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Dugout Discussion December 21

Injured James and Antonio miss out as Lampard benches Havertz and Giroud

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The final Premier League fixture before Christmas is a London derby at Stamford Bridge.

Bringing Gameweek 14 to a close, Chelsea v West Ham United kicks off at 20:00 GMT.

The Blues will be without Reece James (£5.3m), with the widespread media reports that hinted at his possible, injury-enforced absence proving to be accurate.

The long-serving Cesar Azpilicueta (£5.6m) comes in at right-back and is one of three changes that Frank Lampard has made from Gameweek 13, with Jorginho (£4.8m) and Tammy Abraham (£8.2m) replacing the benched Kai Havertz (£8.2m) and Olivier Giroud (£6.7m).

Speaking of those last two changes ahead of kick-off, Lampard said:

It’s just a rotation and looking at different attributes of players against the opposition.

With Tammy, some energy in the team from the front. Oli’s been fantastic and can come in from the bench.

With Kai, similarly. I’ve got midfield players who are competing, I have to have a good level of competition. Nothing against Kai, he’s finding his feet and he will find his feet.

There is still no Hakim Ziyech (£8.1m) in the Chelsea squad despite the Moroccan returning to training at the back-end of last week but another recent absentee, Callum Hudson-Odoi (£5.7m), is on the bench.

West Ham have their own injury problems, with Michail Antonio (£6.2m) absent yet again because of a hamstring problem.

David Moyes said of the forward ahead of the match:

He’s getting closer but not ready for the game. He’s a big miss for us, undoubtedly, but hopefully, we’ll get him back soon.

Manuel Lanzini (£6.4m) misses out with a similar issue.

Fabian Balbuena (£4.5m) has recovered from a minor groin problem to start, at least, with the Paraguayan ousting Issa Diop (£4.3m) from the Hammers’ starting XI.

Mark Noble (£4.6m) also makes his first start in the Premier League since September as Moyes looks to bolster his midfield for this tricky away trip.

Said Benrahma (£6.0m) is the man to make way to accommodate the West Ham skipper.

Chelsea XI: Mendy, Azpilicueta, Zouma, Thiago Silva, Chilwell, Jorginho, Kante, Mount, Werner, Abraham, Pulisic.

West Ham XI: Fabianski, Coufal, Balbuena, Ogbonna, Cresswell, Rice, Soucek, Bowen, Noble, Fornals, Haller.

Lessons learned from FPL Gameweek 14

1,979 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Pompel
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Arsenal got some plum fixtures for defence in GW16-19. Anyone consider e.g Gabriel or Bellerin,

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    1. Qaiss
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I’m an arsenal fan and I had Bellerin since GW2, until I sold for Dier last week... Just don’t go near our defence until there is a strong performance or two.

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      1. Pompel
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        You have my sympathy.... Yeah, guess its wait and see

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    2. Casual Player
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Maitland-Niles for me if there’s any mail he’s a regular.

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      1. OneDennisBergkamp
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        defo not AMN or any arsenal at the min

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      2. Pompel
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Does bot look like nailed - wouldnt Holding be a better pick, seems to have nailed down his spot

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        1. Casual Player
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Maybe. If I get Holding I’ve then bought back 3 players I got rid of on my wildcard. What a waste that was lol

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    3. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Nope

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    4. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Might get Tierney for GW18 FH, or I mightn't.

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    5. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      100% nope

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  2. JJeyy
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Chilwell + Grealish to TAA + Raphinha (for free)

    Yes or no?

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    1. mrelpea
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Y

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    2. FER FUSCH AKE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Wait on Chilly and I don't see that move paying off at all.

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      1. Gabbiadini
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Is there any means to waiting?

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    3. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      If Chilwell is out then yes

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    4. The Mighty Whites
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Like it

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    5. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Grealish should stay for Palace

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    6. Mr Bird
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Absolutely not.

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  3. Casual Player
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    It’s weird to come into the deadline with two Chelsea defenders and get 1pt from a clean sheet.

