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Moneyball – Esteban Granero

This is very likely the first and last time a former Real Madrid player graces the pages of the Moneyball series. Esteban Granero made an astonishing 31 appearances in the league in 2009-10 for Los Blancos, more than Guti, Rafael van der Vaart, Kaka and even Cristiano Ronaldo. The arrivals of Sami Khedira and Mesut Ozil pushed Granero out of favour in future years, though he still managed to finish his time in Madrid with almost 100 appearances in three seasons before making his way to Loftus Road this season.

Despite that pedigree, his arrival in England barely registered on the transfer radar and he’s hardly captured the collective eye of Fantasy managers – Granero has just a 0.5% ownership in the Fantasy Premier League game, which has risen by just 10,000 or so transfers all year. Given that this is a Moneyball piece, though, we’re not going to settle on a player based on his CV: it’s when we delve into his statistics so far this term that Granero really catches the eye.

Chris Glover Creator of the plfantasy blog, providing a stats focused approach to fantasy football. Exiled to Canada but still prefer my sports played on grass rather than ice. Follow them on Twitter

1,352 Comments Post a Comment
  1. In Tommy We Trust
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Anyone else see Sunderland doing a job on Fulham?

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    1. rasher
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      nope

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      1. bobby_bookah
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        Wouldn't put money on it

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    2. heartsattack
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      No.

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    3. cassanata
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      I think there is a chance. When I look at the Fulham team i keep wondering how they are scoring so many. Their midfield is fairly average.

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    4. Van The Man
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      I feel they might salvage a draw!
      Especially if Berba's a bit off his game, FUL may struggle.

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    5. roscola
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Maybe the type of job where you get paid to be beaten to a pulp and say thank you.

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      1. In Tommy We Trust
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        So MON has been speaking the Flintoff then?

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        1. roscola
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 4 months ago

          . 😀

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      2. 1966 was a great year for E…
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        We talking about Rihanna again?

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        1. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 4 months ago

          😆 ...

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        2. roscola
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 4 months ago

          ooooohh, dark!

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          1. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 4 months ago

            But fair...

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        3. In Tommy We Trust
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 4 months ago

          😆

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    6. In Tommy We Trust
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Hoping they don't so the casual has no reason to bring any of their players in

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    7. Scroobius Mac
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      0-1.

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    8. Bedok
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      This isn't about a 'job' on someone. What do you think the score will be and who do you think will be in the goals?

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      1. In Tommy We Trust
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        Sorry Bill.....

        0-1, Sess

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        1. cruzex
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 4 months ago

          0-1 Adam Johnson 😉

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  2. rasher
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    which 3 from 6?? rafael, ivanovich, baines, taylor, hanglaand, morrison

    currently have rafael, ivanovich and baines but they are playing away whilst the other 3 are playing at home!!!!!!!!!

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    1. viewoftheland
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Play Baines, Ivanovic and Hangeland

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      1. rasher
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        hmm was thinking that, rafeal is good for goals and assists though..

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    2. RD84
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Those three have a much greater chance of attacking points though. I think it's worth it unless you need that money elsewhere. That is a lot in defense...

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      1. RD84
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        I will never give you advice again after seeing your rank 😛

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        1. rasher
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 4 months ago

          haha cheers, yeah i really need to get 2 cheapies in defence

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    3. Eddie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Raf, Ivanovich, Baines.

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    4. bobby_bookah
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      tricky, as a Morrison owner id say squeeze him in but i may be biased first 3 seems the obv choice

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      1. rasher
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        cheers, yeah thats my thinking to, worried morrision will do damage

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    5. Hazmat
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      I'd leave out Ivan if any. As a Chelsea fan I'm expecting us to lose to WBA. They play like Mourinho's Chelsea and Mourinho's Chelsea > new Chelsea. But obviously he could still pick up attacking points.

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      1. rasher
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        its his attacking potential that i have him in he has 3 league goals and a few assists..
        hard to call the game tomorrow, west brom are flying

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  3. Pepin - RIP Absinthe
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Granville, are you captaining RvP as well?

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    1. 4vets
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      B!

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    2. Conrad.
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      B all damn day!

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      1. In Tommy We Trust
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        and night

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    3. bobby_bookah
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      b

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    4. cassanata
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      b

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    5. Pepin - RIP Absinthe
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      B

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    6. Scroobius Mac
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      a.

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    7. @ImpressiveTackl
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Who is that hooker in the first gif?

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      1. Piggs Boson
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        Rihanna. I was just proving Martinunreal wrong that Jenna >>>>>>>> Rihanna 😀

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        1. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 4 months ago

          WHA?!?

