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Moneyball – Adel Taarabt

The key factor for a player to appear in this series is to have a visible (or at least perceived) flaw which we believe is either over-emphasised or could end in the coming weeks. We’ve highlighted Jason Puncheon who lacked guaranteed minutes but has shone since securing his place in the Southampton first team. Leon Osman’s ‘flaw’ is simply being unfashionable in a side full of more exciting options, yet he is nipping at the heels of the more fancied Steven Pienaar and even Nikica Jelavic in total points.

This week’s player has a number of such flaws, though most of them are of no concern to us. Adel Taarabt is the prototypical mercurial talent; equally happy playing the part of a sublime match winner as that of frustrating prospect, doomed to never align his end product with his obvious talent.

Chris Glover Creator of the plfantasy blog, providing a stats focused approach to fantasy football. Exiled to Canada but still prefer my sports played on grass rather than ice. Follow them on Twitter

827 Comments Post a Comment
  1. PDM TOP 1,000 any Season Le…
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Back on the Radar !!

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  2. Pinatta
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    (c)

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  3. Pinoche
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Walcott or Bale?

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    1. Billy Gilmore
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Bale

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    2. Mithrandir, the Grey Pilgri…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Just bought both!

      But Bale if i must pick one.

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    3. Bad Pen
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Bale I think, both have good fixtures but Walcott seems to be an injury doubt every week for one reason or another at the moment.

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    4. Lateriser 12
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Bale.

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

      Thanks everyone.

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  4. Squeakybumtime
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    someone predicted this earlier. Brilliant

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    1. SuperOsçarBaby
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      ehem... ehem

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    2. Andrew
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      me too

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

    Keepers/Defence:

    Mignolet/Fedrici
    Cameron/Enrique plus Baines & McCarthy both doubtful plus both have awful fixtures, also Barnett who does not start. So basically Baines for:

    a) Norwich defender – Garrido or Bassong
    b) Arsenal defender – Mertesacker or Gibbs
    c) Ridgewell

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  6. thetinkerman
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    I did it.

    Baines > Enrique and more importantly Tevez > Suarez.

    My team looks very red...

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    1. rohan
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      At this point, most teams are looking red Imo

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    2. thetinkerman
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Wow... that was harder than deciding my WC team in GW4!

      That could be a season changer...

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    3. PDM TOP 1,000 any Season Le…
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      I`ve only done Baines >>> Enrique ...... Fingers X`d

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    4. Guinney
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Yeap my team looking very red aswell, a few weeks back i had no Liverpool players and now i have 3. Could be overloading but nearly all Liverpools attacks go through Suerez. Sterling is a bargain especially if you were like me and got him at 4.5m and Enrique is a great OOP

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      1. PDM TOP 1,000 any Season Le…
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Have 3 as well but strangely I STILL have Allen since the start of the season 🙁

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      2. thetinkerman
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Sterling is on the bench for me so I'm not too bothered about having 3 Liverpool players. JOA hit the nail on the head a couple of pages back; they're all good FPL players in their own rights and with the amazing Pool fixtures, I see no reason not to triple up.

        I may do Sterling > Puncheon to free some cash soon as I think the £5.3 I'll be able to get for him next week is a little much for a player who will mostly sit on my bench. If he can't get into my team when Michu and Fellaini have bad fixtures and he plays SOT at home, he never will.

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    5. Philman
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Have you seen the latest Everton tweet?

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  7. shegull
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Morning gents!

    Sagna -> Enrique for a hit?

    GOt sterling and Suarez already

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  8. jamsiep
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Play Nelsen (AVL) or Bardsley (nor)?

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    1. Lateriser 12
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Nelsen imo.

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    2. सनकी
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Nelsen no brainer.

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  9. Timmy Cahill Rules
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Whats the verdict on tevez

    out of favour or set for another run of games ?

    My rival has told me he sold him so may get him back as a differential. to my rival.

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  10. Trigg ⭐️
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    You know what's annoying?

    That Bale was at 160% or something last night before he went up, and now that excess 60% is gone! He could have double risen if a few thousand people had waited until today.

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    1. afcblegend
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      if you're not selling him anytime soon (which would be foolish) why would it matter?

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  11. Pepin - RIP Absinthe
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Baines still a doubt with Moyes set to give him "every chance" of making City trip

    I love this SO much. Nothing like some Baines drama on Friday 😀

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    1. thetinkerman
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      He'll play I reckon. Just hoping he does nothing now despite rooting for him every week for the last 10 weeks!

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      1. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Fair play Tinkerman, hope it works out for you!

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  12. The Finnisher
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Following the discussion on the Scoutcast re Michu and Fellaini.

    How many goals do you see them getting come end of season? Keeping in mind Michu has 8 in 14 and Fellaini 7 in 12, with 24 (potentially) games to come.

    Mark said on track for 14-15 but given where they are now that would be quite disappointing.

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    1. Lateriser 12
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      15-20

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      1. Lateriser 12
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        If their positions remain the same. Definitely hit 15 this season. Both of them.

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    2. athleticbilbobaggins
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Reckon Michu might get around between 15-20 and Fellaini between 10-15.

