Feature

January Wildcard Strategies

Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers have now been handed their second Wildcard of the season. A new broom for the New Year – a chance to refresh their entire squads ahead of the remaining Gameweeks of the campaign.

Some will greet such an opportunity with open arms and look to utilise it with haste, banking on the Wildcard to revive ailing fortunes, whilst also playing the markets to maximise team value. Others may decide to delay their surgery – wait on more data and for new gems to be unearthed, with the January transfer window bringing fresh arrivals and potential targets.

This new Wildcard is a tricky beast – while there is perhaps no wrong or right time to let it off its leash, there are factors to consider and tactics to ponder. Over the course of this article, we’ll examine those variables as a precursor to our regular Watchlist update that will provide some insight into our specific player recommendations based on mid-term prospects.

Before we go further, let’s recap on the hard-and-fast rules applied to the January “use it or lose it” Wildcard. As stated by the FPL:

The January Wildcard can only be used after Gameweek 20 starts (1 Jan 11:30) until Gameweek 23 ends (1 Feb 11:30); as the January wildcard isn’t available until after the Gameweek 20 deadline, the earliest these transfers will be active is Gameweek 21.

Timing the Wildcard

It is generally accepted that there is some advantage in delaying the Wildcard until the latest possible date – in this case prior to the end of Gameweek 23. This offers the opportunity to gather more data and catch any differentials or bargains that may emerge and be missed by those who deal early. With the January transfer window and new names on the player list, there is clear potential for new targets to emerge. You only have to recall the impact of Papiss Cisse on his arrival in January to get a reminder on just how a single player can arrive and transform the second half our campaigns. The Newcastle striker notched 13 goals in 14 matches and was an outstanding mid-price prospect.

As we’ve mentioned, there isn’t necessarily any wrong time to start Wildcard trading although, if you resist the temptation to deal early, there is an incentive to hold until the week leading up to February 1 – allowing you to assess new arrivals when the Premier League transfer window closes on January 31.

Previously, we’ve seen the lure of an early Wildcard influenced by an approaching double-Gameweek that fuelled player price inflation. The African Cup of Nations has also been a factor in January, leading to trading of the players involved and obvious price drops. Neither are a factor this season, although there is still some appeal of laying down the Wildcard early. Let’s look at this option and the theories and strategies involved in some detail:

Playing It Early

It’s fair to say that this route will appeal to a very obvious group of Fantasy Premier League managers – those who, to this point, have suffered indfifferent seasons and who feel they are without several key players, rapidly soaring in value.

Indeed, the FPL markets and changing prices play a key role in influencing the decision to lay down the Wildcard early on. With such a frenzy of fixtures over Christmas, a clear set of bandwagons emerge alongside a number of players clearly out of form and plummeting in price.

The early targets are obvious – robust form has seen Arsenal pairing, Theo Walcott and Per Mertesacker, continue to attract suitors, along with Everton’s Seamus Coleman, Man City’s Yaya Toure, Chelsea’s Eden Hazard and Newcastle’s Yohan Cabaye. All of these players could easily continue to rise between this evening and the next Gameweek deadline on January 11 – a ten-day period that could feasibly see them increase by more than 0.2.

If you’re currently without three or even four of these players, the temptation to throw down the Wildcard early in order to catch such a rise will be strong. The concern being that any further delay in acquisition will see them soar out of reach of your budget. In addition, should you also own players likely to experience rapid price drops due to injury or poor form, you will again have to carefully assess the merits of an early refresh.

On the flip-side, if you already boast three or four of the popular transfer targets and have just one or two players dropping in ownership, the lure of the early Wildcard diminishes. You should be able to use free transfers to address any issues to ensure that you lock in funds and catch any remaining rapid risers.

There is, however, another incentive to deal early – the opportunity to cash in on a potentially volatile market and earn a precious few million. In a nutshell, this involves bringing in players likely to rise by 0.2 between this evening and January 11, regardless of whether they are mid-term targets for your squad. The objective is to sell them on prior to Gameweek 21’s deadline, in order to claim your 50% profit and an extra 0.1.

