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18 February 2011 1140 comments
Mark Mark
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With a break from Premier League action this weekend, we’re presented with some breathing space to allow us to take stock and assess strategies for success for the remaining Gameweeks.

This season has seen the evolution of template midfields and attacks with the same names rotation across thousands of Fantasy squads. As a result the defence has become a key area for differentials and while clean sheets have been hard to come by all season, the quest for defenders who can return attacking points and Fantasy Premier League (FPL) Bonus, remains a key one.

In this latest Numbers Game article for Members, we take a look at the Gameweek OPTA statistics gathered over the past four Gameweeks to analyse those defenders who have offered the best potential in these areas.

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

  1. FBA
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 11 months ago

    Does anyone know how long Tim Cahill will remain protected for? I want to transfer VDV (£8.6m) for Tim Cahill (£8.9m), and I have precisely 0.3m in the bank.

    I don't like doing my transfers until the night before the GW begins, just in case they get injured/ill/kidnapped etc. Can anyone reassure me that I'm OK to wait until next Friday to make this transfer, or should I just do it tonight once I know Cahill has got through the Chelsea game unscathed?

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    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 11 months ago

      In my rough, and so far untested theory, he has two days to go before his protection is removed. But I'm not fully au fait with this yet.

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

      Just leave it until he surprisingly goes up and you can join the long tradition if this and other sites of people saying,"I had enough and then he went up""I thought he was protected" 🙂

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      1. In Like Flynn.
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 11 months ago

        *Of this*

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    3. 4-4-who?
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 11 months ago

      Good call; Everton are flying aren't they...

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      1. FBA
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 11 months ago

        Yeah, like you, they are flying the flag in the bottom half of the table.

        Look at their upcoming fixtures and thank me later.

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    4. Lizard-fantasy
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 11 months ago

      http://www.fiso.co.uk/crackthecode.php

      VDV has 4 days left....doesn't mention Cahill on it

      Get him in tonight our join the i dont have enough money club 🙁

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

    Why the hell did nani get 0 bonus last weekend? I was out all weekend so didn't see what people were saying bit I watched the match and thought he was uniteds best player and with a goal and assist to his name should have been a shoe-in for 2 or 3

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    1. In Like Flynn.
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 11 months ago

      No bonus + dubious assist = about right. 🙂

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    2. Screaming Midget
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 11 months ago

      Because in general the people who award Bonus Points don't really know what they are doing. It works both ways though as sometimes my players get BPs when they really shouldn't have done.

      Still, they need to sort it for next season so it's less of a lottery and more down to good picks.

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

        yeah I can complain because I've had players that got bonus and didn't really deserve them, but rooneys 2 bonus was mad he didn't do anything except that wonder goal, yeah hope they sort it out next year

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    3. Louis Van Balls
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 11 months ago

      He was UTD's best player and should have received 3 BP. I hope that the bonus points sstem is scrapped next season. Perhaps a MOTM award is sufficient. FPL game needs to be more challenging...

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      1. Screaming Midget
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 11 months ago

        I think Rooney got BPs? Only due to the goal - he did next to nothing for 89 minutes, lol. I don't think the judges watch the games, maybe they go off stats?

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        1. 4-4-who?
          • 16 Years
          14 years, 11 months ago

          I've heard that goals are quite useful in the Premier League...

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  3. pompeyfan
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 11 months ago

    In the fantasy cricket if you have Sehwag captain I presume you should still change your captain to a player playing next and you still benefit from double Sehwags points?

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  4. Screaming Midget
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 11 months ago

    For those sending VDV out, do you plan on bringing him back in?

    I think the right decision is keeping him, in that Spurs have some superb fixtures coming up; but; if his price were to drop say .2 I wouldn't lose that much on him, so the decision to take him out would be more understandable.

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    1. Louis Van Balls
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 11 months ago

      Depending on fitness, I'll likely bring back one of VDV or Bale after GW28.

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

      At the moment I would lose .4 on VDV and with other plans it could leave me just short on bringing him back even if he'goes down another .2 So he stays in for me.

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    3. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 11 months ago

      I took him out with my wildcard last week and got Lennon for Spurs dgw coverage.

      That was an epic fail, so I'll be getting VdV back in GW29.

      The Cahill to VdV switch is popular because they are virtually the same price so getting VdV back afterwards isn't an issue and you can do it in one move.

      If I had VdV now though I'm not sure I'd get rid for Cahill. Not convinced we're going to see the same returns from him that we were getting before he left for the Asian Cup.

