Spot the Differential

Spot the Differential – Gameweek 22

As always, Friday evening closes with some overlooked alternatives for your consideration. Our trio of protagonists all have favourable home games on their respective agendas and while a couple of them are looking to maintain their impressive displays, our final selection will be hoping for a return to the form that ripped apart Premier League defences in the latter part of the previous campaign:

Bryan Ruiz

With many Fantasy managers opting for Dimitar Berbatov as a route into Fulham’s attack, the Costa Rican has been significantly overlooked. The statistics, however, highlight just how consistent Ruiz has been for Martin Jol’s side this season – he has scored or assisted in eight of his 12 appearances so far and averaged 4.8 Fantasy Premier League (FPL) points per game. Indeed, his pivotal role for the Cottagers is summed up by their goal returns – Fulham have found the net 25 times in the 12 games with Ruiz in the side in comparison to seven goals in the 10 games without him.

Having recovered from a recent hamstring injury, Ruiz has made an immediate impact, producing a goal, an assist and a couple of bonus points since returning to the starting XI in Gameweek 20. Tucked in behind Berbatov, his creativity makes up for the fact he has found the net just twice – Ruiz has eight assists to his name, a tally beaten by only two other forwards; Robin Van Persie and Carlos Tevez, with 10 and nine respectively. Coming in at just 5.4 in FPL and 7.5 in the Sky Sports game and with an ownership of around 1% in both games, he looks a strong differential for tomorrow’s home clash with Wigan and looks a real alternative for those Fantasy managers eyeing up a 3-5-2 first choice formation with their winter wildcards.

Steven Fletcher

The summer signing from Wolves has been key to Sunderland’s attacking forays this term. Since making his debut in Gameweek 3, Fletcher has played a part in 11 of the Black Cats’ subsequent 19 goals, finding the net eight times and supplying a trio of assists. The Scot has been something of a talisman for Martin O’Neill’s side this term – Sunderland have yet to lose a game in which he has scored and, as a result, Fletcher has also picked up 20 bonus points; only Van Persie, with 25, has collected more.

Coming in at just 7.0 in FPL, he’s the seventh top scoring forward, having racked up 94 points so far – an average of 4.9 points per game. While a home clash with West Ham affords him the chance to further his appeal, Fletcher has a favourable schedule over the next few Gameweeks which could see him continue to rack up the points. Priced at 7.7 in the Sky Sports game and with an ownership of 5% in FPL, he may prove a canny acquisition in the mid-price bracket as O’Neill looks Fletcher to provide the goals to engineer a scramble up the table for the Wearsiders.

Papiss Cisse

Demba Ba’s departure to Chelsea brings his former Newcastle team mate back on the radar after an admittedly disappointing 2012/13 campaign so far. Arriving at Tyneside in last season’s winter transfer window, Cisse took the Premier League by storm, grabbing 13 goals and a pair of assists in just 14 appearances as the central forward in a 4-3-3.

Alan Pardew’s decision to shift Ba into the middle, either in a 4-4-2 alongside his compatriot or as the lone striker in a 4-3-3, proved hugely detrimental to Cisse’s prospects, with the former SC Freiburg man mustering a mere four goals over 19 appearances so far. Tomorrow’s trip to Norwich offers Cisse the chance to finally return to his favoured role and with the Canaries conceding in each of their last nine, he looks an enticing option, with a home game against Reading to follow next time out. Coming in at 8.8 in FPL and 9.3 in the Sky Sports game, Cisse’s lowly FPL ownership of 3% is understandable given his exploits so far, but he could be a different proposition altogether if he comes anywhere close to replicating last terms displays.

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4,571 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Goonther
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    is cech back?

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    1. Drogba "Unstoppable, U…
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      He's travelling apparently

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  2. isacki: full casual
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Hmmm. Think I've got to go with Ba(C). Mata is tempting but I can see seriously reduced gametime because of the arsenal game very shortly after both GW games. Luiz is tempting and I might just have captained him if I knew for sure he was starting both, so I had 12x2 potentially from cs. But I don't, and they probably won't keep both cs.

