Preamble

The Pre-Match Preamble – Gameweek 27

I’ve got to admit, I’ve been treading water for days. Stricken by man-flu that has me sweating Lemsip and coughing up Fishermen’s Friends, I’ve also been struck by the dull hiatus caused by the FA Cup weekend. A rude interruption to our flow of Gameweeks, my Fantasy Football flame has been doused and I’m wading through snot-ridden tissues to rekindle it.

My spirits are not helped by the fact that, like so many Fantasy managers this weekend, I’m struggling for a starting XI and left praying at the alter of Guy Demel. The Hammers full-back is unlikely to figure against Spurs, even less likely to earn points if he does and yet, for the last seven days, he’s had his full fifteen minutes of Fantasy fame, as we scratch around for eleven men.

With Gameweek 29’s blanks looming large, this is truly a testing time for us all. It would have been nice to approach it feeling match fit. Instead, I’ve had to try to find space in my mucus-filled bonce to decode the various fixture configurations that lie in store. In the end, I gave up and left it to Paul.

For a while this week, I took some comfort in the fact that Wayne Rooney shared my pain. Ruled out of Monday’s FA Cup clash with Reading with sinusitis, Sir Alex was quick to count him out of the equation for the trip to QPR later today. I had visions of Rooney, wrapped in a duvet, slippering the floor while Colleen scampered up with another can of lager and a packet of Oreos. Another worthy man, battling back from the brink. Or so I thought.

Friday’s pictures from the United training ground showed Rooney cutting a sprightly figure, seemingly untroubled by the crippling illness that would allegedly rule him out of today’s game. It remains to be a seen if his recovery is completed by an appearance on the Loftus Road turf: I haven’t got the patience to try to second-guess Sir Alex on that one.

Not surprisingly, the press have turned their backs on the prospect of Rooney figuring today, with Danny Welbeck seemingly the favoured partner for Robin Van Persie up top. Only the Telegraph dare to suggest that Javier Hernandez will get a start in West London – the solitary paper of our six this morning that grant the Mexican the opportunity: Welbeck, either in support or shifted wide with Shinji Kagawa starting, is the preferred solution to Rooney’s absence. Four of our papers suggest that Nani will be handed a start: we’re also backing that concept by promoting the unpredictable Portuguese with our differential pick this week.

The City lineup also causes conjecture and, again, the press are torn on Roberto Mancini’s forward line. Having shed Edin Dzeko from my squad, this is the first Saturday in months where I haven’t lay at the mercy of Mancini’s whims and, typically, it’s another difficult call going into Sunday’s clash with Chelsea. Both the Telegraph and the Independent start with Dzeko up with Sergio Aguero – the rest all keep Carlos Tevez in the role, with the Bosnian left to warm the timber once more.

Marc Wilson’s fitness has been a hot topic over the past week and, with the left-back safely in our predicted lineup for the trip to Fulham, you know where we stand on his availability today. Three of the morning papers also agree with us – the Telegraph, The Sun and The Mail all have Wilson back in the Stoke lineup for the early kick-off at the Cottage.

Elsewhere, there are few surprises on show – personally, I don’t share the confidence that seems to be held by the entire press regarding Sunderland’s 4-4-2 at West Brom: every paper this morning has Danny Graham up alongside Steven Fletcher for the Hawthorns encounter.

The only really bugbear spotted comes amongst the pages of the Telegraph who, for one reason or another, have chosen to omit Juan Mata from their Chelsea lineup for Sunday’s Etihad test. Of course, every other source names the Spaniard in their side, with no evidence to suggest otherwise. The Telegraph’s decision is clearly an oversight, perhaps prompted by similar symptoms to my own. Sitting here typing through a blur of Paracetamol, I can certainly let that one pass.

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

1,513 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Get up ya bum
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 8 months ago

    I'm off. I see regulars trying to converse in here, good luck! I recommend migrating to another post

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    1. Onana Whatsmyname
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 8 months ago

      "Regulars"

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  2. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 8 months ago

    Cisse + 4 or Giroud for next 2?

