634x258 Preamble
18 January 2014 1714 comments
Mark Mark
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I think there’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 hasn’t helped matters. Last weekend provided yet more evidence that it’s almost suicidal to peel the armband from the Uruguayan’s bicep. The option to take a risk with the captaincy doesn’t look a viable strategy for the straggling Fantasy manager. I’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 I’ve mentioned, Granville doesn’t have any apparent chinks in his armour. His squad looks settled, his budget far in advance of my own – if anything the Wildcard will hand him further advantage. I’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. I’ve gradually climbed the ranks and so, naturally, I have to conclude that I’m on a gradual path of progress. It feels cosy and safe but, equally, I can’t help thinking that Granville’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 – Mesut Ozil being my latest – I will ensure an ascent up the ranks and I may yet even avoid my lowest ever Fantasy Premier League finish. However, I can’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 I’ve been subdued with the risk taking. I’ve veered off to take an occasional hit, taken the Edin Dzeko detour – nothing too outlandish. Clearly, it’s had little effect.

My latest half-baked plan is to use my third forward slot in rotation – 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, I’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. I’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. rozzo
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    So is Aguero really out? Ready to swap him out for Hooper if he is....

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

      No and you are too late anyway

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

      Not now you won't.

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    3. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      he is not out....and deadlines gone

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

      Agureos out????!?@!?

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    5. rozzo
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      was supposed to be a joke but I am evidently not very funny lol

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

        yellow card to you!

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    6. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Auero would score double figures today even if he was left out of the match squad entirely. He's THAT good.

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  2. Snooze ya lose
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    No more tinkering now!

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  3. Lateriser 12
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    Giroud(c)

    That is all.

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    1. Parm
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Red arrow.

      That is all.

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

      There are few thing more annoying than people who say 'that is all' It's not all at all. That is all

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

        Thoughts ?

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      2. Lateriser 12
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        πŸ˜†

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      3. HuttonDressedasLahm
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        No offence but........

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

      Kolarov in for a hit. I feel alive!!!

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      1. Ginkapo FPL
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        This drug is too addictive, thats it you're hooked

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      2. Lateriser 12
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        Take that armband off Suaz for even 5. You'll feel alive.

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    4. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Ballsy. Wish I had gone for it too. Fulham are shiiiiiiii

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    5. The Chosen One...
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Same....Fulham are absolute pants

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

        I've done the same. Had to get out the house and do something so I wouldn't revert back to Suarez

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        1. Lateriser 12
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          Good luck folks.

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  4. Ginkapo FPL
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    So all captained Kolarov right?

    (Suarez for me)

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

      He's my vice

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      1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGeniusβ…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        You can say that again! πŸ˜‰

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

          How are ya doing, Doos? Family in order yet? πŸ™‚

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    2. Lateriser 12
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Neither 😎

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      1. The Chosen One...
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        Giroud?

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        1. Lateriser 12
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          Yep.

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        2. The Chosen One...
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          Woops just saw above

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    3. Tibidabo
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      I did!

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  5. Bolivian Seaman
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    come on puncheon! πŸ™‚

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    1. Chris_Fàbregas #DOOS…
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      I doubt if he'd like that..

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      1. Sooda
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        HA

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

    Need to know if it's deadline yet.

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    1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      nah a ages to go...like mid week

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

      wait until Thomass posts his team then you will know it was deadline two minutes ago

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

      Buy a watch, peasant

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

        Your first ever post on this site was abuse.

        http://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/comment/6528305

        Bounder.

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

        Lol @ M83.

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  7. Ed
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    Arsenal, City & Liverpool today - exciting day ahead!

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  8. elkunaguero
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    11 starting players with Home games this GW + 3 bench players with Home games this GW

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    1. Valar(Keith)
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      would not want t ohave your team over the next 2 then

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      1. elkunaguero
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        the big guns in attack and midfield can deliver either way

        half my defense will be playing home

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  9. Alton E.
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    Anyone went with Carroll?