    I guess you have to fancy Ba for at least a start and a sub on. And he'll be favoured to score.

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

    Better to bench Santi and play Walcott or vice versa?

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

      bench santa

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    2. PGR
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Play Walcott as he'll be starting upfront!

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

      Bench Santi, imo. Otherwise Walcott playing as a striker will make you watch the match behind the couch..

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    4. Scoredelario
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Play walcott for sure. His points per minute destroy van persie's (i kid you not) and he should get 90.

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

      Thought so.

      Thanks......

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    6. isacki: full casual
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Play Walcott - he gets far more shots in the box than santi who loves a long range miss (and gets rather flattering shot stats as a result). Even santi's assist potential is largely negated by the centre being too packed to get through. Arsenal's best route is always down the flanks and cutting the ball back. Luckily Walcott is both centre forward and right winger as required.

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      1. lilmessipran
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        so acc to u outta michu and walcott who should i bench?goin with the power 5 and ruiz?

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        1. isacki: full casual
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 2 months ago

          So you could play 3-5-2 with Ruiz on the bench? I would be tempted to do that. If you really want to choose between Walcott and michu, it's close but I'd say bench michu. Not expecting Swansea to have lots of chances away to Everton.

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          1. lilmessipran
            • 11 Years
            11 years, 2 months ago

            the thing is if i have to bench ruiz i might as well get pog n upgrade my defense..very tempted to bench michu but he just needs 1 chance

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            1. isacki: full casual
              • 12 Years
              11 years, 2 months ago

              Michu takes loads of shots, he's very confident, it's still of course a fraction of them that go in, something like 20% I think. Walcott is a good finisher too and City might be vulnerable without Yaya and Aguero. Plus, Walcott is in insane form like michu. I do fancy Ruiz to get something against Wigan, but he's not that explosive so I fear him less. It could just be an assist. Flip a coin between Ruiz and michu IMO.

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  4. wimiw
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    luiz + gaston
    or
    clyne + lampard/hazard

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    1. Scoredelario
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      For this week I'd say hazard, but I'd be transferring him out sharpish.

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      1. Scoredelario
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Reasoning... so many options to transfer hazard to next week e.g. Santi etc and you'll probably want to cut down in Chelsea long term anyway

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    2. aree036
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Luiz + Gaston is a much better long term move

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

    REPOST:

    Currently on Jussi and Turnbull as my WC keepers. Want to get rid of Turnbull though. So which 2 keepers to get for the similar price range. Jussi selling value of 4.9 if I choose to get rid of him.

    Chesny and Bunn
    Chesny/Jussi and Boruc
    Jussi and Federici/Bunn

    are some of the options I've come up with. Any other alternatives?
    Thanks!

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    1. carlos101585
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      chesny bunn

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    2. aree036
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      ideally juusi rotates best with begovic but second best rotation you'll find is with Guzan for 4.7, too expensive?

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  6. Scoredelario
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Double gameweeks make subs bench a tough place. I am currently benching Fletcher at home to west ham… yuck.

    Who else is fearful of points on the bench?

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    1. The_Druid
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      I benched Nolan but I hope Sunderland will keep him at bay..

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  7. carlos101585
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Silva, Walcott, bale, fellani, michu
    rvp, .ba., Suarez
    bench one?
    heard del boscque will be at the Swansea game checking in on michu

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    1. The_Druid
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Difficult, but I would bench Silva.

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  8. Willis.
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Please answer these questions.

    1) Play Bego (CHE) or Jussi (sun)?

    2) Would you rather have Clyne (avl, che) or Turner (NEW)?

    3) Play Walcott (MCY) or Michu (eve)?

    4) Captain Mata or Ba?

    Thanks.

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    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Jussi
      Turner
      Play both if u can
      Mata

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    2. aree036
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      I've gone bego,
      reckon clyne,
      Im playing both but reckon Walcott
      Mata

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  9. UnitednationsXI
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Have a few decisions to make

    Begovic
    Rafael Hughes demel (Davies cueller)
    Fellaini bale Walcott michu (sterling)
    Berb rvp ba(c)

    Already used FT but hav 3m in the bank….
    A: cueller >> Luis (-4)..and then bench demel
    B: fellaini >> mata (-4)….will leave me with no defensive cover.
    C: cueller + sterling >> Luis + g.ramires (-8)….and then bench michu who I don’t think will score

    Leaning towards either A or C…..opinions? And any other options I may have perhaps missed?

