Digest

The Digest – Gameweek 32

Our final assessment of Gameweek 32 examines United’s in-form frontman and the numerous attacking options that have helped Everton to a five-match winning run and considers how much impact the upcoming double Gameweek 34 will have on our transfer plans:

THE PLAYER

After Robin van Persie was sidelined with a knee injury sustained in last month’s Champions League win over Olympiacos, Wayne Rooney’s contribution was more vital than ever for Manchester United. His two braces in the subsequent three league games makes it six goals in the last six for Rooney, and three double-figure Fantasy Premier League (FPL) returns in the last five suggests he is back on form after returning from injury.

Rooney’s move to spearhead the United attack has triggered an upturn in his form and points returns and has also allowed Juan Mata to tentatively move back onto Fantasy radars after the Spaniard delivered his first goal for the club, along with an assist and two bonus points, in last weekend’s 4-1 win over Villa.

Granted, a blank Gameweek 34 will press pause on many a manager’s plans but Rooney’s current exploits suggest he could be set to play a major part in the run-in. With Van Persie still out for a number of weeks, Sergio Aguero keen not to rush his latest comeback from injury and the Liverpool double-up option a little less enticing with City and Chelsea on the horizon, Daniel Sturridge owners may also be contemplating a move for the United frontman in the near-future.

Currently sitting in just 14% of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) teams, Rooney proved a real differential last weekend, and with a home clash against Norwich preceding a pair of Old Trafford matches in Gameweek 37, as Sunderland and Hull both pay visit, major investment looks on the cards before the campaign is out. For all their toils this term, last weekend’s convincing win over Villa suggests David Moyes’ side can still offer us viable Fantasy options over these last few matches, and with spot-kick duties also in hand due to Van Persie’s absence, Rooney’s flourishing form looks set to ease the pressure on his under-fire boss as Moyes seeks a silver lining on what has been a cloudy first season at the helm.

THE TEAM

Everton made it five wins in a row with their victory over Fulham last weekend, and are now looking the most likely contenders to oust Arsenal from the fourth Champions League place. Following a difficult period that saw them lose to rivals Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham in quick succession, the Toffees have rediscovered their early-season attacking form and embarked on a run of results that has seen Fantasy returns spread around a number of talented options.

Despite losing Steven Pienaar to injury, Roberto Martinez still has Aiden McGeady, Kevin Mirallas, Steven Naismith, Leon Osman, Ross Barkley and Gerard Deulofeu as options, with all six picking up game time and Fantasy points in recent matches. Admittedly, the Toffees boss warned us of his intentions to rotate the three positions behind Romelu Lukaku but the situation is, nonetheless, frustrating for Fantasy managers – compounded by the big Belgian’s inconsistency to deliver the goods up top.

Barkley’s calf injury withdrawal at Craven Cottage is a worry for his 20% FPL owners, though Martinez has plenty of alternatives should the youngster be forced onto the sidelines. As shown in Sunday’s win over Fulham, when all three subs climbed off the bench to score or assist in a 3-1 win, the rotation policy is working well for the Toffees boss and only looks set to continue. Kevin Mirallas’ owners remain frustrated by the Belgian’s lack of guaranteed starts yet he has still popped up with a goal and two assists over the last three matches, taking his points tally to 120 – just three behind David Silva, for example.

Regardless, few will be willing to bring in the midfielder at this point – Lukaku and the likes of Leighton Baines and Seamus Coleman look the safest targets as the Toffees brace themselves for an upcoming double Gameweek 34 which pits them against Palace and Sunderland. With home matches against United and City and a trip to Southampton directly after the double, though, many will be looking to offload from Gameweek 35.

Despite the testing fixtures, Martinez’ men, who have already beaten Chelsea and United this season, have the momentum to secure the points and deliver a European spot for next term – great for the Toffees supporters, but from a Fantasy perspective, the recent rotation policy looks ominous for next season already.

THE TALKING POINT

For many Fantasy managers, the strong returns achieved in double Gameweek 31 immediately appeared to justify the strategy to restructure our squads and cash in on a schedule which saw 10 Premier League teams play twice.

