From The Physio

From the Physio – Gameweek 12

As a string of leading Fantasy assets line up with sick-notes for their International Managers, we cast an observational eye from the physio over Wayne Rooney’s ankle and Theo Walcott’s hip…

Wayne Rooney

First in line and nursing what Alex Ferguson described as an “ankle knock”, comes Wayne Rooney. If we observe Rooney’s movements throughout the second half in the dramatic 3-2 win at Villa Park we witness the versatile forward moving with ease and agility, twisting and turning with pace. These are movements of high intensity that test the full integrity of the ankle joint; they would certainly isolate any injury if present.

The only incident of note involving Rooney occurred in the 76th minute as the United frontman nudges the ball past an Aston Villa defender and, in an attempt to twist and sprint away, gets caught with a late tackle around the front of the mid-shin area. A tackle more akin to a forceful “ankle-tap” where the players own forward momentum, rather than the force of the impact, causes the fall. The tackle and the fall looked innocuous and of a type not readily associated with ankle damage. Rooney did, however, look totally fatigued at this point.

Rooney continued playing for a further five minutes in which time he demonstrated the same movement fluidity shown consistently throughout the half, performing several high intensity manoeuvres without impediment or reaction. Movements around the ankle joints were performed fully and without constraint, indeed, when substituted, Rooney jogged at a mid-pace to the side of the pitch, where he spoke to Sir Alex and, in fairness, appeared to look just a little anxious.

All things considered, I would suggest that Rooney sustained only mild soft tissue damage of a severity that, with treatment, should resolve within a week. This would give him every chance of being fit and firing as United take on Norwich at Carrow Road.

Theo Walcott

We can also be positive with our assessment of Theo Walcott’s hip. Following the clash with Fulham Arsene Wenger offered this initial appraisal:

“Walcott has a Glute muscle problem. We nearly took him off at half-time, he nearly went down, but we left him on. In the end, it got worse. At the moment, he is limping so I do not know whether he will be able to join the national team or not.”

This statement suggests that the Arsenal medics were aware of any problems and deemed them minor enough for Walcott to resume playing with a low risk of further deterioration. This would indicate that the injury wasn’t a major concern and could dissipate with further activity.

An observation of his subsequent physiological movements adds credibility to the half-time judgment. Walcott can be observed moving with the freedom, fluidity and versatility, performing a range of high intensity movements that would offer no cause for concern from the perspective of a physiotherapist.

Walcott did, however, appear to be involved in a collision that the camera didn’t catch. In the aftermath of the incident the camera cuts to him looking forlorn, leaning forward with hands on knees, not touching anywhere specifically, actions that would not indicate significant injury. Indeed, immediately after this incident Walcott can be seen sprinting and turning with the ball to cross high into the penalty-box, movements at the hip joint that would cause a reaction if any problem lingered.

Substituted in the 84th minute the England International can be seen jogging to the side of the pitch, he then slows to a walk, with just the faintest hint of a limp.

In summary, barring no underlying problems, it would be fair to suggest that Walcott is nursing a soft tissue injury of minor severity, that, with treatment, should be resolved within seven days. Chances are high that the Arsenal winger will have his hat to throw in in the ring as Arsenal go toe-to-toe with local rivals Spurs at the Emirates this weekend.

1,646 Comments Post a Comment
  1. mr messi
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Is it worth a hit to bring in Fellaini this week?

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    1. Van Dal
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      no. for free yes

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      1. Fratboy
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        ooo I don't know about that. I'd argue he's worth the hit at the moment.

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        1. embo76
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 4 months ago

          I would argue that too. I have been toying with Afro for a hit but am not going to do it. He could do well however your other mid could score and with the hit Afro would need prob 2 goals to make it worthwhile. I can see a 1 pointer and 1 game ban to really hurt anyone bringing him in.

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  2. isacki: full casual
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Slightly surprising result when you try to judge if caz and bale have been fantasy successes.

    It's GW11 (a big and therefore representative sample you can make projections from). Bale is on 57 points, Caz on 56. By the end of the season they're projected to get 197 and 193 points then. If I recall correctly, the highest scoring midfielder was Bale last year with 195 points at the same price as both.
    Therefore Bale and Caz are set to have the same score and value as last year's highest scoring midfielder.

    It is only because they are slightly behind other midfielders this year that we are restless. It's relative, not absolute.

    But the gap is much smaller than our stereotypes. The top scoring midfielder is in fact out of favour Hazard on 69 points, only 12 points ahead of Bale and 0.7 more expensive.

    Just some food for thought.

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    1. MJ6987
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      That is surprising. You really are agonising over whether to ship Caz aren't you!?

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      1. isacki: full casual
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        Haha, yep. I was all set to but then looked at overall performance and I'm equivocal about it now.

