Euro 2012

Euro 2012 – Final Analysis – Group B

Yesterday saw us begin our group-by-group run down of the last few weeks’ worth of friendly action as Friday’s kick-off edges ever-closer. Having run the rule over Group A, we turn our attentions to Group B. Assessing the four candidates’ recent form, injuries worries and lineups, we reflect on their respective performances and look for potential signs of starting XIs prior to Holland and Denmark getting the group underway at 5pm next Saturday.

Denmark

The Danes played just two friendlies as part of their build-up to the Euros. Morten Olsen’s men slumped to a 3-1 defeat against Brazil before seeing off Australia 2-0 in front of their own fans in their final warm-up match last Saturday.

Nicklas Bendtner got the ball rolling by grabbing the consolation against the Brazilians on May 26, with midfielder Niki Zimling atoning for an earlier own goal by providing the assist. Intriguingly, Daniel Agger looks to be on penalties – he grabbed the opener in the Australia game after being felled in the box, while another centre-half, Andreas Bjelland, notched the second after a scramble in the box. Priced at 5.5, Agger’s spot-kick duties have certainly heightened his appeal in the McDonald’s game – he is the second most popular Danish player with 12.9% ownership but given the calibre of his three group opponents, there is surely better value elsewhere.

Likely Lineup
With Thomas Sorensen ruled out of the tournament due to a back injury, Stephan Andersen has been chosen ahead of Man United’s Anders Lindegaard as the Danes number one over– priced at 4.0 in the McDonald’s game, he is the cheapest nailed-on stopper of any of the participants. Elsewhere in the backline, the only question mark surrounds Agger’s likely partner at centre-half; having started both those recent friendlies, Simon Kjaer is favourite, though Bjelland did his chances no harm by notching against Australia. Perhaps the only other question mark is in midfield, where Christian Poulsen and William Kvist will vie for a slot alongside Christian Eriksen and Zimling in Olsen’s favoured 4-3-3 formation.

Likely Starting XI: Andersen; Jacobsen, Kjaer, Agger, S Poulsen; Zimling, Kvist, Eriksen; Rommedahl, Bendtner, Krohn-Deli.

Germany

Similar to Denmark, Joachim Low’s side have also played just two recent friendlies. The Germany boss rested all his Bayern Munich contingent against Switzerland after their Champions League exertions and watched on as his charges slumped to a 5-3 defeat, while a 2-0 triumph over Israel was largely uninspiring.

Mats Hummels, Andreas Schurrle and Marco Reus all netted in the defeat against Switzerland but it’s far from certain any of the trio will feature when the Germans kick off their campaign against Portugal on Saturday. Schurrle continued his impressive form by climbing off the bench to notch the second against Israel – Mario Gomez grabbed the opener, with Thomas Muller providing the assist.

Likely Lineup
There are a couple of issues at the back for Low to iron out. Although Philipp Lahm is nailed-on, the Germany boss is still unsure over which flank he favours him on – if Lahm plays on the left, Jerome Boateng looks likely to earn a start on the opposite side, while Lahm on the right would afford Marcel Schmelzer a chance in the first XI. Both Boateng and Schmelzer started a game apiece in those friendlies, suggesting neither is certain of a place in the side. A starting place for Schmelzer would be ideal for Fantasy managers; priced at 6.0 in the McDonald’s game, he is the cheapest player available in the German backline – Boateng is 6.5 but has an 11.6% ownership, despite the uncertainty surrounding his starting place. At centre-half, Mats Hummels and Per Mertesacker will battle for a place alongside Holger Badstuber – at 6.5, the latter is the cheaper of the two by 0.5 in the McDonald’s game.

Bastian Schweinsteiger has failed to feature in either of the recent friendlies due to injury but is reported to have returned to training and is expected to be ready for the Portuguese game. Up front, it’s the million dollar question: Miroslav Klose or Mario Gomez? It’s anyone’s guess, really, but Klose’s experience in big tournaments could well see him get the nod.

Likely Starting XI: Neuer; Boateng, Mertesacker, Badstuber, Lahm; Khedira, Schweinsteiger; Muller, Ozil, Podolski; Klose.

Holland

The Dutch played four friendlies over the past few weeks, including a game against Bayern Munich. Bert Van Marwijk’s decision to field a weakened backline saw his side downed 3-2 by the Bundesliga runners-up, while a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Bulgaria was their first at home in 19 matches. More encouragingly, they recorded a couple of wins and clean sheets in the other two games, with Slovakia and Northern Ireland beaten 2-0 and 6-0 respectively.