As many Fantasy teams were amended to feature the maximum compliment of players with a double fixture, some of this season’s most consistent performers (such as Chelsea’s Eden Hazard) were benched or even shipped out completely to make way. Adam Lallana, for example, was subject to 160,000 transfers out in advance of Gameweek 31, whilst many also parted company with the midfielder’s Southampton team-mates Rickie Lambert and Jay Rodriguez to load up on the doubles. The Saints’ in-form trio have made many regret that decision over the last two fixtures as Mauricio Pochettino’s side notched twice at Tottenham before putting four past Newcastle last Saturday, with all three earning 10+ point hauls in the Magpies rout.

As we turn our attentions to the remaining double Gameweeks, Southampton’s exploits have served a timely reminder that sometimes we can get carried away by the potential offered up by those teams with doubles, and take our eye off the long-term.

Certainly, Man City, with a pair of doubles and some fine fixtures, surely merit the full three-player quota ahead of Gameweek 34. As mentioned above, aside from Lukaku, Everton’s attacking options look no more than a punt, judging by their manager’s recent rotation policy, whilst Baines and Coleman have mainly been relying on attacking returns from the back after a run of just two clean sheets in ten.

Sunderland’s appeal looks limited – until Gameweek 36, at least. Adam Johnson owners will be hoping his goal off the bench against West Ham last night can earn him a first-team reprieve, but with trips to Spurs and Chelsea on either side of a double Gameweek 34 against Everton and City, it’s difficult to justify immediate investment. Palace will be looking to push on from their impressive win over Chelsea, but with goals hard to come by, we’re likely to be relying on defensive points against Villa and Everton – furthermore, the Eagles still have City and Liverpool to play at home, with their options back on our benches for those fixtures.

After the high of Gameweek 31, the upcoming double looks far less enticing a prospect this time round. Indeed, those who loaded up on City and Everton last time around will already have their players in place – shopping lists are likely to be minimal, then, with many instead restructuring their side with one eye on the remaining strength of schedule and double Gameweek 37, where Rooney and, potentially, a fit-again Aguero, could be poised to wreak havoc.

Ricardo355 Far too many hours spent in FPL world.. Former Live HoF number 1 for two whole weeks! (19/09)

721 Comments Post a Comment
  1. LOCO ABREU
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 12 months ago

    dgw 34 strikers:Lukaku and Aguero/Dzeko and +?no one?

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    1. emperikal
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      Lukaku - Aguero - Suarez

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    2. Efan Ekoku Pops
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      Suarez

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  2. Efan Ekoku Pops
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 12 months ago

    If Aguero is fit, are these sound moves?

    GW33: Evra > Demichelis
    GW34 Gerrard + Sturridge > Lallana + Aguero (2 FTs)

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    1. LOCO ABREU
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      good

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    2. emperikal
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      Good.

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  3. TwiggsJameson
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 12 months ago

    Whats happened to Jagielka? Has Stones taken his place or is he still injured? He might be a good punt for the DGW

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    1. emperikal
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      Jags on his road to recovery from injury. He's nearing fitness though so I'd look elsewhere

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      1. Scroobius Mac
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 12 months ago

        Plus Stones has been really good. He hasn't taking Jagielka's place but there's no need to rush him back.

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

    Bravo on Fire !

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  5. emperikal
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 12 months ago

    Too much Madrid in this side? 😆 If I don't go with Messi I can afford to get Lahm in. Surely Benzema + Lahm will outscore Messi + Jallet right? Because I quite like the look of this side.

    Pinto
    Alaba - Lahm - Azipilicueta - Carvajal - Durm
    Bale - Kroos - Oscar - Koke - Matuidi
    Ronaldo - Benzema - Muller

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    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      Not enough Messi.

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      1. emperikal
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 12 months ago

        I think Barca - Athletico will be a pretty tight affair tbh. On the other hand I think things could get out of hand at the Bernabéu. Though if Messi does go crazy his high ownership will sting...

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        1. Epic Fail
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 12 months ago

          I guess it all depends how seriously you're taking UCL. If it's just a side game then the fun element of the no Messi differential is all good. Not having Messi is like not having Suarez in FPL.

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          1. emperikal
            • 13 Years
            9 years, 12 months ago

            I'm not taking it that seriously though I'm doing pretty decent. OR around 1400 but 7th in Canada. Would be nice to try and catch up to the leader there with some differential

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  6. The 12th Man
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 12 months ago

    3 from 5

    Ivanovic,Evra,Baines,Coleman, Ward

    option - I want to sell Evra for a cheap defender, but who?

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  7. GoonerByron
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 12 months ago

    Is Dzeko likely to be a good option, regardless of Aguero being fit or not?

