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 Mourinhoโ€™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, weโ€™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. Alberto Tomba
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Merry Christmas eve

    1Ft.
    Is Redmond -> Cabaye a wise move considering I'd have to play him instead of Januzaj (hul)?

    Currently looking at:
    Szesney
    Dawson-Distin-Coleman
    Ozil-Ramsey-Januzaj-Silva
    Suarez-Lukaku-Rooney

    Mannone Redmond Williams Flanagan

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

      Redmond to cabyaye ??
      http://i.imgur.com/y3B13rI.gif

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      1. Alberto Tomba
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Haha thanks sheep :), you reckon hold then.

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

          Don't see why not, hes cheap and a good player. Seems like you're just trying to use the cash because its there. I'd upgrade Dawson first, Spurs are about to concede a shit ton of goals under this new system.

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          1. Alberto Tomba
            • 13 Years
            12 years, 1 month ago

            Yeah I'm thinking the same, if they can't hold a cleanie at home to west brom he'll be out. Sherwood doesn't come across as tactically organised in his interviews

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

      i would save the FT, team looks good
      who is your (C)? ๐Ÿ˜‰

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      1. Alberto Tomba
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers Mookie, Suarez atm, could be Rooney though. I'm worried about Arsenal rotation.

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

    Rat>Mertesacker or save? rest of team looks like this.

    Marshall(Kdavies)
    Gabiddon Walker Jagielka (Chester Rat)
    Ozil Ramsey Silva Redmond (Colback)
    Lukaku Suarez(C) Rooney

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

      If its free, then yes, Arsenal have good fixtures.

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

        Yes, it's for free.

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    2. Alberto Tomba
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Good move

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  3. Peggi
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    best defender under 4.5mil for the next month?

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

      Lowten

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

        Of the Matthew variety. In case there is another lowton I am not aware of..

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

      Would have been Brown.

      Burner probably.

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    3. Alberto Tomba
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      After next game either Bardsley or a Whm defender (not Tomkins :))

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  4. Dago
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    THE DAGO 

    Not worth doing Mignolet to Mannone this week is it? Both are going to score low. Save transfer? 1.9 million in bank. 

    Mignolet 
    Coleman Terry Burner
    Hazard Ramsey Barkley Silva 
    Rooney Suarez Lukaku 

    Morrison Ward Rosenoir 

    Thanks.

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

      sicne you cant do Howard, what about Szczezny?

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

    anybody figured out some good rotation pair of cheap defenders apart from Ward/Burner one ? At least until JanWC.

    I wanna go with Baines and rotating pairs of cheapos from GW19 onwards

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

      its like 5 games. sureley you can figure it out manually by looking at the ticker.

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

        ...yeah...your Q is confusing....you looking for rotating keepers for the next 7 days(when Jan WC is available) or from GW 19 onwards.

        ๐Ÿ˜•

        Most of the rotations have been set in stone since GW1

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    2. Alberto Tomba
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      GW19 to GW21, That's only for two weeks then!?

      There'll be lots of analyses of this in a week or two on here so I'd wait for now.

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

    If you had 2 FT would you send them now (back in two days after the deadline , if patient), or rather continue with a transfer a round policy?

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  7. rockingsam007
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    HEY GUYS...
    need a little help ..
    A)OVIEDO - CABAYE and ROSIENIOR - SAGNA/GIBBS
    B)OVIEDO - LALLANA and ROSIENIOR - any defender of 5.1 ...
    3.7 m in bank 1 FT
    my team
    guzan
    Coleman rosienior baker kolarov distin
    ozil Ramsey oviedo colback hazard
    rooney suarez negredo

    plzz hlp guyz ...
    i would love some good suggestions also ..
    thanx in advance ...
    also help me choose a captain
    and who to bench this GW ...

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  8. rnrd001
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Dropping Ozil for Silva. What do you guy think og this idea?

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

      I just did for -4. do it.

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  9. The Finnisher
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Nastasic down to 5.1

    Potential bargain.

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    1. Tony Yeboah
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      this

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

      I'm not sure he will get his place back...will he ?

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

        Should, defensively they have not been ideal IMO. We probably wont know after a few games though

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

          The problem as I see it is that Pell has his own signing in there now...That is always a bit of a worry...He's no great shakes but he is his man...

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    3. Dago
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Koscielney at 5.3 looks nice

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  10. FF Dirtbag
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Is there any news on Vlaar or Clyne? Are they due back?

