[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. Dougal McGuire
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    I think I have my WC team decided, but would really appreciate some RMT before I pull the trigger:

    De Gea, (Robles)
    Evra, Baines, Sagna, (Nastasic, Alcaraz)
    Cazorla, Walcott, Fellaini, Duff, (Michu)
    RVP, Berbatov, Mirallas

    Will leave me with 0.1 left over.

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    1. Hits Magnet
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Evra has had his day in the sun, I'd take Raphael instead and upgrade Alcaraz with the extra cash.
      And after this week you will regret having both Fellaini and Mirallas, and maybe even Walcott/Carz.
      Just my opinion of course 🙂

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    2. The Great Statuto
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Looks incredible I have to say!

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      1. The Great Statuto
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        On reflection I think I agree with the previous comment re-miralless, Fellini is fairly fixture proof IMO.

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  2. Hits Magnet
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    Can I have a little help please ............ this could be the beer talking

    I was originally going to play Mata and Hazard over Enrique and Sissoko but I'm now thinking that Mata and Haz will start against City and are not guaranteed of 90 mins against Fulham.......... SO i might go with Sissoco and Enrique instead.......... even if the 2 chelsea boys play on Wed I don't see it been a high scoring game (famous last words) ...........

    Any comments?

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

      You need to get rid of both of them bro. FA cup, euro cup, rotation, fat spanish waiter. Don't put yourself through it man. Even the "future dgw" probably won't be a double for either player...

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  3. There's Always One!
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    Hi guys. Mata or hazard out for fellaini?

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

      50/50 that

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

    Would you do Harte & Mata > Evra & Peanut for -8?

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

      Nope

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

      No, Evra may only get 1 game.

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  5. The ghost of a Pug's g…
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    Merte and remy —> Sagna and Berba for -8

    Yay or nay?

    Already done -4

    Anyone?

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

      Nay, I'd keep Remy. Nice fixtures coming up.

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      1. The ghost of a Pug's g…
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        Yeah...shame...like berbas chances...

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  6. jimski
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    Sorry for the repost...

    Trying to figure out whether it’s better to ditch Samba or Evans… thoughts?

    After this week, Samba has STO rdg.

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

      ditch Evans

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

        Ferguson has said that ''theres good news that Evans should be back''

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

    Hazard, Michu & Remy -> Walcott, Fellaini & Berbatov, 8 point hit..

    Yay or Nay?

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

      Yeah

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    2. The ghost of a Pug's g…
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Not sure on remy part

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

      Still worried Wallcot won't start both. Fellaini and Berb definitely, and would try to keep Michu for GW36 unless you have a WC.

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

      Nay - Walcott may start on bench tomorrow, and Remy has nice fixtures. And you'll want Michu for the double. Would likely pay off this week, but not longer term.

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  8. Crouch Potato!
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    Foxes concede in last min.

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

      Yes great so Bolton can make the top 6 (playoffs)

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

    A) DDG, Aguero
    B) Jaask, Suarez

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

      B

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

      B

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

      Thanks. B it is 🙂

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    4. Lloyd Xmas
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      A
      Aguero has a future DGW and Wigan mid week

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  10. Thomass
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    I am taking too many hits because Iam focused on next season!

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

      You should have a season off.

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

        Yeah 😆

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

          You remind me of Fran, don't ask.

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

    Got no replies last time, so trying agian:

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

      Attacker.

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

        So . . . Luiz? 😉

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

          Depends on if you want to win your H2Hs. 😉

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

      He thinks training is boring so he will proboly not be rotated

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

    The look on Adebayor's face in that picture is weirding me out...

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

      God I hate that man...

      Laziest player in the league?

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

        Definitely up there.
        Such I waste of potential. I think he's quite good when he tries. That's not often though.

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  13. Adro3
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    So I've used my ft. Willing to take a -4 pointer! Not sure what to do, Migs ---> De Gea or anything else? HELP!!

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    1. Stefan Schnoor
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Get Everton cover (Mirallas/Baines/Fellaini)

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    2. Adro3
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Please! Don't have any Everton coverage

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      1. Adro3
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        Alrighty thanks.

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  14. fijuhmon
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    Evening lads. Gonna go with

    Jussi
    Rafael (vc), Zaba, Enrique
    Santi (c), Fellaini, Mata, Gerrard
    Suarez, Benteke, Lambert

    Bego, Puncheon, Harte, Davies

    1.4m left in the bank, should I still do something? I used my FT to get Felli in.

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

      How about Gerrard > Pienaar

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

        Not sure abt his minutes. Thinking of Davies -> Sagna...

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

    Looking at the fixtures next week and my defence

    Sagna - ful - ok
    Baines - sun - ok
    Nasty - tot - bad
    Dawson - MCI - bad
    so it's between Demel and Manolev
    Manolev - ARS
    Demel - WIG

    That may swing it Demel's way

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

      Yes

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

    Anyone else done a -12 this week?

