[sbu_large_image] Scout Betting
26 February 2011 1132 comments
Money Mike Money Mike
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After a gameweek that seemed to span the ages, we’re back with a snappy weekend affair, albeit one ravaged the distraction of the Carling Cup Final.

With Arsenal, Spurs and Birmingham all missing from the fixture list, modest returns look on the cards, as Fantasy Managers shift resources to muster a starting XI. Can Paddy Power’s weekend odds help us find some inspiration out of desperation?

Who Will Keep a Clean Sheet?

  • Man City 1.90 (FUL)
  • Man United 2.10 (wig) dgw
  • Everton 2.20 (SUN)
  • Aston Villa 2.40 (BLA)
  • Stoke City 2.50 (WBA)
  • Liverpool 2.60 (whm)
  • Newcastle 2.70 (BOL)

The post-Christmas goal glut seems to be well over for league leaders United. A defeat at Wolves in the league, a pyrrhic victory over Crawley in the cup and a dull goalless draw with Marseille in the Champions league, has left Alex Ferguson asking questions of his midfield and attack. In contrast, United’s back four look stronger from week to week as Chris Smalling and the Da Silva brothers look more confident alongside veteran Nemanja Vidic. Paddy believes this mix of young and old blood should have no problem keeping Wigan, with a modest season average of 1gsh (goals scored at home), off the scoresheet.

Paddy place Manchester City up alongside their derby rivals at the top of the clean sheet market this week. They face a Fulham side who have accrued a mere average of 0.85gsa (goals scored away). Man City’s home record of 0.89gch (goals conceded at home) justifies Paddy’s price and makes them favourites over United.

Everton, Villa and Stoke all have favourable home fixtures. Paddy posts Everton highest of the three to hold out for a clean sheet, but the stats tell a different story. Stoke have struggled on the road in recent weeks, but have still held a good home defensive record of 1gch, whilst their opponents West Brom have struggled to make 0.85gsa.

The cleanie looks more secure at the Britannia then and, while Liverpool’s odds for a shut-out at Upton Park have lengthened in the last 24 hours, Paddy still has them ranked over Newcastle at home to Bolton – we’re not so sure.

Anytime Goalscorer

  • C Tevez 1.66 (FUL)
  • W Rooney 1.83 (wig) dgw
  • D Bent 1.90 (BLA)
  • D Berbatov 2.10 (wig) dgw
  • M Balotelli 2.30 (FUL)
  • E Dzeko 2.30 (FUL)
  • J Carew 2.30 (WBA)
  • K Jones 2.30 (WBA)
  • J Hernandez 2.30 (wig) dgw
  • T Cahill 2.37 (SUN)
  • L Saha 2.37 (SUN)
  • K Doyle 2.37(BLP)
  • S Ebanks-Blake 2.37 (BLP)
  • S Fletcher 2.37 (BLP)
  • G Agbonlahor 2.40 (BLA)
  • L Suarez 2.40 (whm)
  • L Best 2.50 (BOL)
  • J Beckford 2.50 (SUN)
  • M Owen 2.50 (wig) dgw
  • A Young 2.62 (BLA)
  • Nani 2.70 (wig)

Manchester City have not competed against a Premier League side for two weeks, although two legs in the Europa League and one FA Cup tie have kept them busy. Carlos Tevez has had some intermittent rest over the period, featuring as a sub in one match and getting an early bath in another, and looks more than justified as leader in the Anytime Goalscorer market. He won’t find it easy to circumvent a resolute Fulham defence, but, if City are to prevail, Tevez will surely be a key factor.

Manchester United’s strike duo also rank highly, although it’s worth noting that confidence in Dimitar Berbatov has dropped overnight as he’s fallen to longer odds – Villa’s Darren Bent is now sandwiched between the two United men. Although Rooney has been more prolific of late, Dimitar Berbatov currently heads the chase for the Golden Boot award by a single goal. This narrow margin could easily extend as United look to claim 13 out of 13 wins against relegation battlers Wigan this weekend. While Berbatov will need two starts over the Wigan and Chelsea fixtures in gameweek to reward investment, likewise Rooney owners won’t want to see their man deployed out wide in either game. It remains a tough call between the pair.

Darren Bent has scored a goal every other game in all competitions since Christmas. With him settling for only an assist at Blackpool last week, he’ll be hungry to continue the trend at home to Blackburn. Edin Dzeko and Mario Balotelli have both been in the goals recently, and are priced just behind Bent, but as Paddy’s odds suggest, they will inevitably play second fiddle to Tevez.

