[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, itโ€™s been a turbulent 24 hours for Fantasy managers as we address the Welshmanโ€™s impending two-week absence. Behind the scenes, weโ€™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. Hereโ€™s who weโ€™ve gone for:

Petr Cech may be a little pricey between the posts but with money saved elsewhere in our XI, weโ€™ve opted for the Chelsea keeperโ€™s consistency of starts ahead of Sundayโ€™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 Canioโ€™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 Hammersโ€™ chances of improving a record of four goals in the last nine away matches looks bleak, while Johnsonโ€™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 Belgianโ€™s attacking potential has more than atoned for a lack of clean sheets โ€“ 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 โ€“ 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 Canariesโ€™ win at the Liberty.

Having been utilised as a second-half sub against Rubin Kazan last night, weโ€™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 โ€“ 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 hostsโ€™ hands as Rafa Benitezโ€™s side go seeking their fifth successive home win.

Santi Cazorlaโ€™s recent form, allied with Theo Walcottโ€™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 Pardewโ€™s side welcome Fulham to St Jamesโ€™ 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 Redsโ€™ starting XI, has averaged six points per start โ€“ 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 Suarezโ€™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 โ€“ up against a Hammers side that have lost five of their last six road trips, thereโ€™s no surprise to see heโ€™s the runaway armband favourite, with over 44% of the votes cast in this weekโ€™s Captain Poll.

Weโ€™ve decided to change tact for Mondayโ€™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 โ€“ 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 Redknappโ€™s side have been full of goals in recent matches. The Rโ€™s must go on the offensive in tomorrowโ€™s home clash with Wigan and, having notched in three of the last four, Loic Remyโ€™s consistency has proven crucial โ€“ at 5.9 in FPL, the Frenchman has offered superb value in recent matches.

Stokeโ€™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 nightโ€™s Europa League draw with FC Basel and with Gareth Bale sidelined for Spurs, Sigurdssonโ€™s eye for goal will be more crucial than ever as Andre Villas-Boasโ€™ 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.

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

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

    Suarez > Rooney GW33 is my plan even if Suarez avoids yellow on Sunday. Thoughts?

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

      Brave. Suarez Vs Reading could see him get a big haul anyway

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

        Did Bale > Gerrard this week so have Stevie for cover in Reading game.

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    2. New Ghost
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Same. Going with RVP and Roon for the double no matter what.

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

    Damien Duff punt anyone?

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    1. Mr Sarcastic
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      no

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

        kevin nolan maybe?

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        1. Mr Sarcastic
          • 15 Years
          12 years, 11 months ago

          yeah, I'm thinking that possibility

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

      he is the form player sneaking under the radar

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

        really?

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

          no obviously ๐Ÿ˜€

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    3. Freshy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Fulham are poo

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  3. itz only game
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    i have bale for 10.3 with .1 in bank . should i replace him for carzorla and have to downgrade another player to get bale back when fit or leave on bench and hope for quick recovery. bale 10.9 atm.

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

      Replace him with Cazorla. He will have played at least 3 games by the time Bale returns.

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

        this is a great advice...

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  4. PGR
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    Is it crazy to captain Sturridge and risk a 1 pointer?

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  5. VICTORIOUS SECRET! !
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    Team ftw
    Ddg
    Evra /Enrique /sagna
    Coutinho /hazard /cazorla /townsend /cabaye
    Suarez (c) / lambert
    Good to go??
    Cheers

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

    Which one out of evans, rafael, davies should I take out?

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

      davis is the prettier of the 3

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

        Don't be silly, he doesn't mean a date...

        He means to assassinate. ๐Ÿ˜‰

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

      This week I'd lose Evans

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  7. Live4pool
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    i'm keeping both bale and michu despite their GW33 blank
    it might be a bit of a handicap but i have a huge TV and i will have the adventage for DGW36.

    any fellow bale & michu keepers?
    i guess not

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

      is it LCD or plasma?

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      1. The Bandit
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        LED for the win..

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  8. ~SpartakMac
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    Suazard Roo-Persie (C). Sorted.

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    1. New Ghost
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      ๐Ÿ˜ฏ

      What's your midfield like?

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      1. ~SpartakMac
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        *Suazard Roo-Zorla.

        Thought Roo-Persie had more of a ring to it ๐Ÿ˜‰

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    2. reply fail
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Well done, very strong but very dependent on MUN as well.

