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

    There are loads of options atm and peoples fears of everyone having the same team don't seem to be materialising. There are no serious punts in my wc team (Navas probably the most punty) but it's when you look who I don't have that you realise how many variations there are. No Boruc, Coleman, Terry, Kos, Mert, Ozil, Silva, Ward, Sturridge, Negredo, Lallana for example who all feature in many wc teams. I could have picked any of these but didn't and I'm happy, so here's to an interesting period of games ๐Ÿ™‚

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

      I agree.

      You could pick two very decent squads right now. Loads of options.

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

        It's just the armband though, always on suarez. i'm so far behind but I have to keep it on suarez. puncheon is my differential, oh woe is me ๐Ÿ™‚

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

          There will come a time when we start to drift away from Suarez (c) just to try and make some progress. Around GW 30 I reckon.

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

      Whats your team looking like?

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

        On first page

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

          Like it. Non-template. GL

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

      Good luck WR, I have a couple of diffs. We shall see if they work.

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    4. GREENDREAMS11
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      I've only 2 of those mentioned myself Rover

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

    @M83 you there?

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

      Looooooooooool.

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

        I honestly need to talk to him about the rules on thus site

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

          Are you a moderator?

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

            No but I've seen his comments send stuff like that. He's saying bad things to others

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

              I know. Can you stick up for me? I'm not brave enough to do it myself.

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

              He was rude to Evs, in his first ever post. I'm shocked!

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

                Look below

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

          Okay Mr. Thomas aka Mark's apprentice.

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

      Yes.

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

        Watch out mate, Thomass is bad man ting.

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

        Hello, I've just looked at your comments and some of those words aren't nice. They are disrespectful to members of the community. Please be nice and calm and help others along the way, people get annoyed when you post things like that so please stop it. Thanks, I've also seen that you've been saying things to Breadbin, please be nice and friendly treat others in a good way rather than a hurtful way, think about what you post. Please be respectful and nice and read the T&C page. Thanks

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

          Calm down Tom it's just a joke.

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

    Check your mails guys.

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

      Got it, thanks mate.

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    2. Evans
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Just did ๐Ÿ™

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

      Have done, empty!

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

      Pffffft nothing.

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

      Sorry guys, my mail is in the outbox and isn't working.

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

    I know we all have to pretend we dont want players getting injured n all...

    BUT, if Aguero came off the bench today & did his hamstring, getting 1 point, I would not be upset.

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

      You would be when I come the hunt you down!

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      1. Woy of the Wovers
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        Come the hunt you down? Ronh, I think you're safe.

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

          Thanks grammar police. *to

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

      I would also not be upset from an FPL perspective, but would feel sorry for him as an individual. I would high 5 you in secret.

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

      Me too.

      I loved it when Bale left in the summer as it gave so many more options. And when RVP turned crap as well.

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    4. Noisy Neighbour
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      I know we all have to pretend we don't want fantasy players getting injured n all...

      BUT, if RONH did his hamstring today whilst jumping up and down in celebration of someone's injury, I would not be upset.

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

    Shocked that so many people are getting Sturridge when they already have Suarez.

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

      Why? It's not even really doubling up.

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      1. Epic Fail
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        Aye. Suarez doesn't count any more. Only captaining him or not is where it differs.

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

        Is it not? By my reckoning it is

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

          Suarez is owned by every man and his dog, so if Liverpool have an off week EVERYONE has an off week with him. FPL is now a 14 man game really.

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

            yes but Suarez and Sturridge will have to share the goals/assists - better to go for the main striker at a different club

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

              Each to their own, but doubling up on the second highest scoring team in the league, whose strikers have a monopoly (duopoly) on the goals and assists seemed like a no brainer to me.

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            2. Mr Pink
              • 12 Years
              11 years, 11 months ago

              If you believe that Sturridge will outscore those strikers, then including him alongside Suarez makes perfect sense. His sharing of goals/assists with Suarez is not affected by someone including him in their FPL team or not.

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              1. Mr Pink
                • 12 Years
                11 years, 11 months ago

                Negredo will have to share goals/assists AND gametime with Aguero/Dzeko. Adebayor and Soldado are sharing points as well.

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

          Its not because its an 10 man team game now no point including Suarez due to his ownership.

