Games

The Sun Dream Team – Monthly Game – December

December’s packed schedule presents a new challenge to those taking on the Sun Dream Team monthly game. With some clubs pressed into nine fixtures in 31 days, injuries and rotation are set to test our lineups in a relentless month of matches.

Once again, the Sun are offering up a pot of £10,000 in monthly prizes, with a cool £5,000 on offer to the top scoring Dream Team manager to emerge from the grueling festive programme.

With the monthly game kicking off at midday on Sunday, we examine the strategies presented by the fixture list, before assessing the likely targets for those compiling a team set up to take on Dream Team December game.

The Fixtures

Having seen the Premier League programme interrupted by international breaks, December takes us to the other extreme. There are no less than six full sets of fixtures in the month, a schedule that will exacerbate any rest and rotation concerns.

In addition, there are eight teams who begin their December schedule on Sunday and therefore face an additional league fixture. With the Capital One Cup fifth round and the final matchday in both the Champions League and Europa League, there are some clubs facing no less than nine matches in the month.

Here’s a breakdown of how the fixtures are distributed across the various Premier League clubs:

9 Matches (7 PL, 1 C1C, 1CL/EL) – Tottenham, Chelsea, Man City, Man United
7 Matches – (6 PL, 1 C1C) – Stoke, Sunderland, West Ham
7 Matches – (7 PL) – Southampton, West Brom, Liverpool
7 Matches (6PL, I Cl/EL) – Arsenal, Swansea
6 Matches – (6PL) – Aston Villa, Fulham, Cardiff, Crystal Palace, Everton, Fulham, Hull City, Newcastle, Norwich.

As we can see from the above, once again those teams kept busy in Europe have the advantage when it comes to their sheer number of fixtures. Four clubs offer nine opportunities to score points with a full set of seven Premier League encounters, a Capital One Cup tie and a European tie all before 2013 bows out.

While we should undoubtedly prioritise these teams with our monthly Dream Team selection, we also have to consider just how punishing that schedule will be and how teams will adjust.

Rotation will surely rear its head with all Premier League bosses assessing how they can shuffle their options. We can expect to see heavy rotation amongst those teams with nine fixtures and perhaps the best we can hope for is to successfully target players who feature in seven of their matches.

The Players Picks

While it’s Manchester City blazing the goal trail and presenting the biggest challenge to Arsenal right now, the fixture list suggests we should suddenly take notice of United.

David Moyes’ outfit not only have the nine scheduled matches, they boast an array of league fixtures that suggest they may well be firmly back in the title race come January. While Sunday’s visit to Spurs will present a stern test, Old Trafford encounters with Everton, Newcastle and West Ham follow on, with away trips to Villa, Hull and Norwich also looking profitable.

As Robin van Persie struggles to shake off knocks and niggles, Wayne Rooney (£7.0m) has taken it upon himself to carry United’s attack and with 8 goals from 17 Dream Team appearances, along with five Star Man awards, he stakes a strong claim for a spot in our December forward lines. Meanwhile, at the back, David De Gea (£5.5m) in goal and Patrice Evra (£6.0m) present the most secure route to earning United’s December clean sheets – Jonny Evans (£5.0m) and Phil Jones (£4.0m) offer cheaper but riskier alternatives. The United midfield remains a minefield, devoid of any obvious and secure Dream Team talent.

Sergio Aguero (£7.0m) dominates our thinking when it comes to the blue side of Manchester. He’s soared to the top of the Dream Team striker rankings with a run of ruthless goal scoring form that shows little sign of abating. Sixteen strikes from 16 Dream Team appearances is a record that ensures the Argentine is an essential monthly game purchase, even with some testing away trips on the horizon for Manuel Pellegrini’s men.

Yaya Toure (£6.0m) and David Silva (£5.5m) offer the potential behind the prolific Aguero. With Silva currently struggling with a calf complaint, Toure clearly has the edge and, having climbed to second in the midfield rankings behind Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsey, it’s difficult to look beyond the Ivorian for secure City midfield cover. Elsewhere, the back line remains difficult to predict, while Joe Hart’s (£6.0m) security of starts remains in question. With Pellegrini continuing to put emphasis on attack to plaster over the cracks at the back, the Citizens’ defence is best avoided.