    Want to do Carroll -> a DGW striker but don't want to tear my team apart for Aguero again, lost me way too many points before the last double.

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    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      Could be, but definitely a risk.

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      1. GoonerByron
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 12 months ago

        Only have Silva at the moment, doing Mata -> Nasri next week so it's either Dzeko in for the 3rd or a City defender.. City def a better option you think?

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        1. Epic Fail
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 12 months ago

          Safer, but not necessarily better. Dzeko can't really be advised on, it will just he down to your gut call. It will either go brilliantly or fail miserably.

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    2. Carrick Doesn't Deserv…
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      yes. he will play alongside aguero if fit anyway

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  8. Gimli son of Gloin
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 12 months ago

    Gerrard + Januzaj -> Silva & Eriksen for no hits.
    Sound good?

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    1. Pepin - RIP Absinthe
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      Ja

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      1. Chris_White
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 12 months ago

        Talking norwegian are we? 😉

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        1. Pepin - RIP Absinthe
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 12 months ago

          Speaking the language of booz

          http://www.jager.com/en-us/home/

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          1. Chris_White
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 12 months ago

            😆

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            1. Pepin - RIP Absinthe
              • 13 Years
              9 years, 12 months ago

              Why is your profile link still wrong btw? 😆

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    2. asquishypotato
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      Looking very tasty.

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  9. Freshy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 12 months ago

    A ManU false 9 to mess with Bayren

    Smalling/Jones/Vidic/Buttner
    ----------------Fellini----------------
    --------Fletcher/Carrick----------
    ------Tony/Roo/Wellbeck-------

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    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      Looks like a false midfield too

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      1. Pepin - RIP Absinthe
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 12 months ago

        😆

        Classic Bemba

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      2. Freshy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 12 months ago

        Just dare ya to come thru the midfield
        Get out there and foul em boys

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

    Barcelona and Bayern wins... Easy double up for a bet tonight?

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    1. Chris_White
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      Yes

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  11. pundit of punts
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 12 months ago

    Anyone care to predict the PSG backline?

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    1. Carrick Doesn't Deserv…
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      is marquinhos a solid pick?

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      1. pundit of punts
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 12 months ago

        Not too sure.

        Silva and Alex are the preferred CB pairing I think.

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      2. Camp No No
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 12 months ago

        Solid pick if you want to have relatively expensive bench fodder.

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    2. emperikal
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      Jallet - Alex - Silva - Maxwell

      Gregory Van der Wiel missed the game against Nice through injury so Jallet could keep his place, with Maxwell likely to return at left-back. (from whoscored.com)

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

        Marquinos could play right back, he's filled in there before I believe. I'll go with that back 4 though.

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        1. Camp No No
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 12 months ago

          Definitely won't. Has played 0 times RB for PSG and Jallet has played every match since VDW's injury and been one of the best performers of the team.

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

            Then someone is feeding me pork pies. I read that he has played RB

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            1. Camp No No
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 12 months ago

              Not for PSG at least. Don't know what he did in Rome.

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      2. pundit of punts
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 12 months ago

        Thanks.

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    3. Chris_White
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      Jallet/VdW, Alex, Silva, Maxwell

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    4. Root
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      Anyone care to predict the PSG midfield?

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      1. Camp No No
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 12 months ago

        Matuidi-Motta-Verratti.

        Cabaye in on second half.

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    5. pundit of punts
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      Thanks everyone.

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  12. Gimli son of Gloin
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 12 months ago

    Bayern (-2) and Barca (-1) double at 10/1.

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

      Mmmmm that sounds juicy .

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    2. Henry Hill
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      What are the odds on Rafael to get sent off? Gambling sites blocked in work

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      1. Camp No No
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 12 months ago

        He has to play to be sent off.

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  13. asquishypotato
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 12 months ago

    Feeling much better about my Dzeko transfer now that Aguero doesn't want to rush back into things. If anything I think that he will be back for Liverpool, and won't even make an appearance for the Saints game.

    Negredo is out of form to. Dzeko wontg et the full 90 but I think he will get enough to to something.

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  14. Henry Hill
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 12 months ago

    Who is best midfielder priced 5.1 or lower? I'm considering getting Puncheon 😯

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

      Also considering Sterling to puncheon to free up cash for Aguero next week.

