634x258 Spot the Differential
24 August 2013 1173 comments
Paul Paul
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Our weekly look at some overlooked Fantasy alternatives arrives for your perusal this morning. As always, we highlight a trio of protagonists with some favourable fixtures on their respective agendas in the Gameweek ahead.

Nikica Jelavic

Having taken the Premier League by storm during the latter half of 2011/12, the Everton forward struggled in his first full season on Merseyside last time out. Jelavic notched just seven times over David Moyes’ final year at the Goodison helm and with new Toffees boss Roberto Martinez snapping up Arouna Kone from former club Wigan, it seemed the Croatian would be edged out of the picture.

Jelavic has risen to the challenge, though, and over the summer returned to the form of old, notching four of his side’s 12 goals across the pre-season fixtures. With Martinez’ possession-based game affording Everton an extra attacking edge, the former Glasgow Rangers star is benefitting from the move to a 4-3-3, with Kevin Mirallas and Steven Pienaar offering support on either side; no longer is he reliant on knock-downs from the aerial threat of Marouane Fellaini.

Coming in at 7.5 in Fantasy Premier League (FPL), Jelavic has remained an under the radar option ahead of this morning’s Fantasy deadline. Just over 2% of managers have acquired his services thus far but with his confidence restored, the Croatian has a home clash with West Brom and trip to Cardiff look enticing opportunities for Fantasy points.

Peter Crouch

After a narrow defeat at Liverpool last time out, Mark Hughes’ home debut in charge of Stoke sees Crystal Palace pay visit later this afternoon. The Potters’ following three fixtures (whm, MCI ars) could well see them toil, making a victory against Ian Holloway’s men all the more essential at the Britannia.

With Hughes’ men set to go on the offensive against the Eagles, then, Crouch, as the lone target man in a 4-4-1-1 set-up, could be an unlikely Fantasy ally over the weekend. Hughes may be looking to implement a more possession-based approach but Crouch’s aerial threat may well prove the visitors’ undoing, with crosses aplenty expected from the likes of Matt Etherington out on the left. Coming in at 6.0 in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) and with an ownership under the 4% mark, he may appeal to owners of Nicolas Anelka or Romelu Lukaku looking for a short-term gamble.

Tomas Rosicky

An injury to Mikel Arteta keep the Czech midfielder in the first-team frame at Arsenal right now. With Jack Wilshere slotting in alongside Aaron Ramey in the double-pivot as a result of the Spaniard’s absence, Rosicky has started both of Arsenal’s fixtures in “the hole” behind Olivier Giroud and looks set to get the nod ahead for today’s lunchtime trip to Fulham.

A convincing midweek win away to Fenerbahce silenced the doubters and handed the Gunners a real confidence boost as they roll up to the Cottage. Martin Jol’s men may have scraped a victory at Sunderland but the Black Cats had 20+ attempts on goal at the Stadium of Light and with injury depriving the hosts of half their first-choice back-four (Kieran Richardson and Fernando Amorebieta) and keeper, Maarten Stekelenburg, Wenger’s side will be buoyed heading into this one.

At just 5.5 in FPL, with a 1.1% ownership, Rosicky is a short-term, under the radar option as Wenger’s side look to build on Wednesday’s morale-boosting victory in Turkey.

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  1. Villain_123
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 5 months ago

    Opinions on this bet and how you think it will fare?

    Everton to beat Baggies
    Soton to beat Mackems
    B'Burn to beat Barnsley
    Burton to beat Bury
    MK Dons to beat Bristol City
    Brentford to beat Walsall.

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    1. Corkyote FFS CWC Champion 2…
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 5 months ago

      Looks decent, what are the odds? Might be tempted to do 6 fivefolds if it was me.

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      1. Villain_123
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 5 months ago

        For the entire accumulator its 40.01/1

        Everton 4/7
        Soton 8/11
        Rovers 21/20
        Burton 11/10
        Brentford 4/5
        MK Dons 19/20

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    2. Manani
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 5 months ago

      well for accumulators, there is always one team who mess it up!

      DNB is more safer

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  2. Manani
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 5 months ago

    captain Dzeko or Soldado?

    seems like Dzeko is more explosive and Soldado is more 1 goal guy?

