World Cup 2014

World Cup 2014 – FantasyiTeam Budget Options

As mentioned previously, FantasyiTeam (FiT) have released one of the first available Fantasy Football games geared towards the Brazil 2014 World Cup:

A free Fantasy football app, FiT is available on a number of mobile devices, including iPhone, iPad, iPodTouch and Android. It’s free to download and play, so you can already go in and start drafting up your starting XI with unlimited transfers.

We’ll be supporting FiT throughout the summer and have an official Fantasy Football Scout League, with a £500 Amazon voucher available to the winner. There’s also the small matter of a £5k holiday available as the prize to the overall FiT World Cup winner.

Having rolled out a Rule Guide last week, we now turn our attentions to the player price list and scour the market in an attempt to dig up some budget gems for your perusal. Setting the ceiling at 5.5 for defenders, 6.0 for midfielders and 8.0 for strikers, we take a closer look at some of the better value options across the outfield positions.

Defenders

While a showdown with Brazil is far from enticing in terms of defensive returns, Mexico’s Miguel Layun still has his merits. Coming in at just 5.2, he delivered three assists as a left wing-back in a 5-3-2 formation in the play-off win over New Zealand and scored twice as a full-back in last month’s friendly win over Israel. With Croatia and Cameroon also on his radar, Layun’s foraging runs down the left could come to fruition again.

Holland’s versatile Daley Blind is priced at just 5.3 ahead of showdowns with Spain, Chile and Australia. The Ajax player has been fielded as a left-wing back and central midfielder over the last couple of matches and bearing in mind the Dutch have produced three clean sheets in their last five friendlies, his budget-friendly price tag could prove real value.

Ivory Coast’s Serge Aurier sets you back a mere 4.6 ahead of games against Colombia, Greece and Japan. The highly-rated right-back has been strongly linked with Arsenal this summer and arrives on the back of some superb attacking form, having delivered six goals and six assists for French outfit Toulouse in 2013/14 – if his side fail to serve up the clean sheets, he still looks a good bet to prosper further up the pitch.

In the same group as Aurier, Japan’s Yuto Nagatomo looks a potential bargain. Available for just 4.7, the Inter Milan right-back produced five goals and six assists in the previous domestic campaign – given that his country have one clean sheet in the last eight, though, he may have to rely on attacking potential to reward his Fantasy owners.

Switzerland duo Ricardo Rodriguez and Fabian Schar both afford Fantasy managers reason for optimism. The former (priced at 5.4) is nailed-on as a left-back and rolls up to the tournament on the back of five goals and nine assists for German side Wolfsburg, whilst the 5.1-priced Schar could well get the nod at centre-half – his ability at set-pieces and threat in the box saw him score four times in 22 appearances for Basel and net on three occasions over the qualifiers. Games against Ecuador and Honduras bode well for defensive returns, though a showdown with France may prove more testing.

Germany’s Erik Durm is an under-the-radar option. He’s leapt ahead of Marcel Schmelzer for club Borussia Dortmund and country in the left-back berth and whilst the rest of his defensive team-mates are priced significantly higher, the 22-year-old will set you back just 5.4 ahead of games against Portugal, Ghana and USA, with hopes of defensive points high over the latter couple of fixtures.

Midfielders

With Mario Mandzukic suspended for Croatia’s opener with Brazil, Fantasy managers will perhaps be best served by a couple of midfield options instead. The Croatians have scored twice in three of their four fixtures under new manager Niko Kovac and will be looking to Sevilla’s Ivan Rakitic to unlock opposition backlines from his central midfield berth. Rakitic produced 12 goals and 10 assists in La Liga last term and looks key to his side’s progress, though Ivan Perisic offers an alternative. The Wolfsburg man arrives on the back of 10 goals and four assists in 2013/14 and bagged a brace in last week’s friendly win over Mali – he’s the dearest of the two at 5.9 to 5.6.

Colombia’s Juan Cuadrado could be another great value option at just 5.3. Placed alongside Ivory Coast, Japan and Greece, the South Americans will fancy their chances of progressing and with team-mate James Rodriguez priced at 6.5, Cuadrado offers Fantasy managers an alternative route into Jose Pekerman’s midfield. Scoring 11 goals and providing five assists for Serie A side Fiorentina in 2013/14, there’s certainly no questioning his abilities to deliver.

