Technical Area

Technical Area – Taarabt the Main Man for Harry

According to Harry Redknapp, it seems a strop in the Gameweek 16 clash with Wigan could be the turning point in Adel Taarabt’s 2012/13 campaign. While the Moroccan took unkindly to being subbed off during the draw against Roberto Martinez’s outfit, it afforded his new boss the chance to sit Taarabt down and, following an inspired piece of man-management, saw the playmaker lead QPR to their first win of the season with a 2-1 win over Fulham last weekend.

“He can be a bit of a nut at times but his heart’s in the right place. I had a good chat with him after I took him off [against Aston Villa] last week. He wasn’t in the best of moods and he didn’t behave in the best of ways. But I had him in my office on Monday morning and had a good heart-to-heart chat with him and he’s responded to that. I said to him, ‘don’t throw your arms up when you lose the ball, don’t stand with your hands on your head. Just get after the ball if you lose it, otherwise everyone sees you have made a mistake. He’s temperamental, he is the way he is, but he’s an amazing talent.”

With an arm around his shoulder, Taarabt was eased into a central role for Saturday’s London derby as Redknapp tinkered with his attacking options for the visit of Martin Jol’s side. As the maps below highlight, against Wigan (left), the Moroccan mainly received the ball on the right, whereas a weekend license to wander saw him crop up all across the attacking third, affording Taarabt the chance to influence matters from wherever he deemed fit.

Taarabt Wigan
Taarabt Fulham

Looking at Taarabt’s display against Fulham in comparison to his previous performances over the course of the season, it’s clear he’s stepped up another level. While his minutes per touch (1.1 to 1.2) and passed received in the final third (15 to 15.7) were almost identical, the Moroccan was afforded more time and space to affect matters further up the pitch – he had 44 touches in the final third, up considerably from an average 29.3 across his opening 16 Gameweeks.

Mins/TchTchs Final 3rdPass Rcvd Final 3rdDribblesSucc DribblesTchs Pen BoxShotsShots in BoxShot Acc
Taarabt GW 171.144157527042.9%
Taarabt GW 1-161.229.315.75.22.82.73.71.231.8%

Clearly, Redknapp’s words of wisdom seem to have bolstered Tarrabt’s confidence. He attempted seven dribbles against the Cottagers – up on his average of 5.2 – and more significantly, five were successful in the 2-1 win, almost double his previous average of 2.8.

Taarabt’s penchant for a long-range effort also seemed to move up a notch, too. Although he had just two touches in the penalty box last Saturday, he still managed seven attempts on goal; all from outside the area. Again, this was nearly twice his previous average of 3.7 and, filled with self-belief, his accuracy leapt from 31.8% to 42.9% – a clear indication that Redknapp’s words seem to have emboldened the Moroccan. Post-match, the player admitted the new man in charge has made all the difference:

“He is a peerless motivator. You believe you are the best player in the world when he talks to you. Before matches he is very strong. When you go on the pitch you fear nothing. At the end of the match against Fulham, he came to me to say, ‘I told you that you were as good as Berbatov’.”

Season So Far

While a Fantasy Premier League (FPL) haul of 51 points hints at a distinctly underwhelming campaign so far, Taarabt’s Opta stats indicate just how consistent his displays have been. Mark Hughes’ summer of spending may have left the R’s squad bloated and continually prone to rotation but Redknapp already seems to recognise the key to his side’s quest for survival is the man he sold to the Loftus Road outfit back in 2010:

“He can do things that nobody else can do. No one can do what he can do. He’s amazing. He nutmegs people and he goes past two or three and they’re hanging on to him but they can’t get the ball off him. But I never wanted to let him go at Tottenham, I was scared to let him go. I always felt he had a value even if he wasn’t starting. He can be a top, top player. He’s got ability like not many people you’ve ever seen in your life. He’s like Di Canio, who I thought was a fantastic player, one of the all-time greats at West Ham. This boy is the same.”

Creativity
Analysing midfielders who have started at least half of their respective sides’ games so far, Taarabt is fourth in our top five for “Minutes per Chance Created” this season. Only three players – David Silva, Juan Mata and Chris Brunt -have provided a key passes at a quicker rate than Taarabt’s average of 31.7 minutes. The QPR playmaker exceeds the rate of more established Fantasy favourites such as Santi Cazorla (33.5), Gareth Bale (40.1) and Eden Hazard (42.6), yet despite creating a total of 35 goalscoring opportunities for team mates – the sixth highest midfielder – has picked up just two assists.

