[sbu_large_image] Scout Picks
27 December 2013 6444 comments
Paul Paul
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We’re back with another set of Scout Picks for your consideration. This time around we plunder Tottenham, United and City for a couple of players apiece, whilst Sunday’s clash at Stamford Bridge supplies us with two of this season’s most explosive Fantasy talents as Chelsea go head-to-head with Liverpool:

We opt for Hugo Lloris between the sticks as Tottenham prepare for the visit of under-strength Stoke. The Potters roll up to the Lane with suspensions and injury concerns blighting Mark Hughes’ plans and, with a single goal scored in their last three road trips, they could be set to hand Spurs the chance of a first clean sheet in nine attempts.

A home clash against Southampton ensures Seamus Coleman keeps his spot in the Scout Picks. The Everton full-back remains the defender most likely to rack up the points up both ends of the pitch – Coleman has accrued four goals so far, double the tally of any other backline option, suggesting his attacking potential is worthy of a place alone, should the Toffees fail to register a ninth clean sheet against Mauricio Pochettino’s men.

City’s home game with Crystal Palace brings Vincent Kompany into our thinking. The Belgian has now scored in each of the last two Gameweeks to signpost his current form in the opposition box, whilst the hosts will be confident of a return to the form that produced three successive Etihad shut-outs prior to the visits of Arsenal and Liverpool.

Steven Caulker gets the nod as Cardiff prepare for the visit of Sunderland. The Black Cats have been woeful on the road, scoring just once (via the spot) in their last six road trips, whilst Caulker’s eye for goal has already come to fruition twice this term for the Bluebirds.

With two-goal salvos in each of his last couple of away games, Theo Walcott is in red-hot form right now as Arsenal head to Newcastle. Finally fully fit, the Gunners winger is looking vital to his side’s title chances at a time when Olivier Giroud toils for goals and Aaron Ramsey sits injured on the sidelines – given that the Magpies have conceded in each of their last four at home, Walcott’s growing band of owners will be confident of another haul.

Yaya Toure is our City midfielder of choice for the home clash with Palace. The Ivorian has scored or assisted in all but one of his nine Etihad appearances and, whilst Manuel Pellegrini could turn to Jesus Navas to protect David Silva from the possibility of a fifth caution and subsequent one-match ban, Toure has no such troubles and looks set for another 90-minute appearance against the Eagles.

Eden Hazard is the first of two selections for Chelsea’s clash with Liverpool at the Bridge. The Belgian highlighted just how crucial he is to the Blues’ cause by bagging the only goal of the Boxing Day home win over Swansea and is likely to give Glen Johnson a torrid time this Sunday as Jose Mourinho’s side look for the win that would lift them four points above their visitors.

With Antonio Valencia suspended and Nani sidelined due to a hamstring injury, Adnan Januzaj looks set to return to United’s XI for the trip to Norwich. The youngster is still being tentatively utilised by David Moyes but has already notched three times for the champions and could be set to pick up the points once more, having produced a goal and assist over his last two starts.

He may have served up a rare blank at City on Thursday evening but we’re backing Luis Suarez to return to goalscoring form against Chelsea at the Bridge. Jose Mourinho’s side have a single clean sheet in the last six in front of their own fans – conceding twice to West Brom and once to Palace – suggesting they may be hard-pushed to rein in the Uruguayan Fantasy phenomenon on Sunday afternoon.

Wayne Rooney rolls up to Norwich on the back of yet another stand-out Fantasy display. Despite being shifted to a more withdrawn role in recent matches, Rooney is still picking up the points regardless – he’s now delivered four sets of double figures in his last five road trips and will fancy his chances of extending that streak against a Norwich side that have just lost to Fulham at Carrow Road.

We also draft in Emmanuel Adebayor for Tottenham’s clash with Stoke. The Potters are reeling from the news that Asmir Begovic is out for up to six weeks and, with Robert Huth still sidelined with a knee problem, the Togo international will be confident of maintaining a streak which has produced three goals in three starts in all competitions under Tim Sherwood.

