Scout Notes

Scout Notes – Gameweek 13 – Sunday

Wayne Rooney is at the double as United draw at Tottenham. Sergio Aguero and Luis Suarez suffer rare off-days, Samir Nasri notches twice as City maintain their 100% home record, whilst Artur Boruc is subbed off during Southampton’s loss at the Bridge with a hand problem:

Rooney Delivers for United Yet Again
With Robin Van Persie still sidelined due to a groin complaint, the England international was handed a lone forward role at the Lane, with Shinji Kagawa tucked in behind, as David Moyes retained the 4-2-3-1 formation which swept aside Leverkusen in midweek. Rooney continued his outstanding form by bagging both goals in the 2-2 draw, as he benefitted from Van Persie’s absence to convert a second-half spot-kick – a 13-point return was his fourth set of double figures in the last five Gameweeks and means he has now played a part in 13 of his side’s last 18 strikes from Gameweek 4 onwards. The next six fixtures offer him plenty opportunity to maintain his recent showings – home games against Everton, Newcastle and West Ham, supplemented by trips to Villa, Hull and Norwich is rated the most favourable for attacking returns, according to our fixture ticker. However, Rooney continues to walk the Suspension Tightrope and remains just a single caution away from a one-match ban. The champions will be missing Phil Jones for the match against Everton through suspension, after he picked up his fifth yellow card of the season.

Paulinho Moved to Advanced Role
Having made six changes prior to the Gameweek 12 defeat at City, Andre Villas-Boas was relatively conservative with his tinkering for the visit of United. The Spurs boss made three changes to his starting XI, dropping Erik Lamela for fellow new-boy Nacer Chadli on the left after the former made his first league start of the season at the Etihad, whilst the return of Mousa Dembele to the starting line-up allowed Paulinho the chance to shift into the role in “the hole” behind Roberto Soldado. The Brazilian seems immune to his manager’s rotational whims and is the only midfielder or forward to start all 13 league games – his assist yesterday was the first time in five matches he has returned attacking points and suggests Paulinho could be set to benefit if Villas-Boas retains his services further up the field. Kyle Walker’s Fantasy owners will also be a little more optimistic with yesterday’s showing. Handed the majority of set-pieces and corners, the right-back resultantly served up his first strike of the season from a free kick to highlight his capabilities from dead-ball situations.

Gerrard’s Consistency Continues
With strike partner Daniel Sturridge sidelined due to an ankle injury and Philippe Coutinho fit enough only for the bench after also sustaining an ankle problem in training, Luis Suarez stuttered to a rare blank away to Hull. Flanked by Victor Moses and Raheem Sterling, with Jordan Henderson tucking in behind, the Uruguayan failed to produce the points for only the second time in eight appearances this season, though with three hugely favourable home games to follow in the next four (NOR, WHM, CAR), his owners will be expecting an immediate return to form. Coutinho’s emergence off the bench in the second period also bodes well for the midweek Anfield encounter with Norwich – post-match, Brendan Rodgers admitted his squad “isn’t big enough” to cope with the absence of both the Brazilian and Sturridge from the XI.

While Suarez owners suffered a rare day of frustration, Steven Gerrard maintained his recent run of form. Having failed to produce any returns in the first five Gameweeks, the Reds skipper was a long way off Fantasy radars but, since then, he’s served up a superb run of consistent Fantasy displays – yesterday’s free-kick means he has now scored or assisted in seven of the last eight league fixtures for Rodgers’ side. Now up to fourth in the FPL midfield rankings on 69 points, Gerrard remains a real differential – he currently resides in just over 8% of teams ahead of the above-mentioned schedule.

Bruce Reverts to Three at the Back
Robbie Brady owners were left with another blank as David Meyler took centre-stage with a goal and assist in the Tigers’ unexpected home win over Liverpool. Handed a role in the centre as Steve Bruce opted for last season’s Championship formation of 3-5-2, Meyler, in his fourth start in the last five, served up his first Fantasy returns of the season in the 3-1 victory. With Curtis Davies suspended for the midweek trip to Arsenal after receiving his fifth caution of the campaign, it remains to be seen whether Bruce will retain the same formation or move to a four-man backline to deny the Gunners the freedom of the flanks – with Tom Huddlestone and Jake Livermore (who grabbed an assist and goal respectively) nailed-on in central midfield regardless of formation, Meyler looks the likeliest to drop out in spite of yesterday’s impressive showing.

