[sbu_large_image] Podcast
19 December 2013 1698 comments
Mark Mark
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Yes, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, which normally finds us two unwise men camped in the studio clutching presents and forlorn hopes of a festive points bonanza. This year, Granville and I appear sans gifts but with familiar Fantasy aspirations ahead of the punishing holiday schedule.

My Christmas spirit is at least buoyed by the fact that I’ve wiped the indignity of a three-figure mini-league gap between myself and my co-host, although Granville still seems to be in pipe and slippers mode. He’s all set to camp himself in front of the Two Ronnies repeats, safe in the knowledge that he’s got this season wrapped up. I just wonder.

Granville battles complacency to join me while we sift through the ScoutCast regulars and find time to pray at the altar of Luis Suarez. The most effective Fantasy Footballer ever? Much it pains some to admit it, the case for the defence is looking flimsy.

Unwrap this aural gift via this link, or sample our yuletide yodeling via the handy player below…

Mark Mark created the beast. He's now looking to tame it.

  1. crystalpalaceRus
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    What an idiot that Tan is, Malky has done wonders at cardiff, he will face the fury of the fans if malk's gone today in the presser.

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    1. roscola
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      He just looks hopelessly naive. Sounds like he expected to be challenging for the title and it must be the useless manager's fault that they're not.

      He'll get a hard lesson by the end of the season. If he sacks Mackay, I could see them going straight back down.

      On the plus side, Mackay for West Brom?

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      1. crystalpalaceRus
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        It could be good for palace in a way if a relegation rival is in meltdown, i think mackay would do well at spurs if im honest

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        1. roscola
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 3 months ago

          Definitely good for you. And you're right, he's a talented chap with a good eye for players, he could be good for Spurs.

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      2. Billy Gilmore
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        Replied last page.

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        1. roscola
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 3 months ago

          Back atcha

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    2. Malcolm Tucker for England …
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Don't see that happening. Check post below

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  2. A Defender's Nightmare
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Evans, Smalling, Jones Rafael, Evra (5 defenders) played in Capital One Cup. I assume Cleverley & Anderson occupied 2 Central Midfield spots. What exactly was that formation then?

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    1. Billy Gilmore
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      4-3-3 with Jones in midfield I'd imagine?

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    2. HVT
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Jones in mf - surprised more aren't going for him ,seems nailed on now and injury free ,
      Oop aswell ....

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      1. A Defender's Nightmare
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        I've observed that whenever he played in MF he got less BPS than Evans so I think Evans is still the better value

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    3. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Do we think Rafael is more nailed on than Evans and more attacking than jones?

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  3. crystalpalaceRus
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Id imagine rooney wont start since it's a busy schedule coming up, so i think Negredo is the way to go

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    1. boredjames
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Rooney is the kind of player that likes to play every game. And he had a rest on Wednesday. If he is fit, Moyes has to play him imo

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  4. Malcolm Tucker for England …
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Malky press conference at 9.15

    expect not much news. Will not resign, club knows nothing of private emails so will remain private.
    Coming into January malky to stay in charge but Dave "loan machine" Jones to come in as director of football to oversee transfer policy and keep tan both informed and in check

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    1. crystalpalaceRus
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      He should see if he really would sack him and call his bluff

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      1. Malcolm Tucker for England …
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        3 million compensation lost by malky or paid by tan.
        There's the argument for neither happening.

        Also the mail was supposedly sent Monday so would have been acted on by now...surely. *crosses fingers

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      2. Willis.
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        Walk away and get nothing.... or get sacked and clollect 3m. Not a hard choice if you ask me!

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        1. thetinkerman
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 3 months ago

          This

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    2. Malcolm Tucker for England …
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Oh, and Bellamy to maybe take over at end of season 🙁

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  5. rnrd001
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    this GW, would you guys play

    A- Mertesacker
    B- Terry

    why?

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    1. crystalpalaceRus
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Merte just cuz hes at home

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    2. Moin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      none...but if i had to select 1 then Mert (chance of scoring)

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      1. BeachBadger
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        Terry has a chance of scoring too though

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    3. _nod
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Mert. Chelsea look iffy at the back at the moment.

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  6. Wheato182
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Looks like Bannan the beast will be coming off the bench tomorrow for Rooney.

