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. heartsattack
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    All of my rivals have RVP but very little City cover. I have Zabs, Silva and Tevez but don't want to captain Tevez because I think he and Zabs won't play from the start. Should I captain Rooney in the hope he out scores RVP or Silva and hope he finds some goalscoring form. I'm really stuck with this.

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    1. Ryan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Tevez is still the best bet imo. Silva isn't captain material and Rooney tends to play deeper in away games.

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

      Captain who you think will score the most points. End of.

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

        I usually have some idea who I think will score most points. This week I have no clue. Obviously if Tevez starts it'd be him but as he's started 2 of last 5 league games it's too risky.

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  2. Ryan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    I see there has been a lot of discussion about Arsenals run of home games after GW20. I don't think thats much of an advantage though because Arsenal tend to do better in away games.

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

      Good chance I'll only have Walcott up to GW23, then bring in Gibbs & Santi with 2 freebies. MCY at home just before is a hurdle.

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      1. Ryan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Yep I'll be the same I think. The DGW is the only time worth having lots of Arsenal cover.

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

      Haven't really looked into it. Interesting this. Thinking of getting rid of Theo and Mert for the blank.

      Hows the team shaping up?

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      1. Ryan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        I've got a very good team for this week but I'm screwed if Bale/Michu get their final yellow cards this week because Nolan and Walcott will have a blank. Sterling will be my only remaining midfielder 😕 Are you confident about your league 1 tie?

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    3. Waitakere_
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Im just getting in walcott and maybe a defender if their defence is keeping teams out.

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      1. Ryan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Yeah I still don't fancy Arsenal's defense but I was encouraged to see Gibbs looking good on attack in the last game. He might tempt me.

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

    keep sess
    or get one of big guns in santi theo hazard or mata (which one)
    already have bale n tevez

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

      Get Mata.

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

      mata

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  4. Connor's Calling
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    a) Silva + Shorey
    Or
    b) Bale + Davies

    [either defender would be benched this week]

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

      B long term. If your team is in place, A now and then to B later.

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

      B for sure IMO

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    3. Ryan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      B) Its the best long term option.

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

      B

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

      B

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

    Pratik, TW, Berbilly any of you fellas around, check the FFS UEFA Gmail account. I've sent the Serie A review there moments ago. Publish it asap will you 🙂

    Phew. That took some work. Cheers!

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

      nicely done,looking forward to read it 🙂

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  6. Jebiga
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Any news about Rafael and Guthrie ?

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

      Guthrie is in contention. No word on Rafa yet

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

        cheers mate

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

    can my ultracheap defence can hold untill january WC?

    Nelsen,Cameron,Gorkss,Davies,Demel-perssonaly i can't see more than 1 CS per gw

    on the other hand i invaste all my budget in big hitting midfilders and my team is massivliy unbalanced at this momement

    Cazorla,Bale,Mata,Silva+Puncheon

    and classic 3 strikers of Suarez,RVP and Berba

    shall i be worried?

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

      When are you planning on using your WC?

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

        last gw if is possible

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

          So cleaning up after the DGW?

          I would get Nolan in for Silva and Gibbs in for one of the cheapies leading up to the DGW at the very least.

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

            dgw?what is going on?

            Chelsa game or?

            i am really not informed at all

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

              ARS-WHM on boxing day postponed until GW23 due to the tube strike. Don't know when the Chelsea DGW will be.

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

                that's awesome news

                will looking to get walcott and gibbs since i already have santi

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

      Almost the same story here. Nelsen, Shorey, Rangel, Cuellar, Gunter in defence with a heavy front 7. Waiting for the damn Jan WC.:(

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

        would be lovely if our big hitters can deliver some massive pts

        also i was very lucky with my cheap defenders this year,specialy with Nelsen and Gorkss 😀

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

      There's not much value in defence so far and it'll get worse during Xmas I think. You'll be fine.

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    4. Jebiga
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      i like your team mate, and defence is awesome ! On my watchlist Davies and Demel for sure + Cameron

      Midfield is world class

      Attack is also good, but maybe you need Tevez there instead of Berba just for this GW

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    5. Ryan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Michu is a big hitter in my book but your midfield is very impressive. I'd be confident.

