Scout Reports

Scout Report – Gary Hooper

Norwich boss Chris Hughton made his seventh signing of the summer transfer window earlier today by acquiring long-term target Gary Hooper from Glasgow Celtic. The 25-year-old arrives at Carrow Road on a three-year deal – though the club have the option of another year – for a reported fee of around £5m and follows the likes of Ricky Van Wolfswinkel, Nathan Redmond, Leroy Fer and Martin Olsson to the club as Hughton looks to push on from last season’s eleventh place finish.

In an interview with the club’s official website, Hooper revealed his determination to prove himself in England’s top-flight after a highly successful stint at Parkhead under Neil Lennon:

“There’s been a lot of speculation going back to January and I’m pleased to have finally put pen to paper and joined Norwich. I can’t wait to get down to work, to get training with the lads and working with the coaching staff. I knew Chris Hughton and Colin Calderwood from my youth days at Spurs so it will be great to be back working with them in the Premier League. I have scored goals at every level I have played at and the challenge of playing in the Premier League is really exciting to me.”

The History

A product of the Tottenham youth academy, Hooper was released by the north London club at the age of 14 back in 2002. His career got underway at Conference club Grays Athletic but, after scoring 20 times in 69 appearances, he was released again in the summer of 2006. Picked up by Southend United, he scored just twice in 32 appearances over two years and was farmed out on loan to Leyton Orient (four games, two goals) and Hereford United (19 matches, 11 goals) before Scunthorpe paid £175,000 for his services in July 2008.

Hooper’s eye for goal was instantly in evidence for Scunthorpe. A total of 24 goals in 45 league appearances in 2008/09 saw him voted Player of the Year and helped earn the club promotion to the Championship. The goals flowed once again the following season, with 19 strikes and six assists in 35 matches persuading Celtic to shell out over £2m in the summer of 2010.

Hooper wreaked havoc in his new surrounds and was the Hoops’ top scorer in each of his three seasons at Parkhead. In just 95 league appearances, he registered an eye-catching 63 goals and 24 assists, helping the club to a couple of league titles, with two Scottish Cups also accrued.

The Prospects

Having watched his side suffer back-to-back 1-0 pre-season friendly losses, Hughton has moved quickly to address a lack of attacking edge. While Norwich were decent defensively from a Fantasy perspective last term, chalking up 10 clean sheets, a 4-4-1-1 formation failed to harvest many goals – the Canaries found the net on just 41 occasions, a tally better than only Stoke (34) and relegated QPR (30).

The earlier arrival of Van Wolfswinkel had suggested Hughton would continue with his somewhat cautious approach and roll out a lone striker system once again but Norwich’s pre-season failings have perhaps led to a change of heart. Certainly, with over £13m spent on the pair, it’s fair to assume Hooper will now be expected to line up alongside the Dutchman in a 4-4-2, potentially handing Fantasy managers greater options amongst the Carrow Road squad.

Although the former Celtic star is a little more diminutive than Van Wolfswinkel (five foot nine to six foot one), Hughton’s new forwards have relatively similar attributes – both possess good movement in the box and a penchant for playing on the shoulder of the last defender – though Hooper’s renowned work ethic and link-up play may see him drop deep more often, with his unselfishness highlighted by that average of eight assists per season at Celtic.

Yet to be listed in the Fantasy games, a price of around 6.5 or 7.0 in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) seems on the cards, bearing in mind that Van Wolfswinkel will set you back 7.0, whilst key creative force, Robert Snodgrass, is available for 6.5.

Hooper’s addition to the Canaries ranks now gives Fantasy managers something of a dilemma. While Snodgrass dominated the scene last term, there are now further options as we consider a kind batch of opening fixtures which has Hughton’s side play host to Everton, Southampton and Villa in the opening five Gameweeks, in addition to a trip to Hull. Given his eye for goal, Hooper looks a more than viable target as we assemble our squads ahead of the season kick-off, with his arrival sure to bolster the Canaries chances of improving upon last term’s dire scoring record.