In the same group as Cuadrado, Keisuke Honda is fielded in “the hole” behind a lone striker for Japan. With uncertainty over his side’s first-choice forward, Honda – who finished top scorer in qualifying, with penalties boosting his haul to five goals – seems a safe option for those looking to invest in Alberto Zaccheroni’s side and will set you back 5.9.

Italy’s Antonio Candreva may be the man to benefit from an injury to Riccardo Montolivo. If Cesare Prandelli retains a 4-3-1-2 formation, the Fiorentina man (available for 5.3) could be handed the role in “the hole” behind a front two and also offers an option wide right in a 4-3-3 – another system his manager is considering. Indeed, Candreva produced 12 goals and six assist for his club on the right of a front three last term and, whilst his starting place is by no means guaranteed, he will surely see some game time against England, Uruguay and Costa Rica.

Valentin Stocker is the most kindly-priced of Switzerland’s trio of attacking midfielders ahead of the games against France, Ecuador and Honduras. Unbeaten during the qualifying period, Ottmar Hitzfeld’s side will fancy their chances of reaching the knockout stages and, with 13 goals and eight assists for Basel in the previous campaign, Stoker, at 5.7, is undoubtedly the form midfielder.

Miralem Pjanic and Zvjedan Misimovic are very favourably-priced options for those looking to invest in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Safet Susic’s team scored 30 times in 10 qualifying games and whilst their opener with Argentina may probe problematic, clashes with Nigeria and Iran surely bode well for attacking returns. Both players come in at 5.3 in FantasyiTeam and produced four assists apiece over the qualifiers, with the latter notching five times to Pjanic’s three – a sign of their important contributions in the attacking third.

Belgium’s Kevin De Bruyne produced at least double the number of goals (four) and assists (four) than any team-mate over the group qualifiers. A pivotal figure on the right of a front three for Marc Wilmots’ side, he served up a goal and two assists in back-to-back friendly wins over Luxembourg and Sweden last week – available for only 5.9 to Eden Hazard’s 7.5 ahead of games against Russia, South Korea and Algeria, he looks set for significant investment for the group stages, at least.

Elsewhere in Group H, Algeria have some cut-price options which may also be worth considering if you’re struggling for budget. Valencia’s Sofiane Feghouli delivered four goals and eight assists in La Liga last term – the playmaker’s contribution from wide right also served up a trio of strikes over qualifying and, if his country are to upset the odds and progress, he’ll be vital to their chances. Both Feghouli and Tottenham’s Nabil Bentaleb – who has arrived on one or two Fantasy radars after scoring in a friendly win over Romania in the last few days – set you back just 4.8 in FantasyiTeam.

South Korea also offer us an option in the final group. Bayer Leverkusen’s Son Heung-min is nailed-on down the left flank and delviered 10 goals and four assist in the previous Bundesliga campaign – he also notched in a recent friendly win over Greece and can be snapped up for just 5.3.

Forwards

Mexico’s chances of escaping from a group that includes Brazil, Croatia and Cameroon may ultimately come down to Oribe Peralta. Top scorer in qualifying with eight goals, he arrives on the back of 10 goals in 11 appearances for club Santos and comes in at just 7.8 in Fantasy iTeam – with Miguel Herrera’s men set to play two fixtures in Matchday 1, early investment looks a wise idea.

Placed in a group with Spain, Holland and Australia, Chile don’t have it easy. Nonetheless, the South Americans have turned in some impressive displays under Jorge Sampaoli and could be earmarked for investment in attacking areas. Whilst Barcelona’s Alexis Sanchez sets you back a hefty 9.4, his fellow forward Eduardo Vargas is far kinder on the budget at a mere 6.7 in FantasyiTeam. Vargas has suffered a miserable season at Valencia but seems to have found his form, scoring three times in two friendlies over the last week.

In the same group, Holland’s Jermaine Lens is another kindly-priced option. Available for 8.0, he served up five goals and five assists across the qualifiers and started all but one of the 10 matches. The Dynamo Kiev frontman also found the net in the recent friendly win over Wales last week and is versatile enough to be fielded on the flank or through the middle alongside Robin Van Persie if Louis Van Gaal opts for a two-man frontline.

