Scout Reports

Scout Report – Shinji Kagawa

Man United officially confirmed their first major signing of the close season last week, with the capture of Shinji Kagawa from German champions Dortmund on a four-year deal.

The 23-year-old Japanese midfielder arrives for an undisclosed fee that’s rumoured to be anywhere between £12-17m and, having completed a medical and obtained a work permit, will move to Old Trafford when the transfer window opens on July 1.

Sir Alex Ferguson was quick to pay compliment to the new boy, suggesting he will be a crucial part of United’s attempts to wrestle back the title from neighbours City next season:

Shinji is an exciting young midfielder with great skill, vision and a good eye for goal. I am delighted he has chosen to come to United. I believe he will make an impact upon the team very quickly as he is suited to United’s style of play. We are all looking forward to working with him.

The Statistics

As a 17-year-old, Kagawa signed his first professional contract in 2006 with local club Cerezo Osaka. The following year he became an established first-team figure at the club and, over the course of four seasons, demonstrated his goal-getting ability by finding the net 55 times in 125 appearances.

In the summer of 2010, Kagawa joined up at Dortmund in a deal that cost the Bundesliga outfit a mere €350,000, due to a clause in his contract which allow him to move cheaply if the opportunity to play in Europe arose. Kagawa played 18 times in his first season for Jurgen Klopp’s side, scoring eight times and providing one assist, but his game time was cut short due to a metatarsal injury picked up on international duty. Despite missing the second half of the campaign, his performances merited Kagawa a place in the Bundesliga Best XI.

Recovering in time for the start of the 2011/12 campaign, Kagawa was an instrumental figure in Dortmund’s league and cup double. With Mario Gotze sidelined for a good part of the season, Klopp’s side were reliant on the creativity of the Japanese midfielder; over the course of 31 appearances, Kagawa produced 13 goals and eight assists playing in “the hole” in Dortmund’s 4-2-3-1 formation. His final game for Klopp’s side came in the German Cup Final win over Bayern, where Kagawa provided a goal and assist in the 5-2 rout in front of the onlooking Ferguson and, with just 12 months remaining on his contract, United have lessened the blow of losing out on Eden Hazard by snapping up the highly-rated playmaker.

The Prospects

Although he can play on the left flank, Kagawa is best-suited to a role in the middle of the pitch. His trickery and ability to pick out a killer pass from a more advanced central position is an aspect of United’s game that has, arguably, been missing of late. Last season saw them linked with the likes of Wesley Sneijder and Luka Modric – with both moves failing to transpire, Paul Scholes returned from retirement to add a much-needed spark from a deep-lying position in the centre. The new signing has already revealed he has his heart set on replicating the role he excelled in for Dortmund, going on to say:

I want to play (in the hole). I feel like that’s where I play my best football. I plan on working hard so I can win my place at the position. They’re one of the biggest clubs in the world, and I was given a chance to play for them. I took a lot of things into consideration, like the fact that they’ve got a deep squad, their style of football and it wasn’t an easy decision. But I wanted the challenge.

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the deal is the effect on United’s shape next season. Ferguson’s default formation last term was, of course, 4-4-2; he only started with a lone forward on just seven of his side’s 38 games but Kagawa’s arrival affords him the chance to vary his approach, with the new boy perhaps tucked in behind Wayne Rooney up front. Certainly, it would seem a lot to ask of Kagawa to field him in central midfield in a 4-4-2 in his first season in the Premier League; standing 5 foot 7, he would need time to adjust to such a role, whereas an advanced slot in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-1-1 will allow him to become more accustomed to the rigours of the Premier League.

If Ferguson opts for an attacking midfield trio of Ashley Young or Nani on the left, Kagawa in the centre and Antonio Valencia on the right behind Rooney, the knock-on effect on the likes of Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez’s game time could be detrimental; they started 23 and 18 times respectively last time out but could suffer further if the manager opts for a reshuffle. At the moment, though, it’s too early to judge; pre-season will offer Fantasy managers plenty clues as to Ferguson’s thinking before their season kicks off at Everton in mid-August.

From a Fantasy Premier League (FPL) perspective, Kagawa may well benefit from the same sort of 8.0 price tag that Valencia was afforded in the previous season, with a cost no more than 9.0 looking likely. It leaves Fantasy managers with a real dilemma when assessing United’s midfield options, though, with so many solid performers already on offer. Kagawa’s dead-ball ability could help sway investment his way and with Nani, Young and Valencia all set to be priced considerably higher, he offers an intriguing attacking route into a side that finished 2011/12 with 89 goals under their belt and will be going all-out in their attempt to reclaim the title from City.

Further Reference

Shinji Kagawa Wikipedia

Shinji Kagawa YouTube

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

1,268 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Pinoche
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 4 months ago

    Ozil or Boateng (c) ?

