Fixtures

Frisking the Fixtures – Gameweek 18 – The Strong

With the January wildcard just around the corner, we’re focusing on the short-term in this week’s fixture analysis. Looking solely at the next three Gameweeks, then, we begin with those sides whose fixtures offer plenty of festive hope:

Arsenal

A goalless draw against Chelsea means the Gunners have failed to win in the last three but Arsene Wenger has reason for festive cheer as his side travel to West Ham and Newcastle before hosting Cardiff at the Emirates. With Arsenal having shown just as much proficiency on the road as at home, Fantasy managers will be confident of points at both ends of the pitch from such fixtures.

Much of Arsenal’s defensive appeal comes down to the fitness of first choice centre-back Laurent Koscielny. If, as hoped, he is back for the Boxing Day clash with West Ham, both he and Wojciech Szczesny offer great value for money, whilst Per Mertesacker’s added goal threat and bonus point potential can be purchased for a premium. In midfield, those in search of a differential need look no further than Theo Walcott, whose return to form looks set to disrupt the Fantasy monopoly held by Mesut Özil and Aaron Ramsey. Up top, there seems no end to the decline of Olivier Giroud and he’s hard to recommend.

Everton

Edging past the Swans on Sunday, Roberto Martinez’s team continues to rake in the points thanks to a kind fixture schedule that won’t abate any time soon. Investment in the Toffees still looks well advised as their next three fixtures gift them two home games against Sunderland and Southampton and a trip to Stoke.

Seamus Coleman’s fourth strike of the season confirmed him as first choice defender in a backline that has kept eight clean sheets already this season. Such a figure makes Tim Howard an attractive goalkeeper and also adds sheen to the prospects of Sylvain Distin and Phil Jagielka, while Leighton Baines’ return in time for Boxing Day strengthens the Toffees appeal further. In midfield, Ross Barkley notched his first goal since Gameweek 6 to reignite his appeal as a cut-price option, whilst Kevin Mirallas will be looking to continue the form which has harvested three goals and a trio of assists in his last six at Goodison.

Aston Villa

A defeat at Stoke leaves Paul Lambert’s side in a precarious position but the midlands outfit have a trio of fine-looking festive fixtures to help lift their form. With back-to-back home games against Crystal Palace and Swansea, followed by a trip to Sunderland, they have every opportunity to return to Fantasy relevance.

Lambert will be desperate for the return of Ron Vlaar to steady a defence that had kept five clean sheets in nine games prior to his injury. Pickings are very slim in midfield but if Christian Benteke remains sidelined with a knee injury up top, Libor Kozak has staked a claim for a regular role and has now scored in three of his last four starts.

Fulham

Rene Meulensteen’s impact at Craven Cottage has been obvious in the positivity of his team’s play, but a record of three defeats in four highlights the task ahead. Nevertheless, scoring two goals against Man City bodes well and The Cottagers now have a splendid little run of games with trips to Norwich and Hull followed by home games against West Ham and Sunderland. They won’t get a better opportunity to turn their season around and Fantasy managers looking for serious differentials may be minded to punt here.

At the back, Sascha Riether is the most attacking option, though injuries to Brede Hangeland and Philippe Senderos appear to have handed starting berths to Aaron Hughes and Fernando Amorebieta, both kindly priced in the Fantasy Premier League game. Adel Taarabt was handed an opportunity to lead the line against City due to an injury to Dimitar Berbatov but the Bulgarian is poised for a late fitness test and could make a quick return in time for Boxing Day, scuppering the Moroccan’s claims as an out of position prospect.

ALSO CONSIDER

Tottenham
Hogging the headlines this week is Tim Sherwood’s appointment as interim head coach at the Lane. His team selection against Southampton suggests an approach akin to Kevin Keegan’s in his attempt to win games and, with back-to-back home games West Brom and Stoke – teams who are struggling for goals on the road – before a trip to Old Trafford, Spurs look an intriguing short-term prospect. Vlad Chiriches has an eye for goal in defence, while new boys Christian Eriksen and Erik Lamela could be real outside punts, having started at the Saints. It’s the return of the prodigal son – Emmanuel Adebayor – that has Fantasy managers sitting up to attention, though. Two goals on his first start of the season could signal the return of a former Fantasy heavyweight.