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

      Will be soon.

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    2. The ghost of a Pug's g…
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      Considering it

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

        Did the -12 deed today,it felt great.

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

      Yeah I did -16

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

        Ha! Good luck mate

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

        Link?

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  17. Smellbobs
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    evening guys.

    trying to sort out a WC team. please could someone let me know why al habsi has missed wigan's last 3 EPL games and whether any wigan goalie is guaranteed the final run in?

    thanks

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

      Robles seems to be the replacement

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

      Looks like Robles is first choice at the moment. Al Habsi out of favour.

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

      Dropped due to poor form. Robles has kept 2 CS in 4, only conceded to a wonder goal v QPR.

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

        thanks guys. do you think robles is in for the rest of the season / DGW?

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  18. megaleg
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    Evening all,

    Just a quick one -

    de Gea or Fabianski? Already have Evans and Sagna... The money saved is appealing...

    Ta

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

      DDg, since Evans may not play both games

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

        This was my thinking too, thanks for the re-assurance!!

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

      No Pepe!

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

        Only jocking my friend!

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

          How's about no!

          Haha maybe next season!

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  19. Paully Walnuts
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    Mert to Sagna for -4? Would give me 6 DGWers.

    Yay or nay?

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

      Ja

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

      yes

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

      Yes. Break-even easily reached. Plus big chances for some extra by CS against weak NOR.

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

      i wouldnt

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  20. Mighty
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    Benteke out for Berb, -4? Berb 4 home games left, Benteke 3.

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

    I am certain I want both Theo and Fellaini for the DGW. Which one of Michu and Mata/Hazard to sell (I cant sell both Mata and Hazard as I currently have 4 blank outfield players)?

    Current team

    DDG*
    Demel* Zabaleta Shaw
    Cazorla* Mata, Hazard
    RVP* Berba* Suarez

    Bunn Davies Dawson Michu Gardner

    1 or 2?

    1 - Mata + Michu --->Fellaini + Walcott (-4)
    2 - Hazard + Michu ----> Fellaini + Walcott (-4)

    Also is it worth another -4 for Davies--->Sagna or Dawson--->Distin/Sagna?

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

      I think both will start v Fulham, Mata is better away, so I'd pick Mata to keep.

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

      I wouldn't take the extra hit for a defender

      I'd pick option 1 and keep Hazard based on form

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

        Only thinking of defender hit as Shaw is doubt and i have no sub to come on!

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

      2
      and for Sagna

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  22. elkunaguero
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    Would you take a hit to bring a DGW defender? I'm not sure the CS potential is strong enough.

    How does this look

    De Gea
    Zabaleta - Samba - Wilkinson
    Walcott Cazorla Fellaini Hazard
    RVP Suarez Lambert

    Bench: Robles - Snodgrass - Pearce - Davies

    A) Wilkinson to Demel
    B) Samba to Sagna

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

      I would do B

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

    Repost but want a few more opinions thanks ccc

    Fellaini in for ?

    A) Gerrard

    Or

    B) Mata

    I have Suarez but will lose 0.5 on Mata if I sell him

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

      Fellaini for Gerrard

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  24. John Colby (C)
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    Folks can you help with this dilemma please - which selection has the better points potential between now and the end of the season:

    A). Begovic - Nastasic - Sagna - Fellaini or
    B). DDG - Nastasic - Wilson - Fellaini

    Id really appreciate any guidance you may have.

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

      B

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

      not the best source though.

      team news section here has him starting too

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

        It's tempting to captain him based on rumours of him starting

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

      Means very little tbf.

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

    Sagna, Demel and Giroud (play mata - possible rotation risk with wembley on sunday) -8pt

    or

    Sagna, Baines, Walcott, Mirallas -12pt

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

      Just get sagna baines and kevin. leave out theo, -8

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

    With Walcott back is Gervinho game time limited?

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

      Yep

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  27. Lloyd Xmas
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    Suarez to RVP
    Bego to DDG
    -8 Yes or no?
    No other Man Utd cover

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

      Id keep suarez. DDg yes though

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      1. Lloyd Xmas
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 11 months ago

        r u sure about suarez?

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

    A. Hazard & Sissoko -> Walcott & Fellaini, 4 point hit.

    B. Hazard, Michu & Remy -> Walcott, Fellaini & Berbatov, 8 point hit.

    Which one?

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    1. Lloyd Xmas
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 11 months ago

      A

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  29. Dynamic
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 11 months ago

    Any tips on how to improve this wildcard team:

    9 DGW’ers for this week and 6 for GW36.
    DeGea (Robles)
    Baines Sagna Nastastic (Chico Dawson)
    Cazorla Walcott Fellaini Pienaar (Maloney)
    RVP Aguero Berbatov

    Thanks x

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