Scout Notes

Scout Notes – Gameweek 27 – Saturday

Robin Van Persie is subbed off with a hip problem as United extend their lead to 15 points at the top of the table. Romelu Lukaku bags a brace as West Brom see off Sunderland, Arouna Kone is at the double in Wigan’s win at Reading, Santi Cazorla also notches twice as Arsenal earn the points at the Emirates, while Dimitar Berbatov helps clinch the points as Fulham squeeze past Stoke.

Van Persie Injury Scare
The Dutchman provided a FPL assist for Rafael’s wonder strike midway through the first-half but sustained a hip injury in a collision with a pitch-side cameraman. Van Persie played on after receiving treatment but was eventually withdrawn six minutes before the break – post-match his manager revealed:

“He collided into a camera which was dug out of a piece of ground, he collided into the base of it and that’s given him a sore hip. I imagine it will be tender and sore for a few days, but hopefully he’ll be alright, particularly for the Real game.”

Ferguson’s words certainly hint at a likely rest for Van Persie for next weekend’s home clash with Norwich. Even if City beat Chelsea later today, United’s lead at the top is still 12 points and with the second leg of the Champions League clash with Real Madrid taking place three days after the Canaries clash, Ferguson is certainly in the position to rest and rotate up top ahead of the visit of Jose Mourinho’s side. Fantasy managers had feared the Dutchman was always likely to miss out against Chris Hughton’s side and yesterday’s events merely lend further weight to that theory – with Wayne Rooney climbing off the bench having recovered from a sinus infection, Ferguson could turn to the former Everton man to lead the line, with Javier Hernandez and Danny Welbeck also in the mix. Bearing in mind United currently have a blank Gameweek 29, Van Persie’s owners may be scouring the market for short-term alternatives, though their clash with West Ham could yet be rearranged within the same Gameweek.

United Defensive Rotation Issues
Having talked up Jonny Evans as a key member of his first-team only last week, Ferguson chose to keep the Northern Ireland international on the bench, despite naming him as an unused sub in Monday’s FA Cup win over Reading. Nemanja Vidic was the only defender to keep his place from the Royals win, with Rafael, Patrice Evra and Rio Ferdinand all returning to action. The 2-0 win means United have kept a clean sheet in three successive league matches – the first time they have achieved this feat in the current campaign and a clear sign of their increased resilience as the season heats up. Rafael’s superb first-half strike – his first goal since Gameweek 5 – will no doubt hog the headlines but Evra’s consistency has been simply incredible in recent matches; the Frenchman has scored, assisted or returned a clean sheet in nine of his last 10 Gameweeks, scoring less than five points only once across that run of matches.

QPR Attacking Woes Continue
Yet again, Harry Redknapp’s side failed to find their form in front of goal. With Adel Taarabt shifted to the left flank, the R’s started with Jamie Mackie tucked in behind Bobby Zamora but with the latter still edging his way towards full fitness after a lengthy lay-off, he was replaced by Loic Remy midway through the second period. The result means QPR have scored just four goals in the last 10 matches and have failed to find the net more than once since Gameweek 17; post-match, though, Redknapp took solace in Remy’s return from a groin injury and still remains optimistic of an upturn in attacking displays:

“With Bobby Zamora and [Loic] Remy coming back from injury I see two forwards that can start scoring some goals between now and the end of the season for us. That’s been our problem, we don’t score enough goals. Between them I can see them doing some damage to teams.”

Berbatov Back in the Points
The Bulgarian’s prospects had dipped in the previous Gameweek as a result of a move to the role in “the hole” but a shift back to the lone forward berth helped Berbatov produced the goods. With Bryan Ruiz tucking in behind, the former United man grabbed a fourth goal in his last eight appearances – bearing in mind he scored five times in his first 14 for the Cottagers, Berbatov has actually picked up in performance of late, despite a drop in price from 7.4 to 6.8 in FPL. Martin Jol’s side are now up to 32 points but are far from safe just yet – the next six Gameweeks sees them square up to four clubs in the bottom half of the table (sun, QPR, new, avl) and, providing Berbatov is retained up top, he looks likely to have a major say in his side’s fortunes between now and the end of the season.

