634x258 Members
23 March 2012 651 comments
Mark Mark
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Antonio Valencia looks irresistible right now. While you read this, at the current rate of acquisition, a dozen or so Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers will have snapped him up for their squads. By the time you stop reading this, you may well join them.

Is it unthinkable to ignore Valencia’s appeal? Certainly there are alternatives for a midfield slot in our squads – notably Arsenal’s Theo Walcott, a player who has grown in stature this season, not least in the recent run of results that has seen the Gunners push Spurs aside in the race for third.

Using the data available, including our own ICT Index and Opta’s statistics, we examine Valencia and Walcott’s credentials, weighing up the value of the United man whilst discussing a scenario where the ā€œunthinkableā€ could apply…

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

651 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. JK - Cønt ⭐
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 10 months ago

    Ok folks 2 things

    1) My current sub order is Dempsey, Santon, Taiwo. Right order?

    2) Taiwo and Young to Verm and Valencia next week for 4 pointer, or should I just get Verm and not take the hit? If I don't take it, I may as well not bother until GW33/34

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    1. Bøwstring The Carp
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 10 months ago

      I would put Santon ahead of dempsey but thats just me

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      1. seanie3
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 10 months ago

        Santon either starts and it then taken off after 45 mins or is on the bench and comes on, all in all he is getting 1pt lately.

        Dempsey even if he doesn't score or assist will at least get 2pt.

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    2. Connor's Calling
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 10 months ago

      1) my current bench order = Dempsey, Santon, Kelly -so would agree. altho Taiwo might have the most chance of an assist?
      2) wait and see

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  2. Dom Salahnke
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 10 months ago

    Just a passing thought, is there any PL team from which you have never bought a player during the current season? Can only remember Blackburn and Norwich myself..

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    1. rohan
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 10 months ago

      Bolton

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    2. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 10 months ago

      Bolton, Villa, Norwich.

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      1. JK - Cønt ⭐
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 10 months ago

        scrap Villa, I owned Clark for a day on wc.

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    3. 4vets
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 10 months ago

      WBA & Blackburn, I think.

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    4. The Finnisher
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 10 months ago

      Bolton, Blackburn, Wolves

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    5. sotothemightygreek
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 10 months ago

      Blackburn and Norwich for me as well.

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      1. sotothemightygreek
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 10 months ago

        No West Brom players either.

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    6. Connor's Calling
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 10 months ago

      I was going to say QPR, but i had that wally Bradly Orr for the very first week.
      Havent had a Bolton or Blackburn player yet!

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    7. Kagawa-san-mia
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 10 months ago

      Bolton,wolves,villa,norwich,qpr

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    8. Fratboy
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 10 months ago

      QPR are the only team I think...

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    9. Madridista
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 10 months ago

      blackburn, wolves for me... surprisingly it was stoke for me last season!

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    10. Elniñorules
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 10 months ago

      Blackburn, Wolves, QPR.

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    11. Arselona
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 10 months ago

      Bolton....

      But may tick that off in two wks..

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    12. Drogba "Unstoppable, U…
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 10 months ago

      villa, wolves and i think stock

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    13. Adnan Shah
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 10 months ago

      Only Blackburn

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  3. Connor's Calling
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    13 years, 10 months ago

    Dempsey or Santon as first sub?
    If i thought Santon was going to start, i'd prob plump for him - but really dont want another 20min cameo.

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    1. rohan
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 10 months ago

      Bench Dempsey first

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  4. LWO23
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 10 months ago

    For me, the question is whether to go with five strong mid (in which case I upgrade McClean to Walcott) and a lower-priced striker (i.e. Graham) or do I stick with McClean and hand the third striker spot to someone like Adebayor (once healthy)?

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    1. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 10 months ago

      I have kept McClean, but have also got Yak. Will spend the cash to sort out my mess of a defence.

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  5. Optimus.
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 10 months ago

    if barcelona were playing wolves would mark lawrenson predict 2-0?

    he bloodly loves that score

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    1. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 10 months ago

      he would - to Wolves.

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  6. marteinnorn
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 10 months ago

    Vorm
    Evans – Vermaelen – Sktel
    Silva – Valencia – McClean – Sigurðsson – Bale
    Rooney(v) – RVP (c)

    Krul – Taylor – POG – Kilgallon

    BOOM !!