Both Salomon Kalou and Gervinho make their way to Brazil 2014 in exceptional form. The former delivered 16 goals and six assists for Lille last term, whilst Gervinho’s nine goals and 10 assists for Roma underlines his transformation since departing the Emirates – priced at just 7.6 and 7.8 respectively, they face up to Japan, Greece and Columbia in the group stages.

Fielded on the right of the attacking midfield three, Japan’s Shinji Ozazaki loses some appeal as a reverse out of position option. Nonetheless, a record of 15 goals in the Bundesliga for seventh-placed Mainz is indicative of his eye for goal and at just 6.9, he could be worth a flutter if he can bring his domestic form to the biggest stage of all.

The unfortunate death of Christian Benitez means Ecuador will be relying on Felipe Caicedo to fire them through the group stages. Available for 7.5 in FantasyiTeam, he finished as top scorer in qualifying with spot-kick duties helping him notched seven times in 10 appearances – his pace and strength up top will be crucial for games against France, Switzerland and Honduras.

In the same group as Caicedo, an injury to Franck Ribery could promote Antoine Griezmann to the France first XI. With the Bayern Munich man sidelined, Griezmann started two of the last three friendlies on the left of a front three and, having scored 16 goals for Real Sociedad on the left of a 4-2-3-1, is certainly an able deputy. Available for 7.7, his chances of game time look to have been strengthened after Ribery was ruled out of the tournament earlier today.

Another Group E forward to consider is Switzerland’s Josip Drmic. Plying his trade for relegated Nuremburg last season, the 6.3-priced frontman scored 17 times in the Bundesliga and was resultantly handed his debut in a friendly against Croatia in March – he scored a double that day and followed it up with the winner against Jamaica last week.

Vedad Ibisevic is a tempting alternative to Edin Dzeko for Bosnia and Herzegovina. With Dzeko setting you back 8.5, his strike-partner is far more easy on the budget at just 6.7 in FantasyiTeam and scored seven times over the qualifiers, whilst 10 strikes for Stuttgart in the season gone by sums highlights his form. The game against Argentina will be testing but Iran and Nigeria may struggle to keep out Safet Susic’s side.

Russia’s Alexander Kokorin looks an enticing choice. Priced at a kind 7.3, he’s expected to get the nod over Alexander Kerzhakov for the central role in a 4-3-3, though can also be moved to the left of the front three – with 10 goals and nine assists in just 22 matches for Dynamo Moscow last season, he’s the form forward for Fabio Capello’s side.

Fantasy Football Scout League

We’ve already set up an official Fantasy Football Scout league for you to join – the league name is Fantasy Football Scout and the pin is 4915.

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

724 Comments Post a Comment
  1. WorldCupDanB
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Has there been any articles rounding up each friendly match and if so where is it and if not why not.

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    1. Saniul
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      There was one which Christina had. Can't seem to find it.

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      1. WorldCupDanB
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Yeah I've seen that one, I meant more a round up of who scored/assisted, injuries, notable absences and a general note of how they played. Like they do with the pre season friendlies.

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        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 15 Years
          10 years, 4 months ago

          Not as such. I think the pre season friendlies affect the whole site compared to the limited WC players. Quite a few injuries in the last 48 hours so perhaps one out soon.

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        2. Saniul
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 4 months ago

          http://za.soccerway.com/international/world/friendlies/2014/friendlies-1/r21001/?ICID=SN_04_111

          : This one is an amazing link, Anonymous. They even have the formations.

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  2. Saniul
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Hey, need some help with the iTeam game.
    Can anyone tell me where the join league option is? I can search a league using the PIN, but just don't seem to find a button to join it.

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    1. iCon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      If your already in a league, you can't join another mate!

      Seems ridiculous, but they have a one league limit.

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      1. Saniul
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Wow. :O
        That's a crazy rule.

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

      Join/Create on the left on the leagues page?

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      1. Saniul
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        There is just a View option. 😐

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        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 15 Years
          10 years, 4 months ago

          Already in a league? Are you logged in?

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          1. Saniul
            • 11 Years
            10 years, 4 months ago

            Yeah, I was in the college mini-league. Now, I know what my problem is.

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  3. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    England leading NZ 9-3 after 22 minutes in the union.

