Scout Picks

Scout Picks – Gameweek 22

We switch formations this weekend and turn away from the usual three-man backline to roll out a 4-3-3. We’re backing the top three teams heavily for Gameweek 22 – Arsenal and City supply us with a trio of players apiece, whilst we double up on Chelsea, with United’s two main forwards remaining on the sidelines for Sunday’s clash at the Bridge:

John Ruddy gets the nod for Norwich’s home clash with Hull. Steve Bruce’s side roll up to Carrow Road having scored just three goals in their last six road trips, suggesting the Canaries could well be on course for a first shut-out in five league matches.

Per Mertesacker is our Arsenal defender of choice as Fulham make their way to the Emirates. The Gunners have conceded a single goal in the last six in front of their own fans and, with two goals, an assist and 15 bonus points already accrued, the big German will be looking for his third home set of double figures against Rene Meulensteen’s strugglers.

We’re calling up cult favourite Aleksandar Kolarov into the Picks as City prepare for the visit of Cardiff. Having been used as a sub for the midweek cup win over Blackburn, we reckon the left-back will return to the starting line-up to face a Bluebirds side that has drawn blanks in three of the last four – with a goal or assist in four of his last six starts, the Serbian’s explosive potential is obvious.

A home game against United won’t deter us from bringing in John Terry. With Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie ruled out once again for the visitors, Chelsea’s chances of a fifth clean sheet in six have taken a turn for the better – like Mertesacker, his aerial threat in the opponents’ box has already helped him find the net twice.

Joel Ward is our fourth defender as Palace welcome Stoke to Selhurst Park tomorrow. Tony Pulis will be desperate to get one over on his former club and, with three clean sheets in five at home, the Eagles look a decent sheet for defensive returns tomorrow. Furthermore, Ward has already been handed a share of corner kick duties in recent weeks, boosting his assist potential.

Mesut Ozil’s superb home displays bring the Arsenal playmaker into consideration. The German has produced four sets of double-figure hauls in seven Emirates appearances this season and looks poised to plunder the points against a porous opposition defence that has shipped 20 goals in the last six Gameweeks.

Eden Hazard’s current run of form cannot be overlooked ahead of a home clash against United. The Belgian seems to be improving as the season unfolds and has now scored or assisted in five of the last six Gameweeks for Jose Mourinho’s side. Similarly to Ozil, he’s on the lookout for a fifth set of double figures in front of his own fans and is in the mood to torment David Moyes’ side from start to finish on Sunday afternoon.

Passed fit by Manuel Pellegrini earlier today after missing the midweek cup replay with Blackburn, David Silva’s trickery may well prove the undoing of Cardiff tomorrow. The Spaniard has averaged 5.9 points per game at the Etihad so far and looks a likely contender to improve upon a run of consistent displays which have harvested a goal or assist in five of seven home appearances so far.

The overwhelming favourite in this week’s Captain Poll, Luis Suarez has earned 100 FPL points in just seven Anfield encounters already this season. The Liverpool talisman squares up to a Villa defence with a single clean sheet in eight league matches and, with sidekick Daniel Sturridge set for his first start since Gameweek 11, Paul Lambert’s outfit are in for a testing time of it tomorrow evening.

It’s rare to see the word “consistent” and Olivier Giroud in the same sentence, but the Arsenal frontman has started to string together a series of displays which are worthy of our attention. The Frenchman’s strike against Villa on Monday means he has scored in back-to-back league appearances for the first time since September and, with an assist also accrued over his last three, he’s picked up a bandwagon of his own this week. Priced at 8.6, Giroud looks a decent alternative for those who refuse to spend over 10.0 on Ozil.

There’s no doubt Sergio Aguero is the most explosive option up top for City but with Manuel Pellegrini admitting he’s uncertain whether to start the Argentine after a recent calf injury absence, we’re backing Alvaro Negredo as a safer option at home to Cardiff. The Spaniard has reached double figures only once this season but, like Silva, offers a real consistency at the Etihad, scoring in each of his last six starts in front of the City faithful.

Phil Bardsley warms the bench as Sunderland square up to Southampton at the Stadium of Light. With a couple of goals to his name already, the versatile full-back offers the best chance of attacking returns amongst a rearguard which has produced five clean sheets in the last 11 Gameweeks.

Our budget midfield option is Ki Sung-Yeung. The 4.8-priced Black Cats midfielder has justified our recent Watchlist faith by racking up two sets of double figures in the last four Gameweeks and he looks in fine form ahead of the Saints clash.

Swansea’s home game with Spurs brings Wilfried Bony onto the Scout Picks bench. The Ivorian bagged a brace against City in his last Liberty appearance and has now notched five times in his last four home starts.

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2,553 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Freshy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Battle of the 4.2 mids

    Kim Bo-Kyung or Pouzelo

    No Lucas or Gnabry (Poole and Arse spots must be saved)

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    1. Evans
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Pozuelo

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

      Pozuelo Melero

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    3. 1mills
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Pouzelo I'd say.

      Had a last minute chance of heart and went Gnabry. Not convinced I made the righ choice.