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

    Ozil to Silva -4 worth?

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    1. Something Clever
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      No.

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

    Scoutpicks out on Xmas or Boxing day?

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

      Christmas

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

        Ta

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

    Would you rather do;

    Gj --> mert
    Gj --> coleman

    Already have distin as everton cover

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

      Coleman is must have

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

        Double everton essential?

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

          Yes

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  14. malbekh
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    So, 80 points this week and pretty much stayed still. Seems to be getting hard work at present just to keep your position..

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

      77 and red

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

      93 and barely moved ๐Ÿ˜ฏ

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    3. Tim Canterbury
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Suarez (c) 32 points, Yaya 10 points, Coleman 8 points, Rooney 11 points, Barkley 9 points, Mert 9 points, Terry 6 points. A lot of people would have had a lot of those players. Some would have had all of them. Its easy to see why. 85 points there.

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

        *this

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

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

    Davis - Ravel - Ward - Chester

    Bank = 0
    FT = 1

    What should I do? Bought Ramsey at 7.5, should I ditch for Walcott by downgrading Terry > M.Olsson?

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

      Nice team. Not sure I would remove terry before Swansea at home. Also removing Ramsey may burn you. Give it another week then reassess.

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

        Hey SZ! Plan was to do Terry & Ramsey > M.Olsson & Walcott for a hit this week then Luna > Evans next week. Problem is I won't be able to afford it when Walcott rises. Have to decide before the price changes. Comes down to:

        A) Terry, Luna & Ramsey
        or
        B) Evans, Olsson & Walcott

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  16. Pringle
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Rate my starting 11 anyone?

    Marshall
    Distin Baines Evans
    Walcott Silva Hazard Januzaj
    Negredo Lukaku Suarez

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

      Very nice. Only weak spot is Januzaj (and probably Evans) and he could still do well.

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

      WE have the same 8 players and

      you- Baines, Januzaj, Negredo
      me- Coleman,Redmon, Lukaku

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

        We both have lukaku

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

    Non-Suarez captainers... who's doing what? Currently on Lukaku, swaying between him and Hazard. Surely Rooney away to Hull has worse prospects than Suarez?

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

      Man City def is not that good actually.

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

    RMT please

    Marshall
    Coleman, Distin, Evans
    Silva(VC), Hazard, Ramsey, Redmon
    Suarez(C), Lukaku, Rooney

    Sub: Gazaginza Ward, Morrison, Chester

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  19. Wheato182
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Scored 71 points this week and feel gutted everyone in my ML has exceeded this, only a few weeks ago id have been buzzing at this score

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  20. simon.knott86
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    time to do the rambo to wally swap?

    Im concerned that my GK wont be starting again now and I dont have a playing reserve keeper either and also heard Baines may be back so Oviedo could be dropped... crisis!

    So im looking at the following:

    A) Rambo + Pantillimon -> Wally + Mannone
    B) Oviedo + Pantillimon -> Mannone + Barkley

    have also had the Liv defender flanagan on my watch list worth a punt?

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

    Best option fora cheapie defender until the WC out of this lot?

    A. Williamson
    B. Whittaker
    C. Bardsley

    My defense is 2 Everton, Marshall, Chester & Gabbidon

    Cheers

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  22. Defcons are for Kinnear
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    When did Sheep return, is this a Christmas special?

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

      I was here yesterday. I just roam from field to field. The grass had grown back a little here so I thought it was time.

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  23. ACCOUNTING ON CHRIS
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Not being funny but....

    How can you captain Lukaku? Did you watch him against Swansea... Terrible.

    I'm captaining Suarez. Man City will leak goals, and we know who'll score em!

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

      I watched Lukaku vs Crystal Palace and sold him, he then scored 2 against Liverpool.

      So he will score 2 goals.

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    2. t4thomas
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      What about Silva (C) - Liverpool leak goals everywhere, and he is going to be involved.

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

        Yes Silva(C) is worth a look actually

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

      Because I've watched him over the whole season. His random huge performance is coming this week. Unlucky with Oviedo btw...didn't look like Baines would recover so soon!

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  24. laGan1n1
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Krul

    Coleman Terry Jones

    Mirallas Eriksen Lampard Lallana

    Suarez Rooney (c) Negredo

    suggestions ?

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

      whoa you have eriksen!!

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

        looks good to me ๐Ÿ™‚

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      2. laGan1n1
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        yep

        i did Pozuelo > Eriksen this week

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    2. Efan Ekoku Pops
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      whoa you have Terry Jones!