Further Reference

Gary Hooper Wikipedia

Gary Hooper Transfer Markt Page

Gary Hooper You Tube

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

2,885 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Hampe
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 10 months ago

    This will be my 7th season but the first as a nerdy comments reader. I have never used rotation strategys etc. before. Just played with the gut feeling against my friends in a mini-league and finished top 54k as best. It will be interesting to see if the hard work that I will put down this season will be paid off!

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    1. super zlatan
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Good luck pal. Stay close to the site and you won't go too far wrong. Plenty of knowledge around these parts.

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    2. Parm
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      "Nerdy" cheers pal.

      Good luck!

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    3. Ryan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      It will certainly help and keep you in the know. The members area is very handy.

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    4. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      If you pay attention, read the articles on here and have a smidgen of knowledge about football, you'll almost be guaranteed to finish top 50k.

      Best of luck!

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  2. PINKFISH (SANCTIONED AND GA…
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 10 months ago

    Sunderland. Could the enlightened give me 3 players from the mad Italians team.

    Include Def Mid and For.

    I know they will show improvement this season but am in the dark about there team and set-up tx.

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    1. thebigblackcat
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Starting line up is impossible to say atm

      Goalkeeper - likely to be Mannone (he's being playing great)

      Defence - PDC is looking to buy two full back but atm he's using Colback and Gardner. Two centre backs are also uncertain. Brown looked great against Tottenham, Oshea will play but out of the others im not sure sorry.

      Midfield - Sessegnon will play in 'the hole' and looks on form. The wingers will be Giaccherini and either Johnson or Larsson. The two centre mids are dependant on weather we sign full backs, but Cabral looked fantastic the other night (not good for fantasy mind)

      Forwards - Altidore will start

      I think youre right on stocking up, we looked the part against Tottenham. Big match against City later

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      1. PINKFISH (SANCTIONED AND GA…
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        That's fooking great.

        I just feel it in my gut you guys are gonna have a great season.
        That guy is the Suarez of managers. I love his passion.

        Tx for your insight.

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      2. Lucas Leiva
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        What do you think about Westwood not being given a chance for the past 2 seasons? I saw a lot of him in the championship 3-4 years back and he was very impressive, pulling off unbelievable reflex saves and was easily the best GK in the league.

        I hoped that next season would be his time to finally get some game time but I doubt PDC would spend £2m on a sub goalie.

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      3. smashy 'sophomore slum…
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        Yank here looking forward to seeing if Altidore will flourish in the PL. He seems to have finally found his feet.

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        1. PINKFISH (SANCTIONED AND GA…
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 10 months ago

          I've just been reading about him_some story that. Will look forward to seeing him play.

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  3. 1966 was a great year for E…
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 10 months ago

    If any scouts are about, clicking through to a poster's profile before you can click to their team is a massive pain. I don't really care about a poster's last 30 comments, I want to see their team!

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    1. Acquafresca
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Hulk this!

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    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      It is being discussed but is on the backburner for the moment. Will be sorted with maybe the grav/username being linked.

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      1. 1966 was a great year for E…
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        Yeah, clicking the grav to go to the profile would make sense. Maybe move it forward on the hob...

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        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 15 Years
          10 years, 10 months ago

          Plenty of other things need to happen first. The links are only really important when the game starts. It's only one extra click tbh.

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          1. 1966 was a great year for E…
            • 13 Years
            10 years, 10 months ago

            Oh yeah, doesn't really matter now, but when the game starts it should be sorted. One extra click makes it 50% less efficient 😉

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  4. Parm
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 10 months ago

    http://fantasy.premierleague.com/entry/199/history/

    Mark has had one season outside the top 5k, wow.

