[sbu_large_image] Team News
1 November 2013 1036 comments
Paul Paul
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Philippe Coutinho is back for Liverpool’s trip to the Emirates after recovering from a shoulder injury. Robert Snodgrass remains a doubt for Norwich’s visit to City, Pablo Osvaldo may return for Southampton at Stoke, Sam Allardyce expects James Tomkins to take his place against Aston Villa, who have concerns over Gabby Agbonlahor, while Arsene Wenger hopes Mathieu Flamini could be back for next weekend’s trip to Old Trafford:

Chris Hughton has a number of concerns in midfield ahead of Norwich’s trip to City. The Canaries boss will continue to monitor Robert Snodgrass after he was knocked unconscious and stretchered off at United in midweek after a clash of heads. Nathan Redmond is also a doubt after picking up a problem in the same game and Alex Tettey is set to be sidelined for the Etihad clash:

“We’ll see on Robert, we’ll make sure we make the right decision. We know what the facts are – he was released late on Tuesday night and he’s fine, but we need to make sure he’s recovered sufficiently. Nathan felt a muscle just above his right hip, so we just have to see how that recovers over the next couple of days. There’s a doubt over both of them, but we’re not ruling either of them out. Alex will be out though. He took a whack to an area just above his ankle, and we’ll find out over the next couple of days how long that injury will be but we don’t expect it to be a short time.”

Philippe Coutinho has handed Brendan Rodgers a major boost ahead of Liverpool’s trip to Arsenal. The Brazilian will return to the squad for the first time since suffering a shoulder injury in Gameweek 4 and could be handed the role in “the hole” behind Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge, while at the back, Jose Enrique remains a doubt, according to his manager:

“Jose will be a question mark for the weekend, but Coutinho is great. He’s been given the all clear by the specialist to come in. He’s been training for the last few weeks, so he’ll come back into the squad.”

Southampton could be set to welcome back Pablo Osvaldo and Steven Davis for tomorrow’s trip to Stoke. The pair missed out last week, allowing Rickie Lambert and James Ward-Prowse a chance to return to the XI, but Mauricio Pochettino is optimistic they could be ready for the Britannia:

“Osvaldo and Steven Davis are better from last week, but again, they need to be evaluated today and tomorrow and we still need to see if they will be able to travel with us on Saturday.”

Sam Allardyce expects James Tomkins to recover from a knock picked up at Burnley in midweek, though the Hammers boss has revealed Matt Taylor is sidelined for the visit of Villa tomorrow. The recent 4-6-0 formation looks likely to continue as the forward line is hit hard with injuries – Andy Carroll remains out, Mladen Petric is hampered with a calf complain, Ricardo Vaz Te has suffered a dislocated shoulder, while Carlton Cole is still not fit enough to start a match, as Allardyce revealed to the club’s official website:

“Matt Taylor is definitely out, James Tomkins I think will be ok and the rest of the injured players will not figure in Saturday’s squad against Villa. It leaves us with quite a big problem in terms of numbers. We’re very short of first team squad players available for Saturday so it’s about getting on with the job and using the players we’ve got available and making sure they try and bring us the three points at home that we’re looking for….He’s (Carlton Cole) not quite ready for a Premier League start. He played on Tuesday night and that’s the equivalent of game three of his pre-season, game three of pre-season for us was Boreham Wood not Burnley away.”

Villa also have concerns for the showdown with Allardyce’s side, though. Paul Lambert rolled out an injury update yesterday afternoon and revealed Antonio Luna is set to be sideline with the hamstring injury that forced him off at the break last weekend – fellow left-back Joe Bennett is a doubt, though, with Ciaran Clark looking the likeliest to deputise, with Nathan Baker (3.9 in FPL) retaining the slot alongside Ron Vlaar in the heart of defence. Lambert also has concerns over Gabby Agbonlahor, with Aleksandar Tonev perhaps set for a second consecutive start as the visitors look to address a run which has seen them fail to score in the last three:

“Gabby is a doubt. His ankle has not really recovered from when he first got it injured. Antonio is struggling with his hamstring at the minute. He’ll be a few weeks out. Joe Bennett has a sore back at the minute so we’ll see how he is.”

Arsene Wenger reckons Mathieu Flamini could make a quick return from the groin problem sustained against Palace last weekend and is hopeful the central midfielder may be in the frame for next week’s trip to United. The Gunners boss has ruled youngster Serge Gnabry out of contention to face Liverpool tomorrow evening, though.