    Open Controls
    1. gatzi
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 4 months ago

      Ozil....he has to go big tonight...doesn't he? 🙂

      Open Controls
    2. FORCA INTER
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 4 months ago

      you did it again

      do you have autoclicker or something like that??

      or you post first by intuition

      btw-Ozil C,imo

      Open Controls
      1. SPorting
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 4 months ago

        he has nothing to do until FPL starts.

        Open Controls
      2. beric
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 4 months ago

        Providing he posts the link in the previous post, rather then just telling us there is one so i have to go to it myself, then i'm gratefull, and he should keep it up 😀

        Open Controls
        1. Abominable Snowy84
          • 12 Years
          12 years, 4 months ago

          this.

          Open Controls
    3. heco87
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 4 months ago

      Think I'm set on Ozil ... and I've got a vast choice of German talent.

      Open Controls
    4. beric
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 4 months ago

      Ozil

      Open Controls
    5. Pinoche
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 4 months ago

      Cheers 🙂
      Will go with Ozil (c).

      Open Controls
  2. blue cheese
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 4 months ago

    Shinji Kagawa!

    Open Controls
  3. yash
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 4 months ago

    http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1118203/porto's-hulk-claims-chelsea-face-stiff-competition-?cc=4716

    If Chelsea fail to land Hulk who do you guys think they will buy?

    Open Controls
    1. blue cheese
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 4 months ago

      Stefan Jovetic

      Open Controls
    2. Hate that rotation
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 4 months ago

      Jovetic

      Open Controls
    3. FPL Daniel
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 4 months ago

      We badly need Hulk. There is where u should spend your money Roman not 50m on Nando !!!!

      Open Controls
      1. yash
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 4 months ago

        +1, Hulk is class

        Open Controls
      2. FPL Daniel
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 4 months ago

        Well French League competitor? Come onnn, u can't even compare Premier League with Lique 1

        Open Controls
        1. Hate that rotation
          • 13 Years
          12 years, 4 months ago

          Money money money! What's the wages on offer from both clubs?

          Open Controls
          1. FPL Daniel
            • 15 Years
            12 years, 4 months ago

            Well Roman should pay this time.

            Open Controls
    4. pompeyfan
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 4 months ago

      do they really need another signing after Hazard & Marin? Can't they just blood some younger players like they have been promising for years? Also the likes of Lukaku & de Bruyne should be getting near the first team now too.

      Open Controls
      1. FPL Daniel
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 4 months ago

        We have Nando, Sturridge and Lukaku as strikers. That is not enough when we are playing on 5 fronts. One or 2 youngsters and one world class.

        Open Controls
        1. pompeyfan
          • 15 Years
          12 years, 4 months ago

          3 is enough. Presumably you will play 4-3-3, so there is only 1 striker position, the likes of Hazard, Mata, Malouda, Ramires, Marin can all take a wing position.

          Open Controls
          1. FPL Daniel
            • 15 Years
            12 years, 4 months ago

            Its not enough we play more than 50 games. PL, FA Cup, CC, CL, Super Cup, World CUP tones of games

            Open Controls
            1. FPL Daniel
              • 15 Years
              12 years, 4 months ago

              And Malouda will depart to Brazil apparently

              Open Controls
              1. pompeyfan
                • 15 Years
                12 years, 4 months ago

                'potentially' 50+ games, with 3 players needing to fit 1 spot. Hypothetically Torres might play 40 matches, with Lukaku playing 10, with Sturridge playing the others or on the flanks.

                You didn't have that many strikers last season and still Lukaku hardly played. Why waste so much on fees and wages?!

                Open Controls
                1. pompeyfan
                  • 15 Years
                  12 years, 4 months ago

                  lets not forget that the CC doesn't count and the super cup is just 1 game, and a glorified exhibition game at that!

                  Open Controls
                2. FPL Daniel
                  • 15 Years
                  12 years, 4 months ago

                  injuries, rest rotation etc. Can Torres start 40 games? His injury record is shit, but I see where r u coming from

                  Open Controls
                  1. FPL Daniel
                    • 15 Years
                    12 years, 4 months ago

                    Last year we had Drogs and Anelka

                    Open Controls
  4. roscola
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 4 months ago

    How come no-one's asking whether Gomez or Klose will start?

    Open Controls
    1. SPorting
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 4 months ago

      there's some doubt???

      😯

      Open Controls
      1. WorldCupDanB
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 4 months ago

        No doubt, Klose is nailed on. or is it Gomez? Anyway one of them is nailed on.

        Open Controls
    2. beric
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 4 months ago

      Its been asked to death, no one knows

      Open Controls
      1. JT's Dog
          12 years, 4 months ago

          surely some germans know?

          Open Controls
          1. beric
            • 12 Years
            12 years, 4 months ago

            I reckon somewhere between 1 and 30ish Germans know

            Open Controls
    3. stilicho
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 4 months ago

      Lovely stuff. This is the transfer I'm the most excited about from an FPL perspective, there could be great value here if SAF is prepared to give him a solid run.

