Awards

Team of the Season – Laurent Koscielny

Having started just 20 of Arsenal’s league matches in the previous campaign, Laurent Koscielny was mainly overlooked by Fantasy managers as the 2013/14 season got underway. Hampered by calf, back and thigh problems, the Frenchman seemed a little too injury-prone for our liking as Per Mertesacker kicked off the season as many managers’ preferred route into Arsene Wenger’s back-four:

This time round, though, Koscielny was able to steer clear of the treatment room for the majority of the season and started 32 of the Gunners’ 38 league fixtures – despite ending two points behind his fellow centre-half, the Frenchman proved his worth by serving up an average of 4.8 point per game, eclipsing Mertesacker’s 4.5 ppg.

The Statistics

Perhaps surprisingly, given their comparative game time in the previous season, Koscielny started off at the same price as Mertesacker in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) game. Whilst the likes of Aaron Ramsey and Mesut Ozil were quick to shine further up the field, Wenger’s team struggled to justify our interest and by the end of Gameweek 8, Koscielny had treated his owners to a single clean sheet and one bonus point, helping him to a measly 15 points.

Arsenal then found their feet defensively and embarked on a run which saw them concede just once in the following six fixtures. Having dropped to 5.3, Koscielny climbed to 5.4 before the 6-3 mauling at City forced us to reassess their prospects – immediately, though, the north London club bounced back with a run of two goals against in the subsequent six matches earning the Frenchman a further 0.2 price rise.

By the end of the season, Koscielny had scored twice for the fourth successive season – equalling Mertesacker’s two-goal haul – and had earned 24 bonus points to the German’s 23. A total of 155 points was his best return since arriving on these shores and considerably greater than the 2012/13 tally of 83 points, though Koscielny remained fairly under the radar all season – rising to a season high of 5.7 compared to Mertesacker’s 6.6, Koscielny ended with an 8% ownership, whilst the German resided in 25% of Fantasy teams.

The Prospects

Given that Arsenal’s two centre-halves finished in the top six defenders positions and Wojciech Szczesny ended second amongst keepers, it looks odds-on that Wenger’s main men are set to move out of last term’s mid-price bracket.

Having served up 11 clean sheets at home (compared to six away) and conceded only 11 times at the Emirates, the Gunners’ home record bodes well for their defensive prospects next time round. The main concern surrounding investment in Wenger’s defence – particularly if they are to move into the premium price bracket – is their poor record on the road against sides near the top of the table. Considering that Wenger’s men shipped 20 goals away from home against the rest of the top five, benching their defenders for such matches, whilst looking the safest option, dents Koscielny’s appeal a little, given that we’d have no qualms over playing Chelsea’s backline or Everton’s full-backs in the same games, for example.

In terms of defensive alternatives, neither Kieran Gibbs or Nacho Monreal have nailed down the left-back berth, though the situation regarding Bacary Sagna’s contract situation may prove of interest. If the Frenchman ends up departing the Emirates, Carl Jenkinson could be handed a chance to finally cement a regular role in the back-four and potentially offer us a cheaper option into Wenger’s defence.

Ultimately, though, Koscielny and Mertesacker will be the main targets again, with a move to 6.0 or over ruling Szczesny out of the picture. Providing Koscielny can keep pace with the German’s goal threat, his ability to deliver clean sheet bonus points on a more regular basis may persuade more to acquire his talents next time round – the Frenchman picked up bonus from 12 of his 17 clean sheets. Whilst Mertesacker collected bonus from only nine of his 16 clean sheets – highlighting how favourably the Bonus Points System is weighted towards the former’s style of play.

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

391 Comments Post a Comment
  1. The Light Knight
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 10 months ago

    Which 6 defenders averaged more than 1 shot per game this season?

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    1. r0nh
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 10 months ago

      Trying to steal membership data are we??

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    2. r0nh
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 10 months ago

      Man City defenders.

      Everton defenders.

      Thats 4.

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      1. The Light Knight
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 10 months ago

        That's 1

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    3. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 10 months ago

      Baines, Coleman, Skrtel, Kolarov, Caulker, Ivan?

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    4. GTS
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 10 months ago

      Ivan, Kosc, Kolarov, Coleman, Baines, & ???

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    5. @persecuted_by_mods
        9 years, 10 months ago

        Along with Branislav and Glen maybe

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      • Parm
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 10 months ago

        I know Coleman didn't, just below I think, 0.94.

