Digest

The Digest – Gameweek 33

Our closing assessment of last weekend’s fixtures focuses on Manchester United’s record signing as he finally begins to settle in the central role. Palace’s form ahead of this week’s pair of fixtures and the knock-on effect of double Gameweek 34 on the transfer market are also analysed, as many start to part company with some popular Fantasy figures:

THE PLAYER

A quiet introduction to life at Old Trafford coincided with a period of poor form for United, but Juan Mata has now begun to show signs of the formidable player he was at Chelsea in the previous two seasons. While David Moyes’ men have suffered injuries to first-choice forward pairing Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney, Mata has hit form at just the right time, returning a staggering 31 points in the last two fixtures with three goals, two assists and five bonus points illustrating his capability for explosive Fantasy returns when operating in the central ‘number 10’ position.

Moyes will be delighted with Mata’s recent contribution, but must now surely be looking to re-organise his attacking set-up to accommodate the Spaniard in his favoured role when Rooney and Van Persie return to the team. With Mata ineligible for the Red Devils’ Champions League campaign, he is certain to be selected for their remaining league encounters.

Due to the FA Cup Semi-Finals this coming weekend, United face a blank fixture followed by a trip to in-form Everton, so Fantasy managers looking to acquire Mata based on his form might be advised to wait until after the Goodison Park clash, when a very attractive trio of home games boosts his transfer appeal. Norwich visit Old Trafford in Gameweek 36 and this is followed by a home double against Sunderland and Hull in Gameweek 37 – given his displays over the last couple of matches, Mata has re-emerged as a real candidate to be a late-season differential as he currently has just 8% ownership in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) game, for those looking to break the ‘heavy hitter’ template midfields.

THE TEAM

At the turn of the year, few would have given Crystal Palace a chance of staying in the Premier League but the appointment of Tony Pulis has clearly proven to be a masterstroke. The former Stoke boss has lived up to his reputation by galvanising the South Londoners’ defence and making Selhurst Park a fortress since taking over, with the icing on the cake being victory over Chelsea in Gameweek 32.

Palace took another stride towards survival last weekend with a convincing 3-0 away victory over relegation rivals Cardiff City, moving them seven points clear of the bottom three, with a game in hand on most other sides near the bottom. Fantasy managers would have likely steered clear of Palace’s attacking assets to this point, with the Eagles netting just 23 times this season – the lowest scorers in the Premier League.

As we approach a double Gameweek 34 that sees Palace entertain Aston Villa before travelling to Everton, Pulis’ charges are finding their form just at the right time. Jason Puncheon’s two goals and subsequent 16-point haul at Cardiff, coupled with a price of just 4.9 in FPL, makes him an excellent option for those looking to bring in a budget midfielder for the double. With very little worth considering in Palace’s forward line and Glenn Murray consigned to the bench, Puncheon could also have penalty duties in his favour. Indeed, many of the 113,000 Fantasy managers who brought in Cardiff’s Jordan Mutch last week may want to consider a straight swap for Puncheon due to the clear gulf in form between the two sides. Elsewhere in midfield, Joe Ledley also performed well last weekend with a goal, assist and two bonus points, and, fielded in “the hole”, offers an alternative budget option at only 4.7.

Pulis’ budget backline is also thriving, having conceded just a single strike in the last four Gameweeks. A share of corner kicks ensures 4.4-priced Joel Ward is the favoured option, and if you feel Julian Speroni’s 4.7 price-tag is too steep, Adrian Mariappa and Scott Dann, at 3.9 and 4.0 respectively, look strong value. Beyond the double, home games with title contenders Liverpool and Manchester City suggest sterner tests which will surely see our Palace defenders benched, however short trips to West Ham and Fulham in the run-in could yet offer further returns as Pulis looks to grind out the results which will help clinch the Eagles’ survival.

THE TALKING POINT

One look at the current transfer trends highlights the impact of the upcoming double Gameweeks on our plans. Players without a pair of fixtures are currently being sacrificed by significant numbers of Fantasy managers, with some major heavy-hitters shown the door as the template now starts to lessen for the run-in.

Liverpool’s title credentials face a tough test over the next three weeks, playing host to rivals Manchester City and Chelsea. Fantasy teams featuring two or three of the Reds’ main men will be very common, though many are starting to reassess their tactics now in light of that schedule – whilst few will part with Luis Suarez’ explosive potential, the other half of the “SAS” forward line, Daniel Sturridge, has now been sold by over 30,000 Fantasy managers since the weekend.