Mins/ Chance CreatedTotal Chances CreatedAssists
David Silva26.6423
Juan Mata30.8366
Chris Brunt31.2252
Adel Taarabt31.7352
Samir Nasri32.2303

A cause for further optimism can be found in the display of Djibril Cisse against the Cottagers. Having been benched in the previous game, the Frenchman returned to the lone forward role and, while he failed to score, his performance suggests Redknapp’s words have boosted his confidence. Cisse fired eight shots last weekend and managed an attempt on goal with each of his five touches in the box against Fulham – he had previously mustered 21 efforts in the box from 38 touches and is clearly getting his shots away quicker. With Taarabt creating chances aplenty behind him, Cisse could be set for an upturn in fortunes, having found the net just twice this term.

Goal Threat
Once again, by reducing the midfield contenders to those who have started at least half their respective sides’ games, Taarabt is again amongst the most impressive when it comes to threatening the opposition goal. Indeed, he is the only midfielder to feature in the top five for both categories – a clear sign of his Fantasy potential and indicative of the type of talent Redknapp has on his hands.

Mins/ ShotTotal ShotsShots in BoxShots On TargetGoals
Adel Taarabt21.75114174
Gareth Bale24.25325256
Santi Cazorla26.75922227
Marouane Fellaini27.75142208
Jason Puncheon30.23521133

Over his 1109 minutes played so far, Taarabt has averaged an attempt on goal every 21.7 minutes – superior to any other midfield regular, with north London duo Gareth Bale and Santi Cazorla tucked in behind on 24.2 and 26.7 minutes respectively. What’s obvious, though, is his penchant for long-range efforts. While Taarabt has equalled Marouane Fellaini in terms of overall attempts, with 51 apiece, only 14 of his efforts have come from inside the penalty area – compare that to the Everton man’s 42 and it’s clear the Moroccan’s attempts have been more speculative in the main.

Nevertheless, Taarabt has managed only three efforts on target less than Fellaini, highlighting his greater accuracy – indeed, only Bale (25), Cazorla (22) and Michu (21) have registered more shots on target from midfield than Taarabt. When you consider the lofty company the Moroccan keeps across the key attacking statistics, his failure to produce the Fantasy returns is highly frustrating.

With Marouane Fellaini’s three-match ban forcing Fantasy to reassess their midfield options ahead of the weekend deadline, Taarabt has picked up plenty new ownership over the last few days. A kind FPL price tag of 5.6 has persuaded more than 28,000 to draft in the Moroccan, despite the fact he sits on four yellows – a booking in any of his next three will earn him an automatic one-match ban.

Even if he avoids the referee’s wrath, his upcoming African Cup of Nations duties means Taarabt will only be available for the next four (new, WBA, LIV, che) before he heads off to represent his country, though QPR could attempt to seek special dispensation to keep him for the Gameweek 22 showdown with former club Spurs. If he continues in the same vein as last weekend, though, Taarabt’s short-term acquisition could well be worthwhile over the festive period, with a 3% FPL ownership highlighting his differential appeal.

*The Technical Area is put together using the statistics and maps available in our members area. For access to such data and tools on every player, team and match of the 2012/13 season, and for exclusive members articles like this, click here for details.

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2,567 Comments Post a Comment
  1. andres
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Pick one to play:

    Simpson
    Sterling
    Berba

    Thx

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

      berba

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

        +1

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

        +2

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      3. New Ghost
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        +3

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

        +4

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

        +Berb

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    2. Mr Smith
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      +5

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

        fail.

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

        😆

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  2. Mr Smith
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Team this week:

    Jussi
    Demel, Rafael, G Johnson
    Mata, Silva, Michu, Sterling
    VP, Suarez, Berba

    Subs: Begovic, Sess, Demel, Shorey
    0 in the bank and 0 free transfers left

    Any suggestions on improvement good people?

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    1. New Ghost
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Nice Hammer double up in defense. Everton will be toothless this weekend.

      Good to go.

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      1. Mr Smith
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Cheers Snake.

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

    Anyone got a link to the ACON article? Cheers in advance..

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    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Search ACON on home page. Too busy to help sorry.