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    1. Corkyote FFS CWC Champion 2…
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 5 months ago

      bit too early to make that kind of statement, soldado more nailed on and at home though

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      1. Manani
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 5 months ago

        swansea is no weak team though!

        THey kept more CS away than home last season apparently

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        1. Corkyote FFS CWC Champion 2…
          • 13 Years
          12 years, 5 months ago

          It's your call

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        2. EmreCan Hustle
          • 13 Years
          12 years, 5 months ago

          Swansea seem more attack minded this season. Let's see if they can manage the defense well

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      2. Tim Canterbury
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 5 months ago

        I actually think he's got a point although both of your statements are correct. Can't see Tottenham getting many 5-0's in the prem

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    2. The Shoonchy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 5 months ago

      Just a comment on this,
      Soldado has scored 8 Hat-tricks over his career
      Including 4 goal hauls twice, I even watched one of those 4-goal matches, He is actually the explosive type. Then he might go on a little stagnant little run.

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  3. Camzy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 5 months ago

    I'm definitely regret this, but I don't care.

    Giroud (c)

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    1. Manani
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 5 months ago

      captain playing first game of the gameweek, I don't like that

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      1. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 5 months ago

        Yeah it's true, but hey, if he's the best choice, he's the best choice.

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        1. Philman
          • 16 Years
          12 years, 5 months ago

          Why do you think he is the best choice?

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          1. Camzy
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 15 Years
            12 years, 5 months ago

            His stats say so. Fulham are also not very good and have lots of holes in defense with injuries.

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            1. Philman
              • 16 Years
              12 years, 5 months ago

              Just my thoughts. Fulham likely to be stronger at home and a bit of a bogey team for Arsenal. Also Giroud was pretty anonymous on Wednesday.

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            2. Philman
              • 16 Years
              12 years, 5 months ago

              What are your other options?

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    2. Mass-Dog Squad
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 5 months ago

      At least you know he should start, unlike the risk you take with Dzeko (c).

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    3. jimski
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 5 months ago

      Ooh, daring.

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    4. nedfoo
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 5 months ago

      On penalties as well.. good luck Camzy

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    5. the cromulent one
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 5 months ago

      Interesting!
      Not many seemed to notice that Giroud is on pens with Arteta out.
      With an under-manned central defence, Fulham might concede a few.

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    6. Absinthe 42
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 5 months ago

      Last season 10 goals at home, 1 away.

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  4. Mass-Dog Squad
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 5 months ago

    Start one of the following:

    A) Collins (away Newcastle)
    B) Turner (away Hull)

    Thanks

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    1. Lord Flashheart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 5 months ago

      B

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  5. The Sarjeant
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 5 months ago

    Right I'm going for it, 'Captain Mirallas' to the rescue GW2 for me!

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    1. NATSTER
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 5 months ago

      Interesting choice. This thought once popped up in my mind, but I'm not that brave though.

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      1. The Sarjeant
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 5 months ago

        I'm taking a huge punt on this! Need to make up points in my league, fingers crossed!

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        1. Philman
          • 16 Years
          12 years, 5 months ago

          It's only week 2. Plenty of time to make points up.

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          1. Woy of the Wovers
            • 15 Years
            12 years, 5 months ago

            This. It's like doubling up at roulette after losing 3% of your starting cash. Play fast= Crash.

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  6. NATSTER
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 5 months ago

    Help please. Pick two of these three.

    Turner (hull)
    Toure (avl)
    Chester (NOR)

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    1. Botman
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 5 months ago

      Toure is a good aerial threat but I don't see lfc holding a clean sheet. Though I don't see hull holding out Norwich either. Personally I would go turner and pick toure over Chester for his attacking potential.

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  7. Villain_123
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 5 months ago

    Best (C) Option?

    Out of ;

    Mirallas Coutinho Hazard Wally
    Soldado Dzeko Studge

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    1. NATSTER
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 5 months ago

      Dzeko, I would.

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    2. Manani
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 5 months ago

      Soldado or Dzeko.

      soldado to be safe, dzeko for potentially bigger return (if starts)

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    3. The Sarjeant
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 5 months ago

      I have the same 7 as you, apart from I have Lambert in stead of Dzeko. I'm taking a punt at Mirallas

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    4. Villain_123
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 5 months ago

      I meant to say Silva instead of Hazard.

