[sbu_large_image] Scout Picks
20 December 2011 1804 comments
Paul Paul
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The turnaround in Gameweeks may be rapid but the Scout Selection Committee have been busy behind the scenes to bring you another set of picks. To an extent, Fantasy managers are somewhat at the mercy of any last-minute revelations right now, with team news so thin on the ground ahead of this evening’s 7.30pm deadline…

Tim Krul gets the nod between the posts with a home game against West Brom this Wednesday. With Fabricio Coloccini back in the heart of defence and Cheik Tiote installed to midfield, Newcastle kept Swansea at bay last weekend and will be hoping for back-to-back clean sheet as the Baggies make their way to Tyneside.

We’re sticking with Chris Samba once again in the back-three. The Blackburn skipper continues to provide a vital attacking threat to the Rovers attacks and has now bagged 2 goals and 4 assists in his last six full appearances. A home derby against Bolton gives Steve Kean’s side a chance to atone for last weekend’s Ewood Park defeat at the hands of West Brom.

Everton have yet to record a single clean sheet at Goodison this season but the visit of Swansea looks promising for David Moyes’ side. The Welsh club have failed to score in four of their eight away fixtures and with Leighton Baines also offering plenty going forward on the Toffees left flank, the full-back could be primed for a return to form this Gameweek.

We’ve opting for the security of Vincent Kompany ahead of Man City’s home clash with Stoke. Normally, we’d draft in Micah Richards, given his goal and 6 assists this season, but with Gael Clichy back from suspension on the left, Roberto Mancini has options in the full-back area. With Pablo Zabaleta excelling against Arsenal, the Argentine may keep his place in the starting XI; Richards appeared to be struggling late on in the game against the Gunners, though there has been no mention of any injury by the club.

Having seemingly recovered from his foot injury, Royston Drenthe is drafted into the Scout Picks. There’s no doubting the Dutchman’s class- coming off the bench against Norwich on Saturday, he needed only nine minutes to set up an assist- his fifth of the season, despite limited game time. Drenthe’s creativity will be key for Everton at home to Swansea, with David Moyes looking to halt a loss of form that has seen the Toffees pick up one point from the last three games.

Nani maintains his place in the picks, with a trip to Fulham up next for Man United. Sir Alex Ferguson’s side have upped their attacking returns of late and despite returning no more than 3 Fantasy points at QPR on Sunday, the winger looked a constant threat throughout. Fulham may have kept two successive home clean sheets but the champions will put that record to the test at the Cottage on Wednesday evening.

Despite the struggles of Sunderland, Seb Larsson has proved the best of the mid-price midfielders so far this season. The 6.7-priced Swede’s set-pieces and delivery from the flank have seen him accumulate 74 points, only 4 behind the likes of Rafael Van der Vaart. A trip to Loftus Road will hold no fear for Martin O’Neill’s side and with QPR recording just one clean sheet in the last eleven matches, Larsson’s the likeliest of any Black Cat to get amongst the points.

We have slight doubts over the inclusion of David Silva. A home game against Stoke offers plenty potential but as the fixtures fly by, there’s always the possibility of Roberto Mancini resting some of his key players over the festive period. Nevertheless, we can’t run the risk of leaving him out, with the Spaniard just pipping Rafael Van der Vaart to the final place in midfield.

Robin Van Persie is straight back into the Scout Picks after a brief disappearance last weekend. Up against an Aston Villa side with three home defeats in their last four, Van Persie looks a strong favourite for the armband. The Dutchman hasn’t gone more than one game without scoring since gameweek 6 and looks likely to torment an out-of-sorts Villa side on Wednesday evening.

Demba Ba may have failed to find the net against Swansea but we’re marking that down as nothing more than a temporary blip. West Brom have picked up just one clean sheet on the road this term, back in gameweek 4 at Norwich, and with penalty duties also in his locker, Ba looks a good bet to breach the Baggies back-line tomorrow evening. Given the striker’s troublesome knee injury history, there’s a slight chance Alan Pardew could rest and rotate as the fixtures come thick and fast but with Newcastle looking for a first win in six, that perhaps seems unlikely.

Tonight’s battle at Ewood Park sees the two worst defences in the league go head to head. Yakubu’s 4 goal haul against Swansea is still fresh in the memory and with an all-Lancashire derby against Bolton this evening, he’ll be looking to get the frustrated home fans back on side. Bolton have conceded 2 or more goals in six of their last seven away matches and with the Nigerian also on penalty duties, his chances of scoring look strong.

