Preamble

The Pre-Match Preamble – Gameweek 31

Nothing quite revives our hopes like a double Gameweek. The pleasure of scanning your squad and seeing those two fixtures nestled under each name. The promise of double figures next to each player come the final update. A potential three-figure haul and the prospect that your selections would have given you an edge on rivals and transformed the mini-league landscape. It’s a giddy time.

When such scenarios arrive with eight Gameweeks to go, they also heighten a further dilemma – whether to use them to drive up your overall rank, or take some gambles in order to differentiate your lineup from rivals.

As I’ve mentioned in recent ScoutCasts, it’s very difficult to do both. In a season where clear “essentials” have emerged and are still in place thanks to some extraordinary consistency, the Fantasy manager left making up ground is continually struggling with the prospect of being forced to take a gamble against his better judgement. Either that or settle on the fact that the mini-league status quo will remain intact.

Personally I’m left wondering if somehow rescuing a respectable rank should always be priority. I’m still outside the top 400,000 – many would consider that a “shameful display’ given previous seasons and the fact that Fantasy Football consumes much of my headspace.

My prospects of bettering that position look fairly decent this week – I’ve nine double Gameweek players in place, with three Chelsea players to plug the gaps and maintain momentum following Gameweek 31. But do I gamble with the armband?

There’s little doubt that Luis Suarez is the “gimme”. A truly explosive Fantasy asset, Suarez has broken out of his recent drought to deliver double figures in his last two outings. Over the season no player can match the Uruguayan’s consistency when it comes to delivering big rewards. Despite that run of blanks, he remains the clear captain contender of choice, this week and almost every week.

Give him the armband and I’ll almost be assured of keeping pace with the masses. That will leave my few differentials to help me climb the ranks. However, that plan is unlikely to make a dent on my present mini-league position.

The 90-point gap between myself and Granville has been yawning for months. I’ve been unable to make any impression – I’ve made errors but so has he; the reality is, the opportunities to differentiate my score from my rival have been few and far between.

This morning offers the opportunity to change that. I could overlook Suarez. It would be completely the wrong decision for the preservation of my rank and perhaps my sanity. However, in terms of “playing” my present mini-league scenario, there is some logic and certainly the temptation of reward.

Should there be a freak pair of blanks from Suarez and an explosion of points from another candidate, the prize for those brave enough to gamble could be huge. It’s clearly risk versus reward. An uneasy situation in a season where taking risks has rarely paid dividends.

Double Gameweeks deliver excitement and expectation. Do I really want or need to add another layer to that? Can my existing differentials do a job for me or am I forced to expose myself to such risk?

So many questions. Here’s another. Am I even wrong to consider mini-leagues over rank?

I’ve asked this before and many have barked that it’s the case but, by chasing an improved rank, what do I really achieve? Is it pure vanity – kudos amongst my Fantasy Football manager peers that, when I consider that my rivals will always rank above me, amounts to very little?

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

1,199 Comments Post a Comment
  1. CelticBhoy1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 9 days ago

    Shaw or Azp?

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    1. Van Dal
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      Azpi

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    2. Darsh
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      Azpi

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  2. The King
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 9 days ago

    Bit of a rush but I need to make money to afford lukaku

    So: lallana ->> either sissoko , Aj or other?

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    1. Van Dal
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      AJ mate he has another dgw coming up

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    2. Wilshere Knowledge
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      AJ imo

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    3. Darsh
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      AJ

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    4. ppp
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      this week I think nolan is a better option than AJ.

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      1. The King
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 9 days ago

        Can't afford by0.1 can get him next after I get rid of gnabry

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  3. 4-4-who?
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 9 days ago

    Vlaar or Cahill?

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  4. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 9 days ago

    Last 10 minutes to enter Elite 64.

    3K is the minimum needed after the GW is completed it seems.

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    1. Downtown
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      How?

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      1. Wilshere Knowledge
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 9 days ago

        In his name.

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        1. Downtown
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 9 days ago

          thx

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    2. 4-4-who?
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      What. Is this a foreign language?

