Scout Picks

Scout Picks – Gameweek 4

Finally, the international break is now behind us. A fortnight filled with injury doubts and player price rises as many wield their wildcards is out the way and we can get back to business. This time out, we’ve opted for a 3-5-2 and filled our 15-man squad with three of David Moyes’ Everton side as the injury worries rack up for visitors Newcastle on Monday evening:

John Ruddy gets the nod between the sticks for Norwich’s home clash with West Ham tomorrow. After shipping five in their Gameweek 1 opener, the Canaries have tightened up considerably since bringing in Javier Garrido and Seb Bassong at the back and have conceded just two goals in their last couple of matches. The Hammers failed to score in their only road trip so far and with Carlton Cole up top instead of the injured Andy Carroll, the chances of a home clean sheet look a little better.

Thomas Vermaelen is an obvious option for Arsenal’s home clash against Southampton. Three back-to-back clean sheets have afforded the Gunners the best defensive record in the Premier League and with Vermaelen’s eye for goal always liable to find the net, tomorrow could well be one of those Gameweeks where the Belgian helps himself to double figures.

Leighton Baines looked a strong option to begin with but the injury problems at Newcastle boosts the left-back’s chances ahead of Monday night’s showdown. Baines’ consistent delivery from the flank has been a real threat over the first three matches and his creativity may well prosper against an under-strength Magpies. Factor in his clean sheet potential and set-piece duties and one or two of Baines’ owners are even contemplating a punt on captaincy, according to comments on the boards.

Rafael makes up a trio of defenders with potential for points at both ends of the pitch. United’s raiding right-back has already found the net in his only home game of the season, with a goal in the 3-2 win over Fulham in Gameweek 2. Offering a relatively cheap route into Sir Alex Ferguson’s defence, the Brazilian looks a strong candidate ahead of the visit of Wigan.

With double figure FPL points hauls in all three of his appearances so far, Eden Hazard barges his way back into the Scout Picks. The Belgian makes his way to Loftus Road looking to heap further misery on a QPR side that has lost its only home game of the season 5-0 to Swansea; his display will be crucial to the Blues chances of keeping their 100% league record intact.

Santi Cazorla finally produced the goods at Liverpool last time round after a couple of promising appearances for Arsenal. Already, he’s settled in “the hole” and is central to the vast majority of the Gunners’ attacking forays –Cazorla is picking up plenty Fantasy investment as he squares up to a Southampton defence that have shipped three goals in two of their opening trio of matches already.

Having shaken off a knock that forced him out of South Africa’s recent internationals, Steven Pienaar grabs a place in our five-man midfield. With an injury to Darron Gibson possibly seeing Marouane Fellaini drop deeper for the Toffees, we’ve opted for Pienaar instead – his partnership with Leighton Baines on the left should provide plenty problems for Newcastle stand-in right-back Vernun Anita on Monday evening.

A home clash with West Ham offers Robert Snodgrass the chance to continues his recent good form. Norwich’s summer signing from Leeds United has already looked impressive and returned 10 FPL points in the 1-1 draw at Spurs, with a goal and maximum bonus points. With a fair share of set-pieces and corners in his locker, Snodgrass could be a decent mid-price differential ahead of Saturday’s Carrow Road encounter.

Michu keeps his place in the Scout Picks after continuing his scoring spree in Swansea’s draw with Sunderland a fortnight ago. The Spaniard takes his goal-a-game record to Villa Park this weekend and with Paul Lambert’s side yet to register a single clean sheet, Michu’s irresistible form could well see him plunder the Fantasy points yet again.

The thigh is fine and Robin Van Persie is fit and available for the visit of Wigan tomorrow. After a couple of days’ worry, Sir Alex Ferguson finally put our minds at rest in this lunchtime’s press conference and, with a hat-trick in his previous match, the Dutchman is the overwhelming favourite in the Captain Poll for Gameweek 4, with 48% of the votes cast so far.

A trip to Stoke is hardly a walk in the park but we’re opting for form over fixture in the case of Carlos Tevez. Finding the net in all three of his opening fixtures, Tevez has stepped up in light of Sergio Aguero’s knee injury and with three assists also accrued, he has played a part in six of his side’s eight goals thus far. Roberto Mancini will be expecting a scrap but Tevez looks in the mood to deliver right now.

Carlos Cuellar takes his place on the bench as Liverpool roll up to the Stadium of Light. Sunderland’s first home match of the season pits them against a side that has scored just twice this season – a clean sheet could well be on the cards for Martin O’Neill’s men this weekend.

Subject of a recent Watchlist report, James Morrison continues to fly under Fantasy radars despite a strong start to the season. While a trip to Fulham is far from straightforward, Morrison’s role in “the hole” for the unbeaten Baggies has the potential to prosper once again at the Cottage tomorrow afternoon.

