Great Expectations

Great Expectations – Gaston Ramirez

Arriving at Southampton on the final day of last summer’s transfer window, Gaston Ramirez’s acquisition was regarded as a real coup for the Premier League new boys. The Uruguayan signed on for a club record fee believed to be in the region of £12m and, having been favourably priced across the Fantasy games, looked a genuine mid-price option for our five man midfields:

By the end of the season, however, Ramirez was sitting in the St Mary’s stands after being banned for the final three matches, with his debut campaign in the English top-flight turning out patchy at best. A total of five goals and four assists over 26 appearances, supplemented by eight Fantasy Premier League (FPL) bonus points saw Ramirez end the season on 88 points – given that Rickie Lambert racked up 187 points as the lone forward, it’s fair to say that the former Bologna man had plenty room for improvement next time out.

Key Factors

  • On the positive side, Ramirez’s limited returns from his role in “the hole” is likely to be good news for his price across the Fantasy games next time round. While Lambert’s exploits will ensure a hefty hike and perhaps force him out of many Fantasy plans, Ramirez should remain around the 6.0 mark in FPL – given that mid-price midfield options such as Michu, Marouane Fellaini and Kevin Nolan are all set to rise in cost, Ramirez may well step up as a strong value option.

  • Ramirez’s first season in the Premier League was also blighted by a leg problem. With his game time limited, the new boy made just 20 starts and six sub appearances for the Saints and featured for a total of 1,679 minutes compared to Lambert’s 3,126 minutes – while he delivered only 47% of Lambert’s FPL points haul, then, he only played 53% of the forward’s game time. If he remains injury-free next time round and providing Pochettino curbs his penchant for subbing Ramirez off midway through the second period of matches, the Uruguayan will be optimistic of mirroring his final season in Serie A, which harvested eight goals and four assists.

  • Although Southampton stuttered towards the end of the previous campaign, Ramirez hinted at an upturn in performance at St Mary’s. The Uruguayan notched in two of his final four home appearances before receiving his marching orders for an elbowing incident involving Shane Long in Gameweek 35 – Mauricio Pochettino has already talked up his star man’s potential for next time out, following a difficult settling-in period. Certainly, the 2013/14 fixture list affords Ramirez the perfect platform to kick on – Southampton’s first six home fixtures look particularly strong (SUN, WHM, CPL, SWA, FUL, HUL) and with trips to West Brom, Norwich and Stoke also included in the opening 11 Gameweeks, the Saints could barely have wished for a kinder opening run.

  • As Pochettino prepares for his first full season in charge, he’ll be buoyed by some of his side’s home results against the top eight last time round. Since taking the reins last January, the Argentine saw his side beat City, Chelsea and Liverpool at St Mary’s, in addition to drawing with Everton in his first match in charge. While there’s no denying Saints finished the season poorly, Pochettino’s side have already shown their capabilities and will be looking to eradicate the inconsistencies that harvested just four points from their final six games – Ramirez will undoubtedly be key to their progression.

Paul Is certain he won't make the same mistakes next season. Follow them on Twitter

1,301 Comments Post a Comment
  1. onionbarje
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    This is hilarious http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYokGZ8pOEw

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  2. Ginkapo FPL
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    TWS ARTICLE - ignore otherwise

    http://uefacouncil.wordpress.com/2013/06/26/round-2-token-can-play-that-game/

    Marks out of ten for the title?

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    1. Kuqi Monster
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      nice article gink - still think the hammers have overpaid for Mangala!

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      1. Ginkapo FPL
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Its called Flair. Flair is not to be undervalued. 😉

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    2. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      But seriously guys, marks out of ten for the title?

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  3. Messimerized- Join My FPL L…
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Uruguay XI: Muslera, M Pereira, Lugano, Godin, Caceres, Arevalo, Gonzalez, Rodriguez, Forlan, Cavani, Suarez..

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    1. Lawrø
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Other page mate.

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  4. Count of Monte Hristo
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Looking forward to Brazil v Uruguay. Should be a cracker.

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    1. Dr Dream
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Yeah, great semi finals. I'd like a Brazil/Spain final...not just for the football but because it would put the viewing figures right up and this tournament deserves the coverage,,,It's been a great competition thus far and has earned the right for the confed cup to be higher up the pecking order in future.

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  5. Optimus.
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Disgusting scenes in Italy

    as Tevez gets off the plane

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    1. Count of Monte Hristo
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      What happened?

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      1. Lawrø
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        I think it's a joke, Tevez = Disgusting?

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      2. Ginkapo FPL
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Tevez

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      3. Optimus.
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        is the sight of Tevez not disgusting? 😀

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  6. Ginkapo FPL
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Holly Willaboobies dress on the Voice final attracted over a hundred complaints. Pics? 😉

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    1. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Try google image search 😉

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      1. Ginkapo FPL
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        If RonH was here, he'd do it for me. Jeez you people make me sick

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        1. JK - Cønt ⭐
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          I got told off for similar once.

