[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. GRIMANDI [formerly boring M…
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 12 months ago

    Bunn or Fabs

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    1. Lord Flashheart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 12 months ago

      Fabs

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  2. Lord Flashheart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 12 months ago

    115,000 transfers out, and still five hours to go. Will surely reach 150,000 today. Never seen something like that.

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    1. r0nh
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 12 months ago

      *132,000

      Can he drop more than 0.1m in one night?

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    2. ~SpartakMac
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 12 months ago

      Bloomin' heck.

      Way more active players than I thought then.

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  3. JK - Cønt ⭐
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 12 months ago

    so Pearce to get dropped, oh well, thanks for doing the same in my team as the other 5 Reading players I've owned this season. Naff all. I even managed to bench Shorey for all of his assists.

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  4. Soccer Brah
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 12 months ago

    I'm at a wedding in Germany tomorrow and have just heard that the groom and his Liverpool supporting Irish entourage have requested everyone sings You'll Never Walk Alone. I am a die hard United fan.

    Do I -

    (A) Refuse to sing and stand motionless, mouth shut in defiance.
    (B) Mime but not sing out of respect.
    (C) Other

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

      no one will notice you

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    2. Ginkapo FPL
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 12 months ago

      Sing it you heartless man. Its their wedding day and you do whatever they want.

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      1. Ginkapo FPL
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 12 months ago

        Get revenge when you get married

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

      A

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

      Ollie once sang You'll Never Walk Alone in a press conference 😉

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    5. Bridge
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 12 months ago

      A

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

      C) if you're not the best man, stay home and watch Soccer Saturday

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    7. Dr Dream
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 12 months ago

      Satisfy yourself that involving football at a wedding is just naff...stand and smirk inwardly...

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  5. Bridge
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 12 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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  6. SneakyPete
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 12 months ago

    Cesar (De Gea)

    Davies | Harte | Baines (Debuchy,Evans)

    Walcott | Sissoko | Cazorla | Michu (Bale)

    Lambert | Berbatov | Suarez (C)

    0.4 in bank

    FT still left.

    A) Bale > Hazard
    B) Walcott > Hazard
    C) Your suggestion ?

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    1. MARVELLUS
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 12 months ago

      Follow the masses, including myself, with A.

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    2. Bridge
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 12 months ago

      A

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

    Damn, team selection for the Windies is a tough process. Almost done though.

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

      You grav is disturbing me 🙁

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

        Itll change tomm. Its a bet..sorry..

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

          Is it tomorrow already?

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    2. SPorting
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 12 months ago

      Hang on. Small update incoming........

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    3. Ginkapo FPL
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 12 months ago

      Me and Bonz did it yesterday. Awfully tough when the differences between teams is minute.

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    4. Christina.
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 12 months ago

      Just drop me and Sporting.

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

        If only I could drop you from the doubles team......

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

          Remind me, why don't we have Cazorla again?

          Oh, yes...you selected the side 5 effing gamweeks ago.

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

            Oh and no Suarez. That was clever.

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

              We were doing great until some idiot brought in Giroud.

              Alfred Potato-stein.

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  8. JK - Cønt ⭐
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 12 months ago

    Why are people selling Sissoko?

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

      Beyond me!

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

      Kneejerking

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

    @Ginkapo what's the pass for your room?

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

      the secret knock

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

        😆

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    2. Ginkapo FPL
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 12 months ago

      I've given up, but its always 123

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  10. MARVELLUS
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 12 months ago

    Start DDG or Bunn?

    RMT says start Bunn, head says Bunn, but heart says having Michu (and desparately trying to catch a rival!) is making me think go DDG for max benefit.

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    1. Blue-Ghosts
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 12 months ago

      both games will be low scoring, 5050 really

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      1. MARVELLUS
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 12 months ago

        True. Currently starting DDG.

