Preamble

The Pre-match Preamble – Gameweek 13

I’m not too good at keeping secrets. Those of you who allow me assault your ears via the ScoutCast will know that I’m currently adopting a media blackout when it comes to my Fantasy Premier League lineup.

While that’s proved fun for a while, it makes bearing my soul in this article on a Saturday morning rather tricky. With an hour to go, then, it’s time to disperse the fog of war and reveal all. Not least because I’m panicking that I’ve made another error in a season seemingly littered with them.

I’ve sold Wayne Rooney.

There it is – it’s out there. Stuck out in a paragraph all on its own it looks just as scary as I thought it would. Let’s try to fix that…

I’ve bought Sergio Aguero and Luis Suarez.

There. I feel slightly better.

Are my fears totally banished, though? Far from it. I slept restlessly in my bed last night, with Granville’s Mancunian drawl haunting my thoughts – he was adamant that selling Rooney was an error. Once again, I may soon have to admit that he’s right. That’s becoming a habit.

There was clearly an element of knee-jerk involved in my decision. I’d just seen Aguero and Suarez hit double figures again and, while Rooney did the business for me at Cardiff, in the long-term, I just don’t see him keeping pace with the South American pair, or indeed wearing my armband with the same degree of comfort.

Admittedly, David Moyes’ recent claims that a rest for Rooney was imminent played their part. As does Robin van Persie’s inevitable return to the team and the scoresheet. Then there’s Rooney’s likely suspension before the New Year. Can he possibly go seven, maybe eight domestic matches without another yellow? I very much doubt it.

Even so, while all these factors had me reach for the eject button, I know full well that December could see United step up, which will surely mean further returns for Rooney. Equally, I’m slightly concerned that the form of Suarez and Aguero may not be maintained, certainly not at their current improbable rate of goals and Fantasy returns.

I can probably accept some regression from Suarez and Aguero. I could probably stand to watch Rooney rack up more goals. However, I’m not sure I could face Granville if my four point hit and Rooney rejection plays into his hands and has him ride off into the mini-league distance.

A few weeks ago I declared that I’d start “playing” Fantasy Football again. A few weeks, points hits and several skin-of-my-teeth decisions later, I’m kind of craving the safe existence of my early season. Sure, perhaps I was doomed to failure, but I’m pretty sure I wasn’t destined to crash and burn quite so spectacularly.

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

2,232 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Trigg ⭐️
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    Guys, if you saw this in your team, would you see it as a sign?

    Do I HAVE to captain him? 😯

    http://picpaste.com/pics/FF-Xf9MO3ey.1385807348.png

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    1. Jimbo123
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Haha definitely!

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    2. NATSTER
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Hazard?

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    3. Bucketproof
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      You don't have to, but tactically it's probably for the best. I'm in a similar pickle. The way I see it, most people who you consider to be rivals will captain him as well so his points are almost irrelevant, you have strength in depth that will hopefully make the difference.

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      1. Trigg ⭐️
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 5 months ago

        But look at what is next to Hazard's fixture ....

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        1. Bucketproof
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 5 months ago

          Oh I see it now, hate to be in your shoes lol

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  2. Zep
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    One last check?

    Migs
    Mert Terry M.Turner
    Ozil Ramsey Barkley Brady
    Rooney Suarez(vc) Aguero(c)

    Januzaj, Clyne, B.Turner

    1FT, 2.2m ITB

    A - Brady > Sess (FT)
    B - Ozil > Hazard (FT)
    C - Leave as is and have 2FTs for GW14

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    1. Zep
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      I had planned to do

      Ozil & Brady > Oscar & Coutinho (-4)

      but the news that Coutinho might be out has thwarted that...

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      1. tw
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 5 months ago

        do those same moves but with gerrard instead of coutinho

        btw what are your thoughts on rooney + ozil > aguero + gerrard (-4)?
        will captain aguero over suarez in that case

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        1. Zep
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 5 months ago

          Don't you think I would if I could...?

          I can only afford 8.5 for Brady once I sell Ozil to Oscar...

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          1. tw
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 5 months ago

            oh damn :(. in that case

            gerrard + mirallas
            or
            oscar + mirallas

            thoughts on my possible moves?

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            1. Zep
              • 14 Years
              10 years, 5 months ago

              I would wait tbh...

              Ozil and Rooney could both score well too...

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    2. alex5
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      i would do B. i would have done it myself if it wasn't for a -4

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      1. Zep
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 5 months ago

        I'm starting to have doubts about Chelsea's scoring capabilities against a resolute So'ton defense...

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        1. alex5
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 5 months ago

          i would say Hazard has more chance of points than an off form Ozil playing away from home to a defensive side

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  3. alex5
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    Cmon Aguero pleasssssssse get some good points today , cheers mate

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    1. Zep
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      I can guarantee you that Aguero will get 0pts today... 😉

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      1. alex5
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 5 months ago

        woops !

