Scouting The Doubles

Scouting the Doubles – West Ham

Having ran the rule over Arsenal ahead of the upcoming double Gameweek 23, we turn our attentions to West Ham as Sam Allardyce’s side prepare to welcome QPR to Upton Park before making their way to the Emirates the following Wednesday evening.

It’s also worth considering that, with clashes against Fulham, Swansea and Villa following their double, the Hammers’ short-term schedule is relatively kind, suggesting any acquisitions could be kept beyond for the next few matches until the fixtures stiffen again in Gameweek 27.

The Prospects

It’s fair to say the Hammers haven’t been in the best of form as we edge closer to the weekend deadline. Two wins in their last 10, with a single clean and 10 goals scored over that run hardly inspires confidence in Fantasy managers looking to invest in Allardyce’s main men. The visit of Harry Redknapp’s side looks the likeliest to provide us with a source of returns – the Hammers have picked up 18 of their 26 points at Upton Park and have notched twice against Liverpool and three times against Chelsea in recent matches. While QPR have impressed with back-to-back clean sheets in their last two, the Hammers will be confident of a clean sheet, bearing in mind their visitors have scored twice in the previous five.

On their travels, it’s been a disappointing story. Allardyce’s side have mustered a mere five goals in 10 road trips, though their 3-0 defeat at Sunderland last Saturday doesn’t reflect their resilient defensive displays away from Upton Park – they have conceded more than a single goal just four times. Arsenal have scored five or more on three occasions at the Emirates already, though, highlighting just why the likes of Theo Walcott has been drafted in by significant numbers ahead of the double.

The Likely Lads

Jussi Jaaskelainen is the Hammers’ top scoring FPL player this term with 80 points under his belt so far. A spate of recent injuries haven’t helped his chances of picking up a clean sheet, though; James Collins suffered a hamstring tear at the weekend, George McCartney is sidelined with a knee injury, while doubts remain over Joey O’Brien’s availability – if Allardyce’s side concede, the 5.3 priced stopper could have extra save points to boost his prospects.

Coming in at just 4.0, Guy Demel’s game time is benefitting from the injuries at the back. The Ivorian’s starting berth seems secure right now and is likely to appeal as a cut-price prospect, though it’s worth noting that Hammers chairman David Gold took to twitter to reveal O’Brien could be back in time for the QPR match – certainly, he offers greater potential of attacking returns than Demel, with a couple of goals, a pair of assists and eight bonus points accrued so far. At 4.5, his chances of recovery will be keenly monitored by Fantasy managers.

Top scorer for the London club with five goals to his name, Kevin Nolan has been off-form in recent weeks. The skipper notched in four of his first five home games but has now scored just once from Gameweek 9 onwards – hardly an inspiring statistic but at 6.5, over 8,000 have already snapped him up.

Mark Noble’s spot-kick duties and share of set-pieces has helped him rack up 69 points – only 10 less than Nolan. The 5.0 priced Noble missed the trip to Sunderland after picking up a “slight calf problem” ahead of the weekend but is expected to return – Noble has scored in two of his last three at home and could be worth considering as a budget option should he be passed fit; indeed, Wednesday’s FA Cup replay at Old Trafford may give us an early indication on his availability.

Carlton Cole finds his way into our consideration almost by default. The 4.9 priced forward has scored in two of his four home starts since deputising for the injured Andy Carroll and has now been named in the first XI for the last seven Gameweeks. Carroll is edging towards fitness, though, and while Allardyce admitted last Friday he expected him to be back in a fortnight’s time, an injury update on Tuesday revealed he was “still waiting” on the on-loan forward’s return. Marouane Chamakh climbed off the bench to make his debut at the Stadium of Light, though he is unavailable for the Arsenal game due to the conditions of his loan deal, while new boy Wellington Paulista also comes into the equation – although he can play through the middle, his versatility means he could be handed a wide role if Allardyce chooses to field him. Paulista has yet to be added to the FPL game.

Cheeky Punt

A pair of assists in his second debut for the Hammers brings Joe Cole onto Fantasy radars. The 5.6 priced midfielder supplied the crosses for each of James Collins’ goals in the 2-2 FA Cup draw with United and has started both games since moving back to the club earlier this month. Over 5,000 FPL managers have drafted him in for the double so far – he edged Ricardo Vaz Te onto the bench against the Black Cats, dimming the appeal of the Portuguese man as a forward alternative.

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1,540 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Captain Robert Hatch
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Today's matches are replays..........

    seoux..................... 15min extra time(s)?

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  2. Crouch Potato!
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Diouf score's and its his birthday.

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

      aww how sweet......sweet man

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      1. Crouch Potato!
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        Won't ever meet a nicer sewer rat 😉

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

    Until when can one use one's Wild Card?