Nikica Jelavic is perhaps a little unfortunate to find a place on the bench. The Croatian has already found the net this term against Villa in Gameweek 2 and, after drawing a blank away to West Brom, he’ll fancy his chances against a depleted Newcastle backline on Monday evening.

** Just a heads-up regarding our Scout Picks graphic for this week. We’ve been struck by a technical glitch behind the scenes and are currently working to sort the problem as soon as possible. Hopefully it’ll be up and running again shortly.

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2,401 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Fantasy Fanatic
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    YAYA TOURE FOR CARZOLA/KEVIN NOLAN ?? Or remain with carzola/nolan ??

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  2. KacangCilik
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    which one better Dyer or nolan? Federici or Begovic?

    Terima kasih

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  3. JapBen
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    I have made no transfers but am seriously considering Zab->Baines but if I do that who should I bench - Rangel?? Another option is to save a transfer and do Zab->Clark and Noble->Michu next GW?

    Friedel
    Cole Hangeland Rangel Cuellar
    Hazard(VC) Toure McClean
    Pog Tevez RVP(C)
    Subs: Federichi, Noble, Maloney, Zabaleta

    Options:
    a) Save transfer and do Zab->Clark/Ridgewell and Noble->Michu next GW
    b) Zabaleta -> Baines, bench Rangel and play Baines

    ??

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  4. aaamanion
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Kagawa + de gea --> Cazorla + another keeper (howard?)

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  5. HonestBlatter
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Bench Cuellar (LIV) or Walters (MANC)?

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  6. Puyol Self Together
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    My team for this weekend:

    Vorm
    Komp - McAuley - Harte - McCartney
    Hazard - Michu - Cazorla
    Tevez - RVP (c) - Jelavic

    Took out Bale, Clyne & Cisse for Hazard, McAuley & Jelavic

    What do you think?

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  7. Menly
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Guys. Haven't looked at my team over the break so can somebody help me?

    DDG - Fed
    Fabio - Cuellar - Hughes - Cole - Rangel
    Valencia - Bale - HBA - Michu - Pienaar
    Torres - Petric - Tevez

    0.1 on the bank

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    1. aree036
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      your team looks good. prob bench fabio, cole is a doubt but start him anyway at the expense of rangel probably. Captain torres.

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    2. leroy8888
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Do something about your goalies. Fed is in bad form and DDG is not a nail-on starter anymore.

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      1. Scribe
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        I think DDG is nailed on. Linderpants was pish when he started last time.

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  8. aree036
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Who as a long term pick

    A) Fletcher - Baines

    B) Graham - Bains + 1m

    C) Torres - gorkks

    plus any justifications would be great. My thinking graham pens, fletcher better general play, torres as lone chelsea striker should be in the top 4 prem goal scorers.

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  9. tinhead9
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Also, which defender do I start today?

    A- Cuellar
    B- Saylor
    C- Rangel

    My other 2 are Baines and Rafael who I'm defo starting!

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    1. Gamoriola of the Galaxy (Eu…
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Cuellar, imo. Home and all that.

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  10. tinhead9
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Anyone tell me why the scoutpicks have 6 midfielders? We wish!

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  11. TN
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Armband to Tevez, Torres or Hazard?

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    1. MARVELLUS
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      'Azar

      Seen Man City's recent record at Britannia?
      CS pt plus extra point for goal swings it.

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  12. HappyAnkit
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    I am unable to sort out defence.
    Best combo of 1GK + 4 Defenders.

    I have Fedirici & Hooiveld now.

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    1. Billy Ketsu
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      I posted you a reply Happy but I've lost the page now....

      Foster - Fed

      Verm or Baines, Ridgwell & Wilson ( Stoke ), Hooi thing & Hughes ( Fulham ).

      I have no idea what you are doing. But straight off the top of my head that's cheap and cheerful for the next 15 weeks or so.

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  13. Mílanista
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    ATTENTION REGULARS!

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  14. Get up ya bum
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    We should make it a regular thing on saturday to stay in scout picks. Traffic is out of control!

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    1. AK ⭐
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Exactly. Refresh once, and the pages are flying!

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      1. Get up ya bum
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        I still think a forum should be added. Doesn't have replace the comments board but at least we could have ongoing conversations about certain subjects

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        1. AK ⭐
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 6 months ago

          Forums are too boring. Its all fine in here, gets frustrating on matchdays sometimes, but its okay.

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          1. Get up ya bum
            • 14 Years
            11 years, 6 months ago

            Fair point and seems to be the consensus. Apparently mark has something in the works for ignoring rmt posts etc.