In the Bayern game, Jan Klass Huntelaar and Luciano Narsingh grabbed the goals, with Dirk Kuyt and Rafael Van der Vaart providing the assists. Van der Vaart also found the net in the win over Slovakia, with the other Dutch goal coming courtesy of an opposition player. Wesley Sneijder provided an assist for Robin Van Persie’s consolation against Bulgaria before the Dutch ran riot against a weakened Northern Ireland; Van Persie grabbed a brace and pair of assists, Sniejder returned a goal and assist, while Ibrahim Afellay also scored twice and picked up an assist – priced at just 6.5 in the McDonald’s game, he looks an intriguing proposition, with a mere 5.7% ownership.

Likely Lineup
At the back, Van Marwijk is sweating on the fitness of Joris Mathijsen. The centre-half was forced off after just 19 minutes of the Bulgaria match but is reported to be on the verge of returning to full fitness – Wilfred Bouma and Ron Vlaar have each been handed a start apiece in Mathijsen’s absence. Jetro Willems looks to have edged ahead of Stijn Shaars for the left-back position; he has started three of the four friendlies in the absence of first-choice Erik Pieters and, at 5.0 in the McDonald’s game, offers the cheapest possible route into Holland’s backline.

Mark Van Bommel is nailed-on in the double-pivot, though Rafael Van der Vaart could come into contention if Van Marwijk opts for a more creative presence than Nigel De Jong to play alongside his son-in-law in front of the back-four. Van der Vaart’s versatility is likely to see him afforded game time as an impact sub further up the pitch, though – with two of the three attacking midfield slots nailed-on, it’s a battle between Dirk Kuyt and Afellay as to who starts on the left. Afellay has begun the last two, however, and looks to be in the driving seat. Robin Van Persie will lead the line, after Jan Klass Huntelaar revealed he is Van Marwijk’s second choice forward ahead of the opener against Denmark.

Likely Starting XI: Stekelenburg; Van der Wiel, Heitinga, Mathijsen, Willems; Van Bommel, De Jong; Robben, Sneijder, Afellay; Van Persie

Portugal

It’s fair to say that Portugal have been anything but impressive over their recent couple of friendlies. Paulo Bento’s side warmed up for their Group B opener against Germany with a goalless draw against Macedonia and a 3-1 home defeat by Turkey.

Cristiano Ronaldo set up Nani for the consolation against Turkey but failed to make his spot-kick duties pay, by missing another penalty in the defeat. Portugal have now chalked up just one victory in their last six matches and, despite returning three clean sheets over those games, look unlikely to replicate their defensive resilience against the Germans and the Dutch.

Likely Lineup
Bento tinkered with his starting XI for the Turkey game by making six changes to his side but, in all likelihood, the only real question is who leads the line for Portugal. The backline virtually picks itself, as does the midfield three, while Ronaldo and Nani will flank either Hugo Almeida or Helder Postiga up top; Almeida comes in at 7.5 in the McDonald’s game, 1.0 less than Postiga, though with 1% and 0.3% ownership respectively, either player offers a differential option should they manage to nail down a slot in the starting XI. Almeida came on for Postiga just after the hour mark against Macedonia and started the Turkey game, suggesting he may be Bento’s favoured frontman.

Likely Starting XI: Patricio; Pereira, Pepe, Alves, Coentrao; Moutinho, Veloso, Meireles; Nani, Almeida, Ronaldo.

Further Analysis

Group A Czech Republic, Greece, Poland, Russia
Group B Denmark, Gemany, Holland, Portugal
Group C Croatia, Italy, Republic of Ireland,Spain
Group D England, France, Sweden, Ukraine.

Fantasy Football Scout Euro 2012 Leagues

Fantasy Football Scout are running several leagues and tournaments over various games for the Summer tournament…

Fantasy League Pro – It’s not too late to set up a Pro League with an online auction. Click here to get started and use our comment boards to recruit league members.

We’re running two Tournaments in the Picklive game, a free to enter league here and a £5 entry with prize pot league right here. There’s also £2500 in the prize pot for Picklive’s big tournament game.

