[sbu_large_image] Scout Picks
25 December 2013 1343 comments
Paul Paul
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Forkfuls of sprouts and turkey stuffing are all very good and seasonal but let’s face it, Fantasy managers have greater feasts to consider at this time of year. With three Gameweeks on our plate over the next eight days before the small matter of a winter wildcard, planning and preparation replaces rest and relaxation as our festive plans kick into overdrive. Here’s who we have for you ahead of tomorrow’s deadline:

With three clean sheets in the last five Gameweeks, John Ruddy gets the nod between the sticks. The Norwich stopper welcomes Fulham to Carrow Road tomorrow afternoon and, with Dimitar Berbatov still a real doubt for the visitors, he could be poised for another shut-out against Rene Meulensteen’s strugglers.

Seamus Coleman is a nailed-on pick for Everton’s home clash with Sunderland. The Black Cats roll up to Goodison having failed to score in each of their last five road trips, whilst Coleman’s attacking potential has served up three goals in the last five Gameweeks – a tally greater than any other defender has managed all season.

Arsenal’s Per Mertesacker also offers the prospect of points at both ends of the pitch. The Gunners head to West Ham on the back of a sixth clean sheet in nine and, with their hosts drawing blanks in five of the last nine, Sam Allardyce doesn’t have his problems to seek right now. Mertesacker’s threat in the box has already produced two goals, whilst a tally of 12 bonus points has been beaten by only two other defenders thus far.

A home game with West Brom earns Kyle Walker a call-up. The Baggies have scored just a single goal in the last three and, with caretaker boss Keith Downing promising rotation, hopes of a home clean sheet look promising – with a share of set-pieces and corners, allied with his marauding runs down the right, the Tottenham right-back could pose the visitors problems aplenty in Tim Sherwood’s first home league match in charge.

Yaya Toure just edges out City team-mate David Silva for the home game against Liverpool. He may be labeled a “template” signing but the Ivorian’s consistency is simply too good to overlook here – he has scored or assisted in every appearance in front of his own fans this term and has set-pieces and, in the absence of Sergio Aguero, spot-kicks to further his points potential. Silva remains an outstanding option, however, particularly for those seeking that crucial differential.

Yohan Cabaye is another consistent midfield option. The Newcastle man has now scored or assisted in eight of the last 12 Gameweeks and was shifted into an advanced role behind Loic Remy away to Crystal Palace last weekend as Alan Pardew rolled out a 4-2-3-1. Up against a Stoke side that have shipped 10 goals in their last four on the road, Cabaye looks real value at just 6.5 for this Gameweek.

Having bagged a brace at the Etihad in his previous away appearance, we’re banking on Theo Walcott to produce as Arsenal look to return to winning ways at West Ham. Sam Allardyce’s side may have kept out the likes of Fulham and Sunderland in recent weeks but Chelsea, United and Liverpool have all put three or more past them over the last six, suggesting Walcott could be set for a prosperous Boxing Day afternoon.

We call upon Eden Hazard as Chelsea prepare for a home game with Swansea. The Belgian looks the one attacker immune to his manager’s rotational whims and, with four sets of double figures in his last nine, Hazard’s explosive potential is obvious against a backline that have mustered a single clean sheet in the last eight Gameweeks.

A trip to the Etihad will hold no fear for Luis Suarez. Some may be reluctant to hand him the armband but this season’s Fantasy phenomenon will be looking for a fifth straight set of double figures against a City side that have conceded twice to West Brom and Fulham and shipped three to Arsenal in the last four fixtures alone.

Alvaro Negredo also gets the nod for the City-Liverpool showdown. With Sergio Aguero injured, Manuel Pellegrini can ill-afford to do without the Spaniard as the hosts look for the win that would see them leapfrog the Merseysiders – Negredo has scored or assisted in each of his last seven home appearances and, with City averaging over four goals per game at the Etihad, Liverpool’s defensive record of two clean sheets in 14 bodes well for the hosts.

Wayne Rooney gets the nod as United make their way to Hull. One of only two sides to prevent Suarez from picking up the points over his 12 appearances, Steve Bruce’s side are no pushovers at the KC and have conceded just three times in front of their own supporters. Nonetheless, with three sets of double figures in his previous four road trips, Rooney’s form could prove the Tigers’ undoing.

