The Knee Jerk

The Knee Jerk – Sinful Saint

Last weekend it was Dimitar Berbatov, this evening it’s Rickie Lambert that will be wandering into our minds mid-conversation, over the Saturday evening tipple. Prompting nagging doubt, questioning our best-laid plans.

Lambert is the latest to cause cracks in our established Fantasy thinking. Like the Bulgarian, he arrives in a Gameweek where, once again, the likes of Eden Hazard and Michu – assets who were cemented in our squads – returned blanks. The foundations of the template team again come in question then, with Lambert joining the queue to find a place in our forward lines that looked so settled just a fortnight ago.

There’s little doubt that, as we suggested in the midweek Watchlist article, Lambert has emerged as the budget striker of choice. However, we also spent some time in said article pondering if he could be more than that. If he could displace the array of mid-price assets fighting for our attentions – Dimitar Berbatov, Steven Fletcher, Jermain Defoe. Tonight, I’m even wondering if he can threaten to break up the heavy-hitter pairings.

I’ll be watching Carlos Tevez carefully against Arsenal. While he’s flourished in the opening matches, Sergio Aguero’s return to fitness and Roberto Mancini’s “nine lives” approach to Mario Baltoelli raises a cause for concern. That’s before we consider that Eden Dzeko has, as he’s done so often, found the net when he’s given pitch time.

A Tevez blank or, worse still, an early withdrawal against Arsenal, could trigger a rethink. There’s little doubt that City have the fixtures to find goals in the coming weeks, but growing concerns about their defence and Mancini’s insistence that it must approve, has raised alarm bells for me.

I remember when City battened down the hatches, when they fought for 1-0 wins away from home. Should Mancini take that route again, we could see 4-5-1 with Yaya Toure behind Aguero away from home, something that would hurt Tevez’ scoring potential immeasurably. While Sir Alex appears to be going all out for goals, will Mancini dare to tweak his tactics to tighten up?

Such thoughts crop up before I even consider the merits of sticking with the ultra-expensive Robin Van Persie, under the threat of rotation and rest. I’m trying to fight those doubts off, however.

There is clearly a very attractive plan B forming. Lambert, like Berbatov, offers assured starts. He offers the “big fish in a small pond” scenario. He offers spot-kicks, assists and he faces a long line of fixtures that could bring further returns. The temptation to go with this option, even over the proven class of Tevez, does begin to mount when you consider that Mancini’s whims can waver and throw us the unexpected.

This kind of talk is almost sinful, “Knee Jerk” material of the highest order. We’re talking about supreme Fantasy assets here, while Lambert is perhaps just a noisy new arrival at the party. Four goals in five games is a decent entrance, however, and certainly Tevez will need to offer a reminder of his class on Sunday if tonight’s bout of puzzle-head isn’t to transform into a fully-fledged plan of action.

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

3,040 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    anyone also with bale captain....gonna be a long day

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    1. Jonny
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      defoe (c) simular situation 🙂

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    2. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      I'm hoping r.v.p rips it up tomorrow and makes it a very long day.

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    3. Wild Rover
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Yep, gonna be a Glorious day... 😉

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    4. GoonerByron
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Bale (c) will be the icing on the cake for me this GW! Well other than if Podolski got a hatrick 🙂

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  2. Granville
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Just watched the Miralles goal again. I wonder whether they will award Pienaar the assist. There was a slight diversion of the ball from the cross outside the box.

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    1. rsleeds
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      i was watchin it live surely its pienaar's assist is there any way to notify them of it?

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    2. Red-United
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      I don't own Pienaar but even by the rules that is still surely an assist.

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    3. King Eric, in America
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Depends if they follow the rule explicitly.

      A 'slight diversion' is markedly different than 'altering the intended direction' of the ball.

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      1. GreenWindmill
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        +1 but seems the gods have spoken 😉

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      2. 1966 was a great year for E…
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        I'm honestly not that bothered about getting the assist, but what is the point of having rules if they are not followed?

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    4. Wild Rover
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Nope, points are confirmed. New feature this year on status page. They don't change them.

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    5. isacki: full casual
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Yup, but the "intended recipient" or whatever amusing terminology they use in the rule hasn't changed, has it? So technically oughtn't they give it?

      Que sera sera anyway. I am resigned to my fate 😆

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    6. PogChamp
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      I've have him too and gutted he never got the assist. I've read the reasons why on here a few times and still don't get it. Surely common sense says it's an assist!!

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    7. Qubit
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      it doesnt matter, the intended destination was reached, hence it was an assist. very poor that they might not give it.

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    8. Granville
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      I just can't accept the assist rules at all. I would be much happier if they changed back to the original assist rules instead of inventing a new kind of assist where the last player to touch the ball before the goal gets the assist 95% of the time.