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  8. Manani
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 5 months ago

    start cole, chester or ward??

    stoke seems toothless
    cole is against united

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  9. Elniñorules
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 5 months ago

    It's Friday night.

    Gotta love some David Silva pints!

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    1. NATSTER
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 5 months ago

      Captain him?

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      1. Elniñorules
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 5 months ago

        Science!

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    2. The Japanager: Roberto Newm…
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 5 months ago

      Hey my friend. Did you make a transfer?

      I did Ivan to Zabs. So tempted to take a hit for Hazard>Silva, but I doubt I'll do it.

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      1. ccc
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 5 months ago

        I was tempted by Hazard > Silva too, but I am not impressed with his form, so I'll ignore his fixtures.

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  10. The Finnisher
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 5 months ago

    No Ben Arsehole?

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    1. The Finnisher
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 5 months ago

      HA!

      Ben Arfa*

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  11. Nice to Finally Michu
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 5 months ago

    Who would you captain this week?
    Hazard-Coutinho-Silva-Wally-Benteke-Soldado-Giroud

    Right now i'm thinking soldado or giroud

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    1. 00dbnz00
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 5 months ago

      im banking on walcott hopefully i think he'll get 2

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      1. Nice to Finally Michu
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 5 months ago

        how do you feel about Giroud would you pick him over walcott?

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  12. indiangunner
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 5 months ago

    Joe Cole or Tomas Rosicky for GW2?

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    1. Nice to Finally Michu
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 5 months ago

      Rosicky, but only for the favorable matchup

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      1. indiangunner
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 5 months ago

        thanks

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        1. Nice to Finally Michu
          • 12 Years
          12 years, 5 months ago

          after that Cole's a better option

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          1. Jordan.
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 16 Years
            12 years, 5 months ago

            Debatable

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  13. Villain_123
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 5 months ago

    Best (C) Choice?
    Silva
    Dzeko
    Soldado

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  14. The Sarjeant
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 5 months ago

    What do people think the scores will be later on?

    Fulham v Arsenal
    Everton v West Brom
    Hull City v Norwich
    Newcastle v West Ham
    Southampton v Sunderland
    Stoke City v Crystal Palace
    Aston Villa v Liverpool

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    1. Villain_123
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 5 months ago

      2-1 ARS
      2-0 EVE
      1-1 HUL V NOR
      1-0 NEW
      1-0 SOT
      2-0 STO
      2-1 LIV

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      1. Woy of the Wovers
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 5 months ago

        Has Lawro arrived.

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  15. keotes
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 5 months ago

    Should I captain Soldado or RVP?

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    1. ccc
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 5 months ago

      sold (c) rvp (vc)

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  16. keotes
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 5 months ago

    Need a replacement for Mannone.... Who should I be considering?

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  17. AM
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 5 months ago

    Brave captain decision will need some help,

    Crouch vs Palace

    Or mirallas vs WBA

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    1. ManofKent
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 5 months ago

      Crouch if you fancy a decent punt

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  18. jimski
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 5 months ago

    Which two to play from:

    Chester (NOR)
    Debuchy (WHM)
    Reid (new)
    Toure (avl)

    Tough. I'm tempted to bench Toure.

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    1. zøphar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 5 months ago

      play Toure, Debuchy, Chester imo,

      I have a similar dilemma, I need to pick 3 out of Terry, Toure, Zaba, Chester, Ward .Picking the big 3 and watching with eyes closed

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      1. jimski
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 5 months ago

        Need to bench two, as I'm definitely playing Coleman (my other def).

        Clean sheets are very tough to predict, so I guess we shouldn't beat ourselves up about it.

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        1. zøphar
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          12 years, 5 months ago

          yeah thats my strategy this year just play em 3 every week and hope for the best, 4th/5th defs rotate h/a in case one of big 3 get rested...

          If picking 2, I would go Toure and Debuchy ..

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          1. jimski
            • 14 Years
            12 years, 5 months ago

            Thanks - that is actually what I'm on, but a lot seem to be playing Chester. The power of the crowd...!

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  19. zøphar
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 5 months ago

    Sturridge vs Silva for cap , thoughts?

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    1. Philman
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 5 months ago

      Sturridge for me.

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    2. jimski
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 5 months ago

      Both decent options. Might go Studge from those two.

