Preamble

The Pre-Match Preamble – Gameweek 30

Earlier this week I noticed a Hot Topic questioning whether the January Wildcard should be scrapped. I’ll happily admit that I support many of the arguments for it being banished – not least the fact it compounds the creation of template teams – but I’m torn: if it wasn’t for the New Year refresh, my season would probably be in tatters rather than edging towards some degree of respectability.

The Wildcard has been kind to me. It took until January but, finally, I managed to salvage a few sound decisions which have laid the foundations for a gradual recovery.

In a season of lessons learned, it’s taught me something I’ll take forward to future seasons: if there’s obvious errors that require major surgery, turn to the scalpel quickly, whatever the cost. The Wildcard has highlighted that when your squad feels sound and is regularly earning you green arrows the burden of decision-making suddenly becomes easier – the chances of making further “good calls” are somehow enhanced. That’s a nonsensical theory but, for some reason, one that I’m clinging to.

My stubborn approach in the early season – my reluctance to admit errors and opt for obvious “bandwagon” targets meant that I was, for weeks on end, fighting fires. Every decision was pressured and mistakes stacked up, sinking me further into the mire.

Since January, the experience has been different. My decision to jump on the Luis Suarez bandwagon gave me the initial spurt I needed; my twin Chelsea defenders, along with a flourishing Eden Hazard, have provided me with a consistent and robust platform to build from.

Suddenly there are fewer fires to douse and I’ve been able to use transfers to aid recovery – the decision to bring in Raheem Sterling. Last weeks’ successful move for Wayne Rooney. Gradually I’ve managed to add a few more sound judgments to the mix and, low and behold, things are looking healthier.

It’s too little, too late. I know that. But, I also know that it’s made me realise the value of addressing issues quickly. Granville said to me earlier in the season that I was making changes too slowly. It pains to admit it, but he was right.

I should have used the initial Wildcard more wisely but, aside from that, I should have had the mettle to spend points to rid myself of failed decisions and move for obvious targets. Had I established the foundation I have now back in Gameweek 10, my season would have been more enjoyable and, in all likelihood, more successful.

Obvious, right? I’m not sure why it’s taken me seven seasons to realise this. Perhaps the reality is that I’ve never really suffered such a slump, that somehow I’ve always found a right decision at the right time to stem the slide.

I’ll end with a story.

Earlier in the season, I took comfort that I was ranked alongside Ulrik Nyland. This guy was top of our Career Hall of Fame – clearly a Fantasy Premier League manager of some repute. Ulrik was uncharacteristically struggling this term but, in Gameweeks 5 and 6 he spent no less than 24 points on transfers. I scoffed at the time. Surely this was a classic knee jerk? Maybe Ulrik’s credentials weren’t so sound.

Ulrik was ranked 939,746 in Gameweek 6. After spending those points he earned two red arrows and 17 green. By Gameweek 25 he was ranked 21,117. I was ranked 478,442.

Clearly, Ulrik learned the lesson long before me.

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

1,666 Comments Post a Comment
  1. BantamPhil
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 16 days ago

    Viewing my GW31 team now is just a beautiful sight

    much fixtures

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    1. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      It's an orgy of games.

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    2. Billy Gilmore
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      Mutch's fixture is not beautiful if I'm honest.

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      1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 16 days ago

        Mutch of a muchness?

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        1. Ginkapo FPL
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 16 days ago

          Mutch adoo about Noone

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  2. Jafooli
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 16 days ago

    One jammy goal from Yaya will do me fine.

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    1. rohan
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      Who'd you captain, mate?

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      1. Jafooli
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 16 days ago

        Suarez vs Ferdinand 😆
        Suarez vs Smalling 😆
        Suarez vs Vidic 😆
        Suarez vs Jones 😆

        You?

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        1. Jax
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 16 days ago

          4 v 6 6 6 6

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    2. Declan-
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      2 minimum... To punish the non believers

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      1. Jafooli
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 16 days ago

        Okay then 😀

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    3. beric
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      Yep, anything is good

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      1. Jafooli
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 16 days ago

        True Beric...

