Great Expectations

Great Expectations – Luke Shaw

Having played just a single FA Cup match prior to the previous campaign, it’s fair to say little was expected of Luke Shaw upon Southampton’s return to the top-flight. A product of the club’s youth academy, he looked firmly behind Danny Fox in the left-back pecking order but after climbing off the bench towards the end of the Gameweek 10 defeat at West Brom, the youngster soon established himself as a first-team regular.

Initially selected by Nigel Adkins and subsequently under the guidance of Mauricio Pochettino, Shaw went on to start 22 of the Saints’ remaining 28 league matches, with only a couple of minor knocks and a brief illness limiting his game time over the rest of the season. A series of consistent displays and comparisons with fellow-Southampton academy graduate Gareth Bale already have the suitors circling but, despite being linked with the likes of Chelsea and United, the teenager is expected to remain at St Mary’s as Pochettino’s side look to better last term’s 14th place finish.

Key Factors

  • Analysing Southampton’s defensive displays, the stats highlight how they gradually improved under both managers last season. The first 10 Gameweeks under Adkins saw the Saints concede 28 times, while the following 12 matches harvested 12 goals against before Pochettino took over. The Argentine’s installation saw his side take a step backwards, shipping 11 goals in six games, before his high pressing game proved dividend, with just nine goals against in the final 10 Gameweeks. With Pochettino’s future looking assured, the Saints could well benefit from less chopping and changing at the helm next time round.

  • Ultimately, with 60 goals against in 2012/13, Southampton were one of the poorest overall backlines. Given that only four defences conceded more goals, it’s fair to assume that they will remain in the budget bracket across the Fantasy games – a price of 4.5 in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) looks on the cards for Shaw and, with new boy Dejan Lovren adding plenty quality at centre-half, the Saints could prove strong value at the back next time round.

  • While the likes of Lovren and keeper Artur Boruc offer up alternatives at the back, Southampton’s 4-2-3-1 system and high pressing game seems tailor made for both Shaw and fellow full-back Nathaniel Clyne to forage forward and offer plenty pace, width and creativity from deep. Granted, he failed to produce any attacking returns last term but, having grown accustomed to the rigours of the Premier League, Shaw may well be set to justify the level of interest shown by many of the top-flight’s elite.

  • Delving deeper into the defensive data, Shaw’s presence at the back made a considerable difference to the Saints’ resilience. They conceded 37 goals in the 16 matches without him in the first XI, or 2.3 goals per game, compared to just 23 goals against in the left-back’s 22 starts – just over one goal a game conceded; a substantial difference which bodes well for his game time over the season ahead.

  • The opening fixtures have fallen firmly in Pochettino’s favour as he looks to get off to a strong start. Having already engineered home wins over the likes of Chelsea, City and Liverpool during his short spell in charge, the Argentine will be buoyed by a schedule which hands his side seven enticing opening fixtures (SUN, WHM, CPL, SWA, FUL, HUL, AVL) at St Mary’s. As mentioned in one of our recent rotation articles, pairing Shaw with a West Ham backline option looks a viable tactic over the first few months of the campaign.

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935 Comments Post a Comment
  1. 1justlookin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 9 months ago

    Do we think Clyne & Shaw will be nailed on next term?

    I know Cork played a few games at RB, not sure if they have other alternatives!?

    At LB they have Fox(again are there any others!?) who may get some game time

    Out of the two I would think Clyne would play more games, is Pocchetino likely to play a 17 year old all season!!?

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    1. Yossi
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      I'd be looking at Clyne of the two. Think he could be 5.0 though...

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    2. Count of Monte Hristo
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      Nailed. On.

      Fox is average and Clyne played every game last year.

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  2. SW6
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 9 months ago

    Moving pretty slow today on here. Away from FPL: any changes people would make to my All-time XI?

    --------------Kahn--------------------
    Cafu--Moore--Baresi--Maldini(c)
    -----------Beckenbauer
    Maradona-----------------Cruyff
    --------------Zidane---------------
    -------Pele----------Messi

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    1. Count of Monte Hristo
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      R9 needs to be in there.

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      1. SW6
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 9 months ago

        Almost put him in but couldn't decide who would drop out. He can be an impact sub 😉

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    2. charlie1X
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      Kahn out

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      1. charlie1X
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 9 months ago

        Schmeichel, Zoff, Banks Friedel and many many more better goalies than him

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        1. Yossi
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 9 months ago

          Friedel 😯

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          1. charlie1X
            • 11 Years
            10 years, 9 months ago

            Top goalie, why do you think he can play in the Premiership into his 40's? kahn couldn't

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            1. Count of Monte Hristo
              • 10 Years
              10 years, 9 months ago

              Kahn retired at 39, played for Bayern and Germany and won the Euro's, CL and reached the world cup final.

              And he was a better keeper.

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              1. Count of Monte Hristo
                • 10 Years
                10 years, 9 months ago

                And playing the longest does make you the best. It means you can maintain a good level for longer. But his best level and Kahn's best level are not the same.

