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.

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  1. Valar(Keith)
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Just seen Suarez has the late kickoff.. :puts captaincy back on Suarez: I love late kickoffs. dont wanna ruin the game by trying to stop Suarez from scoring by shouting at him from my living room

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

    Lloris

    Coleman / Mert / Burner (GJ -Ward )

    Morrison / Hazard / Ramsey / Yaya (Amalfitano)

    Rooney / Lukaku / Suarez C

    A- Save FT team looks good

    B - Amalfitano > xxxxx 4.8 M

    C- Other transfer

    🙄

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

      A) save

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

      Morrison and Amalfitano should be closely monitored - how much do you have in the bank?

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

        0 in the bank

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

          Save. I would downgrade lloris and upgrade one of the 2 mids next week.

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

      A

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    4. kimoo
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Thanx all

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  3. Valar(Keith)
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Shifting Terry out for baines next week is madness right? Had terry from 6.1 so i'll lose a lot if i want to get him back in Jan WC. LIV sot MUN does not look good at all but that's what i thought about Coleman in GW 9 and when i swapped him for terry 😆 ..

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

      Yesterdays match was pure aids and shouldn't change your view on Terry or Chelsea. I'd get rid if I had him

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      1. Valar(Keith)
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        He is in my team for one more week.. JT + GJ out for Koscielny + Coleman/Bardsley + Baines is the plan GW 19

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    2. Valar(Keith)
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      The lure of baines :sigh: .. fall for it every season. Seems so brilliant on paper.. Penos, FKs, Corners just 1.1 million more than Coleman. This season seems to be about sticking with safe options though 🙁

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    3. money face bandwagon
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      go for it..though it is good to actually wait for baines to start a game 1st..he may be benched against sunderland

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      1. Valar(Keith)
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Yup.. Playing Terry this week and will get Baines GW 19 if i want him

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

    Clyne should start the next game right?

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

    Anyone else have both Terry and Mert on the bench last night? 🙁

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    1. Valar(Keith)
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Just Terry but it hurt loads as i started Gabbidon instead 🙁

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    2. Cruizer van Nistelrooy
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      sold terry for evans before this gw 🙁

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      1. Gaz Downright
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Me too... it will pay off over Xmas though

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  6. Tezmoore
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Any obvious flaws in my team?

    Mig (Davis)
    Coleman, Turner, Terry (Chester, GJ)
    Walcott, Ramsey, Lallana, Nasri (Oviedo)
    Rooney (vc), Lukaku, Suarez(c)

    Best option??

    A) Mig > DeGea
    B) GJ > Mert
    C) Mig + GJ > De Gea + Mert (-4)
    D) save

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

    Burner (STON) or Ward (avilla) this week?

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

      Burner

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

    Ward, Distin and Chester on the pitch for me - painful 🙁

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

      reply fail... as well as defence fail,,,

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  9. Valar(Keith)
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Reckon Koscielny will get his place back straight away? Vermaelen was no mug yesterday.. may not be so easy. Kosc @ 5.3 by tomorrow. Bargain

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    1. Valar(Keith)
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      or Rotation risk?

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

      I think Verm might get a couple more chances to keep him sweet

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    3. Get up ya bum
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Dunno about straight away but won't be long

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      1. Valar(Keith)
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Thinking Sagna/Gibbs.. Gibbs is a risk that can be taken care off in the Jan WC. Injury prone but always very far forward

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  10. feizaiII
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Szczesny
    Coleman / Jagielka / Mertesacker
    Hazard / Silva / Ramsey / Yaya
    Suarez / Rooney / Lukaku

    Mannone / Morrison / Ward / Turner

    Any advise can be here? Thinking to sell Jagielka after the home run.. what you guys think..
    Lukaku also possible a sell too..

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

      Looks good. Lukaku is certainly frustrating

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

        Adebayor ?

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  11. Scab
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    hmm tempted to start a Villa defender over a CP Defender next week as Chamakh (CP only threat) is suspended?

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  12. Mojo Rojo
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Szczesny
    Coleman - Luna - Terry
    Cabaye - Hazard - Ramsey - Silva
    Lukaku - Rooney - Suarez (c)

    Davis - Ravel - Ward - Chester

    Bank = 0
    FT = 1

    A) Luna > M.Olsson
    B) Terry & Ramsey > M.Olsson & Walcott (next week Luna > Evans)
    C) Save FT

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    1. Get up ya bum
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      c

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

      save ft

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  13. El Berbossa - \\\"El b…
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Negredo or Adebayor?

