634x258 Dugout Discussion
23 December 2013 4978 comments
Paul Paul
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An all-London affair at the Emirates brings the curtain down on Gameweek 17 this evening. Plenty of Fantasy favourites are on show as the Gunners look for the win that would extend their lead to four points over the chasing pack:

For the hosts, Aaron Ramsey and Mesut Ozil are the main protagonists for Fantasy managers, whilst Theo Walcott will be looking to maintain the form that saw him score twice at the Etihad last weekend.

Jose Mourinho’s side roll up on the back of a poor form of form on the road. The Blues have been beaten in three of their last four away games in all competitions but know that a victory will draw them level with the Gunners on 36 points. Eden Hazard will be desperate to have his say before Fantasy managers turn our attentions to the Gameweek 18 fixtures on Boxing Day.

The team news sees the hosts make four changes from the side that lost 6-3 at City last time around. Kieran Gibbs and Thomas Vermaelen are drafted in for Nacho Monreal and Laurent Koscielny at the back, with the Frenchman sidelined due to a knee wound. Mikel Arteta partners Aaron Ramsey in the double-pivot, with Mathieu Flamini dropping out, whilst Tomas Rosicky gets the nod on the left, replacing the suspended Jack Wilshere. Lukas Podolski warms the Gunners bench along with the likes of Santi Cazorla.

The Blues make three alterations from the XI that edged past Palace. Gary Cahill replaces David Luiz in defence, whilst John Obi Mikel and Frank Lampard are drafted into midfield – Michael Essien drops out through suspension while Juan Mata takes his place on the bench, allowing Ramires to move onto the right of the attacking midfield three. Oscar, Andre Schurrle and Samuel Eto’o are also amongst the subs, with Fernando Torres leading the line again.

Once again, we’ve opened the Dugout Discussion chatroom for those partial to some real-time reaction.

Paul Is certain he won't make the same mistakes next season. Follow them on Twitter

  1. Baby Cuties
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Best keeper to replace Migs, just for the Jan WC run-in?

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    1. Parm
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      de Gea

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    2. super zlatan
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Szczeney

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    3. LewanGOALski
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Szczesny

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    4. Bubz
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      I have just done Migs to Szczeney

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      1. Baby Cuties
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        thanks. your team's looking in good shape btw.

        wasnt really thinking about szczes cos i already have kosc.

        but then again, dunno how long kosc is out for, so will consider.

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    5. MattysFantasyFooty
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Woj

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  2. ppp
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Sort of repost, but, already have Yaya + Ramsey:

    Silva vs Walcott?

    Or worth saving the transfer to play barkley?

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    1. Gravless wonder
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      save and play barkley. You have Arsenal and City well covered

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  3. Parm
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    So, January Wildcard, what are we thinking folks?

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    1. Sheep
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Clit Dempsey!

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      1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        i once knew a father clint power..

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        1. Sif
          • 12 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          Haha!

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    2. @ocprodigy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Too early tbh, need to see what happens with transfers. Only plans ATM are keeping Suarez, Rooney, Ramsey, Coleman. The rest is up for debate.

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    3. Hy liverpool
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      m.salah

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  4. Gianluca Busio's Hair …
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Ozil > Walcott (this gameweek for sure)
    Hazard > Silva (this or next)
    Lukaka > Negrado (next gameweek for sure.)

    2 FT, wait on Haz>Silva or pull the trigger?

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    1. Hy liverpool
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      wait

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  5. Pomp and Circumstance
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    this is a good one...which of these is the best 5th midfielder to have (or other?):

    I made this list of possibilities (their teams in parenthesis, to be precise)...
    Brunt (West Brom)
    Barry (Everton)
    McCarthy (Everton)
    Sterling (Liverpool)
    Januzaj (Man Utd)
    Ireland (Stoke)
    Delph (Aston Villa)
    Adam (Stoke)
    Milner (Man City)

    good discussion to follow...

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    1. Pomp and Circumstance
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      opinions welcome here...it's a good q...

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    2. MattysFantasyFooty
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Only two I like are Sterling and Januzaj from that list, The likes of Barry and McCarthy would be good differentials but apart from that the others are useless FPL wise

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      1. Pomp and Circumstance
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        what about the playing time of those 2 (it's a relevant question with several of the names, a few aren't starters right now)l...

