Watchlist

The Watchlist – Kevin Nolan

Many moons ago, it was common practice within the Fantasy Football community to refer to a combination of Cristiano Ronaldo, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard as “The Holy Trinity”. The cost was considerable, but many a season was saved by their union in a Fantasy Premier League (FPL) squad. With those days now long past, the opening months of this campaign threatened the establishment of a new Nicene creed of marauding midfielders. Playing just off, or sometimes as, the striker – the mid-price potency of Michu, Marouanne Fellaini and Kevin Nolan was such that Mark and Granville were left pondering whether the current FPL fabric could long contain the latest revelations.

Whilst Michu is still exalted atop the midfield points list, and the progress of Fellaini tempered only by his temper, Kevin Nolan has spent the last 40 days wandering in the wilderness – and given the recent inundation of the West Ham fixture list it’s difficult to blame him. Since Gameweek 10 The Hammers have been plagued by visits from Man City, Stoke, Chelsea, Liverpool and Everton, and endured unhappy exoduses to Newcastle, Spurs, Man Utd and West Brom.

With their Boxing Day blank now behind them, the claret and blue tribe have at last reached the promised land, in terms of fixtures. This Saturday’s trip to Reading marks the start of a seven Gameweek run (rdg, NOR, sun, QPR & ars, ful, SWA, avl) that should afford Sam Allardyce’s attacking assets every chance to go forth and multiply their returns. That run includes a double fixture in Gameweek 23, with two London derbies against QPR and Arsenal on offer.

Bagging four goals and two assists in just eight games before the schedule took a turn for the worse, Nolan has an overwhelming edge over his team mates in terms of bang for one’s attacking buck – and at a current valuation of 6.6 in FPL (4.9 in the Sky Sports game) he is now substantially cheaper than both Michu and Fellaini. Whilst his overall ownership is still high, at 18%, it is likely that amongst active players his ownership is considerably lower, and whilst perhaps not approaching differential status his long barren run has certainly served to sink him below the mainstream radar at a useful time for the more dedicated player.

Andy Carroll’s absence through injury has been cited as another factor behind Nolan’s recent slide but with the giant Geordie expected to return to training next week, Nolan’s potential could be set for an upturn. If Nolan can avoid fifth yellow card at the Madejski and perhaps re-announce himself with a goal, a new bandwagon may well start warming its engines.

As the likes of Gareth Bale and Juan Mata continue to bring home the bacon at the pricier end of the scale, and cut-price alternatives such as Raheem Sterling and Jason Puncheon retain their popularity in the “fifth mid” spot – a squad containing all three of Michu, Nolan and Fellaini (upon the latter’s return from suspension in Gameweek 21) will doubtless represent an unusual setup. With the approach of winter wildcard season affording Fantasy Managers the chance to experiment with a get-out-of-jail-free card in their pocket, though, a reformation to 3-5-2 to incorporate the new Holy Trinity may yet turn water into wine for potential proselytes.

stilicho I never make predictions and I never will

1,542 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Live4pool
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Silva --> Walcott worth a hit?

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

      read my post above... Walcott for the DGW (if he still plays for Arsenal by then...)

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

        I mean my post on previous page

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

      I would keep Slva for this week

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

      No. Walcott has a good game and gets 8 points and you'll only get 4.

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

    WC what about this?

    Mignolet
    Green

    Morrison
    Baker
    Mariappa
    Stam
    Clyne

    Michu
    Gerrard
    Santi Cazorla
    Bale
    Mata

    Berbatov
    Van Persie
    Anichebe

    3-5-2 for each game

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

      You might of heard something called a defence?

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      1. King Eric, in America
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Between da' pitch and da' fans?

        I no like.

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      2. lfc123
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        +1

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

        Yes, but usually few clean sheets in the prem, lots of rotation with decent defenders, thought I'd go on the offensive and def points picked up would be a bonus.

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

          You can get shit loads more clean sheets from from the likes of Stoke, West Ham, Swansea etc. rather than stacking up on Reading and Southamptom defenders.
          Also going on the offensive doesnt seem too great, given the likes of Fellaini, Ba etc are outscoring the more expensive players. Gerrard or Cazorla > Fellaini and upgrade that defence. The extra cash is a bonus with the Afro, as he will match their points.

