[sbu_large_image] Preamble
18 January 2014 1714 comments
Mark Mark
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I think there’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 hasn’t helped matters. Last weekend provided yet more evidence that it’s almost suicidal to peel the armband from the Uruguayan’s bicep. The option to take a risk with the captaincy doesn’t look a viable strategy for the straggling Fantasy manager. I’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 I’ve mentioned, Granville doesn’t have any apparent chinks in his armour. His squad looks settled, his budget far in advance of my own – if anything the Wildcard will hand him further advantage. I’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. I’ve gradually climbed the ranks and so, naturally, I have to conclude that I’m on a gradual path of progress. It feels cosy and safe but, equally, I can’t help thinking that Granville’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 – Mesut Ozil being my latest – I will ensure an ascent up the ranks and I may yet even avoid my lowest ever Fantasy Premier League finish. However, I can’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 I’ve been subdued with the risk taking. I’ve veered off to take an occasional hit, taken the Edin Dzeko detour – nothing too outlandish. Clearly, it’s had little effect.

My latest half-baked plan is to use my third forward slot in rotation – 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, I’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. I’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.

1,714 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. resolve
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    ozil or toure. only got gnabry from arsenal. aguero and kolarov from city..

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    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 17 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      Ozil.

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    2. Pinoche
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      Ozil

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    3. Red Viper
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      ozil

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    4. Podge
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      Toure or Silva

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    5. Breadbin
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      Toure seems more up your street.

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    6. beric
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      Ozil

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  2. milanista10
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    Mannone
    Coleman Koscielny Ward
    Hazard Ozil Silva Yaya
    Suarez (C) Adebayor Giroud (VC)

    Marshall Dawson Chester Parker

    All set lads? Playing Ward over Dawson?

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

      One hell of a midfield there!

      Ward > Dawson Id say. yeah

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  3. Chris_White
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    Not sure how I feel about waking up before the deadline, notice that i captained Kolarov yesterday in a drunk state. Now I'm reluctant to change it back to Suarez!! πŸ˜†

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    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      Snap out of it man. Have a bloody mary and wake up damn it.

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

        But, but... πŸ™

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        1. good biashara
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 7 months ago

          Go take a shower and reflect about it..

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  4. Manilaman
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    Who's best, Kosc or Sagna?

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    1. beric
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      Sagna imo

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    2. GlasgowFF
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      I am wildcarding this afternoon and getting Sagna.

      He puts in loads of crosses.

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  5. Thomass
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    Lads, should I play Ward? Who for, Coleman, JT and Kos

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

      Bench him.

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    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 17 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      JT if you must.

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    3. Red Viper
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      cant really advise benching any of those. Ward for the bench

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      1. Thomass
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 7 months ago

        Cheers mate

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    4. GTS
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      nope

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    5. beric
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      Think I'd bench tezza

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    6. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      That's as tough as mine, Terry maybe, depends how Wellbeck plays. Umm,, yes bench JT.

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    7. Peggi
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      bench him

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    8. Thomass
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      Thanks lads, I'm benching

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  6. reece
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    If I used my wildcard months ago do I have to use the new one before February will it expire or can I use it anytime?

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    1. beric
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      Before gw24 Reece my friend

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

        Cheers

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

      Yea you should use it before the next gameweek ends or it's gone

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  7. blues123
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    Giroud Or Sturridge people?

    Already have Ozil and for Arsenal attacking coverage but was wondering whether sturridge is a better option for these next few weeks

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  8. r0nh
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    The best part of Saturday afternoon is picking my team for next week πŸ™‚

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    1. beric
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      Haha, same here. First thing I do when it updates

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    2. Breadbin
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      Mine is scoring 175 points, which will happen.

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    3. Chris_White
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      I thought you had a life!!

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    4. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 17 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      Good luck in LMS this week. πŸ™‚

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    5. GlasgowFF
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      I do like that, but got to say being off work and in the pub all afternoon tops it!

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

        Are you Scottish?

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

          Ha ha he wouldn't have said work then.

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    6. 7shadesofsmoke
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      Yes! So true!

      The moment the team is locked in, my focus immediately switches to next weeks fixtures.

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  9. #Swish41
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    Last decision for me:

    Sterling v VILLA

    or

    Cabaye @ wham??

    Bib theory suggested Sterling would play and Lucas drop to bench...if that means much!

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    1. beric
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      Cababababaabye

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  10. Blue Teets
    • 17 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    Ilkay Gundogan to United rumours picking up pace

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  11. JayBomb
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    Play
    A Shaw

    B Lallana

    Have Manonne in goal ??

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

      B all day

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  12. OptimusBlack
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    First sub

    A- Janzaui

    B-Ward

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

      B

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    2. milanista10
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      B

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    3. beric
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      A

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

      Ward

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    5. Schürrle Class
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      A

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  13. Sooda
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    Hi Guys πŸ™‚

    Please rate my WC team:

    Mannone (Marshall)

    Coleman, Sagna, Ward (Clyne, Chester)

    Hazard, Yaya, Cabaye, Wilshere (Ki Sun)

    Suarez (c), Aguero, Welbeck

    1 Mill in bank

    Thinking Chester > max 5.2 Mill defender... maybe Shaw?

    Thank you all very much!!

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  14. Qubit
    • 17 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    WC finalised. Been the toughest one I can remember:

    Adrian Mannone
    Chester Ward Kos Mert Baines
    Eriksen Lallana Hazard Cabaye Noone
    Aguero Suarez Sturridge

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  15. 7shadesofsmoke
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    Great article, how many of you guys place greater focus on your mini league rivals?

    Personally, I only look at my OR, but last year I only looked at my ML.