Chelsea’s nine December fixtures are a mixed bag, bringing them home league fixtures with Crystal Palace, Swansea and Liverpool, along with visits to Sunderland, Stoke and Arsenal. Their monthly programme begins with the Stamford Bridge clash against Southampton on Sunday, while a Carling Cup trip to Sunderland and a home Champions League clash with Steaua Bucharest could provide further profits for their Dream Team assets.

Midfielders Eden Hazard (£6.5m) and Oscar (£4.5m) continue to carry the fight to opponents as Jose Mourinho shuffles his lone striker. Oscar presents the better value and is the preferred option if you’re scratching around to save money but I still feel that Hazard has the edge over the Brazilian. He has claimed two Star Man awards this term and looks a more secure starter over the hectic festive spell.

There is promise in the Chelsea defence, not least in the form of Petr Cech (£5.5m) who will surely be present in at least eight of the Blues’ nine December fixtures. John Terry (£5.0m) has also presented strong value to this point – delivering 72 points to rank fourth for defenders overall.

That leaves us looking at Spurs as the final team with nine December fixtures. Unfortunately, this is a team that appears to be permanently stuck in a state of transition, as Andre Villas-Boas fails to settle on a first choice XI. That limits the Dream Team appeal on offer, although both Hugo Lloris (£4.0m) and Jan Vertonghen (£5.5m) in the Spurs rearguard look assured of their starts, even with rotation over the Christmas period.

Aside from that pair, there’s little on offer at the Lane unless you’re willing to take a risk on the rotating midfield. The attack seems stifled by the continued quest for a preferred system and lineup, with Roberto Soldado (£4.5m) surely ranking amongst the season’s biggest disappointments so far.

Across North London, while league leaders Arsenal have just seven fixtures in the month, they have to be major sources for our December lineups. Aaron Ramsey’s (£2.5m) output has dipped of late, while Mesut Ozil (£5.5m) has also faltered, having sparkled on his arrival at the Emirates. Even so, Theo Walcott (£5.5m) is now back to tempt us into a gamble in midfield and, with 21 Dream Team goals to his name last term, he puts up a rather convincing argument.

While Olivier Giroud (£4.0m) will struggle to find a place in our lineup, even with a three-man attack, the Arsenal back four remains firmly in our thinking. Bacary Sagna (£3.5m) has delivered exceptional value, while Per Mertesacker (£5.0m) goes on threatening attacking points to supplement clean sheet returns. Both warrant interest, with keeper Wojciech Szczesny (£4.0m) also worth a sniff.

Luis Suarez (£7.5m) is the other striker cut out for our squads and it’s difficult to imagine any winning December lineup without the Uruguayan. Like Aguero, his form has been irresistible in recent weeks and, while Daniel Sturridge (£5.0m) has struggled with injuries and fatigue, Suarez has emerged as the weapon of choice in Liverpool’s “SAS” pairing.

Philippe Coutinho (£4.0m) offers a would-be punt for our midfields. The Brazilian notched his first goal of the campaign at Goodison but is surely set to profit further now he’s fit and ensconced in a Liverpool side averaging two goals a game this term. Meanwhile, at the back, Glen Johnson (£5.0m) is another player who has returned to fitness and he could yet chip with some attacking points to supplement clean sheet returns over the coming month. For a real gamble, Jon Flanagan, priced at just £2.5 million, could possibly retain his starting role having impressed in the Merseyside derby – with Jose Enrique absent until the New Year, Flanagan could offer cover of Brendan Rodgers’ back four for a premium price.

As usual, it’s difficult to consider assets outside of these “big six” teams, with both form and fixtures on their side. Swansea have the benefit of an extra fixture on their December menu but, with injuries and rotation biting, look bereft of potential with Chico (£2.5m) in their defence perhaps the only credible candidate on offer. Southampton and West Brom also have seven fixtures in the month, although the Saints have an evil league schedule that’s unlikely to see them maintain their early season form. The Baggies, meanwhile, are an erratic source of Fantasy talent with Stephane Sessegnon (£3.5m) perhaps the only potential target for those eyeing up a midfield differential.

You can enter teams for The Sun Dream Team monthly prize via the Premium-In-Play package which gets you two teams for just £5.