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    1. 1966 was a great year for E…
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      There's a Japanese (or maybe Korean) player that's had something like 5 top 1ks in 6 seasons, but his link will have changed now so I can't show you.

      I reckon he was cheating somehow...

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      1. Parm
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        Dirty match fixer 😉

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    2. super zlatan
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      I remember viewing his history last season. Very impressive stuff indeed

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      1. Parm
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        I hope mine will look like that in a few years time...

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        1. super zlatan
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 10 months ago

          No reason why u can't. Takes a bit of luck but solid team and the right (c) choice u have a good of a chance as anyone.

          Really want a top 10k this season at the very least

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    3. Jairzinho
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      5 top 1000 finishes for this guy. I believe he won the Metro game one season also:
      http://fantasy.premierleague.com/entry/76/history/

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      1. Jairzinho
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        2 top 100 finishes here. Recent history not quite as impressive, but last 3 seasons have been inside the top 10,000:
        http://fantasy.premierleague.com/entry/1426/history/

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        1. Parm
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 10 months ago

          Two very impressive histories, two successive top 100 finishes is just...WOW.

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          1. TorresMagic™
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 15 Years
            10 years, 10 months ago

            It was an easier game then but it's still amazing.

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            1. Jairzinho
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              10 years, 10 months ago

              We can say two successive top 50 finishes actually.

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  5. jas5sk - Youtube channel
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 10 months ago

    Sevilla FC club players and staff were robbed in Columbia while the team was away from their hotel room playing a friendly.

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  6. 1569Tippins
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 10 months ago

    How does this look?

    Mignolet (Marshall)
    Collins Turner Parr (Shaw) (Chester)
    Jarvis Mata Bale Hazard (Ramirez)
    Lukaku Anelka Negredo

    £2m in the bank

    I plan on rotating Collins/Shaw, Parr/Chester and Jarvis/Ramirez throughout the season until an inevitable stumbling block arrives, ie injury, suspension, etc. Mignolet and Turner will be main stays at the back. The remainder of the midfielders and forwards are interchangeable depending on form, fixtures, etc.

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    1. Brutus619
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      No offence but it looks quite bad. You're playing Anelka & a championship defender EVERY week. You chose not to have RVP which is fair enough but is disastrous considering what I just said (as in you're not spending big on him and yet still heavily relying on cheapies). Mata will miss the first game due to Spain's game which Mourinho explicitly stated will have a toll on his players.

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      1. 1569Tippins
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        Thanks for the reply. No offence taken, I wanted honest answers 😀 I did originally budget to get RVP but the Chelsea DGW1 has sort of thrown me into wanting 3 of their players. If I was to get rid of Mata, would it be best to downgrade to another Chelsea player short term ie Lampard or look elsewhere?
        I like the idea of rotating Collins/Shaw long term but I take your point on Parr and Chester.

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        1. Brutus619
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 10 months ago

          You have enough to cover Chelsea's attack in having Hazard & Lukaku. Downgrade Mata with the view of upgrading Parr/Chester + Anelka. As you need to spend quite a bit I think you should go cheap and get Snoddy (great value player). Upgrade one of those championship defenders to Coleman imo (will play attacking wing back for Everton - check his attacking stat records). Anelka then can be swapped for a much stronger striker hopefully: J Rod/Kone/RVW/Berba etc.

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          1. 1569Tippins
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 10 months ago

            I quite fancy Anelka at his price, although I do like Berba of the strikers you've suggested. Snodgrass is on my shortlist so I totally see that and I'll check Coleman's stats... I do remember him being a bargain a few years back. Cheers for your help.

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      2. Crouch Potato!
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        Bit inaccurate and unfair to class them as championship defenders. Swansea, Norwich etc have proven they can hold their own after coming up.

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  7. Brutus619
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 10 months ago

    Sanchez I responded last page 🙂

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  8. Ocrana
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 10 months ago

    Decisions...decisions...