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      • The Light Knight
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 10 months ago

        Kolarov and Ivan right so far

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        1. @persecuted_by_mods
            9 years, 10 months ago

            Luiz?

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            1. The Light Knight
              • 12 Years
              9 years, 10 months ago

              Yep, 3 to go

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            2. @persecuted_by_mods
                9 years, 10 months ago

                Along with terry and cahill probably

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                1. The Light Knight
                  • 12 Years
                  9 years, 10 months ago

                  Nope

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            3. GTS
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 10 months ago

              err.. debuchy and bardsley?

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              1. The Light Knight
                • 12 Years
                9 years, 10 months ago

                Both right

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

                  Sneak in Walker as well?

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          • Aaron Ramessi - Straya
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 10 months ago

            alonso

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          • The Light Knight
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 10 months ago

            Still 1 to go

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            1. Bun Rab
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 10 months ago

              Agger?

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              1. The Light Knight
                • 12 Years
                9 years, 10 months ago

                No
                Clue: He's a teammate of one of the other correct answers

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

                  Luiz, Ivan, Kolarov, Debuchy, Bardsley, & Dummett. 😎

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                  1. The Light Knight
                    • 12 Years
                    9 years, 10 months ago

                    Right team, wrong player

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

                      close enough. 🙂

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                2. Aaron Ramessi - Straya
                  • 10 Years
                  9 years, 10 months ago

                  zaba?

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                3. Zombie
                  • 11 Years
                  9 years, 10 months ago

                  Santon?

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                  1. The Light Knight
                    • 12 Years
                    9 years, 10 months ago

                    Boom

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

                      That seals it...1st name in my team next year 😀

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                4. Billy Gilmore
                  • 11 Years
                  9 years, 10 months ago

                  There's 8

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                  1. Billy Gilmore
                    • 11 Years
                    9 years, 10 months ago

                    Alonso and C.Dawson as well

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                    1. The Light Knight
                      • 12 Years
                      9 years, 10 months ago

                      Need to play 19 games ie 50% for the average to be fair

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            2. GTS
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 10 months ago

              shaw?

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            3. Zombie
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 10 months ago

              Caulker? Davies?

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        2. HVT
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 10 months ago

          Night of Drinking :
          A man and his pet sheep walk into a bar. It's about 5pm, but they're ready for a good night of drinking. They start off slowly, watching TV, drinking beer, eating peanuts. As the night goes on they move to mixed drinks, and then shooters, one after the other. Finally, the bartender says: "Last call." So, the man says, "One more for me... and one more for my sheep." The bartender sets them up and they shoot them back. Suddenly, the sheep falls over dead. The man throws some money on the bar, puts on his coat and starts to leave. The bartender, yells: "Hey buddy, you can't just leave that lyin' there." To which the man replies: "That's not a lion, that's a sheep."

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          1. Optimus.
            • 13 Years
            9 years, 10 months ago

            Since were doing Welsh jokes..

            "I you hear the price of lamb in Wales has just gone up?

            It's now £4.95 per hour"

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            1. HVT
              • 13 Years
              9 years, 10 months ago

              🙂
              What do you call a sheep tied to a lamp post in Wales.
              Answer. A sex club !

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              1. Optimus.
                • 13 Years
                9 years, 10 months ago

                😀

                How does a Welshman find sheep in long grass?

                Irresistible

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                1. HVT
                  • 13 Years
                  9 years, 10 months ago

                  Lol 🙂

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          2. TorresMagic™
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 14 Years
            9 years, 10 months ago

            Movies, Front Row or How Do You next?

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            1. HVT
              • 13 Years
              9 years, 10 months ago

              You still here ?

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              1. TorresMagic™
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 14 Years
                9 years, 10 months ago

                I am but your copy & paste jokes are putting me to sleep if that's the plan.

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                1. HVT
                  • 13 Years
                  9 years, 10 months ago

                  You ain't exactly setting the place on fire yourself with useful info .

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                  1. TorresMagic™
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • Has Moderation Rights
                    • 14 Years
                    9 years, 10 months ago

                    Explains why I haven't been posting much or pasting terrible jokes.

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                2. Optimus.
                  • 13 Years
                  9 years, 10 months ago

                  Why is there beef between ye 2? 🙂

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                  1. Optimus.
                    • 13 Years
                    9 years, 10 months ago

                    *lamb

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                  2. HVT
                    • 13 Years
                    9 years, 10 months ago

                    I dunno opti - I feel every time I post TMs like a shadow , always critical of anything I say , I think he picks on me at times , I'm not sure why tbh.

