[sbu_large_image] Scout Picks
31 January 2014 3169 comments
Paul Paul
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It’s less than 48 hours since the previous Gameweek concluded but already our attentions are firmly fixed on tomorrow’s deadline. Arsenal and United supply our Scout Picks XI with a couple of players apiece, whilst we opt for just one player from Monday evening’s Etihad showdown between City and Chelsea as Fantasy managers reel from yet another injury to Sergio Aguero:

Adrian makes his Scout Picks debut as West Ham prepare to welcome Swansea to Upton Park. Having defied Chelsea at the Bridge time and again on Wednesday evening, the 4.3-priced Spaniard looks to have cemented the number one jersey for the Hammers and, bearing in mind the Swans have netted once in their last three road trips, is a strong shout for a clean sheet.

Cardiff’s home clash with Norwich brings Steven Caulker into consideration. The Canaries have scored just three times in the last seven Gameweeks, boosting the Bluebirds’ chances of a clean sheet, and the big centre-half’s aerial threat from set-pieces and corners has already helped him notch twice this term.

With a single goal conceded in the last seven at the Emirates, Per Mertesacker’s owners will be confident of further defensive returns as the Gunners entertain Palace on Sunday. The big German’s eye for goal has already served up a couple of double-figure hauls in front of his own fans, whilst his propensity for picking up bonus merely strengthens his appeal for the Eagles’ showdown.

Patrice Evra gets the nod as United make their way to Stoke. David Moyes’ side have tightened up in recent matches and picked up three clean sheets in the last five Gameweeks – if the Potters find the net, though, Evra’s attacking potential (a goal and three assists so far) could help him pick up the points as the visitors go in search of a vital victory.

A home game with Villa brings Kevin Mirallas into the Scout Picks. With Romelu Lukaku and Lacina Traore both injured, the Belgian looks poised to lead the line for Everton tomorrow afternoon – Mirallas has notched in two of the last three Gameweeks and squares up to a defence that has mustered a single clean sheet in the last 10 league matches.

Christian Eriksen has been one of the most consistent midfield options around in recent matches. Tottenham’s summer signing has flourished under Tim Sherwood and has provided a goal or assist in five of the last six Gameweeks – at 7.3, he remains a solid mid-price option ahead of Spurs’ trip to Hull.

Four goals in his last five in all competitions sums up Santi Cazorla’s upturn in Fantasy potential. The Arsenal midfielder had struggled to replicate the form that took the Premier League by storm last time around but, after a below-par first few months of the season, looks a key player for the Gunners once again as Palace roll up to the Emirates.

Yaya Toure’s outstanding home consistency could prove decisive for City against Chelsea on Monday evening. The Ivorian has scored or assisted in nine of his 10 appearances at the Etihad and, with Sergio Aguero now sidelined, he looks first in line for spot-kicks, as well as set-pieces, as Manuel Pellegrini’s side look for the win that would take them six points clear of their opponents.

Liverpool’s trip to the Hawthorns will hold no fear for Luis Suarez. The Baggies’ backline have just shipped four to Villa in midweek and, bearing in mind the Reds have hit Spurs and Stoke for five over their last four away games, Suarez – yet again the runaway leader of this Gameweek’s Captain Poll – looks on course for his eleventh double-figure haul of the season.

Handed 63 minutes against Cardiff on Tuesday evening, Robin van Persie was immediately back amongst the goals. David Moyes admitted earlier today that he will continue to “be careful” with the Dutchman and Wayne Rooney after both returned from injury – he may not get the full 90 minutes, then, but van Persie’s predatory instincts will require little time to produce against a Stoke defence that conceded five to Liverpool in their previous home match.

Jay Rodriguez’ away form earns him a spot in our front three. The Southampton forward has scored six times in his last seven road trips and, with a visit to struggling Fulham on his agenda, looks poised to continue his impressive showings outside of St Mary’s.

Jose Fonte warms the bench as Southampton travel to Fulham. The big centre-half grabbed his second goal of the season against Arsenal in midweek and, with Victor Wanyama potentially set to start in front of the back-four, the Saints will be confident of keeping out a Cottagers attack that has scored once in the last three.