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    1. crystalpalaceRus
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      With Chamakh scoring lately dont be surprised if he can get in the action himself!

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      1. Wheato182
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        True, he's got on ok fixture to be fair so could be a lot worse. Hopefully he'll nick an assist somewhere.

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  7. Damo.
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Sam Wallace ‏@SamWallaceIndy
    Andros Townsend has grade 2 tear injury, Spurs believe. In this case club hopeful he will be out no more than a month http://goo.gl/yjLLi7

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    1. Breadbin
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Hooray from a Spurs fan.

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

    Southampton FC ‏@SouthamptonFC
    Mauricio Pochettino says @Nathaniel_Clyne is back in training and will be assessed ahead of the weekend. #saintsfc

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    1. Buck The Trent
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      hmmm....wondering if I should start clyne then (TOT) instead of Williams (EVE) then...

      Anyone care to help?

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  9. A Defender's Nightmare
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Did any regular here beat my bench score of last GW?

    Walcott & Flanagan
    26 Points

    Just trying to console myself so if anyone out there who got more bench points last GW please reply 😐

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    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Jafalad had Wilson and Flanagan and played Dawson.

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      1. A Defender's Nightmare
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        Wilson got 3 BPs?

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        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 16 Years
          12 years, 3 months ago

          Yes. I played him. 🙂

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      2. A Defender's Nightmare
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        Assuming he got 3 BPs Wilson's points are 9. If we're considering sacrificing points then I benched Terry. Dawson got -1 & Terry 2. Yeah. I'd imagine we were in the same boat.

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        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 16 Years
          12 years, 3 months ago

          Better to move on to next week. You were never playing Flanagan. Dawson should never have been played.

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          1. A Defender's Nightmare
            • 13 Years
            12 years, 3 months ago

            Cheers.

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    2. Zombie
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Whitt + GJ = 17

      Played Oviedo & Walker = 1

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      1. A Defender's Nightmare
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        Ravel+Terry=5 so my potential net increase would've been 26-5=21. Yours 17-1=6. 🙂
        Poor me. 😐

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        1. Zombie
          • 13 Years
          12 years, 3 months ago

          Now Now...That's no reason to make my 16 to 6 😛

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          1. A Defender's Nightmare
            • 13 Years
            12 years, 3 months ago

            Sorry. 🙂

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    3. thetinkerman
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      You benched Wally???!

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      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        🙂

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        1. A Defender's Nightmare
          • 13 Years
          12 years, 3 months ago

          😡

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      2. A Defender's Nightmare
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        Team linked. For Ravel.

        Was that really "that" bad decision? Ravel was sure starter in the hole with Nolan suspended. Wally wasn't sure starter & was up against City at Etihad.

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  10. Malcolm Tucker for England …
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Have a feeling malky is gonna deny the email and say it's been a frank exchange of views blown out of proportion by the media.
    Not true but think he'll say it regardless

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    1. crystalpalaceRus
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Imagine if he does end up leaving though, cardiff's next home game is going to be very hostile

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      1. Malcolm Tucker for England …
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        We won't be happy. But then we never are!
        But as long as the team are supported..

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    2. Breadbin
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      I think I'll wait for what he actually says.

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    3. thetinkerman
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      No smoke without fire?

      If it's true, it's terrible management by the owner

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  11. I NEVER KNEE JERK
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    RMT/10 please

    Marshall

    Distin Coleman GJ

    Rambo Haz Cabaye Barkley

    Sauraz (c) Neg Rooney

    K Davis Chester Williams Rav

    3.5m ITB

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    1. Coaly
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      7 - Cabaye and Barkley are your weak links, if Cabaye was Silva then 8.5

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  12. Coaly
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    POLL

    a) Ridgewell > Jagielka, Panty > Jaask
    b) Myhill > K Davis, Ramsey > Silva

    I currently have no City players except Panty, and my other defenders are Coleman Vlaar Chester and Gabbidon

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  13. Courtois in the Rye
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    I'm currently on
    Krul

    Coleman Distin Shaw Mert

    Hazard Sess Ramsey

    Rooney Suarez Lukaku

    Terry Whittingham Ravel

    Used 1 FT to do Aguero - Lukaku and I bought Rooney at 10.7 so getting rid isn't really an option.

