[sbu_large_image] Preamble
31 March 2012 2135 comments
Mark Mark
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You know how it is. You’re a multi-millionaire footballer, paid six figures a week to do magic things with your feet. So, when you get one trapped whilst playing on a child’s bike, you naturally decide to treat the unfortunate scrape with that spray you got from Boots. Okay, so the foot is burning and starting to look like bubble wrap but I’m sure if we just keep on spraying, everything will be fine.

We’ve all been there. Surely it’s a bit harsh to brandish such an act as “stupid”. Come on Roberto, you’ll be saying you don’t trust Mario Balotelli next.

Take some deep breaths. You need a nice walk to calm you down. Enjoy a pleasant stroll with us Fantasy managers while we pick the bones out of the morning’s predicted lineups…

Not surprisingly, Sergio and his chemically cindered foot are missing from this morning’s speculative starting lineups. Indeed, it’s arguably Roberto Mancini’s solution to Aguero’s antics and his misguided Mario that’s the most interesting item on the agenda in a Gameweek that otherwise, seems pretty cut and dry.

We’re half expecting Mancini to turn to Carlos Tevez to plug the gap and help revive the dozing City title challenge. With Sunderland at the Etihad, Mancini will surely be expecting to have to break down a well-drilled resistance from a Martin O’Neill 4-5-1 which will look to strangle the weaving of David Silva and Samir Nasri and outmuscle the raids of Yaya Toure.

The Ivorian could be the key figure – hence Toure’s inclusion in this week’s Scout Picks. Mancini may be forced into a 4-5-1 if he’s reluctant to throw Balotelli in the mix again. Toure will likely be the attacking force from midfield charged with supporting lone striker Edin Dzeko if that does prove to be the case.

However, the press, in the majority, go with a pairing of Dzeko and Balotelli – only the Independent and the Times are brave enough to predict that the City boss will put faith in a 4-5-1, leaving both Balotelli and Tevez benched. The Argentine fails to get a look-in across the board this morning, with the press boys showing understandable caution on his chances of earning a first start following his return to the fold.

Our predicted lineup goes along with that view but the introduction of Tevez for either Dzeko or Balotelli looks highly likely, particularly if the Black Cat’s resistance proves resolute. Tevez can do damage in twenty minutes – and with Aguero and Baltotelli causing a frown to scrawl across the distinguished brow, the script is written for Carlos to bring the smile back to the face of Mancini.

Elsewhere, we look pretty settled. Some holding the talents of Ashley Young will be nervous come Monday night’s United teamsheet, but we’d expect to see his name along with Antonio Valencia’s, on Sir Alex’s latest lineup. Off this morning’s papers, only the Telegraph dare suggest that Danny Welbeck will be shifted left with Young left twiddling on the Ewood timber.

Concerns are few and far between for most, then – a rarity. My only dilemma is arguably a good one to have – do I bench Ryo Miyaichi or opt for Gylfi Sigurdsson at the Lane. My head says that Sigurdsson has it in him to punish a benching, although having lost every home game in 2012, Ryo is surely in line to torment the Wovles defence. The luxury of two decent budget buys vying for the last spot in the side – it’s a pain in the neck. Maybe that spray under the sink will help?

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

2,135 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. The Finnisher
    14 years, 6 months ago

    No Nasri 😯

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    1. Manamongst
      14 years, 6 months ago

      Wow, glad I didn´t make that move...thought it over a dozen times...

      You twitter hawkin Jack? I'm just praying Yossi and Ramsey don't get a run-out today.

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      1. The Finnisher
        14 years, 6 months ago

        Ramsey 🙁

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  2. COMH
    14 years, 6 months ago

    No Nasri?

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    1. The Finnisher
      14 years, 6 months ago

      That's what I said 😉

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      1. COMH
        14 years, 6 months ago

        😉

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    2. Hybrid.power
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      14 years, 6 months ago

      Someone on here said they captained Samir. ouch!

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  3. fridge
    14 years, 6 months ago

    Can someone rate my chances this week? Maybe I should have diversidied the team more?

    Reina
    Richards, Riise, Rangel, R. Taylor
    Ryo, Ramires, Routledge, Ramsey
    RVP (C), Rooney(VC) , Ruiz

    Ruddy, Rafael, Richardson, Reo-Coker

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    1. A2U
      14 years, 6 months ago

      Caution: Rated-R material

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  4. Demí
    14 years, 6 months ago

    VILLA: Given, Lichaj, Collins, Baker, Warnock, Bannan, Herd, Ireland, Gardner, Weimann, Agbonlahor

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    1. Cheggers
      14 years, 6 months ago

      Lol that team is a mixture of hilarious and grim

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    2. Locarno
      14 years, 6 months ago

      This kid Weimann is the real deal. Pity he's under such a crap manager.