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        1. Piggs Boson
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 4 months ago

          Look at Mata's PPG though. The analysis has to be relative to their competition as we can't have them all...

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          1. isacki: full casual
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 4 months ago

            Yep valid point. So as I say below I say give him one spot and Caz/Bale can fight it out for the 1/2 remaining spots.

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        2. FPL Daniel
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 4 months ago

          Will Fellaini, Nollan, Michu be close to that 200pts mark, coming end of season. That is the real question. Fellaini could if he continues like this. Nolann is good for 170 - 180. Michu is enigma for me but he could be on 170 - 180 too.

          Bottom line last year best spend cash for value was in midfield. So looks like this time its the same. We need to spend big in midfield and maybe go with 5 bigs, Nollan t cheapest. Maybe that is the answer. I never had tones and tones of options in midfield before.

          usually it was Power 5 like last year.

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          1. isacki: full casual
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 4 months ago

            You suggesting 5 6-8m priced mids? Increasingly I think that might be a great idea in terms of value. You do need to get the extra points from somewhere though because investing the extra cash in defence or forwards doesn't seem to gain a huge amount this year. For that I think you need 1, 2 possibly 3 expensive mids. Mata is probably one. It's then between Caz/Bale and c

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        3. MJ6987
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 4 months ago

          I think our tie this week is going to be a very tight affair! I think I may have actually weakened my team slightly this week with my transfer (Tevez to Berbatov) which seems counter intuitive but it is more a long term move to free up funds and catch the price rises whilst getting in a fixture and rotatio proof option.

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          1. isacki: full casual
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 4 months ago

            Makes sense to me. Tevez goal threat definitely unexciting of late too. I think I may need to actually downgrade a mid long term, question is who and when 😀

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            1. MJ6987
              • 13 Years
              11 years, 4 months ago

              Do it this week I reckon Bale out for, say, Britton. And captain him!

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              1. isacki: full casual
                • 12 Years
                11 years, 4 months ago

                Oh it would be SO AWESOME if that WORKED

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  3. Jönny
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Was anyone on here at the weeweeknd when people were posting wonder goals? There was one from Vancouver that started it all and then someone followd up with one where about four players knocked it up in the air for each other and the last one volley in...anyone know the one?

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  4. si
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Oscar playing for Brazil in US during the early hours makes him a big risk this weekend? Moses seems a certain starter this week. He was excused from Nigeria's game along with Mikel.

    Think Oscar needs to go in my team. That expierment has failed somewhat. Still think he will become great value this season though.

    Silva. In.

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    1. bdwhite91
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      I hope he's a risk. My cup opponent has him!

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      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        With no Lampard around I predict him starting. Mata could be rested and start from the bench for me. He could be benched only if only Sturridge gets a rare start on the wing. He went up in the media that he can score 20 goals a season. Maybe Sturridge will give him chance to prove a point? And what the hell happened to Marin? He is back to fitness right? Why RDM isn't giving him minutes. At least in the Cup games. Hazard is assured starter IMO because he didn't play single minute last night. On a second thought he might go with Ramires in the attacking 3 on the right and maybe Romeu starting? Hmmm... Never thought about that.

        If I was RDM
        Mikel Ramires
        Sturridge Hazard Oscar
        Torres

        But probably will be:
        Mikel Romeu
        Ramires Hazard Oscar
        Torres.

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        1. FPL Daniel
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 4 months ago

          Ouch ignore me. I forgot Moses. Moses is starter in there. Probably for Oscar in both cases. U r right Si. So Hazard Torres Mikel Ramires Mosses are assured starters for the w/e, Mata, Oscar, Sturridge to come from the bench

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          1. festerme1983
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 4 months ago

            Chelsea need a win. Mata starts.

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        2. si
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 4 months ago

          Mata has to start. He only played 45 mins last night and we need him despite the journey. Need our best team for this one.

          I DO NOT WANT RAMIRES IN ATTACKING ROLE AGAIN.

          I managed to get a ticket at the Hawthorns 🙂

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  5. MJ6987
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    One of the toughest decisions of the season that many of us are facing...

    Who to play (and why)...

    Sterling or Michu?

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    1. In Like Flynn.
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Michu, he scores goals. Also Newcastle are without Colo.

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    2. Corkyote FFS CWC Champion 2…
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Got to be michu, sterling more of a punt until he starts getting attacking returns

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      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        I am playing Sterling if that helps. But u r the leader in Seria A, u tell us.

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        1. MJ6987
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 4 months ago

          Ha ha. Really unsure, that's why I am asking! When I did my wildcard and brought Sterling in weeks ago I sort of promised myself that I would put him on the bench whatever, to avoid this problem. But when it comes down to a week like this it is not easy to stick to. But, for that reason, it will probably bench Sterling. When in doubt, bench the bench fodder!

