[sbu_large_image] Scout Notes
27 November 2011 445 comments
Paul Paul
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Another two-goal haul from Emmanuel Adebayor helps Spurs continue their winning ways.Juan Mata excels against Wolves as Chelsea grab their first home win since gameweek eight, while Demba Ba ends United’s run of three clean sheets and blunts Sir Alex Ferguson’s title ambitions:

Emmanuel Adebayor
Yesterday’s brace was his second in back-to-back gameweeks, with the Togo international also picking up an assist for Jermain Defoe’s goal in the 3-1 win at the Hawthorns- he’s surely nailed-on for the maximum bonus, too. The influence of Adebayor and Scott Parker on Harry Redknapp’s side has been immense since their acquisition at the end of the August transfer window , with twenty-eight points from a thirty possible picked up. The absence of Rafael Van der Vaart failed to dim Adebayor’s potential, as, working in tandem with Defoe in a front two, he helped condemn Roy Hodgson’s side to their third defeat in four. With Gareth Bale also grabbing an assist, the Tottenham bandwagon continues to roll on relentlessly and with a favourable run of fixtures ahead, only seems likely to pick up speed.

Thomas Vermaelen
A goal at either end in the 1-1 home draw with Fulham ensured the centre-half hogged the headlines at the Emirates last night. Vermaelen’s equaliser atoned for a disastrous own goal and is his second in three starts since returning from injury in gameweek ten. Once again, the Belgian demonstrated the attacking sensibilities that saw him bag 7 goals back in 2009/10 and if he can stay injury-free, is likely to run that tally close once again. Vermaelen seems to be settling in to a partnership with Per Mertesacker in the heart of defence now- the pair have started the last couple of games as Arsene Wenger’s preferred pairing.

Robin Van Persie
It turns out he’s human after all. A run of 12 goals in his previous seven appearances meant the Gunners skipper was handed the armband by a huge number of Fantasy managers, but Fulham managed to curtail his scoring streak at the Emirates. Yesterday’s blank against the Cottagers was the first time since gameweek four that Van Persie has failed to find the net in a home match. However, with a trip to Wigan next weekend, he’ll surely be amongst the favourites for the Fantasy armband once more.

Juan Mata
With Frank Lampard rested for the midweek Carling Cup clash against Liverpool, the Spaniard was the star of the show as Chelsea got back to winning ways at Wolves’ expense. Yesterday’s goal and pair of assists was Mata’s second double figure points haul in succession at Stamford Bridge and will surely seal the three bonus points on Monday. Mata has averaged around 7 points per home game in his debut campaign, with only David Silva managing more assists to this point, edging Mata by 7 to 6. A boost in Mata’s lowly 4.8% ownership can be expected this week, though with clashes against three of the top four (new, MCI, wig, tot) to come next, there are some tough fixtures on the horizon for Andre Villas-Boas’ side.

John Terry
The Chelsea skipper has come in for plenty stick this season with his displays at the back under scrutiny. Terry and his fellow defenders may be struggling to implement Villas-Boas’ preferred high defensive line, but in front of goal, he’s been one of Chelsea’s most reliable performers. Yesterday’s goal was his fourth of the campaign and equals Terry’s best goals return for a season- he has now netted the same number of times as Didier Drogba, Fernando Torres and Nicolas Anelka combined. A fifth yellow card of the season means he misses the Carling Cup match at Liverpool, but makes him available for next weekend’s trip to Newcastle.

Tim Krul
The Dutchman enjoyed a superb game at Old Trafrord, repelling a number of goal bound efforts to help Newcastle to an away point. Having kept three clean sheets in his opening four matches, Krul had attracted significant Fantasy investment which has seen his price in the FPL rise from 4.5 to 4.7. With tough fixtures over the last four, Krul and the Newcastle defence have failed to keep a shut-out in four gameweeks but, with his the schedule improving, Krul must surely return to the radar as a strong option for a keeper’s spot.

