Scout Picks

Scout Picks – Gameweek 2

Just a couple of days after Gameweek 1 closed its doors, we’re bracing ourselves for another round of fixtures. Home comforts help Tottenham, Stoke and Everton supply us with a couple of starters apiece, while a pair of in-form Manchester-based frontmen get the nod ahead of tomorrow morning’s deadline:

We select Southampton stopper Artur Boruc between the sticks as he prepares for a home clash with Sunderland. A clean sheet against West Brom last weekend maintained the defensive resolve that saw the Saints concede just nine times in the final 10 Gameweeks of the season gone by – the Pole looks a solid cut-price option across the Fantasy games.

Rested for last night’s Europa League romp away to Dinamo Tblisi, Jan Vertonghen returns to the Tottenham fold for Sunday’s home game with Swansea. The centre-half kicked off his campaign with an eight-point haul thanks to a couple of bonus points and clean sheet at Palace – his eye for goal harvested five strikes last time out and could come to the fore once more as Michael Laudrup’s men make their way to the Lane.

Robert Huth gets the nod for Stoke’s home game against promoted Crystal Palace tomorrow afternoon. The big German offered plenty attacking threat against Liverpool last week and had more efforts on goal that any Potters player – Huth offers decent potential of points at both ends of the pitch as Mark Hughes looks to grab the points in his first match at the Britannia.

A goal, assist and maximum bonus points away to Norwich last week has earned Seamus Coleman an early-season bandwagon. As highlighted in this week’s Technical Area, Roberto Martinez’s 4-3-3 affords the right-back plenty opportunity to forage forward and provide width from deep, allowing Kevin Mirallas to drift into more central areas – a home clash with West Brom looks enticing for the Republic of Ireland international as Martinez gears up for his first game in charge of the Goodison faithful.

We double up on Everton’s assets by giving the nod to Kevin Mirallas. Joint-top scorer in pre-season with four goals to his name, the Belgian’s goal potential has taken a turn for the better under Martinez after being moved to the right of the Toffees front three – classified as a midfielder across the Fantasy games, Mirallas’ mid-price appeal could well be set to flourish against the out-of-sorts Baggies tomorrow.

He may have drawn a blank in last Saturday’s surprise home defeat by Villa but we hand Theo Walcott another chance to impress in this week’s Scout Picks. The Arsenal winger was in sparkling form on Wednesday evening, providing a pair of assists in the 3-0 Champions League win at Fenerbahce, and may be set to run riot against a Fulham side hit hard by injuries to Maarten Stekelenburg, Fernando Amorebieta and Kieran Richardson at the back.

He may have failed to deliver the goods against Stoke last time out but, as s highlighted in our recent Monitor article for Members,Philippe Coutinho showed plenty attacking endeavour. The Liverpool winger makes his way to the midlands to face a Villa side that have now conceded in each of their last 24 league fixtures – a home clean sheet looks far from likely at Villa Park, with every chance Coutinho will be the hosts’ chief tormentor.

Having missed a last-minute spot-kick in last week’s narrow Anfield defeat, Jon Walters has much to make amends for. Luckily for the Stoke midfielder, he’s been handed a plum home tie with Crystal Palace this weekend – the ideal platform for Mark Hughes to pick up the points in his first home match in charge at the Britannia.

Granted, there are fears over rotation up top at City but Edin Dzeko has surely done enough to retain his starting role with a superb showing against Newcastle on Monday evening. He may not have scored but the Bosnian had more goal attempts than any other forward in the Gameweek and looks full of confidence as City roll up to Championship winners Cardiff. With Manuel Pellegrini easing Sergio Aguero back into action with a 60-minute appearance against the Magpies and Stevan Jovetic a fitness worry, Dzeko looks in pole position to produce against the Bluebirds.

With a double in the Community Shield against Wigan followed by a two-goal haul away to Swansea, it’s business as usual for Robin Van Persie. Sir Alex Ferguson may have exited Old Trafford but the Dutchman remains as deadly as ever – a first home game of the season against Chelsea is by no means easy but we’re backing him to produce yet again.

Roberto Soldado warmed up for the visit of Swansea by bagging a brace in Tottenham’s Europa League romp at Dinamo Tblisi. With a spot-kick winner against Palace in Gameweek 1, the summer signing from Valencia has made an instant impact at the Lane and leads this week’s Captain Poll heading into tomorrow’s transfer deadline.