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  4. Lanley Staurel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Just 11 days to the fixtures come out and 6 weeks till FPL opens.

    RMT

    5.5 4.5
    6.5 6.0 5.0 4.5 4.0
    9.5 7.5 7.0 6.0 5.0
    12.5 10.0 6.5

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    1. GreenWindmill
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Downgrade to a non-playing second keeper and upgrade 10.0 to 10.5

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      1. Lanley Staurel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Hoping 10 will be Studge and been burnt by non playing keeper before.

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    2. Saniul
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Marshall. Green.
      Coleman. Koscielny. Flannagan. Hill. IDK.
      Cazorla. Michu. Nolan. Adam. IDK.
      van Persie. Sturridge. IDK.

      Doesn't look strong. You may need to invest more in midfield.

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      1. Lanley Staurel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Good one! Aiming to pick players who are established EPL players and no risks so the team may look dull to begin with.

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        1. Saniul
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 4 months ago

          True. That's why I just mentioned players who have had atleast one succesful FPL season.

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    3. Optimus.
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      No Suarez is risky

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      1. Lanley Staurel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        It's going to be the debate pre season as he may be £14.5.

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    4. Lucas Leiva
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Do you really think 6.5 will do well this season? don't think he'll start much.

      6.0 could be a good differential though.

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      1. Saniul
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Wouldn't Austin be 6.5?
        That's what the top striker of a promoted team generally is.

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        1. Lanley Staurel
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 4 months ago

          Indeed. I think as will all need a cheapo 3rd striker given prices.

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        2. Lucas Leiva
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 4 months ago

          I was just joking, really cba guessing who's who.

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    5. Lanley Staurel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Conclusion for me is if you want Suarez and RVP and a half decent defence then your midfield will be pants. There are going to be compromises all over the place in 14/15.

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      1. GreenWindmill
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        There always are 🙂

        I'll be more inclined to go with a cheap defence (and possibly no Suarez)

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  5. Elniñorules
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    19 hours to McD launch.

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    1. Saniul
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      19 hours to Chiellini (c).

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      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        😆

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      2. Elniñorules
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Messi (C) here 😉

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        1. Saniul
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 4 months ago

          No hope for Mexico then. 😉

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  6. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    How much will the World Cup affect players returning to FPL?
    Might avoid a few who go further in the World Cup.

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    1. Optimus.
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      At least the English players will be well rested for the start of season

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    2. GreenWindmill
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Sounds like a little research project - if I get a bit of time I might see if I can dig up some historic trends.

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      1. GreenWindmill
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Although these things are 10 times harder now transfermarkt destroyed their own site 🙁

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        1. Saniul
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 4 months ago

          Did they? I just thought they have remodelled the website, and it looks pretty cool now. 😐

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          1. GreenWindmill
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            10 years, 4 months ago

            You like it?

            I can't find anything anymore - probably just me being unable to adapt 🙂

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            1. Saniul
              • 11 Years
              10 years, 4 months ago

              That's true, they have removed a lot of important tabs.

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    3. Saniul
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      * Brazil- Oscar, Paulinho, Willian (maybe), Ramires (maybe).
      * Spain- Silva, Cazorla (maybe).
      * Germany - Mertesacker, Ozil (maybe), Podolski (maybe)
      * France - Koscielny, Evra, Giroud (maybe).
      * Argentina- Aguero.

      I just mentioned the teams I felt have a chance to go to the top four.
      And well, if Belgium actually does reach the top four, FPL manager will have a lot of selection headaches. 😉

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      1. GreenWindmill
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Costa/Fabregas/Remy too?

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        1. Saniul
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 4 months ago

          I just mentioned the current players. 😉
          Don't want to create a transfer argument here. 😛

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          1. GreenWindmill
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            10 years, 4 months ago

            Ok, Debuchy, Sagna, Zabaleta then 😉

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            1. Saniul
              • 11 Years
              10 years, 4 months ago

              Only Debuchy and Zabaleta from there. 😉

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  7. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    9 all in the union between NZ & England at half time

    #penaltyathon 😕

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  8. Dhanesh Prabhu
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Recruitment for the FFS UEFA world cup game is still going on.
    And there are 2 places available for potential players who wish to join the game.

