[sbu_large_image] Scout Picks
5 April 2013 1691 comments
Paul Paul
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With Gareth Bale joining Theo Walcott on the sidelines, it’s been a turbulent 24 hours for Fantasy managers as we address the Welshman’s impending two-week absence. Behind the scenes, we’ve rallied back and forth and called upon Liverpool and Chelsea to come to the rescue, with the pair supplying five of our XI for Gameweek 32. Here’s who we’ve gone for:

Petr Cech may be a little pricey between the posts but with money saved elsewhere in our XI, we’ve opted for the Chelsea keeper’s consistency of starts ahead of Sunday’s home clash with Sunderland. With a single goal conceded in their last three at home, the Blues will be confident of keeping the Black Cats at bay in Paolo Di Canio’s first match on charge of the visitors.

Glen Johnson is welcomed to the fold as Liverpool prepare for the visit of West Ham. Devoid of Andy Carroll due to the conditions of his loan deal, the Hammers’ chances of improving a record of four goals in the last nine away matches looks bleak, while Johnson’s forward forays from right-back have impressed of late, despite a lack of attacking returns.

We put our faith in Barclays Player of the Month Jan Vertonghen to maintain his recent run of form as Tottenham welcome Everton to the Lane. With double figure hauls in two of the last three, the Belgian’s attacking potential has more than atoned for a lack of clean sheets – Everton have scored once in their last three on the road and with Marouane Fellaini and Steven Pienaar suspended and Kevin Mirallas a doubt, Vertonghen may even pick up some defensive returns this Sunday.

Seb Bassong is the final defender as Norwich prepare for the visit of Swansea. The Canaries have conceded just twice in their last five home matches and will be confident of another clean sheet at Carrow Road – Swansea have scored just once in their previous five road trips. Bassong has already notched against the Welsh club earlier in the season, with his aerial ability proving crucial in the Canaries’ win at the Liberty.

Having been utilised as a second-half sub against Rubin Kazan last night, we’re backing Eden Hazard to return to the Chelsea starting line-up as the Blues square up to Sunderland at Stamford Bridge. The Belgian has produced double figures in four of his last six home starts – by comparison, Juan Mata has yet to return double figures all season in front of his own fans. With Paolo Di Canio promising to go on the offensive, an open, attacking game could play into the hosts’ hands as Rafa Benitez’s side go seeking their fifth successive home win.

Santi Cazorla’s recent form, allied with Theo Walcott’s absence, helps the Arsenal playmaker get the nod for the trip to West Brom. The Spaniard has returned four goals, an assist and five bonus points in his last five appearances and will be confident of producing the goods again, given that the Baggies have conceded in each of their last six at the Hawthorns.

With attacking returns in all three of his home games since joining Newcastle in January, Moussa Sissoko looks key to the Magpies chances this weekend. Alan Pardew’s side welcome Fulham to St James’ Park and having beaten the likes of Chelsea, Southampton and Stoke in front of their own fans, will be confident of picking up the points and boosting their bid to beat the drop. Sissoko has returned 30 points over that trio of fixtures, picking up double figures twice.

Another mid-price winter acquisition gets the nod as we welcome Philippe Coutinho to the Scout Pick fold. The young Brazilian has made an instant impact on Merseyside since arriving from Inter earlier this year and with attacking returns in four of his five appearances in the Reds’ starting XI, has averaged six points per start – he looks a strong option at home to West Ham this Sunday.

An average of over 10 points per game across his last five home appearances highlights Luis Suarez’s appeal as Liverpool square up to West Ham. The Uruguayan has produced four goals, four assists and 11 bonus points over that period, failing to find the net only once – up against a Hammers side that have lost five of their last six road trips, there’s no surprise to see he’s the runaway armband favourite, with over 44% of the votes cast in this week’s Captain Poll.

We’ve decided to change tact for Monday’s Manchester derby and opt for Wayne Rooney over Robin Van Persie. Rooney climbed to the top of the Watchlist standings earlier this week and has returned to full training after a brief groin problem – while the Dutchman struggles for form, Rooney has scored in three of the last four at Old Trafford and could keep Van Persie in the shade again as Sir Alex Ferguson looks for the victory that would all but clinch the title.

QPR may be staring relegation in the face but Harry Redknapp’s side have been full of goals in recent matches. The R’s must go on the offensive in tomorrow’s home clash with Wigan and, having notched in three of the last four, Loic Remy’s consistency has proven crucial – at 5.9 in FPL, the Frenchman has offered superb value in recent matches.