The 34%-owned Sturridge’s form has dipped slightly, with just two goals in his last six and, with Sergio Aguero expected to make his return at Anfield this weekend and both Edin Dzeko and Romelu Lukaku showing fine form ahead of their respective doubles, Sturridge owners are cashing in as our three-man frontlines are re-assembled.

In midfield, Jose Mourinho’s decision to omit Eden Hazard from the Chelsea XI last weekend has also influenced the transfer market over the last few days. The Belgian has not scored a goal from open play now since Gameweek 25 – each of his previous three strikes have come courtesy of the spot – but a 32-minute run-out in Saturday’s win over Stoke has his owners worried. With City poised for two doubles in the final five Gameweeks and Yaya Toure, David Silva and Samir Nasri all offering in-form alternatives for the 10.9-priced Blues’ talisman, Hazard – owned by over 38% of managers – has also been shown the door as managers play the fixtures.

Aaron Ramsey’s return to fitness and Christian Eriksen’s flourishing form are also factors in the shake-up. Both are under 7.0 and, with favourable schedules still remaining for Arsenal and Spurs, offer viable alternatives for those needing to free up budget to facilitate the Aguero (now down to 7% ownership) trade, should he be confirmed fit.

With the aforementioned Mata also throwing his hat into the ring for United’s final three Gameweeks, our options are suddenly increasing. As Eriksen and Emmanuel Adebayor (both under 5% ownership) underlined in last night’s destruction of Sunderland, there are still overlooked alternatives out there who could make a real impact in our mini-leagues for those willing to tear up the template for the run-in.

Ricardo355 Far too many hours spent in FPL world.. Former Live HoF number 1 for two whole weeks! (19/09)

735 Comments Post a Comment
  1. The Chosen One...
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    if Aguero is back i might just do Yaya > Lallana for free...

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

      Makes sense.

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

      if Aguero is back I'm considering Yaya to Nasri

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      1. nevins84
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Is nasri's minutes certain? ??

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        1. Irish Madridista ⭐
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          Think it was 19 starts out of the last 20 games he's been available for someone said...

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          1. nevins84
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 11 months ago

            That's good enough for me so

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            1. Irish Madridista ⭐
              • 13 Years
              9 years, 11 months ago

              Nasri is worth it, great value player.

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

    Alright chaps,

    Ibrahimovic > Benzema/ Costa/ Mandzukic/ or Muller for UCL?

    Thanks, not going for anyone like Lewa or Chelsea striker because very unlikely to qualify and so would only be for 1 game,

    Cheers

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    1. Beavis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Out of those: Benzema.

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

        Thanks, i'm thinking if he's on the team sheet then he's in

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    2. Dušan Citizen
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      I did it for Muller 🙂

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

    Ok, given I can;t afford my 3rd City player until next GW would you rather have

    a) Nasri and 2 cheap defenders (probably Rosenior and Vlaar)

    b) Demichelis and Rafael/Evra with a cheap mid (Huddlestone,Meyler, Delph or Bacuna)

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    1. Irish Madridista ⭐
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      a, slightly

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  4. Jafooli
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    So Ibrahimovic to Diego Costsa is a no brainer, right?

    What's the bobby on Ronny Ronaldos injury?

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

      Diego Costa is a doubt.

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  5. Gimli son of Gloin
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Better option for the double.. Nasri or Mirallas?

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

      Depends on your future transfers. You'd keep Nasri for the rest of the season but you'd want rid of Mirallas fairly quickly.

      In a vacuum, I'd say Mirallas but only just.

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      1. Gimli son of Gloin
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        I wouldn't keep Nasri for the rest of the season.. I'll be wanting Mata in for Uniteds double as well. Might go Mirallas.. those fixtures are tasty.

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

          Fair enough. He's been very feisty lately. Just gametime that's a worry but if it's quite short term, you can live with the risk.

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

      Well, apart from the barnet

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

        Make or break time for my season methinks. To Aguero or not to Aguero.

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      2. roscola
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        He's moving to Barnet? 😯

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

          don't tell the monkey

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

            He'd go ape

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

      Nice

      Demi would you do Noone to Punch for a hit or just play Degajah?

      Or Yaya to Nasri if Kun is back, or Yaya is out?

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

        Probably just play Dejagah and hope he starts.

        Yaya will be fine i think, so wouldn't sell.

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

          I don't see a lot for Punch v Everton so it's really can Punch v Villa outscore Degajah v Norwich

          I'll likely ship Noone in GW37 for a Hull or Villa mid then

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    3. Gimli son of Gloin
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Nice.. I'll still be waiting on Pele comments though.