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  5. Demí
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 11 months ago

    Finally another Man United player on twitter:

    Luis Nani guys : http://twitter.com/#!/luisnani

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    1. Hank
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 11 months ago

      Noice!

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    2. Namtab Nomolos
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 11 months ago

      Cool, Ronaldo is welcoming him on board too 🙂

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  6. tosey
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 11 months ago

    Cech, Ferreira, Ivanovic, Terry, Cole. Mikel, Ramires, Lampard, Kalou, Drogba, Malouda

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    1. Louis Van Balls
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 11 months ago

      I think Everton could get a result today.

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      1. tosey
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 11 months ago

        i did them each way for the cup at start season so i hope so

        although itd fook me up for fantasy footy with no utd players

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        1. Louis Van Balls
          • 15 Years
          14 years, 11 months ago

          I'm a bit surprised you have NO UTD players. Not even Nani?

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          1. tosey
            • 16 Years
            14 years, 11 months ago

            i did up until 2 weeks ago

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      2. Gargamel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 11 months ago

        Easy win for Chelsea I think

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        1. SuperDunny - Used to be goo…
          • 16 Years
          14 years, 11 months ago

          -1

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        2. 4-4-who?
          • 16 Years
          14 years, 11 months ago

          +1 Drogba brace 2-0

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  7. tosey
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 11 months ago

    Howard, Neville, Distin, Jagielka, Baines, Coleman, Fellaini, Cahill, Arteta, Osman, Beckford

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    1. Louis Van Balls
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 11 months ago

      Moyes was not a happy man after the last match. Everton should be fired up for this one!

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

    Anyone got some good info on today's matches in the championship? Looking for a couple of potential upsets there, anyone?

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    1. Louis Van Balls
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 11 months ago

      I think Norwich could get an upset away at Leeds. The Cardiff-Forest game should be a cracking match!

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      1. Nomar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 11 months ago

        Preston v QPR?
        Top v Bottom doesn't always go as planned.

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        1. In Like Flynn.
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 15 Years
          14 years, 11 months ago

          Oldham, Charlton.

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          1. Locarno
            • 15 Years
            14 years, 11 months ago

            Charlton to get upset by Exeter??? Maybe in some parallel universe...

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            1. In Like Flynn.
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 15 Years
              14 years, 11 months ago

              No that was bet on each of those. I'm not that silly. 🙂

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              1. Locarno
                • 15 Years
                14 years, 11 months ago

                Ahhh... makes more sense. Think we'll tonk Exeter by three or four. £5 day so the Valley will be packed.

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                1. In Like Flynn.
                  • Has Moderation Rights
                  • 15 Years
                  14 years, 11 months ago

                  I hope my bet doesn't bok them. Have fun.

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

      QPR 4/5 at Lads away to Preston Swansea 4/7 home to Doncs

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    3. Marknlard
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 11 months ago

      My heart says Cardiff to be the first away team to win at Forest in the league for about 18 months…but that’s just hoping, so how about Sc*nthorpe to win? They beat (of all teams) Forest at home midweek, their first win at home since about Sep.

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

      Thanks guys!

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  9. Louis Van Balls
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 11 months ago

    Bloody Saha is still injured. Where would Everton be right now in the EPL table if they had a top striker who was fit?

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    1. Gargamel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 11 months ago

      9th!

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    2. 4-4-who?
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 11 months ago

      Everton could still go down - not used to fighting it out down the stretch...

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      1. SuperDunny - Used to be goo…
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 11 months ago

        lol

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    3. Mulder
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 11 months ago

      18th

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    1. Gargamel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 11 months ago

      What an idiot. Can't for my life understand how people like him works.

      Youth star at Manchester United? Nah, let's be a small time criminal instead.

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      1. Hank
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 11 months ago

        Exactly, boggles the mind really.

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    2. Attila the Bum
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 11 months ago

      "nasty piece of work" apparently covers a wide multitude of sins. From disagreeing on a football forum to mugging and intimidation.
      What a flexible term.

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      1. Hank
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 11 months ago

        Yawn.

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        1. Attila the Bum
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          14 years, 11 months ago

          Indeed

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    3. Onwards
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 11 months ago

      "A United spokesman said: "The club does not in any way condone Ravel’s actions, but he is a very talented player with a bright future ahead of him. The right thing to do now is to support him and help him in the process of his rehabilitation.""

