Scout Picks

Scout Picks – Gameweek 18

We’re bracing ourselves for a flurry of fixtures over the next few days as the festive schedule serves up as many as four Gameweeks. With home ties on their respective agendas, City, Liverpool and Spurs provide our Scout Picks XI with two players apiece this weekend – here’s who we have for your consideration:

Jussi Jaaskelainen gets the nod between the sticks as West Ham prepare to welcome Everton to Upton Park. With the visitors devoid of the suspended Marouane Fellaini, Sam Allardyce’s side will be a little more confident of registering their second successive clean sheet after defying West Brom last time round. Jaaskelainen has already kept out his opponents on six occasions this term and is likely to have the comfort of save points to fall back on if he does concede.

Glen Johnson retains his spot in the Scout Picks on the back of his strong attacking displays. The Liverpool right-back has provided attacking returns in each of his last three and with visitors Fulham scoring once in their previous three on the road, the potential for points at both ends of the pitch looks prosperous as the Reds look to bounce back from last week’s home defeat against Villa.

A home clash with Reading earns City’s Matija Nastasic a call-up. Roberto Mancini’s side look strong candidates for a clean sheet – the Royals have failed to score in each of their last three road trips and, having started eight of the hosts’ last nine, Nastasic has offered a secure mid-price option at the back for the champions of late, as Joleon Lescott continues to look a peripheral figure.

Jan Vertonghen welcomes Stoke to the Lane on the back of his highest points return of the season. The Belgian supplemented his second clean sheet in the last three with a goal and maximum bonus last time round and with the Potters scoring twice in their previous four on the road, he could be set to continue his upturn in form.

With Roberto Mancini confirming his intentions to rotate over the festive period earlier today, our faith in City’s strike force has dampened further. Instead, we turn to David Silva as the champions prepare to wreak havoc on basement-dwellers Reading tomorrow. There’s no doubt the frontmen could rack up the points against a side that have conceded 13 times in their last four but Silva’s security of starts is a safer option – his recent 16 point home return against Villa highlights his offensive potential.

Theo Walcott’s move to the lone forward role against Reading last Monday earns him a Scout Picks place as Arsenal travel to Wigan. The Latics continue to struggle with injuries at the back and have shipped at least two goals in each of their last seven – with no Boxing Day fixture for Arsene Wenger’s side, rest and rotation is surely not a factor here.

Jason Puncheon is an enticing cut-price prospect as Southampton prepare for the visit of Sunderland. With Adam Lallana out injured, Puncheon’s contribution will be more vital than ever – he has two lots of double figure returns in his last five and is up against a side with one away clean sheet since the opening day of the season.

Fit and available after a brief hamstring absence, we welcome Gareth Bale back to the fold. There’s no doubt a home clash with Stoke is far from straightforward but prior to limping off against Fulham in Gameweek 15, Bale had notched in three back-to-back matches and seems to have picked up in goal threat this term under Andre Villas-Boas – he is just four goals short of equalling his tally for the entirety of last season.

With goals in each of his last four appearances, Robin Van Persie is an obvious choice. United travel to Swansea having scored at least three times in all but one of their last six on the road and with Michael Laudrup’s side conceding four to Norwich in their last home match, Van Persie looks to have the perfect chance to maintain his scoring form.

Demba Ba gets the nod as Newcastle prepare for the visit of QPR. While the visitors remain unbeaten under Harry Redknapp, they have, nevertheless, conceded in all but one of his four games in charge –Ba has scored in four of his last five at St James’ Park, in indication of his deadly form in front of the home faithful.

Our final forward is Luis Suarez. Granted, the Liverpool forward hasn’t been in the best of form in recent matches but is set to face a Fulham side that have shipped 18 goals in their travels already – the second worst away defence in the top-flight. With 10 goals and three assists to his name so far, Suarez’s owners will be anticipating returns tomorrow evening.

Nathaniel Clyne warms the bench ahead of Southampton’s home showdown with Sunderland. The raiding right-back has a couple of assists and two clean sheets in his last five and with doubts remaining over the availability of Steven Fletcher, Clyne’s owners will be confident of another strong showing this weekend.

