Digest

The Digest – Gameweek Twelve

Tottenham bring Gameweek 12 to a close, sparing Aston Villa a spanking but throwing Fantasy managers options from all angles. Elsewhere, a pre-season certainty returned to form in timely fashion, reviving an option that had previously seemed irresistible…

The Player

While Yakubu and Heidar Helguson pulled a brace apiece out of the hat to provide further budget considerations up front, it was Leighton Baines’ points haul that handed Fantasy managers maximum food for thought.

Going into the season, Baines looked nailed-on for our lineups. Five goals and 11 assists last season, following on from 9 in 2009/10, the Everton left-back was delivering the returns of a mid-price midfielder, with the opportunity to throw in the occasional clean sheet. With Mikel Arteta’s departure to the Emirates, Baines was also installed as the Goodison penalty taker – surely a factor that would seal the deal?

Yet Baines’ Fantasy stock gradually fell as the gameweeks passed. Everton’s inability to claim clean sheets, compounded by key injuries and a run of opponents that limited their attacking potential, meant that the former Wigan man’s potential man dried up. Having claimed strong initial ownership in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) game, we witnessed heavy sales and a price drop from 8.0 to 7.8.

However, the theories thrown around at the start of the season should remain fresh in our minds. We explored matters further in last week’s Monitor article – all the statistical signposts pointed to a turn in fortunes – and so it proved.

Baines, at his best when Everton have some form, is effectively an immensely effective winger with set-piece command and the added potential of clean sheets. For 7.8 that seems a fair deal – when you consider Everton’s fixtures hand them opponents that give them a fair crack of building on Saturday’s win, suddenly his acquisition continues to make sense all over again. The problem now is finding the funds – it all seemed so easy back in August.

The Team

Back in gameweek 10, The Digest sang the praises of Harry Redknapp’s side, emphasising the wealth of attacking talent open to Fantasy managers. Just a couple of gamweeks on and, while Harry’s been under the surgeon’s knife, little has changed in terms of his team’s potential.

Last night’s 2-0 win over a Villa side, who seemingly turned up at White Hart Lane to frustrate and contain, should have been more emphatic. Tottenham’s midfield conjured opportunities, the pace of Gareth Bale and Aaron Lennon tormented Alex McLeish’s bewildered full-backs, while Emmanuel Adebayor found his scoring touch after a recent drought.

Defensively, Tottenham also look composed. Admittedly, Villa posed little threat but with Ledley King restored to the heart of the back-four, Redknapp’s side were more resolute and showed every indication that, as mid-price defensive assets go, they are worthy of consideration. Full-backs Benoit Assou-Ekotto and Kyle Walker stand out as the key options – two more considerations within a Tottenham squad that remains buoyant and brimming with Fantasy profit.

The Talking Point

Which brings us nicely to the talking point. Gareth Bale’s performance last night took him to 3 assists and 3 goals in his last three gameweeks. Seven bonus points have inevitably followed in a spell that has seen him suddenly emerge as a consistent Fantasy performer.

We spoke at length about his potential in last week’s Monitor article – our Members will have seen plenty of evidence in that article which pre-empted last night’s assist returns. The theory is that Bale is a different animal this season; his form and display last night only added further evidence to support that view.

The issue for Fantasy managers concerns the acquisition of Bale as an alternative to Rafael Van der Vaart. There can be no question that the Dutchman is a prime Fantasy asset – a playmaker who commands set-pieces and penalties, and a player who has scored 19 goals in the last year – a total bettered only by Robin Van Persie and Darren Bent.

Van der Vaart has drawn blanks in his last two outings, however, and, last night’s withdrawal on 68 minutes was the second consecutive game in which he’s been hauled off with over 20 minutes on the clock – the fourth time in six gameweeks.

With Jermain Defoe straining at the leash, this tactic of Redknapp’s seems set to continue, meaning that Van der Vaart will need to damage opponents and return Fantasy points in just over an hour per game. Bale, in comparison, is unquestionably a 90-minute man and looks immune to rest and rotation. With Cameroon failing to qualify for the African Cup of Nations, there’s also little chance that Bale will be forced to shift to left-back to cover for the loss of Assou-Ekotto, as he was on occasions last time round.

There’s a simple solution to the conundrum – draft in both Van der Vaart and Bale. This may jar at first but, had the Dutchman been classified as a forward, you could argue it would be a solution adopted without too much thought.

As it stands, Tottenham continue to have a run of favourable fixtures in front of them – a run that suggests that the wins and goals will go on flowing. Aside from David Silva and perhaps Frank Lampard, you can argue that there are currently few, if any midfielders, who offer the scoring potential of the Tottenham pair going into the New Year.

