[sbu_large_image] Scout Notes
23 February 2016 1002 comments
James Barnes James Barnes
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Man United ease past Shrewsbury to clinch a place in the last eight of the FA Cup. Newcastle and West Brom have worries in defence, John Terry is in line to return for Chelsea, whilst Erik Lamela is a doubt for Spurs’ clash with Fiorentina due to illness.

United into last eight

Manchester United cruised through to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup by way of a 3-0 victory over Shrewsbury Town. Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata and Chris Smalling breached the League One side’s defence, while Ander Herrera and Morgan Schneiderlin delivered assists. On the injury front, Louis van Gaal is hopeful that David De Gea could make the squad for the Red Devils’ Europa League encounter on Thursday. Elsewhere, Cameron Borthwick-Jackson and Will Keane both picked up problems, whilst Van Gaal conceded that Lingard was “struggling†as the Red Devils’ injury concerns refuse to dissipate.

The Scout Says: Having chalked up attacking returns (three goals, one assist) in his last five starts for Man United in all competitions, Lingard (4.3) is quietly establishing himself as an enticing differential in the budget bracket and any would-be suitors will be waiting on an update on his fitness. Nonetheless, the fact that the Red Devils chart bottom for shots on target accrued in home matches (40) acts as a deterrent in light of back-to-back Old Trafford clashes with Arsenal and Watford. Although Van Gaal’s men have conceded just five goals on familiar soil, Borthwick-Jackson’s withdrawal could force another reshuffle at the back and with United down to the bare bones, those holding the likes of Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez will fancy their chances when the Gunners roll up on Sunday afternoon.

Coloccini worry for Newcastle

The Magpies are set to assess the fitness of skipper Fabricio Coloccini, who picked up a calf injury during their training camp in La Manga over the last few days.

The Scout Says: Considering that Chancel Mbemba is likely to miss the Magpies’ trip to Stoke City in Gameweek 28, an injury to Coloccini could force Steve McClaren to field Steven Taylor and Jamaal Lascelles as a central defensive partnership, further reducing our confidence in a defence that’s claimed one clean sheet in their previous 11 outings. The Toon have been particularly dismal on their travels – ranking second for goals conceded (31) in away matches – which bodes well for the attacking prospects of Stoke and Leicester City, who both play host to Newcastle across the next four Gameweeks. It’s also worth noting that the Foxes and Potters are among the 10 teams that are guaranteed a fixture in Gameweek 30.

Evans sidelined again

Tony Pulis admitted that Jonny Evans is set to be “out for a whileâ€, after a hamstring injury flared up during West Bromwich Albion’s 3-1 loss to Reading in the FA Cup.

The Scout Says: Although the Baggies lay claim to just three clean sheets since Gameweek 11, their defence recorded two shut-outs and conceded only two goals over the last four Gameweeks, underlining their recent improvement at the back. Adding to Pulis’ defensive headache, Craig Dawson (ankle) and Gareth McAuley (hamstring) will be touch and go for the West Midlanders’ upcoming home tie against Crystal Palace due to their respective injuries. Dawson’s 5% ownership will hope that the 5.1-priced defender returns to face an Eagles attack that’s tallied four goals in nine outings, but West Brom’s tricky schedule beyond that fixture (lei, MUN, ars) and prospect of a Gameweek 30 blank (if Arsenal beat Hull City in the FA Cup) could tempt many to cut ties.

Terry on course to return

John Terry will return to full training today after stepping up his recovery from a hamstring problem that sidelined him for Chelsea’s two cup ties last week.

The Scout Says: Terry’s return to action allows Branislav Ivanovic to vacate a central berth and return to his customary right-back slot – which has been occupied by Cesar Azpilicueta of late. Courtesy of their attacking intent, the Blues’ full-backs serve as attractive routes into a rearguard that surrendered just two goals and mustered a pair of clean sheets across the previous four Gameweeks. Even though the Londoners’ Gameweek 30 trip to Liverpool has been postponed as a result of their FA Cup success, prospective investors will be emboldened by Chelsea’s excellent run through to Gameweek 33 (sou, nor, STO, (blank), WHU, avl, swa).

