[sbu_large_image] Scout Picks
27 November 2012 1805 comments
Paul Paul
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A quick turnaround in Gameweeks gives us the chance to roll out another set of Scout Picks. We’ve decided to turn our backs on many of the big-hitters and hand a few in-form debutants the chance to impress this time round…

Simon Mignolet gets the nod between the sticks as Sunderland welcome QPR to the Stadium of Light. Harry Redknapp has a real task on his hands in his first match in charge of the R’s – his goal-shy side have notched just once in their last three road trips, suggesting the chances of a home clean sheet look good this evening.

We’re taking a punt on Villa’s Ciaran Clark ahead of a home showdown with Reading. Paul Lambert’s side will be buoyed by their weekend clean sheet against Arsenal and Clark, who offers a greater goal threat than the rest of the Villa backline, has already returned a goal and assist over his 11 appearances so far.

This morning’s news that Gael Clichy is out for City’s trip to Wigan means we’re turning our attentions to Aleksandar Kolarov. With a single goal conceded in their last five, the champions have been racking up the clean sheet points after a slow defensive start to the campaign and Kolarov’s eye for goal and share of set-piece duties is enough to earn the Serbian a place in our XI.

Having produced a nine point return last weekend, Scout favourite Robert Huth keeps his place ahead of a home clash with injury-hit Newcastle. The hosts go in search of their sixth Britannia clean sheet and while the German’s aerial ability in the opposition box boosts his appeal, he’s also been consistently picking up bonus points in recent matches, with six produced over the last five Gameweeks.

Marouane Fellaini returns from suspension ahead of Everton’s home showdown with Arsenal. The Belgian has averaged more than nine points per game since recovering from a knee injury in Gameweek 9 and with two double figure points hauls at Goodison already, his threat in the box will pose the Gunners plenty problems from start to finish.

A home derby with Fulham affords Juan Mata the perfect opportunity to recover from Sunday’s blank against City. The Cottagers have shipped 16 goals in seven games on their travels and the odds are against them keeping out the Blues tomorrow evening; with attacking returns in four of his last five at the Bridge, Mata looks key to Rafa Benitez earning his first win as Chelsea boss.

The headline act in last week’s Differentials, Stephane Sessegnon gets a call-up to the Scout Picks after a goal and assist at home to West Brom last Saturday lunchtime. Sunderland now play host to QPR and, having now scored in each of his last two, Sessegnon has the form and potential to make Harry Redknapp’s Premier League return an unhappy one.

Gaston Ramirez served a reminder of his potential with a goal and assist in Southampton’s weekend win over Newcastle. With the Saints now settled in a 4-2-3-1 formation, Ramirez is clearly flourishing in his role in “the hole” behind Rickie Lambert and his trickery may well prove the key to unlocking the stubborn Norwich rearguard as the Saints look for a third straight win.

As rest and rotation kicks in at City, Carlos Tevez has been handed a sub role in the last couple of matches against Real Madrid and Chelsea. Logic would suggest, then, that Roberto Mancini is likely to shake things up again, as his side travel to Wigan on Wednesday evening and with that in mind, we’re drafting in the Argentine. The champions have been poor on the road of late and have failed to score in their last two away games – Wigan have been hit hard by injuries at the back and afford the visitors a perfect chance to get back to winning ways.

He may have gone two games without returns but Robin Van Persie still retains his place in the Scout Picks. Goals look on the agenda for United as West Ham roll up to Old Trafford – the hosts have averaged three per home game this term and the Dutchman is still heavily backed heading into this one, with 50% of votes cast in the Captain Poll so far.

Christian Benteke gets the nod ahead of Villa’s home showdown with Reading. Paul Lambert’s side sit third from bottom, just a point above their visitors, and their chances of picking up the points could well rely on the Belgian – he has scored or assisted in two of his last three at home and has the potential to bully the Royals backline into submission.

Nathaniel Clyne is our cut-price defensive option as Norwich roll up to St Mary’s. Chris Hughton’s side may be impressing at the back but in attack, it’s another matter altogether; the Canaries’ record of four goals in seven away games affords Clyne hope of registering back-to-back clean sheets, after keeping out Newcastle last weekend.

Pablo Hernandez makes the bench as Swansea prepare for the visit of West Brom. The Spaniard has been a major attacking threat for Michael Laudrup’s side over the last few games and has netted in two of his last three at the Liberty; with one defeat in their last seven, the hosts are in decent form as they look to burst the Baggies’ bubble.

The final bench place goes to Peter Crouch as Stoke play host to Newcastle. An average of six points per home game is enough to pique our interest and with the visitors ravaged by injury, Crouch will fancy his chances of picking up the points for the fifth time in seven at the Britannia.

