Scout Picks

Scout Picks – Gameweek 10

Having rolled out a 4-3-3 last time round, we return to a 3-4-3 formation for this week’s selection. A familiar face earns the call to lead the line at Old Trafford tomorrow after his surprise exclusion last weekend, while Roberto Di Matteo’s lunchtime press conference had us swopping Chelsea midfield options ahead of the Blues’ trip to Swansea:

Simon Mignolet gets the nod between the sticks for Sunderland’s home game with Villa. While the Black Cats have been poor offensively, they have conceded just two goals in their three home matches so far and with Villa scoring just twice over five road trips this term, a home clean sheet could well be on the cards.

Leighton Baines continues his role as a Scout Pick regular as Everton prepare to visit Fulham. With attacking returns or FPL bonus in six of his nine appearances thus far, the left-back continues to prosper despite returning just two clean sheets this season. While the Cottagers are favoured to score, Baines’ left flanks forays and strong showings in the EA SPORTS PPI are always likely to produce the goods, as the Toffees seek to extend their six-match unbeaten run.

Jan Vertonghen is another who has impressed going forward from the back. Since being moved to left-back by Andre Villas-Boas, the Belgian has produced a goal, an assist and a couple of bonus points in the last four Gameweeks, in addition to a home clean sheet – he looks in decent form ahead of Wigan’s visit to the Lane, as Spurs go looking for their sixth win in seven.

With plenty of money invested in our front three, we’re handing Liam Ridgewell a chance to impress as a cheaper alternative to Gareth McAuley ahead of West Brom’s home game with Southampton. The Baggies left-back comes in at 5.0 in FPL, compared to McAuley’s 5.5, and has averaged six points per home game thus far, with three clean sheets, an assist and a couple of bonus points in four Hawthorns appearances. Nigel Adkins’ side have scored just a single goal in each of their last three on the road but with the hosts in such resilient home form, the Saints could struggle to breach Steve Clarke’s backline.

Stilicho has already waxed lyrical over the talents of Adel Taarabt in a Watchlist piece earlier this week and with a home game against Reading on the Moroccan’s agenda, we’re giving him the nod this weekend. Taarabt has notched two of his side’s last four goals across the previous four Gameweeks and with the visitors still recovering from their 7-5 Capital One Cup home battering by Arsenal, the 5.5 priced midfielder could be primed to steer his side to their first league win of the season.

Averaging five FPL points per game so far, James Morrison has proven to be a strong mid-price midfield candidate under the guidance of new boss Steve Clarke. Ahead of the visit of Southampton, his potential this Gameweek may depend on the fitness of Claudio Yacob – the latter’s omission last week saw Morrison shifted from his regular role in “the hole” to central midfield but if Yacob returns in time for Monday evening, Morrison could flourish against a Saints side that have shipped an average of four goals per away game thus far.

Having racked up 48 FPL points in his last five matches, Gareth Bale is an obvious contender. Ahead of a home game against Wigan, the Welshman is second only to Robin Van Persie in the Captain Poll this week – with Spurs scoring two or more goals in each of the last six and the Latics failing to register a single clean sheet on the road thus far, points could well be on the menu for the 9.7 midfielder this Saturday.

This afternoon’s Stamford Bridge injury update has forced us to ditch Juan Mata, with doubts hovering over the Spaniard’s availability for tomorrow’s trip to Swansea. Eden Hazard is hardly a bad replacement, though. With Frank Lampard also out for Chelsea, the Belgian looks set to be first in line for spot-kicks and with an average of just under eight points per game over the last three, Hazard squares up to a defence that have conceded in each of their last seven.

Robin Van Persie is the runaway leader of this week’s Captain Poll. We handed the Dutchman a rare break from the Scout Picks last weekend and our decision came back to bite us – with former club Arsenal rolling up to Old Trafford, Van Persie looks in irresistible form as he squares up to Arsene Wenger for the first time since leaving the Emirates this summer.

