Scout Picks

Scout Picks – Gameweek 22

While the upcoming double Gameweek earns a trio of Chelsea players a spot in our Scout Picks XI, we’re a little reluctant to place our faith in Southampton, with our single Saints pick only managing a place on the bench. As winter wildcards continue to be wielded at a frantic pace prior to tomorrow morning’s deadline, here’s who we have for you:

Simon Mignolet gets the nod between the sticks as Sunderland welcome West Ham to the Stadium of Light. Sam Allardyce’s side have scored a mere five times on their travels – the worst away record of any side so far – and with three clean sheets and 27 Fantasy Premier League (FPL) points in his last five home games, the Belgian offers the potential of save points should the Black Cats concede.

Leighton Baines makes a Scout Picks return for Everton’s home clash with Swansea. David Moyes revealed earlier today he expects the left-back to shrug off an ankle knock to take his place in the starting line-up and with goals in each of his last two in all competitions, Baines’ attacking potential has risen up late. Michael Laudrup’s side have failed to score in two of their last three on the road, boosting the prospects of a first clean sheet since Gameweek 5 for the third top scoring FPL defender.

Let’s face it, there’s always going to be a risk of rest and rotation as long as Rafa Benitez is in charge at the Bridge but we’re willing to take a punt on a Blues defender ahead of the double Gameweek. An out of position central midfield role, in addition to a share of set-pieces and spot-kicks, brings David Luiz to the fore against Stoke and Southampton. From a clean sheet perspective, the Potters have scored no more than a single goal in six of their 10 home games, while one goal conceded in four home league games under Benitez boosts Luiz’s appeal going into tomorrow’s deadline.

We’re opting for Seb Bassong as Norwich welcome Newcastle to Carrow Road. Four of the Canaries five clean sheets have come at home this season and with their visitors registering a mere four points on their travels all season, Chris Hughton’s side will be looking to recover from a poor run of festive displays. With three goals to his name already, Bassong’s attacking sensibilities have helped him register 74 FPL points, 14 more than any other Norwich defender.

A trip to basement-dwellers QPR affords Gareth Bale the chance of a profitable weekend. The Welshman has produced seven of his nine goals this season on the road and has returned double figures in four of his nine away appearances so far – the R’s have conceded in every home game under Harry Redknapp, with their recent Gameweek 20 Loftus Road battering at the hands of Liverpool bolstering Bale’s chances of another substantial haul.

Similar to Bale, Marouane Fellaini has produced five sets of double figure returns this term. Two of those have come in his last three home appearances, which bodes well as Everton prepare to welcome Swansea to Goodison tomorrow afternoon. Averaging 6.2 points per game so far, Fellaini will fancy his chances against a Swans side with one clean sheet in the last six Gameweeks.

Leader in the Captain Poll by some distance, Juan Mata is a nailed-on option for us this week ahead of Chelsea’s double. The Spaniard has produced attacking returns in 11 of his last 12 starts, highlighting his superb Fantasy consistency – having benched Mata against QPR and watched his side lose, Rafa Benitez surely won’t make the same mistake again as he attempts to recover from the midweek cup loss to Swansea.

Our faith in Theo Walcott remains resolute in spite of a tricky home clash with City. With Olivier Giroud struggling to overcome a knee problem, Walcott is expected to lead the line for the Gunners on Sunday – bearing in mind City conceded three at Norwich in their previous away match, Walcott could well maintain a consistency that has seen him score or assist in seven of his last eight appearances.

Given his incredible level of consistency, it’s almost an irrelevance as to who Robin Van Persie is up against in any given Gameweek but for the record, he welcomes Liverpool to Old Trafford this time round. The Dutchman will be looking to maintain a recent run that has seen him score or assist in every match since Gameweek 13 – with United averaging 2.8 goals per home match and Liverpool conceding at least twice in three of their last four on the road, there’d be no surprise if he produces the goods yet again.

Demba Ba is our Chelsea forward of choice for the Blues’ double Gameweek. Climbing off the bench in the midweek cup defeat at the hands of Swansea, the former Newcastle man showed enough to suggest he could well get the nod ahead of Fernando Torres for this weekend’s trip to Stoke. Over the two games, we anticipate around 120 minutes for the Senegal striker – plenty time to wreak havoc as he looks to add to his 13 goals and three assists so far.

Dimitar Berbatov is our final forward as Fulham get set for the visit of Wigan. The Bulgarian is back amongst the points again, following his move to a more advanced role in light of Bryan Ruiz’s recent return from a hamstring injury – with the Latics shipping at least two goals in four of their last five on the road, Berbatov’s owners will be confident of another haul at the Cottage tomorrow.

