634x258 Scout Picks
14 March 2014 1263 comments
Paul Paul
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After last week’s schedule was hit hard by cup postponements, we return to normality with 10 fixtures to choose from. Everton and Southampton supply our starting XI with a couple of players apiece as they prepare for the visit of Cardiff and Norwich respectively, whilst Sunday’s encounter at Old Trafford gives us two of our three-man frontline:

We opt for Michel Vorm between the posts as Swansea welcome West Brom to the Liberty. In an injury-hit season, the Dutchman has conceded just once in his last five home appearances, and with the Baggies hammered by injuries to key players over the last few days, a shut-out for the Dutchman could well be on the cards.

Jose Fonte offers the chance of points at both ends of the pitch as Southampton entertain Norwich at St Mary’s. The centre-half has already scored three times this term and faces a Canaries side that have netted just three times in their last six road trips, whilst Fonte’s ability to serve up bonus points also falls in his favour – he’s delivered 18 to date, mirroring the combined tally of fellow Saints defenders Dejan Lovren and Luke Shaw.

A home game against Cardiff brings Seamus Coleman into consideration. Whilst many are opting for Leighton Baines, the left-back has yet to score from open play this season – a feat that Coleman has already managed on five occasions. Furthermore, the Toffees have conceded just once in their last three at Goodison, whilst Ole Gunner Solskjaer’s side have failed to find the net in any of their last three road trips.

Sunderland’s home clash with Palace brings Phil Bardsley into our three-man backline. The full-back has scored four times in all competitions since being recalled to the first-team by Gus Poyet and faces an Eagles side that have netted only once in their previous four road trips.

With Sergio Aguero ruled out yet again for City, Yaya Toure’s contribution will be vital for tomorrow’s testing trip to Hull. Given that the Tigers shipped four goals to Newcastle in their previous home match, the Ivorian’s owners will be optimistic of further points and, with Aguero’s absence also handing him spot-kicks as well as set-pieces, he could be set to extend the form which has seen him score or assist in 15 of City’s league matches already.

Adam Lallana’s Fantasy owners will be anticipating further returns for tomorrow’s home encounter with Norwich. The Canaries have conceded at least twice in each of their last four road trips and were battered 4-1 by Villa in their last away game – this bodes well for Lallana, who has already served up five double-figure hauls in front of his own fans this season.

Eden Hazard is impossible to overlook for Chelsea’s trip to Villa. Given that Paul Lambert’s side last managed a home clean sheet in November, the chances of keeping out the Blues looks slim – with four goals and a pair of assists in his previous five, Hazard’s form has been instrumental in helping Jose Mourinho’s side establish a seven-point advantage at the summit.

Sunday’s north London derby at the Lane earns Santi Cazorla a call-up. Tottenham have now shipped seven goals to Chelsea and Benfica in their last couple of matches, and with Michael Dawson ruled out due to a hamstring injury, the Gunners will be confident of picking up the points. Cazorla could be switched to a central role due to Mesut Ozil’s injury and his penchant for a long shot could come to the fore again as he looks to add to his tally of three goals in the last seven matches.

Goals in each of his last couple of league appearances suggest Wayne Rooney is finding his form again. Having recovered from injury, the United frontman took his time to return to full match fitness but, whilst Robin van Persie is starting to falter, the England international looks to be approaching his best once more and a home clash against Liverpool’s porous defence hands him the chance to extend his scoring streak.

We’re also backing Luis Suarez for Sunday’s Old Trafford encounter, with goals looking on the menu. United have already lost four times in front of their own fans this term and conceded twice to Fulham in their previous home match – David Moyes’ side will do well to keep the Uruguayan in check, as Suarez goes in search of his sixth double-figure away haul of the season.

Romelu Lukaku has been quick to make an impact since returning from injury, having scored in each of his two appearances in league and cup. With the big Belgian back in the fold, Everton look solid favourites to see off an ailing Cardiff side that has conceded an average of two goals per game since the arrival of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

We’re backing Ryan Shawcross to deliver as Stoke welcome West Ham to the Britannia. The Potters kept out Arsenal in their previous home encounter and face a Hammers side that has drawn blanks in two of their last three road trips. Shawcross’ threat in the box and ability to pick up bonus is also key to his inclusion.

