Scouting The Doubles

Who are the best Villa players to buy in FPL?

18 April 2025 420 comments
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The biggest Double Gameweek of the season so far is here, with Arsenal, Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and Manchester City all playing twice.

In this Scouting the Doubles, we take a closer look at Unai Emery’s side.

THE FIXTURES

Villa are in a good run of form, winning all of their past four league matches, scoring nine goals and keeping three clean sheets.

The Double Gameweek 33 fixtures are tough on paper, however, with clashes against fourth-placed Newcastle United and fifth-placed Man City.

That said, with victory over Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday, Villa extended their unbeaten home run to 18 games across all competitions.

They’ve already beaten Man City this season, too.

xG rank (last six)xGC rank (last six)xG rank (season)xGC rank (season)
Newcastle7th6th5th6th
Man City5th5th4th8th

Villa ‘blank’ in Gameweek 34 due to their involvement in the FA Cup semi-final.

Beyond that, they host Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur, with visits to Bournemouth and Manchester United completing the agenda.

On the face of it, it’s a tricky run, but it isn’t the worst time to be facing Spurs and United, who will likely prioritise Europe.

ROTATION RISK?

Villa bowed out of Europe earlier this week, but they are still in the FA Cup.

Notably, they’ll face Palace in their semi-final at Wembley just a few days after the conclusion of Double Gameweek 33, so we could see a bit of rotation, particularly in the attacking spots, given the depth at Emery’s disposal.

However, the Spaniard has challenged his players to secure UEFA Champions League qualification after PSG knocked them out on Tuesday, so it’ll surely remain the priority, given the financial implications.

  • Saturday 19 April: Newcastle United (h), Gameweek 33
  • Tuesday 22 April: Manchester City (a), Gameweek 33
  • Saturday 26 April: Crystal Palace (n), FA Cup
  • Saturday 3 May: Fulham (h), Gameweek 35

VILLA’S UNDERLYING NUMBERS

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420 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Pep's Money Laundry
    • 10 Years
    7 months, 21 days ago

    On BB, I'm really struggling on this one. Pick one please?

    A. Keep Murphy (avl) - form of his life
    B. Murphy to Kudus (SOU) - Looked electric against Liverpool, plus nice fixture run
    C. Murphy to Rogers (NEW, mci) - Own Asensio and Konsa, worried 3 villa players might cause issues later

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    1. NZREDS
      • 12 Years
      7 months, 21 days ago

      I’d keep Murphy - has a great fixture after the double and will want him back for that.

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      1. OptimusBlack
        • 12 Years
        7 months, 21 days ago

        If he has FH it's okay to get him the next GW

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        1. RamaJama
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          7 months, 21 days ago

          This

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        2. Pep's Money Laundry
          • 10 Years
          7 months, 21 days ago

          Yes I'm on FH34

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  2. Tmel
    • 14 Years
    7 months, 21 days ago

    BBing this week and FHing next week:

    a) Saka & Dias
    b) KDB & Saliba

    (already have Raya, Kiwior, Gvardiol & Marmoush)

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    1. F4L
      • 10 Years
      7 months, 21 days ago

      b

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    2. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 months, 21 days ago

      A

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    3. Lav
      • 9 Years
      7 months, 21 days ago

      A

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    4. OptimusBlack
      • 12 Years
      7 months, 21 days ago

      B

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  3. F4L
    • 10 Years
    7 months, 21 days ago

    start:

    A - Kerkez (crystal palace a)
    B - Neco Williams (tottenham a)

    currently starting neco

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    1. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 months, 21 days ago

      A

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    2. Lav
      • 9 Years
      7 months, 21 days ago

      A

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    3. F4L
      • 10 Years
      7 months, 21 days ago

      thanks both

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  4. RamaJama
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    7 months, 21 days ago

    Which option?

    A) Gab/Murphy/Savinho to Kiwior/Rogers/KDB for -4
    B) Gab/Murphy to Saliba/Rogers for free, keep and play Savinho

    BB this week

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    1. F4L
      • 10 Years
      7 months, 21 days ago

      a

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    2. OptimusBlack
      • 12 Years
      7 months, 21 days ago

      A

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    3. Lav
      • 9 Years
      7 months, 21 days ago

      A

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    4. OptimusBlack
      • 12 Years
      7 months, 21 days ago

      Good Luck with KDB

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      1. RamaJama
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        7 months, 21 days ago

        His mins as unsure as Savinho’s?