    All you have to do is to to mail me to goonerdhanesh@gmail.com if you are interested.

    AllezLesBlues

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  9. A Defender's Nightmare
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    A Defender's Nightmare doesn't need to edit his name to show how much he's committed to his team in FFS UEFA WC.

    A new shirt to same old person in Grav says it all. 😎

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  10. Lanley Staurel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Hmmm. Why is my membership logo a lighter shade than others. I'm fading away......

    I have renewed as well unless PayPal failed. Any Mods able to check?

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    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Think it's your eyes. All greys are equal.

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      1. Lanley Staurel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Ah they are all grey 😆 It's just you important types that have green. Can't believe I haven't noticed for the past 27 years.... 🙁

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        1. GreenWindmill
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 4 months ago

          "important" 😆

          The green icon means admin rights - our membership icons are grey too, we just haven't renewed yet!

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        2. HVT
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 4 months ago

          ' Lanley shades of grey '

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    2. Poseidon. Not arrogant, jus…
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Looks exactly the same to me. Pretty sure that if it hadn't worked you wouldn't have any logo at all.

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    3. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      You wouldn't have an icon if it failed. 😉

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    4. Poseidon. Not arrogant, jus…
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Some of us don't even have an icon and you're kicking off, going ballistic and threatening to phone trading standards because you're isn't the shade of grey you were hoping for.

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      1. Poseidon. Not arrogant, jus…
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        *yours

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      2. Lanley Staurel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        My hissy fit is over now, thanks for you concern.

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        1. Lanley Staurel
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 4 months ago

          *your

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        2. Poseidon. Not arrogant, jus…
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 4 months ago

          Glad I could diffuse the situation before things got any nastier.

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  11. Saniul
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    I just downloaded the iTeam game, and looks pretty coo, actually. Think I can play it, as well. 😉

    What do you think about the 11 I chose at one go?

    Ospina.
    Aurier, Koscielny, Schaer,
    Muller, Shaqiri, Valbeuna, Bentaleb.
    Neymar, Sanchez, van Persie.

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    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      More Brazil needed.

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      1. Saniul
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        In defence? They are way too costly, TM. 😐

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        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 15 Years
          10 years, 4 months ago

          They have a DGW, common sense.

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          1. Saniul
            • 11 Years
            10 years, 4 months ago

            They don't. They just have the starting games in both gameweeks.
            Actually, even if Brazil's second game starts before the end of GW1, it has still been put in GW2. :S

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          2. Saniul
            • 11 Years
            10 years, 4 months ago

            Oh, sorry, now I get the logic. Cheers, TM 🙂

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    2. Poseidon. Not arrogant, jus…
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Really don't like the RvP pick. Would go Dzeko or find funds for Messi.

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      1. Tony Warner Fan Club
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Yeah I've left Dzeko in my squad throughout the group stages simply to help fund further transfers. Messi and Ronaldo (if that's your bag) are 0.2 more than Neymar so if you want to swap them you'll need that extra cash.

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      2. Saniul
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        But you get transfers within a round?
        I mean, I could easily swap out either within the gameweek? Somehow I feel, it is important to have money allotted for two heavy hitter striker slots.

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    3. GreenWindmill
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      I like the look of FiT too but I've had to abandon plans to play due to other commitments now - no room for casuals in that game!

      Worth noting you have 3 transfers each round that can be used as soon as a player has started a match (and you keep the first player's points as well as the new player). With the Brazil DGW you can potentially really start with a bang!

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      1. Saniul
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        I think they do not have a DGW in this game. Atleast Brazil's second game is listed in Gameweek 2, that's what I just saw.

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        1. GreenWindmill
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 4 months ago

          Pretty sure you can still take advantage though by leaving them in your team until they start their second game then switch them for Russian/South Korean players who are yet to play their first game.

          I've put a couple of links below which might help.

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          1. Saniul
            • 11 Years
            10 years, 4 months ago

            Yeah, so I saw just now. Cheers, GW.

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      2. Saniul
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        And GW, I hardly know myself whether I'll be able to continue in all of these games.
        All these years, I kept teams in FPL, ESPNFC, Telegraph and the Sun, but in the end, it was just FPL for me. 😉

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  12. The Missing Link
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Just watched the portugal mexico highlights. Germany -1 vs portugal at 2.5/1 is easy money!! 😀

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    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Depends if Ronaldo plays.

