634x258 Preamble
18 January 2014 1714 comments
Mark Mark
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I think thereโ€™s a danger I could run out of ideas. Seven green arrows in eight Gameweeks should indicate progress but, looking at the gap in the contributors league and the chasm between myself and Granville, it seems that my efforts have been little more than powder puff. I need to find a boost in a season which, to this point, has offered few opportunities for those looking to make up ground.

Much as I like the fella, Luis Suarez hasnโ€™t helped matters. Last weekend provided yet more evidence that itโ€™s almost suicidal to peel the armband from the Uruguayan’s bicep. The option to take a risk with the captaincy doesnโ€™t look a viable strategy for the straggling Fantasy manager. Iโ€™ve tried that route and, while Luis let me get away with it by drawing two blanks, even that gamble had little impact.

So where do I turn next? As Iโ€™ve mentioned, Granville doesnโ€™t have any apparent chinks in his armour. His squad looks settled, his budget far in advance of my own โ€“ย if anything the Wildcard will hand him further advantage. Iโ€™m faced with having to take some calculated risks but, such a decision also threatens to derail my run of green arrows and begs the question, when do you allow mini-league rivalries to influence your overall decision making?

A few weeks back I decided to don the blinkers, ignore the mini-league scenario and set about saving face. Iโ€™ve gradually climbed the ranks and so, naturally, I have to conclude that Iโ€™m on a gradual path of progress. It feels cosy and safe but, equally, I can’t help thinking that Granvilleโ€™s has his slippers on and is running the foamy bath of victory.

Should I continue to look at the bigger picture? Maybe if I continue to play safe and go with template signings โ€“ Mesut Ozil being my latest โ€“ I will ensure an ascent up the ranks and I may yet even avoid my lowest ever Fantasy Premier League finish. However, I canโ€™t help consider that, if I allow the Fantasy Sat Nav to keep me on this comfortable path, Granville has it won. I swear when it advised me to turn to Ozil there was a Manchester twang in its voice.

To this point Iโ€™ve been subdued with the risk taking. Iโ€™ve veered off to take an occasional hit, taken the Edin Dzeko detour โ€“ nothing too outlandish. Clearly, it’s had little effect.

My latest half-baked plan is to use my third forward slot in rotation โ€“ attempting to hit a Gameweek sweet spot and find some double-figure differentials. It will be hatched later today but, if this also fails to make an instant impression, Iโ€™m faced with having to decide to either stay on this path of safety and effectively concede or go for broke and risk inviting the red arrows.

Sooner or later the Sat Nav will tell me to turn to Ramsey. Iโ€™ve a feeling that, by then, my season will be at the crossroads.

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

  1. MJ6987
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    I've done my bit by telling people wildcarding that Clyne is no longer nailed on (Chambers played well whilst he was out).

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    1. Tim Canterbury
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      The scouts also said to go for Shaw a while back due to Chambers. People can't complain

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  2. Chris_White
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    2-2 please, Lallana goal and assist

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  3. Vpan
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    WC question:

    a) Ramsey + Rooney

    or

    b) Silva + Giroud ???

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    1. AIRMILES
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      B, imo

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  4. marshy17
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    Can someone please explain the price protection rule as I remember it being applied in previous seasons for players returning from injury. I believe it was to ensure that when they were bought back after a spell out much like augero/ramsey will be in the coming weeks their prices would not rocket up and thus people having to buy them back at far higher prices.

    Aguero for example started the season at 11.0 and now most people are buying back for 12.0 this week which does not seem unreasonable, it is however for players who are waiting on WC/do not want to take an unreasonable hit to accommodate him.

    These players will have to him for 12.5 if not more if he hits form, simply because he has such a low ownership due to his injury and even with his price inflated from the beginning of season.

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    1. In Like Flynn.
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      There have been major errors in it of late, best ignore all until it's sorted.

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  5. Lateriser 12
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    Ki check. AJ check.

    Yeah, not kidding.

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    1. MJ6987
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Double Sunderland attack??

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      1. Lateriser 12
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        And Gru(c). This could be an interesting week.

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    2. Alton E.
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Nice one.

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    3. Valar(Keith)
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      ๐Ÿ˜ฏ .. scouting ki today. good luck

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      1. Lateriser 12
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        And to you.

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  6. Tim Canterbury
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    No Fletcher ๐Ÿ˜ฏ

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    1. Crouch Potato!
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Talks of him being sold.

