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. FORCA INTER
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    not sure if i will manage to win fpl with this ratio

    i might need change my expetations and i am for top 100

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    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      You will finish below me.

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      1. FORCA INTER
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        i dont mind , you are in top 10 fpl players on my list

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        1. Epic Fail
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 4 months ago

          😎

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  2. JK - Cønt ⭐
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    ML leader has Suarez (c) over Kun

    Hopefully the always captain Kun at home rule pays off this week, it could be huge

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    1. Herman Toothrot
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Same here 😀

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  3. Chu Young Ping Pong
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Anyone in the US?

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    1. Domo
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Loads of people. Literally millions.

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      1. Chu Young Ping Pong
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        no shit

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    2. FantasyNik123
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Here.

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      1. floydy_floyd
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Love the US

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  4. Crouch Potato!
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    @ Parmtree, I think I have you in the cup. QPR away to Stoke, love to put one over on Mark Hughes! 😉

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    1. Parm
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      ooooooo

      Just checked your team.

      Hazard, Amalfitano, Ramsey, Collins, McAuley & Gabbidon.

      vs

      Oscar, Morrison, Brady, G.Johnson, Koscielny, B.Turner.

      Should be a gooden'.

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  5. Cheeseoid
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Ramsey has to start not performing at some point doesn't he?

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    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Fecking hope so 😆

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    2. Touré De Force
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      No he's sheer class

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      1. Herman Toothrot
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Sheep sheering class.

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  6. Your Mum's Athletic
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Real Madrid would be open to selling Sergio Ramos to all interested parties for €60m, including Barcelona. (Source: El Larguero)

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    1. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      He's been sent off 17 times for them

      You can't even rely on him to finish a game

      He's the Lee Cattermole of La Liga

      Yes that's right, I just mentioned Lee Cattermole in the same post as Sergio Ramos

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      1. Your Mum's Athletic
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        You had me at 'the Lee Cattermole of La Liga' lol 😀

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      2. Declan
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Over 100 yellows, Paul Scholes didn't even get that many in his career.

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      3. isacki: full casual
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        No wonder they want to sell him to Barcelona.

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      4. Manamongst
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        He´s ten times a better offensive player than Lee, even as a defender. He suffers from being played out of position...similar to a David Luiz. His foot and eye for pass is much better than Lee...

        Is he agressive as 4uck? Ummm yeah...

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    2. Declan
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      They paid €27m for him.

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    3. Freshy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Hes getting his RC at CB
      Always been a FB no?
      Still 60M for a defender.........really

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  7. FPL price manipulators are …
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Has anyone actually checked how many players they have playing today? I have an almighty 3 😯

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    1. FantasyNik123
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      I have 4.

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    2. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      4. The most boring players ever as well. Plus Ravel might not even play.

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      1. FantasyNik123
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Why not?

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    3. Cheeseoid
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      4, I hadn't realised it was that low before

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    4. Harry (C)ane
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      4 - Vlaar and Benteke, Ramsey and Walcott.
      Looks like I'll either watch the Aston Villa game or the Arsenal game 😀

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    5. Derailed Bandwagon
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Coleman, Vlaar, Delaney, Amalfitano, Morrison. Aiming for 25 points from today.

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      1. FPL price manipulators are …
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Has the average guy on the street ever heard of those players?

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        1. Derailed Bandwagon
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 4 months ago

          Allows me to have Hazard, Gerrard, Suarez, Aguero, and Rooney so it's well worth it.

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          1. FPL price manipulators are …
            • 10 Years
            10 years, 4 months ago

            touche

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  8. MarkyMarkovic
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    So my cup battle ( assuming everyone starts and plays... bit of a lottery that )

    Comes down to

    Me / Him

    Vlaar vs Debuchy

    Coutinho vs Ramsey

    Hazard vs Nasri

    Remy vs Lukaku.

    I reckon we might be in for a close one.

    Hoping that I'll edge it of course 🙂

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    1. Tabone
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Very close.. think lukaku will beat remy.. coutinho to beat rambo

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  9. ACCOUNTING ON CHRIS
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    12:45 kick off captain fails once again!

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    1. In Like Flynn.
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Half an hour to go yet.