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                1. Count of Monte Hristo
                  • 10 Years
                  10 years, 9 months ago

                  *doesn't

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                2. charlie1X
                  • 11 Years
                  10 years, 9 months ago

                  Kahn was at his peak at best an excellent shot stopper.

                  With respect I don't think this is your specialist subject.

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              2. charlie1X
                • 11 Years
                10 years, 9 months ago

                Too small and very slow when he got old. should of done yoga

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                1. Count of Monte Hristo
                  • 10 Years
                  10 years, 9 months ago

                  At his best he was a brilliant keeper.

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

              VDS > Friedel.

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              1. Poseidon. Not arrogant, jus…
                • 11 Years
                10 years, 9 months ago

                Neither of them are anywhere near the best GK of all time.

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                1. Poseidon. Not arrogant, jus…
                  • 11 Years
                  10 years, 9 months ago

                  I should probably add IMO...

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                2. Count of Monte Hristo
                  • 10 Years
                  10 years, 9 months ago

                  Correct

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                3. charlie1X
                  • 11 Years
                  10 years, 9 months ago

                  This was my point there are a host of options better than Kahn. Its a joke he is suggested as best ever keeper.

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      2. SW6
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 9 months ago

        Yeah GK is a tough one. Could have gone Buffon or one of the older types like Yashin or Banks

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    3. Poseidon. Not arrogant, jus…
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      I would find spots for both Ronaldos. Other than that, spot on.

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    4. SuperOsçarBaby
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      cafu out demel in for me

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  3. SWFC_GMGM
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 9 months ago

    Similar to SW6, and away from FPL. Who is the best player that you have seen in the flesh?

    Cristiano Ronaldo or Del Piero for me.

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    1. Poseidon. Not arrogant, jus…
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      Thierry Henry. He was even incredible at warming up.

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    2. Carl@streetkids.com.au
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      Charlie George

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      1. charlie1X
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 9 months ago

        I'd put George Best ahead of him

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        1. Poseidon. Not arrogant, jus…
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 9 months ago

          This is who we've seen in the flesh though.

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          1. Carl@streetkids.com.au
            • 14 Years
            10 years, 9 months ago

            😉 at The Baseball Ground

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    3. Fifa las vegas
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      CR7 or Messi. i'm young 🙂

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    4. Evil Greg
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      bergkamp/zola/18 year old owen

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    5. L P
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      Scholes

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  4. Michael Jordan - call me MJ
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 9 months ago

    Does anyone know how the "Influence, Creativity and Threat" stats on the members area are worked out?

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  5. Piggs Boson
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 9 months ago

    The pool of players I'm choosing from:

    Goalkeepers:
    Boruc, Marshall, Mannone/Westwood, Ruddy, Guzan, anyone 4.5m or less.

    Defenders:
    Ivan/Luiz/Cole, Kaboul, Shaw/Clyne, all 4.0m, most 4.5m

    Midfielders:
    Bale, Mata/Hazard/Lampard, HeMan, Coutinho, Kagawa, Nolan, Snodgrass, Koren, Brady, Jarvis, Ramirez, Mirallas, Silva, Walcott, Cazorla, Dempsey.

    Forwards:
    RVP, Higuain, RVW, Carroll, Rooney, Aguero(reluctantly), Dzeko, Tottenham forward, Chelsea forward, Any below 5.5m(hull/palace/cardiff striker), Ronaldo

    I think that's everyone... Is there anyone you would personally add to that list? I'm avoiding 5.0m defenders from mid table teams though, so none of those 🙂

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    1. Carl@streetkids.com.au
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      Ronaldo

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      1. Poseidon. Not arrogant, jus…
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 9 months ago

        He's already there.

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        1. Carl@streetkids.com.au
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 9 months ago

          Can't get enough Ronaldo's

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      2. 4vets
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 9 months ago

        2 Ronaldos 😯

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      3. Fifa las vegas
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 9 months ago

        you think he'll be in the prem?

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        1. Carl@streetkids.com.au
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 9 months ago

          I'd give up all my Rvp's, Bale's, Michu's and Baines' to see it

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    2. Poseidon. Not arrogant, jus…
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      Coleman?

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      1. Piggs Boson
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 9 months ago

        YES. And Oviedo 🙂

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    3. Fifa las vegas
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      Kaca? Navas?

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      1. Piggs Boson
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 9 months ago

        Kaca! Yes thank you, I probably won't get Nevas unless he's cheap though. Little goal threat.

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  6. Fifa las vegas
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 9 months ago

    what game is showing on BBC for the Tennis now?

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    1. 4vets
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      Is this the ultimate in laziness?

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

        Can anyone find the z button on my laptop?

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        1. Fifa las vegas
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 9 months ago

          z......z.........z....zz......hmmmmm......no, no sign of it!

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        2. Piggs Boson
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 9 months ago

          I think you already found it 🙂

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      2. Fifa las vegas
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 9 months ago

        you were being lazy by not telling me 🙂

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

      Murray vs Robredo.

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      1. Fifa las vegas
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 9 months ago

        thank you, hows it going

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  7. pundit of punts
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 9 months ago

    Arsenal to bid 25 mil for Rooney? looks highly unlikely if they get Higuain.

    http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/arsenal-set-start-rooney-bidding-4729769

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    1. charlie1X
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      Good bench player if only he knew how to balance beer and food with exercise.