      Open Controls
      1. blue cheese
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 4 months ago

        +billions!

        Open Controls
        1. Billy Ketsu
          • 13 Years
          12 years, 4 months ago

          +willions!

          Open Controls
      2. stilicho
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 4 months ago

        The worry for me is Welbeck, SAF was very loyal to him last year and Kagawa in central midfield in a 4-4-2 just doesn't feel likely to my mind.

        Open Controls
        1. Scroobius Mac
          • 13 Years
          12 years, 4 months ago

          4-1-4-1?

          4 at the back
          Carrick
          Valencia Kagawa Rooney Nani
          Welbeck

          Probably a bit too mental.

          Open Controls
          1. stilicho
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 14 Years
            12 years, 4 months ago

            It would be mayhem from an FPL perspective! I get the sense SAF likes a bit more beef in that midfield.

            Open Controls
      3. Hate that rotation
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 4 months ago

        Depends on where he plays though, should he play behind the main striker then he could be a real option.

        Open Controls
      4. In Tommy We Trust
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 4 months ago

        I see him having a season along the same lines of Mata. Never quite breaking into must have fantasy wise.

        Open Controls
        1. Scroobius Mac
          • 13 Years
          12 years, 4 months ago

          Mata would have been must have at 8.0 - it was just because he was that little bit more expensive.

          Open Controls
          1. stilicho
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 14 Years
            12 years, 4 months ago

            +1

            Open Controls
          2. In Tommy We Trust
            • 14 Years
            12 years, 4 months ago

            Very true. Can't see him being 8 personally though. He'll be priced along the lines of Young etc. Valencia price was the one out of sequence with everyone else

            Open Controls
            1. stilicho
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 14 Years
              12 years, 4 months ago

              9 or above would definitely be a chin strokey price.

              Open Controls
              1. In Tommy We Trust
                • 14 Years
                12 years, 4 months ago

                in, out, in out all the way to the 18th august

                Open Controls
    4. Thomass
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 4 months ago

      Is Evans nailed on for next season

      Open Controls
      1. beric
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 4 months ago

        THATS the grav you chose 😉

        Open Controls
        1. Thomass
          • 12 Years
          12 years, 4 months ago

          yeah is it good!

          Open Controls
          1. Abominable Snowy84
            • 12 Years
            12 years, 4 months ago

            If you say so.

            Open Controls
          2. beric
            • 12 Years
            12 years, 4 months ago

            Its not to my taste...

            Open Controls
          3. FPL Daniel
            • 15 Years
            12 years, 4 months ago

            Welcome aboard. One more Blues fan here. Join the club

            Open Controls
            1. Abominable Snowy84
              • 12 Years
              12 years, 4 months ago

              1 more former Man Utd fan you mean 😉

              Open Controls
              1. FPL Daniel
                • 15 Years
                12 years, 4 months ago

                I was never Utd fan, NEVER

                Open Controls
                1. MourinhoJunior
                  • 12 Years
                  12 years, 4 months ago

                  +1.. KTBFFH

                  Open Controls
          4. JT's Dog
              12 years, 4 months ago

              that is my favourite new grav of today posted on this page

              Open Controls
        2. stilicho
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 4 months ago

          Nope.

          Open Controls
        3. Hate that rotation
          • 13 Years
          12 years, 4 months ago

          Should do. But he probably won't play every week because of Ferdinand and the potential step ups of Smalling and co.

          Open Controls
      2. J.Mata
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 4 months ago

        Do you guys think I should change (c) from Alba to Özil or Klose(if starts)?
        I'm 11 points behind ml leader who hasn't either Klose or Özil

        Open Controls
        1. gatzi
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 4 months ago

          Stick!

          Open Controls
        2. JT's Dog
            12 years, 4 months ago

            11 points behind with your alba C points? so would mean 18 behind. not worth it

            Open Controls
          • heco87
            • 14 Years
            12 years, 4 months ago

            Stick on Alba

            Open Controls
            1. Can’t beat em so&hell…
              • 13 Years
              12 years, 4 months ago

              +1

              Open Controls
          • beric
            • 12 Years
            12 years, 4 months ago

            Schtick. I wish I captained Alba.

            Open Controls
            1. FPL Daniel
              • 15 Years
              12 years, 4 months ago

              Twist

              Open Controls
              1. beric
                • 12 Years
                12 years, 4 months ago

                Surely not! 7 is quite a lot.

                Open Controls
          • JT's Dog
              12 years, 4 months ago

              alba is the gaelic name for scotland, need i say more?