A home game against West Ham brings Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa onto the Scout Picks bench. With Steven Taylor suspended, the January signing will shift into centre-half alongside Fabricio Coloccini against the Hammers – granted, the Magpies were far from impressive at City but bearing in mind their visitors scored just 11 times on the road over the entirety of 2012/13, a home clean sheet may well be on the cards.

We’re backing Hatem Ben Arfa to deliver the goods and help lift the Tyneside gloom against the Hammers tomorrow. Fielded on the right of a front three against City, the Frenchman looked the most likely to threaten the Etihad clean sheet , firing more efforts at goal than any team mate – with a strong upcoming run of four fixtures (WHM, FUL, avl, FUL) on his agenda, Ben Arfa looks a viable mid-price contender over the short-term.

Having notched the winner on his international debut, Southampton’s Rickie Lambert opened his domestic account for the season with a last-minute spot-kick garnering the points at West Brom. A first game at St Mary’s see Sunderland pay visit this weekend and with his form flourishing, Lambert could be the difference as Mauricio Pochettino’s side look to hand the Black Cats back-to-back defeats.

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2,090 Comments Post a Comment
  1. HST
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    I'm going down the 1 non playing keeper route...so...

    Migs, Collins, mirallas

    Or

    Boruc, ward, coutinho?

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    1. Bridge
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      I've gone down that route too, gone with Boruc:

      Boruc
      Zabaleta, Coleman, Collins
      Walcott, Silva, Mirallas, Nolan
      RVP, Sturridge, Dzeko

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    2. Adnan Shah
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      The first one looks better

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    3. Champ
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Number a for the next 10 games or so

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    4. HST
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Cheers

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    5. Ricky - it doesn\'t ta…
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Mig collins mirallas

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    6. tw
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      first one for sure

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    7. Thick Of It
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Not seen you about recently Hunter, always one of my favourite posters. I am going with b

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  2. There's Always One!
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Hi guy's

    Should I play chester, toure, or ward? Ive mig in goal and benteke up front so maybe I should keep toure on the bench?

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    1. HST
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Chester

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    2. Bridge
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Chester this GW

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    3. Gamoriola of the Galaxy (Eu…
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      No apostrophe needed.

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      1. Gamoriola of the Galaxy (Eu…
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 7 months ago

        Oh, and Chester.

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  3. Bridge
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Coutinho or Silva?
    Coleman or Toure?
    Dzeko or Lambert?

    Current team:

    Boruc
    Zabaleta, Coleman, Collins
    Walcott, Silva, Mirallas, Nolan
    RVP, Sturridge, Dzeko

    Cheers

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    1. Freshy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Wouldnt touch it

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      1. Bridge
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 7 months ago

        Thanks. I'm on a WC if that makes any difference?

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    2. HST
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      First choice on all 3

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      1. Bridge
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 7 months ago

        Thanks

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    3. sozopol
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      agreed - no touching!

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      1. Bridge
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 7 months ago

        Thanks, even on WC?

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        1. sozopol
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 7 months ago

          Yes-- closest call for me is Silva/Coutinho

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  4. palace ash
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Koscielny or Rat likely to fall in price tonight?

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    1. HST
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Both will

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  5. dino412
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Pick best option please! (i'm in first place by 15 points (got 90 in wk1) and would be taking a -8 hit. (already did Lukaku -->Dzeko)

    A.) Ivanovic --> Vertonghen AND Tonev --> Wanyama

    B.) Ivanovic --> Shaw AND Tonev --> Nolan

    C.) Ivanovic --> Lovren AND Tonev --> Paulinho

    D.) Do nothing & start Ivanovic wk2 and either Tonev or Colback

    thanks

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  6. sozopol
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Score predictions these two matches:

    Hull - Norwich 1 - 2
    Manc United - Chelsea 1 - 1

    (Trying to decide who to bench between Ivanovic, Murner, Chester)

    Anyone else wanna play? I think I will start Ivan at least, hoping at least for attacking returns. Probably will bench Chester.)

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    1. Freshy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      You got it right

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  7. Ricky - it doesn\'t ta…
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Looking good for tomorrow?

    Mignolet
    Coleman - clyne - collins
    Wally - mirallas - nolan - snodgrass
    Rvp(vc) - soldado (c) - lambert

    Harper - murner - kim - amorebieta

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    1. HST
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Looks great

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      1. Ricky - it doesn\'t ta…
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 7 months ago

        Cheers

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    2. Bridge
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Looking good, although no City cover might hurt! Don't fancy Dzeko?