Steven Caulker gets the nod for Cardiff’s home clash against injury-hit Southampton. Malky Mackay’s side have two clean sheets in the last four Gameweeks, whilst their visitors have notched just twice in their previous three road trips – with a couple of goals to his name already, the summer signing looks the best bet for points at both ends of the pitch.

Three goals and an assist in the last seven Gameweeks highlight Leroy Fer’s current form. The Norwich midfielder plays host to a Fulham side that have conceded four times in each of the last two and will be optimistic of further returns at Carrow Rod tomorrow.

A run of four matches without a goal forces Romelu Lukaku onto the bench. The Everton forward will fancy his chances of breaking that unwanted streak, though – visitors Sunderland have Wes Brown banned and John O’Shea doubtful, suggesting the Belgian could be poised for a prosperous afternoon. If you own him, you keep him. Whisper it, some may even hand him the armband.

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1,343 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Frank Black
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    Anyone considering Adebayor to replace Negredo?

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    1. @FuzzyWarbles
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      I think you stick there.

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  2. @FuzzyWarbles
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    Anyone with a worry of Hazard resting? I know he's been an engine but 4 games in 9 days and home to Swansea seem the best fixture to give him a rest in that time frame.

    Should I not worry?

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    1. JT's Dog
      12 years, 7 months ago

      Not what I would spend time worrying about.
      At the moment I am worried that 4 chocolate oranges in last two hours will make me sick

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      1. @FuzzyWarbles
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 7 months ago

        I expect an update on that! 🙂

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        1. JT's Dog
          12 years, 7 months ago

          It may be imminent

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          1. @FuzzyWarbles
            • 15 Years
            12 years, 7 months ago

            take video and post it here, i need a good chuckle.

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  3. Dots321
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    Koscielny back for Arsenal?

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    1. @FuzzyWarbles
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      Maybe, still a doubt. Im going to bring him in for next GW if he is back tomorrow.

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  4. Pinky and Brain
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    Play Burner or Fonte?

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    1. @FuzzyWarbles
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      Slight edge to Fonte IMO.

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  5. Nice to Finally Michu
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    Baker or Chester?

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    1. @FuzzyWarbles
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      Baker for me, with Chester on standby.

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  6. DRIZ ✅
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    Cabaye to replace Ramsey? Already have Wally.

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    1. Messiah Hazard
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      Nope

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  7. vova
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    Does this look alright to you?

    Howard (Marshall)
    Burner Walker Terry (Ward Chester)
    Yaya Whittingham Ramsey Hazard (Ravel)
    Adebayor (VC) Rooney Suarez (C)

    0 FT
    1.5 in the bank
    Cheers

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    1. @FuzzyWarbles
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      All set mate.

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  8. Bridge
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    Krul or Ruddy until WC? No sub keeper.

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    1. Messiah Hazard
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      Krul

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  9. Messiah Hazard
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    My cup opponent is a dead team... but has left the captaincy on Suarez... Now should I also follow suit and make Suarez as captain or pick one of Ozil, Ramsey, Hazard, Lukaku or Negredo...

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    1. Arsenal USA FC
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      I am wondering the same

      My cup opponent has 5 Defenders playing

      Yaya Ramsey Nasri

      Suarez JRod

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    2. JT's Dog
      12 years, 7 months ago

      Is cup really your priority?

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      1. Messiah Hazard
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 7 months ago

        No luck in most other MLs... So keeping cup as one priority at the moment...

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    3. @FuzzyWarbles
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      Crikey! I havent looked at my opponent yet! Thanks for the reminder!

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  10. Arsenal USA FC
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    Sorry for repost

    Use FT on my keepers or Save

    My Keepers -> Boruc & Vorm

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    1. Messiah Hazard
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      Use... They both are out.. Vorm has had his knee surgery and Boruc is not back for another 3 weeks,,,

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    2. Deulo10
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      Definitely use. A lot of good options available. Marshall, Krul, Ruddy, Mannone, De Gea...

