[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. Bezz82
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    Do people think Fabio will start in MID OOP this weekend?
    Im very tempted.......

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    1. SW6
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Hard to say. Could have just been a defensive move against City. If he does again tomorrow you're good to go.

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  2. Colonel Shoe 肝池
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    anyone tempted by fellaini captain, his form and positioning of late (due to other injuries) are making me doubt what should be a cracking fixture............

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

      No. I was actually considering taking him out but the fixture is too good for that.

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      1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        yeh im taking him out anyway for gerrard next week, so its his last chance to shine

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    2. Mile Plankton
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      I failed last GW. Will probably go with Walcott.

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    3. Black Knights
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      My captain is on him, and i was literally just looking at it as people here are mentioning Walcott over RVP. I don't know, it's still on Fellaini after looking. He hit the post-ish on Weds night, and Villa are terrible.

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  3. Pepin - RIP Absinthe
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    Please help out folks. Thank you!

    A. Clichy, Glenn Johnson, Suarez (no Baines)
    B. Harte, Gerard, Suarez (no Bale)
    C. Harte, Glenn Johnson, Gerrard, Suarez (no Bale, no Baines, -4)
    D. Jose Enrique, Suarez, Clichy (no Baines)

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

      B for me. Bale can come back in after the Liverpool DGW (if you can save a little bit of change)

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    2. Doctor X
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      D

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      1. Doctor X
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        Actually A. sorry.

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    3. Trigg ⭐️
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      I quite like A out of those. I know Baines got a monster score in midweek, but when he doesn't score, he can go on a run of 2s.

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

      B or C, conidering same moves myself.

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

    Anyone here who thinks that Liverpool will beat city on Sunday? Now that JE is back whats the chance of him starting now?

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

      pool will not beat city.

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      1. Paz12
        • 13 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        City did not beat QPR...

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

    gibbs and sturidge ---> samba and giroud (no hit)? i know sturiddge has double coming up but i plan to bring in suarez for aguero.

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    1. Mile Plankton
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Yes

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    2. SW6
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Hmm, I'd rather have Aguero and Sturridge than Suarez and Giroud. Could go either way though.

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

    BAMBI why not JE? straight swap for Gibbs?

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

      too many dgwk'ers

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  7. OrmskirkFC
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    I have already used my two free transfers to bring in Liverpool and Swansea players for the double gameweek, I had neither on my team.

    GW 25:
    Jaaskelainen (Foster)
    Demel - Luiz - Mertesacker (Clyne - Cameron)
    Bale - Michu - Walcott - Mata - Nolan
    Suarez - Lambert (Berbatov)

    I'm hurting a little due to the Luiz and Berbatov injuries, but I think I can make it through this gameweek and then switch Luiz for Glen Johnson for the DGW. What do you think?

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  8. the_mongoose
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    Begovic (jussi)
    Rangel, Zabaletta, Clyne (gibbs, demel)
    Fellaini, De Guzman, Walcott, Larrson (marveux)
    Aguero, Rvp, Suarez

    Have 2 FT’s...no cash.
    Gibbs > Pearce
    Larrson > Lampard

    Can I make any better transfers than these gents?
    Really want some Chelsea cover.
    Then Gerrard in for the DGW.

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  9. सनकी
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    is it safe to assume now that Gibbs won't be nailed on anymore now that there's 2 other leftbacks ?

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

      Well, it is safe to assume that Santos won't start again.

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

    So, anyone taking a cheeky punt or hope on a guy not in the template teams?

    Cabaye, Lukaku, DDG, De Guzman, Nacho, QPR, etc.?

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

      I'm thinking either Guzman or Coutinho for dgw.

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    2. bradbury1
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      im taking cabaye or johnson and rotating with tarabaat

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

    He has started the last three games, I think he will play

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  12. Runaway
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    REPOST: i would appreciate any comment for my final WC draft team and DGW strategies:

    Mig Bunn
    Zaba Enrique Davies Onuoha Clyne
    Mata Bale Walcott Michu Guthrie
    RVP Suarez Giroud

    GW26: Giroud->Sturridge
    GW27: Suarez+Enrique->Aguero+Azpi

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  13. isacki: full casual
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    So what formation were United playing against Southampton? (might be slightly ambiguous if they spent much of the second half without the ball, of course)

    Looking at the position and passing maps is a bit ambiguous, closest fit looks like a loose 4-2-3-1:
    -------------DDG
    Jones Smalling Vidic Evra
    --------Carrick----Anderson
    Welbeck--Rooney----Kagawa
    ----------------RVP

    Rooney receives passes too often in deep positions for me to describe it as two strikers.