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

      Nice. Not tempted to put the armband on Suarez?

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      1. laGan1n1
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        nope

        Rooney against Hull 3 games 5 goals and 2 assists
        Suarez against City 4 games 1 goal and 0 assist

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  25. d00fus
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    I'm 27 points ahead in my ML, which has a 1st Jan prize. If I swap Oscar to Yaya (ugh, guy has been trolling me all season) for -4 I basically totally cover my rival and 3/4/5 in the ML. Yaya definitely more nailed on, but feels a bit lame and I'd rather have Silva really. Cover or not?

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

      Go for Silva

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      1. d00fus
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Worth a -4?

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

      If your priority is the prize then it has to be the defensive play

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      1. d00fus
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Feels pretty lame but it's 2 gameweeks I guess, might as well claim it!

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    3. Tim Canterbury
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Whats the prize

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      1. d00fus
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        £100, not a fortune but would be handy post-xmas!

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        1. Alberto Tomba
          • 13 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          Yep play defensively and giv ethe money to charity if you feel guilty

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

      Silva. Better to have a slightly higher return to cover any surprise hauls from rival defenders. Yaya won't be outscoring Silva over next 2 imo.

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    5. d00fus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Cheers all for keeping me strong, Silva it is I think!

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  26. andres
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Would really feel better with some city in there..

    howard (davies)
    coleman merte ward (chester willliams)
    hazard wally SESS rambo (jedinak)
    lukaku Roo Suarez
    1FT, 0.8

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

      Virtually the same team as mine mate,
      having a torrid time of it , big mistake getting Lukaku over Negrado
      All i can do is Sess >Cabaye, then Hazard > Silva/ Ya-Ya next week

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

    Hi folks,

    Main issues for this week are:
    Mannone against Everton away with myhill as other gk
    coutinho
    nasri

    I can do coutinho ใ€‹wally/silva (which one) on the free...or shd take I out one of the other two..

    also is baines worth a punt? Can downgrade nasri to cabaye and then upgrade either dawson/distin to baines?

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    1. Alberto Tomba
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Coutinho for either.

      I wouldn't take too many hits if you're planning an early WC.

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

    Hey guys, I need some help as I am no longer first in my ML after yesterday. My team currently is;

    Gazzaniga (davis)
    Distin/Coleman/Vlaar (lovren/rosenior)
    Ramsey/Ozil/Coutinho/Januzaj (kasami)
    Suarez/Rooney/Lukaku

    I have 4m ITB and a FT. I am thinking about Coutinho>Hazard/Toure/Silva. My choice right now would be to bring in Toure for at least until gw 20. What are your thoughts? And I am thinking about captaining someone else then Suarez since everybody has him, maybe Toure? Any other suggestions? All help is greatly appreciated!

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    1. Alberto Tomba
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      I think there's a possibility Boruc may be back, in which case sub a keeper. But otherwise you're looking at the right moves. I'd go Silva personally

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

        Really? Boruc could be back? That would change things.. My rival has Hazard so I can't take him. You would favor bringing Silva in instead of Toure? And is captaining Silva or Toure an option?

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        1. Alberto Tomba
          • 13 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          It doesn't matter whther you have some similar players if your other ones are better.
          I'm looking for a link...

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  29. asdasdasdadasdasda
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    1FT
    A)Glen Johnson to Mertesacker

    or

    B)Shelvey To Cabaye

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    1. Alberto Tomba
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      A for the immediate fixtures

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

    Everyone is captaining Ratface.

    Yet Citeh have scored 35 goals in 8 home games.

    Where are the City(c)?

    ๐Ÿ˜•

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

      No real C options there, they look like they will score as a team

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

        Only 1 pt difference between an assist and a goal in milfs/fwds...

        ๐Ÿ˜‰

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    2. Alberto Tomba
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Aguero's injured otherwise it'd be him.

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

      Dunno. Pool have a pretty shocking defence as well, and no Gerrard to cover their arses. Could be a massacre.

      Which City player would you recommend to captain? Silva never strikes me as captain material.

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

        Nothing wrong with Silva.

        Did you watch him vs Ful?

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    4. Dago
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      35 goals across several players. Ratman scores nearly all of Pools

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

        Risk vs Reward

        My season is going nowhere. Last 6 weeks I've been between 160k and 130k.

        We are halfway through the season.

        Time to go out guns blazing.

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