Preamble

The Pre-Match Preamble – Gameweek 22

In Rafa we trust. These are words that choke in the throat, that almost cramp the fingers as they are typed. As Fantasy managers, it’s a sentence that seems unnatural and illogical and yet, on the edge of another Gameweek deadline, there are thousands praying at the altar of Rafa, clinging to the hope that his teamsheet twiddling will fall kindly.

Today’s three o’clock trip to the Britannia is not a fixture that would normally find us backing Chelsea’s playmakers, or even a new centre-forward bristling with confidence. The midweek meeting with Southampton has lured our attention with promise of follow-up returns, bolstering whatever can be grappled from Tony Pulis pugilists today.

The problem, of course, is that anticipating those lucky enough to feast on two bites of the Gameweek cherry is nigh-on impossible. Having seen Demba Ba score twice against Southampton in the FA Cup and witnessed an impressive ten minute cameo in the midweek Capital One Cup slump to Swansea, we can be reasonably happy that he has a good chance of seeing action across both matches. The situation with Juan Mata is perhaps less certain.

Controversially rested for the clash with QPR last time out, that was the first time in five Gameweeks that Mata had failed to return a goal or assist for Rafa’s side. The decision to rest such an influential player, along with Eden Hazard, was surely at the root of the shock defeat and we can perhaps take some comfort from this; hoping that Rafa will perhaps be wary of taking chances over the approaching double-header.

Chelsea’s schedule is punishing. Four matches in the space of eleven days provides Rafa all he needs to justify rotation. With Arsenal following just four days after the home clash with Southampton, will Benitez really be able to resist preserving Mata and Hazard for the Gunners visit?

In normal circumstances it perhaps seems unlikely. The absence of Mikel and Victor Moses do, at least, narrow his options in midfield areas. Ramires may have to be utilised in the defensive midfield position in one of the next four, keeping him from being an option as part of the three attacking midfielders behind the lone striker. Without Moses, Benitez is forced turn to Ramires and Marko Marin, then. Realistically, it seems that his ability to rotate all of Hazard, Mata and Oscar in this spell is restricted – without a change of formation or the risk of disappointing the Stamford Bridge throngs further.

That’s the other key factor. Can Benitez really gamble on fielding a weakened side for the second league home match running, having seen a starting XI without Mata struggle to break down a stubborn QPR?

With Wednesday’s setback to Swansea following the derby defeat to Harry Redknapp’s side, it would mean that Rafa would be risking three consecutive home reversals. That would surely tighten the vice-like pressure around the Spaniard: he may want to rest his playmaker against Southampton but, against a side who have shown defensive solidity and plenty of fight of late – see the 1-1 with Arsenal and the 3-3 away at Stoke – it would be a gamble taken at a time when Benitez has diminishing support amongst the Stamford Bridge faithful.

As always, then, we can find logic and comforting arguments to support our choices. As we’ve seen in the past, however, the Premier League’s real decision makers play by their own rules; they take risks just as we do and, in Rafa’s case, we’re dealing with perhaps one of the most renowned tinkerers in modern football. A manager who has shown in the past he’s willing to gamble with the favour of his supporters in order to maintain his theories with player rest and fatigue.

The morning’s papers can’t be expected to have more insight than us but, perhaps, offer a guide to selection we can follow for today’s visit to Stoke.

The Telegraph hands a first league start to Demba Ba, with Mata safely tucked in behind the Senegalese striker, backed by Hazard and Ramires either side. Frank Lampard is restored and David Luiz is, once again, used to reinforce the engine room. That’s a lineup I’m in agreement with and one also backed by the Independent and the Times.

We see something slightly different in this morning’s Sun, with Ramires alongside Lampard, Oscar included and no place for David Luiz. I’d say that was most unlikely given the opposition. The Guardian also go for something similar, this time with Lampard omitted. Again, I’d beg to differ here – Lampard’s experience will surely be called upon for the toughest of battles, plus his record at the Britannia has been decent in the past.

