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

    ok, this gameweek aside, but I suspect very soon Sturr will become a far more lucrative captain pick over suarez.

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

      You're mad. We've been here before.

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

        Italian goals are bigger I reckon

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      • Wilshere Knowledge
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Gervinho got more faith than he deserved. Such a muppet.

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    2. Paully Walnuts
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Giroud and Oscar OUT for either Mata & Dzeko (Suarez captain) or Eriksen & RVP (c)?

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

        nope

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

      Decided to not listen to anyone and went with my gut feeling

      Did: Giroud -> Lambo (people here suggesting Dzeko) and now gonna captain him

      Irrespective of what happens, right now I feel good 😉

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      1. GREENDREAMS11
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        That's it, go with your gut, always feels great when it pays off.

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      2. jas5sk - Youtube channel
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        😆 don't ask for advice then blame people for giving you advice 😉

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

          I am gonna subscribe your Youtube channel

          We friends now 😉 ?

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          1. jas5sk - Youtube channel
            • 14 Years
            12 years, 1 month ago

            If you subscribed...Heck Yeah!

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

          I've made my own changes now, how do you think I should feel about it? :-p

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

          Da da da da darararum, I knew that I would

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        • The ghost of a Pug's g…
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          I think that's a decent move....though jrod not bad pick either

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

            Penalties & Free kicks - Remember YaYa ?

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

          I think Lambert is a god option. There is no obvious candidate this week, with perhaps the exception of RVP. I might go Dzeko or Mata.

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

            Ha, good, not god.

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

            I would have gotten Dzeko had it not been for his blank

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      4. Caboose
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Nastasic + Rooney --> RVP + Collins worth it for a hit? Cheers guys!

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          • 12 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          no, definitely not

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        1. laGan1n1
          • 13 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          dont sell Nastas

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

            Would you say Kos --> 4.8 def instead?

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

          You sure Collins is nailed on as Reid is back?

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        3. Ed
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          No. Can't see any reason swapping rooney, could easily outscore rvp. maybe just nastasic

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        4. Mourinho The no1
          • 12 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          Nope

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        5. Caboose
          • 15 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          Cheers guys!

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          1. Mourinho The no1
            • 12 Years
            12 years, 1 month ago

            🙂

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

          Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaargh
          Captainphobia

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          1. Blue Lion
            • 12 Years
            12 years, 1 month ago

            Hazard ftw.

            Trust

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        • Pompey5
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          Mert or Coleman to Terry?

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

            Mert if you must

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        • The Abyss
          • 12 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          Who do you think has the best earrings? Ashley Cole, Beckham, or Aiden McGeady?

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

              Ashley bet lynch cole

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

                Yeah, love those big dangly parrot ones he sports sometimes.

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            • jas5sk - Youtube channel
              • 14 Years
              12 years, 1 month ago

              If the goal is to look more feminine, then Beckham wins

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            • theloveburglar
              • 13 Years
              12 years, 1 month ago

              none of them a patch on pat butcher

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

                However, they will aspire.

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          2. Messi & fabregas
            • 14 Years
            12 years, 1 month ago

            A) Play flanagan

            or

            B) Take a hit, get Evra and play him?

            thanks

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

              No hit for a defender..It's just math

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

            Team for this GW

            Guzan
            Fonte, Clyne, Evra,
            Mata, AJ, Gerrard, Eriksen, Oscar,
            Suarez, Rodriguez

            Gerro > Lallana for a hit ?

            Or Adybayor off the bench and 4 in mid dropping Gerro?

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          4. Franfe98
            • 12 Years
            12 years, 1 month ago

            Eriksen or Lallana?

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

              lallana

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            2. The ghost of a Pug's g…
              • 14 Years
              12 years, 1 month ago

              Lallana no doubt

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              1. Franfe98
                • 12 Years
                12 years, 1 month ago

                Is it worth a -4 hit for this week?

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

                oh crap too many players from SOTON ! haha

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            3. mr gruber
              • 14 Years
              12 years, 1 month ago

              lalls definitely

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              1. mr gruber
                • 14 Years
                12 years, 1 month ago

                if you mean to play / buy / score points...

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

            Thoughts on what to do with this team?3.8 in bank

            Mannone

            Terry Kolarov Ivanovic

            Hazard Mata Erikson Wilshere

            Suarez Benteke Giroud

            Davis Gnabry Whittaker Hudson

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

              Eriksen --> Yaya

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          6. The ghost of a Pug's g…
            • 14 Years
            12 years, 1 month ago

            A) studge to rvp

            B) adebayor to Rooney

            C) neither and keep the 4 pts

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            1. super zlatan
              • 15 Years
              12 years, 1 month ago

              B.