              Open Controls
          • Heydudes13
            • 12 Years
            12 years, 4 months ago

            Who to Captain

            Lahm
            Hummels
            Boateng
            Khedira
            Ozil

            Open Controls
            1. FORCA INTER
              • 13 Years
              12 years, 4 months ago

              if i didnt C Pique yesterday i would go with Ozil today

              Open Controls
            2. Mílanista
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              12 years, 4 months ago

              Ozil, no CS tonight.

              Open Controls
            3. Piggs Boson
              • 13 Years
              12 years, 4 months ago

              If you think Germany will get a CS go a defender. If not go Ozil. It's you who should make the decision...

              Open Controls
              1. Heydudes13
                • 12 Years
                12 years, 4 months ago

                I know I was seeing what others were doing and to get advice. You ask for way more RMT and C choices than I do. I rarely ask for help

                Open Controls
                1. Piggs Boson
                  • 13 Years
                  12 years, 4 months ago

                  Sorry Jedmond, i'm a bit grouchy today, i understand. Other peoples opinion help you weigh up your own decision. Sorry mate 🙂

                  Open Controls
                  1. Heydudes13
                    • 12 Years
                    12 years, 4 months ago

                    Fair enough pal

                    Open Controls
          • Thomass
            • 12 Years
            12 years, 4 months ago

            Debuchy to chelsea ??
            whats the latest on that move ??

            Open Controls
            1. blue cheese
              • 12 Years
              12 years, 4 months ago

              Chelsea, Newcastle and Inter Milan have all bid 6 million euros. Lille want 10.

              Open Controls
            2. FPL Daniel
              • 15 Years
              12 years, 4 months ago

              Chelsea will sign Perquis from Dortmund as I am informed

              Open Controls
              1. Hate that rotation
                • 13 Years
                12 years, 4 months ago

                You mean Pizchek?

                Open Controls
                1. FPL Daniel
                  • 15 Years
                  12 years, 4 months ago

                  Yeah sorry my mistake

                  Open Controls
                2. FPL Daniel
                  • 15 Years
                  12 years, 4 months ago

                  http://www.myfootballnews.co.uk/news_jump.html?story=162560 here is the sauce 😉

                  Open Controls
                  1. FPL Daniel
                    • 15 Years
                    12 years, 4 months ago

                    Chelsea were beaten to the signature of another right back who impressed during Euro 2012 in Czech Republic's Theodor Gebre Selasie, who has signed for Werder Bremen.

                    Damn

                    Open Controls
          • UnderstandablyDistraught
            • 13 Years
            12 years, 4 months ago

            Anybody have a livestream link for Irish Open that actually works? Having no luck here

            Open Controls
            1. stilicho
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 14 Years
              12 years, 4 months ago

              Please no links guys.

              Open Controls
              1. UnderstandablyDistraught
                • 13 Years
                12 years, 4 months ago

                except to betting sites. no problem here with that

                Open Controls
                1. stilicho
                  • Has Moderation Rights
                  • 14 Years
                  12 years, 4 months ago

                  It's a matter of law rather than ethics.

                  Open Controls
                  1. UnderstandablyDistraught
                    • 13 Years
                    12 years, 4 months ago

                    fair enough. do you work for FFS?

                    Open Controls
                    1. Ginkapo FPL
                      • 13 Years
                      12 years, 4 months ago

                      He is a writer......

                      Open Controls
                      1. UnderstandablyDistraught
                        • 13 Years
                        12 years, 4 months ago

                        of what?

                        Open Controls
                        1. Ginkapo FPL
                          • 13 Years
                          12 years, 4 months ago

                          Scout articles on here

                          Open Controls
                          1. UnderstandablyDistraught
                            • 13 Years
                            12 years, 4 months ago

                            cool. thanks

                            Open Controls
                        2. UnderstandablyDistraught
                          • 13 Years
                          12 years, 4 months ago

                          Never mind. It doesn't matter. I just wanted to watch a bit of golf.

                          Open Controls
                          1. stilicho
                            • Has Moderation Rights
                            • 14 Years
                            12 years, 4 months ago

                            Sorry to be a killjoy, it's just a legal headache to have links to copyrighted material on the boards.

                            Open Controls
                          2. The Light Knight
                            • 13 Years
                            12 years, 4 months ago

                            i knew it ... you are buzz killington 😉

                            Open Controls
                        3. stilicho
                          • Has Moderation Rights
                          • 14 Years
                          12 years, 4 months ago

                          I'm locked in Granville's cellar making knock-off trainers and occasionally writing articles, he gives me gruel and sometimes my insulin.

                          Open Controls
                          1. UnderstandablyDistraught
                            • 13 Years
                            12 years, 4 months ago

                            Respek.

                            Open Controls
              2. 1966 was a great year for E…
                • 14 Years
                12 years, 4 months ago

                😯

                You used to be cool...

                Open Controls
                1. stilicho
                  • Has Moderation Rights
                  • 14 Years
                  12 years, 4 months ago

                  I disgust myself.