Stoke’s Marc Wilson makes the bench ahead of a home clash with Villa. Coming in at just 3.9 in FPL, the Potters left-back affords a cut-price route into a backline that has conceded just twice in their last three at the Britannia.

With four goals in his last seven for club and country in all competitions, Gylfi Sigurdsson is full of confidence right now. The Icelandic international notched in last night’s Europa League draw with FC Basel and with Gareth Bale sidelined for Spurs, Sigurdsson’s eye for goal will be more crucial than ever as Andre Villas-Boas’ side look to maintain their charge for a third place finish.

Rickie Lambert is a little unlucky only to make the bench as Southampton travel to Reading. With spot-kicks and set-piece duties in his locker, the Saints hit man gets the nod ahead of in-form team mate Jay Rodriguez as he looks to get one over former manager Nigel Adkins at the Madejski tomorrow.

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  1. bigdongshlong69
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    de gea (cerny)
    baines ivanovic j evans (mariappa) (obrien)
    cazorla snoddyyggrrass morrison cabaye (fellaini)
    lambert suarez(c) benteke

    what would you do with 1ft and £0.9 in coinage

    people are always chirping up about don’t have de gea and j evans whhhyy?????

    REPLY PLEASE !!

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    1. Fin
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Hi.

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    2. El Muñeco
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Evans injured. Evans to sagna. Use money next week to upgrade morrisson/snod to DGW player

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

    PLEASE HELP!
    Who should I get in for DGW?
    DDG* l Bunn
    Baines* l Wilson l Davies l Dawson l Sagna*
    Walcott* l Sissoko l Michu l Mata l Bale
    Sturridge l Lukaku l Rooney*
    Got 1 FT for this week and next week and 0.3 in the bank. Was thinking Bale to Cazorla this week and Michu and Lukaku to Berba and Fellaini next week, is this alright or bad? Was thinking of getting a Man City player too like Tevez?

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  3. Fin
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    I found a penny today
    (•_•) i guess is a..
    ( •_•)>⌐■-■
    (⌐■_■) Coin-cidence
    YEEEAAAAHHHH!!

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  4. The Pep Revolution
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    In your opinion is there any other dgw player worth having besides the following?:

    Mertesacker, Cazorla, Walcott, Baines, DDG, Rooney, Berbatov

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    1. Mr.B
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Fellaini

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      1. Mr.B
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        Sagna

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    2. Sean.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      fellaini

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    3. CABAYE4
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      You've left the two best options out imo!

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      1. Andy1
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        Who?

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        1. CABAYE4
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 11 months ago

          RVP and Fellaini.

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          1. The Pep Revolution
            • 14 Years
            12 years, 11 months ago

            Im hopeing Rooney and Baines will be suitable alternatives.

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  5. Chris_White
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    First drunk transfer of the year last week, got in Jenkinson.

    That's my season... 😆

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    1. Declan-
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Well that was silly 😀 You've been having a very good season

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      1. Chris_White
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        Yep, up until GW26 things were looking pretty...

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        1. Declan-
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 11 months ago

          I'm still envious of any rank in the top 10k 🙂

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

      Stay off the moonshine. It's baad for your game.

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    3. Pepin - RIP Absinthe
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Haven't seen you in a while, how are things?

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      1. Chris_White
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        I'm good, been working a lot lately so not had the time for fantasy (as you can see 😉

        How about you? All good?

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  6. Pepin - RIP Absinthe
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    Chelsea do have a DGW coming up, right? One of the games will be against Spurs at the Bridge?

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    1. Declan-
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Yes. They could have another as well if they make the final of Europa and Fa cup

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    2. Mílanista
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Right

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    3. Pepin - RIP Absinthe
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Thanks, folks.

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  7. Christina.
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    I'm lost.

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    1. Sheep
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      I'm Hurley.

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

      I'm here for you.

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

      Saw mail?

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      1. SPorting
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        Did you?

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        1. Lateriser 12
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 11 months ago

          Your reply? Yes?

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

        Nah. Offline.

        What?

        Am I on the pine?

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        1. Lateriser 12
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 11 months ago

          You start.

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          1. Christina.
            • 16 Years
            12 years, 11 months ago

            😯

            Feck.