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

        Thanks TM

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      2. Hello. Yes, This is Dog
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Demel retired from international football? hell yea!

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  4. Something Clever
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Read today that Kompany is probably going to be out for a while, which i initially figured would be a good time to get Nastasic in, but then i guess they're more likely to concede, especially with Ya Ya going to the ACN. What do you think guys?

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  5. Mid-Table Obscurity
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    20 point lead in my ml. i want to captain tvez but i worry he wont start. should i play it safe and leave it on rvp? main rival has both as options

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

      pick who you think will score more pts. Forget about your rival

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      1. Something Clever
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        This

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

        well said 🙂 Very Waynes world 🙂

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      3. Mid-Table Obscurity
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        sound advice, cheers. i see a bloodbath at the etihad so will leave it on tevez

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

          I have the same Tevez v RVP issue (with Roo in the mix as well just to complicate things even more) - Ive gone with Tevez because of an anticipated rout at City which I don't see happening at Swansea.

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    2. Phaze 1
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      I wouldn't bother about small lead protection at this stage. Just go with who you think has the highest potential to do well that week.

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  6. Maxi_Mawoofingtons
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Any one worried about there first round in the cup. Sizing up the opposition.

    The dude I am playing has half my points, would be a fail to crash out on the first hurdle haha...

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    1. New Ghost
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      The only thing that worries me is that he has 4 City players:

      Zabaleta Kolarov Sinclair Dzeko

      http://fantasy.premierleague.com/entry/22730/event-history/17/

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

        Kolarov's gonna knock you out 😉

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        1. New Ghost
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          I'm quite worried about him. Dzeko too.

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

          and Dzeko(C). Could be massive.

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

            You are up against Wobbles... looks like a tough draw. Real Madrid vs United - stlye

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

              As long as Torres and Vertonghen stay quiet ive got this in the bag.

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

                Always good to start a tournament with a Giant killing

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        3. Something Clever
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          Isn't Kolarov injured?

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

            He's flagged as 75%, I think the City press conference is today.

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

        You got yourself a dormant player there, hopefully that volcano wont errupt. Top player of the week hahaha kidding 😉

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    2. Hello. Yes, This is Dog
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      guy im playing has already taken a 16 point hit, i have no idea what team he has now (did 6 transfers)

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

        Jezuz, hopefully it works against him

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    3. Something Clever
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Mine has almost 200 fewer points than me, and last week took a 20 point hit. His team is weaker on paper but he does have Defoe, Tevez and Van P up front, so if he gets the captain right...

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

        Maybe its best to pick his last weeks captain. I see mine has RVP... Im going with a City captain myself.

        Pity they cant make these double headers and start it from the begining of the season, who is the best over two games, home and away 😛

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

      Yeah, he has 3 liverpool defenders, 2 United defenders, Zabaleta and Dzeko(c).

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

        I see his vice captain is Lindegaard. Looks like he knows what he is doing lol

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  7. Something Clever
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Read today that Kompany is probably going to be out for a while, which i initially figured would be a good time to get Nastasic in, but then i guess they’re more likely to concede, especially with Ya Ya going to the ACN. What do you think guys?

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

      I agree. More likely to concede.

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  8. Hamstergod
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Hi Guys,

    I'm looking for some advice on my team (link below),
    I did Fellani to Pienaar but I still feel that I should do something especially since Arsenal- West Ham was called off, any ideas?

    Thanks in advance!

    http://fantasy.premierleague.com/entry/586/event-history/17/

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

    Will Berba drop before this GW?

    -70 atm.. would be lovely if he dropped so I could possilby get him(or Benteke) in cheap as a replacement for Fletcher.

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  10. FC Mazarita
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    any suggestions current team
    jask/fredrici
    rafa/enriq/mcaul/verm/cameron
    mata/santi/michu/ster/snodgrass
    rvp/berba/lambert

    1FT 0.7 in the bank

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

    Selling Cazorla a few weeks ago hasn't really worked out *sobs*

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    1. New Ghost
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Who'd you sell him for?

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

        Fellaini. After a bad start (Cazorla v Spurs and Afro 5 yellows) it had started to go well...

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

          Was quite a freak performance. Its not great missing out on such big hauls, but no one could have predicted it.