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  5. Lav
    • 9 Years
    7 months, 21 days ago

    Am I crazy for ignoring Palace on FH?

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    1. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 months, 21 days ago

      Yes

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      1. Lav
        • 9 Years
        7 months, 21 days ago

        Mateta barely playing minutes, I see them conceding in both matches too

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    2. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 months, 21 days ago

      Not at all
      The entire Palace team got 37 points collectively in their last DGW from 32 collective appearances with the best of the lot Sarr getting a huge 7 points.

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      1. Lav
        • 9 Years
        7 months, 21 days ago

        Fixtures not appealing either

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  6. Letsgo!
    • 9 Years
    7 months, 21 days ago

    Will u -8 this week?
    Palmer greaves brunoG to kiwior kdb and rogers

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    1. Buck The Trent
      • 14 Years
      7 months, 21 days ago

      Yes

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  7. ebb2sparky
    • 15 Years
    7 months, 21 days ago

    Anyone benching a player with 2 games to play someone with 1? I'm tempted to play Bruno over a palace attacker (mateta/sarr)

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    1. Lav
      • 9 Years
      7 months, 21 days ago

      I am liking Bowen, Strand Larsen

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  8. 1314
    • 11 Years
    7 months, 21 days ago

    which one would you go for?
    a) Saliba Bowen (saves 1 FT)
    b) Kiwior KDB

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    1. Pilgrim62
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 months, 21 days ago

      B

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    2. SalahFingers
      • 7 Years
      7 months, 21 days ago

      b

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  9. Norco
    • 11 Years
    7 months, 21 days ago

    J.Murphy > Rogers worth a -4 on BB?

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    1. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 months, 21 days ago

      No

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    2. ZimZalabim
      • 9 Years
      7 months, 21 days ago

      if FH34 then yes

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  10. Pilgrim62
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 months, 21 days ago

    A. Murphy and KDB
    or
    B. Rogers and Saar

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    1. OptimusBlack
      • 12 Years
      7 months, 21 days ago

      A

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    2. waldo666
      • 15 Years
      7 months, 21 days ago

      B

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    3. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 months, 21 days ago

      B

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  11. sirmorbach
    • 9 Years
    7 months, 21 days ago

    Saka or Marmoush for captain?

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    1. waldo666
      • 15 Years
      7 months, 21 days ago

      Marmoush

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    2. ebb2sparky
      • 15 Years
      7 months, 21 days ago

      I'll probably go with Saka. He might not start against Ipswich but could score off the bench. I expect him to do well against palace who I assume will be focused on the fa cup semi final

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  12. ryacoo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 months, 21 days ago

    Couple of FH 50/50s:

    Watkins or Mateta
    Bowen or Eze
    Bradley or Munoz

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    1. Lav
      • 9 Years
      7 months, 21 days ago

      Im going no Palace on FH rn…

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    2. waldo666
      • 15 Years
      7 months, 21 days ago

      Go the Palace trio for mine.

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  13. rokka222
    • 2 Years
    7 months, 21 days ago

    I'm gonna bench Isak for Connor Bradley to chase rank...is that insane? If Isak does not return then Liverpool could easily have a clean sheet right? Gotta chase somehow?

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  14. Lav
    • 9 Years
    7 months, 21 days ago

    Tempted by this somewhat different FH

    Raya
    Saliba VVD Bradley
    Salah Saka KDB Bowen Rogers
    Marmoush Strand Larsen

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    1. ryacoo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 months, 21 days ago

      I've gone similar, with Gvardiol and Watkins over VVD/Larsen

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  15. Kaneyonero
    • 9 Years
    7 months, 21 days ago

    Would you bench Isak or Murphy. Feel Murphy is on form.

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    1. Trakunin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      7 months, 21 days ago

      Had the same dilemma. I've benched Isak – Murphy looks sharper to me.

