Podcast

The ScoutCast – Episode 121 – Opportunity

A new year, a new opportunity. While the frantic festive spell saw me fail miserably in my attempt to take a bite out of Granville’s mini-league lead, January does at least hand me, and other stragglers, a chink of light. The Winter Wildcard could well be a false dawn, however. Having got my squad back on an even keel, the freedom to scrap it and start over is almost a scary prospect.

On the plus side, the situation certainly seems to have Granville spooked. My Mancunian rival is looking on his Wildcard with suspicion, leaving me hoping that, during his own January surgery, he makes one or two vital slips with the scalpel.

Around the Wildcard chatter, Granville and I deliberate over how to fill the Walcott-sized hole in our teams, whilst giving the regulars their usual airing. We even reveal plans on how you, yes you, the listener, can play a part in future ScoutCasts.

Please note: this show was recorded before Alvaro Negredo and Edin Dzeko scored five goals against West Ham. Rest assured, I would have moaned further about the pairing’s miserable two points at Swansea had it been recorded following last night’s goal blitz.

Sweep with the new broom via this link or grasp the nettle of change via the handy player below.

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

2,933 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Bench pony warmer
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    Scout cast time

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  2. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    thanks for podcast

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    1. Bench pony warmer
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Lost out to me twice unlucky 😉

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  3. The Gambler.
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    Rooney keep or ship out?

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    1. HabitualLineSteppers
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Sell Rooney:

      He is clearly injured

      He is injured and yet ....... they continue to play him out of sheer desperation.

      Not a worthy investment -

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    2. Granville
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      He did an interview today, was in good spirits. He'll play I reckon

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      1. Hibbo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 5 months ago

        Ping...

        The sound of a pulled groin muscle.

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  4. Rödallegabomb ᴿᴮ
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    @Acquafresca

    Just WC in my opinion. You will just lose value otherwise and be playing catchup. Our teams were pretty much the same, but I WC'd after days of arguing against it. So glad I have now.

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    1. Acquafresca
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Need to monitor some players first.

      Ramsey Lallana Eriksen JRod Ade Aguero RVP

      I prefer taking a hit and waiting. Lots can happen in 3 weeks.

      Short term pain, long term gain

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      1. Rödallegabomb ᴿᴮ
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 5 months ago

        Well, good luck to you with that. I hope it works out. The team I wanted won't be avaliavle to me if I wait until next GW so I pulled the trigger. But if you won't WC then bring in Ozil for Yaya.

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  5. Cravex
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    rmt please

    mcgregor
    coleman - mert - baines
    lallana - gerard - hazard - silva
    j.rod - suarez - augero

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  6. r0nh
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    Great scout cast!

    Best one yet!

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    1. Jimmers
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      You hope!

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    2. Granville
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Yes I agree.

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    3. Rödallegabomb ᴿᴮ
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Have you only just finished it? Slow coach!

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      1. r0nh
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 5 months ago

        I had to go into town for a cheesey chip.

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        1. Hibbo
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 5 months ago

          You want cheese on your curry chip lad.

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        2. Rödallegabomb ᴿᴮ
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 5 months ago

          I have my cheesey chip right here 😀

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    4. Bench pony warmer
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Are u mentioned

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  7. Tribecca
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    Which combo will you choose for a 4-3-3. Midfield as 4th Mid (Bench)

    1.Mannone+ Marshall + Parker (Fulham)

    or below

    2.Mannone + K Davis + Whittingham

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  8. JK - Cønt ⭐
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    Let's assume Kun's flag doesn't get removed until say Friday before the Cardiff game

    is it not therefore likely that his price will be protected until the start of GW23. If so, it would be highly tempting (but highly risky) to sell him to RvP for GW23 and buy him straight back on wc before he was able to rise?

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    1. CABAYE4
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      I think it's pretty unlikely he'll start the Cardiff game. Some time off the bench maybe but he's not in full training yet and has been out for a while.

      I think you can leave getting him in till GW24, especially if you do your WC then.

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      1. Hibbo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 5 months ago

        This.

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      2. JK - Cønt ⭐
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 5 months ago

        I'll see what Pelle says, if not I'll go Negredo

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  9. ElementWire
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    Perfect timing- just got half season membership and the scoutcast appears. Now where do I start.

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    1. Desertbug
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Prepare to drink from the firehose. Welcome aboard!

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    2. Kane Toads
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      ..good to have you on board!

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

    Walcott has been confirmed permanently out of this season for several days now and yet only 193k have transferred him out of their teams. Does this mean that only 250,000 are actively playing this game?

    🙂

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    1. Venom Snake
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      He's still in my team because I don't know who the eff I want to bring in..

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      1. Rödallegabomb ᴿᴮ
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 5 months ago

        Silva
        Ozil
        Lallana

        I refuse to believe you have all of them, so pick one.

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        1. Venom Snake
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 5 months ago

          I have silva, don't want lallana, tossing up between Ozil, Cazorla and Gerrard

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          1. Rödallegabomb ᴿᴮ
            • 11 Years
            10 years, 5 months ago

            Ozil would be my preference. Cazorla just doesn't get as many points. Gerrard is a nice punt, but I think Ozil will only better his score.

