The Knee Jerk

The Knee Jerk – Sunday

The Premier League’s bizarre shortage of goals continues as Sunday’s headline acts muster just two strikes between them. It saw both Olivier Giroud and Daniel Sturridge maintain their goal-a-game records, whilst at the Hawthorns, Swansea struck twice, leaving the Baggies without a goal in their three league outings.

The Game Changer

Giroud’s moment of quality proved the difference in a disjointed North London derby. A sublime flicked finish from a smart Theo Walcott centre was the Frenchman’s third goal in as many league games as he goes on establishing his top-flight reputation.

While we’re anticipating arrivals at the Emirates before the window slams shut, it’s fair to say that if a world class striker fails to saunter through the Emirates door, then Fantasy interest in the impressive Giroud will accelerate.

Currently priced at just 8.6 in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) game, Giroud is owned by over 13% of managers following an outstanding pre-season that saw him strike eight goals. He has taken that form into the season and is not only accepting his goalscoring opportunities with confidence, his all-round play as Arsenal’s centre-forward has undoubtedly improved. It remains to be seen if that’s enough to discourage the lesser-spotted Emirates chequebook from fluttering in the direction of the Arsenal attack.

The Underused

The fixture computer did few favours for Swansea’s Fantasy prospects over the opening two matches. A home clash with the champions and an away trip to Spurs returned just a single goal but, today at the Hawthorns, we saw Michael Laudrup’s side kick-start their season and remind us of the talent they have within the ranks.

Ben Davies was a member of our team of the season last term after a full campaign at left-back generated eight clean sheets, a goal and two assists for the initial value of just 4.0. Priced at 5.0 this time round, he’s been largely ignored but will end the Gameweek as the top scoring defender having cracked the opening goal in the 2-0 win over West Brom. Team-mate Pablo Hernandez failed to make the anticipated impact in his first season but promises improvement this time around. Goal and assist returns today will earn him a couple of bonus and see him rank as the top midfielder in the Gameweek; at just 6.0, the classy Spaniard – who has now played a part in all three of his side’s strikes this term – could yet be a prospect for those who cannot stretch funds to cover Michu.

With Liverpool and Arsenal at home in the next three, the tests keep coming for Laudrup’s men but today’s result reminded Fantasy mangers that we’ll need to monitor progress at the Liberty and be ready to pay attention once the schedule eases from Gameweek 8.

The Selection Poser

Kolo Toure’s absence from the Liverpool lineup through a groin injury was perhaps expected, although noises from Anfield prior to the match gave his Fantasy owners some hope that he’d be available. It wasn’t to be.

With the injury played down by Brendan Rodgers, Toure could easily be in contention following the international break. However, it appears he may be about to slip down the pecking order by then. According to reports and Rodgers himself, Liverpool have agreed fees for defenders Mamadou Sakho and Tiago Ilori. The signing of Sakho from Paris Saint-Germain, looks particularly daunting for Toure owners. The 23-year-old is a French international and is said to have commanded a fee of somewhere in the region of £18 million. It seems unlikely that Liverpool have paid that kind of money to have him play second fiddle to Toure. Sakho can be deployed at left-back but with Aly Cissokho recently joining the club as back-up to Jose Enrique, long-term, it looks as though Toure’s position is under real threat. The former City man is currently owned by over 9% of Fantasy Premier League managers.

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

4,423 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Michu Picchu
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    i'm can't decide on my last midfiel spot in my WC team

    HBA-Lampard-Barkley-Brady-???
    Sturridge-Giroud-Benteke

    Have 10.3 in the bank.

    Was thinking Michu (could fall, so was getting him next week), or maybe Spurs coverage (not sure who with all the transfers).
    In a mess, so please help DZ'ers

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    1. Michu Picchu
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      wow thats poorly wriiten (serves me right for typing a sneaky post while in a meeting). hopefully you guys will forgive me

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    2. Bullet Tooth Bony
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Silva

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    3. Ayling Buyers Club
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Walcott will come good IMO.

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    4. Something Clever
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Michu. Played well yesterday, fixtures ease up soon, and he's playing striker in an attacking team, and he's brilliant.

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    5. Dogba
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Wally > Michu > the rest.

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    6. Valar(Keith)
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Michu.. Played absolutely brilliant yesterday. Expecting huge things.. added an assist threat to his game this season too. Wally is a must too imo..

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    7. Michu Picchu
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      thanks for the feedback guys

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  2. Deicide
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Boruc Marshall
    Zaba Turner(Nor) Merte Chester Turner(car)
    Cou Hazard Walcott Snodgrass Williams
    Giroud Stu Soldado

    Should I wildcard this team ?

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  3. Lucy.
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Who do we think is most likely to partner Kompany when he is fit?

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    1. Dogba
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      I'd say Nasty still.