We’re opting for Carlos Tevez as he prepares to return to Upton Park tomorrow evening. The Argentine has shown stronger consistency than Sergio Aguero over the season, with last week’s winner against Swansea meaning Tevez has scored or assisted in seven of his eight starts so far. The champions have registered four back-to-back victories and with Sam Allardyce’s side failing to keep a clean sheet in their last five, the visitors will be confident of racking up the points again.

Luis Suarez is our final forward ahead of Liverpool’s home game with Newcastle on Sunday. The Uruguayan has finally found his shooting boots this season after a disappointing previous campaign and has scored or assisted nine of his side’s 12 league goals. With a strike in the midweek cup defeat by Swansea, Suarez’s eye for goal shows little sign of slowing down and with the Magpies conceding two goals in all but one of their four away fixtures so far, an away clean sheet looks highly unlikely.

Recent Watchlist candidate Ryan Nelsen is our substitute defender ahead of QPR’s home game with Reading. Coming in at just 4.0 in FPL, the centre-half has produced 13 points over his three home matches, with bonus accrued in two of those games, and with the Royals failing to score in two of their last three on the road, the omens are good for a home clean sheet for Mark Hughes’ side.

We’re handing Wes Hoolahan a squad place, with Norwich set to face Stoke at Carrow Road. Chris Hughton’s side have now beaten Arsenal and Spurs in back-to-back home matches in all competitions and with Hoolahan now handed a regular role in “the hole”, he could be set to replicate last week’s seven point return; Tony Pulis’ side have registered just one clean sheet in five road trips.

With a home game against Southampton on the agenda, Romelu Lukaku is perhaps a little unlucky just to make the bench this weekend. Although Steve Clarke remains hopeful over Shane Long’s chances of recovery, we expect the Belgian to be given the nod on Monday evening. Bearing in mind he has scored in both his starts for the Baggies so far, and is up against the most porous defence in the Premier League, Lukaku has the potential of a goal or two this Monday evening.

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1,630 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Caine & Co.
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 1 day ago

    Taarabt or tevez for captain?! Both start with a T

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    1. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 day ago

      Tits
      Twat
      Tpenis

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    2. Malcolm Tucker for England …
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 day ago

      Alphabetical order says adel

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    3. Phoenix Wright
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 day ago

      The Giroud.

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      1. Caine & Co.
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 1 day ago

        Also an option. Turd time's a charm

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    4. PINKFISH (SANCTIONED AND GA…
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 day ago

      Wanna go for Pizza?

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      1. Caine & Co.
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 1 day ago

        Had one already but yes

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  2. Christina.
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 day ago

    Bego or fost?

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    1. Piggs Boson
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 day ago

      Stoke play more offensively against weaker teams, so Foster i think.

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    2. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 day ago

      Who cares...we're all doomed

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    3. super zlatan
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 day ago

      Bego

      Lambert will spoil the party on Monday night.

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      1. Christina.
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 1 day ago

        Hmm..I hope Lambchops does something for a change.

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        1. super zlatan
          • 13 Years
          12 years, 1 day ago

          I think he will score.

          Have some faith slut. 🙂

          Good luck for this gw

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          1. Christina.
            • 14 Years
            12 years, 1 day ago

            Yeah, I'm hiding behind the couch.

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    4. 1966 was a great year for E…
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 day ago

      Whomever is playing at home. Mauritius is f**king amazing btw, mate, cheers for the recommendation 🙂 Did the catamaran trip to ile de gabriel today, stunning, and saw some dolphins cavorting by the boat on the way back. I credited you with the advice, first time the missus has had any respect whatsoever for FFS!

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      1. Christina.
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 1 day ago

        Haha, make some hot sizzling love to your new wife tonight. Tell her it's from me.

        ::wink;

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        1. Christina.
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 1 day ago

          😉

          😳

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        2. 1966 was a great year for E…
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 1 day ago

          Ha, you sound like my mate from Bury (you won't have heard if it, I hope). 'When you're half way up her, tell her this one's from Alex' What a charmer!

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          1. Christina.
            • 14 Years
            12 years, 1 day ago

            hehe

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      2. Christina.
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 1 day ago

        Serious...No problems pal! Enjoy!

