Digest

The Digest – Gameweek 16

Our last look at the Gameweek just gone includes Arsenal’s resurgent winger, the step up in performances from the Red half of Merseyside and the potential upturn in Fantasy prospects over at the Lane in light of Andre Villas-Boas’ dismissal.

The Player

It’s been a long time coming but finally, after 16 Gameweeks of the season, Theo Walcott is back in the Fantasy frame. While the main source of Fantasy discussion from Saturday’s nine-goal Etihad thriller centres around Sergio Aguero’s calf injury, the Gunners wide-man served notice that he’s set to offer us a timely differential prospect for our five-man midfields. Since recovering from abdominal surgery, Walcott had previously chipped in with a couple of assists over four brief sub appearances but his manager’s reluctance to hand him a first start since Gameweek 4 ensured most were happy to steer clear. Until now.

Walcott’s brace at the Emirates wasn’t enough to prevent his side slipping to a stunning 6-3 defeat but you have to put it in context – City had conceded just twice in the previous seven home games under Manuel Pellegrini. As Olivier Giroud continues to toil up top for the league leaders, with two strikes from open play in his last 10 league starts, Walcott’s eye for goal looks vital as Wenger looks to steady the ship – all the more so given that he’s set to welcome Chelsea to the Emirates next weekend.

With Aaron Ramsey finding a place in over 62% of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) sides and fellow Gunner Mesut Ozil also fourth most popular midfielder with an ownership over 27%, Walcott – currently sitting in just 4% of sides – looks an ideal alternative to a template that has barely changed over the season.

Given that both Ramsey and Ozil chipped in with an assist apiece on Saturday, their owners will be happy to hold, allowing those Fantasy managers on the lookout for new blood to benefit from Walcott’s acquisition. After the Chelsea game, it’s West Ham, Newcastle, Cardiff, Villa and Fulham for Wenger’s side – a schedule that could well see the bandwagon pick up speed as Walcott looks to belatedly make a difference to our Fantasy campaigns and keep the Gunners on course for the title.

The Team

On Sunday afternoon, Liverpool rolled up to the Lane without their skipper on board for the first time this term. Sidelined for a number of weeks with a hamstring injury, many felt Steven Gerrard’s absence would see the Merseysiders struggle – he has, after all, created more goalscoring chances than any other midfielder in the Premier League so far. The collective lack of faith was summed up by our Captain’s Poll, where Luis Suarez was no more than fifth and, with a single clean sheet in their previous 12 league fixtures, Brendan Rodgers’ side were far from favourites in the eyes of many.

What transpired was a performance so ruthless it left Tottenham without a manager by this time yesterday after Daniel Levy handed Andre Villas-Boas his marching orders. A shift to 4-3-3 saw Joe Allen and Lucas provide a defensive shield in front of the back-four and not only delivered a rare clean sheet, but also allowed Jordan Henderson to forage forward through the middle in support of Suarez and help himself to a goal and assist in the 5-0 rout. At 5.9, Henderson’s new central role has attracted plenty new suitors already this week after his season-high haul of 13 points, while Raheem Sterling (4.9) has now started each of the last four and found the net twice.

With Philippe Coutinho and Sterling supplying pace and trickery out wide, neither Gerrard or Daniel Sturridge were missed as Suarez found the time and space to dismantle yet another top-flight backline and serve up his seventh set of double figures in just 11 appearances. Averaging 12.3 points per game, the Uruguayan has taken our Fantasy expectations to a new level this season –for all his consistency, Robin van Persie managed “only” 6.9 ppg for United last time around – a tally that looks positively paltry by comparison.

It’s fair to say that providing Gerrard was fit, he’d have played on Sunday but a stroke of fate has afforded Rodgers the opportunity to tinker. Perhaps by default, he seems to have struck upon a set-up that affords his side the balance at both ends of the pitch that he’s been striving all season to achieve. Upcoming trips to City and Chelsea will certainly test that theory but it’s becoming more than apparent that Liverpool, like Suarez, are a different prospect altogether this season.

