[sbu_large_image] Scout Picks
12 April 2013 2267 comments
Paul Paul
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With five clubs facing a double Gameweek, there’s no surprise to see this week’s Scout Picks heavily populated by the likes of Arsenal, United and Everton. Eleven of our 14-strong squad have a pair of matches on their respective agendas, though Liverpool and City cannot be ignored in light of their enticing fixtures:

David De Gea gets the nod between the sticks for United’s double Gameweek. Having featured in the first XI in each of the last 16 league matches, he offers a security of starts that has been unrivalled amongst Sir Alex Ferguson’s backline and travels to Stoke and West Ham on the back of six clean sheets in seven. The potential for defensive points seems promising – the Potters have scored twice in the last six Gameweeks, while Sam Allardyce’s side have failed to find the net in two of the last three.

Bacary Sagna is our Arsenal defender of choice for back-to-back home games with Norwich and Everton. Coming in at 4.7 in Fantasy Premier League (FPL), the Frenchman offers a cheap route into a backline that has picked up three clean sheets in the previous seven and, since returning from injury, has climbed ahead of Carl Jenkinson in the pecking order as Arsene Wenger look to experienced heads to help clinch a top four finish. Given that the Canaries have scored once in five away trips, the first match looks particularly promising, while Everton have drawn blanks in two of their last four on the road.

Site favourite Leighton Baines is welcomed into the Scout Picks ahead of Everton’s double. The left-back plays host to QPR tomorrow afternoon before making his way to the Emirates the following Tuesday and with a goal, assist or clean sheet in nine of the last 11 Gameweeks, it’s little wonder he’s risen to the top of the FPL defender standings once again.

City’s home clash with Wigan next Wednesday affords Pablo Zabaleta the chance to maintain a level of consistency that has mirrored Baines since the turn of the year. The City right-back has also produced either a goal, assist, clean sheet or bonus in all but two of his 11 appearances in 2013 and with Roberto Mancini’s side keeping out their opponents in five of the last six at the Etihad, looks poised for further points against the Latics.

Runaway leader in this week’s Captain Poll, Santi Cazorla has received significant investment over the last few days as midfields are restructured for the double. The Spaniard has registered double figures in each of his last two home matches and with visitors Everton and Norwich managing a single clean sheet in their previous 12 and 10 away matches respectively, Arsene Wenger’s side look poised to get amongst the goals.

Back from a two-match suspension, Marouane Fellaini makes an instant return to the Scout Picks for Everton’s pair of fixtures. Having produced double figures at Goodison five times already this term, the Belgian welcomes a QPR side that has conceded at least three times in three of their last four on the road. While a trip to Arsenal is a little trickier, Fellaini has already notched against the Gunners and picked up maximum bonus back in Gameweek 14.

Liverpool’s trip to Reading helps Philippe Coutinho retain his place in the Scout Picks XI. The January signing has scored or assisted in all three of his away appearances this term, averaging 7.6 points per game on the road – up against the most porous backline in the Premier League, he looks set to prosper once again.

We’re willing to take a slight chance on Theo Walcott for Arsenal’s pair of fixtures. Having missed the last two through injury, there’s a chance he may start on the bench against Norwich but even if he’s only introduced as a sub, has the potential to produce. With attacking returns in 10 of his last 13, his consistency is far superior to other Arsenal options such as Gervinho or Olivier Giroud and is enough to persuade us he’s worth drafting in.

Wayne Rooney is our United forward of choice ahead of the trips to Stoke and West Ham. While Robin Van Persie continues to toil, Rooney has undoubtedly been the man in form for the league leaders – analysing their last six starts, Rooney has five goals and two assists compared to the Dutchman’s single strike and four assists, outscoring his strike partner 47 – 33. While faith in Sir Alex Ferguson’s side has taken a dent in recent weeks, Rooney remains a real differential contender heading into the weekend with a mere 8% ownership in FPL.