While this is a valid strategy with a 10-day span between deadlines, you have to consider just how many of those players rising by 0.2 or more that you will eventually look to sell on ahead of Gameweek 21. By definition, such players are popular targets with strong form – there may be instances where viable alternatives are available (Laurent Koscielny at 5.4 vs Mertesacker at 6.4), but these may well be edge cases. You have to beware of being distracted by profit and selling on players you should otherwise think about retaining.

I speak from experience here – when playing my Wildcard with such a strategy, I excitedly sold on both Aaron Ramsey and Mesut Ozil in order to earn funds from their 0.3 price rise while my Wildcard was active. Distracted and buoyed by the small profit made, I sold both only to watch them rack up handsome hauls from that point on. My failure to keep them during the Wildcard phase and the refusal to admit my error by transferring them in as soon as possible, cost me points and saw both players continually rise out of my reach. This is a valuable lesson – once the Wildcard is played, it takes a strong Fantasy manager to immediately admit any mistakes and address them. The understandable tendency is to back your Wildcard decisions to the hilt.

Another drawback of dealing early, aside from missing out on potential new arrivals, is that there is a tendency to be attracted to existing bandwagons – understandable due to price considerations. While these players will be worthy targets, it can distract from assessing other options that could offer valuable differentials. If your incentive for dealing early is to attempt to make up ground on your mini-league rivals, signing several players already ensconced in their lineup, which were bought for a cheaper price, is unlikely to help your cause. There is perhaps more merit in holding on to see if they play their Wildcard first and then deal yours to address as many differentials as possible – within reason, of course.

The ability to completely reconstruct your team can obviously give you the opportunity to gain ground on rivals and, if you can interpret the fixture list in your favour and make the right acquisitions, there is every chance that you will make up ground either immediately or in the few Gameweeks that follow. Having said that, if you consider the January Wildcard as your biggest opportunity to make some points back on a rival, you have to remember that, by playing yours first, you’re showing your hand. Your rival will get to see your selection on the following deadline and, while you may make up some ground initially, they will have their own Wildcard to use to cover and react to any differentials you may have acquired, potentially nullifying your advantage pretty quickly. This is not a major consideration if you have another Wildcard up your sleeve but, if that’s also spent, you have to think about playing canny with this one last opportunity.

The Pros
Potentially an instant boost for those suffering red arrows
You can catch the current market trends
You can exploit the market over an 10-day interval prior to Gameweek 21.

The Cons
It’s easy to fixate on bandwagons
You lose the ability to build around new player list additions
You can’t build a team around the current crop of injured heavy-hitters
You reveal your hand to mini-league rivals

Playing It Late

As mentioned, there are a number of key benefits to delaying until the final possible Gameweek to conduct the reconstruction of your squad. The Premier League’s January transfer window could well introduce new players into the mix but, in addition, there are also existing assets – notably Sergio Aguero, Daniel Sturridge and Aaron Ramsey who will all likely return at some point next month. Play your Wildcard early and you may waste the opportunity to build your team around such key figures. Delay it, and you’ll get to assess their form upon returning to fitness and weigh them up next to any new additions to the player list.

Crucially, the later you leave it, the more data and information you’ll have to govern your decisions. This goes beyond team and player form – we may yet see postponements that lead to potential double Gameweeks and the Capital One Cup semis this month will reveal the finalists, certainly creating postponements in Gameweek 28 and a likely double Gameweek to follow. Fixture congestion in January will also inevitably lead to further injuries that may bring some bargains into play.

We should also revisit the key objective of the Wildcard – to gain some advantage on your rivals. As we’ve said, if you play early, you reveal all to your mini-league and allow them to react. If you delay until the final Gameweek, you may get to respond to their changes or, at the very least, refresh your squad at the same time – thus protecting any differentials you may have targeted.

The drawback is, of course, the escalating player prices. It’s hard to predict the level of transfer activity and the market could be volatile. However, you may be able to use free transfers to position your squad to exploit this and avoid losses, without using the Wildcard. Indeed, a recent hot topic from Triggerlips discussed this very topic and advocated using points hits to avoid being pushed into bringing the Wildcard to play prematurely.

Finally, here’s another twist to consider. Gameweek 23 delivers a set of midweek fixtures – meaning that we’ll have teamsheet information prior to the deadline at 7.30pm. This unlocks a number of possibilities, including the option to save transfers or spend points on short-term options, knowing that you have a banked the January Wildcard to play immediately afterwards to repair your squad.