    How do ya like THEM apples…. reaping 120 pnts this weekend !!!

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  7. CRAZY TRAIN
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 10 months ago

    Ok, team for this week.

    Reina
    Jevans Skrtel Verm (Caulker Kelly)
    Bale Valencia Siggy McClean (Dempsey)
    RVP© Rooney (v) Suarez

    Pretty generic on here I know. Just want to gauge opinion on whether its good to go with formation, captain selection etc?

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    1. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 10 months ago

      I'm captaining Rooney, but there's nothing in it there. After last week I'd be cautious over benching Caulker, but short of benching Bale I'm not sure how you fit him in.

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      1. CRAZY TRAIN
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 10 months ago

        I have been burned with Caulker on the bench the previous 2 so know exactly where you are coming from. Benching Bale or McClean is the only way in for him though, and either have good prospects for points.

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  8. bobbydinho - Portland Irons
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 10 months ago

    Any word on what is taking so long to update leagues?

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  9. Silva is Gold.
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 10 months ago

    I want to do Moses -> Etherington or Walters next week. Who would you go for?

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    1. rohan
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 10 months ago

      Walters for safe play..

      Etherington for the differential

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    2. Captain Robert Hatch
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 10 months ago

      Walters last did something useful on December 31st, 2011.

      I'm talking last year.

      Etherington has some form, but missed a lot of pitch time recenlty.

      How about stear clear of both?

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      1. Silva is Gold.
        • 15 Years
        13 years, 10 months ago

        The fixtures for stoke for the run in are unreal though?

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    3. megatronaldinho
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 10 months ago

      having walters is both inexplicable and inexcusable. hopeless footballer. remember the last time he had very appealing fixtures? if not, that's because he did nothing, as was expected. you can only have 5 mids. for the love of all that's holy, don't include walters as one. practically every other mid in the game is a better shout. Hell, i'd rather have shaun derry.

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  10. shegull
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 10 months ago

    Vorm (Begovic)

    Richards Evans Enrique

    Valencia Siggy Miyaichi Bale

    RvP(C) Suarez Hernandez(vc)

    sub order: Dempsey Simpson Senderos

    Everything OK? Good to go?

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    1. rohan
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 10 months ago

      I'd play Dempsey over Miyaichi... Most would'nt agree

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

    Blimey 4 articles today and still at least 2 to come! Busy busy busy!

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    1. Bubbles oOoO
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 10 months ago

      Can't keep up with pages, all moving a bit quick at the mo and other stuff to do in the real world but thanks for replies and for pointing them out on previous page also!

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      1. Fratboy
        • 15 Years
        13 years, 10 months ago

        No problem guy!

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  12. Billy Ketsu
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 10 months ago

    Guys

    Does anyone know who Liverpool are supposed to be playing in GW 34? They're in the Cup on the Saturday but who are their opponents in the league game that will probably be played on the Wednesday?

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    1. Nibbsy
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 10 months ago

      Home to Fulham according to the ticker.

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    2. Elniñorules
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 10 months ago

      Fulham, if I ain't mistaken.

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      1. Billy Ketsu
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 10 months ago

        Cheers chaps. Them's some decent fixtures they've got there........shame they don't have an in-form, all-action box-to-box midfielder.

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        1. Elniñorules
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          13 years, 10 months ago

          They've still got a world-class defender in AndyDawg. šŸ˜‰

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  13. Arselona
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 10 months ago

    Guns are loaded...

    Mignolet
    Evans Enrique Caulker
    Mata Silva Valencia(vc) Bale
    Yakubu RvP(c) Ba

    Subs: Al-Habsi Dempsey MartinR KellyS

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  14. Nibbsy
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 10 months ago

    Has GW34 been sorted now? Looks like quite a few fixtures have been put back in?

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  15. deepblue
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 10 months ago

    Repost from last page since did not get any reply
    Best transfer to make nxt week??
    A) Suarez to Hernandez
    B) Ba to Hernandez
    C) Any other

    Team ATM-
    Mignolet
    Richards Caulker Skrtel
    Valencia Mata Bale Siggy
    RVP(c) Ba Suarez

    Begovic Moses Williamson Kelly

    Any help is greatly appreciated

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    1. El Doctor
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 10 months ago

      Ba out for Hernandez or Rooney

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      1. deepblue
        • 13 Years
        13 years, 10 months ago

        thanks... cannot afford rooney unfortunately..