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        1. MattysFantasyFooty
          • 12 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          Sterling is getting game time due to Sturridge being out and Januzaj is on form and the only one apart from Rooney and Welbeck that are making chances etc

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    3. Round and Round
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Ravel or Whittingham

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    4. DF
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Jedinak for 5th mid if you play all your strikers.

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  6. MJ6987
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Ozil likely to be rested Boxing Day? What did Wenger say?

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    1. DonTheSpecialOne
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      😯

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    2. MattysFantasyFooty
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      I'm pretty sure he will give him a rest on boxing day but that's just a guess

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    3. Gianluca Busio's Hair …
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      that is most people's fears. Wenger said he would definitely give him a rest, just not against chelsea.

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    4. Aaron Ramessi - Straya
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      yes he looked drained in the 2nd half...almost certain i would say, also considering the following game against newcastle is much harder than west ham

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  7. FPL Blow-In
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Will Walcott only rise .1 between now and the 26th? Want to save transfer this week to get him in without a hit

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    1. Bubz
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Yeah

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      1. DonTheSpecialOne
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        ^

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    2. Gravless wonder
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      likely - http://totalfpl.com/pricechanges

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  8. Colonel Shoe 肝池
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    rival brought in silva yaya and demichelis this week ..... on 99 pts... there are simply no towels left to throw

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  9. Ginkapo FPL
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Yo Fantasy Football Scout is so fat that the deadzone doesnt exist no more.

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    1. Ginkapo FPL
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Adieu

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  10. Pomp and Circumstance
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    does anyone know when Boruc will be back?

    should I do Boruc --> Marshall or Boruc --> Gazzaniga ?

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  11. Hy liverpool
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    repost sorry

    for a hit
    a-Johnson >walker
    b- rosenior >Williamson
    c- play Johnson +4
    cheers!

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  12. jonnybhoy
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Guys I need your help please just fell 200k places-

    Howard
    Distin Zab* Terry Dawson Chester
    Coutinho* Oscar* Ozil Ramsey
    Lukaku Remy* Suarez

    Basically I have to consider getting rid of the * people. 2FT and 0 in the bank

    A) Terry/Zab, Coutinho and Remy to Rooney, Lallana and Whittaker/Turner -4pts

    B) Terry, Coutinho, Remy and Oscar to Rooney Lallana, Whittaker, and Silva -8pts?

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    1. Hy liverpool
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      zab-oscar-remy>>negredo-hazard-mert

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      1. Hy liverpool
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        or remy>>adebayour

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  13. Bubz
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Might have to do something bold like not captaining Suarez on boxing day to get some serious movement in my rank. Could be serious movement downward though...

    Lukaku, Rooney or Walcott?

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    1. jonnybhoy
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      I'm on Lukaku

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    2. Hy liverpool
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      lukaku

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    3. DonTheSpecialOne
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Stick with Suarez or Rooney/Wally

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    4. LewanGOALski
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      I could do the same, but no one convinced me enough.

      Rooney playing deeper is a worry
      Lukaku has shite service from his partners
      Walcott was unvisable tonight, like the whole Arsenal team

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      1. Bubz
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Hmm yeah I do agree with this.

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      2. Gloria Kanchelskis
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        I agree with this - can't make an argument not to captain Suarez that I find credible

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    5. mgilbert86
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      was thinking the same thing on my run earlier

      punts required around solid ownership players like yaya ramsey coleman etc.

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      1. Bubz
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        I want to do it, but then I don't want a repeat of when I didn't captain him against Tottenham...

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    6. Billy Ketsu
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Well, Arsenal have put 8 past Wet Ham in the last three games at the Boleyn Ground, Everton have scored 10 against Sunderland in the last four at Goodison. Hull have conceded the fewest goals at home this year. If not Suarez then Wally or Lukaku look decent.

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    7. MattysFantasyFooty
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      The safe option for me is Suarez he can score against anyone and Man City's defense is weak and the first and last time I didn't captain Suarez he went on a rampage against the spuds

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    8. Aaron Ramessi - Straya
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      lukaku probably due a goal so it may be worth a punt

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      1. The Enlightener
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        I just did Lukaku to Adebayor. God help me.