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

        who did you get in for Bale, if you dont mind me asking?

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        1. reply fail
          • 15 Years
          12 years, 11 months ago

          Hazard, (C)

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

            cheers, youre sitting pretty with your WC still - good luck

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            1. reply fail
              • 15 Years
              12 years, 11 months ago

              thx

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  9. mdm
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    Bench one from Davies, Clyne and Sagna. Thanks

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

      Clyne

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  10. Cooper123
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    Fellaini; will he fall tonight? TotalFPL says -106.1 BUT Fiso says -97.7 ...?

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

      i was wondering this too... also is Bale dropping tonight?

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      1. Cooper123
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        Bale will, the world and his dog has transferred him out today. Fell dropping tonight or not is of crucial importance to my team though!

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    2. reply fail
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Really, why do you care about those value things at this moment?

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      1. Cooper123
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        The team I want, and will get through transfers after the deadline, leaves 0.0 in the bank. I have Bale, who will drop, and want to bring in Fellaini, so if he drops tonight too then it's all good.

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

      Fiso is more accurate

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    4. TOSH
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      fiso more accurate than the latter ๐Ÿ˜‰

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

      fiso more accurate than the former ๐Ÿ˜‰

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    6. Cooper123
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      If he's -97.7 on Fiso... is that likely to happen tonight?

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  11. /
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    It would be so typical of FSW to wum us all by benching Hazard!

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  12. Scroobius Mac
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    Latest Scout Tweet.

    Yay. Really do get what you pay for with Reading players.

    Sweet FA.

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

      Didn't McDermott do exactly the same?

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  13. Freshy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    Play Berbs or Michu
    I can justify either one

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

      never bench michu

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  14. flipperallstars
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    Ready to roll?
    DDG (fed) – tempted by fed
    Zab Enrique Martin (Davies clyne)
    Arteta carzola hazard sissoko (punch)
    RVP Suarez (c) lambert (vc)
    5.1 in bank, Next week plan punch to fellaini and zab to baines

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

    Is Mertesacker really worth 0.8M more than Sagna, surely both are pretty much guaranteed to start?

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

      you pay the extra 0.8 for the corner goal threat ๐Ÿ˜‰

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

        Sagna for me, offset the lack of goal threat with the increased assist threat and Mert not worth the extra

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        1. New Ghost
          • 13 Years
          12 years, 11 months ago

          Sagna and assist threat shoud never belong in the same sentence.

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          1. New Ghost
            • 13 Years
            12 years, 11 months ago

            *should

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    2. Mile Plankton - Myth and Ch…
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Sagna is naileda on if fit. So you could use it for DGW.

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      1. Mile Plankton - Myth and Ch…
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        nailed*

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        1. Bests Conquests
          • 13 Years
          12 years, 11 months ago

          is Sagna indeed nailed on?

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          1. Mile Plankton - Myth and Ch…
            • 13 Years
            12 years, 11 months ago

            I think he is. He was never benched when he was fit and he was always straight back in line up as soon as he gets healthy.

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  16. Pablitto
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    2 questions:

    Is Gervinho good pick for DGW (today for Bale)?
    Will Jenkinson be benched this GW and also next DGW?

    What you guys think?

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    1. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Punt
      Probably not

      You need a reduction op before you damage your back..

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

        so Bale to Gervinho now? How bout when Walcott is back?

        ๐Ÿ™‚ and it's not my back it's her back ๐Ÿ™‚

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

      Taking too long to connect

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

      You join my room
      FFS
      Pass : remy

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

    Pick two of these Merte Sackers to play along side Mertesacker:

    1) Cam
    2) Dawson
    3) Davies
    4) Pearce

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

      1
      2

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    2. Mile Plankton - Myth and Ch…
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      1 and 2

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    3. New Ghost
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      1 and 2

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    4. ~SpartakMac
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      1 & 3

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  19. Corrigan
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    A pickle of the Branston variety. What are people doing with Coutinho and Sissoko for 33?

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

      Playing them.

      Fixtures are too good to replace with some half-arsed DGW-er who I don't really want.

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

        me thinking the same despite this season being a "don't underestimate DGWs" one.

        Can still have Santi and one of Fellaini/Walcott/Gerv. Outside of that, there's nowt.

