634x258 Pre-Season
13 August 2014 1892 comments
Paul Paul
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With the summer friendlies coming to an end yesterday evening, we’ve reintroduced the Team News tab to the top of the home page. To begin with, we’ve pencilled in our staring XIs for each club but these, and the team news blurbs, will be constantly updated as the information starts to flow in over the next few days:

Subequently, we’ve taken down the Pre-Season tab on the home page. We will, however, ensure the Pre-Season Guide remains available via this article in order to keep the info readily available for Fantasy managers looking for some last-minute reading ahead of Saturday’s kick-off.

Included are links to every pre-season game that has taken place, all our Scout Reports, Moving Target and Great Expectations articles over the summer and extensive articles on each of the three promoted sides. In addition, we’ve put together a brief “Scout Notes” synopsis of the main areas of concern for all 20 teams. Click here for our Pre-Season Guide.

Finally, we’ve listed the men in form in front of goal over the summer so far – the big question is, who’ll be this year’s Mauro Boselli?

6 goals – Lukas Jutkiewicz
5 goals – Glenn Murray, Stevan Jovetic
4 goals – Yaya Sanogo, Diego Costa, David Nugent, Wayne Rooney, Charlie Austin
3 goals – Marvin Sordell, John Terry, Marouane Chamakh, Fraizer Campbell, Wes Morgan, Aleksandar Kolarov, Ashley Young, Emmanuel Riviere, David Hoilett, Bojan Krkic, Steven Fletcher, Connor Wickham, Erik Lamela, Roberto Soldado

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

  1. A.T
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Lamela's doing the hockey cockey in my team at the mo. 🙁

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    1. meerlight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      hokey cokey?

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      1. A.T
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Crap English dance that's compulsory at Christmas time.

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      2. A.T
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Ah I see what I did there 😳

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    2. pundit of punts
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      You going with him?

      Not worth the risk I feel at the start of the season. Always easy downgrade from a 9m mid if he shows promise.

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      1. A.T
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        It's him, eriksen or Sterling

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    3. Get up ya bum
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Is that a mardi gras dance?

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    4. Wilshere Knowledge
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      "Hockey cockey"

      I love autocorrect! 😆

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      1. A.T
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        😀

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  2. Siva Mohan
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Reports: Chelsea make £30m bid for star Roma defender

    Chelsea have made a £30m bid for Roma defender Mehdi Benatia, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.

    The Morocco international has been touted as a target for nearly of all Europe's top clubs this summer, but it has now been reported that Chelsea appear have made the first move.

    Roma manager, Rudi Garcia, had previously ruled out selling his star centre back.

    "I believe Mehdi has four more years of his contract with us," Garcia told Sport Mediaset

    "He is an AS Roma player and I want people to stop talking about his future."

    However, Chelsea seem unnerved by Roma's reluctance to sell and have identified Benatia as key transfer target.

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    1. Wilshere Knowledge
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Nonsense. 😆

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    2. Wells - Anti-Dentite!
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Garbage

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    3. pundit of punts
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Outrageous money for a 4th choice defender for Chelsea.

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    4. Barry Woj
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Probably nonsense, but this is exactly the player that Utd need to be bidding for.

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  3. Pav A Nice Day
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    There actually seems to be a lot of 4.0m defenders that will be starting the season. Who's the best?

    Moore
    Duff
    Hutton
    Bruce
    Bartley
    Wisdom
    Baird

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    1. Gigging Order
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      I am going with Moore and Hutton.

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    2. johnbarnes
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      If Bruce is, Bruce at home. Hull defence is amazing at home.

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      1. Pav A Nice Day
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Bruce has started both of the Europa league games with Davies and Chester in a 3 at the back so I'm fairly confident on him.

        May go for Moore as well, Leicester defence probably the best on that list, maybe Hutton

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  4. TopCopy
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    RMT

    Krul / Mannone

    Debuchy / Jones / Lovren / Cameron / (Wisdom)

    Mata / Hazard / Sterling / Fabregas (Albrighton)

    Rooney / Jelavic / Giroud

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    1. Takedog1
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      haz and fab in same team? dislike

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  5. King Huth
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    arnautovic vs siggy?

    arny is on most setpiece!! including pen

    why no loveee stoke are really offensive this yearrr

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    1. Gigging Order
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Siggy.

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    2. Get up ya bum
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Both very good choices.

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    3. King Huth
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      henderson to squeeze in?

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  6. Venom Snake
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Punt one of these to bring in Kelly, or keep all four as is?
    A. Ferdinand
    B. Chester
    C. Naylor
    D. PvA

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    1. Gigging Order
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      I would get rid of Rio (If Kelly is confirmed and a regular)

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      1. Venom Snake
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        I should actually take rio off that list, as he has a good rotation with palace

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    2. shotgunnufc - MANIAC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      I'm bringing in Kelly for a non-playing 4.5

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      1. Venom Snake
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Who would you have at 4.5 that's non playing 😕

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    3. The Gambler.
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Martin Kelly? :-/

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  7. Takedog1
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    out of 10 gents

    foster
    jones cahill chambers
    rambo eriksen siggy mata
    costa giroud rooney

    subs krul el ahmadi , cameron bruce

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    1. Owd Big 'Ed
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      8

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      1. Takedog1
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        any clear improvements delilah?