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      1. Namtab Nomolos
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 9 days ago

        Elite 64 is an escort service, They're quite expensive but cater for the older gentleman 🙂

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        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 9 days ago

          Shhhhhhh. Mark will want a %.

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    3. Namtab Nomolos
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      I've got enough rank for at least 50 entries. It's in the bag 😉

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    4. asdasdasdadasdasda
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      9 minutes to go

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  5. *Unrial
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 9 days ago

    Haz or Chester this week from a mini league lead??

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    1. Ellipsis
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      Chester for me

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  6. kingmeister
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 9 days ago

    Any thoughts - Snodgrass or Januzaj?

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    1. Konig Luther
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      Snod

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      1. kingmeister
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 9 days ago

        Thanks pal. That's who I went with.

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  7. snowman
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 9 days ago

    Who to captain??

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  8. Blue Moon Rising
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 9 days ago

    Azpi to Coleman (-4)?

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    1. Blue Moon Rising
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      ?

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    2. John Nerdelbaum
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      Any other Chels or Eve?

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      1. Blue Moon Rising
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 9 days ago

        No

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        1. Blue Moon Rising
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 9 days ago

          Except hazard

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      2. John Nerdelbaum
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 9 days ago

        Yeah makes sense tho

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    3. 4-4-who?
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      Yes

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    4. El Reagano
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      Do it!

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  9. Parm
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 9 days ago

    LOL @ _______ OWNERS

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    1. Downtown
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      Lukaku

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    2. Moin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      Yaya..that would be fun

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    3. FPL Touches
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      Coleman

      LOL @ SUAREZ CAPTAINERS
      also

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    4. 4-4-who?
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      Hazard 1 point

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    5. Perthite
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      Sissoko?

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    6. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      Mata

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  10. Jafooli
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 9 days ago

    Any late news on any players of note?

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  11. Konig Luther
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 9 days ago

    chester or dummett?

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    1. Moin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      chester

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  12. Moin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 9 days ago

    With RVP injured..can we expect Rooney Upfront with Mata and Kagawa right behind him? like a 4-3-2-1 formation.

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    1. Wilshere Knowledge
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      But that's not 442?

      Kagawa is well out of favour. I imagine it's more of the same with Welbeck up front instead of the traitor.

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      1. Moin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 9 days ago

        hmm maybe..still can't get over RVP leaving? like Cleveland fans can't get over Lebron.

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    2. Ellipsis
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      You'd really hope Mata will be given the hole. Not sure about Kags...

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      1. Moin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 9 days ago

        yeah..but would love to see Kagawa getting a chance..

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    3. Arvin-ation
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      Won't know till the lineups are out

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  13. Home Run Baker
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 9 days ago

    Czech ---> Howard -4

    What'd you think? Already taken a hit, and currently have 7 DGWers.
    Thanks

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    1. Elniñorules
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      Don Vito over Howie?

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    2. dino412
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      I'm picking Howard in my wildcard. Everton has the easiest schedule rest of season along with DGW 31 and 34.

      Take hit!

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    3. NATSTER
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      No!

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    4. Home Run Baker
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      Thx all - will probably take the conservative route and keep the helmeted Czech

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  14. Elniñorules
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 9 days ago

    All Suarez owners put your hands up!!!

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    1. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      There will be a lot of hands being stuck up

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    2. Elniñorules
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      Differential 😎

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  15. Grounderz
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 9 days ago

    7 minutes to go. Hand in that decision now!

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  16. John Nerdelbaum
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 9 days ago

    Anyone notice the weird KO times for GW33. 7 minutes past the hour. What's that about?

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    1. Your Mum's Athletic
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      Hillsborough

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      1. John Nerdelbaum
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 9 days ago

        Ah I see.

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    2. Walsh
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      I think someone died and they are honoring him. Can't recall exact story but read it someplace.

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    3. Spatburgunder
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      Hillsborough anniversary

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    4. Parm
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      Hillsborough.

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  17. Arvin-ation
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 9 days ago

    If you've already taken a 8 point hit.

    Would you bring in Yaya for Hazard for another -4?
    Fancy Yaya to outscore Hazard this week. Will bring Hazard back in, in a week or two. And will keep Yaya as well probably

    Don't really care about my Overall Rank, but chasing my ML by 28 points. Leader has Yaya.