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  1. Epic Fail
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    After trying and trying to seek other options, seeing the latest team news is the final straw. I've finally given in and done it. I've given the armband to RVP against Villa.

    brb going for a cold shower.

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    1. Portsmouth Bubblejet
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      Heh. I'm another Villa fan who's doing the same thing. Just feels wrong, doesn't it?

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      1. 1966 was a great year for E…
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 3 months ago

        Why is your username 'Portsmouth Bubblejet' if you're a Villa fan?

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        1. Portsmouth Bubblejet
          • 15 Years
          14 years, 3 months ago

          It's a spoof team name from Alan Partridge on 'The Day Today':

          "I'm Alan Partridge - this is division two. Hull Paragraph 5, Portsmouth Bubblejet 1. Sheffield Hysterical 3, Chunky Norwich 1. Richmond Arithmetic versus Nottingham Marjorie - match postponed due to bent pitch. And the Scottish division one game between Taste of Dunfermline and Strathcarnage cannot be stopped."

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          1. 1966 was a great year for E…
            • 15 Years
            14 years, 3 months ago

            Ah-ha, I see. Great reference!

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      2. Epic Fail
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 3 months ago

        ha indeed it does. I kept making excuses as to why other options were better, but I've seen sense now, If I wasn't a Villa fan I would have given him the armband no questions asked. Being a good FPL manager means putting your loyalties to one side. Not that I'm any good, but still. 😀

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  2. woodenarmadillo
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    too risky to bring in drenthe for bale?

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    1. woodenarmadillo
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      it creates cash that i want to bring in verm for wilkinson

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      1. Epic Fail
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 3 months ago

        Do you not want Bale for the DGW?

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        1. WOLVERiNES
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          14 years, 3 months ago

          Can get bale later.. drenthe already a player for DGW.. and bales price will drop tomm.. hes at -200% on fiso

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          1. woodenarmadillo
            • 14 Years
            14 years, 3 months ago

            i handt checked fiso yet.. thanks

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          2. Epic Fail
            • 15 Years
            14 years, 3 months ago

            Ah yeah, good point. Might work out well then. Although it does waste a transfer bringing back in the same player. Having extra transfers might be quite valuable over the Christmas period, but possibly worth the risk.

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            1. WOLVERiNES
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 14 Years
              14 years, 3 months ago

              As i see it i would have anyway wasted a transfer on bringing drenthe in for larsson.. as i wont be transfering one of nani/mata/larsson atleast until gw19..
              now ill be getting bale in for larsson and vdv for mostly mata later..

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        2. woodenarmadillo
          • 14 Years
          14 years, 3 months ago

          I will bring bale in for nani at around gw 20..

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          1. WOLVERiNES
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            14 years, 3 months ago

            me too.. will get vdv either gw18 or 19 and bale at 20..

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      2. WOLVERiNES
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        14 years, 3 months ago

        im doin it.. bale possibly injured// everton have no option but to start drenthe with rodwell n coleman out..

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        1. woodenarmadillo
          • 14 Years
          14 years, 3 months ago

          agreed.. and even if he does play.. vs chelsea is not exactly going to be a point fest

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  3. Herewegoagain
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    Hi all,

    Please can someone do me a favour. Keep looking at Totalfpl.com for price rises/fallers but someone on here mentioned a site a while back that was supposed to be better - especially for those falling in price!

    Anyone know what it is , or if there are any others worth referring to??

    Thanks

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    1. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      FISO - crack the code.

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      1. Herewegoagain
        • 14 Years
        14 years, 3 months ago

        cheers mate - much appreciated!

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    2. heco87
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      google - fiso crack the code. Updates every hour

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      1. Herewegoagain
        • 14 Years
        14 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks also.

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  4. WOLVERiNES
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    After much thought I will be doing Bale > Drenthe this week... which means i wont have to take a hit to get 5 players for the DGW...

    I think Drenthe might start this week.. Bale probably on the bench.. also dont fancy him against current chelsea..

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    1. Menly
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      The Chelsea that drew 1-1 with wigan?

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      1. WOLVERiNES
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        14 years, 3 months ago

        they beat city the week before.. many big teams take smaller teams for granted and so sometimes lose or draw.. dont think chelsea will take spurs as an easy fixture..

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      2. Somalion
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 3 months ago

        Who have both Terry and Luiz as doubts? I'm heavily backing Spurs.

