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. Dale Cooper
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    Arsenal, Everton, United, Stoke and Chelsea tomorrow - all to win.

    Worth placing a bet on?

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

      it's your money

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    2. Fifa las vegas
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      I'd say so

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

      Liverpool to beat Chelsea.

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    4. Round and Round
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Not for me. Arsenal, Everton and Chelsea are all potential banana skins. I'd go big on Stoke and United.

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    5. Breadbin
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Betting costs money so I'd say no. Bet that tomorrow is Sunday.

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  2. OPTA FPL
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    Any clue about Myhill? is he good?

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    1. Simon69
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      World class

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      1. Chrissy Waddle - 2025/26
        • 15 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        Your posts are pointless. Do us all a favour....

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        1. Simon69
          • 13 Years
          13 years, 2 months ago

          Who's us?

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

    ederici; Gunter, Shorey, Morrison, Gorkss; Leigertwood, Tabb, McCleary, McAnuff (c); Hunt, Roberts

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    1. OPTA FPL
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      no Poelnuyak

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

      The Fed is back! 😀

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    3. RoysCallerAnne
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Gunter, yay!

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

      GORKSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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      1. blue cheese
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        +1

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      2. Fifa las vegas
        • 13 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        Yeeeeeesssss!!!!

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    5. Fifa las vegas
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Yes Fed and Gorkss for me here

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

    Al Habsi, Kone, McCarhty, Caldwell, Watson, Di Santo, Maloney, Boyce, Ramis, Beausejour, Figueroa -

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

      always get nervousn when I see kone not at the end

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    2. Van Dal
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Kone playing defence :p

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      1. Dale Cooper
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        Has more than required with the number on his shirt.

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

    Arsenal lineup:
    Mannone,Sagna, Per, Kos, Verm - Arteta, Ramsay, Theo, Cazorla, Poldi - Giroud

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

      Thought Ramsey was injured?

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

        The worst players never stay hurt long...

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

      vermaelen left back then. makes him more attractive from fpl now i guess

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      1. Dale Cooper
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        No, it doesn't. Don't you remember his last season's FPL returns, when he was slotted at LB? No assists, no goals, rare CS. On the other hand, he scored big right after coming back from injury in Autumn '11 (against Wigan away and West Brom at home).

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

          but last year he had licence to get forward from CB, this year he doesnt seem to so a LB slot will surely enhance his returns

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          1. Dale Cooper
            • 14 Years
            13 years, 2 months ago

            In that case it all depends on whether he'll be allowed to attack on corner kicks.

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    3. Simon69
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Are you Demi? Stahp.

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

      Lets go Giroud! Repay my faith in keeping your under performing arse

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

      Nice, so a chance Theo wont be a fail for me

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

    Howard, Coleman, Baines, Heitinga, Jagielka, Mirallas, Pienaar, Osman, Neville, Fellaini, Jelavic

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

      thanks

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

      Thanks Demi

      Baines – check
      Pienaar – check

      Prove those Fellaini owners wrong.

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

        +1000!

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

        😉

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  7. Demí
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    Ruddy; Whittaker, Bassong, Turner, Garrido; Johnson, Tettey, Pilkington, Snodgrass; Hoolahan; Holt (c)

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    1. Fifa las vegas
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      God your good Demi, how/where are you able to get these lineups so quickly

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

        Twitter most likely.

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

        no need to know

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

    Everton team to face Sunderland: Howard, Coleman, Baines, Heitinga, Jagielka, Mirallas, Pienaar, Osman, Neville, Fellaini, Jelavic

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  9. Aditya K
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    #readingfc: Federici; Gunter, Shorey, Morrison, Gorkss; Leigertwood, Tabb, McCleary, McAnuff (c); Hunt, Roberts

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

      Great Gunter plays... Never thought I would say that.

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    2. King Nil Miss ✩
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      That is wrong, no Pogrebniak!

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

      Got Rid of Pog thankfully

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  10. applebonkers
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 16 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    ..and that's why you go mcanuff over kebe

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

      Or neither... 😀

      But yeah...

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

      😀

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    3. King Nil Miss ✩
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Well said!

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  11. isacki: full casual
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    Reports circulating that Djibril Cisse will miss out today after a red card in the warmup.

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    1. The Light Knight
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      The best thing is it's impossible to know if this is a wind up or not 😀

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    2. Bendy Busdriver
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      would a sub come in in fpl?

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  12. Coldplay
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    Howard, Coleman, Baines, Heitinga, Jagielka, Mirallas, Pienaar, Osman, Neville, Fellaini, Jelavic

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  13. Professor Abel X
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    Is kightly even on the bench? Fuming!

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    1. OPTA FPL
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      he is

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

      I think so? Laughing!

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    3. Ancelotti's Eyebrow
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Yes.

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

      why would you get any attack minded stoke player in the first place?