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  8. Fifa las vegas
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 9 months ago

    Who was then best and worst ever player in each position?

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    1. Carl@streetkids.com.au
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      Can you broaden the question a bit?

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      1. SW6
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 9 months ago

        😆

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    2. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      Santos.

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      1. Poseidon. Not arrogant, jus…
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 9 months ago

        Forgot about Santos. I take back my comment below.

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    3. Poseidon. Not arrogant, jus…
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      Worst ever left back was andrew skidmore from my under 11 - 15's village team. Every time a ball came over the top he would flick his heel up behind him in the hope of catching. Not once did I see it work. He was the reason I was moved from centre forward to sweeper.

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      1. L P
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 9 months ago

        What a name 😆

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        1. Carl@streetkids.com.au
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 9 months ago

          He was pants

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          1. Fifa las vegas
            • 11 Years
            10 years, 9 months ago

            skidmarks 🙂

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    4. Fifa las vegas
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      I mean pick 2 players for each position (Keeper, Defender, Mids, forwards). One being the best in that position the other being the worst.

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      1. charlie1X
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 9 months ago

        Bramble must have had the luckiest ever Premiership run of years. Concentration ability of a goldfish.

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  9. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 9 months ago

    Is there a Tour de France League set up, please? 🙂

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    1. Carl@streetkids.com.au
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      Cue Lance inserts here^

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      1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 9 months ago

        Who? 😛

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    2. Count of Monte Hristo
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      I dope so

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    3. lilmessipran
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      yes i just created my team ...which site are u playing on?velogames right?do share a minileague code?

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    4. The Light Knight
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      It's all a set up 😉

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    5. In Like Flynn.
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      GlaxoSmithKline are giving the best prizes. But I think,

      AstraZeneca have the best, scoring. 😉

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  10. Sheep
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 9 months ago

    René Higuita

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    1. Count of Monte Hristo
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      José Luis Chilavert

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    2. SuperOsçarBaby
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      Gonzalo Higuaín

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    3. Carl@streetkids.com.au
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      Je suis un rockstar

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    4. Beautiful Game
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      Argelico F**ks -yes its a footballer's name 😉

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    5. Sheep
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      No sticky?

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    6. Fifa las vegas
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      I don't get it! 🙂

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      1. Carl@streetkids.com.au
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 9 months ago

        Don't worry bro, nobody does. Every body's talking sh!t

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        1. Fifa las vegas
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 9 months ago

          I see......................

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  11. New Ghost
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 9 months ago

    Manchester United have agreed a fee with PSV for Kevin Strootman.

    Lovely acquisition by the Red Devils.

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    1. Sheep
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      Bye Anderson.

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    2. L P
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      Source?

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    3. Sheep
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      I wish they'd develop young English talent rather than buying foreign youngsters though. Damaging to England's future chances...

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      1. Fifa las vegas
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 9 months ago

        F**k it. I don't care once united do well 🙂

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      2. Carl@streetkids.com.au
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 9 months ago

        C'mon Joey Barton

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    4. Fifa las vegas
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      Lovely. He won't get first team play if we get Thiago though will he? where exactly in midfieald does he play?

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    5. Demí
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      Lol you make it sound like a done deal. Just another tedious transfer rumour. He's pretty overrated

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      1. Fifa las vegas
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 9 months ago

        😯 Demi has spoken!

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

        The source is clearly Sean, wash your mouth Demi 😛

        BTW, sent you an e-mail, no cheating now 😛

        I might send an update though, I forgot about you bringing Cannavaro in

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  12. Carl@streetkids.com.au
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 9 months ago

    *Wikipedia experiences a spike in activity*

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  13. charlie1X
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 9 months ago

    Shame City didn't get Isco. looks a better prospect even than Hazard.

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    1. In Like Flynn.
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      Would have been good to see him in the Prem.

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    2. SuperOsçarBaby
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      I don't think City need Isco, and hazard is better than him.

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  14. Count of Monte Hristo
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 9 months ago

    Has Snake Juice been on here lately?

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    1. In Like Flynn.
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      Maybe having summer Holiday COMH. I've not seen him in the DZ for a bit.

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      1. Count of Monte Hristo
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 9 months ago

        He was playing TWS but not seen him the past week or so. Maybe he is away somewhere.

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  15. charlie1X
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 9 months ago

    Good signing if it happens. Arsenal should of got him rather than Podolski. Better player covering the same positions.

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    1. Carl@streetkids.com.au
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 9 months ago

      Who's that? Charlie George?

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

    A little more on Dzeko.

    http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/game-manchester-citys-new-starter-4729520

    Obviously its just speculation, but Brennan is one of the most reliable around when it comes to City and he seems to think Dzeko will start, which means he'll be the central striker, he's not exactly cut out to be a winger is he?

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  17. New Article Posted
  18. Just A Hat
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 9 months ago

    ack there is wayyyy to many articles on here during the off season! I've only been away for like 2 weeks...is there a way to categorize articles by type?

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