Nasri at the Double
For once, Sergio Aguero failed to produce the points as City chalked up another comfortable home win. The runaway winner of last week’s Captain Poll served up nothing more than a yellow card for his owners, with Alvaro Negredo and Samir Nasri bagging the goals instead in a 3-0 triumph over Swansea. The Spaniard’s opener means he has now scored or assisted in each of his last six league appearances at the Etihad, whilst Nasri’s brace once again highlighted the impact of Manuel Pellegrini – the former Arsenal man has now produced points in seven of his thirteen appearances, with yesterday’s 16-point haul his highest of the season. With David Silva still sidelined with a calf complaint, Nasri remains a real differential for the free-scoring Citizens, with an ownership sitting at just 4%.

Mourinho the Shape Shifter
Having started the previous couple of matches in all competitions with a 4-3-3, the Chelsea boss rolled out a 4-2-3-1 for the visit of Southampton. This saw Frank Lampard benched and Juan Mata handed a role on the right flank, with Oscar tucking in behind Fernando Torres, but the Brazilian’s enforced withdrawal saw Lampard brought on just before the break. Mourinho then went one step further for the second-half – introducing Demba Ba to partner Torres in a 4-4-2. The switch proved the catalyst for a comeback which saw the Blues score three times in the second period. With Mourinho bringing the likes of Michael Essien into the XI for yesterday’s match, he’s clearly determined to stick by his promise of festive rotation and utilise the depth of his squad. John Terry and Gary Cahill highlighted the threat Chelsea carry from the beck, with the Blues skipper picking up maximum bonus to move to 68 points overall – second only to Eden Hazard amongst Mourinho’s side and second in the defender standings, two points behind Everton’s Seamus Coleman.

Keeper Conundrum for Saints
Subbed off just before the hour mark, Artur Boruc is set for a spell of up to six weeks on the sidelines with a dislocated finger, according to reports. The second-most popular keeper in the FPL game, with over 23% ownership, Boruc has managed just a single clean sheet in six due to a punishing schedule. With Paul Lambert’s side scoring in just two of the last seven Gameweeks, the chances of a home clean sheet look strong, though with City rolling up to St Mary’s at the weekend prior to a trip to Newcastle, the short-term schedule remains taxing. Those who chose to double up on Boruc and fellow Saints stopper Kelvin Davies face the unlikeliest of scenarios – the latter is sidelined through injury, leaving third-choice option Paolo Gazzaniga as the front runner over the festive period. At 3.9, the Argentine is certainly cheap but, as he showed at the Bridge, is lacking in match sharpness after months of inactivity.

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1,659 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Valar(Keith)
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Any press conferences scheduled for today? or are they all tomorrow(apart from palace and west ham)

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    1. Assisting you all day
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      everton martinez already had his

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  2. Beautiful Game
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Evans or Vlaar till the second wildcard???

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    1. BobbyV
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Neither

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    2. Bobbydhino - ⚒ Saint Slav…
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      If those are the options....Vlaar!?

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

    A) Hope Davis recovers - if not then no starting keeper
    B) Boruc -> Panty (4 points)
    C) Boruc -> Marshall (4 points)
    D) Boruc -> Gazzaniga (4 points)

    I think a strong case can be made for all 4.
    #struggling

    Davis
    Terry, Evra, Clyne
    Walcott, Ramsey, Nasri, Ravel
    Aguero, Suarez(c), Giroud

    Boruc*, Snodgrass*, Ward, MOlsson
    Bank 2.4m (need at least 2.3m for Giroud -> Rooney next week)

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    1. MJ6987
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      B for me unless there is positive news on Davis before the deadline

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  4. BMox81
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Boruc to Howard or De Gea?

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    1. Jackson123
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Howard, a couple tough fixtures to start but from GW16 is looking tempting.

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    2. beric
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      ddg i reckon

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    1. beric
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      cheers, timing

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  5. beric
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    my keepers are Boruc and Foster

    was planning on foster to gazzinaga to save cash anyway, now obviously thinking boruc -> Gaz

    do we think Gaz will play long enough to cover the rest of fosters injury?