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  1. Mithrandir, the Grey Pilgri…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    13 years, 4 months ago

    Bego

    Baines Cameron Cueller

    Hazard Mata Fellaini Puncheon

    RVP (C) Suarez Berbs

    Jaas Michu Gorrks Demel

    All set? Have decided to bench Michu and play Puncheon and Berbs.

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  2. JK - Cønt ⭐
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 4 months ago

    stupidly put this on the old post.

    so, with Foster ruled out of the next 2 GWs, worth shipping him for Tremmel or Guzan (despite the lack of rotation with Migs?) and focus on getting Jones for WBA instead, or do I just hold Foster as I’m unlikely to play him in the next few anyway?

    On another note, really want to play one of Clyne or Shorey, but not sure I can bench one of Rafa, Huth or Baines for them, so do I just keep them on the bench (and in which order) or do I bench Morrison?

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    1. Corkyote FFS CWC Champion 2…
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 4 months ago

      Ask Martin he's been canvassing opinion all day 🙂

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    2. Piggs Boson
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 4 months ago

      I'm holding Foster i think. I'd bench Clyne and Shorey, but Morrison is an option, Mulumbu looks likely to be out still.

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      1. JK - Cønt ⭐
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 4 months ago

        I would like to keep Foster and I don't see the point in selling when he should be back before I want to actually play him again, and it means I get Wisdom if he's nailed on. Yeah I could bench Morrison, but who to play, Clyne, Shorey or even Sterling?

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  3. Piggs Boson
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 4 months ago

    Sterling (5.6m)
    Enrique (5.8m)

    2 of Liverpool's front line plus additional CSs. Who needs Suarez? 😉

    We'll find out tomorrow if Enrique really is going to continue there when Wisdom is back.

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    1. Fratboy
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 4 months ago

      I'll have all three for those peachy fixtures.

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      1. Piggs Boson
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 4 months ago

        Over 20m on Liverpool? No thanks 😀

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    2. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 4 months ago

      rodgers already said he will

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    3. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 4 months ago

      Enrique is tempting, but I may look at Wisdom GW16 or 17 for Clyne.

      Thoughts on what I should do above?

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    4. Yes Don
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 4 months ago

      i have all three, although it didn't work out for me last GW

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  4. wozza
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 4 months ago

    Who would you rather have over the next 5 or so game weeks

    Mertesacker + Santi
    or
    Enrique + Walcott?

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    1. rdpx
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 4 months ago

      EW

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      1. Mr. J
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 4 months ago

        +1

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        1. Legendary!
          • 14 Years
          13 years, 4 months ago

          +111

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    2. iCon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 4 months ago

      Not sure for next few weeks, but I think Santi will deliverbig time over Christmas 😉

      ....i'll get my coat

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  5. Legendary!
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 4 months ago

    Had one striker slot to fill with a one gameweek punt - Chose Chicharito over Benteke. Hope I am justified

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  6. Binman_UK
    • 16 Years
    13 years, 4 months ago

    cazorla --> mata

    or

    foster --> begovic (means i don't have to play jussi)

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    1. Royal5
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 4 months ago

      Chelsea got a blank GW coming up

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    2. iCon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 4 months ago

      the latter

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  7. @theTinkermen
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 4 months ago

    What you reckon?

    Mignolet

    Cuellar, Huth, Baines

    Walcott, Felaiinai, Bale, Silva(v)

    Berbatov, Ba, RVP(c)

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  8. seanie3
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 4 months ago

    Begovic (Jussi)
    Baines, Rafael, Shawcross (McCartney, Tierney)
    Mata, Bale, Santi, Sterling (Maloney)
    RVP, Ba, Berbs

    1 FT and 0 in the bank, should I

    a) Ba out for Flecther
    b) Santi & Ba out of Fellani & Tevez (4 point hit)
    c) Maloney to Puncheon and bench Sterling

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  9. Fratboy
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 4 months ago

    It doesn't matter if it is good, it only matters if it rocks!

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    1. Piggs Boson
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 4 months ago

      http://i.imgur.com/HNcxB.gif 🙂

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  10. msharper
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 4 months ago

    Should I sell Hazard and pick up Sessegnon?

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    1. rdpx
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 4 months ago

      might be a masterstroke...

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    2. Test Eagles
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 4 months ago

      No

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      1. msharper
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 4 months ago

        My thinking was Chelsea have a blank week coming up and Sunderland have a double gamer. Sess is playing OOP right now while Hazard could potential have a more limited free role than before.

