Scout Picks

Scout Picks – Gameweek 35

This week’s Scout Picks are dominated by the top three teams ahead of some favourable fixtures against a trio of relegation candidates. Liverpool supply us with three players for their trip to Norwich, whilst we call upon a couple of candidates from both Chelsea and City as Sunderland and West Brom pay visit:

We opt for West Ham’s Adrian in goal as Crystal Palace travel to Upton Park tomorrow afternoon. The Hammers have been boosted by the return of James Collins and Joey O’Brien to the backline, whilst Tony Pulis’ side have picked up a few injury doubts after the midweek win over Everton – Sam Allardyce’s side will be confident of keeping out their in-form visitors and picking up the win that would clinch their top-flight survival.

City may have struggled defensively in midweek but we’re keeping faith in Pablo Zabaleta as West Brom make their way to the Etihad. The Baggies have scored once in their last two road trips and Manuel Pellegrini’s side need a big performance on Monday night to reignite their faltering title bid – with four of his five assists arriving in front of his own fans, the Argentine’s attacking potential could come to the fore once again.

Liverpool’s seven-goal Martin Skrtel is drafted in ahead of Sunday’s trip to Norwich. Given that the Canaries have failed to find the net in each of their last three, the centre-half’s owners will be more than hopeful of picking up points at both ends of the pitch once again.

It perhaps seems unlikely that Jose Mourinho will make any alterations to his settled back-four ahead of the midweek Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid. On the off-chance the Chelsea manager decides to tinker, Branislav Ivanovic looks the least likely to be dropped, bearing in mind he is suspended for the first-leg of the game against Diego Simeone’s side. The Serbian entertains Sunderland as Chelsea look for a seventh successive Stamford Bridge shut-out, and with three goals to his name so far, is another who offers plenty of potential in the opposition box.

Four goals and three assists in his last four appearances highlight Christian Eriksen’s incredible recent form. At home, in particular, the Dane has excelled – his last two appearances at the Lane have served up 18 and 15 points, and bearing in mind visitors Fulham have the joint-worst away record in the league, with 40 goals against, Tim Sherwood’s side look more than likely to breach the Cottagers’ backline.

Steven Gerrard comes into contention as Liverpool prepare for a trip to Carrow Road. The Reds skipper has scored or assisted in 19 of his 24 starts since Luis Suarez returned from suspension in Gameweek 6, and with three sets of 10+ hauls in his last five road trips, Gerrard could be poised for further returns as Brendan Rodgers looks for a repeat of the 5-1 win over the Canaries earlier in the season.

Having scored in each of his last two home appearances, Mohamed Salah will fancy his chances as Chelsea entertain Sunderland at the Bridge tomorrow afternoon. Ineligible for European duties, and with Eden Hazard ruled out, the 5.5-priced young Egyptian seems poised for a third successive start as Jose Mourinho looks to keep his main men fit for the midweek clash against Atletico.

After picking up 31 points in his previous couple of appearances, we hand Juan Mata a starting role as United travel to Goodison. With Robin van Persie still injured, the Spaniard is poised to slot in behind fit-again Wayne Rooney as David Moyes looks to get one over his former club – with a trio of home games just around the corner, Mata will be in the shop window for many Fantasy managers this weekend.

Handed his first start in three months last Wednesday, Sergio Aguero was afforded 56 minutes as Manuel Pellegrini tentatively eases him back into action. Bearing in mind City’s home clash with West Brom isn’t until Monday evening, the Argentine has plenty of time to improve his match sharpness as he attempts to maintain a record which has seen him serve up nine goals, eight assists and 13 bonus points in 10 Etihad appearances this season.

There’s something about Norwich City that seems to bring out the best in Luis Suarez. In three appearances against the Canaries over the last two seasons, the Uruguayan has delivered eight goals and three assists – his highest haul of the current campaign was a 24-point return against the same side back in Gameweek 14, and with the Reds racking up the goals, there’s no surprise to see their top scorer is the runaway leader of this week’s Captain Poll.

We’re also backing Emmanuel Adebayor for Tottenham’s encounter with Fulham. Tim Sherwood’s side have notched eight times in the last two in front of their own fans, and with his partnership alongside Harry Kane thriving, Adebayor will be looking for another double-figure home haul, having registered 13 points in his previous appearance at the Lane.

Cardiff’s Steven Caulker earns a spot on the bench for a home clash with Stoke. With 14 goals against in the last four in front of their own fans, the Bluebirds have been anything but resilient, but Caulker’s threat in the box is the reason for his selection. With three strikes in his last six and five all season, he’ll be looking to take advantage of a Potters backline devoid of the aerial presence of Robert Huth.