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    9. som3awy
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      What about Shane Long's assist? I don't have him, but that was a clear assist.

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    10. 1966 was a great year for E…
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Ask Mark to have a word...

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    11. Corrigan
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      If Ba got his assist at home to EVE last season then Pienaar will get his

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      1. 1966 was a great year for E…
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        And Van Persie to Walcott when he hit the post and scored the rebound. It's the principle!

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        1. Qubit
          • 15 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          I think he'll be given it. Rules state points are not final until the end of the gameweek and the PA has reviewed the game i believe.

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        2. Corrigan
          • 13 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          Rooney's v ARS too!!!

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          1. 1966 was a great year for E…
            • 14 Years
            12 years, 1 month ago

            The rules are quite clear. If they want to go back to using discretion, fine, but if you use rules you have to stick to them.

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    12. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      It doesn't hit Ashley Williams, he sticks out his leg but there is no contact...the only reason they are not giving it is something to do with Mirallas hitting it off Vorm and onto the crossbar and perhaps that ends the 'Assist moment'. And when Mirallas heads it in, it is a different 'passage of play'

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      1. Granville
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Look at you, trying to use common sense on the assist rule. No I think it's either a mistake or they deem the Williams touch as a diversion.

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    13. PogChamp
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Don't understand why this rule is even open to interpretation. The last player from the same team to pass the ball to the scorer should get an assist regardless of flicks, hitting posts and all the other BS.

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  3. Piggs Boson
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Ki is looking good...

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  4. Colonel Shoe 肝池
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    wow eve lookin immense, cant quite understand how i dont have any of their players yet.............

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  5. ReinaMan
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Stunning goal from Xavi

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  6. bmb100
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Fellaini could have had 20+ from this game!!

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    1. Piggs Boson
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      He missed a sitter though. I'm debating Pienaar v Fellani atm and i just can't decide!!

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      1. bmb100
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        I'm getting both!

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        1. Moontaka
          • 12 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          Both? Good luck with that.

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      2. Smakies
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Fellaini will go back to cdm once jelly is back

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        1. Mull
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          Jelly will replace one of Mirallas or Anichebe.

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        2. rsleeds
          • 12 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          hes way better at attacking and plus hes started evry game playing just behind jelaic

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      3. Colonel Shoe 肝池
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        this is why we need an article.....ahem granville

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      4. rsleeds
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        i have pienaar already would swapping michu for fellaini and having both be a good idea or not?

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        1. Piggs Boson
          • 13 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          I'm looking to swap Michu for Pienaar/Fellani. It's ballsy though. I would have one plus Baines. I wonder whether Anichibe will continue to play up front when Jelly is back or if he will move back to the defence.

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          1. rsleeds
            • 12 Years
            12 years, 1 month ago

            i have baines and pienaar they do link up well but i think ill ditch michu for fellaini and have 3 in case their not involved in a certain match

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          2. Piggs Boson
            • 13 Years
            12 years, 1 month ago

            *the bench.

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  7. Cilly Bonnolly
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    I've just done de Gea to Begovic, Noble to Nolan and Lescott to Baines for an eight point hit. I feel dirty.

    Consoling myself with the fact that I took a twelve point hit at one stage last season and still won my mini league.

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    1. Well you know, Triffic
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      The only one i don't agree with is Noble to Nolan, could of waited a week to do it.Good luck.

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  8. Smakies
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    XAVI !!!!!!!

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  9. Timmy Cahill Rules
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    lovely assist bainsey

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  10. BONZ
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    So WTF is my Pienaar Assist on the Mirralis goal?

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    1. Wild Rover
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      In 'toughshitland' Move on...

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      1. BONZ
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        having just seen it on MOTD feel robbed

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      2. King Eric, in America
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        I cannot wait, cannot wait (a la Keegan), for this to happen to Bale.

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        1. Wild Rover
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          A bit personal? 😕

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          1. King Eric, in America
            • 13 Years
            12 years, 1 month ago

            Against you? Nope, quite fond of.

            But in this matter I feel you're lacking a bit of empathy and concern over what seems to be a clear error by FPL. Someday this might come to affect you.

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        2. isacki: full casual
          • 13 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          +1. Will be getting my popcorn out. 😆

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          1. Wild Rover
            • 14 Years
            12 years, 1 month ago

            Hope you choke.. 😛

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      3. Podge
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        🙂

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  11. 5678
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Anyone know uf jelavic will be back at the wkend?

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    • Podge
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Taylor Gallas vs RVP Dembele +1pt
      Gonna be close

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    • सनकी
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      So that bloke who lectured me about how aston villa played for their last 3 games, when people asking whether or not to start clyne or ... Are u still here?