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  16. el flacooo
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 10 months ago

    i ve just captained rooney in place of RVP i feel i am doing a big mistake..!!

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    1. Croco
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 10 months ago

      I would captain RVP instead of Shrek since Villa is falling apart while Fulham's defense can be very stubborn

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    2. Podge
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 10 months ago

      Well you are doing the same thing as me which cant be a good sign

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      1. el flacooo
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 10 months ago

        hope you are wrong

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  17. Jimjam
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 10 months ago

    Vorm
    Vermaelen - Enrique - Evans
    Bale - Valencia - Sigurdsson - McClean
    RVP(c) - Rooney(vc) - Ba

    Bench: Krul - Dempsey - Caulker - Lescott

    No idea how to order my bench - any advice? Also, am I mad to consider going 4-3-3 and starting Caulker?

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    1. deepblue
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 10 months ago

      play caulker...

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      1. Jimjam
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        13 years, 10 months ago

        Who should I bench - McClean?

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      2. marteinnorn
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 10 months ago

        dissagree there, Everton look strong

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  18. Croco
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 10 months ago

    I hope selling Bale will not backfire me šŸ™

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  19. rohan
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 10 months ago

    8 games on Saturday... Thats more like it... Hate the extended GW's

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  20. Nibbsy
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 10 months ago

    Kompany, Verm or BAE for the rest of the season?

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    1. rohan
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 10 months ago

      Kompany, Verm, BAE- In that order, Imo

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      1. Bubbles oOoO
        • 15 Years
        13 years, 10 months ago

        +1.....I think

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  21. What is love? Robin Van Per…
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 10 months ago

    Okay so current team for GW30 is
    Vorm/Sorenson
    Shotton/G.Johnson/J.Evans/Santon/Kelly
    McClean/Valencia/Bale/Silva/Siggy
    RVP/Suarez/Rooney

    Planning my WC for GW31
    Vorm/Friedel
    J.Evans Caulker Skrtel Vermalen Cahil
    Siggy Mata VDV Valencia McClean
    RVP Rooney Yak

    Got Mata and VDV for some differential.
    Any thoughts are appreciated?

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  22. dfroes
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 10 months ago

    I AM loving to see all of you guys doing Young> Valencia! U MUST BE CRAZY.. Young is less more likely to rotate.. and when nani is fit it will be Young and Nani and Valencia going to RB

    Mark this: Young will outscore Valencia

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    1. MrJefferson
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 10 months ago

      you obviously do not have clue f you think tony v goes to rb, he will play on right, nani and young rotate on left

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      1. MrJefferson
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 10 months ago

        *if

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    2. thobe230
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 10 months ago

      "young is less more likely to rotate". Got ya

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    3. Bubbles oOoO
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 10 months ago

      I can't see Valencia losing the right wing spot unless he gets injured or loses form to be honest. When fit and playing he has been by far and away the most consistent and productive of all 3 of them by a mile this season. Add to that his workrate for the team being so much higher than either Young or Nani and the fact that Fergie loves him, I think it's fairly safe to say he is the least likely to be rotated from here on in.

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      1. marteinnorn
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 10 months ago

        totally agree, whenever Young is playing when Valencia is on the field, he doesnt do muc. It´s only when Valencia is not there... almost everyone in the united team look to Valencia and Rooney for passes when they are there... I´ve watched every game this season... go ahead an look at the numbers šŸ˜‰

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  23. dfroes
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 10 months ago

    wanna bet? do as you wish u stupid

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    1. Bale me Out
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 10 months ago

      Y U PISSED??

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    2. Fratboy
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 10 months ago

      I'll take that bet! £100 says Valencia doesn't start at RB this weekend!

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    3. 1966 was a great year for E…
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 10 months ago

      Spot the odd one out: Jones, Smalling, Rafael, Valencia, Fabio.

