634x258 Euro 2012
16 June 2012 4170 comments
Paul Paul
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Danny Welbeck’s sublime back-heel hands England victory and sends Sweden crashing out of Euro 2012. Andy Carroll and Theo Walcott also pick up the plaudits in the five-goal thriller while, in the storm-delayed earlier kick-off, France see off tournament co-hosts Ukraine 2-0, with Karim Benzema setting up both goals for Les Bleus:

France 2 Ukraine 0
Laurent Blanc made two changes from the side that drew against England for last night’s game, with Jeremy Menez and Gael Clichy replacing Florent Malouda and Patrice Evra respectively. The alteration up front allowed France to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Samir Nasri behind Karim Benzema and Menez on the right. Benzema provided the assists for both goals, with Menez notching the opener – the latter’s classification as a forward in the McDonald’s game may cause many Fantasy managers to overlook him, however, despite his 7.4 price tag. Benzema looks the forward of choice but Menez clearly offers a differential option if he can maintain his place in Blanc’s starting XI, with a mere 0.2% ownership.

Benzema has three shots and provided a trio of goalscoring chances, though Nasri and Franck Ribery were rather disappointing in the change of system. Both had just a shot apiece, though the Bayern man was the better creator, laying on four opportunities to find the net for his team mates. Alou Diarra’s role in the double pivot looks under threat after Yann M’Vila returned to action midway through the second half. The latter is a firm favourite of Blanc’s and, with Yohan Cabaye grabbing a goal and hitting the post, the Newcastle man’s starting role also looks assured.

The French now need just a point in their final game against Sweden to progress – indeed, as this handy guide indicates, the only way they can be eliminated is if Ukraine beat England and France lose to the Swedes by a margin that would make their goal difference inferior to that of Roy Hodgson’s side.

The tournament co-hosts fielded the same starting XI that defeated Sweden 2-1 in their opener on Monday evening. Once again, Yevhen Konoplyanka had more attempts than any team mate – after producing five shots against the Swedes, he fired three efforts last night, though has failed to muster a single attempt on target. Andriy Voronin was hauled off at half-time, allowing Marko Devic to line up alongside Andriy Shevchenko up front but Ukraine’s failure to find the net meant that France were one of only two sides – along with Spain – to return a clean sheet for their Fantasy owners in Matchday Two. Given that they now need to beat England to qualify, yesterday’s lack of goal power is a real worry for Oleg Blokhin and he may well consider ringing the changes for Tuesday’s crucial encounter.

England 3 Sweden 2
Roy Hodgson make just one change to the XI that started against France, with Andy Carroll coming in for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. The move saw Ashley Young shift out left, with the Liverpool man partnering Danny Welbeck up top – both forwards grabbed a goal apiece in the 3-2 win and, with Wayne Rooney’s suspension now served, the England manager has a selection headache ahead of the final group game against Ukraine. Rooney will surely play and, with a mere 1% ownership, looks a strong differential captaincy choice for the showdown, leaving Carroll and Welbeck to likely battle it out for the other slot.

Theo Walcott’s goal and assist contribution from the bench also makes him one to consider and perhaps places question marks against James Milner’s place on the right flank. Coming in at just 7.9 in the McDonald’s game, the Arsenal man made a more than persuasive case for his first-team inclusion next time round. Steven Gerrard once again picked up the points – the Liverpool skipper has now returned an assist in back-to-back games after Carroll nodded home his cross for the opener.

Erik Hamren made three changes from the side that slumped to defeat against Ukraine in the opener. Johan Elmander started in the lone forward role last night, with Markus Rosenberg dropping to the bench, Jonas Olsson came in at centre-half, which allowed Andreas Granqvist to move to right-back and, in midfield, Anders Svensson was given a start in the centre, with Rasmus Elm moving to the left and Ola Toivonen dropping out.

Olof Mellberg’s goal and assist helped the 5.0 priced centre half to a 10 point haul, while Seb Larsson’s owners picked up a five point return after the Sunderland man provided an assist for Mellberg’s goal. Zlatan Ibrahimovic had six efforts against Hodgson’s side but failed to find the net last night as his side were stunned by a Walcott-inspired comeback. With 22.7% ownership and a game against France up next before he boards the flight home, the Milan man is the most susceptible of Hamren’s men to a price drop over the next day or so, bearing in mind that knockout stage wildcards are available once the final couple of Group A games kick off at 7.30pm tomorrow.

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

    Will Tyton start for Poland?

