[sbu_large_image] Scout Picks
7 February 2014 1656 comments
Paul Paul
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This week’s Scout Picks are dominated by four teams with strong fixtures on their agendas. Sunderland, Southampton and Chelsea supply us with a couple of players apiece, whilst we opt for three of United’s assets ahead of Sunday afternoon’s home clash with struggling Fulham:

Vito Mannone welcomes Hull to the Stadium of Light this weekend. The Sunderland stopper has registered back-to-back clean sheets against Stoke and Newcastle and, with the visitors scoring just once in the last five Gameweeks, his chances of a third successive shut-out look strong.

Jose Fonte gets the nod for Southampton’s home clash with Stoke. Given that the Potters have scored once in their previous six road trips, Mauricio Pochettino’s side will be optimistic of a clean sheet and, with Dejan Lovren still sidelined, Fonte offers a greater goal threat and chance of bonus than any other available Saints defender.

We opt for Patrice Evra ahead of United’s home game against Fulham. The Cottagers have failed to score in any of their last three road trips, suggesting a clean sheet could be on the cards, whilst the left-back’s raids down the flank have already helped him claim a goal and three assists this season.

John Terry is our Chelsea defender of choice for tomorrow’s visit of under-strength Newcastle. Jose Mourinho’s side have now conceded just twice in eight Gameweeks and, with the Magpies devoid of the suspended Loic Remy up top, yet another shut-out looks on the menu. Terry’s penalty box menace and propensity for picking up bonus bodes well as he looks to chase down Seamus Coleman at the top of the Fantasy Premier League defender standings.

Three double-figure hauls in the last four Gameweeks is indicative of Adam Lallana’s current form. The Saints skipper has scored five of his seven strikes at St Mary’s and will fancy his chances of netting again, given that visitors Stoke have conceded in nine of the last 10 league fixtures.

United’s home clash with basement-dwellers Fulham brings Juan Mata into consideration. The Spaniard has made an instant impact at Old Trafford, providing an assist in each of his first two appearances and, with David Moyes’ side desperate to bounce back from last weeks’ loss at the Britannia, Mata’s creativity could wreak havoc against the Cottagers.

Eden Hazard sits third in this week’s Captain Poll ahead of Chelsea’s clash with Newcastle at the Bridge. With Fabricio Coloccini joined by Cheick Tiote on the sidelines this weekend, the Magpies backline looks there for the taking as the Belgian goes in search of a fifth set of double figures in front of his own fans.

Adam Johnson’s owners will be looking for further returns this weekend before the fixtures turn nasty for the Sunderland flier. Six goals and a pair of assists over the last four highlight his current form – visitors Hull haven’t registered a single shut-out on their travels this term, suggesting Johnson could be set to plunder the points as Gus Poyet plots to get one over former Black Cats boss Steve Bruce.

Having scored in each of his two appearances since returning from injury, Robin van Persie has shot to the top of this week’s Captain Poll ahead of United’s home game with Fulham. With Rene Meulensteen’s strugglers in free-fall after a morale-sapping FA Cup loss at the hands of Sheffield United, the Dutchman’s prospects of picking up the points look stronger than ever as he prepares to square up to a defence that have conceded more goals than any other side on the road.

Unlocking the Arsenal defence will no doubt give Luis Suarez a tough time but we cannot overlook the Liverpool forward for tomorrow’s encounter at Anfield. Brendan Rodgers’ side have scored two or more goals in all nine of the Uruguayan’s home appearances – Suarez has only failed to net in one of those fixtures and will be looking to atone for his blank at the Emirates back in Gameweek 10.

We’re keeping faith in Edin Dzeko for tomorrow’s trip to Norwich. Manuel Pellegrini confirmed earlier today the Bosnian has shrugged off an ankle knock and, with four goals and a pair of assists in his last six starts, he looks the man most likely to produce as City look to quickly recover from Monday’s home loss to Chelsea.