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  12. SH1M1
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Best 7.8 Replacement for Fellani for next 3 weeks: -

    Oscar
    Pienaar
    Taarabt
    Morrison

    Any1 else? Cheers xD

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    1. New Ghost
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      I would go Taarabt out of that lot.

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

      Morrison

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  13. pieces
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    When does Yaya bugger off to the Afcon?

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

      After gw21.

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      1. pieces
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Cheers at least I have him for 4 games then, thought it might be sooner. Bloody Afcon every 2 years is a real pain in the arse.

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

          I'll get Fellaini back after he leaves.

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    2. Just Ruud
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Its starts on the 19th of Jan, and rules dictate the players have to be with their national teams 2 weeks prior. So around the 5th is guess.

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

      After GW 21.

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  14. bring on Real Madrid !
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    bego trem
    baines shorey stam enrique demel
    fell sess bale sterling michu
    rvp ba tevez

    a) mata/santi/theo/hazard and punch in for sess and fell (2 FT)
    b) theo+nasti+punch for shorey+sess+fell (-4 hit)

    plz some help ?

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    1. Orion
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      a

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      1. bring on Real Madrid !
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        whicj one to select frm those 4

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

    Who all do you have from Bale, Mata and Silva?

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

      all 3

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      1. Orion
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        this

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      2. New Ghost
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Nice.

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

          No RVP. Doesnt count.

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

            Persie is a tw@t 😎

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

              Not cuddly enough?

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

                Hate him with a passion so huge it worries me, it really does.

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    2. New Ghost
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Mata and Silva.

      Bale is coming next.

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

      None.

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

        😯

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

        What transfers did you make, Doos?

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

          Fellaini to Yaya
          Sidwell to Puncheon

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

        Morning Doos. Hows the team looking for the week?

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

          Foster
          Mertesacker, O’Brien, Gallas
          Michu, Santi Cazorla (c), Yaya Toure, Sessegnon
          Van Persie (vc), Rooney, Defoe

          Subs: Begovic; Puncheon, Shorey, Cuellar

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

            I like it. May i suggest interchanging Shorey and Cuellar?

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

            Carzola captain???

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

      Just Silva.

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

        Same here, just Silva. Sold Bale for Santi last week in an all too rare moment of inspired FPL decision making that actually worked out.

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

          Nicely done. Still pinching yourself? 😀

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

            Aye.

            And with QPR winning as well I didn't know what to do with my bad self all week!

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

      Just Mata. Will probably get Bale next week.

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    6. Mílanista
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Silva

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

      Bale and Silva here.

      Can take a hit in 2 weeks to do Suarez+Sess > Benteke/Berba + Mata. But rotation is there(chelsea)

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

        I wouldn't get rid of Suarez in Christmas. He offers what not many strikers can.

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

          Im not.

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    8. Just One More Thing
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Just Silva; maybe one of the other two next gw.

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    9. Something Clever
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Just Mata for me. Would love to have Silva this week though, but can't afford it 🙁

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

      None of them.

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

      Mata and Bale.

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

        Same here! Kept Bake through his injury...

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

    Right folks, I'm off on a Christmas sabbatical. I wish you all a great Christmas and the best of luck with your fantasy teams 😀

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    1. New Ghost
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Happy holidays Tinkerman. 🙂

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    2. Mílanista
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Merry Christmas, happy tinkering 😉

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

      To you too Tinkerman. Merry Christmas and a Happy new Year 😀

      Be safe. Have fun. 😀

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

      *Apocalypse sabbatical. May never see you again 😉

      Merry Christmas, Tinkerman. Good luck 😀

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    5. Cruizer van Nistelrooy
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      merry christmas tinkerman..and good luck to u too!

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    6. A.T
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Happy Christmas tinker man

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  17. New Ghost
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Can Stoke get a result at White Hart Lane?

    Feeling very nervy about my double up in defense.

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

      Id say a 0-0 is a max result for them, but not impossible at all.

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    2. Just One More Thing
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Tight game: 1-1 I reckon

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    3. Just Ruud
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Spurs struggled to kill off Swansea last week, Stoke are a much better defensive unit so anything is possible.

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

      I think it will be 0-0.

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    5. Mr Smith
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      You never know what Spurs team will turn, but that said given how attacking they are and Bale is back I'm certainly not playing Stoke defence this week and am doubling up on Hammers at home to Everton instead.