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      1. The Finnisher
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        So Fellaini, who has 7 in 12, you think could potentially get 3 in the next 24 games? 😕

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        1. athleticbilbobaggins
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          Well.. Closer to 15 than 10. The point was that I think Michu will score more than Fellaini. Now that I read the 10-15 comment, it does sound stupid.

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    3. Billy Gilmore
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      They'll lose form at some stage during the season, but should get 15-20 goals.

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    4. Kostja
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      I think at least Michu will drop off soon, his conversion rate currently is better than most of the top strikers around 4 shots per goal and his conversion rate last season was about 8. Hard to assess Fella as he is playing this position for the first season.

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      1. The Finnisher
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Michu still looks dangerous every game though, just the other day against WBA he could have easily had a second.

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        1. Kostja
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          He does, but Swansea have had pretty nice fixtures so far. I dont see many good ones until January

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      2. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        But he's now playing as a striker...that changes things.

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        1. Kostja
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          does it? Does that make him a better player and a better finisher? I doubt it. The goals he was getting were all inside the box anyway so its not like he will be taking shots from better positions.

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        2. Jönny
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          I think he's scored more "in the hole" than he has in the striker role... still a quality player, but the "season keeper" tag is bandied around a lot which isn't necessarily justified.

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          1. The Finnisher
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 3 months ago

            "Season keeper" is a week to week thing on here it seems. Currently, you won't find anyone under 7.4 better than Michu IMO, with 8 goals and an assist already, but a few blanks and his value will be questioned again.

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    5. The Finnisher
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      I can certainly see both matching Dempsey's 17 of last year. They both play for attacking sides, who I think are better going forward than Fulham last season. They are both the main source of goals for their team and unlike Dempsey they won't play out wide at all.

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      1. Jönny
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Ooof, big shout. Not impossible, but still...

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        1. The Finnisher
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          Is it though? For Michu that is 9 goals in 24 games, definitely possible if he keeps fit. He's their only consistent source of goals and probably has penalties too. Dempsey played out on the left and also as a CM a few times last season and started the year slowly. Fellaini that is 10 in 24, and watching him play he could easily get that. Both will improve on their overall game as they are either new to the league or new to their position. I'm not saying they will hit 17, but yeah.. I 'could see' it happening.

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          1. Jönny
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            11 years, 3 months ago

            When you put it that way... to be fair, the fact we're even discussing the possibility says a lot about what good prospects they are.

            *transfers Fellaini in*

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  13. Le Limpar
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Big fan of that table! I've got 1, 2, 4 + 6 of the top 6 there. Fat lot of good it's done me the last 2 weeks though!

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  14. सनकी
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    So her me out, im just telling ya’all that Southampton is not gonna be a thrashing or easy game for Liverpool. Not as easy as you think it would be. They didnt concede many these days(southampton) whih is why i changed my armband to RVP(C), leaky and weak, error prone reading defence might just do it for RVP. Cant argue with west ham at home return, sam allardyce’s man at the back are good and strong..

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    1. Le Limpar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      As a non-Suarez owner I am clinging to this dream like a life raft in a squall.

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  15. Viper
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Good to go for this gwk?

    Jaask
    Enrique Cuellar Ridgewell
    Cazorla Bale Fellaini Michu Sterling
    RVP Suarez(c)

    Fed; Fletcher, Cameron, Clyne

    Fletcher benched is the only real talking point, what do ye think?.. Its a coin toss between picking 1 of Fellaini, Michu, Sterling or Fletcher to start. All 4 could easily score and just as easily draw a blank!

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    1. Viper
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      *bench 1

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    2. Sarnab
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Same dilemna as me.

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  16. Sarnab
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Bench any 1:

    Fella , Michu , Sterling , Fletcher

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    1. Pinoche
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      I'm benching Fellaini.

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      1. Philman
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        As a City fan?

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    2. Viper
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Its looking like i'm benching Fletcher as it stands. Could all change

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    3. Kostja
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Fletch

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      1. Feanor
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Fletch lives, but won't score.

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  17. Piggs Boson
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    I want him, but i just can't squeeze him in!!

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    1. सनकी
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      I know right. I would love to have more differential (ramirez, taarabt, hoilett, puncheon) and play them everyweek. Just the space dont allow me too 🙁

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  18. Lateriser 12
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    7 reds. 3 whites. Blue keeper.

    You?

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    1. Billy Gilmore
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      7 reds, 1 white, 3 blues.

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    2. Le Limpar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      4 blue, 4 red, a blue & white, a white, and a green goalie (as it should be).

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    3. Gamoriola of the Galaxy (Eu…
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Just the five reds for me, with only three likely to play for me this weekend. Three whites, three blues, and a blue keeper fill out my 11.

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    4. Bad Pen
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      5 reds, 2 whites, 3 blues and a yellow.

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

      7 reds (counting Cameron as red), 2 white, 1 blue. Blue keeper.

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  19. Gamoriola of the Galaxy (Eu…
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Any other opinions on Shorey (MUN) over Clyne (liv)?

