[sbu_large_image] Scout Picks
25 April 2014 3791 comments
Paul Paul
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Three of the top four supply this week’s Scout Picks with a pair of players apiece. We double up on Liverpool, City and Arsenal and also call upon a couple of United options as the Red Devils look to go on the attack in Ryan Giggs’ first match in charge at home to struggling Norwich:

We opt for David De Gea between the posts for United’s home game against Norwich. With so much uncertainty surrounding the back-four in Ryan Giggs’ first game as boss, the Spaniard looks a secure pick against a Canaries side that has failed to score in three of their last four fixtures and are sliding closer to the bottom three with every passing Gameweek.

Leighton Baines finally edges past Seamus Coleman as our Everton defender of choice this weekend. The Toffees will be looking to keep their bid for a fourth-place finish on track as they roll up to St Mary’s, and with Southampton failing to score in each of the last two since Jay Rodriguez’ season-ending injury, the visitors will be optimistic of delivering a fourth clean sheet in five. With two goals and a pair of assists in his last seven, the left-back has risen to third in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) rankings thanks to his recent form.

Arsenal’s home game against Newcastle brings Laurent Koscielny into this week’s Picks. The Frenchman has dropped to 5.4 in FPL, with just 7% ownership, after a recent stint on the sidelines with a calf complaint. Fully fit once again, he has earned bonus on each of the last seven occasions his side have delivered a clean sheet and will fancy his chances of extending that streak, given that the Magpies have scored a mere two goals over their last seven matches.

Sunderland’s Marcos Alonso earns a rare call-up for a home showdown with Cardiff. The left-back has looked a real threat going forward in recent weeks and his underlying statistics may well come to fruition this time around – defensive returns could also be on the cards against a Bluebirds side that has scored just twice in the last three Gameweeks since tightening up at the back.

Having served up his highest haul of the season away to Hull last week, Aaron Ramsey looks in the mood to deliver the points for Arsenal’s home clash with Newcastle. The Welshman’s goal and pair of assists served a reminder of just how crucial he was in the first half of the season before injury deprived the Gunners of his services for three months – almost 250,000 Fantasy managers have snapped him up this week as Arsene Wenger’s side look for the win that will keep them ahead of Everton in the race for fourth.

A trip to fortress Britannia is no easy task but we cannot ignore the form of Christian Eriksen. The Spurs playmaker has delivered 55 points in his last five appearances and looks integral to his side’s prospects this weekend – Tim Sherwood’s troops have scored three or more goals in four of their last five, with Eriksen playing a part in nine of their 14 strikes over that period.

With three goals and an assist in the last two Gameweeks, Raheem Sterling more than merits a place in this week’s line-up. The Liverpool winger looks in irresistible form right now, and with Jose Mourinho threatening to field a weakened starting XI due to the upcoming Champions League clash against Atletico, the Reds will go for the jugular, knowing that a win would be a giant step towards clinching the title.

Yaya Toure looks poised for a return as City prepare to travel to Palace on Sunday afternoon. With David Silva ruled out through injury, the Ivorian’s goal threat from midfield will be more vital than ever as Manuel Pellegrini’s side look to end the Eagles’ five-match winning streak and stay within reach of Liverpool at the summit. Granted, Sergio Aguero’s return is likely to deprive him of spot-kick duties, but six converted penalties aside, Toure has still scored 12 times and provided five assists thus far.

In any given Gameweek, it’s almost an irrelevance who Luis Suarez squares up to, such has been his outstanding season. This weekend, however, is Liverpool’s most crucial match of the campaign so far, given that a victory over Chelsea would end the Blues’ title bid and bring the Reds a step closer to the crown – with both John Terry and Petr Cech sidelined, the Uruguayan will be confident of taking full advantage of Jose Mourinho’s patched-up backline in Sunday’s Anfield showdown.

City’s trip to Palace is far from straightforward this weekend. Tony Pulis’ side have registered four clean sheets in the last five, but if the visitors are to keep their title tilt alive, Sergio Aguero’s contribution looks key. The Argentine was handed just over an hour against West Brom on Monday evening but still found time to deliver a 12-point haul – Manuel Pellegrini’s side cannot afford any more slip-ups and can be expected to go on the offensive on Sunday, with Aguero leading the charge.

