634x258 Team News
25 March 2014 345 comments
Paul Paul
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Edin Dzeko is back for City’s derby trip to Old Trafford. Laurent Koscielny is out of Arsenal’s home game with Swansea, though Kieran Gibbs and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are both available. Davide Santon remains sidelined through illness for Newcastle’s home encounter with Everton, who have Phil Jagielka available after a hamstring injury:

Arsene Wenger has confirmed Laurent Koscielny is out of Arsenal’s clash with Swansea this evening and is set for further scans on the calf complaint that forced him off against Chelsea on Saturday. The Gunners will have both Kieran Gibbs and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain available, though, after successfully appealling their cases of mistaken identity and wrongful dismissal at the weekend.

Newcastle’s Davide Santon is back in training after missing out through illness at the weekend. Alan Pardew has confirmed the Italian won’t be ready to face Everton tonight, though expects him back for the weekend. Sammy Ameobi is out for the Magpies after suffering an ankle injury.

Sergio Aguero and Matija Nastasic are the only two unavailable for City’s trip to Old Trafford tonight. Edin Dzeko returned to training yesterday and has recovered from the illness that forced him out of the weekend hammering of Fulham.

David Moyes was non-committal on the availability of his injured defenders ahead of tonight’s game. Rio Ferdinand, Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling all remain doubts for United, who are also without the suspended Nemanja Vidic – their manager was only prepared to say “we will do everything we can to get them back for this game”.

Phil Jagielka is “medically fully fit” according to Roberto Martinez after recovering from a hamstring injury ahead of Everton’s trip to St James’ Park. The Toffees boss has admitted he has to make a decision on whether to start his skipper in light of a busy fixture schedule.

Sunderland have recalled Connor Wickham from Leeds United prior to Wednesday’s trip to Liverpool. Steven Fletcher remains injured, whilst Fabio Borini is ineligible to face his parent club. Andrea Dossena looks likely to cover for the suspended Marcos Alonso at left-back after Ondrej Celustka turned out for the club’s reserve side yesterday.

Sam Allardyce has revealed Matt Jarvis (thigh) is West Ham’s only concern for the visit of Hull. This indicates James Tomkins has recovered from an ankle problem picked up in the weekend loss to United following a challenge by Marouane Fellaini.

Curtis Davies has emerged as a doubt for Hull’s trip to Upton Park but “is expected to be ok”, according to Steve Bruce. The Tigers also have concerns over Shane Long, who was forced off with a knee knock last weekend.

All this and more has now been updated in the Team News section ahead of the Gameweek’s remaining five fixtures over Tuesday and Wednesday. Keep an eye on our official Twitter Stream as breaking news unfolds.

Paul Is certain he won't make the same mistakes next season. Follow them on Twitter

345 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. gers23
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Rival getting Oscar off his bench if Smalling or Januzai dont feature tonight.....this bloody game sometimes 🙁

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    1. The Light Knight
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      I got rid of Oscar and Eriksen..

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      1. Carrick Doesn't Deserv…
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        ouchhh

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    2. Woy of the Wovers
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      It hasn't happened yet. One of my ML rivals - using the loosest definition available has Mutch as 3rd sub. Will play if Jags and Evra don't.

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

        jags and evra will both play!

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    3. Carrick Doesn't Deserv…
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      janu might get minutes

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    4. LewanGOALski
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Mine gets Eriksen and Barkley if Bruce and Janu doesnt feature :/

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    5. Cilly Bonnolly
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Them's the breaks.

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  2. Ings on the up
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Evra.....

    Keep or sell?

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    1. Woy of the Wovers
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      There are better. Everton, Chelski or City.

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      1. Ings on the up
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        Already have Coleman, he'll become Zabaleta or a Chelsea defender most likely

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

      for his value i agree with above comment, plenty of better options

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    3. Ryan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Keep. He will be their main LB for the rest of the season. He was rested to give Buttner game time ahead of their CL clash

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      1. Ings on the up
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        On that basis, who will play against villa? Buttner who needs matches or Evra who is suspended for the club 1st leg

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        1. Ryan
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 9 months ago

          Evra, for the reason you've stated. I can't see him being on the bench for two games straight.