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      2. Granville
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 5 months ago

        Me too. Do I do a direct swap for Cazorla/Gerrard or spend points on getting Ozil

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        1. Heydudes13
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 5 months ago

          Exactly the same dilemma.

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        2. Freshy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 5 months ago

          Went with Oscar
          Only a short term solution
          Like the opposition

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        3. Twisted Saltergater
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 5 months ago

          And me.

          Actually, could get either of Cazorla or Ozil, but only enough money for Baines, Cazorla and Aguero over the next couple of GWs.

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    2. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      People aren't rushing

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    3. HabitualLineSteppers
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      I would be interested in seeing the stats on Saturday -

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  11. Thomass
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    SCOUTCAST IS BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 😀

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  12. Tatty Bojangles
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    YAY!

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  13. Thomass
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    What's the best formation to go with?!

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    1. A.T
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      3-4-3

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    2. Rödallegabomb ᴿᴮ
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      3-4-3 with playable cheapies if good fixtures/injuries arise. Meaning you can play:

      4-4-2
      4-3-3
      3-5-2

      Etc.

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    3. sinik
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      fluid interchange between 343 and 352

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      1. sinik
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 5 months ago

        without considering 'cheapies' who will only get you 2 points regularly

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      2. Thomass
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 5 months ago

        thanks care to help below with my team and striker options?

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    4. Thomass
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      thanks then what do you make of this lot??
      Boruc,
      Coleman, Terry, Kos,
      Hazard Silva Gerrard Ramsey
      Adebayor Negredo Suarez
      Subs; Davis, Pozuelo, Ward and Chester

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      1. Rödallegabomb ᴿᴮ
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 5 months ago

        Ramsey is a doubt, get Lallana (if you don't fancy him then stretch to Eriksen) until he is fully fit. I would want to upgrade Pozuelo, can you stretch .4M for Mutch?

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      2. sinik
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 5 months ago

        - might as well get Jedinak instead of Pozeulo
        - try and decide between Burner and Ward (I truly believe that Cardiff will be much better under Ole)
        - don't get Ramsey in yet (he will drop probably drop to 7)
        - are you holding Adebayor and upgrading Negredo to Kun?

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  14. Granville
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    Heads up.

    Sidwell is going up, so you'll need to do your transfer tonight guys.

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    1. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Balls.

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    2. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      I never really thought you were trolling by the way Granville, I was just messing 🙂

      I didn't believe Savage though! I was wrong there...

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  15. Chu Young Ping Pong
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    No mention of Forca in the scout cast!!1

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    1. Bench pony warmer
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      You can't say that name, prank caller prank caller

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  16. No Luck
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    This Cardiff defender situation is very annoying, does Turner realistically really have a chance to lose his spot this week? I don't want to pick Turner and have a transfer hanging over me first week after WC!

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    1. DaveZubie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      I'm hoping not but you would hardly drop a player that has played every minute of the season so far.

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      1. No Luck
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 5 months ago

        Turner and Hudson were played together for the FA Cup, and Turner was kind of a surprise inclusion in the XI this season, Hudson was expected to be first choice...

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  17. gers23
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    Good to go this week?

    Mignolet

    Terry Coleman Shaw Burner

    Whittingham Hazard Erikson

    Lukaku Suarez Rooney

    Davis Brady Walcott Chester

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  18. Hibbo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    Think I'll listen to the Scoutcast 😎

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  19. sinik
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    alright team actually done now (or at least until the next time I tinker). went with 5 quality mids in a 3-4-3/3-5-2 alternating formation plan so that I can have flexibility when it comes to formations/fixtures and potential injuries. pretty happy, though I had to downgrade Kompany/Terry.

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    1. Hibbo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      WC? Let's see it bud.

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      1. sinik
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 5 months ago

        see just below 🙂

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    2. Spencer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Return of the power five?

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      1. sinik
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 5 months ago

        see just below 🙂

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    3. sinik
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      I was here:
      http://i.imgur.com/tyCK9IQ.jpg (4m available)

      Glaring things were Jedinak vs Puncheon, Kompany vs Terry, Coleman vs Baines, Burner vs Ward, Ade vs Sturridge.

      Have freedom to do either Ade (/Sturridge) or JRod > Kun and Ozil > Ramsey.

      Now I'm here:
      http://i.imgur.com/jOvGj4m.jpg (0.7m available)

      with Sturridge + Ozil > Kun + Ramsey.

      ---

      I like the first one because it's a bit different..I like the second one because I have the aforementioned flexibility. 2 days to decide lol..

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      1. Spencer
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 5 months ago

        Looks good to me.

        The hardest thing will be deciding which formation you're going to play each week.

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        1. sinik
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 5 months ago

          so you certainly prefer the 2nd link to the 1st? I'm a bit torn but leaning towards number 2 a bit still..

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          1. Spencer
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 5 months ago

            Actually, looking again I prefer the 1st.

            It's close.