Demba Ba
The Newcastle hitman bagged his ninth goal of the season from the spot at Old Trafford and has now returned either a goal or an assist in his last four gameweeks. Indeed, since gameweek 5, Ba has only drawn a blank once – a superb record for an FPL forward priced at 6.7. While Newcastle’s fixtures will have slowed investment in the striker, he will now surely enjoy increased interest as the Magpies prepare for three home games in the next four, starting with Chelsea next weekend.

Hatem Ben Arfa
The Frenchman started his second consecutive game up in support of Demba Ba up front and supplied the assist via Newcastle’s controversial penalty award. Fantasy managers will be monitoring his progress – particularly when Alan Pardew has further options up front. Should Ben Arfa cement his starting role, he looks a good option as a 5.4 midfielder in the FPL.

Thomas Sorensen
Once again, the Dane was selected ahead of Asmir Begovic in goal for the home game against Blackburn. Sorensen was beaten by Ruben Rochina in the 3-1 win, though- Tony Pulis’ side have now returned a single clean sheet in their last nine games. So often a stable source of defensive points, it seems this season’s foray into Europe is unsettling the Potters’ solidity, much to the continued frustration of their Fantasy backers.

Kieran Richardson
A miserable home defeat to Wigan gave the Stadium of Light faithful little to cheer and, from a Fantasy perspective, the frustration with Nicklas Bendtner and Stephane Sessegnon continues. Missed opportunities cost the home side dear, with Kieran Richardson firmly amongst the guilty parties. Having said that, he was Sunderland’s most threatening player on the day in terms of goal attempts – suggesting that, if he stays in support striker role, he could be worth monitoring. The Black Cats would have to show improved form however – right now, that looks some way off with next week’s trip to Wolves looking vital for Steve Bruce and his side.

Grant Holt
The Norwich forward seems to have grown into the role as supersub over the last few matches. Holt has netted in three of his last four sub appearances, earning vital points against Liverpool and Blackburn, and bagged the winner against QPR yesterday. Ironically, his performances may persuade Paul Lambert that he’s more suited to the sub role- Holt has scored just 1 goal in five starts this term but when brought off the bench, his ability to make a difference is clearly proving crucial.

Luke Young
Last week’s goal at Stoke was a rarity but Young repeated the feat at Carrow Road yesterday. He’d scored 2 goals in his previous three seasons but the right-back is revelling under Neil Warnock at QPR- with 46 points, he’s joint-top Fantasy scorer at the club, neck and neck with Heidar Helguson. Two of the next three fixtures pit Warnock’s side against Man United and Liverpool, though, and with clean sheets unlikely, Young’s points potential perhaps looks minimal.

Leighton Baines
The Everton left-back may have emerged without a goal or assist from the 2-0 win at Bolton but the clean sheet offered his investors rewards, while he remained a key figure for the Toffees. David Moyes’ side have won two on the bounce and have the fixtures to continue a climb up the table. Baines is known to flourish when Everton find form and, if Louis Saha and Tim Cahill can remain fit, they could start converting Baines’ supply from the left.

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445 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Park the bus
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 5 months ago

    wouldnt be surprised if the swansea game is now postponed

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    1. mufc802
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 5 months ago

      A minute silence maybe but they don't need to postpone the game.

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      1. Park the bus
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 5 months ago

        several wales internationals in the swansea team who will all be aware.

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      2. SuperDunny - Used to be goo…
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 5 months ago

        +1

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      3. Djerbil
        • 14 Years
        14 years, 5 months ago

        +1..there are too much money involved to take emotional decisions..sad but true

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        1. CFCTom
          • 14 Years
          14 years, 5 months ago

          A Bundesliga match was postponed after a referee tried to kill himself recently.

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          1. Djerbil
            • 14 Years
            14 years, 5 months ago

            that was bcoz they could not find an alternate quick enough

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          2. SuperDunny - Used to be goo…
            • 16 Years
            14 years, 5 months ago

            and a Belgian match yesterday after a lino tried the same thing

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            1. Stern John Terry Wilson Pal…
              • 14 Years
              14 years, 5 months ago

              F*ck me

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    2. Alan The Llama
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 5 months ago

      yeah, that's what I thought. If it is, so be it. It's only football.