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    1. garbage1
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Me πŸ™‚

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

    Fulham & Cardiff please score a goal (not an own goal).

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    1. DonTheSpecialOne
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Cardiff yes, Fulham no!

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

      Villa made me sad last week, Fulham's turn now I guess.

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  11. Thomass
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    Thomass team: Boruc; Coleman, Terry, Koscielny; Lallana, Silva, Gerrard, Hazard; Sturridge, Suarez(C), Negredo.
    Subs: Davis, Pozuelo, Ward and Chester.

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

      -4 or -8 after your wildcard?

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

      Red arrow πŸ™

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

        Bookmarked, we will see at the end of Today

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

          Only counts at the end of the GW.

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    3. Peggi
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Liverpool 0-1 Villa

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    4. Thomass
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      -4.

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

      Right on queue. See above post re: two mins after deadline πŸ˜€

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      1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGeniusβ…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        *cue

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

        On cue.

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

    I have never been so confident of getting a green arrow 😎

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

      Lallana hat trick to start the day off would be nice

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

        -1 πŸ‘Ώ

        I want a 1-1 draw i that game & every player booked!!

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

          How about 11-11, 1 own goal for all players.

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

            Id love it!!!

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

      GL

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  13. Lrf
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    GL everybody!

    Happy with my XI this week (WC):

    Mannone
    Kos Kolarov Coleman
    Hazard Silva Eriksen Ozil
    Suarez(c) Aguero(v) Sturridge

    NVM my bench πŸ˜‰

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

    Well, i left it too late haha. Was trying to press confirm to bring in Wilshere and Aguero for Lallana and Negredo. I'm regretting leaving it so late.. hopefully Wilsh and Aguero start on the bench!

    First time i have ever let me transfer go down to the wire. At least it was an experience πŸ™‚

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    1. MARVELLUS
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      This week, having Lall/Neg might actually be better.

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  15. Tibidabo
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    SHOW ME SOME LOVE CAPTAIN KOLAROV!

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  16. S.Kuqi
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    Whos more likely to win? Stoke against Crystal Pulis or Brighton against Derby

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    1. S.Kuqi
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      I'm planning my daily bets.

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    2. Parm
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Former.

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    3. Ginkapo FPL
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      When Pulis takes on Pulis, a 0-0 is guarenteed

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  17. Bolivian Seaman
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    The game is currently being updated. Please try again later when the updated scores / teams will be available.

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

      Fascinating.

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  18. sedgster1213
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    What do you lads think...

    Krul

    Coleman, Sagna, Kolarov

    Hazard, Johnson, Navas, Kim Jong

    Giroud, Suarez, Negrado (C)

    Pretty cheeky πŸ˜‰

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

      I think it will do really well last week.

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    2. Bolivian Seaman
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      good forward line

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

      That midfield.. Hope it goes well! Definitely different enough!

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    4. Shipstontrev
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Take the armband off Luis at your peril!

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    5. Mumm-Ra
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      A dead North Korean president in your midfield - now thats a differential and a half πŸ™‚

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  19. The Chosen One...
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    Lallana blank and Mannone CS and pen save plzz

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

      This!!

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

      No, sorry.

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    3. Shipstontrev
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      How about Mannone pen save and Lallana goal? Keeps everyone happy!

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

        Minus points for both is better.

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

        Nice!

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  20. Piggs Boson
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    Thanks to TheSportsGuys comments I was able to do Hazard->Ozil before the deadline! http://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2014/01/18/the-pre-match-preamble-gameweek-22-2/?hc_page=10#hc_comment_6578316

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

      lol

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  21. The Shadow
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    Cherry popped - first time ever Kolarov owner!

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    1. Parm
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Ditto

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

      Me too.

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    3. Tricknova
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Snap. Question is 10 pointer or dropped?

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  22. S.Kuqi
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    Sunderland- Soton 0-1 and Lallana not involveld would be worst possible start for today.

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    1. sedgster1213
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      sunderland big win, johnson hat-rick!

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      1. Shipstontrev
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        They can't play Fulham every week you know!

