[sbu_large_image] Team News
1 February 2013 1616 comments
Paul Paul
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Contrary to earlier reports on twitter, Juan Mata is fit and available for Chelsea’s trip to Newcastle. Petr Cech returns from a brief calf problem, though the Blues are still without David Luiz due to an ankle injury.

Dimitar Berbatov is out of Fulham’s home clash with former club United, while Steve Sidwell is also unavailable for the Cottagers. Sir Alex Ferguson has promised to make one or two changes for the visitors – he’s hoping Jonny Evans will be back and has also revealed Rio Ferdinand will feature. Ashley Young is still sidelined, however.

Mikel Arteta could return for Arsenal’s home clash with Stoke, though Thomas Vermaelen is a doubt again due to an ongoing ankle problem. Swansea’s Michel Vorm remains sidelined with a minor knee problem, casting doubts over his availability for next week’s double. Liverpool have omitted Philippe Coutinho from the squad to face City – he is “away getting things sorted” after joined from Inter. Vincent Kompany is expected to remain on the sidelines for another three weeks for City, while Peter Odemwingie won’t be considered for selection for West Brom after yesterday’s transfer deadline day drama.

All this and more is collected and collated in our team news section, where you’ll also find our updated predicted lineups.

“Rate My Team” has also been updated to reflect the very latest, the Projections will be updated very shortly.

We’ll keep you informed of any new information via our twitter feed, as always.

Paul Is certain he won't make the same mistakes next season. Follow them on Twitter

  1. John Nerdelbaum
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    Only one dilemma - play Davies (whm) Bertrand (new) or Pearce (SUN)

    Got Fletch - no one else from the opposing teams

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    1. Gamoriola of the Galaxy (Eu…
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Davies--Swans seem to be concentrating on clean sheets away and WHam are far from potent.

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      1. John Nerdelbaum
        • 13 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        Worth putting in Bertrand just in case? The oopness is tempting

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        1. Absinthe Minded
          • 15 Years
          13 years, 2 months ago

          this

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  2. Sᴄʜᴜ̈RRʟᴇ ⓝ
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    Have Chesny and Theo for Arse
    So, Gibbs out for:
    a) Sagna
    b) Monreal
    c) QPR defender (Fabio?)

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    1. mgrea
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Jose Enrique?

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      1. Sᴄʜᴜ̈RRʟᴇ ⓝ
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        5.5m to spend

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        1. mgrea
          • 14 Years
          13 years, 2 months ago

          Ah, sorry!

          In that case, if it were my choice I'd go for the ever so slightly risky Monreal pick. Sagna is nailed on yet unlikely attacking returns, Monreal looks and sounds very attacking so I think I would punt him straight into my team.

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          1. Sᴄʜᴜ̈RRʟᴇ ⓝ
            • 14 Years
            13 years, 2 months ago

            Thanks Zlataner!
            Yes, that's what I'm thinking, too.
            3 Arses is good at the moment, as well, I think 🙂

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  3. Captain Shirokov
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    It's me again. 😛

    It boils down to this;

    Would you rather have Pog (SUN) or Punch (wig) playing this weekend?

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    1. mgrea
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Punch

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    2. thetinkerman
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Have we heard anything about why he was withdrawn on 45 mins last time out?

      He's a superior option to Pog IMO

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      1. Captain Shirokov
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        This is my main worry. He could be rotated more under the new manager.

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        1. thetinkerman
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          13 years, 2 months ago

          Do Prado has been dire and Puncheon has been great (although I don't know about that last game). Would be surprised to see Puncheon not playing long-term

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  4. A2U
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    Need a long-term week in week out defender, Agger or Zabaleta?

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    1. mgrea
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Zaba

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    2. World XI
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Agger is nailed on. Zab is not as much when Micon and Micha are back

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      1. A2U
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        My thoughts exactly, do you know how far they are from returning?