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      1. Anorak
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 5 months ago

        +1

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      2. Park the bus
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 5 months ago

        exactly

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    3. applebonkers
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 5 months ago

      i'm not being disrespectful but that would be mental. people die all the time, you can't go postponing games every time it happens

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      1. Drip Doctor
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 5 months ago

        +1

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      2. Hybrid.power
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 5 months ago

        Plus all the fans would be there already.

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        1. Park the bus
          • 15 Years
          14 years, 5 months ago

          pretty sure they would understand. its only football

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          1. Hybrid.power
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 16 Years
            14 years, 5 months ago

            True that.

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      3. jamsiep
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 5 months ago

        Agreed. Absolutely tragic, but the football should still go on.

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      4. Park the bus
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 5 months ago

        absolute rubbish. if it was villa vs QPR then fine, but Swansea? a team full of wales internationals? a ground full of welshmen?

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        1. applebonkers
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 16 Years
          14 years, 5 months ago

          it's shocking and the timing has made it even worse (from a swansea perspective, obviously timing is irrelevant to his family). just think postponement is over the top for a death, a mass tragedy maybe changes things

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          1. Park the bus
            • 15 Years
            14 years, 5 months ago

            could not disagree more, a personal tragedy always feels worse. when phil o'donnell died 4 years ago, both motherwell and celtic postponed their next games as he was a great servant to both clubs. keeping in mind celtics game was against rangers, i think you get the picture. albeit circumstances are different in this case.

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            1. applebonkers
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 16 Years
              14 years, 5 months ago

              yeah, would understand if it was called off. i think a properly observed minute's silence is apt for now. in an ideal world they'd have had time to prepare wreaths or something for the pitch before the game.

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      5. CFCTom
        • 14 Years
        14 years, 5 months ago

        I think when 'anyone' dies, no, but when it is the manager of the Welsh national football team, you think it might have some effect on the Welsh national footballers, it should be up to the players if they want to play or not.

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        1. Park the bus
          • 15 Years
          14 years, 5 months ago

          spot on

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        2. SuperDunny - Used to be goo…
          • 16 Years
          14 years, 5 months ago

          Stop talking shit

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          1. jamsiep
            • 16 Years
            14 years, 5 months ago

            Let's please not have an argument about this.

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    4. MCH
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 5 months ago

      BBC live text reporting there is a chance it might not go ahead.

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      1. MCH
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 5 months ago

        Now they confirm it will go ahead.

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  2. Djerbil
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 5 months ago

    RIP Gary Speed

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  3. Dhubanmonkey
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 5 months ago

    What sad news - only 42

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  4. Manani
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 5 months ago

    augero>ade?
    my other forwards are ba rvp

    I have BAE and VDV as spurs cover and silva as MCI

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    1. Manani
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 5 months ago

      and RIP Gary Speend

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    2. McDog
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 5 months ago

      Aguero is playing Norwich this week.

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  5. Crakers
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 5 months ago

    Anyone think Dzeko will get a run today?

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    1. McDog
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 5 months ago

      There's a good chance he'll start.

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      1. Crakers
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 5 months ago

        Is Aguero not starting today?

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        1. McDog
          • 15 Years
          14 years, 5 months ago

          Aguero will start and one of Balotelli/Dzeko

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    2. sla9sa
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 5 months ago

      Inlikely he is more likely to play in the game against Arsenal midweek in CC

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    3. sla9sa
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 5 months ago

      Unlikely he is more likely to play in the game against Arsenal midweek in CC

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  6. SuperDunny - Used to be goo…
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 5 months ago

    Game goes ahead, rightly so

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    1. MCH
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 5 months ago

      Right it should go ahead but should be down to the players to say if they feel up to it. I am sure plenty knew him and several have been in his Wales squads.

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    2. LT10
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 5 months ago

      Disagree.
      How can you ask Welsh internationals to play a game when they've just found out their manager has died?
      RIP Gary.

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    3. Oi! Shadders!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 5 months ago

      wrong

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    4. Dermot
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 5 months ago

      There's no need to be so insensitive about it. If the people involved with the game were badly affected by it then what difference does it make to you if they don't play? I would feel so sorry for you having to wait for some fantasy football points...