Handed a sub role at home to West Ham after his weekend FA Cup exertions, Aaron Ramsey turned in an eye-catching cameo as the Gunners returned to fourth spot. With the momentum now back in their favour, Arsenal cannot afford to take it easy and the Welshman looks odds-on to return to the starting XI for the trip to Hull as Arsene Wenger’s side look to strengthen their grip on the final Champions League place.

A trip to Aston Villa hands Southampton’s Rickie Lambert the chance to extend his recent scoring streak. With Jay Rodriguez sidelined, Lambert’s contribution will be more vital than ever as he looks to improve upon a run of three goals and a trio of assists in the last five Gameweeks.

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1,072 Comments Post a Comment
  1. asquishypotato
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Just throwing he cat amongst the pigeons, but here is Norwichs home form in goals conceded:

    Everton 2
    Southampton 0
    Villa 1
    Chelsea 3
    Cardiff 0
    West ham 1
    Palace 0
    Swansea 1
    Fulham 2
    United 1
    Hull 0
    Newcastle 0
    City 0
    Tottenham 0
    Stoke 1
    Sunderland 0
    West Brom 1

    A total of 13 goals against them at home all season.

    Obviously Suarez loves to play against Norwich, and no one really knows what Norwich are capable of, but it could be more fitting to captain Aguero against a leaker West Brom then a Suarez against a home formed norwich.

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    1. JT's Dog
        9 years, 11 months ago

        I think the time of games will play a big factor this week.
        Liverpool could be second by the time they play so will be going crazy on Norwich to get back on top before plying chelsea

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        1. asquishypotato
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          True, the injuries scenario I don't think is an argument against Liverpool, they have played fine without Sturridge, I'm foreseeing a 433 with Lucas at the back Gerrard and Allen able to push further up, with Coutinho and Sterling flanking Suarez.

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        • 10 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        first convincing argument I've seen

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        1. asquishypotato
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          This is the week that could decide my mini league for me, so it's an important decision. Suarez is a Suarez vs Norwich Aguero is Aguero against West Brom tat home, but missing some key players.

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            • 10 Years
            9 years, 11 months ago

            well I'm only 11 points behind my ML leader who always captains Suarez, so I don't need to take the risks this week.

            I still think Suarez will outscore Aguero but if you reallllllly need to catch up a lot, Aguero's as good an option as any.

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      • Goodfella
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Absolutely, do not captain Suarez, I repeat do not captain Suarez.

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      • Breadbin
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Norwich have never equalised in a game they conceded the first goal in. I like that stat better.

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        1. asquishypotato
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          As a non Skrtl owner I'm slightly worried by that.

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    2. Leaf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Stop selling Dzeko everyone , do you not have bigger issues

      Price drop imminent

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    3. rdpx
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      SIlva -> Mata
      Lukaku -> Ade
      Dzeko -> Aguero

      can do all three for -8

      or choose one (free) or two (-4)

      ?

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      1. Kevin Twine
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        The first and the 3rd I'd be tempted to do. I definitely wouldn't do the Lukaku move though.

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      2. Ridgewell's scores
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Only Silva > Mata for free.

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    4. Declan
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Good to go?

      Cech
      Mertes Kompany Azpi
      Cazorla Gerrard Oscar Punch
      Suarez(C) Rooney Dzeko

      Mann Snod Stones Chester

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      1. La Roja
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Nice team with solid differentials, me likey

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        1. Declan
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          Hopefully they pay off. Ta

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      2. tw
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Different but looks good 🙂

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    5. Ferris Bueller
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Score prediction this GW for;
      Eriksen
      Mata
      Snodgrass

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      1. Lord Flashheart
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        6
        2
        1

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      2. La Roja
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        5
        2
        2

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    6. Lord Flashheart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Will mirallas start? Should I boot him for nasri for free?

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        • 10 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        no brainer

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        1. Lord Flashheart
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          Ok done

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      1. OnionBag
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        No idea. I would.

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    7. FF Dirtbag
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Hey guys, Is this worth it?

      Yaya and Mutch -> Nasri and Mata (-4)

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      1. Ed
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Just yaya > Nasri and play mutch. Mata next week

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        1. FF Dirtbag
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          But want to probably take a hit eventually for some United players. Thought I will prefer to do it early.