With Yohan Cabaye no more than a distant memory, the stage looks set for Hatem Ben Arfa to grab the mantle of Newcastle talisman with both hands. Having impressed against in Norwich, the Frenchman has the perfect chance to further endear himself to the Magpies fans this weekend as Alan Pardew’s side look to get one over bitter rivals Sunderland in tomorrow lunchtime’s Tyne-Wear derby.

With a goal in each of his last three, Christian Benteke is perhaps a little unlucky only to make the bench here. Ahead of Villa’s trip to Everton, his chances of notching again were handed a boost with the news that Seamus Coleman and Sylvain Distin are both still absent from the Toffees back-four for the Goodison encounter.

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  1. Ricky - it doesn\'t ta…
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    should i get rid of coleman [ got him for 5m] for -4?

    back 7

    boruc - cech
    kolarov - williamson - gabbidon - kos -

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    1. Elfozzie 42
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Looks like he'll be back for game after Villa so I'd hold on (although fixtures are a bit dicey).

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    2. Billy Bonney
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Same dilemma here. I'm thinking of swapping him for a Southampton defender. Might wait until next week though.

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    3. Deulo10
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Nah keep him he should be available after this GW + you'd want him later on for Everton's home fixtures.

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  2. Billy Bonney
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Pick one to bench this week: Eriksen, Silva, Mata, Lallana, Hazard, Benteke, Adebayor, Suarez. I'm leaning towards Hazard.

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

      Why do you have 5 premium midfielders if you have 3 able strikers? Either go for a 3-5-2 or a standard 3-4-3, otherwise you end up with these selection headaches.

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    2. McEwan
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      With that front 8, your always going to have a headache. Personally, I would bench Lallana but it really is a tough one. One which I'm sure you will have to deal with week to week

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

      Benching Haz would be my choice but it will also hurt you the most if he scores big (aside from Suarez but you're never going to bench him).

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    4. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Hazard.
      Doesn't have a great track record this year against big teams.

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  3. Total Foot 5
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    ARS so all in all it seems ..

    - Diego Costa ✘ - Martinez ✘ - Mandzukic ✘ - Cabaye ✘ - Vucinic ✘ - Klose ✘ - Draxler ✘ - indeed...the name is Kallstrom (loan) ✔

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  4. Proggy
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    REPOST:

    Is it worth getting Adam Johnson for a 2 week punt?

    I'll be switching to Eriksen in two weeks, and I don't really like the idea of planning silly transfers for the future, when there's always the risk of injuries. It seems kinda pointless to get Johnson and then switch to Eriksen in two weeks, but I don't wanna double up on Spurs attack vs Hull and Everton, and Johnson's fixtures look so tasty, and I'm tempted to take a two week punt on him.

    Like I said, I don't like planning transfers ahead when there's the risk of bigger threats, like injuries etc. But I'm so tempted to take a 2 week punt on Johnson.

    Is it worth it?

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    1. Christina.
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      nope

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

      Yea of course - he is playing well

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

      Yes, imo

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    4. Elfozzie 42
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Why not? I got him 2 weeks back and am feeling pretty happy. I'd say he's at least as interesting as Eriksen on form right now.

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      1. Proggy
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 2 months ago

        The only reason why I don't like getting him in for a 2 week punt, is because I'll be switching him to Eriksen, and I don't like planning transfers that may get delayed by injuries, and then I might have to stick with Johnson if I get loads of injuries.

        Plus, Eriksen's fixtures aren't so bad over the next 2 weeks, so it seems like the simple option just to get Eriksen and leave him in there, but getting Johnson for 2 weeks and then switching to Eriksen seems so much better.

        Think I may just take a risk on AJ, and hope it goes okay.

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  5. Christina.
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    No way will Dzeko be dropped in the next 4.

    Shirley not?

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    1. Saint Domingo
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      No way will Pellegrini drop Dzeko the next 3 games,can see him and Negredo starting all 3 with Jovetic the bench man

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    2. Gaz Downright
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      i can see dzeko being utter dollop and taken off after 55 mins

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  6. thepuntmaster
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    People not going for Roonwy - why not?

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

      *Rooney

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    2. Tim Canterbury
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Sturridge better option imo

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      1. Elfozzie 42
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 2 months ago

        Sturridge is good, but doubling up on 1 team's strikers just seems crazy to me.
        I was about to do Aguero to Rooney but now RVP has elbowed his way in

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    3. Think_Tank
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      I really want him in my team, but benteke and sturridge are the better options now.

