Dugout Discussion
26 February 2012 2162 comments
Akers Akers
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Three games wrap up Gameweek 26 today, before Liverpool and Cardiff square off at Wembley. The Dugout Discussion opens for the Premier League games, but will stay open until the Carling Cup is handed to the winning captain.

We start with the televised North London derby, as Harry’s Spurs look to reign supreme over their arch rivals. The Champions are also in action, making their trip to Carrow Road to face all-but-safe Norwich City. The team sheets from both games are in, and are as follows…

Arsenal XI: Szczesny, Sagna, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Arteta, Rosicky, Song, Walcott, Benayoun, van Persie.

Spurs XI: Friedel, Walker, Kaboul, King, Assou-Ekotto, Kranjcar, Parker, Modric, Bale, Saha, Adebayor.

Yossi Benyaoun starts at the expense of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain for the home side, and Laurent Koscielny comes through a fitness test to play. As for the visitors, Louis Saha retains his starting role, which keeps Rafael Van der Vaart on the substitute bench. He partners Emmanuel Adebayor up front, who once again faces his former club.

Norwich XI: Ruddy, Naughton, Ward, Whitbread, Drury, Pilkington, Fox, Johnson, Surnam, Holt, Jackson.

Man United XI: De Gea, Jones, Ferdinand, Evans, Evra, Nani, Carrick, Scholes, Giggs, Welbeck, Hernandez.

For the Canaries, Simeon Jackson gets the nod ahead of Steve Morison, and Zak Whitbred is passed fit for the game. Looking to bounce back from midweek defeat, Sir Alex makes eight changes to his starting line-up. It includes Ryan Giggs, who makes his 900th club appearance today.

Before the final whistle blows in those games, Stoke host Swansea in the last game of the week. The Dugout Discussion is open, and can be accessed right here.

Akers Richard or Akers, as he is known, has been regularly haunting this site since July 2008. He is young and foolish, take what he says with a pinch of salt. Follow them on Twitter

  1. Mílanista
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 11 months ago

    Sinclair and Dyer subbed off.

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    1. Mílanista
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 11 months ago

      Etherington's been subbed off as well Doos.

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      1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        13 years, 11 months ago

        Ta, Milanista - that's one of me points safe, anyhow! 🙂

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  2. Spike ⚽️
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 11 months ago

    Suarez always looks like he has the world on his shoulders. Has something happened to him recently !!!

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    1. Hate that rotation
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 11 months ago

      New haircut maybe.

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    2. udit
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 11 months ago

      That's karma I guess.

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      1. Menly
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 11 months ago

        Is that Nathan Drake?

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        1. udit
          • 15 Years
          13 years, 11 months ago

          That's correct.

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          1. Menly
            • 14 Years
            13 years, 11 months ago

            I am so happy with myself right now. I'm gonna tell my son 😀

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  3. isacki: full casual
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 11 months ago

    Re : Sorenson, Richards, Young, Vorm, Rooney, Young - this game doesn't seem to be about identifying prospects but knowing someone at the club 😉

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  4. McDog
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 11 months ago

    F*cking hell, it's always Dyer to get subbed off for Swansea. He created their only 2 chances of the game and still he gets taken off for Routledge who's not going to create anything.

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  5. Menly
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 11 months ago

    Nooooo! With this 4 point advantage for playing at home, I lose by 1 point to Billy Ketsu in the Europa 🙁 1 point! 🙁

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    1. Old Schoolᴼˢ “disa…
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 11 months ago

      Baps to come?

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      1. Menly
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 11 months ago

        Our teams are bloody identical! I'll only win if Taiwo/Raylor/Krul get something, which is very unlikely 🙁

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    2. udit
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 11 months ago

      That's gotta hurt, but your goal difference will be decent I suppose, and that I believe will matter come the end.

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    3. King Eric, in America
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 11 months ago

      BPs still to come ...

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      1. Menly
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 11 months ago

        Our teams are basically the same... oh well!

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    4. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 11 months ago

      Away win for me 😉

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    5. CatMac
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 11 months ago

      That's harsh! I'm 1 point in front but he has +4 home advantage plus 6 points on the bench waiting in McAuley to replace Richards 🙁

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    6. HappyAnkit
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 11 months ago

      Funkyav is 10 points ahead of me [including Home Advantage].
      If only I would have played Shotton in place of Rangel. 🙁

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      1. Menly
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 11 months ago

        If I'd played Kelly I would have won. Ah well no matter!

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      2. CatMac
        • 16 Years
        13 years, 11 months ago

        If only I'd captained RVP not BA and played Kelly instead of Santon 🙁

        Mind you there are going to be a lot of "if onlys" this week, I think.