                  Open Controls
                  1. 1966 was a great year for E…
                    • 14 Years
                    12 years, 4 months ago

                    Hehe

                    Open Controls
            2. JT's Dog
                12 years, 4 months ago

                do you have sky sports? can do it through that on pc

                Open Controls
                1. UnderstandablyDistraught
                  • 13 Years
                  12 years, 4 months ago

                  I dont. Am in NYC

                  Open Controls
                  1. JT's Dog
                      12 years, 4 months ago

                      then my talents go no further, i am sorry to fail you. if you want i can give you running com

                      Open Controls
                      1. UnderstandablyDistraught
                        • 13 Years
                        12 years, 4 months ago

                        Nice of you thanks. Have the leaderboard on the go but thought it would be nice to actually see some links golf for a few holes.

                        Open Controls
                        1. JT's Dog
                            12 years, 4 months ago

                            you can sometimes get it through betting sites, but dont know which ones, filtered in my office

                            Open Controls
                            1. UnderstandablyDistraught
                              • 13 Years
                              12 years, 4 months ago

                              good I'll try that. Thanks

                              Open Controls
                  2. Bøwstring The Carp
                    • 13 Years
                    12 years, 4 months ago

                    Dunno if this helps, but you might find updates on RTE now and then

                    http://www.rte.ie/sport/golf/

                    Open Controls
                    1. UnderstandablyDistraught
                      • 13 Years
                      12 years, 4 months ago

                      I tried that also, thanks

                      Open Controls
                2. Elniñorules
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 13 Years
                  12 years, 4 months ago

                  Time to up the Azzurri spirit in the house!!!!!!!!

                  2006 Cup celebration song:

                  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6j7huh5Egew

                  Open Controls
                  1. FORCA INTER
                    • 13 Years
                    12 years, 4 months ago

                    this fantasy killing me 🙁

                    i wanna see Italy win and yet i got zero Italy players and i am loaded at Germans

                    dont have a clue who i will suport today

                    Open Controls
                    1. Thomass
                      • 12 Years
                      12 years, 4 months ago

                      sameeeeeeeeeeeee

                      Open Controls
                      1. Elniñorules
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 13 Years
                        12 years, 4 months ago

                        We're bringing this Cup home.....quit this Fantasy shit & join the partaaay!!!!!!

                        Open Controls
                    2. Whazza
                      • 12 Years
                      12 years, 4 months ago

                      "i wanna see Italy win"

                      Thats who you will support

                      Open Controls
                  2. Abominable Snowy84
                    • 12 Years
                    12 years, 4 months ago

                    Dont ever watch this video when drunk 😉

                    Also I have the semi-final friendly world cup preview at the end of the last post if you didnt see it. Having problems signing in to gmail 🙁

                    Open Controls
                    1. Elniñorules
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 13 Years
                      12 years, 4 months ago

                      Link me up please?

                      Open Controls
                  3. Le Gooner
                    • 13 Years
                    12 years, 4 months ago

                    Come on!

                    Open Controls
                    1. Mílanista
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 13 Years
                      12 years, 4 months ago

                      Nice grav

                      Open Controls
                      1. Le Gooner
                        • 13 Years
                        12 years, 4 months ago

                        Thank you. Just added it. All set for the Italia show tonight.

                        Open Controls
                3. DonTheSpecialOne
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 14 Years
                  12 years, 4 months ago

                  It appears Branislav Ivanovic has been thrown into the Modric saga, convincing him to choose Chelsea. Also RVP -> Barcelona starting to look realistic. According to caughtoffside.com £24m + Afellay and Thiago is almost a done deal

                  Open Controls
                  1. Abominable Snowy84
                    • 12 Years
                    12 years, 4 months ago

                    Nonsense about RVP.

                    Open Controls
                    1. DonTheSpecialOne
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 14 Years
                      12 years, 4 months ago

                      why is that, Snowy? The frontline of 3 Wenger talks about, with three left footed strikers doesn't make sense to me

                      Open Controls
                  2. Hate that rotation
                    • 13 Years
                    12 years, 4 months ago

                    That is not bad deal you know. Thiago could have been better had he started more for Barca and Afellay is good but not consistent. £24m as well.

                    Open Controls
                  3. Abd@
                    • 12 Years
                    12 years, 4 months ago

                    Impossible (the RVP rumor). Thiago alone is worth over 20 million pounds. Last year, United offered 20 mil for him and that's before he played over 30 games for the first team this year. Persie costs around 25 mil pounds anyways so it seems too extreme

                    Open Controls
                    1. DonTheSpecialOne
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 14 Years
                      12 years, 4 months ago

                      Maybe this deal is impossible, but I wouldn't be surprised if RVP goes to Barca. Like HTR said, if there is any truth in this, Arsenal will be the winner

                      Open Controls
                      1. Abd@
                        • 12 Years
                        12 years, 4 months ago

                        Its not impossible that RVP moves to Barca, true. But as a Barca fan, i would hate that deal because Thiago simply can't be sold, not even for 30 mil.