Elsewhere this morning, we’ve some concern over two notable left-backs that have question marks over their starts, although Everton’s Leighton Baines is present in every one of our predicted lineups this morning.

Reading’s Ian Harte, as we mentioned in last night’s Scout Picks, is a bigger risk. With Nicky Shorey now recovered from his virus and having played 90 minutes for the reserves in the week, he will threaten Harte’s start against West Brom. Shorey’s former club, it could be that Brian McDermott recalls Shorey. Glancing through this morning’s papers, the Times, the Independent, The Mail and the Telegraph are all backing Harte in their lineups, with only the Guardian and the Sun opting for a Shorey recall. Make of that what you will.

Such issues seem trifling next to the likely problems served up by Benitez. Although it seems likely that we’ll be appeased by today’s team-sheet at Stoke, we will be left guessing and fretting as to how many strings the Chelsea puppeteer will cut for the visit of Southampton. There’s no question that the Gameweek can turn on his decisions over the next few days – those backing Chelsea’s assets to the full can only hope that Benitez shelves his urges.

Mark Mark created the beast. He's now looking to tame it.

2,001 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Absinthe Minded
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    RVP most cap and vice cap!!!

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    1. Hello. Yes, This is Dog
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      lol. at least it changed!

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  2. In Like Flynn.
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Taken hits on my top two Metro teams. I shall blame you if it goes tits up Doosra. 😉

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

    Most Captained - Van Persie
    Most Vice Captained - Van Persie

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    1. Professor Abel X
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Lovely! I predicted this earlier in the week!

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

    Teams updated.

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  5. Pasqualinho
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Tevez is NOT the most vice-captained this week.

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    1. Hello. Yes, This is Dog
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      his % owned has dropped a helluva lot lately. he's probably still lose though

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  6. BruLee2
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Van Persie: Most captained
    Van Persie: Most vice captained

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  7. Demí
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    : Cesar, Hill, Onuoha, Nelsen, Da Silva, Mbia, Park, Derry, Taarabt, SWP, Mackie.

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    1. In Like Flynn.
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      CS Nelsen please.

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    2. Namtab Nomolos
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      No Trevor Sinclair? Damn.

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      1. Tin of Directors
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Peacock dropped as well.

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    3. Joga Bonito®
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Come on Adel.

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  8. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    If mata, ba, luiz don't do the business the dead teams having a field day and really pushing up the rankings with rvp capt and most vice captains

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  9. Valar(Keith)
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Rival bought Turnbull 😯 .. Go Cech!!

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

    Who captained Ba?

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    1. Neto
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      armBAnd

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  11. Nopli
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    UPDATEDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD

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

      Thank you 724K

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      1. Az
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        hahaha

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  12. stufail
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone know who was most V-C this week?

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    1. Tin of Directors
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      RVP both.

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

      RVP

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    3. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Not sure mate. Need a few people to tell me.

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  13. Tin of Directors
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Does anyone do anything to build up the tension of looking at rivals teams.
    I zoom in and scroll down really slowly so I only see the top of their shirts, not the names.
    Like a prize on a gameshow.
    Or am I on my own??

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  14. Rory Rocky man
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Any1 else not able to use free wildcard??
    Had team all done and pressed change transfers and nothing happened???
    Raging

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

      You had all week.

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      1. Tin of Directors
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        This.

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    2. Namtab Nomolos
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      How late was it?

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

      Should be raging at yourself for leaving it to the last minute...

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

      Needs to say Active to work.

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  15. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    RVP most captained and most vice captained actually made me laugh out loud...I don't know why 🙂

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    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Because you are weird?

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      1. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        I'll accept that as an answer 😉

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        1. Epic Fail
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 2 months ago

          😀

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  16. Demí
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    loris, Walker, Vertonghen, Dawson, Naughton, Sandro, Dembele, Lennon, Bale, Adebayor & Defoe

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    1. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Dawson bandwagon imminent

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    2. SuperDunny - Used to be goo…
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      cheers

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    3. In Like Flynn.
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Thanks Demi. No Bae.