Norwich
The Canaries’ second successive draw hardly helped their attempt to put comfortable distance between themselves and the relegation zone. They do, however, have fixtures on their side to help propel themselves to safety. Two of their next three look winnable – a home game against Fulham and trip to Crystal Palace either side of a visit from Man United. Martin Olsson is the choice in defence while Leroy Fer, Nathan Redmond and Robert Snodgrass all vie for attention in midfield. Gary Hooper has four goals in seven games and makes a strong case as the differential striker of choice.

Man City
Four goals at Fulham in their first game without Sergio Aguero bodes well. Manuel Pellegrini’s side are in a goalscoring mood and, with two home games – Liverpool and Crystal Palace – and a trip to Swansea in the next three, the only major question mark concerns rotation over the hectic schedule. Vincent Kompany looks safe enough in defence but few would invest in City’s rearguard after recent events. In midfield, there’s a feeling that Yaya Toure’s physicality makes him immune from rotation in a way that the slight frame of David Silva may not. Up front, Alvaro Negredo may be first choice ahead of Edin Dzeko under normal circumstances but the punishing schedule means rotation could be inevitable, even with Aguero out of the picture. Regardless, City’s free-scoring attack means the potential rewards outweigh any possible risk of reduced game time.

1,149 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Chucky
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    My FPL Cup opponent took a 20 point hit in GW 17 😆 Keep taking those hits baby 😉

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    1. Optimus.
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      http://tinyurl.com/krdxlh2 😉

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    2. Raddy
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      I love it when opponents get panicky and self destruct.

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  2. super zlatan
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Evening lads. Anyone care to RMT

    Szcz
    Terry. Coleman. Distin
    Hazard. Yaya. Ramsey. Cabaye
    Suarez. Rooney. Lukaku

    Subs. Whitt. Burner. Clyne

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    1. Thomass
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Great team similar to mine, wanna see mine?!

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      1. Mílanista
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        😆

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      2. super zlatan
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Go for it Thomas

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        1. Thomass
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 2 months ago

          Right.

          Howard
          Terry, Evans Coleman
          Walcott, Silva, Hazard Cabaye
          Suarez(C), Lukaka, Negredo
          Subs: Davis, Chico, JWP and Faye

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          1. super zlatan
            • 13 Years
            10 years, 2 months ago

            Lovely team Thomas.

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            1. Thomass
              • 11 Years
              10 years, 2 months ago

              Thanks! Remember it's Thomass

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    2. Keane There Dunne That
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Wish I had that team......

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    3. Just One More Thing
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Excellent team in all honesty; so good you've had to leave Burner & Whittingham on the bench..captain??

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      1. super zlatan
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Not sure yet. Currently on Suarez.

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

      Looking good SZ. I take it there's no money for Theo?

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      1. super zlatan
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Will take a hit to get in theo.

        Unless I decide to go haz > theo next gw

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

      Distin has a knock...75% chance he will play...

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    6. Chucky
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Can't get better than this ....

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  3. Trigg ⭐️
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    I know, these 'My Cup Opponent' posts aren't the best ...

    But mine has made 0 transfers.

    And has double Everton defence, Merte, Walcott and Silva and Yaya 😯 His team is actually better than mine 😆

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    1. Just One More Thing
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      The cup is all about the underdogs; at least that's what I'm hoping.....

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    2. Moorinho
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      I think he was on to something preseason with Yaya. Shame he hasn't played.

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      1. Mílanista
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        He started GW2. Team has loads of players that scored well GW1.

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        1. Moorinho
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 2 months ago

          And all of these guys are pretty good picks still.

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          1. Mílanista
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 2 months ago

            Yep, aside from Giroud

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            1. Moorinho
              • 10 Years
              10 years, 2 months ago

              Yea.. he's either really knackered or just needs everything handed on a plate.

              Can't believe how fast he has fallen.

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

    My opponent had Jay Rod upfront. 🙂

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    1. super zlatan
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Jrod brace incoming....

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

    If Ozil is definitely rested like everyone is saying is RavMo a viable first sub, or should I get in Januzaj for him... Have 5.2m to spend for getting in a replacement for RavMo if need be.