Tim Cahill features as the highest placed midfielder this week, and looks hopeful to return to his scoring form of last year. Doubts still remain over his fitness however; there’s every chance that he will miss out against Sunderland with Everton’s FA Cup tie with Reading looming on Tuesday.

Sticking with midfielders, Ashley Young’s odds are of interest. He comes in ranked above Nani, despite the fact that United travel to Wigan. Clearly Paddy is a big fan of Young’s potential this week.

Finally, if you’re looking for real dark-horse selections up front, the eye is drawn to Paddy’s odds on the Stoke and Wolves strikers. Both are heavily backed by our bookmaker to find the net against the obliging West Brom and Blackpool defences respectively.

Paddy’s Scout Specials

We failed to sort the usual array of Scout Specials this week but, during the week, we did bring you some specials on both Joey Barton and David Silva that might tempt you into a flutter.

Joey Barton to score 2 or more goals against either Bolton or Everton combined 10/1
Joey Barton to be sent off against either Bolton or Everton 10/1
Joey Barton to score a hat-trick against either Bolton or Everton 80/1

David Silva to score at total of 2 or more goals vs Fulham and Wigan 3/1
David Silva to get an assist against both Fulham and Wigan 7/1
David Silva to Score from outside the box vs Fulham or Wigan 9/2
DavidSilva to score a free kick against Fulham or Wigan 18/1

Paddy’s Money Back Special

Paddy turns to Sunday’s Wembley Final for the source of this weekend’s Money Back Special. If Arsenal leads at anytime in normal time against Birmingham and fails to win the match, Paddy Power will refund all losing 1st /last goalscorer, correct score & scorecast singles on the match.

Bet £10 Get £20

If you’re new to this betting lark and new to Paddy Power then you can take up any of these odds and offers and get yourself a bonus. You can sign up via this site and get a free £20 when you register and bet a tenner.

Finally of course, we should state that all these offers are only available to those aged 18 and over and are subject to Paddy Power’s terms and conditions.

  1. roscoe1891
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 1 month ago

    Ballacks --- Arteta and Gardener

    I have to play Nelson this week, but could take 4 point hit to bring in smalling. I don't fancy a clean sheet from Nelson, so seems sensible???? Maybe

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  2. Wings of Steel
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 1 month ago

    Cahill or Miereles this GW?

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  3. cucumber
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 1 month ago

    Nani Captain:
    -2 games, so if its a fail in the first game he still has the chelsea game to fall back on
    -Chelsea game at old trafford, always more likely to score
    -Away form isn't as good, but against wigan there's still a good chance

    Tevez captain
    -Last home game he scored 17 points
    -In the away game at fulham earlier this season he scored 16 FPL points.
    -May be tired after the game on thursday night
    -If it's a fail against fulham he doesn't have a second game to fall back on

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    1. Boom!!!
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 1 month ago

      we are playing chelsea away from home 😕

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      1. cucumber
        • 16 Years
        15 years, 1 month ago

        only noticed that now... lol

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      2. Jinswick
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        15 years, 1 month ago

        interesting. mine is on nani but given the state of my team and that I'm already 8 points down i might just switch to tevez to give me any chance of staying green (assuming the vast majority captain nani)...

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        1. Viper
          • 16 Years
          15 years, 1 month ago

          But then if nani delivers your in for a big drop! if i was tryin to catch a lead id go tevez but to protect a lead go mamg

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          1. Viper
            • 16 Years
            15 years, 1 month ago

            *Nani, damm predictive text

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    2. Viper
      • 16 Years
      15 years, 1 month ago

      So your goin for??

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      1. cucumber
        • 16 Years
        15 years, 1 month ago

        atm nani seems safer

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    3. Fray Bentos
      • 16 Years
      15 years, 1 month ago

      if the Chelsea game was at old trafford he would be my captain, it isnt, so he's not

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      1. SuperDunny - Used to be goo…
        • 16 Years
        15 years, 1 month ago

        I need you to win your H2H this week Fray!! Gotta try and catch the guy ahead of me (which is pretty much everyone) in FFS H2H4!

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        1. Fray Bentos
          • 16 Years
          15 years, 1 month ago

          i'll do my bloody best! 😉

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          1. SuperDunny - Used to be goo…
            • 16 Years
            15 years, 1 month ago

            Good lad ... now don't buy Fletcher!!!