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

            Have upgraded defence to Jones WBA, Cameron and O' Brien with Stam and Baker the makeweights with the Afro in 4 the bound to get injured Gerrard.

            Good to go?

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    2. John Nerdelbaum
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Not for me

      Your bad weeks will outweigh your fantastic weeks

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

      I've been looking at the following defence:
      Begovic, Jaaskelainen
      Cameron, Wilkinson, O'Brien, Demel, Nastasic/Mertersacker

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

      Not for me, Fellaini and a cheap midfielder in for 2 big hitters and the money spent in defence and Anichebe. At the very least, downgrade a mid to Fellaini and use the money elsewhere.

      Also, layout of team

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

      why not get carlton cole for the third cheapie striker?

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

    Noticed that there is a lot of chatter regarding the prospects of Chicarito! Does anyone think that given the fact that Rooney is injured, coupled with the fact that Kagawa is close to returning that Kagawa could play that “In-the-hole” position creatively behind RVP and Chicarito could be left on the bench?

    Valencia—-Kagawa—–Young
    ——————RVP——————

    Would love to see this and give the armband to RVP!!

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    1. Give The Todd Some Love
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Kagawa won't play this weekend. May make the bench

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

      kagawa will start on bench I think, need to get his match fitness

      but I also think pea is not nailed on, welbeck may start sometime

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    3. Somalion
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Would love that if Kags returns but may be a week or two away.

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

      Would love that with Nani on instead of Young! But that'd likely spread the goals out for United and make RVP less captain able.

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

      I would love it if he comes off the bench this weekend and sets up an RVP hatrick

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

      Can't see Kagawa starting the next two games. The only danger for Hernandez is Welbeck.

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  4. Magerost
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Best defender for 5.3?

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

        Sagna for the next few game weeks.

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      2. Chrissy Waddle - 2023/24
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Sagna

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    • Mindless Freak
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      So whats the news on Mccartney because i’ve brought in bale this week so next transfer is for a hit. Either that or Gunter will start??

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    • jaybommber
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Thinking for 2 weeks
      Tevez to Benteke/ Berba and Nxt week ya ya to bale
      So i guess my question is who for the next 3 berba or benteke??

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    • John Nerdelbaum
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Transfer done and dusted. This one OK to scrape through? Caz will be there next week but should I get him in early...

      Bego

      Baines Walker Davies

      Silva Bale Michu Sterling

      Suarez RVP (c) Tevez

      Bunn Punch Cuellar Shorey

      0.9 in the bank

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

        RVP will get you through it 😉

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        1. John Nerdelbaum
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          I hope so. Cazorla's hatty on MNF still gives me nightmares 🙁

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      2. Wild Rover
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        You realise Michu is out?

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        1. John Nerdelbaum
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          Had him since GW1 WR so he will just have to sit pretty on my bench...

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          1. Wild Rover
            • 13 Years
            11 years, 3 months ago

            Fair enough, It's just that you have him in your starting 11.

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            1. John Nerdelbaum
              • 11 Years
              11 years, 3 months ago

              Just on the 0.025% chance that he does play 🙂

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        2. John Nerdelbaum
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          I don't think it will be too bad having Punch come in. This Saints guy last night said that he's still doing well even without Lallana and he has a penchant for the randomnest big hauls.

          If Tev and Suarez don't start on the other hand...

          Other option could be Tevez > Pod in readiness for the DGW

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

        Good player, he would be a solid buy.

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    • Perthite
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Right to play Jaas over Federico this w/e?

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    • thischarmingman
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Any indication that Wisdom might play this GW?

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

        Don't really think he will play, but he trained with the squad today.

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

          and was wearing a Green Bib 😉

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      2. lfc123
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Nah

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    • Parm
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Suarez flagged, should I be worried?

      Jaaskelainen.
      Nastasic, Davies, Shorey*.
      Silva, Bale, Michu*, Walcott.
      RVP(c), Suarez(vc)*, Berbatov.

      Mignolet; Puncheon, Clyne, Cameron*.

      1FT, Bank: £0.8m.

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

        Swap out Shorey for a WHU defender or AV defender. Good fixtures and will stiffen up.

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

          Actually like this too....o'brian!

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

            So if I do Shorey to O'Brien(rdg), shall I still double up with Jussi(rdg) or play Mignolet(TOT)?