Wilson Back in the Potters’ Reckoning
Granted, the 1-0 defeat extended Stoke’s recent run to nine games without a clean sheet but the return to fitness of Marc Wilson will have Fantasy managers on alert. The left-back looks an assured pick for Tony Pulis’ team and, priced at 3.9 in comparison to Ryan Shawcross’ 6.0 and Robert Huth’s 5.7, has bargain potential if the Potters can pick up in resilience. With three strong looking home fixtures in the next five (WHM, WBA, AVL) he’ll be making his way onto many a Fantasy radar.

Cazorla Outshines Walcott
It was understandable that Theo Walcott went into the home game with Villa as one of the Captain Poll favourites – with attacking returns in nine of his previous 10, he was second only to Robin Van Persie with 31% of the votes cast. While the winger stuttered to a rare blank, Santi Cazorla stepped up to serve a reminder that he is clearly a strong alternative to Walcott in the Gunners midfield. Once again, Cazorla started in the left ahead of Lukas Podolski, with Jack Wilshere preferred in “the hole” behind Olivier Giroud, and bagged both his side’s goals in a crucial 2-1 win – he has now notched four times in the last five and, perhaps more significantly, has overtaken Walcott in the FPL midfield standings; indeed, the maximum bonus would take him into second spot for midfielders, with only Juan Mata scoring more to this point.

N’Zogbia Continues To Impress
While Villa tasted defeat once again, Charles N’Zogbia came out of the game with his third consecutive assist and has now returned either an assist or goal in four of his last five games for Paul Lambert’s side. Prior to the match, the Villa boss had talked up the form of the Frenchman, underlining his potential in the role playing up just behind the strikers…

“In the offensive role he is there to make things happen. He will go and try things that other people wouldn’t try. That’s the beauty about him. He will try and make things happen which will certainly help.”

With three home fixtures in the next four, all vital to Villa’s cause, Lambert will be looking to N’Zogbia, along with Christian Benteke, to deliver on his current form and further returns could be on the cards.

Kone the Latics Talisman
We handed the Ivorian a place in Friday night’s differentials and he duly delivered with a brace in a vital 3-0 victory at fellow-strugglers Reading. Having arrived back from the African Cup of Nations, he was afforded a sub role in the previous Gameweek but hinted at what was to come in his following game, scoring twice in last weekend’s FA Cup win over Huddersfield. Looking at his league appearances, Kone has now delivered four goals and an assist in his last four starts for Roberto Martinez’s side – with three home games in the next four (LIV, NEW, NOR) he looks a real mid-price prospect at just 6.5, though a blank Gameweek 29 is likely to deter some would-be investors.

Canaries Move to 4-4-2
With a single goal in their previous five, it’s fair to say that Norwich haven’t been particularly impressive in front of goal in recent Gameweeks. Chris Hughton’s preferred 4-4-1-1 formation seemed set up to stop opponents more than create their own opportunities but the Canaries boss altered his approach yesterday, shifted Wes Hoolahan to the left flank and partnering Grant Holt with Luciano Becchio for the visit of Everton. The hosts resultantly grabbed their first win since Gameweek 17, with Holt and Kei Kamara (on as a sub for Becchio) both scoring late on to secure the points – Norwich’s top scoring Fantasy performer Robert Snodgrass was also amongst the points for the first time in seven appearance, with an assist taking his tally to 108 points; more than any midfielder priced under the 6.5 mark.

Another Blank for Fellaini
The Belgian was shifted back to the support role behind a lone striker, with Nikica Jelavic earning a recall in light of Victor Anichebe’s injury. Once again, however, Fellaini failed to find the net – he has now scored in just one of his last nine appearances for the Toffees. While a home clash with Reading looks enticing next weekend, a possible blanks Gameweek 29, in addition to games against City and Spurs in two of the following three, may sway some to sell the misfiring midfielder on – intriguingly, Leighton Baines’ assist for Leon Osman’s opener means he is now just eight points behind Fellaini in the FPL standings.