Our McDonalds UEFA Euro 2012 League code is : 638-996

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

2,034 Comments Post a Comment
  1. teddy.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Iteration 407:

    Andersen Isaksson
    Piszczek Anyukov Kadlec Pique(/3) Debuchy(4)
    Blaszczykowski(1) Shirokov Sneijder(/2) Eriksen Srna(/3)
    Ronaldo(/2) Muller Jelavic

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    1. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Not to my tastes, but there's no real glaring problem.

      I'd reconsider double Croatian attack. They look a disjointed and underwhelming side. Defense you've also picked up a few expensive picks. Could do with streamlining for use up front or in midfield.

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      1. teddy.
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        Heavy defensive investment. Relatively. That's my style.

        I feel like doubling up on someone, and I can see the Irish being the whipping boys of the tournament. Jelavic is great value given the form he's in, and Srna is the talisman of Donetsk, so could have the added boost of the Ukrainian connection.

        Plus I'm trying to subtly break some of my own rules - no doubling up in attack, no PL players, no French defenders...

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        1. Ginkapo FPL
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 9 months ago

          Heavy in defence? How can you claim that with those two in goal?

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          1. teddy.
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            11 years, 9 months ago

            Defence as in defenders. far better to spend the money there than on keepers, same CS chance with added attacking potential.

            Save points apply to all keepers. The relative value of allocating funds to a safe pair of hands is negligible.

            Hold on. Maybe that's another of my own rules I should be subtly breaking.

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    2. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Processed the bids as soon as I got back from the pub about half an hour ago. Will email them tomorrow to remove your inactive player.

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      1. teddy.
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        Good man. I have received the customary email...

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        1. teddy.
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 9 months ago

          Got my 15 for Ginkapo 2:

          Buffon
          Bonucci Coentrao VDW Berezutski Piszczek
          Eriksen Srna Gusev
          Ronaldo Ibrahimovic Muller Kuyt Jelavic Milevskiy

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          1. Ginkapo FPL
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 9 months ago

            Not too shabby

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            1. teddy.
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 14 Years
              11 years, 9 months ago

              All my auctions (I've got 9 on the go) have been going well, but I know I'm still going to end up in the mix...

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  2. Jinswick
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    In the Sun game, which would you prefer?

    a) S Papa (1.0) & Sneijder (6.0)
    b) Willems (3.0) & Afellay (3.5) & 0.5m in the bank

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    1. teddy.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Out of interest Jinswick, here's my Sun team:

      Buffon
      Chiellini Maggio Alves Zhirkov
      Ozil Schweinsteiger Sneijder Srna
      Ronaldo Podolski

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      1. Jinswick
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        Interesting! Wow, tripling up on Italy's defence! Brave given they just shipped 3 at home to Russia and they have Spain up first!

        Schweinsteiger is an interesting one - I guess he's Germany's equivalent of Alonso (who I have). Should score similarly those 2?

        Also, not going for a 4-3-3 formation?

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        1. teddy.
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 9 months ago

          Pick the players not the formation.

          The Italian defence is sooo cheap. Think the Spain game has 0-0 written all over it.

          My tactics take significantly into account the Sun scoring system based on big bonus points for high Player Ratings scores and Star Man awards.

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          1. Jinswick
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            11 years, 9 months ago

            Perhaps, although I'm a little wary of the Italian's given their injuries at the back and the fact their last game may have dented confidence. Also, I'd be amazed if Spain don't score. A bit like Barca, they always score. I may will bring one in during the first transfer window though, depending on how they go.

            I'm torn on which to leave out from my forward 3 from these 4 - it's currently Podolski, mainly cause I see him sharing points with the likes of Klose, Gomez, Muller etc, and I already have Ozil in there...

            Ronaldo, RVP, Benzema, Podolski

            Our teams are very different, but I think both have good potential!

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            1. teddy.
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 14 Years
              11 years, 9 months ago

              Have you joined my unofficial FFS league? Join!

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              1. Jinswick
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 13 Years
                11 years, 9 months ago

                Sorry about the delay - I've just joined your Sun one, but I'm not doing the other one - not enough time!

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  3. dmcqt
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Rate my team please:
    Malafeev - Given
    Debuchy -- Jordi Alba -- Arbeloa -- Piszczek -- Strinić
    Shirokov -- Afellay -- Özil -- Young -- Polanski
    Benzema -- Van Persie -- Jelavić

    2.0 in the bank

    I'm doubling on Spanish defence because I think they'll be the stingiest of the tournament.
    I'm trying Piszczek instead of Perquis for greater attacking value.
    I'm concerned that Strinić might not play -- any alternative suggestions??
    I think Young should benefit from being OOP as a support striker. Jelavić too should be a bargain in one of the most attacking teams in the tournament. Benzema is my favorite for the golden boot.
    I'm planning to WC after GW 2, and am keeping money in the bank to upgrade either Polanski, Strinić, or Afellay, based on performance in GW 1 (perhaps to Ribery, Nasri, Cabaye, Lescott or Kadlec).