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

    When Distin had a knock?

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    1. Just One More Thing
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      I guess during the Swans' game - a pain in the arse if he's out. Recently brought in Distin & Flanagan (both flagged now) and have Koscielny as a doubt too. No doubt Evans will sit out the Hull game for Vidic whom I swapped last gw... 🙁

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  7. The ghost of a Pug's g…
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone watch the arsenal v chelsea game?

    Which of the arsenal players looked most likely to produce.

    Live feed suggested walcott...

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    1. copps
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      nobody really, giroud had the only 2 chances and fluffed both

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    2. Wilshere Knowledge
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Ramsey was the one trying to force things to no avail. Sagna and Gibbs looked like the most threatening area. Walcott also put in some good corners.

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  8. Chucky
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Is Distin going to start? ...

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    1. Raddy
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Why wouldn't he?

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      1. Ole Gunnar Kush
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        knock

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        1. Raddy
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 2 months ago

          Ah,cheers.
          out of the loop

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    2. super zlatan
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Is it confirmed he is a doubt?

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      1. Chucky
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        No official word but FPL says he has 75% chance of making it .....

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  9. Schürrle Class
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Yes lads my cup opponent doesn't have Suarez 😉

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  10. The EJJ
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    3rd overall in the world has Mikel and Daniel Johnson

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    1. Moorinho
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Its the playing 11 he has that matter really. Unless, they don't play 😛

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  11. The Sarjeant
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    My cup opponent has triple Everton defence. If they keep a clean sheet I'm f.....

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  12. The Rock
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Speroni
    Dawson, Coleman, Baker
    Hazard, Ramsey, Cabaye, Brunt
    Suarez, Rooney. Lukaku
    Boruc, Morrison, Flanigan, Zabaleta
    3.6M in the bank. 1 FT.

    Anybody got any advise? I was thinking about getting rid of Brunt for Barkley maybe?

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    1. super zlatan
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Upgrade brunt to silva.
      Downgrade Dawson to Chester.

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  13. JWF
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    In the spirit of the moment... My cup opponent hasn't made a transfer since GW6, has a rank of 2.7m but has double Newcastle and double Chelsea defence...

    ... and has Yaya...Damn casuals 😉

    May well knock me out.

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    1. super zlatan
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Newcastle look nailed on for a cleanie IMO.

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      1. JWF
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Yup, quite possibly. He has Giroud as captain too... what's the betting Giroud outscores Suarez this week!

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  14. Schürrle Class
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    My opponent has Van Persie and Benteke.......What more could I want 😉

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    1. Moorinho
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      That Persie does not play and score a hat-trick against Hull? He's back in full training you know.

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      1. Schürrle Class
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Still mate , I'm pretty optimistic
        What about your cup opponent

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        1. Moorinho
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 2 months ago

          http://fantasy.premierleague.com/entry/36897/event-history/17/

          A decent team, active player. Scored more than me in GW16.. nervy.

          Sure he'll go Suarez (c) so that will be canceled out.

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

      Maybe Gerrard in midfield and even Zabaleta/Aguero or at least Nastasic 🙂

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  15. Thomass
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Gerrard is back training 🙂

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    1. Old Man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Interesting!

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  16. Tony Yeboah
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    fpl cup opponent was rank 7k after gw5......now ranked 1.3 mil..........= no suarez

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  17. thearsenal
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Okay,

    Krul
    Lovren Mertesacker Santon
    Cazorla Yaya Cabaye Hazard Ki-Sung-Yueng
    Suarez(c) Podolski

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  18. Sarnab
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    FPL says Distin has a knock

    I can't find any news about this. Anyone?

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    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Sylvain had a knock, but he's fine and I don't expect anyone to be missing the squad on Wednesday.

      http://www.evertonfc.com/match/report/1314/54189/everton-v-sunderland

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      1. Chucky
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks Bemba

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

        finally more news..thank you

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  19. King Kohli
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Thoughts appreciated guys

    Mignolet / Lewis
    Distin / Ward / Clyne / Burner / Wilson
    Ramsey / Hazard / Özil / Walcott / Whittingham
    Lukaku / Negredo / Suárez
    1 FT, £1.2m in the bank.