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

        i think you should use your FT. Maybe get ARS defender (Sagna/Gibbs) in preparation for DGW forthcoming?

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      3. Chrissy Waddle - 2023/24
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Nope. He'll play.

        Michu and Shorey bigger doubts.

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      4. John Nerdelbaum
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Shorey to O'Brien imo and double up...

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    • Magerost
        11 years, 3 months ago

        You can save your 1st wildcard until ex. gw34 right?

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

          You can save 1 WC until GW38 if you want to.

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          1. Magerost
              11 years, 3 months ago

              Thats what i thought! Thanks!

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

            The first wildcard can be used at any time during the season.

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        2. Fancy Feet
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          I am happy Michu is out. He can get a nice rest and his ownership can go down a bit

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

          Last chance for Tevez this week. Otherwise, he's out for Defoe.

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        4. Tadic is the new Eriksen
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          anyone else watching the david villa situation with extreme interest? if he comes to the prem, im gonna get him in for van persie and use the money to improve midfield and defence

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          1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
            • 13 Years
            11 years, 3 months ago

            chelsea, arsenal favourites if he comes to prem

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            1. Tadic is the new Eriksen
              • 11 Years
              11 years, 3 months ago

              david villa at arsenal could absolutely rake in the points

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              1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
                • 13 Years
                11 years, 3 months ago

                villa/cazorla/ arteta/ possibly reina

                really building a spanish contingent at the gunners

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

                  Reina?? Doubt that highly.

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

            I'm watching the Llorente stuff with more interest to be honest.

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

          when kagawa returns who will get him?

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

            Would need to show a little form first and secure his starting position, but at 7.9 he is an exciting prospect

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

            Me.

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        6. NotoriousDRE
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          looking for a defender 4.5 or less! Already have Davies...need one with a run of decent fixtures.

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

            Clarke, villa

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

            Cuellar ( sun) or wilko ( stoke)

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        7. Suarezchomper
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          Podolski or Defoe for the next 2/3 games?

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        8. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          anyone know why joey o'brien came off on 80 mins for w ham v everton?

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

            Big Fat Sam wanted to give him a rest, he doesn't like having a tired man at the back.

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            1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
              • 13 Years
              11 years, 3 months ago

              ok thanks.

              Just wanted to know if he going to start

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        9. Neymar's Stepovers
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          Captain RVP this week or Silva or Mata? RVP is playing at home so I am leaning towards him but I have a feeling City will explode this week

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

            RVP

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            1. Neymar's Stepovers
              • 11 Years
              11 years, 3 months ago

              Thanks man

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        10. Van Dal
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          fergie say anyhtin bout raf?

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

            Yes, it was off side and not a goal 😉

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

          My team is crawling to the wildcard...can anyone beat 6 flags ?

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

            Know what you mean, on four but reckon I'll do very well to field 11 this GW......

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

            Just 3 here, Michu, Suarez & Cameron.

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

          Shame about the scoutcast wanted to hear thier thoughts on Wild Rover v Tommy Tynans left shin pad. I like wild rover grav but as im from Devon i have to go for Tommy

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

          I'll have Demel coming on for Suarez.

          Ummmm....not quite a super-sub 🙁

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

            You mean Demel who is also flagged 😉

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

              Yes, that super-sub, shocking really.....

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

          Tought I would log on while waiting for my flight.

          What's news guys?

          Michu out?

          PS - Nolan ftw 😉

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

            They're dropping like flies......

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        15. thischarmingman
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          How ill is Demel?
          Thinking Wisdom > Demel/O'Brien or maybe Clyne.. Can't decide.

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        16. JUSTBLAZE
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          That's all from me to tonight. Good luck to all for tomorrow. Thanks to those who've given me voice now, remember the gravatar!

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

          What do I do with this lot Rafael, Demel, Tevez & Michu. I have already taken a 4 point hit getting Shorey out for Luiz and Rooney out for Little pea. My subs are Clyne so I would have to hope Demel plays and Tevez plays a part and Clyne comes in for Rafael or just take 8 point hit and sell one of the above help appreciated ????????? Cheers

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

          Arsenal people - will Podolski start the next few?

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

          What's your plan to get Fellaini when he's back?

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          1. Tadic is the new Eriksen
            • 11 Years
            11 years, 3 months ago

            gonna WC him in for pienaar

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