A move to the role in “the hole” last week saw Adel Taarabt register his most impressive Fantasy returns of the season. Unbeaten in four under Harry Redknapp, QPR will be reliant on their Moroccan magician if they are to extend that record as they travel to Newcastle – priced at 5.6 in FPL, he’s a strong cut-price option heading into the weekend and is up against a backline with two clean sheets to their name all season.

Edin Dzeko gets the nod as City prepare to welcome Reading to the Etihad. As mentioned above, rest and rotation will be on the cards for Roberto Mancini’s side but with Mario Balotelli sidelined through illness, the Bosnian’s chances of game time are that little bit more enticing against the porous Royals backline – costing just 7.3 in FPL, his potential outweighs most other mid-price forwards this weekend. Even if he is handed a sub role, Dzeko has proven he needs little time to make an impact.

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1,602 Comments Post a Comment
  1. COMH
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Anyone know who Jinswick is (c)?

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  2. Phil Thompson's Nose
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    First week in ages my squad feels epic. Need help on subs and captain???

    Begovic, Federici,
    Enrique, Zabeleta, Clyne, Gibbs, Bassong
    Mata, Santi, Sterling, Puncheon, Taarabt
    Tevez, Suarez, RVP

    Please give some ideas!!!

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    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Nice! Bench Enrique, Bassong and Taarabt (just as he's playing away).

      Tevez(c)

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      1. Phil Thompson's Nose
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks mate. Good advice, very close to my thinking but i had Clyne on the bench playing Enrique. Currently captain Suarez but really want Tevez, the will rotate Mancini statement scares me!

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      2. Bad Seed
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        really Twisted? I'd like to but, like everyone else, I'm concerned about his start.

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  3. SnoopDogSmokesWeed
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Who to bench??

    1. Demel or Shawcross?
    2. Sterling or puncheon ? or Berbatov maybe?

    Bench from 1 and one from 2.

    Thanks

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    1. Big Col
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Demel & Sterling

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    2. Black Knights
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Shawcross and Sterling.

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  4. EAGLES (0 Chelsea players)
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Does anyone think Dempsey will start? Hoping he play behind Defoe? Confirmation of this?

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    1. hazza
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      90%

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    2. Rafabio
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      From Team News page (Spurs' section):

      "The Spurs boss has a decision to make with Bale’s return; this could see Clint Dempsey drop out if Spurs continue with a 4-4-2, though a move to 4-2-3-1 would likely see Jermain Defoe as the lone forward, with Dempsey tucked in behind and Adebayor dropping out."

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    3. Big Col
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      I think with Bale back and Ade supposedly fit, I have a feeling he will be benched but not a Spurs supporter (just a Dempsey owner) so more of a gut feel.

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  5. r0nh
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    FFS, someone say something interesting!!!

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    1. PainInDiaz
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Chickens with white earlobes will lay white eggs, while chickens with red earlobes lay brown eggs.

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      1. r0nh
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        I love chicken fillets & boiled eggs 🙂

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        1. PainInDiaz
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          *nom nom nom*

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      2. Jimmers
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Prove it!

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        1. PainInDiaz
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          Bring me the Chickens.

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    2. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Its Friday what do you expect.

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      1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Booze. 😉

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        1. Ginkapo FPL
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          Its *insert day here* what do you expect

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          1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            11 years, 3 months ago

            TFIF! Yesssh! Hic!

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    3. Sw££t Sci£…
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Debbie magee or Barbara Windsor??? Discuss

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    4. heartsattack
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Vegetarianism.

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  6. Studgie G
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Enrique (c) anyone ?

    i'm thinking of doing it

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    1. drunken_mess
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      do it

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  7. And nothing else Mata'…
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Ok, who would you captain for this GW, RVP or Rooney.
    My friend will captain RVP anf im winning 50pts, play it safe and go with RVP or go for differential and choose Roo..

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  8. Tmel
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    a) Nastasic or Zabaleta? (who’s less prone to rotation?)
    b) Silva, Mata or Bale?

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    1. .
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Nasty & Bale

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  9. Sw££t Sci£…
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Tough decision,i cant decide between kylie or Dani Minogue??