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  2. Abominable Snowy84
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Bad miss by Aussies. But he was injured.

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  3. FORCA INTER
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    ok i am kinnda pissed

    why ppl keep saying that Italy and Spain will go in next round??

    clearly i like underdog role but CRO team did not deavrse this

    Ireland also didnt fire their last bullet again

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    1. Abominable Snowy84
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Spain should beat Croatia.
      Italy should beat Ireland. Sometimes it is good to be underestimated.

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      1. FORCA INTER
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 6 months ago

        Italy suposted to beat CRO as well

        98% ppl on this site said that we dont stand a chanse but yet we sit on 1st spot in our group with 4pts

        spain wont beat us as well,we wont give up without a fight

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        1. Hay Number 2
          • 14 Years
          13 years, 6 months ago

          Crotia are a quality team.....but.....can you really see the Irish doing anything against Italia and do you really think that Croatia can hold out Spain?

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    2. Hay Number 2
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      The way Ire have been playing I can see an Italian win. Also given how well spain played the other night I would expect them to edge it against Cro.....

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    3. beric
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      What Snowy said, Spain looked good enough to beat Croatia, though it won't be as easy as Ireland.

      Italy will surely beat Ireland.

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    4. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      I have backed an Italy clean sheet forca Itallia (kind of)...

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  4. COMH
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Schmelzer to play in the absence of Boateng?

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    1. Willis.
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Most likely.

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  5. Abominable Snowy84
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Bastia so close to Squillaci signing. I would be so happy if it happened!

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  6. JK - Cønt ⭐
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    To anyone with Young

    FWIW I am gonna hold onto him until after this GW as I think he will still start and Rooney's return should help him due to the understanding they appear to have.

    My FT will likely be Coentrao to Zhirkov/Gnasher

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  7. Messiah Hazard
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    A) Iniesta OFF Dzagoev IN

    B) Ronaldo OFF Rooney / Torres IN

    C) Do both for a -3 point hit...

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    1. Jafalad
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      B and C make little appeal. Can you get Dza in w/out losing Iniesta?

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  8. Meanish Mouse Mafia
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Any thoughts??

    Malafeev - Anderson

    Debuchy - Strinic - Willems - Selassie - Bonucci

    Sneijder - Mandzukic - Pirlo - Pilar - Dzagoev

    Silva - Gomez - Menez

    Kind of finalized this?....all good?

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    1. NATSTER
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      It looks good.. Btw, I don't think Willems and Holland will keep CS.

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      1. Meanish Mouse Mafia
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 6 months ago

        Yes I know but i had 4.0 to play with and could not find a better option....and Portugal can be pretty bad sometimes....who knows.... 🙂

        Thanks..

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        1. NATSTER
          • 15 Years
          13 years, 6 months ago

          Isn't he 5.0m? Piszczek might have better chance for CS.

          Anyway, agree with you that Portugal can be pretty bad.. 🙂

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    2. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      I didnt know menez was classified as a forward. Pity I was thinking about transferring him for the last 8.

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  9. ★A-O-Chamberlain★ COYG …
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Do we get an extra 5.0M when we go into the Quarter final stage like i think we did in CL? Cant find anything about it in the rules

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    1. asyrafdanial
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      ya..we will get it

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    2. Meanish Mouse Mafia
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Yes

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    3. Willis.
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Yes.

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    4. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Once the group stage has finished each team will be given an additional 5 million Euros to spend.

      It's in there

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    5. r0nh
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Once the group stage has finished each team will be given an additional 5 million Euros to spend.

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  10. Disco Stu
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Is it worth taking a 3 point hit to transfer out Cassano. Still have 2.0 in the bank so can go as high as 10.? Already have Benz and Lew and can't take any more Russia, Spain, Czech or France

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    1. Meanish Mouse Mafia
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Probably....you can get Welbeck

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      1. Disco Stu
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        13 years, 6 months ago

        oops, sorry, forgot I already have 2 England (Young and Lescott)

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    2. CABAYE4
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      He's playing Ireland. Definitely not worth a hit to get rid of him imo

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    3. NATSTER
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Same dilemma and I have 3.0 in the bank.. I'm looking at RvP.

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      1. Disco Stu
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        13 years, 6 months ago

        If I had the extra point, I would definitely do that

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        1. NATSTER
          • 15 Years
          13 years, 6 months ago

          How's about Robben or Muller?

          Robben may get as much chance as RvP. There's a risk that Muller will rest though..

