634x258 Preamble
18 January 2014 1714 comments
Mark Mark
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I think thereโ€™s a danger I could run out of ideas. Seven green arrows in eight Gameweeks should indicate progress but, looking at the gap in the contributors league and the chasm between myself and Granville, it seems that my efforts have been little more than powder puff. I need to find a boost in a season which, to this point, has offered few opportunities for those looking to make up ground.

Much as I like the fella, Luis Suarez hasnโ€™t helped matters. Last weekend provided yet more evidence that itโ€™s almost suicidal to peel the armband from the Uruguayan’s bicep. The option to take a risk with the captaincy doesnโ€™t look a viable strategy for the straggling Fantasy manager. Iโ€™ve tried that route and, while Luis let me get away with it by drawing two blanks, even that gamble had little impact.

So where do I turn next? As Iโ€™ve mentioned, Granville doesnโ€™t have any apparent chinks in his armour. His squad looks settled, his budget far in advance of my own โ€“ย if anything the Wildcard will hand him further advantage. Iโ€™m faced with having to take some calculated risks but, such a decision also threatens to derail my run of green arrows and begs the question, when do you allow mini-league rivalries to influence your overall decision making?

A few weeks back I decided to don the blinkers, ignore the mini-league scenario and set about saving face. Iโ€™ve gradually climbed the ranks and so, naturally, I have to conclude that Iโ€™m on a gradual path of progress. It feels cosy and safe but, equally, I can’t help thinking that Granvilleโ€™s has his slippers on and is running the foamy bath of victory.

Should I continue to look at the bigger picture? Maybe if I continue to play safe and go with template signings โ€“ Mesut Ozil being my latest โ€“ I will ensure an ascent up the ranks and I may yet even avoid my lowest ever Fantasy Premier League finish. However, I canโ€™t help consider that, if I allow the Fantasy Sat Nav to keep me on this comfortable path, Granville has it won. I swear when it advised me to turn to Ozil there was a Manchester twang in its voice.

To this point Iโ€™ve been subdued with the risk taking. Iโ€™ve veered off to take an occasional hit, taken the Edin Dzeko detour โ€“ nothing too outlandish. Clearly, it’s had little effect.

My latest half-baked plan is to use my third forward slot in rotation โ€“ attempting to hit a Gameweek sweet spot and find some double-figure differentials. It will be hatched later today but, if this also fails to make an instant impression, Iโ€™m faced with having to decide to either stay on this path of safety and effectively concede or go for broke and risk inviting the red arrows.

Sooner or later the Sat Nav will tell me to turn to Ramsey. Iโ€™ve a feeling that, by then, my season will be at the crossroads.

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

  1. Vardy Gras PBFC
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    I often find that when I start typing for opinions, half way through I realise how ridiculous I am being and don't bother posting. This time I'm committed.

    Lallana to Adam Johnson - ridiculous right?
    Everyone in my ML has Lallana and AJ has got the better next four fixtures and SUN are improving.

    Still ridiculous though, yeah?

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    1. Respect My Authoritah
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Ridiculous. Cabaye on the other hand...

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      1. Vardy Gras PBFC
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        Thanks for the replies, Hmmm... Cabaye. That's the next 14 minutes consumed for me!

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    2. The Glory Hunters
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Feels a bit like chasing points!

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    3. Your Man With The Hair
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      yep. but only because i think he's over priced for what you'll get

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  2. Mak_Gold
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Who to bench out of Eriksen, Januzaj and Ki?

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      1. Orion
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        ki

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      2. Chris_White
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        Januzaj

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        1. The Rock
          • 16 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          +1

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      3. Mak_Gold
          11 years, 11 months ago

          I'm starting Boruc if that helps.

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        • Baby Cuties
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          ive got same 3. im benching jan

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          1. Mak_Gold
              11 years, 11 months ago

              Thanks, guys. ๐Ÿ™‚

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        • Tim Canterbury
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          If anyone says Aguero out now ignore it

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          1. โญ Bemba_Da โญ
            • 15 Years
            11 years, 11 months ago

            why?

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          2. Demel
            • 14 Years
            11 years, 11 months ago

            What about if Pellegrini says it?

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            1. In Like Flynn.
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 15 Years
              11 years, 11 months ago

              He's a manager, last to be believed.

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              1. Tim Canterbury
                • 14 Years
                11 years, 11 months ago

                haha

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              2. Demel
                • 14 Years
                11 years, 11 months ago

                Good point!

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          3. In Like Flynn.
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 15 Years
            11 years, 11 months ago

            If anyone other than Demi says anything on a Friday night or Saturday morning, which doesn't have a link to a good source, ignore it.

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            1. rumplestilskin
              • 13 Years
              11 years, 11 months ago

              what if bemba da says it

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            2. Disco Pat
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 15 Years
              11 years, 11 months ago

              +1

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          4. Fitzy.
            • 14 Years
            11 years, 11 months ago

            Pity you didn't follow that advice before repeating the 'Oscar out' rumour last week.