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    2. Heydudes13
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Think he wants to leave.

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

    £3.9m Southampton defender? Hmm...

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    1. Chris_White
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Even if he isn't nailed he could be worth a slot in my 11.7 3-way rotation ๐Ÿ˜‰

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      1. GreenWindmill
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        I'm certainly monitoring him closely, looks like he could be preferred, that would be lovely ๐Ÿ™‚

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    2. Heydudes13
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      It'll probably be Clyne starting again soon enough.

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      1. GreenWindmill
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        Possibly, I'm going to keep a beady eye on this situation though!

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    3. Billy Gilmore
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      As a Clyne owner this annoys me greatly ๐Ÿ‘ฟ

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      1. Evs
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        I'm really shocked at that.

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      2. GreenWindmill
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        Easy swap if required though, we're you relying on Clyne this week?

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        1. Billy Gilmore
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          Na, he's 2nd sub, but annoying as I just WCed.

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          1. GreenWindmill
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            11 years, 11 months ago

            Ah right, yeah, that's a pain.

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  8. Slikk
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    What do you guys think of WC this week in order to get Aguero? He'll probably rise by 0.3 this week

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    1. MJ6987
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Not necessarily, depends what happens today

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    2. Crouch Potato!
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Totally down to what he does, could drop .3 also.

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    3. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Depends on your team. Preferably just a single transfer to get him if your team is ok.

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      1. Slikk
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        Will need a double transfer, -4. Downgrade midfield and ship Ade

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  9. The Beta particle
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    my thoughts abt WC

    " We will wait for him like a good wife waiting for her husband who is in jail "
    (guess who said it)

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    1. In Like Flynn.
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      My wife.

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      1. Fitzy.
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        ๐Ÿ˜†

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  10. TokyoRed ๆฑไบฌ่ตค
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    Anyone any feedback on the Fantasy Football Manager app? Not the official crap one.

    https://itunes.apple.com/app/fantasy-football-manager-ffm/id324266640?mt=8

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    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      It does the job. Great for articles.

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    2. Stefan Schnoor
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      I use it on my phone, and think it's really good. You get notifications when new articles are published on here and total fpl, and it shows mini leagues as well. Can be a bit temperamental at times, ie random freezing, but really good if you want a quick score check at half time and to see how your rivals are doing.

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    3. TokyoRed ๆฑไบฌ่ตค
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Thanks TM / Gibbo

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    4. A.
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      I like it, I've used it for a couple of years now. Though I probably use the mobile site more often, it has it's place as well

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    5. Noisy Neighbour
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      I've used it all of this season and love it.

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  11. Chris_White
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    Updated.

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  12. Djerbil
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    So that’s one change for #SaintsFC as @CalumChambers95 returns from illness and goes straight into the side. @Nathaniel_Clyne on the bench.

    (interesting choice of words)

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  13. isacki: full casual
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    Transferred Burner out for Kolarov and played him over Clyne. Right outcome, wrong reason

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    1. Lateriser 12
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      A certain valour awardship candidacy shall possibly have my name on it.

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  14. FPL Blow-In
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    I see Aguero snuck in his price rise last night that sucks...

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    1. Lucy.
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      He's on for 3 consécutive price rises, it's insane!

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  15. Woy of the Wovers
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    So pozuelo fail, eh?

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  16. mucka
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    Strange to change a backline after only your second clean sheet i 12 PL games.

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  17. Jax
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    flecther benched then

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  18. Sepp Blattered
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    Who the hell is Gru?

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    1. Thomass
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Giroud

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      1. Sepp Blattered
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        Thanks.

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    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Giroud

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    3. Vote Joke
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Bloke from Despicable Me

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  19. Wilshere Knowledge
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    Clyne, Burner and a -8 after a WC. Great success!

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  20. Vote Joke
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    What about this for my next games week transfers?

    Ozil & Negredo to Eamsey & Aguero

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    1. FPL Blow-In
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      I imagine that will be route 1 for most getting in Aguero without WC

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  21. FPL_Crisis
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    Here's my WCT, a little different to the norm for some differentials

    Szczesny (Mannone)
    Coleman - Ward - Dawson - Kolarov - Chester
    Hazard - Yaya - Ramsey - Cabaye - Sterling
    Negredo - Suarez - J Rod

    the plan is to bring Rooney in when fit

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    1. AIRMILES
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Is Sterling assured game time?