      In other words, if he was crap he'd have been sent packing. Not sure that's the right statement to be putting out. They could've at least worded it better.

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      1. Marknlard
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 11 months ago

        Fair point.

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      2. Hank
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 11 months ago

        I agree. I think the club know if he does anything like this again, the court will send him down, so it will be taken out of their hands anyway. I'm just amazed a player who has made the first team (albeit for 1 min!) can get away with doing this kind of thing without SAF knowing about it. Remember he used to go to the clubs Giggs and co were at in the early 90s to check on them! SAF raving away in the hacienda. 😀

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        1. Marknlard
          • 16 Years
          14 years, 11 months ago

          I can't believe a player who's played one minute gets called a 'Man Utd Ace'!

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          1. Hank
            • 15 Years
            14 years, 11 months ago

            True that. What's pretty sinister by M.E.N is that the article could have been published 3 weeks ago on Morrison's 18th Bday. They waited until he'd be in the match day squad to drop it. Lovely ol' media.

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

      Vile story, he will be Burnley or Hull's problem in a year or two anyway.

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  10. Nomar
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 11 months ago

    Are there any food to go discount vouchers for tonight?

    Wouldn't mind a cheap takeout later if its on offer.

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

    Come On Chelsea! Not something I say often,but no Chelsea game and one Man UTD GW28 would help a lot. What does anyone else want?

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    1. Marknlard
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 11 months ago

      No Chelsea in GW28 please!

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      1. Demí
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 11 months ago

        +1

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    2. Waldaz
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 11 months ago

      And two Chelsea doubles later, yes please!

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      1. In Like Flynn.
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 11 months ago

        A few weeks to get their players in when hopefully back on form. 🙂

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    3. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 11 months ago

      Man Utd DGW in 28 if Everton win? Not sure how it works.

      In work now anyway so doesn't matter anyway as I can't follow the games.

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      1. In Like Flynn.
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 11 months ago

        That's how it's set.

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  12. Attila the Bum
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 11 months ago

    http://www.kissmyarsenal.co.uk/news_story.php?id=45719

    All time League Table by average position (from the late 1880's - present day). Interesting stuff, Newcastle are a safe 8th (above Chelsea), and Everton a lofty 3rd.

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    1. Attila the Bum
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 11 months ago

      Weird it won't link the specific article, so if you want to see the table scroll down to Top Posts and it's there.

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    2. Gargamel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 11 months ago

      Looks more like an article about Arsenal vs Barcelona to me

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      1. Attila the Bum
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 11 months ago

        Yeah it links strangely, sorry.

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      2. Gargamel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 11 months ago

        Found it. Interesting stuff, in one way.

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        1. Attila the Bum
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          14 years, 11 months ago

          I'm pretty sure in thinking that Arsenal and Everton have never been relegated in their history so that will obviously help their placing.

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          1. Gargamel
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 16 Years
            14 years, 11 months ago

            Yeah once you're relegated you'll obviously be stuck for a whole season below place 20, making your average fall massively. Not being relegated is of course a great achievement too.

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    3. Namtab Nomolos
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 11 months ago

      This one is based on points http://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/all-time-table check out Burnley's goal difference compared to everone else after over 4,500 games their GD is -1 🙂

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      1. Attila the Bum
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 11 months ago

        Down to 14th there! Lolz at Chelsea in 26th though. 🙂
        Was it always three points for a win?

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        1. Namtab Nomolos
          • 15 Years
          14 years, 11 months ago

          That's a good point and probably why Man United are top, they've won more 3 point win games than anyone else I'd expect.

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

          No two points for a win in the middle ages. none for draw at one time I think.

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    4. Get up ya bum
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 11 months ago

      Liverpool 1st. Utd 8th 😀

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  13. The Stock
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 11 months ago

    Seeehhhwag!

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    1. Locarno
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 11 months ago

      Sat there last night - Sehwag or Dhoni for skipper. No prizes for guessing which way I went.

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      1. Stat virgin
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 11 months ago

        At least yo don't have Mr "I'll come in and deliberately only get singles and risk running myself out so Kohli can face in order to get his century then get out last ball getting me a total of -2 points x 2" Pathan as captain..

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    2. Attila the Bum
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 11 months ago

      Did you have him captain? I have him and Tendulkar and I picked the latter as (c) 😐

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      1. The Stock
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 11 months ago

        Such a shame - stupid run out and Sachin could have filled his boots.

        P.S. Morning all.

