Digest

The Digest – Gameweek 36

Our final look back at Gameweek 36 salutes Sunderland’s new-found saviour, as the Black Cats finally climb out of the bottom three. We also acknowledge Ryan Giggs’ immediate impact at the United helm ahead of the double Gameweek, and as many Fantasy managers look to chase down mini-league leads, we also assess the need for differentials over the run-in:

THE PLAYER

The subject of ‘The Team’ section in last week’s Digest, Sunderland duly delivered a 4-0 home victory against relegation rivals Cardiff, with Connor Wickham serving up a brace, an assist and three bonus points in the Wearsiders’ biggest win of the season.

On loan at Leeds United in the Championship only a month ago, the resurgent Wickham has now scored five Premier League goals in just three games, which have helped lift the Black Cats out of the bottom three, with a game in hand on the teams below them. Gus Poyet’s in-form outfit can now enjoy a double Gameweek 37, where they first visit Manchester United before hosting West Bromwich Albion, another side battling for survival, at the Stadium of Light.

Neither game will hold any fear for Sunderland, bearing in mind they have already having tasted victory at Old Trafford earlier this season in the Capital One Cup semi-final, whilst a further home fixture, against the now-safe Swansea City, brings the season to a close. Having earned 37 Fantasy Premier League (FPL) points in his last trio of appearances, Wickham’s outstanding form, allied with a bargain price of just 4.6 has already persuaded over 22,000 Fantasy managers to take the plunge – the bandwagon looks set to build at pace, with his endeavours up front looking increasingly likely to fire Sunderland to safety and provide the miracle his manager called for earlier in the month.

THE TEAM

Manchester United’s stuttering form under David Moyes has been a cause of real frustration to Fantasy managers all season. Renowned for their swashbuckling displays and never-say-die attitude during Sir Alex Ferguson’s lengthy tenure, the champions struggled for any semblance of consistency or self-belief this time round and finally called time on Moyes’ misery by bringing his brief reign to an end this time last week.

Interim manager Ryan Giggs predictably went for experience over youth in his first team selection, and with the focus on attack, United duly served up their most emphatic home win of the campaign. A 4-0 drubbing of relegation-threatened Norwich City strengthens our faith in the Red Devils’ main assets ahead of the upcoming double Gameweek, where Giggs’ side play host to Sunderland and Hull City in back-to-back home fixtures. Indeed, of the six sides set to feature twice in the upcoming round of fixtures, United are the only one to play at home on both occasions.

The clamour for Wayne Rooney’s signature has intensified after his 13-point haul at the weekend, whilst Juan Mata has also earned himself a bandwagon ahead of the weekend. Only Yaya Toure has been acquired by more Fantasy managers than either player after they both bagged braces against the Canaries – Mata’s cameo off the bench against Neil Adams’ side has certainly strengthened his claim for a return to the starting line-up against Sunderland at the expense of Danny Welbeck.

At the back, there’d be no real surprise if Giggs continues with the experience of Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra – the weekend win was, after all, United’s first home clean sheet since January. Phil Jones seems to be in the driving seat for the right-back berth, though the return to fitness of Rafael may threaten his security of starts, and whilst David De Gea looks nailed on, many will be happy with Sunderland’s Vito Mannone as their chosen stopper for the run-in. United may have nothing more than pride left to play for at this stage, but as Saturday’s emphatic showing suggests, that may be more than enough to persuade Fantasy managers to jump on board as Giggs attempts to arrest their dramatic fall from favour.

THE TALKING POINT

The prospect of a double Gameweek so close to the end of the season presents the ideal opportunity for Fantasy managers to serve up triple-figure hauls and climb up the rankings. A combination of player form and fixtures suggest that we may see a final peak in the template this week and perhaps offers alternatives to those looking to chase down mini-league deficits.

In terms of coverage for the double, most actively managed Fantasy sides will be likely to have Juan Mata, Wayne Rooney, Yaya Toure, Sergio Aguero and Vito Mannone as part of their starting XI – Wickham aside, this represents both the form players and teams with two games next week. The most popular captaincy choices are also likely to be from amongst this pool, leading to very similar returns and an ‘as you were’ outcome to our mini-leagues. Add to this the likely event that many will also be holding players like Luis Suarez and a Chelsea defender for the final Gameweek, and it becomes very difficult for significant ground to be made up –unless we are willing to gamble.

Whilst those at the top of their mini-leagues will be more inclined to play it safe, for those still in pursuit, this is now the time for taking risks and bucking the trend. Wickham’s recent displays highlight this very fact – only now has he moved to 1% ownership – while West Brom’s Morgan Amalfitano, at just 4.3, has now scored or assisted in four of his last five and is owned by only 2%. Samir Nasri and Edin Dzeko offer alternative in-form options for title-chasing City, Antonio Valencia turned in an impressive display on the United right flank on Saturday evening, whilst Nikica Jelavic and Shane Long were both in the goals last week for Hull. Indeed, we only need to look back to double Gameweek 34, where Palace’s Jason Puncheon outscored the premium-priced players with a 23-point return, as evidence of the fact that going against the grain could well provide the pay-off many desperately need.

