Scout Notes

Scout Notes – Gameweek 22 – Sunday

Edin Dzeko is amongst the goals again as City clinch victory at the Emirates. The champions’ joy is somewhat tempered by a red card that will see Vincent Kompany miss the next two league games – Roberto Mancini is likely to appeal, however. Mikel Arteta is ruled out of Arsenal’s double Gameweek with a calf injury, Robin Van Persie and Patrice Evra are amongst the points again for United, while Daniel Sturridge finds the net just 12 minutes into his league debut for Liverpool…

Dzeko Stakes a Claim
The Bosnian netted for the third Gameweek in a row and continues to banish his “supersub” tag with a series of strong displays for City. Dzeko has notched just once over the last six times he has climbed off the bench but is starting to suggest he is deserving of a regular role – despite missing a spot-kick, his goal, supplemented by a bonus point, means he has returned 26 points over his last trio of fixtures. With a FPL price tag of just 7.4, he’s an intriguing option for Roberto Mancini’s side but with Carlos Tevez returning to form with a pair of assists and Sergio Aguero expected to come back from a hamstring problem imminently, Dzeko’s acquisition doesn’t come without risk. A home clash against a Fulham side that have shipped 23 goals on their travels looks appealing – if Aguero fails to make it for next weekend, Dzeko would seem certain of another start and could be in the points once again.

Kompany Sees Red
The City skipper faces a three-match suspension after his dismissal at the Emirates yesterday afternoon. Kompany is now set to miss the next couple of league matches against Fulham and Reading in addition to the FA Cup Fourth Round clash with Crystal Palace – meaning he will be sidelined until the Gameweek 25 home clash with Liverpool. Post-match reports suggest Roberto Mancini is set to appeal the sending off, however, with the City boss critical of referee Mike Dean’s decision to dismiss the Belgian:

“It was not a sending off – I have seen the TV replays and he goes in with his left foot with his right foot trailing behind. It was absolutely not a red card.”

Judging by reports this morning, City’s appeal is likely to fall on deaf ears. Matija Nastasic’s prospects certainly look to be boosted if Kompany fails to have the ban overturned. The 5.6 defender had started 11 of the previous 12 prior to being rested for last week’s match with Stoke but looks nailed-on, with Joleon Lescott likely to partner him in the heart of defence. While many will feel Kompany’s absence will be significantly detrimental to City’s clean sheet potential over those two league games, it’s worth noting they’ve been pretty resilient in his absence this term, conceding just one goal in the three matches their captain has missed so far.

Arsenal Defensive Uncertainty
Arsene Wenger’s decision to pair Thomas Vermaelen with Laurent Koscielny added doubts over Per Mertesacker’s game time ahead of Arsenal’s double Gameweek. Koscielny had deputised for the German in the previous two after the latter was ruled out with illness but kept his place in spite of Mertesacker’s return – Koscielny lasted just nine minutes before being dismissed and will serve a one-match suspension in Wednesday’s FA Cup replay with Swansea but with question marks hanging over Wenger’s preferred central defensive pairing for the games against Chelsea and West Ham, Kieran Gibbs and Bacary Sagna look the safest options, with Wojciech Szczesny also nailed-on in goal.

Arteta Out for Gunners
Post-match, Arsene Wenger admitted Mikel Arteta is set to miss the next three weeks with a calf injury – a blow for the Spaniard’s owners ahead of the double Gameweek. Arteta’s absence also means that Arsenal will now go into their games against Chelsea and West Ham without their first-choice penalty taker; the former Everton man has notched three times from the spot in recent matches and despite missing a penalty in the Gameweek 11 draw with Fulham, remained Wenger’s preferred option. After the Cottagers’ draw, Olivier Giroud revealed the Arsenal manager “has a list” of alternatives, – Santi Cazorla, Theo Walcott, Lukas Podolski and Giroud look the likeliest to get their turn, though it’s unclear as to the pecking order.