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    4. SuperOsçarBaby
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Where's BAE??!

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      1. Audere_est_Facere
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        He's just back from injury, still not 100%.

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    5. RoysCallerAnne
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Go captain Bale.

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    6. Djerbil
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      subs today: Friedel, Caulker, Assou-Ekotto, Parker, Huddlestone, Sigurdsson & Dempsey

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    7. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      no dempsey either

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

      Cheers Demi

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

    Who captained RVP here?

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    1. Nopli
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Luiz Here 🙂

      96 Points 😉

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

        Should have gone Ivan.

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  18. FORCA INTER
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    cup opponent has Yaya C and Cech Vc 😀 😀 😀

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    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      You won't be laughing when Cech makes it back and gets 2 clean sheets and a couple of pen saves. 😯

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      1. FORCA INTER
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        i will actually 😀

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    2. Joga Bonito®
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Amazing news lol.

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  19. Drip Doctor
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Oh jheeze, everyone in my mini league has captained Ba. Nervous Mata owner.

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  20. Dial Square
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    HA my ML leader clearly didn't notice the DGW because he's put Ba 3rd sup behind Gorkks and O'Brien!!

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

      Maybe he knows something we don't.

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    2. Mindless Freak
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Wouldn't laugh too much because Obrien won't play and & Gorkss won't so Ba will come on for anyone.

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      1. Dial Square
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        but the only person who wont play from his starting 11 is cuellar - and Ba can't come on for a defender 🙂

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  21. onionbarje
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Spurs: Lloris, Walker, Vertonghen, Dawson, Naughton, Sandro, Dembele, Lennon, Bale, Adebayor & Defoe

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  22. onionbarje
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Spurs Subs: Friedel, Caulker, Assou-Ekotto, Parker, Huddlestone, Sigurdsson & Dempsey

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  23. Woeisme
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Chose to go into GW with no Chelsea or Southampton cover.

    Lets see how thin the line between genius and fool actually is. ( Smiles nervously)

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  24. Adam Lallana makes Messi lo…
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    feeling positive about this week:)

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  25. FantasyFS007
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Gibbs or Baines??

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  26. Adam Lallana makes Messi lo…
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    always captain RVP 😉 ill show you.

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  27. Joga Bonito®
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    TM, not sure if you answered this from earlier, I can't find it anymore.

    Between now and GW25 is the Millionnaires qualifying... how do you qualify? I've already entered.

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      1. onionbarje
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        how do you enter the millionaire club

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

          Wait until GW25 & hope you had 3 decent weeks.

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          1. Joga Bonito®
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 2 months ago

            I understand the rules but... nm i'll just see what happens lol.

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          2. onionbarje
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 2 months ago

            OK thanks

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  28. Adam Lallana makes Messi lo…
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    opponent captained Odemwingie.....

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  29. lfcserg
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    I think I have the biggest balls here to bench RVP

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    1. Adam Lallana makes Messi lo…
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      you are crazy and are going to get hate because of this. i captained him...

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

      Oh dear.

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    3. Pork Pie Sausage Roll
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      blinded by club loyalty more like

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      1. lfcserg
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        possibly

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    4. Chu Young Ping Pong
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      No, you're just stupid.

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    5. Mílanista
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      There is a difference between big balls and silliness.

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    6. Paolo Di Laernu - low rep r…
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      YOU HAVE A PLAYER WORTH 14M ON YOUR BENCH... LOLLLLLLL

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    7. lfcserg
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Meh just a little fun, just to add to the hype for Sundays game

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  30. Bolt-on
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Rival wildcarded and fr next week just has Collins for the double and no arsenal at all - must not have seen it - btw he's 1200 in the world

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

      Certain of a MC win & CS.

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    2. Egg noodle
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      wont be 1200 for long then 😀

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