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

        i get rid of Michu before he scored 4 goals in 2 games and i dont want get him back cause of that 🙁

        had him all season long

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        1. Ryan
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          Thats unfortunate man. You'll be pleased to know he is due some regression so might not be worth getting back in, especially if Swansea sign a new striker.

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

            i sold him for only 1 reason wich let me down

            i had a gut feeling that he will earn a yellow and that he wont do anything and my orginal plan was to get him back when SWA fixures came better but after his valute go up like crazy i decided to get Silva in

            hopefully it wont backfire

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

      i wouldn't worry too much if i have that midfield..nelsen is always a goal threat from set pieces, demel's fixtures are improving plus the dgw 23..cameron's stoke can always surprise us with their ability to keep clean sheet in away games

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

      Thats the way I'm going from next week unless Enrique does something to change my mind.

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  8. Jebiga
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    tell me the best way to squeeze Bale and Mata in my team. There are 2 options to downgrade one defender or attacker :

    Begovic
    Enrique, Nastasic, Rafael
    Michu, Santi Cazorla, Yaya Toure, Sterling
    Van Persie, Tevez, Suarez

    Sub: Cerny, Cuellar, Nelsen, Guthrie

    3.4 in the bank

    CHEERS

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

      downgrade your defense to cheaper defenders

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

      Enrique and Nasty to Davies and Clyne/Baker. Yaya and Guthrie to Bale and mata.

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

      nice side. wouldn't sweat it too much at all. Yaya upgrade for one with your bank (next week). Rafa and Suarez downgrades to upgrade sterling for the other

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

    Which keeper: Mignolet (sot) or Begovic (tot)

    Play one: Cuellar(sot), Nelsen (new) or Demel (EVE)

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

      Begovic and Demel

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

      Bego and demel

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

      bego,demel

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

      So everybody seems to have faith in bego and demel away to tottenham. That mens no goals from bale, defoe etc. Considering to play Gazzaniga at home against Sunderland and bench Bego this GW.

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

        Do it if it makes sense to you. I would.
        Be your own man

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

          I consider it as Munch more possible that tottenham will score at home than fletcher and Sunderland away.

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  10. Robalabobolol
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Can you RMT please

    Jaask

    Fonte Riise Rafael

    Mata Nolan Silva S.Caz

    Suarez Long Rooney

    (Beg Sterling Shorey Barnett

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

      6/10

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

        Oh dear :-/ Bring on the January WC 😉

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

          Sorry

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

            No need to be sorry for an honest opinion. It's my first year so I'm finding it difficult to get the people needed in without taking too heavy hits. I think my itchy trigger finger gets me in the most trouble.

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

        agreed

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

      6.5/10

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

        What changes would be needed to help me out this week?

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

          I don't think you look too bad for this week. Would be tempted to save a transfer. Defence looks weakest so if you have spare cash you could consider upgrading someone to Nastasic.

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

            Thanks Jonny. I think my master plan has thrown my team out a little and one of the places that has suffered massively is my defence. I was looking to get nolan out and long out for tevez and bale/michu. It means getting rid of raphael and riise for 4.2 defenders :-/

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

          Apart from Long to Tevez I don't think theres much to change this week(well thats worth a transfer) Might wanna remove Shorey and Barnett soon. rafa is prob a rotation risk now so not worth the price. Riise is overpriced how how his team are playing right now and Long is suffering from some regression and isn't 100% nailed on with Luke being there.

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

            Definitely looking to get rid of Barnett and riise. I want to stick with Shorey a little while longer to see if his set pieces make up for his teams lack of goals stopping. Could be a hopeless test but we will see. I really want to get tevez or aguero in soon. I have a feeling Aguero will be playing more regularly from now on and will start finding the net more as well. I didn't know that much about long but thought it was worth the punt, having heard what you have said though I will look into selling him on straight away

            Thanks a lot for your input

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

    it's my B-day 🙂

    23 years old

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

      Happy Birthday Forca.

      Fancy your birthday being the end of the world 😉

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

      sretan rođendan!! 😉

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

      Happy Birthday, mate! Long way to go! 😉

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

        🙂 oh to be young again 🙁

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

          I wish I could jump out of bed like used too. Rather than get up like I've been hit by a train.

