Preamble

The Pre-Match Preamble – Gameweek 24

I’m partial to a flutter but I’m hardly a seasoned gambler. Even so, I’m aware of the concept of “chasing losses” – I also know that any experienced punter will tell you that it’s a mug’s game.

Until Tuesday night, I wasn’t really sure just how this applied to Fantasy Football. How, when desperation kicks in, your better judgement can go out the window as you ignore the obvious option and search out the long shot.

Let’s face it, handing Wilfred Bony my Gameweek 23 armband was a travesty. I can and will point to the logic behind the decision – I can talk about about the Ivorian’s form, of Fulham’s fragility. Even so, that doesn’t detract from the fact that, deep down, I knew that Luis Suarez would punish me.

As I mentioned in this week’s ScoutCast, I stood for a full thirty seconds at my front door at 7.28, key in hand, ready to burst back in and correct my madness. Foolishly, I chose to turn and head to Tesco. Those pizzas might have been buy one, get one free but they cost me dearly.

Such outlandish decision-making is in stark contrast to the methods employed by our own Jonty – a Fantasy manager who has profited from backing the favourite. Jonty has reveled in his “dullard” moniker and can point to an impressive ranking and a profitable Wildcard that has left even Hall of Fame legend, Evs, in his wake.

In Thursday’s ScoutCast I was asked what I’ve learned this season. Jonty’s campaign, coupled with my season-long failed quest to seek out effective differentials has taught me that my enthusiasm to look for the spectacular long ball, rather than settle for the sideways pass, has hurt me the most. I’m constantly trying to be Glenn Hoddle and Jonty, pulling off his best Ray Wilkins impression, is making me look silly.

I’d like to think I’ve learned a lesson but, only this week, I was fully contemplating tossing four points into the air and backing Robin van Persie at Stoke. There I was, listening to Granville spelling out the obvious move – Edin Dzeko in for the injured Sergio Aguero to keep the City cover – and I was plotting another foolish 60-yard “Hail Mary”.

While this may disappoint those who listened in, I think I’m going to have to rethink. I daren’t try another Hollywood pass for a while.

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

1,965 Comments Post a Comment
  1. pleccy
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Adebayor or Benteke?? can't decide!!

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    1. Alonso The Great Midfielder
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      benteke...reason:i go myself

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    2. jas5sk - Youtube channel
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Adebayor plays for the better team

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    3. BantamPhil
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Benteke

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    4. tw
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      ade

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    5. Notorious
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Adebayor

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    6. pleccy
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      oh dear split opinions. I guess I'll just have to make a call.

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    7. Chucky
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      adeba

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    8. Avon Barksdale
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      For me it's Ade and Mirallas or Tekkers and a 6m so no contest really Mirallas main man for a few weeks anyway.

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  2. Gooner Kebab
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    dont mind me posting a RMWCT...

    marshall, davis
    mert, terry, chambers, rbennett, collins
    yaya, eriksen, mata, lall, puncheon
    tekkers, suarez, studge

    am thinking:
    Puncheon out to Noone (cos my 5th mid is unlike to play) + upgrade defense
    collins to fabio

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    1. Frogman
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      not sure fabio is an upgrade, might need monitoring on how much game time. WHM look solid and rotate well with SOU

      agree on the 5th mid comment thou, nothing worse than points sat on your bench

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  3. BOOM XHAKALACA
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Last decision on a WC: Evans or Coleman?
    Picking Coleman means this week I have to play Azpi and Olsson.

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    1. Demelbrush
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      evans. for the next two games is such a good pick

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

      coleman for me

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      1. Hansel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        what is your sale value for seamus?

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        1. BOOM XHAKALACA
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 3 months ago

          5.8

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      2. BOOM XHAKALACA
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        I'm just worried he might be out for longer than we think.

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    3. Onana Whatsmyname
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Evans

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      1. Hansel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        I can also get rid of him for 5.8, thinking about shipping for Cahill but not sure

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        1. Hansel
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 3 months ago

          News about Rio might coming back and Vidic returning from suspension could affect evans aswell

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          1. BOOM XHAKALACA
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 3 months ago

            Possibly. Damn, wish it was easier 🙂

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        2. BOOM XHAKALACA
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 3 months ago

          I got Azpi already. Chelsea defender looks like a solid choice.