    A) Wilson + Whittingham ----> Coleman + Meyler(-4)
    B) Mignolet ---> Howard
    C) Clyne + Mignolet ----> Coleman + Ruddy (-4)
    D) Save FT

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    1. Just One More Thing
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      B - no value in Migs with Pool failing to keep cleansheets and they have City & Chelsea next...

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      1. King Kohli
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        What to do about Coleman?

        ML leader who is 70 ahead hs him and its just increasing the gap..

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

    Good evening all and wish you a Merry Christmas. 😀

    Team atm-

    Howard
    Jagielka,Terry,Evans
    Silva,Ramsey,Hazard,Oscar
    Suarez,Negredo,Lukaku

    4m,Ravel,Burner,Faye

    The plan was to get Walcott in this week for either Oscar or Hazard. But after what happened last night I'm not too sure who to ditch now. Thinking of ditching Ramsey for Walcott now as Chelsea have two home games coming up.

    What do I do then?

    A. Oscar>Walcott
    B. Hazard>Walcott
    C. Save FT this week and then next week Terry>Collins and Ramsey>Walcott for free.
    D. Other

    Ta. 🙂

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    1. Thomass
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      A how can you afford that team I really need to get in touch with you mate! Merry Christmas.

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

        😀

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  21. Just One More Thing
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Since this time of the year promotes goodwill to all men, I'll post a RMT:

    Gazza
    Distin/Kos/Evans
    Wally/Hazard(c)/Ramsey/Fer
    Suarez/Lukaku (vc)/Rooney

    Subs: McGregor; Burner; Flanagan; JWP

    Thoughts?

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  22. Beavis
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    @ Milanista

    You think Walcott (-4) is better than Cabaye or even just playing Janujaz and saving the transfer?

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    1. Mílanista
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      One goal more from Theo than either of them and the hit is more than paid for. Walcott is a top FPL option, I imagine it will pay off fairly soon if not Boxing Day.

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  23. Raddy
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Chelsea defense:

    No CS against Palace and Cardiff at home

    CS against United and Arsenal away.

    WTF!?

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    1. Beavis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      It's the way Mourinho sets up to not lose against those teams.

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

    Ho Ho Ho to start? Kos or Burner?

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    1. Beavis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Kos if he's fit.

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

        I am assuming he is fit because a cameo is very unlikely.

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  25. Thomass
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Right for my cup games I will do a Presser how does that sound?

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    1. Carrick Doesn't Deserv…
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      horrifying

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

    I never do this but what the hey, any opinions ?

    Mashall(SOU)
    Coleman (SUN) Evra (hul) Mert (whu)
    Walcott (whu) Hazard (SWA) Nasri (LIV) Ramsey (whu)
    Suarez (mci) Rooney (hul) Ade (WBA)

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    1. Beavis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Looks great mate. Captain?

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

        Probably Suarez but I'd love to captain Ade, no balls tho 🙂

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    2. Trigg ⭐️
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      I wouldn't be looking to make a transfer, put it that way. Have you done one already?

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

        Yeh Ade in for Remy, got tired of waiting

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        1. Trigg ⭐️
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 2 months ago

          Brave, but I like it! I just can't drop Rooney, Suarez or Lukaku 🙁

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    3. Just One More Thing
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      My eyes were going back and forth looking at that team 🙂 Ade is a decent differential. Not convinced about Nasri's value for money; but decent overall....

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

        Looking like Migs to Marshall next week to turn Nasri into Silva

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

          *Speroni sorry

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  27. The ghost of a Pug's g…
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Play two from:

    A) Ramsey
    B) Ozil
    C) Hooper (FUL)

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  28. Jimjam
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Which 2 to play alongside Coleman:

    Koscielny (away to WHU)
    Williamson (home to STO)
    Burner (home to SOU)

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

      Williamson + one other. Asked the same question above.

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      1. Jimjam
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks mate. Think I will put Koscielny in and if he doesn't play then let Burner be autosubbed in

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  29. The ghost of a Pug's g…
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Pick two from:

    A) Ozil
    B) Ramsey
    C) Hooper (FUL)

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  30. Mr Pink
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Left the UK two days ago for the holidays, but reading that the weather is rough. Any predictions about postponed games?

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