Five goals and 11 bonus points in his last five matches highlights the current form of Dimitar Berbatov. With a pair of fixtures on Fulham’s agenda, the Bulgarian has proven more popular than any other forward heading into tomorrow’s deadline – he visits a Villa side without a clean sheet in 16 Gameweeks before entertaining Chelsea at the Cottage the following Wednesday. With Rafa Benitez’s side picking up a single point in their last four roads trips, Berbatov’s chance to continue his outstanding form look strong.

Everton’s Kevin Mirallas is our final forward for the double. Despite being utilised in midfield, the Belgian has scored in three of the last four Gameweeks and also produced seven bonus points over that period – at just 6.8 in FPL, he’s been in superb form ahead of those clashes with QPR and Arsenal.

Joey O’Brien gets the nod for West Ham’s pair of fixtures. A trip to Southampton and home clash with United are far from straightforward but Sam Allardyce’s side will be buoyed by last weekend’s defensive display at Anfield, with the goalless draw helping the Hammers to a second clean sheet in four. With a couple of goals and three assists to his name, O’Brien offers greater attacking potential than any defensive team mate, should his side concede.

On current form alone, there’s no doubt Kevin Nolan is a punt heading into the Hammers’ double. Having scored five times in the opening 11 Gameweek, Nolan has notched just once since but with Sam Allardyce’s side requiring a victory to take them over the 40 point mark, the West Ham captain could play a pivotal role in their fortunes against Southampton and United.

Christian Benteke’s incredible form is only forced onto the bench by a trio of double Gameweek forwards. The Villa front man has now notched in each of his last four and has found the net 10 times in 12 league appearances since the turn of the year – he looks in irresistible form as the midlanders go in search of a fourth win in five against visitors Fulham.

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  1. Stephen - Robot Daniels
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    What's happened to Podolski?

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

      Life

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    2. Fifa las vegas
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Sh*t

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

    De gea rising tonight do we think?

    87.8% on fiso ATM

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

      Should do as he only needs another 2k after almost 6k in today

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  3. AK ⭐
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    Been bugging you all since Monday, and I still don't know what to do. I am currently on 4 DGWers. Caz, Berbatov, Baines and JEvans. Have a free transfer. Who'd you advice me to bring in? I am open to hits. My shortlist is. Rooney, Giroud, Mirallas, Gervinho, Fabianski, Sagna. (Not that short is it? 😛 )

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

      No room for Fellaini or Rvp?

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      1. AK ⭐
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        Unfortunately not.

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    2. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      A DGW without Rooney is a DGW not worth playing...

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      1. AK ⭐
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        United aren't exactly scoring too many.. Putting me off just a bit..

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    3. Gamoriola of the Galaxy (Eu…
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Of those, Rooney. Fellaini could be a real difference-maker though.

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      1. AK ⭐
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        Well, he's sure to come in. Wonder how I missed him, maybe cause he was in for whole of this week. 😛

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    4. PDM TOP 1,000 any Season rc…
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Surely one of your chelsea midfielders need to go maybe for Felllaini ?

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      1. AK ⭐
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        It's Sess for Fellaini for me for now..

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  4. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    Say Hazard & Mata play 90 vs City, likelyhood of either or both starting vs Fulham if uninjured?

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    1. Gamoriola of the Galaxy (Eu…
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      I expect at least one to play, but worried about which. I have Hazard and will hope for the best, but there is no certainty imo.

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  5. Gamoriola of the Galaxy (Eu…
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    Play Luiz or Snodgrass? If I knew Luiz would play it would be him, but if he plays FA cup match he might only have cameo.

    Thoughts?

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    1. applebonkers
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      luiz. should be 90 or 0

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  6. A Defender's Nightmare
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    I can see Cazorla scoring an opener tomorrow & showing the symbol of love/welcome/whatever through his shirt dedicated to new born daughter and then with same inspiration go on scoring 2 more goals to complete a hat-trick 😉

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

      lol

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      1. Holy See
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        Do you see dread people?