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          1. Ed
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 11 months ago

            fair enough, but mutch could easily score well this weekend

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            1. FF Dirtbag
              • 12 Years
              9 years, 11 months ago

              Very true but I wouldn't play him anyways

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      2. Declan
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Yep

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      3. Christina.
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        I've done Yaya->Nasri

        Prob doing Haz ->Mata for -4 as well

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        1. FF Dirtbag
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          Cheers guys! Think I'm gonna do it.

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    8. Ed
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Yaya + Chambers > Ramsey + Demi (-4)? to give me;

      Adrian
      Demi Cahill Coleman
      Nasri Eriksen Lallana Ramsey
      Kun Suarez(C) Lukaku
      (ward)(Chester)(poz)

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    9. bitterandstout
        9 years, 11 months ago

        alright lads, I fancy a bit of tottenham cover. for a hit, mind.

        thinking lukaku -> adebaywhore (no rivals have him)
        *or* erksen as his form is stupendous. to get him I'd shift lallana.
        rivals, have both lallan & eriksen. gut says eriksen..

        what you reckon?

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      • Jones Town
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Going to replace Coleman, would you go for:

        A) Kosc
        B) Skrtel
        C) Zaba/Demi
        D) Other?

        Other defenders are Distin, Azpi, Baker and Chester

        Thanks!

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      • President Giggs
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Do you guys reckon Ozil will come good next season?

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        1. Declan
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          Shirley can't be any worse.

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        2. Polaris - The Mortal Coil
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          Yeah. Will be priced around 5.5 in FPL too.

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          1. President Giggs
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 11 months ago

            haha dream on! 9-9.5m surely

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            1. Polaris - The Mortal Coil
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 11 months ago

              😆 😆

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      • La Roja
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Play 2 out of 4 below. Cant decide

        A) demel

        B) speroni

        C) ward

        D) marshall

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        1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          speroni n ward ... the form is with em

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      • J.S.Park
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Play Ward or Vlaar?

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        1. TG32
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          Ward

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          1. J.S.Park
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 11 months ago

            Thanks, probably think so too

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      • Van Dal
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        "David Silva and Jesus Navas remain injured for the moment," said Pellegrini.

        He said this after the match which is obvious as he didnt play. Didnt say anything about monday. Injured for the moment. On top if that english not his first language.

        Reckon we will find out more over weekend but i wouldnt go getting rid of silva for a hit.

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          • 10 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          yeah, I'm keeping but making sure I have a good first sub.

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          1. Total Foot 5 - romario 11
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 11 months ago

            my sub was Ward.just saw he has a knock.

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            1. Breadbin
              • 13 Years
              9 years, 11 months ago

              My first sub is Mertesacker and that's awesome.

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        1. Breadbin
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          We know.

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      • NATSTER
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Comment please.

        Stick ... with this ?

        Marshall
        Zabaleta - Ivanovic - Coleman (Fonte, Ward?)
        Silva? - Eriksen - Gerrard - Lallana - (Mirallas)
        Aguero - Suarez - Lukaku

        OR ... Take -4 pts hits for one of this move ?

        a) Mirallas ->> Salah
        b) Mirallas ->> Ramsey
        c) Silva ->> Mata

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      • Torres76
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Here is my team:

        Speroni
        Iva, Azpi, Coleman
        Gerrard, Silva, Yaya, Eriksen,
        Sturrudge, Ageuro, Suarez (c)

        Lewis, Ward, Barkley, Bruce

        Which of the following two changes should I do?

        1. Yaya > Mata
        2. Barkley > Ramsey
        3. Barkley > Salah
        4. Yaya > Lalaana
        5. Barkley > Puncheon

        Cheers to you all

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        1. Torres76
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          6. Yaya > Nasri

          Sorry I forgot option 6 from the post above

          Cheers

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        2. Kowalski
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          1 and 5 in my opinion. They are the two I got in so I could be bias...

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      • GK
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Anything worth a hit? 4.4m ITB

        If Silva is injured Johnson > Mata (-4)?

        Speroni
        Dann, Baines, Flanagan
        Gerrard, Silva, Eriksen, Mutch
        Suarez, Aguero, Lukaku

        (K.Davies)(Johnson, Coleman, Chester)

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      • Hampe
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Lukaku won't drop right? 80 percent now.

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        1. Declan
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          Don't bank on it.

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        2. OnionBag
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          should be too late in the season to care

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          1. Hampe
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 11 months ago

            Well it ain't. Planning on switching hon får Rooney tomorrow. Won't afford it if he drops.