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

            At least you know that all the bits are there ... 😀

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

          Hahaha! No thank you! All that aggro ... 😉

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

      Happy birthday.

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

      Happy birthday. 23 is a good age to be.

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

      happy birthday forca! 😀

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

      Happy Birthday

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

      Happpppy Birthday Forca! Now i am definitely captaining Suarez this week 😀

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

        that's a way to go 😉

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

        You were right about Cuellar/Shorey - I had written it down wrongly.

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

      thanks everyone 🙂 🙂

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    10. Ryan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Happy birthday mate. Its uncanny that it happens to be on doomsday 😉

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

      Happy birthday chief, may all your transfers be wise ones, and may your captain hit double figures.

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

      Srećan rođendan ! 🙂

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

      Happy Birthday Forca.... 😀
      beware it's a very confusing age 😉

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

    Pratik, I won't need to come up with any new ideas. I'm going to upset the odds and escape relegation, at your expense! 😛

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

      well you'll need to beat udit this week regardless. and then if you want Pratik relegated but you to escape you'll have to hope grounderz beats him this week but loses next week. and have Pratik lose next week too. or something else crazy like that

      now lucky for you, there's 4 other managers in the relegation battle and you just need to finish ahead of 2 of them so you have somewhat of a chance

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  13. Dhanesh Prabhu
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    my team for gameweek 17 was

    begovic
    cuellar, mcauley, enrique
    mcanuff, snodgrass, sterling, silva
    rvp, ba, berbatov

    bench: federici, mata, rafael, clyne

    now i have 2 free transfers this week and 3.7 balance amount.. what should i do?? who should i transfer in and who will be shown the door??

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

      least give us some ideas on where u wanna upgrade or players on your watchlist.

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

        also prob best to lay out your current team and not what you did last week.(Mata on the bench)

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        1. Dhanesh Prabhu
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          ok i will rephrase the team as it is now.

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      2. Dhanesh Prabhu
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        ok.. i think i want to upgrade the midfield and the defence.. i am trusting my forwards again although berbatov has returned blanks for more than 4 weeks for me.

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

          mcanuff> Bale and Cuellar -> Clyne should give you a nice MF for the week and all your defenders will have good fixtures

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          1. Dhanesh Prabhu
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            11 years, 3 months ago

            again i was thinking about bringing cazorla for this week and then transfer him to bale next week.. is that a good option?

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

              Caz is good for this week but remember he has a blank next week so you'll have to bench a heavy hitter.

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

      All your GW17 benched players to start this week first if possible (not Federici though)
      See if you can upgrade McAnuff as well i think.

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

      play mata, rafael and clyne, bench cuellar, mcanuff and mcauley..use one of the FT to get a better keeper than federici, keep the other tansfer for next week

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      1. Dhanesh Prabhu
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        actually i was thinking about bringing in mcauley, rafael and enrique in defence... is this a good option?

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

      Get bale in for macanff or sterling

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

    H2H leagues all about luck?

    in doorsa's cup of tea league i sitting at 11th place even if my overal rank is very good , i would be ranked 2nd in points total cause only back on the horese has more pts than me in league 4

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

      More your opponent than luck Forca.

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      1. Ryan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Yeah but the points against stat is totally out of our control. Its luck in one sense at least

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

      A lot of luck in h2h. I used to think they were pointless but this season I've been involved in a good one and now i think they're great.

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

      Its my first year playing in one and although its quite a lot of fun its VERY frustrating at times. I've just won my first game after 5 losses on the trot - despite massively outscoring most of my opponents in the overall rankings, and often losing by a couple of points.

      The annoying thing is there's a lot of luck in terms of who you play when. You can play someone crap who has a flukey good week, and then your rival has a bad week but plays someone who's had an even worse week.

      I do quite like it, but I try not to let it affect my transfers/captaincy decisions too much.

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      1. Ryan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Yeah I agree with this line of thought. Its a bit of fun but something that can't be taken too seriously due to the luck element.

