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. Gobigorgohome
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Hello Good Morning All,

    Is there anybody who watched Westbrom- Reading match?
    or anyone watched the highlights?
    FPL gave the assist for Lukaku goal to Chris Brunt.
    I just watched the highlights and I think it is Shane Long who headed the ball towards Lukaku?
    Does anybody know why it is given to Brunt?

    Thanks and Appreciate your reply.

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

      FPL will change it to Long today.

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

        Then they may even adjust the bonus, right?

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

          I would think so. Foster could even move up to 2bps if Brunt's assist goes.

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          1. Gobigorgohome
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 6 months ago

            I have also sent email to FPL too. Bcoz all the news also says that it's Shane Long assist. And other Fantasy sites gave the assist to Shane Long too.

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

        u sure??

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

          Yeh

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          1. Gobigorgohome
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 6 months ago

            Thanks Demi!

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      3. kaz 96
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        what do u think about pienaar's assist?

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      4. Pasqualinho
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        I agree with Demi. The Press Association had a bad day yesterday, but I'm confident FPL will sort out the Pienaar/Long assists. PA also gave wrong (duplicate) information for Berbatov's shots on target, which affected his PPI - but I don't expect this to change.

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  2. Pratik
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Anyone considering Southampton midfielders? If so which one, and why?

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    1. China Mag
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Me me me me. Gonna give it a few games to decide between ramirez and lallana. Whoever I go for will be rotated with berba. Great rotation for ages. Who are you thinking about? Anyone any idea how they lined up yesterday?

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      1. China Mag
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        I'm quite excited to actually have the chance to use the members comparison tool!

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

          Uhm, Berba played away yesterday and got an 8

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

            Fulham are usually rubbish away, and yet they won and Berba got 8 pts. I wouldn't be too hasty about getting rid of him considering the fixtures coming up.

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        2. Pratik
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 6 months ago

          I did not see them play....Have only seen their entire match against United. Rest were just highlights.

          I think Ramirez is gonna be my choice, but am definitely open to opinions. Please keep me updated on whom you decide.

          Btw it's either a Southampton mid, Sterling, Morrison, or Felliani (would mean downgrading someone else too as I have 6.8 in the bank if I get rid of Dyer)

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

      The assist by Ramirez was rather nice. If I didn't have Lambert I'd look at getting him.

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    3. Billy Gilmore
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Get on the Gaston Martin 😉

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    4. In Like Flynn.
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Puncheon agood diff imo Pratik.

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  3. Cheeseoid
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Somehow am up to 318 in world. Must be because I only have Tevez & Cazorla left to play. Team was pretty shoddy on the whole this week 44 of of 9 players. Should never have captained Torres thats for sure. Looking to dump him, who would you buy for 10.2 or less?

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    1. Billy Gilmore
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      You're 231 in the world 😕

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

        Even better, don't know how I read that.

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

          Bonuses were added 🙂

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

            That will be it. Cheers

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        2. Gobigorgohome
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 6 months ago

          WOW! Great!

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    2. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Well done, Dizzy.

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

        Cheers. I was 880 before the week started I will be surprised if I am not lower than that when all is said and done.

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    3. LJJM Duckies
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      I am looking to shift Torres too, alreadt have Tevez and Berba. I am thinking of downgrading eother a mid or def to get the extra 1.8 mil I need to get RVP....

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

        You have the same frontline as me. I would like RVP ideally. I think a decision needs to be made today as Torres will drop like a stone this week. Is having Fletcher/Lambert a good idea or do you think that is going to cheap?

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        1. LJJM Duckies
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 6 months ago

          Must admit I would be a bit worried with both Fletcher / Lambert and Berba. That said, I am 203000 in the world and you are 231, so if you do it then I will for sure!!!

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    4. boc610
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      nice long winded way of telling us your rank and score
      well done.

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

        If something can be said in 3 words why not say it in 20?

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

      That's fantastic! Well done.

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

    Torres + Guthrie ------> Lambert + Fellaini/Barfa/Nolan/Yaya for a 4 point hit? If so what

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    1. Lawrø
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Midfielder for less than 8.5mil should I have?*

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

        I would say Fellaini Evertons fixtures are the best- do you already have Pienaar?