To score maximum points from December’s fixtures, enter your teams by 12pm Sunday December 1.

The Sun Dream Team Scout League

A reminder that we also have our own Fantasy Football Scout League with a £1,000 top prize on offer to the winner.

Simply use the following PIN and password to enter your teams into the running:

League Name: Fantasy Football Scout
Password: ReWOZhn1T1
PIN: 8061654

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

1,031 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Demí
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    OMG Tiago Llori

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    1. Mavric Marco
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Bemba?

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    2. Optimus.
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      OMG i had to google who he was 😳

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      1. Demí
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        😆

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    3. Demí
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      False alarm. He won't be starting yet

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    4. CHANCING PUNT
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      What's happened?

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      1. Demí
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        He was being cryptic. Nothing to see here. Only Sturridge is out then.

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    5. Fisher
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      omg demi.. get a grip and get off twitter.. llori doesn't start

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  2. Thomass
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    I am proud to say I hate Cardiff City.

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    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Maybe a username change is needed?

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      1. Thomass
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Lads sorry no offence made

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        1. Evans
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 4 months ago

          No bother

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    2. European Bob
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      1-0 Caulker

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    3. Evans
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Why ?

      Was it the home victory ?

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    4. The ginger cafu
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      You are so angry

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  3. sinik
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    reposted from page 8:

    this is where I intend to be for GW15:
    http://i.imgur.com/VJXkK5h.png

    (ones with black background to names are ones being transferred in during the next two gameweeks

    yay or nay?

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    1. PussyGalore
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Essentially the same here. Like it yeah. Foster and Boruc instead of migs when hes back fit

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      1. sinik
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        you think so? Migs has been immense and I can see a lot of Pool cleanies once their full defense is back fit..

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    2. ILOVEBAPS
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Nice plan Sinik. Looks nice.

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      1. sinik
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        cheers, happy that I'll have it all in place next Wed/Thurs thanks to the midweek GW..hopefully won't be too many price fluctuations by then..

        might actually wait on doing Lewis -> Marshall and do Januzaj -> Barkley instead

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  4. SMOOTH
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    play morrison and lallana

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    1. The ginger cafu
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      If you want

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  5. Mithrandir, the Grey Pilgri…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Someone talk to me about Fer?

    Any good? Looking to replace Townsend. 5.9 to spend.

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    1. Demel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Meh

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      1. Mithrandir, the Grey Pilgri…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Hmmm insightful....
        15 points in last 2 games. Home to Palace. Don't care if he's " Meh " if he gets me points. 🙂

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        1. Demel
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 4 months ago

          I like him as a player. As for FPL I am not convinced. I think he will be a very sporadic scored. I would prefer Ravel and save the million. Redmond could be a better swap.

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          1. Mithrandir, the Grey Pilgri…
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            10 years, 4 months ago

            Better explanation, thank you! Will consider....

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            1. Demel
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              10 years, 4 months ago

              Sorry I know the first response is an irritating one. The difference between Redmond and Fer is equivalent to Evans and Gabbidon. I would prefer Evans and Redmond over Gabbidon and Fer. Felt guilty and thought I would give you a full response.

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              1. Mithrandir, the Grey Pilgri…
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 14 Years
                10 years, 4 months ago

                No worries! +1 from me.

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    2. simsey
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      I like him.
      A bit like Paulinho at Spurs, gets forward, shoots, really involved in the game.
      But unlike Paulinho he can actually finish a chance or teo.
      With his fixtures he looks a good bet to me

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  6. Cornholi0
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Boruc

    Rat, Evra, Coleman

    Oscar, Ramsey, Barkley, Whittingham

    Suarez, Rooney, Aguero

    Subs: Dawson, Townsend B. Turner

    1FT and 1,5 in the bank.

    Safe the transfer or Dawson to M.Olsson/Gabiddon

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  7. Thomass
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    I am very proud to say I hate Manchester United. Are you's?

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    1. Declan
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      🙄

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    2. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Whys that Tom?

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    3. r0nh
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      I used to hate them, win they were good.