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  4. BantamPhil
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Mitroglou could be a steal at 6.5

    I think he'll be the next January transfer to make a big instant impact, just like Jelavic and Cisse

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    1. sminkypinky
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Could be but Ful are dismal.

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      1. BantamPhil
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        That is my worry but as long he scores it doesn't matter whether Fulham win or lose, he'll be a good FPL pick

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  5. appleman17
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    campbell or borini?

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  6. colin1201
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Is Ryan Bennet going to start for norwich on a regular basis?
    wondering if Olsson is worth the extra .3

    Thanks in advance

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    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Olsson ftw.

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  7. Hamstergod
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    My WC team finished, everything's done and dusted.

    Bring on the Gameweeeeek!!!

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  8. Demelbrush
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    is mutch worth the extra .3 more than noone?

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    1. BantamPhil
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      No

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    2. Onana Whatsmyname
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Noone is worth that Mutch

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  9. Onana Whatsmyname
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Marshall (Mannone)

    Koscielny Chambers Flan (Ward, Clyne)

    Silva Hazard Eriksen Lallana (Noone)

    Sturridge RVP(c) Suarez

    Good to go?

    Saints fans will Chambers start over Clyne as per Team News?

    All help appreciated

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  10. Jinswick
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Why oh why is RVP so tempting!!.....

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    1. tw
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      get him! 😉

      who else are you considering?

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      1. Jinswick
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        Either doing:

        A) Kim & Aguero -> Mirallas & Benteke, or

        B) Kolarov & Aguero -> Chambers & RVP

        Team linked.... Thoughts?

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

      because he scores when he likes?

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      1. Benteke10
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        What does that even mean? He isn't a magician..,

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        1. jas5sk - Youtube channel
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 3 months ago

          or Ryan Seacrest

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    3. Onana Whatsmyname
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Because he is one of the worlds best strikers playing in front of two assist specialists?

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      1. GREENDREAMS11
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        Mata and ?

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    4. jas5sk - Youtube channel
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Still the most expensive player in the game...I think

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    5. GREENDREAMS11
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      I think there's an element of it is the fact that because he is the most expensive player people assume he will score big. Stoke away is never an easy game, He is returning from a long lay off and there is no guarantee he will start. Then there is his price. Sturridge is easily as good an option today at 4million less.

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  11. Avon Barksdale
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    @Evs is my WC ready for the floor!

    Adrian
    Evans Koscielny Fabio
    Haz Caz Silva Mirallas
    Rvp Suarez Ade

    Mannone Noone Chambers Ward

    Cheers!

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  12. Mile Plankton - Myth and Ch…
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    I need a defender for up to 4.6 this week. Any suggestions?

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    1. Demelbrush
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      yosheida

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      1. Mile Plankton - Myth and Ch…
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        Have Chambers. Don't want to double up.

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    2. Parm
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Demel

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      1. Mile Plankton - Myth and Ch…
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        Yup. Looks like it's gonna be him. Is he nailed on, though?

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        1. sminkypinky
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 3 months ago

          Think so. I went for him. For a hit even...

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    3. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Someone from Cardiff. Maybe punt on Fabio.

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  13. A2U
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Negredo or Dzeko?

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    1. elkunaguero
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Negredo, more clynical, will get more minutes

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    2. super zlatan
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Dzeko

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    3. Poseidon. Not arrogant, jus…
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      If you can afford Negredo, Negredo.

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  14. Parm
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    @JK

    Why Tekkers over Studge?

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    1. tw
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      because he's wrong 😉

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    2. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      spread the risk and try for a bit for a diffential

      not sure between MOlsson, Fabio or a Hull defender though

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      1. Parm
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        I've gone Fabio, check out Cardiff's home fixtures.

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      2. tw
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        same position here on defs

        Hull has terrible home fixtures. and I don't really rate norwich defense too much so I think i'll risk it on fabio

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  15. drughi
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    HBA>özil or caz for a hit ?

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  16. super zlatan
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Morning lads

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    1. elkunaguero
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      morning Zlatan,

      Mirallas or Eriksen?