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                    1. Optimus.
                      • 13 Years
                      9 years, 10 months ago

                      Ok fair enough,seems strange

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                      1. HVT
                        • 13 Years
                        9 years, 10 months ago

                        I'm glad someone else noticed it , I'm not pretending to be an angel here - I'm far from it , at times I try to ignore it and at times I react , sometimes in this life someone needs to be the better man so I'll make a start.

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        3. Petes Sake
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 10 months ago

          Anyone had a look at World Cup FF games? Me and my mates usually do the McDonald's one. I'm assuming there will be a run down of them on the site at some point...

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          1. Konig Luther
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 10 months ago

            check hot topics and articles , many people analising the teams and rules about mcdonalds game

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        4. Elniñorules
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 10 months ago

          An update on the FFS World Cup 2014.

          http://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2014/05/12/ffs-uefa-summer-update/

          We're aiming to launch on 23rd May 2014 🙂

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          1. Elniñorules
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 10 months ago

            Book your diaries!

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          2. r0nh
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 10 months ago

            My email worked 😎

            Violence pays.

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        5. r0nh
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 10 months ago

          Did we reach a conclusion if those that wildcarded in GW31 benefited more than those that used it earlier in the season?

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          1. Elniñorules
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 10 months ago

            GW30 here. Paid off decently!

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            1. Optimus.
              • 13 Years
              9 years, 10 months ago

              Cracking season again I see Elnino 🙂

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              1. Elniñorules
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 12 Years
                9 years, 10 months ago

                Thank you Opti! Another consistent one for you too bud.

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            2. Woy of the Wovers
              • 13 Years
              9 years, 10 months ago

              Maybe GW31 was second best.

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          2. TorresMagic™
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 14 Years
            9 years, 10 months ago

            GW30 was the correct answer. Won FPL for Tom.

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            1. r0nh
              • 12 Years
              9 years, 10 months ago

              But he was already 3rd in GW26

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              1. r0nh
                • 12 Years
                9 years, 10 months ago

                Plus he actually got a red arrow when he used it.

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                1. TorresMagic™
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • Has Moderation Rights
                  • 14 Years
                  9 years, 10 months ago

                  You certainly killed it with yours.
                  If only Tom planned with GW31 in mind then he would have won FPL much easier.

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                2. Woy of the Wovers
                  • 13 Years
                  9 years, 10 months ago

                  I had the same problem. Playing WC in GW30 looked ahead to all three remaining DGW so targeting a strong GW30 was a low priority.

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                  1. r0nh
                    • 12 Years
                    9 years, 10 months ago

                    I did the same, but GW37 let me down massively, as the players were rested etc.

                    #RyanGiggs

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                    1. Woy of the Wovers
                      • 13 Years
                      9 years, 10 months ago

                      You weren't alone. I dare say that GW37 DGW are always going to be disappointing with most teams sitting in no-mans-land.

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            2. Elniñorules
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              9 years, 10 months ago

              Yep I called his win back in Nov/Dec when he was 17th 😎

              Be a tough job to trace back though. But it was a reply to Huttondressedaslahm

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              1. Woy of the Wovers
                • 13 Years
                9 years, 10 months ago

                Did you say "bookmark this."?

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          3. thetinkerman
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 10 months ago

            Looking at my GW history might be able to help here:

            http://fantasy.premierleague.com/entry/7449/history/

            ~85k before it and up to ~25k by the end of GW35, but a poor GW36 ruined my hopes for a top 20k finish

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            1. thetinkerman
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 12 Years
              9 years, 10 months ago

              The multiple DGWs towards the end of the season this year was good for late WCers, and the fact that the players doing well at the start of the season were a small group which didn't change means that an early WC wasn't necessary in most cases.

              I think it all depends on the season though and there's no best practice, rather we just have to adapt depending on the season

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            2. RedLightning
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 13 Years
              9 years, 10 months ago

              But perhaps you might have already have been in the top 25k before GW31 if you had played an earlier wildcard? Probably impossible to tell!

              The ideal might be to have such a strong squad in the early GWs, and so few injuries, that there is no need for an early wildcard: the wildcard can then be saved for the late DGWs.