Palace’s home game with West Brom earns Joel Ward the nod. Tony Pulis’ side have now produced a clean sheet in five of their last seven at Selhurst Park, whilst Ward’s share of corner kicks boosts his prospects of attacking returns against Pepe Mel’s side.

Three goals in his last four league appearances highlights Kevin Mirallas’ current form. The Belgian’s versatility saw him moved to the role in “the hole” for Everton before injuries up top afforded him the lone forward spot – with a share of free-kick duties furthering his appeal, Mirallas could flourish at the Lane this Sunday against a Spurs side with just two clean sheets in eight since Tim Sherwood’s installation.

Southampton’s Jay Rodriguez grabs the final place in our squad. The 6.6-priced forward welcomes Stoke to St Mary’s having scored or assisted in each of the last three and looks in the mood to add to his 10-goal haul against the travel-sick Potters.

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  1. jasper
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    will clyne play this weekend

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    1. Woy of the Wovers
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Who's Will Clyne?

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      1. sara oxyzoglu
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        😀

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

      maybe, maybe not. chambers is training

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  2. Ronny17
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Captain yaya?

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    1. Animals & Scandals
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Considering it myself, but will probably end up with Suarez...

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    2. Declan-
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      I'm going with it

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  3. Animals & Scandals
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Play Boruc or Mannone?

    Defence ATM:
    Boruc (Mannone)
    Azpilicueta/Kolarov/Gabbidon (Koscielny, Bruce)

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

      there is only onemann ..... mannone

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      1. Animals & Scandals
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        🙂

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    2. gford33
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      have same dilemma.

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    3. sara oxyzoglu
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      i'm playing kevin davis over mannone 😎

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      1. Animals & Scandals
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Because Boruc won't play?

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  4. Rustic
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    is rooney to van persie for a hit just stupid?

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    1. Chu Young Ping Pong
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      yes

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

      Not sure I'd go so far as to call it stupid. But, I would have to say that I would be very careful making that decision. Consult your Inner Chi, my friend. And consult it well.

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  5. Demel
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Adrian
    Terry - Chambers - Flanagan
    Hazard c - Silva - Mata - Eriksen
    Dzeko - Sturridge - Suarez

    Price - Delph - Kosc - Evans

    Bank £0m

    Save the transfer?

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    1. Alaric
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Save, play Kosc over Flanagan imo

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  6. Zoom Zoom
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Kolorov or Ward this week?

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

      ward

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    2. zags
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Kolarov

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      1. Zoom Zoom
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Sigh. Thanks all ( I think;-)

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  7. TheRealDog
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Ward, Coleman, Shaw, Kos and Evans. Evans->Cahill for free and bench Coleman and Kos? Think I can save my transfer next week if I get Cahill

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

      go fer it

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  8. Tim Canterbury
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    After Fulham at home, United's fixtures: Arsenal away, Palace away, then a blank

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

      with moyes id even expect the blank to beat em

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      1. the axolotl
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        🙂 , it'll be close

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      2. sara oxyzoglu
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        😆

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      3. Optimus.
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        😀

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    2. Walsh
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Have decided to go without United for that reason. Hoping they don't thrash Fulham too badly.

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      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      this is why I didn't get mata in just for a 1 week captaincy. palace away is a banana skin.

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  9. RamaJama
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Bony to Lallana for free?

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    1. Declan
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      😯

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

      as part of 2 FTs?

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    3. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Oh, and it's only my first glass of wine...
      Bony to Lambert, it is, right?

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      1. the axolotl
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        must be a nice vintage 🙂

        i'd get lambert yes, under radar on here for some reason but a good option

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        1. RamaJama
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          Nice Barbaresco 2009 🙂 lambert so tempting, but know Bony will have a brace if I do the move...

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  10. Declan
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Jevans and Januzaj ➡ Collins and Yaya, -4, Yay or Nay?

    Gives me:

    Mannone
    Collins Azpi Gabbidon
    Ozil Yaya Mata Hazard
    Ade Bony Suarez

    Davis Punch Mertes Bennett

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

      cant spell yaya without yay

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    2. Demel
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Looks good

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  11. Proggy
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    When is Chambers going to be confirmed out or not? Will we know before the deadline?