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    1. Hyperion
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      A

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  10. ccc
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    A. Begovic @ home to Man City
    B. Jussi away @ Sunderland

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    1. chocolove
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      home to chelsea you mean?
      bego

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      1. ccc
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        this flu is totally screwing with my thinking. thanks.

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    2. Hyperion
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      B

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  11. chocolove
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    ivanovic or hazard for (C)?

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    1. ccc
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      of those, Hazard

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    2. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Hazard

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

      Ivan

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    4. chocolove
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      thanks mates

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  12. Hyperion
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Lost on last page:

    Who to play this week - Bego or Bunn?

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    1. chocolove
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      bunn

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      1. Hyperion
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers fella.

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

    Regulars on here.. you guys going

    A) Ba(C)

    OR

    B) Mata(C)

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    1. Old Schoolᴼˢ “disa…
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      mata

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    2. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Mata

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

      Mata.

      No longer have Ba.

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    4. ccc
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      I'm going with Ba

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

      Hazard.

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  14. Goonther
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    azpilucueta starting?

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    1. chocolove
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      how could we know?
      at least 1 game for him

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  15. Old Schoolᴼˢ “disa…
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    I like being a little different so hazard, mata and Ba it is for me... forget Luis / cole

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  16. t-pain07
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Demel, Gibbs or Clyne, which one to bench?

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    1. Hyperion
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      I think Demel by a nose. I think Wham have a better CS chance but he's a slight rotation risk and doesn't have Gibbs' attacking threat.

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  17. cuterandy
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    play jaask or bunn?

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    1. chocolove
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      bunn

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  18. Old Schoolᴼˢ “disa…
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    bench one of Walcott, puncheon, michu

    I'm on Walcott purely due to DGW and never waning to bench michu

    agreed DZ?

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    1. Hyperion
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Personally I'd bench Michu as I believe Walcott's upside is higher, but many of us have been stung by benching Michu in the past (I'm assuming...I know I have).

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      1. Hyperion
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        But still as a definitive answer bench Michu imo.

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

      same here.

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  19. Deicide
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Does this looks good?

    http://i.imgur.com/U5Hac.jpg

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    1. sho
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      sagna --> gibbs

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      1. Deicide
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        I'm really confused. Someone suggested me Sagna.

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        1. sho
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 2 months ago

          are you looking to upgrade any player in the next few weeks? if yes, the extra 0.5m might help. otherwise, just go gibbs

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    2. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Not for me. 1 chelsea player? 😯

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      1. Deicide
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        I can't get Mata, he's too expensive and I don't want to ditch Bale since he's facing Qpr.

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        1. chocolove
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 2 months ago

          get hazard,

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

      Sagna to Gibbs and Sterling to Punch

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    4. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      U have cameron and bego, get rid of cameron, foster and fellaini

      Get mata in and other 2 cheap ones

      Assuming u on wc

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      1. Deicide
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Yes, i am on wc.

        What cheap ones do you recommend me?

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        1. La Roja
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 2 months ago

          Rmartin and bunn

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  20. blokeman
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Start Szcezsny or Bunn this week?

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    1. PGR
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Bunn

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  21. PGR
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Which Southampton defender for DGW? Will become Wilson as soon as he's back.
    Clyne, Hooiveld or Shaw? Hooiveld for his aatacking threat, right?

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    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      No, clyne for his attacking threat

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  22. aree036
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Please give thoughts on my Wild Card team, It was a late move forced from no Chelsea cover. " " = new

    "Jaask" Begovic

    Gibbs "A. Cole" Cameron, Demel, Clark

    "Mata (C)" Walcott, "Fellaini" Michu, "Guthrie"

    Van Persie Berbatov "Ba"

    Major question is should I move Berbatov to Ruiz and do I need to rethink to get Bale in this week?