              But in the real world few of us manage to achieve that, so it becomes a difficult decision as to when is the best time to play it, or to tell afterwards whether or not we got it right.

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        6. Enzo the Baker
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 10 months ago

          Was just reading AB's excellent piece on scouting Belgium, and he seemed to think Witsel is nailed on.
          With the mad points available for recovered balls along with regular attacking points, can anyone tell me if Witsel is a good option for the McD game ?

          On an aside, are we supposed to restrict WC comments to posts tagged "World Cup" ?

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          1. Tommytour
            • 13 Years
            9 years, 10 months ago

            Where can I read it?

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            1. Enzo the Baker
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 10 months ago

              In the "Articles" tab next to the usual Hot topics. It's where the community submissions go now

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          2. The Light Knight
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 10 months ago

            There is practically nothing else to talk about, so no need for that.
            Yep, should be a great option if the rules stay the same

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          3. r0nh
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 10 months ago

            Well, if this player is good at doing things that gets lots of points, then he may get lots of points.

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            1. Enzo the Baker
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 10 months ago

              Helpful as ever, Ron 😛

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            2. The Light Knight
              • 12 Years
              9 years, 10 months ago

              Rohn= Tom Fenley 😯

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              1. Woy of the Wovers
                • 13 Years
                9 years, 10 months ago

                I've not seen them posting at the same time.

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          4. Parm
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 10 months ago

            Potentially, although I can see them re-altering the rules before the game is released.

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        7. Christina.
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 10 months ago

          *Scouting Croatia.

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        8. Parm
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 10 months ago

          I fear for Southampton next season.

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          1. TorresMagic™
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 14 Years
            9 years, 10 months ago

            When is JRod expected back?

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            1. Parm
              • 12 Years
              9 years, 10 months ago

              He's not the main worry, the potential loss of Pochettino, Lovern, Shaw & Lallana(Maybe Schneiderlin too) in one summer will be detrimental, there's only so much that can be fixed in one summer.

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              1. TorresMagic™
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 14 Years
                9 years, 10 months ago

                Relegation @ 11.50, GET ON?

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                1. Parm
                  • 12 Years
                  9 years, 10 months ago

                  Wouldn't go that far.

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                2. Woy of the Wovers
                  • 13 Years
                  9 years, 10 months ago

                  Those are tempting odds. Still won't win though.

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          2. The Light Knight
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 10 months ago

            and Hull and Swansea - Bony

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            1. Parm
              • 12 Years
              9 years, 10 months ago

              Yeah, if Bony goes Swansea will struggle, although I can't see him leaving unless Arsenal/Dortmund put in a monster bid.

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              1. Zinedine Kilbane
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 11 Years
                9 years, 10 months ago

                Monster? Could get bony for about 15m I'd say, only team in prem I could see going for him is Everton

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        9. Enzo the Baker
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 10 months ago

          Are we ever going to get a "View All" button for the Hot Topics like we have for the Articles ? Might be useful with the surprisingly quick rate at which Hot Topics are moving along ..

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          1. TorresMagic™
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 14 Years
            9 years, 10 months ago

            Hot Topic Library should be created soon.

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            1. Enzo the Baker
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 10 months ago

              Super, thanks TM

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            2. GTS
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 10 months ago

              there would be still a community round up for those HT's right?

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              1. TorresMagic™
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 14 Years
                9 years, 10 months ago

                The ones Jonty includes would get another mention there.

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        10. Parm
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 10 months ago

          How much do we reckon Diego Costa will cost if/when he moves to Chelsea?

          And would you pay it?

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          1. Optimus.
            • 13 Years
            9 years, 10 months ago

            10m

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          2. GTS
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 10 months ago

            FPL price of 10-11mil, perhaps?
            Atm, Yes. I'll check pre-season first.

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            1. Parm
              • 12 Years
              9 years, 10 months ago

              I'm not too sure about him personally, I'd prefer Hazard, especially with Mourinho's counter-attacking approach plus set-pieces.

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

                I think Costa is good at counters as well.
                Though not sure if Mou would give some set pieces into him as well.

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          3. Bun Rab
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 10 months ago

            Hoping to scrape 9.5 but likely 10. Will be worth a look. Torres had the worst mins per attempt for a Chelsea striker at 27.1, so if someone could hit the target...

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        11. FACUPARSE
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 10 months ago

          Arsenal to go behind then win 3-1 is my prediction.