Gomis at the double

Bafetimbi Gomis netted a brace as Swansea’s reserves recorded a 3-0 victory over The New Saints in a behind-closed-doors friendly.

The Scout Says: Gomis enjoyed a fruitful start to the campaign – scoring in four successive matches – but hasn’t made the starting XI in seven Gameweeks following a dramatic drop-off in form. That being said, new boy Alberto Paloschi has hardly hit the ground running – notching zero goals and two attempts in his first two league starts – so there’s certainly scope for Gomis to muscle himself back into contention, particularly if Francesco Guidolin returns to a two-man frontline next time out. Ultimately, Gylfi Sigurdsson (five goals in seven) represents our favoured source of Swans attacking coverage, though upcoming trips to Spurs and Arsenal limit his short-term appeal before a very favourable trio of fixtures (NOR, bou, AVL).

Lamela concern for Spurs

Mauricio Pochettino revealed that Erik Lamela was absent from Tottenham Hotspur’s last two cup fixtures because of illness:

“He was back home because he is ill. He was sick and he started to feel bad before the game against Fiorentina. He was out of the squad and today he was out too because he is still sick. We will have to see more of him and we will see.â€

The Scout Says: In the event that Lamela is ruled out next Gameweek, Spurs have an able deputy in Heung-min Son. Conversely, Mousa Dembele’s groin complaint is a concern for all Fantasy managers that have invested in the Lilywhites’ offense. Aside from the fact that the much-improved Belgian midfielder has been central to their dominance during a five-match winning streak, his absence – coupled with the fact that Tom Carroll is nursing an Achilles injury – could result in Dele Alli dropping back to the double pivot, reducing his capacity for attacking returns. Alli (31% ownership) remains the most popular pick among Spurs’ midfield contingent, yet Christian Eriksen – who ranks top for key passes (21) and joint-top for shots on target (six) among his counterparts since Gameweek 23 – harbours strong differential potential.

  1. RustyBz
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 7 days ago

    Barcelona looked rather poor in their last 2 and were pretty fortunate to win those games.

    Any hope for Arsenal tonight? Trouble is that Barca step it up against bigger teams and probably only need one of their front 3 to turn up tonight to beat Arsenal.

    1. Sess!
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      Ramsey been in poor form, mertesacker vunerable, coquelin ok but not good enough to deal with barca players imo. I see nothing other than a comfortable barca win.

      1. RustyBz
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 7 days ago

        Me too, but I think this one will be closer than we think. Arsenal do OK against Barca at home and did Bayern at home.

        Key here is to not concede away goals and win the game IMO

      2. Cradders
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 7 days ago

        Everyone wrote us off at home to Bayern as well. Comfortable is not how I'd describe a Barca win tonight I think it'll be won by 2 goals maximum and even then I'm just saying 2 as a safety net I think they could even only win by one

      3. Old Man
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 7 days ago

        Agreed - 1-2 or 1-3. I'd love to see Arsenal get through but it's a microscopic chance.

    2. Piggs Boson
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      Arsenal have a secret weapon. Danny Welbeck 😉

      1. RustyBz
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 7 days ago

        I hope the secret doesn't come out tonight

        1. Piggs Boson
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 7 days ago

          He did well against Real Madrid before Nani got that harsh red card. He'll can keep Messi quiet 😉

          1. RustyBz
            • 11 Years
            10 years, 7 days ago

            If we manage to keep messi quiet it means we won't keep Neymar or Suarez quiet. Can't stop all of them ðŸ™

            1. Piggs Boson
              • 14 Years
              10 years, 7 days ago

              It's unfair isn't it 😀

              Suarez alone almost carried Liverpool to the title.

              1. RustyBz
                • 11 Years
                10 years, 7 days ago

                Very. Best front 3 of all time

    3. Wilshere Knowledge
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      Barca are vulnerable on the counter, and we have Walcott, Sanchez, Ox, Welbeck to call on.