Six goals in his last seven appearances indicates Wayne Rooney’s consistency. United may have toiled under David Moyes but the England international has still managed to pick up the points – Ryan Giggs will send out his side to play with the handbrake off as the champions attempt to finish the season with a positive run of performances and Rooney could take full advantage of a Norwich backline that has been breached 12 times in their last four road trips.

Swansea’s Ben Davies warms the bench for Swansea’s home game against Villa. Paul Lambert’s side have scored just once in the three matches since Christian Benteke was ruled out for the season and look particularly toothless up top right now, whilst Davies’ raids from left-back earned him an assist only last week in a crucial win at Newcastle.

Two goals and an assist in his last four appearances highlight Morgan Amalfitano’s flourishing form. Available for just 4.2 and with a double Gameweek on the horizon, the West Brom midfielder has the perfect chance to grab our attention as West Ham roll up to the Hawthorns, with a win set to take Pepe Mel’s men to within a point of their opponents.

Wilfried Bony is perhaps a little unlucky only to make the bench. The Ivorian bagged a brace and 13-point haul in the previous Gameweek to take his tally to 14 for the season – he looks in fine form as Swansea welcome Villa to the Liberty this weekend, with a win perhaps enough to clinch their top-flight survival for another season.

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3,791 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. FACUPARSE
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Hands up if you're reluctantly playing Lukaku this gw?

    o/

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

      Currently me...

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    2. JK-R9
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Currently have Lallana in a 5 man midfield but unsure whether to change it to the beast?!

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    3. JT's Dog
      12 years, 3 months ago

      This week?

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  2. wedgec
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Play Amalfitano or Nasri? Weren't even considering this until the scout picks...

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    1. Hurricane
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      nasri

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  3. Count of Monte Hristo
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    (c) Bony, Suarez or Podolski?

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    1. Acquafresca
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Suarez

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

        B...b...but in your article...

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        1. Acquafresca
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 3 months ago

          I told you, Suarez would be 4th, but went with a Maverick pick 😉

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

            Haha appreciate your articles. Always a pleasure to read.

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            1. Acquafresca
              • 14 Years
              12 years, 3 months ago

              Cheers.

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    2. The ghost of a Pug's g…
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Suarez

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    3. wedgec
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Suarez

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    4. LewanGOALski
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Suarez

      but if you are chasing a significant gap - Pod

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  4. The ghost of a Pug's g…
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    -8 to accommodate Rooney who is (c) in my oppos team (12 points behind)

    Cahill n Lukaku ---> smalling/bardsley n roonpig

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    1. Acquafresca
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Hmmm. Who would you captain?

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

        Rooney

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        1. Acquafresca
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 3 months ago

          I mean if you didn't get him.

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

            Suarez

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  5. chrisjdgrady
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Sturridge to Aguero for -4 worth it? Maybe not this week?

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  6. LewanGOALski
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    1) play: Chester (ful) or Ward (MCI) ?

    2) captain: Suarez or Rooney ?

    Thanks! 🙂

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

      1) Chester
      2) Rooney

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    2. JK-R9
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Chester & Rooney (If you have Ramsey - I'd do that, no, I am doing that)

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    3. super zlatan
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      I have went with Chester and Rooney (c)

      Make of that what you will. x

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    4. Piggs Boson
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      1) Always play Ward

      2) Rooney

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      1. LewanGOALski
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        😯

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  7. super zlatan
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    How much will palace defenders be next season in your opinion?

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    1. Piggs Boson
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      5.0m

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      1. The Light Knight
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        This

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      2. Acquafresca
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        This. Same as WHU this season

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        1. Acquafresca
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 3 months ago

          and STK

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    2. LewanGOALski
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      I don't know, but Speroni will be my only GK with some cheap bench 4.0 lad

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    3. Breadbin
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      We don't know.

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  8. nevertrustbony
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Really need some advice here as it's a tricky decision and my team isn't in great shape for this week

    Mannone

    Zabaleta Coleman Ward

    Ramsey Mata Eriksen Mutch

    Suarez Aguero Rooney(c)

    Marshall Terry mirallas Ryan Bennett (-4)

    So, I have no bench and i've already taken a hit, I've got 0.8 ITB
    I'll probably do mirallas to yaya next week but this week should i
    a) leave it as it is
    b) do Terry > koscielny( and then proably take a hit next week downgrading coleman and upgrading mirallas) would then bench mutch or ward.
    c) something else?