Ian Harte warms the bench as Reading prepare for the visit of West Brom. A recent move to 4-4-1-1 has helped the Royals register back-to-back home clean sheets and with a share of set-pieces also in his locker, the left-back’s attacking potential – as demonstrated by an assist in the previous Gameweek against Spurs – earns him a place above any of the Southampton double Gameweek options. While it may be a little risky, with Nicky Shorey back from illness, the latter was handed a 90 minute run-out for the reserves in midweek, suggesting that Harte should be in line for another start tomorrow afternoon.

A home clash with Newcastle affords Norwich the chance to bounce back from four successive defeats. We turn to the Canaries main Fantasy protagonist, then, with Robert Snodgrass warming the Scout Picks bench – three set of double figures in his last eight is indicative of the winger’s form and with the Magpies failing to register a single clean sheet on the road thus far, his mid-price potential has already persuaded over 31,000 Fantasy managers to snap him up ahead of tomorrow’s deadline.

The best value forward in the FPL game so far, Rickie Lambert’s double Gameweek earns him a spot on the bench. Ahead of his trips to Villa Park and Stamford Bridge, Lambert has scored in three of his last four away games and with spot-kicks also to fall back on, a cost of just 6.3 looks enticing – in comparison to the Chelsea forwards, Lambert’s game time is guaranteed; he’s started every match from Gameweek 9 onwards.

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2,267 Comments Post a Comment
  1. OrmskirkFC
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    I’m almost decided on my WC team, the news about O’Brien and Turnbull made me have to change a few things. This is my current wildcard lineup in order to reap maximum benefits from both double game weeks, I am 90 points behind my league leader. Here is GW22:

    Foster (Jaaskelainen)
    Demel – Luiz – Clyne (Cameron – Mertesacker)
    Ramirez – Bale – Mata – Nolan (Cazorla)
    Ba – Berbatov – Lambert

    I have 5.0 in the bank, so for GW 23 I switch Ramirez for Walcott and run this squad:

    Jaaskelainen (Foster)
    Demel – Mertesacker – Cameron (Luiz – Clyne)
    Walcott – Mata – Cazorla – Nolan – Bale
    Ba – Berbatov (Lambert)

    That gives me great fixtures and the maximum 6 players for each double gameweek, what do you think?

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    1. KLUIVERT#DJANGO
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Mertsaker > GIBBS or Sagna

      and i wouldnt go without Robin

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      1. OrmskirkFC
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        I lose .2 if I get rid of Mertesacker, so not really worth the switch to Gibbs for me. RVP is my main problem. I want to get him into my squad, but in order to do it I would have to lose Ba and Walcott/Cazorla, and I want to wait until GW24 to do that.

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    2. There's Always One!
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      You need Rvp mate

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  2. There's Always One!
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Right guys this is doing my head in . Who to captain and why? Mata or Ba? Before its said I think theres a good chance Mata might be rested in the 2nd game so I don't think it's comes down to who will play more

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    1. OrmskirkFC
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Still Mata. Torres versus Ba is a game I don't feel comfortable playing.

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      1. There's Always One!
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Any chance of him playing both in the 2nd game?

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        1. OrmskirkFC
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 2 months ago

          He'll have a part in both games, that's for sure. Starting minutes, that's the debate.

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          1. OrmskirkFC
            • 11 Years
            11 years, 2 months ago

            I'm talking about Mata.

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  3. Captain Shirokov
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    8 scout picks, most I've ever had. 😯

    Is three DGW players enough? (Mata, Ba, Punch)

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    1. The Mandalorian
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      im playing 1

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      1. Rojo's Modern Life
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Ouch

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    2. OrmskirkFC
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      I'm using my wildcard for 6 DGW players this week and 6 DGW the next! I will not let you know if it doesn't work out...

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      1. Rojo's Modern Life
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Suicide. You don't want SOU and WHM players long-term

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  4. Forestshrew
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Best choice guys;

    A. Azpi and Puncheon

    B. Luiz and Guthrie

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    1. PGR
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Azpi very doubtful to start both games I think. Go B

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  5. Jordan.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    In addition to the 3 point bonus that players value should also automatically rise by 0.1.......

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  6. There's Always One!
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Suarez is on 7 yellows. Is 8 a suspension? He is very very likely to get a yellow against Utd

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    1. SL8
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      10

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  7. Mr.B
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Hey guys, just wanted to find out if my WC team is good to go for the DGW and how you rate it

    Jussi
    Cuellar – Gibbs – Luiz (VC)
    Mata(C) – Bale -Walcott – Michu
    Ba – Benteke – Lambert
    Subs: Bego – Nolan – Zaba – Nelsen

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    1. Mr.B
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      I got a few problems too, I need a defender

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      1. Mr.B
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Seems my comments don't come out full

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    2. Forestshrew
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Looks decent, but could do with RVP.