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  7. The Mandalorian
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Repost

    I have 5 players OUT for tomorrow.....

    Ageuro, Coleman, Rat, Oviedo and Bardsley

    And no free transfer.

    Should I forget about the defence and just change Ageuro?

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    1. Tim Canterbury
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      What was your free transfer?

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      1. The Mandalorian
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 2 months ago

        Johnson to Mata before all hell broke loose....regretting that one now.

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

      Aguero is where your money is locked up; he's way too much to be benched. Replace him first, he's your top priority.

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  8. Andy1
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    I have Sturridge and Suarez

    Who to replace aguero with?

    A. Rooney
    B. Giroud
    C. Benteke
    D. Adebayor
    E. Someone else

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

      C

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    2. Think_Tank
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Bayor

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  9. joey567
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Please Rate my team and give me some tips?

    Gk: David Marshall
    Def: Kosc/Smalling/Kompany/Fonte
    Mid: Mata/Hazard/Eriksen
    Fwd: Suarez/Sturridge/Jrod

    Bench: Adrian/Ryan Bennett/Bacuna/Ward-Prowse

    0.6m ITB (Unlimited Transfers)

    Help greatly appreciated 🙂

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  10. ThorntonReed
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Sturridge or Benteke... Sturridge or Benteke... :/

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    1. GlasgowFF
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Presuming you have Suarez then Benteke.

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      1. ThorntonReed
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 2 months ago

        That I do.

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

      I'd go with Sturridge. He'll outscore Benteke -- it doesn't matter if you are doubling up. It's about the points.

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      1. ThorntonReed
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 2 months ago

        That's what I'm thinking. Prefer Benteke for differential reasons but as a Spurs fan I like to hedge my bets as it were with rival teams.

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  11. GlasgowFF
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Can't wait until the summer when Suarez leaves.

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

    What to do Aguero + Coleman to?

    A) RVP + Flanagan -4
    B) Sturridge + Fonte -4 (Allows me to get Negredo +1.0 week after)

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  13. Sleep Talk
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Tom Ince (if it goes through), an alternative to Puncheon.
    He'll probably be 5.5+ though, which will take away some of the budget appeal of Puncheon.

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

      Punch is also a set-piece whore and on pens

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  14. Matamatician
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Giroud or Sturridge?

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

      *Donkey or Dancer.

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    2. Saint Domingo
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      This GW probably Giroud,long term Sturridge

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  15. Christina.
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Enough.

    Time for bed.

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

      Transfer this week?

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  16. Lallana_
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    What are the chances that Rooney and Evra play at least 60 mins this week?

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    1. Saint Domingo
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      I would say both would get 60 mins minimum

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

      Barring injury, Evra 100%

      Rooney 50% - if he starts he will play 60.

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

      75% and 85%

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  17. partypan
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Do i need to use WC?
    Marshall(Mannone)
    Kos-Kompany-Turner(Benett, Baker)
    Eriksen-Hazard-Ozil-Silva(Johnson)
    Suarez(C) Adebayor Sturridge(vc)

    0.6 in the bank.

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  18. Mak_Gold
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Repost:

      Chambers or MOlsson?

      Ta.

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        • 12 Years
        12 years, 2 months ago

        Chambers for potential, MOlsson for guarantees.

        I'd go MOlsson. Chambers could easily be dropped after a bad game and not play again - I prefer safe picks.

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        1. Mak_Gold
            12 years, 2 months ago

            Cheers. 🙂

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              • 12 Years
              12 years, 2 months ago

              your grav is way too much like TM's! see below! 🙂

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              1. Mak_Gold
                  12 years, 2 months ago

                  Haha, yes. Need to change to something different to avoid confusion.

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        2. For Fuchs Sake
          • 16 Years
          12 years, 2 months ago

          Aren't people concerned long term about Sturridge and Suarez. If Liverpool miss fire or when it's a low scoring game, you doubly miss out on points?

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

            Suarez doesn't count. Only counts if you captain & both fail.

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              • 12 Years
              12 years, 2 months ago

              Yeah everyone is missing the point with Suarez - he's a dead slot in all teams. Sturridge has scored 13 in 15 appearances.

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          2. GlasgowFF
            • 14 Years
            12 years, 2 months ago

            Exactly. I would never have two thirds of my strike force from one team.

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

            Like when Arsenal roll up to Anfield next week and keep a clean sheet

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

              Like they did midweek vs Soton.

