The Pre-Match Preamble - Gameweek 38 Preamble
10 November 2012 2198 comments
Mark Mark
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Sometimes this little past-time hobby obsession of ours can seem simple. The path to success this week looks wide open and lined with beckoning super models dishing out free doughnuts: you’d be crazy not to follow it.

Thousands already have. Over 200,000 Fantasy Premier League managers have invested in bigger mirrors in their Fantasy dressing rooms to accommodate Marouane Fellaini’s expansive afro. Similarly, there’s another 35,000 who have joined the Michu party late, welcoming the Spaniard into their ranks with a sheepish and apologetic smile. What took you so long?

As for Luis Suarez, it’s perhaps understandable why we’ve been so reluctant to deal with the tattered baggage he brings. Seven goals this season, however, and suddenly almost 50,000 of us have forgotten all that and are flirting with frustration by opening our doors to the volatile Uruguayan.

That’s almost 300,000 transfers this week – perhaps 10% of active FPL managers, who have taken this route to success; it’s hard to deny that such acquisitions make sense.

Fellaini blew up at the Cottage and will now be thrust up top against a Sunderland side that has shown frailty in the air and conceded more goal attempts than any other side from set-plays. There’s no stronger attacking force than Everton in the league right now – Fellaini looks primed to deal damage.

Michu goes to Southampton and is likely to be leading the Swansea attack against a defence yet to keep a shut-out and who have conceded more opportunities in the box than any other team. The Spaniard earns his crust in the penalty area and the odds on Michu emerging from the weekend with further profits look strong to say the least.

As for Suarez, while he faces a stern test at Stamford Bridge, a cauldron awaits him which seems tailor made for him to come to the fore. Suarez will likely line up in opposition to John Terry, a scenario that surely cannot pass without incident. Will that bring Suarez further returns? Let’s just say I’m not expecting a quiet game.

While this all sounds signed and sealed, we know all too well that the Fantasy football Gods can conspire to deal us cruel fates. All three of the aforementioned players, whilst proving hugely tempting targets, are just one booking away from a suspension. How many of the trio will topple from the tightrope and leave the 300,000 with a Gameweek 12 juggling act? How punishing can this game be? We’ll find out in 48-hours.

Thankfully there’s little to concern us amongst this morning’s press. In the main, the predicted lineups all put a comforting matey arm around us. Demba Ba turns up in every one of the Newcastle lineups, the United team-sheet passes without real incident and there’s even some positive signs, with Guy Demel returning to the Hammers defence in the lineups submitted by the Independent, Daily Mail and the Guardian.

Tottenham’s trip to City on Sunday draws some conjecture from the press boys, with Emmanuel Adebayor retaining his starting role in a 4-4-2 in the Guardian, the Times and the Mail, while another three of the morning papers – the Sun, the Independent and the Times, all recall David Silva to the City teamsheet.

Silva’s return, along with the possibility that Theo Walcott will catch fire against Fulham, could be key events this weekend. These are potential heavy-hitters who could yet disrupt the establishment and force a rethink. That would open up new diversions and have us veering off from what already seems a well-trodden path.

For now though, I’ve grabbed my free doughnut. I just hope a few fluttering yellows don’t force me to choke on it.

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

  1. Dial Square
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    bench bale or fletcher?

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    1. Billy Gilmore
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Fletcher

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    2. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      fletcher

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    3. Downtown
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      fletch

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    4. lfc123
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      is this a joke?

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    5. Arselona
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      i dare you to bench bale.

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    6. Willis.
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Fletcher.

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    7. Golden Oldies
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      I benched Bale at Man city last season...didn't go well. In hindsight it cost me the mini league

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  2. Willis.
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    Start Berbatov (ars) or Puncheon (SWA)?

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    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      berbatov

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    2. Billy Gilmore
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Start the one facing arse 😉

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    3. Arselona
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      hey a different one...!

      Berbatov

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    4. Absinthe Minded
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      just sold punch for kighlty
      starting berb over sterling

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  3. Downtown
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    Is it worth doing Defoe to Ba for -4 points?

    Thanks amigos!

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  4. JayBomb
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    Captain pick

    A Rvp
    B Ba
    C Pienaar
    D Cazorla

    Help trying to catch ml leader and he will surely have Rvp C

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    1. Arselona
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      a

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    2. Pap Le Cissier
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Cheeky punt onBa? I'm stuck between RVP and Tevez!

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  5. Anders
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    Lost on last page, do we know if Ben Foster is likely to play?

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    1. Golden Oldies
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      no we don't

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      1. Anders
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        Oh well, thanks. So do I risk not have a playing keeper?? My backup is green.

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        1. Anders
          • 14 Years
          13 years, 2 months ago

          Ah, just spotted Tremmel is 4.0, so transferred out Green instead.

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  6. Soccer Brah
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    What are people's team values here? Mines up at 106.9m.