                        Open Controls
                4. Bøwstring The Carp
                  • 13 Years
                  12 years, 4 months ago

                  Kagawa straight into my team simply because I think he'll be nailed on, will get forward a lot, no price rise from last year like Valencia/Young/Nani. Bright season ahead.

                  Open Controls
                  1. Piggs Boson
                    • 13 Years
                    12 years, 4 months ago

                    Same, unless pre-season tells me otherwise.

                    Open Controls
                    1. Bøwstring The Carp
                      • 13 Years
                      12 years, 4 months ago

                      +1

                      Open Controls
                5. JT's Dog
                    12 years, 4 months ago

                    did euros ever have 3rd/4th place play off?

                    Open Controls
                    1. Abominable Snowy84
                      • 12 Years
                      12 years, 4 months ago

                      Not since '96 I think.

                      Open Controls
                  • Abominable Snowy84
                    • 12 Years
                    12 years, 4 months ago

                    Will Kagawa be going to the Olympics.

                    Open Controls
                    1. blue cheese
                      • 12 Years
                      12 years, 4 months ago

                      Nope. 'Rested'.

                      Open Controls
                  • RoysCallerAnne
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 14 Years
                    12 years, 4 months ago

                    Right, Hummels (c) for me tonight. I'm in serious danger of dropping out of top 1,000. CS and goal please. I'd also gladly take a goal and assist from Ozil.

                    Open Controls
                    1. Mílanista
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 13 Years
                      12 years, 4 months ago

                      Captain Ozil. Germany will score and concede tonight.

                      Open Controls
                      1. roscola
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • Has Moderation Rights
                        • 12 Years
                        12 years, 4 months ago

                        +1 Greece and Denmark both scored against them

                        Open Controls
                        1. RoysCallerAnne
                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                          • 14 Years
                          12 years, 4 months ago

                          Thanks guys..

                          Open Controls
                    1. Piggs Boson
                      • 13 Years
                      12 years, 4 months ago

                      This makes me even more sure Klose is starting.

                      Open Controls
                      1. beric
                        • 12 Years
                        12 years, 4 months ago

                        It really does. Gomez to come on and score the winner is not bad at 50/1 though

                        Open Controls
                        1. beric
                          • 12 Years
                          12 years, 4 months ago

                          Didn't read it right 😳 he has to get the first goal. Oh well, probably just wasted £2

                          Open Controls
                    2. bolexio
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 13 Years
                      12 years, 4 months ago

                      Just stuck a fiver on it. Cheers for the link. Was going to put a bet on 2-1 anyway. sc

                      Open Controls
                  • Back on the horse
                    • 14 Years
                    12 years, 4 months ago

                    Maybe Rooney can teach him how to over-head Shinji the ball...

                    Open Controls
                  • 1966 was a great year for E…
                    • 14 Years
                    12 years, 4 months ago

                    Stolen from AP, but he's never here anymore so:

                    To the tune of Queen's Radio Gaga:

                    All we need is Shinji Kagawa, Shinji Kagawa, Shinji Kagawa

                    Open Controls
                    1. stilicho
                      • Has Moderation Rights
                      • 14 Years
                      12 years, 4 months ago

                      Bravo 🙂

                      Open Controls
                    2. Abominable Snowy84
                      • 12 Years
                      12 years, 4 months ago

                      And Howard Webb.

                      Open Controls
                    3. SPorting
                      • 13 Years
                      12 years, 4 months ago

                      meh....would have been better if he was called Kawaga.

                      Open Controls
                    4. Scroobius Mac
                      • 13 Years
                      12 years, 4 months ago

                      Superb.

                      Open Controls
                  • Dom Salahnke
                    • 13 Years
                    12 years, 4 months ago

                    Klose/Gomez? Does anyone know yet?

                    Open Controls
                    1. In Tommy We Trust
                      • 14 Years
                      12 years, 4 months ago

                      Everyone will find out Klose to kick off

                      Open Controls
                      1. Dom Salahnke
                        • 13 Years
                        12 years, 4 months ago

                        Schurrle we should have known by now?

                        Open Controls
                        1. roscola
                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                          • Has Moderation Rights
                          • 12 Years
                          12 years, 4 months ago

                          It's just a Reus to put us off

                          Open Controls
                        2. Efan Ekoku Pops
                          • 12 Years
                          12 years, 4 months ago

                          Don't call me Schurrle.