      Of course we have a chance, it's football. Nobody gave us a chance against Bayern, who are about as good as Barca.

      1. RustyBz
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 7 days ago

        You make a good point. It'll depend if we can take the few chances we get & keep Barca out.

        1. Wilshere Knowledge
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 7 days ago

          Aye. Neymar has been pretty poor, so I reckon Bellerin will defend him 1v1 okay, Mertz and Kos have dealt with Suarez before, and Monreal has played Messi before. I'm sure Ramsey will play more conservatively, so the only worry is our wingers leaving our full backs exposed like they so often do. I hope Danny starts wide, and Theo plays through the middle, and has the game of his life! 😀

    4. edison
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      of cos there's hope, when there's a will, there's a way, so no worries..arsenal can score one.

  2. Perchinho
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 7 days ago

    Posted this 5 hours ago when it wasn't very busy on here...

    In the past 5 seasons there have been a total of 48 Blank and subsequent Double Gameweek fixtures.

    The average time between the announcement date and the rearranged fixture date is 39 days. Biggest gap: 68 days. Smallest gap: 14 days.

    Link to the "Blank/DGW History (2010-2015)" page of my spreadsheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1zcb5jGdVitByKQ8R1X4gcEBpiNY9qbLylr72btlTubc/edit#gid=2970485

  3. _Gunner
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 7 days ago

    Play Schmeicel or Butland?

    1. Sess!
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      Butland

    2. RustyBz
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      Butters

    3. Costa's Counsellor
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      Probably Schmeicel

    4. Flying Assassins
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      Butland, depending on your defenders

      1. _Gunner
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 7 days ago

        have no Stoke or Leicester defenders

        1. Flying Assassins
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 7 days ago

          Still Butland then

    5. Klopp For The Kopps 😆
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      Butland
      AVL couldn't even score against their U21 squad xD

  4. Costa's Counsellor
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 7 days ago

    I think my starting XI for this week will be:

    Butland

    Nyom Huth Toby

    Mahrez Sanchez Payet Alli

    Vardy Kane Ighalo

    Which would mean saving 1FT to bring back Kun for Ighalo and downgrade someone for a GW30 player.

    Whatcha reckon?

    1. Spike âš½ï¸
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      V good team

  5. Perchinho
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 7 days ago

    Thinking about when to WC atm is a bit of a waste of energy, we'll be in a much better position to make that decision in GW 30.

    1. Irish Madridista â­
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      Agreed. Useful to have a rough idea in terms of transfers in the short term, but yeah.

    2. ​
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      Yep, could go either way.

    3. dyakky
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      thinking past gw30 right now is pretty pointless.

    4. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      WC is not on my radar at the moment

  6. Irish Madridista â­
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 7 days ago

    Predicted scorelines...

    A) Man U - Arsenal
    B) Southampton - Chelsea

    VvD currently in the team due to being home and having form, but up against the best attack,
    Bellerin and Ivan have both been in at different times too

    1. RustyBz
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      1-1

      1-2

    2. diego_costa
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      Ð) 1-2
      Ð’) 1-3

    3. Sess!
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      0-2
      1-1

    4. Flying Assassins
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      1-2

      1-1

    5. Irish Madridista â­
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      hmm... 1 clean sheet predicted out of 8...

      1. RustyBz
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 7 days ago

        If I was going to pick a game having a cleansheet it'd be the Arsenal United one 🙂

    6. ​
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      2-8
      1-1

    7. A.T
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      0-2
      1-1

  7. RustyBz
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 7 days ago

    Do we have a solid idea of when and which fixtures the DGW will be/have? Not been around here much ðŸ™

    1. ​
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      Hot topics 🙂

    2. ​
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      not solid but you get the gist of how it should work out.

      1. RustyBz
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 7 days ago

        Oh yes, I see.