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  7. Crouch Potato!
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 5 months ago

    RIP Gary Speed, a sad loss.

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  8. Malcolm Tucker for England …
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 5 months ago

    Just logged in and seen the news. RIP Gary speed

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  9. applebonkers
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 5 months ago

    that terry stat is mental. same number of goals as drogba, anelka and torres combined, can you imagine lescott having the same number of goals as aguero, balotelli and dzeko combined

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    1. Crouch Potato!
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 5 months ago

      What does it say about those 3 strikers? Chelsea need to do some shopping.

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    2. Elniñorules
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 5 months ago

      Yeah might as well include Essien, Kalou, etc.

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  10. Fernando Torres
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 5 months ago

    After watching united on goals on sunday, Ashley young could explode soon me thinks

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    1. McEwan
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 5 months ago

      Thats how A.young always looks. Threatens all the time, but will pick up 1 big haul in 7

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  11. Billy Ketsu
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 5 months ago

    BBC says Swansea game will be played.

    Very sad news about Gary Speed.

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  12. Won't sleep till after…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 5 months ago

    Really sad news about Gary Speed. A model pro, an excellent footballer and a promising young manager. RIP.

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    1. McEwan
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 5 months ago

      + 1

      Unreal news. RIP

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    2. Just Ruud
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 5 months ago

      true true. RIP

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  13. Stern John Terry Wilson Pal…
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 5 months ago

    It's been confirmed that the game will go on, but I could have understood had it not.

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    1. Crouch Potato!
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 5 months ago

      I agree, both teams need to provide a game worthy of his memory.

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  14. jimmythegent
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 5 months ago

    The game goes ahead.

    1252: I can confirm that the game between Aston Villa and Swansea will go ahead. It is clearly going to be a very emotional afternoon for all concerned at the Liberty Stadium.

    sad day for football

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  15. Stern John Terry Wilson Pal…
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 5 months ago

    Anyone read the Guardian TSF column this weekend? About pressure and people who struggle to deal with it. It was strongly related to the German ref who tried last week. Now it's happened again. Can't believe it.

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    1. MCH
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 5 months ago

      And Collymore had just posted a long message at 5am about depression has effected him and what he was going through.

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      1. Stern John Terry Wilson Pal…
        • 14 Years
        14 years, 5 months ago

        Yeah 😐 all in a very short space of time, hard to get your head around it all.

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        1. MCH
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          14 years, 5 months ago

          Very. So sad. Can only imagine the pressures you face being in the spotlight like they are.

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  16. Djerbil
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 5 months ago

    No better than an EPl match at Wales to honour the NT manager who graced the League for so many years......

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  17. Somalion
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 5 months ago

    Terrible news about Gary Speed. Very sad day for football and my thoughts are with his family.

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    1. dopey1
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 5 months ago

      +1

      Very shocking and sad news.

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  18. Alan The Llama
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 5 months ago

    New post folks

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  19. Nice1Cyrille
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 5 months ago

    BBC reporting suicide... still can't believe it's the same guy that was on football focus yesterday... unreal

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  20. GREENDREAMS11
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 5 months ago

    thats really sad news. gutted to heart it

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  21. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 5 months ago

    If the keeper saves a shot then the player who shot is given offside does it still count as a save point?

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  22. nadman89
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 5 months ago

    guys i need to make alot of points quick as im having a bet with my friends on who’s finishin top of our group im about 40 pts behind my squad is :

    westwood-ruddy
    baines – taylor(swansea) – wilkinson – kyle walker -bardsley
    nani-lamps-eagles-walters-allen
    gerv-adebayor bendtner

    any suggestions on what to do i really need to make ground soon

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    1. seddy
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 5 months ago

      Lamps --> Bale (Hot form)

      Gerv --> van Persie (Crazy form)

      Hope this helps

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      1. Arse Craic
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 5 months ago

        ^^ This

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  23. andy85wsm
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 5 months ago

    1-0. Kompany scores.

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  24. brentmeister
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 5 months ago

    Assou-ekotto or Jagielka?

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