    Still a good week, will wait and see the injury damage. don’t mind losing some TV - prepared to lose 0.2 on transfers for better info before a decision.

    Looking at Stones and I don’t know yet. Why does no one mention Aurier (I don’t actually watch games, is it eye test?)

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    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Gave Vardy a penalty.

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      1. Casual Player
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        He won’t give Vardy a penalty next week!

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        1. Klaren
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Major rotation threat from Doherty (unless Doherty has an injury that I'm not aware of)

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        2. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Because he could be dropped.

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  4. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Any update on Cavaleiro guys?

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  5. Huddersfield
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    How's that BGW18 lot looking?

    Martinez
    Dias Stones Lewis Ampadu Robinson
    KDB (C) Son (V) Grealish
    DCL Silva

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    1. FER FUSCH AKE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      No kane, no wilson, no spurs def. 6.5/10.

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      1. Huddersfield
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Spurs def? i don't see them getting a CS vs Villa tho.

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        1. FER FUSCH AKE
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          They just might Jose can park a double decker bus and grind a 1-0.

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          1. Huddersfield
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            fair enough but i don't see it happening

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        2. FER FUSCH AKE
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Fulham and Sheffield also not exactly the best candidates for a cleanie. Lewis in a YC magnet.

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  6. FPLMACKEM
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    McCarthy
    Chilwell, Robertson, Targett
    Salah(c), Bruno, KDB, Grealish, Lookman
    Adams, Bamford

    Forster, Lewis, Coufal, Brewster

    2ft 1.8 itb

    Ok guys what's the best chip strategy for this squad?

    I have already used my first wildcard.

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  7. Qaiss
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    How many DGW players in your view, are needed for GW19? Is 6/7/8 enough?

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    1. Qaiss
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      *if not bench boosting of course

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    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Depends if you are playing any chips in GW19 and how you want your team after DGW

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    3. Casual Player
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Depends on what your overall strategy is?

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      1. Qaiss
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Dunno, City and Spurs with good fixtures in those weeks might make going all out on having DGW players a bit stupid, especially as City for have really good fixtures after as well.

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    4. FER FUSCH AKE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Will FH so can't be arsed.

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  8. Kane Train
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Is Dier the best replacement under 5.4 for Chilwell ?

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    1. SallySlayer
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I got in Cancelo but Dier is in good shape to pick up clean sheets

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    2. Ozzy smith
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      If you're not using FH in 18 then arguably, yes.

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    3. FER FUSCH AKE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Shhhhh under the radar on here.

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      1. Casual Player
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        It feels like literally every post for the last two weeks is get Dier, or more recently Stones. If he’s under the radar, your radar sucks

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        1. FER FUSCH AKE
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Most people are preparing for DGW 19 on here, as far as I can remember, Dier doesn't have a double. How do you waste trannies bringing in players without a double.

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    4. Nightf0x
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Matip

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  9. chaser123
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    WC1 holders....

    Are any of you considering not using FH or BB in GW18 or 19? Ie navigating them both with no chip use (or triple captain only)?

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    1. Vazza
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      See my post below. I’m in a massive dilemma myself mate.

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    2. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      TBH mate I have no idea atm and need to sort it out as I will likely have limited connectivity that week so ideally need to have it sorted on boxing day.

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  10. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Lads I'm top of my main money league. About 25 points ahead. Everyone to a man has Kane in the top 10 except me. Have two frees.would you get him if in my shoes?

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    1. Jordan.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      yes

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    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      No just concentrate on your team. Plenty of GWs ahead with chips to play to extend lead

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    3. FER FUSCH AKE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Too early to start covering. Play your game.

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      1. DMP
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        This

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    4. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Do you think Kane is a weakness or strength in their teams?

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      1. DA Minnion (Former great)
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        I think with spurs having Fulham and Leeds coming up shortly and them heavily captaining him I think I would be at a real disadvantage.