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  8. UptheBlues
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Which of these options is better:

    A) Begovic Krul
    Azpilicueta, Debuchy, Jones, Naughton, PVA
    Ramsey, MATA, Eriksen, SIGGURDSSON, Mutch
    Rooney, Costa, Bojan

    B) Begovic, Krul
    Azpilicueta, Debuchy, Jones, Naughton, PVA
    Ramsey, FABREGAS/STERLING/COUTINHO, Eriksen, YOUNG, Mutch
    Rooney, Costa, Bojan

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    1. UptheBlues
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      can somebody please answer this question i need to know ASAP

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    2. Galfadez
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      definitely a in my opinion

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  9. Dušan Citizen
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Ramsey or Mata? Cant get both because of Silva and Hazard 😉 And I wont get rid of Silva till I get Aguero 😉

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    1. drughi
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      hmm tough one, would go ramsey

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    2. Oz lotto
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Rams

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    3. Heydudes13
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      You better still have Tadic!

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    4. Wilshere Knowledge
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Overwhelmingly in Mata's favour before yesterday.

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    5. Dogba
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Mata, better fixtures and more extensive FPL pedigree.

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  10. Pringle
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    What two 4.0 defenders have the best chance of being nailed through the season?

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    1. gravless
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      How many questions have you asked in the last 3 weeks?

      I'd love to know.

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      1. Christina.
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        3 in the last 39 minutes

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    2. shotgunnufc - MANIAC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      none

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  11. Hops91
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Best defenders to buy? Got 12m

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    1. KujaliaFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Baines and Clyne.

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  12. Cojiro
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Nearly there, some help needed for the last hurdle though please.

    A) DDG, Peiters, Sanchez and Sigurdssen
    Or
    B) Begovic, PVA, Ramsey and Sterling

    Thanks

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  13. drughi
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Will schurrle start the first 2-3 games you reckon ?

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    1. Takedog1
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      if only we knew. i think a gd chance getting ahead of willian.

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      1. drughi
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        must be ahead of willian in the pecking order this season

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        1. Takedog1
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          i think it would be only him that ould keep schurrle out in the wide position

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    2. Wells - Anti-Dentite!
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      I think so, very tempting

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      1. drughi
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        yeah very, such cheap way into chelsea attack

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  14. Galfadez
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    a) Young + Sturridge
    b) Sterling + Diouf + 2.0 to spend on defence

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  15. RVP fc
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    I see martin kelly is on his way to palace apparently. Is that marriapas place gone. Is ward still safe?

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    1. Get up ya bum
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Of course Ward is safe. Marriappa v Kelly at right back with ward left back or the young kid at left back and ward rb

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  16. Az
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Thinking of setting up an 'Early Doors' cup - similar to one I ran last year for FFS non-qualifiers.

    Would be in a CL format, 32 places up for grabs, group stages then knockouts. Will all be on a spreadsheet for you to view at your convenience.

    If you're interested drop me an email at fantasyfootballaz7@gmail.com

    I'm sure it will get a mention on the Community Round Up and will be a chance to get some early silverware! 🙂

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  17. The Chosen One...
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    somehow this is my defence for gw1

    Krul
    Jones, Ward, PVA

    😕

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    1. Oz lotto
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      they should bring you 5-12 points. probably not ideal

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  18. mm0507
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Torres at 7.5 is a bargain

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    1. Dogba
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Sleeper article incoming!

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    2. Somalion
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Lolz

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  19. Owd Big 'Ed
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Giroud or Dzeko?

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    1. johnbarnes
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      dzeko

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  20. andres
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    A.young instead of mata and get che/tot mid?

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  21. Cocky Spaniel Alves
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Will Ashley Young really start for Man United?

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    1. Demí
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Oh yes

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      1. Wilshere Knowledge
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Man U's predicted line up is hilarious. Such a shit team! 😆

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        1. Demí
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          Say that to my face

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          1. Wilshere Knowledge
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 3 months ago

            😯

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            1. Demí
              • 14 Years
              11 years, 3 months ago

              😆

              Need signings desperately. Still think we'll comfortably finish top 4 though

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              1. Wilshere Knowledge
                • 12 Years
                11 years, 3 months ago

                I think Man U, Liverpool and Spurs could go to the wire. I think Liverpool are favourites if they can keep Sturridge fit. Time will tell. 😉

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              2. Heydudes13
                • 14 Years
                11 years, 3 months ago

                Even if we sign Rojo and Blind, I would still want a proper CB...

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              3. Arvin-ation
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 12 Years
                11 years, 3 months ago

                Who have you gone for, from United?