          Ave a bang on that

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          1. TorresMagic™
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 14 Years
            9 years, 10 months ago

            Hull scorer? Nice odds for the scorecast.

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

              No idea on scorer, I just think we will go behind (as we usually do in big games)

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          2. r0nh
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 10 months ago

            Hull wont attack.

            They will set up defensively & reply on set pieces for a goal.

            2-0 Arsenal.

            Bookmark this!!

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

              Could be right bear, am going to go to the victory bus celebration tomorrow if we win. Might get the chance to meet Jose who will be driving 🙂

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          3. Jimbo123
            • 14 Years
            9 years, 10 months ago

            I've gone 3-1 on my Accumalator

            Tempted to watch Barca v Athletico though......don't judge me!

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          4. Debauchy
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 10 months ago

            Heres hoping !! You can drop the 4TH and replace with ... FAT

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        12. r0nh
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 10 months ago

          Costa has played most of his career in Spain, slow paced footy & you get too much time on the ball.

          He could struggle to adjust to the hustle of the EPL.

          He is a wait & see for me.

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          1. Jimbo123
            • 14 Years
            9 years, 10 months ago

            Have to agree.

            I'm hoping many will be tempted and lower Hazard's ownership!

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            1. Jimbo123
              • 14 Years
              9 years, 10 months ago

              Can see him picking up plenty of yellows too

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          2. The Machine
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 10 months ago

            Looked clueless against Chelsea despite the peno goal

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            1. r0nh
              • 12 Years
              9 years, 10 months ago

              Was a crap penalty too.

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          3. Bun Rab
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 10 months ago

            He will dive, upset people get booked and make even more people hate Chelsea than usual. However double figures is a good return for a striker at the moment! Probably not worth what FPL will want for him.

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            1. Rasping Drive
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 14 Years
              9 years, 10 months ago

              Sounds like the new Soldado!

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        13. Van Dal
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 10 months ago

          I see TM still being smarmy and condesending even during off season.

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          1. r0nh
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 10 months ago

            Ohhhhhhhh.

            Grabs popcorn!!!

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          2. Poseidon. Not arrogant, jus…
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 10 months ago

            Maybe you're just a little over sensitive?

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            1. HVT
              • 13 Years
              9 years, 10 months ago

              I don't think so , read my post above pos - I really don't want to get bogged down in this.

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          3. Wilshere Knowledge
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 10 months ago

            I hate it when people are supercilious.

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        14. UncleWoy
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 10 months ago

          K guys, first goalscorer for the London Arsenals:

          a) Podolski
          b) Giroud
          c) Ramsey
          4) someone else

          Answers on a postcard please.

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          1. Aaron Ramessi - Straya
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 10 months ago

            podolski

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          2. FACUPARSE
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 10 months ago

            Mertesacker

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            1. Aaron Ramessi - Straya
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 10 months ago

              him or kos is a good shout

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          3. Bun Rab
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 10 months ago

            C. For Can't stop scoring.

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          4. UncleWoy
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 10 months ago

            I think the money's going on Ramsey and was thinking Podolski...is he a certain starter?...or as certain as?

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            1. Aaron Ramessi - Straya
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 10 months ago

              i would imagine so

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              1. UncleWoy
                • 10 Years
                9 years, 10 months ago

                Cheers AR...and other contribs. Happy betting.

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        15. HVT
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 10 months ago

          What do we think of the rumour doing the rounds that Robben will sign for United ?

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          1. Demí
            • 13 Years
            9 years, 10 months ago

            2-3 years ago i would've loved him. Not sure now

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            1. HVT
              • 13 Years
              9 years, 10 months ago

              As a Utd player ? Or as a FPL player Demi ?

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              1. Demí
                • 13 Years
                9 years, 10 months ago

                Both HVT. Class player, scores and assists plenty

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            2. MJ6987
              • 13 Years
              9 years, 10 months ago

              They were linked with him 5 years ago, to replace Ronaldo. Shame they didn't buy him instead of Valencia!

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          2. GTS
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 10 months ago

            Nice pick but why?
            Surely there's a younger guy out there who has a potential.