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  11. Connor's Calling
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    13 years, 4 months ago

    I'm stuck. Have a backline of:
    Cuellar Baines Lowton Clyne and Nelson.
    Only 3 spots...

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    1. rdpx
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 4 months ago

      CBC

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    2. iCon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 4 months ago

      keeper?

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      1. Connor's Calling
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        13 years, 4 months ago

        Begovic

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        1. iCon
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          13 years, 4 months ago

          Sorry been afk for a bit....first 3 for me

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  12. The Bandit
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 4 months ago

    I don't think I've ever wanted a good score as much as I want one from Berbatov tomorrow. The sob fest will be awesome... 😀

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    1. RoysCallerAnne
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 4 months ago

      Evil.

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    2. Ayling Buyers Club
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 4 months ago

      + billions.

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      1. iCon
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        13 years, 4 months ago

        + berbillions

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    3. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 4 months ago

      ^^^this^^^

      especially as both my rivals own Chelsea defenders 😀

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    4. Mithrandir, the Grey Pilgri…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 4 months ago

      Yep, I'm holding firm on him despite his drops. Too good a player and central to Fulhams play.

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  13. RoysCallerAnne
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    13 years, 4 months ago

    Demel -> Kolorov....4 point hit?

    I've never owned him and was always a little envious of those brave/ stupid enough to get him in.

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    1. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 4 months ago

      Hell yeah...

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    2. Ayling Buyers Club
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 4 months ago

      Fuark no. Your defense is expensive as it is. Unless you are thinking of downgrading Baines soon?

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      1. RoysCallerAnne
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        13 years, 4 months ago

        You're right, too much cash would be tied up.

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  14. TheSharpeEnd
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 4 months ago

    Is it worth taking a -4 hit to sure up my defence/gk? (FT used)

    Howard/Al-Habsi

    Huth/Jagielka/S Taylor (inj) (Baird/Demel)

    Fellaini/Michu/Silva/Sterling

    RVP/Berbs/Tevez

    Howard and Jag are going to make way for Ruddy/Beg/Min and Cuellar over next week me thinks.

    Thoughts?

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    1. rdpx
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 4 months ago

      Demel and Staylor not good

      But then again Baird will probably get 2 pts and maybe even get a goal if we are both very lucky...

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    2. rdpx
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 4 months ago

      who is your 5th MF ?

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      1. TheSharpeEnd
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        13 years, 4 months ago

        Maloney. Want to free up in defence to get Walcott in.

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        1. rdpx
          • 14 Years
          13 years, 4 months ago

          Problem you have then is if you have one player injured then you have no sub coming in - assuming Maloney/Demel/Staylor are out.

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          1. TheSharpeEnd
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            13 years, 4 months ago

            True. Could do Taylor -> Cuellar then.

            But is it worth the -4 hit?

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  15. Ayling Buyers Club
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 4 months ago

    A. Demel -> Shorey.
    B. Cazorla -> Bale/Silva.
    C. Baines + Michu -> Defender (below 5.0 or 5.3) + Bale/Silva.

    2 FTs.

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    1. RoysCallerAnne
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 4 months ago

      A and carry 1FT for GW15.

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      1. Ayling Buyers Club
        • 15 Years
        13 years, 4 months ago

        Cheers. Was thinking of that, myself.

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    2. Royal5
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 4 months ago

      I'm considering B - Bale

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  16. guleed.hashi
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 4 months ago

    warrup guys, i have a litle dilema. i do not know who to bench between Adam johnsen, Lallana, michu and nolan. any tips?

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    1. Billy Gilmore
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 4 months ago

      Bench Nolan.

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    2. Ayling Buyers Club
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 4 months ago

      Would bench Nolan.

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    3. Test Eagles
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 4 months ago

      How on earth have you ended up with that lot in your team. I'd bench them all!!

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      1. Royal5
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 4 months ago

        What's wrong with Mich and Lallana?

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        1. guleed.hashi
          • 13 Years
          13 years, 4 months ago

          i agree with you but i tougth that johnson would be my wildcard this gw, he`s cheap and has the quality to score golas and giv assist

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    4. guleed.hashi
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 4 months ago

      Thanks mates 😉

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  17. George Agdgdgwngo
    • 16 Years
    13 years, 4 months ago

    Am I mad to be contemplating switching Berb > Fletcher.

    Next fixtures are

    Fulham, che(a), TOT(h), NEW(h)

    Sunderland, QPR(h), nor(a), CHE(h), RDG(h)

    Plan is to get berb back in after the DGW as sunderland have MUN & Fulham have qpr

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    1. Test Eagles
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 4 months ago

      Jump onboard the bandwagon mate... Berbatov fire sale in full swing!