Evra’s Attacking Returns
A pair of assists from Patrice Evra maintained his recent form as the United left-back rose to the top of the FPL defender standings with a crucial contribution in the win over Liverpool. The Frenchman supplied the pass for Robin Van Persie’s opener before his off-target header was deflected beyond Pepe Reina courtesy of Nemanja Vidic – up to four goals and five assists for the season, Evra currently sits on 103 points and looks well positioned to retain his title of top scoring FPL defender for the second season in succession. In spite of just four clean sheets, Evra’s consistency of selection means he has missed just a single game for United this term; he continues to look the only guaranteed starter in Sir Alex Ferguson’s defence and with attacking returns and bonus in four of his last five, the 7.0 priced defender is set to pick up further investment as winter wildcards continue to be wielded.

United Injury Worries
Earlier last week, Ferguson had revealed he intended to alternate Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand in the heart of the United back-four, with Jonny Evans looking like the first-choice pick but the latter’s withdrawal due to a hamstring problem allowed the Serbian to partner Ferdinand against Liverpool. Vidic duly delivered his best Fantasy haul of the season, with an 11 point return accrued thanks to a goal and maximum bonus but the club’s official website reported he was subbed off with a knee problem late on. With Phil Jones and Chris Smalling both coming on as subs, United have options at the back ahead of Wednesday’s FA Cup replay with West Ham – post-match, Ferguson spoke of Evans’ situation:

“Jonny Evans felt his hamstring yesterday afternoon. I was at Nottingham [watching Forest v Peterborough] and got a message at half-time. He trained in the morning so it was strange. But Vidic and Ferdinand are experienced and you can’t say any more than that. They were brilliant.”

According to reports in the Times, Ashley Young is another concern for United. The winger is believed to have left Old Trafford on crutches after being subbed off at the break following a collision with Daniel Agger. Having started seven of the last eight , Young seemed to have cemented a regular role in the United XI – any potential absence could see Antonio Valencia return to the first-team fold. Valencia was dropped for the previous match at Wigan after producing a single assist since Gameweek 9 and with Shinji Kagawa back, in addition to a potential return for Wayne Rooney in midweek, Ferguson certainly has alternatives if the former Villa man is indeed ruled out.

Van Persie Nets Yet Again
Another game, another goal for Robin Van Persie as the league leaders won at Old Trafford for the eighth game in succession. Ferguson chose to drop Javier Hernandez despite the Mexican producing three goals and a pair of assist in his last two matches and while Danny Welbeck again drew a blank, “Robin Reliant” delivered once more. The Dutchman is now 26 points ahead of his nearest challenger at the top of the FPL standings and with a run of consistency that has produced a goal or assist in 17 of his 19 starts, he continues to attract major investment despite a price tag of 14.1. United’s upcoming schedule pits them against seven of the current bottom 10 in the next 10 Gameweeks, affording Van Persie plenty opportunity to rack up more significant scores.

Although Welbeck’s blank continued a run that has seen him score just once this season, his manager was more than happy with the forward’s contribution and explained the tactical thinking behind his selection:

“Danny was fantastic. I thought he gave them a real hard day of it, the two centre-backs. He and Robin, particularly in the first half, gave them a very difficult time. The reason Danny played was because we wanted someone who would drop on top of their centre-midfield player. He did that well and put in a great shift. He ran his legs off today and deserved the Man of the Match award.”

Liverpool Attacking Options Increase
Daniel Sturridge climbed off the bench to notch a goal on his league debut for the Reds to hint at his mid-price potential yesterday. Brendan Rodgers has admitted the former Chelsea man is not yet 100% fit and is likely to continue with this tactic as he builds up Sturridge’s match-fitness but it’s clear he’ll offer a real alternative in the Reds’ first XI, with a 7.3 price tag likely to entice many. Sturridge was handed the advanced forward role as Luis Suarez dropped deep to accommodate the new boy – backing up Rodgers’ intentions to change the Uruguayan’s role. Not surprisingly, Brendan Rodgers was full of praise for his new striker as he clung to the major positive from Sunday’s defeat…

“You have seen from a half-appearance (at Old Trafford) and 55 last weekend (when he scored on his debut against Mansfield in the FA Cup) that this boy is a goalscorer and what he needed was an opportunity. He got one goal (against United) and was unlucky with a couple of opportunities. He is going to be a terrific signing for us…I have been assessing him in training and he is coming back. If I thought he could have lasted the game I would have put him in. Sometimes you can rush them back too quickly and break them and I didn’t want to do that. He is certainly getting there with his work-rate every day. It is just a case of building him into it.”

