Scout Notes

Scout Scribbles – Rafa To Preserve Ba?

Reports suggest Chelsea are keen to alternate their forwards due to concerns over Demba Ba’s renowned knee problem. City appeal Vincent Kompany’s dismissal at the Emirates, Luke Shaw is expected to be out of Southampton’s midweek trip to Chelsea, Adam Johnson talks up his recent form, Alan Pardew expects to benefit from Mathieu Debuchy’s attacking game and Angel Rangel explains why he was fielded on the right of Swansea’s midfield three at Goodison on Saturday, …

A report (subscription required) in the Times suggests Rafa Benitez will continue to alternate his forwards due to concerns over the longstanding knee problem that saw Demba Ba fail a medical at Stoke a couple of seasons ago. While the paper offered no official club source on the matter, they suggest that the interim Blues boss has concerns over Ba’s ability to deal with two full 90 minute appearances in quick succession – despite the fact the Senegal forward was utilised on a regular basis by Alan Pardew at Newcastle. Chelsea have vigorously denied suggestions they were unable to insure the £7m man after completing a deal earlier this month but given Benitez’s penchant for rest and rotation, it may well be that Ba and Fernando Torres will take turns in starting a game apiece; indicating Torres is likely to start against Southampton tomorrow evening. Torres came in for criticism after his recent performance in the Capital One Cup against Swansea but it later transpired that he was selected despite suffering from a stomach bug; although Benitez revealed Ba was benched because of a hamstring problem, it’s believed that the former Liverpool manager was also keen to reduce Ba’s workload due to his concerns. Rafa hosts a press conference, prior to tomorrow evening’s clash with Southampton, at lunchtime today.

Man City have confirmed they have appealed the straight red card handed out to Vincent Kompany in Sunday’s game at Arsenal. At present, the Belgian is set to miss the upcoming league games against Fulham and Reading, in addition to the Fourth Round FA Cup game with Crystal Palace, and is pencilled in for a return for the Gameweek 25 home encounter with Liverpool. The FA could, however, decide to slap him with an extra one if they throw the appeal out, potentially keeping Kompany on the sidelined until February 9, when City travel to Southampton. A length of absence could heighten the short-term appeal of Joleon Lescott, though it furthers the appeal of 5.6 Matija Nastasic as a route into the champions’ defence ahead of a potentially profitable run of fixtures.

Southampton boss Nigel Adkins has admitted Luke Shaw is likely to miss Wednesday’s trip to Chelsea after being stretchered off towards the end of the weekend win at Villa:

“He’s got a very badly gashed right knee which is quite swollen. There are also quite a lot of scars on his left knee where the challenge was. We’ve got an excellent medical department and we will see what the diagnosis is. We’d like to think it’s nothing more than a very heavy challenge but we will wait and see. It’s quite a big blow he took to his knee.”

Priced at 4.0 in FPL, Shaw had been drafted in by over 27,000 Fantasy managers ahead of the double Gameweek and immediately returned the investment, with the Saints’ first away clean sheet of the season helping him to a six point haul in the 1-0 win. Any potential length of absence could hasten his departure from squads – with Adkins’ side set to face three of the top five in the following four Gameweeks (EVE, mun, wig, MCY), faith in Southampton’s defensive returns is likely to be limited, in spite of a recent upturn in resilience. Danny Fox is on standby to deputise at the Bridge should Shaw fail to recover in time.

Chris Hughton is hopeful of starting Grant Holt this weekend as Norwich make their way to Anfield. The Canaries forward was eased back into action last Saturday, following a hamstring injury – although he climbed off the bench in the goalless draw with Newcastle, his manager has revealed he will remain cautious with Holt’s condition:

“We’ve had to tread carefully with Grant over the past couple of weeks. There was a fear that if we started him then we would be putting him a little bit at risk. So we have to make these tough decisions. Most would have liked to have seen us start with Grant. We hope now he has a good week’s training and will be available from next week onwards. What’s far more important is that we have Grant available for next week, the week after and the week after.”

