Great Expectations

Great Expectations – Erik Lamela

Our pre-season series returns to gather up a collection of players who carry the weight of expectancy going into the new campaign. These are targets who are expected to kick-on and grow in stature over the course of the coming season and it begins with a suitable prospect down at the Lane: Tottenham playmaker, Erik Lamela.

Snapped up by Andre Villas-Boas last summer after the departure of Gareth Bale, the Argentine arrived amidst much fanfare after finishing the 2012/13 campaign as fifth top scorer in Serie A, with 15 goals and five assists in 33 appearances for AS Roma.

It’s fair to say that Lamela failed to live up to the hype in a hugely underwhelming debut year. Over the course of an injury-hit campaign, he managed a total of three starts and six sub appearances under both Villas-Boas and his replacement Tim Sherwood. In those 361 minutes, the South American mustered a mere eight attempts on goal and created just six chances for others.

After a similarly difficult start, fellow new boy Christian Eriksen found his feet as a result of Sherwood’s attack-minded approach. The Dane served up seven goals, eight assists and 20 bonus points in his subsequent 18 appearances (an average of 6.4 points per game) over the final five months of 2013/14 to underline his capabilities as a prime Fantasy midfield asset.

So far, Eriksen’s exploits have persuaded over 14% of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers to snap him up – the ninth most popular pick so far. Despite being identically priced at 8.0, Lamela’s debut year has clearly proven a major deterrent; just 2% of managers have been willing to bring the South American into their five-man midfields. Despite that, there is growing evidence to suggest that Lamela could potentially emerge to challenge Eriksen’s output and finally live up to his billing as a goal-getting midfielder of some stature.

Key Factors

    • The arrival of Mauricio Pochettino seems to have quickly transformed Lamela’s summer form. With his compatriot at the helm, the Argentine looks a different player and, with three goals to his name, he’s Tottenham’s top scorer in pre-season so far; Eriksen, on the other hand, has relied on set-piece duties to bag his first of the summer in a 6-1 trashing of Celtic. Fundamental to Lamela’s form has been a shift in position – previously utilised out wide, he’s been afforded the role in “the hole” in recent matches and has been far more involved in his side’s attacking forays.



    • Furthermore, Lamela has backed up the idea he’s a confidence player. Despite his lofty price tag, the playmaker (when fit) was never afforded the chance to shine under either of Tottenham’s managers last term and cut a dejected figure on the rare occasion he entered the fray. After a recent friendly match, the South American confirmed he’s finally over his injury problems and is mentally refreshed for the campaign ahead:

      “I had an unfortunate injury last season that kept me out of play for quite some time. In the same way, it’s helped me emotionally and morally to get better and work harder towards this season.”


    • Pochettino’s impact on Southampton’s attackers highlights how his high pressing game is suited to the English top-flight. Adam Lallana was transformed into one of the most sought-after Fantasy midfielders in the game last term, earning 179 points in his one full season under Pochettino compared to 93 points in the previous campaign, while Jay Rodriguez scored 152 points before succumbing to knee ligament damage in April. Providing he keeps clear of the treatment room, then, Lamela could be poised to benefit from Pochettino’s tactics and finally become a legitimate Fantasy contender at the second time of asking.


    • Pochettino’s arrival will ensure Spurs move away from the two-man frontline employed by Sherwood from December onwards last season. With a 4-2-3-1 on the cards, then, there’s too much uncertainty surrounding the new manager’s preferred option for the lone forward role to gamble on their frontmen right now. There’s no doubt Emmanuel Adebayor impressed under Sherwood last time, though it remains to be seen whether he possesses the work-rate to lead the line in a high-pressing side, making investment in the midfield a safer route for now. With form on his side, Lamela is staking a real claim for consideration over Eriksen and with West Ham, QPR, Sunderland and West Brom in the first five, has the potential to be a deadly differential over the first few Gameweeks.


    • After last year’s disappointment, it’s easy to forget Lamela’s capabilities. Further assessment of his 2013/13 season in Serie A shows he fired 86 shots – an average of 2.6 attempts per game was bettered by only two midfielders in the Premier League last season, Yohan Cabaye and Philippe Coutinho. Despite being fielded out wide by the Italian outfit, Lamela also chipped in creatively – a total of 56 chances created equates to 1.7 per appearance; on a par with Cabaye and team-mate Emmanuel Adebayor in the previous campaign.

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2,822 Comments Post a Comment
  1. LOCO ABREU
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    ulloa brace

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    1. Towsor44
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Whats the Leicester line-up? Strong, weak? Who they playing?