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

            He'll start tonight and bench v Villa would be my guess...If the Wham game had been a disaster then maybe Evra would be safe but sadly for us owners they kept a CS...He has to give Buttner game time..and in any case Evra looks far from convincing now himself...down to winning only 50 % of tackles now.

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    4. bdaomz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Sell

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  3. Royal5
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    All games kick off at 19:45, why not spread it out? 18.00 and 20.00, annoying.

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    1. Ings on the up
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Never 6pm premier league games, I'd agree with splitting it to 8 or 7:30

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

      Has there ever been midweek PL games starting at 1800? Sounds too early for people to get home from work, get some food and then head to the stadium. Way too early. Bad for selling tickets and bad for watching on TV.

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    3. Pablitto
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      maybe it is the final round

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    4. Old Schoolᴼˢ “disa…
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      people need time to get to the grounds after work but agree with Bebe a little for those watching on TV 6 and 8 pm wouldnt work

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    5. Alberto Tomba
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      United fans need longer than an hour to get from down south to Manchester.

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

        Hahaha, i like this.

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        1. Alberto Tomba
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 9 months ago

          🙂

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

    The IPL fantasy game is now live. Some new interesting rules this season.

    I've set up a FFS league for anyone interested. Join up. League code is 3504.

    Tournament starts 16th April.

    https://fantasy.iplt20.com/ifl/default/index

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    1. SPorting
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      The first rule of FIPL is: You do not talk about FIPL.

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

        Err...but why?

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        1. SPorting
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 9 months ago

          Ah, ah, ah. Remember the first rule!

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

            😮

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        2. Arvin-ation
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 9 months ago

          Fight Club? No? Come on

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

            ?

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            1. Old Schoolᴼˢ “disa…
              • 14 Years
              11 years, 9 months ago

              lmgtfy.com/?q=fight club

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    2. Holmes
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      I guess All stars is the new stuff added to it

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

        Yes. That's one.

        New player classifications added as well.

        Batsman/All rounder category, Bowler/All rounder category and Wicket keeper/All rounder category. Immense planning required to build a team now.

        Not a game for the casuals. 😉

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

          *Wicket keeper/Batsman category

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        2. Holmes
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 9 months ago

          Haha 😀
          Sounds like a format which was used in Champions league T20's fantasy

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

            Ah..I gave that a miss.

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

      thanks will play definitely

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

        bookmarked for now 😉

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  5. Tuchap - Lurker
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Is Mirallas worth all the hassle?

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    1. Bad Pen
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      He was this week, but for the most part no he isn't. Martinez has made his intentions to rotate very clear.

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      1. Tuchap - Lurker
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        I look at him and think the double he has coming up looks very good and he scores well most of the time when he gets a full 90, but the rotation issue is just so off putting.

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        1. Bad Pen
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 9 months ago

          It's certainly a risk, just depends on if you think it's worth it and if you could get someone more reliable in.

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    2. darko
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      I dont think so.

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  6. Gonzola
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Please don't come on for 5 minutes tonight Januzaj!

    Eriksen has been the bane of my season, always bench when he scores a haul!!

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    1. SPorting
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Janu will play a role somewhere.

      Won't matter in MUN are 2-0 up and looking to secure the midfield with fresh legs or if they're 2-0 down and looking for fresh ideas. He will play.

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      1. Gonzola
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        Nooo I refuse to believe it!! If Utd go 2-0 up I'm sure Moyes will bring on a more defensively minded midfielder... err... Cleverly? or... err...mmm... oh bugger!

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

    So, what's Manchester gonna be tonight? Blue or Ramos? 😉

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    1. Well you know, Triffic
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      l0l

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    2. mipola
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Haha..Took me a while to get that one.

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  8. Holy See
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Started gw2, hating him a little, fair doos tho http://fantasy.premierleague.com/entry/2529941/event-history/31/

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    1. SPorting
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Yeah, I hate Amon Kibet too!

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    2. preseasonblues
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Been trading places with him for the past few weeks, kept seeing my GW1 ranking being one more than my OR ranking. Rosenior on the bench has given me a little boost this week though!

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    3. Cebolinha
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Lucky his xfers have not worked out this week (so far)...