            *wakes up wife, shouting.."I'm playing baby! I'm playing! Where is my pads bitch?!"

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    4. RoysCallerAnne
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Are you awake very early or very late?

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      1. Lateriser 12
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        Sorry 🙁

        Cmon ze Giroud 😉

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        1. RoysCallerAnne
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          12 years, 11 months ago

          Don't even give it a second thought.

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

        11pm here in SA.

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        1. RoysCallerAnne
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          12 years, 11 months ago

          You start. I'm being rested to keep me fresh for the DGW 😉

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          1. Christina.
            • 16 Years
            12 years, 11 months ago

            Noice. I will be knackered by the time we get to the DGW.

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  8. Andy1
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    Wh is the best midfielder under 5.7m?

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    1. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      townsend

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  9. bitterandstout
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Advice please?

      A) Bale -> Hazard (have mata)
      B) Bale -> Sissoko (one week punt) & Davies -> Baines.
      C) something else.

      martin harte cameron obrien davies

      walcott mata cazorla bale schneiderlin

      van persie suarez lukaku

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    • The Wizard of Ozil
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Begovic
      Rafael – Wilson – Zabaleta (Davies,Pearce)
      Sissoko – Cazorla – Michu – Lampard (Bale)
      Sturridge – Benteke – RVP

      Who to captain? thinking Sturridge
      would you change anyone? 1ft 1.2 in bank

      little worried about Lamps/Sturrisge not playing

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    • Chris_White
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      So, Mata benched tomorrow? At least I got a decent sub in HRK

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      1. Elniñorules
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        How goes it CW?

        I'd be pretty upset if Mata's benched tmr. Not the first sherly 😉

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        1. Chris_White
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 11 months ago

          Not very good fantasy-wise, but not too bad elsewhere 🙂 How about you?

          I know, hope he starts and then eventually gets subbed off early if we are in control

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        2. Declan-
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 11 months ago

          Can you email me your email address in case I end up sending the Aussie team sheet. My email is declanmccarthy100@gmail.com Thanks

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          1. Elniñorules
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            12 years, 11 months ago

            Sent!

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      2. Declan-
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        Hope not. It's four days until the next game so maybe not even though it's in russia

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      3. Call Me Old Fashioned
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        At least I have a decent sub in Craig Gardner...

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        1. Chris_White
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 11 months ago

          Dat penalty 😉

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          1. Call Me Old Fashioned
            • 15 Years
            12 years, 11 months ago

            and the 3 baps that were sat on my bench in GW30 :devil:

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            1. Call Me Old Fashioned
              • 15 Years
              12 years, 11 months ago

              FFS

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      4. Sheep
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        Aren't Chelsea gunning for a UCL spot? I think Rafa will juant to play him 60 mins at least.

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      5. Portuguese&Proud
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        if Rafa has any interest in getting UCL spot for next year he could start him and rest him vs Rubin

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        1. Chris_White
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 11 months ago

          Yep, hopefully that happens. Not too optimistic, though

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      6. Woeisme
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        Mata will play IMO

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    • div
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Hart
      Zabaleta, Riether, Cameron
      Bale, Walcott, Michu, Cazorla, Sissoko
      RVP, Suarez

      Playing Sky FF and thinking of Bale & Walcott > Merte & Lambert or do l stay with my 5 midfielders, if so who?

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    • Fishy
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      is it mad to take out rvp for suarez, and then consider a utd striker for the double?

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

        madness

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      2. Woeisme
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        yes

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    • BenjaniMwaruwari
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Play
      a) Zabaleta mun
      b) Nolan liv

      Def is Turner, Samba, Enrique
      Mid is Hazard, Sissoko, Cazorla

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    • Optimus.
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      What did Jay-Z call his girlfriend before getting married?

      Feyonce.

      dont worry pepin has my coat at the ready 😀

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      1. Pepin - RIP Absinthe
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        😆

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

        😆

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      3. Sheep
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        What did Chris Brown call Rihanna?

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        1. BBB
          • 16 Years
          12 years, 11 months ago

          mari*uana

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      4. Mílanista
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        😆

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    • Bridge
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      All set?

      DDG
      Evra, Zabaleta, Azpilicueta
      Michu, Cazorla, Hazard, Sissoko (Fellaini)
      RVP, Suarez, Berbatov

      Next week - Michu & Azpilicueta out for Walcott & Sagna?

      Cheers!