Hughton has started Harry Kane and Simeon Jackson as the lone forward in the last two league matches but a poor run of results have seen Norwich slide down to twelfth spot, having taken a single point in their last five matches. Holt’s expected return would certainly boost his side’s chances against a Liverpool side that have registered six clean sheets in their last eight at Anfield – the 5.9 priced forward scored in the 5-2 defeat in the corresponding fixture at Carrow Road earlier in the season.

Adam Johnson has spoken of his rise to form after Sunderland’s emphatic home win over West Ham last weekend. The Black Cats winger has now played more minutes in the league under Martin O’Neill than in any previous Premier League campaign following a summer move from City and has admitted consistency of selection has been crucial to his recent displays:

“‘It is just nice for me to be playing week in week out. I think I’ve started more games for Sunderland probably than I did in the whole of last season. I think that tells you the story and my game is definitely benefiting from that.”

Johnson has now produced attacking returns in four of his last five at the Stadium of Light. A goal and assist against the Hammers comes on the back of strikes against Chelsea and City and has taken Johnson to 85 FPL points – joint-top with Stephane Sessegnon in the Black Cats’ midfield. The 6.7 priced winger has averaged 4.5 points per game this term and with Wigan, Swansea and Reading up next for Martin O’Neill’s in-form side, he could prove a decent differential alternative for those wielding wildcards, with an ownership of under 2%.

The Black Cats’ potential was further boosted by the acquisition of Senegal international Kader Mangane on loan until the end of the season. The six foot five centre-half will add a physical presence to the backline and with Carlos Cuellar currently sidelined with a hamstring injury, he could slot in alongside John O’Shea at the heart of defence, denting the cut-price prospects of Titus Bramble and Matt Kilgallon. With four clean sheets in their last six home games, the Wearsiders have proven particularly resilient in front of their own fans – they have now registered eight clean sheets this term and Mangane could well come into consideration if handed a sub 5.0 price tag in FPL.

Alan Pardew has talked up the attacking potential of new right-back Mathieu Debuchy after the Frenchman made his debut in Saturday’s goalless draw at Norwich. The result was the Magpies’ first away clean sheet away from St James’ Park this season and while Pardew admitted he had to rein in the new boy’s tendency to rampage forward, he expects Debuchy to offer plenty offensive threat as he gradually settles into life on Tyneside.

“In his first 10 minutes he was a little bit starry-eyed, but then he settled down. You are going to see more quality from Debuchy in home games particularly. He is very good offensively. We restricted his movement because it was his first game, but he will grow into that role. He will grow into the jersey.”

While Debuchy disappointed in his final season at former club Lille, with just a single assist in 15 matches before moving to the Magpies, a total of seven goals and four assists over his previous two campaigns with the Ligue 1 club is more indicative of his attacking contribution. With Reading, Southampton and Stoke three of the next four to roll up on Tyneside, he could well be set to prosper if Pardew unleashes his potential.

Angel Rangel praised the tactics of Michael Laudrup after Swansea registered a goalless draw at Everton last weekend. The Spaniard was surprisingly shifted from his usual right-back berth to the right side of the attacking midfield three, with Dwight Tiendalli taking over in the back-four – as Angel explained, it was a game plan designed to counter the Toffees’ attacking threat down the left hand side:

“We had lost three times to them in the league, so we came here with a game plan. I played with Dwight on the right, and we are both full-backs but we could stop them playing down that side and prevent Baines and Pienaar from cross to Jelavic, Fellaini and Anichebe. You have to adapt and help the team. My role was to defend and it was always going to be difficult because Baines is like an extra winger”.

Certainly, the tactic worked a treat – having been beaten 3-0 at home by the Merseysiders, Laudrup’s change was something of a masterstroke. While it undoubtedly dented the Swans’ attacking threat at Goodison, it continued a superb run of form on the road under Laudrup – the Welsh club have conceded only twice in their last five away league matches and have shipped just nine goals on their travels all season; the joint-best away defence along with Arsenal.

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1,174 Comments Post a Comment
  1. HellasLEAF
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    which is the better DGW transfer though..

