Dugout Discussion

Dugout Discussion – Monday

The Gameweek concludes with a clash of the titans. The first “humdinging” encounter of the season finds Man United host Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea, handing David Moyes a huge test in his first Premier League match in front of the Old Trafford faithful.

In Fantasy terms, our focus will be on Robin van Persie after he started the season in devastating style with a brace at the Liberty Stadium. With thousands backing the Dutchman with the armband and ownership of Chelsea’s assets still high after their double Gameweek, tonight’s outcome could provide the catalyst for a big mini-league swing.

The team news is in and, once again, there’s a couple of surprises in store.

Wayne Rooney starts for the hosts in the only change from the team that swept aside Swansea at the Liberty in Gameweek 1. Ryan Giggs drops out for the former Everton man, who is likely to line up on the left, with Danny Welbeck tucking in behind Robin Van Persie and Antonio Valencia out wide on the right.

Jose Mourinho names nine of the same XI that started against Villa last Wednesday evening. Juan Mata makes way for Kevin De Bruyne on the right, while Demba Ba is replaced by summer signing Andre Schurrle as the visitors line up without a recognised striker in their ranks – Romelu Lukaku once again misses out for the third match in a row, with Ba left out of the squad completely.

Our Dugout Discussion chatroom is now open and will be available throughout this evening’s match.

Mark Mark created the beast. He's now looking to tame it.

2,205 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Chris_Fàbregas #DOOS…
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    I'm perplexed why people are moaning that Mourinho's tactics were negative against Man Utd, at Old Trafford, because 0-0 is a great result. Thought Moyes would've been more positive to be honest, seeing as he has the home advantage. Let's see what the result is at Stamford Bridge in the return fixture.

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    1. In Tommy We Trust
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      This. Negative mind frame from Moyes as he valued not getting beat ahead of the three points

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      1. Chris_Fàbregas #DOOS…
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        To be honest, if Ferguson was managing -- I think he would've won this show down. I think Moyes is terrified of losing at Old Trafford, and doesn't seem to have much confidence. You could tell as he walked out of the tunnel and onto the pitch right at the beginning. He looked nervous.

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        1. Granville
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 6 months ago

          What complete nonsense.

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          1. Chris_Fàbregas #DOOS…
            • 13 Years
            10 years, 6 months ago

            You're opinion -- you're entitled to it. No need to be so rude, Mr. G.

            I think Ferguson would've taken this game, and I speak as a Chelsea fan. Maybe I'm comparing the two (Ferguson & Moyes) on how they present themselves, but Ferguson always had swagger and was confident, Moyes looked scared and nervous.

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            1. Granville
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 14 Years
              10 years, 6 months ago

              Sorry man.

              Fergie didn't have a very good record against Chelsea. Many times they dominated games and got caught by the sucker punch. I'd give the credit to the likes of Terry.

              I think way too much credit/criticism is placed on managers. They pick a team, the rest is up to the players.

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              1. Granville
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 14 Years
                10 years, 6 months ago

                In terms of the starting teams, Moyes played it very positive.

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              2. Chris_Fàbregas #DOOS…
                • 13 Years
                10 years, 6 months ago

                That is okay. I know you're a good dude 🙂

                I agree about the Fergie record against Chelsea, but it's only Mourinho's third game back in the Premiership and I just get the feeling that Ferguson would've been able to adapt, make the correct tactical changes, and capitalise. I am definitely not Fergie's biggest fan, but today Chelsea didn't offer much and could've been taken on the break which Ferguson could do well.

                I agree to an extent on your second point, but I think the manager's credit is thoroughly deserved when they do well. Game changing decisions are made by managers that win games. There is a thin margin for error however, such is the nature of the game!

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                1. Chris_Fàbregas #DOOS…
                  • 13 Years
                  10 years, 6 months ago

                  I guess you can liken it to putting together flatpacked furniture or setting up a new flatscreened smart tv; sometimes you can do it on your own, but other times, you really need the instructions! 😀

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    2. Granville
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Where is this coming from. United were totally positive. Attacking lineup and they gave it a right good go.