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    1. Le Limpar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      I saw this earlier, EJ and thought that one is a complete toss-up. Both could create something, but more than likely neither will and both will concede. Shorey edges it - home advantage, Utd leakier than Liverpool, and Anifield (marginally) more likely to be a bloodbath.

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      1. Gamoriola of the Galaxy (Eu…
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks, I agree with this thinking. The whole reason I have Shorey is his assists potential, so I might as well give him a shot at home, even if it is United.

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  20. Timmy Cahill Rules
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    im buying tevez he is bound to get good timef or a while after being sub 2 games in a row.

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    1. Your Mum's Athletic
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      everyone said he was a dead cert to play after being rested last week, caution/suarez

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    2. The Finnisher
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Seriously? I can't wait to sell him for Berbatov next week!

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      1. Your Mum's Athletic
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        +1

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      2. Timmy Cahill Rules
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Yeh im serious

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        1. The Finnisher
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          You'll want rid next week. And don't so "oh he will start it's a big game" as he was just dropped to the bench for Real Madrid and Chelsea. He has played something like 40 odd minutes in their last 3 matches.

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          1. Your Mum's Athletic
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 3 months ago

            +billion, if hes being rotated now, think how frustratng its gonna be over xmas

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  21. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    I had my eye on Pablo Hernandez as a possible replacement for Nolan but now that he's injured I'm thinking Zoltan Gera!

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    1. RoysCallerAnne
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Unreal. I apologise for comment this morning. I was sleep deprived and grumpy. Sorry.

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      1. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        No worries Roy, no hard feelings at all, I feel for you having a 9 month old to contend with whilst suffering a hangover! Hope the heads feeling better 🙂

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        1. RoysCallerAnne
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          Great, thanks. And the head's a little bit better!

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    2. Le Limpar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      All about...... Barry Bannan.

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      1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Bannana Boat? 😀

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  22. Feanor
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    I’m gonna do Baines -> Enrique, but then who should I take out for Walcott…

    Nolan or Mata? 2 free transfers this week.

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    1. Your Mum's Athletic
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      nolan for sure

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  23. Woy of the Wovers
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    How does this look for the weekend

    Begovic
    McAuley/Cuellar/Demel (Baines/Boyce)
    Bale/Cazorla/A. Johnson/Noble (Michu)
    Berbs/Flecth/Jelly

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  24. Stevee10001
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    the big question this week is RVP or Suarez C 'i'm guessing im not alone!

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    1. Your Mum's Athletic
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      suarez, always home man for me

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    2. cassanata
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Paddypower has Suarez at 4/7 as anytime scorer where as RVP is 8/15. Not much in it. Think i might go with Suarez

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  25. TheresOnly1AW
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Mata > Bale?

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    1. Your Mum's Athletic
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      for free? yes

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    2. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Yes 🙂

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      1. Your Mum's Athletic
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        nice team boson

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        1. Piggs Boson
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          Cheers, likewise 🙂 I'm a big believer of the Sterling/Puncheon combo, it does wonders for your team. I just hope Aguero starts performing...

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          1. TheresOnly1AW
            • 11 Years
            11 years, 3 months ago

            I have that same combo as well. Working well recently 🙂

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    3. Sarnab
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      No brainer

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  26. Hitman
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Sagna-> Mertesaker too much of a sideways move?
    Just thinking if Sagna is back next game and Demel or Cuellar equal or outscore Mertesaker this GW (from my bench) i would have wasted a transfer.
    What would you do?

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  27. FORCA INTER
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    does my team looks set up for tomorrow?

    Mingolet

    Enrique , Cameron , Nelsen

    Mata , Fellaini , Cazorla , Bale

    RVP(C) , Berbatov , Ba (Vc)

    subs in order: Pouncheon , Demel , Gorkss

    i couln't afford 4pts hit to get Suarez in and Ba have very good fixure so i kinda hope that Suarez will pick up yellow card and i dont wanna get rid of Mata cause he is the best chelsa player and surely their poor run can't continue

    thoughs?

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    1. Kostja
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Looking good

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    2. rohan
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Team looks nice. Completely agree with the Mata bit. Although getting rid next week.

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    3. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      looks good mate, if I had Mata and Bale I wouldn't sell Mata either, but it was one of the other for me.

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  28. HB Mod
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Being QPR I've watched him for ages. He is magical, but just as frustrating. I can't count the number of times I've had him in and out of my squad the last 2 years...Last week I traded Pienar for Taarabt...already having Felaini....If he is ever to come good, the time is NOW!

    SUPER HOOPS!

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    1. Minty
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      I have McAnuff at present, but looking to sell after the DGW, QPRs fixtures look great, do you think Harry could get him performing, or shall I just get Michu??

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  29. rvp786
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    decided to keep BAINES and MATA. due to walcotts injury doubt. AM I MAD or is it logical?????

    i can still bring in enrique without taking out baines by the way

    thanks

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  30. Timmy Cahill Rules
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Before i do the transfer

    There is no news on any potenital injury tevez may have

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    1. Uncle_Sams_Army
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      It's confirmed, he has the clap

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