James Chester warms the bench for Hull’s home game with Fulham. The Tigers have already racked up five clean sheets in front of their own fans this term, whilst Chester’s eye for goal was highlighted in Thursday’s narrow loss to United.

Cardiff’s Peter Whittingham gets the nod for a home clash against Sunderland this weekend. The Bluebirds will be desperate to recover from their Boxing Day defeat at the hands of Southampton and the subsequent sacking of Malky Mackay – their playmaker’s creative endeavours will be key to breaching a backline that has now registered three successive clean sheets under Gus Poyet.

Romelu Lukaku retains his place in the Picks for Everton’s home game with Southampton. Yes, he’s failed to score in the last five but the Belgian is still registering plenty of attempts on goal and remains a real threat as Roberto Martinez’ side look to bounce back from Thursday’s shock home loss to Sunderland.

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  1. Syd.
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Liverpool top at Christmas and 5th by the New Year

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    1. 4-4-who?
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Could have gone either way against City, if not for the referee. Don't write them off.

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      1. HuttonDressedasLahm
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        **Linesman

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      2. Syd.
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        It was the linesman who got one decision wrong. The referee had a good game.

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

    Which player to bench?
    A) Koscielny
    B) Rat
    C) Morrison
    D) Cabaye

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

    How bad will City trash Palace? So bad that getting Yaya and Wally would be worth an 8 point hit? 😯

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    1. Rasping Drive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      I'd say no. Such expected spankings often don't materialise.

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

        +1 especially with City probably giving some fringe players like Dzeko a start and Palace quite ok at the back

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        1. DonTheSpecialOne
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          12 years, 3 months ago

          Lovely

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    2. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      No. Yaya could easily get a rest

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      1. DonTheSpecialOne
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        Nice. Thanks lads!

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

      6 or 7 maybe.i don't care if palace defence have improved they will be smashed tomorrow.i would get yaya and silva then switch any of them to walcott next gw.

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      1. DonTheSpecialOne
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        Did Ozil -> Wally to free some funds

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  4. Rasping Drive
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    With no keeper this week, I am debating a 4 pt hit to bring in Mannone. Likely upside and downside is the same (+/- 2 Pts).

    Don't know why I am wasting time thinking about it really, but those of you in the same predicament, are you sticking or spending Pts?

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    1. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      I may have got lucky having Howard and Harper, otherwise I would have done it. I love a punt and couldn't stand having no keeper 🙂

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    2. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      If your GK scored 4 points, you'd be reasonably happy wouldnt you?

      So just go with no 'keeper

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    3. 4-4-who?
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      So I faced this dilemma and took a -4 for Krul in GW17, which paid off with an 8 point haul.

      My logic was that if I didn't do it, then I would lose 2 points minimum GW17 then have to use my transfer in GW18 to get a keeper anyway.

      Go for it, based on the keepers next 3 fixtures (i.e. not just this GW) and look for those potential CSs.

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      1. Rasping Drive
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks all for your input. I'd love to say it has made my decision so much easier..... 😀

        Anyway, time for another glass of wine!

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    4. mental
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Don't do it

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  5. Nice to Finally Michu
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    News on Clyne or Negredo anyone?

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    1. 4-4-who?
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Very little I've seen on Clyne. Still in my squad and would like to see him back in the starting 11.

      I reckon Negredo will start and play 70 mins.

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  6. Tinmen
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    How many games will Ramsey be out for then if he misses the 'festive period' ??

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

      Oh Kyle, your posts...

      The 12 days of Christmas, I suppose.

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

        It's what it's all about

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    2. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Could be just the next 1, but I'm guessing back in mid Jan.....based on nothing

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  7. Couti & the Below5th
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Does anyone else put a loose pricing framework in place for their wildcard like in pre-season?

    Assuming we all have around 105.0 to spend, I think the following is serviceable. Thoughts?