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    2. Corkyote FFS CWC Champion 2…
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 4 months ago

      You posted this not long ago and got a decent response.

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      1. George Agdgdgwngo
        • 16 Years
        13 years, 4 months ago

        did I, sorry I didnt see it.

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  18. SouthCoastSaint
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 4 months ago

    Been a while since I sought some advice on here so go mental.

    Booting Valencia and Demel.

    Two best replacements for next few GWs

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    1. roscola
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 4 months ago

      Enrique and Sess? Does that work?

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    2. RoysCallerAnne
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 4 months ago

      Shorey/ Bale, can u afford that?

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    3. Tatty Bojangles
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 4 months ago

      I would do Valencia > Silva and leave Demel until the January WC.

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      1. SouthCoastSaint
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 4 months ago

        cheers gang, food for thought!

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    4. Your Mum's Athletic
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 4 months ago

      Im doing the exact same mate and iv ended up with Demel > Enrique, Valenica > Ramirez or A.Johnson if you dont already have him for DGW.... what you think?

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      1. Your Mum's Athletic
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 4 months ago

        actually just do Valencia > Ramirez/Johnson this week and then Demel > Enrique next week cos Tot away is stupid

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        1. SouthCoastSaint
          • 14 Years
          13 years, 4 months ago

          already got x3 sunderland and ramirez so looking at walcott

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  19. Tiki-Taka
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 4 months ago

    What do people think to Valencia's chances of starting tomorrow? Ferguson said they'd look at him today/tomorrow. Not sure whether to just keep him in the XI with Sterling to come in if he doesnt play, with the intention to bring in Walcott GW15.

    Or, transfer him out now for Sessegnon ?

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    1. Tiki-Taka
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 4 months ago

      I already have Fletcher though, so potential sunderland overkill

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  20. Piggs Boson
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 4 months ago

    I'm seeing a rise in Villa. It took them long enough 😀

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  21. Lord Flashheart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 4 months ago

    so stuck. really debating one move:

    morrison to sess for a -4 hit.

    i have fletcher already, and sterling on the bench. rest of teh front 8 are silva mata bale rvp and berba.

    yes or no? really hopefull for some good insight.

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    1. hixen
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 4 months ago

      Hard one, but i don't think it's worth a hit.

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  22. Grounderz
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 4 months ago

    I know Cazorla bears a 9.5m tag but I'm tempted to bench him and start Puncheon. Should I? 😆

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    1. Mithrandir, the Grey Pilgri…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 4 months ago

      Puncheon has the form and the fixture. You will get shot down by most here though.

      I'm playing Puncheon myself but it is Berbs or Michu on the block instead of Caz.

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    2. Jose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 4 months ago

      no

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  23. Lovzat
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 4 months ago

    Ba to :
    A) Fletcher
    B) Berba
    C) Other ? (under 7.7)

    I already take Sess.

    Cheers

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  24. rdpx
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 4 months ago

    Play two, Bench one

    OR

    Play one, Bench one, Swap one out -4 (and for who)?

    A. . Baird (che)
    B. . Boyce (MCI)
    C. . Simpson (stk)

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  25. OPTA FPL
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 4 months ago

    Mata, Fletcher or Sess VC? need a serious VC for RVP this GW i think

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    1. Lovzat
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 4 months ago

      They are all good.

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  26. bennydebull
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 4 months ago

    two from Gorks(villa), Clyne (NOR) and Davies (WBA)

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    1. Conrad.
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 4 months ago

      2nd two

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  27. GoonerByron
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 4 months ago

    Anyone think Taarabt will still be first 11 with Harry in charge? He wasn't too fond of him at Tottenham..

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    1. Royal5
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 4 months ago

      Not sure, but Taraabt is a better player now than he was when at Spurs.

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  28. Conrad.
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 4 months ago

    start Puncheon or Holt?

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    1. Connor's Calling
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 4 months ago

      tricky. probably the home man

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  29. Valar(Keith)
    • 16 Years
    13 years, 4 months ago

    K.. That's it.. Keeping ba and gonna wait on suarez, saving my transfer and captainin Mata.. :flair:

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  30. Jimjam
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 4 months ago

    Foster, Begovic
    Cahill, Rafael, Cuellar, Wilkinson, Gorkss
    Cazorla, Mata, Fellaini, Morrison, Britton
    RVP, Suarez, Berbatov

    2FT, 0.9 in bank

    Best use of my 2 frees?
    A) Rafael -> Jose Enrique
    B) Cahill -> Garrido
    C) Britton -> Puncheon
    D) Foster -> Ruddy
    E) Wilkinson -> Cameron

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