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      1. The Missing Link
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        The Portuguese defense is dire. I can see Germany winning 3-0. Eduardo had a wonder game, the Mexicans shouldve had at least 3 goals.

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        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 15 Years
          10 years, 4 months ago

          Germany conceded vs Armenia. Same story there.

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          1. Prime
            • 11 Years
            10 years, 4 months ago

            On a stupid penalty, fouled by grosskreutz who will be a late game sub at best.

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            1. Lucas Leiva
              • 14 Years
              10 years, 4 months ago

              That stupid penalty cost me over £300.

              To the OP, Germany -1 seems safe, may put on a -1 Asian @11/5.

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          2. The Missing Link
            • 11 Years
            10 years, 4 months ago

            I look at shots conceded rather than goals in warm up games. If your opponents are getting 20 odd shots on goal odds are the germans will put 2 or 3 away. Havent seen germany armenia but didn't the germans score 6 or so?

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            1. TorresMagic™
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 15 Years
              10 years, 4 months ago

              Look at the opposition also. In the end we will find out soon. Expecting a cagey game.

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              1. The Missing Link
                • 11 Years
                10 years, 4 months ago

                Yeah I know, havent looked at the Germans in fairness but the Portuguese were so so poor vs the mexicans I can see them getting punished in a week if they defend like that. Only time will tell.

                Just lost my weekebd punt of England ht/ft at 22/1. Great odds for it being the first international. Pity the england didn't hold on till halftime as they still have a chance.

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    2. Joga Bonito®
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Who would you have from the German attacking options?

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      1. The Missing Link
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Only Muller at this stage. Haven't had a look at thir warm up games yet but will do in the next few days. All about getting the nailed on guys in the team though.

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        1. Joga Bonito®
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 4 months ago

          Yea, Schurrle should be fresh after his season with Chelsea, he's another one who could play the false 9 and get in on the goals.

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          1. The Missing Link
            • 11 Years
            10 years, 4 months ago

            I think they'll play klose up top rather. Could he wrong but its too much guessing for me

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      2. Lucas Leiva
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Muller is the safest option. Getting Gotze could pay off big though.

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    3. Konig Luther
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      they played with andre almeida in left and coentrão in DM

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      1. The Missing Link
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Well they have a week to sort it out and play their players in the right positions or tye Germans will have them for breakfast 😀

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  13. The Machine
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    3 days left

    2 spots left

    Lurking and a lack of popularity on the forum will not be used against you. To apply for team Ghana, simply e-mail your FFS USERNAME and FPL ID to nathan_111@outlook.com

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  14. 1LHerne
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Is the fantasy on fifa's website where everyone's going to play?

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    1. The Machine
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Most*

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      1. Big_Andy_GAWA
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        McDonalds one, yeah?

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  15. Joga Bonito®
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Any team Costa Rica lads around?

    Looking forward to Maccie D's opening... the game I mean, I'm not keen on a Big Mac.

    This is my Telegraph team with 0.4 in the bank still. What do you think?

    Cillessen

    Azpi Armero R Rodriguez

    J Rodriguez Hazard Honda Shaqiri

    Messi Dzeko E Vargas

    Downgrade Haz to KDB and then upgrade J Rodriguez to a top midfielder?

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    1. GreenWindmill
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      I'm here but I'm worse than useless - I'll be treating the WC fantasy games like I always treated exams: last minute cramming. At the moment I haven't the faintest idea who are good picks!

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      1. Joga Bonito®
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Hahaaa, honesty is an attribute I can respect. The Macdonalds game, and this WC game look pretty confusing to me so I think we'll be in the same boat.

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        1. GreenWindmill
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 4 months ago

          Perhaps we should be having team meetings for this kind of frank admission of our shortcomings 😆

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        2. HVT
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 4 months ago

          Good result against us JB , I thought when ye went down to 10 men that we would cruise from there ,
          Not so - these Costa Ricans are resilient !

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          1. Joga Bonito®
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            10 years, 4 months ago

            Yea, I'm not actually Costa Rican in the real world HVT, just this fantasy world that we've concocted.

            I don't fancy Costa Rica to do anything in the world cup.