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  16. Buck The Trent
    • 14 Years
    7 months, 21 days ago

    Would you do Murphy, Sarr to Rogers, Rashford for -4? (Will FH34)

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    1. NumberSix
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      7 months, 21 days ago

      no esp with Rashford minutes risk

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    2. TOLV TUMS
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 months, 21 days ago

      You’ll want Murphy in a bit and the Rashy/Watkins situation is real. There’s also some froth over Rashy that’s not entirely backed up w performance, and two potentially stiff opponents as well

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  17. NumberSix
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    7 months, 21 days ago

    G2G or any changes necessary? On a BBC with no free transfers, but could take a hit

    Raya (Areola)
    Timber - Livra - Konsa - Munoz - Gvardiol
    Salah - Merino - Bowen - Rogers - Sarr
    Mateta - Isak - Marmoush

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    1. TOLV TUMS
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 months, 21 days ago

      Good to go - I like a few of the differential shouts in there, go get em

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  18. Feanor
    • 16 Years
    7 months, 21 days ago

    Final BB XV

    Raya
    Gvardiol, Saliba, Ruben, Munoz
    Saka, Rashford, Sarr, Rogers
    Marmoush (c), Mateta

    Martinez, Milenkovic, Salah, Isak

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  19. Lallana_
    • 11 Years
    7 months, 21 days ago

    A or B? Chasing 50pts in ML. FH34 - going to go triple Newcastle.

    A)

    Raya
    Konsa
    De Bruyne (C)
    Evanilson (bench this week and hope he doubles in 36)
    Glasner

    B)

    Henderson
    Ruben Dias
    Rogers
    Isak (bench this week)
    Arteta

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    1. shredder
      • 15 Years
      7 months, 21 days ago

      A I reckon, I'm gambling on KDB captain too

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      1. Lallana_
        • 11 Years
        7 months, 21 days ago

        Cheers, going to take the hit on the price changes and hope for early team news on KDB

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  20. shredder
    • 15 Years
    7 months, 21 days ago

    Evening, would Virgil instead of Saliba on a free hit be a foolish move. Have Raya in goal ?

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    1. Lallana_
      • 11 Years
      7 months, 21 days ago

      I'd go Saliba still

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      1. shredder
        • 15 Years
        7 months, 21 days ago

        Cheers, just trying to go for something different.
        Would you go with Mateta or Cuhna/Larsen

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  21. Taegugk Warrior
    • 7 Years
    7 months, 21 days ago

    A. Livra to Dias
    B. Evanilson to watkins
    C. Murphy to rogers

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  22. mixology
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    7 months, 21 days ago

    Worth taking out Glasner on AM for a -4?

    A) Arteta
    B) Pep
    C) Keep and continue the misery

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    1. Shake n Bake
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 months, 21 days ago

      Keep. Hopefully he's learnt his lesson from the past 2 matches and you can use the transfer elsewhere

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    2. Lallana_
      • 11 Years
      7 months, 21 days ago

      A if you don't go triple Arsenal

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  23. Sun Jihai
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    7 months, 21 days ago

    I'd forgotten about Ben White in Arsenal's DGW34 last season. Everyone seems to be predicting him to start vs. Ipswich, imagine it happening again!

    Arsenal DGW34 points scorers
    White 26
    Odegaard 20
    Havertz 17
    Trossard 14
    Saliba 14
    Gabriel 12
    Rice 11
    Saka 9
    Jesus 6
    Tomiyasu 6
    Kiwior 6
    Partey 4
    Martinelli 2

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    1. Qaiss
      • 9 Years
      7 months, 21 days ago

      That was probably my best ever day playing FPL. I had White and Havertz on my free-hit and we battered Chelsea 5-0

      Pretty much secured my first top5k finish

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    2. snow pea in repose
      • 5 Years
      7 months, 21 days ago

      That GW took me from fourth to first in my main mini-league where I stayed for the rest of the season

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  24. Shake n Bake
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 months, 21 days ago

    Looking to replace Livramento with a single GW player for my BB. Have 6.1m and would ideally like a player with a decent GW37 fixture that shouldn't blank. Initially it was Bradley, but TAA coming back soon, so a GW37 start unlikely.
    A) Konate
    B) AWB (doubt)
    C) RAN
    D) Neco Williams
    Thoughts appreciated!