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  14. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    Bego (ars) or Bunn (qpr)?

    Bego = save points maybe?
    Bunn = more chance of a CS?

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    1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      bunn

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    2. In Bale We Trust
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      I'd go with Bunn as Stoke have been dire lately.

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    3. AK ⭐
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Bunn I think. I don't like R's attack so much. And Norwich can defend too..

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  15. AK ⭐
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    Lost on the bottom of the last page.

    Gibbs Replacement?

    A) Samba
    B) Monreal

    I am tempted by Samba. He’s a beast, and proven FPL prospect.

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    1. In Bale We Trust
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Samba.

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    2. rvp786
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      samba - more long term

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    3. isacki: full casual
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      The first thing I did when I saw Samba's signing was look at his goals record. If 4 is the best he's managed in a season, very optimistically you'd get 1-2 goals in the remaining GWs, and a potentially compromised defence after Nelsen's departure - I'm not sure that's worth 1.0.

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      1. Doctor X
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        Agree with this.

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      2. AK ⭐
        • 13 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        16 goals and 11 assists in the 154 games (approx) he's started. Not too bad for a CB right? But yeah, I get your point. Any other defender you'd consider? I saw Monreal against Mallorca, he's a good crosser of the ball.

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        1. isacki: full casual
          • 14 Years
          13 years, 2 months ago

          If Gibbs is really out for 4-6 weeks Monreal looks very likely to start all of them (with Vermaelen playing LB in CL). After that, I reckon he has a decent shout of first choice but not nailed on.

          For the next 4-6 weeks I think he's a decent pick. I say decent as opposed to great because we make so many errors at the back.

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          1. AK ⭐
            • 13 Years
            13 years, 2 months ago

            I'd rather want a long-term option. Monreal looks good I know, but I may just be considering about ditching RVP next week, so I really would need to rush into spreading the cash and upgrading players elsewhere.

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            1. isacki: full casual
              • 14 Years
              13 years, 2 months ago

              Yeah I'm not completely sold on Monreal yet. This may have something to do with owning Sagna for half the season.

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              1. AK ⭐
                • 13 Years
                13 years, 2 months ago

                Probably. Still not able to find a replacement. If no standout option comes out, I'll just take Samba in.. 😀

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    4. SW6
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      A should be a could choice given his goal threat and the clean sheets QPR have been picking up, but spending 5.0 on a defender from the team bottom in the league seems wrong

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      1. AK ⭐
        • 13 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers. Just what's stopping me right now..

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

        Agree with this. Not that he could be a decent pick up, but for 5.0, it's too rich for my blood. Would rather spend that elsewhere. Upgrade 3rd forward or from Michu to Theo, something along those lines.

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    5. Smarty Pants
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Samba's latest official game was almost two months ago, might take some time before he finds some form and fits into the new team

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      1. AK ⭐
        • 13 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        Didn't know this. Will look into it. Cheers. 🙂

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  16. In Bale We Trust
    • 16 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    Johnson (mci), Harte (SUN) or Davies (whm)? and Maloney (SOU) or Sturridge (mci)?

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    1. good biashara
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      though ones! I would go for Harte and Sturridge, but nothing in it!

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      1. In Bale We Trust
        • 16 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah they're very tight. Toss a coin I guess. 🙂

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        1. good biashara
          • 14 Years
          13 years, 2 months ago

          maybe Maloney over Sturridge actually... just because man city is away. And what would you do, Martin (qpr) or Shaw (wig)?

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

    Is Michu a must have for DGW?

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    1. Tim Canterbury
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Yes, along with Suarez

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    2. In Bale We Trust
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      I would make sure to have him, yes.

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

        Wont you worry his recent form?
        If I get him I must ditch Silva (a guy in good form)

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        1. In Bale We Trust
          • 16 Years
          13 years, 2 months ago

          More chance of playing up front with Graham gone, a proven goal scorer at this stage and he's banged in a couple in the cup games so it's not like his form has totally deserted him.

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    3. heartsattack
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      He's a good choice. Swans strength has been in defence recently so I'm going with Williams instead.

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

      No 😀

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

        What's your DGW players?
        You know I've never got Michu, but now he has DGW, and the leader I'm catching doesnt have him. He could be my differential

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

          I'm saving my transfer this week. I have Suarez and Davies. Going to get Sturridge, GJ and probably De Guzman for a hit.

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  18. Tree House
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    Why did Puncheon only play 45 mins? Is there a better option for his price?