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    1. dmcqt
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      ... and captains will be Shirokov, then Van Persie/Özil, then Jordi Alba, then Benzema. Also, I'm interested in swapping into a German striker once we know who they are, though perhaps after the game with Spain.

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    2. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Arbeloa could have an injury. Be wary.

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      1. dmcqt
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        Thanks for the info. I hadn't caught that one. I've got enough for Pique, so might make a cautious transfer.

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  4. Solenya
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    what are people's thoughts on the russian keeper situation?
    Do you agree that with Sir P. that currently Malafeev is favourite to start?

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    1. dmcqt
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      I've heard that Akinfeev is still fighting injury and has fluid on the knee. I'm banking on Malafeev instead: http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/soccer/story/Russia-goalkeeper-Akinfeev-has-fluid-on-knee-62242070

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  5. GOONER
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    what do we know about the status of the Ukrainian players (the food poisoning thing)?

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    1. dmcqt
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      It seems like it'll be a major problem for their performance, especially with Tymoschuk on a drip recently. This is a good assessment of the latest, I think: http://www.zonalmarking.net/2012/06/06/euro-2012-preview-ukraine/

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      1. GOONER
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        do u think Yarmolenko will start?

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        1. dmcqt
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 9 months ago

          He should play, but the team is looking much less effective now, so they might not score much. They've lost much of their last week of preparation and some players will still be recovering from illness (food poisoning with vomiting, dehydration, and weight loss).

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    2. Crouch Potato!
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      They reckon it was a fish stew!

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      1. teddy.
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        Let's just hope it wasn't polonium.

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  6. JPeg
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    How likely is Cabaye to start for France?

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    1. dmcqt
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Very likely, I think. He should play a Lampard-like role -- spread play from midfield and then coming forward for long-range shots, producing a few goals and assists. I think he's a bargain. Here's a preview: http://www.zonalmarking.net/2012/06/06/euro-2012-preview-france/

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    2. teddy.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      The following is essential reading material over the next 2 days:

      http://www.zonalmarking.net/

      Seems to think so.

      This:

      http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2012/jun/05/euro-2012-france-tactics-questions

      says it's between M'Vila and Cabaye.

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  7. Pomp and Circumstance
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    RMT for Euro 2012 (main/official game):

    Cech, Andersen
    Strinic, Jordi Alba, Zhirkov, Granqvist, Abate
    Yarmolenko, McGeady, Ozil, Sneijder, Elm
    Lewandowski, Benzema, Van Persie

    thank you for your input!

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    1. nimbin_headers
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Granqvist?
      McGeady?

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    2. dmcqt
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      I fancy Croatia to score against a disorganized Italian side, so wouldn't play Abate in the first round. Just a personal preference. And don't know about McGeady. Maybe downgrade Sneijder for Afellay and make upgrades elsewhere.

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  8. fitzy
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Article suggest willems would start, surely at 5m thats too good of a bargin for holland cs potential if you don't have 2 attackers?

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    1. dmcqt
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      He's a very tempting at that price, though I'm not sure I'd want to play him in GW2 against Germany. Both those sides have strength in attack, so it could be a relatively high scoring game (maybe 2-2 or 3-2).

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    2. tw
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      holland cs potential in THAT group?

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      1. fitzy
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        GW1 vs denmark is a pretty good bet, then WC him out

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  9. Elniñorules
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Everyone read the group reviews on the web.

    3 out of 8 done.

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    1. tw
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      awesome! can you thank milanista and jkisthe1 for me? how long til we release dream team?

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  10. tw
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    pro league question: so theres no defenders i really want. instead of getting a 4th defender can i get an extra mid and just play 1 less def in the back??

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    1. teddy.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Nah, you've got to have 4 for a valid formation.

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      1. tw
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        so you aren't allowed to play a player short?

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        1. teddy.
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 9 months ago

          Try it. It won't let you submit your bids with less than 4 defenders selected.

