[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. jdogg
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Kun and kolerov to rvp and chambers for -4?x

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  2. r0nh
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    A good chance that Utd will only be 7 points behind Chelsea after this GW.

    Would be sooo funny if Mata helped Utd finish above them this year 😆

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

      I'm not a fan of UNited but 😀

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  3.  ⓖⓐⓩⓩⓐ™
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Current team

    Boruc. Manonoe

    Sagna. Evans. Kolarov. Coleman. Parr

    Hazard. Silva. Gerrard. A.Johnson. Pozuello

    Suarez. Aguero. Giroud

    Which is better
    A. Aguero > Rooney
    B. Aguero & Kolarov > RVP & Flanagan (-4)

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

      Wondering almost exactly the same thing.im leaning toward the 4points as you know rvp will be up front.it wouldnt surprise me if rooney is dropped deeper.x

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

      Very similar to my team, I'd go A and phase Kolarov out next few weeks.

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  4. Leelas legs 11
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    When are the DGW coming up please?

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

      GW31 for starters.

      Manchester Derby.

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      1. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 2 months ago

        What's your view on Rvp this week TM? Do you think he will start?

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      2. Leelas legs 11
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks torres

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  5. Boss Hogg
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Can I get by with this defence this week?

    Merts, JT, Kolorov ( Ward, Coleman)

    Or take a hit to bring someone in?

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    1. The Albatross
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      never take a hit for a defender, very unlikely to pay off - what you've got look fine to me

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      1. SöundLight 30
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 2 months ago

        I took a hit for Ward last week and he scored 8. Never say never.

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        1. The Albatross
          • 16 Years
          12 years, 2 months ago

          fair enough, almost never?

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

      No hit.x

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

      Unless you sold Kolarov, not wise.

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    4. sminkypinky
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      I'm prob taking a rate hit for a defender. If Kolarov won't play, i won't field three defenders. Hence getting rid of chester for Demel. You're in a slightly better situation. Avoid the hit.

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  6. Give The Todd Some Love
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    FIFA messing everything up again with their stupid online transfer confirmation thingy

    Is there any organisation more useless than FIFA?

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    1. Mithrandir, the Grey Pilgri…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      HM Government.

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

      uefa

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    3. the axolotl
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      judean peoples front?

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      1. GREENDREAMS11
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 2 months ago

        Lol

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      2. Give The Todd Some Love
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 2 months ago

        Nothing on the People's Front of Judea

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        1. the axolotl
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 2 months ago

          splitters!

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    4. Defcons are for Kinnear
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      The FA

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  7. FPL Emu
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Sorry, got lots.

    Do we have a nailed-on 4.0 option for the West Ham defence now, in McCartney? Or has Big Sam got someone lined up and ready to replace Rat?

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  8. EoinM
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Cry for help.
    A) Play Januzaj and Mutch (Hoping they start for 11)
    B) Sell Aguero to Giroud/Sturridge/Rooney.. Will be for another hit (-8).

    My fantasy team is almost in as much turmoil as leeds. Opinions appreciated.

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

      I'd sell for Rooney.

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    2. Mithrandir, the Grey Pilgri…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Slow down on the hits.

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

        Had Lukaku and Cabaye. First hit of the year.

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        1. Mithrandir, the Grey Pilgri…
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          12 years, 2 months ago

          In that case, my apologies. You've done well!

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  9. Sean.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    been looking at the best defender option max price 4.8m max to bring in ,
    Best i can come up with seems to be Collins 4.1 and keep the change
    Rotates well with Ward (got already) good fixtures and plays GW28
    Thoughts chaps 🙂

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

      not sure if collins is nailed on once reid is back

      they have tomkins and r johnson. might be a good move if you like a risk

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    2. The Albatross
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      I was looking at Collins but heard he might lose his place when Reid comes back

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

      Have a feeling being last seasons FPL Open winner is the only way you'll make it this year 🙂

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

        Not having much luck this one ,thats for sure 🙂

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

      Demel

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

        Who's the most nailed on back there for West Ham then ??

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

    Demel now nailed on??

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  11. Pap Boomez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    On my WC:

    A) Eriksen, Silva and JRod
    or
    B) Lallana, Silva and Dzeko
    or
    C) Eriksen, Lallana and Dzeko

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  12. Master Kane
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Is Rooney more likely to start than RVP? Going with previous game and recent motors comments?

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

      RVP will start

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      1. Master Kane
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 2 months ago

        Really hoping not. Probably being selected later

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  13. weeurquahrt
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Don't understand the united love all of a sudden .they are still a very poor side and barely scraped by Cardiff last time. So stay well clear

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    1. the axolotl
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      next week's fulham game has a smell of "this is when it came together" about it. i'm waiting till then

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

    Swansea is bidding for van der Vaart. This could be interesting if work out.