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          1. FPL Daniel
            • 14 Years
            11 years, 4 months ago

            bench t bench folder hahaha .his underlying stats are good. He will score this week

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  6. anish10
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    is ba fit for this weekend lads?

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    1. avenger
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      I believe he'll be ok, wait on press conference on friday

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  7. We Need Van Der Sar
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    I brought in Suarez for Crouch before he went up to 10.0. I reckon he can bust Wigan's defense open. But he is a player i hate in FF coz every time i bring him in, he played like shit. But when i sell him, he scores load. Hope this gw will be the other way around...

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    1. In Like Flynn.
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Let us know when you sell him. 😉

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      1. We Need Van Der Sar
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        i will!

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  8. Corkyote FFS CWC Champion 2…
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    For those debating previous season trends as a way of predicting this season on the last page, try reading some of Karl Poppers Poverty of Historicism. One of the most interesting books of the last century.

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    1. Holy See
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Looks like my Christmas present is sorted.

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    2. Van Dal
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      hmm can you summarise it?

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    3. isacki: full casual
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Have read a little Popper, very deep.

      So go on, sell this to us. What does the book have to say about the validity of predicting from last season?

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      1. daisybcfc
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        dont do it. every is unique. (i think)

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        1. Ryan
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 4 months ago

          It makes a mockery of our 'Everton always start bad' and 'Fulham are no good away' and Fellaini is a DM

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          1. roscola
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 4 months ago

            Take the Everton thing. If you'd said it last season, you would have been right. And the season before. And the season before .... for the last 5 seasons.

            So including this season's failure of prediction you'd have been right 5 out of 6 times. We're not looking for absolute certainty in this game - we can't have it - we're looking for probability. And 5 out of 6 ain't a bad hit rate.

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      2. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        Karl Popper was an excellent exponent of logic ... and little else.

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    4. Corkyote FFS CWC Champion 2…
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Impressive knowedge guys. Basically main premises are that history isn't a great way of predicting the future as events are unique. Even taking into account social conditions and context at the time of past events (prevailiing attitudes, historical context etc).

      Everton a good example, same manager as previous years, same teams fighting for top 4 places etc, many of the same players, same budgets, same income etc but a great start to the season.

      You could argue that they are playing a different game tactically this year perhaps, more attacking certainly. And Fellaini pushed up more than previous seasons.

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  9. bdwhite91
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Anyone see a 0-0 draw in the Stoke West Ham match?

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    1. In Like Flynn.
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Certainly worth a couple of quid.

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    2. daisybcfc
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      yes. got that in IKTS

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    3. embo76
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      I can that's why I am giving consideration to playing demel and begovic rather than Nolan and begovic

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      1. filobiz
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        goalfest

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    4. TwiggsJameson
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      I can see 0-0 in any Stoke game to be honest.

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    5. Naboo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      2-0 west ham

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  10. seanoflynn
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Need some help guys.

    2 ft this week.

    Have michu, caz, nolan, pienaar (guthrie)
    Rvp, aguero, berbs 1.4 in bank

    Was thinking pienaar to mata, aguero to ba. Wanted suarez but am 0.1 short. Going ba means j can upgrade guthrie to sterling next week as well

    Thoughts?

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    1. GunsnRoses
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Auguero to suarez and pienaar to Fellaini ..

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  11. daisybcfc
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    hovering over the make transfer button but stopped myself,now looking at the ticker im not sure.

    was doing Cazorla out for Silva. Looking long term (ish) and now looking at the ticker Arsenal are looking OK til January wildcard, whereas Citeh have a lot tougher fixtures.

    any advice?

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    1. danishdynamite
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Would not do it yet, city have some tricky games ahead. Wait 2 or 3 GW's on that one IMHO

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  12. King Henrik
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    In some trouble here need some advice pls

    Begovic jussi

    Rafael Cuellar Hangaland Saylor Rangel

    Cazorla Bale Michu Pienaar Sterling

    Rvp crouch jelavic

    I want to do Pienaar to fellaini and crouch to Berba ??
    Thoughts ?? Also any other major concerns in this team ?

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    1. daisybcfc
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      those transfers seem good. problem is youre getting very template, its nice to have a few differentials.

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      1. King Henrik
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        Hmm a see Ur point mate !
        Watt would u suggest to mix it up a bit ? Maybe bring in Valencia for Cazorla ??

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        1. daisybcfc
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 4 months ago

          yeh i have valencia. im also bringing in Silva for Caz (probably, see below)

          reason i like my team now is if i have a good week it doesnt neccessarily mean everyone else will, however if they have a good week its likely i will do ok as i have coverage.