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            2. Heydudes13
              • 14 Years
              11 years, 3 months ago

              Blackett > Chambers
              James > Gibbs
              Young > Debuchy
              Fletcher > Arteta

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              1. Demí
                • 14 Years
                11 years, 3 months ago

                My guy

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                1. Heydudes13
                  • 14 Years
                  11 years, 3 months ago

                  Always got your back. xo

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        2. lifes a pitch
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          lol...they didnt look great t'other day either. dont know why everyone got 1 of them in DEF

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  22. Proggy
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    When will the ''Latest News...'' section on the Team News get updated?

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    1. Demí
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      It is. You need to be a member to see it

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      1. Az
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Demi can i get a sticky for my idea about the early doors cup - see above?

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      2. Proggy
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Seriously? It was different last year.

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        1. Demí
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          I'm kidding. Should be updated later this evening and throughout tomorrow. Sorry if i worried you

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          1. Proggy
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 3 months ago

            I almost had a heart attack! 😆

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      3. Heydudes13
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        Wtf.

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  23. ALegendJ
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Hazard vs D.Costa ?!

    1) Hazard:
    (Pros)
    - He has proven his explosiveness in the Premier League already.
    - He keeps getting praises from Mourinho and teammates.
    - 0.5 cheaper which allows bettering your team overall.
    - He is a winger and new BAPS seem to favor them most.
    - Less owned, so somewhat differential over D.Costa.
    - On penalties and some set pieces.
    - 90 minutes nailed-on.
    (Cons)
    - Unpredictable, he can score a hattrick, or totally flop.
    - Recently, he has been going to the wing more and less in penalty area (observation)

    D.Costa:
    (Pros)
    - He scored in the friendlies and proven striker.
    - Best striker Chelsea has.
    - Drogba's injury increases his "nailed-on-ness" at least for GW1.
    - more owned, so if you have him and he scores, he will not hurt you.
    - Facing newly promoted teams defenses in the opening fixtures.
    - More consistent on team level (observation)
    (Cons)
    - More expensive.
    - He is probably going to be substituted by minute 80 max (knowing Mourinho's style)

    Who do you have? or prefer having should you have to choose only one ?

    (I posted this last night in the DZ, thought it will be good for fresh eyes_

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    1. johnbarnes
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      both.

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    2. Barry Woj
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Probably end up with both. Hazard on penalties all season will boost his scoring to Yaya levels I expect.

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    3. The Gambler.
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      i have both

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  24. lifes a pitch
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    anyone here got a super cheap Defence ???
    i have > Terry, 4.5, 4.0, 4.0, 4.0 is that too cheap ??

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    1. Canadian Football
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      way too cheap! Sounds like a recipe for Multiple Hits or an Early WC!

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    2. Somalion
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      I've gone very cheap as well...

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  25. johnbarnes
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    why are very few people here going with Barkley-the-boy-wonder? is it fixtures? I don't have him btw.

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    1. Az
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      not nailed on, good options at 6 million (1.5 cheaper), evertons fixtures are disgusting

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    2. Wilshere Knowledge
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      He doesn't get points.

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    3. applebonkers
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      he has the end poduct of a vacuum which hasn't been plugged in

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  26. Canadian Football
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Boom nailed it! Figured out how to get Yaya in my team (for now)

    Kurl/Foster
    Cahill/Ward/PvA/Moore/Wisdom
    Yaya/Ramsey/Mata/Siggy/Wanayama
    Roo/Costa/Diouf

    What do you think?

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    1. Christina.
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Nice.

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      1. Christina.
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        The only "problem" is GW 4. And Sturridge.

        Im sure there is away around it though.

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    2. Owd Big 'Ed
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Could be great if Diouf starts well. I'd rather have the money up front personally but nothing wrong with that team at all. Will do well.

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  27. The Chosen One...
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Even though it seems Young is a good pick, the fact he won't be getting cs is what is putting me off him.

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    1. Canadian Football
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      great point. reverse Oop is strange. Also, how long do you reckon he will keep his spot?

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      1. johnbarnes
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        The Siggy/Young dilemma is interesting, I've been changing my mind on this a lot, but I reckon I'll go with Siggy. Greater assist/goal threat.

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        1. Oz lotto
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          Hendo 😉

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          1. lifes a pitch
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 3 months ago

            this

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      2. The Chosen One...
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        don't think i can say a specific time period. reckon there will be a lot of rotation for the wing back positions

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    2. Baines on Toast...
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      He won't lose points for every two goals conceded, which I think may be more significant

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      1. The Chosen One...
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        United more likely to keep cs than concede 2 goals with the early fixtures

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  28. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Any reason Adebayor is not popular ? Realistically is he any more of a rotation risk than Dzeko and Joevitic . He has better fixtures than both too ?

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    1. Wilshere Knowledge
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      He doesn't look fit enough for 90 mins IMO.

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  29. Pea Soup
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    ...................De Gea.........................

    Rio...Azpi...Debuchy...Mariappa...Duff

    Mata...Ramsey...Fabregas...Isgrove...Lamela

    .......Rooney...D Costa...Fletcher........

    Would anyone care to express their opinion? And no holding back!!

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    1. TheSteel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Good team!

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    2. Boz
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      I'd get Luis over Azpi

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  30. Az
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Cheers Dem

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    1. Gooner97
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      ichelis?

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