The 2-1 Old Trafford defeat saw Steven Gerrard maintain his superb recent consistency – an assist for Sturridge’s consolation means the Liverpool skipper has scored or assisted in seven of his last eight matches. Now up to third in the FPL midfielder standings, Gerrard is proving a real differential with an ownership of under 6% and could prosper once again next weekend as Norwich roll up to Anfield – while trips to Arsenal and City may deter many, Liverpool’s schedule looks particularly enticing from Gameweek 26; with the 9.4 priced Gerrard now just 10 points behind Suarez after yesterday’s result. With Fabio Borini now fit and available, Rodgers certainly has plenty options in his attacking front three – Raheem Sterling’s game time continues to look less appealing by the week; he has now managed 90 minutes just once in the last five, with Rodgers clearly feeling fatigue has played a part in a series of displays that have harvested just a goal and assist in the last 10 for the teenager.

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1,553 Comments Post a Comment
  1. China Mag
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Alreet lads. We might actually have a decent team out on Saturday for pretty much the first time this season.

    Marveaux--Cisse--Remy
    --------------Cabeye---------

    Not a bad forward line that. Barfa due back mid feb apparently. Anyone going to take a punt on us getting a big win against reading on saturday to kick start our season?

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    1. Professor Abel X
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Probably not, defense all over the place!

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    2. Grumpy Camel
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Remy will change your fortunes. Genius.

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    3. heartsattack
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      So you reckon Marveaux will play then?

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      1. China Mag
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        I presume that he will play until barfa returns in mid feb. Not nailed on though

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

          thanks

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    4. Grumpy Camel
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Do you need to edit your grav?

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      1. China Mag
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        Ha. Good call. I hadn't even thought about it! I'll look out for a new one! Cheers

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

          Just put a 2 in front the nine and photoshop Ba's shirt blue.....job done 😀

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    5. pompeyfan
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      how has Anita been playing for you so far?

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    6. Lexim
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Unfortunately I see us conceding, it's going to be a case of can we outscore them.

      my 3 week old daughter has never seen Newcastle win yet 🙁 how sad is that

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

    Dawson or QPR defensive cover in wc?

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    1. Grumpy Camel
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Dawson

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    2. Doctor X
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Dawson.

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

      Not much difference if Dawson move to QPR.

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  3. Berbalove
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Tinkering with a post-GW23 WC. How's this?

    Bego Federici
    Rafael Nasta Azpili Demel Mariappa
    Mata Bale Walcott Pienaar Hernandez
    Ruiz Sturridge RvP

    I like it, for now.

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

      I like it as well! Only player I'm unsure about is Pienaar, I feel he's less effective on the wing than he was playing in a more central role when Fellaini was out. If Fellaini is sold, I'd actually fancy him more.

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    2. Doctor X
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      I'd downgrade one of those defenders and get Fellaini over Pienaar. I'm not going to consider Sturridge unless he returns to full match fitness and starts games together, up front WITH Suarez on the pitch.

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

        Yupp, if you downgrade a defender you can take advantage of rotation and play one of your cheapies along with your 2 mid-priced, definitely an option. I think Sturridge will start v Norwich, it worked well in the second half versus Man U and he's coming closer to full fitness. Even if he only gets 45 mins v Norwich it could become a goalfest.

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    3. Zat Knight Rises
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Downgrade sturridge upgrade piennar? Maybe you like the fact that it's a bit different? Maybe Hernandez is enough of a differential

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

    Dam why did I get gunter for, never bothered to look at each of their defenders goal scoring records should of got pearce !!!!!!

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    1. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Benching RVP and now THIS

      such bad luck for you lately!