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          1. King Henrik
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 4 months ago

            Makes sense bro ! Let's give it a go !
            Good luck and thank you !!

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  13. el flacooo
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Any opinions on my team:

    Begovic
    Nelsen-skrtel-baines
    Fellaini-bale-hazard-sterling
    Rvp-ba-berbatov

    Foster-huth-Billy Jones-puncheon

    No FT and 0,3 in bank

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    1. King Henrik
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Team looks fine mate ! A would not bench huth

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  14. WillShare
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Suarez is a must? (for -4)
    already have Rvp-Ba-Berbatov.

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    1. GunsnRoses
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Not with these forwards.

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    2. King Kohli
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      That attack looks good to me. Get Suarez after he serves his ban

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    3. Dark Mata
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Not for -4, but you never know.

      I'm considering getting rid of Tevez for Suarez next week on a free (have Berbs & RVP)

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      1. Dark Mata
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        Should of said, also wary of the 5th yellow card

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    4. Tommytour
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Not a must when you have those 3 especially for -4, wait for him to get a yellow first 😉

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    5. WillShare
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      thanks! i don't like him but he looks unplayable for now:/

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  15. Granville
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    This are my 3 favourite overhead kicks. I only include players of undoubted skill as it precludes them from being a one off lucky strike.

    1) http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=is6ZLTe2CLw#!

    2) http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=gWV6eG5lDUE

    3) http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=RzGe5sYnhA4#!

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    1. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Rivaldo's especially in the game context was great!

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      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        Sky Sports should hire you

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    2. Holy See
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Van Basten's prob my favourite, but this one deserves a mention, poor Kev http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9SXa55s2OM

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      1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        Outrageous! 🙂

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      2. Granville
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        Offside laws were much clearer them days, but still a bit ridiculous to rule that one out.

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    3. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Suppose that ruled out Trevor Sinclair then?!!

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    4. weeurquahrt
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Some guy came away with the best comment I.ve heard on here..after zlatens wonder show..(its like playing fifa on easy) brilliant stuff.

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      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        this is the best goal. The legend Pipo. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=taXbv4_vvc4 He kicks it like 4 times in a second the game

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        1. FPL Daniel
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 4 months ago

          *t ball

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    5. Le Limpar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Excellent. My favourite, Youri Djorkaeff: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1GpEC7ZO2I

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  16. bdwhite91
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Anyone catch the Newcastle match last weekend? How were they defensively? Not sure if I should play Santon

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    1. El Berbossa - \\\"El b…
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Newcastle suck this season. No idea why pardew isnt playing 4-3-3. Hes playing 4-4-2 and it is not working!

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  17. Dark Mata
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Fantasy Scout Cup round 2,

    Me v my opponent, virtually the same team, so probably boils down to:

    Me first

    Cameron v Huth or Zabaleta
    Mata v Hazard
    Tevez v Lambert / Zabaleta (depending on if he plays 3-4-3 or 4-4-2)

    and captain choice, both have RVP so......

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  18. Scroobius Mac
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    No Dembele makes me tempted to drop Bale. Can't see us gaining any control on the game without him and therefore not creating many chances for Bale.

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  19. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Good to go?

    Mertesacker or Nelson?

    Bego
    Baines – Nelson - Gorkss
    Hazard – Cazorla – Fellaini – Nolan
    RVP (c) – Tevez – Berba

    Sorenson - J.McCarthy - Mertesacker - Fonte

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    1. heartsattack
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Yes. Mertesacker.

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    2. King Kohli
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Looks good. Keep it as it is.

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    3. GunsnRoses
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      No faith in Tony Pulis but loads of faith in Stoke ? 😉

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  20. Jinswick
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Right to bench Michu this week? I kinda feel I have to play Taarabt at home to Southampton

    Bale, Santi, Fellaini, Taarabt
    RVP, Ba, Berbatov

    Bench: Michu

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    1. Dark Mata
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      I made the same mistake last week, went with playing Walters at home and benched Berbatov haha

      Thats the problem with 8 good front men, Michu could easily get a goal.

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    2. King Kohli
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Bit of a risk considering he is OOP, but I'd bench him this week.

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  21. lasers
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Between now an ACN... most points?

    A) Adebayor

    B) Hernandez

    C) Walcott

    D) Young

    Any explanations appreciated...

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  22. Loooser
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Friends,

    is it worth to do Rooney out for Suarez?

    free transfer.

    Wanted to do that last week, but was afraid because he is a suspense threat.

    Thanks.

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  23. Fantasy-er
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Does anyone know if Bryan Ruiz played for Costa Rica last night?

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  24. Blue Moon Rising
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Test

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