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  6. Jinswick
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    2 Dec: Boruc -> Gazza for a Davis/Gazza combo for 7.8m
    3 Dec: Southampton FC "Boruc injury not as bad as first though - he's fit to start on Wed"

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    1. Assisting you all day
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      hahaha

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  7. Assisting you all day
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    chances of these starting

    a)ravel
    b) janujaz
    c)de guzman
    d) rvp
    e) pantilimon
    f)walcott
    g) baker

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    1. beric
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      high, low, high, low, high, high, low

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  8. JUSTBLAZE
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    @Pundit

    I'm keeping RVP. It's a lot easier to reshuffle my team with him than to reshuffle it to bring him back. Always worked this way with expensive players for me and I seem to be doing very well, despite how mediocre and lightweight my midfield looks. What are you going to do? I hope he's back and scores a hat trick. He's had a 3 week break.

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    1. PlayPercentage
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      3.5 weeks.
      At this rate, he won't be match fit when he come back!

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    2. pundit of punts
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      I think I'll wait for Moyes to give something away. Three and a half weeks is more than enough to recover from a groin strain.

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  9. Mr.B
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Is J.Collins nailed on or should I rather just get Rat and bench him this week? Need to do Sakho to a 4.9m defender or less to do Remy to Rooney.

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  10. Jackson123
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Everton players for the Xmas period. How many are you going with?

    Coleman and Lukaku for me.

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    1. beric
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      just coleman as it stands

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    2. Spike ⚽️
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      I have both and will keep

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  11. AarÖn Özilski
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Szczesny has the best saves-to-shots ratio of any regular Premier League goalkeeper this season at 81%.

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    1. Jackson123
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Always been a talent. Was just his occasional ludicrous decision making that had him labelled a calamity.

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      1. AarÖn Özilski
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        I agree.

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    2. boc610
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      i think he's the best goalie in the league at the moment, if not one of the best in europe

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    3. Drip Doctor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Remarkable improvement. He had the worst last season. Many, including myself, were crying out for Wenger to get a new Goalkeeper in the Summer.

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  12. Razormac
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Lots of people still considering Ravel. Why was he dropped Saturday? I'm a bit worried as I need him to start this week as I have other priorities to address like boruc out and Ramsey in!!

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    1. Sess!
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Rest, 4 yellows, etc. West ham fans desperate for nolan to be dropped and R.morrison playing. I still think he's good for the moment, but may not start every game.

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  13. Stats King-@football2space
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Bench Coleman (mun) or McAuley (MCI) ?

    http://i.imgur.com/H4fOSq1.jpg

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  14. boc610
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    theres a touch of the Keegans about AVB. gonna have an 'Id love it' style meltdown in the very near future.

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    1. Jackson123
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Probably end up driving his car into the Daily Fail reception.

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  15. Mojo Rojo
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Who would you rather long term?

    A) Cabaye

    or

    B) Sess

    *need to ditch one for Ramsey

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    1. Razormac
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Cabaye for me. Sess too inconsistent

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    2. Spike ⚽️
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Cabaye

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  16. Jinswick
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    How much of a rotation risk is Panty, really?

    1) Hart was allowed a host of blunders before being dropped.
    2) Panty has conceded 1 goal in 4 games
    3) What kind of a message does dropping him on this form send?

    I may be wrong, but I think he's safe until the time comes that he makes 1 or 2 blunders, and a City 'defender' for less than 5m is a bargain. Less than 1 month till the Jan WC too if it all goes wrong.

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    1. MJ6987
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Surely, the jersey is "his" now until he does something to lose it?

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      1. Jinswick
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        That's my take on it - he's played 4 games now and only conceded 1 so it would send a strange message to drop him now imo.

        I think Hart will go in Jan (with a marquee GK signing coming in), and if so, there's no benefit to Pellegrini in bringing him back in.

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    2. Kostja
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      with fixtures that bad, I doubt I wanna take that risk

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      1. Jinswick
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        Yeah, they're not the best, but do they matter much? City have tightened up of late, have conceded the least chances in the league and will have Kompany back soon.

        The 1m saved going for Gazza could be the way to go though - as well as the cash, a Gazza/Davis combo = a nailed on starter for a very good team.

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  17. Reckoner.
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Who to play next week:

    A) Williams (Home to Newcastle)

    B) Ravel (Away to Palace)

    Leaning towards Williams at the moment.

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    1. Sess!
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      You'll know if Ravel is starting before GW deadline. If he is, I'd play him.

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    2. Messi & fabregas
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      i would start both if we see that ravel starts

      otherwise williams imo

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  18. Kostja
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    So who is everyone going for as Boruc replacement. Im going Speroni I think

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    1. Wilshere Knowledge
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      I'm leaning towards Panti.