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    1. Pinoche
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      I just focus on my OR and rarely make decisions based on ML rivals team

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

        I think this is the right way to play.

        I asked my mate and he said OR doesn't mean anything to him, it was more about beating his mates.

        I just want to improve my own performance and I look at the OR as a measuring stick.

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

      For me, the only way to catch up in the ML is through OR and forget the ML.

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

        that is the logical look. The OR is just a more sensitive scale. Ultimately, you just need to attain the most points each week - regardless of what atone else is doing.

        But if you have an ML rival sat in your sights, I'm sure that takes your focus.

        I'm lucky enough to have had between 50 and 100 points on my nearest ML competitor so they don't influence my thinking.

        I remember last year i was about 50 - 100 points off the pace in my ML and i saw things very differently then.

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

      I used to focus a lot on my ML rivals (head to head) as its a matter of prestige, but after I started the season extremely badly this year , I decided to go for the points and at least be the best in that and it actually had a really positive influence on my mini league as well.

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

        seems like this is the way to do it. Unless we are looking for a short term swing, there is no point making decisions based on you ML rivals (IMO).

        Ultimately, you just want the most points possible and that should be your only focus. Consequently, you'll achieve your best in MLs etc.

        I suppose a knockout cup makes things different...

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

          I agree with you , especially with the cup being an exception, although the cup is more like a lottery than a regular competition.

          I am a bit lucky, that most people in my mini-league still take the short sighted approach, for me moving away from it gave benefits and I no longer really care who people have, best to bring in whoever you think will bring the points in.

          I also noticed short term game week planning can misfire big time, but thats a whole other story I guess.

          Actually, when thinking about the best point scorers I never understood the bias many users here had against Yaya and Ramsey, if they score points get them πŸ™‚

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  16. Jimbo123
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    Kim or Poz as 5th mid?

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  17. gartozoo
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    repost
    Wilshere,Lallana,Eriksen,Cabaye
    Distin,Kolarov,Fonte,Koscielny
    bench 2 ??
    any idea ppl thx

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  18. GlasgowFF
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    Cjlyne or Sterling?

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

      play Sterling.

      I think he is in for a very good game today - we (Villa) are terrified of players attacking our full backs.

      I'm hoping Bertrand can settle in super-quick

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  19. Snooze ya lose
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 17 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    Best city mid this week? Only got aguero and on wc think I need another city player

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

      I think Yaya Toure is your kind of player.

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  20. jonesy_in_the_laundry_room
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    Reporst due to bottom of last page.

    Help really appreciated..........

    team currently

    Mig

    Coleman Gabbi Williamson Kolorov Koscielney

    Hazard Erikson

    Giroud Aguero Suarez (C)

    Bench: Stirling Ki Sung Yueng Januzaj

    Have a good feeling about playing 5 at the back but also like the look of Strerling and Ki.

    Thoughts??

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

      Is this a valid formation even?

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  21. Cheers Kane, Sons Crying
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    Quick vote..

    What does everyone think? I want a differential, so...

    1) Ozil (C)
    2) Silva (C)
    3) Sturridge (C)

    Thanks πŸ˜€

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

      Silva as he has lowest ownership.

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      1. Bolivian Seaman
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 7 months ago

        if you had giroud or negredo, they are better differentials

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

          No, Silva is more of a differential.

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      2. Cheers Kane, Sons Crying
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 7 months ago

        Cheers lads! Just need a final push I guess! Haha

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    2. John Nerdelbaum
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      Silva if you go for one.

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  22. Scratch
    • 17 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    Wldcard team tell me what you think

    Boruc, McGregor
    Coleman, Kolarov, Koscielny
    Hazard, Ozil, Lallana, Sidwell
    Suarez, Aguero, Negredo

    Janusaj, Ward, Hudson

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    1. Pinoche
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      Start Ward over Sidwell?

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    2. John Nerdelbaum
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      I wouldn't play Sidwell this week

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  23. Colonel Shoe 肝池
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    anyone goin with hudson........

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    1. beric
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      Yeah I probably will

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      1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 7 months ago

        i have to, but am nervous about it...... not had a non player in my team this season

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  24. Feed tha Sheep
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    Start one Azpilicueta Chester or Dawson

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    1. Cheers Kane, Sons Crying
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      Azpi!!

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  25. M83
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    Guys, what do you reckon? On WC:

    http://imgur.com/XrupFyU

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  26. Mak_Gold
    12 years, 7 months ago

    A) Mannone + Alex Pozuelo

    B) Davis + Ki

    Other keeper is Boruc.

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

      b

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  27. OptimusBlack
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    A- Adrián

    B- Boruc

    C- Speroni

    to Rotate with Mannone ?

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  28. Rinseboy
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    Play ward or azpi this week? Currently on Ward!

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    1. Schürrle Class
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      Yeah Ward

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    2. La Roja
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      Azpi

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  29. RuudVanNistelrooney
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    lucas/poz/colback/noone/kim

    Can't decide b/n these players for 5th mid .

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  30. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 17 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    I foresee lots of Ward bench points this week. πŸ™

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    1. Blue Lion
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      Got chester instead in the WC. πŸ™‚

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

      I won't miss out on those. 😎

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    3. Billy Gilmore
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      He's starting for me. I'll probably have Bardsley points though 😐

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    4. Sean.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      Don't , he's on mine and i'm the king of benched points πŸ™‚

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    5. Demel
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      I have Gabbidon and Speroni both starting for me.

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    6. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      Stoke are awful away from home so this will happen

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    7. Schürrle Class
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      Hey TM. I respect you and just want your opinion

      Just did Lukaku to Giroud. Plan next week is to do Ozil and Adebayor to Ramsey and Sturridge. Suggestions?

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