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

        Might want 3 Arsenal players later.
        Got Jenks for his run out but cost 4 points to lose when I went to Merte/Ozil/Ramsey

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  2. andyd
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    NAVAS or SILVA as a 1wk punt?

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    1. Evans
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Silva

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    2. Mile Plankton - Myth and Ch…
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Navas for me.

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  3. natmaster
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Is it worth considering David Luiz?

    I bought Coleman late and think he might be a good differential if he continues to be first choice. Currently 1st choice free kick taker, playing in midfield and got a bonus point ahead of the likes of Terry in the cleansheet game against Hull last week.

    Slightly worried Matic may take his place though.

    Anyone have any thoughts?

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    1. Evans
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Not for me

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    2. Mile Plankton - Myth and Ch…
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      I don't think he's worth it?

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      1. natmaster
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        It would be as a wc punt, but you are probably right

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    3. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Worried?
      I think it's certain Matic will play over him

      Won't surprise me at all to see him at Barca by Feb

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  4. Heydudes13
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    A) Silva, Sterling

    B) Eriksen, Lallana

    Feck me, need some opinions. Cheers.

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    1. Evans
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      B

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    2. Mile Plankton - Myth and Ch…
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      B

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    3. Teoninja
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      B for me

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    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Yeeesss ... 😉

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  5. BT31 - WE ARE ALL TINKERMEN…
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Mannone
    Coleman Evra Johnson
    Yaya Eriksen Sterling Cabaye Silva
    Suarez Lukaku

    Lewis Ward Gabbidon Rooney

    2.4 left, do Lukaku to Giroud and bench Cabaye?

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    1. BT31 - WE ARE ALL TINKERMEN…
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Meant to be Rooney to Giroud.

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  6. DRIZ ✅
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Ozil or Silva?

    Already have Kosc Giroud & Kolarov Kun.

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    1. Evans
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Silva

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    2. GHB
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Ozil

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    3. SamH123
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Silva
      They both have similar ppg and Silva is a fair bit cheaper

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      1. Think Tank
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Ozil has the better fixtures.

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    4. Teoninja
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Mesut!!!

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    5. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Neither. Cazorla. 🙂

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  7. gers23
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Have wilshere in my WC team at the moment with Gnabry first sub.

    Do I keep this or switch wilshere to someone like Sterling.?

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    1. Evans
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Wait for my news

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      1. gers23
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        When could there be more news?

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  8. SamH123
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Best defender for 4.1m or less?
    Already got 1 palace defender and rotating HUL/SOT in goal..

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    1. Evans
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Chester

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      1. The Rock
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        +1

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    2. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      McCartney, short term. 😉

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  9. boyler
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    eriksen or cabaye ?

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    1. Evans
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Cabaye

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

    Good evening to all of YOU ... I'm playing WC and I need your opinion:
    Lallana and take Januzaj or Cabaye and Shelvey?? The other two are Yaya and Gerrard ... who would you choose you?? Help me!!!!!

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    1. Evans
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Where's hazard ?

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  11. 2 goals 1 cup
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Bench 3 of Clyne, Chester, Azpilicueta, Bardsley, Gnabry, Lallana, Adebeyor? Will love you long time of you tell me which order?!

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    1. Alaric
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      I would play Adebayor, Lallana, Bardsley and Azpi.

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    2. Evans
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Azpilicutea, Chester, Gnabry

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  12. Alaric
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    The choice between Sturridge and Giroud...

    I'm just worried Studge will get a cameo.

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    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      I don't give a feck, personally. Much rather have Studge. 🙂

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    2. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Giroud

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      1. Alaric
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Thing about Olivier is he's guaranteed minutes and Arsenal have some good fixtures in the near future

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    3. SamH123
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Studge is 80%+ to start I think

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    4. An Púca
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Giroud

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    5. Arsenal USA FC
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Giroud

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    6. Evans
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Assume you have Suarez .... Then Giroud

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      1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        why tho, suarez offers no diff as everyone has him........ so its not like you have double liverpool

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    7. Alaric
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Hmmm.... Giroud votes outnumber Studge's considerably.

      Thanks guys

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      1. ViperStripes
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        I'm about to swap Giroud > Sturrdge and this has thrown me.
        Especially since Evstastic said Sturridge on WC to me a few pages back...aarrgh flip a coin I think.

        Giroud has the better stats, no matter what period you take it over.

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  13. JoeSoap
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Hazard, Lallana, Eriksen, Ozil, Huddleston (sub), Suarez, Ade, Lukaku

    1FT & 0.5m in bank. I fancy sticking. Anyone convince me otherwise?

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    1. Evans
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Stick then next week get aguerooooooooo

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      1. JoeSoap
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers Evstastic, Was going to get Aguerooooooooo & Ramsey this week but probably do next week though City have two tough fixtures.

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  14. OptimusBlack
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    If Wilshere didn't Play who is better for first SUB ?

    A-Ward

    B- Januzaj

    C- Chester

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    1. The Rock
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Ward

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    2. Evans
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      B

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    3. Think Tank
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Ward.