The Pros
You will have more data and information at your disposal
You can exploit any new players that arrive in the Premier League window.
You may be able incorporate the current crop of injured heavy-hitters.
Your protect your strategy from your rivals.
You may be able to react to your rivals’ Wildcards should they play it early.
You may be able to exploit the Gameweek 22 deadline.

The Cons
You forgo the potential to immediately revive your squad.
You may pay a premium for a bandwagon target.

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

4,486 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Gianluca Busio's Hair …
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 10 months ago

    is Fer suspended next match? not that i'm dying to keep him in my squad, what with his 6 pts in 5 games and all.

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

      doesn't look like it..

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

    Alright geezers, since it's a bit quiet in the DZ, how about another episode of the FFS Champions League Series?

    Titles won so far -

    CL of Hate - Sepp Blatter
    CL of Managers - Sir Alex Ferguson
    CL of TV - Breaking Bad
    CL of Movies - The Shawshank Redemption
    (For those who missed it, check out the movie list developed by Pratik based on the nominations - http://www.imdb.com/list/sVfWhs5MOKk/ )

    CL of Legends - Zinedine Zidane
    CL of Actresses - Eva Mendes

    Anyways, the latest in the series....CL of FPL legends

    You can now nominate UPTO FIVE of your all-time favorite FPL legends. They could either be fantasy favorites such as CR7, Suarez or FFS favorites such as Kolarov, Demel.

    Votes will be counted and the top 16 will play the Champions League. Shoot ahead!

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    1. A.
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Royston Drenthe

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    2. SuperOsçarBaby
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Jos Hooiveld

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

        ?????????

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        1. SuperOsçarBaby
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 10 months ago

          Gareth Bale

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

            Ahhh of course.

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            1. SuperOsçarBaby
              • 12 Years
              10 years, 10 months ago

              i got him early last season, and stick with him through his suspension when many transfer him out and he keep scoring after that

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    3. Just A Hat
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Lampard

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    4. BeachBadger
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      The entire stoke defence in recent years, esp Shawcross huth and Begovic.Got me plenty of points for cheap.

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    5. gravless
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Fabregas

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      1. gravless
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        in his pomp was magnificent

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    6. Cruizer van Nistelrooy
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      nistelrooy 😉

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    7. Parm
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Drenthe
      Demel
      Dempsey
      VDV
      Kolarov

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

        Van da Vaaaaaaart

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

          2011/12 DGW36

          VDV(c)

          I remember you wildcarded that week and hit a century with Tony Hibbert in there 😆

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

            150 😀

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

              Damn.

              Do you have a screenshot?

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

                I wish 🙁 That was like the avg WC score that week. GWM got 160 I think.

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          2. Pepereina Pizza
            • 11 Years
            10 years, 10 months ago

            oh wow, The Other Rafa... he was a special kind of talent. I had forgotten those times we had

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

        Honourable mentions to Sigurdsson, McClean & BAE.

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

          AND THE YAK

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

            Everton days? Remember 3-4 hat-tricks even with Blackburn. Fond memories of the one at OT.

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

      Having played only since 2011-12, I'll go

      RVP
      Siggy
      David Silva
      Walcott
      Lampard

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    9. its a krul world
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      charlie adam (in his blackpool days). nailed on for 3 baps every week it seemed like

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      1. gravless
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        +1

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      2. The Enlightener
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        Oh, man. I remember those days. Weren't too long ago. That cat was good with Blackpool. Been a bit up and down since he left. More down.

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        1. The Enlightener
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 10 months ago

          Charlie Adam probably would've enjoyed his football more in the 70's or 80's when you could be rougher, and to be honest, maybe even a little less skilled. He's a pretty talented player, but certainly not great or even really good. And Lord knows he can be rough. Just think he would fit that era better. Maybe I'm wrong. I wasn't exactly watching Prem League footy in those days.

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    10. Pepereina Pizza
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Michael Essien
      The Chelsea defense of ~5 seasons ago
      Fernando Torres, Liverpool's number 9
      Gylfi Sigurdsson
      Steven Ireland (City days)

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

        El Nino 🙂

        Do you want to nominate one particular Chelsea defender? JT?

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        1. Pepereina Pizza
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 10 months ago

          sure, JT's a fine ambassador.