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            1. Fray Bentos
              • 16 Years
              15 years, 1 month ago

              oops! 😉

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    4. Bolivian Seaman
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 1 month ago

      I had tevez as (c) all week but i went for nani because when i look at the games i know man utd have to score. i hope they lose both cos i'm an arsenal fan but its a big gamble to go tevez actually.

      they could just end up with the same points

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  4. weeurquahrt
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 1 month ago

    sunderland 4/1 against the toffies might be worth a tenner.

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  5. disparate dan - a reasonabl…
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 1 month ago

    worth taking a point hit for cahill on the off-chance?

    would you take out adam, fabs or vdv??

    vds
    colman,wilkinson,simpson,kelly
    barton, nani(c)
    tevez,rooney,odem

    begovic,djourou,fabs,vdv,adam

    cheers!

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    1. MARVELLUS
      • 16 Years
      15 years, 1 month ago

      depends on money loss, i took out adam and fabs, but may not get fabs back as have rvp.

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      1. disparate dan - a reasonabl…
        • 15 Years
        15 years, 1 month ago

        i'll lose least on fabs

        not that arsed about the money though as am worth 107.5 with some in't bank

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        1. disparate dan - a reasonabl…
          • 15 Years
          15 years, 1 month ago

          just don't know whether i'd rather have the 4 points than a player who may not even play!

          is it worth it folks??

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  6. Phillips
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 1 month ago

    Start Begovic or Reina?

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    1. Boom!!!
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 1 month ago

      begovic

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      1. Bolivian Seaman
        • 15 Years
        15 years, 1 month ago

        reina

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  7. Vpan
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 1 month ago

    For those who have BOTH:

    Nani or Tevez for (C)???????

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    1. niko
      • 16 Years
      15 years, 1 month ago

      I've got both but captaining Rooney. Nani hasn't performed as well away from Old Trafford.

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      1. Gavin - Gers in turmoil!!!
        • 15 Years
        15 years, 1 month ago

        splendid choice lol

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        1. sinusoidal
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          15 years, 1 month ago

          I'm all aboard the Rooney express

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      2. HuttonDressedasLahm
        • 16 Years
        15 years, 1 month ago

        Same as

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    2. Gavin - Gers in turmoil!!!
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 1 month ago

      I've got both but have went Rooney> would go Nani between the 2 mentioned

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      1. niko
        • 16 Years
        15 years, 1 month ago

        My point is I wouldn't captain Nani away from home (even if he plays twice), so Tevez then.

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    3. Dr. Rog
      • 16 Years
      15 years, 1 month ago

      lets think about it logically.

      predictions:
      Wigan 0 - Man u 1 (given recent form)
      Chelsea 1 - man u 1

      Citeh 3 - Fulham 0

      I think its likely Nani would get one of those goals + some bonus.
      Thats 5+2+2+1+3bonus lets say = 13

      Tevez needs to score 2 goals (he will get the bp) to match that.

      Tough one. I think Nani is a safer bet, whilst Tevez can be explosive

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  8. On The Up
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 1 month ago

    morning all and last little gems for this wildcard team

    begovic (foster)
    simpson coleman kolarov smalling (djourou)
    cahill a young barton nani (vdv)
    tevez rooney (rvp)

    can only field 11 if cahill plays

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  9. Dr. Rog
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 1 month ago

    Tevez or Nani for captain?

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    1. On The Up
      • 16 Years
      15 years, 1 month ago

      nani

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    2. Phillips
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 1 month ago

      If you're doing well, Nani. If you've got ground to make up, Tevez. I'm taking an 8 point hit to field 11, so got no gamble left in me - going with Nani.

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    3. mouldy_uk
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 1 month ago

      People realise Rooney only has one goal and one assist away from home all season

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  10. Jinswick
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 1 month ago

    great. i don't even have 1 that plays. I'd go Begovic.

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  11. MARVELLUS
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 1 month ago

    Nani recently got 10 pts against Man City, that fact alone should be enough to pick him over Tevez imo.

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  12. cucumber
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 1 month ago

    West Brom are very capable of scoring.
    But I also feel West Ham could score at some stage..
    but Reina seems a bit safer

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    1. cucumber
      • 16 Years
      15 years, 1 month ago

      *sorry that was supposed to be a reply to Phillips

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  13. Mr. Tambourine Man
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 1 month ago

    MerryMichael thanks for your reply, but I still can't see it. I want to see what transfers a rival has made this gameweek, but when I go to their 'my team' page and then click the 'Transfer history >>' link, it only seems to show me the transfers up until last GW (so 27 in this case). Is that right, or can I see ones they've done this week somehow, as other people's comments seem to imply?