    Luiz to Gibbs

    or

    Ba to Podolski

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

      Id keep a chelsea keeper for the next few weeks if i were you..

      But i really think pod will get away with some attacking returns in the DGW. prolly more rhan cazorla i dare say...

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

      The first one, imo.

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

      Rafa's words about Ba worry me, i'd get Penalty Podolski

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    4. Tim Canterbury
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Bale > Cazorla

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  2. Paul Scholes -- True tackli…
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    O Brien to Derek for a - 4?

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    1. Paul Scholes -- True tackli…
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Sorry I meant demel

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

      If youre gonna wildcard right after then better just keep the 4 pts in hand.

      If youre keeping demel until end of season, definitely.

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

      O'Brien may be back for QPR. Wait for the presser.

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    4. Absinthe Minded
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      O'Brien maybe back.....

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  3. lfc123
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    For my WC...

    A. Fellaini + Dzeko

    B. Walcott + Lambert

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

    Coach Roberto Mancini will step up Manchester City's search for a new defender if Vincent Kompany loses his red card appeal, and the champions could target Borussia Dortmund pair Neven Subotic, 24, and Mats Hummels, 24.

    3 match ban so we'll go and buy one of the best young defenders in Europe. Brilliant.

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

      Tbf, they can do better than Lescott and Toure as backup. Surprised they didn't go for one before the season, too busy buying absolute shite.

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

        Meaning Nasty as backup, not one of those 2 🙂

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

          Yeah I don't rate Lescott and the poor mans Yaya. Their squad needs freshening up.

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

      It's still a bit excessive buying a defender because one of them misses 3 games.

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      1. embo76
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        4 if appeal fails

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      2. heco87
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        I reckon they could do with a top class centreback in any case .. Kolo Toure to move on in the near future and Mancini clearly doesn't fancy Lescott.

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

        yeah, like they need a reason.

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

    Torres can really be a good super sub.

    Im serious. Rafa should consider this route.

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

      Why the cold shoulder?

      Im not trolling!

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      1. heco87
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        No cold shoulder, just a bit indifferent... I reckon everyones looked at it and thought "Could be right, could be wrong" nothing to back it up to provoke discussion though.

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

          I thought its the could be right could be wrong situation that could spur a discussion.

          Oh well, we all know it isnt going to happen anyway.

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

            So you were trolling then!

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

    What's Fabio Capello doing sneaking around in the background, in the top photo?

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

      Next Chelsea manager? In place for Southampton at home. You did hear it here first 😀

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

    im finding it tough to sell Ba. Will Sturridge start this week?

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

      Sturridge will definitely start. I'm keeping Ba at least for the Arsenal game.

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

        I've managed to make myself a victim of City rotation this season already and trying to be cautious.

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      2. Gamoriola of the Galaxy (Eu…
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        Why so certain? Brendan just today spoke of Sturridge as not fully fit. I think he will definitely play, but start I'm not so sure.

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

      you already have Suarez?

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

        selling for rooney or aguero next week. so not fussed if i have two liverpool for one game.

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

          I would imagine he will.

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

            Cheers. Like most I`d be happy to keep Ba if it weren't for bloody Rafa.

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  8. Caine & Co.
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    swansea @ home: goals against = 17
    swansea away: goals against = 9 (only chelsea @ home better)

    maybe i'm gonna find a rotation to utilise davies only away ☻

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

      great stat. Am thinking of starting him in front of Luiz this week. Maybe not now...

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  9. Super John McGinn-
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    How much does everyone think Remy is going to be? Thinking about getting him in as third forward instead of Berbatov

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

      7-8?

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

      7/7.5m

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    3. Dr Dream
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Don't know a lot about him...is he good ?

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    4. Super John McGinn-
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      i was thinking around the 7m price, thankyou 😀

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

      Too soon. He can play on the wings.

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

      He's rubbish, won't do anything in the Premiership... Guarantee it.