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

            I'm surprised to see Bison in there. Was he priced decently to be a fantasy asset?

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            1. Pepereina Pizza
              • 11 Years
              10 years, 10 months ago

              I am misremembering... I had both he and Frank Lampard, but it was Frank doing the damage. Please make my list

              Frank Lampard
              John Terry
              Gylfi Sigurdsson
              Steven Ireland
              Fernando Torres

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

      RvP

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    12. gravless
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Elmohamady ( classified as a Sunderland defender) - happy days of the Mummy.

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      1. The Enlightener
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        Remember that too. Tickle Me Elmohamady was awesome to have during that season.

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    13. Elniñorules
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Nominations closed.

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

    for those leaving until late, the best time to WC is on the 28th after the lock, try and play the prices a bit for 3 days

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    1. A.
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      3 days doesn't leave much time to play the prices tbh, if you're playing it then. its just for the last minute deadline day news

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

        true but it is only for those leaving it to latest..I might play it before GW23, get 10 days from the 18th to the 28th..

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    2. BeachBadger
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      I might play it the week before if Agueros back but yeah ultimately leaving it to the end myself

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

        I'm considering playing it between GW22 and 23 because I get 10 days to play the prices and Aguero should be back by then

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        1. BeachBadger
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 10 months ago

          Yeah a good shout too.

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        2. Pepereina Pizza
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 10 months ago

          also my plan

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  4. BeachBadger
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 10 months ago

    2 free transfers what to do? Not happy with points from negredo, Lukaku and Glen Johnson.

    Ababayor a good shout or too kneejerky? Liverpool good fixtures and playing well, but GJ annoyingly always subbed off pre 60mins.

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

      http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2014/01/01/4515449/-

      http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/spurs/news/sherwood-adebayor-is--massively-important-to-spurs_127784.html

      I'm getting Adebayor in, I don't think he's really injured, but I'm waiting until after the Capital One Cup games

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      1. BeachBadger
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        Who would you drop?

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

          Rooney or Negredo..depends on what comes out of the United camp over the next week..

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

          but ideally I'd like to keep Rooney for now..but for me Kun > Rooney and if Ade is so important to Spurs and they're clicking then I have money to spend elsewhere

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          1. BeachBadger
            • 11 Years
            10 years, 10 months ago

            CHeers. I don't have Rooney so makes it all the easier. Cheers for replying.

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

              course 😉 hate it when people abandon a convo

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              1. BeachBadger
                • 11 Years
                10 years, 10 months ago

                Yeah it's not nice, is it? Thanks anyways. Let me know if you need someone to muse over your team haha. How'd you do this week, btw?

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

                  terrible..well not terrible, 43 points..thankfully only took me down from 134k to 143k

                  just toying around with WC teams now..bored..

                  Speroni - Mannone
                  Ward - Chester - Coleman - Evans - Mertesacker
                  Eriksen - Silva - Hazard - Walcott - Mutch
                  Suarez - Aguero - Adebayor

                  Not sure if Westwood will displace Mannone, if Mutch will maintain or how Eriksen will progress under Sherwood

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                  1. BeachBadger
                    • 11 Years
                    10 years, 10 months ago

                    Walcott spared my blushes a bit ina pretty poor GW all round I think. SUnderlands recent loss has made me reconsider getting Mannone but he is so cheap. Think I might bring Boruc in. Southampton looked good against Chelsea for most of the match.

                    Eriksen could be a good shout.

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

                      yeah totally forgot about Boruc until about 20 min ago 😉

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                      1. BeachBadger
                        • 11 Years
                        10 years, 10 months ago

                        Haha Southampton some pretty tasty fixtures in Feb too

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    2. Cruizer van Nistelrooy
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      ade is a good shout,but wait for his injury updates

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      1. BeachBadger
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        Who would you drop? ANd how injured is he do you think? Should be just a knock right?

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        1. Cruizer van Nistelrooy
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 10 months ago

          i'm keeping lukaku atm..i don't think ade's injury is too bad,perhaps was subbed off just as precaution

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

            some say he just doesn't want to play Arsenal 😆

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          2. BeachBadger
            • 11 Years
            10 years, 10 months ago

            CHeers for the replies. Much appreciated

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  5. Idiottax
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 10 months ago

    Is anyone else thinking about Rooney to Benteke with Rooney's injury status?