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    1. Bolasie
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      no

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  12. Zombie
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Wow...too many gravless posts on this page 😯

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

      turn that into a colour and you sound rascist

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      1. Zombie
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Look...Rainbow 😛

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    2. BantamPhil
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Who cares, does it make our opinions inferior?

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      1. Zombie
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Calm down mate...Was just an honest observation

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        1. Woy of the Wovers
          • 15 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          Too many makes it a biased one.

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    3. Godfather Bandit 42
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Really?

      They all look the same to me.......

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  13. seanie3
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Pellegrini says dzeko had an ankle knock but is in the squad and fantasy picks state pellegrini has recovered!!

    is he injured or not!!

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  14. sinik
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    as people are doing their transfers I want to bring Giggs Boson's post back into the fold..treat single free transfers like hits..if you don't think making the transfer will net you 4+ points immediately then you might want to reconsider as having 2 FTs is always gold.

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

      what about for long term strategy or because next week you cant afford them ........... i dont like hard and fast rules for transfers

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      1. Walsh
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Me too. Plus hits are fun 🙂

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      2. sinik
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        I did say 'reconsider', honestly though the only thing that really impacts this is price changes

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      3. The Enlightener
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Yes Colonel! Sing it Brother! (I agree that's a bit too rigid that concept. Of course, I understand the message intended perhaps.)

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        1. The Enlightener
          • 12 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          I also agree with Sinik in that 2 FT's is gold. Too bad I never seem to have that luxury.

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

            injuries this season for me have been unbelievable..... at least 1 a week........had to do -8 last week to field 11 lol

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            1. The Enlightener
              • 12 Years
              12 years, 1 month ago

              I did -8's all the time in Fantasy MLS, and they almost always seemed to come up trumps. Hot diggity dog, it was great times! Cake for everyone!

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    2. Hamstergod
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      I actually like to save up for 2 FT's as when I use them it gives the option to chip in 4 points and do three transfers, and that usualyl sets you until the next 2ft's and gives you the option to adjust your team, when in trouble

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  15. GK
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Am I right to sub a Scout Pick? Tricky sub choice this GW!

    Boruc
    Coleman, Ward, Koscielny
    Lallana, Hazard (vc), Oscar, Yaya
    Dzeko (c), Suarez, Sturridge

    (K.Davies)(Mirallas, Sagna, Chester)

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    1. the axolotl
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      never understand this. i think you should have an obvious front 8 bench option and not be landed with these quandaries. rotation is overrated imo

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    2. DF
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      strange that. I'd bench Dzeko out of those 8.

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  16. Bolasie
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Lambert over J-Rod?

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    1. Woy of the Wovers
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Your pick.

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  17. Woy of the Wovers
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    ESBO telling me to play Bardsley ahead of Puncheon. Follow the odds or gut?

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    1. Heydudes13
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      What's ESBO?

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        1. Heydudes13
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          Cheers.

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    2. bitterandstout
        12 years, 1 month ago

        I would.

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        1. Woy of the Wovers
          • 15 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          As an either/or question, the answer leaves me at a loss.

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      • sara oxyzoglu
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        who's ESBO?

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    3. Reed_Rothchild
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Ivanovic is Chelsea's best striker IMHO.

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      1. Woy of the Wovers
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Hope Mourinho sees this.

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    4. Demel
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      This isn't actually a joke question but is Demel nailed on?

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

        i would say so yes

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      2. sara oxyzoglu
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        😯

        think so

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    5. Jeremiah
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Best replacement for Jevans?

      Defence is currently Mannona/Adrain - Sagna - Azpi - Evans - Chambers - Bruce

      Cheers 🙂

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      1. Demel
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Demel?

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      2. Zombie
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        You need some saints defense in there

        Shaw or Fonte?

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        1. Demel
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          Chambers is in there.