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    1. ILOVEBAPS
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 8 months ago

      Cisse IMO.

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      1. Onana Whatsmyname
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 8 months ago

        Cisse

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    2. tw
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 8 months ago

      giroud

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    3. Transfer Window
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 8 months ago

      Giroud. Any day. See when he scores a brace today.

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  3. gunnerlover
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 8 months ago

    All this talk of different captains... Don't captain RVP at your peril chaps! QPR are AWFUL!

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    1. ILOVEBAPS
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 8 months ago

      Didn't RVP get a blank vs them earlier i the season??

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      1. Rafabio
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 8 months ago

        At OT to boot. It's not necessarily a must-do this week...

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        1. gunnerlover
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 8 months ago

          Couldn't disagree more, but hey ho! It'll be like a differential haha

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    2. Piggs Boson
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 8 months ago

      Look at QPR's history.

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    3. Piggs Boson
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 8 months ago

      Chelsea City and Tottenham all drew blanks

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    4. gunnerlover
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 8 months ago

      I know what you're saying but how silly will everyone feel when he bag a brace and an assist, maybe more!

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      1. JapBen
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 8 months ago

        Not silly at all if Walcott matches him as he gets more points for goals and assists being a midfielder

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        1. Christina.
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 8 months ago

          Everyone gets 3 pts for an assist. Even the keeper.

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  4. Qubit
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 8 months ago

    Hmm, I cant make subsitutions in FPL for some reason - anyone else?

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  5. subzero
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 8 months ago

    No replies to any posts in last 3 pages !! Screw you guys, I am going home

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    1. gunnerlover
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 8 months ago

      Bad timing pal

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    2. reply fail
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 8 months ago

      reply

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    3. Get up ya bum
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 8 months ago

      😀

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

      Ah subzero come back!

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    5. ILOVEBAPS
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 8 months ago

      Pull your pants up then.

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  6. tw
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 8 months ago

    what do you guys think?

    a) marv + 4
    b) wilshire
    c) puncheon

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    1. Chris_White
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 8 months ago

      a)

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    2. Onana Whatsmyname
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 8 months ago

      C

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      1. Disco Pat
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 8 months ago

        C

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    3. ILOVEBAPS
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 8 months ago

      C

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  7. Dhubanmonkey
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 8 months ago

    Who are the semi-reasonable defenders at 4.3 or less?

    Are there any?

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    1. heartsattack
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 8 months ago

      Harte.

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    2. Chris_White
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 8 months ago

      Harte, Turner, Wilson

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      1. YingYang
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 8 months ago

        +1

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    3. tw
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 8 months ago

      clyne
      martin
      harte
      wilson

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    4. Billy Gilmore
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 8 months ago

      Turner, Wilson, Harte, Clyne

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      1. Gargamel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 8 months ago

        So no hax? 🙂

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        1. Billy Gilmore
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 8 months ago

          You wanna game?

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    5. gunnerlover
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 8 months ago

      I just stuck in R Martin from Norwich ahead of 29

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      1. Adro3
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 8 months ago

        I brought Martin in too

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    6. Stats King-@football2space
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 8 months ago

      Harte, Turner, Martin R, Wilson

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  8. Cooper123
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 8 months ago

    Last minute advice required please. Guthrie to Sissoko worth a hit? Gives me

    Bale // Mata // Walcott // Michu // Sissoko

    RVP // Lambert // Sturrigde

    Don’t mind benching the one with the toughest fixture each week.

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    1. Onana Whatsmyname
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 8 months ago

      Yes for sure.....roll the dice! Saints v Newcastle should have goals

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    2. tw
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 8 months ago

      yes

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    3. Disco Pat
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 8 months ago

      Go Sissoko

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    4. Cooper123
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 8 months ago

      Cheers guys.