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    1. Cruizer van Nistelrooy
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      rooney playing just fine last night. and please, no benteke atm

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

        Check out the Scout Tweets,Moyes said that he may miss a few matches.Not sure about the Swansea one though!

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

      lol no Benteke..

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

      also Rooney isn't flagged anymore and has 10 days to rest

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  6. Cruizer van Nistelrooy
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 10 months ago

    chesney
    evans, coleman, chester
    walcott, hazard, silva, whitts
    rooney, suarez, lukaku

    subs: steer, ki, gabbidon, rosenior

    0.8 in the bank, 2FT. thinking of rosenior -> burner, and bench chester. your thoughts?

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  7. KING_ZLATAN
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 10 months ago

    Who should I play ?
    CABAYE (MCI)
    WHITS (WHU)
    CLYNE (WBA)

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    1. Cruizer van Nistelrooy
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      cabaye

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

      Whitts

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

      Clyne

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    4. AarÖn Özilski
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Whiits

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

    Hello folks!

    Davis(WBA)
    Ward(TOT) Dawson(CRY) Collins(CAR)
    Hazard(HUL) Barkley(NOR) Lallana(WBA) Walcott(AVL)
    Lukaku(NOR) Suarez(STO) Rooney(SWA)

    Subs:Marshall,Sterling,Chester,Williamson.

    Only concerns are:
    A) Play Davis(WBA) or Marshall(WHU)
    B) Bench Barkley(NOR) or Sterling(STO)
    C) Does this team need wildcarding?No FT and nothing in the bank!

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    1. Cruizer van Nistelrooy
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      marshall
      sterling
      no

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  9. ILOVEBAPS
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 10 months ago

    Stupid red arrow. 🙁 dropped 2.5k
    Feel like team is slipping away from me. Can't stop the bleeding without a major points hit or playing WC. Want to wait however. Grrr...

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    1. The Enlightener
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      I got a bunch of greens with 47 points. Strange Fantasy Prem period this.

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    2. Cruizer van Nistelrooy
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      up only 20 places, a very small green arrow 😆

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      1. Cruizer van Nistelrooy
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        btw i think your team is just fine..as you are in top 10k, it must be hard to stay in there

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        1. ILOVEBAPS
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 10 months ago

          Been a slog but need to sure things up. Yaya is killing me.

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

      It's really tight at the top I think.

      Think on the positive, one good week and you'll be shooting in the ranks.

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      1. ILOVEBAPS
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        Tough to come by those good weeks. 😉

        I took a chance with Gerard and it didn't work out so great. However I'm happy with him going forward as a differential.

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  10. AarÖn Özilski
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 10 months ago

    Will wait till Capital One cup is done but for now which transfer seems good ?

    A - Podolski-> Adebayor

    B - Negredo -> Sturridge

    Current front 3 are : Suarez Podolski Negredo

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

      A for me

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    2. Cruizer van Nistelrooy
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      A

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    3. ILOVEBAPS
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Negredo > Ade

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      1. AarÖn Özilski
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        Not sure about that tho

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  11. Total Foot 5
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 10 months ago

    best for wc:
    1--Coleman - Merts
    2--Baines - Kos

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    1. ILOVEBAPS
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      1

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      1. Total Foot 5
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        thx

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

    I need a straight swap for Ravel Morrison, any ideas guys?

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

      No cash in bank

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    2. AarÖn Özilski
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Sterling.

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

        He's likely to be dropped soon no?

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        1. AarÖn Özilski
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 10 months ago

          yea maybe you can check on huddlestone , redmond , mutch or

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        2. AarÖn Özilski
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 10 months ago

          Amalfitano

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    3. Total Foot 5
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      mutch or bannan

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      1. Total Foot 5
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        sterlin out when studge in

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    4. sinik
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      no Sterling

      check Huddlestone maybe, Mutch when he's back

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    5. Just A Hat
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      How much is Puncheon? I was considering him

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      1. The Enlightener
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        4.9 (am I the only one that keeps the Fantasy Prem site open while I post on here? makes it easy to reference such topics).