The Van der Vaart/Bale pairing is a Fantasy basket that appears to cradle all our eggs rather nicely.

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

2,648 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Jinswick
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 6 months ago

    Smalling on! Now impress so that you start at the w/e - I have you in my crosshairs for a transfer in this week...

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  2. A2U
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 6 months ago

    Go on galati! Amazing comeback on the cards maybe?

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  3. CFCTom
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 6 months ago

    Real Madrid clean sheet gone, comeback on? Very good goal tbh.

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  4. jimski
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 6 months ago

    Is Richards injured or just rotated?

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    1. Johnny Unitas
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 6 months ago

      Rested.

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      1. jimski
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 6 months ago

        Ta

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  5. KingPig
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 6 months ago

    Considering Kompany, Moses & Nani to Turner, Walcott & Bale (4 pt hit). Good move? I have 1.7m in the bank and this would leave me with exactly 0.0. Problem is if Bale goes up at all I'm goosed. What do people think are his chances of going up before Walcott plays tomorrow??

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    1. Corrigan
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 6 months ago

      Go for it. Walcott is a hat trick waiting to happen but then go missing for several games.

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      1. KingPig
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers. Actually added that up wrong, will still have 1.2m so will wait til after the Arsenal match. Might go for Brown instead of Turner.

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        1. Twisted Saltergater
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 6 months ago

          Why? Turner is a threat from corners while Brown is practically scared of heading the ball.

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  6. Chris_White
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 6 months ago

    Mancini waits until the 86th minute to put on AJ

    Poor lad

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    1. andy85wsm
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 6 months ago

      Really like Johnson, shame he's just signed a new contract would like to see him playing regularly. Would get picked for England then.

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      1. Chris_White
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 6 months ago

        I know, as a CFC fan I was hoping he had come in at Deadline Day...such a waste of talent, puts up numbers each time he gets the chance

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  7. CFCTom
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 6 months ago

    In college today I was told Man City would win the CL... amateur. He didn't know who I am.

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    1. 1966 was a great year for E…
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 6 months ago

      A-levels are getting easier these days.

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      1. CFCTom
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 6 months ago

        Most are I have to admit, dont even get me started on GCSE's! Piece of p*ss! But Chem, Biol and Physics are hard at A-level. What do you even do? Aren't you a teacher? Or is that King Eric? I get you mixed up.

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  8. DGno9
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 6 months ago

    6-2 Real Madrid...D Zagreb with another goal...

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    1. CFCTom
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 6 months ago

      I'll never come on this site again if Zagreb come back.

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      1. AP
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 6 months ago

        C'MON ZAGREB! oh it's over. Bah, little did they know the joy they could have spread to so many.

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  9. PFOR
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 6 months ago

    Please not Barca, Madrid or Munich. Please.

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    1. Hate that rotation
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 6 months ago

      you never know, we might get apoel.

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      1. CFCTom
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 6 months ago

        I bet you do.

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    2. Chazza
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 6 months ago

      We'll get the winners of Group G 🙂

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  10. Johnny Unitas
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 6 months ago

    Looking forward to my manager substitutions in UCL game now, 4 out and 4 in, rubbish night for me.

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    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 6 months ago

      Ah - sorry about that, Johnny U ... 🙁

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  11. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 6 months ago

    My UCL team has, rather weirdly, burst into life!!! 😀 Only just got home ...

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    1. Johnny Unitas
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 6 months ago

      Gomez is the only positive out of today for me, keeper has 2, spent points getting Ramos IN who got 1 point, Fabio/Erikssen/Dzagoev all failing to do anything of note.

      Who you have?

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      1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 6 months ago

        Ozil ... as well as Gomez, who I brought in today! 🙂

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      2. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 6 months ago

        ... and Kroos, and Aldewereid ... or whatever he's called! 🙂

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    2. Bob.
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 6 months ago

      Gomez and Ribery did the business for me today! Forgot to choose my captain though so its on Soldado! Fingers crossed.... Second in your league at the mo Doos 😛

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  12. Hazardous Liege '76
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 6 months ago

    Any of the following worth a 4 point hit?

    1 Given to Westwood
    2 ShawX to Jags
    3 Rodwell to Drenthe

    ??

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    1. Bob.
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 6 months ago

      no

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  13. Mull
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 6 months ago

    Thursday night, Channel 5.

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    1. Mull
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 6 months ago

      *nights

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  14. andy85wsm
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 6 months ago

    I hope Napoli fans do the Poznan.