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        3. Kowalski
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          I think so. He has a whole army of angry FF managers with an axe to grind.

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      • Total Foot 5 - romario 11
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Ward : just saw his status on fpl has a Knock, 75% chances of playing. Anyone know anythig more, how likely he is to start? already have Silva w/ 25% chance of playing, and was counting on Ward fr his replacement. thnx

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        1. Breadbin
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          75% chance of playing I reckon.

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          1. Polaris - The Mortal Coil
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 11 months ago

            Answered his own question. 😆

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        2. Konig Luther
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          there are some concerns about ward... he will do a late fitness test..

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          1. Total Foot 5 - romario 11
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 11 months ago

            Konig: thnx.

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        3. Wilshere Knowledge
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          Late fitness test.

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      • Torres76
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Which players are you planning of having from the double gameweek teams?

        Aston Villa
        Hull
        Sunderland
        West Brom
        Man City
        Man United

        Thank you

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        1. tw
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          Chester, mannone, smalling, kun, Mata, 1 city mid (dunno which), possibly Rooney, and possibly a sub 5m mid

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        2. Kowalski
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          Zab, Nasri , Ags, Mata, Januaj, baker (was cheap) rosener and someone else yet to decide

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      • tw
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        I know it's still a bit away but how many city players are you planning on having for the double? And who?

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        1. @ocprodigy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          Too early tbh, too many injuries atm.

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        2. Christina.
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          Jeez, i've just ended up with Nasri. wtf?

          I hate her.

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        3. Wilshere Knowledge
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          Kolarov, Silva, Aguero

          I can't be bothered with dgws anymore, so disappointing.

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          1. Torres76
            • 14 Years
            9 years, 11 months ago

            Silva, Aguero and maybe Zabaleta or Nasri

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        4. Kevin Twine
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          Zabaleta, Nasri, Aguero.

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      • BONKER
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Am I the only person with Snoddy...should I ship him for Silva or Nasri for -4 or bench him for Collins.

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        1. tw
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          Wouldn't get Silva this week

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

          Silva is a major injury doubt

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      • Optimus.
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Sister has offered to take 2 our 3 little ones for the night and for all of tomorrow 😯 🙂

        2 FTs ftw

        The youngest one(13 months) obviously would have been for a hit and cost me

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        1. Ferris Bueller
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          That's a league-winning move right there. Enjoy!

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          1. Optimus.
            • 13 Years
            9 years, 11 months ago

            I'll enjoy it while i can 🙂

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      • Christina.
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        I just know if i get Mata this week he will do feckall.

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        1. Breadbin
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          Everton love a clean sheet against the bigger teams. Always conceding against the crap ones.

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          1. Christina.
            • 14 Years
            9 years, 11 months ago

            Yeah, I have also a feeling Luk will give me a nice farewell present

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            1. Breadbin
              • 13 Years
              9 years, 11 months ago

              Ditto. It won't make up for how horrible owning him has been this season.

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              1. Christina.
                • 14 Years
                9 years, 11 months ago

                I told my ML leader last week Luk(c) will burn us. Wish I listened.

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          2. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
            • 13 Years
            9 years, 11 months ago

            united are a crap team though?

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        2. tw
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          Then don't get him?

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      • ak2763
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Bench lukaku or Mutch?

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        1. OnionBag
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          mutch

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      • nevertrustbony
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        For first sub?
        a) Mirallas
        b) Ward

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        1. Optimus.
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          Mirallas

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        2. OnionBag
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          mirallas

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        3. La Roja
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          Ward

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      • Wilshere Knowledge
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Villa just missed an open goal...

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        1. Optimus.
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          The Southhampton game has started? 😯

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          1. Wilshere Knowledge
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 11 months ago

            K

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        2. La Roja
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          Must be Benteke

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        1. OnionBag
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          crappy reporting from the mirror.
          "David Silva and Jesus Navas remain injured for the moment" doesn't mean injured on monday

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        2. Breadbin
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          Damn, I bought Silva 5 minutes ago and now this comes out.

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      • Andy1
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Do people think Sturridge will play this weekend?
        Could get in aguero for either Sturridge or lukaku, but not sure who!

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        1. TG32
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          I don't think he will be risked.

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          1. Andy1
            • 14 Years
            9 years, 11 months ago

            That's what I was thinking. Lukaku might do well against utd anyway!

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      • TG32
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Will Yaya be back for the Palace match?

        Thinking of keeping him, was hoping to being in Silva but since he's a doubt, I might keep

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