    5.0 / 4.5
    6.5 / 5.5 / 4.5 / 4.5 / 4.0
    10.5 / 10.0 / 7.5 / 5.5 / 5.0
    13.5 / 12.0 / 6.5

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    1. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Silly system

      Get the "essential" players you want for the season end, then fill the gaps. It's the only way

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      1. 4-4-who?
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        Agree, what is this? It is about getting a core group of players and then filling in the gaps.

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    2. FPL Notebook (John)
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      I think 105M is a bit on the high side to be honest

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  8. EoinM
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Dzeko (C) ftw!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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    1. 4-4-who?
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Good luck. I think you will need it.

      - Will he start?
      - Will Palace concede?
      - Will Dzeko be anywhere near it?

      Go Negredo and you won't regret it.

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

    Anyone who has watched Liverpool defend set pieces and owns John Terry would shirley not bench him.

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

      good point

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    2. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      I'm playing him

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      1. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        It's the reason i have Terry. Almost got 2 the other day, both cleard off the line. Also plays 90 minutes every single game

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

          I sold him a couple of weeks back for Evans as part of a -8. Sounds bad, but the other part was Brady to Walcott and losing Terry was the only way to make it work. Given I just got a 30 point captaincy out of Theo I can't complain too much

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  10. mozza
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    To afford Walcott in for Ramsay I would Have to downgrade Coleman to a 4.3 defender and take a hit. Would leave me with mertsack and 4 übers. Only recently got Coleman so no value lost.

    Worth it?

    Current front 8 of:
    Silva Haz Cabaye Ramsay Morrison
    Negredo Suarez Rooney

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

      I'd do it. But downgrade mert rather than coleman

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

    I had 2 FT

    Did Flanagan to Bardsley

    mEnTAl

    Gonna bench Bardsley too.

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

    Boring money saving move done for next week. Sterling in for Morrison.

    Now I have a small benching dilemma, start Terry or Burner? And Sterling or the benched defender to be first sub?

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    1. Captain Shirokov
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Terry

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      1. Captain Shirokov
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        Burner 1st sub

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

          thanks, just went for that as well, after seeing JKs comment on Liverpool defending set pieces.

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

            I was talking to Isacki about this last week.

            He told me didn't feel comfortable playing Migs as he was convinced Pool would concede as they can't defend set-pieces and set pieces were a Cardiff specialty. Now, given Terry's performance at set-pieces benching him seems like madness

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

      I would play Terry and put Sterling first on the bench. Not sure I'd want to back Cardiff players to do well after Mackay's sacking. Someone made a good point above about Skrtel's defending on set pieces suggesting Terry could be a threat.

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  13. Doar1986
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Is siggurdson worth a punt as a differential for this week only

    Or HBA I have 6.5m

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

    a howard, rambo => mannone, silva
    b lukaky, rambo => dzeko, silva

    HOWARD davies
    merte coleman chester (ward williams)
    hazard wally RAMBO cabaye (jedinak)
    LUKAKU Roo Suarez,
    0.9, 1FT

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  15. 0thebrodie
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Cabaye or Eriksen?

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    1. Nice to Finally Michu
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      I'm starting Eriksen over Cabaye this week

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  16. FORCA INTER
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Cmon wilshire , make me proud this gw

    The new ramsey is comming

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

      wilshire, seriously?

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    2. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      on 4 yellows, will prob get booked and be suspended

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

        Worst case scenario prevalent in all your posts.

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        1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
          • 15 Years
          12 years, 3 months ago

          with wilshere it's not out of the question. He is a lunatic

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

      Captain?

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  17. jayzico
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Sorry lost end of last post

    Any thoughts? >>>

    Harper
    Coleman Merts Burner
    Hazard Silva Yaya(VC) Walcott
    Rooney(c) Suarez Lukaku

    Subs: Krul, Meyler, Chester, Ward

    (transfers were Rambo + Ravmo > Theo + Meyler)

    Many thanks for any comments and Merry Christmas to all!