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          3. MJ6987
            • 13 Years
            9 years, 10 months ago

            Sounds like lazy journalism

            LVG set to be United manager

            LVG is Dutch and has a history of signing Dutch players

            Robben is the best Dutch player along with RVP

            Therefore United will sign Robben

            (Also Hummels, Depay and Strootman)

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            1. Somalion
              • 14 Years
              9 years, 10 months ago

              Hummels is German 😉

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              1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGeniusâ…
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 14 Years
                9 years, 10 months ago

                Himmel! 😉

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                1. Somalion
                  • 14 Years
                  9 years, 10 months ago

                  😆

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              2. MJ6987
                • 13 Years
                9 years, 10 months ago

                Oh yeah, true! I would still like him at United! Dutch, German, all the same really.

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                1. Somalion
                  • 14 Years
                  9 years, 10 months ago

                  😆 Don't let the Dutch or Germans hear you say that 😆

                  Hummels would be great but my impression from a few channels at Dortmund is he's loving life at the club. Now if United offer him insane wages, perhaps but I think a lot of Dortmund players are starting to realise the grass isn't greener. Sahin nearly ruined his career leaving, Kagawa is similar and may well return in a season or two, even Gotze has been frustrated with the lack of time he gets at Bayern. My gut feeling is Lewandowski has made a big error leaving Dortmund too. I'd be surprised if we see many departures.

                  He's still fecking class though.

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                  1. Zinedine Kilbane
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 11 Years
                    9 years, 10 months ago

                    This is bound to be having a bearing on Dortmund players minds, bt it is going to be different for each position, and how manager intends on playing the player. The attributes Hummels has will fit prem cb the best

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                    1. Somalion
                      • 14 Years
                      9 years, 10 months ago

                      I think there is just a lot of wariness around. Particularly if you look at Dortmund and United, United took their best play maker, turned him into a winger and then proceeded to call him shit. While Hummels wouldn't have such a problem, I think a few of them have been turned off leaving in general. As I said though, wages could come into the matter.

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                      1. Zinedine Kilbane
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 11 Years
                        9 years, 10 months ago

                        How do you think LVG will play kagawa? I think he could be given play maker position this year, with mata out wide and a new signing out the other wing. Would make the most out of RVP up top. Obv this means Rooney doesn't make first team bt plenty of game time be rotated in both hole and fwd position. Would make for an unbelievable front 4

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                        1. Somalion
                          • 14 Years
                          9 years, 10 months ago

                          Problem is Mata doesn't have the pace to track from out wide.

                          I'd love Kagawa to get a few games in the hole but I've kind of given up hope on that happening. LVG tends to play a 4-3-3 so if he comes into United it'll be interesting to see how exactly he utilizes them. Could go a similar way to how Dortmund used to but I'm not sure.

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            2. Zinedine Kilbane
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 10 months ago

              Heavily linked with strootman to with deal "waiting to be announced" even though as I was informed here yest, he's out with a long term injury. Think ur right with the lazy journalism

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              1. MJ6987
                • 13 Years
                9 years, 10 months ago

                Wouldn't be surprised if he goes for Strootman in the winter though

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                1. Zinedine Kilbane
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 11 Years
                  9 years, 10 months ago

                  Surely LVG has enough FPL experience to know u can't plan transfers in advance, ther will be other more emergent problems needing repairs by then ha

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            3. HVT
              • 13 Years
              9 years, 10 months ago

              Agree , lol @ Hummels !
              I read it on the Bbc this am , I personally feel his best years are behind him , he's 30 now and certainly an enigmatic character - probably lazy journalism / media speculation.

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          4. Somalion
            • 14 Years
            9 years, 10 months ago

            Hopefully a load of bollocks.

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          5. Zinedine Kilbane
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 10 months ago

            Utd fan. Robben is clearly a different class and fits perfecty into (pre moyes) united ethos of winger, but would rather someone younger if there going to spend that much cash on a player long term. But he could be the perfect quick solution utd need to get back on track. What's ur opinion?

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          6. Louis
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 10 months ago

            I think he would rather play Champions League with Bayern! But if he signs, he will definitely not be spending his time at aimlessly crossing the ball!

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        16. Somalion
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 10 months ago

          http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11667/9314846/transfer-news-manchester-united-agree-deal-for-keeper-vanja-milinkovic

          United have signed 17 year old Serbian keeper Vanja Milinkovic. He'll remain on loan at his club FK Vojvodina until next season when he'll come to OT.

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          1. MJ6987
            • 13 Years
            9 years, 10 months ago

            ...with no hope of getting into the first team unless De Gea decides to defect back to Spain...