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      1. Honeybadger
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Ulloa x11

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      2. LOCO ABREU
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        vs rotherham,don't know nothing more,just checking flashscore

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        1. Towsor44
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 7 months ago

          Cool, cheers

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      3. Beavis
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Sort by stickies.

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  2. Respect My Authoritah
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Interesting. Not willing to wait and see who nails down LB?

    In that case I'd still lose Caulker and throw in Coloccini + Gamboa@4.5

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    1. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Haha oh dear, @ JK again

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

        I'll bear it in mind if Gamboa comes in at 4.5

        Caulker is my worry, I have him for the goal threat but then you kind of have to play him every week

        Might also wait and see Isla's price

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        1. Respect My Authoritah
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 7 months ago

          Yeah I posted on that earlier. Like Trippier, no point shelling out 5.0 unless u play every week. If u rotate, better to get the 4.5 options. Simpson should do ok at RWB

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

            Simpson unlikely to start with Isla there now. if Isls is 4.5 I may go with him and Cameron

            what do you think of Clyne?

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    2. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      And regarding the defensive strength, yep they aren't, but the best use of fixtures I can see (think of it as Krul/Foster)

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  3. Polaris - The Mortal Coil
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Ooooooh. SkySports guy at the West Brom game just said Lord Andre Wisdom is getting forward a lot. 😎

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    1. HippY
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Fingers crossed!

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    2. 50shades of o'shea
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Is Baird starting?

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      1. Polaris - The Mortal Coil
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        No. Started on the bench.

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  4. Honeybadger
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Ulloa bandwagon for sure

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    1. Polaris - The Mortal Coil
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Rooney > Ulloa. Done.

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      1. Honeybadger
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Smart move, just save it in the bank! Differential!

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    2. Home Run Baker
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Ello Ulloa

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  5. ElementWire
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Sorry if this counts as a RMT. I'm going with a pretty cheap defence and I am set on the following;

    Huth Chester N Taylor

    This leaves me 9Mil for two defenders so right now I'm thinking of Ward and Wisdom but am willing to change if anyone has any better ideas. If the consensus is that the defence is too weak I can find an extra 0.5 to make it 9.5 between two defenders but it cannot be a man united defender(3 slots taken).

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    1. 50shades of o'shea
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Clyne and wisdom

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      1. ElementWire
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        I was looking at Clyne as well but being unsure of how Southampton will perform has put me off at the moment. Will definitely monitor and those early fixtures may swing me to go for it.

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    2. HippY
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      9mil for Coloccini and van Aanholt, rotate too.

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  6. 1NAM
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Joey Barton anyone?

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    1. Evans
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      No , never, no

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    2. LOCO ABREU
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      red cards!

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    3. Fantasy Gold
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      On a night out, outside McDonalds maybe.

      In FPL? Not so much.

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    4. Polaris - The Mortal Coil
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      NO

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    5. kalmoffit
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Yep. Joe Cole as well.

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  7. Bubz
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Has Lukaku had any preseason?

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    1. Evans
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      With Chelsea I think

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    2. Parm
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Not really, only trained a bit with Chelsea I think.

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      1. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Likely to start GW1 though you think?

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        1. Heels_Over_Head
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 7 months ago

          think Martinez will let us know in time

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          1. Bubz
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 7 months ago

            Yeah he's a good lad is Martinez

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  8. Blue Lion
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Ulloa 5.5m, train to arrive shortly.

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    1. Gaffers
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Do we get a discount if we buy 20000 tickets at the same time?

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    2. Heels_Over_Head
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Ulloa & Bojan rotate perfectly 😉

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  9. Parm
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Excluding Austin (& Remy), who was QPR's top goalscorer in the Championship last season?

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    1. HippY
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Guessing...Hoilett?

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    2. 50shades of o'shea
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Nico?

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    3. Fantasy Gold
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Hoilett.

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    4. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Guess - Hoillet

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    5. Fiorentina Turner
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      I think it was Morrison from West Ham when he came there on loan in the second half of last season

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      1. Parm
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Correct!

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        1. Fiorentina Turner
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 7 months ago

          Oh Cool, I was really thinking there because I knew after Austin, no one really scored and Morrison came in and did really well

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    6. Parm
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Clue: He is no longer at the club.

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      1. HippY
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Ravel!

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  10. 50shades of o'shea
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Just wondering, anyone with a sotton defender, are you playing them first game.

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    1. Fantasy Gold
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      That's suicide

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    2. zotter
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      No thank you. I would have wisdom. And play wisdom

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  11. New Post
  12. PGR
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Any chance that either of Upson or Duff will start regularly?

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  13. Hazard for Ballon D'or
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Is costa a must-have if I already have hazard??

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    1. zotter
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Nope. Chelsea don't play a game where they will score many 3s and 4s IMO.