    A-352
    Mignolet/Marshall
    Ivanovic/Coleman/Mertesacker/Collins/Clyne
    Bale/Hazard/Walcott/Mirallas/Noble
    Lukaku/Jrod/Anelka

    vs

    B-343
    Boruc/Mannone
    D.Luiz/M.Turner/Clyne/Collins/Coleman
    Bale/Hazard/Walcott/Mirallas/Thomas
    Lukaku/Jrod/Sturridge

    vs

    C-352
    Boruc/Mignolet
    D.Luiz/M.Turner/Clyne/Collins/Coleman
    Bale/Hazard/Walcott/Mirallas/Duff
    Lukaku/Jrod/Anelka

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    1. Parm
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      b

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    2. Sánchez
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      The middle one purely because it has no anelka

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    3. super zlatan
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      B

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    4. jas5sk - Youtube channel
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      C, but only because it doesn't have sturridge

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    5. Ocrana
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Anelka isnt supposed to play at all, would be a just in case sub for Jrod (which isnt 100% good having him play every week)...

      Was so much easier last year when we could grab Bale and RvP and just fill the rest in :p

      In version B i would prolly downgrade D.Luiz in GW2, changing Lukaku GW3 thus playing Thomas or taking a -4 hit. Or just leave D.Luiz alone, downgrade Lukaku GW2 and upgrade Thomas for the GW3.

      My main problem is picking a budget forward...all seem crap and the middle ones have been upgraded too heavily in cost. Leaving this Anelka punt.

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      1. Crouch Potato!
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        I haven't read anything which states Anelka won't play. Already scored a brace pre season, be very suprised if he isn't used.

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        1. Ocrana
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 10 months ago

          Sorry i meant that i wont have him play in MY team.

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          1. Crouch Potato!
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 10 months ago

            Ah gotcha 😉 Risky move, I hate benching strikers.

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  9. Ricky - it doesn\'t ta…
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 10 months ago

    Thoughts please

    Mingolet
    Coleman murner collins
    Bale haz ramires mirallas
    Rvp Lambert corny

    Lewis koren Clyne amorebietta

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    1. bitterandstout
        10 years, 10 months ago

        who's corny?

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        1. jas5sk - Youtube channel
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 10 months ago

          Cornelius

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    2. nevertrustbony
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Migs Given

      Merta Collins Turner Turner Chester

      Bale Walcott Hazard Silva Nolan

      Sturridge (berba) Fryatt

      I've decided to drop berba but i dont like any of the strikers 7.5 or below. I think i need to downgrade one of my midfielders but dont know who because i cans see all of them doing very well and going completely off at the start of the season. Any advice?!?!

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      1. An Púca
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        too much in mid....drop Nolan to Brady or the likes

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        1. nevertrustbony
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 10 months ago

          Thanks for the comment and i know i have too much in the mid lol, i just dont want to drop the wrong player

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    3. Arsenal USA FC
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Which Team is Better

      A

      Mignolet -- Boruc

      Mertesacker//Coleman//Ivanovic -- Garrido Turner(Cardiff)

      Walcott//Silva//Hazard//Coutinho -- Koren

      Lukaku Giroud JRod

      B

      Foster -- Boruc

      Mertesacker//Coleman//Cahill -- Garrido Turner(Cardiff)

      Walcott//Mirallas//Hazard//Coutinho

      Lukaku Aguero JRod

      C

      Mignolet -- Boruc

      Mertesacker//Coleman//Ivanovic -- Garrido Turner(Cardiff)

      Walcott//Snodgrass//Hazard//Coutinho -- Koren

      Lukaku Aguero JRod

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      1. Brutus619
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        A

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    4. Del Monte
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      People in the top 5k for last few years, when do you use your wildcard?

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      1. Parm
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        When you need it 😉

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      2. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        I have always used it early. I remember being in the top 1K at GW5 & using it. Have to go with the flow & the fixtures.