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

          Yes.

          hallo Jan van Riebeeck.

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          1. Holy See
            • 15 Years
            12 years, 11 months ago

            Joachim Neander, pleasure. Timeline curiously synchronized. Mmm.

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    2. Stephen - Robot Daniels
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      New baby theory.

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  7. TheSteel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    How likely is rvp to start both matches

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    1. Holy See
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      3%

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

        So youre saying theres a chance

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        1. Epic Fail
          • 15 Years
          12 years, 11 months ago

          😀

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        2. Holy See
          • 15 Years
          12 years, 11 months ago

          There's a chance I'll be sober later. Always a chance of most things happening.

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

            Lmao

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      2. Fifa las vegas
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        ??

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    2. Fifa las vegas
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Very

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

      86.321h%

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    4. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      68.33 recurring %

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  8. AGUEROOOOO!!!!!
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    I normally make my captain choice Friday night and stick the caz or rvp will go right down to the wire still 50-50

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

      Baines

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  9. Harry Ball Bag™⚽⚽…
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    Fellani or miralas for Everton cover?

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

      Fellaini 1st choice

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

      Fell

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    3. Saint Domingo
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Pienaar as a differential

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  10. UKG
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    Does this look ok, hopefully 9 doublers. Would you change anything? No cash spare, currently on wc. Captain choice risky? Make or break in my ML.

    DDG

    BAINES SAGNA DEMEL

    CAZ GERVINHO FELLIANI (c) Mata

    RVP (vc) BERBA Suarez

    Roubles Michu Mariappa Wilson

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    1. 1966 was a great year for E…
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      10 of your 1st 11 are the same as mine (also on WC), so good luck!

      i wouldn't captain Fellaini personally, but could pay off.

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    2. CarelessGenius©
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Fell (c). Balls of steel.....hope it works.

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

    -8 hit taken. I think the last time I did that was 7 years ago.

    I'm going to sleep like a baby.

    good luck everyone.

    you to prasanna hagade

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

      I think the last time I took an -8 was 7 days ago. I'm also going to sleep like a baby. Though if any of you have had kids you know that's not necessarily good.

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    2. A Defender's Nightmare
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Wish you the same Chris (tina) Gayle 🙂

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    3. Saint Domingo
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Good luck fella

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  12. r0binh0
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    Got to be in it to win it right? Ivan->Evra, Mert->Sagna, Bale->Walc, Sissoko->Fellaini (-12). Come on the double!!

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

      Nice tranny's - good luck!

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      1. r0binh0
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        cheers. Will never make top 1k without doing something drastic. WC to come in GW35 so fingers crossed.

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

    Bego to de Gea (-8)?

    I can see de Gea getting at least 8 points this week, Bego only maximum of 3. Worth the risk?

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

      I did it should break even at worse

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

        Cheers mate

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

    Hazard or mata out for fellaini?

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

      virtual coin toss

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

      Haz

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

      whom ever is more expensive imo

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

        Same price for me

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  15. mic_check12
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    Backline of Zaba, Rafael, Shaw (davies/harte). Can't take Sagna as I have max Arsenal, thoughts on Davies to Manolev (-4)? I'm worried that Shaw won't play and then I only have 10 men. Zaba could even get rested and then I'd have 9!

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  16. Acquafresca
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    Barca vs Bayern semis.

    Who goes through?

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

      Bayerm Real IMO will be the final.

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    2. AGUEROOOOO!!!!!
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      barca v real final

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      1. Epic Fail
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        This.

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

          Madrid champions

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    3. 1966 was a great year for E…
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Barca.

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    4. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      The B Team. 😉

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    5. Fifa las vegas
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Bayern vs 60% chance Real, 40% Dortmund (final)

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  17. Captain Shirokov
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    Final team check:

    DDG (Robles)

    Sagna - Baines - Clichy (Alcaraz, Turner)

    Cazorla(c) - Pienaar - Felliani - Yaya (Maloney)

    RVP - Suarez - Berba

    Any problems?