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  5. lightspeed
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    doesnt feel right going into this week without city attcking cover.

    anyone else in the same situation?

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    1. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      I presume you mean Man City.

      I haven't had any of their players for a few weeks since I got rid of Kompany. Quite nervous tbh, ut still confident it's for the best.

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      1. lightspeed
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 3 months ago

        yeah.

        could get in any one of man citys attack but it comes at the expense of other in-form players and add potential rotation to that.

        head blag!!!!

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  6. GordonGekko
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    How likely is Drenthe to start now that he’s off the injury? Is there a strong contender to his spot at Everton?

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    1. WOLVERiNES
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      IMO very likely.

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    2. Herewegoagain
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      Should be but Moyes doesnt like that he doesnt track back much. Typical Moyes really!!

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  7. HONY TIBBERT
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    Swap Simpson for Evans?

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    1. Kirby
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      Nope. Not this week anyway, Fulham will likely score tomorrow I feel.

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  8. cup_final_game
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    I need help choosing my backline this gw. They all seem fairly strong.

    Which 3 should start?

    Jose Enrique, Jones, Baines, Kompany

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    1. Herewegoagain
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      Depending on what you got further forward I would play all 4.

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    2. UnderstandablyDistraught
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      I would want to play all of them. Who are you playing ahead of one?

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      1. cup_final_game
        • 14 Years
        14 years, 3 months ago

        My full team:

        Ruddy (Westwood)
        Enrique, Jones, Baines (Kompany), (Tierney)
        Drenthe, Barfa, Nani, Bale (Eagles)
        Ba, VP, Adebayor

        Kompany is 1st sub atm, and theres a good chance either Bale or Ben Arfa won't play so he probs will come on. Would you agree with the starting lineup?

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        1. UnderstandablyDistraught
          • 14 Years
          14 years, 3 months ago

          I would play B Arfa as first sub.

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        2. Herewegoagain
          • 14 Years
          14 years, 3 months ago

          I would start with all 4. Drop either Arfa (still not completely fit and wont play 90 mins I reckon) Still question whether Moyes will start Drenthe - should do but he doesnt like that fact he doesnt track back as much as Moyes likes.

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          1. cup_final_game
            • 14 Years
            14 years, 3 months ago

            Fair points. Ben Arfa 1st sub!

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        3. Jax
          • 16 Years
          14 years, 3 months ago

          play westwood

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  9. izy
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    Sorry, got lost on the last page:

    TotalFPL shows De Laet as dropping in value. So, who would be the best long term defender to replace him? Shotton or Caulker?? Or any other options? (I have spare cash but would prefer to save that for attacking players). Currently have Jones, Kompany, Enrique, and Simpson.

    Cheers.

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    1. WOLVERiNES
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      id say go with caulker if you dont have vorm..

      I would have gone with shotton as i already have swans cover in the form of vorm.. team linked.

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  10. Ricky - it doesn\'t ta…
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    will bale go down in price tonight?

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    1. The Gambler.
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      For sure

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      1. Ricky - it doesn\'t ta…
        • 14 Years
        14 years, 3 months ago

        get rid of him after the deadline then instead of doing it for a point hit?

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        1. UnderstandablyDistraught
          • 14 Years
          14 years, 3 months ago

          I would wait

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          1. WOLVERiNES
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            14 years, 3 months ago

            he will surely drop again if hes benched or misses the match or gets 2/3 pts against chelsea..

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  11. Jonny
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    any transfer suggestions which will benifit me this week?

    vorm (schwarzer)
    kompany - enrique - jones -simpson (BAE)
    Nani - sinclair - eagles
    RVP - ba - ade

    need to improve midfield but dont know how to get in the likes of silva without getting rid of sinclair or walters .... but have 3.9 mil in bank

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    1. Jonny
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      sorry - midfield subs are walters and ferguson

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  12. Gubborr
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    Just reading Bluemoon forums and everybody seems to think Aguero will start on the bench. Worried since I still have him and could do Aguero -> Rooney but don't see Rooney running havoc either.

    So, maybe I should just do the transfer next gw and hope Aguero starts this one ?

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    1. lightspeed
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      my thoughts were intially that aguero might start on the bench for this one seen as he played 90minutes vs arsenal compared to balo's 70ish and dzeko's sub appearance.

      news today that dzeko is a slight doubt changes that a little, however, against a notoriously physical stoke side i still believe this is an ideal game to rest aguero.

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  13. shite_factor
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    Hey Guys, RMT please.