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  5. Runaway
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    for the WC team which one is better:
    A) zabaleta + sagna
    B) nastasic + gibbs

    rest of the team:
    bego bunn
    (A or B) azpi clyne demel
    mata bale walcott michu fellaini
    rvp suarez pog

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

    on WC. how is Berb > sturridge and benteke > Lukaku

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    1. Piggs Boson
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Why not take advantage of the DGW?

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    2. Super Swans
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      good

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  7. Piggs Boson
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Chosing 2-3 guys from this bunch is proving to be a real headache.

    Gerrard Bale Walcott Mata

    Obviously for balance sake and flexibility it would be unwise to get all of them (though i could). I may have to juggle the fixtures, but this technique results in loss of value, and these are players capable of scoring against any team. Do you have any solutions, i kind of want all 4? 🙂

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

      close your eyes and pick 1-2 out of gerrad bale and walcott + mata

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      1. Piggs Boson
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        *** The Power of Rotation ***

        (Begovic/Federici)
        Rafael – Nastastic – (Onuoha/Davies/Demel)
        Bale – Mata – Gerrard – Walcott – (Puncheon/
        Ruiz) – Van Persie – Aguero

        #getTheFeckOut,TooFarFromTheTemplate

        😀

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

          GB, was thinking of going with something similar rotation-wise, Ruiz and Puncheon rotation may be an option for me

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          1. Piggs Boson
            • 13 Years
            11 years, 9 months ago

            It frees up an unbelievable amount of cash. I am tempted.

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

              Are there any other strikers that rotate well with puncheon, looking at season ticker and nothing stands out right now

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              1. Piggs Boson
                • 13 Years
                11 years, 9 months ago

                Ruiz rotates pretty well with him, that's why i selected him.

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                1. Piggs Boson
                  • 13 Years
                  11 years, 9 months ago

                  Oh 'other'. No i can't see any other decent option, which i guess makes this strategy a tad risky.

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

                    I'm also only currently seeing Ruiz that stands out... Its not bad, the sterling puncheon rotation earlier in the season did very well for me

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              2. Billy Gilmore
                • 12 Years
                11 years, 9 months ago

                Lukaku does pretty well.

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

                  I would seriously like Lukaku if there wasn't rotation risk. If he gets rotated in the fixtures I want him for it would be the worst!

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                  1. Billy Gilmore
                    • 12 Years
                    11 years, 9 months ago

                    Yeah, I'd play him every week if he started week in week out.

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                  2. Piggs Boson
                    • 13 Years
                    11 years, 9 months ago

                    One to keep an eye on then...

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    2. SW6
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Bale Mata Fellaini Snodgrass Hernandez is the midfield I want.

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  8. McSauce
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Thoughts on best sub?

    Lambert - Lukaku
    Bale- Gerrard
    Bale - santi
    Bale - Felliani
    Mata - Gerrard
    Mata - santi
    Luiz - zabeleta

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

      I like the meatball ones.....with ranch dressing

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

        Ham and cheese does it for me

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

          meatball marinara is where its at?? Thoughts on best fantasy sub now??

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

            Sorry Pedro....still don't get the Q 😯

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

              out of the above who is the best transfer to make for GW 23???

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

                Depends......

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

      Too many options to choose from! Narrow it down. The first one looks alright though.

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

        i think there are my best 3 options??

        Lambert – Lukaku
        Bale- Gerrard
        Bale – santi

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

    Hey, team for next week is: -

    Jask (Begovic)
    Luiz, Demel, Gibbs (R Mart, L Shaw)
    Bale, J Cole, Mata, Fellaini, Michu
    Ba, RVP (Lambert)

    Only have 1 Arsenal and had original planned to do Mata > Walcott this week, but ditching Mata seems crazy now. Which option would you go with? Worried I will take hit with no real DGW attacking options

    A Mata > Walcott
    B Bale > Walcott
    C Ba > Podolski
    D Luiz/Lambert > Nasty/Podolski

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

      Do you still have Jan WC? If you do, I'd have no problem doing Mata > Walcott (c)

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      1. shakeyjake
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        No, used it to bring Mata in this week, have .8 in the bank so could potentially bring Walcott in for 1 week and then bring Mata back.

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

    mata michu fellaini bale walcott = the M5 😎

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

      Roadworks?

