Spot the Differential

Spot the Differential – Gameweek 18

We present three wise men for the Boxing Day “differentials”, bearing possible gifts of double-figure potential, set-piece threat and midfield budget appeal…

Emmanuel Adebayor

Emmanuel Adebayor is a Fantasy asset who comes complete with a health warning – he’s not to be trusted. Equally capable of spectacular brilliance and bafflingly abject displays, the Togo international is nonetheless that rare commodity – a differential capable of exploding points.

Sunday demonstrated Adebayor’s potential, not just to Tottenham’s campaign but also to Fantasy managers as a new consideration for our forward lines. While we’ve waited patiently for Roberto Soldado to click and deliver on his La Liga promise to help break up the template up top, it could well be that Spurs harbour another player who can play his part.

Tim Sherwood did not hesitate to bring Adebayor in from the cold, pointing to his “history” as a player for the justification of his faith. Having recorded 17 goals and 12 assists back in 2011/12, Fantasy managers also have a recent track record to cling to when considering Adebayor as an asset.

Even with a modest 7.7 price tag, Adeabyor’s uncanny ability to disappoint provides a major caveat. However, with just three Gameweeks to go before we earn the opportunity to refresh our lineups, Adebayor offers a tantalising option – a new proposition up front capable of double-figure returns with back-to-back home matches against West Brom and Stoke as a platform for his resurgence.

Leighton Baines

The Everton left-back is expected to be restored to the starting lineup for the Toffees’ home clash with Southampton – a fixture that offers Baines a perfect re-introduction to the Fantasy reckoning.

Despite this, Baines faces a battle to win a place in our affections. In his absence, Seamus Coleman has built on his promising early season form with an explosion of three goals in five outings, cementing his place at the top of the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) defender rankings and as Everton’s key option amongst their rearguard.

However, even with a lofty 7.4 price tag, Baines should not be overlooked. Set-pieces have already played a significant role in our seasons with Yaya Toure a major benefactor of the points they can bring. Baines has already gained from two strikes from dead-balls against West Ham and will be back on set-pieces for the Boxing Day clash, along with spot-kick duties.

Now owned by just 13% of FPL managers, Baines makes an unlikely differential but, such is the strength of Coleman’s recent charge, he’s set to become just that in the months ahead.

Jordan Mutch

While Peter Whittingham is the undisputed weapon of choice in a limited arsenal of Cardiff options, Mutch has gradually emerged as a worthy consideration at the very bottom of the budget bracket. Available for 0.7 less than his team-mate, if you can’t stretch to Whittingham’s set-piece prowess, Mutch is shaping up as viable cover for Cardiff’s impending survival scrap.

A third goal of the league campaign arrived at Anfield on Saturday, with Whittingham typically providing the cross, as Mutch continued to build on his reputation in the Bluebirds lineup. With a pair of assists and six consecutive starts in the league, this 4.5-priced asset could provide a decent midfield enabler in our January wildcard tinkerings. Sort by value in the FPL stats and Mutch is rated fifth but, along with Hull’s Jake Livermore, is by far the cheapest option on show.

A home clash with Southampton on Boxing Day, followed by the visit of Sunderlad two days later, provides Mutch with another opportunity to stake his claim and edge his way into our thinking for 2014’s refresh.

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

2,725 Comments Post a Comment
  1. FishFingers
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Just noticed that no one in my league has Negredo other than myself (I also have Suarez and Rooney). The trend seems to be along the lines of Suarez/Rooney/Lukaku.

    Could this be a decent differential captaincy option this week?

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    1. QPR expects... glory!
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Absolutely

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    2. Robe Wan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Could be pm could be

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    3. In Moyes We Thrust #freeshi…
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Worth a shot

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    4. FishFingers
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Freaking out cause it could go either way. Either I lose ground or gain some. I'm currently 83 points behind the leader.

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      1. Grumpy Camel
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        Then do it

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  2. In Moyes We Thrust #freeshi…
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    With absolutely zilch in the bank, I'm really struggling to come up with a transfer.
    Any ideas?

    Howard
    Terry, Collins, Clyne (McAuley, Chico)
    Hazard, Silva, Ramsey, Shelvey (Brady)
    Suarez (c), Rooney, Lukaku

    Currently thinking either downgrade Chico or saving the FT.
    Alternatively, I could do Shelvey/Brady to Whittingham/Mutch

    Any suggestions are appreciated. Cheers.