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    5. WoofWoofGrrrr
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 8 months ago

      I think so, i've gone for somthing similar myself. I'm hoping having a strong front 8 will pay off long term with blanks, rest, rotation, injury and suspension all factoring in. Also allows to save transfers for impending DGW's to come.

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  9. TheSteady ¤ Wines th…
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 8 months ago

    Anyone know when the expert EPL picks GW x is usually published?
    In a comp where I need to predict results and I want to win it.

    thanks!

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  10. Adro3
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 8 months ago

    RIGHT: Should I do Fletcher to Lambert (-8) for long term or keep Fletcher?

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    1. tobesthetoffee
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 8 months ago

      Do it

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      1. Adro3
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks, any other opiniones before I do it?...

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    2. Disco Pat
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 8 months ago

      ADRO3 long term lambert seems the right choice

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      1. Adro3
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 8 months ago

        Alright cheers, should I do it now, or save it till another week?? (-8) if now

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        1. Disco Pat
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 8 months ago

          do it now ADRO3

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    3. Jimmers
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 8 months ago

      hoe can it be -8? If you're already taking a hit, don't take another

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      1. Adro3
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 8 months ago

        ok, I'll save it

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  11. tobesthetoffee
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 8 months ago

    Next week:

    Suarez or studge

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    1. OPTA FPL
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 8 months ago

      Suarez

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    2. Breadbin
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 8 months ago

      Ask next week, it's busy enough with noobs asking questions about this week.

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      1. tobesthetoffee
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 8 months ago

        I need to make the transfer this week

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        1. Christina.
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 8 months ago

          Back to the future Marty Mcfly.

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  12. Breadbin
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 8 months ago

    Not enough gravless/non team linked posters to "advise". Bored.

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    1. heartsattack
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 8 months ago

      See above.

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    2. Breadbin
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 8 months ago

      Seen 🙂

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    3. tobesthetoffee
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 8 months ago

      Answer mine

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  13. Transfer Window
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 8 months ago

    Just brought in Giroud.

    Ars 5- Villa 2. What do you think.

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    1. OPTA FPL
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 8 months ago

      free or hit?

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      1. Transfer Window
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 8 months ago

        A hit for giroud. I hope I don't fall flat on my face.
        But risk is the name of the name.

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    2. tw
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 8 months ago

      5-3 is my guess

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    3. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 8 months ago

      you know what happens when everyone expects a goal fest

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      1. heartsattack
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 8 months ago

        There's a goal fest?

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      2. tw
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 8 months ago

        you mean like the goal fest we expected between ars and new?

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    4. Onana Whatsmyname
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 8 months ago

      2-0 is my prediction

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  14. Killitzer
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 8 months ago

    My defence is pretty ropey:

    Mariappa, Zaba, O'Brien, Martin R, Betrand

    I have £0.2m left and was considering:

    1. O'Brien-----> Wilson (frees up £0.5m)
    2. Betrand----> Wilson

    It's for a 4ph though. Worth it?

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    1. ILOVEBAPS
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 8 months ago

      Berty of the 2. And I think 1 hit this week is ok.

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  15. Jimmers
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 8 months ago

    Demel to Wilson? Neither likely to start but no issues with Wilson for GW29 and he will be a regular starter.

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  16. isacki: full casual
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 8 months ago

    Right. One hit to field eleven. Still totally torn between Cisse (no GW29 blank) and Giroud (let's face it, GW29 blank). Have 5 GW29 blankers right now.

    Also, currently on Bale (C).

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    1. The Light Knight
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 8 months ago

      Cisse in and C

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      1. isacki: full casual
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 8 months ago

        Reckon? I would have made my mind up already if I trusted him to finish.... also getting doubts over whether he will be the main man in the 4-2-3-1. His stats aren't too great for shots.