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    1. AK ⭐
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      You might want to look at Jenas. 4.2 in FPL and just moved to QPR. Though I wouldn't get rid of Puncheon.

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      1. Tree House
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks but no interest in Jenas. Puncheon's position isn't under threat right? why did he only play 45 mins?

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    2. Jax
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      tactical

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      1. Tree House
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        Fair enough. thanks mate. I have Glen Johnson, Suarez and Sturridge. would you bench Sturridge for Puncheon?

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    3. JapBen
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      I'm considering Kebe

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      1. Tree House
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        That's a decent shout. Thanks.

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    4. DHWizzo
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Akpan.

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  19. Mile Plankton
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    I have had Tremmel for a while. Should I keep him now when I'm on WC in case Vorm doesn't make it for next weekend?

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

    Who to captain for the DGW, Michu or a Liverpool player?

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

      gotta be king luis

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    2. SW6
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      I'll be going Sturridge i think

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

      Stevie or Luis. Sturridge if youre on a budget, although he might get some rest with the Europa League in between.

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

        Cup tied?

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

          I meant Sturride cannt play at EL

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

          Dont see why he would be, although im not sure if he got registered. He didnt play any Europa games for Chelsea, so if there was an after-registration, im sure he`s eligable. Suarez/Gerrard wont get rested in the league anyway.

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

            I heard people here said he cannt play at EL.

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

            He played against Shakhtar and since Chelsea (3rd in the CL group) qualified for EL, he can't play in the EL for Liverpool.

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

              Oh ok, did not know that. Bollocks.

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  21. Guendomeyang
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone thinking about buying Monreal? he would be nailed on for Arsenal's LB imo. plus he has a great attacking threat and arsenal's good fixtures.

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

      Gibbs has been our best df this year ( bar merto- and he's been bad of late ) so I don't think nacho is nailed on (yet) - as far whether I'd get him, personally no , we can't defend!

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

        but gibbs suffered thigh injury and was expected back on March. I think i need one of Arsenal's defender right now...i can see they would improve their defense. plus i love arsenal tbh - need them more in my fantasy team. ^_^

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    2. I taught Ashley Young how t…
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Yeh he is a very good player and 5.5 is a good price

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  22. Connor's Calling
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    wasn't clear on last page, need to pick ONE of the below to bring in on WC:
    R Martin
    Demel
    Harte
    Onuoha

    Thanks

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

      Onuoha. Started every game since `Arry took over, and QPR showing that they will defend to get some 1-pointers. Neither of those guys are going to get you big points anyway, just make a gutshot call.

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      1. Connor's Calling
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        gutshot nice.

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

      onouha

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  23. Eboue
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    Hi all- slight noob question, can you like tweak yor username or add to it? If so how ? Thanks!

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    1. SW6
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      you can't change your username but you can change the name that appears. click on the My Profile bit at the top

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

        Cheers

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

    Long-term (i.e after DGW)

    Enrique
    Azpi
    Evans
    Monreal

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

      Azpil

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

      JE Evans Azpi Monreal

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  25. JapBen
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone considering Reina for the double?

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

      Better options for Liverpool defensively

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

        They have 2 games at home for the double and you could double up defensively eg Johnson and Reina with 1 of:Gerrard, Sturridge, Suarez

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

          I`d rather just have Johnson/Enrique and 2 of the latter three.

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    2. Jax
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      with vorm being injury prone at the moment yes.

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  26. JD
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    pick 2 to play for this GW from mata, taarabt and sturridge

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

      First 2

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

      Lol how do you even begin to include Mata in a benching discussion

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      1. isacki: full casual
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        Be born as Rafa...

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

          😀 would be awesome if Rafa did play FPL wouldnt it

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          1. isacki: full casual
            • 14 Years
            13 years, 2 months ago

            Bottom...

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

        last time he scored 14pts he followed up with 2 🙂

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  27. BOOM XHAKALACA
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    Longterm:
    3-5-2 or 3-4-3 ?

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

      3-4-3

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    2. SW6
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      3-4-3

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

      3-4-3 all day.

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  28. Feed tha Sheep
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    Which one should i do this week
    A. Gibbs to nasty/zab/Eva??
    B. Ruiz to beneteke/lambert?
    C. Jusci to DDG/Migs?

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

    Captain poll: Michu, mata, Fellaini, bale, Walcott, Suarez, Aguero

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  30. Egg noodle
    • 16 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    Do Gerrard and Santi Cazorla play in the same positions now?

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

      No.

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

      No.

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