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  5. mgrea
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone else fancy a Noble penalty this weekend? 😉

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    1. Elwood
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      I'd love one, i'll be at the game 🙂

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  6. Mr Sarcastic
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    Sorry for repost, but need more opinnions for dgw

    a) sturridge (c) + gj + 4 points

    b) sturridge + Suarez (c)

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    1. mgrea
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      B

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    2. Gamoriola of the Galaxy (Eu…
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      B

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      1. Mr Sarcastic
        • 15 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        Thnx

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  7. Leaf
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    My boys for the week , comments welcome !

    Federici

    Baines , Rafeal , sagna

    Mata , Walcott (c) , fellaini , taraabt

    Aguero , RVP , Fletcher

    Bench :bego , de Guzman , Davies , Pearce

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    1. Gamoriola of the Galaxy (Eu…
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Looks good to me.

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    2. Mojo Rojo
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Very nice!

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  8. AGUEROOOOO!!!!!
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    who will score more cup match
    a - kagawa, ba, sturridge, muchu
    b - lambert, suarez, cazorla, fellaini

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    1. Gamoriola of the Galaxy (Eu…
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Very close, but b just shades it.

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      1. AGUEROOOOO!!!!!
        • 13 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        hope so im B

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  9. The Bandit
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    Sorry, posted then got distracted so missed replies... Thanks 🙂

    Count - I still have Cazorla because I got him for the dgw intending to get rid but other problems became more pressing

    Optimus - I have done Ba and Gibbs to suarez and Davies

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    1. Optimus.
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      i knee jerked ba out in a rage myself

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      1. The Bandit
        • 15 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        Had to be done

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  10. Demí
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    Rooney reveals he went to SAF and asked to hand penalty duties to RvP

    http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2013/Feb/wayne-rooney-decision-not-to-take-penalties.aspx

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    1. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Good man...

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

      But missed the managers door

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    3. OPTA FPL
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      I love Rooney!

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    4. Namtab Nomolos
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Good spot.

      *sees who posted it*

      Ahh, nothing gets past you 🙂

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    5. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Rooney's gonna take the next pen now just to troll us.

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    6. thetinkerman
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      I bet he has RVP for his fantasy team...

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    7. 1966 was a great year for E…
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Team player.

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    8. Henry Hill
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Showing a real lack of confidence in himself if he is actually requesting not to take penalties anymore

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      1. 1966 was a great year for E…
        • 15 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        No, he's putting the team before his ego. Can't see Taarabt doing something like that 😉

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        1. Henry Hill
          • 16 Years
          13 years, 2 months ago

          He's actually matured a lot this season, tells you how bad his teammates are when he is a grafter now 😮

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    9. Demí
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      http://www.stretfordend.co.uk/goalscorers/overall.html

      Looks like those 57 more goals will take a little longer to reach now...

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  11. Chu Young Ping Pong
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    Ba and Torres to start tomorrow?

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    1. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      I no longer give a shit! 😀

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      1. Elwood
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        I feel so free without Ba

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        1. The Bandit
          • 15 Years
          13 years, 2 months ago

          +1 and I don't care if he gets a brace v Newcastle... good riddance

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          1. thetinkerman
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 14 Years
            13 years, 2 months ago

            Ha ha, nice. One of the reasons Mata isn't making my WC cut.

            Great fantasy player but without him it's one less "will he won't he" every weekend. Bale is nailed on and Walcott is arguably the better option!

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            1. The Bandit
              • 15 Years
              13 years, 2 months ago

              Agreed, also going without Mata

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              1. thetinkerman
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 14 Years
                13 years, 2 months ago

                Glad to hear I'm not alone.

                Care to see my draft?

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                1. The Bandit
                  • 15 Years
                  13 years, 2 months ago

                  Got to dash now but I'll be back later 🙂

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                  1. thetinkerman
                    • Has Moderation Rights
                    • 14 Years
                    13 years, 2 months ago

                    Cool beans. I'll be on tomorrow morning anyway. I'm pretty much set now that I've decided to go Fellaini over Mata, allowing me to pick who I really want elsewhere.