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    1. Im Not Marshal Foch
      • 16 Years
      15 years, 1 month ago

      its impossible to see peoples transfers that they've done during the gameweek until past the 11:30 deadline..

      You're voyeuristic tendencies will have to be quelled

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    2. OzziesDream
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 1 month ago

      You can't see this weeks transfers unti after the game week starts

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      1. Bolivian Seaman
        • 15 Years
        15 years, 1 month ago

        you can see how many they made, like Katie

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        1. Mr. Tambourine Man
          • 15 Years
          15 years, 1 month ago

          Oh, how?

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      2. Mr. Tambourine Man
        • 15 Years
        15 years, 1 month ago

        Well that's what I thought, but seeing people say "a rival's only made one transfer this week so far" made me think I was missing a trick. Maybe they just actually *talk* to their friends, weird.

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    3. Christina.
      • 16 Years
      15 years, 1 month ago

      His transfers are 'blowin in the wind'...

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      1. Mr. Tambourine Man
        • 15 Years
        15 years, 1 month ago

        Narf narf 🙂

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  14. hillbillypete
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone gone for giggs? i have Rooney and Nani but only fielding 10 including Cahill.

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    1. Fray Bentos
      • 16 Years
      15 years, 1 month ago

      cant decide between giggs and fletcher

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      1. Im Not Marshal Foch
        • 16 Years
        15 years, 1 month ago

        Can i help you? get neither

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        1. SuperDunny - Used to be goo…
          • 16 Years
          15 years, 1 month ago

          +1

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        2. Fray Bentos
          • 16 Years
          15 years, 1 month ago

          it would be a 1 week transfer only, switching to nasri/ cahill next week.

          way I see it, both should get at least 4 points to cancel out the hit (the alternative is 10 men) - and best case they might contribute goals/ assists/ baps

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  15. Im Not Marshal Foch
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 1 month ago

    Just 10 players for me this week.. but three of them play twice so i decided against taking a hit to deal with my lack of Keeper..

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    1. sy
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 1 month ago

      Id always take a hit to field 11, always worth the risk.

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      1. Im Not Marshal Foch
        • 16 Years
        15 years, 1 month ago

        for a goalkeeper? its really not

        never take hits for defenders.. that's what i've learnt

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  16. andy85wsm
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 1 month ago

    Set my team up so I need 4 auto subs. Just to boost my points at the end of the week. Pointless of course, but I've done it anyway.

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    1. dogtanion
      • 16 Years
      15 years, 1 month ago

      +1

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      1. Dr. Rog
        • 16 Years
        15 years, 1 month ago

        hehe i love doing that

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        1. andy85wsm
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 15 Years
          15 years, 1 month ago

          The stupid thing is I've checked it so many times even though I know the GW28 players without a game will definitely get subbed but theres still something in the back of my mind saying don't risk it 🙂

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          1. Christina.
            • 16 Years
            15 years, 1 month ago

            Same here. Even checked the fixtures to make sure the Ars vs Spuds game was not perhaps on again!

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          2. Mr. Tambourine Man
            • 15 Years
            15 years, 1 month ago

            I put Adam in my starting 11 just in case Ian Holloway made a last minute appeal that Adam should only have had 9 yellow awarded....

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    2. Christina.
      • 16 Years
      15 years, 1 month ago

      +1

      Berbatov/Tevz/Young on my bench. Doubt i will beat my h2h opponent, but just want him to get a fright.

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  17. bring_on _the_fantasy
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 1 month ago

    i would say go nani for CPT!

    very tempted by Tevez but i think Dzeco my start steeling a bit of his thunder. Tevez mybe pushed a bit deeper now also

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    1. Bolivian Seaman
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 1 month ago

      even when he's deep he's good. probably one of the best at taking people on in the premiership

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  18. 7923dos
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 1 month ago

    Brunt > barton worth a 4 point hit?

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    1. SuperDunny - Used to be goo…
      • 16 Years
      15 years, 1 month ago

      No

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      1. Christina.
        • 16 Years
        15 years, 1 month ago

        no

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  19. Jinswick
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 1 month ago

    It's for a hit and i've no backup if they don't play...Barton or Cahill?