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  24. IfYouTinkerYou'llHaveA…
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 10 months ago

    Jeff stellings 3 transfer targets - Siggy, Cisse (djibril) and Crouch

    http://fantasyfootball.skysports.com/video/

    Could crouch and stokes tasty run in solve the 3rd striker prob? Hmmm

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    1. Bubbles oOoO
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 10 months ago

      Fixtures are good but Crouch and Stoke in general just don't score enough for my liking.

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    2. Podge
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 10 months ago

      Easy to bench if thats what you are looking for

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  25. seanie3
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 10 months ago

    Vorm
    Srktel, Evans, Caulker
    Bale, Valencia, Dempsey, Mclean
    RVP, Rooney, Ba
    (Krul, Miyachi, bae, santon)

    should I do anything with this team, No FT’s, 2.3m in the bank

    thinking of doing dempsey -> walcot (-4) or is there a more pressing change I need to make

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  26. el flacooo
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 10 months ago

    current team for gw 30:

    vorm
    evans-verm-skrtel
    bale-siggy-valencia-surman
    rvp-rooney (c)-suarez
    mignolet-dempsey-kompany-williamson

    some comment?captain?sub?
    cheers

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    1. rohan
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 10 months ago

      You asked for a comment so- .

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      1. el flacooo
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 10 months ago

        i ask for advice or opinion

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        1. rohan
          • 14 Years
          13 years, 10 months ago

          Ya but there was the "some comment" too... But, nice team mate šŸ™‚

          Good to go

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    2. futbolnotsoccer
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 10 months ago

      Not bad actually. Go for it, son.

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  27. J0E
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 16 Years
    13 years, 10 months ago

    Odemwingiiiiieeeee!!!!

    Just getting in practice for the weekend when Peter adds to his recent tally of three goals in his last two games against Newcastle.

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    1. rohan
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 10 months ago

      Would be great if he could replicate some of his last season's goal scoring run towards the end of the season

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      1. J0E
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 16 Years
        13 years, 10 months ago

        About this time last year I got him in and he propelled me to my highest ever finish. Fingers crossed.

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        1. J0E
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 16 Years
          13 years, 10 months ago

          his rotation with dempsey home and away is excellent btw.

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    2. JT's Dog
        13 years, 10 months ago

        too many i's in that shout

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    3. shirtless
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 10 months ago

      Anyone else fancying pairing up Rooney with Chicharito for the run in? I have two transfers next week as sitting tight this week. Would have to sell Silva and Pog only prob is no decent mids for 6.7m to replace Silva as already have Sinclair and Sess and can't get Siggy as have Naylor and Vorm. Hmmm. Tempting for QPR home though...

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      1. JT's Dog
          13 years, 10 months ago

          swap sinc for sigg, more cash to add to midfielder.
          and pairing them up is as good as any of other pairings for united

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        • deepblue
          • 13 Years
          13 years, 10 months ago

          u can always buy roscisky...

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          1. shirtless
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            13 years, 10 months ago

            Not a bad call! Will keep an eye on things. Silva hitting form would make life easier. I like having a key attacking player of the potential top four.

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      2. futbolnotsoccer
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 10 months ago

        So I want to bring in Valencia...but I don't want to lose my midfield of Demps, Bale, Silva...They all have a decent amount of point potential, but will Valencia consistently outscore the likes of Silva from here on out? Sacrifice one of those three or just play it off with my original crew?

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        1. som3awy
          • 14 Years
          13 years, 10 months ago

          Silva's time is up.

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      3. Old Schoolᓼˢ “disa…
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 10 months ago

        What do u reckon of my wc team. Any changes? Suarez is staying for witan only

        Vorm bogdan
        Evans, skittle, Kompany, Caulker, shotton
        Bale,Walcott, siggy, Ryo, valencia
        bucktooth, pig, rvp

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        1. Old Schoolᓼˢ “disa…
          • 14 Years
          13 years, 10 months ago

          *wigan

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        2. Old Schoolᓼˢ “disa…
          • 14 Years
          13 years, 10 months ago

          Ignore will post on new page

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          1. futbolnotsoccer
            • 14 Years
            13 years, 10 months ago

            Lol okay...me too šŸ˜€

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        3. futbolnotsoccer
          • 14 Years
          13 years, 10 months ago

          I like, I like....not keeping Silva huh? hmmm...

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          1. Old Schoolᓼˢ “disa…
            • 14 Years
            13 years, 10 months ago

            šŸ˜†

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