        Thanks Balders

  8. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 7 days ago

    Just realised I can't bench Vardy and captain him 🙠. Highly tempted to captain Mahrez just so I can be a bench w*nker

    1. Sess!
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      What

      1. dyakky
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 7 days ago

        lol

      2. Piggs Boson
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 7 days ago

        Playing an injured/banned player probably 🙂

        1. Piggs Boson
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 7 days ago

          Oh yeah, there are blanks this week 🙂

        2. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
          • 15 Years
          10 years, 7 days ago

          Aguero is not going to play so Vardy first sub 🙂

          1. Sess!
            • 15 Years
            10 years, 7 days ago

            It really really annoys me when people do this.

              1. Ziro Becomes One
                • 11 Years
                10 years, 7 days ago

                😀

              2. Sess!
                • 15 Years
                10 years, 7 days ago

                I'll just knock one out instead. Best stress relief you can get.

                  1. Sess!
                    • 15 Years
                    10 years, 7 days ago

                    😎

            1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
              • 15 Years
              10 years, 7 days ago

              Mmmmm it's a shame VVD and Francis have fixtures I could have driven you up the wall 😉

    2. Bubz
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      bench Vardy?

      1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 7 days ago

        Aguero's not going to play so he will come off the bench 🙂

      2. Backup Dancer
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 7 days ago

        I assume with Aguero on the pitch

        1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
          • 15 Years
          10 years, 7 days ago

          Precisely 🙂

          1. Backup Dancer
            • 10 Years
            10 years, 7 days ago

            I'm doing the same but with Mahrez

    3. GreenWindmill
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      Why not bench Mahrez and captain Vardy if you want to be one of those idiots?

      Or better yet, just play the players you want to feature...

      1. Irish Madridista â­
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 7 days ago

        I had Given in my team as a lucky mascot last year, seeing as he was part of the coaching set up at Villa, he started a few games for me before being automatically subbed out, it didn't work out any way whatsoever 😀

      2. ​
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 7 days ago

        Autosub points are fun 🙂

        1. Sess!
          • 15 Years
          10 years, 7 days ago

          *annoying

          1. ​
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 7 days ago

            *fun

            1. Irish Madridista â­
              • 15 Years
              10 years, 7 days ago

              *the answer to life's problems

      3. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 7 days ago

        Yeah good point . I think that ship has sailed tbh I have been playing Spiegel and benching Courtois for the last while . If it is any consolation I am being punished I have no keeper for gw 30 ðŸ™

    4. ​
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      I'm only starting Vardy (C) form the saturday games, bring on the red arrow 😎

      1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 7 days ago

        Yeah captaining the same player as me is a terrible idea

        1. ​
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 7 days ago

          probably why my captaincies have been so bad this year 😛

          1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
            • 15 Years
            10 years, 7 days ago

            Yeah sorry about that . At least you can change your mind this week and save yourself 🙂

            1. ​
              • 12 Years
              10 years, 7 days ago

              Haha between us we'll probably just jinx two players then

  9. Mavric Marco
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 7 days ago

    1 for Wimmer so far (cheers KoL)

    A) Wimmer
    or
    B) Fuchs (LEI double up with Simpson)

    1. RustyBz
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      A

    2. Hooky
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      B if you have no plans to get both of Vardy and Mahrez.

      1. A.T
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 7 days ago

        +1

    3. Flying Assassins
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      A

    4. Mavric Marco
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      Cheers guys

    5. Mr. Blonde
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      A all day. Get the other half of Vahrez ASAP!

  10. TheBusDriver
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 7 days ago

    Arsenal will beat Barca 3-0.

    1. Irish Madridista â­
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      😆

    2. dyakky
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      Arsenal wont even win the league the bottlers.

    3. Costa's Counsellor
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      People like you shouldn't be on the road.

    4. Sess!
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      Stick to driving buses.

  11. Iceball
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 7 days ago

    Payet captain anyone? Just saw his goal from free kick vs Blackburn...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRQbT-XIgf0

    1. Irish Madridista â­
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      Between him and Mahrez for me.

    2. RustyBz
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      I thought keeper could have done better to be honest

    3. Sess!
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      Of the two goals you link the free kick?! The second one was waaayy better!