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

      something like 2nd february 11:30 deadline

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

        Oh, thanks. 😉

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

    Over the past 4 game weeks Luiz has had 10 shots, more than any other defender. But of those 10 shots, absolutely none of them were on target.

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

      Haha, details schmetails

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    2. Egg noodle
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      This deserves one of your distinct gifs

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

      He is a muppet...

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    4. SC not pearls before swine
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      So you're telling me he's due?

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      1. Stern John Terry Wilson Pal…
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        😆

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

      Bang on. He's a shot machine... from outside the box. I'm just hoping Cazorla style that one of them eventually goes in.

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    6. Trigg ⭐️
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      I did try to tell everyone this, but this little stat was ignored 😉

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

        It aint a good news if not atleast 1 of them were on target you know ?

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

        I'd still rather have a defender taking shots at goal than one who wasn't - despite the PPI hit.

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

          this

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

          +10

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        3. 1966 was a great year for E…
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 9 months ago

          Yep, and that goes for any player. It's a good thing that your players are shooting lots.

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  5. Egg noodle
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Hard luck Crystal Palace.

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    1. Cheggers
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      nah f*k em

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    2. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      hard luck? They missed a pen

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

      There's still time right?

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      1. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        1-1 another pen

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  6. Messi & fabregas
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    REPOST:

    who to bench for week 23?

    mata / bale / walcott / michu / fellaini

    Rvp / sturridge / giroud

    thanks

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

      If it wasn't DGW, then Giroud... So one of Bale or Michu... I have same dilemma...

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    2. SC not pearls before swine
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Fellaini/Michu/Sturridge would be the 3 I would consider. I would probably go with Fellaini.

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    3. Messi & fabregas
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      thank u all might not bring sturridge in but his price it to rise for sure before this week's deadline

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  7. ndc323
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Please rate my team:

    Begovic
    Gibbs Debuchy Demel
    Mata Walcott (c) Michu Fellaini
    RVP Suarez Ba

    Subs: Bunn, Sterling, Shaw, Pearce

    My WC is used and no FTs left. Is it worth taking a -4 to bring in Podolski or Giroud for Ba?

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    1. Messi & fabregas
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      replace ba, too much rotation risk imo rest looks fine
      i would have sturridge instead and invest the 3 millions or so somewhere else in your team, maybe bale?

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    2. Paz12
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Debuchy is brave. Everything else is template.

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    3. John Nerdelbaum
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      You need Bale

      I doubt Sterling will be a regular starter much longer. I would DG and play the 4 you've got (plus Bale)

      Debuchy is a decent punt. Defence seems a bit lightweight to me

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      1. ndc323
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        I can't really come up with a good strategy to add Bale, though. Sterling is the only I would drop, but due to sell-on fees I'll only get 5.0 back, which means I have 4.8 to make up. I would probably have to slow roll Ba -> Pog.

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

    Alright guys, 2 part question.

    Who to transfer out:

    A. Ba
    B. Lambert

    Who to bring in:

    C. Sturridge
    D. Giroud
    E. Podolski

    Ta.

    Jussi
    Demel - Luiz - Gibbs
    Mata - Michu - Fellani - Walcott
    Ba - RVP - Lambert

    Federici - Ramirez - Davies - Shaw

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    1. Messi & fabregas
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      A and for short run bring D, long run C

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    2. Holy See
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Think we'll know a little more bout the Ba situation after tomoro's game so dunno. Pod for the dooblie tho I guess.

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      1. Pasqualinho
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        This is sound advice. Arsenal and Swansea are playing tomorrow too so any injuries may make your outward move simpler.

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

          Thanks guys.

          Must. Be. Patient.

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    3. John Nerdelbaum
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      I wouldn't be so quick to get rid of Ba

      Keep Lambert for the short to medium term

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  9. PC ALLSTARS
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Good to see Bolton 2-0 up, Sunderland will prob score two like they did in the first game.
    I just hope Bolton push on in the league, they have a good enough squad to get into the playoffs not arsed about the fa cup!

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

      nah it's over

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      1. PC ALLSTARS
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        U never know! they won't do it this season but maybe next season, as long as they keep Lee,
        M Davies, Holden (when fit) N Gog & Sordell should come good!

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    2. Cooper123
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Would be very happy if we made it to the playoffs this year. We've been painfully inconsistent but the quality is there

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  10. Terrible Muriel
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    WC team

    Sczezscny
    Demel / O'Brien (or Tomkins) / Gibbs
    Walcott(C) / Mata / A. Johnson / Michu / Fellaini
    RvP / Lukaku / Suarez
    ***********************************
    Begovic, Cameron, Harte

    and in GW 26 - Gibbs > Azpi / WH def > Davies, or something like that.