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            1. AK ⭐
              • 11 Years
              11 years, 6 months ago

              In Mark, we trust! 😀

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            2. Low-Life
              • 14 Years
              11 years, 6 months ago

              The problem with that is it won't stop the pages flying by.

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  15. MARVELLUS
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Ok, narrowed it down to two, 'Azar or Podolski for Captain.

    QPR/Che is a derby, SOT concede a lot... which to go for?

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    1. Mílanista
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Podolski

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      1. MARVELLUS
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        My gut is saying that too, cheers.

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      2. Get up ya bum
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        Agreed. He's a goal machine against the worst defense in the league

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        1. MARVELLUS
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 6 months ago

          Cheers for that. I'm also keeping an eye on Lukaku, quality player, surprised CHE let him leave.

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          1. AK ⭐
            • 11 Years
            11 years, 6 months ago

            Chelsea didn't let him leave, he asked us to get loaned. And he's still a Chelsea player.

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            1. Get up ya bum
              • 14 Years
              11 years, 6 months ago

              Wasn't aware he asked for a loan. Good on him and good on Chelsea for allowing it. They may regret it if nando getsa bad injury though. Is it true they can recall him in January?

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              1. MARVELLUS
                • 14 Years
                11 years, 6 months ago

                I meant let him leave on loan, but yes CHE would be crazy not to have a recall clause, as their total strikeforce consists of... Torres only.

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  16. Get up ya bum
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Just checked the news and the omens are good for my lukaku punt in last weeks wildcard. Recovered from his injury and getting praise from the boss. I watched him against Liverpool and Tottenham and he is a beast and looks so hungry to prove himself. Bandwagon will kick off very soon!

    Posted this at the other spot and by the time my phone had loaded the page 2 pages had passed 😮

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    1. AK ⭐
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Its certainly better in here with the most of the regulars.
      Lukaku is a big punt to start, but if he gets them, we'll certainly see him in for Lamberts and Berbas and Feltchers soon.

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      1. Get up ya bum
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        Indeed 🙂
        I just figured after 2 outstanding half hour cameos he can't be kept out for long. I agree once he's starting he be a points machine and with their fixtures and the luxury of a wc thought is get in early.

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        1. AK ⭐
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 6 months ago

          You've WCarded, surely you don't have any major transfer plans for the next 2-3 weeks? You can get him then once he gets going?

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          1. Get up ya bum
            • 14 Years
            11 years, 6 months ago

            Na mate I actually got him last week in my wildcard, only for him to pull up injured in training. Back on track now

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

          If I had been on a WC that would have been enough for me too, luckily I wasnt

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          1. Get up ya bum
            • 14 Years
            11 years, 6 months ago

            Yeah hasn't quite followed the script yet ginkapo. Still confident though 🙂

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  17. Grabber
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    3rd striker dilemma

    Berba / Fletcher / Lambert ?

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    1. mr_blue_sky
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Fletcher as I'm not convinced that Berba will get the opportunities like he did at United. Lambert is good but not this week IMO. Looked at Jelavic?

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      1. MARVELLUS
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        Fletcher for me, just. Plenty of creativity behind him.

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        1. Grabber
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 6 months ago

          I keep swapping between berba + fletcher

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    2. Get up ya bum
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Tough to say without a couple more games to gauge felcher & berbs form. Go off fixtures for now I guess

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    3. Low-Life
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Depends really. If you don't have any bargain basement MF / attackers then I'd go with Lambert.

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    4. MJ6987
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      I would say Fletcher although close between him and lambert.

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  18. Low-Life
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Jeez, it's worse than the DZ in here.

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  19. MARVELLUS
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Order of preference for these defenders? (One to start)

    Currently Hughes (Cuellar, McCartney)

    Scout picks is swaying me towards Cuellar.

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  20. Mílanista
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    We need to go to the current post and lure regulars here.

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    1. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      I'm here, didnt even go to the new post

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    2. Low-Life
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      You mean this isn't the current post?

      Not again...

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    3. FORCA INTER
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      are you sure 😉 ?

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      1. Ginkapo FPL
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        Damn we've been rumbled 😉

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    4. AK ⭐
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      +1111111222222

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    5. MJ6987
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Hi. Nice idea.

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  21. Get up ya bum
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Yeah let's go recruit

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  22. bigfoot
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Captains???

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    1. The Finnisher
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Van Persie.

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    2. MJ6987
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      RVP of course.

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    3. FORCA INTER
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      RVP

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    4. Get up ya bum
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Santi

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  23. The Finnisher
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Speaking of scout picks, I feel the scouts will regret benching Jelavic for Pienaar and Snodgrass..

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    1. Get up ya bum
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Read my mind jack. Wrong evertonian on the bench

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    2. FORCA INTER
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      couldn't agree more

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    3. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      JackOffAsaur? Are you related to JackOffAttack?