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  6. celtic10000
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 11 months ago

    Does anybody have any idea which team i should pick for my lastr man standing? i cant pick man city and every other fixture seems hard to predict. i was thinking chelsea but there could easily be a draw in that one. i really should of saved city...

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  7. WOLVERiNES
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 11 months ago

    @RaviCNN Cardiff's plan to give Stewart Downing as much time and space as he wants is genius.

    lmao

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  8. Spike ⚽️
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 11 months ago

    Out of the FPL cup. Best run I've had in 4 yrs. My opponent had RVP as Capt and that was good enough !!

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    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 11 months ago

      Bad luck, Eddie - well done on the run, though - very good stuff!!! 🙂

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  9. hvsauce
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 11 months ago

    Richards should be good to go next week right?

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

      Famous last words.

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

      Maybe. What about the week after though? That is why I got Kompany back in straight after the city team sheet came out yesterday.

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      1. hvsauce
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 11 months ago

        Yeah got Kompany already. Thinking of a one-week move of Verm to Richards and then Richards out after that.

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

          Lescott could be worth a shout then? If he doesnt play in mid week

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    3. Spike ⚽️
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 11 months ago

      I'd like to think so but there's the England friendly mid-week so who knows !!

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      1. hvsauce
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 11 months ago

        Haha will definitely wait till after that

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    4. kraftwerker
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 11 months ago

      I said the same last week.

      Got Kompany in last night, can't be doing with the uncertainty.

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      1. hvsauce
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 11 months ago

        see above KW. thinking of doubling up actually...

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        1. kraftwerker
          • 14 Years
          13 years, 11 months ago

          Ah right yeah I see.

          Like the idea of doubling up though agree with waiting until after midweek. Richards will play though I think.

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  10. McDog
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 11 months ago

    Stoke seem to have finally remembered how to defend the one week I have none of their defenders in my team.

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    1. udit
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 11 months ago

      Shotton coming off the bench #win

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      1. McDog
        • 15 Years
        13 years, 11 months ago

        I've got Schwarzer coming off the bench for Sorenson so I really shouldn't be complaining, just Stoke really piss me off sometimes.

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        1. udit
          • 15 Years
          13 years, 11 months ago

          As they do me Duffman, as they do me.

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  11. Wakka Wakka
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 11 months ago

    What do you think will a decent/average score this week. The average on the FPL site i dont think is really good as so many unactive players. I have 47 with baps to come. And think thats ok? Very slightly above average?

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

      It's only good if you get a green arrow.

      I'd say 40+ is probably average among active teams.

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    2. Spike ⚽️
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 11 months ago

      40 average seems to be the thinking so far

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    3. super zlatan
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 11 months ago

      Defiantly above average

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      1. Old Schoolᴼˢ “disa…
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 11 months ago

        😀 guess why

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        1. super zlatan
          • 14 Years
          13 years, 11 months ago

          :-).

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    4. King Eric, in America
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 11 months ago

      Misleading average cuz ghost ships will likely still have Pogrebynak (C)

      😀

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  12. super zlatan
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 11 months ago

    Dear FPL Towers,

    Please give Simpson his assist you pack of blind inconsistent twats.

    Zlatan.

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    1. HappyAnkit
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 11 months ago

      -703

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    2. udit
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 11 months ago

      *his deserved assist you pack of .....

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    3. Spike ⚽️
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 11 months ago

      Forget it Super Z it aint gonna happen

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      1. udit
        • 15 Years
        13 years, 11 months ago

        IT should 😡

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      2. super zlatan
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 11 months ago

        Why u say that Eddie? Simalair assists have been awarded this season?

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      3. Old Schoolᴼˢ “disa…
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 11 months ago

        Don't the new rules say it will though

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    4. King Eric, in America
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 11 months ago

      That should do it. Now spam their inboxes with this about 1,000 times in the next 12 hours.

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    5. Wakka Wakka
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 11 months ago

      i have not seen it. what is the logic for him getting the assit?

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  13. jas5sk - Youtube channel
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 11 months ago

    Poor Hendo, he's going to get better

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    1. ssssshhh
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 11 months ago

      Lol, at least he has age on his side. Downing on the other hand....

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  14. Call Me Old Fashioned
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 11 months ago

    You know things are bad when Taiwo is your highest scoring defender and sat there rooted to your bench.

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    1. isacki: full casual
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 11 months ago

      Ok that is quite a feat, he's also my highest scoring... but I didn't bench him 😀

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

        Krul 1 (Vorm 0)
        Simpson 1 Evans 1 Richards (BAE) 0 (Taiwo 2)

        At least the Krul/Vorm combo I got on WC is working so far.