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    1. Mojo Rojo
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Neg

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

      negredo is safer, and will probably do better than adebayor

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    3. Get up ya bum
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Ade

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  14. Amateur Pundit Zan
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    So I play double Chelsea defence 4 weeks in a row for f all then bench them away to arsenal and guess what. Lucky for me sick note shaw got terry a late call up and me 6pts.

    Looks like I am going to end up holding Ivan from DGW1 all the way until jan WC, every week he is next on my list to get rid then something else comes up.

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

      dem trolls 😛

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    2. Valar(Keith)
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Ivanovic is a lot more attackin than Terry accordin to the stats and while watching games.. may get rid of terry now and get ivan in my Jan WC. I benched terry too after loads of 2 pointers. kinda need a break from the chelsea defense for a while

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  15. Kumpulan link gacor online …
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    MIgnolet
    Johnson | Koscielny | Evra
    Silva | Fer | Mirralas | Ramsey
    Negredo | Suarez | Rooney

    K.Davis-Oviedo-Chester-Clyne

    any advises on that (FT already done with Oscar -> Silva) 0.2 in the bank

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

      Need to get rid of either GJ or Mig with upcoming fixtures.

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

    Originally wanted to do:

    Ozil + Brunt > Silva + Walcott -4

    But having second thoughts. Might just do Brunt > Nasri.

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  17. Clean Bandit
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Keep Özil or Hazard?

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  18. Jagermeister
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Im doubling up on Mertesacker and Sagna. Arsenal seem to have the only consistent defence.

    Howard
    Sagna Mertesacker Coleman

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    1. Valar(Keith)
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Somehow Sagna never hits me as an fpl option.. dunno why. Always scared he'll be benched. i may take the punt too though. Sick of Chelsea and Pool at the moment

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      1. Get up ya bum
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        For Jenkinson? Not too much to worry about there

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        1. Valar(Keith)
          • 16 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          Yeah i guess.. Been benched 4 times this season though. all cause of injury?

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          1. Get up ya bum
            • 16 Years
            12 years, 1 month ago

            I'd assume so. Wenger loves him

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

    is it worth doing coutinho + rat ---> cabaye and baines for -4?

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    1. Kumpulan link gacor online …
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      for me yes, it worth

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  20. applebonkers
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    morning morning morning, evening evenung evening easterners https://twitter.com/City_Watch/status/415124947501973506
    5.1mil. interestingly lots of man city fans feel demichelis has actually done pretty well though and things like MOTD sell him short

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    1. Get up ya bum
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      One for the wildcard perhaps.

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

      isnt he 5.9 mill?

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      1. Get up ya bum
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        nope

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      2. applebonkers
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        demich is yeah

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

          yeah thought so...to be honest though zab is only 0.1 more expensive and got an assist every 3 games he played, so....

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          1. Get up ya bum
            • 16 Years
            12 years, 1 month ago

            nasty = 5.1

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

      Let's hope he continues then
      I have had Demichelis for about 7 weeks
      2 assists in 2 gameweeks in a row 😀

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  21. Bug
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Lukaku>Adebayor & Ramsey>Walcott for a 4 point hit.
    Worth it?

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

      no...your original duo may very well outscore the proposed duo

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  22. applebonkers
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    stat: gibbs has not got a single minus point for goals conceded all season

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

      pretty lucky that he was injured and got subbed off against villa and was absent v city...arsenal have only conceded 2 or more twice anyway, so we have the most consistent defence!

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

        If it wasn't for having two Arsenal mids I'd consider doubling up on their defence

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    2. Mr. Greedy
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Is Gibbs nailed on when fit? Struggling to decide between Gibbs, Sagna, Debuchy or maybe Kokarov.

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

        Im going Sagna less threat from Jenkinson than from Monreal.

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

          yeah plus sagna's crosses have looked dangerous recently

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  23. Siva Mohan
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Good Day Gents!

    'They played well, and they played the game we wanted them to as well' - Mourinho on Arsenal! 🙂

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  24. Jagermeister
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Whats the deal with Jose Fonte? I thought he was dropped but apparently he was injured.

    Surely he will be back for Boxing day. Yoshida and Hooupirfojveld have been awful.

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    1. applebonkers
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      he was on the bench i think. no idea why

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  25. Gaz Downright
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    A little bit of self-indulgence coming up, but this also points to ever contested hits good/bad debate.

    Last gameweek's transfers.