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        1. Just A Hat
          • 15 Years
          10 years, 10 months ago

          lol yes 🙂

          its people like you that keep this site ticking

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          1. The Enlightener
            • 10 Years
            10 years, 10 months ago

            Ha! Glad to help! (Hey you chaps who runs this site.....did you see this comment above. Maybe some kind of payment arrangements for my services???? C'mon!)

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            1. The Enlightener
              • 10 Years
              10 years, 10 months ago

              *run*..........hate when I make typos.

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  13. AarÖn Özilski
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 10 months ago

    Gameweek 17 : 1,141,966

    Gameweek 18 : 1,016,204

    Gameweek 19 : 978,210

    Gameweek 20 : 879,352

    Happy times. 😆

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    1. AarÖn Özilski
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Nothing see here. Keep on scrolling.

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  14. The Enlightener
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 10 months ago

    Man. No feedback on any of my posts. Well...just one. What is this? Ignore The Enlightener day? I think I've been bringing up some very interesting subject matter. 🙂

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    1. The Enlightener
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Maybe I'm just too self-centered tonight. New Year's resolution........be less self-centered. Ah, screw that.

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    2. AarÖn Özilski
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      People are mean here. 😆

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      1. The Enlightener
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        Yeah. You meanies!

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        1. The Enlightener
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 10 months ago

          Maybe it's my grav. It's a photo of the most bad-ass linebacker who ever lived.

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          1. The Enlightener
            • 10 Years
            10 years, 10 months ago

            This is worth a look if you have any interest at all in American football. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Lambert_(American_football)

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            1. AarÖn Özilski
              • 12 Years
              10 years, 10 months ago

              Not much of an American football but his teeth caught my attention.

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              1. The Enlightener
                • 10 Years
                10 years, 10 months ago

                I'm a big Steelers fan (both of my parents hail from Pittsburgh) and this guy is one of the franchise's most revered players of all time. The picture for my grav really shows his grit and toughness. It's a remarkable photo really when you consider the study of mankind. This was this guy's profession, and he fit it so well.

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                1. its a krul world
                  • 12 Years
                  10 years, 10 months ago

                  Nice! same here (the bit about being a Steelers fan). shame about that KC field goal though...

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            2. its a krul world
              • 12 Years
              10 years, 10 months ago

              And would you be a Steelers fan, by any chance?

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              1. The Enlightener
                • 10 Years
                10 years, 10 months ago

                Ding! I know. Obvious, isn't it? Just got in the mood to share a bit of Jack Lambert's past prowess.

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          2. AarÖn Özilski
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 10 months ago

            Yea sure it is. 😆

            Change it to Vincent Tan and everybody will love you here.

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            1. The Enlightener
              • 10 Years
              10 years, 10 months ago

              That's funny. That Tan dude is straight out of a movie....or a cartoon.....or something.

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              1. AarÖn Özilski
                • 12 Years
                10 years, 10 months ago

                He is an old comic villain dude.

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

      I appreciate it! If you hang on a bit, i'm just doing a bit of research myself which you might appreciate.

      Cheers

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  15. Nabs Kebabs
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 10 months ago

    GW 18: 165, 367
    GW 19: 91, 876
    GW 20: 65, 642

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

      nice one

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  16. ellothere
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 10 months ago

    played my wc and made what i think wil be a beast of a squad, thoughts?

    Davis/Speroni

    Mert/Chester/Coleman/Baker/Gabbidon

    Cabaye/Yaya/Walcott/Hazard/ Hendo

    Rooney/Suarez/Chamakh

    0.7ITB

    aim to play 352 each week and bring in aguero when the goalmachine returns

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

      no Baker, also I'm going to have two playing cheapie keepers

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

      Silva > Yaya and I'm considering Eriksen over Cabaye

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      1. ellothere
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        yayas been so consistent, only thing putting me off switching him

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

          once Kun is back Yaya loses his pens too and with Silva in he plays holding/box-to-box..still will pop in for points here and there but he'll be far less consistent..hasn't really been a period yet where all 3 were fit for a stretch

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  17. Bug
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 10 months ago

    Looks like any advantages of playing the WC late are disappearing... Everyone seems to be opting for the same strategy. Damn.

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

      playing it between GW22 and 23, best time IMO

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    2. Pepereina Pizza
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      But... if true, that means more price rises, and more differential possibility, yes?