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        1. 1966 was a great year for E…
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 1 day ago

          I did refer to you as 'some south african bloke off my stupid football site', but the its the thought that counts, right 😉

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          1. Christina.
            • 14 Years
            12 years, 1 day ago

            At least you did not refer to me as"some stupid south african bloke"!

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  3. Magerost
      12 years, 1 day ago

      Nelsen or Cameron?

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      1. Phoenix Wright
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 1 day ago

        Cameron

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        1. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
          • 13 Years
          12 years, 1 day ago

          Nelson

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    • beric
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 day ago

      There were 2 Will Smith references on the last page.

      Good night and good luck 😀

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      1. Malcolm Tucker for England …
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 1 day ago

        Will smith referenced footballers..

        Kevin Fresh Prince Boateng

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    • Chu Young Ping Pong
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 day ago

      Who am I?

      Never bench. Never sell. Never captain.

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      1. Bubbles
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 1 day ago

        You are Chu Young Ping Pong, silly!

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      2. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 1 day ago

        Who are you?

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      3. super zlatan
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 1 day ago

        Vorm. (When fit)

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      4. Malcolm Tucker for England …
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 1 day ago

        Alan Tate. Also, never buy

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      5. mutatedllama
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 1 day ago

        Baines

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      6. FPL Touches
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 1 day ago

        Baines?

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      7. SPorting
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 1 day ago

        a better question is; Why are you?

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        1. Chu Young Ping Pong
          • 12 Years
          12 years, 1 day ago

          a better question:

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        2. Chu Young Ping Pong
          • 12 Years
          12 years, 1 day ago

          Ignored.

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      8. Sᴄʜᴜ̈RRʟᴇ ⓝ
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 1 day ago

        Baines

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      9. Nopli
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 1 day ago

        Suarez 🙂

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    • michaelington
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 day ago

      Cueller or Simpson for the long run?

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    • fijuhmon
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 day ago

      Bego
      Baines, Hughes, Ivan
      Mata, Santi, Bale (c), Pienaar
      Ba, Tevez, Berba

      Jussi, Nelsen, Punch, Gorkss

      1 FT and 1.1m in the bank, ideas?

      a) WBA defender in?
      b) Ba out?
      c) Santi out?
      d) Mata out?
      e) save?

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    • Bubbles
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 1 day ago

      Cazorla & Jelavic -> Taarabt & RVP. 4 pointer. Done.

      Welcome back, Robin.

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      1. FPL Touches
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 1 day ago

        Noice.

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      2. Piggs Boson
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 1 day ago

        Grim sacrifice. But He demands a weighty offering to be summoned 🙂

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        1. rdpx
          • 12 Years
          12 years, 1 day ago

          Jelavic is going to go mental this weekend. At least two goals.

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          1. Bubbles
            • 15 Years
            12 years, 1 day ago

            Robin & Taarabt are going to get more. So there! 😉

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            1. The hope that kills...
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              12 years, 1 day ago

              You are a wise man (I hope) Did Rvp & Taarabt for Yaya & Giroud. 4 points seemed a snip!

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              1. Bubbles
                • 15 Years
                12 years, 1 day ago

                Nice. Well I hope we're celebrating come the end of the GW!

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    • Timmy Cahill Rules
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 day ago

      lennon or nolan

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      1. Bubbles
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 1 day ago

        To play? Lennon for me.

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      2. FPL Touches
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 1 day ago

        lennon!

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    • FPL Touches
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 day ago

      Best replacement for S Taylor? Thinking Ridgewell/Baird/Cameron/O'Shea??
      Cheers

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      1. FPL Touches
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 1 day ago

        Talk to me.

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      2. The hope that kills...
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 1 day ago

        Cameron

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    • The Pep Revolution
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 day ago

      For this week only the best midfielder for 9.8m or less (besides Bale)?

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      1. FPL Touches
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 1 day ago

        H-H-Hazard

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        1. Paul
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 1 day ago

          how is he less than 9.8???

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    • jussirantamaki
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 day ago

      Should I bench Michu or Yaya?