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  9. Carrick Doesn't Deserv…
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Michael Carrick. I know a lot of people don't rate him and many think he is crap. But the most completed forward passes in Europe last season (dispelling the sideways/backwards passer myth). Above Pirlo, Iniesta, Xavi etc. for that stat (NOT SAYING HE IS BETTER THAN THOSE PLAYERS). And he was very influential in a lot of games for United last season. The player of the year nomination didn't come from nothing.

    Something has changed this season and he hasn't just become worse overnight. I think the formation/tactics of Moyes has really hindered him. He has only one partner in midfield even against teams that flood that area. Fergie used to add Jones in there for big games and have Rooney drop in too. Moyes insists on two wingers and two strikers so it is no wonder he struggles and the whole team suffers as a result. Really shocked more people in football haven’t noticed this issue.

    A lot more points could have been won by a simple tweak in midfield IMO. Everyone says we need to spend 40 mill on Kroos, Gundogan, Carvalho etc. but we have had enough in midfield this season to not lose to WBA, Newcastle, Fulham etc. Moyes just hasn't twigged.

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    1. SPorting
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      FPL-wise, he is crap.

      That's all I need to know.

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      1. Carrick Doesn't Deserv…
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        fair enough. but there are people on here who talk about football generally too

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        1. Old Schoolᴼˢ “disa…
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 9 months ago

          I agree Moyes is not up to the job... UTD should not be losing to bottom half clubs

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          1. Carrick Doesn't Deserv…
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 9 months ago

            think he just needs to adapt. buying a world class central midfielder glosses over the problem imo.

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            1. Old Schoolᴼˢ “disa…
              • 14 Years
              11 years, 9 months ago

              As a non Man Utd fan seeing Moyes head up the club is lovely...

              The day will come when they realise he is not a top manager.. Fergie can only protect him for so long

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        2. SPorting
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 9 months ago

          That much is true.

          Throw enough mud and it will stick.

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    2. The Light Knight
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Fergie ran one of the most efficient tactics ever last season, and it involved/relied on Carrick's distribution. Moyes wants more dynamism(?) in his midfield with his tactics and Carrick doesn't fit that. Imo it's Moyes fault not to have adapted his tactics this year to suit Carrick as he can be so influential, but bringing in midfielders who do suit his tactic over the summer will solve the issue somewhat

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  10. jaguar shark
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Broke 100k this week. #75,445 — nice!

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    1. SPorting
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      You didn't break it. You smashed it.

      Nice one.

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  11. Chris_Fàbregas #DOOS…
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Not wanting to stir the pot and nothing against the teams in the example, but is it ever okay to wish that your team loses? https://twitter.com/Betfred/status/448421684543246336/photo/1

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    1. preseasonblues
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Would love to see things in Spain if a Barca Atleti draw on the final day gifts Real the title...

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

      We will beat City and Chelsea will win the league. Simples

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  12. Pedram
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Kos is ruining my team with that -1 🙁

    ffs now was not the time for him to get injured.

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

      Shit happens dude, replace him and move on

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      1. Spike ⚽️
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        Bit harsh that 🙁

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

          I know 😀

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        2. Camp No No
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 9 months ago

          But true.

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          1. Spike ⚽️
            • 14 Years
            11 years, 9 months ago

            Its only his second season so give him a chance

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            1. Camp No No
              • 12 Years
              11 years, 9 months ago

              I'm on my second season too, for that matter. Truth is truth, regardless.

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  13. Steevo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    G2G4GW32?

    Mannone
    Coleman Azpilicueta Ivanovic
    Yaya Nolan Sterling Hazard
    Suárez Lukaku Sturridge

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    1. Alberto Tomba
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Absolutely, pull the trigger.

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  14. Royal5
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Anyone got an album recommendation for some new music? Open to most, except Death Metal & RNB 😛

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    1. preseasonblues
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      The War On Drugs - Lost in the Dream

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    2. The Light Knight
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Queens of the Stone Age,
      Like Clockwork is their most recent album I think

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    3. Riddler
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Mø - No Mythologies to Follow

      her kinda music is usually not my scene, but this album is class

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      1. Royal5
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        Her voice reminded me of Susanne Sundfør. Check her out if you haven´t.

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    4. Royal5
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Thanks all 🙂

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  15. Rupert The Horse
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Transfer priorities this week. Was wanting to get Lallana back in, but a bit shy.

