Preamble

The Pre-match Preamble – Gameweek 19

With the majority of the press shelving their predicted lineups for today’s matches, our hunt for reassurance and validation amongst the papers is a futile one. Nonetheless, there are some nuggets of news, notably as a result of the words spilling from a cast of Premier League players, which could have some bearing on today’s teamsheets.

The Times were the first to break quotes from Wayne Rooney last night, as the United striker lamented (does Rooney lament?) his woeful output in the 1-1 draw at Swansea on Sunday. Nothing came off for the striker on the day and it was no surprise to see him withdrawn to jeers from the Liberty faithful with 12 minutes remaining.

Rooney has acknowledged his abject performance, whilst suggesting that he’s keen to get back on the pitch against Newcastle today to re-assert himself….

“I could feel it [was not going to be my day] on the pitch…Some days you have an off day I could feel that and I couldn’t complain at being substituted….I think the thing about football, and especially over the Christmas period, is that you have games and this game has gone for me and it is certainly not one I will remember, but I will relish the next one.”

The quotes and the story has been published by a number of new sources this morning, all hinting that Newcastle need to prepare themselves for Rooney’s backlash. An interesting assumption given that us Fantasy managers are braced for rotation up front in the United lineup. Sir Alex Ferguson’s side face West Brom at Old Trafford on Saturday, before travelling to Wigan on Tuesday; that’s followed by an FA Cup tie at West Ham on January 5. Presumably we’ll see Ferguson rotating for that Cup encounter, with his strongest side fielded at Wigan, having tasted defeat at the DW Stadium last term.

That will see rotation, either today against the Magpies or, more likely perhaps, against West Brom in three days time. We’re presuming that Rooney and Robin Van Persie will be benched for one of these two matches and it will be interesting to see if Ferguson opts for Rooney today, in order to give him the opportunity to rid himself of the demons from his showing in Wales. A first choice strike pairing may well be on show later today, then, with Danny Welbeck perhaps handed a wide role and then called in to action up front, along with Javier Hernandez, against West Brom on Saturday.

David Luiz’s new position in central midfield for Chelsea has generated some attention, not least because he also stroked home a superbly executed free-kick in the 8-0 demolition of Villa on Sunday. Today’s trip to Norwich will surely see Rafa Benitez rotate his resources once more, however, and Mikel’s availability after serving a three-match ban, certainly threaten’s Luiz’s chances of earning another start in midfield.

As Mikel points out, he will depart for the African Cup of Nations after Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge clash with QPR on January 2, giving him just a few matches to play out whilst he remains with the squad.

“After the Norwich match there are only two more games and I’ll be away again, as I think we have to meet up on January 4, and the manager said he wants to rotate the team and bring in fresh legs…I’ve been playing since he started, so it’s probably been good to have a week or two off to recover a little and get the legs going again, but it will be good to come back for the Norwich game.”

We could well see Mikel start at Norwich then and with Ramires and Frank Lampard impressing against Villa, it’s feasible that Luiz will find himself either benched, or shifted back to a centre-back role with Branislav Ivanovic back at full-back.

Jan Vertonghen’s position in the Spurs lineup is another contentious issue that has drawn headlines in this morning’s press. The Belgian has stated that, while he has enjoyed his tenancy at left-back, allowing him to lend his abilities to the Tottenham attack, he is pushing Andre Villas-Boas to restore him to a centre-back role…

“Yes (I’m frustrated), and the manager knows. But we needed some height in the team (against Stoke City) for the set plays and he knows I prefer centre-back, but that is enough for me. He respects me but tells me whenever I need to play left-back. I want to help the team….I love to attack and I love to go up front…It is a little more difficult than when you are playing centre-back. If you play the way that I want to play, I think my influence is better as a left-back. For the team, it is best that I play as a centre-back. I like to bring the ball out. You need to move the game quickly, and that is one of my qualities as well.”

Spurs travel to face Villa today, with Vertonghen’s compatriot, Christian Benteke, undoubtedly providing the main threat to their chances of three points. Vertonghen is quick to point out that he knows Benteke’s game only too well…

“Benteke is very good in the air and he can score. He will be a very tough player to play against…I know him quite well from Belgium, in the league and playing for the national team. It doesn’t surprise me that he has done well at Villa.”