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      1. JT's Dog
        14 years, 6 months ago

        Crap manager my arse, he has to juggle job with solving all those murders in Miami

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    3. Drip Doctor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      14 years, 6 months ago

      That team is going to get smashed.

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    4. COMH
      14 years, 6 months ago

      How terrible a lineup is that. F*cking nasty looking. Who the hell is Lichaj?

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      1. gledy
        14 years, 6 months ago

        He's actually pretty talented, but a bit too much offensive minded for a game like that. Not to mention the lack of experience.

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    5. Doosra - ☭BowenOfRice☭
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      14 years, 6 months ago

      Oh dear. 🙁

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    6. Manamongst
      14 years, 6 months ago

      They're just missing an obscure American who's dad coached the national team, to round out the shitty.

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    7. Jax
      14 years, 6 months ago

      7 home grown players

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  5. Demí
    14 years, 6 months ago

    BWFC: Bogdan, Ricketts, Ream, Wheater, Alonso, Ryo, Reo-Coker, M Davies, Petrov, Klasnic, Ngog

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    1. Cheggers
      14 years, 6 months ago

      442 noooooooooo

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    2. Hybrid.power
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      14 years, 6 months ago

      Ryo 😀

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    3. Pat Mustard
      14 years, 6 months ago

      RYO!!

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      1. denial
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        14 years, 6 months ago

        He'll come on and do something probably.

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        1. Hybrid.power
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          14 years, 6 months ago

          He's starting dude.

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          1. denial
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            14 years, 6 months ago

            Oh yeah.

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    4. Gargamel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      14 years, 6 months ago

      Vrrrrrrrrrrrroooooooom! Was a little concerned he'd get a rest so pleased with this. This should also see him on the right where he's been more dangerous.

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      1. Arse Craic
        14 years, 6 months ago

        He's better on the left.

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        1. Gargamel
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          14 years, 6 months ago

          That's a fair opinion, but his stats for Bolton are vastly better when playing to the right.

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          1. Arse Craic
            14 years, 6 months ago

            Petrov is stealing his points. I'd rather see Eagles on the right and Ryo on the left. To be honest Miyaichi can probably play in any position. He's gifted.

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            1. Gargamel
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              14 years, 6 months ago

              Yeah, I agree. Look forward to following his career

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      2. Cheggers
        14 years, 6 months ago

        The formation is 442 tho.. we never win playing 442. However, probably the right decision given the injuries

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        1. Gargamel
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          14 years, 6 months ago

          Klasnic and Ryo will fire you to victory!

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    5. The Finnisher
      14 years, 6 months ago

      Klasnic eh!
      Dammit, almost got him in for the bottom 5 league.

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      1. Bad Pen
        14 years, 6 months ago

        Same, looked at K Davies though too so perhaps not so bad.

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      2. Doosra - ☭BowenOfRice☭
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        14 years, 6 months ago

        Shoulda!!!

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        1. The Finnisher
          14 years, 6 months ago

          Fletcher - Zamora - Yakubu
          Zamora OUT

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          1. Dom Salahnke
            14 years, 6 months ago

            +1, next week for me.

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    6. Jukesy
      14 years, 6 months ago

      Come on M.Davies (C)

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    7. Call Me Old Fashioned
      14 years, 6 months ago

      COME on NGOG. If i knew Klasnic was starting he would be in my bottom 5 team!

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    8. Manamongst
      14 years, 6 months ago

      Damn you Tosey and every other Wanderers team forum for talking of the Klasnic ledge...

      What parallel world do their fans live in? They all would rather see Tuncay behind Ngog or Ngog heading the McCarthy special (4-5-1).

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  6. Spoiler
    14 years, 6 months ago

    richards starts! woo

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  7. Demí
    14 years, 6 months ago

    Hennessey, stearman, johnson, bassong, ward, kightly, davis, edwards, jarvis, ebanks-blake, fletcher.

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    1. Parm
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      14 years, 6 months ago

      SEB!!!!!!!!!11

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  8. Ivan
    14 years, 6 months ago

    Any thoughts on my team for this gameweek?

    Begovic

    Richards - Evans J - Jose Enrique

    Valencia - Sigurdsson - Dempsey |C| - Bale

    Rooney - Ba - Suarez


    Subs: Vorm, Taylor R, Simpson, McClean

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    1. Spoiler
      14 years, 6 months ago

      no rvp?

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      1. Jax
        14 years, 6 months ago

        erm, he plays

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    2. denial
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      14 years, 6 months ago

      Bad timing with team sheets coming out man.

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  9. Elniñorules
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    14 years, 6 months ago

    Ream (C) FTW.