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    1. Menly
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 6 months ago

      Hell yes! Actually NO. They don't deserve its power

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    2. 1966 was a great year for E…
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 6 months ago

      Nah, they can make up their own celebrations...

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  15. CFCTom
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 6 months ago

    City back in Europa League, Thursday night football!! MWAHAHAHAHA! Throws the title race wide open imo.

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    1. The Japanager: Roberto Newm…
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 6 months ago

      It seems to me that now they can focus on the title more....meaning if anything, it increases the gap for other contenders to catch up.

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      1. Bob.
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 6 months ago

        +1

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  16. Dynamic
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 6 months ago

    Will Jones deffiantly play at the weekend?

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    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 6 months ago

      Definitely? Nope.

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  17. DGno9
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 6 months ago

    final score Napoli 2-1 Man City!

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    1. tmtokvam
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 6 months ago

      man city probably out of CL then. That gigantic squad of future stars wont be easy to give meaningful pitchtime going forward.

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    2. Menly
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 6 months ago

      Though I don't really want to say it, it will be good for fpl 🙁 not that I really wanted to bring it back to that

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  18. applebonkers
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 6 months ago

    good entertainment. both manchester sides out of europe in the groups? unthinkable surely

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    1. andy85wsm
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 6 months ago

      We should go through but probably in second.

      If City are to go through it's going to be a great night of football to watch considering what needs to happen

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      1. applebonkers
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 6 months ago

        should get at least a point at basel. although you should have beaten basel at old trafford so could be very nervy

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    2. Bob.
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 6 months ago

      Theyre at home to Bayern they are still favourites to go through, they should still qualify, just wont be as easy

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      1. CFCTom
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 6 months ago

        City wont go through.

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        1. Henry Hill
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 6 months ago

          I agree, they are all but out.

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        2. Bob.
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 6 months ago

          Lets have a bet? 🙂 City are on 7 pts , Bayern on 10 and Napoli on 5 right?

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          1. Bob.
            • 14 Years
            12 years, 6 months ago

            Oh the table I looked at was supposed to be a live one but it didnt update 🙁 I change my mind now!

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            1. MAD
              • 13 Years
              12 years, 6 months ago

              (facepalm)

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  19. andy85wsm
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 6 months ago

    Argh! Didn't realise ROoney had gone down to 11.9m. Should have got rid weeks ago! (hindsight ftw).

    How likely is he to go down to 11.8m before Saturdays deadline?

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    1. Demí
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 6 months ago

      Not very at all

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      1. andy85wsm
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 6 months ago

        So frustrating. I don't even want him after Saturday but don't see any value (except for not losing value :P) in getting rid before for strikers who don't have great fixtures. Then again, Adebayor could score well vs WBA.

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    2. jimski
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 6 months ago

      Difficult to say, but if he gets flagged, very likely...

      He dropped 9k or so short of fiso's predicted target too. Bah.

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    3. applebonkers
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 6 months ago

      depends on news of his injury i guess. i thought he was close to making today's game. saturday is still four days away

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  20. SOM.... This is Fellaini�…
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 6 months ago

    If Carrick consistently performs like he has in the last two games, United will save themselves some serious £££.

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    1. Demí
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 6 months ago

      Yeah, he was great today...

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    2. Bob.
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 6 months ago

      He is playing well for a change..

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  21. Jinswick
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 6 months ago

    Best possible strikeforce to have right now? I think I have it with RVP, Aguero & Adebayor....

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    1. andy85wsm
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 6 months ago

      Probably right there. Doesn't help the rest of your team much though.

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      1. Jinswick
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 6 months ago

        Haha, true true. Fairly happy with my mid (VDV, Silva, Ramsey, Sinclair, Moses), but my defence (Brown, WIlkinson, Simpson, Dunne, Woodgate) needs some work...

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        1. applebonkers
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 6 months ago

          dunne the priority there surely

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          1. Jinswick
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            12 years, 6 months ago

            absolutely - question is, who to get?

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    2. applebonkers
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 6 months ago

      50 points last week was pretty poor from those lot

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    3. CFCTom
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 6 months ago

      RVP Aguero Ba

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      1. The Japanager: Roberto Newm…
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 6 months ago

        agree with this

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  22. andy85wsm
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 6 months ago

    I hate some of the punditry on offsides.

    "A suggestion of a bit of luck whether it was offside or not".

    It was clearly offside.

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  23. Corrigan
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 6 months ago

    Bye bye Nani. If you start doing well I'll take it on the chin. If it's consistent, I'll buy you back.