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

    Here you go lads. Serie A Review of GW 17 by myself!

    https://uefacouncil.wordpress.com/2012/12/21/serie-a-review-by-doctor-x-gw-17/

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

      Do give me feedback! I might decide to become a permanent contributer in the near future 😀 😛

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

      Top stuff

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    3. Dhanesh Prabhu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      its a good write up.. and you said the truth about my team.. was in a desperate need of a win after 4 losses that dumped me from 2nd in the league to 10th or 11th i think..

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

        😡

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        1. Dhanesh Prabhu
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          am sorry milanista.. but i needed a win to stay in the league..

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

      It's looks fun that league. Ive applied, fingers crossed I get in.

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

      brilliant job

      serie a is a really the best 🙂

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      1. Dhanesh Prabhu
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        you said it forca.. and happy birthday.

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  16. Dhanesh Prabhu
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    ok.. my current team is

    begovic, federici
    cuellar, clyne, mcauley,rafael, enrique
    mata, sterling, silva, mcanuff, snodgrass
    ba, berbatov, rvp

    2 free transfers remain and 3.7 in the bank.. thinking of upgrading the midfield as well as defence.

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

      Mcanuff> Bale and Cuellar -> Baker should give you a nice MF for the week and all your defenders will have good fixtures. Bench Sterling, Baker..... not sure who else to bench

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      1. Dhanesh Prabhu
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        i wont be able to bring bale or cazorla unless i do one more transfer

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

      get arsenal cover this week ??

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      1. Dhanesh Prabhu
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        i was thinking the same.. cazorla or walcott i was thinking to bring in.

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

          They have no game in GW 19 so as long as you're ok with benching then its not a bad option

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    3. bluehulk
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Last i check rafael was injured with 75% chance of playing. either a Ivan or Vertogen might be a good replacement. midfield is good might consider upgrading mcanuff

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      1. Dhanesh Prabhu
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        i think rafael will play this week..every time when its 75% chances of playing, the players end up playing in that gameweek. so i think i will stay with rafael.. anyways vertonghen is already in my watchlist too.

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  17. adp1113
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Will Caulker start vs, Stoke? might be useful against a physical Stoke.

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

      Tott. might keep a clean sheet

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

      Tough one, with Dawson back now.
      Wait for the press conference first.

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

        is there still more press conf today?

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        1. adp1113
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          Thats a good Q, AVB came out few days ago with some info you sure that theres another press conf?

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      2. adp1113
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        If you had a def of Caulker Nelsen JE Rafa Davies / Begovic Mccarthy. would you keep or take out Caulker?

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

          see the stoke game first whether he play or not
          still a good def too

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  18. bluehulk
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    hi guys I am in a bit of conundrum here here is my squad

    Demel-Ivan-Bassong- (Clyne)

    Bale - Sessegon - Michu - Hazard (Sterling)

    Tevez-SurAEZ

    i have 3.3 in the bank and looking to make a -4 hit, I want either carzola or mata but I cant decide whom to bring in and take out. I am thinking sessegon but he might do well against southhampton thanks for the help

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

      sess out. bale in

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

        sorry i mean mata

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

          he played a full game against leeds? I am worried Rafa might rest him? do you think Carzola will do well against wigan?

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

            Yes but then he has a blank so I would'nt be bringing him in now

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

            wigan at home is not an easy game as what people thoughts..mata will play, he seems to be the key that allow torres to shine and score goals

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

      Bale and Michu are on 4 yellows and Cazorla wont play next week. Worst case scenario and you will have those 3 missing next GW.
      Just some food for thought.

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

        thanks JT, that is something to consider since i have demel on my squad also. and my bench is shorey and le fonde

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

          Now worries, but at the end of the day just go with your gut too.
          Havent taken a hit all season, so my approach is always more reserved when it comes to transfers.

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

    considering to transfer in nastasic
    until gw 24

    A. ridgewell + 4pts
    B. nastasic

    which one will win it?

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

      Never take hits for defenders

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      1. Evs
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        ^^^ first rule of FPL.

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

        true, I thought the first rule was never bench a player in form?

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        1. Evs
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          No, it's never take a hit for a defender.

          2nd rule, never captain one.

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

        wonder if it will work well for long term. (7 GWs)
        MCI def better than WBA and just 0.6M more expensive

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

          Its rule 1 for a good reason bro.

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        2. Evs
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          You have a wildcard soon fella, hold on.