    3.6m in the bank to upgrade Sess to Walcott next week.

    Any comments on bench/selection etc?

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  14. Zombie
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Suarez to Negredo . Sensible enough?

    #AsSeriousAsItGets

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  15. RamaJama
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Play Ravel (A MANU) or Ward-Prowse (H TOT)?

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    1. Zombie
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      JWP

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    2. Coaly
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      rav

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    3. thetinkerman
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Sensible pick is Ward-Prowese

      Fun pick is Ravel (playing against his former club and all that)

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      1. RamaJama
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks a lot, hard to decide... But the other will come in if Rooney doesn't play.

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  16. JaydenLFC87
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Is Dzeko worth a punt with his pricetag and form in week?

    Also means I can get in silva and is rare for city to start with 1 upfront so could be a start while kun is out, the safe bet would be Negrado I know,

    Thinking -

    Aguero/Collback out

    Dzeko/Silva in (-4points)

    Current team -

    Guzan
    Ward Terry Flanagan
    Hazard Ozil Ramsey Whittingham (Silva)
    Lukaku Suarez (C) Aguero (Dzeko)

    Collback Baker Clyne

    Thoughts please?

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    1. Courtois in the Rye
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      You can see the risk but with the WC in sight it might be worth a go and Dzeko will likely get mins (and has a chance of starting perhaps home to Palace) but equally it could leave you very frustrated as he's probably 1 point at best this weekend.

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      1. JaydenLFC87
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        That's great thanks for the reply

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    2. thetinkerman
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      They played 4-2-3-1 with Silva in the hole and Dzeko as the lone striker in the cup and they could keep this formation with Negredo up front on his own.

      Many think Dzeko will take Aguero's place though. I'm not sure either was but Dzeko is certainly a risk

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      1. thetinkerman
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        I'm not sure either way*

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      2. JaydenLFC87
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        Confirmed my thinking, big gamble so playing safe with negrado me thinks, thanks

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    3. banskt
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      If you are going for Dzeko, I would suggest Berbatov with MCI, nor, hul, WHU, SUN in the next five, and Berba showing glimpses of regaining his devastating form...

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      1. JaydenLFC87
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        Another gamble but guaranteed a start, this has given me something else to think about, thanks

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  17. Mr. Clueless
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Who to start in midfield (2/3)

    a) Januzaj
    b) Ramsey
    c) Ovieda

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    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      AB

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    2. Coaly
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      b by amounts so vast they can barely be put into words

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      1. Coaly
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        then probably a

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    3. ee99101
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Ramsey & Oviedo!

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    4. _nod
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      AB.

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      1. _nod
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        or maybe BC if Oviado if Baines Isn't looking likely to come back this gw.

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  18. ee99101
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Hi guys,

    Need your help. Who do you play this GW?

    Terry or MTurner?
    Ravel ou Januzaj?

    Thnaks!

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    1. Courtois in the Rye
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Sunderland have ramped up their home form - I'd play Terry but it's a tight thing, they've both got 1 point written all over them.

      Januzaj by a country mile.

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    2. _nod
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Turner & Januzaj

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    3. Devon
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      I would play Terry (more chance for clean sheet) and Januzaj

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  19. Damo.
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Everton ‏@Everton
    RM: Leighton is not far away. He trained at the beginning of the week and we will measure when to bring him back. #EFC

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    1. Zombie
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      So Oviedo looks like starting this GW?

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      1. Top 210 Club
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        yes

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      2. Van Dal
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        yeh. who knows if leightonwill come staright back in..?

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  20. anish10
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    RMT

    -4 0.7 ITB

    Gazza (Davies)
    Mert Coleman Evans (Mbwia) (Chester)
    Ozil Hazard Nasri Walcott (Pozuelo)
    Suarez(C) Negredo Lukaku

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    1. Andrew
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Nice, love that midfield!

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    2. Devon
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Great team, i like your mids.

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  21. frodera
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Krul
    Olsson Ward Coleman (Santon, Dawson)
    Hazard Ozil Ramsey Fer (Kasami)
    Lukaku Suarez (C) Rooney

    Just got Rooney in for Aguero, but I'm considering a -4 point hit with the following alternatives:

    A: Özil --> Walcott
    B: Özil --> Silva
    C: Any other alternatives??