Ricardo355 Far too many hours spent in FPL world.. Former Live HoF number 1 for two whole weeks! (19/09)

1,175 Comments Post a Comment
  1. The Enlightener
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Am thinking of swapping Suarez for RVP. The Dutchman needs some work on the pitch before the WC, right? Plus, two home games against relatively "easy" teams. Not sure I like that term "easy," but you get where I'm coming from.

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    1. The Enlightener
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Oh....top o' the page. Look at me now. The bright lights...the pageantry.......

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      1. DO RE MI MATA
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        fits the name

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        1. The Enlightener
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          Yep, yep. Light it up!

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

      He will not start the first game tbh, I dont see Giggs risking it. Maybe a cameo for both. Or a 60 min out. The last thing RVP wants is an injury before what looks to be his final WC at his prime

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      1. The Enlightener
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Well, I'm not sure any of us knows exactly where RVP stands in relation to injury (plus, I think a lot of what was going on with him was Moyes-related angst). Nor can we really predict his playing time. It would be a punt of sorts, surely, but with a guy who is one of the best finishers the league has seen in recent years, it's a punt I think I'm willing to strongly consider.

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

          Giggs has mentioned he has to train his match fitness, so I take it that he is not fully fit? It's an interesting punt though! It might really push u way up the rankings if u succeed. Do u have Aguero or Rooney? Punts sometimes really do work. I think I was one of the few that transferred in Wickham last week and look what it did to me. (He was yellow flagged at that time also)

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

            That is what is known as luck. 😉

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

              Oh come on! 🙁 I actually for a moment regretted it as I replaced Jelavic for him. Thankfully it turned out well...

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

                I commend you for taking the risk and glad it paid off but you cannot deny that you got lucky on your punt.

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

                  I guess so. I benched him for the entire week finally decided to bench nasri for him on saturday before dateline! so I guess, ya I'm lucky.

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

              But i guess ya i needed some... this year hasn't been kind to me. It took me 35 weeks to get near my rival (now 6pt gap)

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

                Good luck with your chase mate and hope you overtake your opponent and Wickham pays off for you this GW. 😉

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          2. The Enlightener
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 11 months ago

            Well done on Wickham. And, yes, I already have Rooney and Aguero. Plenty of funds in the bank. It's just a tentative idea at the moment. Will monitor and see how I feel about it as the weekend approaches.

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

      it is unlikely for him to get 2 games, and you will want suarez vs NEW

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      1. King Nil Miss ✩
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        What about Sturridge?

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

          I am looking at both, but regardless it is still -8 to make switches like this and you will have other bad players in your team in the final week. Like do you want United guys vs SOT away?

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          1. King Nil Miss ✩
            • 13 Years
            9 years, 11 months ago

            Indeed, no, I´m wary of the need to offload some players, won´t take further than a -4 point hit though..

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      2. The Enlightener
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        I got ample funds and opportunity to swoop back around and pick up Suarez no problem for the final GW.

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

          looking at the amount of transfers people are making that is probably -8 combined. If RVP would be nailed on for 2 games I would understand and consider myself, but not like this

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          1. The Enlightener
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 11 months ago

            Sometimes, it's moves like this that make the man in FPL. (of course, they can also sink the ship......... :))

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

              It would be a great calculated risk if RVP would be nailed on to play. Look at Agueros return and he may not even play more than 60 min for the entire 2 games. And Agu was training for longer

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              1. The Enlightener
                • 10 Years
                9 years, 11 months ago

                Yeah. Something seems up with Aguero, however. At least a sneaking suspicion lingers in my own noggin' about what his motives are, which could be totally silly. Anyways, it's a bit hard/tricky to compare two different human beings. I heard a scientist who studies human genes and such talking the other day about how different people are and how that relates to athletes, injuries, training needs....etc. It was fascinating stuff. This link is for the book that was written by this man. It's something I plan on reading if and when I get the chance and what not. http://www.amazon.com/The-Sports-Gene-Extraordinary-Performance/dp/1591845114

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  2. roscola
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    I've just read a stat that makes me very nervous about tripling on City: Pellegrini has never won at Goodison, or at home to Villa.

    #theoldonesarethebest

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    1. King Nil Miss ✩
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      What a loser!

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    2. DO RE MI MATA
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      I don't need a single win actually. But tons o' goals!

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

      Well, this will change 😉

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    4. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Go for Baker & Stones instead. Solid.

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      1. DO RE MI MATA
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        psshhh..!

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

          *pishhh

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          1. DO RE MI MATA
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 11 months ago

            hmm, urban dictionary tells me I meant something different altogether. o.O

            lol. Shhh..!

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

              I never know what I mean 😛

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

    Reckon I might play my WC tonight. Anyone else thinking the same?

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    1. roscola
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      ewwwwww .... that's not a very hygienic place to play

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

        😛 what's up with Gabi?

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  4. Chris_White
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    I am 25 points behind my ML leader and need some explosive differentials to try and catch him.

    Shaw, Eriksen & Suarez -> Evra, Mata & Dzeko (-8)

    Not sure how I feel about it, but something has to be done. Opinions on this one?