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          1. Ginkapo FPL
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 8 months ago

            Wasnt that twitter and michelle keegan though? Slightly different.

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            1. JK - Cønt ⭐
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              10 years, 8 months ago

              It was. I just commented on it, I didn't even post pictures

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    2. Dowson51
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      I thought they looked good... I liked when she announced this years winner as ... "and the winner of the voice 2003 is..."

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      1. Ginkapo FPL
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        100 complaints for that? Must be the lack of football driving people insane.

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        1. Optimus.
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          100 jealous women

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          1. JK - Cønt ⭐
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 8 months ago

            or 1 jealous woman who watched it, and 99 who decided to complain afterwards when they heard their hubbies talking about her

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          2. Declan-
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 8 months ago

            139 I believe 😉

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      2. Count of Monte Hristo
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Nice Davors

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  7. Beautiful Game
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    do u guys think candreva will start for italy tomorrow???

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  8. teddy.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    As far as I can work out, the Confed Cup FF game I'm playing ( sportcity.net ) doesn't require you to field 11 players. So I'm experimenting with using up all my cash on 9 players, in a novel 2-3-3 formation:

    Casillas
    Ramos Pique
    Oscar Giaccharini Pedro
    Suarez Torres Neymar

    Your bench is free, but they have to be cheaper than the players they replace. I've got:

    Buffon Luiz Gustavo Forlan

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    1. Dowson51
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      I signed up at SportCity but found the whole thing very confusing!!

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  9. Ikey Warrior
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Anyone playing Conrad's Confed Cup game know if the 3rd/4th place playoff will be included for the final round? Or if it's the Final alone?

    Quite a crucial question actually!

    Cheers 😀

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    1. Dowson51
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      I don't think so as it just states "Final" in the rules not "Final and Playoff"

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    2. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Assume not until you hear otherwise. Usually isnt included in any ff game, so I doubt Conrad would do differently.

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      1. Ikey Warrior
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        That's what I thought. Cheers Ginkapo :).

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    3. Dowson51
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      You hoping to close the 77 point gap to the top?

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      1. Ikey Warrior
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Haha. Yeah, got no chance! I'm just playing now to make the games a bit more exciting.

        This game turned out to be picking and captaining the right guys against Tahiti. And the rest were to separate you from the people who also got it right.

        I didn't realise quite how bad Tahiti were before the Nigeria game. Missed out on Oduamadi.
        Then every single one of my Spain and Uruguay players were rested against Tahiti!

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    4. Ikey Warrior
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Conrad just told me the 3rd/4th place game does count guys!

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  10. Portsmouth Bubblejet
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    One Arsenal defender less to worry about: Johan Djourou has agreed terms for a year's loan at Hamburger SV, with the German club having an option to buy at the end of this period. Djourou was on loan last season at Hannover 96, who were also trying to sign him.

    HSV sporting director Oliver Kreuzer expects the deal to be tied up by Friday, with Arsenal's consent to the move almost certain to be given.

    http://bit.ly/12q5scV

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    1. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Sagna to the left of me,
      Clichy to the right,
      Here I am stuck in the middle Djourou.

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      1. Jude Rooney
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Are you here all week?

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        1. Ginkapo FPL
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          For your baby, I could be

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      2. JK - Cønt ⭐
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        too long for a FPL team name

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      3. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Hahaha! 😆

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        1. JK - Cønt ⭐
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          Doosra, your twitter account appears to have been hacked again.

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          1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            10 years, 8 months ago

            Yep. Sorry.

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    2. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Let's be honest Djourou was never much of a threat

      The only thing of FPL note i can recall from him was the time he did a Demel

      He got subbed off about 61 mins into Newcastle v Arsenal, it was 4-0 to Arsenal. It finished 4-4

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      1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        ... from which you have drawn ALL the wrong conclusions! 😆

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        1. JK - Cønt ⭐
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          Nope, i have never owned him, but the guy who won my ML that year did.

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    1. ReinaMan
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Looks familiar

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ElddgJCgyg

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    2. Jude Rooney
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Will be missed as a fantasy asset

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  12. SuperOsçarBaby
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    anyone know who MB10 captain in conrad's ccff? 🙂

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    1. Count of Monte Hristo
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Not sure. I hope you beat him though 😉

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  13. Declan-
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Federer 2-1 down 😯

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    1. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      If he goes out, who knows, only Djokovic left for Murray

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      1. Declan-
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Seems so. Rafa, cilic, Tsonga and Federer were all potential opponents before the final

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      2. Crouch Potato!
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Only Murray left for Djokovic you mean!