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      1. Henry Hill
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 12 months ago

        I didn't see any of it but I heard Puncheon played well vs Chelsea. Would you not keep Sterling for the West Ham game? |Good fixture for him

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

          Good point. Have 2 FTs and Sterling not nailed on.

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  15. Epic Fail
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 12 months ago

    How much do you think Moyes is shitting himself right now?

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    1. Jackson123
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      There is no expectation United will win, therefore majority of pressure eased, anything above a loss is a bonus.

      So in contrast, he's probably terrified about Newcastle at the weekend.

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      1. Epic Fail
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 12 months ago

        True, though he probably knows that there's every chance Bayern can humiliate them in front of their own fans.

        I'd actually like to see Man Utd pull off an upset though.

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        1. Jackson123
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 12 months ago

          Would certainly make the 2nd leg much more interesting.

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          1. Epic Fail
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            9 years, 12 months ago

            Don't get me wrong though. I'll still laugh if they get hammered.

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    2. Granville
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      "I'm really looking forward to the game" - Moyes

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      1. Epic Fail
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 12 months ago

        I nearly fell asleep while reading that to myself in his voice.

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    3. Elniñorules
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      I think United could surprise. They have nothing to lose as every dog seems to have ruled any possibility of them winning. Brings back memories of our CL winning campaign.

      Oh, that's enough. Who am I kidding.

      Anyone know what's the record for the biggest goal difference in a QF?

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      1. Jackson123
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 12 months ago

        I have not ruled them out, just yet.

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

          This dog means business.

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    4. Henry Hill
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      He was seen walking around Old Trafford this morning with a nervous look on his face, pic below:

      http://freethoughtblogs.com/lousycanuck/files/2012/10/panic.gi

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      1. Somalion
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 12 months ago

        Oooph, I hate it when I 404 when I'm trying to be funny.

        http://freethoughtblogs.com/lousycanuck/files/2012/10/panic.gif

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        1. Henry Hill
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 12 months ago

          Yes indeed, very embarrassing. Luckily there is a new post so my humiliation kept to a minimum!

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          1. Somalion
            • 14 Years
            9 years, 12 months ago

            Oh you jammy git 😉

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          2. Granville
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 14 Years
            9 years, 12 months ago

            ^
            I could draw attention to it like this 😉

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            1. Epic Fail
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              9 years, 12 months ago

              😀

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            2. Henry Hill
              • 14 Years
              9 years, 12 months ago

              How did you do that 😆

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            3. Somalion
              • 14 Years
              9 years, 12 months ago

              Love it 😆

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            4. JK - Cønt ⭐
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              9 years, 12 months ago

              😀

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

      As much as this probably:

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMmMvh1hSN4

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  16. Caesar Salahd
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 12 months ago

    People keeping AJ? Only for DGW? Or Transfer him for Eriksen/Mutch or someone else?

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    1. The B
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      Keeping. Has been returning fair points in the past 2GWs.

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      1. The 12th Man
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 12 months ago

        keeping. on bench except 34 and 37

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

      He's doing ok even when Sunderland are losing. Imagine if they start winning and winning big...

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      1. Epic Fail
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 12 months ago

        Sunderland winning big 😀

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    3. Root
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      Season-keeper

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    4. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      Keeping for the season.

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    5. Efan Ekoku Pops
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      Season keeper now. Has to start this weekend.

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  17. The B
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 12 months ago

    Which combo would you prefer for DGW?

    Have YYT already and planning on losing Gerrard and Sturridge.

    1. Ward + Silva + Aguero

    OR

    2. Demi + Lallana + Aguero

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    1. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      2

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    2. Efan Ekoku Pops
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 12 months ago

      I'm doing the same moves as 2.

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  18. Dain Bramage
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 12 months ago

    How come Benteke is not on the captains poll list? Home to Fulham. First time I've had him in my team and hoping for some good returns. Good set of fixtures and double game week to come. Am I missing something peeps
    Cheers

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  19. Buttster
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 12 months ago

    Anyone else thinking Rodgers may not risk Gerrard against the hammers to guarantee he's available for the City game?

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  20. Dušan Citizen
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 12 months ago

    Play one:Chester(SWA),Distin(ARS),Smalling(new)

    Team:Harper-Azpi,Vlaar,____-Hazard,Gerrard,Yaya,Mutch-Suarez,Sturridge,Lukaku
    Bench:Boruc-Smalling-Nolan-Distin

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