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    3. Belli2007
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      You may want to consider the following:

      Cuellar has a hamstring injury and is out.
      Nelsen leaving QPR after this weekend
      Not having RVP is FPL suicide.

      If on a wc then would definitely the resolve the first two so doesn't cost you down the line. Appreciate RVP now comes at a cost but he is gold dust...

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      1. Mr.B
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        It's like you read my mind, was going to post all the problems I had (which is what you said), but it didn't come out. Wondering if you could recommend a defender

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        1. Mr.B
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 2 months ago

          thats

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      2. Mr.B
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        could you recommend some players?

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    4. Rojo's Modern Life
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Needs some Everton cover

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  8. Freshy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Punchy first on my bench
    Walcott and LilPea in

    Villa could easily have a decent defensive showing at home and Chelsea will be in crush mode at home against weaker competition. Cant bet against Walcott's or Hernandez's form

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    1. Rojo's Modern Life
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      If you're not going to play Puncheon in a DGW, why even bother having him?

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  9. PIP
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Aaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrgggggggggghhhhhhh! Head about to explode with this WC. How does this look?

    Jussi (Bego)
    Gibbs - Clyne - Luiz (Davies - Demel)
    Mata (c) - Bale - Walcott - Fellaini - Michu
    Ba (v) - RVP (Pog)

    Thanks

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    1. King Henrik
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      it's good to go bro ! carlton Cole instead of pog for DGW coming up

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      1. Belli2007
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Do you think Cole is nailed on with Chamakh coming in?

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        1. King Henrik
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 2 months ago

          hmm good point ! jus think he would b good for a wee punt lol

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    2. Belli2007
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Like it a lot.

      Very similar to mine although defence is slightly different as currently holding onto Silva over Fellaini and also tempted with Lambert this week but then don't know who to bench.

      This game.........

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    3. There's Always One!
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Very like mine so I think it's great!

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      1. PIP
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks guys.

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    4. Twelve years a slave
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Identical to my wildcard, and i mean identical

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  10. King Henrik
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Begovic (bunn )
    Gibbs Luiz Shaw ( Demel Davies )
    Mata Bale Michu/Walcott Puncheon
    Rvp Ba Lambert !!
    am I ready to go ! ?? have I got it right .. thanks

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    1. Still No Eye Dia
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Sound.

      I'd bench Michu despite what people say ;). Captain? I'd say Mata, or Ba for kicks.

      Nice Grav 🙂

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  11. KLUIVERT#DJANGO
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Bunn
    Harte Luiz Gibbs

    Fellaini Michu Mata Bale

    Suarez Van Persie Ba

    (Demel Sterling Wisdom)

    all set ?

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    1. King Henrik
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      for long term that team is bang on Mate !!

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      1. KLUIVERT#DJANGO
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        thx mate ,, am thinkin Bale > Nolan,, Wisdom >> Baines ,,, HEADACHE !!

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      2. moehassan
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        How do u see my team ? 🙂

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    2. Rojo's Modern Life
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Wisdom isn't worth it - their fixtures are bad for 3 of next 4, by which time Enrique will be back

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  12. Standcider
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Bench Puncheon or Ruiz?
    Ruiz home to Wigan and on form but Punch on DGW. Crazy to bench Punch for DGW? Thoughts?

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    1. King Henrik
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      don't b silly mate play puncheon !

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      1. Standcider
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        I know ye but if Ruiz scores/assists I'll go mad!

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  13. MiguelAngel
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Harte or Demel
    Sczezcney or Rudd
    Michu or Fellaini

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    1. Still No Eye Dia
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Harte.
      Toss a coin. Might be tempted to go Szczesny with Kun out and Tevez struggling, but then there's Dzeko 😮
      Fellaini purely as the home player, so little in it.

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    2. Rojo's Modern Life
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      What makes you think Rudd will play over Bunn?

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  14. Forestshrew
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Repost

    Best choice guys;

    A. Azpi and Puncheon

    B. Luiz and Guthrie

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    1. Still No Eye Dia
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      A. No to Guthrie.

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  15. Mr.B
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Can someone please tell me why my comments don't show everything? It's the usual length but I get cut off by like my third - fifth line?

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  16. PDXTimbers
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Who to bench from this front 8?