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    3. Boom!!!
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 11 months ago

      Seeehhhwag is fat 😉

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  14. Hank
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 11 months ago

    Anyone who liked "the wonders of the solar system" programme, this will make you chuckle...

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhn8j7S4uKU

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    1. The Stock
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 11 months ago

      Haha!

      one for the Masterchef fans as its back on our screens now:

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjckqAU8IkM&feature=related

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      1. Namtab Nomolos
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 11 months ago

        Aww, I was hoping that would be this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=towd9vZWDJg

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    2. Marknlard
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 11 months ago

      That guy never stops grinning.

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      1. Hank
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 11 months ago

        He loves his Physics.

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    3. applebonkers
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 11 months ago

      he says the word f*** a lot. not sure that's enough to make it funny

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  15. Hank
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 11 months ago

    Football focus film on BAE.. jamsiep must be soiling himself in delight!

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    1. In Like Flynn.
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 11 months ago

      Does he work in Aero Engineering? 🙂

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  16. Bigo1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 11 months ago

    Coleman is so poor; strong possibility to see Billy starting in a near future imo

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    1. Get up ya bum
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 11 months ago

      seems likely considering he's started the last 3

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      1. Bigo1
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 11 months ago

        I meant Osman and Billy on the wings from now on, Coleman on the bench

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        1. In Like Flynn.
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 15 Years
          14 years, 11 months ago

          Don't even think things like that.

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  17. Locarno
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 11 months ago

    Stupid tackle, but Mikel needs to grow a pair.

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

    This game go to pens if all square aet?

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    1. In Like Flynn.
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 11 months ago

      Yep.

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    2. Boom!!!
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 11 months ago

      yes.

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  19. applebonkers
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 11 months ago

    say whaaaat! seh wag. i thought kohli looked more impressive but looks like sehwag MOTM. those 5 sixes will come in handy too

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  20. njfsdkffslkf
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 11 months ago

    The cliched line from commentator that a foreign player doesnt want to come back on (Drogba)after an injury partly cos his wearing some warm clothing so he must not be "up for it"
    Pretty pathetic that this is still said at a football game in 2011. Andy Gray isnt the only one who should be out on his ear.

    Both teams look poor. Might not actually get a 3rd Eve player now.

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    1. Locarno
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 11 months ago

      Aye, but he's right in Drogba's case. Biggest pussy in the sport.

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      1. njfsdkffslkf
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 11 months ago

        Might be. But his clothing doesnt mean anything. Football is still stuck in the middle ages for the most part.

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      2. SuperDunny - Used to be goo…
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 11 months ago

        +1

        Absolute scummer

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    2. Namtab Nomolos
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 11 months ago

      Wish I could afford Baines. Coleman will have to do.

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    3. In Like Flynn.
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 11 months ago

      Got my three in a couple of weeks ago,may live to regret it.Never mind nothing ventured.

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  21. Akers
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 11 months ago

    JT slips again.

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    1. Hank
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 11 months ago

      hehe, i was thinking exactly the same thing.

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  22. Namtab Nomolos
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 11 months ago

    Jagielka hits the post! Luckily for him it doesn't go in for another own goal.

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  23. Locarno
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 11 months ago

    Fellaini will go in the summer. He's looking more and more frustrated every game.

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    1. In Like Flynn.
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 11 months ago

      I thought his passing was poor last game,don't know if the stats confirm that.

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      1. Locarno
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 11 months ago

        He never seems to have anyone to pass it to, which can't help...

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  24. Locarno
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 11 months ago

    Lamps. World-class.

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    1. Locarno
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 11 months ago

      *need a sarcasm emoticon

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  25. Akers
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 11 months ago

    Drogba is clearly injured.

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    1. In Like Flynn.
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 11 months ago

      Oh dear,how sad,never mind.

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  26. Gargamel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 11 months ago

    That's a very poor miss imo. So much time and the pass isn't hard either.

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    1. Locarno
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 11 months ago

      Aye. Arshavin would have buried it. 🙂

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  27. Bumbaclot
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 11 months ago

    hi guys, any news on rio's injury? will he be back for wigan on sat?

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  28. Mulder
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 11 months ago

    How is Cahill not booked yet that rat

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  29. Gargamel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 11 months ago

    What's the logic behind the rule that makes players cup tied really? Is it really a good rule in all honesty?

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    1. Akers
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 11 months ago

      In a word, yes.

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      1. Gargamel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 11 months ago

        Hmmm. All right then. Seems like a bit of an unnecessary rule to me tbh

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