    Current team is:

    Mannone
    Iva Kos Pieters
    Nasri Ramsey Eriksen AJ
    Suarez Aguero Rooney

    Adrian Shaw Olsson Noone

    1 FT, 1.4 itb

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    1. S.Kuqi
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      I would rather have Borini than Dzeko.

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

        Seriously? I'm thinking Dzeko could be one of the better picks this week.

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        1. S.Kuqi
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          or maybe Yaya & Dzeko?

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          1. DO RE MI MATA
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 11 months ago

            + Kun

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

            Already have 2 C

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

              ity

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        2. DO RE MI MATA
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          Same here.

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    2. klass-jan
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      I like it

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  5. BantamPhil
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Coleman to Jones for a -4?

    Yes or no?

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    1. klass-jan
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Yes but wait til sat morning for predicted lineups

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  6. klass-jan
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Repost

    Evra worth a hit?

    A Azpi
    B Evra (-4)

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    1. S.Kuqi
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Yes. Do it.

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    2. Sess!
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Depends if you think azil will start or not, prob worth it (just) but no other defs you can switch?

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      1. klass-jan
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Cahill and kos

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        1. Sess!
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          Go for it then

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    3. BantamPhil
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Would keep Azpi in case he starts, if he doesn't who would come off the bench

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      1. klass-jan
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Coleman v city

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  7. Jafooli
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Right who's favourite to keep a CS tonight? In order:

    Chelsea
    Bayern
    Atletico
    Real

    That about right?

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    1. Sess!
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Real will score so athetico over bayern.

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

        Yeah reckon you're right there Sess.....So double Chelsea and double Atletico defs?

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        1. Sess!
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          I would. Should be another cagey affair.

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

    Schwarzer @ 3.5 is so temping, but will he start? Means I can up grade Gabi.....

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

      Cech is back in training so would be very wary.

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  9. JK - Cønt ⭐
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    I guess it comes down to

    a) Cahill, Nasri, Wickham (no City defence or Suarez and Eriksen on the bench)

    b) Demichelis, Dejagah and Suarez (no Chelsea defence, Nasri to Yaya for a hit and Dejagah on the bench)

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

      I think you might go mad this week JKOS 😀

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      1. JK - Cønt ⭐
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        I think I already have 😆

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

          Go with you mutt......

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  10. FACUPARSE
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Anyone bring in Chester and think it was bad move?? I wanna ship him already...

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    1. Sess!
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      He has a dgw and I won't be starting him if that helps.

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  11. Jafooli
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    I need a mid for 1.5m in UCL, such a thing?

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  12. Elniñorules
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    43 days to World Cup 🙁

    #Fever
    #ImLovinIt
    #TributeToChucky

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  13. FRESH POST
    1. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      will still only play one IMO

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

        i.e against Villa Home game. Also he has WHU at home in 38 too.

        Will keep him I think

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        1. JK - Cønt ⭐
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          nah more likely to play v Everton IMO

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

            Don't you think Everton will be too early?

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    2. Sess!
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Silva could be a good punt final GW.

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  14. The Enlightener
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    If Oxlade-Chamberlain, or FirstAid-Chamberlain, as I like to call him, has this many injury problems at age 20 and under, what's the prognosis for his future? So fragile. He needs to wear bubble wrap when he plays. Maybe a few airbags.....Something! Sleep in a hyperbaric chamber perhaps? Extra prayers before bedtime?

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    1. Back to Back Ballacks
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      They should wrap him in condoms

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      1. The Enlightener
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Not sure what you mean by that, but it made me laugh anyways.

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        1. The Enlightener
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          The whole "safety" thing of condoms, perhaps. Anyways, still chuckling.

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          1. Back to Back Ballacks
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            9 years, 11 months ago

            🙂

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  15. Sarnab
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Martin Blackburn ‏@SunMartinB 4h
    Silva not yet back in full training. Out doing warm ups etc today with rest but then worked on his own. #mcfc

    Martin Blackburn ‏@SunMartinB 4h
    Worth pointing out silva wasnt training every day before latest injury. #mcfc been very careful with him between games.

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  16. bigdip
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Took a hit to bring in YYT. Now looking ot bolster midfield or strikeforce.

    Mannone* (Adrian)
    Evra* Chester* Zabaleta* Baker* (Dummet)
    Ramsey Mata* Yaya* Nasri* (Ki)
    Rooney (C)* Suarez (Adebayor)

    A) Baker -> Sagna
    B) Adebayor -> Wickham

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  17. Back to Back Ballacks
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    All Hail, Der Fuhrer
    Introducing Louis Van Hitlerhausen!

    https://pbs.twimg.com/media/A5VFWgFCUAA123V.png

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  18. Feed tha Sheep
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Any of this worth a hit? Have 0.1 in bank

    Mannone
    Chester Shaw Azpilicueta
    Lallana Ramsey Yaya Mata
    rooney Agureo Suarez

    Adrian Stones Ward Noone

    Was thinking a def out for a dgw but can't really afford any city/utd def unless I get out Azpilicueta?

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