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Interview October 20

Meet the Manager: Ex-pro footballer with two top 5k FPL ranks talks Gameweek 9

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Joe chats to another Fantasy Premier League (FPL) veteran with a strong track record in the game in his long-running series.

Former Ukrainian league footballer Vanya Guchev has played at youth and professional level and is still a semi-pro in his home city of Kharkiv.

Midfielder Vanya, who once turned down an offer to join Champions League regulars Shakhtar Donetsk, was a professional at Gelios Kharkiv and an academy player at Metalist Kharkiv. He still plays semi-pro for Brightgrove, also in Ukraine, and his footballing idols include Chelsea legend Frank Lampard.

Vanya also happens to be very good at Fantasy Premier League management.

Over his ten-year career, he’s had two top 5k finishes, including one within the top 2,000, and has only finished outside the top 100k once.

This season he could be set for another strong finish, going into Gameweek 9 sitting inside the top 4k.

With his experience as a player and skill as an FPL manager, he arguably has a unique perspective on the game, which he has put to good use to identify the Premier League’s most ‘efficient players’.

He chats to Joe about why some players have not impressed him and why others have become essential picks, due to their ability to conjure up big chances, going on to discuss his plans for Gameweek 9 and beyond.

Their chat takes in issues around hits, captaincy and risk. It was recorded on Monday 19 October, just ahead of Gameweek 8’s final match, between Arsenal and Crystal Palace.

The Complete Guide to FPL Gameweek 9: Tips, captains, team news and best players

J0E Podcaster and writer. Tweets stats and stuff via @FFScout_Joe Follow them on Twitter

596 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Tsparkes10
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    This wc looks tasty…
    Option to go Son, Jesus over Vardy, Foden?

    McCarthy Foster
    Walker Rudiger TAA Livramento Manq
    Raph Mbuemo Salah Foden Havertz
    Vardy Borja Antonio

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    1. Max City
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Yeah, Son is definitely more nailed than Foden

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    2. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      By tasty do you mean mixed meat kebab and chips after a skinfull tasty? Guarenteed to bring regret in the morning

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      1. Tsparkes10
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        I mean nandos chicken thighs with a side of peri chips and tenderstem broccoli tasty… might not always be worth the price but when it’s good it’s worth every penny

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    3. Calculated Risks
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Wouldn't call borja, foden, Havertz, walker tasty tbf

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  2. jay01
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    People confused over Chilwell or Alonso starting. I told everyone Chilwell will get his first start vs Southampton definitely based on what I know as a Chelsea fan. People didnt like to hear this but i was right.

    Let me tell you now, Chilwell definitely starts vs Norwich.

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    1. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      If you had Alonso would you switch out for Chilwell-4?

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      1. jay01
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        As an FPL player i dont really like switching out defenders for a hit. Depends if you have an alternative like Livramento to play on the bench id wait to do it on a free. If you dont, then as a long term move its viable for sure.. chilwell is very advanced for us too, so if theres a game hes likely to haul its norwich

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        1. dunas_dog
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Thanks- yes it’s fixture and attacking potential upside that makes it worthwhile I think

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          1. jay01
            • 9 Years
            2 years, 6 months ago

            Go for it, Alpnso will get the cup game, then Chilly back to the next Prem start too (barring any injuries).. hes our first choice

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    2. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      What else can you tell us?

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      1. jay01
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Depends what you wanna know. Chilly is what im certain of.

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    3. tommo1989
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Do you own him and if so, are you captaining?

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      1. jay01
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Yeah i owned Chilwell prior to the Southampton GWK was waiting for him to come back since the start of the season. A captain option for sure but im going Mo

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    4. Fantasy Football Friend!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Don't care who you support. Unless you have an inside source at the club, you aren't ang more qualified than the rest of us.

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      1. jay01
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Dont need an inside source to know who will start lmao

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        1. Fish up a tree
          • 2 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Crystal ball works for me!

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      2. tommo1989
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        I do think following your own team closely does make a difference. As a Man Utd fan I knew Greenwood would be a great option from the start of this season

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        1. jay01
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Definitely.. seems an obvious statement but its so so right

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    5. Amartey Partey
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Thank you!

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    6. Plant Based FPLer
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Would a manager say, "Chilwell HAS to play... against Norwich," though? It is at least 50/50. Alonso can haul as well.

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      1. jay01
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Not having the 50/50 thing, i think Chilwells form plus coming off early plus the form of Alonso tells me Chilwell is dead cert to start. Also factor in theres a cup game right after to rest. That combined with it being my own team that i follow, im sure of Chilwell starting as much as I am sure of Salah starting for Liverpool on the weekend. This is how i feel

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        1. Plant Based FPLer
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Could be the "giving Alonso some minutes" before starting again, just like he did for Chilwell, rather than resting Chilwell. I own Alobso, and honestly am not particularly optmistic.

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    7. JohnnyRev7
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Yep, as a fellow Chelski I made the same call on Chilly starting v SOU and everyone laughed at me. 23pts in 2 FPL games. Nobody's laughing now. He definately starts v NOR.