Adam Johnson is more than a little unlucky to only make the bench. The Sunderland wide man has racked up six goals and a pair of assists in his last six league appearances and could well be set to prosper against a Palace side that have managed a single clean sheet on their travels under Tony Pulis.

Wilfried Bony warms the bench for Swansea’s clash with the injury-hit Baggies. Fully recovered from the illness that forced him off in the previous league match, the Ivorian will be hoping to continue the form that has harvested six goals in nine appearances since the turn of the year.

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  1. GK
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    (Stupidly) got Aguero in for -4 before the Barca game. Keep and pray for a recovery for the double or suck it up as a mistake and bring Lukaku in for another -4.

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    1. Art Vandelay
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Suck it up and move on. That is what I have had to do.

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    2. dribbler
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      depends on your bench player but his game time over the double was already questionable anyway even without the injury

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    3. The Machine
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      The latter

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  2. Egg noodle
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Captain Adebayor or Baines? (Ignore Ade injury)

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    1. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      People are rushing to get rid of Ade and rushing to bring in Baines.

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      1. Egg noodle
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        Cheers bud. Baines gona make me proud

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        1. Epic Fail
          • 15 Years
          11 years, 9 months ago

          He's my captain at the moment. Fingers crossed.

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  3. Art Vandelay
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Am I set up right or should I start Punch or Sterling ahead of Kos? Cheers

    Boruc/
    Baines, Koscielny, Cahill, Ivanovic
    Lallana, Hazard, Yaya Touré
    Sturridge, Lukaku, Suárez

    (Puncheon, Sterling, Dann)

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  4. Chu Young Ping Pong
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    A) Mata + Ade + Olsson -> Yaya + Dzeko + Coleman (-8)

    B) Mata + Ade -> Yaya + Dzeko (-4)

    C) Olsson + Mata -> Yaya + Coleman (-4)

    No, I don't want Lukaku

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    1. pundit of punts
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      B

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    2. In Like Flynn.
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      B)

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  5. banskt
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Sorry for another RMT. But, with Aguero out, I have to reshuffle my team - I am on WC. How does this one look?

    Mannone / Adrian
    Baines / Ivanovic / Kolarov / Shaw / Chester
    Yaya / Hazard / Lallana / Nolan / Sterling
    Suarez / Sturridge / Lukaku

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    1. Gungho_Joe
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Looks great.

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      1. banskt
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        Thanks. See any required changes?

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      2. Gungho_Joe
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        Your team is incredibly similar to mine so I couldn't possibly recommend anything. Only your fringe players are different, so mess about with them by all means! 😀

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    2. dribbler
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      fabulous

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    3. banskt
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Too much money in midfield?

      Shaw, Chester, Sterling -- too much money on the bench? Could upgrade Lallana to Gerrard if I do Sterling > Colback. Could upgrade Kolarov to Zabaleta if I do Shaw > 4.0m def

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  6. Gungho_Joe
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Feels like a luxury item to put Baines in.

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    1. Art Vandelay
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Indulge yourself completely and give him the armband. 😀

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      1. Gungho_Joe
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        He's the vice 😉

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    2. Robe Wan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      I'm doing it. Can't wait. Like a tailored suit, unaffordable and classy

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      1. Gungho_Joe
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        I'm just satisfied I've got to this stage. Baines. Leighton Baines.

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      2. Gungho_Joe
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        Also, notice you're doing pretty well for a first season. Lad.

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  7. ZakAFC_
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Captain Coleman 🙂

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    1. # Young Gun SEAMUS #
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Hell yeah 😀 😀

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  8. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    should i do puncheon to sterling and cahill to 5.4m def for -4 next week?

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    1. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Cahill, why would you sell Cahill?

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      1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        well it's just to get sterling and a decent 5.4 def

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        1. JK - Cønt ⭐
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 9 months ago

          just get Flanagan in for Olsson, good DGW and cheap enough to bench. I doubt I'll be using him after DGW with Cahill, Baines and Evra

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      2. Gungho_Joe
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        Keep Cahill!