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    2. sneif4
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      I had both earlier in the season and it went well

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    3. Old Man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Why? It can work wonderfully well!!! Back in the early 1990s I had Sutton and Shearer - they assisted each other and I ended with goal+assist points from one goal. You have to be selective with this type of choice - but S&S are an excellent, greedy, incestuous partnership. I only took Sturridge out this morning because I couldn't afford Clyne in my WC. You watch - S&S will do well.

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    4. Woy of the Wovers
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Shocked that you're shocked.

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

      worked for many earlier in the season

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  6. Trigg โญ๏ธ
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    Doos, I took your advice.

    Santi is in my team. I'm confident of returns!

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    1. Ted Maw
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      I have Santi and I'm far more in the 'hopeful' category than 'confident' right now

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

    5 minutes til wildcard time.

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

    Clyne on the bench

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  9. Demí
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    Clyne benched

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

      ๐Ÿ˜ฏ

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

      ๐Ÿ˜ณ

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

        i mean ๐Ÿ˜ฏ

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

          ๐Ÿ˜ณ

          amateur emoticon poster

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

      Here we go.

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

    Clyne = Bench

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

    TM, what do you mean?

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

    Played wc, took a gamble due to lack of $$$$. Guess where?
    Mannone
    Zabaleta Koscielny Azpilicueta
    Lallana Yaya Hazard Cabaye
    Negredo Suarez Berahino

    Davis Januzaj Ward Chester

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    1. Jereme Halliday
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      nice!

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

    boruc scheniderlin lovren fonte lambert davis rodriguez cork lallana chambers shaw

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

      No Clyne...

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

      Cork ๐Ÿ˜ฏ

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

        Wanyama isn't back yet.

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

      Woah woah woah. I was so close to getting Clyne in my WC.

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      1. sneif4
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        Me too

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

          I did.

          :¬(

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

      Lallana - checked o/

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

      Forgot Steven Davis existed: was thinking two goalkeepers is a bit negative...

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    6. 7shadesofsmoke
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Demi, have we heard much about why Clyne is on the bench?

      Chambers has looked very good in his games.

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      1. Jereme Halliday
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        Lallana yup! yup!

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

    Clyne chaired.

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  15. Jereme Halliday
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    My final WC team

    Boruc/KD
    kosclny/Kolarov/Ward/Chester/Coleman
    Lallana/Eriksen/Silva/Hazard/Alvera
    Suarez/Aguero/Studge

    No Arsenal Attacking backup..but all in on SAS

    Here we go!!!

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  16. GreennRed
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    Schillaci Smithwicks. Best ad ever ๐Ÿ˜‰

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxJeYY-VI-8

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  17. CunkOnFPL
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    predict points for:

    Negredo
    Ade
    Azpi
    Kolarov

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

      4 points in total

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    2. mutatedllama
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      2
      2
      2
      28

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      1. GREENDREAMS11
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        Haha, That would be good

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

      5
      5
      1
      6

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

      6
      10
      6
      5

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

    Chambers ๐Ÿ˜ฏ

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

    Chambers in on WC? ๐Ÿ˜‰

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

      Save WC brother in arms.

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  20. Djerbil
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    Clyne dropped

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

    Fascinating, Chambers over Clyne.

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  22. Mak_Gold
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Clyne benched? LOL! The decision to wildcard is already proving to be a success! ๐Ÿ˜Ž

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

        The decision to not wildcard will be even more successful if Chambers is an option at his low price. Plenty will grab him next week or the one after if he's named again (and we'll know before deadline next week).

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    • Jimbo123
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      How many WC 'd with Clyne included. :S

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      1. Mak_Gold
          11 years, 11 months ago

          I ejected him with my WC. ๐Ÿ˜€

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        • AIRMILES
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          I WC'd with Chambers. However, he's on my bench.

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

          Me but I benched him anyway

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

        Clyne 1st casuality of the Week

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

        Clyne fail

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      4. SW6
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        Clyne ๐Ÿ˜ก

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

        Nice to see Chambers getting games.

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

          He was injured last week. Wondering if he actually is preferred over Clyne now...

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

        Sunderland: Mannone, Bardsley, Alonso, Brown, O'Shea (C), Cattermole, Larsson, Ki, Johnson, Borini, Altidore

        Corrected

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

          So much for Colback nailed on then.

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

            he was never nailed on

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          2. 4-4-who?
            • 16 Years
            11 years, 11 months ago

            Bardsley FTW

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

        Well, that's Clyne gone on the wildcard then.

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