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    6. Mílanista
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Don't expect them to, I'm benching Begovic.

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

      you trying to keep shorey on the bench... good thinking.

      There will be blood this weekend, most of it Reading players. conceded 12 in the last 3

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    8. Cruizer van Nistelrooy
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      can see 0-0 there..stoke is such a stubborn team to score against

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    9. Willis.
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      1-1.

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  18. Just Ruud
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Brilliant news for Fletcher owners (well all 3 of us) 🙂

    http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2251274/Steven-Fletcher-fit-Sunderland-v-Southampton.html

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    1. Cruizer van Nistelrooy
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      great news there..so i can hold the fletcher -> benteke transfer at least for a week

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

    Hmm, for a second there I was logged in as someone named 'ZBANGER'

    😯

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

      😯

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

        As soon as I clicked on the article it was logged out though. Weird.

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

      They were having some troubles with this yesterday as well, the scouts were discussing it here. I think they are working on that

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

      you should of used the wild card

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

        Haha, it was on here.

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  20. Mílanista
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    1 FT which I intend to save, how is this lot looking?

    Bunn
    Baines, Rafael, Nasty, Kolarov
    Silva, Dempsey, Michu
    RVP(c), Defoe, Berbatov

    Begovic, Sterling, AJ, Shorey

    .1 in bank

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

      Can i propose handling the armband to the one in the diagonally opposite direction?

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

        Silva?

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

          No, the explosive City player among my ranks.

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

          Kolarov.

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      2. Mílanista
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        😀

        You can, I am very tempted

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

          I'd do it if i had him.

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

            I'll see what Mancini says in the press conference later.

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

              dont. playing him is a big enough risk on its own. Cue another 5min injury.

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    2. A.T
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Looking good but cap kolorov FFs.

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  21. Mr Smith
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Those thinking about holding off handing VP the armband this weekend, don't forget Swans shipped 4 goals against Norwich at home recenty....

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

      They won't be attacking United the same way they did Norwich (see City, Chelsea, Arsenal, Spurs, even Liverpool)

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      1. Mr Smith
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Good point - you reckon Silva or Suarez likely to outscore The Flying Dutchman?

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

          Suarez

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

          Suarez is a punt as his form isn't great, Silva isn't as explosive and never really has been. RVP is a good choice I just wouldn't expect Swansea to give up 4.
          1-2 United I reckon. RVP could get 13 or 2 points there.

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          1. Mr Smith
            • 13 Years
            11 years, 3 months ago

            (Stalker mode): I see you've been racking up the points hits recently,
            Jack, tearing up the team in anticipation of the wildcard?

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

              Haha, that was why I was doing it a few weeks ago, the last few have been because I was struggling to field XI each week (getting Caulker to make XI this week really worked out) !

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

                Actually I had Cuellar (mun) and Jones so it was to ditch 1 player who was going to get 0-1 point and Jones who was suppose to not play. Success.

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              2. Mr Smith
                • 13 Years
                11 years, 3 months ago

                I hear ya, important to have 15 fit players for this period of the season.

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

                  I've vowed to take no more. None. Bookmark this and bring it back to me every time I suggest something. Please 🙂

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                  1. Mr Smith
                    • 13 Years
                    11 years, 3 months ago

                    Haha it'll be my pleasure!

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

          I think all 2 are eqally as good options. RVP the most explosive though

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

            Who you captaining this weekend Kostja?

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    2. Phaze 1
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Gonna had it to RVP every week. Anytime I've gone away from this plan I have suffered.

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  22. Cruizer van Nistelrooy
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    this guy is very lucky to see rvp's winning goal live..precious moment in manchester derby! 😀

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tb2oHfZO_Y

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  23. Doctor X
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    My first contribution to the FFS UEFA Website is almost up. Writing the review for the Serie A GW 17 match ups! 😀 TW, if you're about gimme a holla, I'm almost done.

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

      Milanista has some competition i see 😉

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    2. Mílanista
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      I was going to do it tonight (have been too busy to write it so far this week and couldn't do last week's because of a computer virus). Never mind, look forward to seeing what you've come up with 🙂

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

        Btw Milanista we thought about giving some of the probable relegated managers a second chance because of how active they are in the FFS community (i.e. you, Roscola, Ginkapo, etc), but ultimately decided it isn't fair.