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        1. dribbler
          • 16 Years
          11 years, 9 months ago

          cahill to distin looks ok to me

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  9. The Machine
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Anyone else captaining Lukaku just because they're tired of captaining Luis?

    Can't recall Lukaku having a double digit score against any bottom-half team

    The only other week i haven't (c) Suarez since week 6 was when they lost 2-0 @ the emirates

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    1. Gungho_Joe
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Luis all the way.

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  10. Dazspurs
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Hi, just wondering if people think Adebayor will make the Arsenal game? I noticed that he's a doubt, but it's such a big game.....

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    1. Capt. Krypton
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      i dont see it happening! would go for safer option in the likes of lukaku if u dont have him

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      1. Dazspurs
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        I already have him and was thinking he might do well against his old club. Am not sure whether to change!

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        1. Capt. Krypton
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 9 months ago

          tough call indeed, if not maybe Rodriguez or Borini could be a good shout 😉

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  11. Mourinho The no1
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Evra ---> Coleman

    Yes or No?

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    1. Capt. Krypton
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      yes or baines if u can afford

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    2. dribbler
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      no it's a silly transfer

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      1. Mourinho The no1
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        Not that silly, this week Everton plays Home against Cardiff and in DGW plays Home against Swansea and Away against Newcastle.

        Evra has games with Liverpool and Man City.

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  12. Colonel Shoe 肝池
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    wondering if more ppl have been burnt by city players than any othe r team......... in my case over the last couple o seasons

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    1. Capt. Krypton
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      yep! regret not having yaya in! friggin troll

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  13. Andy1
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Koscielny or azpi?

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    1. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Az.

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    2. Capt. Krypton
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      azpi mate

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    3. Andy1
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Even with a dgw?

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      1. Epic Fail
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        Oh now you mention it, yes.

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      2. Capt. Krypton
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        id have him for this week then swap him out.. personally i wouldnt go for arsenal defence during next couple weeks 2 tough games and one iffy fixture. not worth it imho

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    4. Chu Young Ping Pong
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      kos

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  14. Capt. Krypton
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Mannone (Gazzaniga)
    Baines Kompany Coleman (Clyne Collins)
    Yaya Gerrard Nolan A.Johnson (Colback)
    Suarez Sturridge Lukaku

    have money spare can make amendments anywhere funds arent an issue and im on my wc so changes dont mean hits.

    Thoughts for next couple GW's? All help appreciated

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  15. Scroobius Mac
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Does Distin go up for corners or stay back?

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    1. dribbler
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      he goes up but you need to factor in his square head

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      1. Scroobius Mac
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        That's all that I need really. As long as you go up there's a chance of dodgy goals and assists.

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    2. JT's Dog
        11 years, 9 months ago

        Goes up but doesn't seem to get on end, more a blocker possibly
        Though not sure how many goals Everton have got from corners, sure jags goals came from them

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    3. La Roja
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Studge (C) ain't popular here

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      1. Jeremiah
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        Debating between him and Suarez myself. Leaning towards Suarez for some reason.

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    4. Jeremiah
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Anyone doubling up on Everton defence for the DGW?

      Thinking of bringing in Baines next week, already have Distin.

      Cheers 🙂

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      1. The 12th Man
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        going Baines,Coleman

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      2. dribbler
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        it's a gambling game and that's a good gamble if you ask me

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    5. The 12th Man
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Aguero > Giroud for -4 or play Evra against Liverpool?

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      1. Jeremiah
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        Have you got Lukaku?

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        1. The 12th Man
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 9 months ago

          aye
          Mannone
          Ivanovic,Shaw,Coleman
          Hazard,Mata,Lallana,Yaya
          Lukaku(c)Suarez, Aguero

          bench- Adrian,Evra,Ward,Bellamy

          if I do Aguero> Giroud then I could double up on everton defence next week with Shaw>Baines

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      2. JT's Dog
          11 years, 9 months ago

          Dzeko?

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          1. The 12th Man
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 9 months ago

            yuk. been bitten by him before. Fancy Giroud against Spurs

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      3. Bolasie
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        Hazard or Suarez captain? What do you reckon?