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          1. Zombie
            • 13 Years
            12 years, 1 month ago

            Damn..Guess i need to sleep finally

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        2. bitterandstout
            12 years, 1 month ago

            in my ML's shaw is owned by many, fonte less so, I went with fonte. Last look at ownership statistics shows this:

            fonte 21.1%
            shaw 18 %

            HTH

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      3. jasper
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        are there any good choices for captain besides Suarez

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        1. Revival
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          Mata, Hazard, RVP, Sturridge, Dzeko

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        2. Woy of the Wovers
          • 15 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          Robin could, Robin could.

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      4. gers23
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Suarez Benteke Mata or Hazard for captain? Toughie

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      5. Pinky and Brain
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Who is the most secure starter?

        Ivanovic, Cahill, Azpi

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        1. Demel
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          Ivan (but all 3 look solid)

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      6. Reed_Rothchild
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Jamsiep finished in the top 100 his second year of playing FPL in 2010 and hasn't done anything since.

        https://twitter.com/JamesPriest21

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        1. Demel
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          Love in?

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          1. Reed_Rothchild
            • 16 Years
            12 years, 1 month ago

            He makes a few transfers every week then comes on here and brags that he has a super team that will put all to shame.

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        2. JT's Dog
            12 years, 1 month ago

            Some old time names there.

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        3. RamaJama
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          Bony to Lallambert?

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        4. DonTheSpecialOne
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          4 picks (5 with Ward). Who's everyone giving The armband to, Suarez/RVP?

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

            Yaya (c) Hazard (vc) btw

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          2. Ginkapo FPL
            • 14 Years
            12 years, 1 month ago

            5 of the scout XI, I am fecked.

            Dzeko

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            1. Cilly Bonnolly
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 14 Years
              12 years, 1 month ago

              I've got eight!

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              1. Ginkapo FPL
                • 14 Years
                12 years, 1 month ago

                quit now, you wont recover from this

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                1. Cilly Bonnolly
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 14 Years
                  12 years, 1 month ago

                  😀 I know, preparing myself for a stinking week.

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

                😯 😛

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              3. Cilly Bonnolly
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 14 Years
                12 years, 1 month ago

                Sorry, I've got six of the scouts eleven. Eight from their whole squad.

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

              Dzeko could work out really well. City might trash Norwich

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          3. Cilly Bonnolly
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            12 years, 1 month ago

            Mata (c)/Hazard (v) for me.

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          4. Bolasie
            • 13 Years
            12 years, 1 month ago

            Mata or Hazard

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          5. Jeremiah
            • 13 Years
            12 years, 1 month ago

            Having a go at Yaya (C) also

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

              Like it

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        5. Tronity
          • 12 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          Need to pick 3 out of the following 5 defenders in my squad

          Coleman (TOT), Fonte (STO), Vlaar (WHU), Kos (LIV), Ward (WBA)

          Either that or drop Eriksen to the bench and play 4 at the back.

          What do you reckon?

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          1. Konig Luther
            • 13 Years
            12 years, 1 month ago

            Fonte, Ward, Coleman

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        6. the axolotl
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          anybody else get RVP as a 1-week punt? wondering what you would do if he scored a hattrick or something? i want to offload for a city striker next week, but a big haul would give me doubts

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        7. Doctor X
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          Everyone's on about Southampton having great fixtures. But after this week, they play Hull and West Ham away which are quite hard IMO. Hull and West Ham are quite good defensively at home, Especially West Ham as of now.

          Am I reading the situation all wrong lads?

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        8. FPL FREAK
          • 12 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          Help me out between these 4 for captaincy...........

          Suarez
          Sturridge
          Hazard
          Mata

          ??

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          1. Revival
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            12 years, 1 month ago

            Mata for me, as I support Arsenal I biased against SAS this week do

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            1. FPL FREAK
              • 12 Years
              12 years, 1 month ago

              But i scared dat suarez can outplay any player in trrms of points at any tym.... Wat u say...??

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          2. FFNS
            • 12 Years
            12 years, 1 month ago

            Suarez

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