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    1. Lord Flashheart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Brady to januzaj and bench shelvy

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      1. In Moyes We Thrust #freeshi…
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        That hurts.. I prematurely sold Januzaj 2GWs ago instead of Brady. May have to swallow my pride then.

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    2. QPR expects... glory!
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Dump McAuley. West Brom going through a really bad patch at the moment and it's hard to find more than 1 game in the next 6 you'd play him. That's poor value on a guy worth 5.5

      Evans? You could start him over Clyne today

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      1. In Moyes We Thrust #freeshi…
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        Yeah good point. Might get a Norwich defender since they've looked alright I'm recent weeks

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    3. GTS
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Money left?

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      1. In Moyes We Thrust #freeshi…
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        None

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      2. Lord Flashheart
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        Zilch in the bank first line

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  3. UnitednationsXI
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Right, let's get a mini cpt poll, who will u cpt btw wazza Wally Lukaku

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    1. Les Bleus
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Negredo

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    2. Lord Flashheart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Hazard

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    3. QPR expects... glory!
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Negredo (or Wally if I go back to my original choice)

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    4. Shifty
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      walcott

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    5. UnitednationsXI
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      I haven't even considered hazard....interesting

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      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        I need help. I was so confident on Hazard captain, now people talking he could be rested? Any truth or it is bullshit. Lukaka is my vice btw

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        1. Al Bundy
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 3 months ago

          i dont see him being rested, but dont think hes the best option. Too inconsistent, and Chelsea dont look like hammering any teams. He could just play 60-70 mins too

          Lukaku, Rooney or x City player all better alternatives

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    6. The Shoonchy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Hazard

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  4. Robe Wan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Happy Boxing Day everyone!!

    Much better than Christmas Day IMO, pubs open, football on, I can even swallow England being 6 wickets down

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    1. FishFingers
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Touche

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    2. Perthite
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      I can also swallow England being 6wkts down - though it would have been better if Coulter-Nile didn't step over the boundary taking the Pieterson catch.

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      1. Robe Wan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        Should be all out tbh

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  5. Koflok
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Just put a tenner on accumulator MU -1, Arsenal -1, Newcastle -1 tonight. Good odds @ 10.00

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  6. MK Don
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Quick "yes" or "no" please folks 🙂

    I am looking to captain Silva as a captain differential, instead of Saurez....wise move or not ?

    I just think City are unstoppable at home, and Silva is top of the pile for points per game of all midfielders. I know it is Liverpool, also on form, but when they have a bad day, Liverpool are awful away.

    I also have Saurez, Yaya and Rooney....but I do not think many will go Silva, yet he could be a true differential.

    So...YEA or NAY ? 🙂

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    1. Evs
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Nay.

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    2. Acquafresca
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Nay

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    3. QPR expects... glory!
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Nay

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    4. Koflok
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Saurez.

      Nya

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    5. Robe Wan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Nay

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    6. Kickin the balls
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      .....and that is why it is a differential!

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  7. Evs
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Morning lads.

    Why is there an Ozil fire-sale happening today please?

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    1. Acquafresca
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Hey buddy. The non-believers 😉

      I regret selling personally. (c)aptain for boxing day?

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      1. Evs
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        Threat of rest I assume from Arsene comments.

        Captain...

        Is....

        Lukakaaaaa 😯

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        1. Acquafresca
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 3 months ago

          Between him and Suarez atm. Torn.

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          1. Evs
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 14 Years
            10 years, 3 months ago

            It's the biggest Form V Fixture debate of ALL TIME 🙂

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    2. Blue Lion
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      People seem to like the idea of Ozil to Wally plus 1 m.

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    3. Lord Flashheart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Should be, but not really.

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    4. QPR expects... glory!
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Rumours even on Arsenal sites that Cazorla returns to the playmaking role in the middle today to give him a much needed rest

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      1. Evs
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        Hmmm... Ta.

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      1. Evs
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks, t think.

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    5. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Apparently he is gonna be rested this week and Ramsey next. Ramsey will be preserved for the CAR game IMO. I am selling Ramsey for City mid next week and bringing Ozil for the CAR game.