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  18. sinik
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 10 months ago

    seems like it would be poor form to call in sick for Jan 2nd..but I am sick..hmm

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    1. Pepereina Pizza
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Go in, but leave early. That way you get a 3.5 day weekend.
      Think about the possibilities.

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

        might do that but I feel like I'd have to be really sick to take Friday off too 😐

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  19. AarÖn Özilski
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 10 months ago

    As WC is here, is 3-4-3 still a famous option ?

    With the line of midfield like this, do we need 3 strikers up front ?

    Hazard - Walcott - Gerrard - Eriksen - Silva

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

      I refuse to get Gerrard & Eriksen all time!

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

        why don't you like them Hanamichi!? lol you've been hating on Gerrard for a while now

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

          I dont like type of players like: Yaya, Gerrard, Eriksen. Never had Yaya in my team since I played this game though he could be top 1 scorer Mid this year!

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

            why? too deep?

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

              yes dislike CM/DM in my team
              Always prefer someone like Ozil in my team

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

                fair enough.. 🙂

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    2. The Finnisher
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      I am probably tossing up between Eriksen and Gerrard for my 4th midfielder but I'd have 3 strikers over them both tbh.

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    3. thegaffer82
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      I personally prefer 3-4-3. The strikers are going along nicely this season and so no need to go 2 upfront.

      In that midfield 5 you listed I'd rather lose Erikson (or Gerrard) so you can squeeze in another decent forward (Lukaku, Negredo, Berbs, Kun when fit etc....)

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  20. The Finnisher
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 10 months ago

    Only 0.3 between Mannone and Boruc, potentially less by time Boruc returns. I know who I'd prefer!

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

      my eyes might be broken but I swear Boruc was 4.4 last time I checked lol

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

        Haha I wish, then it would be a complete no brainer.

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

          hope Mannone rises a bit too

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    2. Pepereina Pizza
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      If they rotate well, i wouldn't mind owning both of them

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  21. Elniñorules
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 10 months ago

    CL of FPL Legends - Round of 16

    RVP vs Huth
    VDV vs Kolarov
    Siggy vs Elmo
    Charlie Adam vs Dempsey
    Lampard vs Essien
    Drenthe vs JT
    Demel vs Torres
    Fabregas vs Bale

    Vote for the winner in each clash

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

      Only played the last 2 seasons and a half so for FPL...

      RVP
      VDV always and forever
      Sigurdsson
      Dempsey
      Lampard
      Drenthe!
      Demel
      Bale

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    2. Cruizer van Nistelrooy
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      rvp
      vdv
      siggy
      adam
      lampard
      JT
      torres
      bale

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

      No Suarez 😯

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    4. SuperOsçarBaby
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Huth
      Kolarov
      Elmo
      Dempsey
      Essien
      JT
      Demel
      Bale
      I hope Bale wins 🙂

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    5. Elniñorules
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      RVP
      VDV (tough draw Aleks)
      Siggy
      Dempsey
      Lamps
      Drenthe
      Demel
      Bale

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    6. its a krul world
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      RVP
      VDV
      Siggy
      Adam
      Lamps
      JT
      Demel
      Bale

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    7. Get up ya bum
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Rvp
      Vdv
      Siggy
      Dempsey
      Lamps
      Jt
      Demel
      Fabregas

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  22. OPTA FPL
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 10 months ago

    Some questions for WC team lads!
    Boruc or Foster (both 4,7). I have K.Davis so dont worry about how long til Boruc back

    Best 5th Mid

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    1. Nabs Kebabs
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      mutch if fit or puncheon

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

        Pucheon too 'expensive' for 5th Mid consider he plays for CP

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        1. Nabs Kebabs
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 10 months ago

          hes down to 4.9, not too expensive imo, considering everyone was buying brady for >5

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    2. thegaffer82
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Boruc as Saints DF is superior to WBA. They admittedly havent kept many cleanies of late but their fixtures have been horrible

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  23. Nabs Kebabs
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 10 months ago

    keep mirallas for NOR? looked unlucky against stoke

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

      he has been 'inlucky' about 20 Gw = shit (always looks dangerous but get nothing)

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    2. Reedy
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Don't trust the blighter

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    3. Get up ya bum
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Yep keep another week

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  24. thegaffer82
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 10 months ago

    I finally like the look of my team team afetr whats been a very difficult opening 20GWs, and then lo and behold the WC is now available 🙁

    Oh well I guess I'll just leave my WC until the very end and hope that the people in my mini-league waste theirs somehow.

