June
14

Captain Poll – Matchday Two – Day Four

Filed under: Euro 2012 - Posted by: Paul

With uncertainty surrounding his starting role this evening, Fernando Torres had just 4% of the votes in the Matchday 2, Day 3 Captain Poll heading into the match with Republic of Ireland. A double from El Nino handed those Fantasy managers who gave him the armband a 20 point return, though it was David Silva who stole the show with a goal and two assists in the 4-0 rout:

Andres Iniesta was the runaway winner of the Captain Poll with 42% of the votes cast but, somewhat surprisingly, has not been awarded an assist for his role in Silva’s first goal. The below quote from the McDonald’s site would suggest Iniesta should have been handed the assist after Shay Given parried his effort into Silva’s path – perhaps the fact that Silva had a couple of touches before netting has gone against the Barcelona man.

An attempt, which rebounds from the goal frame, the goalkeeper or a defender, can be considered as an assist, if it leads directly to a goal.

This evening’s early kick-off saw the forwards draw a blank in the McDonald’s game. Mario Mandzukic’s classification as a midfielder helped the Croatian to a 14 point armband haul after he grabbed the equaliser in the 1-1 draw with Italy, while the Azzurri’s Andrea Pirlo picked up a 16 point captaincy return due to his free kick opener and eight recovered balls. After disappointment for many this evening, it’s stick or twist time again tomorrow, then…

Tournament co-hosts Ukraine will be seeking their second Group D win in the early kick-off against France and Andriy Shevchenko offers a decent differential candidate, with an ownership of less than 5% in the McDonald’s game. The skipper arrives on the back of his double against Sweden, while Andriy Yarmolenko and Yevhen Konoplyanka both picked up assists in the 2-1 win over Erik Hamren’s men, with the latter also firing five shots at goal.

For Laurent Blanc’s side, the front three are the main protagonists. Samir Nasri grabbed a goal and created eight goalscoring opportunities against England, Franck Ribery provided his team mates with six chances to find the net and resultantly picked up an assist, while Karim Benzema had six shots against Roy Hodgson’s side.

England and Sweden square up in the later encounter, with the former having conceded just once in three games under their new manager. For England, Ashley Young and Danny Welbeck are likely to carry the threat up front, though Steven Gerrard’s set-piece duties and likely points for recovered balls – given his side’s tactics – makes the Liverpool man another armband alternative.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is the obvious captaincy choice for the Swedes – despite returning a single goal in his opener, he had four shots and provided four goalscoring chances against Ukraine. Seb Larsson and Kim Kallstrom’s creativity could see them both play a part as the Swedes attempt to hand Hodgson his first defeat in charge of the national side, though doubts remain over who will lead the line, with Markus Rosenberg, Ola Tiovonen and Johan Elmander all vying for the lone striker role.

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paul

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  1. Lukakakakaku
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    Any thoughts on Lewandowski or Cassano > Torres for GW3?

    1. Lukakakakaku
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      For a 3 point hit

      1. Grounderz
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        You get unlimited transfers at the quarter-final stages. Stick to Lewandowski because Poland need him to score and qualify. Basically, all in.

    2. The Milkman
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Maybe not for a hit, but otherwise yes.

      I think keep Lewandowski anyway. He's dangerous and will probably score against the Czechs.

  2. Jonty
    • Reputation Level: National Scout
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights

    Arsenal are interested in signing Russian international midfielder Alan Dzagoev, 21. The £13m-rated CSKA Moscow player is out of contract in December. Daily Mail

    ...hmmm, join the queue Wenger.

    1. stilicho
      • Reputation Level: Regional Scout
      • Has Moderation Rights

      Rather unusual for Arsenal to be linked with so many players eh?

    2. King Nil Miss ✩
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Who isn´t?! Him and Mandzukic are major targets atm.

    3. Hutton dressed as Lahm
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Maybe Arshavin will sell it to him......oh wait!