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        1. super zlatan
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 10 months ago

          I like to use mine later on in the season when there is a big dgw. Around gw 25 onwards

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          1. TorresMagic™
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 15 Years
            10 years, 10 months ago

            I will try to save mine but really need a good start to have that opportunity.

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        2. rasher
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 10 months ago

          he's asking pro's TM, don't be answering. I should be answering

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          1. TorresMagic™
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 15 Years
            10 years, 10 months ago

            Get a grav.

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            1. rasher
              • 14 Years
              10 years, 10 months ago

              im only back whats happened..where the hell is my grav gone

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              1. TorresMagic™
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 15 Years
                10 years, 10 months ago

                Go back and change the rating to "G" or put a new pic up.

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      3. Optimus.
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        ive never gotten past gw4 with my WC 😐

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        1. Parm
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 10 months ago

          I got to 36 last season...

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          1. Optimus.
            • 13 Years
            10 years, 10 months ago

            its a dream of mine

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            1. Parm
              • 12 Years
              10 years, 10 months ago

              You're not good at maths are you Optimus. 😉

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              1. Optimus.
                • 13 Years
                10 years, 10 months ago

                im sorry parm im under the influence and dont understand 🙂

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          2. Crouch Potato!
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 10 months ago

            Likewise.

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      4. An Púca
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        around gw8 usually

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      5. Del Monte
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        i might use it after gw1 then if most top people use it early, i want to b in top 5/10k

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      6. Matt
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        I haven't had any good years yet and I've been playing since 07/08, I've always used mine at about gw 7ish when I get frustrated, either really early or if all goes well wait till the dgw's at the end of the season

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    5. Parm
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Got the perfect team if Bale goes....

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      1. Brutus619
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        Do share 😉

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        1. Parm
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 10 months ago

          http://i.imgur.com/kd5b0GJ.png

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          1. Chazza
            • 14 Years
            10 years, 10 months ago

            Very nice. Reckon there'll be a lot similar though.

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    6. Ollie
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      RMT please

      Mignolet, Boruc

      Clyne, Reid, Garrido, Amorebieta, Chester

      Bale, Hazard, Coutinho, Sissoko, Bacuna

      Aguero, Benteke, Rodriguez

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      1. Del Monte
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        only 1 chelsea?

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      2. Parm
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        Swap Benteke for Lukaku, Sissoko to Snodgrass.

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      3. GreennRed
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        Good fairly nailed-on side. Keep an eye on Negredo and I'd say swap him for Aguero if he's getting his game and upgrade some defenders 😉

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    7. DropPointsNotBombs
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Does anyone see Zaha as a viable fantasy option this year? He's the one player that has looked good on their tour so far. I think he's ahead of the other wingers in Moyes' plans atm. Could be a bargain. Dangerous player

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      1. Ricky - it doesn\'t ta…
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        Yes if he gets consistent starts. Already got a 6.5 mid so I will my eye on him

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      2. Matt
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        Yes i definitely do. I'm waiting for Man United's schedule to clear out first then we'll see

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      3. Wild Rover
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        At £6.5 he will be worth a punt occasionaly but there is no chance he will be nailed on

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        1. DropPointsNotBombs
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 10 months ago

          Young, Valencia and Nani not traveling on tur with the could be a good sign that Zaha will start against Swansea!?

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          1. DropPointsNotBombs
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 10 months ago

            Tour*

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    8. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      A) Coutinho and Silva
      or
      B) Walcott and Yaya
      or
      C) Cazorla and Kagawa

      Ta 🙂

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      1. The Machine
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        Why is Wally, Kags not an option?

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        1. Wild Rover
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 10 months ago

          It is, but I would prefer Silva over Kags if I can afford him

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      2. GreennRed
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        Walcott and Kagawa and 0.5m 😉

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      3. Crouch Potato!
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        I like A. Would be very keen on Cazorla were Arsenal to get a striker which complements his ability. Giroud isn't mobile enough imo.