              Studge could do very well. As could Rooney.

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              1. The ghost of a Pug's g…
                • 14 Years
                12 years, 1 month ago

                I was worried with how deep he's played lately

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

                  This might help make your mind up.
                  Then again it might not.

                  elitefpl.blogspot.ca/2014/02/gameweek-25-preview-tips.html?m=1

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            2. The ghost of a Pug's g…
              • 14 Years
              12 years, 1 month ago

              Anyone else?

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              1. kim don juan
                • 13 Years
                12 years, 1 month ago

                I'm giving the armband to Rooney, so you can guess my answer.

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

            Good Night and Good luck to all of you!

            Let you see green!

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

              Not staying up to watch India bat 😛 ?

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              1. Blue Lion
                • 12 Years
                12 years, 1 month ago

                Na,really bushed!.

                *cough,cough*

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

                  Ah well, good night then

                  It's not that they setting the world on fire

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          8. super zlatan
            • 15 Years
            12 years, 1 month ago

            2 picks for me.

            Green arrow incoming

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

              1 here. Eat dust

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          9. Dago
            • 15 Years
            12 years, 1 month ago

            Better combination?

            A) Yaya and JRod
            B) Lallana and Dzeko

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

              A

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            2. super zlatan
              • 15 Years
              12 years, 1 month ago

              A

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              • 12 Years
              12 years, 1 month ago

              A

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

              Thank you

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            4. mr gruber
              • 14 Years
              12 years, 1 month ago

              you see, I would be tempted to say B, but then I'm not doing all that well...

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

                I liked B too and am having pretty average season too 🙂

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

              a

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          10. Maxi_Mawoofingtons
            • 14 Years
            12 years, 1 month ago

            Shrugged off an ankle knock??? WTF! haha our pactain choice depends on this

            I can see Dzeko playing 20 minutes, murphys law

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          11. Les Bleus
            • 14 Years
            12 years, 1 month ago

            Erikson to Lallana for free or save FT?

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            1. super zlatan
              • 15 Years
              12 years, 1 month ago

              I would do it. Good move

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          12. super zlatan
            • 15 Years
            12 years, 1 month ago

            Kolorov is due a monster haul.

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            1. jas5sk - Youtube channel
              • 14 Years
              12 years, 1 month ago

              ...or another day that could have been a monster haul

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

              please , please

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            3. GREENDREAMS11
              • 16 Years
              12 years, 1 month ago

              Yeah, I hope so. This could be a big week with so many people having dilemmas regarding the armband. Can't wait till tomorrow.

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            4. mr gruber
              • 14 Years
              12 years, 1 month ago

              isn't he also due a 'resting'?

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

              Hear Hear

              Will he start though 😉 ? I really need him to

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

              😯

              😀

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          13. There's Always One!
            • 16 Years
            12 years, 1 month ago

            Should I bench Silva or Johnson?

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            1. The ghost of a Pug's g…
              • 14 Years
              12 years, 1 month ago

              Both should play. Who are your other options?

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              1. There's Always One!
                • 16 Years
                12 years, 1 month ago

                Hazard. Silva. Mata. Lallana. Johnson
                Suarez. Rooney. Dzeko

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                1. The ghost of a Pug's g…
                  • 14 Years
                  12 years, 1 month ago

                  Out of those I wouldn't play dzeko tbh.

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            2. laGan1n1
              • 13 Years
              12 years, 1 month ago

              Adam

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

              Those are your problems 😯 ?

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          14. The EJJ
            • 14 Years
            12 years, 1 month ago

            Who's still captaining Suarez out there?

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

              I am.

              Was going hazard but I have changed my mind.

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

              o/

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            3. The ghost of a Pug's g…
              • 14 Years
              12 years, 1 month ago

              Currently I am, although considering rvp and Rooney for a hit

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          15. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
            • 15 Years
            12 years, 1 month ago

            any reason not to go for cheaper azpil over cahill?

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            1. The EJJ
              • 14 Years
              12 years, 1 month ago

              Cahill has a much greater attacking threat

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            2. mr gruber
              • 14 Years
              12 years, 1 month ago

              only the money I think.

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              • 12 Years
              12 years, 1 month ago

              Not really.

              I spent the extra cash and went Cahill for his goal threat (check the goal threat stats for defenders in last 6 on members).