    Out:
    Agüero inj.
    Brady inj.
    Terry 6pts

    In:
    Lukaku 2pts
    Silva 10pts
    Evans 2pts
    -4pts hit

    It looks like I gained 4 points altogether right?

    Had I instead just done Agüero → Negredo, I would have had:
    +3 from Negredo-Lukaku
    -1 from Silva-Barkley who would have come off bench
    +4 from Terry-Evans
    +4 from not taking the hit

    so basically 10pts more, and 2FTs for dealing with Brady and Pantillimon now

    Not sure what the conclusion is, but last week's hit is not yet successful.

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

      Might pay of over the next two or three games 🙂 The problem with working out whether hits were good or bad is they need to be assessed over the length you hold the new players, and trying to work out what you'd have done instead over a number of weeks starts causing brain ache 🙂

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      1. Gaz Downright
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        *brain tumours 🙂

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    2. Evs
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      I never find hits successful in the same gameweek.

      I hate taking hits, gutted I had to sell Panto and now feel I should have gone Cheseny as opposed to DDG and that's not because of last nights cleanie...

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      1. Christina.
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        I was surprised you went DDG.

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        1. Evs
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 16 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          Well, he had better fixture last week than Chesney and Howard is on 4YC.

          If it weren't for that clown Buttner it would have worked out !!!

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  26. Clean Bandit
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Any other manager of a top 4 side goes to a top opposition ground and plays as negatively as he did, you won't hear the end of the criticism from the press. Imagine if Moyes played like that - hooking Torres for a defender! Instead they praise his tactics and make a beeline to wash his feet

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

      I think he is intelligent. He could not afford to open the gap to 5 points. He wasn't confident in his team either. So he the second best thing there was to do. Take the draw.

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

      Mourinho knows his team aren't playing well, they have just lost to Sunderland in the League cup.

      A point is a an excellent result for Chelsea.

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      1. Clean Bandit
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Course it is, and I don't mind that. We always knew that he'd play that way and that we would predictably struggle to break them down. What irks me is the level of tolerance and leeway the press give Mourinho - it's ridiculous. Goes to Old Trafford, plays without a striker and is lauded a genius

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  27. Bug
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone who has migs that is transferring him out this weekend?

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

      If you still have now then stick with him and sort him out on Jan WC.

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  28. Rasping Drive
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Good morning and Merry Christmas everyone!

    GJ out. But for who? Looking at Kos for sure, but also tempted by Dawson - Spurs have 3 at home in next 4 whereas Arse have the opposite. Thought about Dawson for 2 games then a switch to Koscielny but that seems a waste of a trade.

    What do you reckon, chaps?

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

      Is Kos fit?

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      1. Rasping Drive
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        The assumption is he will be and straight back into the team. But no guarantee of course!

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

          Ok am just asking.

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    2. Evs
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Arsenal defender if...

      * you haven't got one.

      * you can afford one 🙂

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      1. Rasping Drive
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Can't argue with that logic! Thanks Sensei.

        Don't have one and can afford anyone I want.

        However, the likes of Mert would mean I can't afford Walcott. And I would prefer a centre-back as well (fussy fecker ain't I?).

        Bollocks to it, I may as we'll go Gibbs or Sagna.

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        1. Evs
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 16 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          I don't see anything wrong with getting one of the full backs.

          Cover off the cleanies, don't worry a out paying premium for baps if it allows you to strengthen elsewhere.

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          1. applebonkers
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 16 Years
            12 years, 1 month ago

            full backs are like un-fitted bras. they are cheaper and do a job but poorer bap coverage

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            1. Evs
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 16 Years
              12 years, 1 month ago

              Interesting analogy there AB 😆

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              1. applebonkers
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 16 Years
                12 years, 1 month ago

                should probably think of a bread one, a bit more pc. also, i know more about bread 😉

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          2. Rasping Drive
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 16 Years
            12 years, 1 month ago

            Cheers, sound advice!

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  29. Gobigorgohome
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Jan WC is in effect starting from which GW please?
    I am lazy to calculate. 🙁

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

        OH GOD... I just have to click this. 🙁

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    1. applebonkers
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      gw 2+5+6+3+3+2

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

        thanks. It is 21 then. 🙁

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        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 16 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          GW 256332

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  30. Mr. Greedy
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    I was planning Nasri -> Walcott for a hit this week but having second thoughts now. Should I just stick with Nasri or go for Wally? I have Silva and Ramsey.

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