    4. The Milkman
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Well said! :)

    5. Grounderz
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      All just for one man to stay - Ruud van Persie.

      1. stilicho
        • Reputation Level: Regional Scout
        • Has Moderation Rights

        That's an interesting angle, I suppose that makes sense, it's so un-Arsenal to be buying players.

        1. King Nil Miss ✩
          • Reputation Level: Scout

          Ruud van Persie is an Arsenal player? ;)

          1. stilicho
            • Reputation Level: Regional Scout
            • Has Moderation Rights

            :P

          2. Grounderz
            • Reputation Level: Scout

            Ho' shit, Robin. Goddammit, ROBIN!

  3. Sun Jihai
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    Nasri or Benzema for captain choice? Fingers on Benzema.

    1. Grounderz
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Without a doubt, Benzema but Nasri is worth a gamble.

    2. Jonty
      • Reputation Level: National Scout
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights

      go for the midfielder ...far more chance of points. If Nasri scores a brace and France keep a clean sheet he gets 13. If the same happens for Benzema he gets 10.

      All three of Benzema, Nasri and Ribery look dangerous...anyone can score two out of them.

      1. The Milkman
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        Nasri has scored 4 goals for France since 2007... I wouldn't be too confident in him scoring any, let alone 2!

        1. Jonty
          • Reputation Level: National Scout
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights

          Nasri is on penalties and has assist potential....a far greater assist potential than Benzema. I'd still go for Nasri.

      2. mysteryDave
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        Forward is more likely to score though.

        According to the bookies:
        Benzema 15/8 ~35% chance
        Nasri 4/1 ~20% chance

        To score 2 or more:
        Benzema 9/1 ~10% chance
        Nasri 33/1 ~3% chance

        1. The Milkman
          • Reputation Level: Scout

          Yep, despite his poor goalscoring record for France, Benzema is definitely more likely to score more points than Nasri.

    3. The Milkman
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      This might help you decide:

      Benzema’s appearances for France since 25/03/11:

      11/06/12 EUC France 1 – 1 England (0)
      05/06/12 FRI France 4 – 0 Estonia (2 goals)
      31/05/12 FRI France 2 – 0 Serbia (0)
      27/05/12 FRI France 3 – 2 Iceland (0)
      15/11/11 FRI France 0 – 0 Belgium (0)
      11/11/11 FRI France 1 – 0 United States (0)
      06/09/11 ECQ Romania 0 – 0 France (0)
      02/09/11 ECQ Albania 1 – 2 France (1 goal)
      10/08/11 FRI France 1 – 1 Chile (0)
      06/06/11 FRI Ukraine 1 – 4 France (0)
      03/06/11 ECQ Belarus 1 – 1 France (0)
      29/03/11 FRI France 0 – 0 Croatia (0)
      25/03/11 ECQ Luxembourg 0 – 2 France (0)

      Nasri's record is not great either though!

      1. DB_Iceman
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        But then who has the highest no. of assists ?

        1. The Milkman
          • Reputation Level: Scout

          I haven't been able to find decent stats for assists, but if anyone can find some I'd be very interested to see them.

    4. Damo
      • Reputation Level: Scout
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member

      Hold out for a bit man. L'Equipe saying Blanc is contemplating making 3 changes with Nasri one of 'em.

      1. mysteryDave
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        Noooooooo

        1. The Milkman
          • Reputation Level: Scout

          Ah, that's a pain!

          1. The Milkman
            • Reputation Level: Scout

            I should have stuck to my guns and picked Ribery, Pirlo and Silva instead of Iniesta, Nasri and Benzema.

            1. juvelova
              • Reputation Level: Scout

              +1

      2. Jonty
        • Reputation Level: National Scout
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights

        oh, merde!

      3. Jonty
        • Reputation Level: National Scout
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
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        Although I've just been reading that L'equipe appear to have it in for Nasri. There's bad blood between the player and paper so I'm not sure you can entirely trust what they say about him

        http://www.mid-day.com/sports/2012/jun/130612-Nasri-vents-fury-at-journalist.htm

  4. Jubilanus
    • Reputation Level: Scout
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member

    Just a quick one as am in a rush, and no time to read other threads but.....