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  11. Holy See
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Bale-Caz, or Berb-Sturridge? Have Wally & Gibbs. Or both for a hit?

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    1. 4vets
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      I have vaguely similar thoughts... am looking at Berbs > Studge for -4 or Haz > Caz -4... or just sticking.

      For you, probably just Berbs > Studge...wc in hand and all that, Holy one.

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      1. Holy See
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        Feel Sturridge is gonna get off to flyer, can feel it in me water. Holy water obviously 😉

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        1. 4vets
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 9 months ago

          I think my comment with "p.r.i.c.k." in it just got chucked out!

          The gist was, I agree about Studge, even though I dislike the p.r.i....

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          1. alsybach
            • 15 Years
            11 years, 9 months ago

            intellectual stuff.............

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

      Depending on bib theory, I'd go with Sturridge

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    3. Ole Gunnar Kush
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      bale - caz. Wait until sturridge is match fit

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  12. Syd.
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Stoke 1-1 Palace

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

      They let the real pro take the penalty!

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

    Learning to love El Hadji Diouff 😯

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    1. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      never

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

    rooney now back fit

    A. Rooney and AJ
    B. Berb and Mata

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

      How did you arrive at that exactly? Why not Rooney, Mata and someone else?

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    2. 4vets
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      A, purely on Sun's fixtures.

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

    Power 5 are gonna have the same benching dilemma most weeks. I couldn't be doing with that, the league is too unpredictable, and I have enough points on my bench as it is!

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

      power will be played every week. 3rd forward on bench (pog for me)

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

      Not if you have a cheap forward and play 3-5-2 all the time...

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  16. Dynamic
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    New post, great first post 😀

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

    Massive dilemma here.

    Should I listen to QPR v West Brom or watch Real Madrid v Valencia?

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  18. Thick Of It
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    New post gents

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

    Giggs Boson, if I go for a rotation pairing I'm going Rooney RvP double up.

    I got it as soon as Rooney came back from injury last time and caught all the points.

    Will strongly consider it for united's strong 5 fixtures 😀

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

      Rooney looks a better bet for me anyway with fixtures in his favour, and strong man united offensive form.

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

      Cheers, yeah i think i might go for it as well. (sorry about late reply 🙂 )

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  20. BONZ
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Bothroyd scoring - christ forgot he was still at QPR

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  21. Disco Stu
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Joe Cole or Abu Diaby for the DGW?

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

      JC

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  22. Sarri-ball
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Thots on Wildcard team after Arsenal/Westham double.

    Begovic,Federici

    Rafael,Nastasic,Clyne,Demel,Sagna
    Fellani,Michu,Wallcott,Mata,Lennon
    Aguero,Rvp,Pogrebnyak.

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  23. Feanor
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Does Lukaku starting tonight make him less likely to play 90 mins against Villa?

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    1. Ole Gunnar Kush
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      No

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  24. v12w12
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Best option:

    A. Cameron and Michu
    B. Shawcross and Fellaini

    Cheers

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  25. LMNO
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Hypothetically....

    Aguero & Fletcher or Suarez & Ba

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

    Why is everyone so mad about Sturridge? I just dont get it...you know he plays for Liverpool now yea?

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    1. 4vets
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      That's just why. A top 8 *improving* team that just too Man U to the wire. Who else would have? Berbs? Fletch?

      You get the point.

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      1. 4vets
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        *took

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

          Improving team...don't agree with that. Oh to the wire with Man U? That makes Sturridge a better prospect? Jelavic, Lambert Benteke Long Lakaku all the same if not better tbh. Sturridge is not proven in my eyes in in a Liverpool line up which is not that great i could see him struggling

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

            Long would have been my choice. Apparently a Toon target. No it as skillful as Sturbridge but gives his all and can play up front or either wing.

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

      Dexter, I'm a Reds supporter. Other than a good half season on loan at Bolton playing to keep his Chelsea contract he's not being consistently good despite being technically very good. If he was that good City wouldn't have sold him and he'd have got his place in the Chelsea team ahead of a poor Torres. Needs to improve on his teamwork and consistency for me.

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

    Im thinking RVP and Rooney

    too much united or worth the risk my main rival has RVP but wont get Rooney IMO

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  28. jdogg
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Rvp,defoe and ruiz or rooney aguero and ruiz to go with

    Mata theo bale michunan felaini?x

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

      Michu and felaini that was meant to say not michus nan i dont think she would be that good.x

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

    anyone considering RVP and Rooney

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

      Fergie?

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  30. jamcd13
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Couple questions...

    Azpilicueta or Gibbs? (Would lose 0.1 on Azpi)

    and is Snodgrass actually worth having? His Tscore is amazing, but it seems like he does actually do very much?

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