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    3. Call Me Old Fashioned
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      You have to use it surely

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    4. Boozername
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      use, if you have enough for Scez pick him up, you got no Ars cover... or Krul is a good shout too

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  11. UnitednationsXI
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    here is my two cents into the captain picks:

    Suarez: in the best form of his life would be an understatement, IF lpool score, he will be involved...city have looked shaky at the back so i do expect them to concede once or twice....the minimum you would want from your cpt is a goal so this is the safe option but it have a upper limit as i dont think city will concede more then twice

    Rooney: in great form but more from a football point of view as opposed to FPL...great build play and the creative hub of utd at the moment, with welbeck, i expect him to start upfront meaning rooney will drop back. rooney still has the possibility of goals from a late run or set pieces. Hull have been good defensively at home. the one good thing of rooney being deep is that if he scores or assists, he shd get 3 baps as his role lends to a high baps score

    Negredo: city have been smashing em at home and with negredo the focal point, i genuinely expect him to do well, the man is a rock star and loves big games...been in decent form.

    Lukaku: a lot of the community has been burnt twice with him, against hull then fulham at home so third time lucky? his stats are decent, generally does well on counter attacks so i expect him to do better against teams where everton are getting dominated

    wally: havnt seen him play so unfair to make a comment
    hazard: just the mere fact he isnt nailed on is too much of a risk for me as a cpt option

    in conclusion, my cpt picks in order:
    - Negredo
    - Lukaku
    - Suarez
    - Rooney

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    1. sinik
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      Negredo a certain start tomorrow? or a certain start against Palace? that is the question regarding him..doubt it will be both

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      1. vova
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 7 months ago

        tomorrow he is nailed on

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      2. UnitednationsXI
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 7 months ago

        he is def starting tomz, bookmark this!

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  12. Dr Dream
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    Intrigued by the Walker pick..I have him but he has retreated further back for the past few games and now set to lose out to Eriksen on the few set plays he was getting, he's lost his added value as an FPL pick and no longer worth 6.0 as a punt IMO...

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    1. Boozername
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      I would start Terry over Walker cause Tott offense may have picked up but their D is pretty bad. Chelsea seems to be finding some form plus Terry has a better chance of points

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

    Slightly worryingly have 6 of the picks, with 2 equivalent players. Hopefully this bodes well!

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    1. HNI
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      i always have 7-8 same ones and still spiral down..football is an unpredictable gal..gettin 75's for few weeks and still sliding down rankings...

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  14. Sithlord007
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    Evening,

    My team for tomorrow. Any thoughts?

    Marshall
    Coleman, Baker, Evra
    Hazard, Walcott, McCarthy, Valencia
    Rooney, Negredo, Suarez

    Who to Cpt. Currently on Rooney

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  15. Parm
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    5 pricks

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  16. JK - Cønt ⭐
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    I hope Fonte is back.

    Was talking to someone in my ML about him on Sunday and he said he was looking to sell as Fonte had been dropped (this was after line-ups but before k/o in the Spurs/Saints game). I told him Fonte had to come back as Hooiveld was a walking disaster zone always liable for an error or an O.G.

    He was dismissive. Then what happened? Mr. O.G. struck again, he was actually laughing.

    In short, Hooivled is bad for Saints

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  17. The Wizard of Ozil
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    happy Christmas all

    Mignolet
    Dawson - Coleman - Turner (Ward,Chester)
    Barkley - Ramsey - Özil - Hazard (Ward-Prowse)
    Rooney - Lukaku(C) - Suárez

    1FT and 3.5mil in the bank, anything worth doing?

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  18. HNI
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    REPOST#
    Lads do Advice with just a number 1-5 as answer
    Need to remove GJ with my FT-
    Current def Gj Coleman Distin ward Rosenoir//gk-Marshall,4.0
    1)Walker-Gr8 fixtures but on 4YCs 2
    )Gibbs/Sagna-Cheap but rotation risk
    3)Mertesacker-Whm n NewC away cleansheet too wishful
    4)Evans-super cheap but clean sheet worry as 2 away games next.
    5)DO nothin
    CHEERS

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  19. Buck The Trent
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    Coutinho to ?

    A Mirralas
    B Cabaye

    Free transfer, have Lukaku

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    1. Call Me Old Fashioned
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      B

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  20. DF
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    I don't have the nuts to do it myself, but currently I'm admiring those who are taking hits for Spurs forwards.