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  10. maxi - REAL ENGLISH FAN
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Walked through east london

    Saw a man with a dog

    Dog barked

    Sounded like ravel

    Could have also been woof

    So morrison will start

    The dog is not on twitter though

    So that damages his credibility somewhat

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    1. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Walcott, Michu or Lamela next weekweek? 🙂

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      1. Piggs Boson
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Wtf. Strange fail.

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  11. Gazza2000
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Mignolet - Lewis
    Koscielny - Dawson - Shaw - Chico - Chester
    Ozil - Ramsey - Barkley - Brady - JWP
    Rooney - Suarez - Aguero

    1.6 itb, 2FT

    I know it's early but I have to do it today as I can't afford Hazard tomorrow, any thoughts on:

    Dawson, Barkley and Ozil -> Gabbidon, Hazard and Walcott -4

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  12. Tabone
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Just want this gw to be over already... want to know how many points I got

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    1. Herman Toothrot
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Wouldn't call it a week 😛

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      1. Tabone
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Well this gameweek will be finished a week from the last gw so why wouldnt it be ? :p

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    2. Gerd Mueller’s thighs
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Loris vs. Begovic this week.....thoughts?

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      1. Tabone
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Think id prefer to have loris this week.. think spurs will have a point to prove at home... and I think it will be a low scoring game!

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  13. isacki: full casual
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Ramsey must be the most deliberately cursed FPL player in history. More than half of people I know who brought him in said they did it to stop his points. 😆

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    1. FantasyNik123
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      I am just like them!

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      1. isacki: full casual
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Well it's started working. I hope you're all ashamed of yourselves 😆

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        1. FPL price manipulators are …
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 4 months ago

          😆
          No jokes but that was my only intention of buying him, problem is that I took out Mirallas for him 4 weeks ago and now I don't know what to do 😥

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          1. isacki: full casual
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 4 months ago

            It's called Karma 😆

            Just wait til both of them score today 😆

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        2. GREENDREAMS11
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 4 months ago

          Lol. That's precisely why I done it, Take out a big hitter from most of my m/l opponents, The only problem was I left it far too late.

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          1. isacki: full casual
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 4 months ago

            Should be some kind of therapy group for Ramsey owners.

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      2. JJO
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        +1

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

      😆

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    3. Mílanista
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      😆

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    4. Smarty Pants
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      I'm one of those who actually succeeded at this task two weeks ago.

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  14. rozzo
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    With these rumours about team line ups it will be interesting to view these pages around xmas time. Beware of the rotation.

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    1. Derailed Bandwagon
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Just get a squad of 15 players that play regualarly

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  15. Sarnab
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Never in any season I have kept my WC till this far, will need to utilise it to the fullest.

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    1. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      keep it until the DGWs, you'll fly up the standings

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      1. Sarnab
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Yep that is the plan.

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    2. Declan
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      I played my WC this GW, bloody price rises were killing me.

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    3. Tabone
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Such a bonus to still have a wildcard up your sleeve. Well done!

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  16. King Kohli
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Any ideas on how to improve this team?

    Mignolet / Lewis
    Rosenior / Dawson / Terry / Clyne / Turner
    Özil / Coutinho / Brady / Whittingham / Sessegnon
    Suárez / Agüero / Rooney

    2 FT, £0.3m in the bank.

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  17. Dr Dream
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    I like to take a hit most weeks....I had two choices in mind this week, Hazard and Ravel in before Hazard's value ran off into the sunset or Leroy Fer and Mirallas in for form and fixtures...(hides behind sofa at three o'clock)....

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    1. Cheeseoid
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      I wouldn't lose 4 points if I didn't expect to make anything extra from it

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      1. Dr Dream
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        That's always my rule apart from this week when I went a bit wishy washy and didn't want to lose Hazard for a while....

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

    I hate you Ravel Morrison, first time I own you and you do this to me

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    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Nothing is confirmed

      Relax

      Jeez

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    2. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Why whats he done?

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    3. isacki: full casual
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      He's not done anything to you yet!

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  19. La Roja
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Bassong starts, source BBC

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    1. Demí
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Elmander and Hoolahan too

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      1. isacki: full casual
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Sounds very one strikery.

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      2. Dr Dream
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        It's gonna be Fer up top or in the hole isn't it ?...I can feel it...and on kicks.