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    4. Dr Dream
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      No such thing as Jammy with Yaya...when he decides to have a do it remains done. Jammy is Lukaku's job.

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      1. Jafooli
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 16 days ago

        I'd prefer a jammy goal/peno 😛

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      2. Goaldigger
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 16 days ago

        Jammy Yaya

        Lucky Lukaku

        Thus they shall be known.

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    5. Mr. Greedy
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      Cheering him on for the first time this season!

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      1. Jafooli
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 16 days ago

        Same here Greedy. First time this season I'm not worried 😀

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        1. Grumpy Camel
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 16 days ago

          same, i own him for the first time and all i feel is dirty

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  3. In Like Flynn.
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 16 days ago

    Kolarov has to stay in UFPL, my brain is fried.

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    1. Billy Gilmore
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      I sent him to the reserves as punishment.

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      1. In Like Flynn.
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 16 days ago

        😡

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        1. Billy Gilmore
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 16 days ago

          Brought AJ off the bench, so win-win 🙂

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          1. Get up ya bum
            • 14 Years
            10 years, 16 days ago

            I hauled him off for Chambers. That'll teach him

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            1. Mílanista
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              10 years, 16 days ago

              I took the armband off him and gave it to Borini

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              1. Billy Gilmore
                • 11 Years
                10 years, 16 days ago

                😆

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              2. Get up ya bum
                • 14 Years
                10 years, 16 days ago

                Noice! Nolan capitano for me

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              3. JK - Cønt ⭐
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 12 Years
                10 years, 16 days ago

                LOVE IT BORINI CAPTAINEERS UNITE

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            2. Billy Gilmore
              • 11 Years
              10 years, 16 days ago

              I even had to haul the armband off him as well.

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              1. Get up ya bum
                • 14 Years
                10 years, 16 days ago

                We gotta show him tough love so he's at his best for Fulham 😉

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  4. Twisted Saltergater
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 16 days ago

    Yaya 'ran' about for 90 mins against Barcelona on Wednesday night, right? 2pts please buddy.

    Can see a 1-1 here. Hull are decent on the counter.

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    1. beric
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      He doesn't need to run to score a fk and a pen

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      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 16 days ago

        Burst my bubble why don't you!

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        1. beric
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 16 days ago

          🙂

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    2. Jax
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      no city will win.

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  5. Chu Young Ping Pong
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 16 days ago

    Come on Dzeko. I want 10 pts at least. You're better than Lukaku!

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  6. Arvin-ation
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 16 days ago

    If only I had that 0.1 more for Yaya over Gerrard 🙁

    COME ON HULLL!!

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    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      You don't deserve Gerrard!

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  7. Wilshere Knowledge
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 16 days ago

    Why do people keep going on about Yaya? 95% of relevant players have him, so it means nothing if you have him, it only matters if you dont.

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    1. beric
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      Less than that this week I think, after the blanks

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    2. Get up ya bum
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      I don't. Does that mean I matter or I'm irrelevant?

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      1. beric
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 16 days ago

        You're in the 5% buddy

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        1. Get up ya bum
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 16 days ago

          😎

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      2. Wilshere Knowledge
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 16 days ago

        I dont have him either. But theres people salvating over him being in the hole hoping for goals etc, when it barely means anything for rank. Its like i dont care what Hazard does bevause everyone has him.

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        1. Get up ya bum
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 16 days ago

          True. I guess those that just got him are just cheering they don't have to fear him anymore. Excuse me while I find a couch to hide behind

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    3. Geordienufc1
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      Mm. Still haven't gotten him in.

      I would love a Silva brace tbh..

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    4. Declan-
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      Way less than that. World number one doesn't even have him

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    5. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      Er, some people don't have him.

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    6. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      I'm so stubborn...

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      1. Get up ya bum
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 16 days ago

        Same 🙂

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    7. Mr. Greedy
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      My rivals sold him and I got him in!

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    8. Chu Young Ping Pong
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      Wrong. Many don't have him.