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        1. Lawrø
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 6 months ago

          Yeah that's the problem for me, I also have Baines and I'm a Liverpool fan! Disgusting. :L

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

            Ha Ha. I probably wouldn't have both either, but form & fixtures are very good. It would be tempting.

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

            FPL is about going with your head, not your heart

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  5. Rinseboy
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    i know its a bit early but I am off on holiday! Who is the best captain choice next week?

    Fletcher, Baines, Pienaar!

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

      All good selections. I will plump for Baines

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  6. Spencer
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    McAuley still the West Brom defender of choice?

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

    Foster Fed
    Cashley Hangleland Demel Fabio Lescott
    Hazard Michu Mcclean Noble Dyer
    Berba RVP Tevez

    In view of the GW7 - GW8 space i intend to WC then. Got 1 FT now should i

    A) Dyer > Morrison / Sterling
    B) Lescott > Baines & Dyer > Sterling for a Hit (I already gotten a hit twice in past 2 GWs)

    Suggestions?

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  8. Evs
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Well, I HATE taking hits but looks like I will be taking my 3rd 4 pointer on the spin.

    This week.... Lampard & Zab out, Felliani and Baines IN.

    feels right.

    Ahh, at least the wc is still safe:-)

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

      Well done Evs. Admirable WC restraint.

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      1. Evs
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        It wasn't easy... 🙁

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    2. Drogba "Unstoppable, U…
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Sounds good

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    3. Spencer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Captain one of them too against Southampton and you're sorted regarding the points hit.

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    4. Pratik
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Great move, do it tonight 🙂

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

      Great choices. But your team must of been in a right mess if this is your 3rd hit in a row

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  9. Just A Hat
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    I love Lambert!

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    1. fatherted
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      The Richard or the Paul????

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    2. Cheeseoid
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Christopher? The highlander

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  10. Drogba "Unstoppable, U…
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Only ba can save my gw now.....

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    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Don't worry. Santi hattrick coming up too.

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      1. Drogba "Unstoppable, U…
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        not much hope from him though....

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    2. Just A Hat
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      and Ben Arfa!

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      1. Drogba "Unstoppable, U…
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        He'll only ruin it - main opponent has him (c)

        🙁

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        1. fatherted
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 6 months ago

          I have him as (c) so you are very safe

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    3. Evs
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      I'm with you brother....

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  11. boney
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    hi gents, need some advice. here is my team:

    foster, ruddy
    baines,davies,mccartney,rafael,cuellar
    michu,haz,caz,guthrie,pienaar
    rvp,lambert,tevez
    0 balance

    got 2FT and was thinking to use it on the defence. what u think of this?

    davies > nelsen (will never hold any SWA def, michu was there and that's enough given their current injuries)
    mccartney > demel (previously tot that mccartney is first 11, since i don't have jaas then i guess i should stick to nailed on players)

    is it a go or no go? or should i focus on cuellar, what's his chance of playing the next gmw?

    pls help! thanks in advance

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  12. Home Run Baker
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Hearing a lot of talk about CHE lacking width. Which of their MFs can play wide? Could become an important issue in their rotation thinking.

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    1. In Like Flynn.
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Ramires, but may be biggest rotation risk too.

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  13. Testing
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Who are the must haves on every position?

    Jaaskelainen - Begovic
    Baines
    Toure - Fellaini
    Tevez

    Anyone else?

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

      Change your name, there is only one of us

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      1. Billy Gilmore
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        LOL! 😀

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

        woah :O

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  14. Lateriser 12
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Lescott>Baines no reason not to?
    Would you do anything else?

    Jussi Bego
    Lescott Rafael Saylor Clyne Gorkss
    Michu Yaya Pienaar Hazard Guthrie
    Tevez RVP Berba

    1.6M

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    1. kaz 96
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      rafa> baines?

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

        Lescott more of a rotation risk imo

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

          Was considering this yesterday.

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      2. Pratik
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        if you can afford this, much better move.

        City's fixtures improve, and United's get worse.

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

          I can afford it. Not sure Lescott is nailed on. I believe in United's defensive abilities. A big
          Rio + Nemanja fan.

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

      I have 7 out of your front 8 and I'm quite happy with it. Probably Lescott to Baines is a no brainer.

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

      No brainer. Leave the rest as it is.