    Michu, Mata, Walcott, Puncheon, Fellaini
    RVP, Ba, Lambert

    Thanks!

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    1. Mr.B
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Michu

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    2. moehassan
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Michu

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  17. COMFORTABLY NUMB
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    When did chelski's game get re-arranged? two DGWs in a row are doing my head in. Can't cater for both without taking a 4pt hit.

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  18. Baby Cuties
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Hey guys, this is my first FPL season so I'd appreciate your help and experience.

    Am I right in thinking the most logical strategy for the wildcard is to wait until the deadline week?

    I'll be able to get 3 arsenal men in before their DGW, then I guess it's a matter of sorting out the team big time after that. Am I right?

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    1. COMFORTABLY NUMB
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      That's my strategy - but this is my first season also - so who knows! 🙂

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    2. Still No Eye Dia
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      That's the ideal strategy, so long as squad's not in meltdown and you're reasonably covered for the dgws. You'll have a better idea of what's available with new signings, especially as a lot of them go down to the wire.

      Some of us just don't have the patience to wait that long 😳

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      1. COMFORTABLY NUMB
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Trigger happy

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  19. Trini Chelsea
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Begovic / Turnball
    Luiz / Morrison / Demel/ Gibbs / Nelsen
    Noble/ Mata / Walcott / Michu / Fellani
    RVP / Suarez / Defoe

    My head hurting already took a 4 pts hit have both wildcards argh!!!!!!!
    What to do?

    http://fantasy.premierleague.com/my-team/

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    1. COMFORTABLY NUMB
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Panic!

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      1. Belli2007
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Cech on his way back, and Nelsen leaving QPR.

        Not a bad team mind but with both wc's you could cover off the two game weeks and then play second to revisit team after deadline day.

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    2. Still No Eye Dia
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      No point wildcarding now! That squad looks pretty reasonable anyway, I'd stick. Could do Defoe -> Lambert for another hit but I don't recommend it.

      Defoe -> Podolski for gw23?

      You're in good shape with 2 wcs, use the Jan one in gw24 an dyou'll have one for later!

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  20. OrmskirkFC
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Any chance of Rooney playing on Sunday? Or do I captain Lambert?

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    1. COMFORTABLY NUMB
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      No chance of Rooney playing on Sunday

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  21. Still No Eye Dia
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    To anybody still hanging round here, new post about 80 mins ago 😳

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  22. enrico.palazzo
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Who to bench?

    Fellaini - Snodgrass -Walcott - Puncheon - Michu?

    Cheers guys

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    1. moehassan
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Michu

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  23. yer old da
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Johnson to Luiz for a 4 point hit, bearing in mind that Liverpool have Norwich at home next GW and Chelsea have Arsenal at home?

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    1. enrico.palazzo
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      I'd do it, Luiz is my cap this week. Who is rest of your defence?

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  24. Balotellitubbies
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Final wildcard team for tomorrow:
    Sorensen
    Baines Luiz Nastasic
    Walcott Mata(c) Michu Fellaini
    Ba Berbatov RVP
    Good luck for the gameweek peeps.

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    1. Rojo's Modern Life
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Why on earth would you have Sorensen?!

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  25. moehassan
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Hii .. Here is my team after using the wildcard .. Let me know ur comments ..
    Begovic szczesny
    Harte Cameron Martin R O brein clyne
    Mata bale walcot fellaini michu
    Lambert ba v persie

    I have 0.5 in the bank .. I will chane ba next week with tevez

    Let me know 🙂

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  26. UKG
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    I'm planning Snodgrass > Felliani both are rising tonight, so does it matter if I do the transfer now or tomorrow?

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  27. UKG
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Is Turnbull now likely to only get one game? Planned to bring him in as need a 4.4 keeper or defender.

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    1. moehassan
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      If he played .. He will play only the first match aganist stock

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      1. Rojo's Modern Life
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Stock 0_0

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  28. PGR
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Dzeko or Berbatov long term?

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  29. sid22022
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Wildcard team
    Jaskellainen bunn
    MartinR Gibbs shaw Davies Harte
    Walcott bale mata fellaini michu
    Rvp suarez lambert
    Please advise changes .
    Ba for lambert , puncheon for fellaini/michu? Any other major blunders i made? Thanks

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  30. ppaul86
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Hey Guys!
    Can you please assess my fantasy team and give me some suggestions.

    ---- Begovic -----
    Huth -- Zabaleta -- Ivanovic
    Fellaini -- Michu -- Mata (c) -- Silva
    Suarez -- RVP -- Defoe

    Bench: Tremmel (G), Briggs, Shaw, De Riddler (M)

    Thank You!

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