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    9. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      Because it's the first time I've had him all season. Let me have my moment 😛

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    10. The Shadow
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      Number 1 in the world doesn't have him. Perfect time for Yaya owners to make their move.

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  8. Chris_White
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 16 days ago

    Yoshida > Baines this week.

    Now that's what you call an upgrade!

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    1. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      Feels good to have Baines 🙂

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      1. Chu Young Ping Pong
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 16 days ago

        Yea, 2 asssits all season...

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      2. Chu Young Ping Pong
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 16 days ago

        Oh dear. You sold RVP for Aguero? 😛

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        1. Jax
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 16 days ago

          have you seen his points total. not so oh dear now.

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    2. Van Dal
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      Iphone 3gs > 5s

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      1. Chris_White
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 16 days ago

        Nokia 100 > 5S

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    3. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      Exact same move for me, also (c) 😎

      Thanks Kun.

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      1. Van Dal
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 16 days ago

        Unlucky dude.

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    4. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      Twisted Saltergater likes this.

      Surprised you didn't do it a week early for the Cardiff fixture?

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      1. Chris_White
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 16 days ago

        Would be for a hit and my 3 other defenders are Pieters(WHM), Shaw(NOR) and Iva(avl)

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        1. Twisted Saltergater
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 16 days ago

          Yeah, difficult to drop any of those.

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  9. Van Dal
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 16 days ago

    Yaya playing up top!? Cmon!

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    1. Declan-
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      He's in the hole

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      1. Van Dal
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 16 days ago

        Even better

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  10. Valar(Keith)
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 16 days ago

    The first time this entire season i buy yaya so i can stop worryin bout him and cheer him on.. my jammy rival who's owned yaya all season captains him 🙁 .. grrr

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  11. Optimus.
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 16 days ago

    Yaya in the hole confirms my position will be sat behind the couch! 😆

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    1. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      Peter Couch?

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    2. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      I can't believe I'm still yet to have him this season. 😯

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      1. JK - Cønt ⭐
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 16 days ago

        it's strange how these things happen. I've not owned an Arsenal defender all season

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    3. Get up ya bum
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      Yep!

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  12. Bøwstring The Carp
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 16 days ago

    Hope Dzeko has a stinker so Negredo plays the DGW 🙁

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  13. Chris_White
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 16 days ago

    Lukaku/Hazard captainers before "The Suarez Show" tomorrow...

    http://www.reactiongifs.com/r/arrogant.gif

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    1. Wilshere Knowledge
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      What a prat! haha

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  14. money face bandwagon
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 16 days ago

    play hazard or chester next gw?

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    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      It sounds silly but Chester really does have a great DGW.

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      1. money face bandwagon
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 16 days ago

        yeah i feel silly that i m actually thinking chester over hazard too! how a dgw makes an average player with gr8 fixture to become a good player

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  15. The Light Knight
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 16 days ago

    How many players with a DGW do you plan to have?

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    1. Del Monte
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      11

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    2. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      10 plus Hazard

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      1. Van Dal
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 16 days ago

        Same

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      2. Epic Fail
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 16 days ago

        This. Though Evans is one of them.

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    3. Mílanista
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      9, maybe 10. Hazard is the only SGWer guaranteed a place.

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    4. Chris_White
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      9

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    5. money face bandwagon
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      10 + hazard or chester

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      1. Az
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 16 days ago

        Has to be Haz

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        1. money face bandwagon
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 16 days ago

          yeah i guess so too LOL

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    6. Demí
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      9/10

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    7. Notorious
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      8 or 9

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    8. Gazza2000
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      9

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    9. Declan-
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      9 plus Jt and hazard

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    10. Billy Gilmore
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      9

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    11. Miracallas
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      10

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  16. JK - Cønt ⭐
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 16 days ago

    Switched the armband from Lukaku to Hazard last night. Glad I did

    Rival went Hazard (c) but swapped Ade for Negredo. So Romelu is a differential anyway 😀

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    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      Yep, made the same captain switch, this morning. I genuinely think something has clicked with Hazard and he wants to reach the Messi / Ronaldo performance level.