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        • Respect My Authoritah
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          Any news on Wilshere after apparently not training yday?

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          1. mipola
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 11 months ago

            Just rumors i think.Wouldnt be surprised if it was true tho.Wilshere seems to be made up of glass

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        • hillbillypete
          • 16 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          there shud be a filter for daft questions on a sat am

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        • Breadbin
          • 15 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          Are the rumours I just made up in this post about Aguero being out today true?

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          1. 7shadesofsmoke
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 11 months ago

            I read that he's out. Think so.

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            1. Breadbin
              • 15 Years
              11 years, 11 months ago

              Where did you read that? I just read it, by reading my post again.

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          2. M83
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 11 months ago

            OMG you're so funny Bin! Keep it up!

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            1. Breadbin
              • 15 Years
              11 years, 11 months ago

              Thanks mate. Get Yaya, thank me later.

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          3. The Light Knight
            • 14 Years
            11 years, 11 months ago

            I was just about to make up something similar... there must be something to this!!

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            1. Breadbin
              • 15 Years
              11 years, 11 months ago

              There's something fishy going on.

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          4. QPR expects... glory!
            • 14 Years
            11 years, 11 months ago

            No. Total boblox ๐Ÿ˜€

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        • UnitednationsXI
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          could really do with some advise...

          A: burner >> kolorav for a hit?....current def is mert/distin/olson...will sub distin in this case
          B: lukaku >> negredo for a hit?

          Also, do we expect coutinho to start?

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          1. Demel
            • 14 Years
            11 years, 11 months ago

            Neither for me. Negredo would have to score 2 more than Lukaku. Even a clean sheet for Kolorov over one of the other defenders would break even. He would also need to score or assist to prove a good hit.

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            1. UnitednationsXI
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              11 years, 11 months ago

              Thanks

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        • GlasgowFF
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          Playing my WC as soon as the site refreshes.

          Can't wait!

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        • Lord Flashheart
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          30 minutes to activation of my wc.
          So excited.
          #needalife

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          1. Orion
            • 15 Years
            11 years, 11 months ago

            Do it now ๐Ÿ˜†

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        • Jam0sh
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          Team all set for this gw? Do you think bench order is right? Just one last confirmation that I'm good to go.

          Mannone
          Koscielny, Ward, Coleman
          Hazard, Silva, Özil, Eriksen
          JayRod, Aguero (vc), Suarez (c)

          subs: Marshall, Puncheon, Clyne, Chester

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        • Agbonlahorse
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          Silva (CAR,tot,CHE)

          or

          Gerrard (AVL, EVE, wba)

          over next 3 weeks?

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          1. TorresMagic™
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 16 Years
            11 years, 11 months ago

            Tough. Gerrard maybe.

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          2. 7shadesofsmoke
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 11 months ago

            Amazing grav. +1 for that alone.

            I like Silva as a season keeper but if we are only talking about three weeks, Gerrard has the better fixtures. He LOVES Villa (and you know he will hit maximum beast-mode in the Derby).

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        • Your Mum's Athletic
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          Any last minute news/ theories/ twitter gossip/ bib theories lads?

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          1. Tim Canterbury
            • 14 Years
            11 years, 11 months ago

            NO!

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        • top556677
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          who to play this week out of:

          Gabbidon - stoke(home)
          Januzaj - chelsea (away)
          Pozuelo - tottenham (home)

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        • Heydudes13
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          This is what I think I've decided on

          Mannone Davis
          Coleman Kolarov Ward Chester Hudson
          Hazard Ozil Silva Ki Pozuelo
          Suarez Aguero Sturridge

          Plan is to do Ozil, Ki > Ramsey > Lallana/Eriksen after Ki's SOT STK new HUL.

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          1. Heydudes13
            • 14 Years
            11 years, 11 months ago

            Ozil, Ki > Ramsey, Lallana/Eriksen*

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        • Nice 2 Michu
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          Mixed answers so any opinions much appreciated

          Play;

          A) Ward
          B) Januzaj

          Thanks again ๐Ÿ˜€

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          1. GTS
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 11 months ago

            A

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        • GlasgowFF
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          When on a wildcard is the idea to buy players why are rising during the week, even if you do not want them in the final draft.

          i.e. so you can take advantage of the rises?

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          1. TorresMagic™
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 16 Years
            11 years, 11 months ago

            Yes without losing profit from players you want to keep.

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            1. GlasgowFF
              • 14 Years
              11 years, 11 months ago

              Cheers

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          2. The Bandit
            • 15 Years
            11 years, 11 months ago

            It rarely works in practice. You probably want to keep the risers anyway and the players you want also rise before the ones you want to sell get to .2m

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        • Matt
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          Giroud and Mertesacker

          or

          Sturridge and Kos

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          1. GTS
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 11 months ago

            2nd

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          2. Demel
            • 14 Years
            11 years, 11 months ago

            Giroud and Kos.