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

      NO The A-TEAM 🙂

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    3. isacki: full casual
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Where are they on the rankings?

      That's right they're the

      HIGH FIVE

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    4. Valar(Keith)
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Thanks to Roscola..
      The TITANIC Cinq

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

        hahahaha nice one. Took my little pass and ran through on goal 🙂

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    5. lfcserg
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      THE 'BEAST 5'

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

    Think I'll be returning to double Stoke defence after this GW, the home fixtures look lovely from GW24 onwards!

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  12. isacki: full casual
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    After the success of "From the Physio" I'm looking forward to a new regular article "From the Meteorologist" - where weather maps are dissected in painstaking detail, depressions and fronts are analyzed, and footage of falling snow is taken frame by frame to establish the odds of Chelsea playing Southampton.

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    1. Billy Gilmore
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      From the Midwife would be ideal...

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      1. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        😆

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      2. isacki: full casual
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        😆

        "Sterling is set to become a dad for the 29th time this season. Reports suggest he cannot be arsed to come to the birth anymore."

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        1. blue cheese
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 9 months ago

          😆 😆

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        2. Billy Gilmore
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 9 months ago

          😆

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        3. boc610
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 9 months ago

          sterling really needs to be shown that sex ed.video from ths simpons..the one with the rabbits dressed in 70s clobber.

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      3. Doctor X
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        😆

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      4. Back to Back Ballacks
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        😆
        When I heard Gary Cahill wasn't playing at the wknd, those were my exact thoughts!

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      5. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        Brings a new aspect to a player being due 😆

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        1. Billy Gilmore
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 9 months ago

          😆 😆

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      6. Gaz Downright
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        😀

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  13. Spencer
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    All set with my squad. Just one question on which defender to play/bench.

    Play Luiz or Davies?

    Jussi
    Demel – ??? – Gibbs (v)
    Mata – Fellaini – Michu - Walcott (c)
    Ba – RVP – Podolski

    Federici – Ramirez - ??? - Shaw

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

      davies

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

        Thanks Serg

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

      Luiz, absolutely no doubt about it.

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  14. Littlebitwizardoföz
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    A) Lambert ---> Lukaku
    B) Cameron (have Begovic) --> Nastasic (no City cover)
    C) BOTH (-4 pts)

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

    had to grin myself at the manchester 2 horse race

    http://u.goal.com/246300/246338hp2.jpg

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    1. isacki: full casual
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Where's Benny?

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

        non starter i guess

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        1. isacki: full casual
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 9 months ago

          Alternatively we haven't seen the other end of the race 😆

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  16. Doctor X
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Lovely bit of commentary during the first half of yesterdays United-Pool game. 🙂

    "Carrick is walking around with a drink and cigar. He is running the show." - Warren Barton on Fox Sports

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

      As much as I dislike Man U, he's had an incredible season.

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    2. Back to Back Ballacks
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      He was beasting it up in the first half in fairness, having a great season imo.

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    3. isacki: full casual
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Weren't pressing him hard enough. Give Carrick time and he'll cut you up, you need to press him into errors.

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    4. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      ... until he gave away the ball ...

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      1. Doctor X
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        Yes, he ran out of gas the second half. He's still only human 😉

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  17. Doctor X
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    What was the midfield 5 of last seasons Winter WC?

    Valencia - Dempsey - Sessegnon - Bale - ???

    I can't put my finger on the last one

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    1. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Silva?

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    2. isacki: full casual
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Walcott was in the template at some point but I can't remember if it was the Winter WC.

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

      Siggy? Took a few games to take off though

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      1. isacki: full casual
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        Yep he joined 1 January, got his first assist 15 January and scored 4 Feb so most probably got him after the WC.

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

      Siggy?

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    5. dinamika
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Siggy

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    6. Billy Gilmore
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      McClean? Was he firing by then? Maybe not with Sess as well.

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    7. Gr3g
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Siggy

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    8. Doctor X
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      I think it was Silva actually. People only starting getting Siggy in masses after a few games.

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  18. Rowley Birkin
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Slight kneejerk but how does Hazard to Walcott and Berba to Lukaku sound?