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      1. MJ6987
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        Taking out two future DGW players?

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        1. Bridge
          • 12 Years
          12 years, 11 months ago

          Swings and roundabouts really, Walcott & Sagna have a tasty DGW. I can't afford Walcott if I get rid of Sissoko instead of Michu.

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    • Pepin - RIP Absinthe
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Bale ➡ Townsend and then Remy ➡ Rooney next week for the double. Sounds good?

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      1. Big_Andy_GAWA
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        Yeah, looks decent.

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    • Big_Andy_GAWA
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      It's going to be a day of firsts for me tomorrow: am going with 4 at the back for the first time and have made no transfers!!

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      1. Pepin - RIP Absinthe
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        Cue Davies hatty

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        1. Big_Andy_GAWA
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 11 months ago

          On my bench? =oD

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    • SPorting
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      You know you masturbate too much when you drop your wank sock and your wife shouts from the other room:

      "I hope that wasn't one of my best china plates!"

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      1. Pepin - RIP Absinthe
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        Eww

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      2. Big_Andy_GAWA
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        Lol, that took me a second or two!! =oD

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

        😆

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      4. Optimus.
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        😆

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      5. Mull
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        😆

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      6. Low-Life
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        It's not just me that has one of those then?

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      7. The Mandalorian
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        The wife is my wank sock 😉

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    • JapBen
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      What is the best option:

      1. Evans -> Sagna/Mert
      2. Bale -> Hazard
      3. Play 10 this week and have 2xFT next week

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      1. BenjaniMwaruwari
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        2,

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    • Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      who to play Michu or Sissoko? cant decide

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      1. LewanGOALski
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        Sissoko IMO

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      2. Pepin - RIP Absinthe
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        I am playing both 😀

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      3. Declan
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        Michu

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      4. BenjaniMwaruwari
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        Rest of front 8? Sissoko of them two.

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      5. Woeisme
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        Michu going to come good

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      6. CABAYE4
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        Both.

        Sissoko if you really can only play one.

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      7. Declan-
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        Siss

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      8. Mílanista
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        Siss

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        1. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
          • 16 Years
          12 years, 11 months ago

          Thanks lads. I would loge to play them both but Hazard, Mata, Cazorla, Rooney, lambert and Suarez say i cant

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    • LewanGOALski
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Start Bunn or JCesar?

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      1. Sheep
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        Bunn. They're tastier.

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        1. BenjaniMwaruwari
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          12 years, 11 months ago

          Bunn. Swansea 1 away goal in 2013

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      2. Mílanista
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        Bunn

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    • Mílanista
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Gervinho is being seriously overlooked imo. According to the team stats in the article earlier West Brom have been conceding more chances than most and they are without Mulumbu. Gervinho has form and a DGW.

      Yes, he might not start both games in the double but Walcott seems very doubtful for Norwich when initially Wenger said he would be fine for this weekend, what's to say there isn't a further delay? Even if Walcott does return then Forehead could start on the left flank.

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    • realtin
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Zabaleta v Rafael to start tomorrow?

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    • RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Keeping Bale.
      Got baines in for jevans and ok for this GW. Will get in fella next week for Sissoko or coutinho, or fella and berba if Suarez get booked.

      Baines, monreal, Wilson, Davies (Harte)
      Cazorla, coutinho, Sissoko (bale, Walcott)
      Rvp, Suarez, anchiebe

      Rigged for this GW and on my way to GW 33 and 36.

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    • Demelbrush
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      A. Use my FT for Bale > Hazard or

      B. just play pog and save the FT

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    • bitterandstout
        12 years, 11 months ago

        Would you rather?

        A) Bale -> Hazard (have mata)
        B) Bale -> Sissoko (one week punt) & Davies -> Baines

        one FT .3 in bank

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      • rasher
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        mata or hazard for bale?

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        1. bitterandstout
            12 years, 11 months ago

            do you have any other chelsea mids?

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          • bitterandstout
              12 years, 11 months ago

              probably hazard as he only subbed on late thursday and has been hot lately. but for me mata has been instrumental to all chelsea does going forward..

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              1. rasher
                • 16 Years
                12 years, 11 months ago

                yeah that's tue! cheers

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          • thomo107
            • 12 Years
            12 years, 11 months ago

            Michu > Coutinho -4pt hit. is it worth it?

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          • BenjaniMwaruwari
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            12 years, 11 months ago

            a)

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