    Would really appreciate some opinions, having a tough time deciding.

    Thank you! 🙂

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    1. El Reagano
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      Go for it

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    2. Elniñorules
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      Yep

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    3. HNI
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      mind you it will -8 to get back like that...you might have a short term gain but the end of gW 38 is what matters in the race...keep calm and have patience in your current squad..Remember u had them in your team for a reason!

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  18. El Reagano
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 9 days ago

    lads need help! Two questions.

    Worth a hit?
    Who I should pick?

    Hazard to
    A) Cazorla? (no arsenal cover)
    B) Silva ( Got Toure already)

    Already got Gerrard Toure Mirallas and Noone in my mid

    Do reply!

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    1. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      Hazard is a season keeper

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      1. El Reagano
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 9 days ago

        think he'll score?

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        1. El Reagano
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 9 days ago

          as in get more points than silva or cazorla this GW

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      2. 4-4-who?
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 9 days ago

        No. Out this week for Yaya and Silva. Come on citeh

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  19. crazyhorse
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 9 days ago

    Play Adrian or Mannone? Already have Collins. Cheers

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    1. Ellipsis
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      Adrian. I'm playing Collins too. Hope it pays off!

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  20. Albert Cole
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 9 days ago

    Start Januzaj over Hazard now that RvP is out?

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    1. Walsh
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      No

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    2. Killitzer
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      I'm benching Januzaj.

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  21. Pap Le Cissier
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 9 days ago

    Play Snoddy, Ki or get sterling/sissoko for a hit

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  22. Chucky
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 9 days ago

    DZEKO(C) LOCKED

    PRAY FOR ME ..........

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    1. Darsh
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      GO FOR IT!

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    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      Lose the caps.

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      1. HNI
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 9 days ago

        He was excited TorresM with a differential and probable failure captain choice..exempt him :p

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    3. Gaz Downright
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      I pray for Chucky to become sane

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  23. PGR
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 9 days ago

    Start Colback (DGW) or Lallana (Tot away)

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  24. Kazza_
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 9 days ago

    play chester , fonte or ward??

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    1. PGR
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      Chester

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    2. Ellipsis
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      Chester all day long

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      1. Kazza_
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 9 days ago

        cheers guys

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  25. Deulo10
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 9 days ago

    Already took a hit, is it worth it to take another one to do Boruc --> A DGW keeper?

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    1. PGR
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      Mannone with 3 DGW's might make it worth it

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  26. TheSteady ¤ Wines th…
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 9 days ago

    IS CURTIS DAVIES WORTH THE 0.9M EXTRA OVER CHESTER? 😀

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    1. Ellipsis
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      Nah!

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    2. Darsh
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      No

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    3. Pap Le Cissier
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      YES, I THINK SO

      IS IT TOO LOUD IN HERE??

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  27. Viper
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 9 days ago

    Boruc -> Mannone worth a hit to make it a 12 pointer in total?

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    1. Darsh
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      Yes

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    2. HNI
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      no

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    3. HNI
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      A hit for defender forget keeper should be always avoided

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      1. Darsh
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 9 days ago

        Not when they have a DGW, all be it not a great one!

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    4. Wilshere Knowledge
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      I did.

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    5. John Nerdelbaum
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      Maybe next week for free

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  28. salah my mane
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 9 days ago

    Play rosicky for 2 games or hazard for 1 game?

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    1. getfunky
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      rosickys injured isnt he?

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  29. Downtown
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 9 days ago

    Good luck all! (unless you own players that I don't!) 😉

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  30. FPL Touches
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 9 days ago

    Done. Easy decision really.

    Mannone
    Distin - Azpi - Bruce(clutching lol)
    Yaya - Gerrard - Nolan - Haz
    Suarez - Studge (C) - Dzeko

    Good luck to the rest of you, I hunting down the top 1k(very slowly) 😀

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    1. Ellipsis
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      nice! GL! Hope the Bruce gamble works...so long as it doesn't affect Chesters time!

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    2. 4-4-who?
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 9 days ago

      Don't be silly. Top 100k finish should be your goal.

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