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    1. 4vets
      14 years, 6 months ago

      Cream 😉

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    2. Bad Pen
      14 years, 6 months ago

      Ream is my vc, hope he does well today.

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  10. Dom Salahnke
    14 years, 6 months ago

    Crouch brace today woohoo!

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  11. Demí
    14 years, 6 months ago

    Ruddy, Martin, Morison, Whitbread, Surman, Hoolahan (C), Fox, Ward, Howson, Naughton, R Bennett

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  12. JT's Dog
    14 years, 6 months ago

    That kinda limits my chance of Nasri 1st scorer

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  13. SneakyPete
    14 years, 6 months ago

    Klasnic Playing means Goals

    Bet Ryo to get good score.

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    1. Hybrid.power
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      14 years, 6 months ago

      Hope so! He's an assist machine.

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  14. nathanholt75
    14 years, 6 months ago

    Does anyone know if Richards is likely to play whem Kompany and Lescott return?

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    1. The Finnisher
      14 years, 6 months ago

      Kompany has returned and Lescott is a CB.
      Zabaleta is the problem.

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      1. nathanholt75
        14 years, 6 months ago

        cheers mate

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  15. Demí
    14 years, 6 months ago

    #QPR XI: Kenny, Diakite, Hill, Derry, Taarabt, Mackie, Barton, Taiwo, Ferdinand, Onuoha, Zamora.

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  16. Demí
    14 years, 6 months ago

    EFC (v West Brom): Howard, Hibbert, Baines, Jagielka, Heitinga, Gibson, Fellaini, Osman, Pienaar, Cahill, Jelavic.

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    1. Dirty Dhalsim
      14 years, 6 months ago

      Come on (c) Jelavic! 😉

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    2. denial
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      14 years, 6 months ago

      Envious of people who have Jelavic.

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      1. Dirty Dhalsim
        14 years, 6 months ago

        #followthejelavicroad

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        1. Doosra - ☭BowenOfRice☭
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          14 years, 6 months ago

          😆 Excellent!!!

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      2. Hybrid.power
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        14 years, 6 months ago

        For sure. Hopefully Pog does the business for me.

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    3. Doosra - ☭BowenOfRice☭
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      14 years, 6 months ago

      Gibson ... hmmm.

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  17. Hate that rotation
    14 years, 6 months ago

    Now Coyle plays Klasnic! Dammit. Almost had him.

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    1. Pork Pie Sausage Roll
      14 years, 6 months ago

      He's my (c) in the bottom 5 league 8)

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      1. Hate that rotation
        14 years, 6 months ago

        I fancy brace from Klasnic.

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    2. Call Me Old Fashioned
      14 years, 6 months ago

      +1 Ngog to smash it now

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  18. Doosra - ☭BowenOfRice☭
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    14 years, 6 months ago

    Awesome, Demi! Just Awesome!!! 😀

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    1. 4vets
      14 years, 6 months ago

      Coming thick & fast 🙂

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    2. COMH
      14 years, 6 months ago

      They are just gliding in 🙂

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  19. SneakyPete
    14 years, 6 months ago

    EFC (v West Brom): Howard, Hibbert, Baines, Jagielka, Heitinga, Gibson, Fellaini, Osman, Pienaar, Cahill, Jelavic. Subs: Mucha, Strac, McFadden, Distin, Neville, Gueye, Anichebe.

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  20. Demí
    14 years, 6 months ago

    CHELSEA: Cech, Ivanovic, Terry, Luiz, Cole, Lampard, Mikel, Mata, Sturridge, Torres, Kalou

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    1. Hate that rotation
      14 years, 6 months ago

      Kalou!!! He is a bloody mid in FPL. Good option if he can continue.

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    2. Alan The Llama
      14 years, 6 months ago

      No Drog? What a crock of Torres.

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    3. Drip Doctor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      14 years, 6 months ago

      Kalou, would have loved to punt on him. Thought he'd be rested for Benfica though...

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    4. Arse Craic
      14 years, 6 months ago

      I was tempted by Kalou after his heroics midweek....he earned himself a starting place.

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    5. Miro
      14 years, 6 months ago

      No Cahill btw

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    6. In Like Flynn.
      • Has Moderation Rights
      14 years, 6 months ago

      Wow!? Cahill on the Bench?

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  21. Elniñorules
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    14 years, 6 months ago

    EL NINO STARTS!!!!!!! 😀 😀

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    1. Sarnab
      14 years, 6 months ago

      😀

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    2. Doosra - ☭BowenOfRice☭
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      14 years, 6 months ago

      CHELSEA LOSE!!! 😉

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  22. Demí
    14 years, 6 months ago

    No Cahill.

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    1. samcro
      14 years, 6 months ago

      Dodged that bullet.