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      1. jay01
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Trust me, they were the Alonso owners who were salty tbh. Its like you were not allowed to say what you think will happen

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        1. JohnnyRev7
          • 13 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          I understand. But Marcos was always on borrowed time, I never thought to own him so it never really effected me. But to end on a postive! Great to see Chilly back. Fantastic player for us. 😎

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          1. jay01
            • 9 Years
            2 years, 6 months ago

            Absolutely man! Lets hope Lukalu returns by next IB the latest though. Next few games should be calm

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            1. JohnnyRev7
              • 13 Years
              2 years, 6 months ago

              With Rom and Timo (potentially) out Kai up top?

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              1. jay01
                • 9 Years
                2 years, 6 months ago

                Its got to be, CHO on the left this weekend. RLC deserves gametime too. I think we will be good

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                1. JohnnyRev7
                  • 13 Years
                  2 years, 6 months ago

                  Fingers crossed. x

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  3. The Senate
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Lukaku to Daka anyone?

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    1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Already have Vardy but still tempted. Big gamble that could fail fantastically.

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    2. Calculated Risks
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I will give you a reply to say no.
      Don't expect any more.

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    3. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      What makes you think Daka starts next game? Kelechi and Vardy have done well vs Manu

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    4. Fish up a tree
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Strap them knees together lol

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    5. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      who is Daka ?

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      1. JohnnyRev7
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        The capital of Bangladesh.

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  4. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Best option between

    A Foden
    B Havertz

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    1. No Kane No Gain
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      B

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  5. Firmino
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Which strategy is better?

    A)
    GW9 Lukaku -> Kane
    GW10 Benrahma -> Mbeumo
    GW11 Antonio -> Toney
    GW12 Rudiger&Saka -> Son&4.3def -4

    B)
    GW9 Lukaku&Benrahma -> Son&Toney -4
    GW10 Saka -> Mbeumo
    GW11 Save
    GW12 Rudiger&Antonio -> Kane&4.3def

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    1. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Impossible to plan that many weeks ahead. As tonight showed.

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      1. Firmino
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        I have a good bench to cover

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  6. dshv
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    My plan was to bring Son in my squad after last week WC hit.. anyway now with Lukaku out.. am i have to go for Kane?

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    1. FPL_Crisis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      not the worst player to bring in and good differential
      see my post below

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  7. Max City
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Ramsdale
    TAA Cancelo Chilwell Alonso Livra
    Salah Townsend Gray Gallagher
    Antonio

    Subs:
    Foster Ronaldo ASM Sarr

    0 FT 0.0itb

    the FT was for Shaw >> Chilwell
    am I gtg?
    benches need tweak?

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    1. Calculated Risks
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      If you are benching Ronaldo, Saint max, and Sarr you don't even deserve replies.

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  8. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Ramsdale
    TAA Cancelo James
    Salah Foden Mbeumo Raphinha
    Lukaku Antonio Jimenez

    Foster Livramento Duffy Brownhill

    1FT, 0.4 itb

    What to do here? Lukaku (if injured) >> ?

    Cheers

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    1. dshv
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I am with the same team hahahaha maybe will go for Kane? What do you think

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      1. FCSB
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        It’s possible, will want either Son or Kane from GW12 so maybe an early move is the way to go

        What’s the other options, Vardy?

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  9. FPL_Crisis
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Was going to do Jota to Raphinha for free
    Hows Jota/Lukaku >> Raph/Kane -4
    not too fussed about the hit and whu MUN defence aren't keeping clean sheets, fixtures after that are really good

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    1. FCSB
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I think that’s the logical moves

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  10. Max City
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Ronaldo >> Kane (-4)?

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    1. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      No.

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    2. Amartey Partey
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Why?

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  11. Fish up a tree
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Shot me bolt on the FT this week & now Lukaku is slumped on my bench

    Take a hit for

    A Kane
    B Vardy

    Or start

    C Livra
    D Saka (maybe not fit)
    E Benny over the Hill

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    1. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Could do worse than starting Livra.

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  12. Nightf0x
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Keep alonso 1 more gw ?

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    1. BrockLanders
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Yep

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    2. Costa Nostra
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Yes, if you like subs coming off your bench or 1 pointers.

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  13. MShalkz
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Lukaku and Ronaldo to Kane and Vardy for a -4 this week?

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    1. dshv
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Boom yes

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    2. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      No, just Lukaku out for Vardy.

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  14. BrockLanders
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

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    1. BrockLanders
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Tuchel on Norwich in #GW9: "This will be maybe one of the shortest pre-match meetings in my history of coaching because we want everything on the same level. We have the chance to switch on some positions, to demand from everybody physically the same input."

      #FFScout #FPL

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      1. BrockLanders
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        ALONSO HOPE IS BACK!!!!

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      2. La Roja
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Alonso nailed on to start then

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      3. FCSB
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Does this bode well for James?

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  15. dontyouknowimloko
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Got Mahrez in as a one week punt on wildcard with plan to bring Raphina in.

    Should I still do it for free or hold?

    Got City cover in Foden and Cancelo.