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    2. Bests Conquests
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 12 months ago

      I'm in same boat. Will go with Bunn due simply based on recent numbers from both NOR and SWA. Whereas, throw all numbers out the window with the Manc Derby. I think it will be open.

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      1. MARVELLUS
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 12 months ago

        Hmmmm, think that has made me change my mind instantly. Cheers.

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

          Haha, yea it's a tough one. SWA really only has 1 guy that is lightning, can score from anywhere and at anytime...Michu.

          Whereas City, aside from their troubles this year, not only still sit at #2 they have a plethora of guys who are lightning.

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

    Should I take out j.evans or davies?

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

      Davies

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    2. MARVELLUS
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 12 months ago

      Davies, blank vs potential DGW with Rafael injured.

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

        Thanks should I get metesacker or azpil?

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        1. MARVELLUS
          • 16 Years
          12 years, 12 months ago

          Mertesacker, same reason, DGW soon.
          And Azpil has just played 3 games in a week.

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

    Anyone counting on Rafael to play this weekend, plus both in DGW?

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    1. Rafabio
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 12 months ago

      This weekend yes, not sure about BOTH doubles. Will keep, can't hurt...

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  13. Blue-Ghosts
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 12 months ago

    Now that ive time to digest the bale injury i have to say that this gervinho punt is crazy! He has had 3 appearances in 2013 and them games lasted 17,20 and 74 mins respectably! Still tho i'm tempted

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

    Ginkapo and others
    Join my room
    http://www.ball2d.com/

    FFS room
    Pass : remy

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    1. Ginkapo FPL
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 12 months ago

      my battery is about to give in, and my internet is clearly awful

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

        np 🙂

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    2. Very Messi
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 12 months ago

      Prefer to stick to haxball

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

        Its better than Hax
        Other features as well , including MOTM award 🙂

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        1. Very Messi
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 12 months ago

          Next time then, I'm off for the night now.

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  15. Viper
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 12 months ago

    For anyone that missed this earlier..

    Just looked through Hazard’s points history of him at home vs. bottom half teams..

    Reading- 11, Newcastle – 13, Norwich – 9, Villa – 13, QPR – 1 (came on with 60 mins gone), Southampton – 10, Wigan – 13, West Ham 14

    Suarez’s record at home vs. Bottom half teams

    Stoke – 2, Reading – 5, Newcastle– 9, Wigan – 11, Southampton – 1, Villa – 1, Sunderland – 16

    Hazard clearly a flat track bully. Those numbers not only make me want to bring him in but to captain him!

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

      I remember this from DZ. I am buying and captaining.

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

        Yeah I posted it again so people could see it..

        Good luck! What are you doing with Hazard next week?

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

          Don't know yet. Selling for Walcott if fit.

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    2. MARVELLUS
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 12 months ago

      VERY interesting post.
      Still currently on Suarez due to potential new manager turnaround for Sun in first game, this is a head-scratcher.....
      Not sure which to go.

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    3. Blue-Ghosts
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 12 months ago

      im thinking of getting him too! whats your plan for the dgw then tho? offload him for fellaini?

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

        I originally wanted to save a transfer and do Michu & Mata -> Fellaini & Walcott for free but now i'll probably be taken a 4 pointer..

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        1. Blue-Ghosts
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 12 months ago

          hmm ya it seems everyone will be 4 points down because of this bale injury

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    4. Mithrandir, the Grey Pilgri…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 12 months ago

      I can blame you then if it goes wrong! This convinced me to get him in.

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    5. ~SpartakMac
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 12 months ago

      Very persuasive.

      Argh.

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  16. Kostja
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 12 months ago

    Ba, Haz or Suarez guys?

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

      Suarez

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

      To play/buy/captain?

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      1. Kostja
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 12 months ago

        It looks likely that it could be all of the 3 options for that guy. I will WC next week, so I can take a punt.

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

      Suarez

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    4. Gonefishing
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 12 months ago

      Suarez

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  17. Gonefishing
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 12 months ago

    Dilema!