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    1. Pinoche
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      102.5

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    2. Fackinell
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Gay

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    3. Arselona
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      106.0

      means nothing tho..

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    4. Evs
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Mine is 104.2 but it doesn't bother me. . .

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    5. Billy Gilmore
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      104.9m

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    6. Twisted Saltergater
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Struth!! 105.6m here but don't have Stirling or Raphael.

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    7. Pap Le Cissier
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Points over prices mate...

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      1. lfc123
        • 13 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        +106.9m

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    8. Screaming Midget
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      107.0

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      1. Screaming Midget
        • 15 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        I'm telling porkies of course, as it means naff all.

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    9. MJ6987
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      105.3.

      Selling value of 103.3.

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    10. Nopli
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      104.3

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  7. Hay Number 2
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    Help!!!!! What to do with this sorry bunch 🙁

    Please click on my link above

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    1. Pap Le Cissier
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Tempted to stick and save it boyo! Only ones I would look at changing are Hughes or Fletcher. But that would only be my decisions. Save it for the internationals

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      1. Hay Number 2
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers man, that's what I was thinking. I'll only make a rushed decision 🙂 good luck

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    2. Low-Life
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Click your link? Like we don't have better things to do at 11.23 on a Saturday morning!

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      1. Hay Number 2
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        Sorry dude, bee away all week and my laptop is fried....hard to do on the old iPhone

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  8. MJ6987
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    Just noticed, I've got 8 players at home plus RVP, Michu (vs Soton) and Bale. Monster haul all but guaranteed.

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    1. Pinoche
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      9 for me!

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    2. Hay Number 2
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Im struggling this week, no changes yet and a cack team, poor haul expected. Been away all week:(

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    3. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Only 5, but 7 top 10 capt poll 😎

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      1. MJ6987
        • 15 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        Also 7 out of top 10 cpt poll here.

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    4. Fackinell
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      8 for me too....and 9 scout picks.
      Shit week guaranteed

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    5. MICHELIN
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      8 as well. RVP (C) Bale Rafael away.

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  9. Blue Moon Rising
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    Start Ridgewell or Clyne?

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    1. Arselona
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Ridge

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    2. JWilson3
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Same problem here, really not sure tempted to go with Clyne.

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      1. Blue Moon Rising
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        You'd think Ridgewell for a cleanie but clynes at home and got attacking potential

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        1. JWilson3
          • 13 Years
          13 years, 2 months ago

          Yeah same thoughts here, I think Wigan will score but Ridgewell can also pop up with a few goals.

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    3. Golden Oldies
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      clyne....big time

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  10. Schnellders24
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    Keep Bale (patience running thin after 3 failed captancies this season) or get Cazorla for a hit?

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    1. Dial Square
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      just stop captaining Bale! (you can always make the switch next week)

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  11. r0nh
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    Some people ask really dumb questions at this time on a Saturday!!!

    Anyhow, who to bench; Bent or RVP?

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    1. Pinoche
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      RVP.

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      1. Waldaz
        • 16 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        +1, he's away, easy choice.

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    2. Optimus.
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      you wish you had rvp 😉

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      1. r0nh
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        Eh... I actually did get him this week.

        GW11, like I always said... hello??

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        1. Optimus.
          • 14 Years
          13 years, 2 months ago

          sorry ronh im not up to date on your transfers

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          1. r0nh
            • 14 Years
            13 years, 2 months ago

            I accept your apology 🙂

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    3. Owd Big 'Ed
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Bent.

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  12. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    Quick switch to Demba Ba captain anyone?

    anyone?

    😐

    Genuinely thinking about it...

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    1. r0nh
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      I know for certain that you arent even considering it.

      You are just trying to get others to do it.

      I will check your team at 12, to see what sort of guy you really are...

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      1. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
        • 13 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        The injury doubt is the only thing putting me off

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        1. r0nh
          • 14 Years
          13 years, 2 months ago

          Sureeeeeeeeeeee 😉

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    2. Zinedine Kilbane
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      im going for it, was between him and walcott ahead of RVP

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    3. uhahpaulmcgrath
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      just did it

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  13. The Bandit
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    Lol at Bale rising .1m in the week and now about to drop again.. 😀

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    1. FPL Daniel
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Not after goal and assist combo at Etihad

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      1. Low-Life
        • 15 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        Uh, that's tomorrow

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    2. Mílanista
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      He'll be rising again in a few days 🙂

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  14. Zinedine Kilbane
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    Riise, demel, chico?? one place
    jaask or mignolet?
    Captain: RVP, Ba, Lambert, HBA, Walcott, mata??

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  15. Downtown
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    Defoe to Ba for 4 point hit???

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    1. FPL Daniel
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      hell no

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  16. Fackinell
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    Worst captain week ever:
    Who from...