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      1. Ricky - it doesn\'t ta…
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 7 months ago

        Dont want players who are rotation threats . Will keep an eye on him an silva

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  8. Baa
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Do people think Benteke will score against Liverpool?

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    1. Bridge
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Probably, he scores against everyone. Also think Dzeko, Lambert, Soldado, RVP and Sturridge will score too though...

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      1. bdwhite91
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 7 months ago

        Man, I hope you're right.

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      2. RamaJama
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 7 months ago

        Don't think Aguero will score?

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    2. Adnan Shah
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Yes, he can score against any team.

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  9. Optimus.
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    out of interest to no one but myself i bookmarked my 1st rmt of this season after half hours tinkering on the evening of the opening to see how it fared against the one i tinkered with till the death 🙂

    http://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/comment/5038749

    annoyingly even with bale and without (c) it almost matched mine 😐 its also the reason im bringing in j.cole 🙂

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  10. Wild Rover
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    WC and only four picks... Well nobody could accuse me of picking for one week.. 😀

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    1. Optimus.
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      same for me as it stands coleman/coutinho/walcott/soldado 🙂

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    2. Smarty Pants
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Ok, but I'm going to accuse you of mimicing my team because I also have 4 picks

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    3. Gamoriola of the Galaxy (Eu…
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Wildcarded already? Nice one. Care to share?

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      1. Wild Rover
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 7 months ago

        Posted earlier and soon after saw two teams with the same.. 😡

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        1. Gamoriola of the Galaxy (Eu…
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 7 months ago

          Just tell me it's not a point-chaser and I'll be happy. 😉

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  11. cruzex
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Mcgregor
    Coleman Toure Lescott
    Sissoko Nolan Walcott Oscar
    Aguero (c) Soldado Giroud

    On the bench : Foster, Yanga-mbiwA, Bartley, baker

    How many points will i have this GW????

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    1. FACUPARSE
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      14-22

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  12. rohan
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Daniel Sturridge (c) for the week. 😎

    Who's with me?

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    1. Woy of the Wovers
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      If you're confident, you don't want anyone with you.

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    2. afcblegend
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      If I had him I probably would!

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  13. Marouane Fellatio
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Which three from:

    Terry (Man Utd A) - also have RVP
    Yang-Mbiwa (West Ham H) - also have Nolan
    Chester (Norwich H) - also have Snodgrass
    Turner (Hull A)
    Reid (West Ham A)

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    1. Demí
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Mbiwa
      Chester
      Turner

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  14. King Kohli
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Best midfield combo for 13m for next 4 weeks?

    Ben Arfa + Noble? (Both on penalties! ;-))

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  15. Woy of the Wovers
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    This is simply a question. Why are there 4 forwards in the scout picks?

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    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Forget the bench. Simple.

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      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 7 months ago

        5th defender is pointless. 4th striker gives more variety.

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    2. Ben Mee Over A Table
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Don't think of it as 4 forwards. Think of it as a 3-4-3 with an option from each line on the bench.

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    3. Freshy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Top 11
      and one extra defender mid and striker

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    4. Woy of the Wovers
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Cheers all.

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  16. afcblegend
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    What are people doing with Jay Rod? Lambert Osvaldo and Rodriguez fitting into the same starting lineup doesn't seem feasible...

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  17. Smarty Pants
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Would you rather play Chester at home vs Norwich or Ivanovic at Old Trafford?
    I've had Chester starting for a while, but I'm having second thoughts now. Ivanovic is a higher goal threat and I'm not sure whether Hull's chances for a clean sheet are actually better 😐

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    1. Freshy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      4.0 defenders are for bench fodder

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  18. faulksp
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Is dzeko nailed on .........him or lambert for Lukaku ??

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    1. Feanor
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      I did Lambo.

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    2. Dan United
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Been asking myself that same question all week and currently have gone from dzeko to lambert back to dzeko with wolfie even in there at one point! Think I'll stick with dzeko on the basis that I have no man city attacking coverage and even if he doesn't start he could come on and bag a goal

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      1. faulksp
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 7 months ago

        Don't want to get bit by rotation 2 weeks on the trot so might play safe with lambert .....after all he did me well last season !

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  19. Jafalad
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    How hard is Metro this year?

    Anyone half decent is megabucks 😕

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  20. TheSteady ¤ Wines th…
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Fly, pages, FLY!