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            1. Zinedine Kilbane
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 10 months ago

              I'm sure Ben Amos will be first in line aswell for foreseeable future

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              1. Somalion
                • 14 Years
                9 years, 10 months ago

                The kid is good, good to have as an up and coming prospect but I agree that De Gea is the head honcho of course.

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        17. MJ6987
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 10 months ago

          😯

          Cleverly aims to kick start his career at Cardiff

          http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/boxing/27434299

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          1. Zinedine Kilbane
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 10 months ago

            "I want to eradicate the memory of that last defeat," Cleverly said.
            *few seasons

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          2. Wilshere Knowledge
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 10 months ago

            Dont get Man U fans' hopes up!

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            1. It’s A Joke
              • 13 Years
              9 years, 10 months ago

              He' better than Wilshere and Henderson according to them.

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        18. UncleWoy
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 10 months ago

          Just seen that they're handing out those 1960 clapper things to all the fans at Wembley. Reminds me of the infernal noise we've been hearing from Norwich and Fulham games when they've been handing out branded clappers because they're fans have lost the will to cheer. It's the new Vuvuzela people. Avoid.

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        19. Zinedine Kilbane
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 10 months ago

          With no beer this weekend I've invested the beer tokens (100) on arsenal barca double. Only after am I seeing barcas current form, in for a sweat

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          1. Wilshere Knowledge
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 10 months ago

            Messi has scored more goals against Atletico than any other side (tied with Osasuna)
            barca have won their last 6 games at the Nou camp against Madrid, averaging 4.3 goals a game

            not a lost cause

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            1. Demí
              • 13 Years
              9 years, 10 months ago

              0 in his last 6 vs them though

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              1. Wilshere Knowledge
                • 10 Years
                9 years, 10 months ago

                The guys already made the bet! Shhhh! 😀

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                1. Demí
                  • 13 Years
                  9 years, 10 months ago

                  😉

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            2. Wilshere Knowledge
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 10 months ago

              last 6 league games*

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            3. Zinedine Kilbane
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 10 months ago

              Greatly appreciate the reassurance ha! Madrids form hasn't been that great either tbf

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        20. Somalion
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 10 months ago

          Milner, Hart, Nasri and Dzeko are all due to extend their contracts at City.

          Pantilimon is likely to leave in search of 1st team football.

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          1. MJ6987
            • 13 Years
            9 years, 10 months ago

            Dzeko is going to tempt us again at the start of next season isn't he? He is such a frustrating player in FPL. Own him and he gets benched, don't own him and he scores goals.

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            1. Somalion
              • 14 Years
              9 years, 10 months ago

              Aye, after a WC though I think Aguero may as well take next season off. He'll be torn to shreds.

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          2. Call Me Old Fashioned
            • 13 Years
            9 years, 10 months ago

            Milner should go

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            1. Somalion
              • 14 Years
              9 years, 10 months ago

              Making him a millionaire, he seems to be reasonably happy with a bench role.

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        21. PapsH
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 10 months ago

          Hi All,

          Which Fantasy world cup game is everyone going to be playing this summer?

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        22. Make United Great Again
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 10 months ago

          Hopefully the Arsenal trophy drought continues.

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          1. Wilshere Knowledge
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 10 months ago

            Enjoy the next 5 hours, because the trophy is ours! 😉

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            1. r0nh
              • 12 Years
              9 years, 10 months ago

              ^^^this

              Wigan won it for us in the QF 😎

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          2. GTS
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 10 months ago

            With a revived Ramsey and Ozil at at their side, a repeat of what happened in the Carling cup final wouldn't happen.

            Arsenal will break the drought.

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        23. Feed tha Sheep
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 10 months ago

          What's the best site for world cup fantasy football?

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          1. Whitman2013
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 10 months ago

            mcdonalds in my opinion. only because its the official though, the telegraph is open if your itching for tinkering.

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        24. r0nh
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 10 months ago

          Days until Arsenal win their next cup:

          0 days

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          1. Whitman2013
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 10 months ago

            lets hope.

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          2. Somalion
            • 14 Years
            9 years, 10 months ago

            Giving Wenger the perfect excuse not to spend again in the Summer 😎

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            1. Whitman2013
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 10 months ago

              beating hull? if thats the perfect excuse wenger is worse then i feared :P. i think he realises this is the time where we need to strengthen, arsenal are very underestimated.