    What would you do with this squad

    ..........Mannone (4.0)
    ....Distin - Kosc - Burner
    Haz - Wally(vc) - Silva - Whitts
    ....Roon - Negredo - Suarez(c)

    Bench: RavMo - Baker - Chester
    0FT & 0.4 ITB

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    1. Valar(Keith)
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      i'm slowly dismantling my team so that i have a reason to use the WC. Taking punts on the likes of Dzeko, Podolski, Soldado etc.. might as well make a strategy to use it rahter than waste it

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

      use it between GW22 and 23..10 days to play the prices and then make your team

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  25. Reedy
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 10 months ago

    OMG Arcade Fire (with apologies to Bemba) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mt1Lhbdx5t4

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    1. Valar(Keith)
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Funeral and Neon Bible are two of my favorite albums of all time

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

    Who might realistically arrive in the transfer window that might be worth looking at? Heard rumours about Tello and possibly Bertrand to Liverpool. Also, Mata looks like he'll be on his way but i think Mourinho might be less inclined to sell to a title rival, so possibly Mata to United?

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

      Iseewhatyoudidthere

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

        Couldn't help myself. Was a genuine question though, despite the unoriginal 'joke' 🙂

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

          would love Mata and he looked genuinely pissed today when subbed

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

            He'd be a fantastic signing for anyone, but would be perfect for United right now.

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

              maybe we'd get to see some Rooney as a striker..:lol:

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    2. thegaffer82
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Mata > PSG paving the way way for:

      Moura > Man Utd

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  27. Strificus
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 10 months ago

    Which would be a better move?

    A) Negredo, Meyler -> Silva, Adebayor [-4 points]
    B) Cabaye -> Hazard

    Note: Meyler was benched; this would mean having a proper rotation.

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

      probably B, but wait until next Wednesday or around then

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      1. Strificus
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        He might be a bit too pricey at that time. I have a hard time sitting on these sort of things; even though it's usually the right thing to do.

        I'm at pivotal make or break point with my squad; where I have some money (3.4) and a hard time settling on a direction:

        http://i1304.photobucket.com/albums/s535/BayStBullies/Fantasy-Team_zps6eda54d3.png

        (outdated image)

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        1. Strificus
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 10 months ago

          Actually, I might need to get rid of Debuchy. That could be better suited for a hit. :/

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

          you could just wait and reshuffle for the wildcard

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

      A. Silva back, fresh as a wee daisy, and Ade home to Palace. Should get your points back and don't have to worry about Meyler.

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

        Palace are not to be underestimated though..and hits during WC season is a bit silly..but the question is moot because City will be playing two games between now and the lock

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    3. Pepereina Pizza
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      ooh, i really like A, myself

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  28. Mind över Mata
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 10 months ago

    Is Debuchy -> Kos a good shout?

    Would be doubling up on Arsenal defence

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

      is Debuchy banned for 3 games?

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

      I'm not a fan of doubling up to be honest, i'd have a look at Nastasic or someone like that. There are tons of good options in defence for prices similar to Kos.

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

    Last Man Standing safety score should be 44.

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    1. Get up ya bum
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Still standing

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  30. Hitman MHK
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 10 months ago

    2FT and £1.0 in the bank.
    No idea what to do.. http://gyazo.com/0f3d65fddcadf054a29e364544df1466.png

    Any ideas? Fancy Kosc but difficult who to drop.
    Cheers 🙂

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    1. Hitman MHK
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Now looking at it, what's the bet this is the last post on the page... hahah

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      1. Hitman MHK
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        DAT GUESS...

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    2. OPTA FPL
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Gh out for Kosc give you more money

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

        GJ

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        1. Hitman MHK
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 10 months ago

          Stoke (a) and Villa (h) in the next 2..

          Look like potential CS's.

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

      Good team. My priorities would be to get rid of Ravel and maybe strengthen your bench a bit, as rotation will become more prevalent as the season rolls on.

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      1. Hitman MHK
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        Cheers 🙂
        I've got the Jan wildcard for that so I don't want many sideways transfers.
        There's nothing convincing in that price bracket too :/

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