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      1. Christina.
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 1 day ago

        You have a bench?

        😯

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        1. Bubbles
          • 15 Years
          12 years, 1 day ago

          🙂

          And if you really have to bench one of them, Yaya imo.

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      2. super zlatan
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 1 day ago

        Tough one. I would say yaya. But arguments for both.

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      3. stufail
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 1 day ago

        Bench Michu.

        Then if he gets a yellow card it won't count for you, so you can still play him against SOT.

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    • Chrissy Waddle - 2024/25
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 day ago

      Any QPR fans about?

      How nailed on is Taarabt these days? I was burnt at the start of the season, but 5.5 for a quality fifth midfielder appeals greatly.

      Crouch/Nomar – you around guys? Appreciate your feedback here. Ta.

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      1. Nomar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 1 day ago

        Hughes wants to keep his job so he's figured out that Taarabt and Hoilett starting every week is the best way to try and make that happen.

        Of the two I think Taarabt is probably safer right now. Of course, knowing Hughes he'll probably drop one of them for SWP!

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        1. Chrissy Waddle - 2024/25
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 1 day ago

          Cheers Nomar. Really tempted by Guthrie -> Taarabt. I know McAnuff or Sterling are safer choices, but if Taarabt brings his A-game I could reap the rewards.

          Or is he too expensive for a fifth MF?

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          1. Nomar
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            12 years, 1 day ago

            If Taarabt is on his game tomorrow Reading will not be able to live with him.

            This is essentially the kind of level of defence that Taarabt was destroying 2 years ago in the Championship for fun. My guess is Reading will probably put 2 men on him and kick him up in the air to try and stop him.

            However, Reading pose plenty of threat going forward and without M'Bia we could be in for a long day dealing with McAnuff's crosses and Pog in the air.

            Personally, I agree with Scout picks that Taarabt looks a very good option this weekend, especially at Loftus Rd where the crowd will be roaring him on.

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            1. Chrissy Waddle - 2024/25
              • 14 Years
              12 years, 1 day ago

              Excellent advice. Nuff respect my friend. Cheers.

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    • AAAAA
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 day ago

      Gorkks/Nelsen/Bassong ?

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      1. FPL Touches
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 1 day ago

        Nelsen

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        1. Holy See
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 1 day ago

          ...you must

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        2. fijuhmon
          • 13 Years
          12 years, 1 day ago

          +1

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      2. Fifa las vegas
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 1 day ago

        Gorkss

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        1. AAAAA
          • 12 Years
          12 years, 1 day ago

          Cheers the force seems to be with Nelsen.

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    • Aye
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 day ago

      I have 1 player playing at home this week.. (Rooney) and yes he is my captain. Damn you RVP owners!

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      1. Fifa las vegas
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 1 day ago

        I've Rooney to, i hear ya!

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      2. Aye
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 1 day ago

        Good luck dude.

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    • 5678
        12 years, 1 day ago

        Has Ramirez bern injured or just not playing? Ty

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        1. AAAAA
          • 12 Years
          12 years, 1 day ago

          injured

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        2. Timmy Cahill Rules
          • 13 Years
          12 years, 1 day ago

          injured

          he is saints best player

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      • super zlatan
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 1 day ago

        In other news judd trump is world no 1 in snooker ...

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        1. Philman
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 1 day ago

          For the first time?

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      • Fifa las vegas
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 1 day ago

        Can someone help me for this week, don't know what to doooooooo!
        Jaas
        Baines, Ridge, Cuellar, Gorkss
        Santi, Pienaar, Nolan
        Rooney, Aguero, Long

        Subs: Fed, Mata, Rangel, Kaca
        1)Kaca > Sterling
        2)Mata > Young/Tony V
        3)Keep transfer and pray
        Lot of starting worries, but if i hold out 2 FT could do alot next GW and take a hit for the third if i have to.

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        1. Fifa las vegas
          • 12 Years
          12 years, 1 day ago

          No help at all 🙁 🙁 🙁 🙁 🙁 🙁 🙁 🙁 aaaawwwwww

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      • Philman
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 1 day ago

        Play Muichu or Pienaar?