A thinly veiled plee to Villas-Boas to let him play centre-back against Benteke, perhaps? That move would likely see Kyle Naughton drafted in at left-back with one of Michael Dawson, William Gallas or Steven Caulker given the slot alongside the Belgian in the centre. With Caulker and Dawson starting against Stoke, it would seem likely that we’ll see Gallas restored at Villa Park today.

Of course, this is all speculative stuff. There’s clearly logic we can apply to the evidence dug up by such reports and quotes but, as we saw with Roberto Mancini’s team-sheet against Reading, such logic can sometimes be worthless.

Edin Dzeko did not start against Brian McDermott’s side, City struggled to defend set-plays and Dzeko ended up coming on after the hour-mark. Presumably, we’ll see the Bosnian start at Sunderland today, only to be benched again at Norwich, even though Chris Hughton’s side and Sebastian Bassong in particular, have been a real threat from set-pieces of late. Go figure.

Of course, it’s not for me to tell Mancini how to pick his team but, like most of us, I’m quite happy to have a go and vent my anger when the logic falls short. Us Fantasy managers are always on the look out for a scrap of evidence to back our theories or justify our selections. It’s just so hugely frustrating when the decision makers that matter refuse to play along.

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

2,979 Comments Post a Comment
  1. COMH
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 10 months ago

    Is Christmas Rooney becoming a bit of a let down? Was he not sent home from training along with Gibson last year for turning up in no fit state to train? And now another poor performance causing him to be left out the squad. Maybe he has been out on the lash again?...

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    1. Red-United
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 10 months ago

      Yup, Christmas Rooney = fail. Was dropped/rested this time last year too.

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      1. Granville
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 10 months ago

        He'll be back next game. Probably in place of RVP

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        1. Red-United
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 10 months ago

          Wouldn't be surprised if he wasn't back for that game really.

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          1. Rafabio
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 10 months ago

            According to the Mirror:

            Rooney and Young injured in training yesterday #MUFC

            Welbeck not playing today after feeling unwell overnight #MUFC

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        2. Sting
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 10 months ago

          This is more than a rest though, dropped for poor form.

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        3. COMH
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 10 months ago

          That seems the most likely scenario. Just makes you wonder if he might have put his christmas jumper on and went a bit mental.

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    2. Parm
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 10 months ago

      Last year he went out for a meal on Boxing day with Evans & Gibson and their partners. He was dropped and Berba scored 2 😎

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  2. Parm
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 10 months ago

    Slightly peed off with the United team.

    Scholes and Giggs start alongside one another, no striker on the bench. But no Tiote is quite good! 😀

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    1. rdpx
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 10 months ago

      Hernandez gonna score 6

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    2. COMH
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 10 months ago

      Yeah they need to be up for it from the start and compete with Tiote in the middle. Safe to say no United CS again. Giggsy to have a good game I reckon.

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    3. Manani
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 10 months ago

      any idea why no welbeck too?
      I mean macheda as sub would be decent too, but no striker is a bit of risk!

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    4. Red-United
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 10 months ago

      No Cabaye, Tiote and Ben Arfa too.

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      1. Red-United
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 10 months ago

        + no taylor.

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    5. Chris_White
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 10 months ago

      Tiote has been shite this year, tbh. Still a loss though, tends to step it up in the big games.

      Come on Robin!

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      1. COMH
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 10 months ago

        He has definitely dropped off from last season but physically he can bully midfielders and he might raise his game playing at OT.

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        1. Parm
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 10 months ago

          He's suspended.

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    6. Call Me Old Fashioned
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 10 months ago

      I am not happy to see Young out.

      Real shame that Valencia, Scholes and Giggs all start

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    7. The Finnisher
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 10 months ago

      No Tiote doesn't matter. United 3-2 I reckon.

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  3. JT's Dog
      11 years, 10 months ago

      eeek charlton pulled one back, line might be down before 3pm, hate it when that happens

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    • UnderstandablyDistraught
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 10 months ago

      one defender if Enrique starts Shite!!!!

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      1. Keane There Dunne That
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 10 months ago

        That's bad

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      2. JT's Dog
          11 years, 10 months ago

          and if enrique doesnt?