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  15. Ed
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Are Parr and Bruce(Hull) nailed on?

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    1. Alaric
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Parr seems to be with Pulis playing Ward in midfield

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  16. Mary
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    who is a better wildcard pick, ozil or silva?

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    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      stuck on this too

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      1. Think Tank
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        I've gone with Ozil because immediate fixtures look better (also Silva won't play in GW28)

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    2. Evans
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Silva

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    3. royals forever
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Ozil -better fixtures

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  17. Arsenal USA FC
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Wally & Lukaku to....?

    A - Giroud & Gnabry
    B - Giroud & Ozil
    C - Negredo & Gnabry
    D - Negredo & Ozil
    E - Aguero & Gnabry

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    1. Evans
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      D

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

      D

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  18. An Púca
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    1 ft to use before activating WC tomorrow night....play it safe and go Guzan to Sezcnsy or opt for Adebayor to Giroud
    Which will pay off more this week?

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    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Neither. Go with something a little more exciting! 😉

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      1. An Púca
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        go on, tickle my fancy!

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      2. Evans
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah ...he who dares Rodney

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    2. Arsenal USA FC
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Adebayor -> Carroll FTW

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      1. An Púca
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        thats a bit to radical for me!

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  19. La Roja
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    All set?

    Speroni

    Ward JT Kos Coleman

    Yaya Ozil Hazard

    Negredo Giroud Suarez (c)

    Subs: marshall Pozuelo Januzaj Chester

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    1. Mílanista
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Good to go

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    2. Hibbo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Beaut bra.

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    3. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Seems good to me. Apart from the obvious.

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      1. La Roja
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        ?

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    4. Acquafresca
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Pozuelo over Ward.

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  20. 1mills
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    So tempted to bench Eriksen and start Gnabry, but don't have the balls for it.

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    1. Evans
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Why would you

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      1. 1mills
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Think if Gnabry will score more, but obviously it's only "if" he starts.

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  21. Harlem Globeslotters
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Please rate my W/C team...

    Boruc / Mannone

    Kos, Coleman, Bardsley, Clyne, Ward,

    Hazard, Silva, Eriksen, Januzaj, Ki S-Y

    Suarez, Kun, Sturridge

    Leaves £0.5 in the bank for the inevitable future tinkering. Thinking I might have gone too far with squad depth to the detriment of 1st team quality - could bring in Kolarov or Azpi for some bench fodder in midfield, perhaps Gnarby?

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  22. MJ6987
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    I can see Ozil getting a haul this week

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    1. Hibbo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      I can see Agüero getting one myself.

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      1. MJ6987
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        It's very possible.

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        1. Hibbo
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 2 months ago

          I wouldn't be improbable anyway.

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      2. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        I don't see either.

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        1. MJ6987
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 2 months ago

          Who's your hunch?

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        2. Hibbo
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 2 months ago

          Cmon.

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    2. Rhinos
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      me too, hence captain. Think Villa could be stubborn at Anfield

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    3. Evans
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      He better

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    4. Tim Canterbury
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Me too. And I think man utd will win.

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  23. JonP
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    according to this Sturridge isn't starting! Should we change SAS?

    http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jan/17/liverpool-aston-villa-squad-sheets

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    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      It's the Guardian ... 🙂

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      1. JonP
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Are they not reliable with their football then

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        1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 2 months ago

          Not with their team sheets - no!

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        2. Wild Rover
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 2 months ago

          It's just their guess and they are usually rubbish

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    2. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      It's the guardian, they probably think he is still injured! 🙄

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      1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        High 5, bro! 😉

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    3. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Personally Gerrard Suarez is better

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  24. BT31 - WE ARE ALL TINKERMEN…
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Not used wildcard yet, best to use it from tommorow after deadline?

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  25. awgJose
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Does Sterling have a chance of starting? I should play Gabbidon instead of him, right?

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    1. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Play Sterling. He has done nothing to warrant getting dropped

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      1. awgJose
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Wouldn't Sturridge be taking his place?

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  26. Pomp and Circumstance
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    wildcard options--best defender for 4.4 or less?

    planning to have
    Ward, Chester, Coleman, Smalling, and a 5th DF

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    1. Evans
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Williamson ?

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  27. Brakers
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    RMT Please

    Boruc (Mannone)

    Koscielny, Coleman, Kolarov (ward & Chester)
    Lallana, Gnarby, Cabaye, Gerrard, Silva
    Suarez Aguero (Rodriguez)

    Cant help thinking i am making a mistake by putting rodriguez on the bench against sunderland?

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    1. Brakers
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Also got 0.3 in the bank

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  28. Rinseboy
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Final vote! Can you advise whether to start

    a- Azpi or
    B- ward??

    Currently got Azpi as firs sub!

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    1. Evans
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      B

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      1. Rinseboy
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        That's what I am currently doing! If it was Terry i would start him over Ward!

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  29. boyler
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    is the boruc mannone rotation any good ?

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    1. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      I hope so 😉

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