Podcast

The ScoutCast – Episode 133 – Beginnings

14 August 2014 7186 comments
Mark Mark
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A new beginning. On the eve of a new campaign, two grumpy middle-aged has-beens gather in a studio to recall the summer’s feast of football and look ahead to another Fantasy season, full of hope.

There’s no frills. No live video cast. No special guests. Just Granville and I, stripped back and almost unplugged.

Don’t let that put you off, though. Even with our limited powers we at least attempt to cut through the issues currently rattling around in the minds of Fantasy managers.

We assess the Old Trafford revolution, the world without Suarez and the merits of the three-man strike force. We slice through the current transfer trends and weigh up matters such as the Sigurdsson/Bojan rotation, Fagregas vs Hazard and the Chelsea back four conundrum. We also manage to warm up with a nice little argument about the Alexis Sanchez bandwagon – the traditional pre-season barney.

Be there at the birth via this link, or witness the new dawn via the handy player below.

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

7,186 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Pepin - RIP Absinthe
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Downloading the ScoutCast for a 3 hour flight to Canada 😎

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    1. Walsh
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      It was great to listen to Mark and Granville back at it. Enjoy it Pep.

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      1. Pepin - RIP Absinthe
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        I actually stop listening once it became a video mish-mash, I am a bit old-school with my ScoutCast, much enjoyed the gramophone version.

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        1. gruffyboy
          • 16 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          Likewise

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    2. Pepin - RIP Absinthe
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Let's hope there's on-board WiFi, would be tinkertime!

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    3. tw
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Where in Canada are you headed?

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    4. Canadian Football
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      safe trip Pep.....welcome to Canada

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  2. mgilbert86
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Somehow I've landed on this backline, looks good I think

    Krul
    Jones Debuchy Cahill Chester Hutton

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    1. OPTA FPL
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      it's good but...

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  3. OPTA FPL
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Really want 2 Spurs def in short term (first 3 GW), pick 2 for me from:

    Naughton, Kaboul, Dawson, Rose, Davies.

    Just pick. Thanks

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    1. I Am ToTo
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      no one knows whos nailed
      just Kaboul

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      1. OPTA FPL
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        yeah because that so I pick 2 mate
        Even Kaboul is not nailed on IMO.

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        1. Sherman Cardenas
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          Davies and Kaboul

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  4. Tiki-Taka
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Had Kelly pencilled in for my 4.5 def slot but given the Pulis news I just don't think they'll be as defensively sound. What do people think to James Collins (WHM) for 4.5? West Ham are always good for the odd cleanie and it looks like him and Reid will be first choice

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    1. Sherman Cardenas
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Not a bad shout - there aren't any very good options for 4.5 now. Not sure the West Ham defence is what it was though - I've gone for Van Aanholt.

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      1. dribbler
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        with Tomkins needed at right back just now I'm not too sure whether Collins or Tomkins will end up partnering Reid...so you need to think about Jenkinson and Demel before you take the plunge

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  5. Jordan.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Has courtois got the nod? if so that's 2 probs sorted,chelsea def and keepers,anybody???

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    1. OPTA FPL
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      nope

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    2. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      We'll find out on Monday.

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  6. I Am ToTo
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    4M nailed defenders?
    any good with Stoke or Sunderland rotation

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    1. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Moore

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    2. Test Eagles
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Good rotation is Stoke / Swansea and then QPR / Crystal Palace if that helps?

      I've gone for a backline of:

      Speroni | Green
      Terry | Pieters | N Taylor | Wisdom | Vlaar

      Play Terry every week and then rotate the other 4 with guaranteed 3 home games every week, including keeper.

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      1. dribbler
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        I appreciate that you may have young but for that money you can have Terry-MUN-TOT-SWA-AVL if you want

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  7. Fchildress
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Getting close to finally having team nailed down. Think this is my final decision:

    1) Sanchez, Tadic, Jovetic
    2) Hazard, Tadic, Giroud
    3) Fab, Nasri, Giroud
    4) Fab, Sterling, Giroud
    5) Silva, Sterling, Giroud

    Rest of team is:
    DDG (Myhill)
    Luis, Davies, Chambers (PVA, Hutton)
    Mata, Siggy (Marney)
    Rooney Costa

    Thanks guys

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    1. I Am ToTo
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      3

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    2. Nice to Finally Michu
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      I like 4

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    3. GerardoGarzon11
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      4

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  8. hazza44
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    A.) De Gea, Cameron, Davies
    or
    B.) Bego, Chambers, Jones

    thanks

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    1. OPTA FPL
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      B

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    2. I Am ToTo
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      A if Cameron is nailed

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  9. 2EZ4KKR
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    is austin still on penalties?

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  10. Gorgles
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    A) Mata Cameron Bojan
    B) Young Lovren Jovetic

    Should I put Young in for Mata and use the extra money for the rest of my team?