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        1. Declan-
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          I'd love to see Murray finally win it 🙂

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          1. Crouch Potato!
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 8 months ago

            Who knows he might even smile! 😉

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            1. Declan-
              • 12 Years
              10 years, 8 months ago

              Or cry, who knows 🙂

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          2. JK - Cønt ⭐
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 8 months ago

            Remember that Murray has reached the final of the last 3 Grand Slams he has taken part in (he pulled out of the French) It's 4 if you include the Olympics

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            1. Declan-
              • 12 Years
              10 years, 8 months ago

              I know. This time again it seems 🙂

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  14. Crouch Potato!
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Heading out for a spot of fishing shortly, if anybody wants any trouts place your orders now!

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    1. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Bring me back the head of a Bowstring

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      1. Crouch Potato!
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        If only I had the means! 🙂

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      2. Count of Monte Hristo
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        😆 😆

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      3. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Bring me the head of Alfredo Garcia!

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    2. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      No ned to carp on about it!

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  15. Count of Monte Hristo
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Confederations FTW

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    1. SuperOsçarBaby
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      torres golden boot FTW

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      1. Beautiful Game
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        he has the good chance!!!

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    2. Beautiful Game
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      transfers made???

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      1. Count of Monte Hristo
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah

        6 in, 6 out

        (c) confirmed

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  16. Count of Monte Hristo
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Just a little samba

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=deQxgSnzugo

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  17. Conrad.
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    16 more minutes to get in your CCFF 2013 Semifinals squads, folks! 🙂

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    1. Dowson51
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      I even tried to sneak an extra forward in but Conrad spotted it...

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    2. SuperOsçarBaby
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      conrad, is my team within budget? 🙂

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      1. Dowson51
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Budget went up to 90 so you'd struggle to spend more than that I reckon...

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        1. Count of Monte Hristo
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          Really?

          I wanted to upgrade Gaston > Pirlo

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    3. Messimerized- Join My FPL L…
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Got my mail?

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  18. Think_Tank
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Great expectations - Liam Ridgewell

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  19. Nomar
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Suarez>Cavani ?

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  20. MB10
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Best of Luck in CCFF guys

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    1. Mílanista
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Good luck, after the disaster on Sunday I'm left rooting for Patrick baaaaaaaaaabyyyyyyyyyy.

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  21. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    I am so please that Pizza Face has gone. Now, if only Jaws could follow him ...

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    1. Mílanista
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Jaws to Real Madrid

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      1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        My cup runneth over ... 🙂

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    2. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Jaws????

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      1. Mílanista
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        What does Jaws do? 😉

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      2. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        A Liverpool forward with a penchant for racism and cannibalism.

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    3. Parm
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      + a number.

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    4. Lawrø
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Jaws = Suarez?

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      1. Lawrø
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Judging by your comment above it was him!

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  22. JK - Cønt ⭐
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    I wish I was good with photoshop

    A picture of Suarez' head super-imposed onto Bond Villain Jaws would look superb IMO

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    1. Pickled and Preserved
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      I always wanted to do Big Bad Brad Friedel melded into a yoda headshot

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    2. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Its been done 😀

      Now we just need GB to find it for us.

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  23. Messimerized- Join My FPL L…
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Forlán and Suárez (69) alone have scored more goals for Uruguay than the whole Brazilian XI put together (62). 😯

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    1. SuperOsçarBaby
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      *transfer in suarez and forlan* 😉

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      1. Count of Monte Hristo
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        I kept Suarez

        Forlan > Hulk though

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    2. Declan-
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Brazilians have scored 62 goals for Uruguay 😯

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  24. Count of Monte Hristo
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Brazil

    Now that's how you sing a National anthem

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  25. BKR
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    first post ..after the last FPL season..!!! Got to know there are lot of changes in this site. I would like to know, what will be my rating a FFS poster for past 5 years 🙂

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    1. GlasgowFF
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Think everyone starts at the bottom. I have been posting quality, interesting stuff for many years and am not recognised.

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  26. SuperOsçarBaby
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Brazil v Uruguay predictions and man of the match?

    3-0, Oscar

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    1. Count of Monte Hristo
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      3-1

      Neymar

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  27. Legendary!
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Very passionate singing of the Brazilian National Item there. Loved it. Dont think I have ever heard a national anthem sung that way!

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  28. Sharky’s Machine
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    If you do or have ever played the beautiful game, which player from any era would you most be similar in playing style?

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    1. Parm
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Scholes.

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  29. Count of Monte Hristo
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Luiz you are a muppet

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  30. Parm
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Uruguay Pen.

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    1. Parm
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Luiz pull on Lugano.

      CESAR SAVES FROM FORLAN!

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