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        1. Pepe
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Cant see Kane having grande haul, just cant see.. they are focusing so much on defence that they give the possession even to the weaker opponent and then struggle to get back into game.

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          1. Pepe
            • 3 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Thatswhy i think Son is just enough to cover spurs as they heavily count on counterattacks where Son is always involved etiher scoring or assisting

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        2. Iwantmorepointsthanks
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Stating the obvious here, but only get him in if you think you will score more points with him, than without him.

          I am undecided myself. In the top 6 of my mini-league I have been the only one without Kane for the last three weeks.
          Went up from 4th to 1st place.
          But I will not base my decision on covering, it is about whether I expect Kane to score more than whoever I'd have to sacrifice from my big hitters.

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        3. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Let me rephrase it, if you were 10th in the league with all above having Kane, would you get him?

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          1. DA Minnion (Former great)
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Probably not but that's a different situation.I'll consider. Cheers Tm

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            1. TorresMagic™
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 14 Years
              3 years, 4 months ago

              Kane is either a good pick or not. If nobody had him in your ML, you wouldn't be interested.

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  11. Spark Dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Both first choice Chelsea full backs in my team struck down, how lovely....

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  12. gonzalocampos
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Chilwel, Reece James and Saiss to Robertson, Dias and Walker Pieters for -4?

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    1. Tsparkes10
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Coufal over KWP

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  13. Klaren
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    I need a max 4.6 defender who will play this GW and who has a GW18 fixture. Any suggestions?

    Looks like Palace might the only option in that price range?

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    1. Huddersfield
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Unpopular opinion: get a Sheffield defender.

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      1. Klaren
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks, I did consider that but the nailed ones start from 4.7 unfortunately. Maybe Ampadu might be worth a try though, he played most games when available.

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  14. Bobby
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    A long story and a bit of paranoia here, but if you change your password on fpl, will it also log anyone else out who may have signed in with my credentials on the app/a different device?

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    1. _Ninja_
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Yes it should do.

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  15. Tsparkes10
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Grealish, Werner, Chillwell to Salah, Adams, Dallas (-4)?

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    1. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Yes

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  16. Vazza
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Hi guys, I could really do with some assistance.

    Having scored a century this week and generally being very happy with my team, I don’t know how to use my wildcard.

    The possibilities are to offload Grealish and Dias to upgrade my bench so I could play BB in GW 19.

    But to lose players of that calibre and diluting the team value over 15 players to take advantage of the double fixture, im really thinking whether that is a good strategy.

    I’m really not convinced by the likes of Coufal, Dallas, Bamford etc.

    Any thoughts please..

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    1. Iwantmorepointsthanks
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      You are correct to doubt the BB strategy you outlined.

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    2. Jambot
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Yep you have to ruin the balance of you squad and use wildcards/transfers either side to make it and put it back together again. I prefer to use the bb after 2nd wildcard towards the end of the season and will TC GW19

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    3. chaser123
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      What are your thoughts on:
      - WC in 16
      - FH in 18
      - TC in 19

      This is my current thought as it avoids the issues you mentioned?

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      1. Vazza
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        That’s a great suggestion. May take up on that

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  17. FPL Theorist
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Currently 51 points off top 100k. Is it realistic to aim to crack top 100k by the end of DGW19 (playing BB then with full playing bench)?

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    1. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Possible

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    2. Woy_is_back
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      End of the season all that matters. Dont be a Carlsen 😉

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  18. Shark Team
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    I think i will go for Kane as my TC this season. Mou always says that he wants to bring a title to the club so i think he is gonna have a great cup run (either FA or EFL Cup) with Spurs. This means that in gw 26 Spurs will face SOU(H) or FUL(A) along with their BUR(H) fixture

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    1. Riverside Red
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Had miserable time in past seasons TCing Kane...perhaps this year will be different

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    2. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Never triple captain anyone who’s name is 4 letters and ends with “ane”.