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    2. Champy
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Tomorrow more likely I think

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    3. Somalion
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      No worries bro, I'll start warming up now.

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  4. Stats King-@football2space
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    Whos got better chances of CS & Attacking points till gw 20, Terry or G.Johnson ??

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    1. NATSTER
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      I feel Terry.

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      1. Stats King-@football2space
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 5 months ago

        yeah, hes pretty dominant in the air during set pieces + BAPS Magnet.

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    2. Dr Dream
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Johnson doesn't really do attacking points despite looking the part and having the stats.

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      1. Stats King-@football2space
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 5 months ago

        hmm, more like Stats Magnet , lesser attacking output FPL-WISE.

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  5. NATSTER
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    1FT - Quite sure that I will use it to bring Vlaar in. Question is who to sell?

    Clyne has difficult fixtures and, from now to Jan, I see only two chances to play him (Gw14,18 vs AVL,car). Williams is playable on Gw14-16 (NEW, HUL, nor).

    A: Clyne -> Vlaar
    B: Williams -> Vlaar

    Migs
    Terry - Ward - Clyne (B.Turner, Williams)

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    1. NATSTER
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Anyone? Help with your opinions please.

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  6. Jinswick
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    In light of these rumours re Ravel

    https://twitter.com/LeeClayton_/status/406727765187395584

    Should I go ahead with Snoddy -> Walcott for a 4 pointer?

    Boruc
    Terry, Evra, MOlsson
    Mirallas, Ramsey, Nasri, Ravel
    Suarez, Aguero, Giroud

    Davis, Ward, Clyne, Snodgrass
    Bank 4.2m

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    1. NATSTER
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Oh.. Who's Lee Clayton? Is he a source close to West Ham insides?

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      1. Jinswick
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 5 months ago

        I'm not sure - saw it posted here earlier and with Ward and Clyne as my back ups I'm a little nervous! Reckon the hit is worthwhile?

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        1. NATSTER
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 5 months ago

          Selling Snodgrass is ok, but 3 Arsenal seems too much.

          Hazard or Oscar?

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          1. Jinswick
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            10 years, 5 months ago

            Yeah would be triple attack for car and HUL before i switch Giroud -> Rooney. Hazard pencilled in for GW16, but perhaps I should get him earlier....

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  7. Jimbo123
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    Soooo, Suarez or Aguero for captain?

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    1. Mumm-Ra
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      I went for Aguero last week. I see no reason why i should change.....

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    2. Cheeseoid
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Thatis the question. Aguero for me

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    3. Rafabio
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Aguero. 26 goals in 6 games @ home for City and it doesn't matter who they face. Ask Dawson.

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  8. citizen_kane
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    Link to Marks team?

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    1. adams_6
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      199

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

    I miss the Preamble 🙁

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  10. Scottys Army
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    Better lomg term

    A. Ramsey and Vertonghen

    B. Gerrard and Mcauley

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    1. adams_6
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      B

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  11. Sᴄʜᴜ̈RRʟᴇ ⓝ
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    Best midfielder 6.2m or less?

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  12. Pigvig
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    Little help - who to play from the following:

    Mutch, Dawson, Lallana or Brady?

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    1. NissA
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Isn't Brady on pens? I'd go with him.

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      1. Pigvig
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 5 months ago

        Still struggling with his injury though. Unlikely to get the full 90.

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        1. NissA
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 5 months ago

          Still though, I'd play him, with Mutch first on the bench.

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  13. Evs
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    Whose your 3rd striker Mark?

    I want Rooney for this run, but happy with Lukaka.

    I think you're move was wise. s&a are not far from an essential duo currently.

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    1. Scottys Army
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      i sold rooney for remy

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    2. Mark
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 17 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Still holding Giroud as the third striker - at least until I'm convinced on Wally.

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      1. Evs
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 5 months ago

        Well, you can't argue with that trio.

        I wouldn't let the 'ghost of gran past" spook you 😉

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    3. Kevin Twine
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      It's Giroud.

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    4. Somalion
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      I would love to have held on to Rooney but United have midfield issues that caused me a bit of concern. Couple that with him being on 4 yellows and Moyes talking of a rest at some stage I think it is the best decision to avoid right now.

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      1. Scottys Army
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 5 months ago

        agree and getting remy in for him allows me 2 upgrades in coming weeks

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        1. Somalion
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 5 months ago

          Exactly, Rooney's output has been good but Remy could reach a similar level and you have greater strength in your squad.

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      2. adams_6
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 5 months ago

        Moyes, though, has now said Rooney could play in every game. I think he'll get his rest when he gets another booking.

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        1. Somalion
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 5 months ago

          That's a fair point and you're fully correct, our Moyesy likes to weave a confusing tapestry. That could mean he misses a nice game like Villa or Newcastle though which if I still owned him I'd not be happy about.