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

      Not excited about Piernaar, but all else looks good.

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

        pardon the typppooo

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

      Looks solid. Not fancy RVP, Rooney, Berba front 3 though?

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      1. Captain Shirokov
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        Nope, Rooney was awful against City.

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

      Nice - but I'd go RVP down to Rooney and Yaya up to Silva. Then it's really nice.

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

      I dont like Yaya at all. I dont think he is worth a spot on any fantasy roster.

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    5. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Lacks Dawson 😛

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    6. ★FC Borecelona★
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Not a fan of the two Everton mids personally

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      1. Saint Domingo
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        -50

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    7. Big Col
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      looking forward 3 Wigan players?

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    8. Saint Domingo
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Very nice that is,i like the Pienaar choice

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  18. Messi & fabregas
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    Play 2 of

    a) mata ( fear of 1 pt cameo)

    b) lampard (fear of 1 pt cameo)

    c) kone (playing vs city that might rest players due to their match vs chelsea on sunday, thus more chanced to score?)

    thanks

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

      a and b, lamps will start as its unlikely he will play vs city, mata could get a cameo still play him though

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      1. Messi & fabregas
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        thanks sergio

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  19. blacky7475
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    Evening all,

    Lampard > Walcott, for a 4 point hit?

    Already got Santi and Sagna.

    Thoughts greatly appreciated.

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

      Nah , stick with lamps

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

      Could well play off.

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  20. applebonkers
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    dejagah injury could hit berbatov if rodallega comes in

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    1. AK ⭐
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      AB, any chance of Manolev starting the 2 games? You posted that Youtube link, couldn't watch it.

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      1. applebonkers
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        i'd say he's favourite to start the villa game simply becuase he started the last game. i assume most people thinking of him are thinking of him as part of a hit, that's what's scaring me off personally, if i'm taking a hit for someone i want to be 100% sure they're starting

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        1. AK ⭐
          • 13 Years
          12 years, 11 months ago

          Good point, cheers AB.

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        2. JK - Cønt ⭐
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 11 months ago

          what if you were on wc? would you consider him over Demel?

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          1. applebonkers
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 16 Years
            12 years, 11 months ago

            probably not, both pretty meh double gameweeks defensively.

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

    sissoko to fellaini worth for a HIT?

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    1. CarelessGenius©
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Aye.

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

      imo, YES!

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

      transfer done.....thank you

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

      I did this

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  22. Harry Ball Bag™⚽⚽…
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    Should I start azpillacuta or clyne tis week?

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    1. Messi & fabregas
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      clyne

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  23. Torres76
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    Berbatov or Giroud please?

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

      Berba imo

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  24. CarelessGenius©
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    Some ppl are gonna be crying if the Arse chuck out two goalless draws......

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

      Not if you captain Sagna 😉

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

      I will. I want two scoring losses

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    3. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Fabianski(c)

      😎

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

      12 points plus potential bonus for Monreal. 12 points for Santi (c). Could be worse 😉

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  25. Kevin Twine
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    Pienaar (have Fellani) or Coutinho (have no Liverpool)?

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  26. Nerdlinger
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    Start Maloney or Kone? Thinking Maloney...

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  27. Torres76
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    Piennar or Gervinho please?

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  28. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    RMT is telling me to captain walcott. Is this been updated with today's team news? I guess it has as he was a doubt previously so no way it would advise to captain him in that instance.

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

      Follow your heart Bemba.

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      1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        walcott, mirallas, sagna, baines 12 pt hit?

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

          Y

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

    a) RVP Berbatov Rooney

    or

    b) RVP Berbatov Suarez

    a = Jussi

    b = DDG

    e = mc2

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

      A

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

      b

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  30. An Púca
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    so, Walcott starting for sure it looks like....does this now put him in pole position as the better captain choice over Santi?

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    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      if he starts yes but will he????????????????

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

      Yeah

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    3. Harry Ball Bag™⚽⚽…
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Why will he definitely start?

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