Reports in the local press indicate both Robbie Brady and Sone Aluko are rated “less than 50-50” to be fit for Hull’s home game against Sunderland, while Alex Bruce joins Allan McGregor and James Chester on the sidelines for the Tigers.

Alan Pardew has confirmed Fabricio Coloccini is almost certainly out of Newcastle’s home game against Chelsea, while Steven Taylor is believed to have suffered a setback to a hamstring problem and may not return until after the international break. With Paul Dummett also out due to a hamstring injury, the Magpies are down to the bare bone as Chelsea roll up to St Hames’ Park tomorrow:

“Colo’s running outside. I think Colo’s got a chance for Spurs, but I don’t think he’s got a chance for this weekend. Tayls is a bit further behind.”

West Brom boss Steve Clarke was somewhat non-committal ahead of an enticing home showdown with Palace. The Baggies boss would only by say:

“In terms of availability, our squad will not be too dissimilar to last weekend.”

Fantasy owners of Morgan Amalfitano will be hoping of further insight into his availability after the Frenchman was subbed off in last week’s defeat by Liverpool – assistant head-coach Kevin Keen admitted on Wednesday there’s a chance the right midfielder may not be fit in time for the home clash against Palace, with James Morrison poised to deputise.

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1,036 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. GoonerByron
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    Current team...

    Boric (Speroni)
    Kos Toure Chico (Ward) (Chester)
    Michu Ozil Oscar Ravel (Williams)
    Rooney (C) Giroud Sturridge

    1FT, 1.8 in the bank

    Chester --> Rat worth using my FT on and benching Toure? Or should I save it?

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    1. Robe Wan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      Save save

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  2. CHANCING PUNT
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    Was sure Brady would come through and start. Of course, I was basing that on absolutely nothing.

    Really don't want to play Barkley but looks like there's no other option aside from a -4.

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    1. get_in
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      Same, who would you be thinking for a -4?

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  3. Binman_UK
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    Mignolet
    Ivanovic Coleman Dawson Fonte
    Brady Lallana Ozil
    Suarez(v) Rooney(c) Giroud

    Bench: Lewis Barkley Ward-Prowse Chester
    Bank: 2.3

    Ideally I wanted to do Mignolet --> Boruc but I need to get rid of Ward-Prowse in order to do that.

    Suggestions for transfers?.

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    1. daisybcfc
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      I wouldnt change anything for the sake of it this week if you only have 1 FT, keep it and have 2 next week

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    2. Heartbreak
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      I'd say save the transfer, unless you have 2 in which case maybe Migs>Vorm

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  4. Sir Paul Scholes
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    I'm too reliant on Liverpool and Arsenal. I need to make at least 1 transfer anyway or I'll lose it.

    How about?

    (a) Sturridge and Ramsey > Aguero and Morrison
    (b) More boring transfer like Brady to Morrison

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    1. daisybcfc
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      A sounds good for free. gives a great captain option too

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    2. Reckoner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      Aguero as (C) would make me a very nervous man. Unless City are losing, at best he will get 70 minutes.

      Equally, my last two (C) picks have netted me half of feck all, and my candidates for this week are Rooney or Ozil, so...yeah.

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  5. Mr. Greedy
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    Any reason to not pull the trigger on Oscar + Giroud -> Sess + Aguero (c) (-4)?

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    1. J0E
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      I wouldn't ditch Oscar with his run of games coming up.

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    2. Alton E.
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      People are buying Oscar + He is in almost every WC-team on here.

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      1. Mr. Greedy
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 8 months ago

        Hmmm. Could ditch Michu or Ozil instead. Regretting buying Oscar as he doesn't really seem much of a goal scoring threat.

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        1. Alton E.
          • 16 Years
          12 years, 8 months ago

          Well, for some Özil is a season keeper so its up to you really.

          I'm ditching Giroud and i won't have any Arsenal attacking cover till Wally is back. It might be risky but Kun is worth it :D.

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  6. Chrissy Waddle - 2025/26
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    On a WC folks...

    With this current defence:

    Boruc Myhill
    Terry GJohnson Williams Chester

    Which of these would you have for the last spot?

    A. Ivanovic
    B. Evra
    C. Kompany (if fit to return this week)

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    1. SPorting
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      Kompany.

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    2. Christina.
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      Ivan. Double up on chelsea.

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    3. Magerost
      12 years, 8 months ago

      Also on WC, got Rosenior instead of Chester, but would like Chester. When will he be back?

      Wouldnt have none of them, but if I had to choose, Ivanovic. Go with Clyne and upgrade somewhere else

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    4. Red Devil Swede
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      Don't do Kompany. City defence is shaky this season, even with Kompany. Steer clear.