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      4. Dr Dream
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        Spain playing in S America aug 14th....Ivory Coast playing in Mexico Aug 14th...Japan playing in Japan Aug14 th.......makes a few iffy picks for GW1 WR....

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      5. Wild Rover
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        I'd say thanks but I got a downvote a few pages back for thanking peeps for replies 😀

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    9. Matt
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      I think I've got over not having RVP for the moment, knowing me i'll get up in the morning and want him desperately again, but here's my team ATM, all is saved though if Bale leaves...

      RMT

      Boruc Mannone
      Luiz Clyne MTurner Chester Parr
      Bale Hazard Walcott Silva Thomas
      Sturridge Lukaku JRod

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      1. GreennRed
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        Nice. I'm not a fan of Luiz but each to their own! Sturridge to Be take for GW1?

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    10. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Nearly 200 entered in Last Man Standing.

      58-324

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      1. Optimus.
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        can i join any of them?

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        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 15 Years
          10 years, 10 months ago

          Yes.

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      2. Matt
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        Joined LMS and Early Bird 😀

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    11. DropPointsNotBombs
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Au united fans hazard a guess at your starting lineup against Swansea?

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      1. Del Monte
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        De Gea

        Rafael Evans Ferdinand Baines

        Carrick Cleverley

        Zaha Fabregas Kagawa

        Van Persie

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        1. DropPointsNotBombs
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 10 months ago

          Only actual Man United players are allowed to play for them

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          1. Del Monte
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 10 months ago

            Baines>Evra

            Fabregas>Young

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            1. DropPointsNotBombs
              • 12 Years
              10 years, 10 months ago

              Baines plays for Everton

              Fabregas plays for Barca

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              1. Del Monte
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 12 Years
                10 years, 10 months ago

                Well done

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                1. DropPointsNotBombs
                  • 12 Years
                  10 years, 10 months ago

                  Lol, you point out the obvious, ill do likewise

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      2. Chazza
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        Community Shield will tell us a lot more. Also, hopefully a signing or two will have been made by then.

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    12. busteddocket
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      To Bale or not to Bale

      Anybody going without Bale, last year he was incredible, end of. But... half his goals came from outside the box, he can't keep this up, it just doesn't happen.

      In season 11/12 he scored 195 points and played 3216 minutes. Last season Walcott played 2286 mins and scored 194 pts. I reckon if Walcott gets comparable gametime there will be not much in it.

      At 2.5m less for Walcott, he's my first name on the sheet.

      Critique welcome.

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      1. GreennRed
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        I've both.

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        1. busteddocket
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 10 months ago

          Will he get 249 again, I reckon no chance????

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          1. GreennRed
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 10 months ago

            No midfielderbwill outscore him though and I won't get Van Persie.

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      2. Matt
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        I've got both, just to be safe

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        1. busteddocket
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 10 months ago

          Oh, I agree I just can't see Bale scoring that high again, and for the big hitters ie Bale or RVP it has to RVP.

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    13. ...---...
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      I can understand the Mignolet one-stop-shop love but the Jaaskelainen & Boruc rotation must surely holds an ascendency?

      Surely 36 versus 18 home games holds a certain attraction?

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      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        Jan WC.

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      2. ...---...
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        ...or even 38 versus 19!

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      3. GreennRed
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        Depends who the home and away games are against.

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        1. ...---...
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 10 months ago

          Everyone!

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          1. TorresMagic™
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 15 Years
            10 years, 10 months ago

            Only important until GW21 or so when GK changes are free. Liverpool have more hard games in the 2nd half it seems.

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          2. GreennRed
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 10 months ago

            😉

            If Jaask is home to United and Boruc away to Palace you'll go Boruc. Not necessarily gonna pick the home keeper every week. But fair point, a good rotation Jaask and Boruc.

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      4. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        38/19

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        1. ...---...
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 10 months ago

          inchworm!