      Unlike, City or Liverpool or maybe Arsenal

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  14. Jimjam
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Trying to fill the following gaps in my defence:

    ???, ???
    Luis - BDavies - ??? - ??? - Van Aanholt

    Which option looks better?

    1) Begovic, 4m, Evans, Mariappa
    2) Speroni, Green, Huth, NTaylor

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  15. zotter
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Right. Getting close to final pick. I think:

    RMT plS

    DeGea (myhill)
    Luis. Davies. Wisdom. (Coliccini. Mariappa)
    Sterling. Hazard. Alexis. Lamela. (Rodwell)
    Bojan. Rooney. Dzeko

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  16. 1NAM
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    He's a big lad Ulloa https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BuTGo4BCIAAmBYu.jpg:large

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  17. Louis
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Have Liverpool signed a left back yet? At 5.0 could Enrique be a bargain to start the season?

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    1. zotter
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      I don't think it's worth it. Even if he first choice for first three weeks. Quite sure they will sign a left back by end of window. And Liverpool fixtures in that period include two tough away games

      I would buy him if he is still first choice 2 Sep

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  18. zotter
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    As it stands I would guess Liverpool starting XI for saints game is:

    Mignolet
    GJ. Lovren. Sakho. Flanagan / Enrique
    Gerrard. Allen. Henderson.
    Sterling. Sturridge. Coutinho

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      1. zotter
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Agreed. I think GJ looks worse than he is because of the lack of solid cb cover.

        He adds ALOT from an attacking sense to compensate for any defensive deficiency

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  19. Leeroy357
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Any Spurs fans know who will start in the number 10 role, Lamela or Eriksen?
    Also who would you pick out of the 2?

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    1. JackG55
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Lamela in the hole, Eriksen on the left. But both will rotate so..

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      1. Leeroy357
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Who would you pick? Lamela down the centre and looking good in preseason or Eriksen who was good last season and gets a few set pieces?

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        1. MigNick17
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 7 months ago

          Eriksen, his deadball duties will have a good impact!

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          1. Leeroy357
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 7 months ago

            So you are saying dead ball duties over a central role? I currently have Eriksen but I really can't decide. Does Eriksen get corners as well or just free kicks?

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  20. JD @JDCochran2
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    What about this team...

    De Gea
    Luis Davies Debuchy
    Yaya Sanchez Ramsey Fabregas Young
    Rooney Long

    subs Myhill, Va Tez, Dummett, Upson

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  21. raheemsterling
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    any one know news about sturridge, will he bit fit to play gameweek 1?

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  22. Chenku╰☆╮
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Guys here is my updated draft.

    Foster Krul
    Evans Debuchy Dawson Rosneir Moore
    Arni Fab Mata Sanchez Albrighton
    Costa Rooney Austin

    My view is to swap arni for siggy in GW2 and if Giroud is the main forward for Arsenal and not play sanchez up front then swap sanchez for ramsey in GW3 and upgrade austin to dezko or giroud.

    What do you think?

    RMT please

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    1. Skitelord
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Personally not keen on the Foster/Krul rotation myself. I prefer Begovic/Mannone.

      Dawson isn't nailed on I don't think, so I'd stray from him. Only nailed on Spurs defender is Vertonghen. Rosenior you might want to consider swapping to Bartley who's played a lot of minutes in pre season for Swansea and comes in at 4.0

      Midfield is solid, I'd consider Sanchez out Ramsey in and upgrading your defence with that money.

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      1. Chenku╰☆╮
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Thanks for the feedback. I am not sure a 5 GK is possible unless i go with Myhill.

        new line up with dwason/roenseir out. i still think sanchez is a wildcard and want to keep him for GW1 and swap to ramsey depending on his performance/position (hoping he will be right up with giroud)

        Foster Krul
        Evans Debuchy Luis (Chelsea) (Wisdom) (Bartley)
        Henderson Fab Mata Sanchez (Albrighton)
        Costa Rooney Austin

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  23. MigNick17
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    I'd really like a second opinion on this... Tadic & Jovetic or Lamela & Pelle. Whom should I start with? I'm also considering waiting for 2 GWs 2-3 weeks in and replacing wh.oever 2 i choose with the other pair.

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  24. aaronjosy
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    A. pls let m eknow who u guys thinks has the best value for cash

    1. young - 5.5
    2. ander herrera - 7.5
    3.mata -9

    B. 1 heavy striker and 4 heavy midfielders or 2 heavy strikers with 3 havy midfielders

    C.BONY/GIROUD/SOLDADO/ADEBAYOR/LUKAKU - chose one

    D.DROGBA will get game time ???

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  25. michael1
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Eriksen or lamela?

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