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    2. ⭐ ABHISHEK - THE CURIOUS …
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Thiago Silva

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    3. Onana Whatsmyname
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Nasty

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    4. Pasqualinho
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      This Demichelis transfer is muddying the waters a bit - might be a Pelle favourite.

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  4. Barrier Freeman
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Hangeland to ??

    Have enough cash to go to either Zab/Enrique/Ivan.

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    1. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      All three good options - Liverpool fixtures gives it to Enrique by a nose?

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  5. Jafooli
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Migs hits 100% again for price rise tonight 😮

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  6. ⭐ ABHISHEK - THE CURIOUS …
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    WC activated. 😉

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    1. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Happy Wildcard Day 😀

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      1. ⭐ ABHISHEK - THE CURIOUS …
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 7 months ago

        Still undecided to go For RvP or not.

        Currently on Sturr Benteke Giroud

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        1. Jafooli
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 7 months ago

          If Baines goes to Utd, I'm going without RVP and Baines (c).

          If no Baines, I'm going RVP (c) GW4 Nd then switching to your three GW5 if he scores one or less goals and will upgrade mid/def following week.....

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          1. ⭐ ABHISHEK - THE CURIOUS …
            • 13 Years
            10 years, 7 months ago

            If Baines goes , Evra will be benched ??????

            I still think Stu Ben Giroud will be effective over RvP... but RvP shows his class when the teams need.. have to consider RvP someweek or other.

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            1. Jafooli
              • 12 Years
              10 years, 7 months ago

              Nah, Evra still class at LB, Baines on LW 😉

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              1. ⭐ ABHISHEK - THE CURIOUS …
                • 13 Years
                10 years, 7 months ago

                Ohhhhhhhh that's interesting.....

                Will have to go for RVP if Baines goes to United

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  7. Djerbil
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    FACT: #TransferDeadlineDay should be a national holiday.

    Agreed??

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    1. ⭐ ABHISHEK - THE CURIOUS …
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Yes....

      So that we can be at any clubs for free transfer... 😀

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      1. KIT
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 7 months ago

        Yes there is an argument for that, but then there will always be people saying things like his attitude isn't the best (he does has an unblemished track record 🙂 )

        What I've learnt in life, You're only worth as much as people are willing to pay for you or your services.

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    2. KIT
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      make that International and you have my vote!

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    3. GK
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      As a United fan I'd rather just forget about today tbh!

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  8. duncansarmy
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Wildcard worthy?

    Boruc
    Ivanovic • Reid • Toure
    Mirallas • Walcott • Silva© • Coutinho
    Soldado • Lambert • Dzeko

    Subs: Mignolet/Ramage/Brayford/Kim

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    1. Something Clever
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Is it just me who thinks Suarez is worth more than Bale?

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      1. GreenWindmill
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 7 months ago

        Well, Suarez has a tendency to bite people so that probably knocks something off his value, but to be fair Bale has categorically the worst goal celebration in history so that evens things up. Hard to say.

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      2. KIT
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 7 months ago

        Yes there is an argument for that, but then there will always be people saying things like his attitude isn't the best (he does has an unblemished track record 🙂 )

        What I've learnt in life, You're only worth as much as people are willing to pay for you or your services.

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      3. The Finnisher
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 7 months ago

        He's a couple years older and he's got a history of, err, biting people so I don't think he's worth more.

        Mind you, there's no way Bale is worth twice as much.

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    2. ⭐ ABHISHEK - THE CURIOUS …
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Nooooooooooooo !!!!!!!!!!! 🙁

      I love Suarez at Liverpool..... I hope BR hold him tight

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      1. KIT
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 7 months ago

        I think I will cry if this happens!!

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    3. Djerbil
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Kaka on a free transfer.. thats a coup Milan

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  9. gsmiggle
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    If u had 1.3 mill in the bank and had J-Rod and Mirallas what would you do to get rid of them? Currently thinking of J-Rod-Benteke and Mirallas to Ward-Prowesse. Your thoughts?

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  10. The Finnisher
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Captain Benteke.

    That is all.

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    1. The Finnisher
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      or maybe Walcott.

      That is all.

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    2. ⭐ ABHISHEK - THE CURIOUS …
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      😯

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    3. Hubert
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Tempted, but RVP could be in for a big haul...

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      1. Jafooli
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 7 months ago

        *huge

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      2. The Finnisher
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 7 months ago

        If you have RVP and don't captain him against Crystal Palace then I would re-assess my team

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      3. Lucy.
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 7 months ago

        Or could be rested and burn the fingers of those RVP-followers.

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    4. SuperOsçarBaby
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      nahh, Mignolet 😉

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      1. The Finnisher
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 7 months ago

        or him.

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    5. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Yeah agree. RVP certain to blank at home to Palace.

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      1. The Finnisher
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 7 months ago

        No he isn't. Don't talk nonsense.