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    4. jurgenizer | TRIPEIROS
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Sturridge dropping today. have the exact amount to do Studge -> Aguero for free. Would u do it Demi?

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

        I would yeah, if you want him and can't afford after today. It's risky but can't see him not starting vs Liverpool.

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        1. jurgenizer | TRIPEIROS
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          I guess it's a risk worth taking... 😉

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    5. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      I knew it. I am keen on bringing him in this week

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    6. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Is that cold? He has to train with a hat? 😆

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    7. havel
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Made the pre-emptive "to Aguero" back in GW30.. Biggest mistake of the season and one I would never make again.

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  6. nevins84
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Afternoon all..
    I have 2 leagues I really wanna win , one of those I lost by 1pt last season... currently I am 100 + 137 pts out in front....
    Is it really over can I start bragging or should I hold fire for a bit..

    Also great site and great posters thanks for all ur help wouldnt have got there without ffs..
    Thanks

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

      It's almost over and Kolarov(c) for this week will seal it for ya

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      1. nevins84
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        I actually have kolarov but am gunna go lukaku.. or 2nd time I took armband off sturridge/luis

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        1. nevins84
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          Only**

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

          jk yeah play safe now. Lukaku for me too

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    2. Irish Madridista ⭐
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      the 137 one is over, the 100 one should be over unless you manage to implode 😛

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    3. @persecuted_by_mods
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Haha I can't believe you've held off bragging, there's guys in my leagues who'll brag over a 1 point lead in the first gameweek. You've won, unless you do something incredibly silly

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        1. nevins84
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          My bragging will be so bad, I need to be certain

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    4. jurgenizer | TRIPEIROS
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      ULC fantasy

      keeping or selling CR7? for whom?

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

        sold for Lewa

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        1. FPL Daniel
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          Is he out definitely?

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

            not definite but i reckon he'll start on the bench....won't be risked with the tie won

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        2. ktk_interista
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          Is it confirmed he misses the game?

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

        Waiting to see line-ups

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    5. Scotty B
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Mignolet

      Coleman Bassong Dann

      Mirallas Yaya Sidwell Hazard

      Dzeko Sturridge Adebayor

      Subs: Springthorpe, Mata, Davies, Fabio

      4.1m in the bank, what tfrs you reckon?

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      1. Kevin Twine
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        o/

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        1. Kevin Twine
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          fail

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          1. Scotty B
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 11 months ago

            Got 88 points week just gone matey 😉

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    6. Elniñorules
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Show of hands please for those who will be around FFS for the World Cup this summer?

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      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Oi !!!

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        1. FPL Daniel
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          Beachhh socccerrrr!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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          1. Elniñorules
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 11 months ago

            It's too hot out there for beach soccer, Special One 😉

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            1. FPL Daniel
              • 14 Years
              9 years, 11 months ago

              Hockey?
              Polo?
              Curling?

              Pleaseeeeee tell us something. Curioussss!!!!!! Wooooow there is gonna be going so f. menthaaalll hahahahahah

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      2. nevins84
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Defo, I won my mates league in the euros...

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

        o/

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      4. Pinoche
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        o/

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      5. Irish Madridista ⭐
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        o/

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      6. Gimli son of Gloin
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        o/

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

        are you requiring my help with something?

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        1. Elniñorules
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          I think I may have just had an idea pop up haha...drop you a note?

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

            yeah drop me an e-mail or a DM on twitter mate

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      8. Beavis
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        o/

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      9. Kings of Lyon ★
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        I'll be around but probably not playing the fantasy game

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      10. roscola
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        o|

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      11. Bun Rab
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        o/

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      12. d1sable
        • Has Moderation Rights
        9 years, 11 months ago

        I really like the Sky game for WC and Euros, anyone play it?

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

        o/

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      14. Kevin Twine
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        o/

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

      Every time I look at doing Mannone or Adrian to Speroni for a hit I look at the fixtures.

      I've just to learn to play Ward more

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    8. GTS
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Would you rather have
      a) Snoddy (ful) + Kun
      b) Lallana (CAR) + Sturridge

      Thanks in advance! 🙂

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      1. nevins84
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        B for me... aggy is just back and breaks down more than any other player I seen also norwich are dodgey.. easy imo

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        1. GTS
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          Pretty much frustrated on getting Snoddy. 🙁

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    9. sinik
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      3 hours unti lineups?

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    10. Irish Madridista ⭐
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Lambert to outscore Aguero this week.

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    11. new post
    12. thechipchump
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      for next week would you swap:

      Sturridge to Adebayor
      A Johnson to Erikson

      both, neither or either?! Thank you

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