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      2. Pinoche
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        😀

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      3. YOUNG and ARROGANT
        • 13 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        funny thats what jason puncheon said

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    2. AGUEROOOOO!!!!!
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      possibly, bertrans is shiiite, i doubt it though reading home was the chance to play both

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    3. World XI
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Rafa will never play 4-4-2

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      1. Chu Young Ping Pong
        • 13 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        Ba as a winger.

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  12. OPTA FPL
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    Think my WC team is set now, who will you get for last defender spot at 4.5m or under? Cheers

    Cesar / Bunn
    Davies / Baines / Cuellar / Pearce / _____ (4.5M)
    Walcott / Mata / Puncheon / Michu / Bale
    Suarez / Sturridge / Van Persie

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    1. snowman
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Fabio

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      1. OPTA FPL
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        Have Cesar in goal mate

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    2. pukey
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Bertrand for 3.9? cheap chelsea coverage for a couple of games

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      1. OPTA FPL
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        Hazard will serve his final game banned this weekend, and Chelsea will play at Newcastle this week, i have no interest with bertrant.

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      2. Give The Todd Some Love
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        Ewwww no way. Hughes/Turner

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        1. OPTA FPL
          • 14 Years
          13 years, 2 months ago

          but I have Bunn?

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    3. nashi
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Dawson is worth considering

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      1. OPTA FPL
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        not when Europla League is back

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

      wisdom

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  13. kliptokon
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    Who to captain ...Giroud vs stoke or RVP vs Fulham?

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    1. Elwood
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      RVP

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    2. Caine & Co.
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      GIROUD!

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  14. baronvanduck
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    Anybody fancy Monreal? Apparently he's Spains 2nd choice Left Back at the moment.

    Anyways struggling with wild card any thoughts?

    Cesar (Bunn)
    Zabaleta, Samba, Monreal (Davies & Mariappa)
    Michu, Mata, Walcott, Bale, Gerrard
    RVP (c) Giroud (Pog)

    Probably ship Giroud out for Sturridge DGW

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    1. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      OMG U CAUGHT ME OUT!!!1111

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    2. Captain Shirokov
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      You joker, you.

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    3. thetinkerman
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      You got us good.

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  15. Elwood
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    Glad to see Mata is back.

    Who are you Captaining this week?

    RVP for me, I think a lot of people will be sorry for shipping him. Except maybe Andy.

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  16. Bests Conquests
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    So we're still not knowing Fellaini's forward-backward situation, correct?

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  17. SpinyNorman [*_*]
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    Everything in order chaps?

    Migs
    Zab / Azpil / Davies
    Bale / Gerrard/ Mata / Michu
    RVP / Giroud(c) / Fletcher

    Subs: Bunn | Puncheon, Clyne, Demel

    Any changes needed or am I good to go?
    (and yeah, Giroud(c)... like that's going to last...)

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  18. Djerbil
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    Theo(C).. Anyone else??

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    1. Elwood
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Not here, he's my VC

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    2. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Possibly.

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    3. Gamoriola of the Galaxy (Eu…
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      A lot on here appear to be. Seems everyone is coonvinced Stoke are spent force on def. Might this be the week they get their mojo back?

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      1. Gamoriola of the Galaxy (Eu…
        • 13 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        *convinced

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    4. Mojo Rojo
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      He's got my armband

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  19. unoaime
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    Is Begovic worth keeping or is Butland gonna be starting for Stoke?

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    1. World XI
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Butland loaned out to Birmingham

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      1. La Roja
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        😯

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      2. Namtab Nomolos
        • 15 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        Do you think in Odemwingie's world QPR have sent him on loan back to West Brom?

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    2. Namtab Nomolos
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Butland went back to Brum on loan.

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    3. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Butland loaned back to Birmingham for the rest of the season as part of the deal that took him to Stoke.

      Next season I expect he will start for Stoke though, but Begs is safe this season.

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  20. sando
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    Sorry lost on last page

    Begovic, felani and pog
    Or
    Cesar, Guthrie, giroud (-8)
    Would really appreciate your input.
    Thanks

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    1. Mojo Rojo
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Not worth doing those changes for a hit in my opinion

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      1. sando
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks mate. Cesar and giroud could out score beg and felani by 8 this week tho I think.