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          1. Piggs Boson
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 4 months ago

            Sorry i was too slow to correct myself. I apologise, not sure why i said your name 😀

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            1. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
              • 12 Years
              11 years, 4 months ago

              Because I remind you of a troll 🙁

              I'll be in my room if you need me

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              1. Piggs Boson
                • 12 Years
                11 years, 4 months ago

                Don't be in a girl. Here's the apology polar bear:
                http://i.imgur.com/pj9fu.gif

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                1. Piggs Boson
                  • 12 Years
                  11 years, 4 months ago

                  *a girl, not in a girl 😆

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                  1. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
                    • 12 Years
                    11 years, 4 months ago

                    I'm in a girl right now...

                    Her name is Jenna

                    😯

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        2. Piggs Boson
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 4 months ago

          *Ping Pong

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    8. McDog
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Jenna - and it's not even close.

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  4. Conrad.
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Agger fit?

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    1. roscola
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Quite sexy tattoos, I guess

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      1. 4vets
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        Not a fan, myself.

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    2. 1966 was a great year for E…
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      He's the stained glass window of football - made of ink and glass.

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      1. roscola
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        That's really very good

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        1. @ImpressiveTackl
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 4 months ago

          +1

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    3. In Tommy We Trust
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      I do like a bit of danish......

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    4. Conrad.
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      damn u guys! 😆

      will he be in the starting XI for the Liverpool football match this weekend? 😉

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  5. Stevee10001
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Hey guys what do you think of this team

    Jussi

    Rafael , Hange , McCartney

    Mata , Michu , Fellaini (VC), Santi

    RVP (C) , Ba , Jelavic

    bench: Bego Maloney Clyne Ridgewell

    Cant really decide on what im going to do over the coming weeks so advice would be appreciated!

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    1. bobby_bookah
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      decent side, maybe some city coverage? jelly could be changed with fell as eve coverage.

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      1. The Kraken
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        Santi for Silva (on the City coverage, I did that this week)
        For the following weeks I would try to get Hangs > Cuellar, think about Mignolet... something on the Sunderland direction.

        IMO Jelavic > Giroud considering that you have Fellaini but everyone hates Giroud's idea so don't follow that if you don't believe in magic...

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  6. Van The Man
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    After such a good showing last week, any chances of Aguero starting this weekend??
    Ta. :

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    1. bobby_bookah
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      60% imo

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    2. Butters
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      I imagine they'll hold him for champions league considering he travelled with argentina this week

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      1. Van The Man
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        If thats the case, you think I should sell him for Suarez???

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  7. viewoftheland
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Hmm, trying to decide whether Hazard to Silva is worth a hit. Never enjoyed having Hazard, purely got him defensively. Would be much happier with Silva in the side, not sure if its worth a -4 though.

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    1. 4vets
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Not for a hit.

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      1. bobby_bookah
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        what he said

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      2. Butters
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        agreed

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      3. viewoftheland
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        Probably my thoughts. It's coming though. Soon Senor Silva, soon you will be mine.

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  8. davysteen
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Thoughts on my 4point hit please..

    Hazard and Tevez OUT
    Silva and Suarez IN

    Is this logical or too big a risk?

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    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      hell no

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      1. davysteen
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        already have mata..

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    2. heartsattack
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      It's dodgy. I'd maybe leave Tevez in.

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    3. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Hazard to Silva is fine, but i don't particularly like Tevez->Suarez at this time. I might be wrong though.

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    4. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      I like your choices. Don't think its worth 4 points though.

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    5. bobby_bookah
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      id just do one if i had to, prob keep Tev this week

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

      Planning the same next week for a 4 pointer, or week after for free but only have 0.3m lee-way... 🙂

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    7. The Kraken
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      I have to say I like it...

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  9. BRITPOPHOLIC
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Play Shawcross (WHM) or McAuley (CHE) for this gameweek?

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    1. SnoopDogSmokesWeed
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Shawcross

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      1. BRITPOPHOLIC
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        thanks 🙂

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  10. bennydebull
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Surprising: Wigan are unbeaten against Liverpool in their last five matches. Hope they do similar again - a bit nervous with everyone bringing Suarez in...

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    1. Ben Mee Over A Table
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Have you seen Wigan's away form and Liverpool's home form? Could be worth a punt on a draw or Wigan win IMO (and I'm a Liverpool supporter).

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    2. In Tommy We Trust
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      I'm nervous for them 😉

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  11. Heiro
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Foster/Begovic
    Mcauley/Wilkinson/Baines/Turner/Gorks
    Bala/Cazorla/Michu/Pienar/Guthrie
    Suarez/RVP/Berb

    A: Mcauley --> Jones
    B: Mcauley --> Cueller
    C: Mcauley --> Cameron (double up on stoke def)
    D: Do nothing and pray for a cleanie vs chelsea

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    1. gers23
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      D

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    2. bobby_bookah
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      e, play gorkss

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      1. bobby_bookah
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        and wilko

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  12. gers23
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Thoughts on my team this week? ok to save my transfer?