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    1. Im Not Marshal Foch
      • 16 Years
      15 years, 1 month ago

      don't bother doing it

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      1. Jinswick
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        15 years, 1 month ago

        its for fabs so will only be fielding 9 if i do nothing....

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  20. Tmel
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 1 month ago

    Is it worth Odem > Bent this week? Would mean an 8 point hit overall for the week

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    1. Im Not Marshal Foch
      • 16 Years
      15 years, 1 month ago

      nope

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  21. Qubit
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 1 month ago

    Young, fellaini and Rooney or Downing, Cahill and Berbs??

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    1. bring_on _the_fantasy
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 1 month ago

      tough one, cahill may not play, i just have a feeling rooney is going to do well tis DGW (2 goals v wigan and 1 V chelsea

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      1. Qubit
        • 16 Years
        15 years, 1 month ago

        the rooney factor is swaying it for me i think!

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        1. Mr. Tambourine Man
          • 15 Years
          15 years, 1 month ago

          Long term, the second set I much prefer. For this week both Fellaini and Cahill are doubts and Berbs may well only play one game, so would rather the Roonpig.

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  22. RD
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 1 month ago

    an irrelavant question?>>

    how man automatic substitution are done by fpl??? all possible to field up 11?? or just first one or two??

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    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      15 years, 1 month ago

      Wtf, end of gameweek. You have 4 on the bench regardless.

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  23. Wings of Steel
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 1 month ago

    Cahill or Miereles to play eleven aaaaaaaarrgg?

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  24. njfsdkffslkf
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 1 month ago

    Nani (c) first time ever. Still feels odd.

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    1. sy
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 1 month ago

      Still keep changing between Rooney and Nani, neither have great form away from home. Cant make my mind up.

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    2. Bolivian Seaman
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 1 month ago

      do you miss you IWIN button of cristiano?

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    3. Boom!!!
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 1 month ago

      first time 😯

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    4. TommyK
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      15 years, 1 month ago

      How have you never captained Nani before!?!?!?!?!?

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      1. njfsdkffslkf
        • 16 Years
        15 years, 1 month ago

        Cos one of Tevez Drogba, Fabregas or Berbatov have had better weeks.

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  25. Torres76
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 1 month ago

    Whats the latest on tim cahill lads? is he playing....

    its him and nasri in next week so i am conceding 4 points 1 week early

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    1. G0SS
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 1 month ago

      I also wouldnt mind an update on Cahill and Kelly if someone knows something I dont.

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  26. Jonah
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 1 month ago

    Pyrrhic victory - A Pyrrhic victory ( /pɪrɪk/) is a victory with devastating cost to the victor; it carries the implication that another such victory will ultimately cause defeat.

    What a brilliant use of language - never heard that before. Nice one money mike!

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    1. Viper
      • 16 Years
      15 years, 1 month ago

      Like me wanting nani to do well but it would mean united winning? hate that!

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  27. Waldaz
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 1 month ago

    http://infect.c64.org/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/ibtlud9.gif

    What a strange gameweek this will be.

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    1. @ImpressiveTackl
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 1 month ago

      I laughed at that. Was that supposed to be a nail biting last minute dive under the door?

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  28. @ImpressiveTackl
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 1 month ago

    First ever 8 point hit.

    YEOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! C'mon GW28 I'm ready for ya!

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    1. Im Not Marshal Foch
      • 16 Years
      15 years, 1 month ago

      good.. caught you up by 8 points! 🙂

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    2. Bolivian Seaman
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 1 month ago

      you took an 8 point hit for a low scoring gw? hmm sorry to be negative

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  29. Dr. Rog
    • 16 Years
    15 years, 1 month ago

    Tevez last 5 home games: 17 13 2 2 8
    Nani last 5 away games: 7 2 3 5 3

    Tevez it is

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    1. Bolivian Seaman
      • 15 Years
      15 years, 1 month ago

      so thats

      17 13 2 2 8

      or

      if double gws

      9 5 8 8

      i'm going for the safe bet, i hate those 4 point captains

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      1. Dr. Rog
        • 16 Years
        15 years, 1 month ago

        indeed. it depends on your mini league position as to what u go with

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  30. Animals & Scandals
    • 15 Years
    15 years, 1 month ago

    Annoying that RVP is protected. Sold him for Rooney on Thursday, reckoned he would drop at least 0.1. So far only Walcott has dropped of the Arsenal players. Want RVP back soon now looks like a 0.4 loss...

    why is RVP protected, and not Walcott? both of them are injured.

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