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    1. Coaly
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      don't do either of those first two

      unless you can upgrade ramsey or fer to wally or silva then save

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      1. Efan Ekoku Pops
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        I'd rather lose Özil than Ramsey if I had to. Maybe not worth it for a hit, though a good move in the long run.

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      2. frodera
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks

        I can upgrade Ramsey to Wally, but I'm unsure to either keep Ramsey or Özil.

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        1. Coaly
          • 13 Years
          12 years, 3 months ago

          I think Ramsey will slow down now due to Walcott being so attacking and him having to stay deeper. Ozil will finish in the top 5 midfielders for sure

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  22. Coaly
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    REPOST

    a) Ridgewell > Jagielka, Panty > Jaask
    b) Myhill > K Davis, Ramsey > Silva

    I currently have no City players except Panty, and my other defenders are Coleman Vlaar Chester and Gabbidon

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  23. RamaJama
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Worth getting Evra in for a hit as he seems pretty attacking and on a form that can give him points like a mid during the festive period?

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    1. Van Dal
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      I just got rid last week for coleman. He ALWAYS looks like scoring which is why I held on for so long, but utd just arent keeping enough clean sheets, and your basically relying on attacking pts from a 6.3m defender. I would avoid.

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    2. President Giggs
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      I'm thinking about doing a straight swap Terry -> Evra for no net cost. United look like the cleanies are picking up, and their fixtures are good.

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  24. McNulty
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Phil Cadden ‏@pjcadden 1m
    Cardiff have told all journalists to not tweet/report online during press conference. Have to wait until Malky Mackay has finished.

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    1. Holy See
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Pencils down boys & girls.

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  25. dinamika
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Who are the Liverpool player had created the most chances from open play this season ?

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    1. GTS
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      gerrard?

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  26. Devon
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    My current team:
    Gabidon - Mertesaker - Evra - Distin (Baker)
    Mirallas - Ramsey - Hazard (Ravel Morrison; Colback)
    Lukaku, Suarez. Negredo

    In the bank 4,7. No FT
    Still have a doubt whom to start Gabidon (H) or R.Morisson (A)
    Was thinking about wildcarding Morrison/Ramsey/Evra to Walcot/Silva/M.Williams, but think i will need it late in the season.
    Coz now i have 1011 p and it is quite good shape.
    Do you think should i do a hit -4 Ravel Morisson to Silva or Walccot?
    Whom to start Morrison or Gabidon or maybe Baker?

    Thanks

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    1. Coaly
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      same decision for me, had rav until this morning when i changed to gabbidon

      don't WC as the Jan one is in 2 weeks

      Yes do that hit

      baker, then gabbidon, then rav i would say

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  27. 0thebrodie
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Bench Rooney for Ward? Or start Rooney and bench Ward?

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    1. r0nh
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Bench Rooney for sure!

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      1. r0nh
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        Actually sell him for a hit right now, before Moye's press conference!

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    2. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Start Rooney

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    3. banskt
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Start Rooney. Bench Ward. I believe Rooney will start, even a 15min cameo would hopefully be better than Ward (playing against Newcastle)

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    4. Andrew
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Start Rooney surely

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  28. banskt
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Thoughts on Evra? Nailed-on over the Christmas?

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    1. Van Dal
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Nailed on yeh. See my thoughts above regarding him.

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      1. banskt
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        Ah! Thanks... Saw that, but I would presume United are on the verge of keeping a few or more clean sheets. The defense is settling down. I hope at least 3 clean sheets from the next 5 - WHU, hul, nor, TOT, SWA [all of them struggling, literally, for goals and otherwise].

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    2. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Yes, should be The most nailed on manu defender. Bringing in him, rafael or Evans, not decided yet... But seems like United is up for more cs now and Evra attacking form ok and scored in moderen.

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      1. banskt
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        Done. Zab > Evra for -4.

        Hope he delivers.

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  29. Chucky
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Rooney to start tomorrow? 🙂

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    1. r0nh
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Start what?

      His diet? Hopefully.

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  30. r0nh
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Ramsey (C)

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