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  14. Sheep
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    I had no idea 😯

    http://i.imgur.com/7PkBSAJ.png

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  15. Pomp and Circumstance
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    captain and vice-captain for 12/26, from:
    Suarez
    Rooney
    Ozil
    Hazard

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  16. Round and Round
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    So from now until you play your wildcard, what punts are u looking to take, if any?

    I'm currently thinking about getting a new striker every gw, based on fixture, from gw20 onwards.

    Current plan:
    gw20: Lukaku -> Berbatov/Chamakh
    gw21: Berb/Chamakh -> Adebayor/Lukaku
    gw22: Ade/Lukaku -> Dzeko/Bony/Chamakh
    gw23: Wildcard

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    1. jonnybhoy
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Or just keep Lukaku?

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      1. Round and Round
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Where's the fun in that?!

        I may do ofc, but very likely I'll go through with my plan.

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  17. Sheep
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Taarabt wagon.

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  18. Arsenal USA FC
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Which change should I make?
    -----------------------------------------------------
    ...................Vorm...................

    ...........Ward Clyne Terry............

    ....Walcott Ramsey Fer Hazard ....

    ..... Suarez Rooney Lukaku .....
    -----------------------------------------------------
    ...... Williams Chester Ravel .....

    A - Vorm -> Marshall
    B - Williams -> Willamson/Ollson(NOR)
    C - Both for a -4
    D - Another Option

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    1. Aaron Ramessi - Straya
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      A or C, maybe c though cos clyne no one knows when hell be back and palace away to city on 28th...instead of williamson/olson, maybe burner cos cardiff have two decent home games

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  19. Lizard Lips
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Hazard to Silva? Hazards been lucky with his points I feel, where as everytime I've watched City Silva looks like he's going to get some points.

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    1. Sheep
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Hazard was unlucky not to assist Lampard today. Underside of the crossbar.

      And that's against the best defence in the league.

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    2. lifes a pitch
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      he aint lucky... form probably not as consistent as silva, but can be more explosive. i have both

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    3. Aaron Ramessi - Straya
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      it seems like whenever you think of getting rid of hazard, he explodes...hes just that kind of player which you have to be patient with

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  20. mgilbert86
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Honest question, explain why you are captaining lukaku? I'd really like to hear a good reason...

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    1. Sheep
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Because they were dropped on their heads when they were kids.

      And O'shea and Brown is out.

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    2. Bubz
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      RMT says to do it?

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    3. lifes a pitch
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      suarez has done big things lately but his chances of getting another double points haul is surely just as good as rooney and lukaku, considering their opposition this gw....but i'm scared not to captain suarez like the spurs gw

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    4. Aaron Ramessi - Straya
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      romelu scores in clutches...and hes due a burst of goals against a poor sunderland without brown

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  21. spiderman2099
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Mignolet (Boruc)
    Coleman Mertesacker Whittaker Debuchy Pieters
    Yaya Ramsey (Ravel Brady Sess)
    Rooney suarez (c) Lukaku

    2 FT,no money in the bank. What to do?? Thinking adebayor, Whitts or summit?

    Sound boys

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  22. lifes a pitch
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    keep or shift Ramsey for:

    A) Januzaj...hopefully nailed now
    B) Cabaye
    C) Lallana...form?
    D) Barkley...consistency? but cheap

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    1. BenDavies
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      B long term

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    2. Aaron Ramessi - Straya
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      B...cabaye is pretty damn good, and two consecutive home games cant hurt

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  23. Royal5
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone know the way to the differential store? 😛 Getting nowhere atm. Even with good scores I stand still around 350k

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    1. Bubz
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      It's getting annoying. The players with high ownership keep scoring well, simple as that. Until that ends it will be impossible to make up serious ground.

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      1. Royal5
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        I think you're right. Too few options to choose between atm.

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      2. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        yaya toure needs to stop scoring. Also rvp out injured means alot of teams have vice captains coming in every week scoring highly

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    2. Sheep
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Plenty out there that are performing better than higher owned players. You're just not looking hard enough 😉

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      1. Royal5
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        So, Adebayor then? 😛

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  24. MJ6987
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Sod it, gone with my gut Ozil to Walcott. Think Ozil will be rested Thurs. can afford Lukaku to Negredo after Thurs.