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      1. In Tommy We Trust
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        Look at the pitch map Granville.

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        1. Granville
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 6 months ago

          I watched the game, why do I need to look at the pitch map. Only one side wanted to win the game, they just lacked the quality to finish it off.

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          1. In Tommy We Trust
            • 13 Years
            10 years, 6 months ago

            Quality to finish off? More like chances created

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    3. Red5
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      I agree the onus was on Utd to force a result, but I think this was more about Moyes not wanting to lose his first league match at Old Trafford rather than not wanting to lose at Old Trafford full stop.

      United (Moyes) losing this game would have been made out to be a major disaster. If we were 10 weeks into the season and United (Moyes) already had a good start under their belts, it wouldn't have been perceived as the end of the world if they lost at home to Chelsea.

      Hopefully the spirit United played this game in will just be a one off.

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      1. Chris_Fàbregas #DOOS…
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        I agree completely. Moyes didn't look confident, and looked under pressure from the moment he left the tunnel to sit at the dugout. He was filling his colostomy bag at the thought of losing at Old Trafford, and such a big game early on, the pressure was on him. He could've been more positive than he was. I think he was playing it a bit safe, and it felt like that. I think Ferguson would've won this game, had he been in charge.

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        1. Red5
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 6 months ago

          I can't say he would have won (Utd lost this fixture last year iirc), but he probably would have risked losing in order to win.

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  2. Voice of the Mysterons
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    Only defenders get bonus tonight. Maybe playing 5 defenders is the way to go?

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    1. Namtab Nomolos
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Clean sheets are worth 6 this season.

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      1. Voice of the Mysterons
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        No still 4 points for clean sheet

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        1. Namtab Nomolos
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 6 months ago

          Ok if you're Ivanovic, still 4 🙁

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    2. The3rdTurd
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      This glut of clean sheets won't last over the season as a whole.

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      1. Voice of the Mysterons
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        It's just if they do keep a clean sheet your almost guaranteed some bonus points. Last season Rooney would have had some bonus points

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        1. Red5
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 6 months ago

          Not always, but if it's 0-0 or 1-0 there is a good chance of baps for CS defenders. More goals than that and it becomes a lot more difficult as the goalscorers will take most of the baps.

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  3. Touré De Force
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    It's time 4-3-3 started being taken seriously on this site!

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    1. P&F
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      dont be silly 5 - 4 - 1 all the way

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      1. Red5
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        No, it's midfield which has been gutted, not strikers.

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  4. Chrissy Waddle - 2023/24
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    Jose says he went for the point.

    No shit Jose. 🙄

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    1. Willis.
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Well what do you want him to say?

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      1. Chrissy Waddle - 2023/24
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        That he had the ambition to get all 3...

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  5. fdotman
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    even with baps ivanovic has outscored the other chelsea defenders this season, a trend i think will continue

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  6. svgcr
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    So history repeats itself with a low scoring MUN-CHL game. Who thinks the same will happen with the North London Derby and lots of goals are coming?

    I hope so. Doubling on Arsenal with Walcott and CAzorla (as hazard´s replacement)

    thoughts lads?

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    1. Touré De Force
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Like it buddy

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    2. Podge
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Spurs are a bit of a mess at the mo, no one seems to know anyone.

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    3. daveoafc77
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Dont like it. Walcott is enough

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    4. Qubit
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Slightly different Spurs from recent times, look more solid in midfield. Could be a closer game, but im hoping for goals personally. Wally Captain for me.

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  7. DRIZ ✅
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    wow what a borefest.

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    1. Jax
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      +1000000

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    2. Tim Canterbury
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      As a Chelsea defender owner/ non RVP owner it was glorious!

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  8. LewanGOALski
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    big differences between TotalFPL and FISO...

    Silva to rise tonight?