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  21. Spoiler
    • 16 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    Current wildcard team with 0 in the bank

    Suggestions? cant think of a 3rd striker

    Begovic | Bunn
    G.J | Cuellar | Demel | Davies | Onuoha
    Bale | Mata | Walcott | Michu | Puncheon
    RVP | Suarez | Benteke

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  22. Frank Spankhard
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone tempted to captain the Afro v. Villa?

    Failing that RVP (ful) or Walcott / Giroud (STO)?

    A penny for your thouhts sirs.

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    1. hnmfm
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      I always learn the hard way whenever I don't captain RVP, I learned my lesson.

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    2. Spencer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      It's a risk, but it's what I have at the moment.

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    3. Caine & Co.
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Walcott imo

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    4. izo
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      He is currently my VC...

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    5. FPLFamily (Lee)
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Very tempted. Villa look woeful at the moment, Fellaini will be lethal at set pieces.

      Tough choice. I've got all three and am on RVP at the moment.

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      1. Frank Spankhard
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        Ditto. And, for my sins, i am a Villa fan.

        I think I'm going to play eanie meanie minie mo.

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  23. Portuguese&Proud
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    pick one from these 2 please (both cost the same for me right now and i'm on a WC)
    A) Bego (untill the end of the season) + Azpilicueta + Sagna
    B) Mignolet (untill the end of the season) + Samba + Monreal

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    1. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      A

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    2. World XI
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      B

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    3. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Not sure about either.

      I don't like Arsenal defence for the money the cost and Chelsea defence has been pants lately too.
      B is probably slightly better.

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  24. Hot Sauce
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    Does anybody have the link to the comment about rotating ultra cheap defenders for the rest of the season?

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  25. hnmfm
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    Leonardo Dicaprio is the most interesting and accomplished person in history. He has been in films such as Inception and Titanic; he is, without a doubt, the greatest actor that ever lived. He has even painted the most known paintings in history, the Mona Lisa, and the Naked Guy Spreading His Limbs in a Circle.

    And to think this man used to be a homeless ninja turtle living in the sewers eating nothing but pizza. He even has his own constellation named after him, Leo!

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    1. YOUNG and ARROGANT
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      and to think i thought this was a football forum

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    2. Namtab Nomolos
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      + Messi was named after him

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      1. Give The Todd Some Love
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        You posted that about 5 posts ago

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      2. ★FC Borecelona★
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        lol

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    3. Give The Todd Some Love
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Dafuq did I just read?

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      1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        Wait until you see mine, Sunshine! 😉

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  26. SnoopDogSmokesWeed
    • 16 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    Which option is better?

    A) DDG, Glen Johnon, 5.3 defender

    B) DDG, Jose Enrique, 6 mil defender

    C) Begovic, Jose Enrique, Zabaleta

    D) Begovic, Evra, Demel

    E) Begovic, Glen Johnson, 5.6 defender

    Thanks

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    1. Vidic The Nail
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      B) DDG, JE and Nasty with cash to spare..

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

      E) Begovic, GJ and Clichy/Nastasic as your £5.6m def

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    3. FPLFamily (Lee)
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      C

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    4. nashi
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      for me B, still dont like DDG in goal

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  27. DynamoTomato
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    Heading away for the weekend tonight.

    I am on my wildcard and this is my gameweek pick.......sorted? Or am i kidding myself.

    Mignolet (Bunn)
    Clichy Davies Azpilicueta (Harte Clyne)
    Mata Bale(vc) Walcott DeGuzman (Puncheon)
    RVP Giroud(c) Dzeko

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    1. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      I like it but Dzeko really is a risky pick. For the money I'd want a starter. Sturridge or Fletcher would be a good replacement in my book.

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  28. AGUEROOOOO!!!!!
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    the team time kick off has a rvp brace written all over it

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    1. AGUEROOOOO!!!!!
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      tea time

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  29. Lizard Lips
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    WC team linked.

    Experts, what are your thoughts. HELP PLEASE!! :):)

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