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              1. Somalion
                • 14 Years
                9 years, 10 months ago

                They say it every year but if Wenger qualifies for the CL and wins the FA cup having had Walcott injured, Ramsey injured, Wilshere injured, Ozil injured etc. then he'll make the argument that they've done very very well this season. So why bother spending? 😉

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                1. Whitman2013
                  • 10 Years
                  9 years, 10 months ago

                  shoot me now. haha. we need to spend. i guess we should just expect a stingy wenger then anything more is a bonus.

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        25. Whitman2013
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 10 months ago

          hi guys i think ill move the original deadline of 1pm too 3pm for team submissions for my gw 39 game.

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          1. r0nh
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 10 months ago

            Count me in!

            Is Ronaldo & Messi midfielders or strikers?

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            1. Whitman2013
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 10 months ago

              ronaldo isnt playing 😛 but messi is a striker as is alexis mate.

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              1. Whitman2013
                • 10 Years
                9 years, 10 months ago

                p.s glad to have you on board :).

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          2. Zinedine Kilbane
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 10 months ago

            Not enough teams already to administer Whitman lol

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            1. Whitman2013
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 10 months ago

              its only one gw :p. if it gets too much ill just lie low for a while 😉

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              1. Zinedine Kilbane
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 11 Years
                9 years, 10 months ago

                Sure every1 has the same 6players in each game, easy lol I must be the only person without messi

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          3. Demí
            • 13 Years
            9 years, 10 months ago

            Why?

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            1. Whitman2013
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 10 months ago

              to let ronh and others join and plus i want 20 😛 were on 18... dont worry no one will get to see teams as they wont be released until past 3 😀

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              1. Whitman2013
                • 10 Years
                9 years, 10 months ago

                unless of course you work your magic earlier ;o

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              2. Epic Fail
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 13 Years
                9 years, 10 months ago

                You're worse than Sepp Blatter.

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                1. Whitman2013
                  • 10 Years
                  9 years, 10 months ago

                  come on would you deprive ronh his chance at victory? haha.

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                  1. Epic Fail
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 13 Years
                    9 years, 10 months ago

                    Yes. 😎

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              3. Demí
                • 13 Years
                9 years, 10 months ago

                Oh right. Thought kick-off was earlier and you were allowing lineups to be seen before finalising teams. My bad

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                1. Whitman2013
                  • 10 Years
                  9 years, 10 months ago

                  haha i best check i think they both ko at 5pm.

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          4. Holmes
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 10 months ago

            Hii Whitman, whats this GW39 game abt?

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            1. Whitman2013
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 10 months ago

              hi oscar, its just a random game, to celebrate the two biggest games of the season so far. Barca v atl madrid and arsenal v hull, so ive asked people to choose an 11 from those games since they both kick off at 5. have a look in hot topics pal..

              oh and i think dos santos will be going in my WC team 😀

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        26. It’s A Joke
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 10 months ago

          United fans think they'll sign Hummells? Barca, Liverpool and City are all after a centre back, and they'd be after him (Barca are officially) and have more chance. Don't persecute yourselves. Go for Lovren. He's good.

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          1. Whitman2013
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 10 months ago

            united had a shocking season, BUT they are still the biggest brand in world football outside of maybe real madrid. I am not a united fan, but many players will see it as a project and will want to be apart of it, going down as united heroes. i hope im wrong, but united still have much allure.

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            1. It’s A Joke
              • 13 Years
              9 years, 10 months ago

              Champ league, style of play, manager all able a massive difference. Liverpool couldn't sign anyone established whilst out of it, and though that's partly due to tight arse owners, their name meant zilch. United may have more recent success, but without the wine loving alcoholic, they ain't the draw they were.

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              1. Whitman2013
                • 10 Years
                9 years, 10 months ago

                i hope your right donald, most neutrals would like a fall from grace, but mata went and he is a big name.

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                1. RedLightning
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • Has Moderation Rights
                  • 13 Years
                  9 years, 10 months ago

                  Chelsea let him go to United because they knew that United were not a threat but that he might enable them to take points off some of Chelsea's rivals.

                  They would never have allowed him to sign for City, Liverpool or Arsenal.

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              2. Zinedine Kilbane
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 11 Years
                9 years, 10 months ago

                Think your right. The truth is history and ethos means very little in modern game, with European giants now born overnight, the best players just want to be part of the best team atm, and that means the team that spends the most

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                1. Whitman2013
                  • 10 Years
                  9 years, 10 months ago

                  shamefully thats right. i wouldnt write united off though, not by a long shot.

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