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

      Yeah,get rid of lescott, he's not nailed on anymore and city's defence is awful

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    5. Cheeseoid
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Nice team. Baines is essential. Man city defence has been pretty shoddy so far add into that Lescotts price and rotation risk and it seems sensible. I want to get rid of Kompany but keep having more pressing concerns and it just isn't worth a hit

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  15. Home Run Baker
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Does Dyer's red result in a ban? How many games?
    Thanks

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    1. kaz 96
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      he's available for the next pl game.

      league cup midweek

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

      League cup only. He's available for the next PL game.

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      1. Evs
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        ^^^^ fact.

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    3. Billy Gilmore
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Banned from midweek League Cup game. Fine for next weekend.

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    4. Pratik
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      He will play this weekend (maybe on bench)....Capital Cup midweek. It was 2 yellow cards so 1 match man.

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    5. Home Run Baker
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Thanks all. Seems nailed on for next weekend then.

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  16. Evs
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Harsh og for Clark.

    Just seen it on motd

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

      I feel bad for whoever had Clark in their team

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

        Nitin 🙁

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        1. Billy Gilmore
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 6 months ago

          And he had Dyer 🙁

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      2. Evs
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        He's my first sub, and If zab doesn't feature I will be one 🙁

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

          Don't worry, Zab will play.

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    2. In Like Flynn.
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      I thought it could be curling in anyway.

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  17. potatoace
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Just like to point out mirallis first shot was over the line . The arguement over a second phase of play is rather irrelevant. Its a legitimate assist.

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

      Please, not this again. Debating it on here won't get the 3 points awarded.

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

        ^This. Even though I have him, I'm still quite done with it. They'll give it if they think its meant to be awarded. Pienaar/Long assists post look like spam already.

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  18. Billy Gilmore
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    ^ This

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  19. Squerly4568
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Morning chaps - any one still got their cap to play today?

    Hav to say in chuffed i didn't cap hazard this week, it was close

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    1. Home Run Baker
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Percy still to go - "Always captain RVP" 😉

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    2. lightspeed
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Ba capt.

      Dodged one with hazard by the looks of it.

      He was still the right choice on paper IMO.

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    3. fatherted
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      HBA.....bit left field considering I own Tevez, Carzola Baines Defoe. Just a gut instinct having removed RVP(again just a gut feeling....)

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    4. lilmessipran
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Defoe(c).!!

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  20. Tuchap - Lurker
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    NEW POST

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    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Link?

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  21. Spencer
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Ivanovic -> Baines or should I sort Fabio out first?

    Jussi – Fed
    Fabio – Rangel – Cuellar – Ivanovic – Hangeland
    Hazard – Michu – Yaya – Pienaar – Kaca
    RVP – Tevez – Berbatov

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

      Why get rid of the top scoring defender? Could you not lose someone else for Baines? Fabio is fine as bench fodder. Personally would have gone for a 4 millioner though

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  22. Home Run Baker
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    EVS - I have Michu and Dyer. Fixtures suggest hold onto them. What d'you think?

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  23. Jawain - 9th overall 2014/2…
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Hi guys,

    I currently have:

    Foster ( federici)
    WIlliams Hangeland Baines Reid barnett
    Toure Michu Hazard Pienaar Noble
    Tevez Torres Jelavic

    What would you advise?

    Nobel may drop in price again, i dont really like williams in the back 4 and torres isnt playing great.

    My transfer was going to be torres out for podolski.

    All comments greatly appreciated.

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

      Would leave poldolski for another week.

      Jelly and Torres are your priorities. There are plenty of good options out there.

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    2. Cheeseoid
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      I wouldn't get Podolski. Chelsea next week and they have been pretty good defensively

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  24. Cheeseoid
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Fletcher, Lambert, Ba or a punt on Cisse to replace Torres in my front 3? This is alongside Tevez and Berbatov. £10.2 to spend

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    1. bdwhite91
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Lambert imo

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  25. Ninjaa
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Didn't pienaar get an assist?

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    1. bdwhite91
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Nope. I think the reason was that Vorm saved Mirallas' first attempt.

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  26. JJO
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Fellaini 1 BP and no BP for Mata?WTF?

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  27. Ishaan-Do join my FPL leagu…
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Berba or fletcher?

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