rvp , Tevez

    Bench jussi,Maloney,Clyne,Gunter

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    1. reply fail
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      9, don't like Walters but could be because he never got me any points.

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    1. blue cheese
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      😳

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  28. सनकी
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    T-team, a malaysia club bought Robbie fowler 😮 interesting to see the living legend plays again!

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