        😉

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        1. Jafooli
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 7 months ago

          😉

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  11. Saniul
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    When will the Ozil transfer happen?

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    1. Jebiga
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      today

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    2. Djerbil
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      6pm BST

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    3. Something Clever
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Never!

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    4. SuperOsçarBaby
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      4 am

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    5. KIT
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      when Wenger ups his bid by 1 pound to 40 mil and 1

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    6. Elniñorules
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Today.....to PSG

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  12. Jebiga
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    what's better strike force ?

    rvp, soldado, sturridge

    or

    rvp, giroud, sturridge

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    1. GK
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Benteke, Giroud, Sturridge

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      1. Jafooli
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 7 months ago

        This.....better fixtures over next four.....

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    2. Bullet Tooth Bony
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Giroud

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  13. thepuntmaster
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Pick one of these combinations (on WC)

    a) JWP - HBA - RVP - Lambo

    b) Nolan - Lampard- Giroud - Bentekkers

    CHEERS!!!

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  14. Bullet Tooth Bony
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Can you see Mourinho playing Hazard upfront again? Or was it just a one off thing against United.

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    1. GK
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Schurrle played up front, not Hazard.

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    2. Something Clever
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Probably a one-off, especially since they have Eto now.

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    3. Willis.
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Schurrle played upfront, not Hazard...

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    4. Lucy.
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      One-off I think.

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  15. Lucy.
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Want to rotate two cheapish midfielders who may both play if Lampard is rested.

    Currently thinking two of Redmond, Brady and Barkley. But any player around the 5m mark would be fine. Suggestions welcome. Could stretch to Barkley + 5.5m.

    Thanks!

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  16. Gaz Downright
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    @Snake Juice You smashed me in the DZh2h this weekend... congrats

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  17. Jinswick
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Seriously excited about the Arsenal transfer news today. Rumours are Ozil looks likely and Rooney could also join, which would just be amazing. Come on Wenger, do us proud!

    -------Rooney
    Santi---Ozil---Walcott

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    1. The Finnisher
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Won't happen.

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    2. Bullet Tooth Bony
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      No chance for Rooney. No chance.

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    3. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      No Giroud 😯

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    4. aussiegooner
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Rooney about a 0.1% chance. There's still some chance though!

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  18. Touré De Force
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Marc Wilson - where is the love?

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    1. ratski
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Possibly out the team with palacios back in a few weeks

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  19. Elniñorules
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Is JWP nailed on then?

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  20. ⭐ ABHISHEK - THE CURIOUS …
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    This....

    Would have been good if Bale would have played atleast 1 match at spurs before leaving to Madrid... 🙁

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    1. ⭐ ABHISHEK - THE CURIOUS …
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      reply failed to KT

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  21. Lucy.
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Any news on that Sturridge injury? I'd planned to WC him in but may go for Soldado if there are doubts about fitness. This is the only draw back with Studge - injury prone to the extreme.

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  22. Willis.
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    14m for 1 point!!! LOOOL

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    1. The Finnisher
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      +1 for you

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    2. Touré De Force
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      I don't own and share your *relief*.... wouldn't like to face in to GW4 without him captain though....

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    3. Dogba
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      This post seems unnecessary.

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  23. Touré De Force
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Anyone else thinking about starting Dzeko GW4? Knocks for Aguero/Negredo on international duty would be sweet.

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  24. Bullet Tooth Bony
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    If Ozil does join Arsenal it's a boost for Giroud. If he doesn't, it's a boost for Giroud.

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    1. Dogba
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Giroud is some sort of super-frenchie.

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  25. dillydally1982
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Is Lamela as a 9m MID a good alternative to Soldado? Tempted as it saves money and opens up space for one of the other good striker options (Giroud/Benteke/Sturridge).

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    1. Jönny
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      We don't know yet... But he's a good player. It's whether he can adapt quickly or not.

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  26. SuperOsçarBaby
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Cazorla vs Sunderland
    Thoughts? he looks good and attacking in 2 games that I watched him.

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  27. ratski
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Played by wc, total knee jerk as my team was already ok but feels alot better now I've done it

    Gets the team I want, able to adjust after int break and money in the bank. Seems right

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  28. Tibbs
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Should I be WC this team, very reluctant to pull the trigger this early on as like to wait a bit longer to assess form and hidden gems,but injuries and poor initial selections are hurting me, thoughts?

    Foster | Boruc

    Toure | Zab | Chester | STaylor | MTurner

    Silva | Wally | Mirrelas | Morrison | Nolan

    Aguero | Lambert | Soldado

    £1.1m in the kitty

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    1. ratski
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      I played it only it he fear that I know the players I want now and was worried they'd so be out of budget,

      Bene, studge, giroud/Rvp is season template, get in before it's too late

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  29. ⭐ ABHISHEK - THE CURIOUS …
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    How much hours left for deadline ?

    Tired to do conversion for timezone

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