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    1. get_in
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      FISO is way off this season, go with what TotalFPL says

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      1. LewanGOALski
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        thanks!

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  9. Podge
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    Old Baps: Rooney 3 Hazard 2 Oscar 1
    Think the new ones actually reflect the match better.

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    1. The3rdTurd
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Agreed, although Rooney did look good.

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      1. Podge
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        Without any real end product though

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  10. Mull
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    How many points did you get from that game?

    I got 9.

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    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      3

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    2. Sleep Talk
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      7 on the bench.

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    3. Touré De Force
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      21. Boom.

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      1. Mull
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        How?

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        1. Touré De Force
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 6 months ago

          DeGea, Terry, Hazard, Ramires

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    4. crystalpalaceRus
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      9

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    5. Podge
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      8

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    6. Reedy
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      8. Can't complain I suppose.

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      1. Jax
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        6+bonus

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    7. Bad Pen
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Just the 3.

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    8. Rödallegabomb ᴿᴮ
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      11

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    9. Chu Young Ping Pong
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      14. On the bench.

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  11. Wild Rover
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    We can certainly say the baps don't like Ivan...

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    1. Scottys Army
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      justice after the dodged red v villa

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    2. Tim Canterbury
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      They reward block clearances. CB's bread and butter. If Ivan wants to wander up the field he better make use of his time up there. Level playing field this season

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  12. Torreslove
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    For all those complaining that this game was poop, what did you really expect?

    This is a game early in the season that neither team could afford to lose. It was a defensive masterclass.A tie now is a point gained.The reverse fixture will be more attacking because then both teams will have to win to keep ahead in the title race. A tie then will be 2 points lost.

    Mourinho will play with a similar strategy (not wanting to lose) against city and arsenal. There's a reason why he has won 2 champions league, 7 domestic league titles, and has never gone a year without winning a trophy. Stop talking like yall know anything from behind a computer.

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    1. get_in
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Defensive masterclass is taking it a little far, don't you think?

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      1. jas5sk - Youtube channel
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        😆

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      2. Torreslove
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        No, they shut up RVP, rooney was all the way back defending, welbeck didn't go anywhere near the goal, valencia couldn't get the ball in the box. By playing schurlle Mourinho probably wanted to surprise and confuse the united defense but they adapted well.

        Hazard had no impact on the game, lampard didn't do much, when torres came on he wasn't allowed to touch the ball in the box.

        I think we can agree the game was screaming for the likes of kagawa and mata but if they had come on then both teams risked getting caught on the counter.

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    2. Jax
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      pot kettle black.

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      1. Torreslove
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        Yea I'm talking from behind a computer too, but I'm not criticizing neither one of the managers for their strategies. They did what they had to do to protect their record and gain a point.

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    3. Alan The Llama
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Nurse, he's escaped again.

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  13. Herman Toothrot
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    Game highlights: http://imgur.com/WHRqbxM

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  14. Bill Haverchuck
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    TorresMagic can I still join the Last Man Standing league. Been trying for the last few mins but the fpl keeps fecking up on me.

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    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Be quick.

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      1. Bill Haverchuck
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        I'm in.

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  15. Pepin - RIP Absinthe
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    26 points from my defense (4 players)
    12 points from my midfield (4 players)

    😯

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    1. Mini Mahouse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      21 points from my defence (3 players)
      14 points from my midfield (4 players)
      18 points from my attack (3 players) and thats just because I captained Soldado ..

      Something is seriously wrong with fantasy! Start playing 5-2-3?

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  16. Chrissy Waddle - 2023/24
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    Stop waffling Jose. The game was pants.

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  17. FF Dirtbag
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    Took a hit last week. Is it worth another hit for:

    Anelka and hazard -> bent and michu/Nolan

    Whatcha think with this team:
    Migs lewis
    Coleman Collins murner Chester Brayford
    Walcott hazard Silva mirallas r.morrison
    Lambert RVP anelka

    1ft

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  18. isacki: full casual
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    This game had shades of Chelsea 0 Man City 0 last season. New Chelsea boss, defensive genius, set out to show he could stifle the champions. Cynical but necessary!