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    1. Give The Todd Some Love
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      😯

      No way

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    2. Mithrandir, the Grey Pilgri…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Wow 🙂

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    3. The Abyss
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Wow, I would love to see him back in the Premier League.

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  15. div
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    RVP or Rooney???

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    1. kennethrhcp
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      I couldn't decide... went JRod

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  16. The Bandit
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Why has Bardsley just been flagged? They've known for days he was subbed off, nothing official has been said so why now? 😕

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

      annoyed me to

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  17. Peggi
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Probably gonna save my FT. any of these worth doing?

    A) Bony > JRod
    B) Cazorla > Mata

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    1. The Albatross
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Might be, might not, I'd hold

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  18. Demí
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Missed this gem from Mourinho earlier.

    On Sherwood's claim that City are best team on the planet: "Maybe, for Tottenham manager, the planet is England."

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    1. Give The Todd Some Love
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      😆

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    2. Captain Shirokov
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      lol

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    3. kennethrhcp
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      you have to love him 🙂

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      1. The Bandit
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 2 months ago

        You don't actually, you could think he is so far up his own arse he thinks the world is in total darkness

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        1. Give The Todd Some Love
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 2 months ago

          He's kinda clever though. His ridiculous comments after West Ham meant that everyone focused on him, rather than the shocking Chelsea performance

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        2. kennethrhcp
          • 15 Years
          12 years, 2 months ago

          I miss reading your thoughts WR... I gotta come more again 🙂

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    4. Chu Young Ping Pong
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Epic 😀

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

      I hate mourinho so much, for some reason he gets away with alot of things he says. So disrespectful and a complete hypocrite

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      1. Mithrandir, the Grey Pilgri…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 2 months ago

        He's like McEnroe, all for the show.

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    6. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Demi do you see Rvp starting?

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      1. Demí
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 2 months ago

        Should do i think, but probably not 90 minutes

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        1. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 2 months ago

          Ok cheers

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    7. the axolotl
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      did anyone not read that in a portuguese accent ? 🙂

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

        lol. must admit i did

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

      😆

      Top Guy

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

    Good to go?

    Boruc
    Fonte Cahill Koscielny
    Yaya Hazard AJ Mata
    Suarez Bony Sturridge

    Mannone Mutch Ward Gabbidon

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  20. kennethrhcp
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    to buy:

    A: Ozil
    B: Santi
    C: Mata
    D: Johnson

    (money no object)

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    1. FPL Emu
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Don't really like any of them now, to be completely honest, but I'd go A if you didn't care about money

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      1. kennethrhcp
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 2 months ago

        other mids: yaya, hazard, lallana & whittingham

        front 3: suarez, jrod & giroud (out next week)

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    2. Captain Shirokov
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Santi

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      1. kennethrhcp
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 2 months ago

        leaning towards him alright

        thanks for reply

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  21. Feed tha Sheep
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Best 4.9 def?

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    1. The Albatross
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Shaw - good fixtures

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  22. HuttonDressedasLahm
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    First choice Hammers back line??

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

    Lukaku and Aguero -> Sturridge and Giroud?

    Seems like the best option, or risk it and go with RVP?

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

      Can you afford Sturridge and Rooney?

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

        yep

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  24. Mr. Greedy
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Thanks all. I've decided on Dzeko and Cazorla for Aguero and Livermore.

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  25. The Abyss
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Bony can kick a ball really really hard.

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  26. The Albatross
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone know if Ryan Bennet is nailed on will Turner take his place?

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    1. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Just signed Yobo not sure if he is eligible to play though so would stay clear

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      1. The Albatross
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 2 months ago

        thanks Spectrum - captain scarlet?

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        1. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 2 months ago

          Captain scarlet? I don't follow

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  27. Clay Davis
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Help...

    A) Eriksen & JayRod

    B) A. Johnson & Dzeko

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    1. FPL Bargain
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      B

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  28. FPL Emu
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    City have absolutely amazing fixtures. Three home games in the next four. What is putting people off getting Dzeko here, exactly?

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

      chelsea fa cup quarter final, league cup final, champ league v barca

      do you want me to keep going?

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    2. Mr. Greedy
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Man U fans going for RVP/Rooney instead.

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    3. The EJJ
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Negredo

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    4. Dr Dream
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Jovetic...Negredo...loads of matches in multiple competitions..Chelsea up next.

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    5. Tony Yeboah
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      purely the rotation risk with negs and jovetic......thats why im leaning towards ade.....altho man city fix are incredible after chelsea

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  29. Fin
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    Just done Kun+Lukaku -> RVP+Bony
    Excited about having RVP again 😀

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  30. Obi Wan Elokobi
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 2 months ago

    What a boring transfer window. In all honestly I think only palace and Fulham have done well

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    1. Poseidon. Not arrogant, jus…
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Yep, pretty much agree with that. Cardiff's business has been QPR-esque. Man Utd the other team to significantly improve their 1st side.

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    2. The Abyss
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 2 months ago

      Leeds are doing well.

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