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

          many thanks guys for the replies 🙂

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  20. Evs
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    We got move the refrigerators, we got to move these color TVs.....

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

      Great band. Great song.

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    2. Ryan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Eh?

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      1. Evs
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        .... And chicks for free 😉

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

          id like to play the guitar on the MTV

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        1. Ryan
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          Cheers for the link

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

      Great song. One of the best intro's to a song of all time!

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  21. cylus11 ( Manager) - Russia…
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    RMT

    Jask
    Enrique, Ridg, Demel
    Walcott, Mata, Yaya, Sess
    Fletcher, Roonpig, Suarez (C)

    Sub: Ming, Snodgrass, Cameron, Shorey

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

      play snodgrass instead of sess

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

    Carlos tevez leading the Captain's poll now.

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    1. Evs
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Just a castaway, on an island lost at sea.

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

        All lies in jest, still a man hears what he wants to hear, and disregards the rest...

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

      Tempted to bring him in? I am. Doesn't seem logical doing it for a hit though...

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

      People are gonna be in tears when the man city TS comes out and he's on the bench

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      1. Evs
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Tears of joy I will be having (if it turns out)

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  23. andres
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Which one do I play this gw:

    A simpson
    B berba
    C sterling

    (already have suarez and g.johnson)

    Thx

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

      B

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

      gotta play B

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

      B

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

        Cheers

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

      Berbatov ofc

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  24. stupidmunt
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    OK chaps, here's my team, good to go?

    Jussi (Bego)
    Enrique Shawcross Coloccini (Cole, O'Shea)
    Sess Snodgrass Michu Mata Santi
    Suarez (C) Ba (Le Fondre)

    Thoughts appreciated!

    Cheers.

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    1. King Henrik
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Team looks good mate ! Silva or yaya would b ideal for over Christmas schedule .. but nothing drastically wring with that team at all !!

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

        Cheers mate, thinking Michu might get a yellow ban and will get a City player in then.

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  25. isacki: full casual
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Hahaha happy birthday Forca, I just realized your birthday was ay the end of the world!

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    1. Evs
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Ironic.

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  26. Connor's Calling
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Bale's return has somewhat muddied my Silva plans.

    Worth a short term Silva move (havent got any other ManC cover) or just get Bale back in and forget about it?

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

      Silva

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

      Silva

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

      Silva

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    4. Evs
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Hi ho silva lining Conor.

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      1. Connor's Calling
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Cheers Evs
        think i'll go Silva + Davies, leaving 0.1 free to u'grade to Bale if needed

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

      I am going with a 2 week Silva punt with Silva to Bale in 2 weeks(barring bans or injuries). Remember Bale has also got the the 4 yellows. Praying that Silva does not get rotated in the next 2

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  27. King Henrik
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    My defence is shocking ..

    Hangaland cuellar gorkss fonte Rafael

    Taking fellaini and gorkss out ..

    Who shall replace them with ???

    Michu fellaini Cazorla sterling marveax

    That's my midfield

    Rvp Rooney Torres

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

      Enrique and Mata might be good

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

      get city cover

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

      That defence is a horror show. Get mata or bale and Clyne/Baker

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      1. King Henrik
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Fellaini to puncheon and gorkss to city cover ..??????

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

          decent plan if its for free.

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

      I would get Enrique and Silva if you got the cash

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

      why not just try afro to puncheon and torres to tevez/aguero?

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

    Anyone else think Kolarov might be a good bet for this weekend? With Nasri out me may even play further up...

    Open Controls
      1. Godfather Bandit 42
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Too funny!!!

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

      Who knows with Mancini...tough call really.

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

      go for glory, kolorov (c)!

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  29. adp1113
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    If you had a def of Caulker Nelsen JE Rafa Davies. would you keep or take out Caulker vs. a physical Stoke?

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

      i wouldn't care about the opponent at this stage, more worried about him not starting

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

      Are u asking if you should start Caulker? if so then yes

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

      If his place was nailed on the i would play him, yes.

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      1. adp1113
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        JT, say you had him in your team would you start him? Davies Nelsen subs

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  30. bola
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Who do put as 1st sub in the sequence Demel (vs Everton) or Davies (vs United)?

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

      Demel 1st

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