    Baines
    Fellaini
    Mata
    RVP
    Tevez
    Ba
    Cazorla

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    1. Ravanelli
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      errr RVP

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    2. Golden Oldies
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      RVP or Carzorla...or Fellani...or Baines..or mata...or Ba

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    3. FPL Daniel
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      RVP

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    4. Pinoche
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Bemba Da.

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    5. puzzydee
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Same problem here more or less.
      Aguero instead of Tevez. And no RVP.
      I went for Cazorla.
      Though if I had RVP, I'd go for him.

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      1. Fackinell
        • 15 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks all....
        Even though I'm an Evertonian...it has to be RVP.
        Fellini bound to score three now!

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  17. Paul
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    Best of luck to everyone...won't be around for the last minute frenzy... 😀

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  18. FPL Daniel
    • 16 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    Kun or Baines for il capitano?

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    1. Pap Le Cissier
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Kun if you reckon he'll play. Can you help with a similiar question below?

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    2. Jax
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      kun

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      1. FPL Daniel
        • 16 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        he will play for sure, had a 5 days rest and t next game is 6 days from now

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  19. Lao Tzu
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    should i do nolan to fellaini?????

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    1. FPL Daniel
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      no. Nollan plays against former employees

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      1. Jax
        • 16 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        doesn't mean he'll do anything

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    2. big oak
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      no

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  20. pekka
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    quick poll

    A) Berba/tremmel
    B) BA/Jussi

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    1. Declan
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      B

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      1. pekka
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        epic fail....

        A) Berba/jussi
        B) BA/Tremmel

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  21. Pap Le Cissier
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    Final call

    Tevez or RVP captain??

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    1. abk
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Robin van Persie

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    2. pekka
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      rvp

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    3. Mílanista
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      RVP

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    4. Smakies
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      going for RVP myself

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    5. r0nh
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Darren Bent all the way!!

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      1. Jax
        • 16 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        no way, jason roberts

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

      RVP.

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    7. Pap Le Cissier
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Cheers gents and scholars.

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    8. FPL Daniel
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      RVanMan

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  22. abk
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    Should I bench Pogrebnyak or Noble? Not sure if the Pog will start this week.

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    1. pekka
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      bench pog

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    2. Jax
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      reckon he'll be benched

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      1. Mindless Freak
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        Reckon he'll start as i have him

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        1. Jax
          • 16 Years
          13 years, 2 months ago

          i have him too but the front two played well last week.

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    3. MICHELIN
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Noble.
      Noble = 2pts
      Pog = 1 - ~9 pts

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  23. puzzydee
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    Kun or Cazorla for capt?

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    1. Ravanelli
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      kun

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      1. FPL Daniel
        • 16 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        Kun brace at least upcoming. Hack trick won't surprise me too

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    2. MJ6987
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      RVP...

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  24. Mindless Freak
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    Few Ques:

    1) Captain RVP Or RVP

    2) Start McCartney (in hope of a CS) or play Sterling

    3) Play McCartney "" Or Clyne? Also have Michu if that makes a difference.

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    1. Ravanelli
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      play Sterling, West Ham aon't keep a cleanie away to Newcastle.

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  25. fridge
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    Who to play?

    Cuellar or Nelsen?

    Foster or Federici?

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    1. MJ6987
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Nelsen and Foster.

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  26. GreennRed
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    7 minutes 🙂 4:22 am in Breaking Bad High Desert.

    Surfer Rosa :

    Begovic
    Ivanovic (c), Gorkss, Sagna
    Mata, Pienaar, Cazorla, Bale
    Long, Rooney, Mirallas

    Foster, Sterling, Cuellar, Clark

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    1. Jax
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      ivan captain?

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      1. GreennRed
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah. Punting. Reds not great at finding the net bar Suarez. Terry back, good chance of a CS. Ivan a decent bet for goal or assist. Very optimistic I know but my recent captains obvious choices have done shite so going against the flow.

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    2. Pen_Pal
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Good side but I think the sun in the Breaking Bad desert might be getting to you...Ivo captain is brave!! I'd go Mata but that's just my humble opinion!!

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      1. GreennRed
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        He's vice! Too late now 🙂

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    3. weeurquahrt
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      smoking the cactus with that team my friend.

      good luck

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  27. Pinoche
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    OMG RVP.

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    1. Pap Le Cissier
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      OMG BEMBA IN DISGUISE! 😉

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  28. Syd.
    • 16 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    Talking about chasing last weeks points...

    There will be 216,611 disappointed people when the red mist comes home...

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    1. Declan
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Agreed

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  29. suddenorgan
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    Not quite getting the Michu love for this week, besides the opening day of the season Swansea have been poor away, fancy Southampton to get it together...

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    1. Jax
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      saints will win

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  30. Pap Le Cissier
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    In the immortal words of the doors

    "The time to hesitate is through"

    Best of luck guys, I'm being dragged off shopping!

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