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    1. Spike ⚽️
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Merts > Demichelis for me

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      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        That's perfect. Might do Coleman to Demichellis next week.

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

    For next week

    Marshall

    JT Demel Coleman

    Yaya Nasri Mirallas Hazard

    Lukaku(c) SAS

    Subs: Speroni Koscielny Ward Bjohnson

    1FT, 0.4 ITB

    A) Kos to Demichelis

    B) Kos to Azpili

    C) Kos to Kolarov

    D) Kos to Shaw

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    1. The Light Knight
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      I like C, but A is the "smart" choice

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    2. Bobby_Baggio
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      A or B i would sway to B

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    3. Spike ⚽️
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      A as my post above but for Merts

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    4. preseasonblues
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      A is probably the smartest option. Though Kolarov always tempting. Too many stung too often by him though.

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  17. Bobby_Baggio
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Who is more successful Ronaldo or Messi?

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

      Overall, Messi

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    2. Spike ⚽️
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Trophies wise Messi

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      1. Bobby_Baggio
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        Would you ever take into consideration that messi is still yet to prove himself on an internetional level and at a different club? unlike ronaldo who has proved himself?

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        1. Spike ⚽️
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 9 months ago

          I would but your question was not specific enough to distinguish what success you meant

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        2. Camp No No
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 9 months ago

          Ronaldo has still to do the thing with NT, too, to be honest. Frankly, I don't rate Ronaldo that high. I think of players in terms of how much they improve the team and I think Ronaldo doesn't make his teams much better. It's as if each of his team mates just became worse when he's on field. Messi does improve Barcelona a lot. For me, the best player atm is Zlatan, though. Precisely in terms of how positive influence he has to his team. And he, if anybody, has proven himself in various teams.

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        3. getfunky
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 9 months ago

          tbf argentina as a nation have underperformed, in fact for large periods particularly the maradona spell around the last world cup they've been woeful, messi excels at club level because he plays in a team that plays great team football, argentina have been a team of individuals during most of messi's international career which is why we havent seen the best of him yet.

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    3. The Light Knight
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Depends on what scale you measure, really
      But in Ronnie wins in the 2 most important - looks and women

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

      Cristiano Ronaldo. Messi needs to prove himself in the premier league

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      1. Bobby_Baggio
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        agree

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      2. Camp No No
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        As if each player would have to play PL to prove his worth. What a whole lot of rubbish. There are other, bigger competitions out there, like CL.

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  18. asdasdasdadasdasda
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Wow
    was 239k on saturday
    but went down to 259k after sunday

    hope I atleast cover that loss today or tomorrow

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    1. Spike ⚽️
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Yeah but still green tho.

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

        yeah
        But I didnt expect so many fpl managers having players playing on sunday

        my aim is 100k right now will need a few weeks like these to do that

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  19. Pedram
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Skrtel or Azpi ?

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

      depends on whether you want attacking points or clean sheets.

      Skrtel offers the former, Azpi the latter

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    2. Spike ⚽️
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Azpi.

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      1. Bobby_Baggio
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        Azpi

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        1. Spike ⚽️
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 9 months ago

          Yeah Azpi

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          1. Rupert The Horse
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 9 months ago

            Azpi?

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            1. DonTheSpecialOne
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 15 Years
              11 years, 9 months ago

              AZPI

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              1. Spike ⚽️
                • 14 Years
                11 years, 9 months ago

                yeah him 🙂

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    3. GunsnRoses
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Azpi

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  20. Wheato182
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Just pondering how the Utd fans feel about tonight’s game, would you rather beat City or do you want to lose the game because it might mean helping Liverpool?

    I assumed it would be beating City but have seen plenty to suggest they’d be happy to lose…….

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    1. Spike ⚽️
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Help Liverpool ? You're having a laugh

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      1. Wheato182
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        Proper supporter i see.

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

    *twiddles thumbs waiting for new page*

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  22. New Article Posted
  23. Cebolinha
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    What is considered a good (non casual rank)? This is my second season so I am a bit of a noob. Last year i finished at rank 93849.

    This year I am currently 18,322

    http://fantasy.premierleague.com/entry/623248/history/

    I was hoping for top 50k so fingers crossed the wheels dont fall off. I'd really like top 10k now 🙂

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