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  10. Jimmers
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Just home from work after a few scoops on the way - it has to be done! Have just one of the Scout Picks for the weekend and do you know what – I feel good about it!

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  11. Azzy
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    In the podcast Mark and Granville said there'll be rotation and they think Dzeko will start, they also put him in the scout picks.. So why are Tevez and Aguero starting on the team news section?

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    1. Jimmers
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Mark & Granville aren't always right !

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      1. PainInDiaz
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Prove it! 😉

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    2. UnderstandablyDistraught
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      They're backing the nutmeg play

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    3. applebonkers
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      it's one thing thinking something is favourite to happen (team news), it's another banking on it with a scout picks place. it's a safety play to prevent hundreds of "LOOOL AT SCOUT PICKS" if aguero or tevez are benched

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

    Sorry for repost but figured it's worth one more go..

    The challenge - getting Silva in for Felliani in this team without touching the forward line or michu / walcott:

    Jussi (Migs)
    Enrique / Rafael / Cameron (Davies) (Shorey)
    Walcott / Michu / Felliani / Robson-Kanu / Sterling
    RVP / Rooney / Suarez

    Currently looking at a -8 to go Felliani -> Silvia, Sterling -> Tarabat & Rafael to cheap defender..

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    1. Roonani
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      not worth -8 imo. I would max lose 4. by doing Felliani to silva and rafael to nastasic if you can

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      1. Roonani
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        bench kanu shorey and cameron

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  13. TochanMama
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    What are the chances of Zabaleta and Tevez starting on a scale of 10?

    considering a torres for tevez swap.

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    1. Jimmers
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      9 and 9.5

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    2. r0nh
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      No matter what people answer to this question, it is no help to you at all.

      Noones noseeee

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    3. Roonani
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      i got torres this week. looking for some big numbers from him and a price rise of 0.6 in the next 3 weeks.....overly optimistic 🙂
      http://i.imgur.com/y2Zwk.gif

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  14. Jeremiah
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Captain ?

    A. Suarez
    B. Rooney
    C. Ba

    Currently Rooney

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    1. r0nh
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Heskey

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      1. Jeremiah
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        good one

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    2. Dial Square
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      ba

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    3. pezzerman
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      suarez.... at home to fulham who are shipping goals and he is due

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  15. drunken_mess
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    which one to bench out of these lot people

    garrido, cuellar, huth, demel

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  16. pezzerman
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    le fondre captain this week 😉

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    1. .
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      No link. Prove it

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      1. pezzerman
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        oops.was supposed to be a question rather than a statement.. i do fancy reading to score tho!
        my team is in bad shape this week so am thinking on the wildside!

        bego,
        huth, enrique,baines,demel,evans
        caz,walcott,sess,valencia,snoddy
        rvp, le fondre, holt

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    2. PainInDiaz
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Yes totally.

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    3. EAGLES (0 Chelsea players)
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      flair

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  17. Belli2007
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Evening all. Would appreciate some input if anyone happy to comment.

    Team as its stands:

    Jaask (Bego)
    Rafa, Cuellar, Demel (Clark, Nelson)
    Michu, Fellaini, Cazorla, Silva (Huddlestone)
    RVP, Ba, Defoe

    Been away with no access and suffered a .2 drop in Fellaini, but need to replace. I try and avoid hits, however, thinking that Rafael to Olson so I can get Fellaini for Mata might be worth it.

    A good move?

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    1. Roonani
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      not a bad move...can you maybe afford nastasic instead of Olson ?

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  18. Soccaholic
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Quick capt poll please
    A)Silva
    B)Suarez
    First to 4 wins

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    1. .
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      A, have the balls like me Soccaholic!

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      1. Belli2007
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Between Silva and Ba for me and currently on Silva...

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        1. .
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          Good men ye are!

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      2. Soccaholic
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Its currently on Silva FYI mate!
        After this poll... We shall see 😉

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    2. WDT
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      B

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    3. #23
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      A

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  19. WrightnBright
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Hmmm, silva or mata?

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  20. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    This where scout picks get up my nose ... 😉

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    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      For sitting on the fence re Aguero/Tevez?

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  21. applebonkers
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    silly stat but rue nonetheless:
    reading's 4-5-1 beat arsenal 2-1 on monday

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    1. gravless
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      You are a goldmine of info. Interesting info too.