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      1. zøphar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 5 months ago

        Cheers, I do have it on Studge atm, fancy Villa to be a bit tired, 3rd game in 7 days for em

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        1. Philman
          • 16 Years
          12 years, 5 months ago

          Good point, but you can also say that they are more into a rhythm so early in the season.

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          1. zøphar
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 16 Years
            12 years, 5 months ago

            yeah that could work the other way too, but on another note - i think villa will do better away from home than at home this season, away they setup to counter attack in a way which really benefits benteke... at home they cant park the bus and leave themselves open at the back

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  20. Captain rex
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 5 months ago

    Mingolet - (Davis)

    Cole - Dawson - Coleman - (Shaw) - (R.Bennett)

    Hazard - Coutinho - Walcott - Nolan - (Colback)

    Benteke - Soldado(c) - Dzeko

    1 FT... thinking of Cole -> Vertonghen

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  21. indiangunner
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 5 months ago

    guys whats the benefit of having a team with a good team value? my team is valued at 100.6 m but what's the use when I can't replace a 5.6 m player for a 5.5?

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    1. Philman
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 5 months ago

      There is a long term benefit when taking Wild Cards later in the season, but I would say never allow team value to build at the expense of points.

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      1. Big Bad Barry
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 5 months ago

        Sound advice I got carried away last season worrying about team value.....had my worst season!
        No hits this year

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    2. Dub
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 5 months ago

      Over time the 0.1 increases will become 0.2 and you can sell that player for a 0.1 profit. Go into transfers page, remove all your players and the total you have to spend is the true value of your team.

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    3. indiangunner
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 5 months ago

      thanks a lot 🙂

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  22. TJ
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 5 months ago

    Soldado or Silva captain?

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    1. zøphar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 5 months ago

      Soldado for sure, I'm debating between Silva and Sturridge ..

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  23. Captain rex
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 5 months ago

    Nolan against newcastle...

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    1. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 5 months ago

      He will score 😉

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      1. Captain rex
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 5 months ago

        captain choice..I can either play it safe with Soldado or be a little crazy and go with NOLAN

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  24. Just A Hat
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 5 months ago

    Just a heads up for everybody - I have gone for Mirallas as captain, I haven't picked a good captain for a while so maybe don't do the same

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  25. Nice to Finally Michu
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 5 months ago

    Who would you captain this week? Hazard-Coutinho-Silva-Wally-Benteke-Soldado-Giroud I can either play it safe with Soldado or be a little crazy and go with giroud

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  26. shivamutd
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 5 months ago

    Ricky Lambert as captain anyone

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    1. Big Bad Barry
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 5 months ago

      Got that brace feeling ESP with new boy pushing him a bit

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    2. Schnellders24
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 5 months ago

      Just posted the same question. I'm tempted...very tempted!

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  27. NABIL - FPL otai
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 5 months ago

    repost.

    Good to go, guys? Not too sure with my selection, since i have 4 players playing at home on the bench.

    Cech
    Lescott Clyne Murner
    Mirallas (c) Walcott Nolan J.Cole
    RVP Dzeko Sturridge

    Marshall Kim Chester Toure

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    1. Al Pacino
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 5 months ago

      i would rather have Toure instead of Turner imo

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      1. Dub
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 5 months ago

        Not sure hull have many goals in them though?

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      2. NABIL - FPL otai
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 5 months ago

        really? i thought he'll definitely concede.

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      3. Al Pacino
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 5 months ago

        Tricky one, both are good options, play 4 defenders ;). Who needs joe cole anyway eh?

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  28. Schnellders24
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 5 months ago

    Is it sheer stupidity to captain Lambert ahead of RVP, Walcott and Dzeko?

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    1. Nice to Finally Michu
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 5 months ago

      its understandable but you really should captain RVP

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    2. nedfoo
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 5 months ago

      Not at all

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  29. Philman
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 5 months ago

    It is very quiet on here this time of day. The benefits of having a 9 month old that's teething.

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    1. ccc
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 5 months ago

      even more quiet on the old post, which I just moved over from 🙁

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    2. hillbillypete
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 5 months ago

      well it is 6:30 on sat morning.....

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    3. Big Bad Barry
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 5 months ago

      Damn those babies!

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  30. The Chosen One...
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 5 months ago

    Spot the differential: Pienaar will get all of Everton's points today....bookmark this

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