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

      First time im getting sticky

      May i have a few pats on my back please gents?

      I thank you sir

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      1. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        pat pat pat

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      2. Dr Dream
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Pat,pat,pat.....

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      3. Parm
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        pat pat pat

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      4. isacki: full casual
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        I am glad you're getting sticky

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        1. La Roja
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 4 months ago

          😆

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      5. Crouch Potato!
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        I am glueless as to why you got a sticky! 😉

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

        patatatatatatatata 😆

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

      BOOM Bassong starts = CS

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    4. Sarnab
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      M.Turner???

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      1. isacki: full casual
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        I think and hope it's Bennett out

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  20. Gerd Mueller’s thighs
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Loris vs. begovic for this week.....thoughts?

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    1. Touré De Force
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Begovic more likely to score

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    2. Tabone
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Would rather have loris I think

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  21. ola32
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Who would you bench? This round as deadline isn't before the first game starts 🙂

    http://imgur.com/37vtJdk

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  22. Touré De Force
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Bentekke owners, last chance saloon today?

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    1. Harry (C)ane
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Until gw 20 for me. Good fixture, sure to go big 🙂

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      1. In Like Flynn.
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        This was my thinking too. But need him to do something.

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    2. Bartowski
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      He'd have to do something really impressive to not get sold

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      1. Touré De Force
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        9+ points acceptable?

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    3. In Like Flynn.
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Maybe, I'll see how they play, have a look at the OPTAs and take it from there.

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    4. FPL price manipulators are …
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      I bought him for Lukaku 2 weeks ago, not sure now, just saw this on BBC "The on-loan Belgian now has the best minutes per goal ratio in Premier League history (minimum 20 goals), scoring every 118 minutes. Not too shabby from the big man"

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    1. Mílanista
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Never again

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    2. SC not pearls before swine
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      *Runs to check his price. Thank heavens, I'm a million short of swapping him in for Snodgrass.

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  23. Sarnab
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Murner may be benched. 🙁

    Clyne to come on for me if it happens

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    1. LewanGOALski
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      same :/

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  24. Dr Dream
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Come on folks up vote Laroja...it's his first sticky !!

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  25. Sarnab
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Jan Aage Fjortoft ‏@JanAageFjortoft 42m
    BREAKING NEWS!
    I understand Arsenal are big favourite to get Schalke's Wonderkid Julian Draxler.
    I understand Wenger talk to him often

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    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      He is an amazing player

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      1. Sarnab
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        I haven't seen him play so much. Would be a great signing if they pull it through

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    2. Drip Doctor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      #False9

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    3. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      How the hell would an average old school PL striker be privy to this sort of information?

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      1. Sarnab
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        😆

        I really don't know

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      2. ola32
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Works for Sky Germany, I think.

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  26. indiangunner
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    How many of you have Sergio Aguero "kun" as your captain???

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    1. FantasyNik123
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Everyone

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      1. Chu Young Ping Pong
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Can you email at chuyoung1992@hotmail.com?!

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    2. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      17.

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    3. Herman Toothrot
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      o/

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  27. starbows
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Thoughts on getting Jon Flanagan in whilst Enrique is out injured?

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    1. FantasyNik123
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      IDK why everyone is so confident in Flanagan when Cissokho could get the nod ahead of him.

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      1. goneill79
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Cos Cissokho has been crap.

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      2. Crouch Potato!
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Very few are confident methinks.

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      3. Dr Dream
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        He's a great pick but when I thought about all the applause he got last week I began to think that they would say that wouldn't they....one more game will confirm him as a pick.

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    2. In Like Flynn.
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Tried him in Play-On this week, budget as much as anything.

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    3. Ricky - it doesn\'t ta…
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      More of an 'away' defender who just needs a good defensive game. Rodgers will want a more attacking full back for home games

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    4. rdpx
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      The problem is that when Enrique comes back and your player doesnt get games anymore you are stuck with needing to use a FT... better to get someone who will always play so you arent handcuffed to getting JE back when he is fit again.

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  28. MCH
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    532nd in the world in round 2 Cup is so rigged!

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  29. DRIZ ✅
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Sturridge Coutinho Gerrard all out??? Any news

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