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    5. tw
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      I'd love to have rooney but looks like i'll be selling him this week. any reason to not do rooney + ozil > aguero + gerrard (-4) this week?

      lukaku should do the business too I reckon, especially with everton's nice run of fixtures coming up

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  14. Mumm-Ra
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    Morning fellas. What do you think of this switch with no hits

    Lambert > Remi
    Paulinho > Cabaye

    Leaves me with 300k

    Thoughts?

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    1. NissA
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      I wouldn't be too keen on bringing someone on 4 yellows unless there's a massive points haul coming up, which I don't really see Cabaye achieving.

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  15. Hakuho FPL
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    start barkley or whittingham?

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    1. A.T
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Test

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  16. Louis
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    For next GW, keep Lukaku or swap him for Rooney? Need to decide as my transfer this week depends on it.

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    1. tw
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      keep

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  17. Kim Philby
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    I love reading about this kind of dilemmas having all three of Aguero, Suarez and Rooney in my team.

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    1. Hakuho FPL
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      thinking of roo --- > girdou

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      1. Kim Philby
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 5 months ago

        I have Ozil, Ramsey and Kos too. Couldn't fit in a fourth Arsenal player even if I wanted to.

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        1. Hakuho FPL
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 5 months ago

          nice squad

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    2. Scottys Army
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      roo has done great but for me hes not as good as the other 2

      i would rather have remy as it allow me to upgrade a mid next week and a def the week after.

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      1. Kim Philby
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 5 months ago

        I know what you're saying. I have only Ozil and Ramsey as big hitters in midfield who are supplemented by any of Fer, Ravel and Townsend whom I'd like to ship soon.
        But then I'm happy about my defence with Kos, Terry and Evra.
        So question is: do you really want to go with Remy plus a good midfielder or with Rooney and one of the lot I have?
        I go with Rooney now and all December.

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        1. Pasqualinho
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 5 months ago

          Mids are overpriced, in my opinion. There are many 8.5+ mids knocking about and only one or two will justify this price tag by the end of the season. I don't think loading up with 4 of them is a good strategy.

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  18. Billy Gilmore
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    What was the 3rd transfer, Mark?

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  19. enrico.palazzo
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    Lamela worth a shout?

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    1. Hakuho FPL
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      nah

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    2. NATSTER
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Yes. A shout likes "Arhggggggggggggg".

      Don't go near him until he's settled.

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  20. Anjar
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    Really hard to choose this two. Need help here.
    Play Brady (LIV) or Januzaj (tot)?
    Now I play Brady because PEN+FreeKick and at home game, just really afraid he will play just half game 🙁

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    1. tw
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      brady

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  21. alex5
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    play Clyne or Burner this week folks ?

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    1. Hakuho FPL
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      clyne

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    2. tw
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      clyne

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    3. NATSTER
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      C too.

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  22. Colonel Shoe 肝池
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    lol weve come a long way from rvp bein mentioned every week 😉

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    1. Cheeseoid
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      I think it has made this season more interesting. Although Suarez and Aguero seem just as predictable in every team

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    2. DementedFlamingo
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Who

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  23. Cheeseoid
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    Play Brady or Townsend?

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    1. Anjar
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Townsend imo.
      Nailed on, at Home game, love shooting, MU DEF not good enough
      * MU fans here

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    2. Kim Philby
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      I got Fer in for Arnautovic this week.
      Have Townsend on the bench. But now I've started thinking that maybe Spurs will go all over ManU after last week's disaster and it will end up as a high scoring affair on both sides with Town involved?

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  24. Proggy
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    How many points is everyone expecting today?

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    1. Stats King-@football2space
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Ideally 100, practically 30. Aguero C, Suarez VC playing tommow.

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  25. Jinswick
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    Any truth in this lads?

    https://twitter.com/LeeClayton_/status/406727765187395584

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    1. Parm
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Hopefully not.

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  26. DementedFlamingo
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    Start Barkley or Ravel?

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    1. Hakuho FPL
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Ravel, start barkley or whitt?

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      1. DementedFlamingo
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks. No idea 🙂

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  27. seanie3
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    Mcgregor (davis)
    Terry, Mert, Baker (Clyne, Chester)
    Hazard, Ramsey, Barkley, Brady (jwp)
    Aguero, Suarez, Rooney

    thinking of taking a -4 hit this GW to ship brady out, should I

    a) bring in walcott
    b) bring in navas
    c) keep

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    1. Anjar
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Keep, do that after this GW imo.
      Watch Walcott and Navas closely in this GW.

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  28. Azerbaijan Shopping Centre
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    repost:

    I have 2 FTs

    A Dawson & Amalfitano out for Ravel and Collins ?

    B Dawson out for Collins and save 1FT

    C Amalfitano for Ravel and save 1FT

    D None of the above

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  29. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    Ozil or Yaya, which to own?

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  30. Parm
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    I'm sorry, but Rooney out ahead of his festive run is a tad crazy 😯

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    1. tw
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      even if it's for aguero?

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    2. Scottys Army
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      not really imo

      if it allows you to strenghten squad depth its a no brainer.

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