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      1. .
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        * lick lick*

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        1. gravless
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          It's true though.

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          1. applebonkers
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 14 Years
            11 years, 3 months ago

            quiet, keep licking

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    2. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Very silly... Arsenal were practically walking around at that point.

      They do need to play 4-5-1 at the Etihad though, or face a cricket score.

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  22. TheRealAVB
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Help Vertonghen or Walker????

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    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Errr ...

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    2. PainInDiaz
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Walker. He's a real Runner.

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      1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Wrong, on so many levels ... 😉

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    3. Twinkle toes
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Vertonghen plenty of goals in him will also get an assist when he is pulled down by Shawcross or Huth. Refs will be watching for this

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      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Good point, I reckon. Who is spurs' pen taker at the minute anyway?

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  23. r0nh
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    What station should I watch?

    I have the maximum sky package, but I have a feeling the sports channel may be good?

    Yay or nay?

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    1. Sw££t Sci£…
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      914!

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      1. r0nh
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        I swear some of them "women" are men!!!

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    2. gravless
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      I get ya Ronh. 😎

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      1. Sw££t Sci£…
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Well it is the weekend 🙂

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        1. r0nh
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          Bug off Forest Fan, she is all mine!!!

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      2. r0nh
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        OMG!!

        Are you a real woman?!!

        I thought women were just a myth around these parts!!

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    3. Sw££t Sci£…
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Fill your boots Ronh!

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  24. Eboue
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Bench demel Cameron or Lowton?

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    1. JayCee
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Tough call, I say Lowton

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      1. Eboue
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Oh man sorry i need to bench 2 , any thoughts on te second? My current is demel playing Lowton 1st cam 2. What do you reckon?

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        1. JayCee
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          it's about right, I'm playing demel too, and it's a coin toss between stoke and whm defenders anyway. No Fellaini clinches it for me

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  25. Twinkle toes
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Snodgrass and Sess for Guthrie and Silva 4 point hit. Worried about lack of city cover. Guthrie will be bench fodder anyhow and can be until wildcard if needs be

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    1. sy
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      You will need a strong bench over Xmas period with rotation

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    2. pezzerman
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      according to ur link, u dont have either snod or sess....

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  26. WDT
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    2 to play from: Berb (liv) Long (NOR) and Taarabt (new)

    currently benching adel.

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  27. Timmy Cahill Rules
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Kun (C)

    OR

    G Johnson (C)

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    1. heartsattack
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Attention!

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  28. JayCee
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Who will score more this week, Suarez or Tevez? Discuss.

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    1. gravless
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Suarez. He'll play the full 90mins

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      1. PainInDiaz
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Suarez, if Tevez doesn't play full 90 mins.

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    2. JayCee
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Dammit, I'm thinking about Beneteke now xD

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  29. JK - Cønt ⭐
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    anyone watching Text Santa

    Holly Willoubhy... that is all.

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    1. Sw££t Sci£…
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Good lad.

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  30. Ginkapo FPL
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Ricky Holmes,

    We Love you Ricky Holmes,

    Ricky Holmes,

    Ricky Ricky Holmes

    There's only one Ricky Holmes,

    Ricky Holmes,

    Ricky Ricky Holmes

    Barnet 3 - 1 Burton Albion

    HATTRICK

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    1. pezzerman
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      BEEE ARMY!

      I got to interview edgar davids for my newspaper a few weeks ago... very friendly guy

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      1. Ginkapo FPL
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Epic bloke. Cant imagine how much pride he has swallowed to help us out.

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        1. pezzerman
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          he says he just wants to give something back to the game..he was living in north london since his time playing for spurs.. As well as managing barnet, he still helps out a brixton boys team..The kids around the training ground are just in awe of him!

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    2. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      This is preferable to endless postings about MK Dons v AFC Wimbledon

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      1. Ginkapo FPL
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Of course it is, you know it will end in twenty minutes

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    3. Pea Soup
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      January. Transfer. Window.

      Bye bye Ricky. Bye bye.

      😉

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      1. Ginkapo FPL
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Im actually really worried about that.

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