    Shouldn't Iniesta have an assist for the second goal yesterday?

    1. Grounderz
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Apparently, a solo/dribble will cancel off the assist.

      1. fuml_akimbo
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        Surely RVP's goal the other night was a solo effort but Sneider got the assist for it. Silva's was less of a solo goal than that.

        1. Grounderz
          • Reputation Level: Scout

          Fabregas received a corner pass from Silva and he too dribbled off a defender before finishing it off. Silva's assist was given.

          1. fuml_akimbo
            • Reputation Level: Scout

            Exactly. Inconsistency if you ask me. I'm going to wait for them to do the right thing and credit Iniesta with the assist.

    2. Lukakakakaku
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      The rules say he should but it hasn't been given.

      1. Jubilanus
        • Reputation Level: Scout
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member

        Think I'll hang on before changing my captain.

        1. Daniel - I am one of You !!…
          • Reputation Level: Scout

          Well they live in the past. They think that still the old rule is in place and dribbles cancel assists

  6. tw - click my link to acces…
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    is the freest scoring club team in europe yet to have one of their players score in the euros??

  7. Yes the Sess!
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    So glad I went for CR7 over Silva last round....anyways on WC. Who do you think are the essential players this round? Rooney, Torres, Pirlo, Silva, Ineista, Benzema? Thinking should have some dutch/germans in there too?

    1. Elniñorules - Join t…
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Tooooorrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrressssssssssssssssss

      That is all.

    2. Aatish
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Silva.
      That is all :)

      1. Yes the Sess!
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        Not think that could be overkill? Surely croatia will put up more of a fight than ireland!

    3. mysteryDave
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Torres + Pirlo + Gomez

      1. Yes the Sess!
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        Gomez to start?

  8. Daniel - I am one of You !!…
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    So what's the e-mail to send them complain about Iniesta?

    1. tw - click my link to acces…
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      someone posted it on the last page

    2. Yes the Sess!
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Oh yeah... just realised he hasn't got an assist?? What's that about! My captain as well as I'm sure a lot on here had too! :(

      1. Daniel - I am one of You !!…
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        Already Mailed Them.

      2. Grounderz
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        Yes, let us all lodge a complaint.

  9. IfYouTinkerYou'llHaveA…
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    Is it worth doing Fàbregas + CR7 out for 3 point hit or just one of them?

    Would bring in torres/dzagoev for the hit

    1. tw - click my link to acces…
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      i'd say yes

    2. IfYouTinkerYou'llHaveA…
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      oooh actually Gomez/dzagoev is also in budget

      1. Lukakakakaku
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        Gomez might be rested for Klose as Germany have already qualified so be wary

        1. tw - click my link to acces…
          • Reputation Level: Scout

          false! germany have certainly not qualified!!!! if they lose by two and holland lose then portugal and denmark will go through. if they lose by 1 and holland lose then I think they still would get knocked out unless it was like 3-2 or something...

        2. King Nil Miss ✩
          • Reputation Level: Scout

          Germany still has alot to play for.

    3. Le Gooner
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Who will Fabregas replace? Not Torres, he scored twice, not Silva, he had two assists and scored, certainly not Xavi, Iniesta or Busquets unless they're rested which I don't see happening. Cesc on the bench IMO

  10. Mohamad Kh
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    Who do you think from the german players will get rested?

    1. Yes the Sess!
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      I think gomez could be for klose but the group isn't won yet...is it?

      1. La Roja
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        Gomez

  11. Elniñorules - Join t…
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    I can't wait for the next season already....

    Torres back in form, the influx of quality signings, playing like defending champions & continue to watch.....

    ........"same ol' same ol" Pool & Spurs.

    1. Grounderz
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Not exactly back in form. Back in form would mean scoring consistently for a fair few weeks.