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          1. tw
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 9 months ago

            dang... alright

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  11. tw
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    mcdonalds classic league code: 140676-77060

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  12. yanky
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    i have no idea what i'm doing so i chose a fairly familiar team for my unknowns...that being said, any other thoughts on this team? Starting XI ok or should I make bench changes? THANKS

    Cech (Andersen)
    Perquis Strinic Zhirkov (Lescott Debuchy)
    Gerrard Ozil Sneijder Blaszczykowski (Shirkov)
    RVP Jelavic Ibra

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    1. Alan The Llama
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      You can make daily subs so start Shirokov instead of Gerrard

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    2. teddy.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Other than the fact that England are going to collapse as usual, that's a very good team.

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    3. nimbin_headers
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      lescott?? france should score
      gerrard not for me?

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  13. teddy.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    2010. The "group of death":

    http://www.goal.com/en/news/1863/world-cup-2010/2009/12/04/1666430/world-cup-2010-portugal-draw-analysis-group-of-death-awaits

    Turns out to be one in which defenders do much better than forwards:

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_FIFA_World_Cup_Group_G

    2008:

    http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=486945&cc=5739#

    Advantage Netherlands

    2006:

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006_FIFA_World_Cup_Group_C

    Game Netherlands

    Don't back the Ivory Coast in a group of death.

    "Big games" often end 0-0.

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  14. nimbin_headers
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    yarmalanko gone for me too much risk as i cant sub him out and welcome to mr larsson. Go smash the tired ukrainian players go!!!

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    1. dmcqt
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Nice move, I'd say. Or maybe even a cheap midfielder who plays on one of the first three match days, who you can then sub out, like Afellay, Shirokov, or Polanski.

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      1. nimbin_headers
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        Have shirokov, prefer schneider and have RVP, not sure about polanski (prefer to bank on polish defenseX2) So icant think of anyone else cabaye???

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        1. dmcqt
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 9 months ago

          Larsson is a good option, I think. For the last matchday, I prefer to have very strong players who you can be fairly confident will score points, like Benzema, Ribery, or Ibrahimovic. A Czech or Croatian midfielder could be a decent option too, or even Błaszczykowski, if you can afford him.

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  15. tw
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    arshavin or young?

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    1. tw
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      and more importantly, kadlec or lescott?

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      1. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        Kadlec over Lescott for sure.

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      2. nimbin_headers
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        kadlec, he will aslo conced but has a chance of a penalty

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      3. dmcqt
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        Kadlec, because the French are looking threatening in attack and because you can't transfer out Lescott on the last day. I think it's prudent to try to get most or all defenders to play on the first three match days.

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    2. nimbin_headers
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      young. france attack looks solid but defense weak. he will score one. Archavin meh.

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      1. tw
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        for the course of the tournament, can't switch em later

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      2. Injury Prone o_O Gooner.
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        With that thinking do you reckon it makes more sense to have lescott other than Debuchy for gw1?

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    3. dmcqt
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      And Young, esp. for GW2 and GW3. If he scores well in GW1, then his price could go up and it'd be good to have him from the start.

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  16. Injury Prone o_O Gooner.
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Quick one pls chaps.. What is the general consensus on the best 4mil mid?

    Many thx 😉

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    1. dmcqt
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      I'm backing Polanski as the most forward of the two defensive mids for Poland, and I'm hoping he'll get recovered balls (but maybe not a clean sheet) for something like 4 points in GW1, which would be good for the money. He'll be a good choice for the next two game weeks too. I can't see Andrews doing much against Spain (maybe 3-0 or 4-1 is possible for Spain, despite Ireland's defensiveness).

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      1. Injury Prone o_O Gooner.
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        +42 Sadly Im maxed on Poland... 🙁 I fancy a CS for them tbh. Any other offerings I may have missed?

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      2. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        I don't like Polanski because he takes up a Polish slot which is better used on their defense or Lewandowski.

        Andrews is a better pick imo.

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  17. JPeg
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Anyone want to start a quick-fire bidding game? Like every half an hour? Or got a spot free for me to join?

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  18. Jinswick
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Hey TW - in the Sun game, which would you prefer?

    a) S Papa (1.0) & Sneijder (6.0)
    b) Willems (3.0) & Afellay (3.5) & 0.5m in the bank

    Got to be a) right, for the security of game time and the Greek's defensive mindset?

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    1. Injury Prone o_O Gooner.
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Gotta be really.

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      1. Jinswick
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        Reckon it's worth downgrading anywhere to get Perquis (2.0) in for S Papa?