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pC1JqWnElY

  12. Flying Assassins
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 7 days ago

    Best move? 0.3ITB

    Butland
    VVD Toby Dawson Huth
    Mahrez Payet(V) Ozil Alli
    Kane Vardy (C)

    Henn Bellerin Barkley Aguero

    A) Barkley --> Arnie/Shaqiri/Siggy (bench Dawson/VVD)
    B) Dawson/Bellerin --> cheap defender
    C) Something else?

    1. The Wise Owl
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      Barkley -> Lingard

      1. The Wise Owl
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 7 days ago

        Actually, scrap that.

        Barkley -> Shaqiri

        1. Flying Assassins
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 7 days ago

          Prefer Shaqiri over Arnie?

          1. The Wise Owl
            • 10 Years
            10 years, 7 days ago

            Been out, not very consistent.

    2. Hooky
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      1FT or 2FT? I'd save if you only have 1.

      1. Flying Assassins
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 7 days ago

        Yeah 1FT

        1. Hooky
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 7 days ago

          I'd save then as 2FT's would give you much better options. Barkley has Villa next week.

          1. Flying Assassins
            • 13 Years
            10 years, 7 days ago

            Thanks

  13. RustyBz
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 7 days ago

    Start one:

    A) Forster (H) Chelsea

    B) Hennessey (A) WBA

    1. The Wise Owl
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      A) Plenty of saves likely.

      1. RustyBz
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 7 days ago

        My thought exactly. Hennessey will get 6 at most.

        If Forster keeps a cleansheet chances are he will get 10+ pts or 3/4 conceding

    2. Sess!
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      The one that's just kept six clean sheets in a row probably.

      1. RustyBz
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 7 days ago

        WBA are absolutely awful whilst Chelsea are picking up the pace. Isn't that clear

        1. Sess!
          • 15 Years
          10 years, 7 days ago

          Thought this season taught us form over fixtures?

          1. RustyBz
            • 11 Years
            10 years, 7 days ago

            Hardly, it's always a gamble.

            Like when most people captained Aguero vs Newcastle when he couldn't buy a goal.

            1. Sess!
              • 15 Years
              10 years, 7 days ago

              I also have a theory that if a team has a good cup result they struggle in the next league game. Happens quite often.

    3. Backup Dancer
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      I'm leaning towards A. Mainly because I'm buying him this week though!

    4. Bobby_Baggio
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      A - easily

  14. Prøphet
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 7 days ago

    Sorry to those that replied that i was away, had to actually do some work.

    Now on the topic :

    @Doosra

    Not looking to pick up a budget non playing def, really do not see the point in all honesty at the moment. I am looking at Alli> Eriksen and just playing Stanislas.

    Would you look at upgrading Stan the Man, but not sure if its a smart idea. Cant get Eriksen for him since i have 3 TOT players.

    So the players that i have at the moment are "shippable" this gw are:

    Ivan,Alli,Stanislas,Aguero?!!?,

    1. In that case, I would look at Sigurdsson.

      1. Prøphet
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 7 days ago

        Siggy for Stanislas and roll the other?

  15. Richd
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 7 days ago

    It may be worth spreading risk. Limiting triple ups and having players from different teams, this gives maximum flexibility.

    Having triple Arsenal, double WHM has screwed me combined with just 1 Spurs, and face it those with triple Spurs could also have been screwed.

    Just worth bearing it mind I think !!

    1. Hooky
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      Definitely don't triple up on Liverpool, even if they have a DGW. I learned this lesson last season!

      1. Piggs Boson
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 7 days ago

        You kind of have to if you go for the GW34 WC. After this week they have no blank and 2 DGWs.

        It's a strong argument for the GW36 WC 😀

        1. Hooky
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 7 days ago

          I wouldn't go there even if they had a TGW!

          Which 3 would you pick? Sturridge - likely to get injured, Coutinho & Firmino too inconsistent. Defence is rubbish as they have Migs in goal behind them. Not a lot of options that I can see.

          1. Ziro Becomes One
            • 11 Years
            10 years, 7 days ago

            If you check the Pool fixtures on the ticker from GW 33 to 38 you might be surprised. Hopefully they pick up some form by then, about time you'd expect them to.