    Thanks for any feedback, i also must note that i am willing to take risks and play aggressively as I'm chasing a 25 pt ML lead

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    1. JK-R9
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Get a United defender (double gameweek coming up as well).

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      1. nevertrustbony
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        Don't know who is most nailed on though

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  9. top556677
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    dzeko to bony fora 4pt hit?

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    1. Hurricane
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      yes

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    2. JT's Dog
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Haven't you read the new rules
      -4 can only involve Rooney or Ramsey this week

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  10. The Light Knight
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Pulis got the sack at Stoke because of his poor transfer record
    He has already spent £3m on Wayne Hennessy in one window, who knows what he'll have done by this time next season.

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

      Kept cpal up with mediocre players for another season?

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    2. JT's Dog
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Hennessy hasn't let him down yet has he

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      1. The Light Knight
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        You're right there 😆

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  11. MJ6987
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Anyone else in the "Silva / Lukaku > Ramsey / Rooney -4" club?

    Reckon this must be quite popular this week.

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

      Soon to be in the Lukaku > Rooney for a hit club I think.

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    2. JK-R9
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      I would be if I wasn't 0.2 out...Hoping the beast cleans up at St. Mary's

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    3. super zlatan
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      I done it for a hit on Tuesday.

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

      I'm in the cool kids club. I had Ramsey last week 😎

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    5. A.T
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Very popular I'd've thought, which is why I'm trying to mix it up a bit.

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    6. DonTheSpecialOne
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      \o

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    7. LewanGOALski
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      I am worried that my ML rivals have Mirallas nad Silva, as they will most likely go for Rambo. And I have no one to ditch for him :O

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    8. nevertrustbony
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      o/

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    9. BigManBakar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      o/

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    10. Breadbin
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Yes, both.

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  12. ratski
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Why is everybody going hits mad with just 3 gw to go? And is yaya a confirmed return this week? Seems all a bit risky

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    1. JK-R9
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      He's a maybe and I think Pelle is risk adverse so he'll have him on the bench.

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

      Because there's a double gameweek, people can easily make the points back.

      And because it is towards the end of the season, it's all or nothing for some people to win their mini leagues.

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    3. Bubz
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      If you're not going to go mad with 3 weeks to go when are you?

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    4. Dr Dream
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      I agree...The place has gone stark raving mad.

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  13. Andy1
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Is Ramsey the best replacement for Silva?

    Or yaya or mata?

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  14. samcro
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Play Ward or Barkley?

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  15. faulksp
    • 17 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Rooney or Suarez for (c)

    Hate the idea of a Rooney fail tomorrow and having to hide behind the sofa Sunday. Main rival 7 points ahead does not have Roo or Aguero ( I have) and I'm pretty sure he will (c) Suarez.

    Should I play safe with Suarez (c) as I reckon Rooney will out score his other 2 strikers Dzeko and Sturridge.

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    1. JK-R9
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      He who dares

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      1. faulksp
        • 17 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        ....has a shite Saturday evening !!

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  16. Who Ate All Depays?
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    A) Chambers -> Kosc (-8)
    B) Mirallas -> Nasri/Yaya (-8)
    C) Chambers & Mirallas -> Kosc & Nasri/Yaya (-12)

    team atm is
    Mannone
    Coleman, Ward, Mccartney, Cahill
    Eriksen, Mata, Ramsey
    Rooney, Suarez, Aguero
    (Adrian, Chambers, Parker, Mirallas)

    already did Silva & Lukaku-> Ramsy & Rooney

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  17. Big Ronnie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    All set or play Chester ahead of Cahill?

    Mannone
    Baines, Cahill, Zaba
    Gerrard, Ramsey, Eriksen, Lallana
    Suarez, Aguero, Rooney(C)

    Adrian, Chester, Ward, Noone

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    1. Hurricane
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      good to go

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      1. Big Ronnie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        Cheers SF

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  18. CobraKai
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Boruc

    Coleman Zabaleta Terry(inj)

    Silva(inj) Puncheon Mutch Lallana

    Dzeko Sturridge(inj) Suárez

    SUBS: Adrián, Mirallas(inj), Turner, Ryan Bennett

    Need help team riddled with injury's. Only 1 FT.