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      1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        dont know him, but i doubt he twisted your arm at the computer did he?

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      2. Crouch Potato!
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        If you follow the game of football you are then in a position to make your own judgments.

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      3. King Eric, in America
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Don't be a w**ker, Captain Hindsight.

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      4. 1966 was a great year for E…
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        I have no idea who you are talking about, but I assume he suggested that Clyne would not keep a clean sheet.

        Clyne did not keep a clean sheet.

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    • pjomara
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      How was pienaar's not an assist? Doesn't affect me that much as all my rivals have him. Looked more an assist than baine's as fellainis header was going wide only for the defection so should be an og

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    • Fantasy-er
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      As a Pienaar owner I feel like I've just been taken down a dark alley and robbed. Everything, my iphone, wallet, car keys, everything ROBBED.

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      1. GreenWindmill
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        😆

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      2. isacki: full casual
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        I own Pienaar so can kind of understand, but I'd hate to be you if your captain has a goal taken away.

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      3. TheSteel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        why wasn't he awarded an assist

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        1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          Because stone cold said so.

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        2. Fantasy-er
          • 12 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          Christ only knows.

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    • Red Devil Swede
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      A front 3 looking like this aint impossible at scoring FPL points every week:

      Berbatov Fletcher Lambert

      Frees up some cash for defenders (Baines) + great midfield options.

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      1. Red-United
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        In 3-4 weeks time there will probably be a completely different strike-force consisting of the latest 'must haves'.

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      2. Wild Rover
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Great theory but will be hammered in reality..

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      3. Timmy Cahill Rules
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        i have

        tevez fletch and lambert now

        baines and vermaelen as well

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      4. Moontaka
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        That frontline will also get you 3 blanks regularly.

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      5. Nomar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        If only life really worked like that.

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    • Timmy Cahill Rules
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      baines my skipper v southampton

      really tempted

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    • Well you know, Triffic
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Aside from Demel, there's no decent 4m defenders. Argh

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      1. som3awy
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Clyne?

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        1. Well you know, Triffic
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          He was lucky today.

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    • Smakies
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      OG from Granada

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    • Fantasy-er
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Genuine question; does anyone know how they come up with who gets what bonus? cos I sure as hell can't figure out how they do.

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      1. GreenWindmill
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        It's a closely guarded formula. For some reason.

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      2. King Eric, in America
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        The Bonus-Bot 3000.

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      3. Epic Fail
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        They pick names out of a large hat.

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    • TheSteel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      1. Baines or Ivan
      2. Ba or Berba
      3. Fletcher or Lambert
      4. RVP or Rooney, Augero, Tevez

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      1. Podge
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Both
        Berba
        Lambert
        RVP

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        1. TheSteel
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          cheers

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    • Dougal McGuire
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Puncheon or Sterling? Or someone else in MF for 4.6?

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      1. Well you know, Triffic
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        I like Sterling at that price.

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      2. Colonel Shoe 肝池
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        sterling could be good for the next few

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      3. Smakies
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        kaca but sterling is the best choice

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    • Smakies
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Should i do :
      bale and vidic out for cazorla and baines
      or
      bale and vidic out for hba and baines

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      1. rsleeds
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        as a nufc fan id go with baines and hba cause hes been our best player this season and will be throughout and hes better value

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      2. TheSteel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        arsenal have a tough stretch. but hes world class after all. wait til tomorrow to see how he does

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    • COMH
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Camerona or wilson once Stokes fixtures pick up?

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      1. COMH
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        * Cameron

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      2. bmb100
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Cameron only played with Wilkinson suspended

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      3. Chris_White
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        If I didn't have Bego, I would pick up Wilson

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    • Elfozzie 42
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Had 2 decisions this morning...

      i) Duff vs Noble - chose wisely and Damien waded in with a goal
      ii) Berbs vs Hazard for captain - was swung by the 'wisdom' of scout crowds and shed 5 points

      As it stands though a disastrous start (Rangel and Dyer) has turned into 45 points with Tevez and VP to play (even with the startling obvious Pienaar assist apparently chalked off!), should be a solid 50+ week.

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      1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        i like the way one was your wisdom, the other was everyone elses fault 😉

        45 is an awesome score as it stands

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    • COMH
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Mata really can't shoot.

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    • Mr Wizard
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Just watching motd, why did pienaar not get an assist???

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    • Rowley Birkin
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Great save from begovic

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    • Torres76
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Best defenders for next 6 weeks?

      Got

      Demel, Ivanovic, McCaluley, Jenkinson and Rangel....

      Want to sell Rangel....even thought about Naughton at Spurs as a swop? Which swop/swops should i do?

      Thoughts?

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    • Moontaka
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Seriously enough about the Pienaar assist. Move on lads.

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