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          1. Billy Gilmore
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 10 months ago

            😕

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        • Just One More Thing
          • 15 Years
          11 years, 10 months ago

          Enrique & Clyne for me 🙁 Almost the same as 1 defender

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        • Billy Gilmore
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 10 months ago

          😯

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        • Manani
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 10 months ago

          2 for me, but the other is Cuellar

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        • JT's Dog
            11 years, 10 months ago

            if it helps i started with 1 defender a few weeks ago and scored 23 points

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        • joinho
          • 15 Years
          11 years, 10 months ago

          Surely I can't get beaten by someone who has started 3 arsenal players and Fellaini...

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          1. JT's Dog
              11 years, 10 months ago

              think you can, his captain will have stormer. look at how doosra got beat in round 1

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              1. joinho
                • 15 Years
                11 years, 10 months ago

                He's captained Hazard so could happen.

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            • BONZ
              • 14 Years
              11 years, 10 months ago

              You can as he may have a great bench to replace them......

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              1. joinho
                • 15 Years
                11 years, 10 months ago

                He hasn't

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          2. Nopli
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 10 months ago

            Rooney to Lukaku Done!!! 👿

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            1. kimoo
              • 12 Years
              11 years, 10 months ago

              whyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy

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            2. kimoo
              • 12 Years
              11 years, 10 months ago

              we shoukd play next match

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            3. Mílanista
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              11 years, 10 months ago

              Rash to say the least

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            4. Call Me Old Fashioned
              • 13 Years
              11 years, 10 months ago

              Do you have a knack of buying shite strikers tbf

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          3. The Finnisher
            • 13 Years
            11 years, 10 months ago

            It's typical that the only time Clichy is injured, Kolarov is too.

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            1. Mílanista
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              11 years, 10 months ago

              I know, I'm absolutely fuming!

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          4. Harry Ball Bag™⚽⚽…
            • 14 Years
            11 years, 10 months ago

            Balls only 10players today! Need berba to hit a five goal special

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          5. The Finnisher
            • 13 Years
            11 years, 10 months ago

            Who has less than 11 players already?

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            1. Billy Gilmore
              • 12 Years
              11 years, 10 months ago

              o/

              10 max.

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            2. Keane There Dunne That
              • 12 Years
              11 years, 10 months ago

              Think I have 11

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            3. Nopli
              • 12 Years
              11 years, 10 months ago

              Yeah 2 not playing at all but the stinky bench comes into play 😉

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              1. The Finnisher
                • 13 Years
                11 years, 10 months ago

                So you have 11. Nice one.

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            4. Manani
              • 13 Years
              11 years, 10 months ago

              9

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            5. shegull
              • 13 Years
              11 years, 10 months ago

              10 max

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            6. Mílanista
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              11 years, 10 months ago

              Down to 3 defenders but otherwise its all good.

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            7. GoonerByron
              • 13 Years
              11 years, 10 months ago

              Yep 10 because of Nelsen!

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            8. BONZ
              • 14 Years
              11 years, 10 months ago

              me.....10 as no demel mert and Rafael not playing - but opted not to sell Raf for Az on -4 due to lack of short term profit....IT WILL BITE ME

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          6. Hello. Yes, This is Dog
            • 13 Years
            11 years, 10 months ago

            no strikers on the united bench so he should see 90 mins 😛

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            1. lilmessipran
              • 12 Years
              11 years, 10 months ago

              if united are leading he might take him out 4 a midfielder

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          7. Revival
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 10 months ago

            Newcastle will score today.

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            1. Chris_White
              • 13 Years
              11 years, 10 months ago

              Hopefully, just not with Ba involved.

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              1. The Finnisher
                • 13 Years
                11 years, 10 months ago

                -1

                Ba to replicate the brace he scored around this time last year.