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      1. Kostja
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        with no second keeper for me I dont know if I want to make that mistake

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        1. Wilshere Knowledge
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 3 months ago

          I have no 2nd choice keeper either. But playing boring is no fun 😉

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          1. Kostja
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 3 months ago

            keeper moves always boring so a lose lose situation. But Speroni is cheaper so he is the pick. Thanks for the input though

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      2. MJ6987
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        Make that a pair of Pants

        me too

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    2. Messi & fabregas
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      depends on your other keeper, i have had speroni since week 1 and i will be getting marshall or mc grecor, both rotate beautifuly until week 19 , especially marshall

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  19. BruLee
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Boruc/Foster
    Zaba/Mcauley/Turner/Chico/Collins
    Ozi/Ramsey/Mirallas/Brady/Amalfitano
    Suarez/Aguero/Lukaku

    2 FT. 0.4 in bank.

    What do you guys think? Should I just fix my GK problem and keep 2 transfers for the Weekend?

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    1. charlie1X
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Mirallas is also a big potential problem.

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  20. MJ6987
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    HVT...I have sent you an email (in case it has gone in spam again 🙂 )

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  21. BobbyV
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Terry in for Nastasic for a hit?

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    1. Wilshere Knowledge
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      I would.

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    2. Messi & fabregas
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      yes for me, best defender there is

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  22. Messi & fabregas
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Lampard minutes

    dont u think lampard is set to start next 2 matches as he got he one half breather yesterday?

    mourinhho likely to treat sunderland and stoke as west ham away and play 4-3-3 with lampard the more advanced role as he has been throughout his career. With champions league qualification rapped and just steaua for last match, lampard to be rested then and play vs crystal palace thus starting him in the next 3 premier league fixtures,

    anyone seeing logic behind this or do u think lampard might not be a good punt (due limited minutes) for the next 3 matches?

    thoughts please?

    thanks

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    1. Wilshere Knowledge
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      I don't think Lampard is definitely first choice. I think he has been dropped rather than rested. I'd stearin clear personally.

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      1. Messi & fabregas
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        u think so? i think he was rested than dropped he is mou favourite

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  23. FACUPARSE
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Bench Cabaye (mun)? Shaw (AV) or RMorriosn (CP)?

    Thinking Cabaye

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    1. MJ6987
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Agree

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    2. Brutus619
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Shaw for sure unless Weimann/Agbon/Benteke get injured....I'm a United fan.

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    3. rewtasw
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Actually cabaye usually does well in the big games, but newcastle play swans away midweek.

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      1. FACUPARSE
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        You're right.. Swans away is different than Man U thats for sure

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        1. rewtasw
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 3 months ago

          I would still bench him unless you think ravel wont start.

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  24. RocketMan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    can I have some help please..

    migs
    terry, kosc, clyne,
    lallana, cout, ozil, ravel
    lukaku, suarez, rooney

    subs, gazz sess, rosenior*, nasty*

    Thinking of holding transfer, but not having Ramsey is hurting!

    A) Nasty -> walker
    B) Nasty -> Ridgewell
    C) Nasty + lallana -> ramsey + ridgewell

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  25. Mr.B
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Who would you take if you could only have 2 out of Suarez, Aguero, Rooney?

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    1. RocketMan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      suarez rooney in my team

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    2. Messi & fabregas
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      tough call

      suarez for sure as no other liverpool cover and maybe rooney if u can get negredo, if not then i would say aguero as city seem to be scoring more easily than man utd

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  26. Sess!
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Benteke > Lukaku
    Januzaj > P.Hernandez

    Would mean no rooney. Yes or No?

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    1. rahulshrestha08
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Benteke to ANYONE!(remy or lukaku)

      Januzaj to ravel

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  27. pompeyfan
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    It's a shame that Ravel is going up tonight, would've been nice to be able to see if he is playing tomorrow before the deadline. Any news on a WH press conference?

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  28. BruLee
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Lost on last page

    Boruc/Foster
    Zaba/Mcauley/Turner/Chico/Collins
    Ozi/Ramsey/Mirallas/Brady/Amalfitano
    Suarez/Aguero/Lukaku

    2 FT. 0.4 in bank.

    What do you guys think? Should I just fix my GK problem and keep 2 transfers for the Weekend?

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  29. Mr.B
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Is Ramsey enough or should I get another Arsenal mid/striker?

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    1. rahulshrestha08
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      get walcott!

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