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    1. SalahFingers
      • 7 Years
      7 months, 21 days ago

      My pick would probably be RAN. Should play all games, team is on good form (DWWWW) and picks up goals here and there.

      Konate should be relatively safe either.

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    2. Freshy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      7 months, 21 days ago

      I picked Nico
      Price is right

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    3. Ruinenlust
      • 7 Years
      7 months, 21 days ago

      Why not get a doubler?

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  25. SalahFingers
    • 7 Years
    7 months, 21 days ago

    Popped AM and have 5 transfers... This puts me 2.5mil over budget. Any ideas on changes I could make?

    Manager In: Arteta
    Gabriel -> Kiwior
    TAA -> Gvardiol
    Dango -> Rogers
    Palmer -> Saka
    Kluivert -> De Bruyne

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    1. Shake n Bake
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 months, 21 days ago

      Looks solid to me

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      1. SalahFingers
        • 7 Years
        7 months, 21 days ago

        I can't afford it. That's the problem. I'm 2.5 over, so I need to change something and I don't want to downgrade anyone but I have to. I haven't made the transfers yet.

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        1. Shake n Bake
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          7 months, 21 days ago

          Kluiv to Rash?

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          1. SalahFingers
            • 7 Years
            7 months, 21 days ago

            That means I lose KDB which could be one of the better players this gameweek. Rashford is a good shout though and I might have to lose one of the big guys in order to afford it. Thanks.

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    2. Freshy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      7 months, 21 days ago

      TAA to a happy price defender

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      1. SalahFingers
        • 7 Years
        7 months, 21 days ago

        Any suggestions? I already have Munoz, Konate, Aina and would have Kiwior for the double.

        The problem is if I remove Gvardiol, I have a budget of 3.7 mil, so I need to make a bit more money somewhere. I'm gonna have to drop KDB aren't I?

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    3. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 months, 21 days ago

      Merino over Saka?

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      1. SalahFingers
        • 7 Years
        7 months, 21 days ago

        Is he any good though? He played only 15 mins last game and his minutes seem all over the place.

        If I get Saka, I'll keep him for the season. If I get merino, I'll probably want to get rid of him asap 😀

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    4. Lallana_
      • 11 Years
      7 months, 21 days ago

      Trossard over Saka

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      1. SalahFingers
        • 7 Years
        7 months, 21 days ago

        Might be a decent shout. We don't know how much Saka will play since he hasn't played more than half a game since he got back from injury.

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  26. Sun Jihai
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    7 months, 21 days ago

    Who'd you rather start this week if you had too:
    A) Trippier (AVL A)
    B) Cucurella (FUL A)

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    1. Shake n Bake
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 months, 21 days ago

      B

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    2. SalahFingers
      • 7 Years
      7 months, 21 days ago

      Coin toss, but A for me

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  27. Ian Davis
    • 15 Years
    7 months, 21 days ago

    Worth a -4 on either Murphy or Isak?

    Currently have:

    Salah/Rogers/Saka/Eze/Murphy
    Isak/Marmoush/Mateta

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    1. SalahFingers
      • 7 Years
      7 months, 21 days ago

      I wouldn't spend a transfer getting those 2 out. Newcastle are on the best form in the league and are printing points.

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    2. Freshy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      7 months, 21 days ago

      I would not

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  28. Sid07
    • 11 Years
    7 months, 21 days ago

    1) savinho to rogers
    2) murphy to rogers

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    1. SalahFingers
      • 7 Years
      7 months, 21 days ago

      I probably wouldn't. I'd rather Rogers than Savinho but it's very sideways.

      I wouldn't get rid of Murphy now cos he and his team are getting lots of points, but for a free transfer it gives you an extra doubler this week, so not that bad.

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      1. Sid07
        • 11 Years
        7 months, 21 days ago

        Thanks

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  29. Setpiecemad
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 months, 21 days ago

    Any idea when the FFS members Cup 3rd round details will be released

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  30. Ruinenlust
    • 7 Years
    7 months, 21 days ago

    Martinez, Salah, Isak, Murphy

    Would you Boost that bench?

    Or bench the Boost??

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    1. SalahFingers
      • 7 Years
      7 months, 21 days ago

      I would never bench Salah, but that's a pretty decent bench boost choice. When would you get better?

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