The Talking Point

The dismissal of Villas-Boas, just one day after Steve Clarke’s departure from West Brom, takes the number of clubs to have changed manager already this season to five. Palace, Fulham and Sunderland have, to differing degrees, all benefitted from their decisions to pull the plug on previous managers. Tony Pulis has made a real difference to the Eagles’ defence and has brought the likes of Julian Speroni, Joel Ward , Barry Bannan and even Marouane Chamakh onto our radars. Rene Meulensteen has reignited Dimitar Berbatov as a Fantasy force, whilst Sunderland have defeated Newcastle and City at the Stadium of Light and registered three clean sheets in the last six under Gus Poyet.

Whilst a trip to Southampton this weekend is by no means easy, the following four Gameweeks hand Tottenham the chance to bounce back from Sunday’s mauling. West Brom, Stoke and Palace all roll up to the Lane over that period and hint at a reason for optimism, allowing some of their main protagonists the chance to stake a claim for our consideration once again.

There’s no denying Tottenham toiled in attack but, despite their failings, still managed more shots than any other side in the Premier League in the first 16 Gameweeks. One look at the stats of a trio of their summer signings shows that the club aren’t lacking in firepower– Roberto Soldado scored 59 league goals in three seasons at Valencia, Erik Lamela managed 15 goals and five assists for Roma last year, whilst Christian Eriksen produced 17 goals and 36 assists in his final two seasons at Ajax. A bloated first-team squad led to continual tinkering from Villas-Boas and ultimately ensured that his numerous new acquisitions never had the opportunity to settle as first-team regulars – consistency of selection looks vital of Spurs are to improve.

At the back, it’s easy to forget that Spurs started the season with seven clean sheets in the first 11 matches, conceding just six goals over that period. The floodgates opened at City back in Gameweek 12 in a 6-0 defeat that Villas-Boas failed to properly recover from. With the Portuguese boss now banished, the slate can be wiped clean and potentially reignite our Fantasy interest in Tottenham’s potential as they look to regroup after Sunday’s humiliation at home.

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1,278 Comments Post a Comment
  1. FORCA INTER
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    so , i am not the only person wich is temped to C Rooney insated of Suarez?

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    1. Scottys Army
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Hows the selling of the christmas trees going ????

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      1. FORCA INTER
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        great ,as always

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    2. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Yep

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    3. Wheato182
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      You're brave Forca, was seriously burnt last week for doing the same.

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    4. Alaric
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Do it Forca.

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    5. GoonerByron
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      I was brave enough last week, not going to be burnt the same way two weeks in a row.

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    6. Jimrod™
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Difficult, just brought him (Rooney) in for Aguero and while he didn't get much this weekend he was heavily involved - another day could be a different story. But then Suarez is on fire and I can't see anyone stopping him in this form, depends if you need a differential to gain - I'm doing ok so will probably stick with Suarez, if you're trying to catch someone with a similar team then Rooney would be worth a punt.

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    7. Dots321
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Tempted but it's still not going to happen not after the lukaku episode last week.

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    8. The Enlightener
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Don't be silly now.

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  2. Mojo Rojo
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    RP: bottom of page

    Pick 2 to play...

    A) Terry vs Arsenal

    B) Chester vs WBA

    C) Luna vs Stoke

    D) Ward vs Newcastle

    *other defender is Coleman

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    1. Shifty
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Chester and Ward

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    2. HVT
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Terry ward

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  3. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Mourinho - Every player in my squad will feature in the busy christmas period

    http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11668/9076885/chelsea-boss-jose-mourinho-keen-to-utilise-entire-squad-over-christmas

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    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Expected.

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    2. Alaric
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Predictable.

      What he didn't mention is that Hazard will feature the most 😉

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      1. La Roja
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        +1

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    3. The Enlightener
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Time to pick up Essien!

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      1. Alaric
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        Poor Essien, 4 YC in 4 games

        😀

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        1. RedLightning
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 3 months ago

          And now it's 5 in 5!

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    4. Dr Dream
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      No matter...whatever happens with Hazard happens for most FPL teams...which must be high proportion of decent teams.

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  4. Dots321
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Any news on Koscielny?

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    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      French newspaper claims he will be back within 10 or 15 days max.

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      1. Dots321
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        Cheers

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        1. La Roja
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 3 months ago

          I am benching him, arsenal fixtures are looking solid after Chelski game.

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  5. FF Dirtbag
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Is Sterling Nailed on?

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    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Yes for the time being.good option too

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    2. Alaric
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Yes, he has dazzled to say the least, pretty sure he has staved off Moses breaking into the team

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    3. The Enlightener
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Should be after that delightful display over the weekend. Was a real live wire.