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    2. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Agree

      However Sunderland 0-3 Southampton (Lallana hat trick, 2 pen saves for Mannone from Lambert) would be a great start πŸ™‚

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  23. HuttonDressedasLahm
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    So, to WC or not to WC? That is the question.

    If I don't it's going to be a boring 10 days

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

      Watch the price rises after MOTD first

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    2. An Púca
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      same as that...and the GW after is short

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  24. Mr Smith
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    Worth a -4 to bring in Aguero for Lukaku? Pretty set otherwise.

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    1. The Assassin-Faced BabyDave
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      snooze you lose

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    2. sedgster1213
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      if he starts...

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

        Was bringing in Giroud for Lukaku a good idea yesterday?

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

      I brought in Giroud for Lukaku

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

    Wilshere isn't injured acording to @DeanLDN22. Took training off yesterday for personal reasons. He's fit for today though.

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

      Good news.

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

      Where's my Sticky!

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

        Look down.

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

          What?

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      2. Gnu
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        It's been given to Mweene! πŸ˜‰

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

      Now you tell us. Did his hamster die

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

      Who is Dean?

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

        Hi

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

          Hi πŸ˜€

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    5. Mojo Rojo
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Great news! Upvote πŸ˜‰

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    6. rdpx
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Good to know cheers

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  26. Parm
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    Team Check πŸ˜‰

    de Gea;
    Kosc, Kolarov, Gabby;
    Ozil, Silva, Hazard, Sterling;
    Suarez(c), Aguero, Ade.

    Rudd; Whitts, Rosenior, Burner.

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

      Deeesunt

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

        Migs
        Coleman Kos Kolarov
        Ozil Haz Lallana Sterling
        Suarez(C) Negredo Giroud

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        1. Parm
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          Not too bad yourself πŸ˜‰

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        2. Mr Smith
          • 15 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          Still got Migs? WC must be in tact so i guess you can correct.

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

            Yup

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    2. Mr Smith
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Nice, i've gone with:

      Shezz
      Kos, Kolarov, Coleman
      Hazard, Silva, Lallana, Eriksen
      Suarez(c), Aguero, Giroud

      Subs: Davies, Clyne, Chester, Januzaj

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      1. Parm
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        Solid.

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

        Looks good. Mine is

        Mannone
        Coleman Ward Koscielny
        Eriksen Hazard Silva Özil
        Suarez Giroud Adebayor

        Subs: Clyne Pozuelo Burner

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    3. SuperOsçarBaby
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      M
      W - C - B
      S - Ö - L - O
      S(c) - R - G

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

      Mannone
      Kolarov Kos Coleman
      Haz Silva Eriksen Ozil
      Suarez(c) Aguero Sturridge

      Best of luck!

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      1. Parm
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        And to you too. Looks like you have all bases covered...

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

          Except my bench πŸ˜‰

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    5. Alaric
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Nice, I went with:

      Boruc

      Kosc Kolarov Goalman

      Haz Silva Ozil Cabaye

      SAS

      3.9, Januzaj, Chester, Ward

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    6. Mile Plankton - Myth and Ch…
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Speroni
      Bardsley/Sagna/GJ
      Silva/Haz/Lallana/Cabaye
      Suarez(c)/Luka/Giroud

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  27. Plagued by indecision
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    3 players in the lunchtime game! Come on Clyne, Lallana and Ki!

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

      You have lunch at 12.45?

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      1. Plagued by indecision
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        any time between 12pm and 2pm, it varies.

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

        Is that weird?

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  28. The Wizard of Ozil
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    Szczesny
    Coleman - ward - Dawson - Kolarov (Turner)
    Ozil - YaYa - Hazard(V) (WP, Barkly)
    Suarez(C) - Negredo - Lukaku

    4 at the back for the 1st time in a while, bring on the WC nextweek πŸ˜€ good luck all

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

    29

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  30. Shipstontrev
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    J-Rod has been quiet recently. Wakey Wakey, you're playing Sunderland!

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