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    1. Moin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      0-0

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    2. Caine & Co.
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      5-0

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  7. Raddy
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    Any news/rumblings on the Return of Wally?

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    1. In Like Flynn.
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      I thought he had a set back. Not gospel but my understanding is at least two weeks.
      He would then need to get match fit, another two at least imo.

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  8. FISSH
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    Chester on the sidelines. Awesome glad I kept him

    I want to play Brady 🙁

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    1. Raddy
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      Has there been an injury update?

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      1. Raddy
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 8 months ago

        nevermind. in the article. my bad

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      2. FISSH
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 8 months ago

        not that i know of

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    2. SPorting
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      Sidelines, as not on track (inj). Not at the side of the pitch ready to come on.

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      1. FISSH
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 8 months ago

        ah. shame.

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  9. HVT
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    Thanks all on last page for the birthday greetings ,
    I thought Mark would mention it in the podcast 🙁

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    1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      Happy Birthday 🙂

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    2. In Like Flynn.
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      Did your bus pass arrive?

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      1. TorresMagic™
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 17 Years
        12 years, 8 months ago

        🙂

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  10. Jimjam
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    Team this week:

    Mignolet (Davis)
    Walker - Chico - Shaw (Vidic - Chester)
    Ozil - Michu - Oscar - Ramsey (Morrison)
    Sturridge - Giroud - Lukaku

    Want Aguero, but is it worth a 4pt hit?

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  11. gers23
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    Help!! Been struggling all week with what to do with my 2 FTs!! 0,3 in bank

    Mignolet

    Evra Terry Shaw

    Ben Arfa Brady Ramsey Michu

    Rvp Suarez Lukaku

    Davis Whittingham Chester Burner

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    1. FISSH
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      Ben Arfa to someone

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    2. Shah G
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      RVP+Brady/Barfa/Whitt > Aguero/Rooney + Oscar/Hazard/Silva.

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  12. Terrible Muriel
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    Which side is more likely to keep a CS - Stoke, Swansea or WHU?

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    1. Drip Doctor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      This week? Probably Swansea.

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      1. Terrible Muriel
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah. Not sure about SWA-CAR. Could be a lot of goals, me thinks.
        Not a lot of love for Stoke around here?

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      2. In Like Flynn.
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 8 months ago

        Yep I agree. Williams back should help a lot.

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    2. GreenWindmill
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      My calculations say West Ham

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  13. Andrew
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    Done my 2FT's got to be happy with this front 8 :-

    Ozil Michu Oscar Barkley Morrison
    Rooney Aguero Suarez

    Having coverage of Man Utd, Man City, Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal in front 8 is very fulfilling!!

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  14. S.Kuqi
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    Form over fixtures so Suarez (C) FTW! Anyone with me?

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    1. DonTheSpecialOne
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      Aguero! Form AND fixture 😎

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      1. S.Kuqi
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 8 months ago

        Won't take hit for Agu but otherwise he would be clear (C)

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        1. DonTheSpecialOne
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          12 years, 8 months ago

          Fair enough. Suarez at least one goal is my prediction. GL!

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    2. Caine & Co.
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      no. benteke (c)

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  15. Captain Shirokov
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    Start Brady or Barkley? Already have Lukaku and Baines so.....

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    1. SPorting
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      Start Brady. He probably won't.

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    2. Misery likes Kompany
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      Brady then

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  16. asyrafdanial
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    My current team for this week.

    Boruc
    Coleman - Dawson - Toure
    Yaya - Ozil - Michu - Brady*
    Lukaku - Suarez - Giroud

    [K.Davis - Kosc - Williams(cry) - Chester ]

    With 1.4m in the bank & 2 FT.
    Kosc > Williams likely to do tonight & you guys have any ideas for others transfer?

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  17. KBFC
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    Thinking of Silva in for Michu, or a new defender maybe for Coleman, or save my one FT, with 0.4 in the bank i am clueless as to what to do, any advise?

    boruc
    Clyne Zab Coleman
    Ozil Ramsey Michu Oscar
    Sturridge Rooney (c) Lukaku

    Subs; speroni, whittingham dawson M.Turner

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  18. GreenWindmill
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    Anyone here actually see much West Ham action?

    Diame is suddenly giving me the eye. I think I have a touch of the Doosras...

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    1. DonTheSpecialOne
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      I'm a huge admirer of him as a player - not as a fantasy prospect though. Unfortunately.