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                • 12 Years
                12 years, 2 months ago

                Leave them TM - more of a differential for us. 😉

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          4. The Enlightener
            • 12 Years
            12 years, 2 months ago

            Yeah, and when they both get 11 points, like this last gameweek, it's a blast!

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          5. Mr Pink
            • 12 Years
            12 years, 2 months ago

            And every time sturridge assists suarez, or the other way around, that´s seven points in the bag. I see that happening much more frequently than the two of them blanking.

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          6. GlasgowFF
            • 14 Years
            12 years, 2 months ago

            Eggs basket one

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            1. The Enlightener
              • 12 Years
              12 years, 2 months ago

              Points galore basket one.

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

          According to Russian tv a deal for Konoplyanka has been agreed with Liverpool.

          Cardiff City have made a late, late bid to try to sign Papiss Cisse on loan. But they are facing a race against time to get him #nufc #ccfc

          https://twitter.com/lee_ryder/status/429351356130799616

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        4. Spoox777
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 2 months ago

          Any help please?

          A) Aguero - Dzeko
          + Sissoko - Mata

          B) Aguero - Negredo (Keep Sissoko)

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        5. ACCOUNTING ON CHRIS
          • 12 Years
          12 years, 2 months ago

          Not sure whether to take a hit because everyone else is or just do Aguero to Jrod and play the following team:

          Ward (ars) Burner (NOR) Koscielney (CPL) --- (Chester/Coleman)

          Hazard, Silva, YYT, Eriksen (Pozuelo)

          Sturridge Suarez Jrod or someone else

          Thoughts? Take -4 so I can bench Ward?

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

            Save

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          2. Total Foot 5
            • 12 Years
            12 years, 2 months ago

            u think Jrod wil deliver well ag ful away? or better Giroud ag CRY at home?

            i just changed my mind og foinf for either of these given mci ag che/

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        6. DonTheSpecialOne
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          12 years, 2 months ago

          McCormack says he ain't going nowhere, top lad. Heard it all before though

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            • 12 Years
            12 years, 2 months ago

            Can you blame him if he goes? Manager sacked on deadline day!

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            1. DonTheSpecialOne
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 15 Years
              12 years, 2 months ago

              Not at all.

              But he won't 🙂

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        7. Sleep Talk
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 2 months ago

          Giroud on 91.3% now, will he rise tonight you think? (Yes, please! 🙂 )

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

            Yes.

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        8. Tomopinder77
          • 12 Years
          12 years, 2 months ago

          Giroud OR Rooney??

          I have studge!!

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        9. ZakAFC_
          • 12 Years
          12 years, 2 months ago

          Boruc
          Fabio, Koscielny, Azpilicueta
          Pozuelo, Mata, Eriksen, Lallana, Hazard
          Suarez, Bony

          (Mannone, Ward, Agüero, Coleman)

          1FT, 0.9m in the bank!
          Who is best replacement for Agüero?

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

          Anyone else think that the Scout Picks graphic on the homepage could be improved if it showed the opposition for each player like on FPL??

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

            Could just steel it from FPL. 😉

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            1. radawson
              • 12 Years
              12 years, 2 months ago

              Agreed there might be an issue with it looking like an exact copy 😉 Just think that the opposition is one of the most important factors in each pick e.g. Caulker this week, and it would quickly give people that information

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          2. Sleep Talk
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            12 years, 2 months ago

            Too much text and details, I like it simple as it is.

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

            Match reports mention Ya Ya limped off in the Spurs game but no mention of injury by Pelegrini .
            With his recent ankle knock anyone worried long term ?

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        11. dodger49
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 2 months ago

          Wilshere, Aguero - Giroud and Mata for a 8pt hit?

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          1. Camp No No
            • 12 Years
            12 years, 2 months ago

            Well, seems to be popular. I myself have Giroud, can't say no to that then. What I can say is I'm not excited about that double move.

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        12. There's Always One!
          • 16 Years
          12 years, 2 months ago

          I've only two home player's this week!

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

            Probably 1 for me.

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        13. andres
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 2 months ago

          A kun => studge
          B kun, coleman => rvp, chambers (-4)

          marshall (mannone)
          azpi merte bruce (COLEMAN ward)
          zaha hazard mata cazorla (punch)
          KUN suarez bony
          0.0, 1FT

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