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  19. Jimmers
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    Yes Dave O'Leary lives! - Jose talking about his babies - Schurrle, Hazard, DeBruyne and Oscar

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  20. fdotman
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    Mignolet
    Coleman, Collins, Murner
    Silva, Walcott, Coutinho, Kim
    Lambert, Soldado, Giroud

    not a bad GW3 team

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    1. super zlatan
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Very nice

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  21. applebonkers
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    i quite enjoyed that game. tense, nervy, and great defensive performances. can be as appealing as dodgy defending causing a 3-3 goal fest. and i'm sorry but other than workrate rooney offered nothing above the ordinary. his job in that position is to create chances, get a goal himself or release other attacking players into enough space early enough for them to create a goal

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    1. Reedy
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Fair enough. But I listened in on the radio and spent most of the time jamming my thumbs into my eyes out of sheer boredom

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  22. Ben Mee Over A Table
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    How serious is the Foster injury? Worth looking at his replacement, Daniels, in the short term because of WBA's next 3 gameweeks?

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  23. Syd.
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    I benched Vidic oops

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  24. DÏLKS
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    Well, the standard move is Hazard --> Silva.

    Is everybody doing it tonight/tomorrow? Or what is everybody waiting for?

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    1. super zlatan
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Tonight

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    2. Mini Mahouse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Done it already and his price could rice tonight ...

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      1. DÏLKS
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        Done.

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  25. super zlatan
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    Hmmmm....considering Rooney gw4

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  26. Large Hardon Colluder
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    I'm starting to think that certain managers only play certain players (kagawa eg) pre-season, so they get a false sense of security at the club and therefore don't look elsewhere.

    Shameful, but I suppose I would do it....

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  27. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    Everyone Ivan doesn't have BPS cause he has shot of target. That is it. Either attacking threat or BPS can't have them both. Now everybody relax

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    1. isacki: full casual
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      "Now everybody relax" - Daniel

      I have heard it all now

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      1. Captain Shirokov
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        Lol.

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    2. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      lol... The irony of you telling others to relax.. 🙄

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      1. Heydudes13
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        I know, this guy's potty.

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    3. applebonkers
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      it's 3 shots off target for minus points. ivanovic doesn't have them as he didn't pass as well as the other defenders or clear/block/intercept/tackle as much as them

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    4. The3rdTurd
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      He only had 1 shot off target. That's not enough for negative bps.

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  28. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    Anyone transferring tonight?

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    1. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Just got rid of Lukuku.

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      1. get_in
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        Better late than never

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        1. Sun Jihai
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 6 months ago

          Yeah - feels like I just don't physically have the time anymore to watch price changes on a daily basis.

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    2. LewanGOALski
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      looks like Haz-->Silva needs to be done

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    3. super zlatan
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Moi

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      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        What are you doing?

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    4. Lawrø
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      I just have, a bit crazy!

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    5. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      No. Prices quite calm. League Cup to come.

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      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        Very true.

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    6. thepuntmaster
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Did Grandin>Ward-Prowse

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    7. Hampe
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      I am thinking of Haz > Wally, I'd better wait til after tomorrows game.

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  29. Chris_White
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    Mourinho: "I think the result is fair...I told the players before the game: we play to win, but if we don't win, we don't lose."

    Playing to win by subbing on Torres? Gee what do I know...

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  30. Flicka
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    When does everyone think Hazard will drop? I assume not tonight?

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    1. FACUPARSE
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Dropped him last week

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    2. Art Vandelay
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Not tonight. Neither TotalFPL or FIso are suggesting a fall.

      I am going to sleep on it and decide whether to go the Silva route or raise some funds with someone like Morrison.

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      1. Flicka
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks -- debating where to go as well since I already have Silva.

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