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                1. Chris_White
                  • 13 Years
                  11 years, 10 months ago

                  If RVP scores 3, I will not mind

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                  1. Rafabio
                    • 12 Years
                    11 years, 10 months ago

                    +20

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          8. Sean.
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            11 years, 10 months ago

            david mcdonald on twitter
            rooney and young injured in training yesterday
            welbeck unwell overnight

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            1. Just One More Thing
              • 15 Years
              11 years, 10 months ago

              Rooney dropped a can of lager on his toe in training yesterday 🙂

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            2. Sean.
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              11 years, 10 months ago

              sorry that was david mcdonnell
              daily mirrors manchester football correspondent

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            3. Parm
              • 12 Years
              11 years, 10 months ago

              Bull.

              I don't think Fergie would make then train so hard on Xmas day they;d get injured.

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          9. OPTA FPL
            • 13 Years
            11 years, 10 months ago

            Team this week (2-4-2) 😆

            Begovic
            Davies /Cuellar
            Mata / Silva / Bale (vc) /Puncheon
            Suarez / Van Persie (c)

            What's the story with Shorey? Dropped?

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            1. Hello. Yes, This is Dog
              • 13 Years
              11 years, 10 months ago

              the way they're playing its probably a good thing. rather 0 points than negative 😀

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            2. JELLYFISH
              • 12 Years
              11 years, 10 months ago

              Last gw round up listed Shorey as a risk to be dropped. Off the back of which I swapped him out for Enrique (who will probably also be dropped lol)

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          10. Chris_White
            • 13 Years
            11 years, 10 months ago

            No Rooney is really good news for me regarding Uefa CL qualification! Come on Robin!!!!

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          11. Hybrid.power
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            11 years, 10 months ago

            I'm really worried about my FPL Cup opponent. Wish me luck!!

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            1. Smarty Pants
              • 14 Years
              11 years, 10 months ago

              good luck hybrid.power

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          12. rdpx
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 10 months ago

            Whats the deal with the "report abuse" link on each post?

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            1. floydy_floyd
              • 14 Years
              11 years, 10 months ago

              Exactly as it sounds.

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            2. Ginkapo FPL
              • 13 Years
              11 years, 10 months ago

              Its send a message to the scouts to notify them that a twat is trolling the site. They may or may not choose to take action, and I would never expect anything immediate.

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              1. rdpx
                • 12 Years
                11 years, 10 months ago

                I have reported you for using the word "twat"

                😉

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                1. rdpx
                  • 12 Years
                  11 years, 10 months ago

                  [i didn't really]

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              2. Granville
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 15 Years
                11 years, 10 months ago

                Who is it?

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                1. rdpx
                  • 12 Years
                  11 years, 10 months ago

                  oh no worries GGGranville its a few pages back and I clicked anyway - I just wondered how it appeared to you when someone pressed it. Nothing to be alarmed about !

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          13. r0nh
            • 13 Years
            11 years, 10 months ago

            Hughes from Fulham has played every single minute this year.

            I got him yesterday, he is dropped today 🙄

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            1. Red-United
              • 14 Years
              11 years, 10 months ago

              😀

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            2. floydy_floyd
              • 14 Years
              11 years, 10 months ago

              Sounds like one of my trannys that

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            3. GREENDREAMS11
              • 15 Years
              11 years, 10 months ago

              This game is a cruel mistress at times Ron...

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            4. Drogba "Unstoppable, U…
              • 12 Years
              11 years, 10 months ago

              😆

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            1. The Finnisher
              • 13 Years
              11 years, 10 months ago

              Yes, you should be very worried.

              Not concerning football, mind you.

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            2. Ginkapo FPL
              • 13 Years
              11 years, 10 months ago

              No. AFC are league two and Leyton are League one

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              1. FPL Daniel
                • 15 Years
                11 years, 10 months ago

                Ok thanks, so everything goes as planned. Only the WBA game now

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          14. bajra
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 10 months ago

            None of my defenders are playing, and the only one I have left to hope for conceded eight goals last time.

            And no Rooney.

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            1. Rafabio
              • 12 Years
              11 years, 10 months ago

              Rooney and Young injured in training yesterday #MUFC

              Welbeck not playing today after feeling unwell overnight #MUFC

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          15. robdeelf
            • 15 Years
            11 years, 10 months ago

            Very nearly switched away from RVP after reading all of the 'he is rested' comments on here, thankfully I held strong.
            He starts when he wants, he starts when he wants, he's Robin Van Persie, he starts when he wants...