      1. Elniñorules - Join t…
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        Scored / shone in the last 10 games (incl PL/CL SF/Finals/Euro friendly/Finals)

  12. tw - click my link to acces…
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    just scored an awesome bent fk from about 25 out with my keeper in fifa :D

    1. EpicFail
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Upload it and let us have a gander ;)

      1. tw - click my link to acces…
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        wtf!? it was an ultimate team match and i was up 2-1 with 5 min left and then it disconnected me from the EA servers.... dont get my deserved coins from the match nor can i save the replay! gahhh :( .

        1. tw - click my link to acces…
          • Reputation Level: Scout

          super frustratting! i've been disconnected from the servers like 4-5 times in the last couple days and mostly at the very end of my matches when im winning and then i lose all the points i should get but it still burns up a match on all my players contracts

  13. ★FC Borecelona★
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    Here's my WC team so far

    Malafeev | Andersen

    Alba | Bonucci | Limbersky | Piszczek | Strinic

    Pilar | Pirlo | Sneijder | Kuba | Dzagoev

    Benzema | Muller | Torres

    Any thoughts on it?

    1. beric
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      I wish i had a WildCard. I'm f*cked in this competition :(

      1. ★FC Borecelona★
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        Hey Beric

        You cant be doing worse than me, look at my rank :(

        1. beric
          • Reputation Level: Scout

          I'm down to 64.000 ish. Thanks god no one in my private ML's have a clue.

    2. Yes the Sess!
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Same frontline as me apart from I've stuck rooney in there for muller.

    3. beric
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Looks good, I wouldn't have Muller, I don't think he's looked very threatening in the last 2 games.

  14. Yes the Sess!
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    Liklyhood of Toivenon starting tonight or will he be dropped fro elmander?

    1. mysteryDave
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      BBC have Elmander to start but Rosenberg dropping out.
      http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18181790

      1. Yes the Sess!
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        Cheers mate. Might as well take a punt on a 2pt player out. Not exactly much to lose!

      2. Jonty
        • Reputation Level: National Scout
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights

        would make sense as he has experience of the English game...plus has scored one of the Premier League's best ever goals.

  15. Andrew
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    FPL questions guys. The administrator of our mini league has left the company, how do we cancel this league so we can start a new one with new peple joining next season?

    1. EpicFail
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Just start a new one.

      Only the admin cancel their own leagues.

      1. Andrew
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        I was told the old league will start again next season though if we dont delete it?

        1. EpicFail
          • Reputation Level: Scout

          It will if he allows it to.
          Either ask him to delete it, ask him to transfer admin, or just start a new league.

    2. King Nil Miss ✩
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      You have to ask him to change the administrator to one of you.

  16. beric
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    Morning gang

    1. EpicFail
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Morning our kid

      1. beric
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        How's things, me claret and blue mukka?

        1. EpicFail
          • Reputation Level: Scout

          Not too bad kidda. How's your team getting on?

          1. beric
            • Reputation Level: Scout

            Awfull this week. I'd have been doing better if I didn't wildcard :( but only just. How about you?

            1. EpicFail
              • Reputation Level: Scout

              I'm doing pretty average (40 points). Luckily my co manager has had a blinder though.

              1. beric
                • Reputation Level: Scout

                I know he has, hes my H2H opponent this week :(

  17. Daniel - I am one of You !!…
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    In your face. First time e-mailing will tell u if there is reply.

    Dear all

    Can u please be consistent and follow the rules that u have created. Please remember your self that u've changed the assist rule before the tournament. If someone dribbles now the assists aren't canceled.

    Please don't live in the past and read what u have written.

    "An attempt, which rebounds from the goal frame, the goalkeeper or a defender, can be considered as an assist, if it leads directly to a goal."

    Anxiously waiting for my deserved assist.

    Regards,
    Your faithfully Daniel

    1. Andrew
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Man dont use 'u' instead of you :-)

      1. EpicFail
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        Yep, now we won't get the assist because of that. ;)

        1. Elniñorules - Join t…
          • Reputation Level: Scout

          U syoure?