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    1. Gianluca Busio's Hair …
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      see above. i'm with you....

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    2. Bubz
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Yeah I think he will be rested too. Good move.

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  25. Dr Dream
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    As posted on the previous page..My brothers team ranked 359 th overall...So what you might say...but take a few minutes to go through his gameweek history..Never had Coleman, Ozil, Hazard Oscar, and a whole host of hot picks..He currently has Chamakh and Ramires, and has had such notable duffers as Aluko Sagbo and god knows who...What are we doing wrong ?...http://fantasy.premierleague.com/entry/1210969/event-history/17/..beyond me..!!

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    1. Lizard Lips
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      It's weird. Great effort!

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      1. Dr Dream
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        astounding..some weeks his team just looks total gash..

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    2. Bubz
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      😯

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      1. Dr Dream
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Look at some of the formations he puts out Bubz..none of this 3-4-3 nonsense..he has a right old mixture.

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    3. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      all we can hope for is a major shift in the balance of power.........

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    4. LewanGOALski
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      😯

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    5. jonnybhoy
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Someone explain how this is possible

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      1. Dr Dream
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        I can't..and I speak to him every day nearly..

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    6. The Enlightener
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      That's one of the craziest things I've ever seen. Your brother is gifted. He must get tips in his dreams from the Fantasy Gods, or something like that.

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      1. Dr Dream
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        I absolutely guarantee you he won't be thinking of Walcott for his next move..A pound say he will do something like Yaya > Sterling..If you look midway through he dropped Suarez for Aguero and then Aguero for Saurez and got about 90 pts...Who the hell does that ?

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        1. The Shadow
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          Don't blame him on Walcott. What about the way Arsenal plays offense this year suggests we need him? Maybe he avoids the pitfalls of outdated knowledge.

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          1. Dr Dream
            • 13 Years
            12 years, 1 month ago

            Last time I spoke to him he was going on and on about how good Sterling was and that everybody would be going for Wally who actually won't play any better than Sterling and is providing balls in to a worse striker (Giroud)...and you know what..he's right..

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        2. The Enlightener
          • 12 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          I would like to shake his hand. Maybe some of that Midas touch would wear off.

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  26. Parm
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    I really do give up on this season, 600k rank, too late to hop on any of the casual bandwagons, cack team.

    See you next season folks.

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    1. DonTheSpecialOne
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Pfft, you'll turn it around.

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    2. DelPuich
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      you have to be pretty bad to be ranked that high. i barely pay attention to this game and im in top 100k

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      1. jonnybhoy
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        "barely pay attention" but your on this website 🙂

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      2. adams_6
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Haha Nice try Helmet. On here but "barely pay attention"

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        1. DelPuich
          • 13 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          well at least im not a member. bucket

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    3. jonnybhoy
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Soo gutting slowly dropping down your league to teams which are worse

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    4. LewanGOALski
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      I know your feeling 🙁

      the only thing I am focusing now is 2nd place in my cash ML which would give me some profit. 45pts to catch up. The leader is probably uncatchable as the gap reaches almost 200pts now 😐

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

      Hey, 597k here, don't think we should give up just yet. I'm still targettng a 10k finish, and i think it's doable, especially with Winter WC just around the corner. Have a little faith 😉

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  27. Colonel Shoe 肝池
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    and the wind whispered ........ade

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    1. Sheep
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      BARN DOOR.

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  28. DonTheSpecialOne
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Night all. Have a Nice christmas.

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    1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      ttfn don

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    2. Billy Ketsu
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Happy Christmas to you too, Don.

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    3. LewanGOALski
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      You too

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    4. Bubz
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      And you

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  29. Lizard Lips
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Rooney (c) FTW, anyone else with me?

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    1. mgilbert86
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      hell no, he plays way too far back

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      1. The Shadow
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        I don't care how far back he plays as long as he's scoring in double figures.

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    2. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Not me. Suarez or Lukaku.

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  30. jonnybhoy
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Serious Question-

    Rooney or Adebayor?

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    1. Royal5
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      I'm looking at Welbeck -> Ade

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