                          Open Controls
                        3. In Tommy We Trust
                          • 14 Years
                          12 years, 4 months ago

                          Gomez a drink and come back in a couple of hours to find out

                          Open Controls
                    2. roscola
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • Has Moderation Rights
                      • 12 Years
                      12 years, 4 months ago

                      Ah, good, I thought it had been a few too many minutes since someone asked 🙂

                      No mate, looks like the mole has been silenced somehow so we're probably going to have to wait until official lineups. My opinion - worth less than the keys on which I type - is that Klose will be chosen for his better team play. But wait for official lineups. We'll know in time to change captain in the McDonalds game.

                      Open Controls
                  • Heydudes13
                    • 12 Years
                    12 years, 4 months ago

                    Giggs Boson.

                    Open Controls
                    1. SPorting
                      • 13 Years
                      12 years, 4 months ago

                      Jedmonds13

                      Open Controls
                      1. SPorting
                        • 13 Years
                        12 years, 4 months ago

                        sorry, thought you were making a list of posters we hate.

                        Open Controls
                        1. Heydudes13
                          • 12 Years
                          12 years, 4 months ago

                          you hate*

                          Many hate you, now run along you little smug piece of sh*t

                          Open Controls
                          1. SPorting
                            • 13 Years
                            12 years, 4 months ago

                            meh.

                            Open Controls
                        2. Abominable Snowy84
                          • 12 Years
                          12 years, 4 months ago

                          😆

                          Open Controls
                        3. stilicho
                          • Has Moderation Rights
                          • 14 Years
                          12 years, 4 months ago

                          A summer of having to talk to Christina has taken its toll on Sporting.

                          Open Controls
                          1. Scroobius Mac
                            • 13 Years
                            12 years, 4 months ago

                            I sometimes wonder if this whole site is actually Christina postingunder hundreds of usernames in a bid to distract me from work.

                            Open Controls
                          2. SPorting
                            • 13 Years
                            12 years, 4 months ago

                            a summer?

                            five minutes mate. although i wasn't listening for the first three.

                            Open Controls
                        4. Piggs Boson
                          • 13 Years
                          12 years, 4 months ago

                          Sporting 😉

                          Open Controls
                  • Messi & fabregas
                    • 13 Years
                    12 years, 4 months ago

                    who to captain ?

                    a) pirlo
                    b) cassano
                    c) shcweinsteiger?

                    thanks

                    Open Controls
                    1. roscola
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • Has Moderation Rights
                      • 12 Years
                      12 years, 4 months ago

                      Depends whether you're chasing a lead. Cassano for chasing a lead, Pirlo or Schweiny for protecting one.

                      Open Controls
                    2. Whazza
                      • 12 Years
                      12 years, 4 months ago

                      a

                      Open Controls
                    3. Drogba "Unstoppable, U…
                      • 12 Years
                      12 years, 4 months ago

                      pirlo

                      Open Controls
                      1. Messi & fabregas
                        • 13 Years
                        12 years, 4 months ago

                        i thank u all

                        Open Controls
                  • China Mag
                    • 14 Years
                    12 years, 4 months ago

                    What time is the deadline? I'm to go to kip now and want to be up in time to change my captain to Gomez IF he starts.

                    Open Controls
                    1. Dom Salahnke
                      • 13 Years
                      12 years, 4 months ago

                      20:30 CET

                      Open Controls
                      1. Ginkapo FPL
                        • 13 Years
                        12 years, 4 months ago

                        Approximately 4 hours from now

                        Open Controls
                  • Drogba "Unstoppable, U…
                    • 12 Years
                    12 years, 4 months ago

                    any1 going for Italian(C)? Who?

                    Open Controls
                    1. Dom Salahnke
                      • 13 Years
                      12 years, 4 months ago

                      Balo 😀

                      Open Controls
                    2. Wtfosaurus
                      • 13 Years
                      12 years, 4 months ago

                      Super Mario. Fingers crossed.

                      Open Controls
                    3. roscola
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • Has Moderation Rights
                      • 12 Years
                      12 years, 4 months ago

                      Super Mario if Klose doesn't start

                      Open Controls
                    4. Drogba "Unstoppable, U…
                      • 12 Years
                      12 years, 4 months ago

                      No Cassano or Pirlo?

                      Open Controls
                    5. Elniñorules
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 13 Years
                      12 years, 4 months ago

                      Giaccherini (C)

                      Open Controls
                      1. roscola
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • Has Moderation Rights
                        • 12 Years
                        12 years, 4 months ago

                        Spectacular.

                        I thought he was great against Spain.

                        Open Controls
                  • Abominable Snowy84
                    • 12 Years
                    12 years, 4 months ago

                    Aguero. There is lightening at the Irish Open at the moment. Play stopped for a while.

                    Open Controls
                    1. UnderstandablyDistraught
                      • 13 Years
                      12 years, 4 months ago

                      🙂 thanks

                      Open Controls
                      1. Abominable Snowy84
                        • 12 Years
                        12 years, 4 months ago

                        Half an hour I would say. I will let you know when they are back.