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

        QPR won't create a load of chances for a start and Remy needs to settle in and get used to playing in England so I wouldn't bother. He will be too busy counting his money and going to Spearmint Rhino to care about QPR anyway. He will no doubt have a favourable release clause if it does goes t1ts up.

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  10. KakiBangku
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Mignolet

    Double WHM and Davies

    Santi Walcott Mata Bale

    RVP Ba and the POD

    BOOM!
    100 pts back to back for me.

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

      Very confident, good luck.

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

        Actually, more like hoping in desperation. Lol.

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  11. Dr Dream
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Has anybody noticed the list of injuries/absantees in midfield for Chelsea...Doesn't half make Lampard look a good pick..

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    1. Timmy Cahill Rules
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      great shout

      8.4mil a steal

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    2. cassanata
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      I put him in for the DGW, was planning on swapping for Walcott. Having 2nd thoughts now.

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

      They were talking about him on the Guardian Podcast, and I hadn't realised how close he was to equalling Robbie Fowler's number of Premier League goals. 5th all time Premier League goalscorer, and the only midfielder in the top 10. Crazy stuff.

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    4. Wolverine
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Have him capt this week. Need him to play ahead of either ramires or Luiz tomorrow!

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  12. Blonde Faith
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    With only Gibbs for the DGW, is Ba > Pod (c) for a free a better bet than getting in Walcott (c) via a Ba downgrade and a hit?

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

      Yeah do the FT.

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

      Your observation is not a bad one.

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    3. heco87
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Could be close .. certainly wait and see what happens in the FA Cup replay first though.

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      1. Blonde Faith
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        For sure.

        Whatever happens, it'd feel really odd giving the Pod the armband...

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        1. heco87
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 9 months ago

          If you're ever going to do it, a DGW is certainly the time but I get what you mean.

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

    Is my bench order correct?

    Begovic

    Demel Luiz Gibbs

    Walcott Fellaini Michu Bale

    RVP Ba Podolski

    Federici Puncheon Azpilcueta Clyne

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    1. Absinthe Minded
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      yes, wouldn't have it any other way

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  14. HellasLEAF
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Arsenal DGW, away to Chelsea, home to West Ham, not the greatest 2 fixtures imo...

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    1. Timmy Cahill Rules
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      yeh sunderland a low scoring team only got 3 goals home to west ham

      cant see arsenal doing any better

      ...........

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

      The West Ham fixture really is the saving grace. But overall I have bad feelings about this DGW. I think it's going to be a major disappointment if Arsenal don't beat West Ham convincingly. West Ham's fixture vs QPR I would argue is no longer as favourable as it would be earlier on in the season.

      I struggle to see Arsenal getting much out of the Chelsea game. They'll need a huge performance but they have been so disappointing this season.

      It's certainly not getting me too excited.

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  15. IfYouTinkerYou'llHaveA…
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Would love aguero to be declared fit for the weekend.

    Have exact funds for Ba>Aguero and very much considering it!!!

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    1. heco87
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Would be a real tease. From his tweets last week, he thinks he'll make it.

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      1. IfYouTinkerYou'llHaveA…
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/sergio-aguero-eyes-fulham-return-8448107.html

        Mancini said: “Sergio is not available to play against Arsenal on Sunday. We don’t want to take a risk.

        “He continues to have treatment this week. I hope he can play in our next game.

        This is a few days old - would be nice to get some solid news friday

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        1. heco87
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 9 months ago

          Yeah, I'd expect some sort of update later in the week.

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    2. cassanata
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Even if he is declared fit do you think Mancini would start him. If they were playing UTD or something I think he'd start, the fact its Fulham i'm not sure.

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

        Why wouldnt he, he was just not risked vs Arsenal. Why would he bench him if he is 100% fit?

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      2. IfYouTinkerYou'llHaveA…
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        Could get 60 mins and score heavily. Granted its a risk but they also have a nice run of fixtures and with his 5% ownership the reward could be big

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

      I hope so, took the risk of putting him in on the wildcard for this GW

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    4. Blue-Ghosts
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      one of the reasons i wildcarded was to get a city player in, hope this is true

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

    Berbatov to Sturridge
    Ba to Lukaku
    Luiz to Zabaleta

    for 8pt hit........this is what I considering. Any objections?