Lukaku’s Form Continues
We handed the Baggies forward a place in the Scout Picks XI and he vindicated our faith with a double against Sunderland. Having climbed off the bench to score at Liverpool last time out, the Belgian was selected in the starting line-up alongside Shane Long and his brace maintained a super run of form which has seen him produce attacking points in six of his last seven in a run which has harvested six goals and a pair of assists. Considering Long has scored six times all season, Lukaku’s impact is obvious but Steve Clarke will need to make do without the 6.5 priced forward for the trip to Chelsea next weekend – Lukaku is ineligible to face his parent club due to the conditions of his loan deal.

Sunderland Roll Out a 4-4-2
Martin O’Neill had hinted at a change in his attacking options prior to yesterday’s match and the Black Cats boss was true to his word. Danny Graham was afforded his first start since moving to Wearside last month – the former Swansea man starting alongside Steven Fletcher in a 4-4-2, with Stephane Sessegnon fielded on the right flank. While the front two misfired in front of goal, Sessegnon impressed throughout and grabbed his first goal since Gameweek 16 in the 2-1 defeat – post-match, his manager singled the Benin international out for praise::

“We didn’t have a great deal of luck in and around the penalty area ourselves and we should have taken more from what Stephane Sessegnon created. He scored a great goal himself. Stephane was excellent today; top-quality in the second half.”

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1,073 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Make United Great Again
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    WEAK MAN CITY TEAM

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  2. Malcolm Tucker for England …
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    No Azpi leaves me Aguero and lampard in this. Lots of goals now please

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  3. Gobigorgohome
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Damn it! WTF No Puncheon and Azpi! I am down to 8. 🙁

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  4. Siva Mohan
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Onuoha BENCHED
    Puncheon BENCHED
    Demel ??

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    1. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Punch benched!?!? 9 players for me then 🙁

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  5. Corrigan
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Jesus, the rotation in this week of all weeks.

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    1. SPorting
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      my stomach is rotating too.

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      1. Corrigan
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 1 month ago

        I though post DGW it may be a struggle, but this is ridiculous. Absolute write off.

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  6. Paz12
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Who has the more attacking threat, Shaw or Clyne?

    Atm my FFS Cup Tie is Clyne + 1pt v Shaw + C. Cole ...

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  7. Liastro ⭐️
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Down to 7 🙁

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  8. Kno
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Loving the puncheon benching. Leader in my money league got him playing

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    1. AGUEROOOOO!!!!!
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      dont get too happy yet a 2nd half sub assist/goal will do for someone like him, thats if he is on the subs

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      1. BruLee2
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 1 month ago

        He's on the subs brotha

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      2. Kno
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 1 month ago

        that is very true. Just hoping aguero brings the goals today, need to reel in 40ish points on him with 900€ on the line

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  9. Elniñorules
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Cahill and Lampard again. No Azpi.

    I'll be very surprised if we don't lose by 2 goals atleast.

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    1. rohan
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Yep, I fear we might get out run. Still hoping for a victory though. Mikel has to have a good game

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    2. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      u r wrong ELNR

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  10. Optimus.
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    its the gw and keeps on giving

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    1. Kno
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      indeed, cant remember a gw with the same amount of benching /injuries clusterfudge

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      1. Optimus.
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 1 month ago

        i expected tis around the time of the snow

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  11. Crouch Potato!
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Good work Demi, time to walk the dogs, make a cheese and pickle sandwich, and settle in to watch some Mata magic! 😉

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    1. The Light Knight
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Branston pickle?

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      1. Crouch Potato!
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 1 month ago

        That's the only pickle isn't it? 😉

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        1. The Light Knight
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 1 month ago

          😀
          I was slightly worried you meant the actual vegetable

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  12. The Finnisher
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Still got 11 😎

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    1. The Light Knight
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Still got 12 😕

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      1. SW6
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 1 month ago

        This. Don't know what all the fuss is about 😉

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        1. The Light Knight
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 1 month ago

          I'm more worried by the fact that my 1 sub will score and be stuck on the bench

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    2. rohan
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Well done 😀

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    3. Chu Young Ping Pong
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      grrrr

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    4. SPorting
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      careless bint.

      i've still got 15.

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  13. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    That Puncheon benching means there is no way I'm playing him GW28 now. Benteke you will get your chance against City after all!