        So if you do get knocked out now, you will have to wait till next year. 🙁

        Unless of course, you have some fresh ideas for competitions which we can start for which I'm all ears. 😛

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    3. Doctor X
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Haha. No lads. Just a one week think I guess, since there haven't been many regular updates on the Serie A page.

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

    New team name -- Borussia Teeth 😀 😉

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

      Nice 😀

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    2. A.T
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Are you a dentist or something?

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

        Oh gosh no. Just a funny name.

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        1. A.T
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          Aqua fresh is a name of toothpaste isn't it?

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  25. Jinswick
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Like most I suppose, deciding between RVP, Suarez and Silva for the armband this week.

    RVP - reliable, consistent, explosive. But, he's away from home against a team that keeps a fair bit of possession.
    Suarez - explosive, at home and against a side in poor form missing some key players in CM
    Silva - at home, on set pieces, in form and up against a very poor defence. Generally not as explosive as the other 2.

    Tricky.

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

      You forgot to include that Suarez is also in poor form 😉

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      1. Cruizer van Nistelrooy
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        in a poor team as well

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    2. Something Clever
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      If in doubt, it's gotta be the Van man.

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

      Between RVP and Suarez for me as well. I think i feel a gamble. Suarez is the route i am probably taking. Atleast we know if Liv do score, Suarez should be involved.

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    4. Phaze 1
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      I haven't even contemplated taking the C from RVP. The risk reward isn't there for me this or most weeks. Only player I'd hand it to over RVP this week is Aguero and I don't have him 🙁

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

        Don't you find that oh so boring.

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

          Not if your getting em points.

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        2. Phaze 1
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          Might not be exciting or flashy but it brings in the points which is what I need right now.

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      2. Jinswick
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        I know what you mean. But he will have games where he only gets 2 points. Silva is tempting me, mainly cause he looks in good nick, and Reading look like they could conceed a boat load every week. He may not score them, but I can see a 4-0 scoreline with a couple of assists and perhaps a goal going Silva's way.

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

          Thats wishful thinking of the highest order. Silva takes the least shots on goal of any big hitter and City aren't excatly swimming in goals right now. Sure 4-0 could happen but it could also be 1 or 2-0 and silva doesn't have a high rate of involvment in citys goals based on the numbers. Someone like Ba would be an interesting punt cause odd are if New score, he'll be involved.

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    5. A.T
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Thank his ice got Tevez. But he might not play. Damn!

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      1. A.T
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Argh I hate this new apple spell check. What's more the more likely to say " thank god I've" or "thanks ice his"? Jesus

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

          'What's more the more likely to say' needs correcting too. Perhaps, it's your reliance on the spellchecker that is the problem.

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

      Silva.

      Something about if you can't captain him at home to Reading............I believe?

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  26. No Arsene Around
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    when does next wildcard become available

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    1. A.T
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Gw21

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  27. Just Ruud
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Nothing like a bit of festive cheer at city 😀

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkPTAfYn1mM

    1:39 "No wonder that people say you are daft" 😀 classic!

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    1. Cruizer van Nistelrooy
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      1:34 "mario, use your head a bit" 😀

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      1. Just Ruud
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        😀 so now we know he
        1. cant put on a bib and
        2. cant wrap a gift.
        Theres just no hope is there for the fellow 😉

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  28. Mr Smith
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Anyone else pinning a lot of hope on the Xmas period? There are about 6 or 7 in my mini league who are on the running still and I'm really hoping to be able to take full advantage of the busy schedule and come out leading come January. Of course, injuries and player resting may get in the way of that.

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

      84pts back... hoping the same. Cazorla hattrick didnt help much.

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      1. Mr Smith
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        That killed off a good couple weeks work for me, undone in 90 excruciating minutes!

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    2. A.T
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      I've been 80 points behind my main rival for weeks. But Xmas is usually a bad time for me. Waiting for the 2nd wc to kick on.

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

    Off to bed -- Night folks! 🙂

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    1. Cruizer van Nistelrooy
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      nite acqua

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

      Don't forget to borussia teeth 😉

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  30. chocolove
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    any new about ridgewell?
    will he play this week?

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    1. Cruizer van Nistelrooy
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      don't think ridgewell will play this week, but foster is fit to play

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    2. Just Ruud
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Nothing yet,wait for the presser later.

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    3. chocolove
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      many thanks guys

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