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    1. Jafalad
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Folk asking the same qs again and again 😕

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      1. Gamoriola of the Galaxy (Eu…
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 7 months ago

        I makes me folking crazy!

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  21. ACCOUNTING ON CHRIS
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Olsson or Chester for captain? Going for a differential.

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    1. rohan
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      😯

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    2. Jafalad
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Quality.

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  22. filobiz
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    haha looking at my first 8 point hit...

    already done mertesacker > zabaleta

    then possibly,

    anelka > dzeko
    haz > noble

    leaving me

    mig
    zab, murner, baines
    noble, cout, theo, koren, mirallas,
    dzeko, tekkers, lukaku

    and i still don't have soldado in there (but lukaku would become soldado)

    crazy?

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    1. Jafalad
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Yep. Losing Merts never made sense. Now you are in kneejerk territory.

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  23. Super-Hans
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    totalfpl is down. I'm on a wc and need to make some more money. Could someone please tell me who will rise tonight? I have never understood fiso, unfortunately....

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    1. Henry Hill
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Fiso suggests Kevin Nolan, Luke Shaw, Yaya Toure, Simon Mignolet, Seamus Coleman, Pajtim Kasami and David Silva

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

      Nolan, Silva. Yaya Toure is the next closest. Mignolet and Dzeko have half a chance. Nobody else

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      1. Super-Hans
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 7 months ago

        Cheers, guys.

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    4. Woy of the Wovers
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      You're going to have to guess.

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    5. Cuffs
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Silva
      Kasami
      Coleman
      Mignolet
      Toure
      Nolan
      Shaw

      All according to FISO

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  24. Stimps
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Do you think Cabaye will play?

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    1. conorbon
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Doubt it Arsenal have turned his head.

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      1. Stimps
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 7 months ago

        argh! I need a 6.5m mid for the next 2 gameweeks, cant decide. Snodgrass mite go down in price?

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        1. conorbon
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 7 months ago

          Think Snodgrass will start against hull and Norwich have good early fixtures so he is worth a punt.

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  25. conorbon
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Am I the only one who thinks Lukaku will start against Man United?

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    1. Jafalad
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      No but it is roulette wheel of sorts.

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      1. conorbon
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 7 months ago

        Praying that he does otherwise his price will drop further.

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  26. Zombie
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Anyone else going Aguero(c) ? or Soldado is a better pick ?

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    1. Jafalad
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Solid-ado for me.

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    2. HST
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Sol and I have both

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  27. Ben Mee Over A Table
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Who will score more goals this year, Eden or Edin?

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    1. rohan
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Eden

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    2. afcblegend
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Too early to call but leaning to Dzeko. More FPL points for Hazard though.

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    3. bdwhite91
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Edin

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  28. Messi & fabregas
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Any hits needed? good to go?

    Boruc
    Dawson / Turner / Chester
    Walcott / Michu / Lampard / Mirallas
    Lambert (vc) / Giroud / Dzeko (c)

    Speroni / Nolan / Terry / Collins

    2.5 in the bank

    thanks

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  29. Lloyd Xmas
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Good evening all.
    Please help me out with this dilema.
    Do i shift Lukaku to Soldado for -4 or bite the bullet and take the price drop on Lukaku?

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    1. Champ
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Yes. Do it. Unlikely he will play GW3 also, so its all good....

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

      I'd shift him tbh. Price drops are precious at this stage. Lukaku's not assured of starting. You'll be better off long term. Plus he has the easier fixture this week, and a game in week 3. (better off short term too)

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    3. Holy See
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      I find it depends on how bored and/or drunk I get. I was bored on Wed. I vote Luka for the bin.

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  30. Ings on the up
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Good to go?

    Boruc
    Collins / Shaw / Chester
    Kim / Snodgrass / Walcott / Hazard / Mirallas
    Soldado (c) / Van Persie (vc)

    Mignolet / Turner / Anelka / Koscielny

    £0.5m in the bank

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    1. Jafalad
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Liking the double up on STH in d.
      Prob Kim, Snod and Mir is one-or two-many budgeritoes in midpark esp as you have Anelka as well.

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      1. Ings on the up
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 7 months ago

        Kim is being played because of the Anelka situation, he'll become Rodriguez next week unless another issue comes up

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      2. Messi & fabregas
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 7 months ago

        this is the price u pay for selecting rvp

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        1. Ings on the up
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 7 months ago

          Snodgrass and Mirallas I wanted from the start... not too bothered really, except for Anelka

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