          2. Piggs Boson
            • 14 Years
            10 years, 7 days ago

            Cout, Firm and Moreno probably. Not appealing.

            I'm going to aim for the GW36 WC so I can avoid Pool 🙂

            1. Hooky
              • 10 Years
              10 years, 7 days ago

              This sound a good plan 🙂

    2. Backup Dancer
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      Yeah that's tough. I still don't want to triple on spurs now with the Europa league back.

    3. Ziro Becomes One
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      Last year my ML rival killed me with his Forster-Fonte-Bertrand triple up. Caught him only in GW38 after trailing for the whole of 37 gameweeks!! 😎

  16. Irish Madridista â­
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 7 days ago

    Premature LOL@Arsenal.

    1. RustyBz
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      shhh ðŸ™

    2. Sess!
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      I don't really think you can lol at them (or anyone) playing barca at the moment.

      1. Irish Madridista â­
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 7 days ago

        Oh yes I can..

        If Las Palmas can keep them to a 1-2, then Arsenal should hope to keep them to less than 3 goals.. but I don't think they will.

    3. Piggs Boson
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      You need practice. Too soon.

      1. Irish Madridista â­
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 7 days ago

        Teach me....

        1. Piggs Boson
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 7 days ago

          http://i.imgur.com/ssWu9oB.gifv

          That felt wrong...

          1. Irish Madridista â­
            • 15 Years
            10 years, 7 days ago

            ... 😛

    4. Ziro Becomes One
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      *Irish Barcelonastafarian

      1. Irish Madridista â­
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 7 days ago

        😀

        I don't LIKE Barca.. but by god do I respect that front 3.

    5. Hooky
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      Is there a premature gesticulation emoticon?

      1. Irish Madridista â­
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 7 days ago

        It would make my life a lot easier and my posts a lot more relevant..

          1. Bah.

            1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
              • 15 Years
              10 years, 7 days ago

              onanism is rife

              1. Hooky
                • 10 Years
                10 years, 7 days ago

                *life

                1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
                  • 15 Years
                  10 years, 7 days ago

                  🙂

                2. Ziro Becomes One
                  • 11 Years
                  10 years, 7 days ago

                  *armageddon.

              2. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
                • 15 Years
                10 years, 7 days ago

                😉

    6. Andrew
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      Bet thats not the only thing you are premature at 🙂

  17. Bobby_Baggio
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 7 days ago

    So guys which to opt for? Have 1FT

    Butland
    Cresswell, Azpi, Williams
    Sanchez, Payet, Eriksen, Mahrez, Stanislas
    Vardy(C), Kane

    (Hennessey) Souare , Aguero, Simpson

    A) Souare > VvD (bench Williams)
    B) Save (play Williams)

    1. Spike âš½ï¸
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      Play Williams

    2. Hooky
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      B

    3. Slartibartfast
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      B) Don't see a CS for So'ton or Spurs, so may as well save.

    4. _Gunner
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      save for sure

    5. Bobby_Baggio
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      Cheers all - much appreciated

  18. Piggs Boson
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 7 days ago

    WC, BB, AOA triple combo will be devastating 😎

    After the BB, we'll have a strong 5th mid. Although I may save it for GW38 fun when teams have nothing to play for and go all out 🙂

    1. Piggs Boson
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      I mean AOA GW38.

      I'm brain dumping...

    2. edison
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      nothing to play means no incentive at all, do the aoa in a dgw..

    3. Sess!
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      How does the AOA fit into that?

      1. Piggs Boson
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 7 days ago

        WC with a team with a strong 5th mid (maybe a big 5)
        BB to get the 5th's points as well as 3 big forwards
        AOA to get an uber front 8 again

        Just makes the most of them. It requires a light defence, but that's something I like.

    4. Ziro Becomes One
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      GW38 too unpredictable to get all your attackers starting. It will render you AoA useless (99.99% probability)

      1. Piggs Boson
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 7 days ago

        Good point actually....

  19. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 7 days ago

    Armband?