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      5. Demí
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        Jussi is massively overpriced though. And there's every chance he could eventually lose his spot to Adrian.

        Also i don't think it's right to look at the whole season, the rotation is only relevant till the Jan wildcard, when you're bound to change keepers anyway.

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      6. busteddocket
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        Southampton only had 7 clean sheets last year.

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    14. Fin
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Why do people go for Migs and a 40 when Boruc and Foster are the same price and rotate really well?

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      1. ...---...
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        Agree. See above, Great minds and all that!

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        1. Fin
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 10 months ago

          And if Migs gets injured you'll have to bring in another keeper too. I think we're geniuses.

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          1. ...---...
            • 13 Years
            10 years, 10 months ago

            Well, if geniuses is actually a word, we are!!

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            1. Ryan
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 12 Years
              10 years, 10 months ago

              lol

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      2. Wild Rover
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        Because he could get more points than the rotation? Mostly it's because you don't suffer the pain of your benched keeper keeping the cleanie or saving the pen.. 🙂

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        1. Fin
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 10 months ago

          Kicking yourself about picking the wrong player is part of the fpl experience though 🙂

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    15. DropPointsNotBombs
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Gameweek 1 team:

      Mignolet

      Clone, Coleman, Cole

      Zaha, Bale, Hazard (c), Mirallas, Walcott

      Rodriguez, Lukaku

      £1.5m in the bank

      Would be looking at top 100 in the world going into GW2

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      1. DropPointsNotBombs
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        Clyne*

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      2. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        Standards are too high. Nice team.

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    16. /
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      SSN: former man utd midfielder Paul Scholes urges Wayne Rooney to stay at old Trafford

      Rather then urging him on SSN why doesn't he just text or ring him?

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      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        Good point Towelie.

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      2. Crouch Potato!
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        Has he stated publicly that he didn't?

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      3. Crouch Potato!
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        Maybe he didn't have any credit left on his phone!

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      4. Get up ya bum
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        Wayne stole his phone

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    17. Dr Dream
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      A few posts about Zaha and Kags again...I've not paid much attention to the United friendlies but what i have heard seems to be bringing their names up a lot....Does it look like Moyes is liking those two ?

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      1. Wild Rover
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        Well he's been playing them both but with injuries his options have been limited tbf

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        1. Dr Dream
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 10 months ago

          are they...didn't know that...Yeah that makes a whole world of difference, however, an awful lot of players get their breakthrough that way...so we'll have to see i suppose.

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      2. DropPointsNotBombs
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        Valencia, Nani and Young haven't travelled with the team on tour so it's difficult to tell. Zaha has obviously had a lot of game time which he probably wouldn't have had but has looked their best player and will get loads of assists if he plays regularly. The others not travelling could be a good thing in that Zaha may well start against Swansea because of their lack of preseason. He would have definitely impressed Moyes with his performances so far. I'm risking him for game week 1

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        1. Dr Dream
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 10 months ago

          good comment....and you may well be right. I like the look of Kagawa now..somehow i can't see as much pressure for his spot even if Rooney stays, based on nothing at all other than a gut feeling...What do you think of Kags ?

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          1. DropPointsNotBombs
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 10 months ago

            He's a really good player. Can play on the wing or in the hole and scores goals. It's only because there are other players from other teams around the same price but are more nailed on that I don't have him in my team. I really believe Zaha is worth the risk from day 1 for such a low price though. I think he'll have a great season

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            1. Frazek
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              10 years, 10 months ago

              To be pedantic, you don't actually believe he's worth the risk or he would be in your side! 🙂

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              1. DropPointsNotBombs
                • 12 Years
                10 years, 10 months ago

                Zaha is in my side

                Kagawa isn't, re read the comment

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                1. Frazek
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 13 Years
                  10 years, 10 months ago

                  Oh yes, right you are.