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  15. Le Gooner
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 11 months ago

    Who's the stunner sitting alongside Liverpool owner John Henry?

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    1. ssssshhh
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 11 months ago

      His missus.

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      1. Le Gooner
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 11 months ago

        Looks a bit young to be his missus

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

      It's me.

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      1. Holy See
        • 15 Years
        13 years, 11 months ago

        You're lovely.

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        1. Le Gooner
          • 14 Years
          13 years, 11 months ago

          I concur.

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

            Cheers chaps.

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    3. budi
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 11 months ago

      his personal chief scout.. you know the one who watch downing's youtube video and decide to reccomended him

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  16. Menly
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 11 months ago

    How likely is Taiwo to get baps? 😀

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    1. Menly
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 11 months ago

      Oops he didn't even play 90...
      Ignore this then

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    2. jas5sk - Youtube channel
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 11 months ago

      Is he injured?

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  17. hvsauce
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 11 months ago

    Did Suarez just have a heart attack there?

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  18. udit
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 11 months ago

    Wow, Wilkinson get forward a lot.

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  19. UnderstandablyDistraught
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 11 months ago

    Beautiful up and down by McIlroy on the 11th

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

      what is the score now there?

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      1. UnderstandablyDistraught
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 11 months ago

        Mc is one up on the 12th

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    2. super zlatan
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 11 months ago

      Go go Rors!

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  20. HappyAnkit
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 11 months ago

    I would like Stoke to concede in this match & keep their CS for next GW.

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

      Is that how it works?

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    2. ssssshhh
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 11 months ago

      Why?

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      1. HappyAnkit
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 11 months ago

        Because Shotton is on my bench & I would like to play him next GW.

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  21. udit
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 11 months ago

    SHOTTON is Off YES!

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    1. udit
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 11 months ago

      Surely nailed on for BPS?

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      1. HappyAnkit
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 11 months ago

        I hope not. 🙁

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  22. isacki: full casual
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 11 months ago

    About to make a Paddy power win - draw - win bet on the final. Does it mean the result at 90 minutes or 120?

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  23. Mílanista
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 11 months ago

    Shotton subbed. Now Swansea score quick!

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    1. udit
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 11 months ago

      Haha, +1

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    2. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 11 months ago

      Shadduppayouface! 😉

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      1. Spike ⚽️
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 11 months ago

        Nice points this week Doosra. Looks like a little green arrow again !!

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        1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          13 years, 11 months ago

          Thanks, Eddie! 🙂 Please, God! 😐

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    3. McDog
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 11 months ago

      I bet your not complaining about putting Shotton ahead of Kelly on the bench now 🙂

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      1. AIRMILES
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 11 months ago

        +1

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      2. udit
        • 15 Years
        13 years, 11 months ago

        +1111

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      3. Mílanista
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 11 months ago

        Still complaining about Kolarov though 😉

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  24. Spike ⚽️
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 11 months ago

    If Stoke kept more clean sheets it wouldn't be a bad idea to have both Sorensen and Begovic as your keepers for a total of 8.9 mil

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    1. isacki: full casual
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 11 months ago

      They can't keep them away, this might (MIGHT) be their first at home for ages...

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  25. Parm
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 11 months ago

    Tactical change, Coleman on for Bothroyd in the studio.

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  26. The EJJ
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 11 months ago

    Worst 4pt hit ever?

    Shotton - Evans
    Graham - Ba
    Valencia - Moses

    This game sucks 🙁 .... 😛

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    1. little_wizard123
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 11 months ago

      It's not that bad is it...Only one of the players you got rid of did anything. They weren't great transfers to begin with either.

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

      lol not sure why you would have done Shotton to Evans for a hit for anyway tbf.

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      1. The EJJ
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 11 months ago

        it made sense, shotton hadn't played for weeks.

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    3. jas5sk - Youtube channel
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 11 months ago

      😆 I like how you went in search of Victor Moses instead of having him forced into your lineup by unfortunate circumstances

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  27. udit
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 11 months ago

    Begovic, amazing save!

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  28. Mílanista
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 11 months ago

    Swansea almost score at the death.

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    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 11 months ago

      But don't? 🙁

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  29. celtic10000
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 11 months ago

    Any definate winners next week apart from city? predictions?

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  30. Sarnab
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 11 months ago

    Anyone got a link to MOTD torrent?

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    1. McDog
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 11 months ago

      Hard luck Sarnab, away win for me 🙂

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      1. Sarnab
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 11 months ago

        Yup...Ba captain doomed me, and also you have schwarzer coming on.

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        1. McDog
          • 15 Years
          13 years, 11 months ago

          Yeah that was a bit jammy, but I had you beaten before that anyway.

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