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        1. The Light Knight
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 8 months ago

          I just get a feeling that he will explode soon and I don't want to miss it

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    2. sy
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 8 months ago

      Giroud is the better pick

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    3. tw
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 8 months ago

      i think giroud will outscore cisse by 4 (the hit you'll need to get rid of him).

      lambert +4 vs giroud i might go lambert then..

      btw:
      keep marv
      marv > wilshire (-4)
      marv > punch (-4)
      ?

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      1. isacki: full casual
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 8 months ago

        Got Lambert in already 🙂

        Not Wilshere IMO. Punch would have to score to even draw level so I have to say no.

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        1. isacki: full casual
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 8 months ago

          BTW TW might cave :n Walcott (C) before deadline. Hmmmz.

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  17. bradbury1
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 8 months ago

    so tempted to captain cisse

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  18. The Mighty I
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 8 months ago

    Sturridge to Giroud for -8, or is that just stupid?

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    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 8 months ago

      It's -4.

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    2. Onana Whatsmyname
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 8 months ago

      I wouldn't.....you will want Sturridge back

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    3. Killitzer
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 8 months ago

      not for -8. He would have to score 3 goals as captain to justify that!

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

      depends on whether for this week or long term? and how much of a hit. Sturridge is a good as you'll get for his price, and no other cup matches to play, so focus solely on the league!

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      1. The Mighty I
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 8 months ago

        Just for this week

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        1. Disco Pat
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 8 months ago

          go for it for this week!

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  19. Breadbin
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 8 months ago

    Ridiculous decision. Why man?

    PS - Arsenal 1 - 3 Villa. K.

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    1. Breadbin
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 8 months ago

      Reply fail.

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  20. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 8 months ago

    Cisse or Giroud for next 2?

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    1. Get up ya bum
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 8 months ago

      Oli

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    2. isacki: full casual
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 8 months ago

      If GW29 blank not a problem, Giroud

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    3. Tribecca
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 8 months ago

      giroud

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  21. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 8 months ago

    any news on cuellar, he will play?

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    1. Breadbin
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 8 months ago

      Nailed on to start.

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    2. OPTA FPL
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 8 months ago

      Looks like he's dropped and wont start 🙁

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  22. Plagued by indecision
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 8 months ago

    You know you have a problem when you spend your Saturday morning worrying about whether Geoff Cameron and Jimmy Kebe will start.

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    1. Siva Mohan
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 8 months ago

      😀 😀

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    2. Stats King-@football2space
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 8 months ago

      Same dilemma on Kebe !

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    3. Jimmers
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 8 months ago

      Wait till GW29

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  23. Alberto Tomba
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 8 months ago

    RVP Captain surely?! no mid week games so he'll not be rested

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  24. El Berbossa - \\\"El b…
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 8 months ago

    Hi All,

    Any team news

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    1. Breadbin
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 8 months ago

      😐

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  25. leo_messi
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 8 months ago

    Rvp or Giroud for the armband????

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    1. Transfer Window
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 8 months ago

      Giroud. If you have Walcott. Then Walcott

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  26. subzero
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 8 months ago

    Oh Never mind, forgot that I have to post some thing to get replies. All is well. Kyle is still a big dumb Jew though

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  27. OPTA FPL
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 8 months ago

    I have 10 men included Cuellar & Kebe at risk? Would you take a hit to bring in Giroud for Sturridge ?
    Giroud has Spurs next week and blank Gw29 stopping me...

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  28. Ole Gunnar Kush
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 8 months ago

    Giroud or RVP captain?

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    1. Killitzer
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 8 months ago

      Am going for RVP though would be typical for Giroud to hit a couple!

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    2. In Like Flynn.
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 8 months ago

      When in doubt.

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  29. KakiBangku
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 8 months ago

    Id be very happy if i can put up this team in the final 6/7 gameweeks.

    Mignolet Federici

    Evra Evans Rafael Zabaleta Wilson

    Walcott Bale Mata Sissoko Taraabt

    Aguero Sturridge Lambert

    6 transfers away.

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