    Utd were incredibly reliant on you last season. You were the main reason behind the title win, but circumstances change.

    It's not like you're up against Raylor next or anything...

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    1. Hate that rotation
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 6 months ago

      nooooooo. keep nani because he is nani. think of the good times you had last season with him.

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    2. jimski
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 6 months ago

      I ditched him (for VDV) weeks ago, and not regretted it yet. Wish I'd done the same with Rooney.

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  24. Scratch
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 6 months ago

    52 points from Benzema(c) Ribery, Kroos and Frei. The less said about the other 3 guys the better lol, ah well that's what subs are for.

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  25. Henry Hill
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 6 months ago

    City all but out, United finishing second probably. Hopefully they get Real or Barcelona in next round

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    1. CFCTom
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 6 months ago

      No chance, they'll get FC Pub team or Over 60's United.

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      1. Cruicky
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 6 months ago

        Real, Barca, Bayern, Inter or Zenit/Apoel - assuming Arsenal & Chelsea top group.

        Otherwise Marseille or Bayer Leverkusen.

        Inter and Zenit are beatable but I'd rather have Lyon, Trabzonspor etc...

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  26. DGno9
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 6 months ago

    it has to be said...what a greats night of entertainment in the Champions League...goals galore...quality... 🙂

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  27. SOM.... This is Fellaini�…
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 6 months ago

    Despite the result I'm happy with that second half performance, attacking wise. Played with a good tempo, and coped well without Rooney.

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  28. Hate that rotation
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 6 months ago

    napoli one of the most exciting italian teams ive seen in a while, when they counter at speed.

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  29. A2U
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 6 months ago

    Anyone able to shed some light over why benfica go top of group c when man u have the same number of points and a better goal difference?

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    1. Hate that rotation
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 6 months ago

      benfica - 11points, utd - 8 points.

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      1. Hate that rotation
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 6 months ago

        lol my bad.

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        1. A2U
          • 12 Years
          12 years, 6 months ago

          Ooops sorry didn't see this

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    2. applebonkers
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 6 months ago

      not sure. their head to head records are identical so maybe it then goes to goal difference

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      1. Freshy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 6 months ago

        Benfica 2 goals scored at MU
        MU 1 goal scored at Benfica

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        1. Cruicky
          • 12 Years
          12 years, 6 months ago

          This.

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      2. A2U
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 6 months ago

        That's what I thought, but Man u's is better :L

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      3. applebonkers
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 6 months ago

        man utd's goal difference is better. i'm stumped. maybe away goals count in the head to head

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    3. CRUSHER
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 6 months ago

      They scored more away to man u.

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    4. wayne3004
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 6 months ago

      It goes on how they do against each other. 2-2 away is better than the 1-1 from the reverse fixture.

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      1. Henry Hill
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 6 months ago

        Spot on, United made a real mess of their group. City will be fully concentrating on the league now and will run away with it.

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        1. CFCTom
          • 12 Years
          12 years, 6 months ago

          I disagree with this.

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          1. Henry Hill
            • 14 Years
            12 years, 6 months ago

            Who will stop them? United look so poor at the minute, the City result has badly affected them no doubt.

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            1. wayne3004
              • 12 Years
              12 years, 6 months ago

              If City have to play in the Channel 5 Cup it will damage their league campaign. We're still waiting to see how they cope with inevitable injuries and a couple or draws or losses.

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      2. A2U
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 6 months ago

        Ahh ok thanks, I personally reckon basing it on goal difference surely makes more sense though

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        1. wayne3004
          • 12 Years
          12 years, 6 months ago

          You would think so especially as there's 6 games rather than the 3 in other comps such as WC, which I think goes on goals scored?

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  30. Freshy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 6 months ago

    City need to beat Bayern and Villarreal must beat Napoli for City to get to the group stage?

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    1. Mihai Roman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 6 months ago

      A draw is enough between Villarreal and Napoli if they beat Bayern

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      1. Bob.
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 6 months ago

        Its enough even if they lose to Bayern...

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    2. Bob.
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 6 months ago

      I only had a quick glance at the table but a draw between napoli and villareal would also mean City would go through. If Napoli beat Villareal and City win I dont know how its decided? Head to head or goal difference?!

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      1. Cruicky
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 6 months ago

        City need to win, end of.

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    3. wayne3004
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 6 months ago

      Yep. If City draw and Napoli lose Napoli are still through for having the better record v City.

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      1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 6 months ago

        Does anyone expect villareal to get anything. No points so far and generally terrible.

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    4. CFCTom
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 6 months ago

      No.

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