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      1. Better luck next year
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Triple Capped all thre anes.. So I have to agree on this 🙂

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      2. Chrisitis
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Never triple captain a not nailed city player either

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      3. The Suspended One
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Sane TC ftw

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        1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          The pain....

          I’ve tried Kane and mane too.

          Yuck.

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  19. Jolly Good
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    1 week punt

    Dallas vs Burnley at home or
    Cancelo vs New castle at home

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    1. FPL Theorist
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Cancelo

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  20. Kane Train
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Are we expecting any more double game weeks

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    1. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Yes.

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  21. Nightf0x
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    How bad is vardy, chilwel & ings injuries?
    Also james wanted to get him in for chilwel to upgrade another player

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    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Vardy will be fine, the rest not so much.

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  22. Nightf0x
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Is matip nailed enough ?

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  23. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Thoughts!?
    Greenwood and Mitchell -> Raphina and Coufal free
    Next week KDB and Targett -> Son and Trent -4
    For dgw Martinez -> Fabianski

    2FT 0.0 ITB
    Martinez
    Targett Chillwell Stones
    Greenwood Bruno Salah KDB
    Adams Kane Bamford

    Foster,Lamptey,Burke,Mitchell.

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  24. Ginola
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    I still have literally no idea which chip strategy to go for. It’s so crucial this year and less obvious than in previous year. How did you guys made a decision on this?

    No WC left. Think I’m going for FH18, BB19, but this would mean a -8 to be able to field 15 and no Kane VS LEE. + How do you think you will deal with that expensive bench after BB?

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    1. lugs
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      no harm in having a few sgw players for BB 19, guaranteed quite a few of them will outscore a lot of dgw players, it happens every year

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  25. Gabbiadini
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Current defence of Chilwell | Dallas | Coufal | Taylor | Mitchell

    0.0 ITB, should I do Chilwell to Stones?

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  26. dshv
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    WILDCARD owners

    When to use and what kind of players have to own ...

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    1. Vazza
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Great question.

      See my post above.

      Haven’t got a clue mate.

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      1. dshv
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        I saw.. i have balance in my team too bur don’t want to waste a wc... maybe to bring players with two matches in dgw ?

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  27. Dele
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Chilwell & Wilson >>> Robbo & Adams 2FT?

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    1. OptimusBlack
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Yeeees

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  28. Viper
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    I think I've landed on my wildcard team (Gw16). What's the obvious glaring error?

    Mccarthy Johnstone

    TAA Coufal Taylor Dallas Robertson

    Salah Fernandes Bowen Raphinha Soucek

    Kane Bamford Adams

    1.0m leftover

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    1. Dele
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      It lacks KDB

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    2. FPL_Motty
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Fair enough, looks set for a BB in dgw. But this team just makes me think how I really don't want my team to be like this, all that money sitting on the bench straight after and so little ability to move around, no thanks. I'll lose a little ground that week to be better set following

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  29. baines is god
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    How secure is Kilman?

    Seemed to come in today for Boly?

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    1. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Boly small injury. Boly is a mainstay.

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  30. FDMS All Starz
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Would you FH this gw18 team (7 players) or is it enough?

    mccarthy
    DIAS - CANCELO - MARCAL
    SON - KDB - NETO - bruno
    KANE - bamford - adams

    (johnstone - rapinha - justin - dallas)

    (will play BB gw19 with KDB & Kane --> Salah & Vardy for free)

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    1. Viper
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Yeah, I'd free hit personally. Plenty of good options to be picked

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      1. FDMS All Starz
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Like who? Not sure about Villa players against Spurs, Arsenal are toothless and the Sheffield Newcastle game will probably end 0-0...what players do you have in mind?

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      2. SuperG
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Personally, I don’t think the blank week is attractive enough to fh. Save it for later in the season when there’s a juicy dgw

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    2. thegaffer82
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Mate, that is a perfectly good team for BGW right now. You’ve still got loads of transfers between now & then.

      Maybe 1 or 2 more and FH 19 cherry picking the best XI for DGW

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