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      1. isacki: full casual
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        Bit easy to say now, kightly was a decent option IMO, 2nd to crouch

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      2. Professor Abel X
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        Fixtures, Differential and Cheap. But I see your point

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  14. Demí
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    Mignolet, Rose, Gardner, O'Shea, Cuellar, McLean, Larsson, Colback, Sessegnon, Johnson, Fletcher

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    1. applebonkers
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      damn, no cattermole v fellaini

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

      no bardsley 😯

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    3. isacki: full casual
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Bardsley?

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      1. applebonkers
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 16 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        so tempted to go find wildrover's bardsley post last friday

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

    SWANS: Tremmel, Rangel, Williams, Monk (c), Davies, Britton, de Guzman, Ki, Hernandez, Routledge, Michu

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

      michu 🙂

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

      Come on Meeeeeeshoeeeeeee !

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

      if he dont score tonight, i m kicking him out

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

        This.

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

      Michu forward role!

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

      MICHUUUUUUUUUUU

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

      michuuuuuuu

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

    Why Oh why did he drop the Pogster.

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

    Arsenal: Mannone, Sagna, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Coquelin, Arteta, Cazorla, Walcott, Podolski, Giroud.

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

      Come on Sagna!

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

      I was close. The only player I got wrong is Coquelin.

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      1. ★FC Borecelona★
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        Why post unconfirmed line-ups then? 😕

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        1. blue cheese
          • 14 Years
          13 years, 2 months ago

          +1 😡

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

          😡 🙄

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

          Sorry, I thought the source was reliable.

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      2. Chrissy Waddle - 2025/26
        • 15 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        It's not a guessing game mate. Leave it to the professionals.

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      3. df34
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        moron

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

      No Ramsey?!

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

      please be quiet walcott

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  18. Hazard267
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone else got jelavic captain here i just have a mass feeling about him he's been getting the chances just a big wasteful plus he is due a goal or 2

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    1. King Eric, in America
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      (c)ing a guy who's "due"...

      Most likely will end in tears.

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  19. Demí
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    azzaniga. Clyne, Yoshida, Schneiderlin, Fonte, Lambert, Ramirez, Cork, Lallana©, Shaw, Puncheon

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

      You are a machine Demi. 😀

      Ramirez 😎

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

      no rodriguez, great for lambert

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    3. Ancelotti's Eyebrow
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Shaw starts. He is only 17!

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  20. Demí
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    J.Cesar - Bosingwa Ferdinand Nelsen Traore - Granero Faurlin Diakite - Hoilett Taarabt - Zamora

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    1. @ImpressiveTackl
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Yay Taraabt!

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

        Surprised you got him IT 😯 ?,

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

      Yes Nelsen!

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

    All present and correct 🙂

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  22. Nighthawk
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    How does Demi get the team sheets before anyone else?

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    1. @ImpressiveTackl
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Sex.

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

      He picks them

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      1. blue cheese
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        +1 😀

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

        +10000000.

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

      he even gets them before the players get them 😉

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    4. Captain Shirokov
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Copy and paste's them from all the club's official twitter accounts.

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    5. Keane There Dunne That
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Twitter

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

      He's a god...or at least half a god...I don't know what you call one of those...?

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

        demigod 😀

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

          😉

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      2. denial
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        13 years, 2 months ago

        A demi-God?

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    7. OPTA FPL
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      fast speed internet

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    8. Fifa las vegas
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      I know i was trying as fast as i could and he still had them way before me

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    9. Drogba "Unstoppable, U…
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      If we tell you you'll take his place...

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    10. Dale Cooper
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      inside job

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    11. applebonkers
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      kidnaps them

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  23. Shane Ferguson 4.0
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    7 players, all starting - CHECK

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

    Sunderland missing Cattermole is good news for Evertons attacking players...

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

      yeah... no broken bones

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

      Good for Fellaini. No one in that team seems capable of pissing him off so he is less likely to get a booking.

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    3. applebonkers
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      stat: cattermole is the most dribbled centre mid in the premier league. bad news for everton attacking players

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  25. Fifa las vegas
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    Norwich- Ruddy; Whittaker, Bassong, Turner, Garrido; Johnson, Tettey, Pilkington, Snodgrass; Hoolahan; Holt

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  26. Sweatygoals
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    Who's better- Heskey or Andre Santos?

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    1. The Chosen One...
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Do u even need to ask.....

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  27. Demí
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    QPR: J.Cesar - Bosingwa Ferdinand Nelsen Traore - Granero Faurlin Diakite - Hoilett Taarabt - Cisse

    Correction..

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

      UMMM then not Zamora... 🙁

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    2. Crouch Potato!
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 2 months ago

      Was actually going to comment that Cisse should be playing, now he is 😉

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

    Ramirez just off lambert, repay the faith ive shown the last 6 weeks today then!!

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  29. Dark Mata
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    Fulham?

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  30. The Chosen One...
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 2 months ago

    Fulham?

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