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    1. heco87
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      I know it looks good for this week but check out Berbatov & Sturridge fixtures the week after. Lukaku played well again but could easily be rotated. Not sure it's worth 8 points personally.

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

        Berbs is a goner........yeah Sturridge is a one week covering exercise (my main rival has Suarez).......yes the Lukaku one will be first to be dropped.

        Okay other two for a 4pt hit?

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        1. heco87
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 9 months ago

          See Mac's comment below, not sure I'd take a hit for a defender either... particularly to ditch one playing OOP.

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

            Yeah fair point, see my reply.

            Okay the first one for a 0pt hit?

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            1. heco87
              • 14 Years
              11 years, 9 months ago

              If you're set on Berbatov & really fancy sturridge, it's hard to go against your gut. I've got Berbatov and no Liverpool players & I won't be making that move this week.

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

                Berbs is toast for me. Just bored of him.

                May I ask, why you keeping?

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                1. heco87
                  • 14 Years
                  11 years, 9 months ago

                  Easy enough to bench this week (although I'm aware he could easily bag a big haul) then 3 home games in 4 including a previous club with whom he has a point to prove. £7.1m seems reasonable to me and allows a big midfield when paired with Lambert (& RVP).

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

      Berbatov to Sturridge only.

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

        yeah, I think this will be my first FT...the other two are possibles.

        Have Walcott, Gibbs, Demel & Noble (most likely first reserve) for the DGW. That is plenty.

        Caz, Pod & Giroud don't interest me in the slightest....

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    3. Scroobius Mac
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      No. No point taking a 4 point hit for a defender.

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

        Just don't want Luiz in my team no more......and keen for some City involvement....

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

      You just played your wc!

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

        Yeah, getting bored playing conservative, gonna throw it about in the seasons second half.... 😉

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    5. Messiah Hazard
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Only first one is enough...

      Ba+Luiz should still score better than Lukaku+Zaby-8

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  17. blokeman
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    My current DGWers for GW23

    WHU: Demel
    ARS: Chesney, Walcott.

    Are there any must-haves for the DGW?

    Was thinking Ba to Pod...

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  18. JD
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    berbatov or fletcher from gw 23 until end of the season?

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

      Sturridge

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  19. Chrissy Waddle - 2024/25
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Gonna be a nervous Wed night with both ARS and WHU playing cup replays. Hoping my 4 DGW players come through ok (not to mention Michu!!)

    Anyone think RVP will be rested for the cup replay, with Wellbeck Chico to start?

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    1. heco87
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Wouldn't surprise me... saw on the weekend SAF reckoned Rooney might make the match - don't know if that info is now superseded.

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    2. Timmy Cahill Rules
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      rooney will start

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    3. Beavis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Yes I think he will be rested. Chicharito will play for sure and maybe Rooney if he is back.

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  20. Screaming Midget
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    What do you guys think to Bale > Cazorla for a free? Bale back in, in WC.

    It'll be doubling up with Walcott.

    Walcott Cazorla Fellaini Sterling Mata
    RVP Ba (Berbatov)

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

      Cazorla is due for some returns and Bale won't have it easy v United.

      Can't hurt, though I'd prefer to get Pod

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

      2 precious transfers wasted is what I think to get Bale out and Bale back in

      Instead Berba out Sturridge in could pay off... Sturridge should score at least one goal against Norwich and Bale can also score against United... So why get Cazorla who hasnt done anything much recently

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    3. Tim Canterbury
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      My only issue is how deep Cazorla tends to play. It painful to watch as an owner. Added to that Bale's haul at Old Trafford...

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  21. manehi
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Luiz -> Davies + Ba -> Suarez for a 4pt hit?

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

      Don't base it on the previous fixture - although I know it's hard not to. Suarez dropped deeper when Sturridge came on against Utd

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    2. Siva Mohan
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      could pay off.. Davies can get a CS against Stock.. Suarez can score big against Norwich..