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    1. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Cole and Guthrie to AN Other and Puncheon or Ramirez?

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      1. Hyperion
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Good shout, missed the fact you don't have any Soton in there. You could go Guthrie -> someone and Berba -> Lambert. Would also switch Cole to Luiz.

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        1. aree036
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 2 months ago

          As a long term option I dont like the scummers, their fixtures are terrible. I would want berba back for lambert in two weeks. I could even see berba outscoring lambert this week.

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          1. Hyperion
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 2 months ago

            Yeah you could well be right there. In that case see if you can reshuffle and get Puncheon in.

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    2. Hyperion
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Do Guthrie -> Marveaux if you can afford it. Only do Berb to Ruiz if you really need the cash, I think Berba will justify his price tag over the coming weeks. I'm personally going without Bale for now and will get him in for Mata or Walcott in a few weeks.

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      1. aree036
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        ok im following your same though pattern. On marveaux, what are his chances of keeping his place when other players come back? (Barfa, cabaye, gutierezz)

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        1. Hyperion
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 2 months ago

          Probably 50/50 depending on whether Newcastle buy anyone. Based on recent performances, which have been excellent, he's has a deserved chance of staying in. The problem is can you play both him and HBA (who aren't the best defensively) in the same team?

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  23. Dave1966
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Guys who should I leave on bench from:

    A. Ruiz

    B. Michu

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    1. Hyperion
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      A

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    2. gravless
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      I have to say Michu.

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  24. UnitednationsXI
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Is sterling >> gaston worth a hit??? Will lead me to benching michu...

    Gaston will recoup the hit by just playing two games.,,so comes down to whether who will score more..michu in 90mins vs gaston 180mins

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    1. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      No.

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    2. sho
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      me thinks michu(90) + 4pts > gaston(180)

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

    Good morning lads. Anything interesting in the last 38 pages 😯

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    1. Djerbil
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      yeah its all about who to bench??

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    2. Raise_the_Roof
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      And to captain Ba or Mata??

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  26. marlborored
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    okay guys i desperately need your help and advices. im last place in the league i'm playing, losing by about 150 points to the first place. So obviously I kinda need a differential here and I'm having a hard time choosing my captain. I have 3 options, Mata/Ivanovic/Hazard. I'm leaning towards Ivanovic because I'm kinda in need of a 'jackpot' to catch my friends up. What do you think? Thanks guys 🙂
    btw my team is
    Howard
    Bassong-Baines-Ivanovic
    Michu-Mata-Hazard-Snodgrass
    Suarez-Berbatov-Chicharito

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  27. PGR
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Foster and Bunn
    OR
    Chesny and Bunn?

    Originally had Jussi and Turnbull but scrap that with Cech's imminent return?

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  28. Djerbil
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Bench:
    Lennon or Puncheon??

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    1. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Lennon

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  29. La Roja
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Chelsea defence selection head ache as usual.

    Azpili or cashley mate?

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    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Reply fail to LR

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

      Azpi for me.

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  30. Zep
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Haha, an excerpt from this BBC article on Michu...

    "Gameweek 1: 2.47% of managers (48,665 of 1,967,487 teams) select Michu, who is valued at £6.5m
    Gameweek 22: 46.15% of managers (1,175,672 of 2,547,380 teams) have selected Michu, now valued at £8.2m
    * Stats courtesy of Fantasy Premier League"

    http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20974154

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    1. Hyperion
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      I loved that. Just confirms what I already knew: I can spot a player better than 'Arry, AVB, SAF and Robby Martinez and should go into real football management immediately.

      I might start up a "We are the 2.47%" group and do some protesting so our foresight gets the recognition it deserves.

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      1. GreennRed
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Nice avatar.

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        1. Hyperion
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 2 months ago

          Cheers man, my favourite band of all time. I know it'll never happen but I would seriously give my left testicle for them to get back together.

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    2. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Still great value at 8.2. Had him GW1 sold him in GW7 and back in GW15. I like doing transfers 🙁

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      1. Hyperion
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        He is, but if I had never had him at this stage I'd go with Hernandez, he's rattling off key passes like nobody's business.

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