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      1. The Finnisher
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        You gotta watch more South Park!

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        1. FORCA INTER
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 6 months ago

          i watched every single episode butlong time ago

          who is guy at your pic?

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          1. The Finnisher
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 6 months ago

            Thats a "jackoffasaur" from a South Park episode.

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    4. MJ6987
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      They won't lose any sleep over it!

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    5. Mark
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 17 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      We really don't worry too much about the score the XI get - it's about recommending 14 players for the Gameweek not creating the highest scoring XI.

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      1. MJ6987
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        What transfers you done Mark? Just wondering for our FFS head to head. Or are you still keeping it under wraps? The obvious Bale to Hazard for me. I like obvious transfer.

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      2. The Finnisher
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        Oh I know I was just being facetious 🙂

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  24. JoshyC
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Hi all, first time poster. Wondering if I can get some feedback on my wcfpl team.

    Vorm (jaask)
    Ivanovich jenkinson mertsacker McCauley (demel)
    Hazard yaya cazorla dyer routledge
    Tevez Torres Ba
    0.1m left

    Thanks all

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    1. GREENDREAMS11
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Hi Josh's. Routledge is a rotation risk now dude and jenkinson will be in a couple of weeks, personally wouldn't go Mertesacker either.

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    2. mr_blue_sky
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      I'd only keep one of the gunners at the back. Good line up though.

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    3. Damo.
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Might be better to come on before this time it's usually manic around now. Think you might be better off with Maloney instead of Routledge and personally I'd only go with 1 or the other Ars defenders. But if you're happy with it...

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    4. JoshyC
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Thanks all, I'll be swapping jenks n routledge for a filler/kagawa type in a few weeks

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  25. Mithrandir, the Grey Pilgri…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Hello, got the hint from Milanista 🙂

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  26. Chrissy Waddle - 2023/24
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Hey, this is where all the cool kids hang out!

    Lets try and get a response from the FFS Glitterati.....

    A. McAuley Morrison Jelavic

    B. Boyce Barfa Berbatov (All the B's...)

    C. Gorkss Barfa Fletcher

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    1. MJ6987
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      C for my money.

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    2. FORCA INTER
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      i would go with A,simply cause of brilliant fixures from both teams

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      1. Chrissy Waddle - 2023/24
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers Forca. I like A too.

        Basically I can downgrade Barfa to Morrison to get Jelly. You're right, WBA and EVE fixtures look great for several weeks.

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        1. FORCA INTER
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 6 months ago

          i have same combo

          Morrison+Jelly

          it's quite a differential as well

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    3. Gamoriola of the Galaxy (Eu…
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      I'm no glitteratus, but I would lean towards A as well.

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  27. MJ6987
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Anyone think there is anything in this "RVP and Kagawa attend charity event night before match so this means they won't be starting" speculation?

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    1. The Finnisher
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Nah, they were only there for a short while.
      The Champions League, however, might mean they wont start.

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      1. MJ6987
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        This is my thoughts exactly. Not enough of a doubt to not captain RVP though. The upside outweighs the risk.

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    2. Chrissy Waddle - 2023/24
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Nope. The usual posters have jumped on it who don't have RVP.

      I am 100% certain he'll play, no... but not because of this article.

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    3. Damo.
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Unless they fell into doing rounds of Jager Bombs I wouldn't use that as an indication

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      1. MJ6987
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        Lol.

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  28. mr_blue_sky
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Bargain Basement Mid-Fielder for the bench...

    Guthrie or Sterling or Schneirdelin gents?

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    1. MJ6987
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Guthrie easily.

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      1. mr_blue_sky
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks, I'll keep him.

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  29. Mílanista
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Yaya + Davies

    or

    Morrison and Rafael + .7m

    Rafael would become Sagna in a few weeks.

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    1. FORCA INTER
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      i really dont like yaya as fpl player so B

      davieswont be nailed on 2 much as well

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  30. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Can't decide on my last midfielder, have the usual suspects and 7.2 left. Thinking Snodsgrass all week and then went off the idea until i saw the scout picks. Granted that is only for this week but he was brilliant against Spurs......

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    1. MJ6987
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Who have you got already?

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      1. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        Gutherie, Michu, Hazard, Carzola

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        1. MJ6987
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 6 months ago

          I would say Pienaar or Dyer then. Either are great choices IMO.

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          1. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 6 months ago

            Should have started by saying
            Foster Jussi
            Davies Baines Jenkinson Demel Gorkass
            Michu Hazard ???? Gutherie Carzola
            RVP Tevez Fletch/Berba

            Thanks for your reply buddy. Dont want to triple up on the Swans and already have Baines as Everton cover. Don't fancy doubling up on them either as they don't score many. Tough call this.

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