    Begovic

    Ivanovic/Nelson/Demel

    Yaya/Bale/Mata/Fellaini

    Rvp(c)/Ba/Berbatov(vc)

    Mccarthy Sterling Ridgewell Cuellar

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  13. Kostja
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Discoveries of the week: Karl Pilkington is the funniest man alive. Action Bronson is the best hip hop artists of the recent years, at least that I have heard of.

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    1. Hazmat
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      You're a good man. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2AHvZWojSc is the best video maybe ever.

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      1. Kostja
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        The videos are awesome, the first I saw was Brunch, I was in love 😀

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    2. Third Eye Vision
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Karl Pilkington - unique but good. Action Bronson - fairly derivative but also good.

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    3. Kno
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Heard any Kendrick Lamar? If not check him out, that boy is good

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  14. Jönny
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    For those who were discussing Sunderland options earlier....

    http://members.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/my-stats-tables/view/1233/

    Particularly that guy who reckoned Larsson is more defensive than Johnson 😉

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    1. 4vets
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Lovely start to the season, Jonny!

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      1. Jönny
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        I don't like it, too much pressure! At the start of the season my target was to beat my best previous rank and finish top 5k... Now if I end up outside of the top 500 I'll be gutted!

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    2. In Tommy We Trust
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Larsson looks a sure bet for my transfer next week

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      1. Jönny
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        Yeah I fancy that too, not sure how I'll work it exactly though...

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    3. Parm
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Kudos for the name 😀

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      1. Jönny
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        Punderland 😉

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        1. cruzex
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 4 months ago

          Adam Johnson always 😉

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  15. SnoopDogSmokesWeed
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    To Play:

    Shawcross WHU (A) or Demel STK (H)

    (Begovic in goal)

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    1. bobby_bookah
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Demel, spread the risk

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      1. bobby_bookah
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        and hope he doesn't come off after 20 mins

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    2. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Demel may not start. Shawcross for me

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  16. Conrad.
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Bale, Santi, or Jelavic for the armband? I'm leaning Jela, as the other 2 have been inconsistent as of late...

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    1. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      Jelavic s your best bet.

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      1. Conrad.
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        thats what i figured.

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    2. Ben Mee Over A Table
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      What has happened to your team since last week to make those 3 your options?

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  17. RoysCallerAnne
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Move over to the new post.

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    1. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      *article

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  18. Gaz Downright
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    evening zoneers

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  19. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Which 3 out of these 5. Baines ,mc cauley, hughes ,S taylor and mc cartney.suggestions please

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  20. Roonani
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Is it worth doubling up on Everton mid's for this week only ?

    I can either do:

    1. Pienaar >Fellaini ( but that leaves me with only 0.1 in the bank) This way I have both Michu and Fellaini and if both get yellows this week, i would have to transfer one of them out ( defense is not good enough to play 4 in the back)
    2. Michu > Fellaini and have both Pienaar and Fellaini for 2 weeks ( playing RDG and NOR)

    3. Save a sub and hope for Pienaar to outscore Fellaini

    Not sure what to do...

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    1. Gaz Downright
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      All good alternatives imo. You just have to make your mind up.

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  21. Gaz Downright
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Snodgrass has registered 11 goal attempts his last 6 matches. None of these have hit the target. And I thought Taarabt was appalling!

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  22. BBC_TF
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    I NEED YOUR VOTE!

    Option 1: Cazorla -> Silva
    + Silva is finding form
    + Nice Differential
    + Caz is off the boil and travelled this week
    - Caz has good fixtures in two games until New Year

    Option 2: Bale -> Silva
    + Silva is finding form
    + Nice Differential
    + Bale is off the boil
    - Bale has two home games to come and is the most explosive MF big hitter

    3: Do Nothing

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    1. Ich bin Klopp
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      You got my vote!

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    2. Roonani
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      I dont see Cazorla in your team. I would incline towards 3. I think both bale and cazorla will get points this week, plus you have Tevez to convert Silva's assists 🙂

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  23. ab9
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    what does it say in the article?? granero worth it??

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    1. Gaz Downright
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 4 months ago

      It tells you that if you pay the membership fee you will know if he is "worth it".

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      1. Grumpy Camel
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 4 months ago

        +1

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  24. @FuzzyWarbles
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    begovic

    baines, hughes, cuellar

    bale, santi, mata, pienaar

    rvp, ba, lambert

    (sterling, gorkss, demel)

    stay put? if so, right order?
    santi->silva?
    santi->valencia, free up cash for next week?
    other ideas?

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  25. damill1
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 4 months ago

    Begovic or jaaskelainen in goal?(both against each other)

    RVP or Suarez captain?

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