      Arsenal will be 7 points clear at the top tomorrow 😎

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

        Why do you hate teams that are good? Maybe you should hate Arsenal now

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        1. simsey
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 4 months ago

          he'll wait until they actualy win something to hate them.

          You see, Arsenal havent won anything for 8 years so theyre easy to like....(I'm sure you can follow the logic) 😀

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    4. Tabone
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Thats a passion of mine

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    5. Mavric Marco
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Get a grip lid

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    6. Evans
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      More like it

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    7. simsey
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      You should be ashamed you sad sack.

      Successful club, built on club foundations (not a sugardaddy like City or Chelsea) wins lots of trophies, entertains, has good values and traditions.

      Clubs like that, like Liverpool, United, Arsenal are what football is all about.

      To say you hate one of them makes you a sad sack of sh!t

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  8. bangers and M*A*S*H
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Studge out for Tekkers for a 4 point hit?

    Don't have the cash to go for Suarez

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  9. For Fuchs Sake
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    My team looks amazing for this week!!! Cue 31 points 🙁

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    1. Mavric Marco
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      so specific

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  10. Demel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Flanagan - Too risky for your 3rd defender but worth a punt if your 4th defender?

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    1. Walsh
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Just so.

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    2. Evans
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Yep,

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

    Good to go gents?

    Migs
    terry dawson rat
    coutinho hazard ramsey sess
    Suarez Aguero(c) Negredo(vc)

    Boruc shaw januzaj williams

    got 1.9 Itb.. worth taking a hit on defence? I think not... just going to get through these next few weeks and get jagielka in for shaw or is it worth doing it now?

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    1. FortunesAlwaysHiding
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Rat is a doubt

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      1. Tabone
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Yeah i know that..If he doesnt play wont my sub then go on?

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        1. FortunesAlwaysHiding
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 4 months ago

          Wow, sorry.

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    2. ILOVEBAPS
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Not worth a hit Hazzy.

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  12. FortunesAlwaysHiding
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Play A) Shawcross or B) Evans next two gameweeks?

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    1. Mavric Marco
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      B

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  13. Louis
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Next GW:
    A Lukaku Merte
    B Rooney Olsson

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    1. Mavric Marco
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      B

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    2. Tabone
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Next gw B. GW16 onwards I have the choice of both an going for lukaku!

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  14. Ramboo
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    So i guess i have to transfer out Sturridge after he is in doubt for this GW.

    I have 2 FT and 1m in the bank

    Boruc - Vorm
    Collins - Coleman - Toure - Terry - Ward
    Nasri - Ramsey - Ravel - Barkley - Oscar
    Sturrdige - Aguero - Suarez

    Does this sound good? :

    Boruc --> Szczesny and Sturrdige --> Negredo

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  15. Optimus.
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Well Thomass is on the coke 😮

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    1. Declan
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      😆

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    2. Mavric Marco
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      We call it 'beak' in Liverpool 😉

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    3. Get up ya bum
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Ha!

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    4. Rumpleton
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Cola or trumpet?

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  16. FortunesAlwaysHiding
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    So many teams with Rat in. Is he fit to start?

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    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Hamstring issue so doubt it.

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  17. SAINTS
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    I have 2FT and think I've been persuaded not to get rid of Ozil for Suarez. I need to make one change so Chester to Gabbidon?

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    1. Optimus.
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Ozil to Suarez is a good transfer

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      1. The ginger cafu
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        +1

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  18. bournemouth hammer
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    2 questions
    1-who to bench out or ozil, ramsey, hazard, oscar, r morrison?
    2- Captain Aguero or suarez

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  19. nashi
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Who would you ship out to bring Ravel?? Januzaj or Brady??

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    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Bra

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    2. bournemouth hammer
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      brady

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  20. 42 Rules
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Double up on Norwich defence or play Llanana / Whittingham?

    Oh yes it is a black friday for a very good reason re conundrum above !!!

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  21. nashi
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    New article

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    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Cheers.

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  22. Proggy
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    I have Speroni, Barkley, Ramsey, Ryan Bennett and Remy tomorrow.. I'm expecting only about 7 points from these tomorrow. O.O

    Lets hope that Oscar, Flanagan, Terry, Yaya, Suarez and Aguero (C) will deliver the goods for me on Sunday. 🙂

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  23. New Post