          1. EpicFail
            • Reputation Level: Scout

            yep rly

            1. Daniel - I am one of You !!…
              • Reputation Level: Scout

              Its in the topic of the mail. Its called Iniesta assist

    2. The Milkman
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      You should have mentioned it was the Iniesta assist! :)

    3. Back on the horse
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      you haven't mentioned what assist you are referring to

    4. GreenWindmill
      • Reputation Level: Club Scout
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights

      Ur gonna h8 the nu rtickl

      1. Daniel - I am one of You !!…
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        Its in the topic of the mail

    5. SammyC
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      They're just gonna think a 12 year old retard wrote this

      1. Daniel - I am one of You !!…
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        Hahahha thanks Sammy helpful as always.Well I was annoyed and could care to be polite ;)

    6. Jonty
      • Reputation Level: National Scout
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights

      Its the word 'can' that is key here. They should really alter that and say will be considered an assist. It already starts with ambiguity. Who decides whether its an assist. The BBC and press association say it was, so why does Macdonald's think it isn't. They can flip burgers, for sure (tm Redknapp), but can they decide on what is an assist or not?

  18. Back on the horse
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    Stick or Twist on Alba C 12 pts?

    other options are Ribery and Benzema

    1. Andrew
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Stick

    2. heco87
      • Reputation Level: Scout
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member

      Probably depends if you're behind in a mini league, if so then I'd twist.

      1. Back on the horse
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        it's close- I'm about 6 points behind

  19. nomar
    • Reputation Level: Scout
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member

    Iniesta looks like a big waste of money at the moment, especially if he's not even getting FPL level assists!

    Great player but no good if only picking up 2/3 points per game.

    1. beric
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      I'm stuck with him now though, and a bunch of other useless pieces of crap.

      1. nomar
        • Reputation Level: Scout
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member

        As long as you haven't got Balotelli up front!

        1. beric
          • Reputation Level: Scout

          I have Robben :?

    2. Mohamad Kh
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      same as Ozil...

  20. beric
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    For my free transfer:

    A) Podolski -> Rooney (as I had planned to)

    B) Meireles -> Dzagoev (already have Shirokov)

    1. Grounderz
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      A.

  22. Mind over Mata
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    Morning all,

    Used my WC last week and things have been less than impressive, any thoughts on possible transfers this week (don't mind a -3), thanks:

    Chalkias / Anderson
    Alba / Bonucci / Perquis / Maniatis / Lescott
    Nasri / Iniesta / Dzagoev / Shirokov / Young
    Benzema / CR7 / Jelly

    Currently thinking of ditching CR7

  23. DB_Iceman
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    Team for MD3
    Chalky Anderson
    Lescott, Debuchy, Bonucci, Alba, Strinic
    Nasria, Iniesta, Sneijder, Konyplyanka, Shirokov
    Arshavim, Cassano, Lewandowski

    Suggestions for my FT ?

    1. La Roja
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Sifakis starting for Greece and not sure about Iniesta and Cassano, go for Kuba and Torres

  24. La Roja
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    tough one, feel he'll bounce back vs Dutch, i will stick with him

  25. SuperDunny
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    Quick question for those doing the Euro Pro game. I have a deadline for sealed bids today at 3pm, does this mean that i can bring in players for todays 2 games and play them today? Effectively gaining extra games by selling people who have already played in matchday 2? Hope that's not too confusing!?

  26. tahrim
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    I have Dzagoev as captain.I still have benzema, nasri - do i hand it to either of the two or just stick with Alan D?

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“I love to attack and I love to go up front...It is a little more difficult than when you are playing centre-back. If you play the way that I want to play, I think my influence is better as a left-back. For the team, it is best that I play as a centre-back. I like to bring the ball out. You need to move the game quickly, and that is one of my qualities as well.”

Jan Vertonghen outlines what he feels is his best position for Andre Villas-Boas