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            1. HVT
              • 14 Years
              10 years, 4 months ago

              " Fail to prepare, Prepare to fail "

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  16. Dr Dream
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    What are most doing about keepers for both McD's and Iteam...Do save points have enough mileage in either tournie or just go for CS's ?

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    1. The Missing Link
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Clean sheets. With save points come the negative points for goals conceded.

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      1. Dr Dream
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Thought so...need a long run of games to amass worthwhile save pts. Who's your pick for keeper?

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        1. The Missing Link
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 4 months ago

          Ospina in iteam. I'll rotate in the macdonalds game I think

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          1. Dr Dream
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 4 months ago

            Save pts and CS potential...

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            1. The Missing Link
              • 11 Years
              10 years, 4 months ago

              Cheapest keeper who has clean sheet potential in all 3 games 🙂

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      2. Mo Mané Mo Problems
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Re: McD's:

        Save = 1 point
        CS = 6 points
        Conceding 2 goals = -1

        You want a busy keeper who will keep a CS imo...I'd risk a goal being conceded rather than picking Lloris vs HON I'd pick the Chilean GK vs Aus..

        Aus might have more on target than HON, but still pretty unlikely to score...

        Alternatively you go for a GK who will be super busy...did Mannone make 10-15 saves a match in PL sometimes this season?

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    2. shirtless
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      I had Neuer in ITeam, with Armero at the back for Colombia. Have since changed to Ospina in goals and Merte, for greater goal threat I feel... Colombia had the best defence in South American quali's. Also enabled me to get R.Rodiguez over Schaar who is a more secure starter...

      Ospina
      Ramos Luiz Godin Merte Rodriguez
      Pirlo DeBruyne Gerrard
      Neymar(c) SAUREZ

      Just waiting on definite Saurez news, may go Cavani for safety.

      1.0m in bank for Godin+Saurez>Valbuena+Messi first two transfers.

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  17. Billy Gilmore
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    For all you "RBs will ruin the McD game" people:

    With rules identical to those this time around (albeit with less detail this time – http://i.imgur.com/rD5ogG2.png ) the highest total score an individual player received for RBs was 11, yes 11 TOTAL throughout the tournament. This was by Mathijsen who played 660 mins.

    The highest average I have seen is 3.5/game and only over 2 games. The highest single game value was 6.

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    1. The Missing Link
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Didnt they change it to 1 point for every 3 recovered balls? Good news regardless.

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      1. Billy Gilmore
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        If they did they didn't change the rules page. Those were the rules in Jan 2011

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        1. The Missing Link
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 4 months ago

          Ok, I heard it was changed to 3. Doesn't really matter, just means rb's wont make a difference.

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        2. Billy Gilmore
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 4 months ago

          These were the rules pre-WC: http://i.imgur.com/kXqun3p.png

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    2. Saniul
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Really? *rubs eyes*

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    3. The Missing Link
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      http://www.fifa.com/tournaments/archive/worldcup/southafrica2010/statistics/players/defending.html

      This is the problem. The stats on the fifa website for recovered balls....

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      1. GreenWindmill
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Confusion reigns 🙁

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      2. Billy Gilmore
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Yeah, but it is simply different definitions. Those stats would be the same as the ones for the CL game, whereas for the McD game the clearances/tackles etc must reach a teammate otherwise they aren't counted.

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        1. Billy Gilmore
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 4 months ago

          Ooijer for example has 8 RBs on that, but 0 in the McD game, so it's not 1 every 3 or 5 or anything. Different kettles of fish.

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  18. TheSteady ¤ Wines th…
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Who is the best pick in the Argentina defense? (regardless of value, and in the game I'm playing there are no bonus points awarded)

    Garay or Zabaleta? 🙂

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    1. Saniul
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Rojo.

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  19. HVT
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Anyone care to predict who gets out of England's group ?
    -Uruguay
    -Italy
    -England
    -Costa Rica
    I think they all have potential to take points off each other even Costa Rica, IMO this group could end up with a lot of draws where 5pts maybe even 4pts may be enough for qualification.
    I'm thinking Uruguay / England to progress.

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    1. Saniul
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Italy and England.

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

      Top 2.