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  18. BT31 - WE ARE ALL TINKERMEN…
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Captain who?

    Suarez
    Rooney
    Silva
    Yaya
    Walcott

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

      Pig or Yaya for me dude

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  19. Mainevent
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    dont know how i ended up 60th Overall... thought i had a crap week with 61 pnts.

    just brought in cabaye for shelvey.

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

      You need to be on more often 😉
      Well done

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    2. Namtab Nomolos
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      How are you ranked for December?

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

      Nice!

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  20. Make United Great Again
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Wouldn't surprise me if Negredo started.

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    1. Make United Great Again
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Still (C)ing Rooney though 😀

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

        and same! 😀

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        1. Make United Great Again
          • 13 Years
          12 years, 3 months ago

          hahahaa, good luck to us!

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

            yeah I'm SLIGHTLY considering Wally, but if I read that Carrick is starting then it's a no-brainer as Rooney for me..

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

      same

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

      It would surprise me massively

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  21. Spike ⚽️
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    16 price risers so far. Never seen so much activity

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    1. Jimmers
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      A weeks activity all compressed into one day

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      1. HuttonDressedasLahm
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        And everyone is home and bored!

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

      Ramsey effect I suppose

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      1. Yank Revolution
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        I'm counting on the 'Drunk effect' (bad transfers due to inebriation!)

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

    Anyone getting Sterling and Krul?

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

      I am getting Sterling next week, if no other priorities come up

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

        Yeah so should I hold?

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

          FT ? for whom ?

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  23. Seamy
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Bit of a dilemma
    A) RavMo to Januzaj (Free) but Adnan will be benched
    B) Save FT and lose 0.2m on the transfer but have more flexibility for transfers next GW

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    1. Woy of the Wovers
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Lose the cash.

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    2. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      He won't be benched, Valencia is out

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  24. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    pellegrini should have named his team this week or at least give some tips

    *silva will start
    *negredo is tired and will be on the bench or negredo will play up front with dzeko
    *nastasic will start

    just as a little christmas pressy to the hard working fantasy players out there

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    1. Spike ⚽️
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      If you look at Man Ctys' Blue Moon Forum you will see that the word is that Negredo and Zabaleta will be rested

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

      X mas is over!

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  25. Peggi
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Palace have been fairly solid in defence against the big teams so far this season. I predict a 2-0 win for city and can't really see then scoring more than 3

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

      They haven't played City away though.
      They'll get creamed.

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    2. PINKFISH (SANCTIONED AND GA…
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      4-0

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  26. PINKFISH (SANCTIONED AND GA…
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    FFS playing Neurofen adverts or just me?

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    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      sponsored by ramsey injury

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

      I get something similar from time to time. Never identified the advert though. It just stops when I close the ffs page.

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  27. Kavali
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Should I do boruc to mannone for a hit or play without GK this round (Howard is my other goalie). Greatings from Serbia

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  28. Woy of the Wovers
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Final sanity check.

    Vlaar -> Bardsley a good move?

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    1. Alternative Music Show
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      I think so, cheap and has attack threat. I'd bring him in myself if I didn't have more pressing transfers.

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    2. Poseidon. Not arrogant, jus…
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      I'd save an FT before doing that (assuming you'll still have 11) but if you already have 2, it's better than burning one.

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  29. FPL FREAK
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    My mid:Ozil, Cabaye, Ramsey, Morrison, Bannan

    Attk:Rooney, suarez, negredo

    Ramsey> silva or Walcott.....????

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    1. FPL FREAK
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Plz help .........!!

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    2. Yank Revolution
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Wally

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    3. Konig Luther
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      both are great... go with walcott in my opinion

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    4. FPL Notebook (John)
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Think so (hope so)

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  30. Alternative Music Show
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Anyone got any advice for this one?

    A or B?

    A) Ramsey and Terry out for Walcott and Ward

    B) Ramsey and Lukaku out for Walcott and Hooper/Rodriguez?

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