    Vorm

    Jag -- Enrique -- Jones -- Taylor R

    Silva -- Nani --- VDV

    Stur -- Ba -- VP

    (Brown, Walters, Fergie, Al Hab)

    0.2 in the coffer. No FT.

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    1. Jonny
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      for this week 8.5/10

      what is your team value?

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      1. shite_factor
        • 14 Years
        14 years, 3 months ago

        £106.5m

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  14. deccoo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    So about to hit the button...Yay or Nay?

    Given > Krul
    Tiote > Moses

    Any better options considering my tuppence-ha'penny in the bank?

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    1. deccoo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      and link to team as it isn't sticking on my profile!!

      http://fantasy.premierleague.com/entry/227748/history/

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      1. WOLVERiNES
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        14 years, 3 months ago

        go with given > stockdale until the WC.. u already have nufc cover in simpson..

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    2. sminkypinky
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      1 yay
      2 nay

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  15. Parm
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    Best £5m midfielder????

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    1. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      Moses.

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  16. Jonny
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    do given to krul
    and wait 2 weeks to get in moses after fixtures have improved

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    1. Jonny
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      sorry meant to be reply r.e deccoo 5.03

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      1. deccoo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 3 months ago

        Ta - any other options to use the free in the mean time? It doesn't carry over if I make one transfer right?

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        1. Jonny
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          14 years, 3 months ago

          i dont think so, thats a decent team with good fixtures

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  17. big oak
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    just checking if my gravatar is working

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    1. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      Unlucky. 😀

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    2. big oak
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      epic fail

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      1. Epic Fail
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 3 months ago

        lol right on cue.

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  18. HuttonDressedasLahm
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    Allrboae worrying abor getting in Dgw players I would suggest you look instead to ManU and Arsenal whos next two home games are amazing (after this midweek)

    I can't think if I'll cap RVP or Rooney that's for sure!

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    1. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      All those worrying!

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    2. PFOR
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      Same, two crucial weeks. There will be massive scores if you've planned well.

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    3. heartsattack
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      I'm focusing totally on weeks 18 and 19. Will have 5 from those two teams plus Robert Huth from stoke. Will take a hit to get in Spurs players for 20 but risking going Evertonless.

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  19. heartsattack
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    Help. Pick 2 from 3 please Formica, Simpson, Evans. Playing jones.

    Thanks.

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    1. Jonny
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      simpson and evans

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  20. big oak
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    new post
    maybe my gravatar will work now?

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    1. Jonny
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      epic win

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  21. HONY TIBBERT
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    play Simpson over Walker? or just play walker and hope for the best?

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    1. Jonny
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      simpson

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  22. Simon March
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    Anybody know why people in their masses are getting rid of Adebayor? Almost 9k out today and he's likely to drop tonight... Seems strange given that he's been scoring reasonably well recently...

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    1. Somalion
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      Because people are idiots! This has been well established as we look through the history of the human race.

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  23. wingback
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    How much gametime will Valencia get this xmas?

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  24. Ings on the up
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    Vorm
    Enrique, Jones, R Taylor (Caulker, Wilkinson)
    Bale, Nani, Silva, Sinclair (Walters)
    RVP (c), Ba, Adebayor

    Any suggestions?

    Thinking of Jarvis or Valencia for Bale

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    1. Jonny
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      nani for valencia ?
      bale for vdv?

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  25. Big Bad Barry
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    Happy with my squad at last! Shit loads of transfers already tho cant help myself.
    Anyone know whats going on with ohara?

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    1. Jonny
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      i think he should be back after boxing day which means he misses two more matches

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  26. Chris
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    Ok, simple question:

    Vorm or Ruddy for this week? I have both.

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  27. Duggans Dreamteam
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    In a tizzy over the captain, a toss up between Rooney, Yak and Silva, currently in that order, thoughts?

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    1. Jonny
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      yakubu

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  28. Jonny
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    vorm - everton cant score

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    1. Jonny
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      sorry meant to reply r.e chris 5.40

      ive done this twice in one evening - poor

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    2. Chris
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 3 months ago

      I agree with you, but worried about Drenthe finding form. Then again even if toffes do score no doubt Vorm will save a couple of pens anyway!

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  29. DanValkar
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    now my doubt is Adam or Walcott, i think if Wigan got a tie against Chelsea, will be raped by Liverpool

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  30. ClaireT
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 3 months ago

    Which four of these would you play this week?

    Jones, Ward, Enrique, Simpson, Brown, Gower?

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