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    1. OPTA FPL
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      A but not Camerom

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    2. I Am ToTo
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      if Cameron is nailed A

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  11. I Am ToTo
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    any 4.5 nailed defenders? on the long term

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  12. 4vets
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    I've flipped the coins, tossed the dice 😯 and have chosen a team. Thank you. I am awesome.

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    1. I Am ToTo
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      thanx

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      1. 4vets
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        No problem.

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    2. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      salad*

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      1. 4vets
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Limp lettuce... bugger!

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    3. The Shadow
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      No sacrifice to the gods of football = casual!

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      1. 4vets
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Pfff... my son's throat was slit at midnight.

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  13. Venom Snake
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    People need to start ignoring the BPS and not pick players on their bonus potential. It won't make the slightest bit of difference without a CS, goal or an assist.

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    1. I Am ToTo
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      i am not following

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      1. Venom Snake
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Young for eg. Playing on the wing, so it is thought because he will get plenty of successful dribbles he's a good pick for bonus points- but it counts for nothing unless he gets a goal or an assist.

        That was off top of my head but there are plenty others

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        1. Billy Gilmore
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          Dribbles only really matters for defenders tbh cause as you say unless there's a goal/assist for attackers (usually results in much greater spread of BPS values making dribbles etc practically worthless) then they likely won't get anything.

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    2. Deano
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      The biggest difference in the BPS is that there will be no multiples this year - Max BP per game of 6 points. Last year for CS we often had multiple 3/2/1s - in one match, 3 DEF all got 3 points.

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  14. jaguar shark
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    What are you guys using for a 4.0 Keeper?

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    1. I Am ToTo
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      a non playing one

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    2. OPTA FPL
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      lowest % ownership

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      1. jaguar shark
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        looks like that's Ben Hamer

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    3. magic.inside
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Lowest % ownership to avoid price drop.

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    4. The Shadow
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Gilks who seems to have the greatest potential to become a playing 4.0.

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    5. Test Eagles
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      The lowest % ownership, which will then become the highest % ownership 🙂

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  15. Michael Jordan - call me MJ
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    A Krul + Jones

    Or

    B De Gea + Chester

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    1. Nice to Finally Michu
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      B

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  16. Call Me Old Fashioned
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    F****** hell Pulis, now I do not know whether to keep Ward or not

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    1. Venom Snake
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      I swapped him for Kelly, seems a better risk when your saving 0.5m

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    2. OPTA FPL
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      😯

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    3. magic.inside
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      I dropped him. Palace could be a train wreck for a little bit.

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      1. Kane Toads
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Any suggestions for a replacement for Ward?

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    4. Zep
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      I took him out... wait and see for me...

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      1. Call Me Old Fashioned
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        I honestly have no clue now, may transfer to a Stoke 5M now. Perhaps Pieters.

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  17. ILOVEBAPS
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Allo allo!

    Comments and opinions appreciated on this attempt.

    Begovic
    Azpi, Caulker, Debuchy
    Ramsey, Sterling, Fábregas, Sigurdsson
    Costa, Remy, Rooney
    (Gilks, Wisdom, Albrighton, Ward)

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    1. Nice to Finally Michu
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Interesting Remy pick, a good differential perhaps though I heard his fitness is in doubt. Rest looks good but Azpi is a risky selection so maybe do Ward > Kellu and Azpi > Cahill/Terry

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      1. ILOVEBAPS
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Ahh cheers for the reply and ideas. I like Remy so I will hold out as late as possible but not sure who else to get for that price!

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        1. Starvaiger
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          Pelle!

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          1. ILOVEBAPS
            • 13 Years
            11 years, 5 months ago

            Was looking at Lambert, Bony, Dzeko, Jovetic, Giroud and Ade as an upgrade? Doesn't seem to be much on offer at Remy's 7.5.

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    2. ILOVEBAPS
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Oops sorry Ryan!
      Just went back a page and saw your post on RMT's.

      Is that a permanent thing now? Wont do it again if so. 😉

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      1. Ryan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Its permanent till deadline, yes.

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    3. Venom Snake
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Haven't seen you in a while baps.
      I'd lose remy, not enough preseason under his belt and Austin has been looking dominant

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      1. ILOVEBAPS
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Ah good to know. Yeah I have been under a rock for a few months (Manila work) but back home in Aus now. 😉 Looking forward to another top 5K result this season if the gods are smiling on me!

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    4. OPTA FPL
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Azpil is a risk

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      1. ILOVEBAPS
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Just swapped out for Terry. Though I think Azpi will be more of a permanent fixture this season.

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  18. hazza44
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    No idea who to get for the last few spots. Have 20mil any suggestions??

    ____ (Myhil)

    Terry - ____ - ___ (____, Moore)

    Erikson - Siggy - Mata - Rambo ( Albrighton)

    Costa - Jovetic - Rooney

    thanks guys.

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    1. Zep
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Krul (w/ Elliot)

      Jones/Debuchy Caulker Clyne

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    2. Nice to Finally Michu
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Begovic
      Lovren-van Aanholt-Clyne

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  19. tw
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    News to free up .5

    terry to luis or clyne to 4.5m def (who?)?