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  22. FACUPARSE
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    Sorry had a very busy week, will be here all day today though...

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    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Probably a good idea to behave.

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      1. Thomass
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        Exactly behave

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      2. FACUPARSE
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        of course...

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    2. Chris_White
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      What a relief

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    3. Parm
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      So glad...

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      1. Chrissy Waddle - 2025/26
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        Ouch. Burn. ๐Ÿ˜‰

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  23. Woy of the Wovers
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    Aguero(x2), Giroud v Suarez, Adebayor, Sturridge. Who wins.

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    1. Chris_White
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      A if Aguero starts. B if not.

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  24. S.Kuqi
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    No Negredo or Aguero in my ml rivals teams. I'm the only one (agu). They must know something that I don't. I'm so scared right now.

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    1. Chris_White
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      "rivals"

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    2. AIRMILES
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      I think with subsequent games away to Spurs and home to Chelsea will put a lot of people off bringing Aguero back in just yet. Then again, he might be 0.6 more in 2 GWs.

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  25. Call Me Old Fashioned
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    What on earth is happening with Clyne?

    Wanted to get him to afford Aguero next GW, I am loathed to get Luke 'Sick Note' Shaw.

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    1. MJ6987
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Chambers played very well in Clyne's absence, now first choice. Chambers was ill last week. Chambers considered one of their best prospects.

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      1. Call Me Old Fashioned
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        Right thanks, may have to get a Norwich bloke to rotate with my Ward and Chester then for a 3rd spot.

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      2. Billy Gilmore
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        So is Clyne though.

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        1. MJ6987
          • 15 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          Think Chambers ahead of him in this respect from what I've read. Neither are nailed on IMO.

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          1. Billy Gilmore
            • 13 Years
            11 years, 11 months ago

            I meant one of their brightest prospects. Very good young defender.

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  26. Yome
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    A Guy in my ML captained Kolarov and took a 8 pointer ๐Ÿ™‚

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    1. Billy Gilmore
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Legend

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    2. 7shadesofsmoke
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      hero.

      Can you link his team?

      I want to see who else made Maverick FC

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  27. The Bandit
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    Big week for me, the two guys above me both have only two players the same as me after my wc, City game is massive, they both have Zaba, Yaya, Negredo, I have Kolarov, Navas, Aguero ๐Ÿ™‚

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    1. Bolivian Seaman
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      I'm playing someone in the cup who has just played his wildcard. He had barkley injured on the bench and I was fearing he would have an awesome team. He did 1 change.... with barkley still on his bench

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    2. Spencer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Same for me. The guy above me (just 3 points in it) has Hazard, Suarez, and Negredo.

      This could be the week that defines the rest of the season!

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      1. The Bandit
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        You din't have Hazard and Suarez? ๐Ÿ˜•

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        1. Spencer
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          They're the three players we have which are the same.

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          1. The Bandit
            • 15 Years
            11 years, 11 months ago

            Ah ๐Ÿ™‚

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      2. Billy Gilmore
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        You don't have Suarez? ๐Ÿ˜ฏ

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  28. AncelottiGapYear
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    Can someone HELP (need advice)
    i have set up a head to head this week to start but no fixtures or anything hasnt appeared?
    has anyone had the same problem?

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    1. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Check the settings to see which GW you set it to start it.

      Link?

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      1. AncelottiGapYear
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        http://fantasy.premierleague.com/my-leagues/672251/standings/

        Thats the link

        set this gw
        and now i look it has ----- ? its gutting

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        1. Epic Fail
          • 15 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          Head to heads take ages to update. I think (though I'm not certain), that you may start to see the fixtures after the next points update.

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          1. AncelottiGapYear
            • 14 Years
            11 years, 11 months ago

            wow really hope so mate, thats great news.. hopefully wait to the points update, you done one before?

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  29. LewanGOALski
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    Just logged in.

    No Clyne ? ๐Ÿ˜ฏ

    Do we know anything on that ? Injured ? Dropped ? Rotation ?

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    1. In Like Flynn.
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Looks to be dropped.

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    2. Chris_White
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Dropped. Chambers was injured last week.

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    3. BantamPhil
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      On the bench so you can rule out injury

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    4. Mr Pink
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      He´s on the bench, so it looks like he was dropped

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  30. Plagued by indecision
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    Wildcard activated, phase one complete.

    The rest of them are playing for their places.

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