    It would be for a 4 point hit.

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    1. Connor's Calling
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      quite like it.

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

      I think Walcott will be very important in the next GW. Sounds pretty good if you're intending to (c) him.

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

      Just the first one in my opinion

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  19. mikess
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Begovic Bunn
    Gibbs Nastasic Dawson Demel Cuellar
    Mata Fellaini Walcott Michu Noble
    Sturridge RvP Podolski(Aguero after this week)

    What u guys reckon? WC team

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  20. Back to Back Ballacks
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    So,the missus has got me flights to Manchester for the derby weekend in April.
    Who's gonna get me 2 match tickets?

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

      your girlfriend?

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      1. Back to Back Ballacks
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        That would be sweet but I think she's done enough already!

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

      how much are you willing to pay?

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      1. Back to Back Ballacks
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        Hmmmm, don't really know. What's the usual on the black market?
        Trying to get them early so I don't have to pay extortionate rates.

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

          id have thought you'll do well to get them for less than £90-£100 each

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          1. Back to Back Ballacks
            • 14 Years
            11 years, 9 months ago

            had kind of pencilled in 100 as my max.
            Horrible paying that much but it's a once off.

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  21. Jönny
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    So, I only have Walcott and Demel for the DGW.... is it silly to not bring anyone else in?

    From Arsenal I could either get Gibbs in for Luiz, or Podolski in for Ba/Berba, but mid/long-term I'm not sure either represents an improvement. And I don't want to lose any of my front 8 for any West Ham players.

    With the likes of Liverpool and City having prime fixtures this week I wonder if one of Sturridge/Dzeko/Tevez might actually be a better bet.

    Anyone else looking at going light on this DGW?

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    1. Doctor X
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Sagna for cheaper and save the cash?

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

      I'm in a similar dilemma, and your post reminded me that I have the exact money to do Berba -> Sturridge, which is a transfer I really like the sound of. I can't seem to get into the spirit of Ba -> Podolsk with his limited gametime. I think Ba will start versus Arsenal.

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

        Of course, that transfer is best used as a 1-weeker.

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    3. denial
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Have you used your Jan WC Jonny? Arsenal's fixtures are decent but they're not keeping clean sheets. I would avoid Podolski too. Walcott and Demel might be enough you know.

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

      I have a very similar dilemma Jonny. I don't think Arsenal will score against Chelsea so Luiz and Gibbs' scores could be quite similar; and I think I'd rather have Chelsea defence long-term.

      Ba > Studge could work out but I also have Suarez. Could do:

      Suarez > Studge, Ba > Aguero for a hit. Rather risky though.

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    5. ViperStripes
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Thinking of Defoe > Podolski for free. Already have Gibbs, OBrien(if fit) & Walcott

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  22. COMH
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    After the Hammers double what should I do with Demel and also Clyne?

    Keep them both long term or not?

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

      Newcastle seem to be looking at another RB to bring in, could be the end of Demel

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      1. isacki: full casual
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        Ah yes this, if West Ham sign another fullback it might be too much rotation for Demel. Definitely want all nailed on players in the WC.

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    2. isacki: full casual
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Their defence has taken a turn for the worse recently. I think the problems start in midfield. In the 3-0 loss to Sunderland last week Noble didn't play because he was injured, don't know why Diame didn't play. Both are defensive rocks in midfield. The fullbacks all being crocked at various points hasn't helped either.

      I think they should recover at some point later in the season, at 4.0 Demel is worth keeping.

      Saints have tightened up quite a lot. Clyne is a decent budget keep. Though I'd marginally prefer Davies.

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

      keep 1 ..... maybe Demel

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  23. Jonah Takalua
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Russell Martin at Norwich- is he nailed on?

    Seems to have an eye for goal and only 4.1

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    1. Doctor X
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Rotation threat with Whittaker it seems.

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      1. Jonah Takalua
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        Whittaker only got into the side whilst he was injured judging by their gametime. Martin started the first 8. Has there beeen anything to suggest Hughton favours one or the other?