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  17. Bootsy: Snoddy's Reven…
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 16 days ago

    City haven't score much lately, Hull excellent defense at home....

    please blank Yaya....

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    1. GREENDREAMS11
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      Yeah, no City here, going to be a tough 90 minutes viewing.

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  18. In Like Flynn.
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 16 days ago

    Phew!!!! That's it all teams done for better or worse.

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    1. The Light Knight
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      Marathon effort! 🙂

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  19. rohan
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 16 days ago

    Jaf

    Hazard

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  20. Az
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 16 days ago

    Toure the ultimate troll. Don't you troll me today! First time owner... Thought I'd just get over my stubbornness and get the man. -4 though, and sold my favourite player (mata).

    The things fpl does to you...

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    1. Declan-
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      I did that move as part of -4 too

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  21. Call Me Old Fashioned
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 16 days ago

    DGW31

    MANNONE
    COLEMAN Cahill MOlsson
    YAYA NOLAN Hazard Snodgrass
    SUAREZ(C) STURRIDGE LUKAKU

    Marshall Puncheon Ward Chambers

    4M in bank. Which 2 transfers to do for -4 to get 9DGWers or stick to 8DGWers?

    1 - Snodgrass--->Gerrard/Nasri/Silva
    2 - Snodgrass---->Sterling
    3 - MOlsson--->Chester/Flanagan (Zaba if I get Nasri)

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    1. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      1 + 3 with either Nasri and Flanagan or Gerrard and Zaba

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    2. Miracallas
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      Olsson -> Zaba and Snoddy -> Sterling looks pretty nice

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  22. JK - Cønt ⭐
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 16 days ago

    I'm liking that none of Evra, Nolan or Sturridge are currently close to rising. Gives me plenty of time to wait to cover all eventualities, especially with Evra

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  23. Your Mum's Athletic
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 16 days ago

    AGUERO STARTS........................ for italy in the six nations

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  24. Jönny
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 16 days ago

    Yikes... Everyone in my leagues who I'm worried about has captained Hazard this week. I've gone with Suarez.

    Combined with my 8 point Aguero hokey cokey, this could be a season defining week. Wish me luck!

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  25. Chris_White
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 16 days ago

    Predictions for United-Pool?

    I'm gonna go for 2-2

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    1. Jebiga
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      1-0 or 2-0

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      1. Jebiga
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 16 days ago

        utd will win im 100% sure

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    2. The Light Knight
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      2-4

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    3. Test Eagles
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      4-3

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    4. Get up ya bum
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      1-3

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    5. drughi
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      1-2

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  26. Jebiga
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 16 days ago

    so every hit in DGW = 0 ? right ? 🙂 i was thinkin -8 hit to take

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    1. Miracallas
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      -2, if you get a player who plays 2 games for a player that would have played 1

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    2. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      I suppose it is if it's a Man City or Sunderland player and you keep them.

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  27. Acquafresca
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 16 days ago

    For the DGW would you guys play:

    A) Ivan (ARS)

    or

    B) Chester (WBA, whu)

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    1. Chris_White
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      Chester

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    2. Jebiga
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      are you kidding me 🙂

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      1. Jebiga
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 16 days ago

        i will play ivanovic, sorry because im different 🙂

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    3. Mílanista
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      Chester

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    4. Get up ya bum
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      Chesthair

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    5. Moin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      Chester..can expect at least one CS

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    6. Miracallas
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      B

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    7. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      Chester by miles

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  28. Holmes
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 16 days ago

    Rival took -8pts hit to get a forward of Suarez, Sturridge, Rooney against my forward of Luka, Lambert, Suarez
    😎
    He is going to beat me by miles....

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  29. Mojo Rojo
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 16 days ago

    I see Lolarov is up to his old tricks

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  30. Captain Shirokov
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 16 days ago

    I will literally post Big Sam a box of chocolates if he gives Reid his place back in the team today.

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    1. The Light Knight
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      Unfortunately you never know what you're gonna get next week

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