    A) Vardy
    B) Mahrez
    C) Payet
    D) Kane

    1. Hooky
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      A

    2. Pards Against Humanity
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      Alan Vardew

    3. Andrew
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      A

  20. Pooodle
    • 16 Years
    10 years, 7 days ago

    Would you rather have Alli or Eriksen?

    I could afford either, by swapping out Gosling for Alli or Barkley for Eriksen. Thinking maybe Eriksen considering Barkley's blanks

    1. FPL Blow-In
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      Eriksen for me

    2. edison
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      use the scout or fix, alli might have some benching issues.

    3. The Rock
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      Erikson.

  21. Your Mum's Athletic
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 7 days ago

    Arsenal will score tonight, Barcelona are so open to the counter Wenger shouls start Walcott upfront, watched Barcelona all season and a world class goalie in Cech is massive. 1-1

    1. Ziro Becomes One
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      Amen.

    2. andy85wsm
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      1-1 is very brave. Agree that Arsenal will likely score though (has happened in last 5 games they've played).

      As for Cech, does it matter how good the keeper is with Neymar, Suarez and Messi in the team?

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Z_pSrCVIHQ

      1. Your Mum's Athletic
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 7 days ago

        I think the key to beating Barcelona is high press on Busquets but those front three are unplayable, man mark messi, then suarez and neymar exploit, it's almost like you have to accept they are amazing and deal with it the best you can rather than put certain tactics on them. Cech, i feel could make the difference between 1 or 2 goals which is huge, think it does make a difference aye

        1. FPL Blow-In
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 7 days ago

          Only when they start moaning amongst themselves or eachother do they lose. Get dirty with them and hope the red gives you a few decisions. This and catching them on the counter or from set pieces. Then praying that one of those front 3 don't produce a moment of magic.

      2. edison
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 7 days ago

        it does else barca would have won the ucl every year.

    3. edison
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      nice prediction but guess messi and suarez would score a goal each.

    4. Ziro Becomes One
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      We need a strong ref who will not whistle FKs for every rolling-around that Suarez and Neymar get down to. Just to balance the match.

      1. The Mandalorian
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 7 days ago

        after what Ive seen in Spain no chance of that happening

      2. Your Mum's Athletic
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 7 days ago

        CL/European refs give freekicks alot more frequently unfortunately. the last 5 games, anytime messi went down it was an automatic freekick which was laughable

        1. edison
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 7 days ago

          its laughable if in the same situation you were to go down and no freekick was given. 🙂

        2. Ziro Becomes One
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 7 days ago

          this will be a frustrating watch for us gooners if that keeps happening. ðŸ™

  22. edison
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 7 days ago

    haha, you listed them in the cap order which is ideal.

  23. Ziro Becomes One
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 7 days ago

    GW38 Everton vs Norwich.

    Lukaku (c) 😎

    1. Hooky
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      He'll be saving himself for the Euro's at that point 🙂

    2. Piggs Boson
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      GW38 is usually full of large unexpected scorelines. It's a fun GW.

      That Lukaku hatttrick in Fergie's last game wasn't though. I had Sturridge(C).

      1. FPL Blow-In
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 7 days ago

        I sold Lukaku that GW for Hernandez in the same match... Was disgusted. Still got a goal and assist mind you.

  24. FPL Blow-In
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 7 days ago

    From BBC sport

    Today’s #QSTeaser from @QuestionofSport Name the 8 players that Barcelona have signed from Arsenal since Arsene Wenger has been manager?

    I can only think of 5 obvious ones off the top of my head

    1. Ziro Becomes One
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      Henry, Cesc, that Dutch winger?

    2. Your Mum's Athletic
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      Verm
      Henry
      ummmm

    3. Andrew
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      Petit?

      1. FPL Blow-In
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 7 days ago

        Ah yes.

      2. Andrew
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 7 days ago

        And Hleb?