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      1. GreenWindmill
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 8 months ago

        Cheers Don, his stats in the members area are interesting. Obviously I can't reveal too much but he does appear to be getting involved at the business end.

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        1. DonTheSpecialOne
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          12 years, 8 months ago

          8 goals, 5 assists and 9 bonus total in his last four seasons in the prem. As I haven't renewed my membership (laziness) I can't access the members area this year. Yet. Will have a look at it when I eventually get my thumb out of my ass.

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          1. GreenWindmill
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            12 years, 8 months ago

            Yeah, I might have a look at what his stats were like last year actually, see if he's had an upturn or if he's still at the same level.

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  19. Make United Great Again
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    Captain choice time!

    A. Suarez
    B. Benteke
    C. Sturridge
    D. Ozil
    E. Ramsey.
    F. Oscar

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    1. S.Kuqi
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      a

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    2. Laserface
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      D

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    3. Slash
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      Of those choices, A

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      1. Make United Great Again
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 8 months ago

        Cheers lads, going to go safe with Suarez

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        1. Caine & Co.
          • 15 Years
          12 years, 8 months ago

          safe? pool wont score against mighty arse

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    4. Caine & Co.
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      B. enteke

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      1. Make United Great Again
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 8 months ago

        West Ham's defence has been solid though

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        1. Red Devil Swede
          • 13 Years
          12 years, 8 months ago

          Away from home mostly 🙂

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        2. Caine & Co.
          • 15 Years
          12 years, 8 months ago

          not good enough for benteke. and they have been poor at home

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  20. Laserface
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    what are the chances of the following players starting ?

    A. Vidic
    B. JWP
    C. Routledge

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    1. Make United Great Again
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      A. 50%
      B. 90%
      C. Don't know

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  21. MA
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    I have a front 3 of rooney Suarez Giroud - would it be worth changing any for tekkers/aguero? Or should my priorities be swapping someone like Ben arfa?

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    1. Laserface
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      Ben Arfa to Sess

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  22. SPorting
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    Already have Boruc because he's just awesome (and cheap).

    Double up on Clyne and hope he's OOP with those dodgy fixtures or go with Rat?

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    1. DonTheSpecialOne
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      Leave the rat out, Soton CS incoming. I'm playing both.

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      1. SPorting
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 8 months ago

        Done Don Don.

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  23. Half Lit
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    Start Vlaar or Walker?

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    1. SPorting
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      Vlaar.

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    2. Laserface
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      walker

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  24. Rambo Motin
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    Guys have no idea who to bench. Pick 2 to bench. Johnson(Arsenal Away) Brady (Sunderland Home) Junazaj (Fullham Away) Mignolet (Arsenal Away) Harper (Sunderland Home).

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  25. thearsenal
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    I replaced Baines with Reid, and Aluko with Lukaku

    (4-3-3)
    Boruc
    Reid Ivanovic Nastasíc Lovren (Shaw)
    Michu Ozil Ramsey (Barkley Cabaye)
    Lukaku giroud Negredo

    What do you think about my decision? Who's the captain? Need your advice, thanks lads!

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    1. enrico.palazzo
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      Negredo or michu

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      1. thearsenal
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 8 months ago

        I considered Michu and Negredo too
        Who's your captain? Just curious
        Thanks for your advice

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    2. McSauce
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      if u have a WC play it

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      1. thearsenal
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 8 months ago

        I have it and I will have this team

        Boruc (Myhill)
        Reid Lovren Chico Mertesacker (Shaw)
        Ozil Ravel Michu (Barkley Ramires)
        Giroud Aguero Lukaku

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  26. Chrissy Waddle - 2025/26
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    @Sporting

    How's the WC coming? Care to share bear..?

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  27. mathmo
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    So who's going for Suarez (c) this gameweek then?

    Arsenal struggle to keep clean sheets, and will undoubtedly miss Flamini sitting in front of the defence. Playing against Liverpool's 3-5-2 does require an effective pair of holding midfielders to combat the bodies in the middle of the park; with Coutinho possibly returning to the fray and Suarez dropping deep, Arsenal may struggle without the Frenchman's combative qualities.

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  28. Shed ender
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    Mignolet
    Lovren Zaba N.Taylor
    Townsend Lallana Silva Ramsey
    Lukaku Sturridge Aguero(c)

    Bench: Amalfitano,Cole,Ward
    Please rate my team..any changes ..suggest plz

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  29. enrico.palazzo
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 8 months ago

    Snodgrass or Morrison ( rav )

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    1. Shed ender
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 8 months ago

      RAVEL

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