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    3. Andy1
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      I've picked Costa Rica and Uruguay my work sweepstake, therefore England plus anyone but Italy will do me!

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    4. The Missing Link
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Uruguay england

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    5. Dr Dream
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Going to come down to who enjoys the conditions the most....or not...Under normal circumstances I'd say the two Europeans.

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    6. Joga Bonito®
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      England and Italy unless Luis Suarez is fully fit, then it's anyone's guess.

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    7. shirtless
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      We play our hardest opponents for our first game in the worst venue. I'm sorry I fear the worst. Italy and Uruguay.

      Italy 7
      Uruguay 5
      England 4
      Costa Rica 0

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      1. Joga Bonito®
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        What worries you about this Italy team though?

        I think if Roy Hodgson sends the players out to attack them we'll over run them,.

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        1. shirtless
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 4 months ago

          Extreme heat, England running round like headless chickens...the master Pirlo picking them off...!

          And they've won it a few times, but no one seems to be talking about them.

          The signs are there for me. Our defence is shocking should either centre half get crocked.

          I'm not bothered either way, just going to enjoy the tournament.

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  20. A Defender's Nightmare
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    http://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/comment/7387952

    TM posted it in the last page. McD's got their rules spot on?

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  21. Ginkapo FPL
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Someone get AP to find out what time the doors are opening tomorrow please

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    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      McDonalds Breakfast until 10.30am

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  22. New Post - Belgium
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  23. Azzuri_Buddy
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Hey there,3 Fantasy Questions guys,

    1.Who do you believe will score more points Lukaku or Hazard for Belgium?

    2.Picking the 2nd Belgian player,whoud you take a defender(Alderweireld )?or KDB?

    3.
    A)Benzema vs Honduras or
    B)Messi vs Bosnia or
    C)Suarez/Cavani vs Costa Rica ?
    which 1 of these 3 you think the highest chances to score 1/2 goals and have a big impact in the game?

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    1. FortunesAlwaysHiding
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      1. Hazard I reckon.
      2. KDB
      3. Benzema

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  24. Abusive_Sgt_Daelrhos
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Hello guys, what u all think about this team:

    Julio Cezar

    Ramos, R.Rodriguez, Toby Alderweireld, Sergey Ignashevich

    Yaya, Di Maria, Matuidi, De Bruyne

    Messi, Benzema, Lukaku and i got Giroud for subs.

    I got little dwelling whether to leave it as it is or to sell Yaya and Toby, get Rojo and Schweinsteiger instead and with earned 2 mil, sell Cezar and get Courtois instead. Please help, appreciate it:)

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    1. The Shadow
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      You are on an old article. Post here to have a chance of people seeing your question.

      http://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2014/06/09/world-cup-2014-ones-to-watch-defenders/?hc_page=16#hc_comment_7397837

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      1. Abusive_Sgt_Daelrhos
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Ty

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  25. FortunesAlwaysHiding
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Hi chaps, please help me in choosing to drop 1 from these...

    A) Sturridge
    B) Fred
    C) Balotelli
    D) Drogba
    E) Pedro

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    1. The Shadow
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      See my post above ^.

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      1. FortunesAlwaysHiding
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        ha, thanks mate.

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  26. Darsh
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Marcelo or Luiz for Brazilian defensive cover? Can't afford Alves... Fantasyiteam btw

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  27. knutmsalo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Hi guys!

    Wondered if I could have any advice on my team. Btw, I have decided to play the Fox Sports World Cup Fantasy. My team for the moment is:

    Courtois

    Kombarov - Johnson - Alderwereld - Sakho
    Ozil - De Maria - De Bruyne
    Bacca - Neymar - Messi

    Eneyama - Schar - Cuardado - Pjanic

    After the first match I will most likely switch Pjanic and Johnson.

    Is my defence too weak here? How about the midfield. Should I bring in someone else for De Bruyne? I could upgrade to Hazard, but De Bruyne is a bigger differential. The question is. Will De Bruyne be involved in the goals? How about Bacca. Is he nailed on? I thought perhaps that he will try to fill Falcaos shoes.

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  28. koscof
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Forgive a blatantly (to most) obvious question, but when does Game Week 2 start in iTeam? Is it before the Brazil game tonight?

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    1. pjckmen
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Holland will win the World Cup 2014. 😀

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