    4. FPL Blow-In
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      Fabregas, Vermalen, Henry, Song and Van Bronk. The other 3 elude me

      1. Andrew
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 7 days ago

        Overmars

        1. Ziro Becomes One
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 7 days ago

          this is what I meant by Dutch winger above. 😀

        2. FPL Blow-In
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 7 days ago

          Overmars. Should have got that. Walcott reminds me of him with his speed.

    5. bodgejob
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      Hleb

    6. Pards Against Humanity
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      Overmars, Hleb. God knows

    7. Ziro Becomes One
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      Henry, Cesc, Verm, Petit, Hleb, Song. Thats 6. Struggling now.

      1. Andrew
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 7 days ago

        You got something against the Dutch lol Overmars and Van Bronckhorst

        1. Ziro Becomes One
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 7 days ago

          Thats 8 then!!

          1. Andrew
            • 14 Years
            10 years, 7 days ago

            Yes 8

          2. FPL Blow-In
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            10 years, 7 days ago

            Yep. Thanks all. It was bugging me.

    8. pompeyfan
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      Overmas, Petit, Hleb

  25. andy85wsm
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 7 days ago

    Feels like I've been away forever. Is there a double game week anytime soon? 😉

    1. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      GW30 🙂

    2. Piggs Boson
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      There's a rumour going around that there are two. Probably rubbish though 😉

      1. andy85wsm
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 7 days ago

        What does Balders know anyway?

        1. Hooky
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 7 days ago

          I think he has a cunning plan.

          1. Ziro Becomes One
            • 11 Years
            10 years, 7 days ago

            and we are all his punning clan.

            1. Irish Madridista â­
              • 15 Years
              10 years, 7 days ago

              😀

          2. ​
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 7 days ago

            Nah I leave those wondrous ideas to Irish Madridista 😉

            1. Irish Madridista â­
              • 15 Years
              10 years, 7 days ago

              Ozil -> Khazri(C)

      2. edison
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 7 days ago

        you then nonsense, of cos there's gonna be 2 at least, 1 to take care of gw 27 the other gw 30..

          1. edison
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            10 years, 7 days ago

            don't get what you mean , but you can't deny the truth of the double dgw.

            1. Piggs Boson
              • 14 Years
              10 years, 7 days ago

              It was sarcasm. Of course they exist 🙂

              What country are you from btw? I'm curious.

              1. edison
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 13 Years
                10 years, 7 days ago

                i'm from singapore, the sg captain in the current fiffsa world cup, guess you're a male from argentina.

          2. andy85wsm
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 15 Years
            10 years, 7 days ago

            😀

  26. 5L
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 7 days ago

    Aguero to Vardy for a week or two?

    Short-sighted I know..

    1. Piggs Boson
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      Saturday at 11am, when you look at the following fixtures, you'll wish you had Aguero in your team. I'd prefer another way to get Vardy.

      1. The Wise Owl
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 7 days ago

        I've already done it.

    2. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      not for me, unless you are struggling to field a team?

  27. The Rock
    • 16 Years
    10 years, 7 days ago

    Butland
    Cresswell, Daniels, VVD, Williams
    Mahrez, Sanchez, Payet, Alli
    Vardy, Kane
    McCarthy. Aguero, Firmino, Simpson

    1FT and 1.8 in the bank.

    Simpson's red card last GW was rather annoying! So i'm either going to replace him with Fuchs or else replace Firmino with Arnie. Which do we think would be the best move this week? I always edge towards the attacking transfer and Simpson would be back for the next GW so it would only be 1 week without Leicester defensive coverage? Williams or VVD would be on the bench then whoever i bring in.

  28. GS456
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 7 days ago

    Simpson suspension and now borthwick Jackson injury! Looks like I'm gonna have to play with 10 this week, which includes Stanislas and Targett. Hand me that red arrow now

    1. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 7 days ago

      Stan is the man and Targett will be on point.
      No worries.

  29. Nickofoz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 7 days ago

    Speaking of the bottom of the page quote, anyone else a fan of this from the last page?

    http://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2016/02/23/scout-scribbles-united-clinch-quarter-finals-spot/?hc_page=2#hc_comment_12732373

    It would certainly get my vote 🙂