    What transfers to do ? Should I take a hit?

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    1. JK-R9
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Take a hit:

      Silva > Mata
      Sturridge > Rooney

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      1. CobraKai
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        cheers.

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  19. Top Drawer Jeff
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Can anyone see Ya Ya playing in the hole this weekend to negate the loss of Silva......or is it more likely that he will play beside Fernandinho ??

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    1. FACUPARSE
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      20 min cameo

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      1. Top Drawer Jeff
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        I would have thought that if he's fit that Pelle will start him ....how convinced are you of the 20 min cameo possibility ??

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    2. MJ6987
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Alongside Fernandinho.

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      1. Top Drawer Jeff
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        Which would limit his appeal even less especially without peno's ...thanks for that !!!

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  20. JT's Dog
    12 years, 3 months ago

    If you were likely to bring the other one in next week who would you go for this week
    Rooney
    Aguero

    Or keep sturridge

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    1. Piggs Boson
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Rooney

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

        Even if two of your rivals have aguero
        40 points in front of both

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        1. S.Kuqi
          • 13 Years
          12 years, 3 months ago

          Still Rooney

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        2. Piggs Boson
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 3 months ago

          Yes. You'll extend your lead 🙂

          Just pick who you think will score the most and ignore everyone else.

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

            Cheers just needed wise words to convince me

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  21. Sadio
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    ACQUA

    Tell me your team news.

    Thanks,

    Stevie

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    1. super zlatan
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Wow

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  22. The Sarjeant
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Whys there 4 forwards in the Scout Picks?

    It's probably happened before, but I've never noticed.

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    1. DonTheSpecialOne
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      \_(",)_/

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    2. Hurricane
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      and podolski deserved a place too,considering his recent performances. Spoilt for choice!

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      1. Piggs Boson
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 3 months ago

        He'll probably make the 'spot the differential' article.

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    3. Piggs Boson
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      They always provide an extra 'riskier' option on the bench for each position.

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    4. Konig Luther
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Always one option for each position

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  23. Breadbin
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Scouts: De Gea, Alonso, Kosc, Baines, Yaya.
    Me: Mannone, Evra, Mert, Coleman, Nasri.

    Who wins?

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    1. super zlatan
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Who cares?

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

        Bears do

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    2. Bubz
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Scouts

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    3. Anonymous84
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      scouts

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    4. Dušan Citizen
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      You..for atleast 10 points different

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    5. MJ6987
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Scouts

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  24. Your Mum's Athletic
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    5 including SAR frontline..............

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  25. Dušan Citizen
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Last prepering,should I play Chester or Vlaar? I had a dream that Vlaar gonna score,and in other hand Chester have better fixture.I remembered when I dreamed Aguero gonna score goals against Tottenham in first game,I captained him and he scored 2 goals and assist.

    Other question is who to captain? Suarez,Aguero,Ramsey or Mata?

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  26. Anonymous84
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Chasing big lead in mini league and playing wildcard this week.

    Taking suarez out for next 2 weeks is a risk but need to be bold. Appreciate comments on team below:

    DDG
    Kos // Skertl // Alonso
    AJ // Mata // Yaya // Rambo
    Aguero // Rooney // Bony

    Bench: Mannone, Chester, Demi, Sterling

    Should I play:
    a) Alonso or Demi
    b) AJ or Sterling

    Cheers

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  27. Ógie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Will Monreal play against Newcastle?

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  28. stufail
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Play Chester (ful) or Dann (MCY)?

    RMT says Chester, but I initially had Dann. Feel like it's 50:50!

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    1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      i have the same quandary............id play ches

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  29. BKR
    • 17 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Scout Picks underlines Mata wont get any game time. All Mata owners, whats your plans?

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    1. Piggs Boson
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      I just bought him about half an hour ago.

      Scout picks don't indicate that he won't get game time.

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    2. FACUPARSE
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Reel em in ?

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    3. MJ6987
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Of course Mata will start!

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  30. HurriKane
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 3 months ago

    Will Yaya be straight back into starting lineup or eased in ??

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    1. Breadbin
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Might play.

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    2. mdm
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      straight

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    3. super zlatan
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      I think he will start.

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    4. MJ6987
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 3 months ago

      Start

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