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    1. BrockLanders
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Jesus didn't train again apparently, so every chance Mahrez could keep his place..

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  16. TomSaints
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Any thoughts on Aubameyang in for Lukaku?

    No Europe so rested, started to score goals and good fixtures.

    I don’t like Vardy v Brentford so maybe thinking Jiminez as a boring alternative?

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    1. FPL_Crisis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      not the worst option but you wouldn't be surprised if he blanked more often than not!
      In saying that he's scored in 3 straight home games and have AVL WAT NEW coming up

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      1. TomSaints
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Exactly, actually quite good!

        Plus He’s 9.9 and I’ll probably want Ronaldo for their nice run so looking for next 4-5 and keep a chunk of funds in one place.

        I’d actually go Kane if I had money in the bank, but not taking a hit to get him.

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        1. FPL_Crisis
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          See my post above
          I'd go Auba if I could also afford Son but nowhere near. Looking at Kane and Raphinha

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    2. dontyouknowimloko
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Arsenal have been average apart from Spurs game.

      Auba has strong scoring form in home matches though and a good recent record v Villa and Watford.

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      1. TomSaints
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Auba is a premier league veteran and just feels like this is the type of game he’s scored a hatrick in.

        Arsenal ‘due’ a penalty as well…

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    3. Wolfman180
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I swore I'd never own Aubameyang again as he burns me everytime I have him in.

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      1. TomSaints
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Haha same, but he’s so beguiling. Plus I wanted a player for the Friday game so I have a vested interest.

        I think I’ve talked myself into it. Fantasy gods help me…

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        1. Wolfman180
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Good luck to ya... you may need it

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      2. Qaiss
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Maybe because you decide to get him when everyone else has him. He often does well when ignored.

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  17. DARE TO BISCAN
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    What ya reckon?
    Traore, 'Kaku > Havertz, Vardy (-4)

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    1. BrockLanders
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Not keen on Havertz

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      1. DARE TO BISCAN
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Who would you have, up to 8.1? Foden?

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      2. No Kane No Gain
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Why not

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    2. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Decent trade tbh

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  18. dshv
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Why you people prefer Vardy over Kane… Kane is Kane?

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    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      It’s down to Spurs not being very attacking and Kane didn’t quite hit the form yet. Not to mention bad fixtures

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    2. dontyouknowimloko
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Vardy scoring consistently this season even when the team have been poor. Kane hasn’t.

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    3. Lingard’s Shin Guards
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      The argument for getting kane in is always 'kane is kane'

      Until the game where spurs look dreadful and he drops deep for 90 mins

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    4. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Have you watched PL this season? Kane could come good, but Vardy has been on fire. Actually unlucky not to have scored even more.

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  19. Avery
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Lukaku & Saka for

    A. Vardy & Mount
    B. Edouard/Toney & KDB
    C. Just Lukaku to Vardy
    D. Just Lukaku to Auba

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    1. BrockLanders
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      C

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  20. Nightf0x
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Vardy was a great differntial for me since 3 gws in my ML, now all will get him

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    1. The Polymath
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      We're running into the store like it's a Bank Holiday sale. 😀

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  21. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Lukaku Goatnaldo and Semedo to Cancelo Kane and Vardy -4??

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    1. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      No, just make the Lukaku and Semedo moves for free.

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  22. FPLtfs
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Lukaku, Greenwood and Semedo ->
    Vardy, Son and 4.6 def (-8) ?

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  23. Wolfman180
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Now that Lukaku looks to be out, is it worth keeping Ronaldo or sell him for Vardy?

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

      Brentford is a tough fixture. Main thing putting me off.

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      1. Royal5
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Brentford are very attacking. Vardy is captain material imo

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  24. Amartey Partey
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Please sell Ronaldo before his brace this weekend. It will help those of us with him rise up the ranks.

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  25. Hazz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Evening.

    Sanchez
    TAA / Cancelo / Chilwell
    Salah / Jota / Raphinha / Mbeumo
    Ronaldo / Antonio / Toney

    Steele // Livramento / White / Bissouma

    60 min sub was was good to see from Chilwell. Make that Alonso > Chillwell move?

    Then what about Ronaldo or Jota?

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    1. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I would just make Chilwell move

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  26. OverTinker
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    1. Start White
    2. Lukaku to Kane for a hit (have Vardy)

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    1. Ray85
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      2

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    2. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      2

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  27. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Benrahma, Lukaku to Son, Vardy for -8?

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  28. Ray85
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Lukaku for Auba or Kane please? Already got Antonio and Vardy & planning to maybe downgrade a premium forward and get Son from GW12.

    Auba allows me to bring back TAA next week though or I'll have to keep Dias. Damn you Lukaku!

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    1. The Polymath
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Too late. The poor guy's already been damned by that injury,

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  29. putana
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Bring in Toney or firmino for lukaku?

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    1. Ray85
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Already have Mbeumo and not sure of Bobby with the United game & rotational risk with Jota.

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    2. No Kane No Gain
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Jimi

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  30. No Kane No Gain
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Are we 75%+ sure havertz starts on Saturday?!

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