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      4. the axolotl
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        ok, only looking at my own (potential) players for captain choice. but in terms of 10+ points hauls this season, we have;
        lallana - 7
        AJ - 2
        Suarez - 10
        sturridge - 4
        hazard - 8
        lukaku - 2
        silva - 2

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        1. Scroobius Mac
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 9 months ago

          How about 6+? I never mind if my captain at least does something.

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          1. the axolotl
            • 14 Years
            11 years, 9 months ago

            ok, give me a mo

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        2. the axolotl
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 9 months ago

          6+ points hauls this season;

          lallana - 11
          AJ - 6
          Suarez - 14
          sturridge - 15
          hazard - 12
          lukaku - 8
          silva - 6

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      5. JT's Dog
          11 years, 9 months ago

          Help please
          Got option to play WC next week or take hit for these teams, what is best in your opinion?
          Listed are differences, not including bench.
          WC
          Mcgregor, jagielka (if fit), Gerrard, sissoko
          -4
          Boruc , smalling, miralles, mata

          Players for both teams
          Kompany, Coleman, hazard, toure, saurez, sturridge, lukaku

          Thanks in advance

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          1. dribbler
            • 16 Years
            11 years, 9 months ago

            wc next week or this...don't take a hit

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        • Sacked in the Morning
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 9 months ago

          Moving quick today, sorry for repost

          Play Ward (sun)

          Or

          Smalling (LIV)

          Have AJ or Suarez &Studge if that helps

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          1. the axolotl
            • 14 Years
            11 years, 9 months ago

            ward i think. pool are bound to score

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        • ViperStripes
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          11 years, 9 months ago

          I rarely ask for a RMT so would appreciate your comments chaps

          Gonna WC this evening to this team CAPS = new players * = DGW31

          ADRIAN (Mannone*)
          Ward, Coleman*, BAINES*, Azpi, (Chester*)
          AJ*, YAYA*, Hazard, GERRARD*, Noone
          LUKAKU*, Suarez*, Sturridge*
          1.7m

          Any changes or good to go?
          e.g. Azpi > Cahill?
          Ward > DGW31 Defender, but who?

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          1. Andy1
            • 16 Years
            11 years, 9 months ago

            I've gone for Williamson
            My team is very similar

            Baines & AJ are replaced by zabaleta & lallana

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            1. ViperStripes
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 16 Years
              11 years, 9 months ago

              For me, city just don't keep many clean sheets so staying clear of their defence.

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        • Bobadoba
          • 16 Years
          11 years, 9 months ago

          Rooney out for Lukaku?

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          1. dribbler
            • 16 Years
            11 years, 9 months ago

            no

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        • Dr Dream
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 9 months ago

          Does anybody know hot to stop lag on Fifa14 ?...and why does it even happen ?

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          1. ZakAFC_
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 9 months ago

            Could be your connection but most of the time its EA's fault. Shit servers 😉

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        • mr messi
          • 15 Years
          11 years, 9 months ago

          AJ or Nolan in this week?

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          1. ViperStripes
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 16 Years
            11 years, 9 months ago

            AJ

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        • Ultraman
          • 15 Years
          11 years, 9 months ago

          I made the stupid decision to take a hit to bring in Aguero on Sunday.

          Should I do another hit to bring in Lukaku for him now?

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          1. HurriKane
            • 13 Years
            11 years, 9 months ago

            same happened to me look forward mate - there's no harm in bringing lukaku or rooney who has doubles on the way. meanwhile i bought rooney

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        • Somalion
          • 15 Years
          11 years, 9 months ago

          One benefit of Lukaku now, I have 6.4 mill in the bank. Thinking my midfield is going to be 4 heavy hitters and AJ...

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        • karankachiefs
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 9 months ago

          Does anyone have any idea of mirallas' game time this week?

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          1. The Machine
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 9 months ago

            will star for sure

            I'LL change my grav and username if he doesn't, and you can choose them

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        • Suarezista
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 9 months ago

          No Chelsea defense in the picks, interesting.

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          1. The Machine
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 9 months ago

            Villa usually score at home

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