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            1. Timmy Cahill Rules
              • 13 Years
              11 years, 10 months ago

              we will see if your singing that on sat

              lol

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          16. AriseSirGiggsy
            • 13 Years
            11 years, 10 months ago

            What's happened to Nelsen?

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            1. OPTA FPL
              • 13 Years
              11 years, 10 months ago

              Flu!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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            2. Pork Pie Sausage Roll
              • 14 Years
              11 years, 10 months ago

              influenza

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              1. FPL Daniel
                • 15 Years
                11 years, 10 months ago

                He got sick of being misspelled around here

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                1. Pork Pie Sausage Roll
                  • 14 Years
                  11 years, 10 months ago

                  🙂

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          17. China Mag
            • 14 Years
            11 years, 10 months ago

            I thought transfers and captain changes in the skysports game could be made up until the first kick off of the day. The changes I made 2 hours ago aren't registering on the live scores page, but do appear on the main page. HELP!!

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            1. JT's Dog
                11 years, 10 months ago

                is this not a 2 game week? they dont run gameweeks same as fpl i think

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              • Granville
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 15 Years
                11 years, 10 months ago

                You cannot change your captain midweek in the sky game. The transfers will eventually show, they just take time.

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            2. kimoo
              • 12 Years
              11 years, 10 months ago

              so keep rooney for next week but must sell rafeal right matees ??

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              1. Rafabio
                • 12 Years
                11 years, 10 months ago

                Posted already but:

                Rooney and Young injured in training yesterday #MUFC

                Welbeck not playing today after feeling unwell overnight #MUFC

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            3. Roberto Baggio
              • 13 Years
              11 years, 10 months ago

              RVP will get yellow card tonight. He is going to be rested anyway.

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              1. floydy_floyd
                • 14 Years
                11 years, 10 months ago

                What's the point in a yellow if he's going to be rested. That just takes him closer to 10 and a suspension

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              2. heartsattack
                • 13 Years
                11 years, 10 months ago

                Cynic.

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

              My only defender in action is Garrido. :/

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              1. Chris_White
                • 13 Years
                11 years, 10 months ago

                Ouch. Unlucky mate

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                1. Mikei
                  • 12 Years
                  11 years, 10 months ago

                  Nevermind. 😀 Berba and his 5 goals will be ok.

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                  1. Chris_White
                    • 13 Years
                    11 years, 10 months ago

                    Hmmm.... 😉

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            5. COMH
              • 12 Years
              11 years, 10 months ago

              Final Score on the BBC is a good pre match show.

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              1. floydy_floyd
                • 14 Years
                11 years, 10 months ago

                Say what?

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                1. COMH
                  • 12 Years
                  11 years, 10 months ago

                  Red button on the BBC or channel 301 on your digital telly.

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              2. COMH
                • 12 Years
                11 years, 10 months ago

                *Ironically

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            6. 1justlookin
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              11 years, 10 months ago

              why no Shorey?

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              1. Jax
                • 15 Years
                11 years, 10 months ago

                cos harte is playing. just like the man city game.

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            7. 1justlookin
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              11 years, 10 months ago

              I fancy NOR to get something today mind...

              also RDG to win.

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              1. Jax
                • 15 Years
                11 years, 10 months ago

                chelsea on fire .3-1 win.

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              2. rdpx
                • 12 Years
                11 years, 10 months ago

                Bassong Hattrick GET IT ON!!!!!!!

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            8. Mozart_s Balls
              • 12 Years
              11 years, 10 months ago

              Jelavic starting or not?

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              1. Jax
                • 15 Years
                11 years, 10 months ago

                yep...

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              2. Hybrid.power
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 14 Years
                11 years, 10 months ago

                Not

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                1. Hybrid.power
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 14 Years
                  11 years, 10 months ago

                  By not I mean the old english for Yes.....

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              3. Mílanista
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 13 Years
                11 years, 10 months ago

                Starting

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

                Howard, Baines, Gibson, Jagielka, Distin, Hitzlsperger, Neville, Osman, Pienaar, Jelavic, Anichebe

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            9. Colonel Shoe 肝池
              • 13 Years
              11 years, 10 months ago

              any news on why hughes was dropped?

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