    Current defense:
    Bego 4.0
    Terry Clyne Naylor PVA moore

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    1. OPTA FPL
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Naylor to Hutton
      Swansea is a mess now

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  20. OPTA FPL
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    only for Gw1:

    Snoddy ( vs QPR)

    or

    Arnie (vs VILLA) ?

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    1. Nice to Finally Michu
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Neither go for Hendo, if I had to Snod

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      1. kiwi_pool
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        This.

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      2. OPTA FPL
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        ok thanks. I prefer both to Henderson though

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  21. blauriecon
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    A) Caulker Dubuchy Duff Hutton Wisdom
    B) Bartley Davies Manquillo Wisdom Yoshida

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  22. Koflok
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    To Palace or not to Palace.

    One thing for sure I'm not gonna spend 5m on them. Kelly at 4.5m is an option.
    Most people are abandoning ship with Pulis' departure, but really, has their prospect been really flushed down the FPL toilet completely?

    One thing is their home fixture is still on them. Easily the best in the first 6.

    Also, Pulis left them, and Palace was doing well on Pulis' philosophy. It's not like Stoke, who sacked Pulis because they want to change their brand of football. With no managers, wouldn't be it reasonable for them to play the Pulis way that has been proven to be a winning formula?

    At 4.5m, Kelly might still be a good shout.

    I'm looking at Chester as well as they got the same easy GWs as Palace and a reasonable GW 1 fixture, but they got Europa 2 days before the home game.

    What do you guys reckon?

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    1. Aston Villa-Boas
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      I have doubts that kelly will go straight into the lineup... he could be eased in

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      1. Koflok
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Wouldn't play them vs Arsenal anyway.

        You reckon he will play at GW 2?

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        1. Aston Villa-Boas
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          I have no idea...

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      2. Aston Villa-Boas
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        though I wouldn't spend 5.0 on a palace def atm

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    2. Call Me Old Fashioned
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      I had a good 3 P 2 with Hull, Sunderland and Palace. Now I am trying to find an adequate replacement.

      I am looking at a straight swap for Clyne or Pieters

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      1. Koflok
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Clyne easily if you haven't got him

        Hull Palace Southampton got the same rotation home fixture

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        1. Call Me Old Fashioned
          • 15 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          Hull/Sunderland/Stoke for a 3P2 or Hull/Sunderland/Soton for a 3P2. Both look decent

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    3. Zep
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      I'm happy going with Caulker/Clyne instead and will monitor Ward et al...

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    4. Ryan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      In their first 9 fixtures they have 3 prime opportunities. Its not enough for me unless I plan a 3 way rotation for 1 spot. The uncertainty is enough for me, I just don't fancy their defence without strong guidance. Lets be honest and call it how it is, their players are a bit shit.

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    5. Reedy
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      TP or not TP? Not TP 🙁

      The temporary manager has stood in before and may do a good job, but I can't possibly have the same confidence I had in their defence now. Too much uncertainty.

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  23. Aston Villa-Boas
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Americans of FFS? Are you out there? join my league to win fabulous cash prizes! (or not)

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    1. Nice to Finally Michu
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Ill join

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      1. Aston Villa-Boas
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        hooray!

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  24. Nice to Finally Michu
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Mind giving me an RMT guys?

    Begovic (Gilks)
    Cahill Kolarov Debuchy PvA (Clyne)
    Sterling Ramsey Mata (Siggy Marney)
    Costa Fletcher Rooney

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    1. OPTA FPL
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      PVA --> 4M def. you pick 3 expensive defenders so Clyne is enough to backup LOLarov

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      1. Nice to Finally Michu
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        What would you use that .5 on?

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    2. Aston Villa-Boas
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      is there a rotation with siggy? Also I think you could afford to spend a little less on defense imo
      otherwise pretty solid

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      1. Nice to Finally Michu
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        I feel like my current lineup allows to be flexible with my formation and selection so siggy will probably be rotated from time to time

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  25. Test Eagles
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Does anyone know Pulis pulled the pin?

    Really disappointing for Palace fans, he had them on a good path.

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    1. Joggers Nipple
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/aug/14/tony-pulis-crystal-palace-leaves

      Seems disagreements with the chairman

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  26. In Bale We Trust
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Arsenal or United defence? EVen though United have good fixtures, they have a number of players out.

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    1. Venom Snake
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      So do arsenal

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  27. Jay_
      11 years, 5 months ago

      A : siggy and bojan +1
      B: jovetic and 4.5 m

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    • 1314
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Captain Rooney or Costa ?

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      1. ILOVEBAPS
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Rooney

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    • demonbecks
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Terry Jones Caulker Kelly Wisdom

      Any alarm bells regarding this?

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      1. Aston Villa-Boas
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        nope

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    • Bolivian Seaman
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Off-topic: I entered the wrong dates for a return flight and now I have to pay on extra 120 quid 🙁 Stupid websites inundated with adverts and addons, took my mind off the one thing I should've concentrated on

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