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  20. Konig Luther
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    captain::

    1. remy
    2. hazard
    3. rooney

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    1. VICTORIOUS SECRET! !
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Hazard

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

      Hazard

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    3. Konig Luther
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      thanks

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  21. Hitman
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    Out of curiousity, are the people putting Hazard in those with a wc left or not??
    Just with him not havin a DGW next week.

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    1. Screaming Midget
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      I've been thinking the same thing. Someone using their WC for GW33 would be much more likely to be able to justify a Bale > Hazard.

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    2. JT's Dog
        12 years, 11 months ago

        I don't have WC, but may only be one week punt, it will cost me -4 but have (c) and don't think bent eke will score this week so think it is worth it

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      • The Bandit
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        No WC. Already have Wally and Caz, getting Fellaini next week and really don't fancy any others

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

          Have you made any transfers this week?

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        2. Screaming Midget
          • 16 Years
          12 years, 11 months ago

          So are you doing Bale > Hazard or saving?

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      • Viper
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        I have my wildcard but not planning to play it until gwk35 so i'm basically in the same scenario as someone without a wildcard

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

      Play Davies, Sess or Anichebe?

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

        Davies

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    4. Screaming Midget
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Guys, can you please have a quick check of my team here and let me know if you think I'd be fine to save the transfer: http://i49.tinypic.com/rvygk9.png

      There's 0.7 in the kitty, but Bale > Hazard is the nearest I'm getting and not convinced there either.

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

        I want a real team link or I'm not playing.

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        1. Screaming Midget
          • 16 Years
          12 years, 11 months ago

          Just because it's tiny. Don't be heightist

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

            I'm not afraid of heights. I'm afraid of widths.

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      2. Heytch
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        prob need to use the FT now bud with Pearce unlikely

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

        i have similar dilema

        jussi
        baines merte gj evra
        sissoko michu cazorla
        suarez lambert berba

        bale walcott demel

        im hoping to save transfer but im lured by bale to hazard the more i drink ๐Ÿ˜€

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    5. Deulo10
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Captain Hazard, Cazorla, or RvP? Leaning towards Hazard atm.

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

        Agree

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

        Hazard

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

        Always captain a forward so RVP for me

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

      Who would replace Pearce in the Reading line up?

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      1. Mile Plankton - Myth and Ch…
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        Morrison. Why?

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    7. Ricky - it doesn\'t ta…
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Best defender for 5.3?

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

        Sagna

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

        Koscielny

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

      My predicament and basically most others i'm guessing is

      A. Do Bale -> Hazard (Or Gerrard)

      B. Save transfer.

      I was planning on doing Mata & Michu -> Walcott & Fellaini next week. Should I save transfer this week and do Bale & Michu -> Fellaini & Walcott. (Still have wildcard) If only Hazard had a dgwk in 33! ๐Ÿ™

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      1. Straitpizza187
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        Save it. I'm keeping my two freebies for next week when i'm going to need them.

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

        Are you holding the WC until GW36 then? Depends on your sub for Bale, A is obviously appealing this week but the obvious mids for the DGW aren't worth owning until next week assuming you already have Cazorla. Might be worth a one week punt on Hazard/Gerrard even if it does cost 4 points.

        You could also take the less obvious route and go for a DGWer that plays this week like Forehead.

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

          Yes keeping my wildcard for 2nd double. I 'd be playing Michu instead of Bale.

          Already have Cazorla and will want Walcott next week so Gervinho not an option i'm afraid

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

        Had the same predicament. Did Bale > Gerrard this week and will do Michu > Fellaini next week, Bale injury means may abandon Walcott plans, however I already have Caz.

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      4. ~SpartakMac
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        If you think whoever you're playing instead of Hazard will score more than Haz -4pts stick.

        If not, switch to Haz.

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    9. Bridge
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Bale out for Hazard or Gerrard? Rest of team:

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

      Cheers!

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

        Of the 2 I would say Gerrard but you already have Liverpool coverage so I would go for C-Mata he's Chelsea's playmaker!

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    10. Mr Sarcastic
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      I'm getting sucked into this Hazard love!
      Is he worth to get for a hit and then bench one of Michu/Mata/Berba?
      I'm guessing maybe not after all.

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      1. reply fail
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        Not for a hit IMO

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    11. Ger
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Evening all, can I get a quick opinion on:

      A- Bale to Sissoko (allows me to transfer in Rooney for DGW)

      B- Bale to Gerrard (would keep Benteke instead)

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