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

    Can anyone find room in their midfield for AJ?

    I could upgrade Puncheon but I would be benching a player every week who I would rather play.

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    1. heco87
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Not at the moment, on the watchlist.

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    2. Timmy Cahill Rules
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      tempted mate thinking

      bale to AJ

      then Ba to Kun next week

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

        Dangerous going without Bale imo.

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        1. Timmy Cahill Rules
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 9 months ago

          i know a tricky call

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

      Yep. Same issue as those talking about having the big five. Tough calls would need to be made with the obvious frustration, and likelihood, of points on the bench.

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

        Sorry for the ignorance, but who are the big five.

        I'm guessing Mata Michu Walcott Bale Fellaini?

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    4. manehi
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Definitely an option to get in for Cazorla post DGW

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

      i'm looking at this:

      Bale, Michu, Mata, AJ, Punch.

      Walcott has been good to me but i can live without him or Fellaini.

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    6. Bedknobs and Boomsticks
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Not convinced by his raw stats.

      I could have him and Pog, but I think I prefer rotating Punch and Ruiz.

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  23. Blue-Ghosts
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    currently playing my wildcard and not sure whether to go 343 or 352, either puncheon or pog as my bench fodder! anyway the question basically comes down to who will score the most points over the next 5/6 gameweeks
    (A) Mata
    (B) Suarez
    (C) Aguero (If fit and returning this week)

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  24. The Finnisher
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    The best differentials team that I could come up with (around 5% ownership)

    Szczesny (4.9) Cesar (1.2)
    Luiz (5.8) Johnson (3.9) Vertonghen (4.5) Davies (4.8) Martin (3.1)
    Gerrard (5.8) Pilkington (2.9) Sessegnon/Johnson (1.9) Ramirez (1.1) Silva (5.4)
    Aguero (5.0) Rooney (5.3) Sturridge/Dzeko/Lukaku/Fletcher/Jelavic

    Alot of potential there I think.

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    1. heco87
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Yeah agreed... anything could happen.

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

      Nani is one to watch.

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

        Zaabaleta at 7.2 isn't bad either.

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        1. The Finnisher
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 9 months ago

          Not even near 5!

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

            Cesar is nowhere near 5 either but he's in the list!!

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

              If Harry gets MVilla, QPR will definitely be improved defensively.

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

            He's closer to 5 than Ramirez... 😉

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            1. The Finnisher
              • 13 Years
              11 years, 9 months ago

              F**k you guys 😆

              Around 5 or less then...happy!?

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

                meh.

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    3. Blue-Ghosts
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      aguero and silva could definetly be top differentials with them city fixtures

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

      I'd be all over Cesar if he were £0.5m cheaper

      I wonder how long Sturridge will stay differential? Hopefully the bad fixtures will keep him quiet and he'll stay off people's radars before I snap him up for GW26.

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

        I've been planning to do this since his transfer.

        So ssshhhh let this be just amongst us. 😀

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

          Deal 😉

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

      I might be referring to this for my next WC. Cheers

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  25. Pioneer
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Hey, would anyone mind having a look at my WC team and letting me know what they think?

    Begovic / Federici
    Demel / Gibbs / Evra / Davies / Luiz
    Bale / Hernandez / Fellaini / Walcott / Mata
    Lambert / RVP / Pogrebnyak

    My concern is my forward line - I would like to keep Suarez but I'm worried about his long-term potential now that Sturridge has arrived, not sure if I can justify the £10+ mil on him. Think he is the only other forward I would want.

    I know people don't tend to like these posts but it's my first time posting here so please don't bite :p

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    1. Forget Special, I am the ON…
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      your team is missing Michu ..... Rest looks quite similar to others 😉

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

      I think your defence is expensive. I'd downgrade evra to a 4 and strengthen the front line. Also, no michu?