    I have a strong but boring playing front 7(don't need to name them, they're the same as yours(but no Rooney)), but I would love to ship Ramsey for Erikssen, or Negs for Soldado.

    So...hats off to you if you take the risk. And well done if you're right.

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  21. Messiah Hazard
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    Only 4 picks... fingers crossed for a good GW...

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  22. cill500
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    marahall vs southampton (h) or...
    begovic vs newcastle (a)
    lads what do ye think thanks 😀

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    1. @FuzzyWarbles
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      Marsh

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    2. Deulo10
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      Marshall

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  23. @FuzzyWarbles
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    In the latest No One Cares news:

    My cup opponent took a 12 point hit the week before, obviously for the sole purpose of the cup in mind.

    What a jerk.

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    1. DF
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      Wish I'd thought of that.

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    2. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      It's exactly why I took an 8 point hit last GW

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      1. @FuzzyWarbles
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 7 months ago

        aye, but I bet you weren't ranked 2.9 million like this chump.

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  24. RamaJama
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    If it's right as people say that Zabaleta is back in training, guess he's playing tomorrow as city realt need him.

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    1. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      If that's true I'll head over to City's training ground and erm.. gently persuade him that he needs another week or so

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  25. Hybrid.power
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    Opinions:

    A) Brady and Morrison to Barkley and Cabaye
    B) Brady and Welbeck to Cabaye and Adebayor

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    1. HNI
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      b

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    2. @FuzzyWarbles
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      A for me. But I'd make sure I had the funds left to get Welbeck out for someone good for my next tranny.

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      1. Hybrid.power
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 7 months ago

        Yeah, that's the problem with A. It leaves me with .1, not really any other options to get rid of Welbeck

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        1. @FuzzyWarbles
          • 15 Years
          12 years, 7 months ago

          Any thoughts on Whittingham over the next 4 instead of Cabaye. Cabaye will probably outscore him, but the remaining funds could improve things overall.

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    3. Let's Talk about Cesc …
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      why are you shipping out welbeck!?!

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      1. Hybrid.power
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 7 months ago

        Well, I just think that Hull will give United a tough game and I'll have to get rid of him at some stage

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    4. Boozername
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      A

      Adebayor not proven totally yet... give him one more week

      Thus : A

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  26. HNI
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    best Gj replacement for next 3-4 GWs??already have coleman...

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    1. Let's Talk about Cesc …
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      kos if he is back or giibs/sagna

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    2. Messiah Hazard
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      Mertesacker if you have the funds...

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      1. HNI
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 7 months ago

        yeah i can do mert..but then will not be able to do rosenoir to burner week after...
        current def is coleman distin GJ ward rosenoir

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      2. HNI
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 7 months ago

        and keeper marshall

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    3. DF
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      It's mert unless you've already got 3.
      Then the decision becomes hard.

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      1. HNI
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 7 months ago

        i can do mert..but then will not be able to do rosenoir to burner week after...
        current def is coleman distin GJ ward rosenoir

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        1. HNI
          • 13 Years
          12 years, 7 months ago

          keepr marshall

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  27. The Wizard of Ozil
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    Mignolet -> Szczesny for free?

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    1. Let's Talk about Cesc …
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      do it

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      1. Call Me Old Fashioned
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 7 months ago

        +1

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    2. MattysFantasyFooty
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      Yes

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    3. Kevin Twine
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      Oui.

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    4. Old Man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      Qualified yes, but how many other Arsenal players do you have? If 2 already, then will you be regretting backing yourself into a corner? Just a thought.

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  28. The Sarjeant
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    My teams a mess!

    Clyne and Berbatov might not play and Ozil might be rested. And I wanted to use my free transfer to do Mignolet to Howard!

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    1. Boozername
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      thats what I did.

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  29. Kevin Twine
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    Ozil -> Walcott/Yaya worth a hit?

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    1. Kevin Twine
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      Actually, feck it, I can't be arsed.

      🙂

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  30. Pringle
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    Olsson (Norwich) to Baines? Free transfer. Would you do it? Already have one everton defender

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    1. @FuzzyWarbles
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      no. not yet. Baines is too much dosh to bring in when there are still question marks.

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