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    2. denial
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      14 years, 6 months ago

      So he isn't nailed on for PL then.

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    3. Bad Pen
      14 years, 6 months ago

      Yes, the most noticeable absentee alongside Drogba.

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    4. Hybrid.power
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      14 years, 6 months ago

      Oooo, I was thinking of getting him in.

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    5. Optimus.
      14 years, 6 months ago

      beautiful news

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    6. Pork Pie Sausage Roll
      14 years, 6 months ago

      I just schadenfeuded in my pants

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      1. organdonor47
        14 years, 6 months ago

        never post on here, but just had to for this comment. here it is: "haha! very good". (shame about the typo but otherwise perfect)

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        1. Pork Pie Sausage Roll
          14 years, 6 months ago

          🙂

          I'm honoured

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  23. Demí
    14 years, 6 months ago

    sUNDERLAND: Mignolet, Bardsley, Turner, Cattermole, Larsson, Gardner, Kilgallon, Colback, McClean, Sessegnon, Bendtner

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    1. The Finnisher
      14 years, 6 months ago

      Kilgallon 3.8!!

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      1. Doosra - ☭BowenOfRice☭
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        14 years, 6 months ago

        Yep.

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    2. Jax
      14 years, 6 months ago

      the ol' 3-6-1 formation for the black cats i see...

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  24. Demí
    14 years, 6 months ago

    : Al Habsi, Alcaraz, McCarthy, Caldwell (c), Di Santo, Maloney, Moses, McArthur, Boyce, Beausejour, Figueroa.

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    1. Hate that rotation
      14 years, 6 months ago

      Maloney, Moses, that will do.

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    2. Kirby
      14 years, 6 months ago

      Come on you Latics 😀

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  25. kaz 96
    14 years, 6 months ago

    is next monday a public holiday in england?

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    1. denial
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      14 years, 6 months ago

      Yes.

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    2. Dave Bauer
      14 years, 6 months ago

      Yup.

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  26. Demí
    14 years, 6 months ago

    Arsenal : Szczesny - Sagna - Koscielny - Vermaelen - Gibbs - Song - Arteta - Rosicky - Ramsey - Walcott - van Persie

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    1. Cheggers
      14 years, 6 months ago

      Rosicky starting... good good

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      1. Miro
        14 years, 6 months ago

        But will play as winger once again. Thats not good. Screw you Ramsey 🙁

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    2. samcro
      14 years, 6 months ago

      RVP (C) 8)

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    3. The Finnisher
      14 years, 6 months ago

      Ahh go away Ramsey!

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    4. Mílanista
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      14 years, 6 months ago

      This is where the points are.

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    5. Alan The Llama
      14 years, 6 months ago

      No Ox either...I have a team of misserentials

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      1. Kagawa-san-mia
        14 years, 6 months ago

        i wanted Ox to start wats wrong with wenger man

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    6. Caine & Co.
      14 years, 6 months ago

      Gervinho instead of Ramsey i think.

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  27. Bøwstring The Carp
    14 years, 6 months ago

    Ah why did I play Bosingwa, was certain he would start 🙁 cue a 1-pointer

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    1. Hybrid.power
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      14 years, 6 months ago

      You have Bosingwa??

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      1. Bøwstring The Carp
        14 years, 6 months ago

        Its a long, sad story... He's going next week for Kaboul anyway

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        1. COMH
          14 years, 6 months ago

          Haha long, sad story. It'll be over soon. 🙂

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        2. Jax
          14 years, 6 months ago

          i wouldn't put kaboul in with spurs missing gw34

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          1. Bøwstring The Carp
            14 years, 6 months ago

            Gonna be missing a defender anyway - not planning on having a full 11. Instead gonna use my transfers and go all out on the DGW. The players that I will have playing are all heavy hitters...

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  28. bigwig
    14 years, 6 months ago

    C'mon Balotelli (c)!

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    1. Pigvig
      14 years, 6 months ago

      Nice username.

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  29. Jafooli
    14 years, 6 months ago

    Youth hosteling with Chris Eubank anyone?

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    1. Pork Pie Sausage Roll
      14 years, 6 months ago

      Knowing M.E. knowing you?

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  30. Demí
    14 years, 6 months ago

    Arsenal : Szczesny - Sagna - Koscielny - Vermaelen - Gibbs - Song - Arteta - Rosicky - Ramsey - Walcott - van Persie

    correction

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    1. Doosra - ☭BowenOfRice☭
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      14 years, 6 months ago

      Ramsey is still there ... 😉

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    2. kaz 96
      14 years, 6 months ago

      whats the difference?

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    3. In Like Flynn.
      • Has Moderation Rights
      14 years, 6 months ago

      Got me going there Demi, 🙂

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