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            1. Demel
              • 14 Years
              11 years, 11 months ago

              Actually Giroud and Sagna

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          3. QPR expects... glory!
            • 14 Years
            11 years, 11 months ago

            A

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        • Chris_White
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          Aguero; Aguero, Aguero, Aguero; Aguero, Aguero, Aguero, Aguero; Aguero (c), Aguero. #MCFC

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          1. Colonel Shoe ่‚ๆฑ 
            • 14 Years
            11 years, 11 months ago

            lies.......

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          2. Breadbin
            • 15 Years
            11 years, 11 months ago

            Haven't you heard?

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            1. Chris_White
              • 14 Years
              11 years, 11 months ago

              That's the reserves team. Playing a charity match to raise funds for Aguero's early retirement.

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        • kraftwerker
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          Good to go gentlemen?

          Mannone
          Terry Coleman Koscielny
          Hazard Silva Cazorla Sterling
          Aguero Suarez(c) Adebayor

          Januzaj, Chester, Wilson

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          1. Twisted Saltergater
            • 16 Years
            11 years, 11 months ago

            out of interest, why Cazorla over say, Gerrard?

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            1. kraftwerker
              • 14 Years
              11 years, 11 months ago

              Cazorla was a punt 2 weeks ago....didn't fancy taking a hit to get rid. Will be out when I wildcard this week.

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              1. Twisted Saltergater
                • 16 Years
                11 years, 11 months ago

                Cool. Yeah, I WC'ed this week and he's gone. Am taking a punt on Gerrard outscoring Ozil.

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                1. kraftwerker
                  • 14 Years
                  11 years, 11 months ago

                  That's a good shout I reckon. Think he'll score very well over the next two.

                  Good luck mate.

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        • Fred the Red
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          Start Clyne or Olsson? Have Mannone in goal and Boruc on the bench.

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        • pjomara
          • 15 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          Not feeling too confident for Liverpool today. Villa are a bit of a bogey side at An field. In last 4 visits they've won two by 3-1 and drawn another.

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          1. TorresMagic™
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 16 Years
            11 years, 11 months ago

            Stoke had something similar.

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            1. pjomara
              • 15 Years
              11 years, 11 months ago

              That was Pullis stoke, different team

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          2. blues123
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 11 months ago

            Thats true but form over fixture (or in my case suarez and strurridge run riot)

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        • decisions
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          is Hudson and Kolorov too much of a risk with only gabbidon as back up?

          currently think so and have clyne in kolorov's place...

          any opinion??

          coleman, kos, gabbidon, hudson clyne/kolorov

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        • r0nh
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          As I couldnt care less about the early KO, I will go to the gym during it.

          But I will be back in time for the 3pm line ups!!

          I want to be here when people see the City line up & see Aguero is benched ๐Ÿ˜†

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          1. Crouch Potato!
            • 14 Years
            11 years, 11 months ago

            Say hi to that fit gal for me ๐Ÿ˜‰

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            1. r0nh
              • 14 Years
              11 years, 11 months ago

              The girl is mine!!! ๐Ÿ‘ฟ

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        • Crouch Potato!
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          Chances of Sterling starting?

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          1. Breadbin
            • 15 Years
            11 years, 11 months ago

            60/40 in favour (opinion).

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            1. Crouch Potato!
              • 14 Years
              11 years, 11 months ago

              Cheers ๐Ÿ˜‰

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            2. Schürrle Class
              • 12 Years
              11 years, 11 months ago

              How do you get a grav?

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          2. Billy Gilmore
            • 13 Years
            11 years, 11 months ago

            Pretty high going by rumours.

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        • Ed
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          Ward or Gabbidon in my wildcard team?

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          1. GTS
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 11 months ago

            ward

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            1. The Rock
              • 16 Years
              11 years, 11 months ago

              Agreed

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        • European Bob
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          Please help last wc decision - Oscar and Kolarov or Silva and Dawson?

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          1. Red Viper
            • 13 Years
            11 years, 11 months ago

            OK

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        • ZakAFC_
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          Krul (Harper)
          Ward, Koscielny, Coleman (Fonte, Davies)
          Özil (vc), Cabaye, Lallana, Hazard (Januzaj)
          Negredo, Suarez (c), Lukaku

          Good to go? Or bring in Kolarov for a -4?
          Wildcard still available

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        • Schürrle Class
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          How do you get a grav anyone?

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            1. Schürrle Class
              • 12 Years
              11 years, 11 months ago

              Cheers TM. My grav is going to be me and Sessegnon. Got picture taken with him when I went over to West Brom ๐Ÿ˜€

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          1. 7shadesofsmoke
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 11 months ago

            go to gravatar.com

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        • Leeds Lucky
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          Who to bench. Eriksen lallana Ade

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        • pundit of punts
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          Any early team news?

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