                        Open Controls
                    2. Heydudes13
                      • 12 Years
                      12 years, 4 months ago

                      Hello young one.

                      Open Controls
                  • Hooper is a Bull.
                    • 14 Years
                    12 years, 4 months ago

                    If reus is benched, should i bring him in for oliveira or not?

                    Open Controls
                    1. Abominable Snowy84
                      • 12 Years
                      12 years, 4 months ago

                      Have you ever gone in to a bookmaker and placed a bet?

                      Open Controls
                      1. Heydudes13
                        • 12 Years
                        12 years, 4 months ago

                        Hello young one

                        Open Controls
                      2. Hooper is a Bull.
                        • 14 Years
                        12 years, 4 months ago

                        yes, why?

                        Open Controls
                        1. Hate that rotation
                          • 13 Years
                          12 years, 4 months ago

                          Live on the wild side

                          Open Controls
                    2. Pratik
                      • 15 Years
                      12 years, 4 months ago

                      He can still come on as a substitute, and score.

                      Open Controls
                    3. Dhanesh Prabhu
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 12 Years
                      12 years, 4 months ago

                      i think he will be substituted because he had an excellent quarter final against Greek.

                      Open Controls
                  • THE BAD
                    • 13 Years
                    12 years, 4 months ago

                    So...is this what the arsenal fans will be listening before the games in the stadium?
                    http://youtu.be/_aSZsk04cOE

                    Open Controls
                    1. Hooper is a Bull.
                      • 14 Years
                      12 years, 4 months ago

                      not as good as dempsey the rapper

                      Open Controls
                        1. Hooper is a Bull.
                          • 14 Years
                          12 years, 4 months ago

                          +10

                          Open Controls
                      1. THE BAD
                        • 13 Years
                        12 years, 4 months ago

                        actually I think Dempsey the rapper, is less embaracing than this....

                        Open Controls
                    2. Le Gooner
                      • 13 Years
                      12 years, 4 months ago

                      Good heavens!

                      Open Controls
                    3. beric
                      • 12 Years
                      12 years, 4 months ago

                      😆 He looks so uncomfortable

                      Open Controls
                    4. In Tommy We Trust
                      • 14 Years
                      12 years, 4 months ago

                      Good job for him he's good at football

                      Open Controls
                  • Hooper is a Bull.
                    • 14 Years
                    12 years, 4 months ago

                    When is the FPL game due to start?

                    Open Controls
                    1. Heydudes13
                      • 12 Years
                      12 years, 4 months ago

                      When the PL is due to start.

                      Open Controls
                      1. Hooper is a Bull.
                        • 14 Years
                        12 years, 4 months ago

                        18 August

                        Open Controls
                    2. Drogba "Unstoppable, U…
                      • 12 Years
                      12 years, 4 months ago

                      mid july

                      Open Controls
                    3. Dhanesh Prabhu
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 12 Years
                      12 years, 4 months ago

                      yeah everyone say the FPL will start during the mid of July.... can't wait till that time...missing those 38 weeks of fantasy league..

                      Open Controls
                  • Blind
                    • 13 Years
                    12 years, 4 months ago

                    A good guide to starting line ups is the Betfair to score market. Not the actual odds of the player to score, but the difference between the back and lay odds.

                    Gomez is 3.6 to back and 3.7 to lay which indicates he starts.
                    Klose has more of a difference with 3.8 to back and 4.2 to lay, which again points to him not starting.

                    Reus is 5.1 to back and 5.2 to lay
                    Podolski is 5.7 to back and 5.9 to lay
                    Muller is 6.8 to back and 7.8 to lay
                    Schurrle is 6.8 to back and 75.0 to lay

                    Based on that, looks like a front 3 of Gomez, Reus and Podolski.

                    Please note, the odds might simply be based on press speculation that we already know.

                    Open Controls
                    1. Dhanesh Prabhu
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 12 Years
                      12 years, 4 months ago

                      the best forwards are i think Gomez, reus and Poldi...

                      all due respect to Klose and Muller....but you guys should come on as a sub...

                      Open Controls
                      1. Hate that rotation
                        • 13 Years
                        12 years, 4 months ago

                        IMO Gomez muller and reus would be best to break down the Italian defence. Podolski looks very static, little movement.

                        Open Controls
                      2. Blind
                        • 13 Years
                        12 years, 4 months ago

                        I am cursed when it comes to German strikers...went without during the group phase. Transferred in Gomez and Podolski for the quarters and then got rid of them for the semi and brought in Muller...

                        Open Controls
                  • Drogba "Unstoppable, U…
                    • 12 Years
                    12 years, 4 months ago

                    (C)?

                    A. Cassano

                    B. Pirlo

                    Thx

                    Open Controls
                    1. SPorting
                      • 13 Years
                      12 years, 4 months ago

                      i'd go with (G)erman.

                      Open Controls