      Good luck to all

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  8. PogChamp
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Will be the only one on here but hoping Young starts and Januzaj is on the bench.

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    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      I will be. 5 min cameo works.

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      1. PogChamp
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        Hope he gets more than 5 mins 🙂 Praying Moyes will start him for one of these two games.

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  9. Göz
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    I think we could see three 0-0's today, Villa / Palace, Cardiff / Southampton and Norwich / Fulham... considering playing Ward and Baker... considering it

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    1. QPR expects... glory!
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Fulham aren't keeping a cleanie!

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      1. Göz
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        Heh, I know it seems mental, but you never know

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  10. Something Clever
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    City have won all eight Premier League games at home this season and have scored 35 goals, conceding just 5 times.

    It's the latter stat that i think people are overlooking. People talk about them leaking goals, but that's only been the case away. 5 goals conceded in 8 games, (four of those including games against United, Arsenal, Spurs and Everton) is really not a bad record at all.

    Suarez can score against anyone, but if you wanted one defender trying to keep him out it would probably be Kompany.

    Also, i just can't see that Liverpool midfield of Henderson, Lucas and Allen being able to deal with Ya Ya, Fernandinho, Nasri and Silva/Milner. I don't think they'll have enough of the ball.

    Defensively they're also weaker imo without Enrique and likely Agger. Flanagan and Skrtel hardly inspire confidence and if City score a couple early it will be game over for fear of a Spurs/Arsenal mauling.

    For this reason i'm not captaining Suarez.

    Just my two cents.

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    1. GTS
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Wow now that changes my mind.

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    2. Strificus
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Who will you captain?

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      1. Something Clever
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        It's a tough one, but i'm in agreement with many on here that Lukaku is more likely to score at home against bottom of the table Sunderland. Hazard would be my second choice, after being accused of negative football, i think Mourinho will send them out with a point to prove at home to a poor Swansea team.

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    3. Les Bleus
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Very good point. It just seems to me like people are taking the 6-3 against Arsenal as means to captain Suarez. I'm captaining Negredo myself.

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    4. Shifty
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Yea I too was concerned with the Liverpool midfield facing up with the City midfield. Suarez can play against anyone but he can't do it alone. If City pack 5 in midfield and dominate possession, i see it being quite one sided.

      Then again Liverpool are playing with extreme confidence, though they were very very shaky in that second half against Cardiff.

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    5. President John F. Keninnsie
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Just when I thought I'd decided on Suarez (C)...

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    6. Fitzy.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      City have conceded 13 goals in the 8 games that Kompany has played, don't think that rules out a Suarez goal or two.

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      1. Something Clever
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        It doesn't, you're right, but... here's a repost to point out that their home record, with or without Kompany, is not bad at all.

        ...at home, they haven't been poor. In the last five home games they've kept three clean sheets, and conceded four, three of which came in the Arsenal game, the other against Everton. That's not poor defensively.

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    7. sminkypinky
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Good post. Was all set on Suarez captain. Now im thinking Negredo. Differential in my minileague as well.

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      1. FishFingers
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        Same here, I think I'll bite the bullet and go for him

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    8. suarrr
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Ive got to stop myself from coming on this site until teams freeze! Have been really happy with Suarez (c) since last 3 days and now this..

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    9. JJO
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      I couldnt agree more...
      People talking about Demichelis-Suarez and Citys weak defence as reasons for Suarez to score 2,3 goals know nothing about football..it is all about MIDFIELD in these games..Suarez will have 1 or 2 chances max,if any..
      And there is a small chance that this game will be high scoring like against Arsenal
      My prediction is 2-0 or 2-1
      But would love Liv to resist and get a point with 1-1

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    10. RabMac
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Good stats mate, thanks for posting. However, based on those stats it shows they don't keep clean sheets against the top teams, so unless I had a MCI defender with a goal threat then I would probably bench them today.

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  11. Dre
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Suarez (C).

    It all boils down to people crossing their fingers and hoping for a bit of a differential to Suarez to spice things up/gain some ground, but just because Suarez has been scoring doesn't increase his chances of blanking this week and City have been poor defensively of late.

    For those of you intent on going for someone else, take comfort in the fact that Suarez has failed to score a goal in three away matches this season.