              And I see centre back being a more solid position than full back, in terms of rotation.

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            3. 7shadesofsmoke
              • 13 Years
              12 years, 1 month ago

              i'm thinking the same Bemba.

              Security of starts and attacking threat would be the main variables...

              I'd say security of starts is a marginal factor now that Azpi looks pretty nailed.

              Cahill offers greater incremental points from BPS or attacking returns.

              Leaning toward Cahill...

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

                then ther's of course also ivanovic to consider... or alternatively a city defender.... darn, can't make up my min

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

            Since we dont keep cleanies and Kola is on fks with yaya, im including him as my 'coverage'. I may regret having no mid or fwd but something is telling me thst Norwich will push us!

            That all said I 5hink im line for a load of pts!!!

            Decent enough?

            . Mannone
            Bardsley. Terry. Kolarov.
            Mata. Hazard(v) Johnson. Lallana
            Suarez. RVP(c) Sturridge

            Boruc. Gnabry. Burner. Chester

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

              very good indeed

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            2. Big Mac 24
              • 13 Years
              12 years, 1 month ago

              NIce team!

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          17. Elwood
            • 14 Years
            12 years, 1 month ago

            Mannone or Boruc this week?

            I keep changing my mind - so far I have managed to bench most of Mannones best hauls. 🙁

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            1. laGan1n1
              • 13 Years
              12 years, 1 month ago

              Boruc

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            2. The ghost of a Pug's g…
              • 14 Years
              12 years, 1 month ago

              Mannone

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

              Mannone

              It's like this- Does Mannone has decent chance of CS?: If yes, then play him irrespective of your other keeper

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          18. Franfe98
            • 12 Years
            12 years, 1 month ago

            Is bringing Cahill in for Walker worth a -4 point hit?

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

              No

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

              fpl cardinal rule, never ever bring in a defender for a 4 point hit

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

                I did the other day. Cahill. And when he bags a fat 15 points, I'll be dancin' on the ceiling Lionel Richie style. 🙂

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

              no way

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          19. Dago
            • 15 Years
            12 years, 1 month ago

            Last one promise.... Who would you prefer this week?

            A) Lallana (no City players)
            B) Yaya (no Southampton players)

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

              A

              & I have no City players.

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              • 12 Years
              12 years, 1 month ago

              You've got no City or Southampton!? 😯

              Flip a coin. Whatever suits you best for long term transfers.

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

                Thinking taking a hit for two of these Yaya Lallana Dzeko JRod or Lambert? Which two you reckon?

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          20. Mikei
            • 13 Years
            12 years, 1 month ago

            Ward Merte Cahill Kolarov. Merte on the bench?
            And captain Hazard? Too risky?

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

              Bench Mert looks sensible.

              Who are the other contenders for the armband?

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            2. mr gruber
              • 14 Years
              12 years, 1 month ago

              That would be my choice.
              Haz or Oscar could turn out to be good cap options.

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

                Yarr. So could Silva, Yaya, Sturridge, Suarez, RVP, Rooney, Mata, Lallana, Lambert, JRod, Benteke . . . . if oyu have RVP i'd go with him.

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          21. Joel
            • 12 Years
            12 years, 1 month ago

            hmm Adybayor > Dzeko for a hit

            Or drop Gerrard to bench and play Adybayor for free with 3 up front instead of 5 midfield?

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          22. Maxi_Mawoofingtons
            • 14 Years
            12 years, 1 month ago

            Im thinking of going for a differential captain this week. I am pretty sure most of the people in my league are going to go for Dzeko as there captain and some RVP.

            I have Dzeko, but I am thinking of giving the armband to Hazard or even Benteke....

            What is your opinion...Good idea or bad idea?

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          23. Mr Wizard
            • 15 Years
            12 years, 1 month ago

            Help!!

            I've been puzzling over this for a while now.

            Lallana Yaya Johnson Mata Hazard
            Rooney Suarez Dzeko

            Drop one..
            ???

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            1. mr gruber
              • 14 Years
              12 years, 1 month ago

              I think you just have to pull rank and bench Johnno...

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

              Long term and if you must, drop AJ

              Tough fixtures and blank upcoming

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            3. Maxi_Mawoofingtons
              • 14 Years
              12 years, 1 month ago

              yaya

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            4. Mr Wizard
              • 15 Years
              12 years, 1 month ago

              I'm thinking yaya but can't bring myself to do it.... Doesn't look right him being on the bench.

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