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        1. Philman
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 1 day ago

          *Michu, it's dark in this room, hehe.

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          1. super zlatan
            • 13 Years
            12 years, 1 day ago

            Michu. Reason is he is playing at home and oop

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            1. Philman
              • 14 Years
              12 years, 1 day ago

              I agree. He was my choice, and Fulham away is tough as well.

              I see you are making good progress after a shaky start.

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        2. Fifa las vegas
          • 12 Years
          12 years, 1 day ago

          Pienaar

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        3. Sᴄʜᴜ̈RRʟᴇ ⓝ
          • 12 Years
          12 years, 1 day ago

          Pie

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      • Kim Kimani
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 1 day ago

        Valencia or Walcott; who will outperform the other this GW

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        1. Philman
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 1 day ago

          Let's just say Valencia vs Santos.....

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      • MountainBeach
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 1 day ago

        hey guys thoughts on this team?

        begovic
        hangeland rafael clyne
        michu pienaar bale hzard
        aguero RVP C berba

        sterling , jenks, demell

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        1. super zlatan
          • 13 Years
          12 years, 1 day ago

          Looks good. Ready to go.

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      • Trigg ⭐️
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 1 day ago

        I'm actually looking forward to the United game in the morning now, after putting RVP back in. It feels good! Now watch as SAF rests him ..

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        1. Ibracadabra
          • 15 Years
          12 years, 1 day ago

          Won't rest him against his former club. Got his rest Wednesday in the league cup. That said, I think next GW-11 - his potential is better for scoring despite the away trip to Aston Villa. I expect 1 assist or 1 goal tomorrow, nothing more.

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          1. Trigg ⭐️
            • 12 Years
            12 years, 1 day ago

            If United had a harder CL group, I might not have put him in. Can't see him missing a league game anymore.

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        2. Bubbles
          • 15 Years
          12 years, 1 day ago

          Haha! It worked out pretty decently for me, all in all, dumping RVP from GW4, but you don't have shit your pants when United are on TV. Every time the ball goes near him it's a little bit of torture.

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          1. Trigg ⭐️
            • 12 Years
            12 years, 1 day ago

            I took him out before the Stoke game, because I loved my midfield without him. But now there are good mid price midfield options, it makes sense to have him in there.

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      • xorbix
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 1 day ago

        Will Ciaran Clark play this gameweek?

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            1. Piggs Boson
              • 13 Years
              12 years, 1 day ago

              Says the guy with a MAC and running Safari 😉

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              1. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
                • 12 Years
                12 years, 1 day ago

                what's wrong with safari? Or Macs for that matter? I love macs!

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                1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 14 Years
                  12 years, 1 day ago

                  +42!!!

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                2. Derm
                  • 12 Years
                  12 years, 20 hours ago

                  Hah gaayyyy!

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      • dul
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 1 day ago

        Spend the extra money on Huth or go for Cameron?

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      • Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 1 day ago

        Life or death? Do either have any meaning?

        And is it worth a 4 point hit?

        Thanks.

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        1. AAAAA
          • 12 Years
          12 years, 1 day ago

          Death is a natural part of life. Rejoice for those who transform into the Force. Mourn them do not. Miss them do not. Attachment leads to jealousy. The shadow of greed, that is.

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          1. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
            • 12 Years
            12 years, 1 day ago

            Thank you, Master Yoda. The force is strong, admit you must.

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        2. Paul
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 1 day ago

          cheer up Marty...there's still a chance he might...

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      • The Duke
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 1 day ago

        Right, it's time to get rid of Guthrie.

        I have 4.6m, which mid do I get?

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      • GREENDREAMS11
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 1 day ago

        Anyone fancy rooney to do well tomorrow

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      • CFC1990
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 1 day ago

        Do you think there is any chance of Cameron (Stoke) getting dropped when Higginbotham returns?

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      • Utterly Fabregasted
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 1 day ago

        Pick 2 of: Ba, Berb, Sterling

        Berb vs my defender Baines

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      • fijuhmon
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 1 day ago

        How long will Mata be out ?

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