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    1. rohan
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Err.. Is that like a punishment/.?

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      1. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah, if he's going to be starting from the bench in real life, he'll be starting from the bench in FPL 😀

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        1. Lanley Staurel
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 1 month ago

          Punch will start against QPR. Davies in is a defensive stance away from home. UNLESS Gaston comes back into the mix.

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  14. Brodel
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Ba or Aguero to get the most points today?

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    1. Fin
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Kun

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      1. reply fail
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 1 month ago

        And you are still surprised you are out of my team?

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    2. reply fail
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Ba

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    3. AGUEROOOOO!!!!!
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      aguero altough its always the oppposite so BA

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  15. SuperOsçarBaby
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Good day for Lampard. 😀

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  16. Fin
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Thank god i dont own punch or azpil 😀

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    1. SuperOsçarBaby
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      demel?

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  17. footyjuana
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    going to be a tight game. City with two CDMs + Yaya obviously playing for a CS.

    Goalfest at NEW hopefully!

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  18. Gobigorgohome
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Rafa Benetiz is shit. When he did not play Azpi, they lost. He will never learn the lessson.
    As much as I hate Mancini, I wish Chelsea lose this game for not playing Azpi.
    😀

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  19. JapBen
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Mata, Lambert and Clyne, bring home the bacon, please. Doesn't have to be pretty, just slaughter them!

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  20. faux_C
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    So....

    Should I lose Podolski to bring in Lambert, or hold onto Podolski and lose Ruiz and Davies for Wilson and Lambert (-4)?

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    1. Fin
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      the latter

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  21. The Finnisher
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Who's taking Puncheon's position?

    I haven't seen the lineup and it's all the way on the previous page, but I'm confused that Puncheon is benched and it's not for Ramirez.

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    1. footyjuana
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Lallana I guess

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    2. SW6
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      .............Lambert
      Lallana....Davis....Rodriguez

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    3. Canadian Football
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      very strange.....i cant not figure out what he did wrong. I thought he was playing well at both ends actually.

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      1. Gobigorgohome
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 1 month ago

        This. Punch has been brilliant. Well however even Lambert sometimes go to bench. After all, it's SOT.

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      2. Mílanista
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 1 month ago

        Well, stuff was coming out at both ends anyway.

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    4. Gobigorgohome
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Lallana?

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    5. blue cheese
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Rodriguez, I guess.

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    6. The Finnisher
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Okay cheers, Lallana is back then. Nice, that makes perfect sense.

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      1. Canadian Football
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 1 month ago

        I thought Lallana played in the middle behind Lambert.

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        1. FPL Daniel
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 1 month ago

          Rodriguez

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  22. LewanGOALski
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    currently on RVP - Suarez - Lambert.

    2 FTs & 0.1 in the bank

    RVP (selling value - 10.7) to Aguero sounds like a good move? Should I do it?

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  23. super zlatan
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Used my wildcard this week and I still can't field 11. 🙁

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  24. Nopli
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    C'mon Chelsea
    We can do it. 🙂

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    1. footyjuana
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Umm, no u cant:)

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      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 1 month ago

        come onnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn

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    2. SuperOsçarBaby
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      +986

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  25. Rafabio
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    This would've been a bad week to use that WC, thank heavens I saved it.

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    1. super zlatan
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Rub it in why don't you! 🙁

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  26. Portuguese&Proud
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Come on Cissé, Mata, Aguero and Clyne... 😆

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    1. Nopli
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      + lots •••••••••••••••••Chelsea Goooo••••••••••••

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  27. Fin
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Kun, mata, clyne and lambo.. save my gw 😀

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  28. Screaming Midget
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Puncheon to come on and get booked for 0 points would be nice as all but 1 of my rivals have him.

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    1. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      As if 1 point isn't meagre enough? lame...

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    2. Screaming Midget
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Ok then to stop you crying... to come on for 1 point...

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  29. Does what he wants
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    No Evans, no Punch, RVP captain and my rivals captained Cazorla... FML. Worst game week ever!

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  30. Mílanista
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Aguero hat trick
    Mata brace
    Sissoko brace

    Please?

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    1. Rafabio
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      I'll just take the last one on the list 🙂

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