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      1. super zlatan
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        Eriksen

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

      Morning SZ. How's it going?

      Can in get your opinion on this please?

      A: Eriksen, Mata, RVP, Dzeko
      B: Mata, Toure, Rooney, JRod

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      1. super zlatan
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        Tough one. A by a whisker

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        1. Beavis
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 3 months ago

          Ta mate, much appreciated 🙂

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  17. blo_in
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    which 2 would you pick out of these for a 4pt hit...?

    Rooney, RVP, Negredo, Benteke, Rodriguez...?

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    1. super zlatan
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Rooney and benteke

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      1. blo_in
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        That was my gutt feelin. Wondering if it's stupid leaving out city forwards altogether...?

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    2. daisybcfc
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Rooney and RVP quite obviously

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      1. blo_in
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        roo and Teke.... done.

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  18. appleman17
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    A) Borini
    B) Campbell

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  19. Lizard Lips
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Why go Rooney when a hit brings in RVP on pens, more of a goalscoring threat, the boss, etc.

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    1. onionbarje
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      I agree, but RVP is injury prone, and Moyes has said if RVP needs resting he will do it.

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  20. Thomass
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Right one of the toughest calls of the season… Jonjo is benched

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    1. Parm
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      West Ham are solid at the back, good decision.

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      1. Thomass
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        Yeah right? The swans will score and win 2-1

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

      Cheers, placing a bet on him to score.

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  21. Wilberto
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Please rate my WC team:

    Adrian (Mannone)
    Evans - Koscielny - Fabio (Yoshida, Coleman)
    Mirallas (C) - Mata - Hazard - Lallana (Ward-Prowse)
    Dzeko - Suarez - Sturridge

    1.8 in the bank

    Any suggestions for improvement?
    How about the defene, how could I improve it?!

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    1. Chucky
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Mirallas(C) 😎

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    2. pleccy
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Why have Ward prowse ? Go Gnabry instead

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  22. Chris P Bacon
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Which team has the highest chance to keep a clean sheet today? (and nice fixtures after). Need to justify a -4 for a defender.

    Also; Barfa (C) gamble?

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    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      -4 is not just for 1 week, study the fixtures for next 4-5 weeks. You can make the points back longterm

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  23. daisybcfc
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Hello Guys...

    Got to move Aguero out but not sure who for... Got Rooney and Suarez up top already so torn between Sturridge or Adebayor?

    Any help would be ace

    Lost at bottom of last page

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  24. Pigs in Blankets!!!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Need a view on this, have Wilshire and have the money for any MID in the game.
    Will cost -4, is it worth it and who to buy?

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    1. tw
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      who would your sub be?
      probably worth it. who are your other mids

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      1. Pigs in Blankets!!!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        Only sub is Gabbidon. Mid is ozil, hazard, Parker, sterling

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        1. tw
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 3 months ago

          hit for mata then I reckon

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  25. RafaMC
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    is Mitroglou allowed to play today. Signed in time I take it ???

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    1. Hampe
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Don't think so. They missed registration deadline according to team news.

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  26. pundit of punts
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Any early team news?

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  27. onionbarje
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/72673000/jpg/_72673459_frimpong_bfc_official.jpg

    HAHA Frimpong, not so DENCH anymore. This is what happens when you don't let your football do the talking. Enjoy the Championship.

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    1. daisybcfc
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Still a pro footballer while we sit at home and in the terraces. Don't be bitter, I'd give my right nut to play in the Championship

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  28. tw
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    boruc mannone
    coleman kos shaw ward fabio
    hazard mata silva AJ sterling
    suarez sturridge ade
    .4 in the bank

    how would you make this WC better?

    ade > dzeko or sterling to gnabry to upgrade AJ to Lallana?
    change any defs?
    or just leave as is?

    cheers!

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  29. Grumpy Camel
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Done, let's start

    Mannone Adrian
    Azpil sagna ward shaw Williamson
    Hazard silva lallana eriksen noone
    Suarez studge rooney

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  30. Pinatta
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Carroll (c)

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    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      fellow carroll owner here

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    2. jas5sk - Youtube channel
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      (End of Days)

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