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        2. busteddocket
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 10 months ago

          I wouldn't touch UTD's mf for a few weeks, you can transfer in before a rise anyway. If Rooney goes and Kagawa plays in the hole behind RVP then transfer him in then, why risk it at the start when there are much better options.

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    18. Jessbek
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Second RMT, post DGW confirmation. Thoughts lads?

      Mignolet (Boruc)
      Ivan - Merta - Turner - Turner (Chester)
      Bale - Hazard - Silva - Walcott (Koren)
      Lukaku - Berba/Lambert (Gayle)

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    19. Super John McGinn-
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Is there any head to head leagues that a lot of people off here are in and that I can join?

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      1. Torched999
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        id be up for that as well if theres any not too serious ones

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      2. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        Only the UEFA Council.

        http://uefacouncil.wordpress.com/

        They will be advertising here soon for entries.

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        1. Super John McGinn-
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 10 months ago

          cheers

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    20. A.T
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Test

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      1. Crouch Potato!
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        Have that album around somwhere. 😉

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        1. A.T
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 10 months ago

          From the 4th best band in Hull!

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      2. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        Easier to reply to something & keep it secret. 🙂

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        1. A.T
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 10 months ago

          Shit.

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          1. TorresMagic™
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 15 Years
            10 years, 10 months ago

            Much better.

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            1. A.T
              • 13 Years
              10 years, 10 months ago

              Lol. Where did you end up last season, did you make top 10k?

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              1. TorresMagic™
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 15 Years
                10 years, 10 months ago

                No where near. 47K. Went Michu (c) GW38 with Evs for support. 🙂

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                1. A.T
                  • 13 Years
                  10 years, 10 months ago

                  I was something like 37k. Pretty much gave up at the end. Really disappointing season. My history do far goes:

                  71k didn't know what I was doing
                  46k. Still didn't know what I was doing
                  1k. Thought I'd cracked it
                  25k. Turns out I hadn't.
                  38k. Nowhere near cracking it!

                  Big season for me this one. I should have been sacked already.

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      3. GreennRed
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        The people who grinned themselves to death. Legend.

        Most people nowadays think Fatboy Slim was a DJ all his life 😉

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        1. A.T
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 10 months ago

          Great band. I've got a VHS vid of them playing in a pub in 85. It's the only copy. Need to get it on you chube

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    21. Torched999
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      Any palace fans out there know about dobbie as a prospect?

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      1. Wild Rover
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        Didn't he get killed in 'The Deathly hallows'? 🙂

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        1. Torched999
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 10 months ago

          haha fair! i set myself up for that cracker..4.5m tho!

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        2. Matt
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 10 months ago

          check my team name to see that he reappeared 😉

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          1. Torched999
            • 11 Years
            10 years, 10 months ago

            thought id seen that badge around these forums matt!

            Is he a starter or part of squad rotation? does big IH turn to phillips b4 dobbie?

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      2. Matt
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        great player could score decent points playing in the hole a bit, would be a steal as a 4.5 midfielder but since he's classified as a forward I would stay away

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        1. Torched999
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 10 months ago

          thanks for the info..appreciated!

          im gonna have him as my bench striker in a 3-5-2 for the first 3 gws b4 i get rvp back..shud do the trick

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      3. Lucas Leiva
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        No idea how much he'll play, always rated him when he was playing for Blackpool though.

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    22. Herman Toothrot
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 10 months ago

      GW1 Team #78992928

      Boruc

      Luiz, Coleman, Toure

      Hazard, Walcott, Bale, Snodgrass

      Kone, Lukaku, Giroud

      .....

      Foster, Baker, Wanyama, McNaughton

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      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        Not sure about Baker.

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      2. GreennRed
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 10 months ago

        If Baker's nailed-on, start him GW1. No point having a DGW player no matter the opposition.Good side.

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        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 15 Years
          10 years, 10 months ago

          Especially with a blank in GW3.

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