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  6. denial
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Afternoon. Team for this GW:

    Howard

    Coleman Ward Chester Flanagan

    Ozil Ramsey Hazard

    Rooney Suarez Negredo

    // Brady / RMorrison / Collins

    2.6m in the bank.

    Already done a transfer. Not happy with midfield for this week but can't see any worthwhile transfers (for -4). Leave it?

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    1. denial
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      🙁

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    2. Alaric
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      You're set, don't need anymore transfers. That defence has some CS pts in it and nice attack.

      I would personally play RMorrison over Ward or Chester (probably Ward), he has a point to prove vs his old club and he could be explosive. I don't fancy a Palace CS, Newcastle are gelling at the moment

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      1. denial
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        Interesting. Didn't really think of RM being an option this week. Thanks.

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        1. Alaric
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 3 months ago

          Most likely is that both Ward and Morrison will get 2 pts, but RMorrison has the potential to get some attacking points.

          1. Only spark in Wham's attack
          2. United have been shaky at the back on more than one occasion this season (admittedly they looked much better last game, but vs a poor Villa side).
          3. He's back at Old Trafford after essentially being kicked out for bad behaviour despite being hailed a talent; he'll have a few eyes on him for sure.

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  7. Ad4m
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Tempted like I'm tempted to order a vindaloo every time I go in a curry house, and then common sense takes over.

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    1. Ad4m
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Reply fail to Forca above

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  8. FORCA INTER
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    who is anti-Suarez C this gw?

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    1. Dr Dream
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      No such thing anymore.

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    2. The Enlightener
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      people who are morons

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    3. Acquafresca
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Only those with balls of steel!

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    4. isacki: full casual
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      People who hate points.

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    5. Nacho
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      I wish I was but being anti-Suarez C last week cost me!

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    6. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      People who wants to fail intentionally.

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    7. The Enlightener
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      That's what you call just overthinking it. Often leads to fantasy woes whenever you don't go with the obvious.

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  9. Acquafresca
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    What do you guys think of Mirallas as a differential?

    Would mean no City cover though 😕

    Hazard - Walcott - Ramsey - Silva/ Mirallas

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    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Great differential imo, will look into get him in next week.

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    2. Shifty
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Silva's still a differential. Lukaku is enough Everton cover imo.

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    3. Dots321
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      I have him in hoping it'll work out. I have no city coverage either.

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    4. FORCA INTER
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      did you sold that lil frustrated cout already?

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      1. Acquafresca
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        Not yet. Really considering getting Walcott for a hit. But might just wait until after CAR 🙁

        How's your team looking?

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    5. Clean Bandit
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Good differential. Only worry is it seems like he's always the first to get subbed off.

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  10. Clean Bandit
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Not expecting much this gw to be honest. 4 of mine facing each other - Hazard, Özil, Ramsey, Szczesny. Suarez (c) though.

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  11. JoJoRed
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Is Valencia nailed on for Utd?
    Percentage likely to start ?

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  12. Captain Robert Hatch
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    So you're tellin me that Gary Hooper faces the bottom (or top) 3 teams in goals against in next 4?

    Papa Likey!

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    1. Alaric
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Aguero > Hooper

      Can buy myself a new yacht and get points (in fantasy premier league of course)

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      1. Captain Robert Hatch
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        I'd buy myself a nice Catalina 385 sailing yacht.

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  13. FORCA INTER
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Rooney C it is - no guts no glory

    when (if) Suarez goes crazy my season could be over but this is week i have to take a gamble and see what happens

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    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      I wouldnt take that gamble.

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      1. FORCA INTER
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        why not

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        1. La Roja
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 3 months ago

          Because minimum 70% of FPL will make him captain. He smashes again and you are out of race completely.

          This is week is a no no for captain gamble in my view.

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          1. FORCA INTER
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 3 months ago

            prerfect week for me i think

            -everyone taking points hit

            -like you said 80% will C Suarez if he blank i could go up

            that dosnt seem likely but still....there is a chanse

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            1. La Roja
              • 12 Years
              10 years, 3 months ago

              I recommend to take that risk on next gw, not this one.

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            2. The Enlightener
              • 10 Years
              10 years, 3 months ago

              You're havin' a laugh, aren't ya?