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    1. Something Clever
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      But at home, they haven't been poor. In the last five home games they've kept three clean sheets, and conceded four, three of which came in the Arsenal game, the other against Everton. That's not poor defensively, especially when you consider that Arsenal have been the best team up to now...

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  12. Jim
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Lakaku is a bad capt shout IMO. Not explosive enough, looks in poor form as well. Suarez obviously the safe choice with Man City's 'we will just score more then you' approach!

    I'm strapping it on Walcott though, gut feeling!

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    1. Göz
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Exactly what I think. But what better fixture to regain some form than Sunderland at home

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    2. RabMac
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Lukaku not scored in 4 games if he does not sort it this weekend he is out of my team.

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  13. Blue Lion
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Something Clever and Petr Cech yourself. Its really confusing reading both of your posts in quick succession.
    😉

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    1. Dre
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Classic example of how divided opinions are on here, which is great for the discussions but does nothing for the people stuck on the fence!

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  14. Evs
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    So based on comments above, thoughts on a) or b) please?

    A) Nasri ➡ Silva

    Or

    B) Ozil ➡ Theo

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    1. Jim
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      B) and capt!!!

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    2. Acquafresca
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      I would probably keep Ozil tbh.

      A of the two, or Wally in A

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    3. abreu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      A) because Silva is better than Nasri and Ozil is better than Walcott imo

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    4. Fabreghastly
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      I've done B and brought Silva in to partner Nasri for a hit.
      I don't want any benchers for the next few

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    5. RabMac
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      A as Nasri is playing right midfield now that Silva is back and has been poor in that position.

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  15. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Predictions for City vs Pool?

    4-2 for me

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    1. Göz
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      2-1

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  16. Koflok
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    New post btw

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  17. New Post
  18. Lord Flashheart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    If lampard starts on the bench like Demi predicts, hazard is on penalties right?
    Can that tilt it to hazard (c) over lukaku (c)?

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    1. RabMac
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      This week has been one of my hardest captain choices but I don't have the bawz to change from Suarez.

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  19. QPR expects... glory!
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Benching Ramsey for Redmond today. Hope I don't regret it 🙂

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  20. Evans
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Rooney is wining the captains poll.....

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  21. Gary Stevens
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Anyone considering punting on TOT midfield?

    Eriksen? Sigurdsson?

    They have excellent fixtures

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    1. No Arsene Around
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Like Eriksen, don't have him, but thinking cheeky punt on Soldado

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      1. Gary Stevens
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        Yeah, my attacker slots are full => turning to midfield options

        Eriksen finishing has been poor though. Sigurdsson game time a question mark in the long run

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  22. RiflaFC
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Morning lads and happy boxing day.
    Altough I have suarez in my squad im tempted to cap hazard, ade, wally or luka. They all have an easier fixture today but you never know with suarez.. What do you reckon?

    Cheers

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    1. KellyBrookOnTopOfMe
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      I'm taking the punt on Hazard because he is at home and I think he'll have a blinder, although I am equally torn with going for Walcott, he too could have a blinder, went with Hazard solely because of opposition and home fixture. Don't go for Ade he has only 1 game behind him, and def not lukaku hes on a bad run, he'll need a good wk or 2 before being considered for capt,

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  23. Steevo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Cech
    Walker Evra Coleman Terry
    Mirallas Mutch Ramsey Touré
    Suárez Rooney(c)

    Good to go this GW?
    Realise I need to lose some value from the back and get it into midfield but figured I'd leave that until the Jan WC

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  24. Whitman2013
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    H guys can anyone help please so lost

    Current team

    Krul
    Baines Coleman Whittaker terry
    Hazard fer Ramsey
    Lukaku (c) Suarez negredo

    Bench order: marshall Morison shelvey ridge

    Can I get some yes or nos? Or critique otherwise 🙂

    A) should I play Morrison over Whittaker?
    B) do I need united coverage for a -4 (Rooney for Suarez for a two week punt, or jan for shelvey)
    C) is my captain okay?

    Please help guys

    Hope you all had a great Xmas happy Boxing Day!!

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  25. KellyBrookOnTopOfMe
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Captaincy Problem

    A = Suarez Away
    B= Rooney Away
    C= Walcott Away
    D= Hazard @ Home
    E= Toure @ Home

    I've gone with Hazard but really not sure on this one, any input well appreciated, thanks SK.

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