        Casillas (5.0)
        Lescott (2.5), Debuchy (3.0), Zhirkov (2.5), S Papa (1.0)
        Ozil (6.5), Sneijder (6.0), Alonso (4.5)
        RVP (6.5), Ronaldo (6.5), Benzema (6.0)

        Bank 0.0m

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  19. OPTA FPL
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Andersen is 1st choice for Denmark Gk?

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  20. yanky
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    so im a bit confused here for the mcdonalds league...so i can start a player playing friday, see that he gets 2 pts and then sub him out for a player playing sunday and then my 2pt player wont count towards my total matchday score???

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    1. OPTA FPL
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      yes

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      1. yanky
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        hahaha that's so messed up but ok..thanks.

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  21. Elwood
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    What's the point of being able switch your captain choice if they loose double points?

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    1. OPTA FPL
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      we dont have Vice Captain in this game

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      1. Elwood
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        but they will score the same as a regular player won't they?

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  22. hellothere23
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Is Maniatis nailed-on? Now that Strinic might not start, who to replace him with? Already have

    Szczesny, Given
    Alba, Piszczek, Berezutski, Maniatis, Strinic

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    1. OPTA FPL
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Dead Time begins again?

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      1. OPTA FPL
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        new post fail : (

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  23. Elwood
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Ribery or Benzema for French cover?

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    1. OPTA FPL
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Karim

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  24. @FuzzyWarbles
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    so willems to start for holland? very interesting.

    is van der weil worth the extra 2 mil in anyone's opinion? 2 mil can go a long way!

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    1. China Mag
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      I'm staying well clear of the dodgy dutch defense. Especially as getting one would mean you are restricted to only one attacker!

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  25. yanky
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    RMT.

    Cech (Andersen)
    Perquis Strinic Zhirkov Kadlec
    Ozil Sneijder Shirokov Blaszczykowski
    RVP[c] Jelavic

    subs: Ibra, Gerrard, Debuchy.

    will most likely draft in ibra and gerrard for two players who get low pts Friday.

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    1. hellothere23
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Cech is too expensive and Czech is not expected to keep a clean sheet so it is probably not wise to double up on Czech defence with Kadlec as well. Strinic might not start too according to forca and don't really fancy Gerard as well. Not likely to do anything, Young would be a better choice.

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    2. Carlos Danger
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      don't like ibra even tho he's in decent form, would prefer to put that amount of money in a forward for the longer haul

      gerrard is risk that could pay off but most likely won't, young a safer bet on english attack

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  26. Carlos Danger
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Given Chalkias
    abate alba lescott piszczek kadlec
    sneijer ozil iniesta polanski andrews
    rvp benzema jelavic

    yes or no?? I think its well rounded enough, still got 1.5 to play with

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    1. hellothere23
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      polanski AND andrews? need to upgrade one of them, preferably Polanski. Abate will not start and the defence is too expensive. Maybe downgrade piszczek to Perquis if you need extra funds, get some Russian defensive cover. Kadlec isn't worth it too.

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  27. China Mag
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Alreet lads!!

    0.5m for Klose!!!!! How would anyone even have the brass neck to bid so little for Germany's (probable) main striker!! We have a saying in newcastle "shy bairns get nowt", but this is ridiculous!!

    22m for benzema is a lot lower than I was expecting as well. And Dzagoev and Lebandowski cheap as well. I would have well gone for them!!

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    1. China Mag
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      My first auction, so i tried some new tactics. I was expecting everyone to bid big for the big name forwards, and fill in the blanks with free transfers, so i concentrated on getting a solid all round team. Will be interesting to see if it works.

      The success of my team will likely come down to Torres. If he starts, and does well I could be a contender. If not, I'm F%$&D!!! You would have thought that I would have learned my lesson after 3 (yes 3!!) captain fails last season!!

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      1. China Mag
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        Current team

        ----------------Hart----------------------
        Ramos--Cole--Zhirkov--Torrisidis
        ----Ribery---Cabeye--Rosicky---
        ---Torres----Kerzhakov--------?

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  28. Carrick the Man!!!
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    HEy afellay or shirokov or kallstrm???? who is better???

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    1. OPTA FPL
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Shirov

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  29. OPTA FPL
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Maniatis surely starts?

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    1. Gaz Downright
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Morning Rukawa

      Same question greets me now, as when I went to bed last night.

      Maniatis is in many "Predicted XIs"

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