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  11. NATSTER
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Any Italy fan? How likely will Cassano be excluded from the start?

    There are many speculations that Di Natale will start over him.. 🙁

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  12. AA
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Ronaldo + Rosicky -> Kerzhakov(if he starts) + Sneijder worth a 3 point hit ? Or any other suggestions ?

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  13. FORCA INTER
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    JK-Ignashevich will be my FT cause he is rb magnet and bigger goal threat from set pieces

    aslo-will you write prewiev for group B??Previews for groups A,C,D done

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    1. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      see below mate, am leaning towards Gnasher myself for the same reason

      Am just waiting for the guys to finish updating the tables then I will do Group B mate

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  14. Messiah Hazard
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    A) Iniesta OFF Dzagoev IN

    B) Ronaldo OFF Rooney / Torres IN

    C) Do both for a -3 point hit

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    1. beric
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      A or Rooney, not C

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  15. JK - Cønt ⭐
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    @ any member of the UEFA council & Forca Inter

    Group B preview on the way

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    1. FORCA INTER
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      +23 🙂

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  16. Nibbsy
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Any suggestions for what to do with my FT? 0.0 in the bank:

    Andersen Chalkias
    Alba Lescott Maggio Debuchy Limbersky
    Ozil Iniesta Pirlo Shirokov Pilar
    Ronaldo Benzema Jelavic

    Was thinking Ronaldo - Rooney? Any good or anything better?

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    1. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      I would keep Ronaldo

      Ozil to Sneijder IMO

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      1. Nibbsy
        • 15 Years
        13 years, 6 months ago

        Really? He looked really poor against Denmark.

        Not sure I trust the Dutch at all and Ozil is due to do something in this tournament.

        You're probably right though.

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    2. Disco Stu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      That's the beauty of Ronaldo, you can transfer him for ANYONE

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      1. Nibbsy
        • 15 Years
        13 years, 6 months ago

        Yeah that was part of my reasoning for getting him, to make the straight swap for Rooney.

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        1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
          • 16 Years
          13 years, 6 months ago

          Same logic I used, although for a few seconds I considered getting Positga last week for 8.5. But I dismissed the idea because he is not worth the money he "never scores" so I got Ronaldo instead..

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          1. Nibbsy
            • 15 Years
            13 years, 6 months ago

            Hard luck. Although you can now get Rooney easily who is bound to be well up for it and prob better than both the Portugal strikers for this week.

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  17. r0nh
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    As we have to use the WC over the next 4/5days & were allowed 4 players from each country...

    I assume it makes sense to pick 4 German & 4 Spanish players...

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  18. Heydudes13
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    FFS WALES! Why kick possession away and why the fu*ck did you collapse the maul!!!

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    1. Jafalad
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Damn. Ozzers sneak it.

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    2. Willis.
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Who won?

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      1. Heydudes13
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 6 months ago

        Can you really not fu*cking tell from my tone and what i've said?

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      2. Jafalad
        • 15 Years
        13 years, 6 months ago

        Oz 25-23. Same as Irealnd game-won at the death.

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    3. Heydudes13
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      No composure YET AGAIN. Stupidity and utter ridiculous play cost us the game we undoubtedly would have won, only ourselves to blame.

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  19. The Bandit
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Annoying that I have to chhose which game to watch, especially as I have players in both... 😐

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    1. beric
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      I'll be trying to watch both, one on the internet, one on the telly 🙂

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    2. Heydudes13
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Watch one on your tv with sound, and watch one on your laptop without sound.

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    3. FORCA INTER
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      i'll watch Poland vs Chez and hope for good news in russia vs greece game

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    4. Disco Stu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Picture in Picture on my TV

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    5. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      I have a TV where I can split the screen in 2 (lucky me) so I will have both on.

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  20. COMH
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Would you rather have Obraniak or Kuba?

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    1. FORCA INTER
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      depends how rest of your team looks like

      Obraniak was great in last match and i am glad that i got him in my team

      but Kuba is obviously the best poland player after lewand

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    2. Messimerized- Join My FPL L…
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Kuba

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    3. GREENDREAMS11
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      either. not anything between them. obraniak for f/k's etc would be my personal choice but have both in different teams

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    4. Heydudes13
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Blazczsykowski? No question

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    5. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Kuba if money no object, Poland have scored twice in this tournament and he has scored 1 and assisted the other. If you do not need the extra million get Kuba, if you need it, Obraniak is a good pick

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    6. Willis.
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Jakub.