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    3. Blue-Ghosts
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      lambert has some horrible fixtures mate, if you could upgrade him to lukaku/sturridge/fletcher or a punt on dzeko then it would be alot better! i like the midfield though and the defence is very solid but a bit expensive! maybe luiz ->Nastasic and Lambert ->Flethcer

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

        Cheers really appreciate the comments. Yes the defence is rather expensive; I will look at maybe downgrading one to strengthen my front line. I like the look of Lukaku but I'm worried about his game-time, ditto Nastasic.

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    4. SPorting
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      screw Michu. Pablo will take his fair share of the SWA spoils.

      too heavy at the back. 3x 5.5m is a bit much when your front line is too weak.

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  26. Ghost Ship
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    With QPR parking the bus in the last couple of games, and getting clean sheets home and away, is anyone tempted with their defence? I keep thinking of that first half of the season at Portsmouth when Rednapp bought Campbell, Distin, David James etc and they went on a ridiculous run of clean sheets. Am I mad?

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

      No. Let's see if they get MVilla as that would make it even more tempting.

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

    Aguero's ownership will change when he is back fit.

    Lukaku/Dzeko are rotation risks.

    Johnson/Luiz are definitely options due to attacking potential. A lot of good options there to stray from the template.

    Thanks Jack

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

      Reply fail..

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  28. Smurf
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    SHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIT

    I have just taken out Baines for Gibbs instead of Ivanovic without realising.

    🙁

    I have had Baines from day 1 and now have lost all value on him as well as not having him for Southampton and now have 2 Chelsea defenders against Arsenal 🙁

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

      Ouch...

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

      Nasty.

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      1. The Finnisher
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        No, Baines.

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

      You, sir, are an idiot.

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    4. heco87
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Very annoying ... everything happens for a reason is my only token of consolation.

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    5. The Finnisher
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Silly move IMO. You should have ditched Ivanovic instead.

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      1. Smurf
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        I was an accident???

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

          dont say that im sure you were planned

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          1. Smurf
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 15 Years
            11 years, 9 months ago

            😀

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          2. Absinthe Minded
            • 14 Years
            11 years, 9 months ago

            😀

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        2. The Finnisher
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 9 months ago

          You were?

          I'm only messing with you man. Unlucky!

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          1. Smurf
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 15 Years
            11 years, 9 months ago

            😀

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

        Sound advice.

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

      Ouch! On the bright side, that has to be as bad as your day gets

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

      I would imagine the last thing you want to see are sarcastic comments.. They are funny tough.

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    8. Onana Whatsmyname
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Don't feel blue.......oh hang on

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

      Dont worry, Arsenal could very well draw a blank against Chelsea...

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    10. Koflok
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      But if Chelsea got a cleanie vs Arsenal then it might just be a genius move!

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

      what a smurfing silly mistake to make.

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

      Thank god I am wildcarding after this GW.

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

        oh, all that smurfing drama for nothing.

        goddam attention smurfer!

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

        Not so bad then. Could work out ok this week Chelsea could hammer arsenal.

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    13. Tim Canterbury
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Im assuming your on a WC?

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    14. Phaze 1
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Can't tell if you're kidding or not....

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    15. Dago
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      No Braines

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    16. Smurf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Here is my planned WC team for next week:

      DDG / Bunn
      Baines (back in 😀 ) / Luiz / Debuchy / Wilson / Davies
      Mata / Bale / Silva / Walcott / Puncheon
      Cisse / Jelavic / Sturridge

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  29. Blue-Ghosts
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    is chelsea game tonight or tomorow?

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

      morrow

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  30. De_Roiste
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    If you love something, you have to set it free.. If it comes back to you- can't remember the rest!

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

      ....buy Kolarov.

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

      so i should release my kids into the wild?

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

        release, but not force out. They will stay

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

        Yep. You saw what it did for Christopher McCandless. Oh wait...

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    3. Phaze 1
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      if it comes back its gay.

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      1. Pap Le Cissier
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        Surely its if it pushes back?? 😀

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    4. Pap Le Cissier
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Build a basement and lock it in there?

      Or maybe thats just in Austria...

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

      Another reply fail...

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    6. De_Roiste
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      A funny lot you are!

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    7. Dago
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      keep it forever.

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

      then it's a boomerang.

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