        Could do with a very cheap goal threat from defence, it would be really nice

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

      He is club captain, I'd think he'd hold his place

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  24. KickIt
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Is Kyle Naughton just a place holder or does he have a chance of nailing down a spot?

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

      tough to call right now
      BAE was always slightly a weak link imo tho

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      1. KickIt
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        Might just risk it, thanks.

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  25. China Mag
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    In reply to Pompeyfan

    Anita was TERRIBLE for the first couple of months. Looked like he would never get a grip of the english game. He's been one of our better players since then though (not saying much!). I'll reserve judgement until I see him in a stronger toon line up

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  26. GoonerByron
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Anyone considering Guthrie for their WC teams?

    I got stuck with him earlier in the season but he seems to be back in the first 11 and playing half decent.. Seems a steal for bench fodder at 4.1.

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

      Yep, he was talk of the town in the pre-season chat for a reason. I didn't spot though - is he still playing 'in the hole' as he was talked up as being back in July?

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      1. Ginkapo FPL
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        Sometimes

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

          Good enough for £4.1m 🙂

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    2. Billy Gilmore
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Depends if I go for RVP Aguero Suarez up front. Looking less and less likely by the day...

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

        I'm starting to think RVP - Studge - Aguero with lots more pennies for the defence.

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      2. Doctor X
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        RVP - Aguero - Sturridge look more viable? I'm toying with the idea too

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        1. Billy Gilmore
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 9 months ago

          Yes to both of you. I certainly need every penny for that horrible defence it would give me. Am also keen on Nani in too, so Sturridge might be worthwhile.

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      3. AriseSirGiggsy
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        thats a BIG spend, especially when Ba / Tevez are available so cheap

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        1. Billy Gilmore
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 9 months ago

          But both are rotation risks. I most likely won't go for it.

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

      Yeah, it's tempting. Frees up a lot of cash. He's on some set-pieces as well no?

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  27. Littlebitwizardoföz
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    A) Cameron (have Begovic) ------> Nastasic (no City players)
    OR
    B) Lambert -----> Dzeko (no City players)

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

      nastacic
      even without kompany that CS is nailed on next week, Fulham dont have the pace to trouble City

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    2. Zat Knight Rises
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      A. Dzeko will soon lose his place and nastic looks nailed on in a tight city defence

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      1. Doctor X
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        Wrong. Nastasic is not nailed on.

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

          who plays at CB then?

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          1. Doctor X
            • 13 Years
            11 years, 9 months ago

            Kompany + Lescott/Nastasic

            Yes, he seems to be a little more nailed on than Lescott, but not a 100% like Zabaleta and Kompany.

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          2. Doctor X
            • 13 Years
            11 years, 9 months ago

            For this week, he probably is. But he'll miss the odd game methinks.

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  28. Doctor X
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    What happened to Ian Harte's penalty taking attribute? Wasn't he their first choice spot kick taker last season?

    Only asking cause Alfie took one when he was on the pitch WITH Harte.

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

      ALF has been successful earlier in the season when Harte was out of team, you have to suspect he sees no reason to take him off PK, but Ian Harte would be back up

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    2. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      I believe Allf has done them for a bit ...

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  29. Professor Abel X
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Predicted number of minutes for Giroud in the DGW? I'm going with 48

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    1. Billy Gilmore
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      113

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

        +1 I think he will start vs WHM to give them help defending set pieces especially if Carroll is back

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    2. Doctor X
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      I think he'll start one game. Around 100 - divided between the two games.

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    3. Professor Abel X
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Do we think a cameo vs Chelsea, and a start vs West Ham? Cause if that were the case, he might well be worth a punt

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

      150

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  30. r0nh
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Despite having Mata captain, I have had a bad GW 🙁

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

      wow, your probably the only one ive seen
      RVP for once not the best cappy for me

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    2. Back to Back Ballacks
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Surely your surname is Halfpenny and not Halpenny?

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    3. Billy Gilmore
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Better than mine 🙁

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

      Same here. Apart from RVP the rest of mine failed miserably

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    5. AriseSirGiggsy
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      very similar to me...... Turnbull really screwed me too.... I was expected "Cech Ready for Stoke Test" headline if he was fit to play.......

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