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    2. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      I don't think you do it, will change last minute to suarez

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      1. FORCA INTER
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        we'll see about it

        i enjoy too doing opposit thing to everyone else , even if that means my downfail

        i am men of honuor

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        1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 3 months ago

          you are men of honour but also men who goes down ranking

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    3. FACUPARSE
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Thats what i'm doing... So many sheep on here

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      1. The Enlightener
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        Seems like some of you need to take another look at Suarez's history for this season. Points everywhere. His stocking overfloweth. But, whatever. You go right ahead with your other captain while us "sheep" roam into another bountiful pasture.

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        1. Jimrod™
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 3 months ago

          Sheeping for the win - from 1.6millionth to top 500 in 16 easy weeks... 😀

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        2. The Enlightener
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 3 months ago

          If I seem a little edgy and pushy on this topic, I'm just sick of people saying things like people who captained Suarez this past gameweek are lucky and that we're "sheep" if we do it again this gameweek. Don't be sore because you missed the boat. It's not our fault.

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          1. Jimrod™
            • 14 Years
            10 years, 3 months ago

            Exactly, it's like all the "iSheep" bollocks, people make good choices for quality product and they're sheep, people make wise captain choices and they're sheep. Smacks of bitterness and resentment to me.

            Suarez is a sensible choice, Rooney is a good potential differential IF you need it.

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            1. The Enlightener
              • 10 Years
              10 years, 3 months ago

              Now, this is a sensible person talking here. Refreshment for the brainage.

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    4. Scottys Army
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      The week to do it is when suarez is away to city or chel

      this week is plain stupid not captaining suarez

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    5. Scottys Army
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Do it for one of the games 26th or 29th dec

      Alot will forget to change their captain for these games

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  14. JoJoRed
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Oscar likely to start tonight?
    Etoo or Ba?
    Want to pick an anytime goalscorer

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    1. Mojo Rojo
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Cheeky punt on De Bruyne to score 😉

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  15. Button Phobic
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Got to decide which player out of Vertongan or Koscielny to change for Coleman. Any thoughts?

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    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Vert, kos is back soon.

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      1. Acquafresca
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        Kos isn't back soon. With the fixture congestion he will likely miss 3 gameweeks

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        1. La Roja
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 3 months ago

          Some sources claims he will be out 10 to 15 days, 3 games is not that bad imo. If bench coverage is good, why to spend transfer on a defender?

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      2. Button Phobic
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        Can't find anything on how long Kos is likely to be out for

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        1. La Roja
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 3 months ago

          So eone posted l'equipe news 3 or4 pages back.

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    2. Dr Dream
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Vertonghen..he is ridiculously expensive for the state of his team at the moment. I wouldn't value him as anymore than a 5.5 player.

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    3. GoonerByron
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Vert out.. Kos won't be out for long and Arsenal's fixtures until Feburary are niceee.

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    4. Button Phobic
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Sounds like a bit of a gamble re who is back first, so will prob go for Kos.....better team and nice fixtures. Thanks ladsj

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  16. FF Dirtbag
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    What would you prefer: (with Rooney Suarez Lukaku up front)

    A) Hazard Walcott Yaya/Silva Ramsey Morrison

    OR

    B) Hazard Ozil Nasri Ramsey Morrison

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    1. Acquafresca
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      A with Yaya no brainer

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    2. Dr Dream
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Tough call..but you can be sure of one thing..there's a much higher chance of injuries with Wally and Silva( rather than yaya) than the second option

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  17. New Article Posted
  18. sinik
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    How many Ramsey owners are considering selling soon (possibly to upgrade directly to Wally/Ozil)?

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    1. IL Fantasista
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      I'm keeping Ozil and upgrading Ramsey to Wally in 2/3 GWs

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  19. Blue Lion
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Rooney for captaincy ..
    🙂

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    1. IL Fantasista
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Suarez perma cap. It's his new name now

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

    Howard - Lewis
    TERRY - Mert - Coleman - Burner - Clyne
    JANUZAJ - Hazard - Silva - Ramsey - Ravel
    Suarez - Negredo - Lukaku

    A) Terry + Januzaj -> Evans + Walcott (-8)
    B) do A next week for a -4
    C) Terry -> Evans (-4) this week and Januzaj -> Walcott next week (hopefully for free, pending injuries)
    D) just stick and forget CS points for this week..

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