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            1. sinik
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 10 Years
              10 years, 5 months ago

              yeah my head hurts lol

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            2. sinik
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 10 Years
              10 years, 5 months ago

              NUMBER 2 IT IS!

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  20. Pap Boomez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    Anyone fancy punting Ozil as captain this GW over Suarez despite the stats in the captain sensible article??

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    1. Hibbo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Should be super for the rank.

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      1. Pap Boomez
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 5 months ago

        Only if Ozil out scores Suarez though...

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        1. Hibbo
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 5 months ago

          I'm being sarcastic.

          Play the percentage picks Suarez all day long this week.

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          1. Pap Boomez
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            10 years, 5 months ago

            Good one / cheers

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  21. Thomass
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    Best two strikers for WC?
    have 19.7m for two strikers who would you go for??

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    1. 7shadesofsmoke
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Aguero and J-Rod (assuming you have Suarez)

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    2. DaveZubie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Suarez and whatever you can afford.
      which would be J Rod.

      Negrado, Lukaku could be good.

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    3. Thomass
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      I have King Luis

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    4. Gimli son of Gloin
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Lukaku and Adebayor
      (To become Bony and Aguero soon)

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  22. Manu5
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    Anyone thinking of giving the armband to baines or Coleman?

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    1. 7shadesofsmoke
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      very tempted.

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      1. Manu5
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 5 months ago

        I have both, was thinking of going with baines, and if he doesn't play, then I have suarez

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        1. 7shadesofsmoke
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 5 months ago

          I have them both in my WC team too.

          Might chance it but will probably go Ozil or Suarez.

          (id love to go Eriksen or Giroud too...)

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    2. tm245
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      I have it on Lukaku -- not sure if I will hold firm.

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  23. Acquafresca
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    Gahhh need Yaya update.

    Impeding my transfer

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    1. Hibbo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Did you watch the game?

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    2. Thomass
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      wait for Pellegrini's presser and help above ta

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    3. Heydudes13
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Same, are you sort of just hoping for him to be ruled out so you can get Ozil? 😆

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      1. Acquafresca
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 5 months ago

        Yeah 😆 Wally Yaya > Silva Ozil (-4)

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  24. Xavi Iniesta
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    Can people guess these three players chances of playing at the weekend please?

    A) Podolski
    B) Rooney
    C) Yoyo Toure

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    1. A.T
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Low
      High
      High

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  25. kennethrhcp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    theo to eriksen? sound good?

    other mids I have: hazard, navas, januzaj & whittingham.

    have 9.3 for theo transfer

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    1. Heydudes13
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Silva your best bet, exactly the same predicament. Not being able to get a decent Arsenal mid is annoying me.

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      1. Alaric
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 5 months ago

        wilshere?

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      2. kennethrhcp
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 5 months ago

        ya was thinking silva but palace @ home looks great 🙂

        was thinking of a 4point hit for ozil but cant justify it

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    2. Rödallegabomb ᴿᴮ
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      What is the rest of your team like? I would be tempted to wildcard.

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      1. kennethrhcp
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 5 months ago

        harsh 🙂 haha.

        team linked, I think it's strong enough... did well recently

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  26. Caibarhaw
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    Current team:
    Mannone (Hooper),
    Coleman, Terry, Mertesacker, (Faye, Rosenior),
    Ozil, Hazard, Ya Ya Toure, Januzaj, (Ramsey),
    Suarez, Rooney, Negredo.
    0.5 in the bank.
    Have already used FT for Walcott > Ozil.
    Was hoping to WC as late as possible, however am getting nervous with all this WCing especially as I have three flags in team and two defenders probably not playing!
    Should I:
    A - hold for a week at least, or B - shake things up with my WC?
    Grateful for any opinions from you very wise people!

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  27. Bench pony warmer
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    Got my first ever new post grey, is it grey? I am not sure colour blind like.
    This is my week, 150 point week, treble lottery jackpot, jiggy time at home.

    Man that's sad that's the order I thought of them in

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    1. Heydudes13
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      I've done new post with a link before, first to do it, numerous times and never got the elusive Grey. 🙁

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      1. Bench pony warmer
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 5 months ago

        You have to beg really badly and lose all your self respect. You are too cool for that.

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  28. Damo.
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    Trivia.

    Where does the All aboard sound bite come from?

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    1. Heydudes13
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Train Station.

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    2. Rödallegabomb ᴿᴮ
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      A train.

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    3. Damo.
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      I'm almost positive it's from The Polar Express

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      1. GreennRed
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 5 months ago

        I was on it in Durango in 2011 and 2012. They do say all aboard but think it's been around pre Polar Express.

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        1. Damo.
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 5 months ago

          Is this not it http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bgyZ2GmJI0&t=2m6s

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  29. jaco
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    Evening chaps quick poll?

    1) Nasty and Santi
    2) Bardsley and Ozil

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    1. HNI
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 5 months ago

      2 easy

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      1. Colonel Wasabi
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 5 months ago

        ^ this

        Money where my mouth is - it's what I've got.

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  30. HNI
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 5 months ago

    will cabaye fall and lallana rise today?seems close but i wanna wait as wanna be sure about cabaye appereance.

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