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  21. ★A-O-Chamberlain★ COYG …
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    If i was sure Di Natale would start against Ireland i would definately get him in but at the minute im going with Torres. Or should i gamble and go for Di Natale?

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    1. The Holy One
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      I did.

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  22. asyrafdanial
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Any comments or critics about my upfront ?

    Błaszczykowski - Schweinsteiger - Pirlo - Marchisio - Dzagoev
    Torres - Welbeck - Benzema

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    1. COMH
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      I think Welbeck might play out wide or be rested. Nice looking team though.

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      1. asyrafdanial
        • 13 Years
        13 years, 6 months ago

        If not welbeck,maybe Carroll ?

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  23. COMH
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Walcott to come off the bench again to be an impact player or Milner to miss out against Ukraine?

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    1. beric
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      I hope Walcott starts. I don't know what Roy will do though.

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    2. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      I would think both, I reckon either Ox will start, or Welbeck will go wide right with Rooney in behind Carrol

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      1. asyrafdanial
        • 13 Years
        13 years, 6 months ago

        Are u serious with that ? To go wide right maybe for Rooney ~

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      2. Scroobius Mac
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 6 months ago

        Can't see the Ox getting close now. He's 4th choice winger.

        I think Carroll will be dropped and possibly Milner or Parker.

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  24. sachmo
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Nasri > Dzagoev
    Cassano > Lewandowski

    Finger on the button - big time bad move or could work out handsomely?

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    1. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      For a hit I wouldn't

      I'd just do the 2nd one.

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    2. Willis.
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Is Cassano definitely not playing?

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      1. Big_Andy_GAWA
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 6 months ago

        Where'd you hear this, man ? I have him myself...

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  25. TheProfesssor
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    People with Chalkias are you going to bother transferring him?

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    1. Jafalad
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Nope. Cheap and useful bench fodder for the qfs onwards. I've got Hart so I'm well and truly certain of a plethora of cleenies.

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      1. JK - Cønt ⭐
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 6 months ago

        assuming Greece get though, which is doubtful. Though I will hang on to either him or Andersen and get a more expensive keeper to leave in.

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        1. Jafalad
          • 15 Years
          13 years, 6 months ago

          The way the competition is going, i doubt well see too many cs from here on in. I'll do Casillas or Neur and bench the 4.0er.

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    2. Messimerized- Join My FPL L…
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      No

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    3. Sean.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      i'm not

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  26. Abominable Snowy84
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Feck Sake. Hard luck Wales.

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    1. Heydudes13
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Ridiculous play, at least make them work for the penalty or drop goal not hand it to them, enraged.

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    2. Evs
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      😥

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      1. Jafalad
        • 15 Years
        13 years, 6 months ago

        Hard luck Evs. So close. 🙁

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        1. Evs
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 16 Years
          13 years, 6 months ago

          Gutted mate, gutted....

          Dan 'the man' on spot again for you guys.

          Two riveting test matches though.

          Poor Sam w

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    3. Bubbles
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Absolutely classic Wales against the 'big three'. We do it time and time again.

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  27. JK - Cønt ⭐
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Anyone with Andersen thinking it might be worth holding him if Denmark get through, we may not ever use him, but he is so cheap we can spend the extra cash elsewhere and just a Neuer or Casillas type keeper to see us through.

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    1. Abominable Snowy84
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Do you have a link to your group A?

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      1. JK - Cønt ⭐
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 6 months ago

        It's on the FFS UEFA website mate

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    2. Mulder
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Yeah, from now on will have some 4.0 on the bench anyways and then Casillas/Neuer. No point investing loads of money in having both Casillas and Buffon etc..

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  28. COMH
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Schmelzer instead of Hummels for financial reasons or just go with the Hummel?

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    1. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Unless you need the money get Hummels, no guarantee it will be Scmelzer who replaces Boateng, it could be Bender.

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  29. TheProfesssor
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Chalkias-Andersen
    Selassia-Maggio-Maniatis-Lescott-Alba
    Dzagoev-Iniesta-Nasri-Pilar-Marchisio
    Lewandowski-Arshavin-Benzema

    What should I do for my FT?

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    1. La Roja
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      solid squad, just get rid off Chalkias

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  30. Fantasy Fanatic
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    SHIROKOV or PILAR ?
    RONALDO or GOMEZ ?
    KERZHAKOV or PAVYLCHENKO?

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    1. Messimerized- Join My FPL L…
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Shirokov, Gomez, Kerzhakov

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