    Want to take Bale out for a DGWer in 33 (already have carzola, and planning to bring in fellani next week), would Arteta be worth a punt? (or are we expecting Wally better by next week?).

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    1. Blue-Ghosts
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 12 months ago

      id rather a single gameweek player than arteta

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  18. Zoomi
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 12 months ago

    Bench Michu or Sissoko or Zmata?

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

      Sissoko

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

      Michu.

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    3. bitterandstout
        12 years, 12 months ago

        michu

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    4. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 12 months ago

      so RMT says captain Suarez and vc Hazard

      But it also says play Pearce over Davies and Zaba 😯

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

        I am playing Mariappa over Zabaleta :/

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

          and will captain Suarez and vc Hazard (if I get him in - see above! 🙂 )

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

        I agree with both.

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    5. Sarnab
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 12 months ago

      Will Chelsea have a DGW in gw36??

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

        yes

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    6. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 12 months ago

      ICC starts in GW33?

      I might have to get an Indian grav for the occasion

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

        this gw is a friendly..

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        1. JK - Cønt ⭐
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 12 months ago

          I will update my grav shortly, I have something in mind

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    7. There's Always One!
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 12 months ago

      Hi all, whats the chance of sturridge playing this week?

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    8. Liastro ⭐️
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 12 months ago

      1FT, 1.3m in bank.

      Begovic – Federici

      Evans – Davies – Clyne – Harte – Turner

      Mata – Bale – Cazorla – Michu – Puncheon

      RVP – Suarez – Berbatov

      Should I get rid of Bale? If so, who for? Any suggestions welcome.

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

        I'm deciding between Hazard and Gerrard. I would say Stevie G for you, as you already have Mata.

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    9. Screaming Midget
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 12 months ago

      Optimus says:
      im hoping to save transfer but im lured by bale to hazard the more i drink 😀
      ---------------

      We must be on the same drink!

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

        stay tuned 😉

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    10. Fin
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 12 months ago

      Play Wilson or Monreal this week? Wilson has the better fixture but...

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

        Wilson

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

        Wilson.

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      3. Henry Hill
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 12 months ago

        Monreal in my opinion

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      4. Corrigan
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 12 months ago

        toughie. I'd go with Monreal, not wanting to be a Devil's Advocate.

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    11. Dr Dream
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 12 months ago

      Is Ian Harte's season over and done with now since the new manager ?

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      1. There's Always One!
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 12 months ago

        It looks that way. Swap for demel

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    12. bmb100
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 12 months ago

      So now Pearce is under threat?

      Brilliant...

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      1. JK - Cønt ⭐
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 12 months ago

        The moral of the story is

        Don't own a Reading player... ever

        i have owned 6 different Reading players this season, none of them have done anything

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

          I had Gorkss at one point and got one 6 pointer.

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    13. There's Always One!
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 12 months ago

      Hi all, whats the chance of sturridge playing this week?.

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

        Decent.

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    14. Corrigan
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 12 months ago

      Providing I get one of RooVP...

      Buying Hazard for a free, only to sell him next week for a hit is rubbish FPL management, isn't it?

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      1. Dr Dream
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 12 months ago

        who are you gonna sell him for ?

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

          Bale then out for a DGWer or Maloney to buy RooVP...

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      2. Blue-Ghosts
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 12 months ago

        thats exactly where i am in my life, what ya gonna do?

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      3. JK - Cønt ⭐
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 12 months ago

        Not when you look at his record at home v team in the bottom half, as shown here

        http://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2013/04/05/scout-picks-gameweek-32-2/comment-page-8/#comment-5521074

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    15. Andy1
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 12 months ago

      How does this wildcard team look?

      Ddg Robles
      Baines rafael sagna demel Bertrand
      Mata hazard carzola michu 5.7m (Maloney??)
      Rooney berbatov lambert

      With plans to do mata/hazard to fellaini next week

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